Jasper has a thirst for knowledge and a mind that can keep track of it all. However, it’s not just an idle past-time. With his sister cursed with secret powers, he has to find out how he can help her…
“Jasper! Where are you going?”
He froze in place, cringing at the harsh tones of his sister’s voice.
“You’re sneaking off to the library again, aren’t you?” she accused.
He turned to face her, letting his hand drop from the door handle. “No, I was only going outside for some fresh air.”
Kassia rolled her eyes. “Please. I can tell when you’re lying. Why are you so obsessed with the library lately? You’ve never been into books before.”
“I told you, I’m not going to the library,” he insisted.
“And I told you I can tell when you’re lying. Now, ‘fess up – why are you so interested in the library?”
That was the problem with having a twin sister. She always knew when he was up to something. “I’ve been studying.” Perhaps she’d believe a half-truth.
“Studying? For what?”
“For a test at the Academy.”
“You’re lying to me again. You’ve never had to study anything in your life. Your memory is like a trap for knowledge. I know for a fact that I could ask you what the names were of the One Hundred First Scholars and you would tell me their names, not to mention the names of their children and grandchildren.”
“I could not,” he mumbled. “I don’t know all the grandchildren’s names.”
“Why are you really going to the library,” Kassia demanded again.
Jasper lowered his voice. “Will you promise not to tell mum or dad?”
She snorted. “Since when have they been interested in anything we do? Of course, I won’t tell them.”
“Well, I finally got permission to read some of the Old Tomes.”
Kassia’s eyes widened. “The books written by the Hundred Scholars?”
“Yes. My application was successful – I am allowed to read parts of certain books. Kassia, the knowledge in those books is incredible! Some of the things the Scholars discovered aren’t even known to the general public! The people wouldn’t even be able to comprehend some of the ideas in these books.”
“I can’t believe you actually got access to them! I never thought they would allow it!” Her eyes were shining. She lowered her voice further. “Have you found any mention of the Red Powers?”
He shook his head. “Sorry, not yet. I didn’t want to tell you I had access until I’d found some information out for you. I don’t want you to be disappointed if I can’t find anything.” He could already see the faint shimmer of disappointment in her eyes at this news. Her secret curse was the reason he’d applied over fifty times to be allowed to read the ancient books. If anyone knew anything about the Red Powers, it would be the One Hundred First Scholars.
“Then why are you still standing here, talking to me?” She made a shooing motion at him. “Don’t worry. I’ll cover for you. Mum and dad won’t even know you’re gone.”
He gave her a small smile. “Thanks, Kassia. I promise, as soon as I find something, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Good luck,” she whispered. “Don’t let anyone catch you, though. They can’t know I have the Red Powers.”
He nodded. “I know. I wouldn’t put you in that kind of danger.”
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