How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"It was beautiful!" she said.
"Yes, but will it like this world?" asked Mo. "And what is gone to replace it in the world it came from?" (23.87-88)
The way that Mo's reading-magic works, it's almost as if the Law of Conservation is in effect—if a being crosses from one world into another, something must take its place. This rule seems a little flexible, as some mammals are substitutable for each other (cats for people, in some cases at least), but we never get to see a truly thorough and scientific explanation of how this works.
Quote #5
"So the next thing to do," he murmured, "is to play on Basta's superstitions. What a good thing I gave him that little weakness. It was a clever move." (42.69)
Fenoglio, talking to himself here, definitely views Basta's superstitious obsession as a flaw. After all, it's something he can use to persuade Basta that certain actions will bring good luck or bad luck, which is definitely something Basta cares about. It makes us wonder whether superstitious people in general are easier to manipulate or deceive.
Quote #6
"Parsley and spiders!" Fenoglio laughed quietly. "What a fool you are, Basta! I'm not talking about children's magic. I mean the magic of the written word. Nothing is more powerful for good or evil, I do assure you." (45.10)
Apparently grown-up magic is serious business. None of this kiddie stuff, like using common household items to put hexes on people. We don't know how much of this Fenoglio is straight-up inventing, but he must be saying the right things because Basta buys it and brings him supplies for putting a curse on Mortola using written sigils.