"Distract him," Bandit whispers, and by the time he says that the balance of power has shifted once again. Phalen’s spell has gathered weight and power, now pressing him back like a tide of air too thick and heavy to stand against. The assault on his will becomes almost invincible. His hand and arm begin quaking with the effort of maintaining his shield. He strains to move another step forward, but finds his feet will not cooperate.