“Potionmasters Pt. 8”

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

Additional Note: While this story can be read by itself, it is a continuation of a previous Take Ten to Write story. Therefore, it would be beneficial to read the previous parts of the Potionmasters story which can be found here.

Prompt: “We can fix it.”

Surprisingly, I’m still alive. Hidir didn’t even yell at me for blowing up the shop for the second time in the same number of months.

Actually, now that I think about it, maybe there’s a reason for his calmness. Maybe he was expecting me to mess up again.

That’s countless times worse than him yelling at me.

My stomach is one big knot as I trail behind Hidir on our way to the city. To be completely honest, I don’t know why he still keeps me around. I’ve displayed zero qualities of a trustworthy and knowledgeable Potionmaster, yet he continues to tolerate my presence.

“Master?” I ask, quickening my pace. “May I ask a question?”

Hidir glances at me, eyes filled with concern. “I don’t recall ever hearing you ask for permission to ask a question before.”

My feet shuffle along the ground. I focus on them to avoid his eyes as I ask, “Master, why haven’t you dismissed me yet? This is the second time I’ve caused major damage to the shop, but you continue to keep me in your employ.”

Hidir stops walking, and I realize a few paces too late. I stop as well and glance back at him.

His face is filled with warmth, almost as if he pities me. Does he pity me? Does this have something to do with my being an orphan?

“You have no idea how special you are, my dear child,” he says gently.

“I’ve set you back months of work, destroyed thousands of rollons’ worth of ingredients, and questioned every order you’ve given me,” I protest. “Just admit it; it’d be easier to be rid of me.”

“Oh, no doubt,” Hidir agrees with a nod. “However, the thought never even crossed my mind.”

“Is it because I’m an orphan?” I ask, probably much too harshly. Still, I need to know.

“Of course not,” he says, frowning. Then his expression softens again. “You have a remarkable talent for Potionmaking, and your constant questioning of my methods is what separates you from all the other apprentices I’ve had. Yes, they were more easily trained, however I hardly think that blind obedience is a worthy trait in any craft, especially one as subtle and precise as Potionmaking.”

“But–“

“No,” Hidir says firmly. “You are staying with me, and that is that. Now, pick up those feet. We’ll need to make up ground if we want to get this jeir juice before the merchant leaves.”

Final Comments: I took a bit longer than 10 minutes on this one, but I think that the plot progression deserved a bit more time. I did also have a different idea when I first started writing that was more closely related to the prompt, but then the protagonist decided to go a completely different route.

Overall Rating: 🥰