From the first draft of the new Allie book --

In which Allie has to prove that she knows something, anything, about rituals, by performing one...
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“Of course you must be fast enough getting the circle up that nothing evil joins you in the circle,” came the professor’s voice.

True enough. I wasn’t dawdling, that was certain, but I was trying to be precise, so I didn’t leave anything out or look sloppy. But this suggested that I was a touch slow for him, so I dribbled faster, to get the first circle down quickly.

And then the room disappeared.
( There's a little bit more -- )

Wildfires, cont.

For those who have asked, I haven't unpacked the bags yet. Wind picked up again this past weekend, and several fires STILL are not out. Still waiting for rain before I unpack.

May have to just make a "You've got 30 minutes" list and leave it in the suitcase. I need some of that stuff, so I keep taking it out and then putting it back in.