Breath (Scales 'n' Spells 2)

“And I expect all of my mages to learn, help, and support each other. No exceptions. If someone refuses to cooperate, I want to hear about it. I will have a word with that person.”

Probably several words. Just the thought was chilling. Tori, for one, didn’t want someone of Lisette’s power to be mad at him. That seemed a very poor life decision.

“Speaking of, now that I know you are comfortable with tool-making, I wish for you to draw either Cameron or Ha Na in when you are making something. Ha Na enjoys it and wishes to know more about it. Cameron needs more practice at it.” Lisette’s nose scrunched up in amused aggravation. “You’ll discover that our consort is brilliant with magic. He does things I haven’t contemplated, despite my years of experience. But he does have a tendency to sometimes overthink simple things. Tool-making seems to be one of them. He keeps trying to cram more features into a simple tool.”

“What, like a smart phone upgrade?”

Lisette growled. “He melted three amulets in a row before I smacked him and told him to behave. If you can break down the process for tool-making and explain to him why adding on bells and whistles won’t work, you’ll do us all a favor. I’d like that reinforced before he and Gunter cook up something impossible and burn the castle down.”

“I can try.” Tori had little faith he’d manage it, but if nothing else, maybe it would be a good way to make friends with Cameron? The man was just so charming and approachable, it would be a shame to not be on more friendly terms with him.

“Good. Now, I have a list of tools that need refurbishing and things I’d like made. Let’s work together on a few of those this morning, if you don’t mind. Then I’ll sic you on the greenhouse. It needs some tending.” Lisette tapped a finger to her lips, pursed in thought. “I need to figure out your work schedule with us, but I’ll have to re-evaluate things first. We’re all stretched thin trying to cover multiple bases, but I’m not sure off-hand how to move duties around to include you without tilting the scales in the wrong direction.”

“Why don’t I just ask who needs help over the next few days?” Tori offered. It was elating to be able to say those words and be taken seriously. “The ice dragons are coming for a visit today, right? You’ll likely be occupied with them for a while. I can pitch in as needed until you have a chance to talk to everyone and come up with a new schedule.”

“Bless you, Tori. We’ll do that. It’s likely the better approach anyway. This way, you can see everything we do here and choose what you’re comfortable with. Or what you don’t mind doing. I try not to stick people with the chores they hate.”

“I appreciate that.” And was relieved to hear it. Of course, work was work and had to be done. But a nice boss at least tried to work with people so they weren’t stuck with something they weren’t comfortable with.

Lisette ticked things off on her fingers. “I need a gathering wand, focus crystal, and herb pouch renewed. Two more gathering wands need to be made. Which have you done or would like to try this morning?”

“I’ve done gathering wands and herb pouches. Never a focus crystal.”

“Then let’s start with the wands, do a focus crystal next.” Lisette was up, far more spry than her age suggested she should be. “I think I have the perfect wood to work with.”

“I’ve only ever used spruce wood for my wands.” Tori followed her to a cabinet that held a variety of wood stacked on shelves. The scent coming from the cabinet was divine.

“Oh? Of course, spruces likely were common in your area.”

“One of the few trees we had. That and pine.”

“I have spruce, pine, beech, and oak in here.”

“Can we do oak?” Tori touched a particular branch that had a good size to it. “I like the look of this one.”

“So do I. Take it, and I’ll grab this one. With some wands, we’ll be able to harvest much faster. Those high-hanging vines are such a chore at times.”

Tori followed her to the table. His heart had been right, after all. There was no reason to be nervous around Lisette. This was the easiest evaluation of his skills he’d ever experienced, and it ended with him working magic alongside a master.

The day couldn’t go any better than this.

King Rodrigo Valerii of the Ice Dragon Clan was, as Cameron immediately dubbed him, a silver fox. He looked a little like ice personified, with thick blond hair so pale it was almost white and pale blue eyes that seemed to see right through you. The paleness was only accentuated by the dragon’s dark, bespoke suit. However, his tie and matching pocket square were an interesting explosion of color.