Read Online Death of an Alchemist by Mary Lawrence - Free Book Online

kicking him. He fought to remain conscious as he wallowed in blood and spit, the hard ground the pillow beneath his cheek. Eventually, the battering ceased. The only sound was his coughing. He vomited.
    â€œGet up, you vile traitor. I should save the executioner the trouble and hang you myself.”
    Plumbum slowly got to his knees, every muscle screaming, and was promptly booted in the rear, returning him face first onto the cobbles.
    â€œI’ve not forgotten the debt you owe. And let this be a reminder that I always collect my due.” Blade paused for Plumbum to stagger to his feet but grew restless waiting. He hauled Plumbum up by the collar of his dismal yellow doublet, waited for the alchemist to focus on him, and spat in his face. “Now I know your filthy heart.” He pushed Thomas away in disgust. The force of it sent Plumbum sprawling backward.
    If that were not enough trouncing, Blade took one last pleasure in humiliating the alchemist.
    Thomas Plumbum was gifted all the piss he ever wanted.

C HAPTER 5
    If all men slept soundly, think on what tranquility their souls might enjoy. But this night, one restless soul could not sleep and sought peace through other means.
    Those looking for ill-gotten gains benefit from stifling summer heat combined with the dark of night. Denizens with the luxury of windows open them wide, hoping for a breeze to find their beds. Others worry their open door might invite thieves or even rapists, and while some gamble they might be spared such crimes for a decent night’s rest, others are not so complacent and lock their doors and windows. Ferris Stannum, the alchemist, was of the trusting kind.
    What could befall a man who had discovered the secret to immortality? He alone had been granted that destiny. Most alchemists espoused their virtues and single-minded purpose trying to convince God (as well as themselves) that they deserved success. But Ferris Stannum had been blessed beyond all others.
    Hope filled a puffer’s heart but not his purse. Alchemists spent money that should have bought food for their families. They squandered their last coin; they squandered their future in a desperate pursuit to project the stone. Ferris Stannum smiled in his sleep. Yes, he, too, had squandered, but soon he would recoup every loss he had ever incurred.
    All but one.
    Though he was hopeful he might turn that around.
    His mind was soothed by the knowledge that he had been blessed with a great destiny. However, there was one who crept into Ferris Stannum’s rent who did not think about matters of destiny.
    Stannum turned over on his pallet and faced the wall, the damp plaster spotted with mildew. Soon he might live where the sun could find him as he worked to make vial after vial of elixir. His journal of alchemy sufficed as a pillow, providing some comfort for his mind, but not particularly so for his head. His ear pressed hard against its cover. Still, exhaustion pulled him under, and in his repose, he kicked off a thin sheet. Even that was too much weight this hot night.
    The black tiger returned from its nocturnal prowling carrying a limp shrew in its mouth. A dog alerted the entire neighborhood of its arrival and successful hunt. This proved a noisy and unnecessary announcement, requiring the feline to deftly skirt the dog’s snapping jaws. Relaxing upon entry to its master’s home, the cat found a suitable place to dismember the creature and set about doing so. Shrews were delectable except for their long, bony snouts.
    Ferris Stannum began to snore, and his steady breathing filled the rent.
    When he rustled, the footsteps stopped. When he settled, the footsteps started.
    The cat abandoned its shrew.
    All was at peace until a most unnatural sound disturbed the red parrot and set it squawking.
    Â 
    Across the river, Bianca and John left the door and their one window open. What little breeze they enjoyed was suffused with the smell of chicken manure from across