Candlekeep was led primarily by a Grand Protector, also known as the Keeper of the Books. Each Keeper of the Books possessed near-absolute authority within Candlekeep. His every word represented Candlekeep's rules and embodied its law. A Scribe accompanied the Grand Protector and faithfully recorded everything he said, just as had been done for the legendary prophet Alaundo.
The Grand Protector personally designated his successor. It was unclear whether that successor needed the approval of Oghma, the God of Knowledge, but in any event, the succession of Candlekeep's highest authority had always rested solely in the Grand Protector's hands.
Under the Grand Protector were eight Grand Readers, each of whom held a seat in the great library and wielded considerable authority. They were also high-level spellcasters, responsible for overseeing Candlekeep's daily operations and collection of knowledge.
Below the Grand Readers were the Master Readers, whose subordinates included Scribes, Research Assistants, and Cantors-the last being the rank held by Rabik, the Acolyte of Oghma Aaron knew.
Together, these successive tiers formed Candlekeep's governing body, with the Grand Protector at its core.
As soon as news of the assassination attempt on Aaron broke, Candlekeep's Grand Protector personally arrived with six of the eight Grand Readers.
The current Grand Protector of Candlekeep was named Ulrant. He had attended the grand Salian celebration hosted by Aaron and personally read Salian's Nine Books. Ulrant was notorious for his short temper. Anyone seeking entry into Candlekeep's inner great library had to dine with the Grand Protector and endure his interrogation.
Aaron could sense that the Grand Protector did not like him. Ulrant clearly considered Aaron's Silver Grand Library a threat to Candlekeep's monopoly. Still, since the attack had occurred in the Binding Hall, Ulrant asked whether Aaron was hurt. Upon learning that the Bhaalspawn Deathstalkers were