The Lost Library of Cormanthy - Mel Odom [114]
They met in one of the many outbuildings that were as close to Candlekeep as any outsider was ever allowed. A terraced rock garden surrounded the building, dotted with numerous trees and stone benches. Natural springs ran through the rocks and across the landscaped areas.
Baylee felt at home there, relaxed in spite of the last few days and what still lay ahead, almost at peace because of the security he felt there. He sat across from Innesdav and beside Cordyan, too aware of her and too aware also that she was female.
Calebaan and Cthulad sat on another bench, the latter puffing contentedly on a pipe.
You should have been thinking more along those lines on the voyage to Candlekeep, Xuxa said.
Quiet, Baylee admonished. The junior civilar shifted beside him, and he wondered if the azmyth bat had included Cordyan in their silent communication.
"You were right about the logbook," Innesdav said. "It does contain maps of Glitterwing's library."
Baylee's attention centered immediately on the acolyte's words. "In Myth Drannor?"
"Not in Myth Drannor proper," Innesdav went on. "In a forest north of Mistledale. You are familiar with Mistledale?"
"That is a big forest," Baylee said.
"It is actually nearer the Standing Stone than it is Mistledale, I believe."
Baylee shook his head, thinking through the logistics of such an expedition. "If the library is underground, it could take years to find it. Surely there's a way to cut the search down. Have you read the logbook?"
"We're working on it," Innesdav said. "We believe the written language Skyreach chose was deliberately obscure. You have to remember, her grandfather schooled her."
"I didn't know," Baylee said. "I know very little of her."
"Well," the acolyte went on, "let me say that in the matter of his granddaughter, the apple fell not far from the tree. She was every bit as bright, every bit as driven, as her grandfather."
"What language is it?" Calebaan asked. "I'm quite good at languages myself."
"This one is long dead," Innesdav replied. "And to make matters even more
complicated, Skyreach evidently created a code all her own as well with it."
Calebaan nodded. "Then I shall wish your people well with it."
"There is something else," Innesdav went on. "Here in Candlekeep, we have the means to open a dimensional door to the woods near Mistledale where you can find the library." He focused his gaze on Baylee. "I have talked to Ulraunt about the possibility of sending you there. But it would be on the behest of Candlekeep, and anything you may find would become the property of Candlekeep."
Baylee thought about the offer. He'd known when sending the books through to Innesdav that Ulraunt, the Keeper of the Tomes, would demand an entrance to the bounty that might be forthcoming. "Would I be given an opportunity to study whatever we find at a later time?"
Innesdav spread his hand. "Of course. Since I've known you, you've had an eternal invitation to this place. Should you succeed in finding this lost library, you could stay here the rest of your life studying if you chose."
Most people, Baylee knew, didn't get to stay at Candlekeep for more than ten days.
"It is a generous offer," Innesdav said.
And more than that, Xuxa said. If you found this library and it is as big as you say it is, where else would be better to keep it than here?
"Wait," Cordyan said, letting Baylee know the azmyth bat had projected her thoughts to everyone there, "what of Waterdeep? I represent some strong interests in these issues."
"The Lords of Waterdeep, you mean?" Innesdav asked. His quiet voice seemed barely louder than the bubbling of the streams.
"I mean Lord Piergeiron in particular," the civilar said. "He personally funded the ship and the men who have chased after Baylee Arnvold. If it had not been for us-"
"Young Baylee had already sent the book to us," the acolyte pointed out. "And I don't think you can truthfully say you saved his life in the Sea of