…such rites and expeditions as require a helper or companion. No true mage imperils his secrets by educating an apprentice; nor should he hire the ignorant to aid in ritual, no matter how imperfectly it may be comprehended, for this is to invite a thief into his life. Let him rather conjure forth a servant which must conform to his desires and remain bounded by them. It shall be his wisest friend, for its nature is founded on the most ancient secrets; yet he must guard against permitting it to develop beyond his needs. It is his creation; it is but a parasite on him; yet all life contains the seeds of aspiration. If not adequately trammelled, the parasite may acquire powers in the very act of aiding its master in such rites as call for its participation. Perhaps the servant seeks to counterfeit humanity or even yearns to attain that state. However pitifully incomplete it grows in the absence of its master, this may spur it to importune others of his kind. Its flawed nature may compel it to pursue the companionship of those within whom it detects any hint of arcane vision or of sympathy therewith. Its victims will be blinded to their plight while it battens upon them in its hunger to regain power. How perfect are the

“Patrick.”

The whisper was so close that my ear felt invaded. I managed to confine my immediate reaction to a gasp as I twisted to face Bella. But the newcomer was Julia, meeting me with a look of weary disbelief. “What do you think you’re doing now?” she said.

“I might ask you the same question.”

“You’d sound foolish if you did. I work here, if you remember.”

“Not today you don’t.”

“Is that why you’re here?” Julia said and stared at the book, which had shut its pages on the finger that was marking my place. “Because you thought I wouldn’t see?”

“I’ll ask you one of those too,” I said, raising not just my eyes to Lister but my voice. “Did your colleague tell you I was coming?”

“Patrick—”

“Is that why he made such a noise about my name, to let you know I’d arrived?”

“You’re the only one who’s making a noise, and please make less.” Without lowering her own voice Julia said “Believe it or not, your behaviour isn’t as important to so many other people as you seem to think.”

“Is that why you were spying on it?”