Chapter 589
He was halfway across one of the city squares when he realised that he didn't know where he was going. Lucien paused, turning to look around. He knew that there were dozens of libraries in the Day Court, but he hadn't stopped to wonder which one Helion would have gone to next.
"Cauldron boil and fry me." He muttered, trying to swallow his frustration. Clenching and unclenching his fists, Lucien tried to go over maps of the city in his mind, counting the libraries as he did so and trying to remember what he knew about each of them. He knew that several of the libraries specialised in different fields of information. Some held texts mainly on ancient magic, and some the histories of Prythian. Some were focused on more natural magic, and some on creatures of legend. Trying to sort through all of that in his head, Lucien did not notice that Tisia had approached him until she spoke.
"You look lost."
"Ah…" Lucien blinked down at her, "I am, I suppose."
"What is it that you're looking for?"
"The High Lord."
"Did you lose him?" Tisia was smiling but the smile faded a little as she continued to look up at Lucien.
"In a way." He said, giving a light shrug. "He was in the Central Library doing some research with Vassa. They went to another, apparently, and I'm trying to work out which it might be."
"I see."
"Which library has a large collection on Curses?" He looked at her through narrowed eyes. If Tisia had lived here her whole life, she must know a little something about the libraries. Lucien wasn't fool enough to think that anyone he stopped on the street would be able to tell him about the contents of the many libraries of the Day Court, but he suspected that Tisia would.
"A few of them would be possibilities." She told him, and he could just about see the thought process behind her eyes. "A few of them were ravaged by Amarantha, too…" He tried not to cringe at the mention of the bitch's name, and wasn't entirely sure he had managed it.
Glancing around them, Lucien tried to reign in impatience. "Then which do you think Helion would have gone to?"
"Can't be sure, but I can show you a couple."
He looked around them again, "Are you by yourself?"
"We all need some peace and quiet every now and again."
"And you come here for that?" Lucien fell into step beside her. There were people everywhere.
"It might be busy," She said, "But nobody bothers me." A grin came his way. "At least, usually."
"Sorry to ruin your peace and quiet."
"I approached you." Tisia shrugged and smiled, "It seems important; the reason you're looking for the High Lord."
Elain trusted Tisia, Lucien knew. From what he had seen of her, she seemed like the kind of friend he would value, so he nodded. "I need to talk to him about Vassa." He made a face, remembering what Elain had said about the mortal woman taking one of the leathers he used for his hair. "It seems she has been deceitful in her intentions in coming here."
"You invited her, didn't you?"
"Yes." He saw the confused look Tisia threw him. "She came for more than to be a part of our celebrations." He scowled a little, "It needs to be addressed."
"By the High Lord…"
"He should be aware."
"Because he's the High Lord or because he's your father?"
"To be honest," Lucien muttered, "I'm not sure which."
"Perhaps both." Tisia replied, "If they were two people you would likely inform both."