TILE 30 Role reversal

The virtual young men looked at each other in silent astonishment at the Mediator's explanation.

"You mean I'm him and he's me?" asked Charles.

IN A MANNER OF SPEAKING. I HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE YOUR TIME LINES WERE CROSSED OVER AND YOUR LIFE FORCES THUS DIVERTED.

"Yes but we're not the same at all. His magic isn't like anything I've seen before in Brythan, not even the Elven Time spells, even the Barrier itself." argued Tim.

YOU BOTH BELIEVE YOUR MEANS OF MANIPULATION ARE QUITE DIFFERENT. THEY ARE NOT. THEY ARE DIFFERENT IN CAUSE BUT IDENTICAL IN EFFECT. SUFFICIENTLY POWERFUL MAGIC IS INDISTINGUISHABLE FROM SCIENCE.

"Hey I know thats not what Clarke said because I wrote it down in my journal!" Arthur expostulated.

I HOPED THAT A MEETING OF THE MINDS WOULD RESULT IN A SATISFACTORY COMPROMISE BUT IT IS NOT TO BE.

WE CAN RETURN YOU TO YOUR PROPER PLACES UNAWARE THAT ANY OF THIS HAS OCCURRED, NONE THE WISER FOR THE EXPERIENCE.

IT IS A PITY THAT I CANNOT PERSUADE YOU TO VOLUNTARILY STOP YOUR MEDDLING WITH FORCES YOU WERE NEVER MEANT TO DISCOVER.

SUITABLE STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO MAKE THAT IMPOSSIBLE IN THE FUTURE.

Two simulated inventors exchanged glances that indicated their joint agreement to carry on as before at the first opportunity.