The Alchemist's Touch Read Free Page B

escape.  
    “Of course you are,” said Tamen evenly. He helped Ebon up and back to his bed, covering him with a sheet for decency. “I shall fetch some tea and empty your chamber pot, before the whole floor smells of your insides.”
    He was gone in a moment, closing the door behind him a little too hard. Ebon winced at the sharp sound. Then he could do nothing but wait, until the door opened again at last and Tamen came to sit by his bedside.
    “Here.” With small brass tongs he held out a lump of sugar, which Ebon put on his tongue. Then from a saucer he served the green tea, not too hot, and Ebon groaned as its warmth filled him.  
    “Thank you,” Ebon croaked, relaxing back into his pillows.  
    “You are only half-way to a cure. Now you must eat.”
    “Food is the last thing my stomach desires just now.”
    “And the first thing it needs.”
    “Leave me be, just a moment, I beg you.” Ebon threw his head under the pillow to shield it from the sun coming through the window, then covered himself with a sheet for good measure.
    “I will not force you to rise, but neither can I leave. You might retch again. So while we wait for you to vomit, or eat, perhaps you can tell me how you enjoyed your evening.”
    Ebon lifted a single corner of his pillow, peering out as though from the mouth of a cave. He could not keep a small smile from playing across his lips. “You cannot tell me I said nothing when I returned to the tavern.”
    Tamen, too, was smiling. “You could barely speak. I do not know that I have ever seen you so drunk. It was all I could do to get you home.”
    Ebon’s heart froze. “Tell me that my parents were not awake to witness that.”
    “You are fortunate. They stayed at the palace late last night, and left before you rose. Already they have been waiting at the palace for some time. You slept through their presence here.”
    Ebon sat up suddenly from under the pillow, and regretted it immediately. His hand went to his forehead as he gave a sharp groan. “How long did you say they have been waiting? They must have risen early.”
    “Hardly. It is nearly time for midday’s meal. You have slept long.”
    Ebon slumped in his bed. “Still I do not know why they have brought me here. They hardly see me. We scarcely eat together. Why bring me just so I can stay in the manor all day? I might not have enjoyed being left at home, but then at least I would have been free of Father for a time. And Albi must be lonely.”
    “I imagine she is,” said Tamen quietly.
    “I should write her.”
    “What would be the point? You will return soon, and then she will be alone no longer. Your letter would barely reach her a day before you yourself appeared on the doorstep. And do not regret your journey here too strongly. Just think: if you had been left home, a certain…opportunity would never have presented itself.”
    Ebon felt himself flush. When he returned home and told Albi of the High King’s Seat, the blue door would not enter into his stories. Out loud, he said only, “I wish I were not going to be dragged off home again.”
    This time Tamen could not stop himself from a wide smile. “Still thinking of the blue door? Goodness. You must have had quite the time.”
    Ebon felt a mighty need to steer the conversation in another direction. “I should get dressed. Fetch me some clothes.”
    “With pleasure.” But Tamen did not stop smirking as he went to the cabinet beside the window. From it he produced a suit of fine yellow wool, tailored like all of Ebon’s clothes to hug his thin frame.
    “Tamen, tell me. One day, when I am head of the household, do you think I could go to the Academy then?”
    His retainer snorted. “Forgive me if I am blunt, but that is a ridiculous thought. Children are expected to begin in their twelfth year. If fate is kind, you will not be head of your household until you have nearly reached your fortieth.”
    “Yet I shall have no one to gainsay me. I could do