The sock balls rose—and slowed. They curved in the same trajectories, but Pen felt he might almost take a sip of ale between having to attend to each. His hands moved more languidly, though, and with more effort, as if he were stroking through water. “That was fun,” he said, collecting all four out of the air and stopping. “We can’t keep that up for very long,” said Desdemona, “but it is useful in a pinch.” “Should I wish to take up the trade of a marketplace juggler, I suppose.” “It works as well for dodging blows. Whether from fists or blades.”
