‘I suppose so,’ said Clariel slowly. ‘I guess I’ve chosen my path, haven’t I? Now I need to speed along it.’

She looked at her two Free Magic creatures, and then at Mogget and his collar. The marks were fading again, but she felt a longing to touch them, to regain some connection to the Charter.

‘What if I touch your collar, Mogget?’ asked Clariel. She took off her right gauntlet and bent down towards the cat, slim fingers reaching for the cat’s collar. ‘Will that help me?’

As she spoke, Baazalanan hissed and stood up to its full height as if ready to attack or run, and Aziminil skittered backwards on her bladed feet. Mogget didn’t move, but Clariel stopped just short of touching his collar, her hand frozen in the air.

‘It would help you regain something of your connection to the Charter,’ said Mogget. ‘But it would … damage your servants, perhaps severely.’

‘And you?’

‘No,’ said Mogget. ‘I have worn this collar a very long time. But its purpose is to restrain a Free Magic creature much greater than the two specimens you have bound, and you are connected to them.’

Clariel withdrew her hand, replaced her gauntlet, and looked at the cat with new respect and caution.

‘And you desire me to help free you?’

‘When I am able to think for myself I do,’ said Mogget. ‘Anyone would. But as you know, that does not always apply.’

‘I won’t, you know,’ said Clariel. ‘You’re wasting your time. I’m going to use Baazalanan and Aziminil to help me rescue my aunt and kill Kilp and Aronzo, but that’s it. Tools for one particular job, that’s all.’

‘I believe you,’ said Mogget, with a yawn. ‘In any case, I find your company more interesting than the sendings back at the house, whatever may happen. Now, are you going to open a way through this rock?’

‘I just want you to be clear on what I will or won’t do. I’m not releasing you and neither is anyone else,’ said Clariel. She stood up straight and looked firmly at the two Free Magic creatures. ‘You have sworn to serve me, and so you will. Acknowledge that.’

‘Yes, Mistress,’ chorused the pair. She felt their acquiescence, but kept looking at them, willing them to show further obeisance, until they bowed low. Even then, she kept the mental pressure there until she was satisfied they were totally compliant.

‘You may rise,’ she said. ‘Aziminil, I will take some of your power, but again, do not touch me.’