Page 35 of The Dark Mage
“No,” she said quickly.“Nothing like that.I was hoping this might provide for us.I’ve never handled much money myself, and I hated finances at school.I passed household management with flying colors, so I have some idea of what expensive meals and new linens cost.But when it comes to travel arrangements, I’m out of my depth.”
He considered the small fortune she had acquired.“Fifty gold marks will keep us comfortable until we find work.If you’re happy, I think we should keep our current arrangements here and make plans as we go.”
She nodded her agreement, and they finished their meal in contented silence.
When they went upstairs after supper, the maid in the entrance watched them, but they separated at the top of the stairs.
Fael jumped when he heard Ren’wyn’s gasp and shriek through the wall.Then, the bed frame groaned loudly, and he burst into delighted laughter as he realized what she was doing.She was jumping on the bed.He rolled over, still chuckling, and fell asleep with a smile.
The next morning, after breakfast, Ren’wyn returned to the apothecary.Where better to learn than a place that helped the community with health problems?Fael was spending the day canvassing the countryside, searching for signs of others likethem.
As they walked after breakfast, Fael mentioned his hope of finding people with powers and winning their support for an eventual fight against the Capital.He believed the greatest change would come from local people rather than those in power, especially here in Terrepin, where democracy was so highly valued.
A small silver bell rang as Ren’wyn opened the apothecary door.The shop smelled of dust and mildew—not ideal for sensitive herbs and powders.She had tied her dark blonde hair back into a scarf and strode as confidently as she could to the counter.
“Back again?”the gruff older man rasped.“Perhaps for that love potion afterall?”
Ren’wyn schooled her expression to suppress an eye roll.Using the skills she’d learned in management at Spyre, she straightened her spine, made direct eye contact, and offered a sweet smile to diffuse the tension.
I can do this.I have something to offerhere.
“Actually,” she said, “when I stopped in yesterday, I noticed the excellent assortment of items you have.I’m staying in town for a while and looking for employment.I thought perhaps you would like an extra set of hands, Master…?”
She trailed off, hoping the respectful address might encourage goodwill.The man cocked his head, assessing her from head to toe.Ren’wyn was glad her dress was simple and sturdy—it helped her appear like a tradeswoman.Such things were acceptable here in Terrepin, and she leaned into her assumed identity.
“No Masters here,” he corrected.“I’m Axel, and this has been my shop my whole life.My father’s before me.An herbalist, eh, Miss Calora?”
She smiled prettily at the use of her alias, every inch a demure, thoughtful woman.“I trained in plant identification and use at Spyre Academy.”
“Just your knowledge of the ghost pipes tells me you’re more than an apprentice, Calora.It’s been years since someone recognized, harvested, and sold me those beauties.”
Axel unwrapped a linen parcel on the back counter, revealing the four stems, then beckoned her over.She rounded the counter, and he indicated the mortar and pestle, which she grabbed.Meanwhile, he pressed the stems and flowers with the flat edge of a knife.Though they appeared fresh, the stems disintegrated under pressure, and Axel let out a satisfied grunt.
He placed the ghost pipes into the mortar, and she ground them into powder as Axel watched over her shoulder.When the powder was fine and uniform, he reached for the mortar.Then, he tapped every last speck onto a flat metal plate.
Ten tiny glass bottles lined the shelf—what he had apparently been gathering while she worked.He divided the blue-green, luminescent powder, sweeping each portion into a metal scoop before carefully pouring it into thejars.
Ren’wyn warmed sealing wax over a candle.She dripped it onto a tiny cork Axel handed her, burning her fingertips slightly, then pressed the cork into the firstjar.
They capped all ten jars, then Axel swept them into a lined wooden box before sliding it into the cupboard beneath the counter.
“You’ll do,” he said with a smile.“What’snext?”
Ren’wyn spent the rest of the morning cleaning.She found a broom and swept the shop thoroughly, wrapping a wet rag over her mouth to protect herself from the dust.Shelves, counters, even the window wells didn’t escape her efforts.
At noon, Axel brought out a simple lunch.They shared it in the front window on an ancient window seat, watching two small boys play ball in the street.
Fael returned in the middle of her work reshelving bottles in the cubicles along the western wall of the shop, shortly before supper.Ren’wyn felt proud of the progress she had made, enjoying the task of painting the names of herbs and medicines onto the edges of the shelves.
At the sound of the bell, Axel appeared from the back.“Can I help you?”he asked gruffly, though not unpleasantly.
Fael grinned and pointed.“I’m here for Calora.”
When she capped the paint and turned, Fael’s cheeks reddened, his mouth tightening.For a moment, she wondered if he was still breathing.She touched the escaping curls that tickled her sweaty face, laughing at his odd expression.
Then, with a shake of his head, Fael regained his composure and leaned casually against the wall by the windows.
He winked and said, “You’re disgusting.Did you roll in the corners to dustthem?”
