CALIMPORT GAME

"I am certainly NOT suggesting that at all!" Asha argues, her temper rising. Unfortunately she is too focused on her argument with the old man to notice the inquisitive look on Ane's face as she contemplates the strange coincidences about their situation.

"YOU are the one suggesting the amlakkar are being unjust. I think everyone can agree, it's unjust to detain someone without cause. YOU are saying that's what the amlakkar have done, so you are suggesting they have been unjust! The only other explanation is that they acted justly and you are hiding the cause from us for some reason," she accuses the old man.

The old scribe's disengagement frustrates Asha even more than his words. It pushes her over the top and fire flash briefly in her eyes as she reaches out with her magic to charm the old man before he leaves the cafe. She rarely uses her magic to manipulate others because her charisma is usually enough. When she does resort to invading someone's mind, it's usually after she's lost her temper.

Asha's affect is suddenly tranquil and pleasant again. "I am very sorry for the disturbance. I can cover the gentleman's tab," she says to the owner with an apologetic smile and tosses him a coin.

She turns her attention back to the scribe. "I think we can all be civil. Please friend, come back and join us," she says calmly and offers a chair at their table.

Asha's eyes widen and the smile on her face vanishes as she suddenly realizes that she's losing her hold on the spell like sand slipping through the fingers of a hand trying to hold too much.

A chill washes over her as the magic dissipates ...