The walkway appeared to simply grow into the side of a massive darkness that blotted out the stars overhead, a crystalline structure with a surface that appeared to have been unevenly scorched black. Elegant vanes and flourishes grew from the structure's surface and melded back into place. Barely visible upon its dark surface were hanging countless small and bubble-like structures, while on the top side rose countless monoliths and black citadels. Many spires rose too, yet one great black tower rose well above all the others. No light emanated from the structure's surface at any point. Its entire visage was dark.
The Black Library, Basil realized in awe as he viewed the craftworld. "I thought you said it would take considerably longer than an hour of walking to reach our destination," he said. "Perhaps, several Terran Standard days."
"It should have," the Aeldari answered. "But the Black Library is not merely a massive structure, it is a craftworld and capable of moving throughout the Webway." She paused in thought before continuing. "But I have never found it to be this close to the portals of what you refer to as the Abalus Reach." As her words finished, a blazing light formed upon the black surface where the walkway ended, revealing an open portal.
And standing in the portal were two figures silhouetted by the light which blazed around them.
After a moment, Basil's eyes adjusted and he was able to make out features of the two figures. One male, on the left, and one female, on the right. Each had long and straight hair of the purest white with pale faces. Black robes were draped over their tall and slender bodies. Neither carried any visible weapons.
"Members of the Black Council are waiting on us at the entrance," Siân Aanwen said to Basil, surprise evident in her voice. Her emerald eyes locked onto his. "The Council are ancient Farseers gathered from throughout our race and they govern the Black Library."
"Yes, we do," sang out a rich voice from the male.
"And we have been expecting you," sang out a higher voice from the female. "You, Siân Aanwen, and you, Basil Cadmus."
Basil silently listened to them, not immediately realizing they were speaking in the Aeldari lexicon and that he had no trouble understanding them. He glanced over at Siân Aanwen as she left his side and walked toward the male Aeldari on the left. He struggled not to stare at her long blonde hair flowing behind her or her slender curves. She looked over her shoulder, emerald eyes locking with his, and said, "We will see one another again, soon." Her head immediately turned forward again, then she stepped into the blazing light of the portal and vanished along with the male Farseer.
Basil's eyes turned toward the remaining female Farseer.
She looked at him with dispassionate eyes as if weighing the value of some animal awaiting slaughter. "I have been informed that you have a unique gift with language and understand ours very well. That means you will have no excuse for not understanding the terms to which you must agree in order to be granted entry. First, Basil Cadmus, you may refer to me as Mistress Ilronanna."
"I am pleased to meet you," Basil replied. This is beginning to sound familiar, he realized.
Mistress Ilronanna did not acknowledge his greeting. "First term," she said. "You will not touch the Warp without my permission."
"Yes Mistress," Basil answered.
"When I command you to surrender your power to my control, you will do so immediately and without question," she continued in her calm voice, but the demand was plainly evident in her tone.
"Yes Mistress," Basil answered again. What am I getting myself into here? Basil asked himself. I am not swearing to an Inquisitor. I am swearing oaths to a xenos and that will put my head on a platter if any discover them.
"There will be times that you have access to the tomes and vaults of the Black Library itself, as well as denizens which have been captured and held for the safety of the Universe," Ilronanna continued. "That access will only be used at my discretion, not yours," she continued.
"Yes, Mistress," Basil answered.
"Breaching any of these terms will result in either your death or permanent imprisonment within the Library," Ilronanna added. "That is, termination if your breach has not already resulted in eternal Damnation in which case you will be contained so as to not be tossed back into Reality later by one of the Ruinous Powers."
"Yes Mistress," Basil responded with resignation.
"Follow me," Ilronanna snapped, then immediately turned around and marched into the blinding light.
Without speaking another word, Basil followed behind her and passed into the confines of the Black Library. No turning back now, he told himself.
A single figure watched unnoticed from the dark, the field of its holo-suit blending it into the wall as the pair made their way past. The figure moved ever so slightly and the holo-field disengaged, revealing a white daemonic mask topped with horns where its face should have been. A single thought formed in its head in the Aeldari language. Are you the one?