“It’s time to leave,” he said sternly.

“Yes, Father,” she whispered and turned away from the books. She took a step toward the door but then stopped and faced him with a lifted chin. “I would like to learn to read.”

Raven gasped behind him.

Her father scowled in confusion. “Read? You have no need to read. All that you need in life is a strong blade for protection. That will get you further than reading.”

Sage felt tears rising inside her. She loved the books—the feel of the leather cover, the parchment pages. But mostly, she loved the longevity of the works. They would not leave her. But even more appealing was the secrets they held. She loved decoding the puzzles that reading offered her. It was more important than sword skills.

“Come,” he commanded.

Sage cast one last glance at Brother Nicolas. Compassion shone from his old eyes, and his lips thinned in resolution. He gently closed the book she had been looking at.

He wasn’t going to help her.

She turned and moved to her father’s side, downcast. He was her family, and his word was law. “Yes, Father.”