Potent: Book 1

Chapter 17: Interviews

Ber, Day 11 of Melia, Winking Moons, Year 602

"Regarding corks and stoppers: these materials must be carefully considered by the serious brewer. Various organic and synthetic constructions are available, but it is possible for ingredients in the potion to react negatively to the makeup of the stopper. In some cases, the brews can become compromised or even dangerous to use." —The Brewer's Practice, 2nd Edition, University of Gradl Press

* * *

She hardly knew what to say to the chancellor.

Why did she want to attend Craestor?

Evin glanced toward Tadyath in a blind panic, but he merely smiled benignly at her and offered no help. Colin's eyes were fixed on her. Slowly, she began.

"I—my situation is a little unusual."

"Take your time," Colin said congenially.

Evin nodded. "I grew up in Liminey, south of here," she said. "I'm a brewer by trade."

"So I hear."

Evin nodded. "I had some training from my former master; she ran the city's premier shop," she explained. "But I'm self-taught as well. My letters are not excellent, but I can read a little."

She ignored the slight darkening of Colin's face and pushed on, her voice trembling a little.

"And I like to keep track what I'm working on, even if that means drawing pictures and diagrams. It was my desire to go into the profession as I got older, perhaps taking over the shop when Stacia—when my employer—retired."

Retired. Was that what Stacia had done?

Colin was nodding. "What kinds of things do you know how to make?" he asked.

"I can make just about anything if I have the recipe."

The Chancellor's eyebrows rose in curiosity. "Really?"

"Yes," Evin assured him. "I sometimes made batches of ready-to-drink brews and sold them to my sister. She kept a display for me at her inn. You know—pain easers, comfort brews, things that travelers like to buy when they're in a new city."

"You made full batches by yourself? At your age? How much have you sold?"

"Oh, lots," she said, unable to quantify her earnings. "I didn't keep a record," she added sheepishly. "Most of it went to pay my rent at the boarding house or to buy food. And drinks."

Colin watched her carefully as she spoke.

"It was a good apprenticeship," Evin continued, giving Tadyath a quick glance, "Stacia gave us more responsibility, I think, than other masters might have. But it gave me a good understanding of the trade. Solo brewing was just something I decided to do. I might not have if... " she hesitated. "...If I didn't need the money so badly."

Colin regarded her, and Tadyath looked on impassively. The two men were very still.

"Then something happened to our shop and Stacia left town," said Evin. "And I... no longer have family in Liminey." She said this last part through a sudden swell of emotion. It felt so strange to admit it out loud.

"I heard what happened," Colin said gently, and the kindness in his face nearly sent her over the edge. "You've been through some terrible things. I'm so sorry."

There was a slight pause.

Evin felt great relief not to have to explain any more about the incident, but still feared she might dissolve into tears right here in the library. Whatever the outcome of her application, she didn't want to recall an emotional outburst as integral and strove valiantly to work around the tragedy in conversation.