“A scribe?” Elder Zhongli asked with a slight smirk. “Who could…” His eyes fell on Beatrice and grew wide. It was only a fraction of expression, but the whole hall began to stir. Furtive glances were directed at Giovanni’s wife, who still stood next to him, apparently clueless to the web she was being drawn into.

“Now that’s an interesting development,” Baojia muttered.

“What?” Beatrice whispered. “Who are they talking about?”

Lan smiled and clapped. “There is a scribe present who has a connection to both the parties! She has even been acknowledged by the Elders. The daughter of Lorenzo’s son. The mate of Giovanni Vecchio. She has even studied book science at a modern university. Beatrice De Novo is clearly able to care for the book. It is the perfect compromise.”

“What?” Beatrice whispered. “Not… not me. It’s not my—” Giovanni reached over and clutched her hand, willing her to be silent as the Elders deliberated.

Lorenzo looked livid. “And where exactly would she keep this precious book? Has she a monastery like Elder Lu? A library of her own?”

“As a matter of fact,” Giovanni stepped forward before Beatrice could speak, “Miss De Novo has an extensive library in Southern California, in the territory of her grandfather, Don Ernesto Alvarez, a noted scholarly and artistic patron. While the facilities do not have the history of Elder Lu Dongbin’s monastery”—Giovanni nodded toward Lu and the Elder nodded in return—“they are extensive and modern, the very finest in the New World.” He could feel Beatrice squeeze his hand. If he was a mortal man, his fingers would have been crushed by the pressure.

“See?” Lan clapped again. “It’s perfect! She can take care of the book and then both of them can see it.”

Zhongli leaned forward, his tight smile the only evidence of his discomfort. “It is a most excellent compromise, Elder Lan, but can Miss De Novo truly guarantee that Lorenzo would remain safe when he is examining this book? Surely you are aware that Lorenzo and his sire have a… complicated relationship.”

“I am sure that Miss De Novo would guarantee Lorenzo’s safety in her library. After all”—Lan’s eyes darted between Lorenzo and Giovanni—“are not places of knowledge sacred to those immortal? As are places of worship? They are the outer reflections of our inner wisdom.” Lan rose to his feet and turned toward Beatrice. Suddenly, the childlike elder did not look like a playful boy or girl; and the wisdom, power, and amnis of the ancient vampire swept over the room.

“Beatrice De Novo,” Lan said in a deeper voice, “if it is the will of this council, would you keep this book? Would you guarantee safety to these two parties who wish to claim it? Would you guard the knowledge therein with honor? What is your answer, Mistress Scribe?”

Giovanni could hear Beatrice’s heart pounding, and her fingers still clutched his. He turned toward her as all eyes in the room searched her out. The air was still, but alive with energy. When their eyes met, Giovanni’s heart soared in pride and respect. Far from the panic he had expected, Beatrice looked calm, peaceful even. She met Lan’s eyes with confidence.

“I will, Elder Lan. It would be my honor to do this for the Elders of Penglai. I would guard this book and guarantee the safety of all those who examined it while in my library.”

Giovanni could almost hear Carwyn in his mind. Clever, clever girl…

Though part of Giovanni rebelled at the thought of Beatrice guaranteeing Lorenzo’s safety in any way, his more practical side realized that he would likely kill Lorenzo long before his son ever had the chance to examine Geber’s manuscript. As long as Lorenzo wasn’t killed while trying to examine the book under Beatrice’s care, no one could challenge her honor.

“What a truly excellent compromise, Lan,” Tenzin’s father stated with a wide smile. “How fortunate that you were here to present such an amiable resolution to this issue. I wholeheartedly support giving the book into Beatrice De Novo’s care. I can vouch for her excellent character and wisdom, and the honor and wisdom of her kinsman, Don Ernesto Alvarez, whose own son accompanies her. Though she is young, Miss De Novo spent her mortal life preparing for this role, to be a caretaker of knowledge. It is only fitting that she take the role of scribe and steward in her immortal life, as well.”

Elder He, the Immortal Woman, leaned forward. “I, too, like this compromise. It respects both parties, as Miss De Novo has connections to both Lorenzo and Vecchio. Indeed, we have just heard from Lorenzo’s own testimony how much he admires his father’s mate.”

“Yes,” Iron Crutch Li smiled from the opposite side of the room as he sat between Zhongli and Han, both of whom wore sour expressions. “It is always best to compromise so both parties feel that they are treated fairly. I will support this as well.”

Brilliant Lan. Giovanni would never underestimate the savvy of the odd immortal again. By presenting a compromise to the council, Lan had practically guaranteed the outcome they wanted without bloodshed. Both earth vampires on the council were known to support almost any compromise that avoided taking a clear stand. This decision would not only be acceptable to all those who had taken their side before, but would also sway Zhongli’s former ally to their seemingly moderate solution. It would leave the council voting six to two in favor of giving the book to Beatrice. A clear victory for Giovanni with the appearance of moderation.