Chapter 48: Compulsion (2)

“We did it,” Shailyn said.

Harth passed out again, finishing another round of screaming, but I think he would wake up soon. And yes, we managed fine, without damaging anything more that is not already damaged.

“Only the tainted part,” I told her, standing up. “The other part still remains, but it's good enough for now. I think he has enough willpower to not be compelled now.”

Shailyn nodded. “That’s some downright impressive power you have there,” she said. “Maybe we should study it later.”

“Shailyn, you sounded just like Rosalyn.”

We waited after that and just as I thought, Harth woke up after a few minutes, but this time he didn’t start screaming, though still tied up with the pine tree. His cloudy eyes wavered and lucidity came back, eventually.

“Young man,” Shailyn called, “some serious trouble you got yourself into for no reason at all.”