"I've never heard of anything that could do what you're describing," Linda said, over the phone to Joni. "But I'm not an expert in the occult. It's more like just a hobby."
"But it could happen, right?" Joni asked.
"Yeah, I suppose. It's not impossible. But the person behind it would have to be an incredibly powerful sorcerer. I don't think anyone like that exists, at least in real life."
"They also mentioned something about a wishing stone ..."
"Wishing stone?"
"Yeah, have you heard of anything like that before?" Joni asked.
"The only thing I can think of is the Jewel of Cusco. But I thought that that was just a myth. According to legend, it can grant any wish. Nothing is beyond its capabilities." She paused. "If they really have the Jewel of Cusco, then that could explain what you said is happening. With just a single wish, anything that seems impossible could ..."
"Yeah? Linda, are you still there?"
"My pendant."
"What about it?"
"It's gone. I didn't even notice until right now, but it's missing. I think someone stole it."
"Why would someone do that?" Joni asked.
"I don't know. But it has value. It protects the wearer from magical attacks."
"Really?"
"Yeah, at least that's what it's supposed to do."
"Do you have any idea who might have taken it?"
"No clue."
They paused for a moment, then Joni continued. "We can look for it later. Right now, I think we should focus on finding out more about that Jewel you were talking about. If it really does exist, I wouldn't mind getting my hands on it."
"Me neither," Linda said.
