Last January I picked out a story I thought I would spend all year writing. I finished it early and had to roll in a second story (hence the part 2) quite rapidly. A part of me really liked the thought of flying without an outline. I am however now seeing the days slipping past and want to get the bones of the story down before the year is out. Not exactly the race I had planned, but I kind of like it that way. Thus far I have also realized it is a two part story. One part is Anna’s and the other part Marcus. I am only writing Anna and making notes about Marcus. I know I have mentioned that before, but in addition to a reminder, I am also adding it here because it leads me int today’s post. In the interest of getting the bones of the story down, I want to skim over Anna’s time in the archives. I think in the edit I will be going back and expanding her time in the city, letting her explore a bit and actually go over to the sink hole as well as study the remaining city. For now, I shrunk it down. As I always learn something about my writing when I do these experiments, I am okay with the change (and the notes added to the margins of the file).
Day 48: It was a relief as she would easily be able to find what she wanted.
It was a relief as she would easily be able to find what she wanted. The quiet of the archives and the city itself was oppressive. She found herself tip-towing and trying to move as silently as possible so as not to disturb the silence. Her breath sounded loud in her own ears and she was well aware that she was the only one breathing in the entire city. Even the insects were gone from this space.
Anna found herself altering her plans. Before, she planned to stay and study the tests in the Lost City, researching her and then returning to see what Marcus uncovered. Now, she found that she wanted to be here and away as quickly as possible. The complete silence was not something that was conducive to working. She could almost hear the echoing of her pen on the page as she took notes.
It was a sound she suspected would drive her mad.
Instead, Anna decided to utilize several spells that would let her carry away the volumes that she needed. Ger bags were already enhanced to carry much larger loads than they appeared while still appearing light and empty. It was how she managed to stow away so much food and water for her journey without needing a pack mule. It kept the food fresh and ready for her.
‘There is no reason it could not do the same for the books and maps.’
Anna looked at the fading light and decided that she would set up the spells before the light faded so the archives could remain undisturbed while she slept and then she would gather in the morning, hopefully leaving by mid-day. Somehow, camping under the silent tree seemed somehow more comforting.
‘There may not be much there, but the tree is alive and there are the stars.’
Somehow it now felt more friendly than before. While Anna felt no menace from the archives, it still echoes strangely around her. Anna worked until there was no light and then curled up in a corner to sleep. The silence felt like a pressure on her ears pressing in as she tried to hear something beyond her own heartbeat.
Her sleep was somehow not restful and with the return of the light, Anna swiftly got to work. Her magic let her empty shelves quickly and by the time the sun was bright overhead, she had more books of magic in her possession than in many of the archives she searched. She concentrated on volumes she knew would not be found elsewhere. Rolls of maps disappeared into her bag as well and Anna was soon satisfied that she gathered all she came for.
She decided to eat on the move and save scrying for Marcus until she was out of the city. She told herself that the magic of the veil cloaking the city would interfere with the spell as even in the land just outside, the images had been oddly distorted, but the true was, she felt she already disturbed the city enough with her gathering and wanted to be away.
She left the archives and took in the view. From where she stood on the ridge, Anna could see the gaping hole that was once the mighty aquifer that kept the city going. It was a gaping hole that swallowed more than two thirds of the city, only this small section was left undisturbed. It was a sobering sight and Anna soon turned away, following the path back out of town.
Ten til Midnight 