Cole changes rock

  Cole focused on the largest rock within his target zone, mostly buried by soil and clover. He began to push some of his power toward the stone.

  But how did he want to change it? What if he altered the substance of the rock into the same material as the soil? He could envision the necessary transformation.

  He pushed harder and willed the change.

  The rock dissolved into chalky brown matter.

  Dandalus released Cole’s hand.

  Cole walked over, crouched, pushed aside some clover, scooped up some of the powdery remains of the rock, and let the fine brown dust sift through his fingers. “I did . . . something,” he said.

  “An outstanding effort for a first try,” Dandalus said. “The echolands are designed to be unchangeable. You shaped that stone. Not into anything useful, but you transformed it.”

Chapter 32