A Promise Proposed

A hiss escaped the ghost at Fulcher’s words.

“And why are you here?” it asked.

“To wage war against King Dilyniant. To bring him down and end the evils of Mankind. To bring magic back to the land and end the enslavement of souls, as is the right of all living things,” Fulcher declared. The ghost smiled, showing her rotten smile.

“Oh, you will be interesting to witness,” she said. She sank back into the fog as the air itself rumbled. The waves shifted and seemed to pull the ship away from the guidance of the wind. Sharp rocks and ruined masts dotted the water around them as the boat seemed to guide itself around the hazards. Fulcher watched in awe as the smoke thinned to reveal a barren island with one large structure. The building was black, lined with no windows save for two on either side of a massive door. Each story of the building was segmented, giving the appearance of an outstretched accordion as it rose into the sky, vanishing into the low hanging clouds. The shore itself was lined with battered and destroyed ships of cultures Fulcher could not identify, each one sunk between massive stone docks. At last, their boat came to rest against a small dock near the door. Fulcher was the first to step foot on the stone as the spirit rose from under the waves.

“Come in, come in! Gaze upon the annals of history and be reminded of your own worth,” she hissed. Another cackle escaped her maw as she spiraled towards the building, and into one of the windows. Fulcher glanced at his peers, his gaze finally landing on Akaj.

“You know what she is?” he asked.

“An elf, though I don’t know what kind,” Akaj stated. Fulcher stared at him for a long moment.

“An undead elf? But why is she so ugly?” Fulcher asked. Akaj reached out to Vardia, helping him out of the boat.

“Long ago, the elves built the most magnificent empire the world had ever seen, during the Fourth Age. They lived in splendor and satisfaction, until eventually, they betrayed their faith to the Gods. As punishment, they reaped the land of all their creations, and twisted their bodies into ethereal specters. Now they wander, forever without the niceties of life, paying penance for their ego,” he explained sourly.

“You don’t seem too fond of them?” Schon questioned. Akaj hooked his sickle onto his belt, cracking his knuckles.

“It was the elven military that drove us from our homes, and sealed the waygates between the elemental planes and the world. I don’t hold much love for them,” Akaj said. He marched forward solemnly. Fulcher followed, keeping to Akaj’s side.

“Hey, we’ll make it fast. In and out. We won’t be here for long,” he assured. Akaj nodded, steeling himself as they approached the door.

As they approached the door swung open with a gust of wind, originating from inside the structure. With hesitation, Fulcher proceeded into the darkened lobby as his peers followed. Before long, they found the elf again, floating close to the ground in front of some kind of rough object.

What is that, a rock? Fulcher thought. He jolted in surprise when the rock turned to look at him with beady white eyes.

“What, you never seen a troll before kiddo?” the rock said. Fulcher blinked, unsure of what to respond with. The troll was no higher than his knee, wide and rugged with the texture of sedimentary rock. He wore a wide belt with a cloth that dragged on the ground between his legs.

“Uh, n- no,” Fulcher stammered. “I’m Prince Fulcher. I come here looking for knowledge?” A wicked giggle escaped the elf as the troll marched forward, stepping up to Fulcher and reaching up a crusty hand.

“Names Boya, I’m the keeper of the Librarum, along with my wife Anna’alor’ba’shi’boya. You’ve met.” the troll said. Fulcher bent down far to shake the troll's hand, his own twitching slightly at the gravely feeling of the creature’s skin.

“Long name, uh… may I call you Anna?” Fulcher asked, peering up at the hollow undead.

“You may, you all may!” her said, her voice echoing against the walls. She flew towards Akaj, jutting a finger out towards him. “Except this one! I know you, Flameweaver. You shall not have the privilege of my first name.” Akaj scowled and crossed his arms, glancing away. Fulcher awkwardly motioned to his companions, pointing at each.

“Uh, this is Schon, Vardia, Arrow and… well, you apparently know Akaj,” he stammered.

“Mm… My dear Anna tells me you come seeking knowledge. But you come from a kingdom that rejected us and our books. If you want access, you need to offer up knowledge of your own,” Boya said. Anna nodded as she flew back towards the troll, holding his shoulders gently as she hovered halfway out of the floor.

“Uh, okay. You know about Earth?” Fulcher asked.

I’ve already gotta explain the Rich thing to the rest of the team, Fulcher thought. A little more info can’t hurt. Besides, I can trust them… right?

“Yeah whatever, Pale Blue Dot, I know all about your E-arth,” Boya spit out.

“W-what?” Fulcher stuttered. “You do? How?”

“What, you think you’re the first Invader? Get outta here!” the troll said, bursting into laughter. The chittering of Anna joined his guttural chuckling, mixing into a horrid chorus of noise. Schon and Vardia peered at Fulcher curiously, while Akaj just stared at the ceiling.

“Nah kid, I need something good. Something new! Without new knowledge, the Librarum is closed,” Boya said.

“Do fictional stories count?” Fulcher asked.

“Yeah sure, I’ll take some fiction. Go for it,” the troll said.

Fulcher smiled. This would be easy.