Cyrus:
...and so it was that Atlasdam was founded some two centuries ago.
Indeed, our fair city-state is among the longest-standing on the continent of Orsterra.
But there was another city-state with a history as long and prond as our own that came to a tragic ruin only eight short years ago.
Now,who can tell me its name?How about you,Therese?
Therese:
I,um...I think it was...
Cyrus:
Now, now,no need to get all flustered.
There’s no shame in not knowing an answer,so long as you have a desire to learn.
The answer is in your textbook.Go on,now.Look it up.
Therese:
Yes,Professor...Let’s see...I believe it was...Hornburg?
Cyrus:
That is correct!Hornburg was ruled over by a royal family said to be descended from priests of an ancient and long-forgotten religion.
On the other land,our fair Atlasdam was founded by one of the original clans that inhabited the Flatlands.
Who can tell me how many clans lived in the Flatlands at the time?...your highness?
Princess Mary:
The histories have it that eight clans did live in the Flatlands in those days.
Cyrus:
Correct you are ,your highness!
It was a time of great strife here in the Flatlands,as the eight clans waged a long and bitter war.
change would come when the armies of Grandport invaded these lands some two centuries ago.
At the time,the rulers of Grandport sought to exert their influence over territories inland.
Ironically,this compelled the warring tribes to put aside their differences and unite against their common foe.
...Oh,but look at the time !We’ll pick up where we left off next time.
Don’t forget to read chapters three and four before our next lecture...
...and be prepared to answer questions on any of the material within.
Therese:
Yes,Professor.
Princess Mary:
Thank you for another most stimulating lecture,Professor Albright.
Guard:
Ah,Professor Albright.Mercedes from the Royal Library came by with a message for you.
Seems today’s your lucky day.You’ve been granted permission to enter the special archives.
Cyrus:
Splendid!Finally I can begin my research.(the library is just outside the palace.I’d best make haste.)
Therese:
Professor----!
Princess Mary:
Professor Albright!Oh,thank heavens you’re still here.I thought I had missed you.
Cyrus:
What can I do for you,Your Highness?
Princess Mary:
If you can spare the time,I had a question about something we learned today.
Cyrus:
But of course,Your highness.It would be my pleasure to answer anything.
After all,my role as your tutor is as important to me as any of my research.
Unfortunately!I cannot spare much time.Is the question a quick one?
Princess Mary:
Yes,Professor.It will not take long.
I was just wondering about the ancient religion of Hornburg.Pray tell,what did they worship?

Cyrus:
A very astute question,Your Highness.
However ,I fear that nearly all the texts detailing the nature of the religion were burned and lost when Hornburg fell.
I see.A shame,that.

I do,howere,have a theory of my own...
I believe that the royal family of Hornburg were guardians of an ancient power...
Mind you,this is not idle speculation.My theory is based on the fact that----
Therese:
......
Princess Mary:
Let us continue the discussion another time.My apologies for keeping you ,professor.
Cyrus:
No need for apologies!And it would be my pleasure,Your Highness.
That such questions occur to you is a sign of a sharp and curious mind.
Princess Mary:
Your lectures on the history of the realm are most fascinating to me.
For it do not learn of our past,how can I hope to lead my people to a bright future?
Cyrus:
A most admirable philosophy,Your Highness.
The people of this land are truly fortunate to be led by one of such wisdom and kindness....As I am truly fortunate to have the opportunity to serve in some small way.
Princess Mary:
You are far too kind,Professor Albright.I am proud to be your student.
Cyrus:
Oh dear,I’m running late.Pray do not forget your assignment ,Your Highness.
Princess Mary:
Of course ,Professor.
Cyrus:
Oh,hello there ,Therese.Did you have a question for me as well?
Therese:
I...I mean,no...Good day ,Professor...
Cyrus:
...?
Guard:
The palace gate lies just to the north.To the east ,you’ll find the Royal Academy,where the realm’s most promising thinkers receive their education.
Guard:
Just south of here lies the castle town,It’s a lively place.
Guardsman:
Russell just isn’t cut out for that sort of work.whatever was he --hm?Move along now.
Cyrus:
Good day,Mercedes.Cyrus Albright,here to browse the special archives.
Mercedes:
Oh,Professor Albright.You’re looking quite eager today.
Cyrus:
When I heard that an original copy of The Church of the Flame:A Complete Historie had been donated to our archives,I simply had to be the first to see it .
Mercedes:
You’re more on top of our collection than I am.Just sign here...
Cyrus:
With pleasure!Hm?Is something amiss?
Mercedes:
For someone known as the most brilliant mind is the Royal Academy...
When I talk about books,you’re as giddy as a schoolboy.
Cyrus:
Haha!When you put it that way,yes ,Much as a child is fascinated by a new toy...I am titillated by the prospect of acquiring new knowledge.
Mercedes:
Right.The expression on your face says it all.
Anyway,everything seems to be in order,Enjoy your quest for knowledge,Professor.
Cyrus:
Many thanks ,my dear!I most certainly will.
(How odd.The tome is nowhere to be found.)
(Did someone return it to the wrong shelf?Hmm,not here either...)
(These archives are strictly guarded and curated.Wherever could it have gone...?)
Mercedes:
Professor Albright,the headmaster would see you at once.
Cyrus:
Of all the times to ...Oh well,Might I ask of you a favor?
Mercedes:
What might that be ?
Cyrus:
The tome I mentioned before seems to have gone missing.Could you locate it for me?
Mercedes:
Missing?Huh,I’ll begin looking at once ,Professor.
Cyrus:
Many thanks ,my dear.
Cyrus Albright,by your request ,sir.
Headmaster Yvon:
Do enter.

My apologies for summoning you on such short notice.
Cyrus:
How might I be of assistance,Headmaster?
Headmaster Yvon:
That treatise on arcane studies you published...what in the gods’names were you thinking?
Cyrus:
Sir? I do believe I made my hypothesis perfectly clear...
Headmaster Yvon:
I’m not talking about your hypothesis!
You wen out of your way to cite one of the texts in our special archives.
The knowledge housed in those tomes is the Royal Academy’s greatest treasure.
It is not to be divulged to the public at your whim.Laying it bare in one of your silly papers is out of the question!
Cyrus:
I am fully aware of the value of those tomes,Headmaster.It is for that very reason I would share the knowledge with my peers----
Headmaster Yvon:
You are to share nothing!That wisdom is for the academy,and the academy alone!
Cyrus:
But that goes against everything---
Headmaster Yvon:
Enough,Cyrus!
Cyrus:
(Even my best argument is sure to fall on deaf ears.)
(The headmaster sees knowledge as a medal or precious stone.Something to be appreciated by its rightful owner alone.)
(knowledge is power,and power is to be hoarded.An unfortunate attitude ,indeed....)
My sincere apologies,Headmaster.It won’t happen again.Is there anything else you need of me ?
Headmaster Yvon:
That is all,You may go.
...wait.There was one last thing.
Cyrus:
Sir?
Headmaster Yvon:
I heard the special archives will be closing early today.If you have research to do there,I would do so quickly.
Cyrus:
(Good gods.It’s as if he enjoys watching me suffer.)
Thank you for your concern,Headmaster.in that case ,I’ll be on my way.
Headmaster Yvon:
...Ener.
???:
Excuse me!Headmaster.
Headmaster Yvon:
Yes? What is it,therese?
Therese:
... It’s ...about Professor Albright,sir...
★
Mercedes:
Ah,Professor Albright.
Cyrus:
Did you have any luck finding the tome?
Mercedes:
I’m afraid not...
Cyrus:
Well,this is most unfortunate.One might conclude that it had been stolen.
Mercedes:
Professor,taking books out from these archives is strictly forbidden.
And as you know,the keys to the vault are entrusted to only a select few!
Quite honestly,it would be easier to steal the crown off the king’s head.
Cyrus:
An impregnable vault...a disappearing tome...
It would seem we have quite the mystery on our hands.
And the mysteries of the world are meant to be solved!...or so the scholar in me says.Would you not agree?
Mercedes:
If it had been stolen,I would say it’s a job for the city guard...
But I can see you won’t let it go until you’ve “cracked the case”,as it were.
Cyrus:
Ahaha ! You could say that,indeed.A habit I just can’t seem to break.
Once a puzzle is placed before me, I simply cannot rest until I’ve worked out a solution.
Well,far be it from me to stand in your way.
Mercedes:
It must be tough being a genius.
Cyrus:
Ahaha,I’ll not deny it! Worry not---the tome will be back on the shelf before you can bat an eyelash.
Mercedes:
Right,thanks.Best of luck in your search.
Cyrus:
(...And the game is afoot!)
Now,where to begin my search?
I suppose I should inquire with Mercedes as to where the keys to the library are stored.
The guard at the front door would know who has been frequenting the library lately.As might my fellow scholars...
Then , mayhap , I should pay the headmaster a visit as well...