Sphinx's Library

After hours of hiking through the woods, Ryan and Leonard reached their destination. Ryan shivered and held his blue hoodie while the breeze blew through his black hair while Leonard ignored the cold and allowed his red coat and brown hair to flow freely. The sight was worth it. For Leonard, he was gazing upon a mystical structure filled with knowledge and wonder. However, for Ryan all he saw was…

“A rock?” 

“It’s not just a rock,” Leonard laughed. “It’s a bolder!” 

Ryan raised a brow as he watched his friend run excitedly toward the bolder like it was Mickey Mouse. As if it wasn’t strange enough following his friend through the woods where they used to play when they were kids. 

“Come on!” Leonard waved over. 

Everything in Ryan’s mind told him to turn away, but instead, he joined his friend. Upon closer inspection, there was nothing special about the bolder. It was massive sure, the size of a two-story cabin, but there were no engravings or drawings on it. 

“I’m confused, I thought you were taking me to a library?” Ryan asked. 

“I am! But the way in is secret,” Leonard chirped. 

“Secret?” 

“Yeah, we don’t want just anybody finding this place. It’s like a ‘members-only’ type deal.”

“So why am I here?” 

“I know you’ve been struggling with your story,” Leonard asked. 

 Ryan was about to argue back, but he found that he couldn’t. He had brought his novel contained on his laptop in the hopes of working on it again, a dream he didn’t like neglecting. The thought of his story going unfinished tied a knot in his stomach.

“So I asked the librarian if I could take you here,” Leonard continued. “It wasn’t easy trying to convince her but she ultimately said it was OK.” 

“I don’t know,” Ryan slightly backed away. “I mean, I trust you, but this feels like some religious cult shit. Taking me out in the middle of the woods for a ‘magical experience?’ Are there going to be some guys in masks coming out from the trees and-”

“Oh no, nothing like that,” Leonard interjected. “Look, I know this looks shady, but this place is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. And if you don’t like it, I’ll take you home.” 

“Ok, that makes things even shadier, somehow,” Ryan scoffed. 

“Come on, Ryan. What have you got to lose?” Leonard asked. 

Ryan rubbed his head and sighed, “Screw it, show me.”

“Yes!” Leonard laughed.”You’re gonna love it.” 

Leonard reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, purple card. Before Ryan could question it, Leonard pressed it against the bolder. When Ryan thought Leonard might have taken something before entering the woods, the card shimmered. Ryan shielded his eyes until the light finally died down, where he saw the outline of a door had suddenly been carved on the surface. Ryan couldn’t look away at what was happening, it was like the door was becoming created right in front of them. The door then sunk inward, revealing the glowing interior. 

“Here we go!” Leonard chirped and entered the doorway. 

Ryan watched as his friend disappeared through the bolder. There was no turning back now, it was either trying to find his way out of the woods or take his chances with the shining entrance and see what all the hype was about. With a reluctant sigh, Ryan stepped through.

Then, Ryan was met with the sight of the library Leonard had been preaching about. The library was massive, far bigger on the inside. Everything was illuminated in a heavenly glow with shelves upon shelves of books. The second floor contained a mural made up of books, the spines all placed in a pattern to create a shining sun.

He gazed around to find other people sitting at the tables, their eyes practically attached to their books. He took in the sweet aroma and relaxed, his nerves melting away. As expected, it was silent in the library, which made it perfect for him to work on his story. 

“Eh, pretty cool sight, isn’t it?” Leonard asked. 

“Yeah, it’s definitely not cult-like,” Ryan replied. “How did you find this place again?”

“I’m afraid that must remain secret.”

Ryan swerved around to find a tall, slender woman approaching them. The cardigan she wore was the same shade of purple as Leonard's card. Ryan couldn’t take his eyes off her dress that was as blue as a cool, night sky. Her raven hair and rectangular glasses added to her stunning appearance and finished off the typical librarian attire. 

“You must be Ryan. I am Sphinx,” the librarian smiled, holding out her hand. 

Ryan gladly shook it, her skin was as soft as silk. 

“Leonard has told us all about you,” Sphinx said. “And how you could use some inspiration for your own story.”

“Y-Yeah,” Ryan stammered, taking his hand back. 

“I hope you’ll find my library helpful in that area. If you can handle our stories,” Sphinx chuckled. 

“Why? Are they cursed?” Ryan asked, jokingly. 

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that. But my books are unique. The narratives are quite powerful and once you pick up one of my stories it’s hard to put it down,” Sphinx said. 

“They’re that good, huh?” Ryan asked. 

“Why don’t you find out for yourself.” 

Sphinx guided the two men to a table. They took their seats as Sphinx began searching the shelf behind them. 

“What do you think so far?” Leonard whispered. 

“It’s promising so far, I’ll give you that.” 

Ryan still had doubts but couldn’t deny that the library was quite a sight. He was taken aback by everything, from the large collection of books to Sphinx herself. He couldn’t help but gaze back at her with awe as she tried to pick out some good titles. Out of everything, he thought she was the most stunning thing about the place. He quickly averted his gaze when Sphinx glanced back, smiling back. To avoid suspicion he stared at the reader next to him, the book they were reading was bulky, which was not unusual. What was strange was the reader's eyes seemed too focused on the pages and there seemed to be shimmering spheres around their pupils.

“Here we are,” Sphinx gave the boys each a book. 

Leonard eagerly took his book like he had gotten a new phone while Sphinx gently gave Ryan his. 

“I’m sure this story will spark something within you.”

Ryan took the book and read the cover aloud, “The Hunter and the Harpy?” 

“A fantasy adventure story following two unlikely friends. I’m sure you can relate?”

Ryan turned to Leonard who was already dead-focused on his book. He squinted his eyes and could see similar shimmers within Leonard’s eyes. Even though he should be worried, he couldn’t help but quietly laugh at his invested friend. 

“How come you keep this place a secret?”

Sphinx chuckled, “I know you have many questions. But first, I’d like you to read a few chapters, and then tell me your thoughts on them. Then I’ll tell you my tale.” 

Ryan felt a calming warmness swell within him when he stared into her green eyes; her smile. Both of them gave him a sense of comfort like a soft blanket. Ryan smiled back and nodded. With that, Sphinx sauntered away. Ryan watched until she was out of sight and then opened the book. 

The hunter and the harpy ventured through the Land of Heris searching for the dreaded Horned Wizard. They didn’t know who or what he was but knew he was an unholy being spawned from the Haze, a mysterious mist that had plagued their world many years ago. The Horned Wizard was the same monster that stole the hunter’s wife and burned down the harpy’s home. Bonded by tragedy, the only thing on their minds was delivering justice. Thankfully, they had heard rumors of a caster hunting for unicorns in the grassy plains, so that’s where the duo headed next. 

“Interesting so far,” Ryan shivered. 

The Haze was unbearable, they could hardly see and the temperature was unlike any other mist. Thankfully, the hunter wore a special mask with green lenses and carried his trusty rifle whenever he traveled through the Haze while the harpy flew high above to try and find the caster. He didn’t mind traveling on the ground, but the grass was sharp and cut against his ankles. 

 Just then, Ryan felt a similar sensation around his ankles. He looked down and his eyes widened upon finding grass beneath his feet. With a frightened yelp, he jumped back. He looked all around and found himself surrounded by grass up to his feet. Not only that, but the Haze had obscured his vision too. Ryan breathed and frost left his mouth. He shivered, desperately swirling around trying to figure out what was happening.

“W-Where’s the library?” He stuttered while holding his arms. “L-Leonard! Sphinx!” 

He nearly jumped again when he heard gunshots in the distance. Spinning around, he was met with a strange sight. There he was, the masked hunter firing away at something in the distance. It was at a cloaked figure with horns sticking out of his hood that had cast a transparent shield around him while he stood on top of a dead and bloodied unicorn. 

“The hunter? And the Horned Wizard?” Ryan wondered. 

He ran towards them to get a better look, but then the sounds of wings flapping struck his eardrums. A young woman with huge wings soared over him, feathers floating down at him. 

“And the harpy?”

The harpy flew behind the wizard and just when she was at the right spot, she dived down and knocked him off of the dead unicorn and pinned him to the ground by sinking her talons into his back. He let out a nasty scream and his magical shield shattered.

“You got him! Yes!” the hunter exclaimed. 

The harpy chirped back in response as she held down the grunting wizard. 

Ryan shook his head in disbelief, it became clear to him what had happened. 

“Holy shit,” was all he could say, upon realizing he was in the story.

He touched the grass, how the droplets from the Haze melted along his fingers, and how the air gave him goosebumps. The harpy’s feather he picked up next was remarkable to hold and to look at, the stripes of gold surprisingly complimented the brown shade of the feather. 

“This is nuts,” Ryan scoffed. 

Looking back at the hunter and the harpy, he could spot them chatting and laughing with each other as the latter was still perched on top of their defeated foe. 

“I wonder if I could use them for my story,” Ryan wondered. “Or use them for inspiration-”

The harpy shrieked just as Ryan was plotting out his story in his head. His jaw dropped when the Horned Wizard lifted the bird creature off of himself, enveloping her in a sinister, red aura. She flailed her wings and talons at him but to no avail. 

“Put her down!” The hunter raised his rifle.

“Why don’t you try and save her?” the Horned Wizard mocked, lifting her in his magical grasp. “Like how you ‘saved’ your wife!” 

The hunter growled, desperately trying to find a way to shoot around his harpy companion. Ryan looked around to see if he could do something to help, there was no rule saying he couldn’t interfere, after all. He then picked up a rock and threw it, hitting the wizard in the head. Droplets of blood spilled out and the crazed caster yelled, losing his concentration and dropping the harpy. The winged creature quickly scurried over to the hunter’s side. 

“I can interact with them too? That’s sick!” Ryan exclaimed. 

His happy feeling vanished when the hunter, the harpy, and the Horned Wizard all noticed him. Ryan jolted back, his heart nearly skipping a beat. It was hard to tell what the hunter was thinking from the mask, but the harpy tilted her head at him. 

“Hey! What are you doing here? It’s not safe!” the hunter warned. 

“Run!” the harpy screeched. 

Before he could try anything, the Horned Wizard yelled and raised his hand, forcing Ryan into his grasp. He yelped, barely able to breathe as the same red magic from before covered his neck and forced him up, his throat barely touching the wizard’s sickly palm. His deathly, red glare was the only thing Ryan could see.

“You will pay for interfering!” the Horned Wizard hissed. 

“Let him go!” the hunter yelled with the harpy screeching something similar.

Ryan gasped and flailed but couldn’t touch him. Fear and confusion coursed through his head as the wizard raised him higher. The hunter was about to lunge to try and shoot from the side and the harpy had already taken to the sky with her talon’s out. The book slammed before either of them could reach Ryan. 

He dropped to the library floor, gasping for air. Sphinx knelt and wrapped her arms around Ryan, holding him close to her as they both lay on the floor. 

“You’re alright. It’s OK,” Sphinx hushed. 

“Oh shit, Ryan!” Leonard exclaimed. He saw the red mark around Ryan’s neck and the book was sprawled by his feet. 

“Is he?”

“He’ll survive,” Sphinx said, holding Ryan closer. “I was afraid of this.” 

“W-What?” Ryan stammered. 

Sphinx sighed, tilting Ryan’s head up. 

“As you might’ve figured out this is not a regular library and these are not regular books,” Sphinx started. “They are gateways to other worlds, ones I have visited and documented myself. I wanted to share my findings with other humans, but my spell to bind the books has proven far more powerful than I anticipated. Only a handful of people have managed to put the books down before being transported to the other worlds entirely.” 

Ryan blinked, “Are you telling me you accidentally created portals to other worlds?” 

“Now you know why I can’t just accept anyone. Leonard and the other patrons are here because they had the potential and I helped them unlock it. I taught them little tricks on how to close the book effectively and without causing harm to themselves,” Sphinx explained. 

“It’s like lucid dreaming,” Leonard added. 

“Exactly,” Sphinx chirped. “And I sense it in you too, Ryan. I truly wanted to help you with your block, but it seems you’re not ready to read my stories,” Sphinx replied. 

“This is all my fault. I thought you could handle this,” Leonard scratched his head in distress. 

While Leonard showered Ryan with apology after apology, Ryan turned back to the book by his feet. He could still feel the Horned Wizard’s grasp around his neck. Yet, the pounding of his heart wasn’t that of fear. A new feeling struck his heart and he stared at the book, tapping the edge with his foot trying to grasp it. 

“They could touch me. And I could talk to them,” Ryan said. 

“That is one of the dangers when reading my stories, yes,” Sphinx said. 

“And you said only a handful of people make it back?”

“Yes. You only escaped because I closed the book from the outside,” Sphinx explained. 

“Look, I’ll take you home now,” Leonard offered.  

Ryan didn’t accept Leonard's hand, but slipped out of Sphinx’s arms and picked up the book. Sphinx helped him stand back up but the book remained in Ryan’s arms. He turned back to the mural of books and, even though he almost died, a small smile formed on his lip. A secret library filled with books that came to life? And only a few people can master this skill? With a deep inhale Ryan turned around, looked Sphinx in the eye, and said, “I want to stay.” 

Sphinx and Leonard’s eyes shrank. 

“Excuse me?” Sphinx asked. 

“You said I had potential, right?” Ryan asked back. 

“Of course, to read and create,” Sphinx replied. 

“But not everyone can lucid dream, man,” Leonard added. 

“Then teach me,” Ryan pleaded. “I want to find out what happened,” he held up The Hunter and The Harpy. “And I can’t resume my life until I know I can finish my own story.”

“Ryan-”

“Please. I want to learn, I want to experience, I want to become part of this secret.”

Though uncertain, Sphinx could tell there was a passion in his voice. Leonard was just as surprised, he had not heard Ryan speak so eagerly in years. All Leonard could give Sphinx was a sheepish nod. Sphinx chuckled in response before turning back at the hopeful Ryan, his injury still around his neck but his smile growing. 

“We’ll need to treat that wound first,” Sphinx said. “Then your adventure can begin.” 

Ryan’s eyes beamed, “Does that mean?” 

The only sensible response Sphinx could give was to nod, “Yes.”