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Vassal stopped a few bookshelves short of entering the open reading area. He had stopped intentionally in one of the blind spots between the security cameras. He knew that Kio would be monitoring everything and it would drive him crazy.
It was also a habit he had formed with all of the security agents that had been stationed in the library over the decades. That way when he needed to slip into and out of the vaults unseen it would not seem unusual when he disappeared for short periods.
The vault doors themselves were mighty structures that were truly guarded by some of the most ancient and powerful magic even conceived, but they were also a ruse. The actual entry to the vault was a privilege of the Keeper only. It was why his identity was kept such a closely guarded secret.
This last thought was what troubled him most. In all the centuries the identity of the Keeper had never been revealed. Today he had broken a sacred law set down nearly two thousand years ago and entrusted under oath to the gnomes. Vassal had no doubt that Kio would have been listening to every conversation between the fairies and their orc-elf hybrid via the security system. How Kio was going to react to knowing that he was the Keeper was anyone's guess so he had sent the others very visibly off to the map room to gather maps for their journey and then went to see Kio alone.
Vassal cleared his mind and meditated for a moment before he finally stepped out into the reading area. He immediately noted that the auto cannons were deployed and tracking his movement as he approached the front service counter. Kio was already standing there behind the protective screen with his portable tablet in hand.
"Don't come any closer," said Kio as Vassal approached the security door and was about to punch in the code. "You have broken your sacred vow...Keeper. In doing so you have committed treason."
Vassal sighed. He had hoped he could have done it the easy way, but it seemed he had no choice. He closed his eyes and slowly released the ancient magical energy hidden within him. It took all his concentration not to let it loose too quickly, that would be very devastating and he could easily find himself a slave to the magic rather than its master. A bright blue aura radiated from his body and slowly increased in intensity. Once again he reached for the keypad on the door.
"It's no use. I have changed the codes on everything."
"Do you think anything in this library is out of my control Kio? I am the Keeper!"
Vassal rested his hand on the keypad and the door clicked open.
Kio tapped at his tablet to try and activate the guns, but they did not respond. As Vassal entered he backed away and pulled out his sidearm, but before he could go any further Vassal raised his hand and with the flick of his wrist the gun was magically wrenched from Kio's grip and flung across the room.
"You have been an excellent security officer Kio during a trying time, but I think it's time for you to see things from a different point of view," said Vassal firmly as he backed Kio into a corner then reached up and grabbed his hand. Kio was immediately entranced.
"When I let you go you will forget that I am the Keeper and you will give the fairies whatever aid they require," commanded Vassal.
"Yes Keeper," he replied in a docile monotone. Then Vassal released him and as the aura around him faded Kio blinked and shook his head as though he had just woken up.
"What are you doing here Vassal? I thought you were keeping an eye on the fairies and that abomination?"
"They have asked me to seek your help."
"Why didn't you say so Vassal? Bring them to me and I will do whatever I can."
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