Deadened and hollow he caught the clamor of the wall alarms, those brazen gongs stationed every so many feet along the claws. Attack! He reached the door. of the tower and met the witch.

“They’re attacking!”

“Not yet. Those are storm calls, to guide any ship which might be seeking port.”

“A Kolder ship!”

“Perhaps so. But you cannot overturn the customs of centuries in an hour. In fog Sulcarkeep’s gongs serve seamen, only Osberic’s orders can mute them.”

“Then such fogs as this one are known?”

“Fogs are known. Such as this — that is another matter.”

She brushed past him to come out into the open, facing seaward as he had done moments earlier, studying the fast disappearing harbor.

“We of the Power have a certain measure of control over the natural elements, though like all else that is subject to failure or success beyond our forereckoning. It is in the providence of any of my sisterhood to produce a mist which will not only confuse the eyes of the unwary, but also their minds — for a space. But this is different.”

“It is natural?” Simon persisted, sure somehow that it was not. Though why he was so certain of that he could not explain.

“When a potter creates a vase he lays clay upon the wheel and molds it with the skill of his hands to match the plan which is in his brain. Clay is a product of the earth, but that which changes its shape is the product of intelligence and training. It is in my mind that someone — or something — has gathered up that which is a part of the sea, of the air, and has molded it into another shape to serve a purpose.”

“And what do you in return, lady?” Koris had come out behind them. He strode straight to the parapet and slapped his hands down upon the water-pearled stone. “We are like to be blind men in this!”

She did not look away from the fog, watching it with the intentness of a laboratory assistant engaged in a crucial experiment.

“Blindness they may seek, but blindness can enfold two ways. If they will play at illusion — then let them be countered with their own trick!”

“Fight fog with fog?” the Captain commanded.

“You do not fight one trick with the same. They are calling upon air and water. Therefore we must use water and air in return, but in another fashion.” She tapped her thumbnail against her teeth. “Yes, that might be a confusing move,” she murmured as she swung around. “We must get down to the harbor level. Ask of Magnis a supply of wood, dry chips will be excellent. But, if he has them not, get knives that we may cut them. Also some cloth. And bring it to the center quay.”