[IRP] The First of Many

[Toogee]

To anyone else, risking their lives in a fiery building over a couple of books would seem preposterous. After Neil had nearly died himself, one would certainly tell him to survive and get new books. Whatever was in that bag was certainly not worth his or anyone else’s life.

Paige was not the one to tell Neil that.

One look at the books and Paige knew exactly what they were. As a librarian, she had seen her fair share of magic tomes. Both dark and anima tomes were becoming increasingly rare in Lycia. Even the library in Castle Pherae could not store the valuable tomes (not on the shelves at least). She understood the value on the books; the knowledge within them could be lost within her lifetime. They would also be particularly handy in dispatching the mage currently raining fire upon them.

“I’ll get them! Get your steed ready. We’re riding together!”

The woman sprinted across the room and gathered the books into the bag. As she donned the bag along her shoulder, the building moaned once more before the last remaining beam cracked. Any moment it would split and bury the remaining heroes in rubble. All of the villagers were a safe distance away. Once Neil left, only Paige and Shad were left inside.

“Everyone’s out! Let’s go!” Paige shouted at Shad. She grabbed onto his arm to pull him away from his duel with the inferno and towards the door.

And then the beam buckled.