Chapter 7

The air was alive and electric. The splash of running water. The rustling of deciduous trees, whose leaves have turned a vibrant orange. The bustling of a city full of people, complete with song and laughter. Fresh baked goods, a slight chilled breeze, extensive gardens. All senses combined to make the wonderful, lustrous Council of Alchemy and Magery. Elizabeth and Sir Isaac wandered through the streets of this town on the outskirts. Elizabeth's eyes were full of awe and inspiration. She had only ever heard stories of the CAM; this was her first time ever stepping foot within its borders. And needless to say, to her, it was truly magical.

"What does the scroll say we need here again?" Sir Isaac said, bringing Elizabeth back down to reality. She flipped open her bag and rifled through its contents. She pulled out the old paper and unraveled it.

"A purification spell and alchemy bottles. We can definitely buy the bottles, but I don't know if they just sell spells individually. Maybe like a rune or something?"

"Don't look at me, I don't mess with this magic crap."

"Why not? I thought paladins used magic?"

"Not me. It needlessly complicates fighting."

"Well here's a shop. We can just ask about it." The two walked into a small alchemy shop. Dozens of bottles and potions lined the store front. The whole building was a brewing maze, twists and turns of cauldrons and glass. The backwall held a vast assortment of potion ingredients, from locally grown herbs to eyes of newt. In front of it was the store clerk and their desk. The clerk was completely covered in robes and cloaks. No part of their body was visible, the only exposed bit was a slit for their eyes which was conveniently masked in darkness. Elizabeth and Sir Isaac approached the desk. "Hello!" Elizabeth cheerfully began. "We'd like some alchemist bottles please." The store clerk held up a finger and then ducked under their desk. When they popped back up, they threw down a sampler of different brands of bottles. They were all different sizes and shapes, complete with individual details of intricate glass work and cork. "Oooo!" Elizabeth began to inspect each one, admiring every little detail.

"Just pick one. I'm sure they're all the same." The store clerk quickly intervened by wagging their finger and shaking their head. They began to point to each bottle and gestured to explain each of their uses. Bottles for explosions. Bottles for poison. Bottles for health.

"Oh! Health! We need that one!" The store clerk made a ring with their fingers to gesture ok. They grabbed all the bottles except for the one Elizabeth pointed out and ducked back under the desk. They came back up holding a large case of identical glass bottles. Elizabeth gleefully clapped her hands. "Yay! Thank you!" She reached out to grab the case, but the clerk smacked her hand before she could touch anything. "Ow!"

"What gives?!" The clerk rubbed their fingers together.

"Oh yeah, payment." Elizabeth looked over at Sir Isaac. "Do you wanna..."

"Why are you looking at me? It's your quest, you pay for it!"

"I don't have money!"

"Why not?!"

"I died, remember! You don't keep your pocket change when you die!"

"Well I don't have money either!"

"What?! But you're a royal guard?! How do you not have any money?!" They both looked back at the store clerk, who had their arms crossed in disappointment. Suddenly, a blast of force ejected them from the store. They flew out and slammed into the ground just beyond the store front.

"Yeah, Mysfus can be a little tough on customers sometimes." A female voice said from above them. They looked up to see a young woman in arcane robes standing over them.

"Who are..."

"The name's Vera!" She said with a smile. "Was there something you guys needed help with?"

"Yeah, actually. We're on this super important quest, and we need some magical ingredients. The problem is... well... it's that-"

"It's that we don't have any money." Sir Isaac interrupted.

"Ah. Well money is important. And I'm definitely not going to give you any for free." Vera jabbed under her breath. "What kind of quest is it? How important are we talking?" Elizabeth and Sir Isaac looked at each other and then back at Vera. Elizabeth got close to her and whispered in her ear.

"The fate of Ethros rests upon our shoulders."

"Oh wow... really?" Elizabeth and Sir Isaac nodded their heads. Vera paused for a moment, pondering. "Alright! My grandfather should be able to help. He's the grand elder."

"Really?! Thank you so much!" Elizabeth cheered.

"Come on! I'll take you to him." Vera guided the two across the CAM's campus. Elizabeth joyously skipped along while Sir Isaac pessimistically walked beside her.

"I wouldn't get your hopes up, doc. We're not out of the woods yet."

"Oh, come on Sir Isaac. We're in the presence of Ethros' finest wizards and witches! What could possibly go wrong?" She said, unaware of the watchful sockets of an undead warlock.