Lirael couldn't accept Eldric's diagnosis at first. Sam looked like death warmed over—how could there be nothing wrong? Wasn't this just complete hogwash?
But after hearing Sam's account, Lirael started to believe him. Other doctors had also found no illness, which meant Sam might truly be fine. Yet what explained her current state? The whole thing was downright eerie, sending a shiver down Lirael's spine.
Eldric turned to Sam. "Hiring a Taoist priest for rituals depends entirely on who you get. Some have real skills, but most are just charlatans playing dress-up."
Lirael quickly nodded. "Exactly! Plenty wear the robes but lack even a shred of a master's aura. You can spot the fakes immediately."
Sam's shoulders slumped. "But the rituals did nothing. The hospitals couldn't help either.
