Purchasing the Beholder Potion Formula

Witch Uma Gardner thought seriously for a moment. "I know the kind of magic you mean. I can indeed give it a try, but it will take several months."

"I can summon energy from the Shadow Plane, create a Shadow Raven with rudimentary self-awareness, designate you as its master, and store it within a rune stone. When you need it, crush the rune stone and let the Shadow Raven's consciousness enter the magic plant you have chosen, merging the two."

Interest flickered through Uma Gardner's eyes, and she nodded at Locke. "Locke, you truly are talented. I'm not talking about your talent in Breeding Science and Potions, but a kind of intangible talent born from a certain way of thinking."

"In other words, you have ideas."

"And ideas may not be the most important thing during the early stages of a wizard's path, especially before becoming a Formal Wizard. The most important thing is becoming a Formal Wizard before the age of forty. But after becoming a Formal Wizard, ideas become extremely important."

Witch Uma Gardner said softly, "People with ideas can gain more from exploring magic."

"I had originally been thinking about what kind of shop our caravan could open at Chimera Market in order to survive. But Locke, your idea just reminded me that Lilith's Cottage has gathered so many Breeders and wizards from the Life School. Some of them surely need to combine Life Magic with spellcraft to create automatic combat magic plants with self-awareness."

Witch Uma Gardner sighed. "Then I'll spend some time helping you create more rune stones."

"This is also to thank you for helping me a second time."

Locke and Witch Uma Gardner talked for a while longer in the Witch's Kitchen and shared a meal. Then Locke bade her farewell and headed