Chapter 39

“This is my apartment,” Danel said with a flourish. He could see that the bed was made in the next room and the floors were swept. Nothing appeared to have moved or been disturbed during his absence.

“Yes, I’ve already been through your rooms and your tastes are a bit spare,” Aiya said. “I was escorted here when I arrived and even slept in your bed. Tell me, did you spend any time in your rooms?”

“Eh, not much,” Danel admitted. “There was a geas, the Explorers Cadre, and plenty of beer to be found on the First Floor.”

“Um hm,” she replied. She appeared to be ready to say something else when a knock sounded at the door. “You don’t even have servants to answer the door.”

“Where would I put servants, Aiya.”

“You must think bigger, my betrothed,” she said. “Now answer the door.”

He gave her a funny look before taking two strides to the door and opening it. “Hi Ka’an,” he said with a puzzled tone, “You’re still in residence?”

“You disappeared, Danel, the place went to shit, and my commanders declared an emergency,” she said. “I know my duty and yet, that is not why I am here.” She pushed past him and strode up to Aiya. “Princess, I am Ka’andel of Serengay, servant of the royal line and ally to your father’s throne.”

Aiya gave the woman a thorough inspection from the top of her head to the shoes on her feet. “You’re late,” Aiya finally said. “I needed you before I descended into the depths of the building to save my betrothed.”

“My apologies, princess,” Aiya said with a bow. “I serve two masters, and the master of security for the Library of Ibados kept me far removed from the Librarians after Danel disappeared.”

“I’ll decide whether to allow your master to keep his head later,” Aiya said. “In the meantime, you referred to my betrothed by his first name and not his title. The two of you are familiar with each other.”

“We have been lovers,” Ka’an said with pride in her voice.

“Is he any good?” Aiya asked.

“Now, wait a minute,” Danel protested, but Aiya held up her hand and silenced him. She turned her attention back to Ka’an.

“He is fine in bed,” Ka’an said with a nod. “He is considerate and adept. He only bopped me once on the nose with his elbow and he apologized. On the other hand, he snores after consuming too much beer and he steals the sheets in the middle of the night.”

“Big cock?”

“You’ve seen my cock,” Danel sputtered. “You washed it and bathed it when I was stricken.”

“There is a vast difference between hard and soft, betrothed,” Aiya said with a mischievous grin. “I washed it, but I didn’t play with it. We weren’t even sure you were going to survive then.”

“You can see it now,” Danel retorted. “All you have to do is ask.”

“Betrothed, be calm. I’m only teasing you and I do appreciate meeting one of your lovers,” Aiya said. “While I have been taught many things required of a dutiful wife, I’m still a virgin. I have concerns that your lover can answer. It is my right to ask.”

“Yeah, but this is awkward,” Danel admitted, running his hand over his prickly scalp again.

Ka’an looked back at Danel and returned her attention to Aiya, “I came to offer my services to you under the obligations of the treaty between our peoples. I am fully trained as security in The Library of Ibados, and besides your betrothed, few know their way around this building as I do. The times are not safe nor is the building secured and stable.”

“I accept,” Aiya said. “Danel will need a bodyguard as well and it cannot be you. He will need someone with no emotional ties to watch out for him. He was elected Head Librarian moments ago and the transition promises to be uneven.”

“Janner is dead,” Danel blurted out.

“I know,” Ka’an said. “Rahim told us when he momentarily returned. He told us Janner was struck down with his sword in his hand by the rampaging god while guarding your back. He died a hero. Whatever else he was or his reputation, all is forgotten because he died in your service. Did Rahim lie?”

“No, but we couldn’t find his body either.” Danel glanced into her eyes and shifted to his feet.

“Such is a soldier’s life,” Ka’an said. “He has already been escorted into the Halls of Valor, Danel, and as a soldier, that is what he would have wanted. He had no further use for his earthly vessel. Burials and eulogies are rites for the living, not the dead. What happened to Head?”

“He is becoming chancellor of the university we are founding here in the building,” Danel answered.

“Well, if it chases out the wizards for lack of space, I’m all for it,” Ka’an said.

“I think we should give the wizards training in security,” Danel said. “Make them work for their rent, I say.”

“Most of them would die trying,” Ka’an said.

“The problem with that scenario is?” Aiya asked. “A few less wizards in the world may be a good outcome in the long run.”

There was a frantic knocking on the door followed by the door being flung open. “You’ve been summoned, Danel,” Frage said. She looked tired and frazzled.