“My own blend.”
“Do you have the Powderwort?” I asked. “Two of our friends have been cursed, and we’re hoping it will help.”
He frowned. “Doesn’t work on people.”
“I know,” Eve said. “The curse is on a wall, but it’s spread to them. We’re hoping that if we fix the wall, there will be a spillover effect.”
“Hmm.” Doubt flashed in his eyes, but he nodded. “All right. I can give you some. But you’ll have to earn it.”
“How?” I asked.
He nodded toward Eve. “I already know what I want from her. Like for like.”
“Potions?” she asked.
“Yes. Fae ones. Ones I cannot make.”
“That’s fine. Which?”
“Heart’s Own Arrow and Believer Draft.”
I looked at Eve, wondering if she knew what those were. From the look in her eyes, she did. And she was curious.
Come on, ask him why he wants them.
She didn’t, unfortunately.
His gaze turned to me, and I stuffed the info aside for later. I wanted to know what those potions did and why he wanted them.
“As for you…” He tapped his chin, clearly thinking.
“I don’t have a ton of control over my magic, but I’m getting better.”
“Yes. I heard what you did for Guild City.”
“I’m afraid I probably can’t save any more cities, if that’s what you’re after.”
He chuckled. “Indeed, no. But I do have a request.” He stood. “Will you follow me?”
I rose with a mournful glance at my tea.
“Bring it with you,” he said.
“Thanks. It’s chilly out there.” I grabbed the tea, and Eve did the same.
We followed him through the house, passing through a cozy room that looked like a small library.
He led us out a back door. Cordelia sat on a stone bench, staring longingly at some chickens. They glared back at her, and I left them to it, my gaze drawn by a beautiful old well.
He gestured to it. “This goes somewhere. Not the Thames, but I don’t know where.”
I walked toward it and leaned over, careful not to touch it as I stared down into the darkness. Magic filtered from the depths, sparkling and strange.
“Has it always been here?” Eve asked. “Or did it suddenly appear?”
“Came with the property.” Michael joined me, leaning over to look down into the darkness. “I’d like you to see if you can tell me where it goes.”
“I don’t have to go in there, do I?” I shivered.