Silent Letters

Onta looked at the royal decree, and the handwriting with all the flourishes. Her name and the date were still drying. "This is your copy," the king said. "Always take it with you when you travel. You are my extension and should be treated as I would be." "Yes, Your Majesty," Onta said. "I have … Continue reading Silent Letters

Kings ‘n Things

"Why did you add the green vitriol?" "I didn't," Gordon said. "My apprentice wasn't paying attention..." "I was," she shot back. "I was making a vitamin drink. You weren't..." "Gordon," Onta said. "The results?" "Yes, well," he said, glaring at his apprentice. "It turns out that if you take dirty water, such as that from … Continue reading Kings ‘n Things

Fluors

She circulated through the alchemists. Onta's amalgamation of minds was no longer a few weird people with crazy ideas, but rather a collection of geniuses vying for the king's eye. She would supply the king with the next Royal Alchemist. And she would quietly apply the benefits of her usefulness to her research. Onta probably … Continue reading Fluors

Fluxism

As Joseph set up their workbench, Onta looked around the perimeter. She was searching for an unfamiliar face. A new face, a new researcher that had written her. In the far corner she spotted a likely candidate. "Joseph," she said, "when you're finished, visit the other alchemists and learn what they have to share. That … Continue reading Fluxism

In Charge

They had ridden all morning in silence and finally Joseph said, "Was he surprised when you said you didn't need a driver?" "Duke Ellington forgot farmers know how to drive wagons," she said, nodding to Joseph's hands holding the reins. "I don't understand the struggle between the two of you." "It's the most elemental. Power. … Continue reading In Charge