"What indeed?" Cordelia finally met her gaze.

"It could not be a will o' the wisp," Quicksilver said, "or any other sort of marsh-fire, for they would recognize such things and avoid them."

"Or banish them," Cordelia agreed.  "No, something has clouded their minds quite thoroughly."

"What could so becloud a warlock's mind?"  Quicksilver's brows drew down.

"Only a spell that they knew not of," Allouette answered.

Quicksilver gave her a wary look.  "How could such a thing be done, lady?"

Allouette reddened, realizing that in Quicksilver's mind she was the authority on underhanded tricks, sneaky strategies, and hidden betrayals.  Well, she deserved that - and the cure that Gwendylon had begun in her did not remove her knowledge.  "Cast an enchantment on him while he is distracted," she said.

"You mean while Gregory sits in meditation?"

"No, even in that state he is aware of the world about him," Allouette said impatiently.  "It would have to be a charm laid upon him when he is in the midst of battle, or when he has discovered a new idea in study."

"Or when he has found a few minutes alone with you, I'll warrant," Quicksilver said.

Allouette paled.  "You do not think that I would betray him now!"

"I do not," Quicksilver returned, "but I do think that you can distract him and hold his attention far better than anything save battle."

"Oh, study can -"

"He would far rather study your lips and eyes than any book," Cordelia said with asperity.

"Well... there' s some truth to that."  Allouette tried to hide her smile, then lifted her head and said sharply, "But if any sought to enchant him while I was with him, I would know it and turn upon them!"

Cordelia's head snapped up.  "Do you say that you are not as riveted to him as he to you?"

"Even when we have time alone," Allouette countered, "his well-being is my prime concern."

Cordelia studied her a moment, then nodded. "I believe you - and that is a wholesale conversion indeed."

"Why, because I sought his downfall?" Allouette asked sardonically.  "Believe me, lady, that is all the more reason why I am determined to ward him now!"

"I wish you all luck in doing so," Cordelia answered.  "Truly, if the two of you are each intent on the other's well-being, it should be a thriving marriage."

Surprised, Allouette searched her face for signs of sarcasm or mockery, but there were none.

"I do not think, though," said Quicksilver, "that you were the cause of his distraction in this.  Indeed, this confusion-spell was laid upon him as the moutaineers kidnapped you."

"Yes, that would hold his attention," Cordelia agreed.  "As to Alain and Geoffrey, battle of any kind would suffice to distract them."