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"I like to read books when I can, replied the child, with an earnest
expression on his face.  Granfer had quite a lot, and he let me read them when
my chores were finished. They were big, grown-up books. There were some about
birds and animals and plants, and a lot of them had nice pictures. I can read
books that don't have any pictures, though, he hurriedly assured the mage.
Dalquist's face cleared, and he held out his hand to the boy.  Follow me then,
Grimm. I have something to show you. He led Grimm out of his cell and into
the long corridor.
There were ten cell doors like Grimm's on each side of the passageway, all of
which were open and none of which showed any signs of occupancy.  Are you sure
there aren't any other charity boys like me here, Dalquist? asked Grimm, with
a slight tremor at the thought that he might be alone in this dismal corridor
for a whole fortnight.
"There is a total of eleven charity Students. Although, there's only to be one
other to join us this year, and I don't believe he's arrived yet. There may be
other boys of about your age around, but I'm afraid, offhand, I don't know of
any. If there are any, they're probably either in the recreation yard or in
study rooms. Very few people bother with what I am about to show you. You'll
like it, Grimm, I promise."
Tense with expectation, Grimm followed Dalquist to the end of the dark
passage. Nearly hidden in shadow was a plain wooden door. The mage opened it
and led Grimm up a winding stone staircase, holding tight to the boy's hand,
lest Grimm stumble and fall in the near darkness. At the top was another
simple door with a gnarled, pitted black ring for a handle. Opening it,
Dalquist led the young Student into what, to the child, seemed like a
wonderland.
Racks and racks of books stretched to the ceiling and off into the depths of a
huge room, a labyrinth of beguiling complexity, full of mystery and promise.
Each rack was filled to capacity with books, and Grimm stared in awe at the
wealth of literature before him, eyes nearly popping from his head.
A musty but pleasant smell filled the room, and motes of dust danced like
fugitive fireflies in the soft rays of light emitted from radiant globes high
above.
"This is the Scholasticate library, Grimm, the mage said in a soft voice.
 Most Students only come here to retrieve a book, and then retreat to their
cells or a crowded study room. You may use this library as you wish in your
free time and, if you sit in one of the corner alcoves, you'll be left in
peace to read to your heart's content.
"I was never much of a reader myself, but, when I wanted to be alone, I found
that this was the ideal spot. It is always well lit and warm, even in the
depths of the bitterest winter, which is more than can be said for a charity
boy's cell. Do you like it?"
Grimm felt as if his eyes would burst from his head, and he felt himself
unable to speak.
"Breathe, Grimm! You look like you were about to burst."
The boy tore his gaze away from the bookshelves and looked up at Dalquist with
a beatific expression on his face.
"Oh Dalquist, the books! he cried.  The lovely books! It's wonderful! Can I
really read any of them if I want?"
Dalquist smiled.  If you want, but to be truthful, some are a little dry and
others will be a little old for you. But there is a lot to read, more than a
man could read in even a mage's lifetime. Would you like me to tell Doorkeeper
that you will be staying here until lunch?"
Still eying the literary bounty, Grimm breathed,  Oh, yes, please, Dalquist. I
do love books so."
"In that case, Grimm, I'm more than happy to do so. I'm afraid I must leave
you now, as I have a few duties to perform. I promise I'll try to see how you
are getting on from time to time, whenever I'm here. We charity boys should
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support each other."
"Thank you for spending some time with me, Dalquist. Grimm struggled to find
the right words.  Thank you ever so much for showing me this lovely library. I
was feeling very unhappy when you came to see me, but now I'm feeling much
better. Thank you."
Dalquist nodded.  Think nothing of it. Believe me; I know only too well how
difficult enjoyment can be to find at times for charity Students. Enjoy your
books."
"I will, Dalquist, Grimm whispered, as the mage left the room, closing the
door behind him.
When the mage had left, Grimm turned his voracious gaze to the nearest
bookshelf. Thaumaturgy and Its Application to Meteorological Phenomena sounded
intriguing, but it seemed to consist of nothing but cryptic diagrams, so he
put it back on the shelf.
Meditation; the Art of Inner Calm sounded boring, as did A First Primer of
Cadences and Chants. He picked up The Necromantic Vocation and leafed through
it, but he soon returned it to the rack with some distaste; it seemed the book
was concerned mostly with dead bodies.
The books seemed to be in no particular order that he could fathom, so he
began to dart around at random.
Finally, he hit upon Herbs and Plants; Their Attributes and Uses and took it
to a battered but comfortable leather chair near the door. Opening the book,
Grimm saw a beautiful, hand-painted picture of a herb he knew well. Dock, he
thought, it's good for nettle stings. Reading on, he saw that its  primary
attributes were  cool",  shady and  watery". Then, as he read on, he saw [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]