Hammen realized that Gordus had succeeded in getting what he wanted and in keeping it from him. He was less of a doddering old fool than he appeared.
"What was that?" Hammen demanded. "What did you take?"
He tried to shake it loose from the coordinator.
"Let go of me!" Gordus cried out in immaterial indignity.
Hammen released him.
Completely.
Gordus screamed soundlessly as he retreated toward infinity.
"Shall I catch you?" Hammen asked.
The scream changed in pitch.
The Witch brought him back.