Coin took another look around.
‘In what respect, exactly?’ he said, his voice a shade more normal.
Um.’
‘What is this place?’
‘It’s a sort of other dimension. The magic broke through and we went with it, I think.’
‘And those things?’
They regarded the Things.
‘I think they’re Things. They’re trying to get back through the hole,’ said Rincewind. ‘It isn’t easy. Energy levels, or something. I remember we had a lecture on them once. Er.’
Coin nodded, and reached out a thin pale hand towards Rincewind’s forehead.
‘Do you mind-?’ he began.
Rincewind shuddered at the touch. ‘Mind what?’ he said.
- if I have a look in your head?
‘Aargh.’
It’s rather a mess in here. No wonder you can’t find things.
‘Ergh.’
You ought to have a clear out.
‘Oogh.’
Ah.’
Rincewind felt the presence retreat. Coin frowned.
‘We can’t let them get through,’ he announced. ‘They have horrible powers. They’re trying to will the hole bigger, and they can do it. They’ve been waiting to break into our world for-’ he frowned -’ians?’
‘Aeons,’ said Rincewind.
Coin opened his other hand, which had been tightly clenched, and showed Rincewind the small grey pearl.
‘Do you know what this is?’ he said.
‘No. What is it?’
‘I–can’t remember. But we should put it back.’
‘Okay. Just use sourcery. Blow them to bits and let’s go home.’
‘No. They live on magic. It’d only make them worse. I can’t use magic.’
‘Are you sure?’ said Rincewind.
‘I’m afraid your memory was very clear on the subject.’
‘Then what shall we do?’