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We arrived in the Village less than an hour later. Jonathan seemed nervous.

"Not a fan of the Alchemist, my dear Jonathan?"

"No, your Grace. I find his.. techniques.. to be a bit.. different."

"Understood. He is a bit of an unusual sort, but a Valuable Resource nonetheless. Do try to hinder your Emotions. Our Humanity will be our undoing if we are not careful."

"Yes. You are, of course, correct. I will do my Best. Shall I knock?"

"Yes, let's."

"Very well then." Jonathan gave the solid oak door three very sharp, then two rapid knocks. I marveled at the intricate designs hand-carved into the door while we waited. It Reminded me of a woodland forest. I half-expected pixies or fairies to come flying out rather than a withered old man.

"Your Highness! Do come in." rasped the Alchemist.

We walked into a warm, cozy Hearth hung with odd shelves and glass jars. Jonathan remained stony-faced. Relief filled my Heart.

As we made ourselves comfortable on an oak bench nearest the fire, the Alchemist got right to it.

"To what do I owe this Pleasure, my QUEEN?"

"I am here to inquire about the contents of this vial." I said as I pulled the small, blue glass vial out of my cloak.

"Ah. May I?"

"Yes, of course."

The old man took the vial and examined it closely, walking slowly towards his Alchemy lab - a large wooden table pushed up against the wall furthest from the fireplace adjacent to the kitchen. Upon the table sat a plethora of glass beakers, flasks, test tubes, clamps and other equipment.

He put on a large, brown robe, elbow-length leather animal skin gloves, and secured a full, glass face protector of sorts to his head. A strange sight for sure.

He turned back to face us with a big, silly grin.

"Protective measures, my lord." He said speaking directly to Jonathan. "We do not know what is in that vial. Even the faintest scent could be your death. Or not." He raspily laughed into a wheezy cough.

I gave Jonathan a firm look as the Alchemist began. Jonathan blushed. So much for those Emotions.. we will need to work on that.

Liquids brewed and bubbled. Heated flames were applied to specified beakers. The vial contents dispersed into multiple test tubes. And then finally.. poof.. a cloud of smoke. The verification.

"It's honey."

"Honey? Just.. honey?" I stared at him blankly.

"Yes, my Queen. Liquidated honey. It is a potent ingredient when mixed properly into the intended potion."

"Such as.." Jonathan was losing his Patience. I gently touched his forearm in remembrance. He steeled. The Alchemist continued.

"There is really no way of Knowing, but poison is not one of them. There is no death in honey."

"Good. Would you Enlighten us with a few potential potions that can be curated through the use of said Ingredient?"

"Of course, my Queen. Medicinal for starters. It is a fabulous wound treatment due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. And let's see... there are cooking potions, sleep potions, attraction potions, animal magnetism potions..." He listed as he wriggled his eyebrows on that last one. "...or it could simply be used as a singular Ingredient all on its own for the obvious reasons."

"Yes. Thank you, Kind Sir. You have been most helpful."

"Always a Pleasure to have you in my Home, your Majesty." The Alchemist bowed.

I gave a slight nod. "And with that, we must bid you adieu. Until next Time."

"Until then."

As the door closed behind us, Jonathan and I turned to one another.

"Well that was unexpected."

"Which do you suppose was the intended use, your Grace?"

"I have no idea. Perhaps..." I began to think, "...we should ask. Bring me to this 'mercenary'."

"Your wish is my Command."