This morning, as I was unlocking the doors to enter the Cryptidery, I heard strange noises above my head. I backed up so I could get a better look at the roof.
I try not to look up there too often because that is where the silver chimeras live. I find them unsettling. I know it is strange coming from someone like me, but they seem so unnatural. They do not move during the day, so I have learned to pretend they are not there. Looking at them makes me uncomfortable.
Of course, in looking at the roof, I saw the silver chimeras lined up and frozen at the edge of the roof as they typically are during the day. But today something was different. One of the chimeras was standing awkwardly, holding its arms out in front and possibly holding something in each of its hands. I considered my options. The silver chimeras were definitely not going anywhere. I could wait until someone else arrived. I could send someone else up to the roof. But then I would have to explain why I did not just go look myself. And there was still a noise I could not explain, definitely not being made by the silver chimeras.
I let myself into the building and went looking for Mohammed. He is usually here overnight, and I hoped that in asking him for a ladder I could also have him accompany me when I ventured onto the roof.
I felt fortunate that Mohammed was still working when I found him. However, he informed me that I did not need a ladder to access the roof. It seems we have a hidden staircase and a door. So, no need for someone to accompany me. I thanked him for the information and silently reminded myself that it was daytime and the silver chimeras would not be moving in the daytime as I made my way to the roof.
Having successfully found my way onto the roof, I slowly made my way to the edge where the silver chimeras usually sit. I saw the same one I had noticed from the ground, holding its hands out awkwardly, and I tried to see what it was holding without getting too close. The noise was definitely coming from that direction.
To my surprise, I found that the chimera was holding the remaining two escaped shriles. Unfortunately, there is no way to remove them. We will have to wait until tonight when the silver chimeras reanimate. All I could do was make sure the shriles were safe for the day.
I found Mohammed again and told him that I needed to create some form of shelter on the roof. He helped me construct a tent around the chimera holding the shriles. I was glad to have his company. I could not avoid being that close to the chimeras, but having someone with me made it easier. I left dishes of food and water within reach of the shriles, who are now protected from the sun. I am sure they will not be comfortable today, but they will remain alive.
As soon as Jose arrived, I asked if he could stay past dark to retrieve the shriles and return them to their enclosure. After all the times I have helped him, he should have been willing to do this favour for me. However, it seems he is still working on the paperwork from last week’s “adventure”. He would not stay unless I agreed to do the paperwork. I did not argue, although I wanted to. I do not like to go near the chimeras during the day. I do not want to go near them at night.
So now I have piles of paperwork to do. Again. Jose told me he had started, but if he has done any work I have not found it yet.
At least Maria is happy. She made a point to thank me for my work this morning. I think she must know my opinion of the silver chimeras. The grungles will be happy, too, when we can return them to their normal enclosure tomorrow.
Nushi
