“Well, I am glad it meets yer standards then.”
She quickly finished her tea at Betsy’s urging and then got to her feet, ready to leave.
She paused a moment, looking down at her husband. “I really am grateful for this opportunity to help, and I will not let you down, Kayden.”
He nodded to her. “I ken ye willnae.”
The trip to the village was to be accomplished in a carriage this time. They were escorted by two of Kayden’s guards. She directed them to load her various baskets of simples and anything else she thought they might need.
Just as they were finishing up, Old Fergus stomped over to her, his eyes alight with curiosity. “Are yefinallygoing to the village?” he asked.
Lilliana turned and smiled at him. “Yes, we are. I would count it an honor if you came with us, Fergus. You might think to ask a question that would not occur to me.”
“Och.” He waved a hand in dismissal. “Ye will manage just fine.”
“Please? I could really use your help. The villagers trust you.”
He studied her intently for a moment. “Aye, well, I need to collect a new walking stick from the carpenter, so might as well.”
She beamed at him. “Excellent!”
They all scrambled into the carriage and made their slow way towards the village. Along the way, they stopped to speak with any travelers they encountered.
“Are you from the village? We are going there to treat the sick. Please tell your people to come to the square.”
The news was received with suspicion, especially when they realized she was English, but Old Fergus’s presence was enough to put them at ease.
They arrived at the village, and the two guards set up a tent and the table they borrowed from the carpenter. Lilliana spread out her wares, while Fergus went off to speak with some villagers. Soon, there was a line of mostly women and young children.
Lilliana put a smile on her face and tried to be as welcoming as possible. She noted the hollowed cheeks and dull eyes of the mothers, while the children were a lot quieter than she would have expected.
“How is your diet at the moment?” she asked one mother.
She looked at Lilliana in surprise. “It is fine. We have brose and hough to break our fast, and me husband brought home some venison yesterday.”
Lilliana nodded. “That is good. So, you are eating well?”
The mother snorted. “As well as can be expected.”
“And how long has your boy been ill?”
The mother sighed. “’Tis been about two weeks now. His fever comes and goes. He sweats and then starts shaking and shivering. I daenae ken what to do. I have tried everything.”
Lilliana nodded in understanding. “And where do you usually get your water? Do you have a well?”
“Aye. It is just around the way.” The mother pointed towards the kirk.
“Do you happen to know the source of the water? Is it the rain?”
The mother frowned. “I suppose.” She sounded skeptical, as if she could not imagine why Lilliana would ask her such questions.
Once she left, Fergus stepped up to her. “Why did ye ask her such questions?”
Lilliana sighed. “I was thinking that the castle and the village eat mostly the same food, but the castle has its own well, am I right?”
Fergus’s brow furrowed. “That is correct.”
“So, I am thinking, what if the disease is in the water?”
