The Apprenticeship of Julian St. Albans (Consulting Magic Book 2) by Crook Amy

Author:Crook, Amy [Crook, Amy]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2014-08-25T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 12

Julian escaped for a bath while the Guardians and Alex did more work on the amulet, and then was given yet another snack, this time some leftover chicken with more of the squash and cheesy potatoes from earlier. Everyone got a plate of food; even Nat and Alys joined them at the kitchen table, so it was less like stuffing himself for his health and more like an extra meal.

"...and that's why we use them together, but never with tea," Jacques was saying. He and Alys had spent the whole meal comparing their strengthening recipes and exchanging herb-lore.

"You're dying to take notes, aren't you?" teased Julian, giving Alex a poke in the side.

Alex laughed. "I am, a little, but it's not as applicable to my work as you'd think," he said. "With potions, the magic makes things edible that would otherwise be poisonous or just not food."

"And it brings things into harmony," added Alys. "Food is just food, even with a bit of extra love added, but potions turn separate parts into a whole new thing that the body absorbs in its own way."

"You can still screw them up by using incompatible ingredients," said Alex. "Though it's still generally not harmful, just weak and ineffective."

"So more like Armistead than Fischer?" said Julian with false innocence. "Did you finish my amulet?" he asked, giving Alex puppy eyes.

Alex chuckled. "Almost. Sort of. We're actually working on a second one that your Guardians will help power, that you'll trade for your usual one when this is over."

"We can't permanently protect a temporary Charge," said James, "so Alex is helping us extend our temporary reach."

"We trust you and Alex not to abuse it," said Jacques. "Plus, we'll help strip it of power at the end."

"And then I'll put it in my little safe, in case we need it again," said Alex. "Which reminds me, I'm going to need another contribution from you."

Julian giggled. "More hair or something else?" he said, touching the back of his head. "I'm going to have to go see Michelle soon to fix the mess you all keep making."

"Blood," said James. "We'll all contribute after dinner."

"Well, second dinner," said Julian. "Supper?"

"Food," said Jacques, amused. "Finish yours, we'll have pudding after bloodletting."

"I've made something special, I've been reading on that electronic tablet thing you gave us," said Alys, "and I wanted to try something new."

"Ooh, that sounds excitingly ominous," said Alex. "Is that what smells so amazing?"

"Possibly," she said.

"I'm meant to get a delivery of some wood tomorrow," said Nat. "Will anyone be home, or should I have them leave it down in the parking garage until you can clear it?"

"Depends on when it gets here. Don't you usually do that yourself?" asked Alex curiously.

Nat nodded, "Aye, but it's special circumstances, isn't it? Your Guardians are better'n me, and I'd hate to miss anything. Brownies aren't much for subterfuge."

"You do your share of sneaking around," said Julian with a fond smile. "But you can keep the wood hidden downstairs if no one's home, can't you?"

"That I can, I'll send you a message if it arrives without you, then.

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