“We will start with an overview of the basics that you should have already learned. This stage will only last a few days. I’d simply like to know how much you have retained from the survey course Herbalism, Potions, and Poisons. Some of those subcategories can be transferred into healing; most notably, herbalism and potions. Although poisons is not to be dismissed.”
“It’s all about the dose,” Alex chimed in, which made Professor Medulla beam.
I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. If I didn’t know how ecstatic he was about this class, I would have thought Alex was the biggest suck-up to ever live.
“That is correct, Mr. Wardwell. Even for herbs and normally benign potions. After my initial assessment, we’ll focus on the hard sciences before learning how to apply magic for healing.”
A few people groaned at the mention of hard sciences, but the professor gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “You may not like it. But understanding the biochemical reactions of the body is necessary for healers—even those who only work with magic.”
Alex nodded enthusiastically. I rolled my eyes. My boyfriend was such a huge, adorable nerd.
“As for today, we will focus on herbalism.” The professor raised his arm, and a swirl of teal magic flew from his hands. I followed the shimmering colors as they wove through the bundles of flowers and herbs above us to untie every ribbon and lower the bundles to the tables below. “Each of these specimens has been numbered. Without talking, I’d like you to walk about the room and identify them.”
My heart skipped a beat. All of them? But it was only our first day, and there had to be at least eighty bundles of flowers and herbs on the desks. Sure, some of them were easy—like rosemary and sage—but some of these plants, I had never seen before.
“Best of luck to you.” One corner of Professor Medulla’s lips lifted as he read the reactions in the room. “Your time starts now.”
Chapter Seven
“Thatwasbeyondridiculous.” Eva threw her hands in the air once we were a fair distance away from the healing sanctuary.
“That’s one way to put it.” My brain physically hurt from all the stuff Medulla considered an overview.
“Thank goodness you were there, cuz. Otherwise our class would have looked like a bunch of idiots.” Hunter punched Alex’s shoulder, the way guys do.
Alex beamed. He had correctly listed off every single plant Professor Medulla wanted us to identify and only missed one potion. And thank the universe for his expertise. Judging by my first Intermediate Healing session, I would need some major help to pass the class.
“Studying with Tiberius helped me a lot,” Alex said. “I should call and thank him for introducing me to his method of olfactory identification. I never would have gotten that last flower otherwise.”
Eva, Hunter, and I glanced at each other and burst out laughing.
“What?” Alex asked, his eyebrows pulled together. “Do I have catchweed on my nose again?” He rubbed at his nose.
“No. We’re laughing because you sound like a huge geek,” Hunter joked.
Alex scowled, and his eyes swept to me.
Unable to stop laughing, I shrugged. “Sorry, babe. The truth hurts.”
Alex stuck out his tongue. “Fine. See if this geek offers to be study buddies with any of you.”
We begged for forgiveness all the way to the academy entryway, where the hidden entrance to the Battle Magic classroom was located. We were about to descend the staircase when Headmistress Wake swung around the corner.
“Miss Dane. Might I have a word about the Spy Games?”
“Of course.” I turned to my friends. “I’ll see you in Battle Magic.”
They nodded, and I strode over to join the headmistress.
“I wanted to check that you were still interested in the Games?” Headmistress Wake asked once we were face-to-face. “I know we said that once you announced your interest that you were bound, but all the headmasters and headmistresses involved decided to give their academy champions a couple of days to mull it over. We realize that sometimes decisions take on a new light after the excitement of a new venture wears off. The first event of the Games will occur in late-September, and the other events will follow every two months. Is that a schedule you can commit to?”
I wanted to say yes right away, but Alex’s cautions stopped me. Determined to weigh all the pros and cons, I mentally ran through my reasons to enter, and then Alex’s reasons not to. To me, the pros far outweighed the cons. The Spy Games offered many opportunities, whereas not entering felt like I was letting the bad guys win. Plus, my missions were sure to be just as dangerous, and there was no getting out of those.
“I’m still interested.”
Headmistress Wake smiled. “I can’t say I’m surprised. You and Diana are two of the most driven women in your class. With Sam and Andre at your side, the Spellcasters team should do well. Congratulations, then, Miss Dane.” She stuck out her hand.
We shook, and the headmistress gave me a brief nod of pride before marching down the corridor.
