Grimm felt a cold shock tingle through his nervous system. “Then why do you still want me to kill Horin, if Thorn isn't to take his place?"

"I have another candidate for the role, Lord Mage. He is a poor specimen, but I think I will find him far easier to control than my traitorous son. Also, unlike Thorn, he has ambition. I can work on that desire with ease."

"Not Guy!” Grimm screamed, his heart pounding. “If that egotistic, petty oaf ever becomes Dominie…"

He could not bring himself to think of the consequences.

"That's not something you need to worry about, Grimm Afelnor. I learnt much from dealing with Loras, I don't need to worry about your death revealing my magic this time. I shall use neither Geas nor Compulsion, my dear. By the time you commit the act, you will truly believe that what you are doing is right.

"You will stand trial and condemn yourself, with joy running through your heart as you do so. You will be condemned to death and executed as a traitor, and Guy will rise in the eyes of the Guild, even if he is not declared Dominie on the spot after discovering your treason. The evidence, of course, will be absolutely incontrovertible."

She's insane. I'm in the hands of a madwoman, and I can't escape!

"And now, my darling Questor, we need to work on making you love me; and you will love me."

Thribble! Surely Thribble will find a way out of this! I'll bet he's sneaking around the Priory even now!

"If you are wondering about your charming little pet imp,” the Prioress said, “don't worry; we discovered and captured him shortly after you came here. He is a most engaging little toy, and I will take great care of him."

She can read my mind! The thought blazed through the young mage's cerebrum like a raging forest fire.

He was truly helpless!

Grimm gritted his teeth and waited for the inevitable emotional assault. He had no idea what he could do to overcome this lunatic, but he intended to fight to the last iota of his resistance.