He was over the moon for passing his assessment with flying colors today, and I’d never been more proud of him. All his hard work and studying had paid off, and we’d been celebrating with Doxon’s famous lamb stew and homemade ale all afternoon.

Archer had stayed to celebrate with us, and devoured five whole bowls of stew before I’d even finished my first one. Ralph and I had stared at him in equal marvel and shock, whereas the herbalist merely had a satisfied smirk on his face the ...