As the world slowly came into focus Bill saw a crumpled robe laying at his feet. He prodded it with a foot and a dessicated skull rolled out, chipping and crumbling as it moved.

“This one’s a lot worse than the guards,” he said.

Those who have grasped and wielded energies beyond their control make for rich meals. The residue of that power lingers on their spirit and is a powerful, intoxicating spice, Kuru spoke into Bill’s mind.

“I can’t really relate,” Bill said. He heard a sound and looked up to see Mim perusing the contents of the room. “Where were you?” he asked.

“Watching,” she said without looking up. Bill looked around the room.

“Would you have helped if he had guards or put up a fight?” Bill said.

“Maybe,” Mim replied.

“Are we done here?”

“No,” Mim said. She tossed a few books on the large central table. She knelt and used her knife to cut lengths of fabric from the coarse linen tablecloth, then started wrapping the books. She walked out of the room.

“What are you doing?” Bill asked. Mim returned carrying the oil lamps from the hallway. She handed one to Bill and pointed at a bookshelf.

“Burn them,” she said. She swept her hand out. “All of them.” She poured the contents of her lamp over the table and used a candle to set it aflame.