It was sort of like unleashing an over-eager puppy; as soon as Rex felt Caesar's hand leave his shoulder he bolted. The shopkeeper would turn around to find a pair of curious eyes peering over the counter at the potion-making supplies on the shelves. Dragon's Blood, Snake Fangs, Flobberworm mucus - he wrinkled his nose in disgust, but a close look would show he was grinning with fascination.

"Do people really drink stuff made from this?" Rex asked, poking at a jar of Black Beetle Eyes on the countertop. The eyes bobbed slowly in fluid, and one rotated around as though it might be looking at him. He stuck out his tongue and shrank down behind the counter.