audio; un: Sabriel.Abhorsen (After Newt's post)

[bindsthedead]

I have some good news, and a request.

I've worked with Doctor Geizler, and it seems that some types of magic are effective against the infection- except I'm not sure it's an infection. Spells designed to purge magical corruption seem to be effective- particularly when combined with Finn's blood. More ordinary curative magic, the kind I was taught to use against ordinary infections doesn't work.

[Which raises even more questions about the origin of the infection. If it came from the orb, what does that say about the orb's nature? Or is this just a consequence of misusing it?]

But while that combination helps more than either alone, it's not a cure. For that, it's likely we'll need more magical power- either from So-Yeon and the orb, or from other mages among our number- or preferably, both.

If anyone here has some experience in the matter of purging magical corruption, we could use your help. The more of us working together, the greater the chance we can devise a true cure.

[There's a long pause before her next words, one born of hesitation. Sabriel's regret- the one she's here to undo- is the death of her friends and classmates. Schoolgirls who'd died because they'd needed more mages to open Kerrigor's coffin, and they'd been the only ones nearby. If she takes on students... Sabriel's not sure if she'll end up sending them into harms way too.

Except they're all in danger already, just by the nature of their mission. And future missions will probably put them in danger too.]

Or if you lack such experience and wish to learn... The magic I use can be passed on by baptism, and taught. Charter Magic takes time and dedication to master, and carelessness can be dangerous to both the mage and anyone around them- but more magical help would be useful, and the sooner people start learning, the sooner they can work up to learning the relevant spells.

Comments

[chronosynthesis]

A little, though I admit I'm not very good at it. [So-Yeon as an intermediary isn't a bad idea, if she's already traded for its power. That hinges on her cooperation, but if she's as serious about the corrupted as they say, that shouldn't be a problem.]

I would be interested in hearing the theory of it. When we save our teammates--[It's when, now, not if.] the more we know, the faster we can act.

[bindsthedead]

That just means there's more room for improvement.

Right. The fundamental principles are- [And Sabriel launches into a long, but (mostly) comprehensible explanation of how the spell works, with occcasional references to things like 'Master Marks'.]

Does that suffice?

[chronosynthesis]

[Whew, okay. Syrlya does not have anything to right this down with, and the magic theory doesn't 1-to-1 what he knows.]

... Perhaps we should re-review once we have a plan for getting our people out of here. You intend to leave with them to the forest, I assume?

[bindsthedead]

Yes. I think I've learned all I can in the palace and city.

We can review when we get there. In the meantime... I'll gather some supplies for making notes.

[chronosynthesis]

I'm coordinating with Finn right now, but once we've established a path out of the palace I'll let you know. I know of a way out the city that seems uninhibited by the guard.

[bindsthedead]

Good. If you need help- One of my bells can put people to sleep. It will be safer if we can get out without having to fight.

[chronosynthesis]

I think that would help a lot. I'd like to minimize further bloodshed among these people.

[bindsthedead]

This place has seen enough death. The least we can do is not make things worse.