Soul of the Fire

Richard tried his best not to look too interested. He didn't want these people to know what he was looking for; that was why he hadn't asked for anything specific in the first place.

"Yes, that would be interesting. I've always had an interest in… in history. I'd like to see his writings."

He, along with Vedetta Firkin, noticed someone coming down the stairs. It was a messenger of some sort — Richard had seen a number of them, all dressed the same. The redheaded man saw Mistress Firkin talking to Richard and Kahlan, so he spread his feet and clasped his hands behind his back as he waited at a distance.

Richard didn't want to be talking about Joseph Ander's works while a messenger stood watching, so he gestured. "Why don't you see to him?"

Vedetta Firkin bowed her appreciation of his indulgence. "Excuse me for just a moment, then."

Kahlan shut her book and set it atop the others she had already been through. "Richard, we need to get going. We have meetings with the Directors and a few other people. We can come back."

"Right." He let out a sigh. "At least we don't have to meet with the Minister again. I couldn't take another of those feasts."

"I'm sure he will be just as glad we declined his invitation. I don't know why, but the two of us always seem to somehow spoil festive gatherings."

Richard agreed and went to collect Du Chaillu. Mistress Firkin returned as Du Chaillu was getting up.

"I would be happy to locate the books and bring them out of the vault for you, Lord Rahl, but I have a quick errand to run first, if you could wait for just a short time. I won't be long. I'm sure you will find the writings of Joseph Ander a delight. Not many people get the chance to see them, but for someone as important as yourself and the Mother Confessor, I would-"

"To tell you the truth, Mistress Firkin, I would love to see the books. Right now, though, we must go speak with the Directors, but I could return afterward, later this afternoon, or this evening?"

"That would be perfect," she said, grinning and dry-washing her hands. "It will give me time to locate them all and pull them out. I will have them ready for you when you return."

"Thank you so much. The Mother Confessor and I can't wait to see such rare books."

Richard paused and turned back to her. "And Mistress Firkin, I'd suggest you give that raven some seeds. The poor thing looks frantic."

She waggled her fingers in a wave. "If you say so, Lord Rahl"

He stood when the old woman came into the room on the arm of one of his messengers.

"Mistress Firkin, thank you for coming."

"Well, my, my, Master Campbell, but don't you have a fine office." She peered around as if she was interested in purchasing the place. "Yes, very fine indeed."

"Thank you, Mistress Firkin."

He tilted his head, ordering the messenger out. The man shut the door behind himself.

"Oh, and look," she said, pressing her hands prayerfully together under her chin. "Look at all the fine books. Why, I never knew there were so many fine volumes up here."

"Law books, mostly. My interest is in the law."

She turned her attention his way. "A fine calling, Master Campbell. A fine calling. Good for you. You keep at it, now."

"Yes, I intend as much. Mistress Firkin, speaking of the law, that brings me to the subject of my calling you up here."

She gave a sidelong glance to the chair. He deliberately didn't offer it, but instead kept her standing.

"I had a report of a man visiting the library who was also interested in the law. It seems he made a big to-do." Dalton put his fists on the leather pad inlaid into his desk and leaned forward on them, fixing her with a glare. "It was reported that you took a restricted book out of the vault, without authorization, and showed it to him."

As quick as that, she went from a chatty old woman to a terrified old woman.

While what she'd done wasn't altogether uncommon, it was a violation of the rules, and thus the law. Most such laws were only selectively enforced, with violations only mildly punished, if at all. But occasionally people did get into trouble over violating such laws. As a man of the law, Dalton understood the value of laws widely ignored; they ensnared nearly everyone, thus giving you power over people. Hers was a serious offense, just one step below theft of cultural treasures, if he chose to pursue it.

She fumbled with a button at her throat. "But I never let him touch it, Master Campbell. I swear. I kept it in my hand every moment. I even turned the pages. I was only, letting him look at the writing of our glorious founding father. I didn't intend-"

"Nonetheless, it is not permitted, and it was reported, therefore I must take action." "Yes, sir."

Dalton straightened. "Bring me the book." He tapped his desk. "Bring me the book at once. At once, do you understand?"

"Yes, sir. At once."