Again, Merri closed his eyes and took in a few deep breaths. You can do this, he told himself; have faith, Father Luscini had said. It was difficult for him to have faith in his own abilities, but if the priest believed in him, Merri could not insult him but thinking otherwise. Just do it again, like before, but compress it this time.
The spell caught onto the obelisk the first time this time, but Merri did not allow himself a second to rejoice as he imagined the spell like an accordion, as Father Luscini had described it. The green glow turned slightly brighter for a few seconds before it was extinguished, not having lasted as long as the last time but still longer than the first.
Merri let out a small, relieved laugh. "I think I'm getting there!" he cried.