And there were
moments of perfect lucidity, as when he looked up from the ravine, and
saw you.
"He fled from your mother not in fear, but to protect her, and
yourself." He released a deep breath. "The Stone, and the words of the
spell, were impotent but for the power you gave them. The mind creates
worlds of its own, every bit as tangible, and every bit as dangerous,
as the physical reality we all share. Give up your common sense, your
right to question, and you become a helpless lamb among the wolves of
this world."
"Yes," said Mary. "Now it all seems so clear. The trunk filled with
charms, the talismans to drive away your spirit, the spell my mother
believes she cast over Stephen Purceville: all but the fabric of
illusion, given substance by the wholly independent actions of men. I,
too, have no more need of such miracles."
"But," said Michael firmly. "Though the shadows of evil fade in the
light of day, the evil itself does not. The Purcevilles, both young
and old, are still very much to be feared."
Nineteen
As if in answer to his words, the thunder of hoofbeats came suddenly
to their ears, approaching unexpectedly (for the British fortress lay
in the opposite direction) from the west.
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