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 climbingeach 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."
"Just use them properly," the old woman said. "Be safe, Alar of Vedona, and stay alert. This land is not what you are used to. You'd better sleep with one eye open."
"Is there something in particular I should be aware of?" I asked.
Kailin shrugged. "Nothing specific. Everyone's a bit on edge with so many strangers in town. On the one hand, the pilgrimages are a major source of income for us, but on the other, it's not easy to get swamped with new people arriving three times a year for the pilgrimages."
I thought about the security concerns Theron had hinted at, and the suspicious looks I'd gotten from some of the locals. "Is there a specific reason to worry about the influx of people?"
"No more than usual." Kailin tucked a long strand of hair behind her ear. "We're safe here, so close to the Citadel. The Shedun would never be stupid enough to attack Skywatcher's Point."
So she'd said the night I had walked her home, but she didn't sound so sure of that now.
Her grandmother made a noncommittal sound. "Even the safest harbor can have hidden rocks, child."
I turned to her. "Will you be attending the blessing ceremony tonight?"
"Of course. Wouldn't miss it." She smiled warmly at Kailin. "My granddaughter is a pilgrim." She patted Kailin's cheek and then sighed. "Only yesterday I bounced you on my knee. How time flies."
As she disappeared into the back room again, I lingered at the counter, reluctant to leave. "Will I see you tonight?"
"I hope so." Kailin smiled shyly. "You are so tall that I should be able to spot you over the heads of everyone. Other than that, it will be difficult to tell one pilgrim apart from the others. We will all be wearing the same fatigues."
"Even so, you will stand out from the crowd."
"Hardly." She waved a hand over herself. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm vertically challenged."
"You're perfect," I blurted, then immediately felt heat rise to my face. Then an idea occurred to me. "Codric and I will arrive early and secure spots at the front for you and Shovia."
"That would be lovely." Our eyes met again, and this time, neither of us looked away. "I look forward to it," she whispered.
Chicha chose that moment to let out a sharp bark, making us both jump. Outside, a group of pilgrims passed by, their excited chatter drifting through the window.
"I should go," I said reluctantly. "Let you get back to work."
Kailin nodded. "Don't forget—seven minutes."
"I won't." I headed for the door with Chicha's eyes following my movement. "Your dog is adorable."
"She is." Kailin smiled fondly at her pet. "Thank you for saying that."
"It's the truth. You should think about bringing her with you."
Kailin shook her head. "She won't take kindly to three days of fasting. Chicha likes her two gourmet meals a day delivered in a timely fashion."
