The Next Step Forward

[Anastasia]

You think it could be a floor plan of this library, actually.

[Iron Dragoon]

'Interesting...'

Alyssa tries to orient herself and find this mysterious X.

[Anastasia]

Assuming the direction is right...several rooms ahead and to the east.

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa heads there!

But not before finding Emily and Jarem. Emily was looking for adventure and this'll be it for sure.

[Anastasia]

Emily's reading a book and Jarem's relaxing in a comfortable chair. On a table nearby is a chess board, pieces playing a game of their own volition.

Go ahead, Alyssa.

[Iron Dragoon]

"Emily, Jarem. I found something unexpected. Seems to be a map of this building with something marked a few rooms away. Shall we explore mystery in the library?"

Alyssa looks genuinely excited at the prospect.

[Anastasia]

"Let me see," Jarem's smiling, "It's a puzzle most likely, the librarians spread them. If you succeed, you'll indeed find a treasure."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa hands it to Emily.

"First step into adventure."

[Anastasia]

Emily smiles and focuses, "It's this floor? Then this way," she points, leading on.

Jarem smiles and takes up the rear, watching both of you go.

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa follows as well, trying to puzzle it out herself just to double-check Emily.

[Anastasia]

Emily seems on the right path - except that where there should be the final hallway leading to the room with the X, there's nothing but a wall there, heavy with bookshelves built into it.

"What? Did I read it wrong?" Emily peers closer at the map.

[Iron Dragoon]

"Seems correct to me. Perhaps something hidden?"

Considering this is a library, Alyssa takes a look at the titles on the shelves. There's likely to be a hint or key there.

[Anastasia]

There are the following titles on this shelf:

Encyclopedia of Magic Items, A-C.
Dragoncraft Wondrous Treasures
Encyclopedia of Magic Items, I-L.
Heroes and Halberds.
Encyclopedia of Magic Items, D-G.
Encyclopedia of Magic Items, M-Q.
Zansobre's 10 Artisan Breakthroughs in Magic Rings
Encyclopedia of Magic Items, R-T
Encyclopedia of Magic Items, U-Z
Gwinnan's Travels, Volume 23: The House of Knowledge

[Iron Dragoon]

"Hmm... The Encyclopedias are missing the H section. And shouldn't they be on the shelf in order?"

[Anastasia]

"There must be something related to that!" Emily says quickly, "There's a book that starts with an H, that might be related, too!"