Elsamira: Chronicles of Another World

Prologue: Cress Lowenthal

The darkness of the store's backrooms were a bit stifling, but I found it quite relaxing. Every time I went cleaning around or was looking for a particular book, I felt like I could easily fall asleep in those rooms.

The store in question was a bookstore called the "Pages of Avalon". I found the name a bit corny to be honest, but I enjoyed working there all the same. Not to mention I'm a pretty big bookworm and the laid-back atmosphere fit me perfectly. The owner was also a great person. 

The owner, Mr. Oswald, had owned the store for about ten years. He was a kindly, old man and always wore an amiable smile, no matter who he was talking to.

I pushed my glasses up the bridge of my nose as I grabbed a stack of leather bound books. I took them all over the store, placing them on a variety of bookcases. As I placed the last book -something about some wizard school- Mr. Oswald caught my attention from behind the main counter. He looked happier than usual and seemed excited.

"Hello Cress," he greeted. "Working hard as usual?"

I smiled and nodded. "Yes sir. How have you been?"

Mr.Oswald waved a hand at me as if how he was doing was insignificant. "I'm fine. Anyway, I'm closing up the shop earlier today."

I raised an eyebrow. Honestly, I was pretty confused. Mr. Oswald loved the store, and working at it. "Is there some sort of occasion?"

Mr.Oswald's grin seemed to get even bigger, although that should be impossible considering how widely he was smiling already. "I'm taking the missus out for dinner. It's our anniversary."

My smile reappeared. "Really? That's great Mr. Oswald! Tell Mrs. Oswald I said congratulations."

Mr. Oswald laughed happily. "I will, thanks Cress. You're a fine young man! It's a wonder you don't have a girlfriend."

"This again, Mr. Oswald?" I smiled sheepishly. Every now and again, Mr. Oswald would tease me about the fact that I didn't have a girlfriend. It's not that I'm not able to, several girls have confessed to me before. It's just that I've never been interested. My books have always occupied me.

The day continued like this until Mr. Oswald closed up shop. He and I said our farewells and then left. Despite being nineteen, I still didn't have a driver's licence, not to mention even a bike. So I began walking down the sidewalk. Luckily, my apartment was only a few blocks away. I always stopped by the nearby convenience store on my way back, though. Not to mention snacks and refreshments, occasionally they'll have some interesting books on display. 

Without warning, a sudden sharp pain pierced My head. I inadvertently clutched my head tightly, as if to blot out the pain. The pain was like a blade that was pierced into my mind over and over again. I closed his eyes tightly and spoke through gritted teeth.

"What... the Hell...?"

"You... chosen..."

A look of confusion flashed across my face. I looked around for the source of the voice. What I saw shocked me. It was almost like a mirage, just barely visible. I couldn't make out any distinguishable features, besides for the fact that the shape resembled a human being. But for some reason I felt some connection to it. It continued speaking. 

"Brave warrior... Lead.... For I am...."

"What the Hell are you on about?" My eyes closed shut once more from the immense pain. But after ten seconds had passed, it was like the pain magically disappeared. There was no lingering pain, nor any evidence that it happened at all. I felt as fine as I had before the pain. 

I stood up and straightened my clothes out. Looking around, I realized I seemed to be alone, and confusion appeared in my eyes once more. 

"Who was that? What were they talking about?" I shook his head. "I must be going mad..."