Potent: Book 1

Chapter 7: Experimentation

"Correct," said Bricot. "The one that needs a charge. Does everyone know what he's talking about?"

Most of the students nodded, and one of them took a sip from her mug of tea, but a few sat still, listening for clarification.

"Most modern slung potions are brewed and shipped as they are and left alone until ready for use. Just before activation, a small bead is inserted into the container, which is then re-capped. This bead is combustible, and timed from the moment it meets the liquid. There are just as many different types of charges as there are martial materials, all with different countdown lengths and force and area blasts. But you can, and should, learn more about slung potions from an educated, certified master bombardier like Ola."

The class stirred, and Bricot decided it was probably time to stop for the day. "Let me know if you have questions about the Tragedy of 571. I'll be asking for names and exact dates on our next test."

Everyone began to climb to their feet and gather their things.

"Ger?" Bricot asked, eyeing the young man, who nodded and made his way over to the master alchemist. "Is today still convenient?"

Ger nodded.

"Good. Let's go to the lab."

The two men made their way down the corridor, talking as they went.

"You're in your second year, yes?" Bricot asked.

Ger nodded again.

There was a short silence, and some of Bricot's anxiety began to creep in. It was always easier for him to address a group of students than it was a single person. Lectures, he could do. Small talk was not as comfortable.

"How long have you been teaching?" Ger asked, coming to his rescue.

Bricot considered, then answered, "I came here almost a year ago from Boradîn, which is where I grew up. I attended Tengue University there. I also worked as a master's assistant during my last two years in the program. I'm a relatively young teacher."

Ger nodded thoughtfully. "I enjoy your lectures very much," he said.

Bricot ran a hand through his hair and reddened slightly in response to the unexpected compliment. "Well," he said.

The silence between the two men stretched nearly to breaking.

Well what, Bricot? Then, "Thank you," he added belatedly, a disastrously awkward afterthought.

His student said nothing, taking the exchange in stride.

Once they'd reached the lab, Bricot held the door open for his young charge. "Now," said Bricot. "What would you like to practice brewing?"

Ger frowned, completely at a loss.

"Actually, no. Let me rephrase that," the alchemist amended. "What can we make today that we could safely test the potency of ourselves?"

"Hmm. Haste potion?"

Bricot thought and then began to nod slowly. "I like that. I was going to suggest Energy or Strength, but Haste might be easier to qualify. Do you know the ingredients?"

"Ugalia bark."

"Yes. What else?"

Ger considered. "Shaved elestial grey-brown quartz."

"Very good," said Bricot, "And we're going to use ravenswort today as well. We'll do a simple potion; no philters or elixirs. Let's save the school's premium ingredients for another project. Besides, I want to brew a whole batch of them."