Bookbinding Page95

The next page is here: faile35.deviantart.com/art/Boo… . For more information on the entire series, read the "'Demon's Due' Defined" journal entry here faile35.deviantart.com/journal… or the "'Demon's Due' Plus" journal entry here faile35.deviantart.com/journal… .

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"I..." Elina stumbles, the fear and revulsion rising into her throat and choking further words to nothing. She can feel her heartbeat drumming through the Scholar's key hanging at her breast, her pulse rising with the inclination to turn and run from this nightmare that was once her mentor and a beloved member of her family. The gentle inclination of the horror's head does little to restore strength to her mind, the gesture seeming both reminiscent of her Uncle Anjer and in terrible mockery of the vibrant role he played in Elina's childhood.

The young Scholar is only able to steel herself after the corpse holds its position for several minutes, with no further gestures, either threatening or in mockery of endearment, as Elina's wisp settles down between them to hover just above the line of their gaze. "I..." this time the words are slowed, but she is able to force them out. "I am risking a lot, Uncle Anjer," she says. "But there are things I simply must know if any of this is to be resolved." She breathes deeply, then adds. "Please help me."

As if on cue, the corpse leans stiffly backward in its perch on the stool, dropping its quill onto the tray before it and then reaching both hands to the shelf beneath. When the slow, creaking limbs withdraw, they clutch a thick, heavy tome covered in dark, gray leather, topped by a single, silver rune and edged in the same metal. The figure rotates on its seat, spine and muscles popping horribly beneath the dusty robe, and extends the book toward the Scholar.

Her breathing shallow, Elina reaches forward without words and clasps the book as if it were covered in shards of glass. But though the object possesses an immense weight, the cool leather and metal of its cover do not offend her touch. Gently, the Scholar receives the tome from the rotted hands that offered it, and clutches it to her chest to manage its unusual weight.

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Back on track, and things should continue rolling onward from this point at a pretty measured pace, though I've still got a couple of Devwatch stacks to check out. Going to post a publication announcement regarding Rats in the Cellar tonight as well.

The reference for Elina was provided, as always, by Feathered-pics . She has made this whole chapter a ton of fun with her awesome references. If you agree, let her know. Thanks, Emily!

Enjoy!

Note: Bookbinding and Demon's Due are a work of fantasy and fiction. The artist/creator in no way condones real mistreatment of this kind toward any woman or man, by living person, gremlin, plant, assassin, ratman, viscous fluid, programmed device, animated home furnishings, or otherworldly spiritual beings. Furthermore, the artist opposes the marginalizing and restriction of women in general by any institution, political and/or religious, including those which have individual women amongst their membership touting/promoting their own happiness within that institution as evidence that ALL women should feel the same way. This includes the religion I was raised in and which I have utterly discarded from my life over this and other issues.