'That was easy,' Locke mutters.
I shrug. 'I suppose there haven't been many problems here since the Breach was closed for good. Why should they worry?'
'Why indeed,' Morgan says quietly.
He lets out an unsatisfied rumble from deep in his chest but says nothing more.
We walk through the city until we get to one of the largest and tallest buildings. Here, a guard does stop us when we try to pass into the Great Library’s courtyard.
'State your business,' he says, barring our way at the tall, pointed arch with thick double wooden doors that look as ancient as the city itself.
'We've come to see the First Scholar.'
The guard snorts. 'Does she know you're coming?'
I look rueful. 'We may have arrived before the bird. But she wouldn't want you to turn us away, and she'll definitely wish to see me.'
I pull a very small oilskin wrapped book from a pouch at my belt that I found while I was in the Dark Realms, and luckily had forgotten was in there since we’ve been back. It’s old and worn, and looks as if it should have been thrown away, not sold for actual money.
Even the guard, who is surrounded by ancient and priceless books every day, looks at it dubiously.
'Very well,' he says after a moment.
He turns toward the door, where I belatedly see another guard standing in the shadows.
‘Take them to the mezzanine, but do not leave them unattended.'
The guard stands to attention and begins walking. The first guard allows us through the great doors to follow. We cross the courtyard and go into the main building, into the library itself.
I look around at the high shelves. They span as far as the eye can see, all laden with books. Some are tall, some are short, some fat, some thin. Some look so ancient that I wouldn't want to touch them in case they crumbled in my hands and some age-old knowledge was lost because of me. In truth, I’m in as much awe and wonder as I was the first time I saw this sight.
I glance back at Bryn and see the same emotions in her eyes. I give her a small smile.
We're taken to a winding staircase and told to go up ahead. Locke ascends first, followed by me. Bryn comes next, and then Morgan. The guard takes up the rear, keeping his unwavering eyes on us as if we're going to steal something should he blink.
At the top of the stairs, Bryn gasps at the view from the open mezzanine that’s like an island platform in a sea of books. A great domed ceiling sits above it, made of stone and glass.
'First Scholar,' I defer when I belatedly notice a woman sitting behind a huge desk that dwarfs her.
Bryn’s eyes widen, clearly surprised that a woman is in the most powerful position after the king here.
Vivienne glances up and smiles wide. 'Jak.'
'Surprised to see me?' I ask.
'I am, as it goes,' she says. 'You told me you wouldn't be back for many, many years. And it's been, what, five springs at most?'
'Four, actually.' I glance around. 'Where are your Dark Brothers?'
She waves a hand across the library. 'They’re around about somewhere. They never stray too far at the moment.'
She stands, and I see that she's heavy with child.
'My friend,' I gush, stepping forward and taking her hand. 'My heartiest congratulations!'
The woman strokes down her stomach. 'Indeed. After so many years, it was quite the surprise. I thought I was much past such a thing. Though, longevity is well known in the First City. Many here live long lives, so I should have foreseen it, I suppose.’
She smiles, shrugs, and then looks past me.
