Page 180 of Heart of the High King
“We’ve managed to extrapolate the properties of the stone to pinpoint exactly what in it nullifies magic. That task accomplished, I started working on replicating it because we’re going to need it in large quantities. It’s been a slower process than I would’ve liked as I can’t expose myself to it for long stretches. Being around it works on the magical parts of me draining my blood but, luckily, I have a willing donor happy to resupply what I’ve lost each day,” the Vampyr Lord said.
“I’ll do anything for science,” Delaney snarked with a grin.
“Science appreciates your contributions,” Grigori teased. “So, once we isolated the nullifying element, I started playing around with it, which allowed me to unlock the secret of replicating it. As soon as I had that formula down, I decided to make a super concentrated dust version that I handed off to Killian and Dravyn as they requested it. Right now, I’m going the opposite way and creating versions of weaker dust. I want to make sure we have multiple options for this issue and future problems we encounter.”
“The reason we went with Killian and Dravyn as recipients of the dust is because when we started doing simulations on how to best apply this as a cure, we ran into difficulties. If we have Rafe digest it as is, not only would it really piss off his digestive system, but it would build up in his organs and tissues, essentially making him a null object that would weaken sorcerers,” Dre’Kariston explained.
“So, here’s what Dray and I thought. If we could put the property of the dust into a plant, we might have something,” Killian said. “Dra’Kaedan made us a copper box, and we put some dirt mixed with this super dust inside. We added a ginger root. As it’s grown, it has absorbed the nullifying property. When tested, it is found to have zero effect on sorcerers as far as being in proximity to it. They would weaken if they ingested it.”
“We chose ginger because it doesn’t need much sunlight, it fights inflammation, boosts the immune system, and fights nausea. Since those are Rafe’s biggest issues, we thought it was our best bet,” Dravyn added.
“You created a plant that can essentially make him able to tolerate magic?” Aleksander asked, making sure he understood what they were saying.
“Exactly,” Vadimas said. “Here’s the tricky part. The simulator only works to a point. We need to start testing on you, Rafe. We’re not sure how long it will work, so we have to determine how often you should ingest it and how much of it you need in your system.”
“I’ll do it. Am I just supposed to gnaw on some ginger?”
Saura chuckled. “We thought tea might be the best solution. Noir and Kendrick can no doubt add some creative twists to make it delicious.”
“I can do tea.”
“Great, so we’re going to need to run tests on you. Basically, shoot you full of magic to make sure it’s working. Be honest when symptoms start, so we don’t hurt you,” T’Eirick explained.
“Okay, I can do that. If it means drinking some tea fixes my problem, you can count on me to be honest,” Rafe vowed. “Thanks, guys. I wasn’t expecting this. I really appreciate it.”
“It’s our pleasure, dear,” Saura assured him.
