The other witches snatched the many magical spheres from their desks' locked drawers and hugged the animal-skin-bound scrolls to their chests as they left their headquarters and the chiefs' council rooms. Blanca could hear the footfall of dozens of witches rushing down the alley from within Celestina's chamber, headed towards the gathering place that Lucinda had designated at the far end of the tunnel. Her gaze fell on Elfar, who was sitting in front of the stone table and surveying the room, his plundered scrolls tucked under his arm. She smiled at the thought. "What in the world are you up to? We need to hurry, Elfar."
"I believe there is something about this stone table that was different from the previous time I visited this chamber. Is it better if I break it?"
"Are you certain?"
