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. The monk, hearing that terrible sound,
seemed likely to faint. He was sucking in breath in great
gulps. His eyes were white-rimmed and huge.
"Sit down, Malachai. Put your head between your
knees," advised Astinus. "And for the gods' sake drop that
sword before you slice off your toe. When you feel better,
fetch a broom and sweep up this glass. Someone could get
cut. Now, if you two will come with me - "
Nikol stared at the man. "You daft old fool! Listen to
that! They're out for blood! YOUR blood! You should be
preparing for your defense! Look, we can barricade these
windows. We'cll overturn these bookcases, then shove them
up against - "
"Overturn the bookcases!" Astinus thundered, his placid
calm finally disturbed. "Are you mad, young woman? These
hold thousands of volumes, catalogued according to date
and place. Do you realize how long it would take us to put
every volume back in its proper position? Not to mention
the damage you might do to some of the older texts. The
binding is fragile. And the method of making paper was not
as advanced - "
"They're about to burn you to ground, old man!" Nikol
shouted back. "You're not going to have anything LEFT to
catalogue!"
Astinus pointedly ignored Nikol, shifted his gaze to
Michael. "You, Cleric of Mishakal, are, I take it, not here to
overturn bookcases?"
"No, Master," said Michael hurriedly.
"Very well. You may come with me." Astinus turned,
started to leave.
"Pardon, Master," Michael said meekly, "if my wife
could accompany us
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