Chapter 36: Three Questions, One Unanswered 

"An Inksgiving Tale from the World of Magicless Magician"

It was that time of the year. An annual celestial alignment that weakens the fabric between realms of imagination. A new bookstore suddenly emerged out of thin air inside an undisclosed city, in a clandestine alleyway, placed in another part of the world. The bell above the door jingled softly. The scent of old parchment, fresh ink, and distant smoke lingered in the air. This humble bookshop nestled between alleyways had appeared overnight yet its presence did not feel out of place -- as if summoned by fate.

The wind outside was quiet, unnaturally so. A swirling gust stirred the dust just once before the bell above the small bookshop door gave a soft tink.

From nowhere and everywhere, he stepped in -- a traveller who had no past in this world. His coat was a soft charcoal, his scarf ink-black, and his eyes held the weight of lives never lived. Amidst crooked shelves and floating lanterns, the traveller brushed the dust off the wooden counter.

He glanced at the ornate yet dust-covered mirror behind them and raised an eyebrow.

"So this time, I am a young lad, aye..." he said, brushing a strand of hair aside with idle amusement.

A soft meow followed.

A smirk tugged at his lips as he scooped a slender, smoky-furred cute cat from the countertop. It hissed and growled trying to get rid of its owner's arms.

"And you became a cat again. That seems to be a common look for you these days. Boy, I am jealous of you." he whispered. The cat was still struggling but eventually gave up altogether closing its amber eye lazily. He chuckled. "Tiered already. Figures."

The man -- the Book Keeper -- stepped forward, coat rustling like whispers on parchment. A tome bound in shimmering leather floated into his hands. As he placed it beside a flickering lantern, the door creaked open.

The bell chimed again.

A boy entered. Perhaps a student, judging by the Academy robes that clung to his thin frame. He blinked at the strange floating lights, the curled scrolls that moved like snakes, Books without names, Scrolls that hummed. A whisper of magic in a supposedly magicless place. And the man behind the counter who looked far too calm.

"Welcome," said the Book Keeper. "Looking for something particular perhaps?"

"Uh, I was just... browsing," the boy mumbled.

"Perfect. So am I." The Book Keeper’s grin widened. The boy was still focused on scanning the shelf to pay attention to details.

“I am a collector of rare books... Ones that aren’t on any syllabus. Can you show me any of your rare series?”

“Depends. Are you in the market for knowledge... or a story?”

“A story,” the boy said without hesitation.

The Book Keeper smiled.

"Perfect, here's a sample of some of our best." He tapped the counter once. Three small tomes appeared on top of the counter magically.

The boy selected the first book and began reading its contents for verification. Before he even finished the first page, it was clear that he found the book appealing. "Great, definitely buying this one. But hold on, there's no author's name mentioned here. Who is the author? Did you..."

“Let’s just say I don’t write stories. I simply collect them. So I presume you are buying this one?” the Book Keeper asked.

"yes definitely. Name the price." the boy spoke in excitement.

"that will be around 1200ink...."

"What! That much, but it's just a Story Book." the boy spoke trying to haggle the price down.

"Sir, they say beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. If you cannot afford to purchase them, I must conclude that these books are not intended for you." The bookkeeper shut the book's lid and began to pack the merchandise.

"But I want it, please. Can't we negotiate the price just a tiny bit." the boy pulled the book from one end trying to stop the Book Keeper from taking them away.

"In that case, if you are so eager to get your hands on the book." the bookkeeper pulled the book away and placed it on the table, "then how about we play a little game? Win it and the book is yours to keep. In fact, I'll triple the prize. Answer three of my riddles and I'll give you these three books as a prize. Do you accept?"

"There is always a catch in such deals." the boy mumbled to himself. "What if I fail to answer correctly?" the boy asked in a serious undertone.

"Fail, and... well, no harm done," he replied. " Considering this is my first day around these parts. Let's just say I am in a generous mood of giving. But get all three books you must solve all three riddles correctly and answer a single incorrect answer and you lose all three."

The boy hesitated. Then his eyes gleamed and curiosity overcame his wariness. "Alright. I’m in. Let's play."

The cat watched silently from atop a pile of scrolls.

The Book Keeper began:

Riddle One

"I hold no breath, yet speak with grace,

My silent tongue can leave a trace.

In every hand, I dance and glide,

A loyal scribe at every side.

Oh, Mystic Reader What am I?"

The boy furrowed his brow. His lips moved silently.

"...A pen?"

"Correct," the Book Keeper said, tossing him the first shimmering book. The boy caught it, startled by how warm it felt.

Riddle Two Begins,

"I bleed without wound,

Spill secrets that stain.

Black or blue,

I leave a permanent name.

Oh, Reader What am I?"

The boy grinned. "Ink."

"Well done," said the Keeper, handing over the second book. "Now here comes the third one your Favourite."

Riddle Number Three Begins,

"I begin where silence ends.

I speak but hold no tongue.

I cannot be heard, yet echo all that’s unsung.

What am I?"

The boy’s confidence faded. He sat, thinking. Minutes passed. Then more. He opened his mouth. Closed it. Tried again.

"...A song? Or... thought? No. Wait..." But every answer he gave, the Book Keeper simply shook his head.

Eventually, the boy slumped in his chair. "I give up." He said.

The Book Keeper exhaled a sigh of relief, as though failure had shielded him from an unseen peril.

"Pity. But not without reward. You solved two. You may keep the Two. But The third..."

He lifted the final tome, still sealed with a shimmer like frozen starlight. Its title glowed faintly:

"Magicless Magician, this one is still ongoing. An incomplete product is not right for showing."

The boy looked up in surprise. "Wait... that's...!"

“Stories are curious things. Sometimes they write themselves ahead of time. While during others they must be dotted down later, after the fact.”

But the Book Keeper placed a finger to his lips. "Some stories must be earned, not given."

He turns to face the “reader” of the tale, breaking the fourth wall for the briefest moment for the clues hidden in these tales.

“If you think you know... tell me in the comment section. You might just find yourself in the next story.”

The lights dim, The cat stretches, and the doorbell chimes one last time as he disappears into the dusk forever unsatisfied.

"The third riddle remains unanswered. Do you know the truth it hides? Comment your answer below. The first three with the right answer shall be rewarded with a special gift... if fate allows."

A whisper remained in the air:

"I begin where silence ends..."

[Inksgiving Event Rules]

A final challenge remains...

The third riddle has gone unanswered within the tale—but perhaps not by you, dear reader.

Should you unravel its meaning, leave your answer in the comments below. The truth shall be revealed in the next chapter.

If you do not wish to use your nickname, simply leave a comment or send a message with a civilized pseudonym you'd like to be inscribed/addressed as (Please don't provide your real name).

The Book Keeper watches. The ink flows. Let us see who among you can read between the lines.

***