* * *
Xandor wanted to sink into the floor, but he didn’t budge. The mouse collapsed and didn’t move, once again comatose.
“Pick him up,” said the Seeress.
Xandor complied, tucking Willem back into the pouch.
The Seeress looked into Xandor’s eyes. He felt she peered into his soul and found him lacking. She turned her gaze on Ursula. Then she closed her eyes and no one moved or spoke.
Xandor’s legs felt numb and he had a maddening itch behind his left ear that he dared not scratch. The Seeress finally opened her eyes, solid black orbs that made him feel stripped naked.
“Reunite the mouse with its owner. That is your Age Quest. Go.” She closed her eyes again and sat in silence.
The guards ushered the two youngsters out of the temple.