Yeah, well, I learned a long time ago that you can't trust men to give you everythin' you need, even the ones you love. Take 'em for what you can and get the rest on your own. [ She'd broken her own rule and trusted Flagg, and look what it got her. ] You could try to find a mage who needs an assistant or whatever. There have to be ways to learn magic that ain't just studyin' from books.

[ Nadine seems to gain confidence as she speaks, esteem, and Julie looks her up and down, appraisingly. There's a hint of smile in the corners of her mouth. ]

Well, listen to you. Someone finally found her backbone. Keep talkin' like that and you'll scare Lloyd more'n Flagg ever did.