Unwelcome Visitors

Elaine realised that the machine need not necessarily allow travel in time as well as in space, since it was possible that she had been accessing old memories of a journey that Belboz had made at a time when the Empire still stood. She suspected that the machine only transported the user's mind rather than his or her physical body. That would explain why she - no, Belboz - hadn't been heard when he tried to talk to Celubar, and why he had been unable to touch the other mage. If Belboz had been telling the truth when he claimed to be suffering from a type of quasi-vampirism, then a machine that would allow the mind to travel without bringing along the body would obviously have been especially useful.

With the confidence, verging on arrogance, of her newly acquired power, Elaine was tempted to try to operate the machine. But she realised that doing so would be foolhardy without further study. It seemed unlikely that there would be an operating manual, but perhaps Belboz would have left some notes that might help her. Or perhaps she could even access memories of his setting the controls.

But before she could investigate further, she heard the approach of others coming up the corridor. Adele and her friends, no doubt. What annoying timing!

1. She set up a magical barrier that would prevent them from entering the chamber.
2. She teleported herself away, using her new-found power. She could always return later.
3. She decided to let them enter the chamber. Perhaps she could find a use for them.
4. We switch to Adele and company's POV.

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