"How are you doing, Ronda?" she asked.
"Oh, you know how it is, Jaida." Ronda sighed. "My old arthritic hands are giving me trouble when the weather changes."
"Yes, I do indeed know, unfortunately." Jaida pulled several jars from her apron pocket and handed one to Ronda. "Age is not kind to either of us. Anything else I can do for you?"
"Maybe some sleeping tea," Ronda said. "I have a hard time falling asleep."
"I know just the thing for that." Jaida cast me one more curious glance before ducking behind the curtain.
I waited patiently while Kailin helped the next customer and her grandmother returned with the tea for Ronda. I waited somemore as Kailin helped the next person in line, and then I was finally the last one left in the store.
"How can I help you, young man?" Jaida asked.
"I was hoping that you would have something for altitude sickness. My cousin and I could sure use some help with that."
"Oh, I do." She turned her gaze to Kailin. "Is this the merchant from Vedona you told me about?"
The grandmother's knowing look made me wonder what Kailin had said about me.
"Yes." Kailin nodded. "This is Alar."
I dipped my head. "It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am."
Jaida narrowed her eyes at me. "I'm surprised a fine Elurian like yourself didn't equip himself with the proper medications before traveling to Elucia. Most outlanders don't respect our traditional medicines." She fixed me with a penetrating stare. "They prefer their fancy pills."
I met her gaze steadily. "My mother always says that nature provides the best remedies if we're wise enough to use them properly."
"Does she now?" The old woman's expression softened. "Well, she sounds like a sensible woman. Let me see what I can prepare for you."
Once Jaida disappeared behind the curtain, Kailin gave me an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. Gran can be a little too forward. She's very protective."
"Of her granddaughter or her herbs?"
"Both." Kailin laughed, and the sound made something warm unfurl in my chest.
Chicha, who had settled at my feet, thumped her tail against the floor.
"My dog seems to like you." Kailin raised the hinged piece of the counter and walked over to me.
Crouching down, she scratched behind Chicha's ears. The movement brought her close enough that I could smell the herbal scent clinging to her hair—something fresh and green, like mountain meadows after a rainfall.
"Your little dog has excellent taste." I fought the urge to reach out and touch one of the loose strands that had escaped Kailin's braid.
She looked up at me, and for a moment, the air between us seemed to crackle, but then Chicha let out a dramatic sigh and flopped onto her back, demanding belly rubs.
The tension broke as we both laughed.
"Here we are," Gran announced, returning with a small cloth bag. "Ginger root for nausea, coca leaves for the headache, and a special blend of my own that helps your body adjust to the thin air." She began measuring out portions into smaller sachets. "Steep each one in hot water for exactly seven minutes—no more, no less. Drink it an hour before you start climbing each day. You can also prepare one for the road and sip on it as needed."
I reached for my coin purse. "Thank you. How much do I owe you?"
She named a surprisingly modest sum. When I tried to pay more, she shook her head firmly. "This is what I charge. Not a lumen less or more." She tied off the last sachet with practiced fingers.
"Thank you." I tucked the package of herbs into my pocket and turned to Kailin. "Do you know if they will allow us to boil water on the pilgrimage?"
"They will," Gran answered. "Every group of pilgrims is guided by a leader who has medical training. They have what is needed to prepare healing herbal infusions."
That was another piece of information Codric and I hadn't been told. "I'm glad to hear that."
