"The Library Historia serves a distinct purpose compared to the other libraries in the academic district," Caleb explained as they walked. "We place a greater emphasis on translation and interpretation, and have a dedicated team of translators assisting the college. Additionally, we have a collection of books translated into multiple languages, which enrolled students can use to develop their own Enspellment Codex." Caleb's explanatory skills were impressive; he spoke confidently and without stumbling over his words.

"Enspellment Codex? I don't think I've ever heard that term before," Amiri admitted, finding it difficult to focus on the conversation as she absorbed her surroundings. She had been led down a hallway and through a set of wooden double doors guarded by two stern-looking men. Beyond the guards, the atmosphere and aesthetics of the place shifted, with artwork and curios displayed in glass cases accompanied by small plaques. Oh, Caleb was still talking.

"It's a pretentious term, isn't it?" Caleb pulled a long face. "That's what they teach us is the 'proper' noun for it in class." He made air quotes around the word 'proper.' "Everyone else calls it your Arcane Tome or Grimoire. Outside of the Empire, folks have even stranger names for it, like Incantation Journal or Spellbound Manuscript." He fell silent as they rounded the next corner. Amiri was about to fill the silence when she saw the reason for his pause.

Manifested creatures were patrolling restlessly in front of a large metal door. These were not the freidnly tome-beasts that people kept as pets at home. These creatures would not look out of place on a battleground in any war. The creature closest to them was made of some dark stone, stood as tall as Amiri and came to Caleb’s shoulder. It had angular muscles rippling beneath its granite-like skin, and its claws clicked against the stone floor. As they approached, the creature turned its head and fixed them with a piercing gaze, its eyes glowing white orbs filled with fiery inner light. Amiri froze, her body instinctively locking up.

A sharp whistle pierced the air, startling both Amiri and Caleb. "Sanough Inkstone, you've seen Caleb before, and he has brought a friend." A man rose from a table hidden by the hallway's curvature, making his way around to gently nudge the enormous cat-like creature's face until it snorted and lowered its gaze. The man was tall with broad shoulders, weary eyes, the hint of a beard, and dark curly hair. "Feels like I haven't seen the sun in ages. How's the weather outside, Caleb?" His voice was friendly and even, but he maintained a few paces of distance between them. Amiri noticed that he wore a military-style vest designed for quick tome access, along with a small blade on his belt.

"The sun is shining brightly today," Caleb replied, squinting at the man's face. "You look terrible, Gunnar. When's your relief coming?"

Gunnar relaxed, leaning back against his desk and shrugging. "Can't be long now – it was supposed to be the bell before noon, but Erika and Thora were sent on a collection. A translation keytome went missing this morning. Probably just a tired student accidentally packing it away when leaving, but you know how it is."

Caleb nodded gravely before shaking his head. "...Idiot," he muttered. Realizing that Amiri was still hovering behind him, he stepped aside to give her more space. "Gunnar, this is Amiri, a prospective librarian. Amiri, meet Gunnar, a Page Warden." Caleb grinned at the last part, while Gunnar's face soured slightly.

"Pleasure to meet you," Gunnar stepped forward and extended his hand. "We haven't had a new librarian in a year or two now, and the Head Archivist has been having a tough time finding the right person. I wish you luck with the rest of your interview. If you get the job, we'll introduce you to Inkstone properly, so you don't end up as his next meal." He grinned to let her know it was a joke.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Is there a lot more to the interview?" Amiri asked, "And he is incredibly handsome, by the way, if a little startling when you unexpectedly turn a corner and bump into him."

That elicited grins from both men.

"Welllll," Gunnar drew out the word, "You aren't the first to have gotten this far," he said apologetically. "I think the next part really trips people up."

"She was the fastest so far, though," Caleb chimed in. "Less than half a bell in the Owl room before she came to get us. It was a new puzzle too."

"Well now," Gunnar said, considering. "Even odds then. Want to place a bet, Caleb?"

Amiri lightly swatted Caleb's arm to warn him against it.

"Better not," he replied ruefully. "We really should be off, though; the next part can take a while."

Gunnar nodded and waved them away, calling out, "Hey, Amiri, good hunting!" down the hallway after them. Amiri turned to say a quick thank you and noticed the other creatures watching her. They looked... They looked at her. She at them. The creatures seen and unseen, seen but not understood. Seen and forgotten. Their presence anathema to the normal memories a brain formed.

"I couldn't see them, I didn't see them," Amiri began babbling, suddenly feeling clammy and nauseous. Her vision narrowed, darkened. Her heartbeat pulsed like thunder in her head - thin and fast.

Caleb caught her arm and turned her away. He spoke in a soothing voice. They walked for what seemed like a long time. Amiri felt as if she was in a dream shrouded by gauze, her vision blurred, and her reality trembled. Caleb continued talking, repeating something vital – a lifeline to grasp, something grounding.

"The knowledge of the ages surrounds us. The wisdom of the ancients protects us. We are safe within the walls of the Library Historia," Caleb recited in a soothing tone. He had stopped in an alcove, kneeling down in front of her, holding her gaze and repeating the mantra.

Gradually, Amiri regained clarity and found herself echoing the words with Caleb. They chanted it a few more times before Amiri stopped. Caleb looked down at her, his eyes reflecting familiarity with this situation.

Amiri tried to comprehend what had just occurred but drew a blank. Gunnar was guarding the door. The metal door. He was with Inkstone. And the others. Amiri shuddered.

"Back with me?" Caleb asked gently, concern in his eyes.

Amiri contemplated. She was far from okay, but she had returned. Her vision was clear, and the unnerving tendrils no longer threatened her reality.

"I'm back with you," she croaked. Surprised by the weakness in her voice, she repeated, "I'm back," sounding only slightly stronger.

"Caleb…" Amiri had numerous questions but was uncertain if she wanted answers.

Caleb nodded, acknowledging her unspoken words. "The Library Historia is different," he repeated his earlier statement, but this time the words carried more weight. "We hold the largest collection of the oldest books in the entire Astreyan Empire. We protect them well."

He let the words linger. Protected well, indeed.

"So," he inquired, "do you want to continue?"

Amiri looked at him, surprised. Did she still want the job? That answer came easily. She had a need, a purpose. "Yes," she responded. "Wait, was that part of the interview?"

Caleb examined her before giving a short nod. "The most unpleasant part, yes. If you can't handle the protections, you won't be able to work here. It won't be that bad again unless you stir them up. But you had to feel it a little. The staff have to know."

"I still want the job," Amiri replied. "But how can Gunnar stand it? Does it not affect him the same way?"

Caleb looked at her, his eyebrows raised. "You mean Gunnar, the 'Eldritch Bane of the North'? Known to his enemies as the 'Breaker of Minds'? That Gunnar?" Caleb chortled. "They are mostly his, but his presence does seem to attract some of the Library's own as well."

Amiri whistled softly. "I didn't know; I've never heard of him before."

Caleb nodded. "He's quite friendly and enjoys company - if you get the job, you can visit him during quiet times and hear about it. He has some great stories and a talent for storytelling. Now, come on; we still have the last leg of the interview to go."

Caleb guided Amiri out of the alcove and down another winding hallway. This one appeared to be a main thoroughfare; significantly busier than the empty passages they had traversed earlier.

"Hey, Caleb," Amiri spoke up as they walked, "Thanks for bringing me back."

Caleb, surprised, allowed a pleased expression to form. "Anytime, Amiri," he promised, then continued towards a massive set of intricately engraved doors with the word ARCHIVES embossed above them.

"Call me Ri, Caleb," Amiri offered. "All my friends do."

Caleb pushed the doors open.

Amiri stood, awestruck. "Wow," she murmured softly. "The Library Historia, huh?"