The Library (on her own)

“What do you mean exploring?” Winlay asked afraid of the answer that Mika was sure to give.

“You remember all those places that we were told were off limits to the new initiates?” Winlay nodded her head slowly “Those are the best areas to explore. Don’t you think?” Mika asked with a smile on her face. “What do you say?”

“I say - don’t get caught.” Winlay shook her head at Mika as they walked from the hall. “Imagine how embarrassed your father and mother would be if you were sent home in disgrace the first day in Telnon.” Mika smiled back at her and her golden curls shimmered as she answered.”

“I never get caught.” With that Mika followed a group of convent residents up the stairs blending in with the other women as if she belonged with them.

Winlay had wanted to visit the library at the convent since she had first heard about it from her village priest. He had told her about the rows and rows of books that filled the shelves. Some, he said, were so old that they were printed by the Landers and each letter was as perfect as you could imagine. He also praised the newer books printed at the church press and then illuminated brilliantly by skilled artisans. He had been the one to first explain the teachings of Xelta Crews and how from his rejection of technology the Landers realized that life would be better if the people led simple lives.

This morning when the initiates were brought into the convent Winlay had asked about the library and the elderly man who was guiding them happily pointed out the library tower.

“It’s old you know.” He said proudly “The Convent was the first set of buildings raised by the early church. The Holy Palace was built nearly one hundred years later when the needs of administering to the people outgrew these walls. And the library was one of the first of the convent buildings.”

Winlay easily recognized the library tower as soon as she left the dining hall. Like a bee to a flower she made straight for the marble steps that led up to its doors. Within this tower was nearly all the permitted knowledge of Pandora, books on every conceivable topic, as well as books of fiction and poetry. Winlay felt as small as a mouse as she entered the hall, to her this was even more intimidating than the great chapel of the Holy Palace where she met High Priest Beldan just this morning.

Winlay stood in wonder taking in the experience. The foyer alone was overwhelming; huge windows with planes of glass taller than her lined the walls letting in the midday light. Portraits of men and women wearing a combination of uniforms and the odd clothing of the Landers lined the walls between the great windows and the names of these great personalities from her history were engraved in brass plates attached to the bottom of each great frame. And written over the library's door in gold lined letters were the words:

"A new planet; A new way"

An elderly man in monk's robes approached her and asked briskly:

“Topic?” And when Winlay stared at him in confusion he asked again slowly as if addressing a child. “What topic do you need information about?” Winlay was at loss for words, but the monk was clearly impatient and at last she blurted out:

“I guess I’d like to know more about this library.” Nodding his head and muttering to himself the monk lead her through a passageway to the right.

“Go to the library to research the library, very recursive that..very Escher, Bach and Godel.” Winlay had no idea what he meant, but smiled and nodded her head at the odd monk.

“Here you are Sister.” he said pointing to a wall of books, “Please reshelf carefully.” And without another word wandered away. The books on the stacks were a combination of new and old. Some as the old priest had promised were printed with a clear fine print that could only have been produced by the banned technology, many others though, were either hand-written or printed using the familiar block printing that Winlay was familiar with. Taking three books at random from the stacks Winlay sat at a table by a window and opened the first of the books and started to read. Winlay was deeply engaged in the book when she felt a tugging at her arm.

A woman, not much older than her stood by her side.

“Would you like to touch my breasts?” she asked casually. Winlay was too shocked to speak as the woman pulled open her robes and exposed herself to the world. “Would you like to Flap me? Everyone else does.” Winlay couldn’t believe that anyone would use language like that in this of all places, and looked around in vain for assistance. “Go ahead, its Xelta’s will.” The woman’s voice rose in both pitch and volume as she rubbed her bare breasts against Winlay’s shoulder. “I’m Xelta’s whore!” She said as she lay on the table against the books pulling up her robes and exposing nearly all of her smooth bare thighs. “Don't be shy, screw Xelta’s slut!”