Home Again

Lubic wandered down the stairs, his stomach rumbling. He made it to the kitchen before getting cornered by his grandmother.

“Lubic, where have you been?” Mary yelled at him.

Elara was on her heels. “It is alright. Something must have come up. And he’s here now –“

“You told Elara you’d take her sightseeing and then to the library at ten!” Mary continues, ignoring Elara’s protests. “It’s eleven am now! You two should have both been gone three and a half hours ago!”

Lubic took a deep breath. “Yes, I know. I’m sorry. I’m sorry Elara, that I wasn’t able to take you sightseeing and to the library when I said. And I’m sorry grandma. I know you must have been worried.”

“And just where did you run off to this morning, couldn’t even stop and tell us what came up?”

“I’m sure it’s alright –“ Elara tried again.

“No, it’s not!” Mary yelled. “He knows better than that! Now tell me where you went!”

Lubic shot Elara an apologetic smile. “I was helping out some….friends. They needed some help with a….pest problem.”

“At six in the morning?” Mary asked, unconvinced.

“Yes. My friend, Azalyn, couldn’t wait. It was a…large infestation.”

“You’ve never talked about an Azalyn before.”

“She’s a new friend, grandma. I met her when I was jogging in the park yesterday. And she’s….new around here. I was the only one who could help her under the circumstances.”

“Oh. Well, I guess I can understand. Were you able to get rid of the pests?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, that’s good. But next time, don’t go running out without even a word! I worry enough as it is.”

“Yes grandma.”

“Good. Now, how about an early lunch? Then you two can go off to the library.”

After lunch, Lubic again brought Elara to his Protégé. He was extremely careful, watching the bushes and the sky in case something was ready to jump out at them. But nothing did, so they got in and drove to the library.

“Where did you go this morning, Uncle?”

“I’m not altogether sure, Elara.”

“My father often had to travel all over the world to help people. I know you’ll have to as well. I don’t mind. Who did you have to help?”

“Like I told you, I had to help my friend Azalyn. Her and another new friend, Blor….”

“Blor? That is a strange name.”

“Yeah. Strange name for a strange person.”

“What is he like?”

“Well, he’s quiet. And big. And, uh, pretty strong.”

“That’s not a very good description.”

“I think it’s pretty good. Strong, silent type. I can totally picture him. Anyway, here we are.”

The library was an old, three-story brick building. The front doors looked imposing, huge double doors with old gargoyle door knockers on them. There were several gargoyles on the roof, adding to the imposing and unwelcoming feel of the building. But the windows were new, adding a more modern touch to the building.

They parked in the lot across the street from the building. As they got about ten steps away from the car, Lubic heard a loud caw. He glanced up to see a familiar form flying towards them.

“Not again!” Lubic signed.