31

“What happened?” Kenric asked as Nathaniel urged him into his vardo.

“Christopher was eating some peanuts and then started to wheeze,” Danica, Nathaniel’s wife answered. “Then he complained of stomach pain.”

“His throat is swollen,” Kenric said, starting to examine the boy. He cast a diagnostic spell.

“What would cause this? Poison?” Nathaniel asked as Christopher broke out in hives.

Severe Allergic Reaction- Peanuts

“No,” Kenric answered, dismissing the notice. “Christopher is having a severe allergic reaction to peanuts.”

“That is not an allergic reaction!” Danica exclaimed. “You must be wrong!”

It’s the worst reaction I’ve ever seen, but it makes sense since he was eating nuts. But at least he’s breathing well enough. That’s a positive sign that he won’t die despite how worrying his swollen throat and other symptoms are.

“We should send for another healer,” Danica said. “This one doesn’t know what he’s doing!”

Danica tried to push Kenric away from her son. Nathaniel stopped her by wrapping his arms around his wife.

“Kenric, don’t make me regret this,” the merchant warned. “Human, if my son doesn’t recover and dies…”

“Trust me. Christopher will be fine,” Kenric said, dismissing the threat, and giving the dwarves a positive smile. At least I hope they take my smile as encouraging and positive. He cast his greater heal spell on their son. “You hired me for a reason after all.”

“That’s because you were willing to travel and cheap,” Nathaniel retorted. Danica cried into her husband’s shoulder.

Well, just speak the truth, why don’t you? I already knew that, so it doesn’t hurt me the way you think it does, Kenric thought. He shrugged. But it does make me think I would leave tonight if I could end the contract without penalty. That comment and his threat also makes me think I won’t take anymore contracts with Nathaniel no matter the pay.

He dismissed his thoughts and focused on the child. Within ten minutes, Christopher’s symptoms began to fade. The boy’s breathing became noticeably better.

Kenric ended the greater heal spell and cast the diagnostic spell on the child again.

“He’s healed and will recover overnight,” Kenric announced after dismissing the results notice. “I’ll cast somnus on him tonight.”

“That’s your healing sleep spell, isn’t it?” Nathaniel asked. Kenric nodded. “Why cast it on Christopher if he’s fine?”

“Just a precaution and nothing beats a good night’s sleep,” Kenric answered, giving them another smile.

“Mama,” Christopher said.

“Baby!” Danica exclaimed, rushing to her son’s side. She pulled him into a hug and held him.

“Can I have some more peanuts?” Christopher asked. Nathaniel snorted a laugh.

“I advise against eating peanuts,” Kenric said, fighting his own laughter. “Almonds, chestnuts, cashews, walnuts, and most other nuts should be fine to eat though.”

“If he’s allergic to peanuts, wouldn’t he be allergic to other nuts too?” Danica asked.

“No. It’s very rare for that to be the case,” Kenric replied. “But if it eases your mind, you can rub a nut on his skin to see if Christopher breaks out in hives before letting him eat them.”

“Thank you,” Nathaniel said.

“You’re welcome, but I’m just doing what I do,” Kenric replied. He walked to the door and opened it. “As I said, I’ll come back tonight to put Christopher in a healing sleep.”

Nathaniel followed him out. “Kenric, about that… harsh comment I made earlier…”

“I’ve heard worse,” Kenric said. I don’t want your apology, excuse, or whatever you’re going to say. “Don’t worry about it.”

He walked away without looking back.

*

“Are you a fool?” Revna asked Nathaniel after he finished explaining things to her. He looked at her in disbelief. “You threatened our healer and hinted that the only reason he was hired was because he was cheap!”

“That’s partially true…”

“And he probably won’t want to keep traveling with us! It took you weeks to find a healer that had been willing to travel with the caravan.”

“I was upset and so was Danica! I wasn’t thinking,” Nathaniel retorted. He sighed. “That doesn’t excuse my words though.”

“No, it doesn’t,” Revna agreed. “But if you run Kenric off like you did Stephanie, you’ll develop a bad reputation amongst the healers, and we won’t be able to keep running the trading circuit because no healer will travel with us, and the other merchants and guards will balk at the suggestion of doing so without a healer!”

“I know! I’ll make it up to him somehow,” Nathaniel said. Revna raised an eyebrow in question. “I’m not sure how yet.”

“Give him the vardo and mules,” Danica said from inside their wagon.

“Are you mad?” Revna asked before Nathaniel could.

“No,” Danica replied. “It’ll appeal to the healer’s ego.”

“That’s a pricey payment,” Nathaniel muttered.

“It’s still cheap compared to our son’s life,” Danica countered.

“True,” Nathaniel admitted after thinking it over. “Plus, Kenric’s gratitude might bind him to us even more.”

“Put it in writing that the wagon and mules are a gift for saving Christopher’s life and nothing more,” Danica suggested. “That should keep him from thinking otherwise while overwhelming him with our generosity.”

“I’m not sure which of you is the most devious,” Revna commented.

“We’re equals,” Nathaniel laughed.

“That’s one of the reasons we’ve been so successful in love and life,” Danica added.

“I’ll write up the paperwork and give it to Kenric when he returns tonight,” Nathaniel said.

“Should we invite him to supper as well?” Danica asked.

“No,” Revna answered. “Let him have some space The wagon and mules should be more than enough of a gift.”

“Plus, we can invite him to supper or lunch tomorrow,” Nathaniel added as he started to write up the paperwork.

32

“Kenric?” a voice said while someone knocked on the wagon’s door.

“Just a moment,” Kenric called out. He glanced down at the herbs he had been working with and sighed. I wonder if it’s one of the guards or wagon drivers looking for a hangover cure. If it is, they’ll have to make do with these herbal remedies since I’m not wasting mana to instantly fix stupid decisions. He stood and went to the door and opened it. It’s not someone with a hangover. “Morning Nathaniel. Is Christopher alright?”

“Morning Kenric. He’s doing great and has been up and running around since shortly after sunrise,” Nathaniel replied. “He keeps wanting more peanuts though.”

“Seems we always want what is bad for us,” Kenric said. Nathaniel agreed. “So, what can I do for you this morning? Want me to check him out again?”

“No. Thanks for the offer though. Danica is keeping a close eye on Christopher, and we’ll let you know if your services are needed again,” the merchant answered. “What I came here for is to give you an apology and a gift for saving my son’s life.”

“Neither are necessary.”

“I beg to differ,” Nathaniel said. “I let my temper get away from me and my fear control me yesterday. That’s not who I am.”

“You’re a concerned parent,” Kenric said, shrugging his shoulders. And I’m not in the mood to listen to your excuses. I think you showed me who you really are yesterday. “Losing one’s temper in such situations happens. Think nothing more of it. The past is the past.”

As I well know, Kenric thought, but didn’t say.

“Thank you for your understanding,” Nathaniel replied. “Still, Danica and I feel a showing of our gratitude is in order.”

“That’s not necessary. You’re paying me to be your company’s healer for this trip.”

“Still, we want you to have this vardo and the mules that pull it,” Nathaniel said. He pulled the paperwork he had drawn up and showed it to Kenric. “This is a title for the vardo, Jack, and Jill. All you need to do is read and sign it for them to be yours. I’ve already signed and sealed the title.”

“That’s beyond generous,” Kenric said, more than a little stunned.

“Perhaps, but it’s still a small price when compared to my son’s life,” Nathaniel replied. He smiled.

His expression is mostly earnest, but his eyes show he’s hiding something, Kenric thought. Maybe I’m being too suspicious and holding a bit of a grudge over his outburst yesterday.

“I accept your gift in the spirit that it is being given in,” Kenric said. Heavens know I wouldn’t be able to afford something like this otherwise. And now I have a way to travel to the coast to see the ocean. “Thank you. Would you like to come in and have a mug of yaupon tea?”

“No, thank you. I’ve many things to do today including selling my wares,” Nathaniel answered.

“I understand. Trading and such are why we’re here after all,” Kenric said.

“Well, technically we’re here to make a profit,” Nathaniel gently corrected with a grin on his face.

“True enough,” Kenric laughed. That goes for me too. Nathaniel hopped down from the porch. When he stood straight, he almost bumped into another man.

“Van, is everything alright?” Nathaniel asked the wagon driver.

“Just feeling bad boss,” Van answered.

“Kenric?” Nathaniel asked.

“I’m on it,” Kenric replied. Van looks hungover to me. He cast his diagnostic spell on the wagon driver. Kenric grinned as he dismissed the results notice. “Had a bit too much to drink last night, Van?”

“Shh! Not so loud,” the dwarf replied. He swayed on his feet as Nathaniel walked away shaking his head. “But yeah, I may have overdone it last night.”

“I have just the thing for you,” Kenric said. He walked back into the wagon and sat the title on the table. He then picked up two small pouches and carried them back out. “Here.”

Van looked up and tried to catch the pouches Kenric tossed to him. He dropped both to the ground. “What’s this?”

“Medicine for your hangover,” Kenric answered. “The blue pouch is willow bark. Chew it for your headache. The green pouch is ground up ginger root. Make a tea with it. Drink the tea for your nausea and any stomach pains. It’ll also help with the headache.”

“What? You’re not going to cure me with your magic?” Van asked.

“Nope. You’re hungover, not dying or sick,” Kenric replied.

“Just magic my hangover away!” Van ordered.

“Hangovers as I well know are a consequence of a bad decision and should be learned from,” Kenric countered. “I’m not wasting mana on just a hangover. If you don’t like it, go to another healer. Odds are they’ll do the same thing I just did and give you an herbal treatment while charging you for it.”

“Pissant human!” Van huffed. He picked up the pouches and stumbled away. Kenric grinned.

“Excuse me,” an elderly woman said. Kenric turned and gazed at the older human. She was short, had white hair, and kind blue eyes.

“Yes ma’am?”

“You’re a healer?” the woman asked.

“I am,” Kenric answered. “My name is Kenric Mender.”

“I’m Helen Foxhollow,” the woman replied. “May I ask why you gave that fellow an herbal remedy?”

“Mrs. Foxhollow, did you hear what I told him about not wasting mana for a hangover?” Kenric asked.

“I did. I wasn’t sure if you were serious though.”

“I was and am. Herbal remedies work well in some cases such as a hangover, cold, or rash.”

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

“Not according to the healers here, they don’t,” Mrs. Foxhollow said.

“I suppose the healers here charge quite a bit for healing too,” Kenric said.

“Indeed,” the old woman replied. “Even the cheaper healers charge 25 silvers just to see what is wrong with someone. A healing is at least twice that if not three or more times as much.”

“Even for the poorer folk?” Kenric asked. She nodded. Damn! That’s nuts. The diagnostic spell only takes a couple of mana points and a few minutes to do.

“How much do you charge to see what is wrong with someone?” Mrs. Foxhollow asked.

“I’m not sure,” Kenric answered absently as he thought about how the healers in Wilkesboro were making a lot of money off the citizens of the city. “Maybe 5 silvers.”

“I can afford that,” Mrs. Foxhollow said. She produced the coins. “Would you check me please? I’ve been having pain in my joints.”

“Uh, yes ma’am,” Kenric answered. I put my foot in my mouth because I got lost in thought. He cast the diagnostic spell on her. “You have arthritis.”

“Can you heal that?” she asked. He nodded. “How much would you charge?”

That’s the big question, isn’t it? If I charge too little, word will get around and I might not get another moment’s rest while we’re here. I could also get in trouble with the local healers for undercutting their prices, Kenric thought. He noticed people paying attention to them. He hopped down from the wagon’s porch and whispered something to the woman.

“That’s all?” she asked. “And that includes the 5 silvers for examining me?”

“For you, yes,” Kenric answered.

“My husband has an itchy rash. He tripped and fell into some kind of ivy plant,” Mrs. Foxhollow said. “What would you recommend for that?”

“A salve made from either calendula, chamomile, aloe vera, or even rose flowers,” Kenric answered after thinking about it. “If you know a trustworthy alchemist or herbalist, they may recommend something else.”

“Heal me, Mr Mender, please,” Mrs. Foxhollow said. She counted some coins and handed Kenric the 40 silver he had said he would charge her and 10 more. “Here is a little something extra for you. You can buy your own food. I know an alchemist that can make a salve for my husband.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

33

Today has been a long one. Word spread about me quickly. I must have examined over 100 people and healed or recommended herbal treatments for a third of them. Kenric yawned and smiled. He checked his inventory again. But it’s been profitable too. My money problems are over with for the time being thanks to the 650 silvers I made. I should do this well tomorrow since the town guards sent people away when the market closed, and those people promised to come back tomorrow.

He yawned again.

Having my charge of five silvers for an examination and the hours I’m willing to work should hopefully keep people from asking the same questions over and over. That’s if the people coming to see me can read, Kenric thought as he examined the hastily made sign he had put up beside his wagon. I have forgotten how most common people can’t read.

“Excuse me,” a tentative sounding female voice said. Kenric turned and saw a young girl. She was pretty but dirty and wearing an old worn dress. “Are you the mender that doesn’t charge a lot?”

Kenric felt his lips twitch into a smile. That’s the first time someone has used my surname that way. It feels good too. Still, it’s been a long day and I’m beat. I should send her away until tomorrow.

“I’m Kenric Mender and yes, I’m a healer,” Kenric said. The girl coughed. “You need a healer?”

“Yes,” the girl said and coughed again. “I don’t have coin, but I could pay in other ways…”

Kenric frowned. She looks too young to be suggesting what I think she’s suggesting. “How old are you girl?”

“Old enough,” she answered. Kenric’s frown deepened. She reached up and slipped her top from her left shoulder while coughing again. “Please sir.”

Her cough doesn’t sound right. It almost sounds fake, Kenric thought. He noticed her eyes move from his face to behind him. Kenric turned as something hit his head.

Pain exploded in the side of his head, and he went crashing to the ground as his eyes watered and vision blurred. Kenric groaned and rolled on the ground. He caught sight of two large, muscular men when his eyes started to clear. The one on the left was tapping a cudgel against his left palm. The one on the right fingered a dagger at his hip.

“Well done, Vera. You distracted him as you said you could,” a woman said from behind the men. “Here is your reward.”

She tossed a few coins towards the girl. Kenric heard the girl gathering them up. He started to cast a healing spell on himself. The man fingering the dagger drew it, bent down, and placed the tip of the blade at Kenric’s throat.

“Don’t even think about healing yourself,” the man said. Kenric gulped as he felt the blade prick his flesh. He nodded, sending fresh pain surging through his head.

“Thank you, ma’am. Do you need me for anything else?” Vera asked.

“No,” the woman answered.

“I might later,” the man with the cudgel said, grabbing his crotch.

“As long as you have the coin, you know where to find me,” the girl said. Kenric heard her run away.

“Oliver, Tomas, pick him up,” the woman commanded. The two men complied and lifted Kenric to his feet. His head swam again. “Tomas, you may have hit Mender too hard.”

“You wanted him down, so I put him down,” Tomas replied. Kenric felt mana wash through him. A moment later, he felt more mana wash over him and his head clear.

“I’ve healed your concussion, Mender,” the woman said.

She’s a healer. Guess I ticked some people off today. Hearing my name from her lips doesn’t sound so good, Kenric thought. “I suppose you’re one of the local healers.”

“Correct,” the woman said.

“And this is a warning not to heal people in your town?” Kenric asked.

“No. This is a message,” the woman replied. “You can heal all you like. You just can’t undercut our prices or cut us out of the profit.”

“I see,” Kenric murmured.

“Do you?” the woman asked. Kenric didn’t answer. “Oliver?”

The man with the dagger punched Kenric in the mouth. Kenric’s head jerked back. He spat blood onto the ground.

“You answer the mistress when she asks a question worm,” Oliver snarled.

“I think the mender gets my point,” the woman said. “Now Mender, pay me the 650 silver you made today for healing your concussion. I will send Tomas and Oliver to you tomorrow to collect the fees for allowing you to operate in our town tomorrow.”

How does she know how much I made? They must have been watching me all day.

“And how much are the fees?” Kenric said, spitting out more blood. Thankfully he didn’t knock out any of my teeth. That prick hits like a bull.

“We’ll take two thirds of whatever you make tomorrow,” the woman said. “I see that defiant look in your eyes, Mender. Gentlemen if you please.”

“With pleasure mistress,” Oliver said. The two men punch Kenric in the stomach and face. Kenric was allowed to fall to the ground again.

“Your oath…” Kenric muttered.

“I haven’t broken the oath,” the woman replied. “I haven’t personally hurt you at all and in fact have healed you. Now pay my fee for healing you.”

“Extortion is hurting someone,” Kenric slurred.

“I don’t know what that word means,” the woman said. She frowned. “Tomas, Oliver, get my money from the mender.”

She turned to leave and froze.

“That’s enough of that,” a woman growled. “Touch Kenric again and I’ll gut this supposed healer right here.”

“Revna,” Kenric sighed. He heard and saw other caravan guards surround them.

“Tomas, Oliver, let’s go,” the woman said. She glared at Revna. “This isn’t the way we do things here.”

“It is now and this better be over with,” Revna retorted. “If it’s not, I’ll end it now because I know the town guards are in your pocket and won’t do a thing to you.”

“You’re lucky your caravan is important to the city,” the woman said. “I will let this slight go because of that.”

“Good,” Revna said.

“Don’t bring this mender back here again though. Bad things could happen to him if he does return,” the woman said. She walked away with her two thugs trailing her.

“Are you alright, Kenric?” Revna asked after the trio had disappeared.

“No, but I will be in the morning,” Kenric answered.

“You’re going to heal people tomorrow, aren’t you?” Revna asked.

“Yes, and the day after if people need it,” Kenric answered. “It’s what I do and honestly, I need the money.”

“I’ll post a couple of guards with you then. And just in case, Odel stand guard over Kenric’s wagon tonight. I’ll get someone else to cover your duties tonight.”

“Yes ma’am,” the guard replied. The guard captain and the other guards left. “Come on Kenric. I’ll help you get in there.”

“Thanks Odel,” Kenric said, accepting the man’s help.

34

Kenric woke feeling much better than he had the night before. He stretched and got out of bed and cast the diagnostic spell on himself.

“I’m back in top form,” Kenric muttered to himself as he dismissed the results notice. He glanced out the front door’s window and sighed. There’s already about 20 people out there, all of them poor by the look of their clothes. Just how badly have the local healers ignored them? It doesn’t matter. I’ll do what I can for them. He shook his head and went into the bathroom to take care of some personal needs.

At least my bladder and guts feel better, Kenric mused exiting the bathroom. He stripped and cast his cleanse spell on his clothes. He then cast it on himself instead of taking a bath and put on a different set of clothes. As father always said, appearances are important. While that’s a load of bull, it helps set people’s minds at ease.

He dismissed those thoughts and sat down at the table. He signed the title and put it in the safe knowing he should have done that the day before.

I’ll take a nice relaxing bath tonight, Kenric promised himself as he put on his boots. His stomach growled. Yeah, yeah. I’ll fill you soon.

He exited the wagon and paused. Eydis, one of the guards was sitting on the passenger seat. She glanced at him and turned her attention back to the gathering crowd.

“Morning Eydis,” Kenric greeted her.

“Morning Kenric. Sleep well?” Eydis replied.

“Considering I put myself into a healing sleep, yes,” Kenric answered. She laughed.

“That’s good. I can’t believe you got jumped and beaten like that,” the guard said.

“Me either,” Kenric replied. He grinned. “I guess I’ve let my senses go.”

“It happens when you get old,” Eydis quipped. She was smiling.

“I’m not that much older than you are,” Kenric retorted, returning the smile.

“You’re a decade older than I am. So, you’re old,” Eydis stated. Her smile grew.

“Keep that up and I won’t offer to buy breakfast.”

“Breakfast?”

“You haven’t eaten yet, have you?” Kenric asked.

“Nope. I switched off with Odel an hour ago and haven’t had a chance to grab something yet,” Eydis answered. “Revna had promised to have someone take my place in a couple hours so I could eat though.”

“How about we go to the stable so I can check on Jack and Jill. Then we go grab a bite to eat,” Kenric said.

“That could work. But what about this crowd? It’s only going to get bigger.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Because five more people have walked up in the last couple of minutes.”

“Yeah,” Kenric sighed. “Let’s go check the mules.”

“Sure,” Eydis agreed. She stood and spotted another of the caravan guards. “Urban!”

“What?” the other guard shouted back.

“Are you free or working?” Eydis shouted.

“Free and thinking of going after breakfast,” Urban answered.

“Good. Come with us,” Eydis yelled as she hopped down from the wagon. Kenric followed. Urban started walking to them.

“Where are we going?” Urban asked as he joined them.

“To the stable so our healer can check on his mules,” Eydis answered.

“My mules?” Kenric asked.

“Yep. We all know that Nathaniel gave you the wagon and mules for saving Christopher,” Urban answered. “Anyway, I’m off work and hungry. I’m going to go get something to eat.”

“Come with us and escort Kenric back here,” Eydis said. “I’ll go get us some breakfast from Langley’s using Kenric’s money since he offered to buy breakfast.”

She winked at Kenric and gave him a crap eating grin. So, that’s how it is. I don’t mind since I owe the guards for last night.

“Langley’s?” Kenric asked.

“An inn two streets over. The food is fantastic,” Eydis answered.

“Alright. I can do that if it means Mrs. Georgia’s biscuits and gravy,” Urban said. Kenric laughed. “What’s funny?”

“Leave it to the guards and mercs to know where the best food comes from,” Kenric replied, with a smile.

“This is true,” Eydis said.

“Here,” Kenric said, handing Eydis a pouch “That should be enough to buy us and the rest of the guards breakfast too.”

“Want your change if there’s any silver left?” Eydis asked.

“Nah. You can divide that up between you and Urban if there is any money left,” Kenric answered. “Don’t forget to get something for Revna.”

“There’s no way I would forget to buy something for the boss,” Eydis replied.

“Thanks!” Urban said. “You’re not the asshole we were told you are.”

Kenric laughed. “Oh, most people would probably say I’m still that.”

The two guards laughed as well. Kenric looked at the crowd.

“At least you’re learning to laugh at yourself,” Eydis said. Kenric smiled and shrugged.

“Are all of you here to see me?” Kenric asked the crowd.

“Are you the healer?” a man asked. Kenric nodded. “Then yes.”

“I’ll be back folks. Even though it’s not eight yet, I’ll start doing examinations once we get back from checking on our animals,” Kenric called out. People in the crowd nodded. The trio headed to the stable.

35

“Mr Sanderson, you have a pinched nerve in your wrist,” Kenric told his patient. “That is what is causing the pain and numbness in your hand.”

“Can you heal it?” the man asked.

“Yes.”

“How much would you charge to do so? I don’t have a lot of money,” Mr Sanderson said. “I do have a pig at the butcher that I could trade a part of for the healing though.”

That’s the same story a lot of these folks have told me since I started healing them two days ago. I have enough fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat to last me a month. The wagon’s food storage spaces are full, and I didn’t spend a silver to do it. Still, I won’t turn the man away.

“Let me ask you something,” Kenric said.

“Sure.”

“How much would you get if you sold the meat, you’re offering me?”

“Maybe 60-70 silvers,” Mr Sanderson replied. “At least 50 though.”

“Do that and pay me 25 silvers,” Kenric said. “Keep the rest for yourself.”

“I… that’s all you’ll charge me to heal my hand?”

“Yes sir,” Kenric replied. “That includes the examination.”

“I can give you that now,” Mr Sanderson said. “I expected you to charge a lot more.”

“I charge what I charge,” Kenric said, shrugging as the man counted out the coins. Besides I’ve made over 1500 silvers over the last couple of days in addition to the food. He checked the mana crystal Catalina had given him since he was almost out of mana. Just enough mana left for two more healing spells in the crystal. It’ll take a couple of days to recharge it and I still need to buy a chain for it.

“Here you go healer,” Mr Sanderson said. He handed Kenric the coins, which disappeared into Kenric’s inventory. “So, how are we going to do this?”

“If this was a proper clinic, I’d have you sitting on a bed or laying down,” Kenric replied. “But this isn’t that.”

“Right. We’re in a market,” Mr Sanderson said.

“True,” Kenric said. “Just relax Mr Sanderson. This won’t take long, and you’ll be right as rain.”

“Alright,” the patient replied.

I should buy some camp stools. Kenric started to cast his greater heal spell on the man’s injury. Perhaps some kind of camping cot wouldn’t be a bad idea either. Kenric pushed those thoughts aside and focused his intent on what needed to be done.

*

“The city guards have cleared out the crowd a little early today,” Odel said. “The market doesn’t close for another half hour.”

“I’m not going to complain. I’d have to stop anyway because I’m tired and all but out of mana,” Kenric replied.

“I’m not going to complain either,” Eydis said. “And we’re leaving in the morning, so no more standing around guarding wagons and booths.”

“Guarding Kenric was more entertaining that watching over the merchants, so I should probably thank Revna for that,” Odel said.

“Plus, he kept buying us meals, so thanks for that Kenric,” Eydis said.

“You’re welcome,” Kenric replied. “What about watching over me was interesting?”

“Just seeing how healers work,” Odel answered.

“Huh,” Kenric muttered.

“You got to remember Kenric, most folk don’t have magic,” Eydis pointed out.

“Yeah,” Kenric replied. “I’m just glad I do.”

“What would you be doing if you didn’t?” she asked.

“Most likely dead in a ditch or drunk in one,” Kenric answered. The two guards exchanged a look. Kenric shrugged. “You guys have heard talk about my past and I won’t deny who I was back then.”

“That’s why you keep saying you’re trying to do better now,” Odel stated.

“Yes,” Kenric replied.

“Anyway, I’m hungry,” Eydis said. “Kenric, are you buying supper tonight?”

“Sure,” Kenric answered. “He handed her the money that Mr Sanderson had paid him. “Bring me a plate or bowl of whatever you get back. I’ll be in the wagon resting and recouping mana.”

“Alright. I’ll be back when I get back,” Eydis said. She hurried off.

“Want to keep the sign?” Odel asked.

“Not really. I need to make something better or get someone to make me a better sign,” Kenric replied. “Do you want it?”

“Nah. I’ll toss it once you’re safely locked up in your wagon though,” Odell said.

“Thanks,” Kenric replied. He climbed up to the porch and entered the wagon.

*

“Kenric, you got a minute?” Nathaniel called as he knocked on the vardo. Kenric opened the door and saw the merchant, Revna, and four more people.

“Sure. Just a moment,” Kenric answered. He opened the door and scowled at the other four people with Nathaniel and Revna. Three of them were the woman and her thugs from the other evening. The other, younger woman he didn’t know at all. “What’s this?”

He better not tell me I must pay that… woman anything, Kenric thought. She had a smug look on her face.

“I’m going to cut to the chase. I’m ending our contract,” Nathaniel said. Kenric glanced at Revna. She didn’t look happy.

“Why?” Kenric asked, fighting to keep his voice calm. He can’t do this! We had a deal. Then again, he did leave himself several outs in case I didn’t pan out or proved to be a drunk. I should have insisted on more penalties for breaking the contract and ending it early.

“This is Adelaide Edwards and her protégé, Lea. They will be joining the caravan for the reminder of the journey. Adelaide has significant ties to the merchant community in Wilkesboro that will greatly benefit my company and Lea will become our new permanent healer,” Nathaniel explained. The healer and her thugs grinned at Kenric. “I’ve already paid you for up to this leg of the journey, so we’re square on that front.”

“And my wagon?” Kenric asked

“It and the mules are yours as I promised,” Nathaniel answered. “You’ve made some decent silver over the last couple of days, so you should be alright. Thank you for your service.”

The merchant turned and started to walk away. Revna hung back.

“Mender don’t be in Wilkesboro at dusk tomorrow,” Adelaide warned. She turned and left with her group.

“Sorry Kenric,” Revna said. “But Nathaniel is in charge of these decisions, and he feels this new arrangement will help him in the long run more than working with you will.”

“Yeah. It’s always about money with merchants,” Kenric said bitterly.

“Be careful tonight and tomorrow. We’re leaving at noon, but I won’t be allowed to have guards watch you any longer since you’re not under contract to the caravan,” Revna said.

“Thanks,” Kenric replied. Revna nodded and left. Kenric entered the wagon and locked the door.

“This is bullshit!” Kenric swore. “I need a drink.”