Isis waited for the group to gather within the span of her wings. She sensed many different feelings amongst them, and the colors glowing from their energy were of every shade and intensity. She wondered how their colors would change when they reached the archives, and the vaults beneath them. A smile curled the corner of her full lips. Surprise and awe would be the prevailing colors, she thought, and the goddess looked forward to seeing the light show when they arrived.

With the swift and tumultuous departure of Atticus’ lot from within the stone circle, all was calm and quiet in the Irish night air. Isis closed her silver eyes, and with a gentle motion, she encircled the group with her wings. As the white, gray, and black feathers closed around them all, a warm darkness enveloped them. The goddess immediately felt a slight tug upon her back as she initiated the jump through time and space. 

To those encompassed by her wings, there would be a strange and detached feeling of satisfaction, of quiet joy, and towards the end, a distinct wave of tingling euphoria. The journey was a pleasant and calming as Atticus’ had been frightening. In just scant moments, earth could be felt beneath Isis’ feet, and she opened her wings. The darkness was lifted from around the group, and rich golden light met them gradually like a new sunrise. 

At first glance, Isis had disappeared, and the group was met with the sight of a gargantuan vaulted library, built of copper colored sandstone columns, and lit with dancing sconces of magical fire. The columns rose to almost a hundred feet high, and each was painted and decorated in the style of ancient Egypt. Hieroglyphs and the effigies of innumerable gods and heroes marked the columns, and the ceiling so far above. 

Suspended amongst the columns were giant rows of carved stone shelves, all packed with books, manuscripts, scrolls, tablets, and all manner of medium for the keeping of knowledge. Creatures and beings of every form and figure moved through the stacks, reading and browsing through the most comprehensive treasure of information in the Veiled World. This was the Library of Alexandria. The [i]true[/i] library.

Isis appeared suddenly then, this time as a large swallow-tailed kite, perched regally upon the massive shoulder of Adam. Somehow, even in the form of a bird of prey the goddess still appeared beautiful and timeless. Her still silver eyes flitted about the group, marveling in their reactions to the library, and the splendor of its presence. She allowed them several minutes to take in what they were seeing, and to acclimate to the thick, musty air. 

“Welcome to the Library of Alexandria,” she said, her voice filling their minds instead of their ears. “You are in halls that some say are the most treasured in all the realms, and I think you can see why.”

Isis tilted her head to the side and clicked her sharp beak. “I suspect however that the majesty of this place is only a novelty to some at this juncture, which I can fully understand.” Her eyes affixed on Veti, and she blinked her large eyes several times, studying the colors of emotion coming from the werewolf. 

“Let us begin then.” Isis swung her head, and indicated that the group should follow the target of her gaze. Her eyes were looking deep into the library, down through a massive opening in the columns, to a stone wall that possessed a tall, pointed archway. 

Though no doors barred the archway, no light seemed to filter into the space, making it impossible to see inside. Flanking the entrance stood a pair of gigantic stonework statues, each depicting a humanoid jackal, with ears alert and pointed forward, strong muscular bodies, and menacing Khopesh swords. At the moment, the statues stood utterly still, their eyes lifeless and blank. 

“There is where your journey begins,” Isis said, indicating the archway. “Through that gateway lies the vaults, and somewhere in those vaults we will find the ankh.” The kite’s feathers bristled. “Those that guard the path are servants of Set, and you must find your way past them. I regret that I cannot help you with my magic beneath these walls, but take solace in knowing that I have faith in your abilities.” Her eyes moved back to look to the group once more. 

“Be mindful, once you engage the cronies of Set, the Guardians of Alexandria will not take kindly to you threatening these hallowed halls. You must be as swift and decisive as possible, for once you are through the gateway and into the vaults, the guardians will not follow. That is the only way we shall survive this encounter. I must say, that despite your collective might, no being has yet to best the Guardians of Alexandria.”