CHAPTER 8Two hours later, after the fire department had put out what was left of Ned’s study, Mara, Sam, Diana and Ping found themselves sitting in what could have passed for another study, this one in the main house, though Ned called it the den. It featured two facing futons with southwestern-styled covers and two matching chairs. Now fully recovered from his burns, he went to get them drinks, giving them their first chance to speak among themselves about the events since arriving.
“What was that strange oozing you did during the healing?” Sam asked.
Ping flipped through Elements of Magic, which he had carried since picking it up, oblivious to the question.
“Earth to Ping. Can you hear me?” Sam asked.
Mara nudged Ping’s knee with her foot, and he looked up, startled. “Yes?”
“Sam wan
