Pilgrims
The Library's
John said, “The languages you speak are quite diverse, I hope that is enough. For certain regions and eras, English alone is enough, and although for example you are stranded in a place where the language is completely foreign, at least one of you seems easy to learn the language.
But for the years before the languages that you have mastered existed, there was one language that was an international language in Europe, which is now no longer used but is still widely studied, it is the origin of almost all European languages, Latin. It's a bit like Italian, but not exactly the same.
I want you all to learn that language. I will find a teacher for you,”, John concluded.
“Then what about me? We have to find out how this works right,”.
“We will discuss it while walking. Meanwhile, follow first what I ask,”. “Before I continue, if there is anything you want to ask, ask!”
“I want to ask for time every morning from six to ten for us to practice. In addition to that time, you are free to schedule anything else,” said Fox who although he said asking, to me more sounds like forcing.
“Alright, I agree. Now, stand. I'll show you the places you'll visit most often during here.” John stood up and walked up the stairs and stopped on the third floor. We followed him in silence.
This floor entirely contains bookshelves lined up neatly. Just this time I saw a private library that had this many books. In the middle of the bookshelf was a few seats and a table.
“During the time that you do not practice and learn the language, you will spend time in this place. The books you need are here. The left shelves are about the history and culture of the world. There is a lot you can learn from there. I suggest you guys not read the same book, to be more effective.”
“The books on this right side can we read them too?” ask Leon.
“Sure. It contains mostly about natural science and technological development,” replied John.
I walked over and saw a row of books on our right. I pulled out one of the books and saw the title on the front cover. 'Mechanical Measuring Instrument Working Function'. I grunt. Just deserve. The books on the right are about technological development. I kept it back, not interested.
I glided over to the row of books on the left, which seemed more interesting.
I have a job to do. You can start reading from now on, get off at dinner time!” john then went down while we started looking around for which book we would first read.
Like everyone who likes books, I feel a bit excited when faced with this many books.
Next to me Gabriel had already determined the book he had read, the title was 'The Spirit Summoning Ceremony of the Indian tribes'.
Rio and Fox also seemed to have stopped voting and started reading in the same corner. The book Fox read seemed to be about something Nazi-related when viewed from the picture, while the one Rio read seemed to be about herbal medicines.
I finally found a book that interested me. It's called 'The Presentation of an Observer About Foreign Cities and Awesome Travel'.
I was sitting in the same corner as Gabriel. I saw Leon still struggling in the row of books on the right.
I started reading and didn't pay attention to my surroundings. It was as if I was taken to the places the author spoke of and began to lose my time orientation. Until Gabriel reminded me that it was time for dinner, and we all went down with him.
But what I read was still stuck in my brain. As a person who will also explore foreign times and places, I have to study with experienced people. One way is to read the book I just read.
Although I have not read it all, in general the book tells about the journey of Ibn Battuta, a Muslim traveler from Tangier, Morocco who is famous until now thanks to his explorers to 44 countries in the middle century.
His journey began when he wanted to perform the Hajj to Mecca in 1325 AD when he was 21 years old. After almost 30 years he traveled 73 thousand miles to countries in Europe, Africa and Asia.
His friendly and open carry, made him respected wherever he went. There were seven kings he met and admired. The seven kings were King of Iraq, King of Turkey, King of Hindustani, King of the Romans, King of the Malays, King of Yemen and King of Turkistan.
Even so, there are also many bad experiences that he experienced during the trip. At that time the transportation was still very ancient, so I was sure the trip must have been heavy. Not to mention meeting people with different cultures and regional conflicts that often occur at that time.
After dinner I approached Leon. “See you were looking around on the right bookcase. You found an interesting book?”
“Any is also your choice. As we study culture and history in the past, you learn about how we all exist. But, that's good too. Maybe it will be useful someday,” I said. Leon has always had a unique assessment compared to the rest of us.
While Leon climbed into the library on the third floor, I headed to my room. I fell asleep shortly afterwards, and woke up early.
***
I got off after getting dressed, approached the others who were waiting to start the marathon. Gabriel, who Fox forced to join the training, greeted me with disdain.
“Why should I run too? Where can I follow your running speed,” grunted.
“Don't complain, deh. You are the one who does not want to be left alone. If you're going to come with me later, you should start training your physique from now on. Take it easy, Fox will also give you relief,” timpalku.
Guided by Fox, we took a detour through sub-urban areas.
To give tolerance to the catapulting Gabriel and Rio who just came out of the hospital yesterday, we ran at standard speed.
John was waiting in the living room when we got home. He was accompanied by an old man whom I initially thought was his father.
He gave us five hours to clean up and have breakfast before finally introducing us to the man who was the one who was going to teach us Latin. John brought the man from Italy.
I call him Mr. Andrea. He is a Professor at one of the leading universities in Milan, but has retired to teach at his university.
He was willing to teach us because John promised him he would give him his collection of historical items. As a collector of antiques, this offer is very tempting for Mr. Andrea.
I didn't expect John to help us this seriously.
Since then every day after practice we learn Latin, and the free time after that we spend in the library.
I felt like a student. Mr. Andrea did not forget to give us difficult tasks as well as some tests at the end of each week. Test results are shared the next day and evaluated immediately.
What amazes me is how the star of this impromptu language class is Gabriel. I thought Leon would be the most prominent in this class.
Surprisingly, even though we lived in the same house, I rarely saw John. When I asked one of his servants, he said John had always liked to lock himself in his room with his computer. We only met him at lunch and dinner and never chatted afterwards.
The routine I went through every day took me a little bit bored. The five of us rarely spoke to each other.
Sometimes out of boredom, when others read in the library I noticed the choice of the four books of my friends, which turned out the theme was not much different from the theme of the book they first read.
Gabriel chose titles related to the strange rituals that people performed in the past, such as books about offerings to the rain god, the ceremony of manhood, the traditions of the Huns, the development of art over time.
Fox I see limiting myself to books that contain biographies of past leaders either directly or indirectly, such as books containing Hitler, Abraham Lincoln, Elizabeth I, Napoleon, Julius Ceasar, Alexander the Great, to Genghis Kahn.
Rio's book selection is a little diverse but not apart from environmental themes.
While Leon chose books whose contents I think are increasingly irrelevant to our goals. He read astronomy books that contained explanations of the solar system and galaxies. He also still reads books on the Theory of Evolution and things like that. I don't understand him any more.
***