She was surprised when he fell into step beside her, carrying the wooden box where she kept all her bottles of tinctures and sachets of herbs as well as her leeches and other medical equipment.
It was not long before a crowd gathered. They seemed less hesitant to let her treat them when Kayden was present. The children especially pressed forward curiously, bright eyes interested in her wares.
She smiled, beckoning the first woman forward.
“Put your child on the table and let me have a look.” She turned to Kayden. “Would you give me the flat wooden stick in my bag? Be careful to only hold one side.”
Kayden nodded, digging in her bag for the item and handing it to her. She smiled her thanks before using it to depress the boy’s tongue and peer down his throat. As she had suspected, there was not much to see and no evidence of swelling or a rash.
“Hmm, interesting,” she murmured.
Kayden shuffled his feet, his hands fidgeting, and she knew he wanted to ask for an explanation. But she was not ready to give him one yet.
She ran her hand through the boy’s hair and was not surprised when it came away with a few strands. She met Kayden’s eyes, her own heavy with meaning. He nodded to her and turned to the mother.
“Where do ye fetch yer drinking water from?” he asked.
The woman pointed in the direction they’d come from. “From the loch over yonder. Me Caleb fetches us some each morning.”
“And yer son has been feeling poorly for how long?”
“Just about a week now, Me Laird. It gets worse every day.”
“And ye? Do ye feel ill?”
“Aye. But nae so bad as me poor Aaron.” She patted the boy’s head, and a few more strands fell.
Kayden frowned. “I see.” He turned to Lilliana, gesturing for her to proceed.
Lilliana turned to face the mother. “For now, I would advise you to fetch water from the castle’s well.”
She cast a glance at Kayden to ensure he agreed with her. He gave a subtle nod.
She rooted through her bag and selected a few herbs. “Throw out all the water you have now, fetch fresh water from the well, and then use these herbs to make a tea. Take it every night and give it to every member of your family, especially young Aaron here. Do you understand?”
The mother took the herbs and slowly nodded. “I do…” She looked up to meet Lilliana’s eyes. “Is there something in the water then?”
Lilliana gave a noncommittal smile. “I’m not sure yet. Better to be safe than sorry, though, eh?”
The mother hummed her agreement as Kayden helped her son off the table. They walked away together, hand in hand.
The rest of the day passed in much the same manner. Lilliana kept stealing glances at Kayden, surprised at how helpful he was.
They worked late, wanting to see everyone who needed them. But as the sun set, Kayden looked up.
“We need to head back now. Ye cannae see well in the dark anyway.”
Lilliana reluctantly agreed.
With a few last instructions, she began to pack her things, Kayden a reassuring presence at her side.
I could get used to this. Having him with me.
She watched him from beneath her lashes as he looked around, making sure she’d forgotten nothing.
“Thank you for your help today,” she told him shyly.
He turned to her and smiled. “It was me pleasure.”
