Almond Pastels
2 cups Ferraduel almonds
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons Fireweed honey
Pinch Fleur de Sel
“This is like the recipe we used in confectionary class,” said Flora.
“We already have the almonds and sugar. All we need is the Fireweed honey and salt.” Sylvie gave a dramatic flick of her wrist. “Then, we cook the ingredients, stir, and we have our pastels for the counterspell.”
Flora nodded. “If we pull this off, it would be enough to protect us, and your mom … if we can rescue her.”
Sylvie stared at the images, still flitting across the mirror. A young boy carrying a pan of rose meringues hustled down the hallway outside Zotter’s skybox. Inside, Josephine set the cwtch next to the rounds of puff pastry.
This has to work. Sylvie snatched the bowl of sugar cubes floating in the air. Her heart quickened.There’s no room for failure.The consequences were too dire for Sylvie to even think about. Her mom’s future, everyone’s future, depended on whatever happened next.
“Do you think Fernand has the other ingredients?” asked Flora.
Sylvie looked around. “He seems to have practically everything else.”
Georgia rolled up her sleeves. “I’ll check the bar cart.”
Flora lifted up a lid. “I’ll go through the jars.”
“Then I’ll check the desk,” added Sylvie.
It only took a few minutes for Sylvie to find a hot plate for cooking and a small copper pot.
“I’ve got the Fleur de Sel,” said Georgia, holding up a shallow crystal bowl.
Which only left …the honey.
Sylvie turned to Flora. “Any luck?”
“Not yet.” Flora peered inside a bowl of violet liquid. “Ugh! Vomitwort.”
A foul scent wafted over. Sylvie plugged her nose.Gross… . Too bad we used up Julia’s honey packets!Sylvie gave the final drawer on the desk a tug. “It’s locked.”
Georgia came over. Her eyes narrowed as she inspected it. “You got any more paperclips?”
“Yeah.” Sylvie dug one out of her backpack.
“My mama is always losing her key to the salon.” Georgia straightened the clip. “I watched a couple of YouTube videos. Now, when it gets lost, I help her pick the lock.” She jiggled it into the hole.
Sylvie stared. “You really are full of surprises.”
“I know,” said Georgia, twisting the paper clip.
Click!
Georgia gave the drawer a yank.
Details for the closing ceremony, and a fuzzy vegetable brush that looked like a snoozing Pomeranian, rested on top.
“Looks like Fernand is planning a big firework spectacular for the end,” said Georgia, pulling out the piece of paper.
