From the same chest he drew a sheet of lead beaten thin, and laid it on the table, pushing the glass vessels impatiently aside. He took his knife — double-edged, traced with the planetary symbols, its handle exquisitely inset with jewels in silver — and, holding it firm, began to scratch the words of a curse into the lead.
After he had done this, he looked up at the charts and thoughtfully pondered which of the many beings he should send.
At last he smiled, and began to draw on the lead sheet...
* * * *
Viviane awoke to find her clothes drenched, and a cold, sour rain driving down the valley before a grey north wind. Startled and shivering, she staggered to her feet, wondering where she was.
She had the feeling that she was being watched, but could not bring herself to turn around and
