Lena didn't like thunderstorms, but she liked the library in the market square. That afternoon the rain drummed against the windows like the fingers of a giant. Mr Bronek, the librarian, was brewing tea in a small back room. In the hall stood a tall clock with one broken hand. It was quiet between the bookcases, as if the books were holding their breath. Lena was looking for an atlas of the seas when the clock suddenly struck thirteen. The sound was lower and sort of metallic. At the same moment, the bookcase with the atlases moved slightly away. Behind it, a narrow wicket with a brass lock was revealed. A small silver key, shiny as a drop, fell to the floor. A muffled sneeze from Mr Bronk came from the back room. Lena picked up the key and looked at it in the lamplight. On the handle was engraved the letter L, the same as her name. The girl felt warm, as if the key was alive and curious. She put it to the lock and heard a whisper, quite close. The whisper said: - Don't be afraid, open me before the clock goes silent. Something rustled at the back, so Lena acted quickly. The lock clicked and the wicket swung open a hand's width. Behind it, a flicker of light dust steps led deep into the wall. It smelled of salt and wind, though the windows were closed. Lena slipped inside and stood on the first step. Then slow footsteps sounded from the library, very determined. Someone stopped by the bookcase and quietly said her name.