“Well, that’s lucky, considering I don’t have one … and never will if I get caught making a forbidden recipe.”
Agnes shrugged. “Even in the non-magical world, some recipes are forbidden, take foie gras for instance, banned in England but revered in France. Some says it’s cruel. Others call it culinary culture. Point is, forbidden isn’t always wrong. Sometimes, it’s about perspective.”
Sylvie doubted Bass would see it that way if she got caught.
“Plus, the CCS rules apply to Sages, which you are not … yet. So, technically you aren’t bound to them,” said Agnes, as if she knew what Sylvie was thinking.
She’s right. Those are Sage rules.Sylvie eyed the recipe.Need to remove obstacles put into your path by meddlesome circumstance or an inconvenient spell? This is the perfect recipe.
Sylvie chewed on her lower lip, as she considered everything.
Agnes narrowed her gaze. “You asked me what I was going to say the other day. Now, I’ve told you. This is the spell that can break down the obstacles standing in your way. The rest is up to you. So, ask yourself, how far are you willing to go to get what you want?”
Sylvie didn’t say anything. It was a basic question. But the answer was far from simple.
She’d helped her mom make a few magic recipes, like the Giggling Gateau they’d given Sylvie’s dad on his birthday, or the pick-me-up porridge Sylvie liked for breakfast.But those were silly spells.On the other hand, she’d made a promise to herself.Whatever it takes.
Sylvie’s jaw tightened as she eyed the recipe.
6 Noor dates
6 slices of smoked bacon
? cup Stilton cheese
½ cup dark amber maple syrup
1 teaspoon dried hedgenettles
Pinch of woad
“How do I make it?” she finally asked.
Agnes ran her finger across the instructions. “It’s surprisingly simple. The dates need to be slit and pitted… . I can do that ahead of time with my Blade. Then, you stuff them with Stilton and wrap with bacon. After that, all you need to do is make the sauce… . Now, that’s where it gets a bit sticky.”
Sylvie’s eyes zigzagged across the page as Agnes spoke. “I have all the ingredients in the kitchen, except for the woad. Brindille, of course, has it. But we keep our obscure ingredients in the storage cellars.”
“Can’t staff access the storage cellars whenever they want?” Sylvie asked.
“Yes,” said Agnes. “But those ingredients must be signed out… . Woad is hardly the sort of thing you’d see me adding to the croissants on the breakfast table.” She shook her head. “I’m afraid it would raise too many questions… . I’d love to see Bass get what he deserves. But like I said, I’m retiring in a few months. So, if you want the woad, you’re going to have to be the one to get it.”
Sylvie stared at a spot on the wall. An idea she’d already entertained crept back. “Tomorrow … I’ll be in the storage cellars with Georgia for the opening ceremony of the Commis Contest. I could swipe it then.” A prickle of goose bumps climbed up Sylvie’s neck.
Stealing magical ingredients probably wouldn’t be any easier than getting past the security steps. But something told Sylvie she’d pay a much heavier price if she got caught.
The book in front of Sylvie suddenly snapped shut.
“Then it’s settled. Take this.” Agnes slid the book toward her. “Keep it hidden. I’ve been unsure what to do with it since the moment it was given to me. But now, I think it’s found its purpose.” Agnes paused. “I’m happy to see it’ll be used for good.”
Sylvie buried the small book at the bottom of her backpack.
“If you succeed tomorrow, come to the cafeteria at the start of the Commis Contest. No one will be here. Perhaps you might get hungry and wander into the kitchen looking for a snack?”
Sylvie nodded.
“Check the bottom shelf on the first speed rack. Maybe the rest of the ingredients you need will be there?”
“I understand.”
