The Book of the Courtier

You return to town with a suddenly refreshed interest in glassware and go to the apothecary to secure the purchase of a vial.



"Here you are, young boy. You are to be being careful with this, yes?"

"Yes. Actually could I get a couple more, just in case? Maybe actually seven or eight?"

"Of course. You are certain this is all you wish, yes? None of my brewing is interest? Perhaps a love potion for the young lady? She is spirited, no? I can help."

"Thhhhhanks but no thanks."

"If you change mind, young boy, I will be here." The old apothecary winks.

Then to the butcher to get some meat suitable for spider-taming.



"And when my father hears about how unwilling your little 'discount' was, if that's what you want to call rounding the tax down or whatever you did, he is not going to be happy with you, Mr. whatever your name is. Where does this meat even come from if we're all animals, huh? Did you just sell me your cousin or something?"

"Okay, Esme, let's let the nice man work in peace."

Barring any further preparatory purchases you may care to make, the ruins and their octuple-ocular occupant await.