“I must. I am… needed elsewhere.”
“Once, the demons were to the north, far off, but every week, they close in. Sorrel, it is far too dangerous to leave—and consider I am saying the Outpost is the better option.” When I don’t respond, she puts the plate aside. “At least let me see your arm again, then. And allow us to provide you and your husband with some basic supplies.”
“Oh, you do not have to worry about us—”
“You will take everything as gifts for your aid unto me. There will never be a way to repay you, so you must allow us this heartfelt exchange.”
I take a deep breath. “Can you and Ronl leave?”
“This is our home. Besides, Thale protects us because he needs us to care for his women and their… complications. He will let no harm come to us.”
In the silence that follows, I know we’re both thinking the same thing: Can the man protect anybody from what stalks the night?
And then all I can think of is this town burned to the ground after everyone, even this beautiful baby, are sacrificed to superstition even though they are no more contaminated by evil than I am.
“Put her in the bassinet, and let me see your arm.”
I follow the orders because that’s what one does when given a reasonable command, and Lena is efficient: The cloth bandage is removed, the healing inspected, and I’m told where to find the herbs I need to bring her from outside in the shop proper.
As I reemerge from their private quarters, Ronl’s still dealing with all of the women, and it appears as though he’s found the solution Lena came to as well. He’s filling bags from various containers, and refusing to take money, shooingoff the fearful customers’ coppers. I make motions over my arm, and point to the three glass containers Lena told me to bring to her, and he nods me along.
When I’m back in the bedroom with everything, more quick work is made. Though Lena remains in recovery, her hands are fast and she mixes and reapplies the same poultice that she put on me. The wound is so much improved that I feel certain of a full recovery, and she makes sure I have enough for two more applications, which is as much as I’m allowed to have of the components.
She then insists that I go to her dresser and take a skirt and jacket, as well as some blouses and clean underthings, and put it all in a traveling saddle pack. When she tries to give me shoes, I draw the line.
“Lena, you must stop.” I cover my face with my palms because my eyes are getting misty. “It’s too much—”
“You have nothing, don’t you.” Her voice grows soft. “You have lost all that you had.”
“But that’s not your fault.”
“It will be if I do not give some of what I have to you now.”
I shake my head. “No, you need these things—”
“Sister, remember? And what sister would I be if I let you leave with no change of clothes.” She motions impatiently to a freestanding wardrobe. “Now go in there. Go on—Sorrel, if you do not open those doors, I shall be forced to get up and do so myself.”
Turning toward the gracefully carved wooden expanse, I pull the latch on one side of the double doors—
“No.” I glance over my shoulder at her. “We’re not taking any of Ronl’s suits.”
“Oh, I know better than to suggest that husband of yours wear anything but the leather that protects him. No, it’s up on the shelf, there. In the back. Sorrel, let us not argue.”
Capitulating, I rise onto my toes, and stretch my good arm as far as it will go.
“It’s in a sealed fold.” Lena nods. “A little farther—you can get it.”
My fingertips make contact with something soft and square, and I pull out a stitched bag that makes an odd chiming sound as I take it down.
“Put that in the bag.” Lena nods impatiently. “And yes, you must keep it for a special occasion. Some night, when you want that husband of yours to bow at your feet, you will put it on.”
“That’s really not going to happen,” I mutter.
“I’ve been saving it for a festival, but Ronl and I have already served its purpose.” She looks lovingly at her daughter. “Besides, I think it’s perfect for you. Now put the herbs for your arm in there, tie the top, and let us say goodbye—”
Her voice catches at the end and she clears her throat. “Forgive me, I am a little emotional these days.”
After I do what she says, she puts her hand out to me, and as I lay my palm in hers, I sit down on the bed.
