She considers him, then nods. "I wish to strengthen and test the wards around the grove and the pool at its center," she says. "It is the pool that is haunted or cursed, or something of the sort, and from which sometimes things emerge. I do not know if it can truly be sealed without the danger of a backlash and explosion, but if sufficient protections can be set, then perhaps it does not need to be."

Her tone grows more thoughtful. "It is resonant, in its way, of malign power. I anticipate there is a possibility that something might emerge from it to try to stop me, when I begin to work. It is at that point that I might be vulnerable to attack, and it would be helpful to have a defender."