The City: PuzzleLocked Book 1

Alastair and Flor approached the entryway of the university, which was an archway of solid stone rising ten meters high and a meter thick. Large grated doors hung open on either side, inviting them in. As they walked through the arch, they heard a solid yell in their direction.

“Hey! Hey, you two! Where do you think you’re going?”

As the only two around, surely they were the ones being yelled at. Alastair turned to see if he could identify who was yelling at them. Eventually, next to the far side of the entryway, was a small, thin person wearing a robe of sorts sitting at a wooden desk under an overhang. The title “Scribe 2” hung over the hood of the robe.

“Yeah, here! You can’t just walk in here. Who’s your appointment with?” said the scribe.

Flor said “Sithembile.”

The scribe looked at her and said, “Nope. I don’t believe it. The name would be on this anticipated guests list, and she hasn’t had any names added to it in a while.”

Alastair said, “Where do we go for admissions?”

The scribe perked a bit at that. “Oh, looking to join the ranks of scribes and the learned? You might make it, but your friend there is suspect.”

“Please just point us the way.”

“First, you’ve got to write your name here and then wear this little badge. You can sign for her if she’s not smart enough to write.”

Alastair could imagine Flor’s ears turning red at the barrage of insults, so quickly signed both of their names before saying, “She’ll surprise you.” He accepted two badges, one of which he handed to Flor, then said, “Now, which way?”

“Follow the courtyard around in that direction. Yellow awning.”

Alastair took Flor’s hand to pull her along and then whispered, “Not worth it.”

“By the way, those badges expire in an hour. Don’t get caught after that, or you’ll end up in trouble.”

Alastair waved an acknowledgment as they continued. Several other scribes scurried about, all with their hoods up. On average, they all seemed smaller than the normal population out in town, but only just. “Almost like Jawas…” he said out loud.

Flor, likely still a bit annoyed with the scribe, just grunted.

As one of the scribes ran by, Alastair stopped her. “Excuse me, where can I find Sithembile?”

The scribe looked at Alastair as if he was an idiot.

He continued, “We’re early to an appointment and we’re hopeful to see if she could take us early.”

The scribe gave confusing directions. “…enter the third hallway, up two flights, then turn around twice, left passageway, down another stairway, and then somewhere around there should be the ‘Ideas and Theories desk’ manned by another scribe.” Alastair and Flor did their best to follow the directions.

Flor must have gotten past her frustration, because she said aloud, “Not many named NPCs. Just scribe after scribe.”

Alastair must have gotten turned around at least twice before asking again after the ‘Ideas and Theories desk’ to get back on track. Eventually, they found a small nook with a wood desk in front of a large wooden double door. The desk had a little sign overhead with ‘Ideas and Theories’ hanging askew and manned by what looked like a teenager reading a book and occasionally making notes on a scratch pad. She looked up as they approached.

“Hi. You have a great smile. You must love your job?! We…” Alastair indicated to himself and Flor, “…have an open invitation to meet with Sithembile. Is she in right now?”

The eyes of teen Scribe 0 grew wide, almost comically so. She said, “Are…(gulp)…are you sure it’s with Sithembile?”

“The one and only.”

Looking at a schedule posted on the wall, the Scribe matched a name and said, “She’s in lecture. Hall four. Are you absolutely sure it’s with Sithembile? Maybe you want to talk with her assistant, Mida?”

“I’m also happy to talk with Mida, but if Sithembile is lecturing, it would be an honor to hear her.”

“If you’re sure…Hall Four is up the stairs then on the left.” Whispering, the scribe continued, “I recommend taking the back entrance, and being as quiet as a mouse.” Then in a normal voice, “Mida would likely be in the back, also.”

“Thanks. Do we need a special badge for the Ideas and Theories department spaces?”

“No, but I can refresh the badges. Did you get lost on the way here? It looks like they’re about to expire.”

“Yes, we got a bit turned about.”

The scribe took the badges, did something to them, then returned them. You should have at least a couple of hours now.”

“Thanks. And I’m sure if you keep studying hard, focus, and use your creativity, you’ll overcome whatever difficulties you first had in Sithembile’s lectures.”

The scribe smiled at that, then went back to her book.

Flor opened the door and mentioned to Alastair as they walked through, “I hope that is just freshman anxiety and not that Sithembile is monstrous.”

They walked through and saw the stairs and entrances to Hall Four. “One of these is the back. I’ll peek in,” said Alastair. He stuck his head in and then pulled it out quickly. “Nope. Let’s go this way.”