—No! I would have said so at the start. We would not ignore a hint of that kind.

Queen Estie was pleased to find that she could produce a disarming smile. “As you say, librarian. I am merely exploring possibilities. That one I can discard.” At once, she continued, “Did Magister Rummage accompany your Apprentice?”

Now Beatrix Threnody was shocked.

—Certainly not. He is a clenched fist. I did not wish to frighten innocent folk.

Estie nodded as if that explanation sufficed. “If my questions seemed intemperate, librarian, please forgive them. They are an Amikan way of thinking, nothing more.

“How does Harlinea account for her reading?”

A brief clench of vexation tightened Magister Threnody’s expression. Vexation or fear. She doubted herself too much to face Queen Estie’s questions calmly.

—She is dying, Queen. She has an illness, and does not wish to alarm her family until she is sure of it. Rather than consult our healers, she sought a cure for herself. Poisons that kill can also heal, and the making of gunpowder requires substances that may counter sickness. Sadly, she did not find a cure.

Oblique’s writing turned brusque.

—Now, Queen, we have sent healers to her. Our servants care for us. We care for them.

Queen Estie responded with the smile that she used to charm unsuspecting men. “And Tak Biondi?” she inquired. “How does he account for his reading?”

The librarian seemed to fold in on herself, hiding behind her hair. Magister Oblique gave Estie a look of exasperation.

—Now I do not speak for the librarian, Queen. I speak for myself.

—Tak Biondi read what Magister Marrow instructed him to read. Fearing treachery, Magister Marrow told him to educate himself on the subject. A precaution. And later, when the extent of King Bifalt’s reliance on gunpowder became clear, Magister Marrow sent his servant to read more widely. I can only assume that Magister Marrow wanted Tak Biondi to educate him. He had no time for study himself.

“Ah,” breathed Estie. “Thank you, Magister. I see your dilemma, and the librarian’s. You have four possible culprits. Each of them has an explanation. Each of them has been examined. Now you do not know how to pursue your search.

“How may I serve you?” As if she did not already know what Beatrix Threnody wanted, she added, “Deaf as I am?”

Commander Crayn had an answer. He stepped forward to offer it. With a gesture, Estie stopped him. In a situation that might threaten her, he would not hesitate to inflict pain.

The librarian shook her hair aside. Her eyes seemed to search the chamber for a reply, not to Estie’s question, but to her own uncertainty. Her lips moved, forming words that Estie could not hear.