—In their homeland far across the seas, they are mercenaries, Queen. War is their trade. They barter their services. They seek to improve. When they heard the rumor that one great library still exists, Sword Eradimnie and her comrades were sent to find us if they could. To learn.

—The Great God’s coming has taken them by surprise. They could escape. They have time. But they refuse. They have learned too much here. They will not forsake the Repository.

—Queen, they are only five. What can they do?

Estie wanted to ask, They have no sorcery? Their iron would not protect them from lightning and fire. But Magister Avail interrupted her.

I will not do it, he snarled so that everyone could hear him. Your demand offends me. Magister Rummage is my friend. I will not learn to live without him.

The hunchback had his own dilemma, his conflicting loyalties to Avail and the Repository. The look he flung at the deaf man resembled pleading.

Then you are a child, Magister Avail, retorted the Queen. Like him, she let everyone hear her. You think only of yourself. When the war comes here, it will separate you and your friend. Whatever happened, Rummage would command the fighting. The battle was his responsibility. That will harm him. It will not harm you. You can address him whenever you wish. He will be forced to use messengers—if he has any.

You said once that I am not alone. Nor are you, Magister. You are only deaf. Your friend has no voice.

Sudden gratitude spread across the mute’s face. It made Estie’s eyes sting. After a moment, he wrote firmly:

—Leave him to me, Queen.

He showed her his teeth.

—I will raise such bruises on his hands and arms that he will fear my touch. Then he will know why we must master this book.

Queen Estie blinked to hold back her tears. She had been sure of herself, feverish and strong. Now the risk that she had just taken caught up with her. In its aftermath, she felt strangely lost.

“Can you command more copies?” she asked unsteadily. “You will need them.”

Magister Rummage shrugged.

—Anyone can ask, Queen. Only the librarian can command.

As if she trusted her balance, Estie surged to her feet. “Then I will command her.”

With Crayn at her side, she headed for the bedroom door. She had no idea what she would have done if Magister Avail had shouted at her. Fortunately, he remained silent.

As she and Crayn crossed the sitting room, the outer door opened, and Fifth Daughter came in carrying a heavy tray of food and drink. Nodding a bow, the monk hurried into Avail’s bedroom.

Estie leaned more heavily on the Commander’s support. In a voice, she said, “Thank you, Crayn. For everything. While we walk, I will tell you how Magister Rummage answered me.”

By touch, Crayn remarked: