Page 25 of Spark of Sorcery

“How?”

“I’m quite good at researching things.”

“Clare, you’re very good,” Fly laughs. “You worked out the first trial was going to be a maze. You have no idea how much that helped us out! And you earned a zillion points.”

Clare blushes and adjusts her glasses. “The next trial isn’t for another two months. There’s no need to start researching yet, which means I could look into your sister. If you’d let me.”

“You really wouldn’t mind?”

Clare shakes her head.

“There we have it then,” Fly says, clicking his fingers. “Clare will be in charge of library research, I will be in charge of costume design. And you, Cupcake,” he bops me on the nose, “will be in charge of seduction.”

“Sed–”

“Uh uh,” he says, pressing his finger against my lips. “No arguing with the masterplan.”

Fly insists on spending the rest of his day off making what he terms ‘necessary adjustments’ to the dress, even though I can see nothing wrong with it. The gown appears near perfect to me.

Clare and I debate going for a walk around the grounds or even into the forest, but seeing as the last time we wandered off like that, I ended up struck by lightning, we decide we may as well start the library studies.

“The last time I tried to find a book in here,” I say, “it was as if the library was being deliberately unhelpful, the shelves seemed to be moving around me.”

“Ahhh,” Clare says, “that’s because it is an enchanted library.”

“Of course it is,” I say flatly, “stars forbid the academy would actually have anything ordinary and useful.”

“An enchanted library is useful if you know how to use it.”

“Do you have them back in Granite Quarter?” I ask.

“No, but I read about them …” she giggles, “in the library. Every enchanted library has its own personality – some are more friendly than others, some more secretive, and some down right obstructive.”

“This one is definitely obstructive.”

“Not if you get on her right side.”

“Her?”

“Well, of course, knowledgeable, intelligent, astute – she’d have to be female, don’t you think?”

“Definitely,” I say, threading my arm through my friend’s as we walk up the steps towards the main door.

“Besides, I’ve been buttering her up. Reading to her. Donating some of my own books to her. Filling her in on allthe gossip. I think she likes me. She certainly led me to all the most useful books about past academy trials.”

“There aren’t many books in the library back in Slate Quarter, but it’s a hell of a lot easier to borrow one.”

“Shhh,” Clare says, “you don’t want to upset her.”

We walk though into the main entrance and Clare says cheerfully, “Good morning, Library.”

Just like before, it’s gloomy, crammed and untidy but this afternoon sunlight pours through the high-up windows, making the library appear colorful, friendly even.

Still, I can’t help glancing at my friend and wondering if she’s a little cuckoo.

“It’s a beautiful day outside,” Clare continues, “but we prefer to spend our time in here with you reading.” The library shelves seem to vibrate with pleasure, the books themselves seeming to hum. “Is there really anything better to do?” she asks.

“Sex?” I suggest.