Such revelations stirred up a whole whirlwind of thoughts in me, gladdened me, and at the same time worried me: I was glad that he finally started talking and that he seemed to have become sane and even peaceful, but at the same time, I became concerned, suspecting a trap from the forces that had given the dancing amulet – it was too sudden that he came to his senses. Maybe they just allowed it? That is, they saw everything that was happening to him, now they removed the spell, and when I relax – as they expect – he will attack me? Or do they have something more insidious in mind? Or maybe he's just pretending?
Then I decided to use my own little trick – before asking questions, I demanded that he swear that he would only tell the truth and not touch me. Even if spells were being cast on him, I would notice it by the obvious internal struggle, which would inevitably occur – as I have already noted, the dancing ones are simply obsessed with honor, oaths, and promises.
After that, having clearly formulated in my mind everything I wanted to know from him, I said:
“Of course, I forgive you, since you did not act of your own free will. I will not touch you and will allow you to leave after you tell me: who and why ordered you to kill me? Whose house is this and what were you doing in it? Did you see anything like a censer with the one who hired you – you know, a bowl on chains, used by monks? Who were you ordered to give the amulet to?”
Speak as quickly as possible!
He stood for a moment, memorizing my questions, nodded at me, and...