| "I think it might be possible, though difficult," replied Tilz, Prince
Karo's mage . "Reversing a spell that you haven't cast yourself, and that
you don't know the precise details of, is always hard."
Prince Karo nodded sagely. "Do what you can, my friend. I am quite
eager to see exactly what Belboz has left for me."
"Are you sure you wouldn't rather wait for him?"
"Not necessary," Karo replied with a smile. "I have every confidence
in your abilities." And besides, he thought to himself, You'll
save me a ton of gold. Literally.
It took Tilz three full days before he was sufficiently prepared
to try and break the spell. He was quite nervous about his attempt, since
he had heard Karo describe Belboz's talents in glowing terms - but his
own talents, he knew, were not inconsiderable. If anyone could undo the
statue-ization of these two damsel, Tilz knew, it was he.
The Prince stayed in the next room over, observing Tilz's work
as intensely as he scrutinized the two statues. They were quite fetching
young women, to be sure, dressed in long flowing dresses, a look of what
could have been either concern or desire on their faces. Who are they?
he
wondered. Twins? Or something else?
Finally, Tilz was ready. He began chanting a spell as he circled
the two statues, gesticulating as he did so. Finally, he poured a thick
brown liquid into a brazier, lit it, and tossed on a handful of white powder.
There was a flash which left Karo rubbing his eyes. Finally, though, the
smoke cleared and his eyes returned to normal, and the Prince found:
-
 *Three*
identically beautiful young women, none of whom could recall their identity
- and no sign of Tilz!
Go Back
|