For the first time all morning, a small smile pulled at my lips.
Emily’s expression softened. “I see that.” Then, gently but firmly, “Come. The healer is waiting.”
An older woman stood in the cottage’s doorway, her hair wrapped in a vibrant scarf of deep blues and reds.
She watched us without smiling, arms folded across her chest, her clear, light-blue eyes shrewd and assessing.
I stepped forward, crossing the yard, the skinny dog trotting loyally at my side.
Chickens scratched in the dirt, pecking and clucking softly, while a fluffy white cat sat perched on a fence post, watching our every move.
When we neared the door, the cat leaped, padding silently toward the woman.
She bent gracefully, scooping up the cat and stroking its fur absentmindedly, her gaze never leaving mine.
She held my stare momentarily, sighed, pushed the door open, and let the dog inside.
Then, finally, she spoke.
“C’est toi la malade?”
Are you the sick woman?
My throat felt tight.
“Oui, c’est moi,” I murmured, forcing the words past my lips.
Yes, that’s me.
I hesitated, then held out my hand.
The healer took it between the fingertips of her free hand, giving me a gentle yet fleeting handshake.
Her piercing blue eyes swept over me as if she knew my truth.
Then, without another word, she turned and disappeared inside.
I stole a glance at Emily.
“Should we follow her?” I whispered.
Emily shrugged. “I guess so.”
I swallowed hard and stepped inside.
The moment I stepped into the healer’s home, the rich scent of dried herbs enveloped me immediately, heady and thick in the warm air.
Bundles of lavender, thyme, and sage dangled upside down from the ceiling, their fragrances blending into something earthy and mysterious.
Near the unlit fireplace, the mama dog curled onto a thick fur. Her eight tiny puppies latched onto her, suckling greedily.
She thumped her tail lazily at our arrival, then sighed contentedly, closing her eyes.
A strange sense of calm settled over me.
Emily and I followed the woman deeper into her medieval kitchen, which was more laboratory than home.
Here, the herbs didn’t hang—they covered every available surface.
