They continued their hushed conversation all the way to the Archives. But Eira was soon too distracted to care about what was said.
The Archives of Yargen loomed over all of Risen, stretching to the sky as if to kiss the clouds. Triangular buildings were positioned around it, connected by floating archways topped with glass that glittered in the late morning’s light.
“Have you ever seen anything so tall?” Alyss whispered.
“No.” Eira tipped her head back, trying to see the whole building at once. But it was impossible. The structure was far too large.
“Just wait until you see inside,” one of the guards said proudly. “Whenever you’re ready.”
Yemir decided to speak for all of them. “Let’s continue.”
“Isoappreciate the senator asking if we were done out here,” Noelle muttered.
Eira gave her a small dip of her head. Noelle rolled her eyes at Yemir’s back. For Noelle, Yemir was an exasperating inconvenience. For Eira, he was a threat. She’d never forget he’d tried to put her behind bars…twice.
Inside, the tower was lined with bookcases that were built into every wall and available nook and cranny. Rings of walkways—connected by stairways and ladders—were spread at varying intervals all the way to the top. At the summit, an unlit brazier was suspended over the center of the room with several archways supporting the large chains it was hung from.
Noelle let out a low whistle. “Now,thisis impressive.” Her eyes dropped to the floor. “What’s the symbol mean?”
“I’ve seen it in the North,” Alyss murmured.
“It’s the symbol of Yargen,” Eira said. Three interlocking circles connected by a vertical line were inlaid on an intricate mosaic. “Each circle represents the past, present, and future, overlapping. And the center line is Yargen, connecting all of them.”
“Very astute of you,” a weathered voice said before Eira could get out another word. “I’m pleased to see that a young one from the Dark Isle knows enough to recognize Yargen’s mark.” He wore plain robes of a deep sunset-red hue, tied at the waist with a wide, golden sash that the tendrils of his beard nearly reached. “I am Kindred Allan, and I will be your guide through the Archives today.”
Allan led them around the base of the main tower, explaining how the books were organized and kept. There were over two thousand years of history contained in this building. Even older tomes were locked away for safekeeping. The people responsible for maintaining the books—cataloging them, checking their binding, and recording new history—were the Larks. As soon as Eira heard the name, her ears perked up.
The Faithful of Yargen were divided into three main subsets—the Larks, the Swords, and laymen. The Larks had their own triangular building connected by one of the glass-topped archways that Eira had seen outside. Allan escorted them from the main tower to the halls of the Larks.
When everyone else had their eyes on him, Eira focused on the edges of the bookcases they passed. She repeated Deneya’s words in her mind.The entrance to the Larks’ halls, a particularly large bookcase, hidden panel. But Eira saw nothing that would indicate a secret passage. Though, she only had a few seconds to look.
She had to find a way to get back to that bookcase, alone. Her thoughts were consumed by how she was going to steal away, rather than focusing on Allan as he explained the details of the Larks’ order. A month ago, she would’ve focused on nothing but him. But now, there were higher callings she had to heed—Ferro was still out there. Free. While her brother was dead. What was the point of her breathing if not to avenge him?
They wrapped up their tour where they started, at the ground level of the main atrium. Allan thanked them for their time and the Swords of Light began to coalesce around the group to escort them back to the manors.
“Kindred Allan,” Eira said quickly. Senator Yemir shot her an ugly look, no doubt upset that she would speak out of turn. But Eira had no trouble ignoring him. “I was wondering…might it be possible for us to linger for a bit longer and explore the Archives? You said the books were open to the public and there’s a great many things I’d like to read.”
The elderly man considered this, leaning on his cane.
“Kindred, we were told to bring them right back to the manor,” one of the Swords said.
“Yes, but I would assume that was intended to mean no other stops between here and there. Not immediately after the tour was over.” He stroked his beard.
“Sir, please ignore this girl; she asks far too much,” Yemir said, trying to smooth over wrinkles in the interaction that Eira didn’t think were actually there.
“I just want to read,” Eira said defensively. “I won’t take too long.”
“Quiet now,” Yemir part growled at her. “You should be grateful you’re here at all after—”
“Father,” Cullen interrupted sharply.
After what? After you tried to implicate me in the murder of my brother?Eira bit back the angry words.
“Kindred, Eira is one of the best students in Solaris. She’s sincere in her honest and good-natured interest in your culture and histories.” Mister Levit jumped into the verbal fray and his words sank like rocks within her, settling in the deep sediment of guilt. She bit her cheeks to stop herself from contradicting him. She needed to stay, she needed time in the Archives, but not to read. And that suddenly felt like a betrayal of all the trust he’d ever placed in her.
“It’s all right,” Kindred Allan luckily continued before anything could escalate further among the group. He chuckled, a raspy and breathy sound. “I don’t think it would be an issue if you stayed a bit longer.”
“But, sir—” the Sword from earlier attempted to object.
