Doing It The Real Hard Way

With Freda being once more in a spell-induced sleep, I explain to the rest of our guests what I've just told you, dear reader. When I have finished, there is a moment's silence, and then Xyllis says: "Right. Exactly what do I have to do?" I have to give her due credit for not making any protest, for I have left her and the others in no doubt as to how risky this is going to be.

"Just stand next to the couch on which Freda is lying," I tell her. "For this spell, our mages need to be able to focus on both of you at the same time, and that's most easily done if the two of you are adjacent. I must ask the rest of our guests to leave the room until we've finished. It will be easier for the magic users to concentrate if the risk of distractions can be minimised. One of you might sneeze at the wrong moment, for instance. That has happened in the past during the casting of a spell, with dire consequences."

The ceremony takes about half an hour. It might have appeared to an outsider as if nothing was happening, since all that is to be seen is all our mages staring intently at Freda and Xyllis. For this is a spell that does not involve incantations and gestures, still less potions or magical artifacts. It's just a case of pure mind power - the more of it the better, which is why we are all acting in concert - and those minds all concentrating on the same thing.

When we have finished, feeling drained, Xyllis remains standing totally silent and motionless. That is not surprising; it must have been something of an ordeal for her and she may well take a little time to recover fully. At least she is still alive, so the worst possibility of all has not occurred. Inquirer wakes Freda, and we anxiously wait to see if we have been successful.

1. We have been, I'm glad to say.
2. There are no ill effects for Xyllis, but Freda's condition is unchanged.
3. Freda is cured (mentally, that is), but Xyllis has not been so fortunate.
4. Freda's condition is unchanged, and there is also bad news concerning Xyllis.

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