Chapter 81

“If he’s up to it, have him eat the rue,” said Talfryn, putting the needle through Akton again. This time he didn’t flinch, the spell doing its work.

“His eyes look strange,” said Tinah.

“You just fed him a particularly strong spell,” said Talfryn.

“Shit,” she said. “I always knew that apothecaries and healers used spells and potions, but I never saw any of the magic firsthand. You get sick, you just drink the nasty potions. But they’re actually magic…”

“Tangential magic, really. Nothing like what shifters do.”

“And I bet you’ll explain later,” said Tinah as she pressed a few leaves into Akton’s mouth. Talfryn finished the interior stitching and moved to the exterior, hoping Akton hadn’t lost too much blood.

“Anything you want. Maybe,” he said. “When you’re done with it, get out the bottle labeled sun water and packet number two.”