Lucas unfolded the paper and read it in silence.
A snake venom?
Viperpink…?
Hmm… what a strange snake name.
He repeated it once more in his head. Viperpink.
But the atmosphere around him was far too calm to dwell on it for long.
Beneath the tree, Silvara was already kneeling, holding the pointed white stone as she slowly taught Anya how to spell. Her voice was flat and patient, her rhythm steady. Anya gave small nods every time she managed to read a letter correctly.
Lucas folded the paper again and slipped it back into his coat pocket.
He took off his coat and turned to Silvara.
"Hold this for a bit."
Silvara took the coat on reflex. "Where are you going?"
Lucas glanced toward the field. "To work."
Without any further explanation, he raised his hand.
Light gathered—
The Great Hoe appeared in his grasp.
