Letter 17

Poppy,

As I stood in the corridor after training this morning, proud of my jug full of ice, a gorble I didn't recognise appeared. It had bright, multi-coloured feathers and hopped around in front me with a message! I have no idea how the gorble knew where to find me, but it was a message from Nella. I'm to meet her tomorrow to try and heal a rare fruiting flower. I'm excited to practise with my earth power again.

I had a run-in with a crypt rat while working this afternoon. It was my first time seeing one in the library and I didn't want to hurt it, but it leapt at me across the corridor and I had no choice.

As it went to sink those venomous fangs into my forearm, I focused my power and a powerful stream of water barrelled into it. The crypt rat crashed into the wall and scurried away. Now I know that won't be effective on a wraith, but it's a start. And it’s good to know I won’t need to carry a jug of water with me every time I want to use my water power.

I would have told the Librarian on duty about the crypt rat, but the assistants around me were rushing around, whispering. A book of power has gone missing.

While everyone was busy, I pulled out an old map of the Library of Cir. Since talking to those travellers, I’ve had so many questions. Why are the wraiths here as well as there? We're so far away from the fissure and the Citadel.

My chest clenched. The map confirmed my suspicions. The vaults under the library are incredibly deep. And the oldest ones used to connect the Library to the most powerful buildings in the Citadel: The Temple and the Guildhall. The fissure must have reopened them. But what's the link with the First War and the symbol on Marcus's book? I wish I could figure it out.

The wraiths are part of something bigger. Something Marcus started. And I need to stop it.

I have to keep practicing.

Your friend, always

Willow