A New Focus

After that they researched for several weeks, but they could not find anything on how to lift such a spell. Most of these kinds of spells were basically contract spells in which both the people affected had to be willing.

Sometimes they had a designated time that they would be in effect, these were old spells meant for contracting bodyguards when a definite need to know the trustworthiness was needed. That was more or less what the exact symptoms seemed to indicate.

Heron thought it might have been a crude version of that kind of spell, that having messed up his magic, that idiot wannabe spellcaster had accidentally gotten close to with his spell. The problem with this – no time limit had been stipulated.

Going from this knowledge, Kur came to the conclusion that it was either permanent or would wear off on its own, probably in a year and a day. A year and a day was usually the default of any long lasting enchantment spells, so that was why that was the probable date.

They had decided to give up removing it. Instead, they tried to make it more convenient by lengthening the distance that was allowed. That was more feasible. There were already spells that would be able to work for allowing at least temporary. The spells had technically been made with familiars in mind but it was flexible enough to be used for this.

The spell only lasted for an hour though, but it was fairly easy to learn.

Other than that there wasn't actually too much. Kur said that he might be able to figure something, but he was hesitant to try on his own. He was really the only person in the kingdom who researched magic and as such…well, he had no one to really bounce ideas off of. Except Heron, who while he was bright enough, Heron was yet only a blossoming wizard. While someday he promised to be able to be very successful at it according to Kur, he was only a little beyond the apprentice stage.

Not exactly an expert.

Kur finally gathered up the courage and sent a letter to the biggest expert on magic in all the five kingdoms asking about it. He did not mention Heron and Elswyth's issue exactly, for which Heron was grateful, but made it out as a question of curiosity.

Heron had witnessed Kur attempting to write that letter. He had agonized over it so much. And after he had written it he had Tira read it and tell him if it sounded correct.

There was a simple reason why Heron had not written it himself, and why Kur had made sure to leave him out of it. As of now, Heron was still trying not to let a whole lot of people know he was studying magic.

He didn't want his father to know yet, or anyone in his own kingdom. And the more people who did know the bigger likelihood it would get out.

Well, the Court Sorcerer of Carendlus was not the type to gossip from what Heron had heard, but still. There was a principle to this sort of thing, and it wasn't necessary to tell him.

The reply took a week and a half from when the letter was sent to arrive. It was somewhat impressive it arrived that quickly because it wasn't just a letter. It was a package.

There was a letter, filled with the excited writing of someone who was writing their life passion, had a list of books that might prove useful. The package was a book.

Heron was surprised there was actually a book written on all the different kinds of bonding magic known. But they now had one. Yep, it paid to get in touch with that person.

This book gave some insights on what could be done, though it was not the purpose of the book. But it had some exercises that would allow to stretch the distance slowly.

Elswyth was against the most basic way. Which was to toe the line of distance, while placing some magic energy into it. There was a spell for it. Elswyth really rejected this one.

The other option that was easily feasible without a whole lot of preparation was something that would take more time on a daily basis.

Elswyth though did not reject that one. So that was what they decided to do.

It was an interesting way to do it, and the direct opposite of the other way. And it would not show any results immediately, and might not have much headway.

It was to make the bond stronger. To put it simply, take control of it. Kur was not sure it was a good idea, as they had no idea exactly what this might cause.

Heron and Elswyth though were both fine with experimenting with it.