A northern breeze sent shivers down Mariette’s spine as she made her way down the Dover sidewalks. Under her arm she carried a heavy bundle, which was wrapped with brown paper, and tied with string.
She stopped before a the door of an old antique shop, where she stepped inside. “Can I help you?” Asked a man, who was rocking in a rocking chair by the fireplace. Mariette nodded, “Are you Monsieur Leray?” “Yes.” He said, standing up, “I am.” “I was hoping you could give me some information.” Mariette explained, laying her parcel on the counter. The man nodded, and watched as she untied the string. Inside of the package was a stack of books. They were old books, yellowed with age, and worn from many readings. “What can you tell me about these books?” Mariette asked. Monsieur Leray stared in wonder. “W- Where did you find these?” “That is irrelevant.” She answered, impetuously. “Where did you get these?” The shopkeeper demanded, his voice shaking. Mariette smirked, “We’ll say that they were in my attic. Now, tell me what you know.” “Who are you?” Monsieur Leray stuttered. “If you give me some info on those books, I’ll just be another customer,” The young lady replied, menancingly, “But, if you refuse, I will become something far worse.” The shopkeeper ignored her, and began slowly thumbing through the pages of one of the books. “Are you going to tell me? Or not?” Mariette asked, a pout on her pretty face. “I’ll tell you this,” Said Monsiour Leray, “That no power is within these books, any more than what was in them when I was young. No power at all, anymore. It was all used long ago, long before my generation, or even my grandfather’s generation, had come into being.” Then, without hesitation, the old shopkeeper took up the stack of books, and thrust them into the fire. His face was jubilant, as he watched the books light up in flames. Tears welled up in Mariette’s eyes. “How could you?” She demanded, but Monsiour Leray did not answer. He only stared into the fire, despite her desperate cries. The deed was done, and he was finally free.
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