‘What I mean is that while there are more ways to leave this house than you might think, there is only one way for you to leave this house that offers a reasonable chance of success, not to mention survival,’ he said. ‘It requires the … assistance … of a Free Magic creature. But how to do this? Charter Mages can only bind such creatures, they cannot make use of them. But you are a berserk, the Free Magic is strong inside you. Tell me, did Aziminil submit to you when you first met?’

‘Something like that,’ said Clariel. ‘She –’

‘She?’ asked Mogget. ‘Clever Aziminil. Go on.’

‘She tried to enter my mind … to bend me to her will. But I went into her mind, and forced her to obey me. Then Kargrin speared her and she would have been trapped, so I … I let her go.’

‘You let her go,’ chuckled Mogget. ‘Let her go. Ah, there is more than mischief to be gained here. Were you in the rage when she surrendered herself to you?’

‘Yes,’ said Clariel. ‘How can Aziminil help me escape? Where is she?’

‘She is down below, where the Abhorsens take their captives and hold them close. She ought to be sunk deeper still, but the sendings only take the prisoners so far. Tyriel should have finished the job, put the bottle out with the rest, but he’s shirked it, as so much else.’

‘How do I use Aziminil to escape?’ asked Clariel. ‘And how can I make sure she doesn’t kill me, or … do whatever Free Magic creatures do to people?’

‘Summon the rage, bend her to your will,’ said Mogget. ‘As for your escape, if Aziminil is strong enough she can become a vessel to take you out through the waterfall.’

‘Out through the waterfall?’ asked Clariel.

‘Yes, indeed,’ said Mogget. ‘Az will know how, but it will be a question of strength, for the waterfall is mighty indeed. Aziminil alone may not suffice. You could need more than one of the prisoners to take you through. But one or two or three, you can command them. You have the power within you, fuelled by your rage.’

‘Only for a short time,’ said Clariel. ‘What happens afterwards, when I am weak?’

‘Have them swear when you first hold them in your sway,’ said Mogget, his eyes alight, his claws out. ‘You can fix them then, make them serve you no matter whether you are weak or not, awake or not, unconscious …’

‘There is no way they can turn against me?’ asked Clariel.

‘Any bond will weaken over time,’ said Mogget. ‘But it can be made anew.’

‘I have always heard it said that Free Magic creatures are inimical to life,’ said Clariel. She was excited by the prospect of freedom, but cautious too. ‘What exactly does that mean?’

Mogget did not answer immediately, choosing instead to lick one of his paws with intense interest.