Merlin spun to stare at the source of the ancient voice. However, the young woman with violet hair and baggy blue robes was not what he expected to see. Her voice matched that of an old crone, while her visage was that of youthful energy.
"It's been a long time since someone made it here." The woman said as she cast her gaze over her guest. "The method you used was most unusual."
Merlin's grip intensified on his staff as he prepared for the woman to turn hostile. She replied to his tension with a sad smile as she set off down one of the aisles of bookshelves. After several steps, she beckoned for Merlin to follow her.
'Do I have a choice?' Merlin wondered as he considered his options. He could try running to find an exit or a way back. But the woman had appeared from thin air, so he doubted he could escape her.
