* Author : Scott Lynch * Narrators : Norm Sherman, Pria Wood, Dave Thompson, Anna Schwind, Wilson Fowlie, M.K. Hobson, Graeme Dunlop, Ann Leckie, Alasdair Stuart, Rachel Swirsky and Marshal Latham * Hosts : Matt Dovey, Anna Schwind, Dave Thompson and Pria Wood * Audio Producer : Devin Martin * Discuss on Forums Originally Published in Swords and Dark Magic: The New Sword and Sorcery, Originally PodCastle 200 Content warning for violence, some language Rated R In The Stacks by Scott Lynch On the clock outside the gate to the Manticore Wing of the library, the little blue flame was just floating past the symbol for high noon when Laszlo and Casimir skidded to a halt before a single tall figure. “I see you two aspirants have chosen to favor us with a dramatic last-minute arrival,” said the man. “I was not aware this was to be a drama exam.” “Yes, Master Molnar. Apologies, Master Molnar,” said Laszlo and Casimir in unison. Hargus Molnar, Master Librarian, had a face that would have been at home in a gallery of military statues, among dead conquerors casting their permanent scowls down across the centuries. Lean and sinewy, with close-cropped gray hair and a dozen visible scars, he wore a use-seasoned suit of black leather and silvery mail. Etched on his cuirass was a stylized scroll, symbol of the Living Library, surmounted by the phrase Auvidestes, Gerani, Molokare. The words were Alaurin, the formal language of scholars, and they formed the motto of the Librarians: RETRIEVE. RETURN. SURVIVE.