Chapter Twenty-Five: Ashmole 785, at the Bodleian Library

All Souls Pavilion, 2009

Lauren expresses to Margaret her fascination with alchemy. "Alchemy is very interesting," she says, highlighting her curiosity about the ancient practice and its mysteries. This moment underscores the themes of discovery and the intertwining of history and personal relationships in their journey.

Margaret nods, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. "It's remarkable how alchemy isn't just about transforming metals but also about transforming ourselves," she replies, inviting deeper reflection on their own evolving identities as they navigate their shared experiences.

Lauren smiles and nods in agreement with Margaret's statement.

Lauren then says she's going to go to the Bodleian Library, her excitement palpable as she thinks about the vast array of texts and resources that await her.

Margaret says, "Why are you going to the library now?"

Lauren replies, "I want to get a head start on my homework assignment. I feel inspired, and I think diving into some texts will help me explore the connections between alchemy and personal transformation even further." She glances at Margaret with enthusiasm. "Plus, the Bodleian has so many resources; I can't wait to see what I can discover!"

Margaret nods, understanding her friend's eagerness, and encourages her to share any intriguing findings later.

As they walk toward the library, Lauren's mind races with possibilities. "I might even find some rare manuscripts that could shed light on historical figures who practiced alchemy," she muses, her excitement palpable.

Margaret smiles, appreciating Lauren's passion. "That sounds amazing! Just imagine what those insights could reveal about the connections between science and spirituality throughout history."

A few minutes later, they arrive at the library, its grand entrance inviting them in. The scent of aged paper and polished wood fills the air as they step inside, and the soft hush of whispered conversations creates an atmosphere of reverence. Lauren's eyes dart around, scanning the shelves lined with countless volumes.

"I can't wait to get started!" she exclaims, practically bouncing on her heels. Margaret laughs softly, delighted by her friend's enthusiasm. "Let's split up and meet back here in an hour. I'll check out some books on early modern science while you explore alchemy," she suggests.

"Great idea!" Lauren replies, already imagining the treasures she might uncover. As they part ways, Lauren heads toward the section on esoteric studies, her heart racing with anticipation of the hidden knowledge waiting to be discovered.

Then they go their separate ways to do their assignments.

A few minutes later, Lauren makes it to the library request desk.

The librarian looks up and smiles warmly at Lauren. "Hello! What do you need today?" she asks, her tone friendly and inviting.

Lauren takes a deep breath, her excitement bubbling to the surface. "I would like to request Ashmole 32, 45, 385, and 785, please," she says, her voice steady despite her eagerness.

The librarian nods, her smile widening as she types the request into her computer. "Of course! I'll have those ready for you in just a moment," she replies.

As Lauren waits, she glances around the library, her mind racing with thoughts of the treasures she might uncover within those ancient texts.

The librarian places the request form into a small transport pod and sends it down to the catacomb library.

A few minutes later, deep within the catacomb library, the pod had arrived. With a soft hum, it slid to a stop in front of the catacomb librarian, who opened the compartment to reveal the requested text slips.

The librarian first retrieved Ashmole 32, then moved on to Ashmole 45. However, when the librarian attempted to retrieve Ashmole 785, that specific manuscript was missing. Instead, the librarian went to retrieve Ashmole 385.

But after the librarian retrieved Ashmole 385, all of a sudden, Ashmole 785 appeared on the shelf as if it had been hiding all along. The librarian raised an eyebrow in surprise but quickly composed himself.

He reached for the shelf again, this time extracting the elusive Ashmole 785. It felt as if the catacomb library had its secrets, revealing them only when the time was right. With the requested texts in hand, the librarian prepared the manuscripts to go up to the upper part of the library.

A few minutes later, the manuscripts were sent up by conveyor to the upper level of the library. The Ashmole 785, with its mysterious aura, was placed carefully on the conveyor alongside other texts. The librarian watched as they disappeared, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

The manuscripts arrived at the upper library a few minutes later, where Lauren eagerly awaited their arrival.

The librarian said, "Here you go, Lauren," as she handed over the manuscripts.

Lauren's eyes lit up with excitement as she took the manuscripts into her hands. She could hardly contain her curiosity, wondering what secrets lay within the pages of Ashmole 785 and how it might change everything she thought she knew about the history of magic.

As Lauren held the manuscripts tightly, she turned to the librarian with a grateful smile. "Thank you so much for bringing these to me," she said, her voice filled with appreciation.

The librarian nodded, pleased to see Lauren's enthusiasm.

Then Lauren walked away to find a spot to look at the manuscripts in her hands.

A couple of minutes later, Lauren found a quiet spot in the reading room to examine the pages of Ashmole 785 and how it might change everything she thought she knew about the history of magic. Holding the manuscripts tightly, she settled into a comfortable chair, her excitement palpable as she unfolded the delicate pages.

The air was thick with anticipation as she prepared to reveal the secrets contained within the ancient text.

But when she opened Ashmole 785, something unexpected happened. As the fragile pages parted, a faint glow emanated from the text, illuminating the dim reading room with an otherworldly light. Lauren blinked in disbelief, her heart racing. The words began to shift and rearrange themselves, forming images that danced before her eyes—scenes of ancient rituals and powerful spells that seemed to leap off the page.

She could hardly breathe as the air around her crackled with energy, making the hairs on her arms stand on end. This was not just a book; it was a gateway to the past, and Lauren realized that she had stumbled upon something far beyond her wildest imaginings. The history of magic was about to unveil itself in ways she never expected, and she was at the center of it all.

Then something unexpected happened.