The clerk met Renn at the entrance to the restricted foundation archive shortly after the morning bells.
She had replaced the plain gray coat she wore at the public counter with a dark blue archive mantle. A bronze chain disappeared beneath its collar, and three narrow keys hung from her belt. Two guards waited beside the sealed door behind her. Neither showed any interest in Rod's party until the clerk checked Renn's authorization tablet and looked at Midnight perched on Lana's shoulder.
"The familiar stays with its summoner." She said. "Weapons remain peace-bound while you are inside. You may copy permitted records, but nothing leaves this floor without being examined."
Renn turned the ring on his finger. "How much did you find?"
"Enough to justify the request. Not enough to answer your question."
