“That plant. It’s supposed to slow the effects of any poison,” I said.
“Yes. Nixgrass. It can also be used in incense, to calm the senses when burnt.”
I touched the crystal. “This is amazing.”
“The crystal is merely a crutch. Soon enough you’ll be able to control your magic on your own,” Lana said.
“But what is my magic?”
“Magic is different in every witch, even amongst herbwitches and charmwitches,” Lana said. “I happen to be particularly skilled at potion making. I know exactly what ingredients to use in exact quantities. You seem to understand what certain herbs and potions are through color.”
I nodded. “So. Knowledge is our magic?”
“Indeed. Knowledge is power,” Lana said, “but it can also be enhanced with more knowledge. All things can’t be learned through our abilities. Take these,” She grabbed several thick volumes from the shelves above her and handed them to me. My legs nearly buckled under the weight, and a sharp pain shot through my right knee. I winced. I had forgotten about my injury.
“Are you hurt?” Lana asked.
“I...fell off a horse yesterday,” I said, setting the books on the counter.
Lana pointed to a stool and whisked off to her shelves. I took it as a sign to sit down, somewhat getting used to her behavior. After a few seconds of clinking and shuffling, she came back with a viscous amber substance. It was the potion from her cauldron last time. I hiked my dressing gown over my leg and unwrapped the gauze.
The sight wasn’t pretty. I had forgotten to apply Reselda’s ointment last night. Blotchy purple and green riddled my swollen knee. Lana dabbed the substance over the injury. I felt an instant cooling sensation and watched amazed, as the bruising disappeared before my eyes.
“A basic healing elixir,” Lana said, corking the vial. “All witches learn to make it eventually.”
I prodded my knee as Lana went back to her shelves. No pain. It was as if I hadn’t fallen off a horse at all. A giggle threatened to burst from my throat. It was like magic. No. Itwasmagic.
Lana dumped the pile of books into my lap. I jumped.
“Do some reading,” Lana said. “I expect you to finish them all before you come back. And don’t let anyone see them.”
“Come back? So you’ll help me?”
“Why else would I give you my books?” Lana said. “And never take off that crystal. It will control your powers when you’re in the midst of human society. I will contact you through it as well.”
“Contact me?”
“It will vibrate when it is time for our next lesson. I expect you to arrive promptly when I call for you.”
“Can I contact you through it?” I asked.
Lana frowned mightily. “Absolutely not. You are not to use magic above ground. And you are not ready for communication charms. Stick to your books.”
I thumbed through the titles.History of Witchcraft. Potion Making Volume I. An Index of Witchmade Herbs. They were all worn, except for the first volume,The History of Witchcraft. The title was embossed with gold and I caught a glimpse of my reflection.
“Thank you...but I can’t go back looking like this,” I said, gesturing to my face.
Lana nodded. “Your witch traits have emerged. They are the physical marks of a possessor of magic,” Lana said. She rolled up her sleeves, and I noticed that there were gold flecks on her elbow and fingertips, not unlike the gold of my freckles. With a wave of her hand, a shimmering mist settled over me and then dissolved. I checked my reflection again.
“Nothing happened,” I said.
“Humans will not be able to see your witch traits unless you tell them what you are,” Lana said. “All witches have this enchantment casted on them by one charmwitch or another.”
“But I thought you’re an herbwitch.”
Lana sighed. “I forget you lack knowledge of basic things. Charmwitches and herbwitches each have basic magic the other can learn. A charmwitch can learn to make basic potions. An herbwitch can cast simple enchantments. I refuse to waste any more time blabbering basic facts. You may leave.”
“Well, thank you for everything,” I said, standing up.
