Page 80 of Cast in Conflict

“Opening pathways from the library to other places is more challenging. The texture of the threads, the spinning itself, is often pulled by a gravity that affects very little else; the shape cannot always be guaranteed to maintain structural stability. The portal itself, yes; you no doubt think of our similarities to spiders, and our webs are similar in some fashion—they resist the equivalent of breeze and wind. They will not survive a gale.

“But they are persistent, and while we weave, there is some probability that the tunnel itself will become attached to the wrong place. It is not a risk, given the current precarious position of the Academia, I would be willing to take; I imagine the chancellor would be strongly against it.”

“Bellusdeo would breathe fire,” Kaylin pointed out.

“Yes? She is a Dragon.”

“On you.”

“Ah. You mean she would disapprove.”

“Strongly. We don’t yet know—” Kaylin exhaled. “We know that there were no Shadows in the border zones. We didn’t know why. If the border zones were somehow attached to the Towers, it would make sense—but the Academia is no longer a border zone and we don’t want to attract the attention of Shadow if we’re not certain this is secure. It doesn’t exist in normal space, but it can be reached by crossing it.”

“If there were an infestation, as you fear, it is only the Academia that is likely to suffer; the Towers are aware of their strict boundaries, and that awareness has not changed,” Riaknon informed them. “But I believe Lord Liatt would also be against the risk—not that she has final say.” He clicked a bit but seemed to be thinking out loud. “I will tell Zabarrok that he will have to visit the mortal way.”

“He doesn’t like it?”

“No. He dislikes it intensely. In that, he has only grown more cantankerous with age. I will take my leave for today, but with the permission of the Arbiters and the chancellor, I will visit again.”

“For my part, you have permission,” Starrante replied.

“And for mine as well,” Kavallac said. “Androsse?”

“I am fine with Zabarrok’s visit. I am very concerned, however, with the presence of a possible visitor who is not even a student.”

“I’ll apply,” Terrano said promptly. He offered Androsse a perfect bow.

Androsse was not comforted. “This is not a good idea.”

“No, but most of the best ones aren’t,” Terrano replied. He couldn’t keep the grin off his face; he was green-eyed and almost as excited as Serralyn.

This soured Androsse’s mood, which hadn’t been good to begin with, but Kavallac chuckled. “Does he not remind you of someone, Arbiter?”

“He does not.”

“He does remind me of someone,” Larrantin said. He had been so silent, Kaylin had almost forgotten he existed. “But that is my problem, not his.”

“He is one of those unintentional dangers. He does not think through the possible consequences of his actions,” Androsse snapped.

“Some of those consequences are new, as the actions themselves must be; he has done and seen things that none of our kin have done or seen. I am certain there is information to share—and things to learn—that we would not have considered, given the limitations of our forms and our current existences. You are Arbiter, but your kin could see farther, and for longer, than ours. Are you not even slightly curious?”

“Please escort yourselves out of my library. Now.”

12

Liatt’s meeting concluded almost the instant Kaylin returned with Riaknon. Humans had eyes that didn’t change color with emotion, but she seemed, if not pleased, cautiously optimistic. “Riaknon, you have arrived at a good time. We have just finished our discussion, and I have much to consider. Are you ready to leave?”

“I am. Starrante was well. There was a curious young man who entered the library; Starrante was distracted.”

“And you appear to be distracted as well.” She spoke fondly, and with obvious affection. Wevaran didn’t appear to blush, but he lifted his forearms in motions Kaylin was pretty certain she hadn’t seen before, clicking as he did.

“He has not changed very much.”

“You are certain?”

“I am. I do not understand the Academia’s location; the geography seems impossible given the existence of the fiefs. But he is Arbiter, in his library space. With the chancellor’s permission—and yours, of course—I would like Zabarrok to visit. I think it would do him some good.”

“If you can pry him out of the Tower, I would be grateful,” Liatt replied. “I worry.”

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