The Undead Sorcerer

Chapter 3

Just like that, I have to be the biggest sucker, agreeing to go on a mission. It's too late; I've packed my things and locked up the old house. I gaze up at the old manor, a wreck of its former fame and glory. The family home where I was raised, where I played, cried, and laughed, has been something like a prison. I go outside in the backyard, to the old tree, to say goodbye to my brothers and parents. Before each cold headstone, I utter their names to chill morning air. How easy would it be to reach into the ground and talk to them? Necromancy, you fiend. There's a fine line between what's acceptable and what's going too far. Even I would say I went too far long ago. But despite the things I've done in the name of survival, I can't bring could never bring myself to desecrate their graves. At least so long as I can help it. I stare at the ground and then at my hands. I sometimes wonder if magic does pulse in these hands anymore. I haven't needed to weave magic, so I haven't practiced.

"Shake it off; it's too early to mourn," I tell myself. I gear up in my overcoat, glasses, and gloves and head off for the Gardiner's shop across town. I'll need to buy a few things to keep up with my medicine during the trip. As usual, Morgan is outside watering the plants in the shop.

"Good morning, Alistair," Morgan greets me. She's dressed in a long, flowing, black dress hidden under a green apron, "Here for the usual pick up?" she guesses, heading for the counter. I shouldn't be surprised that the young gardener was chosen for the mission. Morgan may be just as talented a sorcerer, and with her family's garden and herbology, she should prove resourceful. I'm a little relieved she's going. I wouldn't call us friends but acquaintances from doing business. I'm to practice magic again, I'll need my medicine and a supplier. What other option will I have?

"Can I upgrade that to a double order?" I inquire. Morgan raises her brows at me.

"Going on a long trip?" Morgan jokes, eyeing me for an answer she couldn't wait to figure out later. "I'm glad my best customer is going on the king's mission," she guesses.

"And I'm glad the kingdom's best botanist is going as well," I reply, laughing with her.

"When will you tell me what you make with these herbs? It must be addicting," Morgan inquires, "Please, won't you tell me?" she wonders with a pretty smile, leaning in close. The gardener smells like an array of herbs, flowers, and soil.

"It's just medicine," I assure her, rolling my eyes at her. Yeah, it's medicine, alright. It's enough to make a mortal man sleep until he kicks the bucket. I slide her payment across the counter, and Morgan rushes to count their profits. I leave the shop, keep my head low, and stick to the road's edges. The king's assembled team will be meeting at the gates. I understand their desire to travel during most of the day, but have mercy, it's dreadfully bright.

"Excuse me, excuse me," someone is rushing behind me, racing through morning traffic. There's Morgan, working to catch up to me. What could she- goodness, what could be so interesting about my medicine? For crying out loud, she's a sorcerer and herbologist. What could I possibly brew that she couldn't?

"Wait up, you were just about to tell me about your recipe?" Morgan prods.

"Recipe?" I feign ignorant.

"Your medicine," Morgan specifies.

"A really good botanist grows my supply," I tell her, earning me the best 'what the hell' look she's ever given me. We continue walking down the roads toward the city gates.

"I can't believe that dog tried to bring you down yesterday. What was his name?" Morgan recalls.

"Eh, it's not important," I dismiss it, "Hopefully, he's over it and has forgotten I'll even be there," I hope.