There is damage here, extensive damage-and to the bones themselves. To mend bonetakes time, more time that I'd venture, m'lord Jubal wishes to invest. I wouldtherefore accelerate the body processes, thereby shortening the time required.While in this state you will consume and pass food at an incredible rate-for thebody needs fuel for the healing. What would normally require days will transpirein hours; the processes of months compacted into weeks."

"Have you ever used this technique before?" Saliman asked.

"Oh, yes," Vertan assured him. "m fact, you know one of my patients. It was Iwho healed Balustrus. Of course, that was back in the capital before he changedhis name."

"Balustrus," Jubal scowled, an image of the crippled metal-master flashing inhis mind.

"I know what you're thinking," the Lizerene injected hastily, "but I have donemuch to perfect my skills since then. I was surprised, though, that herecommended me. At the time he was not at all pleased with the results of mywork."

"I see," the slaver murmured. He shot a look at Saliman who nodded slightly,acknowledging that the metal-master would have to be investigated more closely."But, if I follow your program twill be able to use my legs-normally?"

"Oh yes," Vertan assured him confidently. "The key factor is exercise. Balustrusremained abed throughout the process, so his joints fused together. If you havethe strength and will to work your legs constantly you should regain fullmobility."

"Do that for me and I'll pay you double your fee, however large, withoutquestion or complaint. When can you begin?"

"As soon as your man there takes his leave of our company," the sorcerer said.

"What?" Saliman exclaimed, rising to his feet. "You said nothing about-"

"I'm saying it now," Vertan cut him short. "Our methods are generally known, but