"Is everything alright, Your Majesty?" A soldier called from the infirmary after hearing the unnerving thud.

"Yes, we are fine. Do not worry," Aurora called back as she looked down at the poor scientist.

Nurlan uncrossed his arms, grunted, and headed over to the boy. Having felt the effects of sleeping powder, the large soldier could sympathize. "All a bunch of foolishness," he muttered. "No offense, Your Highness," the General added when he saw the wetness in Mairwen's eyes. Hoisting Renat over one shoulder, Nurlan carried him to a cot on the doctor's side of the shared workspace. The doctor checked the scientist's condition.

"Renat is fine. Just sleeping," the physician announced.

"I do not get it. Why didn't the effects happen immediately," Mairwen asked.

Brinn, finally gaining control of her laughter, answered, "The powder is activated by the words of the person who releases it. You said the word sleep, which is the magic word in this case, and he did." The elf breathed deeply lest she fall back into her giggles. "It is made from the same magical plant that the elves use for sleeping draughts. We just prepare it differently."

"Why are you laughing so hard?" Mairwen stomped her foot. She saw no humor in Renat's powerless state.

"You seriously do not know?" Brinn raised her eyebrows. The princess took a moment to realize what she meant.

————

(The other night at dinner)

Renat sat dressed in clothing provided by the palace tailor. He had never worn such fine things, and he was terribly uncomfortable. He itched at his arms unconsciously. Why could they not have let him dress normally?

The Empress, Mairwen, the doctor, Renat, and Brinn were gathered at the banquet table. "I thought it would be nice to discuss your progress in a less formal setting," Aurora had suggested.

Unlike the other guests, Brinn had technically not been invited, but the servants knew better than to not set her a place. The spymaster had a habit of showing up unannounced. Balking all of her princess training, the elf sat comfortably in her seat with her eyes tracking the delicious delicacies that were coming from the kitchen.

"How are things going?" The Empress began the conversation. She looked at her silent dinner companions and wished too late that she had invited Chief Zan. He had a knack for smoothing over the awkwardness. It was in moments like these that she missed her favorite dinner partner most of all. Devrim would have come to her rescue. 'Hurry home, my love,' she wished silently.

Mairwen broke the tension, "We finished the glasses, mother. I believe they will help those who have to fight Xander next time. Renat feels ready to show others how to make them. This will increase production and free him to pursue other things."

Aurora turned her royal eyes on Renat, who nearly tried to pull his head into his collar like a turtle. "What do you plan to do next, young scientist?" the Empress asked politely. She tried to sound friendly, but the boy did not seem to notice.

Renat swallowed hard and looked at the soup on his plate. The beautiful green swirls nearly matched the churning of his stomach. "Well, Y-Your Majesty," he stuttered. "I have m-many ideas…"

"Can you let me in on one of them?" Aurora prodded.

The thin boy was tongue tied. "Uh, for starters, I could…"

"Mother, you are scaring him," the princess objected. Her silent look begged her mother to stop. This only spurred Aurora onward.

"I simply want to know where our investment is going. If he thinks I am scary, wait until he meets the Emperor." Aurora allowed a ghost of a smile.

'Why would I need to meet the Emperor?' Renat wondered. He was already baffled by the Empress's attention. She spent her days around Lords, Ladies and the Council. Why bother with a commoner like him? His mind spinning with his own thoughts, Renat missed the small spat between mother and daughter. He came back as the Princess was finishing her speech.

"…He is a huge contribution to this empire and we are lucky to have him," Mairwen concluded. Her cheeks were flush.

"I can see that now." Aurora nodded tolerantly.

The doctor broke in, "I have given Renat the use of my old instruments, and he has been supplied with other tools. If you care to visit his workshop, I am sure he can show you his scientific endeavors."

"That is right, Your Majesty," Renat agreed quickly. "I can show you what I am thinking if you want to visit."

"Excellent. I will look at my schedule," Aurora confirmed. The Empress dismissed the first course, much to Renat's relief. Thankfully, the next round of food did not remind him of the queasiness in his belly. "What is it that draws you to science, Renat?" The beautiful ruler used his name hoping to make him more comfortable.

Renat sat straight in his chair. "That is easy. Science is what moves us forward. With science and innovation, humans can overcome any problem. We can make our lives more comfortable, produce better products and even overcome magic!"

"Bah!" Brinn scoffed. She had been shoveling food in her mouth only vaguely paying attention when she caught the scientist's words. "You mean to say science is superior to magic?"

Mairwen leaned over frantically to warn Renat. "I know it has never come up, but Brinn is an elf."

Renat choked on a vegetable as it was making its way down his throat and required a few firm pats on the back by the doctor. "Are you joking?" He asked when he could breath again.

"The princess told you my secret, I see." Brinn gave him a mischievous smirk. "So I ask you again: is science superior to magic?"

"I think science is the answer to defeating magic," Renat claimed. "I mean, I figured out how to stop the effects of the Merpearl without ever having seen it. Science counteracts magic."

Brinn narrowed her gaze. "Science-schmience Ha! Let me get this straight. Through your scientific discovery, you think that magic will never get the jump on you."

Renat could feel the elf's mocking, and it angered him. "Yes." he responded defiantly, "Science will always trump magic."

———————-

Mairwen held her face in her hands. "I remember now. Renat insulted magic."

Brinn covered her smile. "He needs to practice some humility."

"He only said that because you goaded him," the princess went over and felt Renat's forehead. "How long will he be out?"

"Depends on how much powder he breathed in." The elf answered more seriously.

"While we have a moment," Aurora interrupted. "There is one item in the bag which I would like to discuss with you." The Empress reached into the sack and pulled out a beautiful guilded mirror. "This is one of a pair of mirrors used to send messages. I have the other."

"A pair, you say?" Mairwen took the delicate object in her grasp. "How can you be sure there are only two?"

Zan piped in, "Based on Gandr and our own tinkerings. We are confident only these two are connected."

"I want you to keep one, and I will keep the other. If ever we are separated, we will still be able to communicate." Aurora pushed the mirror closer to her daughter. "Keep it safe."

Mairwen ran her hand along the priceless treasure. "I will. Thank you."

Just then, Renat began to stir. His eyes fluttered open, and the blurry vision of a feminine form hung over his head. He smiled gently at her until everything became clear. Then his smile turned to anger. "Spymaster Brinn!" Renat yelled as he clutched his head.

"What's the matter? Magic got the jump on you?" the elf cooed.

The scientist rubbed his temples and tried to sit up. "This is not over," the boy threatened vaguely.

Brinn's smile grew wider. "I certainly hope not. I am just getting started."