The Book Traveler

By Valerie Erickson

When sword-wielding Jardall unexpectedly falls into the real world straight out of The Prince—the book in which he is the main character—he has no idea what to do. Robert, the librarian who finds him, shows Jardall around and introduces him to all the unfamiliar and wonderful modern technology. While helping at the library, Jardall makes plans to return to his own world with the aid of Robert. But only ten-year-old avid library patron, Asher, and his friends will be able to save their new, unlikely librarian in this exciting adventure, The Book Traveler.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Oct 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9781662944512

Book preview

Prologue

Why am I falling? Oof…OW. What is going on?

The man slowly lifted his head. He had no idea where he was.

This isn’t my palace. What happened?

He was in a strange room filled with books. He never really liked books.

The man slowly stood up. There was a book open on the floor next to him. He picked it up and read the cover, The Prince. He recognized himself on the front. He frantically flipped through the pages, reading the story of his life.

What is this book? How does it know so much about me?

The man heard someone else approach and pulled out his sword.

It was the librarian, a small wiry man with glasses, carrying a stack of books. When the librarian saw the man, he jumped.

Uh, hello. Who are you?

I’m Jardall. What is this place?

You’re in my library. I’m Robert Crost, the librarian. We’re actually closed, so I’ll need you to leave.

What is this book? Jardall demanded, pointing his sword at Robert.

"Oh, it’s one of my favorites. It’s called The Prince." For the first time, Robert really looked at the intruder.

Jardall was wearing very odd clothes – a dark purple tunic, indicating that he was of royalty; black trousers covering his stockings; a family coat of arms embroidered on his right shoulder; and a long black cape flowing behind him. His hair was swept back, and his skin was a shade of light purple. Yet he looked familiar.

Robert carefully approached Jardall and gestured for the book. Jardall gave it to him. Robert opened to a certain page and asked, Is this…you?

Yes, why did you bring me here? Who are you?

Robert could not contain his excitement. It finally happened! I always dreamed it would, but now it has. You must have found a portal!

Sir, I grow impatient. What is going on?

Robert chose his words carefully. Jardall, you…are a character in a book. Your world is in this book. He held up the book. Somehow you traveled from your book into our world, the real world.

The real world? What ignorance.

Could you tell me where you were before you…came here? Robert asked.

Humph. I was in my tower staring at a painting. I lost my balance and fell into this abominable place.

Robert started pacing, considering what to do next.

Who are you? What is your role in this world? Jardall asked impatiently.

I’m a librarian. I am the…keeper of books. People come to my library to borrow books and I make sure the books are kept well. Robert carefully put Jardall’s book on the shelf. So, Jardall, would you like to get something to eat?

Jardall cocked his head. This is an odd individual. But he nodded and sheathed his sword.

Let’s get you some clothes that won’t make you stand out so much.

Robert led Jardall toward the exit.

Where is this peasant leading me?

Chapter 1: The New Librarian

Several Weeks Later

Mr. Jardall, sir, I want to return these books, said a ten-year old boy who frequented the library.

Why do these little people insist on calling me mister?

All right, hand them to me, please, Jardall responded brusquely.

Thank you, sir!

The boy passed by Robert on his way to the kids’ section. Hi, Mr. Crost!

Hello, Asher, it’s good to see you!

Robert continued walking to the desk where Jardall was scanning the returned books.

Thanks for helping out. It’s crazy how busy we can get with all of the children who live in the neighborhood.

I’m not fond of children.

Robert laughed. He had grown accustomed to Jardall’s lack of humor. It hadn’t been an easy adjustment, but Jardall consented to stay for a while. He had been a great help around the library, organizing books, cleaning the lower level and providing companionship.

Every evening, Robert took Jardall to a different favorite restaurant. Jardall was fascinated by the variety of foods and high number of taverns in the city. It was a new adventure for Robert, because Jardall was experiencing everything for the first time and was demonstrating a childlike fascination with the mundanity of Robert’s life. He enjoyed simple food items such as salt, pepper and soy sauce, commenting how they added pleasure to eating. He was also intrigued by electricity and running water, which were not part of his medieval life.

However, it also came with its difficulties. Jardall didn’t understand the concept of a crosswalk and almost got run over several times by the horseless carriages. In the grocery store, he kept putting things into his pockets, not knowing he had to pay for them. Thankfully, everyone knew Robert and didn’t call the cops on his strange friend.

Jardall, you’re going to love the place we’re going tonight. I’m taking you out for sushi!

What is sushi? he responded, showing mild interest.

It’s fish.

Oh, I’ve eaten fish before. It’s nothing exciting.

Well, it’s prepared in a special way. You’ll love it!

Robert was sure that he and Jardall were becoming friends. Jardall was indifferent and simply tolerated Robert. Surprisingly, Jardall was enjoying learning all about the real world and its new gadgets.

After Robert locked the door to the library, he led Jardall a few blocks away to a hole-in-the-wall sushi restaurant.

Konbanwa, Keiko! he greeted the hostess.

Konbanwa, Robert! You may go to your usual table, the hostess replied with a smile, then looked back down at her phone.

Jardall followed Robert to the table, but kept staring at the hostess.

Robert, what is that girl holding? Jardall asked honestly. He