As the library's candlelit shadows grew longer, Fritz Thornshadow, the nerdy commoner Gradwarth's magic student, found himself cornered by his tormentors. Mocking laughter echoed through the ancient shelves as they closed in, their wands drawn, ready to mock his rule-abiding ways. Fritz took a deep breath, pushing back fear with knowledge. He whispered an incantation, and the shelves trembled, releasing a flurry of flying books to protect him. He noticed that one of his bullies seemed safe.