"Weylin tried to kill you. If he could enforce the belief that he had into Michael's mind, then he would put Michael in the same frame of mind that he was in a century ago."
"That doesn't answer my question." She and Michael had their connection—he would know, deep down, she wasn't dead.
"It would take magic to enforce the role-playing. If what we've discovered on Lenny and Nadia is any indication, you will discover symbols painted on and around his spine."
"Meaning all I have to do is erase those symbols, and he'll be free of Weylin's magic?"
"Again, I fear it is not that simple."
"Nothing ever is," she muttered.
Amusement filled Seline's voice as she said, "Not when it comes to magic, I'm afraid." Nikki sighed. "So, what's the problem in this case?"
"It's twofold. First, the symbols will be inked into his skin, and they will need to be washed with a special soap before they start to fade."
"Meaning we take lots of baths?"
"This is a ghost town, remember," Camille commented, amusement touching her thin lips. "It won't have running water, let alone hot running water."
"Guess that means electricity will also be at a premium?"
"Hartwood did have power a century ago, but I'm guessing only the section where the rangers stay would have power now," Camille said. "And it wouldn't be necessary for any of Weylin's spells." Nikki rubbed a hand across her eyes. She'd roughed it on the streets as a teenager, but her teenage years were long ago, and she was well and truly used to life's little luxuries—water on tap, hot food, clean sheets. It was sounding like those were going to be a little sparse on the ground. "Am I able to take anything in with me?"
"Weylin has provided a list of what can and can't be taken in. Candles, matches and a small camp oven are on the list. But we'll try and sneak some soap in, as well."
"What about food?"
"He has apparently stocked the general store, probably because I had a lot to do with the store owner." Nikki had a feeling she didn't want to know the exact details of that. "So, what's the second problem with removing the symbols from Michael's back?"