'I don't want to scare you, but unfortunately we don't have much time. You're far too important to them, being the Edwards' daughter. Please just trust me and let me do what is necessary to protect you."

Elizabeth approved, nodding her head slightly. She was too frightened to speak.

Professor Knudlac finally pulled out of his left sleeve a thin stick of mahogany with gold inlay and said the following words:

'Locus Inrita!"

Blackish dust came out of Elizabeth's ...