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"‘And Leoc, giver of visions and bearer of prophecy, returned to the heavens,’" he began, reading aloud "‘His daughters bear his liift’" The story went on, talking about the gifts of prophecy soiven The tablet was old, and though the writing had been completely worn away, he could still read the words that had been written by an ancient hand When he finally looked up, Rhys atching hi as it ever was In fact, I think it’s actually stronger A young scribe just starting his training would have had torevealed itself"

"What language is it?"

"Greek Medieval period It’s one of the earliest tablets this scribe house produced Most of the older documents were taken to the o when human interference became more of a concern"

"And I can read it because…"

"Because you’re a scribe We can see and decipher any written language with little to no practice" Rhys slid another document in front of him, this one a sheet encased in a clear plastic sleeve that held tiny rows of black characters "Try this one"

Malachi frowned for a moment, then said, "It’s a tax record Of… barley?"

"That’s a Suinal clay tablet three hundred years ago"

"Why would we preserve a tax ledger?"

Rhys frowned, as if he’d never considered that before "Why wouldn’t we?"

"Well…" He frowned, not wanting to offend

"Irin scribes preserve knowledge, Malachi It’s our mission" Rhys scooted forward and leaned over the table, clutching the edges of the tablet "Battling the Grigori Protecting humans These are all secondary pursuits, and a necessary evil of this fallen world But preserving knowledge is our purpose It is ere born to do"

"But why is a tax ledger important?" Malachi picked up the plastic sleeve that contained what must have been hours of work