The Elixir of Dry Depths

“Kendra, Knox, may I present Uma Stormbrewer,” Tanu said to an audience that included Warren, Vanessa, Grady, Savani, and Hako. “She is a living legend among potion masters. Without her help, I would never have prepared the Elixir of Dry Depths so quickly. Her collection of ingredients was equally essential.”

“Tanu is too modest,” Uma said, knitting needles clicking. “Some vital ingredients were among the dragon parts he brought her. I could not have concocted the potion without him.”

Tanu looked pleased by the praise. “You’re very kind,” he said. “We produced enough of the elixir to allow six of us to make the journey.”

“How long does it last?” Kendra asked.

“Three days,” Tanu said. “Or until the potion is deactivated by an antidote. Uma will explain the dangers.”

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“Now for the warnings,” Uma said. “You must not imbibe any other potions while under the influence of the elixir. At best, you would end the effects of the elixir. At worst, you could eradicate all water from your body, essentially mummifying yourself. To be extra safe, you may wish to avoid food and drinks as well. The water in anything you ingest will react uncomfortably with your body.”

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“It is called the Elixir of Dry Depths,” Uma said. “Given the name, how do you imagine the potion works?”

“We won’t get wet in the ocean? Knox blurted.

“We’ll be able to breathe water?” Kendra guessed.

“The effects are even more extreme than you describe,” Uma said. “You won’t sense the ocean water any more than you would sense air. You’ll breathe and move freely, even down to extreme depths.”

“That’s incredible,” Kendra said.

“Will we get salt in our eyes?” Knox asked.

“The magic will protect you from tiny particles in the water,” Uma said. “The elixir does carry inherent dangers. For example, after taking it, if you jump out of a boat, you will fill straight to the bottom of the sea.”

“Whoa,” Knox said.

“Off the coast of this island, towering drop-offs and deep trenches await,” Uma said. “While the elixir is active, great depths are as dangerous as great heights. If you do not take care, you will fall to your demise.”

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“All who use the potion must carry an antidote,” Uma said.

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“The elixir is powerful enough to include your clothes as extensions of yourself,” Uma said. “But not items you carry or clothes you add after taking the potion.

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“Weapons or items you hold will react to the resistance of the water. But your body will feel no such constraints.

Chapter 26-Dry Depths