"It's not a taint. It is... the fundamental nature of humans. Wheresoever humans are, there will be some corruption, and where it is, He is." He eyed her, and nodded. "I think our universes very different, milady, sir, and not likely to touch, save in places like this."

Merlin spread his hands, and smiled. "In my world, again, witches are practitioners of magic, one of many kinds. They, along with wizards and true clerics, and druids, use the power within and without to bend the world to their will."

He shook his head. "It makes a man glad there are few such beings, ever."