The Library Of Souls

Lana

I never the library to be this big, but what did I expect when it is owned by a god. It was divide into sections and arranged in rows and columns.

I was amazed at the monstrosity of the library, I walked over to one of the shelf and touched, more like caressed the spine of one of the books on it.

"Do you like it, my lady?" Gem asked with a little smile in my direction. She always had that little smile thing going on.

"Why yes. I totally love it." I screamed in excitement and almost twirled. I heard shuffling of feet coming toward our direction. My little charade must have alerted them to the presence of other people in the library.

"Who is there?" an old croaky male voice called out. I exchanged glances with Gem, that person had to be very old. His voice had that droopy feel to it.

"It's me Gem." Gem called out. The shuffling feet was coming closer and then an old man came out from the side of one of the shelves. He was very old and had wrinkles all over his face. The most outstanding thing was his moustache which was in a dramatic twist. A younger man which seems to be in his early thirties was following him patiently.

"Gem you are here?" He spoke as he walked slowly towards us. Gem broke out in a full mouthed smile, even I was shocked at the radiance of it. I was left flabbergasted when she hugged the old man, they must be close. After they separated, Gem was flushing with embarrassment. Seems like she was not used to public displays of affection.

"Yes Grandpa, I brought my lady to the library and used that opportunity to come see you too." She gestured at me with her chin. I nodded at him in greeting.

"And what's your name my lady?" He asked me as he observed me.

"It's Lana sir."

"Oh, then you must be the new concubine of Lord Ra." He sniffed in derision as I raised my eyebrows in surprise. His young follower coughed into his elbow as he tried to hide his laughter. That, I was not expecting him to say at all, that must be the rumour spreading round this place.

"Grandpa!" Gem exclaimed with embarrassment as she apologized to me profusely.

"My lady, I'm so sorry. My Grandpa didn't mean what he said."

"It's no problem Gem, it's must be the rumours that must be flying everywhere." I wasn't exactly pissed just annoyed

"I am not his latest concubine but his guest sir." I emphasized on the 'sir' to set him straight.

"Then my lady, what's your name?" Though his face was neutral but his tone shown that he didn't believe me and approve of my whatever he thought I had with Ra. If only he knew that I was a prisoner here.

"It's Lana sir." I didn't pay any attention to that since I didn't want to dim my excitement for the library.

"So what's brings you here Lady Lana?"

"Gem told me about The Library of Souls and I decided to check it out." He nodded at my answer.

"Ok then I'll be on my way and Afeez here will show you around the library." He gestured at his younger follower. He turned to leave as I called out to him.

"Sir I didn't get your name." He narrowed his eyes at me."

"Let's see if you will live long enough for me to tell you." He left leaving me perplexed about his eerie and cryptic.

Gem sidled up to me, her posture stiff and upset.

"I sincerely apologize on behalf of my Grandpa, he doesn't approve of Lord Ra's promiscuity." The little piece of information did not surprise me since myth always talked of how promiscuous gods were.

"It's no problem, I understand." I put my hand on his shoulder. Afeez cleared his throat to remind us that he was waiting for us.

"Lady Lana, my name is Afeez. I'll show you around the library." He led the way moving towards the nearest shelf showcasing different books. He began explaining the history of the book. There was joy on his face showing that he was enjoying himself.

"So why is it called The Library Of Souls?" I questioned him genuinely curious.

"Well because it is believed that some souls are trapped in the books here." I raised my brows in surprise.

"Are they?"

"Are they? Why don't you find out for yourself?" Why are the people around here so cryptic. Now my imagination was just running wild.

"Here's something that will blow your mind away." He moved to the bookshelf adjacent to the one we were standing beside.

"You see this books, what do you think they are made up with?" He pointed at the books on the shelf. The covers looked weird and were like leather.

"Leather?" I sounded unsure, books were made of leathers.

"Touch it, feel it." He gave me the book to feel it, it was smooth.

"That's human skin that you are feeling." I didn't hear what he said untill my mind registered it.

"What the heck?" I yelped in alarm as I threw the book far away from me.

Both Gem and Afeez burst into laughter as I shrieked again in disgust.

"Why did you do that?" He picked the book from the floor like it was a precious stone.

"Seriously, are you asking me that question? That's human skin for Christ sakes."

*Yes, so what do you think about souls being trapped in the book?" That wasn't a myth, it was true. If human skin were used as covers for some of the books. Then why wouldn't souls be trapped in them? I shuddered in fear and disgust as I wondered if ghosts were residing here.

"Calm down, Lady Lana you don't have to be scared. Afeez was only pulling your legs." Gem placated me. Although I knew that there was a ring of truth to what Afeez but I deluded myself to not believe it just for my own peace of mind.

"You can believe what whatever you want my lady." Afeez spoke as he took us to another shelf and brought out another book.

"What are your preferences Lady Lana?"

"I don't select, any book is fine." I actually didn't select, I read any book.

"Ok I recommend this book. It is about the rich culture of The Arabians."

"Arabians, nice." I collected the book and walked to a reading table to settle down. Gem also picked a book and joined me. Well, I knew that we were going to be in the library for a very long time.