Scholar of Magic (Art of the Adept #3) - Michael G. Manning Page 0,180

again. “So, there’s six spots. Do you plan on putting these Dragon Heart potions in all those spots?”

“You can only take one or two before they become worthless. The first one lasts about half an hour, but if you take a second one the effect is lessened, and you only get another fifteen minutes. Taking more than that is pretty much a waste of time, and probably dangerous to your health. I thought it would be better to put other potions in those slots.” He pointed to the two on the left. “Two Dragon’s Heart potions, then beside those, two blood-cleanse potions, then one regeneration potion, and for the sixth spot a universal antidote.”

“You think someone might poison me?”

Will shrugged, then gave Tiny a meaningful glance, eyeing him up and down. “I think most people would rather poison you than fight you face-to-face, at least if they’re smart.”

Tiny rolled his eyes, but then he became thoughtful. “You should give this to Janice. She needs it more. The other day, if she had had…”

Will felt another stab of guilt. “I didn’t have any regeneration potions then, but I agree with you. Once this is over, I’ll have some time to make more.”

“Things are dangerous now, Will. Let me just give her these.”

“No.” Tiny narrowed his eyes, beginning to show signs of stubbornness. Will held up a hand to forestay the man before he set his heels. “I only have two regeneration potions right now. Do you want me to give her mine?”

“Of course not. She’ll be safe tonight. You should… oh, I see what you mean.”

An hour later and the potions were done. Will had made five, though he could have made even more given the amount of blood he had. From what he could tell the black fluid was spoiling rapidly and he doubted he would be able to use the remainder. He’d likely have to bleed another pig and feed his prisoner again. Next time he vowed to have more time so he could maximize his gain from the procedure.

They loaded two of the potions into Tiny’s case, filled the rest of the slots with the other potions they’d talked about, and then Will stored the extras in the limnthal.

“What now?” asked Tiny.

“Well, we could spend the night making another batch of regeneration potions, or I could see if I can attune myself to the relic. Since their big plans were for tomorrow, I think I should probably use the time to see if I can use the relic.”

“So, no fighting?” Tiny’s relief was faintly visible.

“My house isn’t safe. They know to look for me there. But the Alchemy building stays open all night. We can stay here. It will be boring for you, probably, but you could always perfect your ‘skullcrusher’ persona with Lawrence while I study the relic.”

“So you do think I should try to seem more dangerous!”

He laughed. “No. I think she’ll either like you or she won’t. Trying to change yourself isn’t going to fool her.”

“Hmm, I’m not sure you’re qualified to give advice on this subject.”

Will lifted one hand and pointed at himself with his thumb. “I’m married, remember?”

“You murdered your bride-to-be’s groom on her wedding day, then got yourself stabbed to death, only to be resurrected and married at sword point. Are you sure you’re in a position to give advice?”

“She killed the groom, not me,” corrected Will irritably. “Why does everyone keep saying it was me?”

“Because he’d still be alive if you hadn’t shown up uninvited in the first place?”

He gave Tiny a narrow stare. “Whose side are you on anyway?”

“I’m on any side that doesn’t send Janice running in the other direction.” He paused briefly, then put a hand on his stomach. “Is there any food here? This will be a long night if there isn’t.”

“There’s usually stale bread from the dining hall. They leave it out for the students that come at night. It’s in a little room behind where Lawrence sits downstairs. I’ll show you where it is.” Together, they went downstairs, but they were surprised to