Phony Potions

Chapter 1 Part iv

The sorcerer man rubbed his temples. He wasn't the least bit embarrassed by the display; must be a side effect of always having the help watch your family life, I thought.

"As far as you're concerned, I'm Rick. No title yet on the Centralized Magical Arcanacracy's sorcerer scale, but I'm hoping for at least Whimsight when this is all done. My older brother got our parents' town so I'm starting from scratch. What do you think so far?" His chest puffed up with pride, making the jeweled kerchief peering from below his neck more prominent.

"It's... it's amazing, sir."

"Enchanted One, if you don't mind. Avalons are sirs." His good mood cracked.

"Enchanted One," I quickly corrected. "You are very powerful."

"Yes, I am. If I didn't want to settle down, I could earn a higher ranking title in the military or finance, but family life calls to me. I want a home." Pride was back in order.

"Understandable." I didn't understand. Homes weren't permanent or safe; that was an illusion. I'd rather be rich than cozy. At least I wouldn't forget how unsure life really was.

"Well, go ahead, take a seat and let's discuss this proposal that I absolutely must hear."

He took a seat, gesturing for me to do likewise. He clucked at a servant to present him with the baby. The maid plucked it up, staggering at the unexpected weight. The baby was dense. She cried as she was held out in front of the sorcerer.

"Infant who is wailing, now your cries will be failing. Sounds that grate, will now abate." The baby continued to thrash and kick, but there was no more howling.

"That would have been handy during the trip up here." I joked, although I was annoyed he had taken control of the kid so easily when it'd given me so much trouble.

"Surely," Rick said. He eyed me appraisingly. "What do you think of the construction so far? Are you wanting to settle here? It will be a grand city once I finish it, I promise. I already consider the new citizens my extended family."

"Oh, uh, no," I said. "I came to discuss her, mostly." I gestured at the infant.

"You should at least feign politeness, even if it isn't natural to ungifted." Before I could apologize, he continued. "Ah, it is not your fault. You can't help it. I should expect this as the way of things for a while until I cultivate these surrounding lands properly. I did decide to build this far North. You're all just doing your best to survive out here, no time for manners." His gaze drifted to the open window. He was fixated on something high in the distance. A cloud maybe? Or a bird? "But... if my ancestors managed, no, thrive in this land, then so can I. Unwarm seasons or no, I am powerful enough."

The sounds of wood being sawed, workmen shouting, sheep bleating, horses clopping through the streets filtered in. He muttered something, and the window panes closed, muting the noise.

"But no man rules alone," he said to me, levity returning to his voice. "Shall I take this child as an application for the Assistant position I've been advertising? Most of the applicants have been underqualified. Can't be helped in these parts I'm afraid." He rubbed his forehead with a twinge of distaste. "You're not a Wishid, but I have resigned myself to the reality that most of the individuals here will be ungifted. I have three ungifted already in my employ as Assistants, but I would like a larger team that would work together. They run errands, fend off people who are resistant to my erecting a city here, procure magical goods that cannot be merely bought...." His eyes lingered on her, trying not to look interested but clearly fascinated.