Page 5 of Potions & Pints
He pulled out a folded piece of paper from his pocket, brandishing it with another smile.
The edges of the Librarian’s mouth turned down even further though and Tan got the distinct feeling this wasn’t going well.
“I know who you are,” the man scowled. “Your picture’s on at least fifty posters that I myself know of. You’re wanted in both SelkirkandLameria so no, I won’t be helping you. And besides, you have three overdue books.”
The old man glared over the counter at Tan, whose smile had all but faded.
“Please,” he tried, not one to give up easily. “Everything will be cleared up as soon as I get this message to the prince. It’s all just a misunderstanding really — it’s not me on the posters. I just have a very familiar-looking face. Happens all the time.”
He flashed one more faltering grin, hoping the Librarian would buy it, but it was clear he wasn’t having it.
“I think you should leave now. You’re not winning any friends here,” the Librarian said, standing and pointing to the door. “How are we supposed to trust you when nobody knows if your loyalty lies with the North or with the South?”
Tan was surprised by how much those words cut him. The Librarian was right — he himself wasn’t always sure. As much as he told himself his allegiance was with Selkirk, his time in Sunfall had touched him more than an undercover mission was supposed to.
He wanted to help the North retake the Southern capital — as far as he could see, it was the only way to right the world’s weather and perhaps put an end to the Long War. But that would mean harming the people he cared about in Sunfall. This upset him even if he had no reason to think they cared for him after what he did to them.
These were the thoughts swirling in his mind when he was suddenly surprised by a light clap on the back.
“Hello, Tan,” came the now-familiar voice.
Tan looked up to see Vir grinning at him as usual before turning to speak to the Librarian.
“Now, Silas,” he said warmly. “I’m after a book about historical battles. Specifically one concerning the water elf, Lothian. I’ve been writing odes to him, but I know I’m missing some of the finer details. Time to brush up on the legend.”
The Librarian’s scowl had shifted into almost a smile the moment he laid eyes on Vir and now he practically beamed with pleasure.
“Oh, I have just the thing!” he cried.
Tan was shocked — could it be this was the same scowling man Tan had been trying to negotiate a measly message relay out of just moments before? He stared incredulously at the Librarian, then at Vir, then back again.
The Librarian was sweeping his arm around the room, his hand held out. In a moment a thick tome came flying out of a shelf, narrowly missing another man sorting books in the background, and landing in the Librarian’s hand.
“Here you are Vir,” he beamed, handing the book to the orc.
“Thank you very much!” replied Vir, grinning widely and leafing quickly through the book. “This is just what I had in mind.”
Tan suddenly had an idea.
“Vir, can you send a message for me?” he chanced. “The Librarian won’t allow me to do it myself. Please?”
He’d given up all attempts at flirtation. He was content to beg for charity at this point even if it was unlikely that he’d receive it. Vir was still little more than a total stranger, and if the roles were reversed there’s no way Tan would agree to such a shady request.
Vir turned to him, still smiling innocently, but at the mention of the Librarian, the orc cast his eyes in the old man’s direction, raising an eyebrow as if to ask permission.
The Librarian met his gaze and shrugged good-naturedly. Again, Tan was shocked — it was like night and day. However powerful the Librarian’s magic was, it seemed Vir’s was even more so, even if his magic was only in the form of an arresting smile. Tan had never seen anything quite like it.
“Vir, you’re a trusted member of our community by now. You may send whichever messages you like. That’s your right.”
The Librarian shot another mean look in Tan’s direction, but the elf wasn’t paying attention to anyone but Vir at that moment. He needed the orc to say yes.
Vir looked at Tan again, a kind smile spreading across his face.
“Sure, I can help you,” he said lightly. “Is that the message?”
He pointed to the paper clutched in Tan’s hands.
The elf could only nod.
