“At its time, yes. But now? It might be considered revolutionary.”
“Oh?”
“From what I’ve heard, it contains something about the idea that there are these ‘cornerstones’ to the Minor Arcana that could make them powerful enough to challenge a Major.”
I strum my fingers on the armrest of my chair.What’s Ravin’s play here? To find something to challenge the summoning of the World?It’s the only thing I can think of.
“Where would this book be?” I ask.
“I’ve only seen mentions of it in the footnotes of a few ancient tomes.”So it’s important enough that Vaduin has gone looking for it…Curious. “The only place I know it would have been is in the great library of Clan Hermit. But not much is left there now, and what remains is forbidden by the crown.”
It’s possible, then, that Ravin brought it up merely to annoy Kaelis and poke at a sensitive spot…
“Why?” Vaduin gives me a pointed look. He gave me information without question. I’ve learned there is an unspoken agreement between us—knowledge for knowledge.
“Ravin is looking for it.” A frown tugs on the corners of his lips at that information. “Do you know why that might be?”
After a long moment of consideration, he shakes his head. “Can’tsay I can think of a reason. It is an esoteric text and largely regarded as inaccurate by more modern Arcanists, its theories refuted.”
I stand. “If you think of anything more about it, let me know. If Ravin is after it, then it can’t be good.”
He nods in agreement, and I leave. To tend to my sister. And whatever state Gregor returns in from this mission I’ve given him.
I go down to Arina’s room to wait, relieving the Worldkeeper who had been tending to her with genuine thanks. Then I set to pacing. The light is dim when the door finally opens again. I turn, heart in my throat as I lay eyes on Gregor.
Chapter 59
Gregor leans heavily against the doorframe, soaked through with rain and blood. He clutches his side. It’s either a wound or a severe muscle cramp—he pants like he’s run a mile. Blood streaks the side of his face. One sleeve hangs in tatters, revealing a gash.
“By the Twenty.” I rush forward, catching him before he drops.
“Sorza’s fine.” Classic Gregor to worry about others before himself.
“Good to know, but what happened to you?”
“I’m also fine.” He winces but lets me help him to the sofa where he sits heavily.
“Do not say ‘I’m fine’ when you look like you got into a fight with the King of Swords and lost.” I’m already pulling the Queen of Cups from my deck.
“I got it done.” A tired but satisfied grin.
The Queen of Cups sinks into him with a flash of pale blue, and his wounds knit. He was right: They weren’t too serious, since they mend quickly. “Silas’s family?”
“Both father and daughter made it; the Worldkeepers are seeingthem out of the city by way of the passages to the desert right now. Sorza stayed to help while I drew the Stellis away.”
“What happened?” I ask.
He sinks into the cushions, exhaustion still heavy on him. “Stellis chased me.”
It makes sense Ravin would keep Silas’s family well guarded. “How many?”
“Four at the onset. Two into the academy.”
Cold panic prickles my skin. “Intothe academy?” I repeat in horror.
“Relax. They’re dead.” He preens slightly. “You didn’t think I’d leave an open end like that, did you?”
“You killed two Stellis?”
