Aurelle didnt answer, obviously too busy running. They didnt have to run for too much longer, though, as they both reached the garden filled square that the maps clue had shown them. Greave scanned it, taking in the towering oaks there, the open ground, and the great stone gate that stood at the far end, next to a set of wrought iron railings that were more like a cage, designed to stop anyone from entering the space beyond. It looked like a monument or a grave, but Greave knew better now.

A bald, burly man sat on a bench nearby, ostensibly reading a book, yet Greave noted the way his eyes tracked them as he and Aurelle grew closer to the iron caged space beyond the gate. There, hidden by the shadows of the trees, underneath the iron bars, Greave thought he could see a slab that might be pushed aside.

Interesting, isnt it? the man on the bench called over, in a conversational tone. Of course, once you realize that its just the steps to the citys sewers…

That would probably be enough to turn away most people. Greave turned his gaze on the man instead. His clothes looked ordinary, but Greave could see the flash of silver on his shoes, too expensive for the man he was pretending to be.

We seek entry to the Great Library of Astare, Greave said. I know that the entrance is here.

Ah, the man said. Thats different. Youve passed one test, then. Theres just the questioning to follow.

The questioning? Aurelle asked, beside Greave.

The bald man nodded. The House of Scholars doesnt allow just anyone into its library. They must have enough learning to be worthy. The man stretched, setting his book aside. I am Aldrin, tester of the House of Scholars. Who seeks entrance to our library?

I am Prince Greave, Greave answered. My companion is Aurelle Hardacre.

And what do you seek here, Prince Greave?

Knowledge, Greave said. Of the scale sickness.

Ah, Aldrin said. Still, the questioning is traditional. Traditionally its three, or until Im satisfied. And dont try to bribe me. Folk who value money more than knowledge have no place here.

I wasnt planning to, Greave said.

And according to Vessimus, what are the three things that a man must seek?

He asked the question as if it were nothing, yet the book was one Greave couldnt have imagined most people having read. Thankfully, Greave had read it, and many others.

Honor, Knowledge, and the Benefit of Humanity, Greave answered. Although his student Tarrin renders the last as Goodness.

Aldrin nodded. And if I distill sweetrock using van Mers process, what do I end up with?

Greave thought for a moment, having to piece things together. He wasnt sure that hed heard of sweetrock until he remembered that it was a name for natrium used in one of the Seven Poems of Kerric, and van Mers process.