Bastian

I've taken to lighting an extra lamp in the forbidden archive lately. Let's just say my eyes are going.

• VivianOld man, the tower will cover the cost of the lamp.
  BastianKeep the money. I'd rather hand out one fewer key instead.
• TheoYou've been closing the archive door late lately, sir.
  BastianThe gatekeeper, counting someone else's door hours.

A hand-copied page was tucked between the shelves. The writing was hurried, but it wasn't a frightened hand.

• RohanDid you find out whose it was?
  BastianIf I'd found out, would I be posting it here?
• CedricThe Spire would pay handsomely for that one page.
  BastianBooks aren't kept so they can be sold.