The book I wanted was close enough to see through the bars. Second shelf. Dark cover. A pale line of wear along the bottom, where people had pulled it out often enough to damage the binding.
I could read the title. Practical Ward Returns, second volume. Apparently, reading the title was included in my access.
"An instructor can authorize the loan," the librarian said.
She returned my Iron card across the desk.
"I want the section on mechanical returns."
"The volume includes restricted practical exercises."
"I don't need those."
"They remain in the book when you carry it away."
I looked through the bars again. A perfectly ordinary answer, made irritating by being correct. Veylan's next drill involved a device that would keep moving after its magic stopped. I had decided to read the relevant explanation before putting my hand near it.
For once, I had planned ahead. The library had prepared for that.
"Is there a reference copy?"
