Chapter 5

As Faye and I entered the passage and approached the familiar but difficult-to-see camouflaged door to the library, something felt off. Where was formerly a once-quiet library there is now a considerable ruckus pulsing with sounds and laughter. The stone door has been replaced by a heavy wooden door. It swung open by a departing drunk, revealing a bustling tavern filled with people and the air thick with smoke. Most of the fumes are illegal substances. We stepped inside. Our noses twitched at the scent of roasted meat, strong alcohol, and spiced ale.

“What happened to the library? A time jump? We’re in a future era?” I asked, bewildered.

Faye’s eyes widened. “I ... I don’t know! It looks like a tavern took its place now.”

The glow of lanterns illuminated the room. Long wooden tables were filled with patrons, some engaged in lively conversations, while others laughed heartily over mugs of frothy beer. A bass guitarist thumped blues riffs in the corner, adding to the atmosphere.

“Welcome!” called a stout man behind the bar, wiping his hands on a rag. “What can I get you?”

“Um, we’re looking for an old library,” I said, fumbling my words.

The man chuckled, his belly shaking. “You mean the old library that used to be? It’s been closed for years! This place has become the town’s favorite tavern since it opened. Folks come here to share stories, not read them!”

Faye looked around, a mix of excitement and confusion on her face. “But we need to find the books!”

I nodded, glancing at the patrons. “Maybe someone here has seen something unusual—like a portal or missing books?”

As we wandered deeper into the tavern, we overheard snippets of conversation. A group of travelers animatedly discussed encounters with strange beasts and distant lands. Another table was occupied by locals sharing tales of ghost sightings and hidden treasures.

“Excuse me!” Faye approached a table where a woman with an intricate braid was sharing a story. “Have you heard anything about a time portal or missing library books?”

The woman paused, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. “Time portal, you say? Aye, I’ve heard whispers of such a thing. They say it appears when the stars align just right. But only the bravest dare seek it out. You best be careful, lass.”

Faye leaned in closer, her curiosity piqued. “And where would we start looking?”

“Follow the music,” the woman said, gesturing towards the blues player. “He knows more than he lets on. Many secrets are shared in song.”

We turned to the bass player, who abruptly stopped mid-tune. Ruining the spell he was weaving.

“Shall we?” I suggested, nodding toward the stage. Faye smiled, her excitement returning.

We approached the musician, and he looked up with a knowing smile. “Ah, seekers of knowledge, are ye? I can sense your quest is more than mere curiosity.”

“Do you know about time portals?” Faye asked, her voice steady.

The bassist nodded slowly, his fingers still dancing on the strings. “Aye, but it comes at a cost. Are you willing to pay?”

“What do you mean?” I asked, my heart racing.