Inric is sorting out books on the graceful balcony of the fifth floor reference room when Jakin comes to find him. He's clutching a book to his chest. "I would, um, could I borrow this, please?" he asks. "No." "I'd bring it back!" Jakin pleads. "It's just, it's going to be a whole week before I can come back. And it's really good!" "No," Inric says again, but Jakin is working at the Great Library now, and an explanation of some kind is due. "It is important to maintain the balance." "Balance?" "It is not safe for a world to lose a book. That's why the Ossechian books are copies."