I've figured out why I wasn't able to summon the Tree Spirit last time--the Grey Twigs you brought me were old, Daeva.

The Spirit wasn't able to channel through it. Otherwise, it would have worked. I gave you one simple task, and you managed to mess it up.

I now need a different material...something a bit stronger than twigs.

• "I suppose I'll be getting it?"

Well, it's not really an additional favour, Daeva. It's still part of the original favour.

So, yes, I think it would be nice of you to get it for me. It's only fair.

Can I count on you this time?

• Accept.
• Decline.

I'm trying a different route this time. Summoning a Spirit requires an incredibly strong life force, so I'll need a material that will infuse the Spirit with a breath of life.

I need the Hard Shells from Burrowing Laupedes. They're in Undirborg.

They're pretty tough creatures, but I'm sure a Daeva of your calibre has dealt with worms before.

• "Worms don't frighten me."

Teressa needs a life-rich material to summon a Spirit. Defeat Burrowing Laupedes and Vilethorn Laupedes and bring back their Hard Shells.

You made excellent time, Daeva. I've gotten everything ready in your absence. Now all I need is the life energy in those Hard Shells.

Did you get them? I hope these are fresh--they won't work if they're from long-dead worms. You did kill them fresh, right?

• "Yes, I killed them fresh."

Seriously, Daeva? You singlehandedly ruin my first attempt at summoning a Spirit by bringing me dead twigs.

And now you won't even do the right thing by bringing me the right materials for my second attempt?

Go on, kill Vilethorn Laupedes and Burrowing Laupedes and bring me the Hard Shells. You know how important this is to me!

• "I'll kill your damn worms now!"

Finally, everything has fallen into place. Stand back now, Daeva, I'm going to summon the Spirit! Do not stare it in the eyes when it appears.... I've been told that may frighten it.

(She pulverizes the Hard Shells, sprinkles the powder around, and chants a spell with her eyes closed.)

Why is nothing happening? I couldn't possibly have failed twice...because I don't fail! I never fail! Where is this blasted Spirit? I'll kill it if I see it!

Teressa said her failure last time was due to the poor quality of the material you brought.

She needed a new life-rich material, so you killed Burrowing Laupedes and Vilethorn Laupedes and brought her their Hard Shells.

However, summoning the Spirit failed once again, even with the Hard Shells.