34. Pearl Chan’s Compendium of Dragons
THIRTY-FOUR
PEARL CHAN’S COMPENDIUM OF DRAGONS
The role of biological catalysts in DNA replication is a testament to the enduring magic that binds all living things. The double helix of DNA unfurls like a cherished scroll.
DNA polymerases, the magicians of genetic code, meticulously inscribe the new strand, while helicases, the custodians of time, unravel the secrets of the past. The outcome is a mystical replication of life’s ancient script.
We must not underestimate their significance, for in their seemingly ordinary forms, they wield the power to etch the signature of life itself.
–EXCERPT FROM THE MUDPUDDLE MANUAL OF NATURAL MAGIC
The following weekend, Will and Granny paid a visit to the bookshop. During a lull between customers, they gathered round a table in the cafe.
“I think the place is busier now than ever,” Will said. “You must be doing something right.”
“People are just curious,” Maida insisted.
“That’s malarkey!” Granny cooed. “You’ve breathed new life into this place and you ought to take credit for it. Any wizard would! The place suits you.”
“Thank you, Granny.” Maida sorted through a stack of beautiful handmade bookmarks she found in a drawer. “It’s been hard work, but I’m enjoying it.”
“You know,” Granny feigned a casual disinterest as she stirred her tea, “I could be a big help around here. I’ve got impeccable taste and am very knowledgeable about all the folk living here in Primrose Court. Just say the word.”
“By this, she means she’s got the best gossip. Not that it’s a bad thing.” Will Porter rolled his eyes. “Might actually be good for business.” He stole a snickerdoodle from Granny’s plate.
“Oh. My. Fairies! This is so good! What on earth do you think Rosie’s putting in these cookies?”
At the mention of her name, Rosie, who was working behind the counter in the cafe, froze.
A worried look shot across her face and she scanned the cafe nervously, speaking quickly and defensively.
“Nothing! There’s nothing magical in them at all.
I promise! It’s just ordinary cinnamon and sugar with a pinch of cayenne! ”
“Rosie is an extremely talented baker,” Maida intervened. “She’s a natural.”
Rosie shot her a quick look of gratitude that was almost heartbreaking before returning her attention to a mythology book on the counter. Maida knew she was cramming for finals. That wasn’t the reason the normally bubbly girl seemed so skittish, though.
Ever since the night that Gemini coughed up the candy wrapper, Rosie had been quiet and withdrawn. She’d barely left the house, other than to attend classes. “I may as well work more shifts,” she’d said that morning, “since I’m grounded till I’m eighty.”
Maida had heard nothing else from Arthur. In fact, she’d barely seen him all week, except in passing. He dedicated his time to meeting with the town council, working from his apartment, and traveling to meet clients on the Ordinary side of Boston.
“Where’s Arthur?” Will asked, looking around. “I was hoping to catch up with him while I was here. I could use some advice about where to get a pint in Ireland.”
“Well, I could help you with that!” Granny punched Will in the arm. “You don’t need to go bothering the solicitor for that information.”
“I was hoping he’d join me.” Will shrugged. “Remember what happened the last time I took you to a pub, Granny?” Will looked down his nose at the spritely woman. “We don’t want a repeat of that, do we?”
“How was I to know he was a selkie?” Granny held her hands up in self-defense. “He was dazzlingly handsome.”
“I think that’s the point,” Will teased.
“Sorry, Will, I don’t know where he is. I haven’t seen much of him today, or yesterday for that matter,” Maida apologized.
“Well, if Will won’t have me, maybe you will?” Granny turned back to Maida. “You know I’m just flapping my wings over at your father’s place. He’s hardly ever there. It’s just me and that old gargoyle, Yves. You’d be doing me a favor.”
“I could definitely use some more help around here, particularly in the cafe.” Maida considered the offer.
She really needed help. “Rosie is doing an excellent job, but we get a big rush in here every morning and midafternoon when school lets out. Do you think you might be interested in working in the cafe? I’m not sure how much the business could pay you, but I could probably make up the difference. ”
“Nonsense!” Granny clucked, jumping up immediately and pulling the spare barista apron off the peg. “You don’t have to pay me. I don’t need money. Just let me stay here and help you out. I’m grateful for the chance to be useful again.”
“Be careful,” Will warned. “If you turn your back on her she might bedazzle the books.”
Granny wrapped the apron strings around herself three times and tied it off in a bow. Even with the top bloused up, the garment was far too big on her and trailed to the floor. “I’m going to have to get something more appropriate made. Maybe in purple? We should have shop colors, no?”
“Sure.” Rosie, who was drawing up a family tree of all the Greek gods, barely looked up to answer. Granny examined her drawing.
“Not bad,” she said. “But I think Hephaestus needs more facial hair.”
“Sure…” Rosie chewed the end of her pencil. She was so engrossed in her project that she did not notice the hulking figure standing by the door, waving to get her attention.
“Rosie, dear, I think there’s someone here to see you,” Granny said in a stage whisper that was loud enough for everyone to hear. She nudged Rosie. “Maybe you should go see what he wants.”
Maida watched as Rosie looked up towards the door, wide-eyed. Suddenly, it seemed like everyone in the Mudpuddle was staring at the large, surly looking boy standing between them and the exit.
Will let out a low whistle. He leaned in to whisper in Maida’s ear. “He’s got some horns, coming back in here after everyone said he was responsible for Zephyr and Minerva’s deaths.”
“Sorry to bug you at work, Rosie.” The boy’s eyes seemed wild, darting here, there and everywhere. “I was hoping to borrow that book we discussed? The one my Ah Ma gave you? I need to get some of her recipes for a friend?”
“I’m working, Bardo.” Rosie tapped her pencil on her drawing.
“That’s okay, you can give me the book and I’ll make copies and bring it back.”
“I’m not giving you the book. What if something happens to it?” Rosie snapped. “That book is irreplaceable.”
“Don’t you think I know that?” Bardo glowered. “She was my Ah Ma. I just want to get what’s mine.”
“She gave the book to me, though,” Rosie retorted. “Anyway, I don’t have it on me right now. Come back next week.”
“Next week’s too long!” Bardo whined. His eyes were imploring. “Please, Rosie, I don’t want to fight with you. Can’t you just help me out?”
“Fine.” She closed her textbook. “Come back tomorrow. But this is it, Bardo.” She shook a finger at him. “Last time I’m helping you out.”
“See you tomorrow then, Rosie!” Bardo slapped a hand on the door frame before departing. “Don’t forget the book!”
That night, it was just Maida and Rosie. Arthur was working late and Granny had gone home to fetch a bag of her things. Rosie reheated some homemade chili while Maida locked up and set one of the tables in the cafe for a simple meal.
“I’m just going to close the drapes,” Rosie said. “Give us some privacy. I hate feeling like I’m sitting in a fishbowl.”
Maida shrugged. The shop windows didn’t bother her.
They were set back enough from the street and evenings were quiet, so the shop windows didn’t bother her.
But if it made Rosie more comfortable, she supposed there was no harm.
She’d gone through an intensely private phase as a teenager, too.
Maida propped her feet up on an ottoman and leaned back in her seat.
She was tired after a long day of helping customers find the perfect titles.
“Please don’t tell my father that Bardo stopped by the shop today?” Rosie begged Maida. She set her backpack on the floor beside the table and settled into the seat opposite Maida.
“I can’t lie for you, Rosie,” Maida said.
“It wouldn’t be a lie. Maybe just don’t mention it?
Nothing happened. He just wanted to borrow this book.
” Rosie reached into her backpack and withdrew an unusual-looking tome.
Metallic pink, fuchsia, and scarlet scales covered the exterior of the book.
The page edges were gold. A blue metal clasp, inlaid with a glass dragon’s eye, kept it locked shut.
Rosie stroked the cover reverently. “Ah Ma Pearl left it to me.”
There was no title on the cover or the spine.
“What’s the book about?” Maida asked.
Rosie looked around suspiciously, as if she thought there might be spies present. “If I tell you, you can’t tell anyone.”
“Rosie, you can tell me anything. I won’t judge you. But I’m not sure that I’m the person you should be sharing secrets with. Wouldn’t it be better to speak to your father?”
“I can’t. He wouldn’t listen. And he wouldn’t understand,” Rosie said. “Can I have your word to keep my secrets?” Rosie asked.
“I’ve already said I won’t lie for you,” Maida repeated.
Rosie folded her arms across her chest. “You don’t have to lie for me.
Give it another hour or two and the rumor mill will have Bardo proposing to me in the middle of the store.
My dad is going to hear about his visit, whether or not you tell him.
And I am going to tell him about what’s in the book…
eventually. I’m just not ready yet. I don’t have anyone else to talk to, Maida. Please?”
Rosie’s imploring eyes were her undoing.
“Fine,” she said. “But please don’t ask me to cover up for you and your boyfriend again.”