“Not really,” Clementi said. “But after hearing all the stories about what happened over there, and witnessing what went on here while you were gone, I think I know one thing that desperately needs to be improved in Artimé’s magical system.”

“What is it?” asked Florence.

Clementi glanced at Ibrahim. He nodded like they’d discussed this before. “We need to upgrade the seek spell,” Clementi said.

“Or build a new one,” added Ibrahim. “One that actually delivers a message, so people can understand what the other person needs. For a communication spell, it seems woefully lacking. It was really frustrating for Aaron and Henry and the others stuck here in Artimé, not knowing what to do for you.”

“I totally agree!” said Thisbe passionately. She rolled to her knees and began gesturing as she continued. “There’s got to be a better way to communicate. It would be great if the seek spell could work with a universal spell component, so we don’t have to carry all the things from everybody in our pockets. I’m not very good at that, obviously. Plus it takes up space that we need for the other spell components.”

“This idea has been high on my list as well,” said Florence. “I’ll bring it up at Advanced Warrior Training and see if we can get some people creating something more efficient.” She paused. “What else do we need? We might not have the Revinir figured out, but we can at least improve what we’ve got. Who knows—maybe we’ll come up with something new in the creative process.”

Thisbe’s mind began to churn out ideas based on all the needs she and Rohan had run into while in captivity. “Automatic lunch,” she said, remembering their severe lack of food in the catacombs. “And water—that’s even more important.”

Florence nodded.

“Something like a magic ladder would be cool,” said Ibrahim.

“I think we could do that,” said Florence. “Though we have the magic flying carpets—that can usually do the job of a ladder.”

“Not if the space is really narrow,” Clementi pointed out. “Or if we need to go straight up or down—the magic carpets don’t work like that. They can ascend and descend but need to move forward or backward at the same time.”

“Good point,” Florence said. “I’m very glad to get your fresh thoughts on this.” Sensing the young mages were just beginning, she began writing things down.