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"I just wanted to see how it srumbled as she followed Briar and Rosethorn upstairs

The fruit of Rosethorn’s rooftop endeavors, the clover, bean, and corn seed harvested and , had been packed into jars and sealed ax They had to be carried downstairs So did a dozen sacks of grain Rosethorn had poured her rointer crop, hardy enough to survive the rainy season Last of all were srowth potion, a small drop of which could fertilize an acre of land for years

As soon as everything was clustered before the front door, they set about preparing supper Briar had bought his cooked chicken on the way ho the day Once the food was served, Rosethorn worked a protective circle to keep theon the table

"They’ll get fed," she told Evvy, who seemed et to eat first"

Once he’d devoured a bowl of noodles and lentils and a chicken leg, Briar asked, "Won’t you need me to help you in the fields?"

Rosethorn shook her head "Most of the work’s done I’ll be gone three or four days You till have towards on the workrooo in until you learn to read"

Evvy nodded, eyes wide

"A, you’re getting soft," Briar teased Rosethorn "Time was you’d have skinned anyone who fooled with your pots"

"I lare for Evvy "A e’s workroom is not a spice merchant’s shop Our brews can kill people, or worse When do you start teaching her to read?" she asked Briar

"Tonight," he replied, carving ot her a surprise at the market"

"Just make sure it isn’t a surprise forher lips "Will you two be all right the tione? Earth teuest house --"

Briar shook his head "We’ll be fine"