Callida's Vision
Meanwhile, Callida the Healer examined the clay image that had been Argilla the potter.
"You have formidable powers for a youngster such as yourself," she said, calmly turning to the pale figure still sitting on the stool in the corner. Jadis said nothing. "How does a lowly servant-girl come to know such powerful magic?" asked Callida. "Servants are usually too illiterate to study it."
At this, Jadis finally stood up and drew herself up to her full height.
"Woman, I am Princess Jadis, daughter of King Aduncus, son of King Avus, heir to the throne of Charn. I come to this pit seeking one called Callida whom my father banished several years ago that she may serve me instead."
Callida did not bow or curtsy, but merely smiled.
"Yes, that explains the power of magic about you for I can see it in your eyes. Know then, I am the Callida whom you seek and I used to be the royal healer. Once, while I slept, the gods saw fit to endow me with a vision as has happened to others in my line of descent. It was a vision of you on a throne with a crown on your head, but then a great yellow beast rose up against you consuming you and four children trampled on your remains. When I related this vision to your father it angered him and he exiled me to this pit, as you so fittingly named it.
"Since then, I have been making my living as a minor fortune-teller among the dregs of Charn's society. But about the time your father proclaimed my banishment, he also forbade all yellow animals in the kingdom. For years, nothing bigger than a domestic cat has been seen in Charn. If anything is bigger or if anything is born with so much as a yellow-like tinge in its fur or skin – like a tabby cat – it is instantly killed. My own cat, Felis, who was my only comfort in by lonely exile, was speared to death right in front of me by soldiers sent by your father because he was half-tabby."
Jadis thought about the small winged mouse in her bedroom and realized that it was true she did not remember ever seeing anything bigger than a cat. But she had not come to discuss visions of large beasts that did not even exist in Charn anymore with a cat-loving old woman. If Father was too overprotective, that was his own affair. She had come on a mission for world domination and had not time for the dreams of old crones. Callida seemed to have guessed her thoughts.
"You said that you sought me for my service, Princess," she said.
"Yes. You are a great sorceress. My command to you is to conjure the spirit of Cadaver the Sorcerer that I may ask something of him."
"That is not a simple request, Princess Jadis."
"I have payment," said Jadis, taking out a small pouch of gold from her pocket.
"No, young princess. It is no easy thing to conjure a spirit. The bonds of death are tight and do not suffer to be broken."
"Then why in Charn were you hired by my father in the first place if you can't even conjure up a spirit?"
This question had an effect on Callida. She clenched her teeth as if to keep from cursing. But then she seemed to remember who she was talking to and swallowed her words. Instead, she walked over to the clay Argilla and put her hand on top of his head. Nothing seemed to happen at first but a sound of creaking bones started to come from him. Then a moaning came from his clay lips as they turned back to flesh. Soon he was a living, breathing man again and he stretched himself. He caught sight of Jadis and shrieked. At once, he fainted.
"Do not think that I got into my position in the court of your father for nothing, Princess," Callida spat out the last word. "My powers are beyond your mortal imagination."
Jadis kept her pleasure to herself for her mockery had done its job.
"Then will you carry out my command to the letter?"
Callida paused, then, "Yes, my lady."