‘The results were mixed. Sometimes the effects were desirable, often the results had nothing at all to do with us; but sometimes, the results were disastrous.
‘Some of these spells concerned the Fundament. These spells were by far the most perilous, for they meddled with the mechanics of Nature Itself. The coherence of solid objects was compromised, living things turned to stone, water turned to a substance like glass, the air we breathe became fire.
‘Other spells opened a portal, through which a host of demons and other evil creatures sallied forth.
‘Then,’ the little Loremaster offered, watching the King carefully, ‘there were attempts to take inert matter, and bring it to life-’
‘The Tsagoroth,’ the King said, anticipating the direction of his Loremaster’s oblique soliloquy.
‘The Tsagoroth,’ Cyphallus said, nodding, as though the King had already agreed to the plan he was about to put forth. ‘Creatures made by Loremasters of old, creatures of singular purpose.’
‘Well do I remember the old tales,’ the King muttered. ‘Their invocation entailed the purpose with which they were imbued, but which could not be called back. The only resolution to their ravaging nature was their destruction, which came at great cost.’
‘Ah, but you no longer need concern yourself with that,’ Cyphallus told him. ‘The completion of the final illustration, if not the invocation of the Lore, will protect You, come what may.’