Sylvie couldn’t help but notice that the stolen items all had one thing in common.They’re ingredients commonly found in hexes and banned recipes.The notice shifted.
ASPOKESPERSON FORTIDWICK’S ANNOUNCED A BRIEF CLOSURE WHILECCSAGENTS INVESTIGATE, BUT INSISTED THEY WILL REOPEN TOMORROW, IN TIME FORGUYFABRE TO UNVEIL HIS NEW LINE OF PRODUCTS.
Sylvie blinked. Guy Fabre was one of the world’s most famous chefs and a secret Sage, but more than that—
“Ms. Jones, please pick up your name tag and stick it on your shirt,” said someone, pulling Sylvie from her thought.
A woman with thin lips, a pinched nose, and black hair pulled into a tight bun was staring at her.
“Sure… . Sorry.” Sylvie pulled her eyes from the scroll and picked up the sticker with her name on it.
The woman glanced at Flora. “You are free to leave, Ms. Jackson.”
Flora shifted her weight. “Kitty asked me to stay … so that I could help the Pips.”
“Fine,” said the woman. “But don’t get in my way.”
Flora tucked her hands into her pockets and nodded. Sylvie couldn’t help but wonder if this was the woman Flora had been talking about.
The woman turned back to the Pips. “My name is Hilda Honeycut. You may call me Ms. Honeycut. I do not answer toInstructor, Chef,or simplyHilda.Understood?”
They all nodded silently.
“I willnotbe your instructor for the next six weeks.”
Sylvie got the feeling she wasn’t the only one feeling relieved by this news.
“I am the librarian.” Ms. Honeycut lifted her arms. “Andthisis where you’ll be spending most of your time when you’re not in class.”
Sylvie looked around. She’d never seen so many books in one place before.
“The very best chefs are sorcerers … magicians.” Ms. Honeycut stood rigid. “They can transform even the most mundane ingredients into something spectacular. Master the food. Then, the spells! This is why you’re here. Our program sets the foundation for becoming a great Sage… . But not all of you are destined for this school. Some might not even make it through the next six weeks.” Her eyes settled on Sylvie.
She shifted uncomfortably. Flora was right. Ms. Honeycut had the uncanny ability to make you feel disliked without even saying a word.
“For those of you who do survive and pass the test, this place will be your resource. It houses over one hundred thousand books: garde manger and legerdemain, alchemy, botany, even enchanted showpieces from the nineteenth century. You name it, we have it. You’ll begin your quest for knowledge today. One hour of exploration. Then, it’s off to Madame Pelletier to get fitted for aprons and collect your tool kits. Any questions?”
Sylvie raised her hand.
“Yes, Ms. Jones.”
“I’m looking for Escoffier.”
“Well, that might be rather difficult. He’s deceased. I would’ve hoped you’d already know that.”
Several kids started to laugh.
“No … I know, but I’m looking for his cookbooks … or anything about him really,” said Sylvie hopefully.
“I’d suggest starting in archway six,” said Flora. “That’s where you’ll find authors whose last names begin withE; right-hand side should get you toEs.”
“Flora is correct. Although, I don’t recall asking for her help with that question.” Ms. Honeycut frowned in her direction before snatching a thermos from a Pip with the name tagCARLOS. “Food and drinks are strictly prohibited in this room.”
The rice paper scroll caught Sylvie’s eye, again.
ALL-POINTSBULLETIN: JOSEPHINEFLAMME HAS BEEN REPORTED MISSING. SHE WAS LAST SEEN FIVE DAYS AGO IN THE VICINITY OFHOLBORN. ANY SIGHTINGS SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THEDEPARTMENT OFMISSINGSAGES.
Sylvie stared at the sign as she connected the dots.Tidwick’s Emporium is in Holborn… . Now, Flammé is missing, along with some dangerous ingredients.This seemed like too much of a coincidence.
