Her forward movement forced him to step out of the way. “Of... of course,” he replied. “Unless you are doing that type of experiment, of course.” He turned away to place the covered book he had been using as a demonstration back on the shelf against the wall.
She could not see his face, but he seemed flustered. Good. Maybe he would leave. “Did you come here to look for something specifically? I would like to get back to work.”
“Uh. Yes, just seeing if your father kept a copy ofAstridonemushere for tomorrow’s lesson with your sister.”
Before Isa could reply, her mother’s voice rang out through the main room of the library. “Isabel!”
She never used Isa’s full name.
“I hate to distract you from your work, but we have some unexpected guests this evening and I could use your help.” Lady Bielsa entered the study. Her bronze skin was uncharacteristically flushed.
“Unexpected guests?” Isa replied. “At this hour?”
Her mother exhaled through her nose. “Two councilors from Chendas. Apparently, our response to their letter was not good enough.”
“Letter?” Macklin asked.
“Councilors? Here?” Isa exclaimed. The members of the Council held the highest title and rank other than King. They did not run their own errands.
“What letter?” Macklin repeated.
“The Council requested every copy we have of Floutast’s writing a few weeks ago while you were in Chendas,” Lady Bielsa replied.
“Floutast?” Macklin sounded confused. Apparently, he had not studied the obscure writer in his recent education.
“An old Allysian author,” Isa explained. “His work is mostly disregarded as myth. We sent them the two volumes we have in the library here, but we keep the rest of his work at the mountain villa.”
“The audacity,” Lady Bielsa fumed. “To show up unannounced, demanding something they clearly know we cannot provide as things are.”
“Can’t you tell them that father is too ill?”
“I tried.” The anger in her mother’s face melted into worry. “The first attack in Iseldis apparently uncovered new information on the Majis. And there’s been a second attack. The Council examiners in Chendas need the Floutast immediately. They’ve run out of time.”
“A second attack?” Isa’s stomach twisted. It was happening, the Return was beginning early. “Then I’ll go,” Isa said. “I’ll go to the mountains and retrieve the books they need.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. The villa has been empty since last goldenreign. I’m not sending you out there alone no matter what threats the councilors make.”
“More threats?” Isa’s voice was higher than she intended.
Lady Bielsa waved away her worry. “They are merely trying to convey their urgency.”
“My lady.” Macklin bowed slightly. “Allow me to go to the villa.”
Isa spoke over him. “What threats did they make?”
“Your family has provided me with the most honorable opportunity to tutor your daughter,” Macklin carried on. “It is the least I could do to repay my gratitude.”
The worry lines on Lady Bielsa’s face smoothed away.
Isa shook her head in panic. The image of the damaged scrolls in Brother Elias’s study filled her mind. Macklin may have passed his exams, but he had literally just dropped the book she was working on. “I’m afraid I do not trust anyone but myself to package those scrolls for transport,” she said. “I’m going.”
Lady Bielsa looked between the two of them. “Professor Surrell, I would be most grateful if you would accompany my daughter to the mountain villa.”
Isa’s stomach twisted. Nothing about this situation was ideal. “What threats did they make?”
Her mother ignored the question as she stepped out of the study. “Come help me to entertain our guests.”
Chapter 6
