“Oh,” Sophia hiccupped and looked around for Plato. He had disappeared on cue when Paul showed up. “I was talking to Plato.”
Paul nodded and strode forward. His robes flowed elegantly around him. “I often talk to the great philosophers. Whether they can hear me isn’t the point. It’s more for my amusement and encouragement. Sometimes…” He held up a single finger and smiled with a twinkle in his eyes. “I swear I can hear them respond.”
Sophia returned the smile. “Maybe in a way they do, but I was talking to Plato—the lynx that had Liv and I recruit you for the Great Librarian position.”
Paul combed his hand over his beard. “I haven’t met this lynx named for the great philosopher.”
A loud laugh popped out of Sophia’s mouth and echoed in the large space. She covered her lips, feeling embarrassed for being so loud in the library. “Sorry, I’ll keep it down.”
Paul shook his head. “I’m not sure why that’s at all necessary. There’s no one here but you and me at the moment. If you want, you can run through the aisles and scream.” He leaned forward with a conspiratorial expression on his face. “That’s what I do at night for fun.”
Sophia continued to giggle. “That does sound like fun. The philosopher was named for Plato the lynx. That was the reason for my abrupt laughter.”
Paul nodded as if that was easy to accept—an ancient philosopher named after a cat. “Maybe I’ll find a book on this Plato and can learn more.” He spun with his chin in the air. “If there’s a book on that subject or any other, it will be here somewhere.”
Sophia glanced out at the two-story library, which was full of all the great knowledge in the world. It was truly the most magical place in existence. As books were edited or amended, they were updated in the Great Library.
“You’re enjoying your role as the Great Librarian then?” Sophia felt responsible for the person that she’d pretty much forced into the position. “Running through the aisle screaming isn’t a sign of dissatisfaction, is it?”
He chuckled and waved his hand. “Heavens no. Quite the opposite. I’ve never felt so free. I get to do what I like, reading books and helping others. There’s an abundance of quiet time to meditate and relax and always an adventure to be had.” Paul swept his arm at the rows that went on for as far as they could see. “How could I ever be bored in a place like this where so many stories are waiting for me to read them?”
Sophia smiled while realizing how perfect Paul was for the Great Librarian position. Plato had chosen well—not that she was surprised. “I’m glad that you’re enjoying it and not too lonely here.”
“Lonely isn’t something I’ve ever known, to be quite honest with you. However, you’re my first visitor, so it is nice to see a face.”
“That’s because no one knows where the Great Library is yet, with the location having moved,” Sophia explained. “I opened the portal from the Castle at the Gullington.”
“I read about the Dragon Elite’s location in the Incomplete History of Dragonriders.”
“You have been busy,” Sophia said, impressed.
“I love to read. What can I say?”
“Well, there’s supposed to be a new generation of dragonriders, and many of them will visit you although they will need to find the Fierce,” Sophia imparted. “I don’t think it would be right to take that challenge from them. It’s a rite of passage for members of the Dragon Elite.”
“Yes,” Paul mused. “I also read about the Fierce. Very clever way that one must prove they are worthy enough to enter this place full of so much knowledge and therefore so much power.”
“That’s exactly the idea. After I leave here, I’ll open the portal from here to fairy godmother college.”
“Oh, Happily Ever After College,” Paul supplied.
“Wow, you have been busy reading,” Sophia gushed.
He nodded. “With so many books about the magical world, I’ve been reading extra fast.”
“You’ll be an expert in no time.”
Paul glanced out at the many shelves and shrugged. “I think that will take a lot more time.”
Sophia nodded. “Well, the portal to fairy godmother college will allow the students and professors to come through. I think the House of Fourteen royals have access as well, some fae, giants, and gnomes, but for the most part, the Great Library is off-limits to many. It’s not about hoarding the books, but rather about protecting them.”
“I agree with that notion. These portals to the Gullington and Happily Ever After College, do they go both ways?”
Like a college student, Lunis interrupted in Sophia’s head, obviously having been listening to the entire conversation and waiting to throw her off with a rude joke.
Would you shush it and go back to your game? she quipped. Those butterflies aren’t going to catch themselves, and momma needs a new pair of shoes from the market.
I’m waiting for my pumpkin patch to grow, so therefore I’m taking a break.
Great use of your time, she teased. Now don’t interrupt. This guy already thinks I’m insane, talking to myself and telling him Plato the philosopher was named after a cat.
Tell him that you’re talking to your dragon, Lunis offered. Then he’ll understand.
Most don’t get that, even those in the magical world.
Having paused to talk to Lunis, she offered Paul an apologetic smile. “Sorry about that. I was taking a call, of sorts. Anyway, barriers around the Gullington and Happily Ever After College prevent entry for those who aren’t allowed. Only the Dragon Elite or fairy godmothers can use the portals.”
“Very interesting,” Paul mused. “Barrier magic is fascinating. I’ll have to study up on it some more.” His eyes lit up with excitement. “I have so many things to learn, and I’m in the perfect place for it! Thank you so much Sophia Beaufont for making my wildest dreams come true. I really couldn’t be happier.”
Sophia smiled as her heart warmed in her chest. She didn’t think she could take credit for Paul’s happiness since she was simply the one who recruited him. Who he should be thanking was Plato, but she suspected that they’d never meet. That would be fine because Paul had many other things to occupy his attention.
Sophia waved to the Great Librarian while striding back to the Gullington’s portal. “I hope to see you again soon. I’m going to open the portal from fairy godmother college, which will bring you visitors.”
Paul clapped delightedly. “Well, then I’ll get back to work familiarizing myself with the books so I can be of assistance. After all, the Great Librarian must be great at his job.”
Sophia’s grin widened. “I have zero doubt that you will with enthusiasm like that.”
Chapter Six
Sophia knew something was wrong at Happily Ever College as soon as she arrived. Unlike the last time she was there and attacked by the stone statues that had come to life and terrorized the professors and students, there was another indication that danger was running rampant at fairy godmother college. Mostly it was the screaming students hurrying out of the front of the building that gave it away. They rushed and nearly shoved her over while yelling, “Save us! Save us! Save us!”