Page 52 of Killian
“TheBook of the Deadhas unicorns?” asked Moira, lookinginterested.
“No, the Bible had unicorns there for a bit. Then blamed it on a mistranslation and took them back out. Seemed a bit unfair.”
“I cannot process that,” said Moira.
“Anyway,” said Cynog, glaring at Ceallach for the digression. “TheBook of the Deadis properly called theBook of Coming Forth by Day, and it isn’t really a book. It’s a collection of spells meant to be spoken during the funeral rites of the first shifters. Humans later copied, modified, and used them. I can’t tell you more than that. The first shifters weren’t well studied, and we don’t have a lot of texts from them.”
“The first shifters,” said Moira. “Like… the first beings to change shape?”
Cynog nodded. “Legend says that they could take any animal shape they wanted, and it was only later that you became tied to one shape.”
“I’d be a unicorn,” said Moira. “Sword ponies are the best.”
“I wonder why we lost that ability,” said Killian, trying to picture having to choose another shape besides wolf.
“Some texts say it was a choice to channel some of their magic into their children, and that caused them to lose some of their abilities,” said Cynog.
“Huh,” said Moira. “Weird. OK, we don’t want to give them any of the first editions, then. Noactualshifter magic. But are there later copies that are more human and less magical? And probably one that isn’t valuable?”
“All books are valuable,” said Cynog automatically.
“Mmmm…” said Moira. “I mean… theoretically, but I’ve read some really trashy novels that I wouldn’t exactly cry a tear over if they got pulped.”
Cynog was going quite green in the face, and his eyes got wider and wider as Moira spoke. Moira finally noticed.
“But I mean, obviously, I would never do that,” said Moira.“Because all books are valuable. But to my point, is there one we could give them that would not be very helpful to whatever their plan is?”
“Yes, there are probably later editions that are less magical,” said Ceallach. “And that is a good precaution because the truth is we have to give them whatever they want. We cannot afford any harm to the Central Branch.”
“But,” said Cynog, sounding nervous, “I know I’m just an acolyte and dryad and rather naïve about these things, but I’m trying to think cynically—even if we give them a book, do we really think they’ll leave?”
“Unfortunately,” said Ceallach, “I’m afraid I share your fear.”
“As do I,” agreed Moira.
“But I think we’re going to have to do it anyway,” said Killian. “We need to get them away from the tree.”
Moira nodded. “You’re right. We need something to lure them away. That’s the only thing I can think of that will get them to leave. I think we should send for your soldiers and ask for the least magical copy of theBook of the Deadyour people can find.”
“And once they are away from the tree, we can escort them out of the library,” said Killian. “And if they refuse to go… well, we can fight that battle then.”
“But even the least magical edition could still be dangerous,” said Cynog.
“Then we will have to come up with a way to get it back,” said Moira, wishing she felt as confident as she sounded.
Episode 23
The Central Branch
Killian
Killian watched as Moira adjusted Cynog’s hands on the spear. The dryad’s next attempt at using the spear was slightly less disastrous than his first. Moira beamed cheerfully and said something encouraging. Still smiling, she walked over to Killian. It was only when she was close that the smile dropped off her face.
“Oh, this is a bad plan. Why do you keep letting me make plans?”
“It’s at least half my plan,” he said sympathetically.
“Yes, but seriously… Give the warlocks what they want. That’s our plan? Are we sure about this?”
