Dagger's Point (Shadow series) Read Online Free Page B

and that makes me uneasy. The fact that it has an aphrodisiac effect worries me even more. At least I know the tea is harmless.”
    “Well, Bluebright can’t be magical, or it wouldn’t work on me, especially since I want it to work,” Jael said practically. “So what’s the harm?”
    “A snake’s venom isn’t magical, but that would be small comfort after it killed you,” Argent said patiently. “Potions powerful enough to affect the soul can have unforeseen effects, or they can create dependence. Do you trust the Bluebright, knowing who brought it?”
    Jael grimaced. Like Donya, Argent had a way of driving home a point—but unlike the High Lady, he didn’t need a sword to do it. She didn’t like to be reminded that the Bluebright had been brought to Allanmere by a false priest planning to raise one of the Greater Darklings, or that Jael had been so won over by his charming manner that she had all but handed herself over to him as the very sacrifice needed to bring his master into the world. Where Urien might have come by the Bluebright, or from what he might have made it, were questions Jael didn’t like to ask herself.
    “The Bluebright couldn’t have been meant just for me,” Jael said after a long moment’s thought. “He offered it to all of you, and I saw him use it himself. He was going to trade it in Allanmere if Mother would have let him. If the Bluebright had any strange effects, it would have drawn attention to him, and he didn’t want that. And you haven’t come up with anything that works any better for me.”
    “That’s true.” Argent looked at the bottle in his hand and sighed again. “I’ve tried several doses myself with no apparent ill effects. So has your mother. But, Jaellyn, even if the potion itself isn’t magical, I have a strong suspicion it was magically made, and any magic that Urien might have used was without doubt drawing on the demonic realm. That’s probably why I haven’t been able to determine what it’s made of; demonic magic isn’t my field of knowledge, or that of any legitimate mage in this city. I’d be relieved if you would promise me that you won’t use it unnecessarily.”
    “I promise,” Jael assured him without hesitation. She wouldn’t use the Bluebright unless it was necessary—but she would be the one to decide when it was.
    “I’ve prepared a kit,” Argent continued. “If the potion and salve I just gave you are helpful, I can easily mix more before you leave. There are other salves in the kit, for infections, for that weed rash you get sometimes, potions for fever and headache and such as that, and a little dreamweed. If you and Tanis want to get silly over a campfire, use the dreamweed, not Bluebright, please.” He hesitated. “There are bandages, of course, and needle and sinew. I know Mist has fully educated you in field medicine, but I don’t know what kind of training Tanis has had.”
    Jael chuckled.
    “Tanis knows how to tend wounds, dig firepits, build a trail shelter, use a lodestone or the stars—”
    “Can he hunt?” Argent asked sharply. “Can he feed you both if merchant caravans fail you and your supplies run out? Remember that many of the food plants you know here won’t be available farther west.”
    “He’s no shot with a bow,” Jael admitted. “But he can set snares and lines well enough. I can set snares and lines, if it comes to that, and get far away before the animal’s caught so I won’t have to feel it die. We should be able to get by. Please, Father. You’re starting to sound like Mother.”
    “Well, we won’t be badgering you too much longer, so try to bear with us.” Argent smiled and hesitated a moment. “Jaellyn, I truly hope you are successful in finding your—your father. I want you to know that.”
    “I never doubted it.” Jael closed the distance between them in one step, let him fold her in his arms, taking comfort in his warm embrace and familiar scent as she had always done.