Rumors swirled of a green-cloaked stranger having sought a private audience with one of the Sanctum’s elders, Prefect Gamghast, and it was said the two had spoken for hours. Gamghast apparently whispered the dire account to the other prefects, whereupon Prefect Borel was said to have fainted. By first light every denizen of the Abbey knew of the tragedy. They rushed to the long tables of the dining hall where they fretted together over plates of fruits and breads, speaking solemnly about the news. Bale’s heart sagged upon learning of the tragedy, for he’d counted the Lector—the Sanctum’s second-highest ranking member—as perhaps his only friend. The two had enjoyed many conversations in the Abbey’s garden, and the Lector had instructed Bale in subjects and spellcraft other acolytes were told were forbidden. He’d also allowed Bale occasional access to his private library, a wealth of arcane texts Bale had devoured beneath candlelight.
