I had a nice ordinary morning working with my clay, but then some men from the cult came visiting. They couldn’t see me at first because I was on Day Bringer, but I had to go out and challenge them because they looked very furtive, creeping around the administration building.

They started to chant “burn witch” when they saw me. I didn’t want to use mind control, that would just have confirmed their opinion of me.

Nemle would have asked me what I have learned so I’m trying to understand. I know I was frightened, terrified would be a better word, and I’m quite proud that I don’t think I let them see it. The hard thing is that it was all my own fault. If I had not shared Day Bringer and the water dimension with Toby and Susan it wouldn’t have happened, but probably Tippa’s welding would not have happened either. Now I’m so confused I don’t know what to do for the best. No, that’s not true. I do know what to do but I’m frightened to do it. In general it might not matter that most people don’t recognise or understand the Silberay, but here at the Harbour it is important that our neighbours know us.

I hadn’t thought about people seeing us enter and leave the water dimension. I suppose I haven’t had to before. If they don’t know why it happens it isn’t surprising that they fear it.

I’m determined to go ahead with planning an open day at the Gathering, but I’m also going to practise using my mind to suggest rather than control. I used to do it with Nemle, but more recently I’ve been practising combat and control rather than subtleness. I’ll ask Fylan and the old ones if they will help. I’m sure the possibility that they can slap me down if they detect me will appeal. (Maybe I won’t ask Blin though!)