Liam was always overly inquisitive. Ever since his family shifted to that ancient house on Oak Street, he felt as if something was profoundly disturbing. There were certain aspects about the house that were off-putting, like the fact that it creaked even in the absence of any movement; at times, Liam was certain he heard faint talking within the hallways. The most unusual thing was the door located in the attic.
In the attic, there was a comparatively newer door. While most of the furniture was dusty and old, the door was wooden with geometrical symbols etched on it. In comparison to the rest of the attic, this door stood out. So every time Liam asked his parents, his parents would just say, “Probably just a closet” with a shrug. But Liam had a suspicion that there was more to the story.
While Liam’s parents were out running errands one Saturday afternoon, he resolved to solve the case. His heart racing, he climbed the attic stairs, armed with nothing but a notebook and flashlight. As he reached for the doorknob, he half expected it to be locked but much to his surprise, it turned with ease.
To his left was a narrow passageway with old stone walls, and when he opened the door, a cool breeze rushed past him while carrying the scent of something unfamiliar. He inhaled deeply and stepped inside.
The hallway extended way farther than it should have and started twisting and turning in a way that made him totally disoriented. He noticed a faint light in the distance, and instead of turning around, he moved forward. Cautiously, he inched closer to the light until he reached the end of the tunnel and stepped into what appeared to be a massive underground chamber.
Thick, faded novels were left opened on the wooden table that was set in the middle of the room with strange tools and a chandelier. Maps were also scattered about. Liam didn’t notice the chandelier at first, but he could now see that it was flickering without any lit candles set on it. The walls had bookshelves stuffed with books that looked aged and dusty.
The Keepers of Time was what the title read, and he was definitely curious to know more about it.
“There are plenty of reasons as to why you shouldn’t be here.” The voice pulled him out of reverie.
“Trying to look as formidable as possible,” another voice answered. Along came his response and Liam saw a girl who sported a cloak from an older period. He could sense the girl meant no harm, even though she had dark eyes set on him, glaring and giving an undertone of seriousness.
“What indeed is your name?” asked Liam.
“Why this place even harms a visitor is beyond me,” Elara replied.
Elara’s answer was dismissed by Liam as he turned back toward the book, setting it on private. “It settles Time? Do you mean to say it can tell books everything?” he asked.
With a tremble in her voice, Elara answered his question with objection. “This room along with a majority of my family treasures can reveal to one all the sins of the past intending to repent for sadly.”
“Then what are you like, a time traveler or something?” Liam asked.
Books like these certainly were spells that could do wonders if placed in the wrong hands, judging from what she had said.
Liam had a thousand more questions, but abruptly, a loud noise reverberated through the chamber. Elara’s eyes widened. “Someone else is coming.”
Without thinking, she yanked his hand and dragged him to another concealed door. “If you want to know the truth, you have to come with me—now.”
After taking a final glance at the strange chamber, Liam nodded. He had wanted an adventure, and it looked like he had just found one.
