“These things are so complicated.” Cosmo shook his head. “But people need to accept that the shades are simply neutral. We need the people who act for themselves—or, to be more accurate, on their own—just as we need people who act for beauty, or for usefulness, or for others. It’s in combination that these things work. You can’t start editing fundamental systems and removing the bits you don’t like. If we were all aesthetes the world would be beautiful, but cruel. And if we were all protectors we’d smother each other to death. If we were all shapers there’d be nothing to shape. I realized recently that a Wizard Quest is, in a sense, the ultimate journey of the galloglass. In a Wizard Quest only the most wise go off on a long journey to see what they find, what knowledge they can bring back. It is undertaken alone, by one individual. Having the book in the library will make it better for us all. Most of all, it makes it possible to speak of the Flow, which will make everyone’s lives a lot easier.”

“Suri said she wanted to be my mentor,” said Effie.

“That’s right,” said Cosmo. “Your power is very great, but you need to learn to control it. She will help you. You’ll be coming here to the Lodge to study. If you want to, that is.”

“But you—”

“I will be on my Wizard Quest,” said Cosmo, nodding and smiling. “It was my turn many moons ago, but I wanted to make sure you were all right first, child. And so you are. When I come back we can tell each other of our adventures. I trust you will keep the Diberi at bay while I complete my quest.”

“Of course,” said Effie.

“Well, then,” said Cosmo, patting Effie’s hand, “shall we join the party?”

Effie walked with Cosmo into the large drawing room. Suri smiled as Effie entered. There was something familiar about her eyes, as if Effie had seen them in another context, another person. . . . Will you give everything to me? But surely . . . Effie’s thoughts were interrupted when Rollo came straight over to her.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “What I said before . . .”

“You accused me of being a galloglass and then said I shouldn’t be allowed in the Great Library,” said Effie. “Why? What did I ever do to you?”

Rollo sighed. “It wasn’t because of you.”

“Is this all about my mother? Because I’m actually getting quite tired of—”

“Sort of,” said Rollo. “It’s also about me. I don’t expect you to forgive me immediately, but I thought you might be interested in this.” He handed Effie a piece of paper. “You don’t have to read it now,” he said, “but I want to say thank you for putting the book back. It’s made a difference to me as well.”