Story 21. Old books.

What a quiet evening… What a strangely quiet and charming evening… The castle was surprisingly calm tonight, and for some reasons these peace and quiet appeared for the Regent just now. The weather was fine and the evening wind going through the opened window – cool but mild. Another rush of it, though perhaps it was because of the hand move, took the dust from the nearest book velvet cover, raising it into the air.

Gareth sneezed, looking at two rows of books, lying symmetrically on his table. Oh no, that was no good at all. Astronomy journals were taking the better part of it for about a week, and he didn't even want to take his pretty collection and bring it back to the library. What else was there? Squatting, the man observed the books and felt surprised. Great, the history of the first Spellbinder castle, a folded constellation map, two geography books… Wonderful, that's why yesterday he realized belatedly everything had been read and looked through.

Standing up and shaking the dust off himself, the Regent sat down in the chair, thinking of what to do. It was evening. Late evening. After all, the castle residents were having supper this hour, not busy with any trifles. He'd rather follow their example and order to lay The table. But his accuracy was competing with the idle thoughts of the fact that he was to spend another night without reading. That was too much.

"All right, - Gareth thought, - it's time to tidy up your accommodation, or else you'll keep on sneezing". He laughed. Book dust was depressing him sometimes, despite the fact that man liked the books and had always been thirsting for knowledge. If only they didn't have that annoying feature that was making his eyes red…

All right… Suddenly Gareth remembered Mira, with whom he was talking two days ago. It was she who told him the same words. "All right". There was something to think about.

He remembered his little namesake, which grew up since his last visit to Northrock. And yes, he was recognized, he was remembered! The child smiled, looking into his blue eyes, stretching out tiny arms to him… Gareth was holding him, touched by their meeting and the most sincere emotions. Once he had been dreaming of living with Mira, having a son. The fate had other plans. He was gifted with a daughter, not his own, but close and the most beloved one. Sometimes he was looking at Ashka and wondering – what was it? Was there something he had missed in this case? Looking at Gareth-number-two, his wide opened eyes, the Regent understood he was probably missing those five years before her sixth one, when he'd seen her in the forest…

But he got even more than he hoped for. It was not just "all right", it was really wonderful. Though, unlike Mira, he didn't have any grandchildren yet… Gareth giggled. Well, all in good time. At least, there was someone to take his post after him. And that was the most important. And yet he didn't need to look in the distant future, but concentrate on the present. Stretching himself properly, he glanced at his table. His face expression became decisively-suffering once again. Enough of it. He either overcome his sudden laziness, or keep on sneezing, afraid of his own reflection.

Standing up, Gareth went to the door. The corridors were a little cooler and livelier. Servants were passing by with big trays with food; two guards went in the distance, discussing something. Young Nathia rushed downstairs, taking two steps at a time and nearly running into the Regent. Apologizing with a smile and a bow, the girl ran further. Gareth went his way, to Ashka's room.

"Good evening, may I come in?" – he knocked and opened the door. It seemed Ashka was also going to have supper. The table had been arranged, anyway. And the whole room looked lovely – the fire was lit up, candles were put everywhere. The woman was lighting them up with one more candle.

"Sure, - Ashka looked at him over her shoulder, - have you had supper? If no we may stay here, I will arrange the cutlery".

"That's a good idea, - Gareth approved, entering the room, - but I was going to ask you for help actually".

"What is it?" – Ashka stood up, smoothing her hair back and looking at the lights.

"Could you help me bring the old books to the library?" – The Regent asked feeling he was to get plenty of excuses. The library was a level lower and in the opposite part of the castle. Ashka was aware of it. And indeed, there were her excuses.

"The ones from your table? – The Spellbinder guessed, grimacing. - Is it necessary now?"

"Not so necessary, - Gareth shrugged, - but I'm just tired of the lack of new information. And I'm tired of inhaling the dust".

"You are sneezing again?" – Ashka asked sympathetically. For her book dust wasn't a problem.

Seeing her confusion, Gareth nodded sadly, flapping his eyelashes. The woman realized that trick was to break her resistance and reluctance to go to the library at night.

"Why wouldn't you ask servants?" – She gave him a good argument.

"These youth are diligent, of course, - the Regent said, - but they succeed with books every other time. And they aren't always succeeding with accuracy".

Ashka bit her lip thoughtfully, glancing at the table where supper was waiting. His words about accuracy were reasonable, very reasonable. And she knew it.

"I really wouldn't like to go to the library now, - she confessed quietly, - you don't even know how I wouldn't… Isn't it better to go after supper?"

"I have a good idea for "after supper", - Gareth's eyes shined cheerfully, - why don't we saddle the horses – you, Gryvon and I – and ride through the forest?"

"Now?" – Ashka asked, forgetting she didn't even agree to go to the library.

"Oh, so you don't mind helping your dad?" – The man noticed it, laughing.

"Apparently I have no choice, - the Spellbinder through up her hands, - if you want to do it tonight. And if it helps you stop sneezing", - she added, giggling.

Gareth came closer, embracing her shoulders.

"Thank you, my Ginger Fox, - he said, kissing Ashka's cheek, - I almost stopped sneezing now".

"Really? – The woman stepped back, looking at him suspiciously. - You're strange tonight…"

"Why?"

"Well…, - she paused, - I just feel it this way. I haven't called me "Ginger Fox" for ages".

"I thought you didn't like it anymore".

"I liked, actually, - Ashka smiled, - I was just stubborn, as usual. You know…"

"I know, - he confirmed, kissing her one more time, - so, what about horse riding? Do you mind?"

"Sounds great, - the Spellbinder admitted, - we could go to the old ruins… but we have to ask Gryvon at first, if he doesn't mind".

"So we'll ask after the library and supper, - back to his purpose, the man concluded, - I think Gryvon will agree and everything will be fine".

Pulling Ashka's short hair lock gently, he went to the door first.

"Let's go?"

The woman hesitated for a moment, then followed her father.

"Let's go. You're right, everything will be fine…"