I'm going about this the wrong way, he told himself, fighting frustration and a sense of impotence. I've been gently pushing and pulling at Loras’ mind or at the block, trying to ease it off like a mother trying to remove a saucepan from a child's head. I really need to shatter the block…

How can I do that without shattering Loras’ mind, too?

Kargan almost gasped as the realisation came to him; if Loras’ soul was absent from his body, he could hammer and batter the block to his heart's content.

Kor's Mind-Steal! I'd have to act fast, but"Do you have a solution yet, Magemaster Kargan?"

"Perhaps, Master Loras, if you're willing to take a risk."

"Just what risk would I be taking, Magemaster?"

Kargan shrugged. “Maybe even your mortal life, Loras. I've gone easy on the block so far, because I've worried above all about damaging your mind. However, I know a spell capable of extracting your innermost mind and memories into Seeker. It would be a hazardous undertaking; every minute's delay will increase the risk that your body will refuse to accept your mind back again."

"You took my soul from my body with that time-travelling spell, Magemaster Kargan, did you not? I feel no ill effects from that."

Kargan shook his head. “That was different. This spell would strip your soul bare while leaving it in your body. After a while, the mindless soul will begin to assert itself, resisting the invasion of your mind. How long we have before the resistance becomes too strong depends upon your willpower. Without a body, your mind will begin to wither and die."

The Mentalist paused for a moment to let this sink in before continuing. “Another, lesser risk is that you will resist the spell. I need your utmost co-operation. You'll need a lot of willpower to submit to it."

Loras rolled his eyes. “I was a Mage Questor, and such men are renowned for their willpower. I accept the risk if you will."

"I don't know how long we have,” Kargan confessed. “It could be hours or minutes."