Lord of the Libraries (48 page)
“Yes, Third Level Librarian Dockett,” Juhg said.
Dockett looked a little uncertain. “I was expecting to find the Grandmagister here.”
“You have,” Craugh said. He waved eloquently to Juhg. “Grandmagister Juhg. Chosen by Grandmagister Lamplighter before he took leave of the Vault of All Known Knowledge.”
For the first time, Juhg realized just where the Grandmagister had left him. And Craugh was a willing accomplice in the feat. The floor seemed to spin beneath him.
Grandmagister Juhg. Grandmagister Juhg, indeed.
“Then I can leave this book with you,” Dockett said, lifting the book he’d worked so hard on.
“Yes.” Juhg’s voice was dry and raspy. “Of course. I’ll attend to it in short order, Dockett.”
The young dweller smiled. “Thank you, Grandmagister.” He turned to go.
A thought seized Juhg’s mind. “Dockett, a moment before you go.”
Dockett turned. “Yes, Grandmagister?”
“It comes to my attention that I’ll need someone to help me carry out my duties,” Juhg said. “There will be a number of things to accomplish if we’re to put both Libraries back into working order.”
Hesitantly, Dockett nodded.
“Take the rest of the day off,” Juhg instructed. “Be here at eight in the morning. You and I have a lot to discuss.”
Smiling, Dockett said, “I won’t let you down, Grandmagister.” He turned and made to flee down the hall. Unfortunately, his foot caught in the stiff folds of his new robe and he fell head over heels. Embarrassed, he got up again, nodded to Juhg, and left hurriedly.
“Not exactly the most graceful of dwellers, is he?” Craugh commented.
“He’s dedicated,” Juhg said. “And wise. I’ll take that.” He flipped open Dockett’s book, amazed by the depth of detail and the fine, steady hand that had rendered the drawings.
“Ah yes,” Craugh said, “another book that will probably not be read.”
“Wrong,” Juhg said with fire in his voice. “This book
will
be read. Just as all the books about these struggles will be read. The world can no longer cloak itself in ignorance and an abdication of responsibility. People throughout the mainland will have to learn to read again, and they will have to learn their histories. The ones who don’t will be left behind by those who do.” He held up the book, remembering all who had shed blood to save the Library, and all of the dangers all of them had faced. “Choosing to remain uneducated will no longer be acceptable. Not by me. Not by any Librarian who serves under me. We will provide schools and lessons and reasons to learn.”
will
be read. Just as all the books about these struggles will be read. The world can no longer cloak itself in ignorance and an abdication of responsibility. People throughout the mainland will have to learn to read again, and they will have to learn their histories. The ones who don’t will be left behind by those who do.” He held up the book, remembering all who had shed blood to save the Library, and all of the dangers all of them had faced. “Choosing to remain uneducated will no longer be acceptable. Not by me. Not by any Librarian who serves under me. We will provide schools and lessons and reasons to learn.”
Craugh smiled and gave a slight bow. “Yes, Lord of the Libraries.”
Juhg felt slightly embarrassed. “That does sound a little over the top, doesn’t it?”
“Perhaps a little.”
“But I mean what I say, Craugh.”
“I know that you do. It won’t be easy.”
Juhg sighed. “No. But we’ll get it done. Somehow.” Suddenly, the enormity of what he was about to embark on hit him. He felt alone and overwhelmed.
An uncomfortable silence hung in the air for a moment, dragging out through the sounds of the rebuilding effort and the outdoor classes where the new arrivals were being given tours and training.
“I was thinking,” Craugh said, “that we’re both going to need a friend. Especially one who shared as much of Wick as each of us did.”
“I was thinking the same thing.”
Craugh looked out at the blue sky. “I’ve got a jug of old wine I’ve been saving for a special occasion. And a wheel of cheese that I’m sure I paid way too much for on a day I was feeling overly generous. We could go for a ride, if you’ve the time and you’re of a mind to. I could tell you stories about Wick that you’ve never heard.”
And Juhg was certain the wizard could do that. “I’d like that,” he said. “I’d like that very much.”
The Rover
Hunters of the Dark Sea
The Destruction of the Books
Lord of the Libraries
Hunters of the Dark Sea
The Destruction of the Books
Lord of the Libraries
This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this novel are either fictitious or are used fictitiously.
LORD OF THE LIBRARIES
Copyright © 2005 by Mel Odom
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form.
Edited by Brian Thomsen
A Tor Book
Published by Tom Doherty Associates, LLC
175 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Published by Tom Doherty Associates, LLC
175 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Tor
®
is a registered trademark of Tom Doherty Associates, LLC.
®
is a registered trademark of Tom Doherty Associates, LLC.
eISBN 9781429965798
First eBook Edition : July 2011
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Odom, Mel.
Lord of the libraries / Mel Odom.—1st U.S. ed. p. cm.
“A Tom Doherty Associates Book.”
EAN 978-0-765-30724-8
1. Libraries—Fiction. 2. Librarians—Fiction. 3. Apprentices—Fiction. 4. Older people—Fiction. 5. Book collecting—Fiction. I. Title.
PS3565.D53L67 2005
813’.54—dc22
813’.54—dc22
2004029202
First Edition: July 2005
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