Page 46 of The Bond That Burns

“Well, it’s so nice to see you all—and on time, too. Pardon my tardiness. I hope you’re all ready for a wonderful term together,” the professor said brightly, adjusting the scrolls and other items in her arms. “Let’s not waste any time, shall we? Follow me inside the greenhouse and I’ll show you where the magic happens.” She beamed at us. “Well, figuratively speaking. Alchemy is mostly a science after all.”

“But there is some magic to it, isn’t there, Professor Allenvale?” Florence asked eagerly, as she hurried up to the professor and lifted the potted plant out of her arms. “Here, let me help you with that.”

“Thank you so much, Miss—?”

“Shen,” Florence said, beaming back at her. “Florence Shen. And it’s an honor to meet you, Professor Allenvale.”

“Ah, yes, you must be Jia’s daughter. What a lovely woman. An incredibly helpful librarian. Why, when I was working on a new paper for publication this summer on the synergistic effects of herbal compounds for wound salves, her insight was invaluable. I can only imagine how proud of you she must be. Professor Rodriguez mentioned to me that you were on a healer and a strategist’s path.” Professor Allenvale tilted her head. “Your timetable must be very full.”

Florence flushed with pride. “Thank you, Professor. Though I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep up the double course load for much longer. But it’s just so hard to choose one specialization.”

“Well, perhaps this class will help to sway you,” Professor Allenvale said, her eyes twinkling. “Now tell me, Miss Shen, what do you think of magic’s role in alchemy? Necessary or simply supplementary?”

Florence didn’t hesitate. “I think that magic can enhance alchemical results but is rarely required. Understanding the natural properties of herbs and how to properly combine them is the foundation. Magic is a bonus.”

“An excellent perspective,” Professor Allenvale said. “I like to think alchemy is a science first and foremost, grounded in experimentation and study. Magic can amplify its potential but some of the best alchemists I’ve ever known had little to no magical ability.”

Considering how little aptitude for the arcane Professor Wispwood had been able to detect in me last year, I was encouraged to hear this.

From the other side of the group, a soft voice chimed in. “And perhaps,” Lunaya Orphos said dreamily. “Alchemy also teaches us to appreciate the magic that is inherent in nature itself. Some things don’t need to be enhanced. They already hold more power than we could ever hope to understand.”

Florence was nodding thoughtfully beside me. “That’s a good point. I’m still very new to alchemy, but already it seems as if it can sometimes feel like uncovering secrets rather than creating something new.”

Professor Allenvale clapped her hands together happily. “I couldn’t have put it better myself. Beautifully put, the two of you. Alchemy is indeed a delicate dance between discovery and creation.”

They’d lost me a little but I was thrilled that Professor Allenvale was so kind—and so appreciative of Florence’s sharp mind.

Allenvale was looking around at the rest of us. “Now, let’s put some theory into practice. We’ll start by forming groups. Let’s see, I think I’ll have you in groups of three. I’ll assign you so we can ensure a good mix of skills and perspectives.” She scanned the group, her eyes landing on where I stood close to Florence. “Oh! Hello there. Red hair.” She beamed. “I suppose you must be Miss Pendragon.”

“Yes,” I said, a little nervously.

“Excellent. You’ll pair up with Miss Shen.” Her eyes flicked over to Lunaya. “And Miss Orphos, would you care to join them?”

Lunaya drifted towards us, a sweet smile on her face. “I’d be delighted.”

“Wonderful.” As Professor Allenvale organized the rest of the students into groups, I exchanged a glance with Florence. I wasn’t quite sure what to make of Lunaya, but she certainly seemed agreeable enough—especially for a highblood. There was something about the girl’s presence that was sweet and calming.

Professor Allenvale clapped her hands to get our attention. “Your first task is to familiarize yourself with three key plants we’ll be working with this term. Please choose a table. At each one, you’ll find some samples of mirthleaf, shadowroot, and emberfern. Each one has unique properties that form the basis of a great number of restorative concoctions. I want you to observe them, study them, take some descriptive notes, and prepare to share what you’ve gleaned with the rest of the group in a few minutes. Some of you may have had personal experiences with these herbs already so I invite you to share those insights.”

As we moved towards our worktable, I leaned close to Florence. “Her hair is amazing. Is that a House Orphos thing?”

Florence looked thoughtfully at our instructor. “Well, sort of. Professor Allenvale usually teaches at a university in the Sable Isles. Most of the students who go there are from House Orphos. And apparently things are less formal there. A little more open.”

I glanced at the professor and her purple and green streaks. “That must be nice.”

We approached the table where small pots of the assigned plants waited.

Not for the first time, I wondered how and why I’d really wound up in this class. I was thrilled to be with Florence, of course. But I wasn’t on a healer’s path like she was. I wasn’t sure how anyof this would apply to dragon riding. I had a moderate interest in herbalism and botany, and I’d received decent marks in Professor Rodriguez’s Restoration class. But I’d been surprised to hear The Alchemist’s Garden was on my timetable.

I eyed the potted plants curiously. Mirthleaf had delicate, feather-like leaves that shimmered faintly, as if they’d been dusted with gold. The plant’s scent was slightly citrusy.

Florence leaned in, touching a leaf gently. “This one is used in energy restoratives, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” Lunaya agreed. “But it’s also an antidote to certain poisons if distilled properly.”

I looked back and forth between the two girls, already impressed. They seemed to know a lot about alchemy. I wasn’t sure what I could bring to the equation.

“Why don’t I be our note-taker?” I offered quickly. My handwriting wasn’t as nice as Florence’s, but I figured it was one way I could contribute to the group. I quickly scribbled down everything they’d said about mirthleaf and then glanced at the next pot.

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