Cracks in Reality (Seams in Reality Book 2) by Alex Siegel Read Free Book Online Page B

the exercise, and Andrew would never willingly hurt Charley. That leaves you as the practice dummy."
    Dan stared at Tonya. "Did you get any kind of approval for this?"
    "You're bosses wouldn't understand," she said. "I was hoping for better from you. I promise you won't be harmed."
    He narrowed his eyes and turned to Andrew. "What are you planning to do to me?"
    "Just make you believe something that isn't true," Andrew said.
    "That doesn't sound too bad."
    "Depends on the belief."
    "You're just an apprentice," Dan said. "How do you know you'll be able to pull it off safely?"
    "I'm a specialist at mental sorcery," Andrew said, "and if I make a mistake, Tonya will step in. You're in the hands of experts. Come on. Don't you want to experience sorcery for yourself?"
    "I've seen what it can do. No thanks."
    "But you don't really understand it. This is your chance to learn."
    Dan glanced at the exit door, but Andrew knew Dan still saw a blank wall. Tonya's illusion would continue until she turned it off.
    After a long pause, Dan said, "OK. I'll trust you, but don't do anything elaborate. Just a simple demonstration."
    "Of course," Andrew said. "Your legs are broken." He backed up the statement with the power of sorcery.
    Dan collapsed to the floor. He grabbed his legs with his hands and grimaced.
    "You broke them!" he cried with shock and pain in his voice.
    Tonya walked over. "Stay calm. Your legs are fine."
    "No, they're not! The bones are shattered!"
    "Now you understand. Belief can be more powerful than truth. I could show you a hundred X-rays, and you'd still think your legs are broken. Your perception of the world is what's really fractured."
    Tungsten ran over and grabbed Dan's shoulders. "Get up. It's just a trick."
    "No!" Dan pushed Tungsten away. "Call a doctor!"
    "Listen to me," Tonya said. "If a sorcerer attacks your mind, you won't be able to resist, but you can control your own reactions. You don't have to panic. This is what I want you to learn today."
    "I don't care. Just fix my damn legs!"
    She walked over to one of the shelves. The supplies included a large collection of mechanical clocks ranging from watches to an antique grandfather clock. None of them had the right time. She grabbed a medium-size clock made of brass and wood which was at least a hundred years old. She wound the spring using a key in the back. She placed the clock on the floor in front of Dan.
    "Focus on the clock," Tonya said. "Let the precise, predictable movements of the hands guide you to a place where you can think more clearly."
    Dan stared at the clock. Andrew knew Dan would never be able to escape the illusion on his own. He lacked the talent, and no amount of training could make up the difference. The clock would help Dan deal with the situation better though. It was an image Andrew used often in his own training.
    After a few minutes, Dan seemed to settle down. "I'm not afraid now. My legs are still broken, but you can fix them. It's temporary."
    "Close enough," Tonya said. "Andrew, dispel the illusion."
    Andrew removed the false belief from Dan's mind. It was as easy as erasing a chalk board.
    Dan stared at his legs for a moment. Then he carefully stood up and straightened his karate uniform.
    "That was absolutely insane," he said.
    Tonya nodded. "Indeed. At the heart of sorcery, there is insanity."
    "But I thought sorcery was more than just mental tricks."
    "Physical sorcery is much harder, but Charley has particular talent in that regard. Would you like to demonstrate?"
    Charley smiled slightly. "Sure. I'll do the spoon bending trick." She walked over to a shelf and grabbed an iron bar which was a half-inch thick. She handed it to Tungsten. "Can you confirm this is solid iron?"
    He struggled to bend the bar. The muscles in his big arms bulged enough to stretch his uniform.
    "It feels solid." He returned the bar to Charley.
    She stared at the metal, and Andrew sensed her energy level flaring up. The invisible storm which always