Whilst the journey certainly could have been smoother, and possibly quicker, and maybe could have smelled less like whisky, the plan went off hitch-less. Although Maya had no concept of where or when they where after the first sixty seconds, the end of the trip was clearly marked. The agreed four knocks reverberated inside the crate to let Maya know the person opening it was a friend, not that she’d have much chance to do anything if it wasn’t. Maya emerged from the straw that surrounded her and peered out into the candle lit basement room provided by Mikus. Spanner was crawling out of her crate, with a cold scowl fixed to her face. The expression did not change when she saw Maya climbing from her box.

“So, they managed to keep yours upright then? Alright for some!”

Maya winced a hesitant grin, only relaxing when Spanner’s expression softened. The two men that opened the crates made swift goodbyes, largely prompted by Spanner’s demeanour, and left the pair to acquaint themselves with the space. A familiar and extremely welcome voice cut through slightly dank air, as Piv stepped into view.

“Tandercaps, eh? Good choice, don’t use it again, we might need think of a new one each time. Not that I’m expecting or hoping for more of these covert operations. Anyway, do tell what exciting adventures you two were having, that lead to me being kidnapped and brought here.”

To Piv’s complete surprise, Maya rushed forward and scooped him off the ground. The ensuing hug could have easily been considered assault, as Maya squeezed all the air from Piv’s small body. Once completely empty of breath, Piv dropped to the ground with a huge, warm grin across his face.

“It’s good to see you too.”

Spanner stepped up from behind, placing a hand on Maya’s shoulder.

“Your friends the Fylguard came for us. In broad daylight, at Mikus’ new shop.”

The warm smile vanished from Piv’s face.

“But, Amethyst Village is…”

“Yep.”

“…Tell me everything.”

Between Maya and Spanner, the whole ordeal was recounted in full, leaving Piv flabbergasted.

“I- I am sorry Maya, I thought it would be safer here.”

Spanner threw her hands up, “It bloody should be!”

“So what now?”

Maya continued with the plan, “Well, Mikus said if we stay here, he can provide books on hazemaking and look after us.”

“But what about food, clothes, a bathroom?”

Spanner laughed, “We don’t have to stay down here fluffball, we’re not prisoners. It’s a safe house, but this is the safest bit of the safe house. Mikus’ has his jewel cutting fingers in a lot of pies. We’ll set up beds down here, and Maya’s hazemaking things, make it comfortable. Then we can go upstairs when we need. Probably best not to venture out of the building for now, though.”

All three turned as the door at the top of the stairs creaked opened. An old, croaky, but friendly voice called down from the doorway.

“Evening dears, I won’t come down, my knees wouldn’t let me anyway. I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Annabelle and I am a friend of Mikus. My home is now your home, and I just wanted to welcome you!”

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Spanner was the first to head up the stairs to greet Annabelle, but was quickly followed by the others.

“Good Evening Annabelle, apologies for dropping in at this late hour.”

“Oh don’t be silly dear, Mikus has been very good to me over the years, and you aren’t the first of his friends that has needed a place to stay for a while. Would you like me to show you around?”

Maya and Piv exchanged glances as Spanner accepted the offer and they began to follow the older woman around the house. The decor of the building matched its occupant perfectly. Both were colourful to the point of gaudy and worn just enough to show character. Rugs, and throws covered almost every surface, and smells of incense wafted through the halls. Only upon returning to the basement room did its secretive nature become clear, as the door itself was hidden in the lines of the wallpaper design that plastered the hall. Annabelle showed them in the kitchen, and the bathroom, and the more hidden routes from each to the basement, should they have unexpected visitors. Their gracious host also showed them to a small courtyard at the back of her house in the centre of which stood a large droopy tree. She repeatedly reinforced the notion that sunlight was important and encouraged the three to spend a small amount of time out there each day.

Once the tour was complete, Maya and Spanner set to making the basement more comfortable, borrowing blankets and cushions from various rooms upstairs. Maya looked upon their creation with pride.

“It looks like the sultan’s chambers.”

“Well, I guess that makes us sultans?”

Maya giggled, then continued plumping pillows and adjusting blankets. Throughout the course of the next day, Mikus’ lackeys returned twice more with furniture. They set the group up with two desks, a couple of chairs, and three small bed frames. After two days of hanging around with little to do but chat, Maya’s boredom was finally interrupted. A small package arrived via Annabelle. Obviously a book by its size and shape, Maya tore into it eagerly, only for her smile to drop as soon as she saw the Misvan script on its cover. She thrust it towards Piv, unable to contain her disappointment at not being able to read it herself. Piv accepted and read the cover aloud.

“The Seven Principles of Hazemaking. It looks like a school book, this could be perfect!” Piv looked to Maya, who shrugged. “Don’t be down, I can help you with it. Come sit and we’ll have a look together.” Piv motioned for Maya to join him on the pillows and the pair made themselves comfortable.

“It’s laid out in sections for learning. Seriously we couldn’t have asked for anything better!”

Spanner ambled over and perched up against the wall. “Mikus has done good then?”

“I’d say so! It says here ‘For the new hazemaker looking to learn their craft to veteran looking to perfect the basics.’”

Maya let go of her grumpy expression. “Keep going.”

“Its got an introduction here, looks like thank yous mostly, and a guide for how to use the book. Ahh, here we go. ‘The Seven Principles described herein, if studied well and understood, will grant the hazemaker knowledge of the intricacies and nuances of the art of Hazemaking. The initial chapters discuss each principle separately and in full. Following those, chapters are dedicated to the preparation of the most common haze bases. The final chapters include simple hazemaking recipes and cover basic classifications.’” Piv looked to Maya, confused as she got up and crossed the room, realising her intent only when she picked up her grandfathers bag. Maya held up the bag as she returned.

“Go to the recipes bit, or classifications, I wonder if it’ll tell us what these do?”

Piv fanned the pages until he reach a promising section. “Chapter twelve; The Classification of Hazes.” His finger trailed the lines as he mumbled to himself scanning the page. Although Piv could read the words, Maya was the first to spot something. She threw her hand out and jabbed at a symbol on the page.

“There, that one, what is it!” She rummaged in her bag and pulled out the yellow vial. Pointing at the symbol on its cap. “It’s the same!”

Piv frantically read the page around the symbol, still muttering as he read before blurting out a single word “Refraction.”

“Refraction? Like light?”

“Yes, it looks as though it can make the hazemaker hard to see, almost invisible.”

As Maya’s eyes widen, and her jaw opened, Spanner piped up, “Well that could have come in handy!”

“It says here the recipe for it is on page two forty three.” Piv hurriedly ruffled back through the pages to find it, as Maya’s sense rushed back. “I need something to write in, if I am going to learn all this.” The energy and quiet determination in her voice made Piv smile. Spanner clambered to her feet, and headed up the stairs.

“I’ll see what Annabelle’s got, she won’t mind.”

Maya nudged Piv, beaming. “Let’s start from the beginning. We should do this properly. I don’t want to make too many mistakes. Can you help me with the language too?”

Piv nodded and closed the book, making a big show of opening it again at the first chapter. “The Seven Principles of Hazemaking, Principle One: Intent.”