Page 16 of The Seeker

I would need to visit the desk in the room outside our bedroom.

With a final glance at the greedy fire, which still burned at full power, I tucked the book beneath my arm and returned to the common room. The regular guard was there, leaning against the wall, concern etched on his features.

He did a double take, but I could feel his recognition nonetheless. “It smells like something is burning, miss.”

I shrugged. “I added a few logs to the fire. Everything is fine.”

His lips pressed into a thin line, and I knew he didn’t believe me.

But that didn’t stop me from crossing the room to Leif’s desk and taking a seat in front of it. It didn’t take me long to locate a plume and bottle of ink.

I started on one of the mostly blank pages in the front of the book, one of the ones that stated the title. Beneath it, I listed all the ingredients I remembered and their properties. I wished that I’d taken my journal from my home in Ralheim on that fateful day, but it was too late now.

Moth flower = unconsciousness

Mint = scent, prevents infection

Tree bark = healing, prevents infection

Peaches = softening, scent

Magnolias = lowers the sting of burns

Willow = increases romantic feelings

Moonflower = mental clarity and relaxation

Belladonna = poison

Hemlock = poison

Lavender = relaxation

Acid violet = removes extra layers of skin

The list went on, but as I continued to write, my mind drifted back to the two poisons I’d added to my list. Both required a large dose in order to cause true harm. But what if I mixed a very small amount with moon flower, which would boost mental clarity . . .

Could something like that work as a blocker for a power like what was contained in the black book with the whispers?

I didn’t know the answer for sure, but I’d always been one to leverage scientific trials.

Meaning I would be testing my theory.

I knew where to find moonflower—there was some in the grassy area by the lake nestled within the keep walls. But I hadn’t seen belladonna around, and I knew it was something I would likely have to ask Friar or another servant for . . . unless . . .

Many keeps maintained a stock of poisons on hand, mostly for use with warfare, or for when a soldier was too injured and their death would be too drawn out and painful on its own.

I just needed to find it . . .

The door creaked open, interrupting my thoughts, and Leif entered, running a hand through his blond hair. I set the plume down quickly, moving my free hand to close the book as well.

“Leif,” I called out, not realizing until I stood up that I hadn’t yet changed back from the breeches.

His gaze ran over my figure, a scowl on his face. “What are you wearing?”

I bit my lip. “I wanted something comfortable while I studied this book, so I can read it quicker.” I hoped that the mention of the book would draw his attention away from my attire, but it didn’t work.

“Why are you covered in soot?” he nearly growled.