Truly may have been disappointed by his failure to spark her interest. He could not know that she was already aflame, if not in the ways he anticipated. She burned with possibilities. They were not for her—they might never be for her—but they were here nonetheless. If the library endured.

If her husband could save enough of his people, and hers.

If he could save himself.

Finally, Commander Crayn’s voice drew her attention down from the riches of the rounds. “Am I permitted,” he asked the Apprentice, “to examine a book? Any book that concerns the most holy devotees? I have a particular interest.”

He had seen Lylin fight.

“Surely, surely,” burbled Truly. “They do no good if they are not read. Will you choose a book yourself? Shall I select one for you?”

“May I take it with me?” pursued Crayn. “I mean to my quarters. I foresee an uncomfortable stretch of leisure. I would like to read in my room.”

“Ah.” That question stopped the young man. “Well. I—” He consulted the silence of the tower until an answer came to him. “With the librarian’s permission, of course. You need only ask.

“The books are not allowed to wander. They are too precious. They are read here”—he gestured around at the tables—“and returned to their places. Only Magisters remove them for private study—and,” he added quickly, “the librarian knows what they do.” More calmly, he offered, “Shall I inquire for you? I do not suppose that the librarian will refuse.”

Crayn patted the guide’s arm kindly. “Do not trouble yourself. It was an idle request.”

Queen Estie frowned, momentarily confused. Then she caught the Commander’s hint. The books were not guarded. Only the librarian watched over them.

In fact, she had not seen any guards since her arrival.

“Truly,” she asked, “do books ever disappear?” Texts on poisons, for example. Or on gunpowder and fuses? “Misplaced, perhaps? Or stolen?”

That notion shocked the Apprentice. “Never,” he said promptly. “Men and women make mistakes. Even Magisters. But the librarian knows what we have—and where it is. That is her gift. A misplaced text can be found with ease. And any book that leaves the Repository can be recovered quickly. Magister Rummage does not hesitate when we are threatened with the loss of a book.” After a pause, he admitted, “Or so I am told. I have never heard of that crime.”

Estie mustered a smile. “Thank you, Truly. Your time and attention are a gift of another kind. Now, perhaps, you will guide us back to our rooms? We have seen enough for one night.”

Her request startled Truly. He must have expected her to share his fascination. But he was too polite to object. Bowing, he ushered Queen Estie and Crayn out of the library.