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Excerpt:
Tanan stood in the still room of the Herbalist’s Hall. Today
his task had set him checking the shelves of prepared medicinals to find what
needed replenished. He yawned. A year ago, he had passed his final test and had
been named an herbalist. On that day, he’d been assigned here rather than being
sent to visit several villages. “You’re too young to be sent out,” the Chief
Herbalist had said. “Another year or two will see you mature.”
A scowl wrinkled his brow. He’d recently learned the real
reason. Prime Voice had demanded he remain. Though that man was his father, Tanan
had never seen any sign of favoritism from the man.
Tanan continued his survey of the stillroom. He noted on a
slate the items he must replace. At the end of the lowest shelf, deep in the
shadows, he found six vials he’d never seen before.
A frown appeared when he noticed the vials were made from
dark glass meaning the contents must avoid the light. He checked the lists of
the contents of the herbarium and found no mention of these vials. He listen
one and saw it wasn’t empty. What were the contents? The cork was sealed with
wax to keep the liquid contained. With care, he removed the seal and drew a
deep breath. His hand shook. He nearly dropped the vial. Once again, he sniffed
the contents.
No. How could they have such an evil present? He jammed the
cork into the vial’s opening. Spotted Fever. Those six containers held enough
material to infest dozens of villages. Tanan carried the vial to the counter
and heated a strip of way. He placed the sealing material around the cork. Though
he wanted to destroy the disease vials, he couldn’t. That would endanger him
and probably find him imprisoned or dead. He carried the container back to the
shelf and placed it with the others.
He slumped on a chair. Why had the Chief Herbalist done this.
He could think of no one else who would dare. Why? For some reason, Prime Voice
wanted a plague to attack the villagers. Why one that killed the young and old.
Anger bubbled closer to the surface. He must not show the
higher place Herbalists his true feelings. He rose and walked to the shelves he
hadn’t checked. He continued the list of the preparations needed to be made.
Tanan went to the preparation table and gathered the
ingredients for the first tincture to be made. The stillroom door opened. Two men
wearing dark trousers and shirts. Travel
robes ended at their knees. Both carried the packs herbalists used when they
traveled.
“Can I help you prepare your supplies?” Tanan asked.
One of the men shook his head. “We can do our own The Chief
wants you to present yourself. He is in the refectory. Midday meal is serving
now.”
Tanan walked to the door. “Just a warning. Several of the
medicinals you’ll need must be prepared. That was on my list of what to do.”
“We can make what we need,” the second man said.
Tanan exited the
stillroom. He vowed to check those vials once the men had departed. His stomach
clinched. Were his suspicions true?
He strode through a twisted set of halls and paused outside
the door to the refectory/ Was he finally going to be sent into Keltoi? His
hands fisted and he made a vow. He wouldn’t take of those vials.
Finally his emotions cooled and he pushed open the door and
stepped into the room. His hands fisted. A dozen long tables were ready for
those wanting to eat. He found place and
was able to sit when the Chief Herbalist called is name and gestured for him to
approach the single table set on a stage overlooking the ordinary diners. Tanan
sucked in a breath of air laden with the scents of stew flavored with garlic
and basil.
Tanan walked slowly up the steps. He kept his gaze lowered.
At the end of the table, he bowed to the Chief Herbalist and waited for the man
to speak.
“Tanan, you have been assigned to several villages.” He slid
a paper across the table. These are the lists of what you must carry in your
bag. I will check to make sure you have packed all you’ll need. The directions to
the four villages are listed. There are also special directions for you to
follow.”
“Why am I finally being sent out?” Tanan asked.
“A message came from Prime Voice,” the Chief Herbalist said.
“This is a testing of your ability to follow orders. Your loyalty to Prime
Voice and Midran.”
Tanan stared at the rolled parchment. “I will do my best.”
“I know you will. Now go and eat. Then go to the stillroom
and gather your supplies. I’ll meet you in the stables..”
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