After they had dinner, Wolfe formulated a plan. The Academy staff, as a rule, didn’t ask unnecessary questions, so he was going to take advantage of that and get himself a spellbook to study during his free time. It might only be two days into the semester, but that would be long enough for senior students to need books, and he would just act as if he belonged.
Or at least that was the plan before he got to the library. The place was enormous, with no markings or obvious sorting system.
“Who are you? I don’t recall getting a new library worker.” The Witch at the counter asked suspiciously.
“Library worker? Not a bad idea. There are so many books. But sadly, I am registered here as a Familiar, not a library worker.” Wolfe informed her.
“I need proof. Reach out your hand.” The Librarian demanded, and Wolfe extended one gloved hand her way.
She only cast some sort of Spell on it and began to smile at him. “Oh, it’s you. Everyone on staff has heard about the two first years who summoned the same Familiar. There is a big prize pool for the one who can confirm what species you are.”
“Is [I would love to have a copy of the first year study guide and spell book plus something to read during class] a species?” Wolfe asked, making the Librarian laugh.
“No, it’s not. I’m leaning toward Fae. Vanishing the Teacher’s Assistant and stealing his appearance is totally a Fae prank. But the study guides are just enhanced textbooks and come with the spells included. We have the whole first year in one book here.”
She led Wolfe to a stack of simply bound hardcovers by the far corner of her desk, then looked him over and tried to decide what he would like to read.
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No, that would end very badly for Wolfe’s reputation if anyone saw him reading spicy Witch romance books in class.
“How about two copies of the study guide and then something diverse? Do you have an overview of utility spells and survival magic or something? I would like to know what powerful Witches find useful in their day-to-day lives.” Wolfe asked.
“You’re feeling domestic? I have one, [Home Enchanting For The Modern Dutchess], that you might enjoy. It covers all sorts of things, and some are fairly easy to cast.”
They climbed up to the second floor, then up a wide ladder, and the Witch handed him the book. It was full of Innate Magic for a Witch, though, so no use to him.
“I don’t think I can do much with that right now since we live in a dorm and all, but I might ask for a copy later if I get bored. How about something adventurous? With useful spells and descriptions of travels through the Badlands and Frozen Wastes to the North.” Wolfe asked.
The Librarian slid the ladder to the far side of the room using magic while she happily tapped her fingers on the ladder rung. “Oh, we have just the thing. The Adventurers Handbook. All of the Witches who want to be Wilderness Guardians, hunters, and such will come here to get a copy. It’s a thousand pages, but only about a hundred are spells. The rest is a really great story of the author’s travels.”
The book was a treasure trove of useful things, and the author seemed to have lived an exciting life, so Wolfe carefully held the book and descended the ladder.
“This should keep us entertained for a while. I will start having my Witches practice for the exams right away.” Wolfe informed the Librarian, making her giggle.
“They’re going to have a hard time with a Familiar so enthusiastic. Come back anytime you like.”
Wolfe waved goodbye and returned to the room with his loot carefully held to his chest.
“I brought goodies. Study guides for the exams.” Wolfe called as he walked into the Witches’ dorm room.
Reiko and Mary were already there, making notes about the visualization of the armour spell.
“Hey, Wolfe. I thought you had gone back to your room.” Mary greeted him.
“Nope, Library. They have all the good stuff, and they were happy to hand it out. You can even get a copy of the exam study guide with every spell you’ll be tested on this year.” He told her, and the tiny Witch bounced to her feet, trying to grab the book from his hands.
“I only grabbed two, sorry. But we can split them one per dorm until we get enough copies tomorrow, so set one between you and Reiko while Cassie and Ella get the other.” Wolfe explained.
“And the huge codex in your hands?” Reiko asked.
“Reading material for class since it looks like the teacher won’t let anyone work ahead,” Wolfe explained.
Reiko looked at the title, and her eyes got a happy shine to them. The Librarian had said that this book was popular with Witches who wanted to work outside the cities, and it seemed Reiko already knew about it.
“There are more copies in the library if you want one. Just ask the nice lady, and she will show you where they are, on the left side of the second floor, up high.” Wolfe explained.
“I’ll go tomorrow, for tonight, we need to brainstorm this spell. If we compare notes, we should be able to get it nearly perfect.” Reiko explained.
That made sense, so Wolfe sat down between Ella and Cassie and pulled them both into his arms.
Pup immediately got jealous and came to sleep with his head in Mary’s lap instead of by the fireplace, dragging Flame with him by default since the lizard was sleeping on his back.
“What is it with you and Familiars? It’s like they all speak your language, only most of them can’t speak at all.” Mary asked, and Pup gave her a confused look.
“I honestly have no idea. I don’t think Pup does, either. He’s wondering why you don’t understand him as well as I do. But he still likes you better.” Wolfe shrugged.
“It must be the early effects of the spell. After a time, some Witches can even see through their Familiar’s eyes and feel what they feel.” Reiko explained.
Well, that could be both fun and problematic.