The golden light filtering through the library's grand arched windows cast a warm glow on the sprawling wooden shelves, but Barnes and Dorian barely noticed as they hobbled inside. Their hooves scraped softly against the marble floors, and each step sent a fresh jolt of pain through their aching limbs. Barnes wore dark circles under his eyes, his coat scruffy and his mane tangled from the desperate scramble they'd barely escaped.

As they moved deeper into the library, past shelves heavy with ancient texts, Dorian spoke quietly. “We’ve been out on the road too long to get caught like that. We need something to stop any would-be robbers before they’re close.”

Barnes shook his head, his exhaustion clear as he paused to let his gaze travel over the shelves. “Next time, maybe we won’t be limping back,” he muttered, exasperated. Noble let out a soft squeak of agreement from his perch atop Barnes’s journal. The little creature, usually bright-eyed, seemed to sag with fatigue as well.

After scanning the shelves, Dorian’s eyes landed on an old, ornate book titled Guardians of the Camp: Warding Spells for Travelers. The cover was embossed with protective symbols, and the pages felt brittle beneath his hooves. “This looks like a start,” he said, glancing at Barnes, who nodded and tugged the book closer with a magical grip.

As they opened the book, a faint whiff of aged paper and ink filled the air, thick and almost sacred in the quiet. Inside, spells and diagrams illustrated various warding methods, some powerful enough to repel wild creatures, others subtle enough to detect even the lightest step approaching the perimeter.

Barnes squinted at the delicate ink strokes. “Look here,” he said, nudging Dorian to a page that showed a web-like barrier spell. “This one creates an invisible net around a campsite—any creature that enters it sends a ripple, almost like an alarm.”

Dorian’s tired eyes brightened a bit. “That might be perfect. It doesn’t keep anyone out entirely, but it gives us a chance to prepare if they get close.” He read through the spell again, carefully noting the shape and intricacy of the diagram.

“Then there’s this one,” Barnes added, tapping a page with a spell meant to subtly ward off intruders by creating a sensation of dread. “Not as powerful, but could be useful if we don’t want to be found in the first place.”

Dorian chuckled softly, though his face creased in a pained grimace. “A bit eerie, but I’ll take anything at this point if it stops another ambush. Think we can learn it?”

Barnes gave a small nod, his eyes already half-closed from sheer exhaustion. “We’ll figure it out.” Noble fluttered down from his journal to settle on Barnes’s shoulder, nestling in for warmth.

They both knew these spells would take practice to master, especially as their magical reserves were nearly spent from the last night’s ordeal. Still, the promise of safety—of an undisturbed night's sleep—was enough to push them forward. As they read, the warm library light turned dim, and the stillness of the grand hall became almost comforting.

Eventually, they closed the book, carefully setting it back on the shelf as they planned their next move. “Tomorrow night,” Dorian murmured, his voice steady yet softened with relief. He glanced at Barnes, who looked ready to collapse. “A safe camp, maybe a full night of rest.”

Barnes yawned, his voice a sleepy mumble. “Tomorrow night.” And with that, the two friends slowly made their way out of the library, both wearied but ready to face the night a little better prepared.