“Lola, the only reason most of these books aren’t illegal is because Galbatorix has never heard of them before. I’ve lived here for all of my life, and we’ve never been disturbed by the Empire. Until now, anyway. If Galbatorix is really concerned that we own a few banned books, then he can come down here and take them. Besides, each one has been enchanted to be protected from destruction at one point in their existence. It’s better that people like Father and I keep them and study them than the public trying to burn that which will only turn into a twelve foot monster and try to eat them.”

“Will that really happen?” one soldier asked, turning white.

“One or two of these have been known to do that, yeah. It’s how they restore the energy for their enchantments. The books eat people that try to destroy them, and they won’t stop until it restores all the energy lost in the spell by targeting those that try to damage the book. Like I said, it’s better that we keep them. Others aren’t as dangerous, but it’s not a good idea to tempt fate.”

The soldiers walked and handled the books with far more care. Lola had become very suspicious of the two. If they had such a disregard for the King and his laws, then they could be in collaboration with the Varden. She didn’t much care for the Empire or the King, but the Varden and Surda slew her fellow comrades, caused damage, and were the enemy. If they were agents, then they were fraternizing with them, and that would only spell pain for the survivors of their party. She found it increasingly difficult to move as these thoughts entered her mind. For now, she pushed the thoughts aside and tried to enjoy the time she was spending with them. Lola knew that when they gave their report, they would have to tell their superiors what happened. She really couldn’t tell if she was worried for herself or Dillidus and his father. Eventually, a soldier struck up conversation about his enthusiasm for sleeping in a real bed in the first time in months, and each soldier began to share their excitement to sleep, which allowed her to take her mind off of it. Before she knew it, they were done.