Chapter 43: The Library

Father Smythe led them through arched hallways that were in desperate need of repair. In fact, the entire wing of the library seemed to be cracked or crumbling in places. Dust was a constant fog of varying density while small piles of plaster and stone formed in corners. Laurence spied at least two people with bins and brooms cleaning up what rubble crumbled from the wall or ceiling. It was somewhat strange to see such disrepair at this point in history; it was easy to forget that not every building constructed in these times was as long lasting as the Sistine Chapel on the first try.

Father Smythe glanced back and noticed Laurence's reaction to the condition of the library. He smiled a little as he slowed to walk beside the Horotech. "This library has been around a long time already. Soon they will begin to repair and rebuild. It's one reason why I specifically requested that I be assigned to this time so that I could witness the reconstruction as it happens."