Guardian Cats and the Lost Books of Alexandria

Chapter 34: Library Invaders

Sting never hated cats before. He never even thought about them except when they got in his way. What was he doing wasting his precious time stalking this stupid Marco? Hanging out by the library, for pete’s sake. But there he was, climbing a tree with that ridiculous ferret right behind him.

But at least he knew he was in the right place. The strange raccoon had been telling the truth about the cats’ new hideout. He didn’t know what to think about Lazer. He’d never taken advice from anyone before, so why was he listening to this guy?

Oh yeah, something about the cats having magical powers because of a book. And if he was right about the cats, then he must be right about the warehouse full of food. Sting’s mouth watered at the thought of so much food all in one place. More than he could eat, Lazer told him. Hah! Like that was possible.

“Crimmany, go see what he’s up to,” he ordered. “Maybe he’s got the book in there.”

Crimmany dutifully climbed up the tree and looked in the library window.

“Well? What’s in there?” Sting whispered loudly.

“Not much.”

“What are they doing? Readin'?” Sting yelled sarcastically, not bothering anymore to keep quiet.

“Mostly sleeping.”

“Stupid cats,” Sting muttered. “Well, if they’re sleeping it oughta be easy. All we got to do is steal the book and we’re home free.”

“Home free? Whaddya mean, boss?”

Sting couldn’t explain it to these two morons, but he couldn’t exactly remember what Lazer had said either, and it didn’t make quite as much sense now. Oh well, they’d be eatin’ good. That was the most important thing.

“We steal their book and we’ll be smarter and stronger."

"You told us we already were smarter and stronger," whined Crimmany.

"Of course we are!" snapped Sting. "But if we have their book, the cats will go back to being normal—like stupid alley cats. That's obvious, isn’t it? Enough talk. It’s time for action.”

Besides being the meanest, one of the reasons Sting was the leader was his scouting abilities, and this time, too, he was able to find a tunnel that got them inside the library. The raccoons clambered over each other, trying to be the first one through. Sting won, of course. Crimmany came next, but was too slow and Tank kicked him in the backside.

Once inside, they stopped in their tracks, awestruck. They were immersed in a sea of books.

Sting was almost reverent. "This is gonna be a bigger job than I thought,” he said. For a moment, he was overcome by the atmosphere, by things he didn’t have the brain cells or language to explain.

Then he came to his senses. “Figures cats’d hang out in a place like this.”

“Disgustin’ ain’t it?” Tank said.

Crimmany piped up, “Hey, maybe we should learn to read.” He spotted a table with children’s books lying out. “I’ll bet it’s not that hard.” He climbed on the table and opened one. “Oh, cool pictures. Take a look, you guys.”

Tank started to wander over, but Sting nudged him, rolling his eyes and staring at the ceiling.

“It might be kinda fun. We should give it a try,” insisted Crimmany.

“Why would I want to read?” barked Sting. “If I want to know somethin’ I’ll ask a cat!” He wadded up a piece of newspaper and threw it at Crimmany.

“Cut it out!” yelled Crimmany, abandoning the book. He made his own paper wad and ran after Sting. In the midst of the tussle, Sting caught a movement from the second floor balcony.

He froze, even as one of Crimmany’s paper balls struck him on the head. How long had that stupid cat been spying on him? He cursed under his breath.

“Well, look who’s here!” Sting said to Marco, as if he didn’t absolutely loathe him. “I believe we’ve met before. Let’s see, you’re the Defender of Deformed Rats, aren’t you? What are you defending tonight? Must be books, ‘cause that’s all I see here.”