Page 120 of Thorns & Fire
Wren had slowly begun to share what she’d learned about the underworld of the midrealms throughout her years as the Poisoner, and what they might encounter from certain high-borns of each kingdom.Wren didn’t like where the discussions had taken them, didn’t for one second accept that there was only one way to solve their dilemma – but it felt good to talk, and for the first time in a long while, she felt as though she wasn’t alone.
Sharing her work with her sister was another unexpected joy, and she found Thea waiting for her response expectantly, a far cry from the girl who used to skip lessons with Farissa.
‘At first I thought perhaps the transplanted specimen was in shock from being moved,’ she explained.‘They often need some time to recover, but its leaves are still curling, see?And some parts are wilting...’She moved along the bench, gesturing to another set of planters.‘These were propagated from cuttings.And these over here?From seeds...’
Toying with the end of her braid, Thea paced down the length of the bench, contemplating Wren’s work.
Wren led her to another table.‘Everything here is the same species of rose from various locations across the midrealms: ourgardens here in Drevenor, greenhouses in Ciraun, florists in Aveum, farms in Tver...We’ve sourced samples from everywhere.’
‘So you’re saying it’s all about the Delmirian soil?’Thea asked, a note of uncertainty in her voice.‘Not the plant itself?’
‘We thought that at first,’ Wren ventured.‘But we’ve sent other alchemists in secret to bring back more samples, and there have been mixed results.In some soil, it doesn’t matter how you try to cultivate the silvertide – seeds, cuttings, repotting the whole thing – they all flourish.But in other soil, still from Delmira, they flounder.They don’t have the same effect in the cure I’m trying to replicate.’
‘And that’s why you’re struggling with it?’Thea asked.
‘That’s the theory.But I feel like I’m hitting a wall with this research.Every lead I chase down just brings me to dead ends or more questions.I can’t work it out.I can’t make it right...’
Thea scanned her tormented expression and called to Dessa, ‘I think we may need anactualalchemist’s help here.’
As Dessa looked up from her tools, Wren noted the dark circles beneath her eyes, her unwashed hair.
‘It’s fine,’ Wren said, offering her friend an understanding smile.‘Dessa has her own opus to work on.We’re all under a lot of pressure.’
But Dessa shook her head and approached them.‘I’m sorry I haven’t been around as much.This thing with Zavier has really shaken me up...’
‘Me too,’ Wren admitted.‘Please don’t apologize.’
Dessa turned to Wren’s work instead.‘For what it’s worth, you’re doing everything you can, Wren.This is a complex problem and it’s not going to be solved overnight.’
‘It’s been months, Dessa.I can’t help feeling like I’m letting everyone down.Like I’m not working hard enough or fast enough.’
‘You were always going to feel that way,’ Thea interjected.‘You’re a perfectionist.You’re too hard on yourself.’
Dessa nodded.‘She’s right.You’ve been working yourself to thebone.We’ve all seen how you’re tearing yourself apart over this.But why don’t we try to look at it with fresh eyes...’
Wren laughed.‘My eyes are far from fresh, Dessa.’
‘Well, that’s why Thea and I are here,’ she said simply.‘Tell us about the silvertide that has flourished.’
‘I just went through all of that,’ Wren replied, trying to quash her frustration.
Dessa smiled.‘No, you told Thea about the different samples and methods of cultivating.I’m asking you to talk us through the roses that are thriving.’
Wren examined her work, the numerous pots and blooming white buds.‘Well, it’s obvious that Delmiran soil has something to do with it, as the masters told us in ourmanymeetings...’
‘So that’s the common denominator of the successful attempts.What of the less prosperous samples that are also from Delmira?Obviously there are variations in soil across a kingdom due to landscape, altitude, minerals and salts, temperature and water, but beyond that...’Dessa finally drew a breath before ploughing ahead.‘Is there another point of difference between the Delmirian samples we haven’t factored in?’
Thea hopped up onto one of the tables, dangling her legs over the side while she shrugged at Wren.‘Consider me out of my depth, sister.This is all you.’
Wren smoothed down her apron and stood before the cluttered benches, scanning each of their labels where the origin locations were listed.
She traced over them with her finger.There were her own contributions:Cottage Garden,Forest near Cottage,Northern Side of Swamp,Thezmarr Border, Northeastern Route to Tver...Then she turned to the samples that had been brought back by other alchemists in secret.Their locations were specified by coordinates.
‘I need a map,’ she said.
‘Over there.’Dessa pointed to a large easel, where a map of the midrealms had been pinned.
‘That’s someone else’s project,’ Wren objected.
