"Humans," comes a unearthly voice in answer, its sound slightly nasal but resonant, unhurried but with a curious, contemplative tone, "are not allowed in my study."

The flat, white, almost heart-shaped face appears first in the shadows, followed by the looming form of the giant, coal-black owl. Wan Shi Tong's black eyes glitter down at them as he steps silently out onto the bridge before them. "Those who should know as much by now would do well to take that knowledge to heart."

Yrael, smiling but respectful, steps forward and bows. "I have missed our debates, Wan Shi Tong."

"You have been gone long, Yrael, Eighth of the Nine Bright Shiners, Highest of the High. Long enough even for you to forget, then, that my rules are not up for debate."

"Then I would seek your indulgence once again," Yrael replies, "for an opportunity to show you that humans are not all alike. There are those among them who are greedy, yes, and would take knowledge only to better their circumstances through the detriment of others, but there are also those who appreciate the true worth of knowledge, and would seek to better both themselves and the world around them."

The great owl seems to consider this. "You would vouch for this human, then?"

"I would."

Wan Shi Tong leans down towards the offending human until Hannibal's face is reflected in its great black eyes. "And do you, human, have anything to say for yourself?"