Guardian Cats and the Lost Books of Alexandria

Chapter 57: In the abode where demons linger

In a place where the Seen and Unseen worlds merge, in the abode where demons linger, preparing for invasions, a black dog-like creature with glowing yellow eyes surfaced into the library.

His foul odor curled Cicero’s nose.

“Welcome, Bodis,” Professor Chin said.

“Where am I?” snarled the dog.

“In the library of a hidden treasure.”

“What do I care for pirates’ booty?” the dog snapped.

“This treasure is worth more than gold—a Book that will give me power over men’s minds.”

“A useful book for a change. But what do you need me for?”

“You see this cat,” he said, pointing to Cicero. “He guards the treasure and refuses to give me the key.”

The dog whipped his fire-tail around, radiating sparks. “You want me to make him talk?”

“I think you could persuade him.”

Cicero’s first instinct was to back up, but there was nowhere to go and he had nothing to lose. He spoke to the Professor, “Your command of the dark creatures is impressive. But why bring them back now? They’ve been behind the wall for eons. You must know how dangerous they are in this world. Even to their commander.”

“They make useful companions,” said the Professor.

Cicero hissed, “Your intentions are the vilest of any human. There is nothing in this world that would compel me to let you even get close to the Book!”

The Professor turned slightly in the direction of the hell hound and swept his arm in a wide arc toward Cicero. The dog obeyed and charged. Cicero leaped straight up, scrambling to keep his hold on the bookshelves. But the hound was in close pursuit, climbing the shelves in a clumsy but relentless chase, singeing Cicero with fire blasts from his tail and spewing saliva over books tumbling to the floor in his wake.