[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
.The power of his body warmed me eventhrough my clothing.Was this what it was like toHis voice cut through my shameful thoughts, his eyes focused intently on mine. All I want is information.How is Simus? He pulled his hand back slightly, enough for me to talk.I could still feel the warmth of hishand on my face. He is well. I darted a glance off to the sides, but there was no one near. When could he travel?I could see where this was headed. Days.Even then, he would have to be carried.He locked his eyes on mine for a moment, then seemed satisfied with the truth of my answer. You willcarry a message to him. No.He looked at me sharply. You heal the enemy& I cut him off. No.I don t know who you are, or what you hope to do, but I will not help you.His blue eyes gleamed.His hand moved down to my throat and rested lightly on it. I could kill you now.I swallowed hard and closed my eyes. Who then would take the kavage to Simus?There was a huff of amusement.The hand left my throat, and I felt the heat of his body move away.Iopened my eyes onto an empty alleyway.I stood for a moment, just breathing, trying to let the feel of my body return to normal.But I could stillfeel the weight of him pressed against me, and the warmth of his breath on my cheek.Outside the alley,traffic ebbed and flowed, and the normal sounds helped me get myself under control.My packages lay atmy feet, and I picked them all up, hoping that none of the bottles and jars had broken.There was still somuch to do and time was wasting.I took a deep breath and started walking.I was a fool.My cheeks flushed with embarrassment.An ignorant fool.I would talk to Lord Warren assoon as he was available.Between the still room activities and helping Eln, it was late before I got to the prisoners tent.I yawnedas I took the final part of the path, heading for Heath s post.I stopped when I got to him, put down mysatchel, sack and jugs, and stretched as high as I could, yawning with my mouth wide open.He smiled.Tired?I grinned and nodded. After this, I go to bed& no stops along the way.Heath jerked his head toward the castle. I heard the horns announce the arrival of the Warlord.Haveyou heard anything about the talks?I snorted. Heath, I d be the last person anyone would tell.I know that Warren is involved, but that s allI know. I sighed and picked up my bundles.I was tired, and the damn brooch was raising a blister onmy ankle.I was frustrated as well, since I d tried to speak to Lord Warren, but it hadn t been possible.I hope they went well.It s nice not to have more wounded. Aye. Heath had that mischievous look in his eye. You ll have more ladies of the court looking forlotions and potions. I rolled my eyes, and he chuckled as he lifted the tent flap.I looked for Rafe when I went in and saw him near Simus s cot.As I moved through the tent, I could seethat there were more men up and moving about.Although some were shaky and had others assistingthem, they were moving. Rafe. I called a greeting.He, Joden, and the other man, ummm& Prest, were near to Simus s pallet.Iset my parcels down and knelt to look at my patient. Has he woken?Joden shrugged. He has been in and out all day.Prest looked at me. Will he be well? Let us look. Prest and Joden started the unwrapping process.I looked over at Rafe and grinned. Ifound this in the marketplace.Maybe you have a use for it.He looked puzzled, but took the sack and opened it.His eyes got very big and excited. Kavage! It iskavage! He looked at me as the others started to react. Where did you& ? There was a merchant in the market that had some.He could not sell it, everyone thinks it is a poison.The tent laughed, but Rafe paid me no attention as he and a few others started examining the contentsand commenting on the seeds.They seemed sort of obsessed.I bit my lip and started to worry that I haddone the wrong thing.Joden caught my eye and smiled. Have no fear, healer.It is a drink like any other.But it is a taste ofhome, and it will divert them for a time while they figure out a way to grind the beans.I smiled with relief and turned to the wound.It was doing very well.I took a closer look than I had earlier and was still pleased with his progress.Wecleaned and redressed it, smearing it this time with an unguent made of fever s foe and fairysfoot.Satisfied, I left it to Joden and Prest to wrap up my patient.I started on my rounds, tired but pleased.Each man was well out of danger and healing well.As I worked, I could hear Rafe and his group talkingexcitedly as they apparently found different ways to grind the beans I had brought.I stopped to watch fora moment as one man tried to grind them against a piece of wood with his bootheel. Will that not affectthe taste?He nodded without looking up. Aye.It will add flavor.Eventually there was no noise at all, and I looked over to see the men in fierce contemplation of the metalpot the tinker had given me, hovering over one of the braziers of hot coals.I just shook my head andcontinued my work.Before long, an odd aroma filled the tent.Odd, but pleasant.Finally, the last one was done.I went over to where Joden sat by Simus, and dropped down next to him.I dragged my satchel along, and started to re-pack everything in it.I was almost done when Jodennudged me, and I looked up to see Rafe standing before me, a mug of something steaming in his hand. We want you to have the first taste. Rafe looked proudly at me as he handed me the mug.The rest ofthe tent was watching me, all eyes bright.I took the mug in one hand. You would not try to poison an innocent young healer, would you? I looked suspiciously at Rafe, whostared back as innocent as a lamb. No. Rafe looked very serious. On my honor. Then his grin flashed. I would not waste kavage thatway.Everyone in the tent started laughing, and a few pounded on Rafe s back for his jest.Taking a deep breath, I put the mug to my lips and sipped.Once again the tent exploded in laughter as my face screwed up in disgust.I managed to swallow, but itwas a near thing.The liquid was hot, thick and bitter.Joden patted me on the back as the rest of the tent started to share in the pot and make plans for anotherone. Most prefer it with some milk and honey to take away the bitter
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]