Geoffrey loved reading.
It not only gave him a chance to relax but it allowed him to further his knowledge of the world. He'd read every book inside of Camelots library, no matter what the content Geoffrey would have read it. This meant that, over the years, he had come to become a source of information for the King. Allowing him to make a name for himself by becoming, not only to court librarian, but a man in which the King would turn to when in need.
Geoffrey was proud of his accomplishments and prized the fact that he was trusted to guard Camelots written knowledge.
However, even though he had some of the most valuable texts at his disposal, he always found himself going back to one book in particular. "A Forgotten Race" He sat back in his chair overlooking the library as he gazed down at his all-time favourite story.
It was a strange story. He was never quite sure what it was that he found so remarkable, but then again this only seemed to increase the books appeal. It was the life-story of a character called Ailith, which, in its self, was peculiar as the few fiction books that were homed inside the library were about men and the adventures they had been on.
Ailith is a simple girl; the daughter of a stable-hand; the maid to the local Lord. She desires to marry and one day dreamed of meeting the perfect man. In Geoffreys eyes, it was all very feminine. This, however, is when the tale becomes interesting. One day, when travelling home from work, Ailith meets such a man. He has the most striking, indigo eyes, a mop of sandy coloured hair, a lean but strong build and a smile that took her breath away. Not wanting to appear too eager, Ailith did nothing but smile in return that night. Typically, from there on in, they meet repeatedly, until Ailith believes herself in love. Bizarrely, the reader is never informed of this mans name, only that he appeared perfect in every manner.
Soon, she finds herself with child and has never been happier. The man, however, distances himself from her, more and more as the due date approaches. He seems to become almost despondent. The baby is born a healthy boy and becomes a turning point for the plot of the story. The man brakes down as he learns of the childs gender, declaring that he loves Ailith and that it's not fair. This only confuses Ailith, who then demands an explanation as to what her lover is talking of. The mans explanation is completely farfetched.
The man talks of another realm, a place called Zabia, a place he calls home. He talks of Zabian law. No female can enter the realm, as "the gift" is only passed onto males. This means that this Zabia is home to a population made up entirely of males. He tells Ailith that, in order to carry on their legacy, his people are permitted to sire within the human realm and to bring their sons home with them. Then, once again, the man brakes down in sobs.
Ailith is confused by this information and questions this so called "gift." The man simply states that it's a form of magic that is inherited by the male of their race, and then he proceeds to declare his love for Ailith. Of course, the next day he and their child are nowhere to be found.
It was a simple story and not one that was appreciated by many. It is for this reason that Geoffrey was shocked to over-hear a conversation about the place mentioned within his favourite tale.
Geoffrey was not deaf.
Contrary to what people may believe, he could hear perfectly well. When those who came to Camelots library put shelves of books between themselves and Geoffrey, they tended to forget this.
So, one evening, it was nothing new for the court physician and the Princes manservant to talk as if alone, whilst surfing through the many texts available. What was new was for Geoffreys interest to be spiked.
Slyly standing and sneaking across the room until he was the opposite side to the bookcase to the others, he listened intently to what was being said.
"Maybe we need to look at a different range of texts. So far, we've been focusing on history and geography texts, so, it may be wise to take a look into some mythology or literature. Zabia could be a fictional place perhaps."
"You mean, you think he was making it up?"
"It's possible, but from what I've heard of this Dwinzon it's more likely that we're simply ill informed. Here, you can start with these."
'Gaius? Merlin? How could they have heard of such a place? It appears someone who has read the text has been sardonic with them. But then, who has read the text?'
Geoffrey was abruptly snapped out of his pondering by Merlins whiny, tired voice complaining. "But Gaius! Did I not tell you I've got to spend tomorrow cleaning out the stables and it's dark alr-"
"Well, the sooner we start the sooner we can finish, right Merlin?"
Geoffrey heard Merlins sigh as he walked back to his desk and smiled. The Princes manservant may not have like work but he never failed to make Geoffrey appreciate his place in life.
He returned to his seat, picking up his book in the process. 'This is the life.'
Please let me know what you think so far.
