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Dalquist laughed.  Most Students feel the same way once they find out about
Questors, for that reason above all, he said.  But I'm afraid it's not up to
you, Grimm. Only the Magemasters can determine what sort of mage you'll
become, if any. A lot of Students never become full mages at all, mostly
because they give up."
The mage's expression darkened a little.  In your case, Grimm, failure to
become a mage isn't a very appealing option, believe me. As a charity boy, you
have to work off the expense of your tuition before you can leave, either as a
mage or as a House servant. I really don't think you'd enjoy life as a House
servant at all.
"On the other hand, I wouldn't worry too much about that prospect if you work
hard and apply yourself to your studies. The Prelate doesn't give charity
scholarships very often, and you can be sure that he only does so when he can
see the glimmerings of some sort of talent."
The Questor smiled again.  I'm sure one day you'll be a mage, Grimm, but
neither I nor anybody else could possibly say which kind. Still, I mustn't
tell you too much about the training. The Magemasters will explain all to you
in good time. Is there anything you'd like to ask me that doesn't involve
becoming a mage?"
Grimm thought for a minute.  You said that you were a charity boy like me. Did
you have lots of friends here? Are they mages, too?"
"I never had a lot of friends, but the ones I made are good friends still.
They're still here as what we call Neophytes or as Adepts, except for two
wealthy boys who left. I've promised the others I'll make a point of being
present at their Acclamation ceremonies if I can, and I make the same promise
to you, Grimm; if I can, I'll make a point of coming to your ceremony;
whenever it happens."
"I'd like that, Dalquist. I'll work hard, I promise. Thank you for talking to
me; I really feel a lot better now. Are there any other boys like me around?"
Dalquist shrugged.  I'm afraid I don't know, Grimm. The next term starts in
two weeks; there'll be plenty of other boys around then."
Grimm's face fell.  Will I be all on my own for two whole weeks? Cold fingers
of loneliness began to play again along his spine.
Dalquist looked a little lost.  There's a yard where you can play, he
suggested.
Grimm felt close to tears again.  But I can't play by myself, Dalquist!"
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Dalquist cleared his throat, his face blank.  What sort of things do you like
to do, Grimm?"
"I like to read books when I can, replied the child, with an earnest
expression on his face.  Granfer had quite a lot, and he let me read them when
my chores were finished. They were big, grown-up books. There were some about
birds and animals and plants, and a lot of them had nice pictures. I can read
books that don't have any pictures, though, he hurriedly assured the mage.
Dalquist's face cleared, and he held out his hand to the boy.  Follow me then,
Grimm. I have something to show you. He led Grimm out of his cell and into
the long corridor.
There were ten cell doors like Grimm's on each side of the passageway, all of
which were open and none of which showed any signs of occupancy.  Are you sure
there aren't any other charity boys like me here, Dalquist? asked Grimm, with
a slight tremor at the thought that he might be alone in this dismal corridor
for a whole fortnight.
"There is a total of eleven charity Students. Although, there's only to be one
other to join us this year, and I don't believe he's arrived yet. There may be
other boys of about your age around, but I'm afraid, offhand, I don't know of
any. If there are any, they're probably either in the recreation yard or in
study rooms. Very few people bother with what I am about to show you. You'll
like it, Grimm, I promise."
Tense with expectation, Grimm followed Dalquist to the end of the dark
passage. Nearly hidden in shadow was a plain wooden door. The mage opened it
and led Grimm up a winding stone staircase, holding tight to the boy's hand,
lest Grimm stumble and fall in the near darkness. At the top was another
simple door with a gnarled, pitted black ring for a handle. Opening it,
Dalquist led the young Student into what, to the child, seemed like a
wonderland.
Racks and racks of books stretched to the ceiling and off into the depths of a
huge room, a labyrinth of beguiling complexity, full of mystery and promise.
Each rack was filled to capacity with books, and Grimm stared in awe at the
wealth of literature before him, eyes nearly popping from his head.
A musty but pleasant smell filled the room, and motes of dust danced like
fugitive fireflies in the soft rays of light emitted from radiant globes high
above.
"This is the Scholasticate library, Grimm, the mage said in a soft voice.
 Most Students only come here to retrieve a book, and then retreat to their
cells or a crowded study room. You may use this library as you wish in your
free time and, if you sit in one of the corner alcoves, you'll be left in
peace to read to your heart's content.
"I was never much of a reader myself, but, when I wanted to be alone, I found
that this was the ideal spot. It is always well lit and warm, even in the
depths of the bitterest winter, which is more than can be said for a charity
boy's cell. Do you like it?"
Grimm felt as if his eyes would burst from his head, and he felt himself
unable to speak.
"Breathe, Grimm! You look like you were about to burst."
The boy tore his gaze away from the bookshelves and looked up at Dalquist with
a beatific expression on his face.
"Oh Dalquist, the books! he cried.  The lovely books! It's wonderful! Can I
really read any of them if I want?"
Dalquist smiled.  If you want, but to be truthful, some are a little dry and
others will be a little old for you. But there is a lot to read, more than a
man could read in even a mage's lifetime. Would you like me to tell Doorkeeper
that you will be staying here until lunch?" [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]