Sometimes a Literal Explanation is the Right One

"I never considered that possibility," Vincent admitted. "So the viewer showed a black cloud because that was what was inside the room. That's a relief. No spell was interfering."

"A relief!?" Helia exclaimed. "For all we know, my daughter and the other two could be lying dead in there, overcome by the fumes."

"I suppose you're right," Vincent admitted. "Sometimes I let myself get too engrossed in my work. I wonder what caused the cloud? Something that Norla and Xyllis tried that went wrong? Or something more sinister than that?"

"Never mind that. Do something!" Helia demanded. "None of us can get in to rescue them. We wouldn't last ten seconds in there."

"Oh, er yes." Vincent made some gestures with his hands and said a short incantation. The smoke immediately began to clear. Before long they could see that what was left of it had formed a vortex in the centre of the room. That vortex was being drawn down, as if it was water escaping into an invisible plughole. Soon the cloud was completely gone.

1. The bodies of Norla, Xyllis and Princess Astra could now be seen lying on the floor. But were they dead or alive?
2. Three bodies were lying on the floor. But they appeared to be those of three bawdy girls!
3. There was no sign of the three women!

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