At first, Magister Threnody looked unchanged. She sat with her head bowed so that the fall of her black hair could mask her timidity. A closer study, however, discerned the signs of a deep fatigue around her eyes and mouth. Past her hair, her gaze glittered with a concentration that resembled fever. She gave the impression that she had come trailing a long escort of demands.

Queen Estie went through the motions of offering food and water or wine. Her guests replied with perfunctory thanks. They had not come to be refreshed.

Pretending that she ruled here if nowhere else, the Queen gave her guests their opening. “I see, Magisters, that you are here for some purpose. Perhaps you will speak of it now. I ask only that you share with my Commander whatever he does not hear. I will not have him excluded.”

Beatrix Threnody turned to Oblique. They exchanged a few sentences. When the librarian was satisfied, she nodded behind her raven veil. In response, Magister Oblique wrote on Estie’s skin:

—The librarian is pleased by your willingness to see her, Queen.

Estie shook her head. “It is nothing, Magisters, a small gesture to repay your consideration.”

Magister Threnody looked to Oblique. Her expression suggested that she was asking her companion to speak for her. But Oblique shook her head.

The librarian appeared to clear her throat. Then she began. As she spoke, Magister Oblique translated for her.

—I insisted on seeing you, Queen, for two reasons. The first is this. I must assure you that Magister Avail is your ally. He will be your friend, if you allow it. He hopes to serve you in some way.

—To prove himself, he has undertaken a task for you. It is something that you could do for yourself, but it has not occurred to you. We expect the skies to clear this morning. When they do, he will call out to King Bifalt. He will tell the King to find high ground and face east so the Farsighted can see him. If he complies, we will know that he still lives.

Suddenly confounded, Estie blurted, “Why?” What was the use of trying to reach him? She had already put her whole heart into one cry. What was the good of speaking to him if no one could hear his reply? And if he was dead—

For Beatrix Threnody, Oblique answered simply:

—We need him as much as you do, Queen.

For herself, Magister Oblique added:

—We need him more. Thousands of lives and half of the world’s knowledge are threatened. Who else can save us? No one else will make the attempt.