The young Adjutant was long in determining what he should do about his observations.
The false Adjunct was not so intent on his assignment that he had missed the young Adjutant’s attitude, and he made a mental note to have the fellow dealt with, forthwith. This meant that the fellow would be transferred, his duties increased. If he tried to pursue his scant knowledge, he would therefore be quickly caught, and just as quickly eliminated.
The matter was dealt with and resolved in his mind almost instantly; casually, as a sideline that barely impinged upon his thoughts.
His first destination was a convoluted room, central to the first floor of the building, which could be reached from several directions. It served as cloakroom, common-room, scullery, and reading room, for the Novices, Adjuncts, and students.
The false Adjunct had other concerns, however. This room possessed far more entrances and exits than all but a few would have dreamed possible. The Library of Nith, he knew, was a labyrinthine maze of secrets.
The same few who possessed such knowledge of the Library, knew that this had been part of the purpose of its “refurbishing.” Ironically, those originally responsible for the building’s present design had done so in the desire to thwart any possible intrigue from developing. Their spying, however, became a self-fulfilling prophesy: they themselves became the spies hatching the plots, scheming in secret.