Page 48 of Potions & Pints

“But surely Valar knew that once they got here that treachery would be discovered.”

“He was probably counting on them going down at sea. And that the moonstones would have already been on their way. He could have claimed he never guaranteed safe passage, that was up to Pili.”

Tan had heard enough. He motioned for Vir to follow him and they went to the end of the hall. Tan leaned up against the wall and motioned for Vir to do the same.

“Act casual,” Tan whispered. “Pretend we just met up on the way here.”

“Okay,” Vir said.

Tan folded his arms. Vir copied him. Tan frowned. Now they looked like two people trying desperately to look casual. He let one arm fall to his side and propped the other one up on his hip. Vir did the same.

“What are you doing,” Tan hissed.

“I’m doing what you want.”

“I told you to act casual.”

Vir frowned. “Are you acting casual?”

“Yes,” Tan said.

“So if I’m copying you, how am I wrong?”

Vir looked genuinely confused and a little hurt. Tan realized Vir was just trying to get it right. He smiled and Vir relaxed.

“Perfect,” Tan said. “Don’t move. You look…very casual. Keep doing that.”

Tan leaned back up against the wall. Now he was completely self-conscious about looking casual enough. They hadn’t even seen a single person since they had walked away from the Library door. This was ridiculous. He had to focus.

Tan looked down the hall.

“They’re still in there,” Vir said.

“How do you know?”

“I’ve been watching, but, you know, I’ve been casual about it.”

Tan went to hug Vir, but stopped, somewhat awkwardly.

“What are we going to do?” Vir said. “This is bad, right?’

“It’s very bad.”

“Poor Pili. When he finds out his father had his brother killed…”

I really don’t want to be the one to tell him that,Tan thought.

“We should go back,” Tan said. “See what else we can learn.”

“Casually, or?”

“Vir,” Tan whisper-shouted.

“I’m just teasing you.”

“Come on.”

They crept quietly down the hall.