“Actually, these are designated as guest quarters for visiting nobles.  This level and the one below are identical.   The Lord’s quarters are the level below that and encompass the entire top level of the main structure in addition to the tower level. Excluding, of course, the atrium area in the center.”

Allistor laughed out loud, seeing the look on Helen’s face. “This I have to see!”  They descended two more levels and found a wider landing with a massive set of double doors made of what looked like mahogany.  The doors stood open, and the group stepped through.  Directly ahead of them was, of course, the elevator.  Surrounding it was a series of sitting rooms and small bedrooms.  Behind the elevator was another set of double doors, this set made of some kind of metal core with thick wood on either side, that led to the library.

Both stood with mouths agape.  The library was two stories high, and the walls were floor to ceiling bookshelves of dark polished wood.  There was a spiral staircase that led to a narrow catwalk around the upper level, giving access to the shelves there.   The place smelled of rich Corinthian leather. To one side of the room sat a massive desk with a plush leather chair.  In front of the desk, there were two similar chairs facing it.  The other side of the library sported a fireplace and sitting area with three sofas, and two long reading tables with six chairs each such as one might find in a public library.  The doors on the opposite side of the room were at least a hundred paces away.

“That alert message said we’d been given a library.  This place is… it’s wonderful!” Allistor moved to the desk and touched the leather chair gently.  Fuzzy began to sniff at the books curiously.

Helen moved to the nearest shelf and began looking at the books.  “This one says it’s about agriculture methods.  And this one is called “Alchemy for Beginners.”

Allistor sat down at the desk as Helen read off more titles.   His insides fluttered and his legs felt weak as he realized what this library must be.  Everything his people needed to know might be in these books.  There were thousands of them.  Maybe tens of thousands.  If the books weren’t one-time use like the scrolls, he could educate all his people.  And he could get Ramon making copies even if they were one-time use.

“Ramon!” he muttered to himself.  Looking around, he said, “Um, Interface? Can you hear me?”

“I can hear you anywhere within any structure you own, Lord Allistor.  How can I assist you?”

Please open a channel to the Warren.  Put it on loudspeaker like you did with the Silo.” He grinned, picturing all if his friends about to freak out.

“Connection established, Lord Allistor.”

“Hey, guys!  It’s Allistor!” he called out, probably louder than he needed to.  On purpose this time.