It is said that in the Library of Azadk there exists a book with a special and wondrous power: anything written in its pages will immediately spring into being within the Library itself. Its authorship has variously been attributed to Sharif al-Nadsqe, the famed Sarsen polymath, or Li Rehwui, the author of the Book of Wondrous Things for the court of the Emperor of Seres. All accounts agree, though, that the book is ordinary and unexceptional, with its miraculous nature only being revealed upon writing something into the leaves.

The ascetic Order of Azadk, who run the library, do not deny that strange things have occurred within. The abbot confirms that, despite the prohibition on women, a young woman was once found in the library at around the same time as the body of a man who had died of old age. Legend has it that he wrote the name of his young wife, dead 50 years, with his last breath; the abbott disputes this, and notes that the woman became a nun of the associated sisterhood shortly thereafter. There is also damage to the roof and a number of singed books from the sudden appearance of a firedrake, though the abbot also insists that the firedrake was seeking the golden altar and sacrements of the order for its hoard.

One thing the abbot does confirm, though, is the prevalent belief in the legend. Nearly every tome in the library has had a wish inscribed into it over the years, and there is perhaps a fine book to be written on when people wished for and when. Regardless, the library is now closed except by appointment, all writing instruments are confiscated, and only lemon juice is allowed for the writing of notes, as it will not darken until and unless exposure to heat.

High Inquisitor’s Note:
The current abbot, Athanas, was asked what wish he would write in the Book of Azadk, if it existed. His response: “I would wish for a clean library free of graffiti.”

  • Like what you see? Purchase a print or ebook version!