Story part 3 – A letter to a brother

Slickhaven, December 11th, 1421

Dear Samuel,

I trust my letter finds you in good health, and you yourself will be pleased to hear that after five days of travel, I have finally arrived in Slickhaven – a town of dense buildings and even denser atmosphere, full of interesting individuals as well as dark, narrow alleyways with which it is better to not be bothered. How different from our home! I admit this is far from being a perfect holiday destination, but as you know, the Imperial Botanical Association is not chasing after luxuries, but a mission which I am ready to fulfill.

It has not gone unnoticed by the Association that Slickhaven has a lush and exceptionally varied flora, though so far is has not been explained why plants, flowers and herbs grow here with such vigor, hardly even found in similarly situated settlements. It is a port city linked to the rest of the world primarily by maritime trade routes, but without institutions of higher learning, therefore it does not surprise me that the locals have never attempted to scientifically describe and catalog their own wealth. The fact that a typical middle-class individual probably would not be able to appreciate it remains a separate matter… yes, someone like me is much needed here.

I plan to establish a local practice, my employers have taken care of housing and the basics of a lab, so all that remains is for me to get to work. Who knows? Perhaps my research project will be the key to promotion?

In my pursuit of science, I did not forget your request. While the locals do not sketch flowers nor measure the thickness of stems, they undoubtedly know how to exploit their properties, and they are naturals at that. It is quite easy to find ointments and oils here, some of which have medical application, while others are used to beautify hairdos or beards, but their recipes tend to be passed down between generations and kept secret from nosy neighbors.

It is said that every local has something different to offer, and that there is something here for everyone. I treat such declarations with caution, but I will remember to keep my eyes open for a possible solution for your ailment.

The day is drawing to a close, dear brother, so this is where I leave you. Know that I am well, and that the change of climate from our idyllic home town to the mystery that is Slickhaven has only rekindled my scientific ambitions. I’m off to work!

Salutations,

Benji