Potent: Book 1

Chapter 6: Preparations

The inn was uncharacteristically quiet. It was mid morning, and Evin realized she'd arrived during that perfectly still pocket of the day that Wynn sometimes talked about. Guests who were in a hurry to leave would have departed already, but the 'leisure guests,' as Wynn called them, weren't yet up.

The tables were empty and polished, and the shelves behind the counter held several rows of gleaming bottles. The slate floor had already been swept. She smelled sausages and fried dough, the remains of breakfast.

"Hullo," Evin called softly.

"Evin!" cried her sister, coming out of the ledger room toward the back of the building.

The oldest Sacande sister was a brunette like Evin, but instead of grey, her eyes were a golden brown. She wore her hair in a loose chignon, frequently braiding her bangs into a crown to keep them out of her eyes. The two women shared a quick, tight embrace.

"It's been a couple of days," Wynn said kindly, looking Evin over. "Are you well?" She pressed a hand to the younger girl's forehead. "You don't look well."

"I'm fine," Evin insisted, laughing and brushing Wynn's hand away.

"Are you hungry?"

She answered this with a sly smile.

"I'll get you some breakfast," offered Wynn—with an answering grin of her own.

Joining her at one of the polished wooden tavern tables, Wynn plied her younger sister with sausages and fried oatcakes. "I was starting to wonder if you'd decided not to brew for us anymore," Wynn said reproachfully.

Evin gave her a flat look. "That's rather dramatic, Wynn," she said. "I mean to keep going as I have been, truly. I've just been a bit preoccupied."

"Well, it's just that you usually bring us your crates on Tuvos," said Wynn "And it's already Ber."

"I've been a little busy," Evin told her sister. "I'm sorry. I'll bring over some bottles as soon as I can."

Evin, in addition to her work at the Wheel and Well, kept some equipment in her room and brewed independently as well, selling simpler potions to The Upset Owl. Stacia even allowed her to store some finished inventory at the potions shop. Wynn kept the pre-brews on hand at the inn for guests who complained of the chill, or fatigue, or traveling pains.

"What are you out of?" Evin asked curiously.

"Nothing yet, replied Wynn. "But," she said, leaning forward conspiratorially, "We are running low on Passion."

Evin giggled. That was the one made with water crocus.

"Oh," said Wynn with mock intensity. "Business has been very good lately." The two of them laughed. After a moment she added, still smiling, "In actuality, we could absolutely use more Minor Ward, Headache Relief, and For General Pain."

"It's a bit of a thing for me to bring the crates over alone," Evin said, trying not to sound whiny. "I have to take several trips, and they're heavy."

"I know," Wynn said sympathetically. "And we're not always able to get away and help out. But this time, since we need several boxes, Cotter and I can come over with the cart. Should we go to the Wheel and Well?"

"Yes," Evin replied. "If it's a large order, I try to keep it there."

"Good. That's what we'll do. Really, Evin—they're selling very well. You should be proud."

"That's good to hear," the younger woman said. "It's not easy trying to study alone. It's hard asking Stacia for more of her time when I know it's so limited."