Hmm, I'm curious what Cordelia and Charlemange are up to; would they really pay the apothecary off well enough for him to stop selling the most lucrative items? Even if they did, I feel like there has to be something more to it... I guess I'll have to wait to find out :)

Terrific first part -- I LOVE the approach of this story and shall be waiting quite impatiently for the next two parts!!!! :D