Chapter 25
Flight From Nith
‘I am Alpha and Omega . . .’
Revelation: 1: 8
The old Book of Runes lay on the scribing-desk beside the new: both were still open at the final illustration. The small chamber was, other than by a single candle, lighted only by their moon-like glow . . . an eerie light which, though it came obviously from the books, seemed to have no direct source. Mraan knew from experience, however, that once such books were completely closed, their argent incandescence would vanish.
Haloch sat before the table, unmoving, his gaze turned inward upon some private, prophetic vision. The deathly stillness of the room seemed to reflect the same dark place to which his thoughts had withdrawn, becoming as closed, numb, and darkened as the library itself.
‘Father?’
At first the old scribe betrayed no sign of having heard. But then, he began speaking, slowly, as though his son barely impinged upon his awareness.
‘I could never have imagined . . . could never have believed that such evil existed. Nor would I have given credence to the very notion that I would somehow play a part in instigating its hideous plan. What a fool I was and am . . . what an utter, wretched fool . . .