The next day after practice let out, Farrah and I made plans to walk around the edge of campus. There were cliffs where the water had frozen, and apparently, the sea formed unique octagonal ice shapes. Farrah wanted to show me since we didn't have a chance over December. She noticed I was hanging my head low and didn't have my usual confidence.

"What's the matter, Rollie? Not enjoying the view?" Farrah asked.

I paused for a moment to take in sight. The cliffs had a layer of snow, the sky was gray, and we looked out into a chunk of the sea that was completely frozen. The distance seemed to stretch forever, but only one section close to the beach had frozen octagonal ice blocks that kept bobbing. I could only hear the ice and the small waves drifting back and forth from the rock. It was amazing how peaceful and quiet it was. Farrah and I were the only ones in existence, it felt like.

"No, that's not it, you're right, this view is amazing and so beautiful. I've never seen anything like this back in my home world. I guess I'm just bummed out. I didn't tell you yesterday, but in practice, I didn't make the official backup spot like I had originally. In fact, Coach Florence wanted me off the team, but Jonathan had to talk her down." Reliving the memory made me grab a rock from the ground and hurl it into the frozen sea.

"Rollie, I don't like when you get angry like that."

"Yeah, well, it's better than me punching the wall and breaking my knuckles. Which has happened before." I scoffed.

"Still, I don't like seeing you get so mad. You're better than that." Farrah shook her head. "I'm sorry though, that's really tough. You totally deserve first backup spot."

My thoughts were spiraling me into a depression. It was all my fault, wasn’t it? ”Can we change the subject? It's just only going to upset me more."

"Oh, sure, of course. Sorry.” Farrah stared out at the frozen wonderland. “So, how have the first couple days of classes been going at least?"

"They've been going pretty well. I actually like mythology a lot more than I thought I would. Professor Henderson is pretty cool, but something weird happened yesterday, and I meant to ask you about it."

Farrah's lips curled up. "Oh really? What did you want to ask me?"

"Have you ever heard of orbs? Professor Henderson talked about how he believed in the existence of some things from mythology, and he mentioned orbs. Then when I asked him what those were, he got all freaked out. He said he meant to say magical items. Do you have any idea what he means by that? It made me curious to figure out more."

“Orbs?” Farrah tapped her chin. “I can't say I'm familiar."

"Yeah, maybe Professor Henderson made a mistake, but something about it was weird."

"We should go check the library! Maybe we can find a book on it."

"Sure, let's check it out.” I tapped my fingers at my side. I had to unfold the mystery immediately. “You down to do that tonight?"

"Sure, as soon as we're done here, I just wanted to show you what this place looked like. I think it's so beautiful."

I nodded. "It really is. Thanks for showing me."

I held her hand, and we kissed for a moment. Pulling back, we gazed into each other's eyes. We could have stayed in that moment forever, and I would not have minded.

Returning to campus, we headed to the stunning library with its open first floor, centered around a circular desk that bustled with activity, surrounded by study tables. The air was rich with the comforting scent of old books, as if the knowledge contained within their pages had seeped into the very walls of the building. As we made our way to the second floor with the mythology section, we couldn't help but pause and gaze upward, our eyes tracing the curves of the balconies above. We could see all three levels of the library, each one with books that beckoned to be read. The dark wood of the bookshelves and railings gave a sense of warmth to the space, while the soft glow of the lamps on each study table created a serene ambiance that was perfect for thinking. As we looked around, we saw students huddled in groups, poring over books and exchanging ideas, while others sat alone, lost in thought. It was a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of campus life, a sanctuary where one could lose oneself in the world of literature and learning.

We couldn't find any books specific to magical items, but we skimmed through the stories that seemed to focus on a hero slaying a monster to see if there was anything regarding a magic item used.

"Well, this story seems pretty cool," I said.

It was a book titled The Molten Marauder. From reading the insert inside, it was about a monster with two swords and skin made of molten lava, a child of the manticore. It ruled an entire island. I started skimming through the story, but I didn't find any magical weapons called orbs. When I was starting to get close to the end of the story, I realized I didn't want to spoil the rest. I actually wanted to experience the whole thing from beginning to end.

Farrah noticed what I was reading. “That story is a lot of fun. Probably one of my favorites in Professor Henderson's class.”

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

"Wait, we get to read this story in mythology? That's awesome!"

"Yeah, it's a good one. The Dragon Tamer is one of my favorite characters in all mythology."

"And who's that?"

"It's the child of the Gargantuan. He battles the evil minions of the Manticore. But he doesn't use anything like an orb. He uses a whip. Which is like made of chains imbued with extraordinary magic."

"Wow, that's really neat. And a little weird. Why a whip?”

“I’m not sure. But let’s ask the librarian to see if she knows about any books that might include orbs. I checked out this other book a moment ago. It’s the Mythological Glossary. In the back of the book, I couldn't find a mention of the word orb in the appendix."

We returned to the main floor and approached a large circular counter as the librarian reviewed a stack of books and check marked on a separate sheet of paper. She looked like she was in her 50s, her hair bunched up in the back with gray curly hair in the front. She had soft eyes and a smaller face. I realized I had yet to meet the librarian. I'm sure she had done an introduction for the entire campus during their first-year orientation, but since I missed that, I never knew who she was.

"Hello, Mrs. Weber! I was wondering if there were any books, in mythology, on the subject of orbs?"

Mrs. Weber paused. Stopping her work and then taking a breath before giving her attention to Farrah. "And why are you curious about orbs, Ms. Farrah?"

"I was wondering about it,” I said, leaning against the counter. “Professor Henderson accidentally mentioned it to me the other day, and then he wouldn't explain what they were."

"Mhmm. I see. Well, off the top of my head, I can't think of any books that would give you that sort of information. So you can try looking through all of the other mythology books on the shelves, but I don't know what Professor Henderson was talking about, and it's probably just best to leave that idea altogether."

"Best to just leave that idea altogether? You're starting to sound like Professor Henderson.” I smirked and gave Farrah a nudge. “See, Farrah? Something weird is going on here."

“Ha,” Mrs. Weber said unamused. “I’m not stopping you from checking out our books, but I don't think you'll find anything. I'm not even familiar with what you're searching for. But if Professor Henderson dismissed it, I think that's where the curiosity should end."

"We'll try back another day. Thanks for nothing," I said, and I knocked on the counter.

Mrs. Weber narrowed her eyes at me. "That was a rather rude thing to say."

Farah pulled my shoulder and whispered. "Yeah, what was that for? She didn't do anything wrong."

"Sorry, never mind what I said. Just a slip of the tongue," I put on my best sorry looking eyes and walked away from the counter. Farrah followed behind me. Leaving the library, I could see Farrah's frown from the faint glow of the campus’ amber-colored lanterns in the middle of the night. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing."

"Oh, come on. It's not because of what I said to the librarian, is it? She was being weird about the whole thing."

Farrah sighed. "I don't know, to me, she was being polite. And so what if she knew about orbs and didn't want to tell you? Is it really that big of a deal?”

"Kind of. Don't you want to know why they're trying to keep things so secret? Both Professor Henderson and the librarian?"

"I mean, I guess I'm curious about it, but I'm sure they have a good reason. Maybe there's a dark history there that few people know, and it's only reserved for high-up officials. I have no idea, Rollie, but it's not worth being rude over. It's embarrassing."

"Well, I'm sorry I embarrassed you back there." I scoffed. We continued marching back to the dormitory silently, no longer holding hands.

***

The next day I went to breakfast, and Jonathan approached my table. "Hey Rollie, could I speak to you for a moment? It'll be quick."

I nodded and walked away from Farrah's table. All of her friends stared at me, so when Jonathan and I stopped, I had to turn my back to them.

"What's up?" I said.

"Sorry to single you out in front of your friends, but when you're done eating, could you come to Principal Pines's office?” Jonathan said.

"Are you kidding me?" I groaned. "Am I in trouble or something? Based on your tone and seriousness, I feel like I am."

“I’m not sure. Principal Pine asked me to fetch you. But it didn't seem like you were in trouble. Just before you leave to go to classes and when your friends are done eating, just head upstairs and have a quick conversation with him."

"Okay, okay, thanks." I went back to the table with Farrah's friends.

"Everything all right?" Farrah asked me.

"Yeah, just checking in on things. It's nothing, really."

We continued eating our breakfast, and once we finished, everyone got up and walked towards the exit, but I slowed my pace, and Farrah waited along with me.

"Is everything all right? You're usually a little quicker than this,” Farrah said.

“Uh, I actually have to go upstairs and talk with Jonathan. It's not a big deal, really. He just wants to check if I suspected any bullying at the Dragonstryke practice the other day." I felt horrible about lying to Farrah, but I knew she would be upset if I told her I had to talk to Principal Pine.

Farrah raised an eyebrow. "Is that why you're really going upstairs? You can tell me, Rollie, I won't be mad. That seems like it would be a brief conversation, and from the sounds of it, you haven't told me if you suspected any bullying from practice the other day."

I sighed. "I have to talk to Principal Pine, I don't know what about, but I didn't want you to be angry with me."

Farrah shook her head. "I can't believe you lied to me first."

"That's not fair! You said you wouldn't be mad."

"I'm not mad. I'm just disappointed. Please just tell me what he wanted to talk to you about when you're done and tell the whole truth too."

"Okay, I will, I promise."

Going up Clock Tower, I went to Principal Pines's office. I wondered if any other student had been to his room as much as I had.

"Hello, Rollie, please, come in and make yourself comfortable,” Principal Pine said.

"Oh brother, am I about to be here for a while?"

Principal Pine chuckled. "I don't think so. And don't worry, you're not really in trouble. I just have some questions for you."

I sat across from him in a cozy chair as he sat at his desk rubbing his beard.

"Rollie, I had a chat with Mrs. Weber, the librarian, and she mentioned you were looking for a book on orbs. What do you know about orbs?"

I rolled my eyes. I explained my conversation with Professor Henderson and Mrs. Weber entirely from my perspective.

"I see. Well, it seems like you just have a harmless curiosity about it. So allow me to tell you, but please don't go searching for orbs or go on any crazy quests, and don't tell a bunch of people about them. It used to be a real issue in the past. Every year, some individuals thought they were crafty enough to try and find an orb only to suffer the consequences."

My eyes widened. ”Am I about to learn a big secret?"

"I know you're a little more careful about getting into trouble, so I think you can handle this information."

I moved to the edge of my seat, thrilled to learn some highly classified information.