# XXI: The Magician explained — Brood of the Witch-Queen > Chapter companion for Brood of the Witch-Queen by Sax Rohmer. ## What happens Dr. Cairn and Robert Cairn discuss the threat posed by Antony Ferrara, who uses ancient Egyptian sorcery and a hellish incense. They lament their helplessness as Ferrara visits Mr. Saunderson's house, where Myra Duquesne stays, and they fear using her as a lure. Dr. Cairn reveals Ferrara obtained his incense from the Pyramid of Méydûm and that he is a true magician. They resolve to watch night and day. ## Themes in this chapter ### Sorcery vs. Science Dr. Cairn contrasts modern scepticism with Ferrara's proven magical powers, highlighting the conflict between rational knowledge and ancient black arts. ### Good vs. Evil The Cairns position themselves as protectors against Ferrara, whom they describe as supernaturally wicked and a murderer using black magic. ### The Occult and Ancient Egypt Ferrara's power derives from ancient Egyptian incense and rituals, specifically from the Pyramid of Méydûm, linking his sorcery to Egypt's occult heritage. ## Character check-ins ### Dr. Bruce Cairn Stands looking out the window, discusses Ferrara's sorcery and the need to watch Myra. ### Robert Cairn Agitated, clenches fists, questions Ferrara's origins and expresses despair over Myra's safety. ### Antony Ferrara Referenced as the magician who uses black arts, incense from Méydûm, and visits Saunderson's house. ### Myra Duquesne Described as pale and worn, unaware of Ferrara's true nature, staying at Mr. Saunderson's house. ### Mr. Saunderson Mentioned as the orchid-obsessed host who is unsuspicious and cannot be told the truth. ### Sir Michael Ferrara Referenced as Ferrara's adoptive father and possibly his first murder victim. ## Key lines > Had you asked me prior to that occasion if any of the hellish stuff had survived to the present day, I should most emphatically have said no ; I should have been wrong. Ferrara had some. He used it all⁠—and went to the Méydûm pyramid to renew his stock. Dr. Cairn admits he was mistaken in believing the ancient incense no longer existed; Ferrara possessed it and traveled to the Méydûm pyramid to obtain more. _Reveals Ferrara's source of power and the survival of ancient Egyptian sorcery._ > He is what the benighted ancients called a magician. He is what was known in the Middle Ages as a wizard. What that means, exactly, few modern thinkers know; but I know, and one day others will know. Dr. Cairn defines Ferrara as a true magician or wizard, a classification dismissed by modern thought but understood by him. _Establishes Ferrara's identity as a practitioner of ancient black arts._ > We know that Antony Ferrara visits Mr. Saunderson’s house; we know that he is laughing at our vain attempts to trap him. Crowning comedy of all, Saunderson does not know the truth; he is not the type of man who could ever understand; in fact we dare not tell him⁠—and we dare not tell Myra. The Cairns are frustrated that Ferrara openly visits Saunderson's home, mocking their efforts, while Saunderson and Myra remain ignorant of the danger. _Highlights the irony and helplessness of the protagonists._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters/xxi-the-magician - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters