Page 22 of The Noldrin Witch

“Not your fault, dear,” Henrik chuckled. “I’m telling you so you know why people from here might not be as welcoming to Falaine folk.”

Elise retorted, “If they could manage a welcome without groping, I should be quite content.”

“You must think me a brute,” Henrik laughed. “Morgaine will hear a word or two of this, though I suspect she will enjoy it more than not.”

He went back to the counter, barely disturbed by the destruction in his shop. His long brown hair and his green eyes seemed to Elise the more interesting. A rough man this was. He remained calm and polite despite their previous engagements. His relaxed demeanor quickly made her feel at ease. Curiosity proved persuasive as always, and Elise found herself trying to learn more about her mentor.

“Have you known Morgaine for a while, I presume?” Elise asked, studying Henrik, who was busy reaching for some roots from a high shelf.

He laughed. “You could say that.”

She thought of asking if he was aware Morgaine was a witch, but the response seemed already obvious.

“Did you grow up with her?” Elise asked carefully.

Henrik turned to her with a crooked smile and a raised brow. “If I had a copper for every time I’ve tried to ask her anything about her life, I would be retired by now!”

Elise smiled.

She stayed there for some time while Henrik wrapped the herbs, roots, and powders in paper and handed them to her. He even offered another basket for her to take and apologized once more, but Elise had already forgiven the inconvenience and accepted only a small satchel to carry her purchase.

“How much do I owe you?” Elise asked.

Henrik was staring at her with a smirk, likely still thinking of Morgaine. Then he shook his head. “Tell Morgaine that this one is on the house, but next time she should come see me herself.”

Elise wondered just how often this type of affair between Henrik and Morgaine was conducted. She did not entertain the thought for long, deciding it was best not to know how the witch secured her favors. It was no surprise Morgaine lived among so much gold and silver. Elise had found her new protector, but what a mentor she had chosen.

She was about to leave when the scent of tiny white flowers pricked her nose. She drew nearer to have a better look.

“What are these?” Elise asked.

“You have a good eye,” Henrik said, crossing the counter to join her. “These are Heartblooms. They are only available during spring, and I am told they are widely regarded as the main ingredient in love potions.”

“Love potions?”

Elise immediately gathered that the famed potion had to be one of the three Morgaine had spoken of as the most commonly used.

“How much for a dram?”

“Take a handful as a sign of my apology.”

“Thank you.”

Chapter 11

Elise walked around the city with the haste one might reserve for claiming an inheritance. Spring had brought longer days, but dusk was finally settling over the skies. She was eager to return to Morgaine and change this dress, which seemed to grow tighter by the minute. She kept a small hope that men of low refinement might keep their intentions private and that no one would dare disturb her passage. She was, however, fully prepared if a lout or rascal attempted an acquaintance, murmuring the chant every few steps, just in case.

Due to her humble upbringing, she was well-versed in dealing with wretched and fine folk all the same, so she had no reservations about correcting a wandering hand, just as she had done with Henrik.

It was not long after entering the town square that Elise’s disposition was put to the test. A fellow dressed in what might once have been decent clothes ran to her side and, with one swift yank, freed her of the satchel in her hand.

The change of property had been conducted with such finesse that Elise was left taken aback for a moment. She stood in shock, watching the man run with the light-footedness of a military scout.

“By root and stone, let strength make its home.”

Elise did not know if the Strength Potion would grant her any speed, but as she set off after the man, the potion proved effective with every physical effort she attempted.

The pursuit stretched through many streets, with Elise alerting everyone along the way about the thief, remarking with some passion about the event and announcing the color of the fellow’s clothes. It was clear by the crowd’s reaction that every spectator understood the man’s recent endeavors as he ran with the satchel.