When they returned to the living-room, Theuli, Rani and Malina were making supper. Zuic was outside gathering kindling for the fire. Malina smiled at Ralph and Pran in a way that told them she already knew about the sleeping girls.
‘How did Elgar take it,’ Ralph asked Pran, referring to the arrival of a great many more refugees.
‘He seemed to know they were coming,’ Pran replied. ‘I expect that he receives news from our Kindred as they leave the Elf Kingdom. There were a few new faces amongst those with him, some of whom I thought I recognised.’
‘What of this business with the Library?’ Ralph asked. ‘What does it mean?’
‘It means that the King and his Loremasters are looking for the Book of Runes.’ Pran sighed, looking deeply concerned. ‘The King is such a fool! He has accomplished a great evil, and believes that evil to be under his control. He doesn’t know it yet, perhaps, but the Lore threatens himself, perhaps even more than it threatens us.’
Ralph took a deep breath and let it out slowly. ‘I overheard Doc and Elgar talking about just that. What might happen if the Thane fails.’ He checked the old blisters on his hands. ‘I wish I could’ve gotten some of the new weapons I’m working on to the Thane. I’m going to increase my quota, sword practice or no sword practice!’