Page 40 of Potions & Pints
“The Library. And when we get there…”
“What?”
“Let me do the talking, okay?”
Cheruck opened a door and they all filed in. Then he pointed to Pili.
“The rest of you, remain here,” he ordered.
There was a massive gate just inside the door, which was open. Tan supposed it was for extra security, to prevent anyone who wasn’t supposed to from entering the Library. It did not, however, provide any privacy.
“Father, Librarian,” Pili said, sinking to one knee and bowing his head.
“What are you doing here?” the chieftain thundered.
“I know, Father, I’m sorry, but—”
“Do you not know what banished means? Are you really that ignorant?”
“Father, I sent you a message. We have weapons on the ship docked in Gamlin Ait.” Pili bowed his head even lower, but his jaw clenched. “I’ve found the one responsible for Idrulo’s fate.”
Tan crossed his fingers and hoped the weapons were still onboard. When he said someone should stay back and guard the ship, it wasn’t entirely cowardliness that made him make that suggestion.
Whatever the reason, Pili’s father was furious. Pili’s eyes were still focused on the floor. Tan turned around. Cheruck moved directly in front of the door. Apparently they were all to witness Pili’s humiliation.
Tan turned back around. Pili’s shoulders were shaking ever so slightly. Tan resisted the urge to rush to his side, or to cry out in Pili’s defense. Valar had left them no choice. They had to make the journey.
Surely Pili’s father would know how difficult it must have been, even for a water elf. Surely he would be relieved to see his son, banished or not? Afterall, Idrulo’s death must have been a terrible blow to the whole family.
“You and your brother were both dead to me the moment you decided to get in bed with those Northern Elves!”
“Father—”
“Betrayal!” the old elf screamed.
Beside him the Librarian nodded.
“How many hours did you and Idrulo spend in this Library?” he asked. “Did I not teach you our history? Did I perform my duties so poorly?”
“No, sir,” Pili said.
“Well, it would seem that way. What does our history teach us? What does getting involved with the Northern Elves win us?”
“War and hardship, hardship and war,” Pili recited automatically.
“And you go, as your father said, get into bed with them. And in the case of your brother, not just figuratively. Literally!”
Tan had heard enough. He took a step forward and was immediately poked in the back with the tip of a spear.
“Know your place,” Cheruck hissed.
“Father, Librarian, if I may explain.”
Pili put one hand down on the stone floor. Tan realized his knees must be throbbing.
“There is no explanation,’ the Librarian said.
“I will hear it,” Pili’s father said. The Librarian nodded. “More so that I may know the full and exact details of myson’s-” This word was spat with as much contempt as Tan had ever heard packed into a single syllable. “Treachery.”
