41

“Looks like you’re correct, Diadra,” Kenric announced. “The gate is shut.”

“So, what do we do?” Diadra asked fearfully.

“I’ll put up a greater ward around us after tending to the mules. Then I’ll cook us something to eat,” Kenric answered. “Between being so close to the village and the ward, we should be fine.”

Hopefully. I really should have hired some guards or mercs before leaving Wilkesboro for nights like this. Yeah, ones you aren’t sure you could trust. Makes great sense, Kenric mused. He saw the girl glance at the single large bed. Right. Sleeping arrangements. That’s another problem.

“We’ll talk about how we’ll sleep later. In the meantime, just try to relax,” Kenric said. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Kenric unhitched the mules, hobbled their front legs, and fed them a little hay knowing they would graze on grass. He used a pot to water them. I need to get a small water trough or something so I can water Jack and Jill more efficiently.

Kenric then brushed the mules down and petted them a bit. I suppose I could share the bed with Diadra, but I doubt she’ll want to do that. I can’t make her sleep on the floor either. That doesn’t feel right. I could try staying up most of the night to watch out for predators.

He sighed. That’s not a good plan either. I suppose I could sleep on the floor for one night. That’s the best of the available bad options.

Kenric nodded to himself and entered the wagon. He shut the door. Diadra’s eyes widened in fear.

“Don’t be afraid. I shut the door because the wagon is enchanted for protection. Between the wagon’s protection and the ward, we should be safe,” Kenric told her. “Jack and Jill are huge, so it’ll take a big predator to mess with them if they get past the ward. And don’t be afraid of me either. I only intend to heal you.”

“Promise?”

“I already have, remember?”

“Okay,” Diadra said in a scared voice.

“Still hungry?” Kenric asked.

“Yes.”

“Good. It’s getting late, so how about some sandwiches tonight?” Kenric asked. “I should have some bread and even I can’t mess those up too much.”

*

“Told you I can’t cook,” Kenric said. “Even my fried beef sandwich wasn’t good.”

“Yeah,” Diadra agreed with a little smile. Kenric returned the smile and finished washing the frying pan.

That’s progress at least.

“I need to cast Greater Heal on you,” Kenric announced after finishing the last of the dishes. “Then we can talk about your future, and I’ll cast Somnus on you again to help you sleep and finish healing any physical ailments you have.”

“Okay,” Diadra said uncertainly.

“You can relax on the bed or keep sitting at the table until I cast Somnus on you,” Kenric said. She nodded and kept sitting at the table. I’m not surprised in the slightest that she made that decision.

Kenric cast his diagnostic spell on her first. The first Somnus did more for her than I thought it would without draining her too badly. He noticed her shiver a little.

“Did you feel the spell?” Kenric asked. She might be mana sensitive.

“I don’t know. I just suddenly felt a chill,” Diadra answered. He got up and handed her the blanket from the bed before sitting back down.

“The wagon is enchanted to always be comfortable temperature wise, but wrap up in that if you want to,” Kenric said. She nodded and wrapped herself up in the blanket. “What might have given you that chill was a diagnostic spell that tells me what is wrong with you.”

“Is there a lot wrong?”

“Not anymore. Only half of what was wrong with you when I found you in the stable,” Kenric answered. Which is still quite a bit but there’s no need to worry her. “Alright. Here comes the healing spell.”

He focused his intent and cast the spell. Kenric felt Diadra’s ribs finish healing as well as her other internal injuries. He smiled and released the spell.

“I feel better,” Diadra announced. “And I felt another chill.”

“That’s great, except for the chill,” Kenric replied. Further testing is needed. Too bad I’m bound not to teach anyone until I get permission. I’d like to test her like I was tested if I could. He dismissed those thoughts. “Ready to talk about your future?”

“I guess,” Diadra answered. He could hear the fear in her voice.

“To start, you’re nobody’s slave.”

“But you bought me!”

“Your uncle didn’t have paperwork saying he owned you or that you’re a slave. All he had was papers that said he had responsibility for you,” Kenric explained. “He signed that responsibility over to me.”

“What does that mean?” Diadra asked. “I’m not your slave, but you’re still responsible for and can control me?”

She’s smart.

“You got it,” Kenric replied. “But I’m not sure I’m ready to be responsible for a young girl.”

“I’m not that young. I’m almost old enough to be married,” Diadra objected. Kenric suppressed the smile that threatened to bloom on his face at her youthful outrage.

“Only in certain cultures and areas. Most people wait until they are 18 or older to marry, not 13 or 14,” Kenric said with a smile. “I’m not going to marry you in any case. I’m 20 years older than you which makes me more than old enough to be your father.”

“Okay.”

“What I’ve been thinking is that we could find a family in Hamptonville, Yadkinville, West Bend, Lewisville, or Winston Salem to take you in. If not that, maybe we could find someone that would take you on as an apprentice,” Kenric explained. “As a last resort, I could leave you at an orphanage.”

She shook her head. “An orphanage would only kick me out in a year or two or sell me to someone.”

“I hate that you’re aware of that,” Kenric said.

“Me too,” she replied, nodding her head. “Could I stay with you?”

That’s surprising. Why would she want to do that? We’re strangers. But I did take her from an abusive situation, so maybe that’s it.

“As I said, I don’t think that’s the best idea. Besides, being on the road is dangerous,” Kenric answered. Diadra looked like she wanted to argue, so he said, “Why don’t you get in bed, and I’ll cast Somnus on you to finish the healing process.”

“Couldn’t you just heal me with the other spell?” Diadra asked. “That way I can think about things.”

“Uh sure,” Kenric replied. “Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

42

“My back hurts,” Kenric complained after sitting up. This is the last time I sleep on the floor in my own house or wagon.

“Sorry,” Diadra murmured.

“It’s alright. One quick spell and the pain will be gone,” Kenric replied as he stood up and stretched. “How did you sleep?”

“Good. The bed is very soft and comfortable,” Diadra answered.

“I think it’s enchanted to be that way,” Kenric remarked and grinned.

“Truly?”

“Yeah. Nathaniel, the merchant I got the wagon from had everything else enchanted, so why not?” Kenric replied. “Except for some bruising, you look better. Let me run another diagnostic on you to be sure. Then I’ll heal the bruising and anything else the spell finds.”

“Then breakfast?” Diadra asked.

“After I make sure Jack and Jill are outside and take care of them,” Kenric said, casting the diagnostic spell on her.

“I could cook or take care of them,” Diadra offered.

“Just some bruising,” Kenric commented while dismissing the results notice. “Thank you for offering to help.”

“You’re welcome,” Diadra replied. “I helped my cousins tend the farm animals.”

“Is that so?” Kenric asked. The girl nodded vigorously. Kenric chuckled and then pointed to her feet. “While I appreciate the help, you don’t have any shoes or clothes other than my shirt and any small clothes you may be wearing.”

Her eyes widened. “You don’t know if I’m wearing anything other than your shirt?”

“No. Why should I know that?”

“You haven’t looked at all, even when I was asleep?” Diadra asked.

“No. Why would I look?” Kenric replied. She is worried I peeked at her. Hopefully, I can reassure her.

“Because you’re a man and I’m a girl,” Diadra answered matter-of-factly. “Men and boys always look.”

“Not all of us,” Kenric said. Damn. This girl has been through a lot more than she should have at her age. “As I’ve said, I promised not to hurt you and I won’t allow others to do so either. Looking at your small clothes and… girl parts could be considered hurting you since you didn’t ask me to look.”

“You would look if I asked?” Diadra asked after a minute or so.

I could have phrased that last statement better.

“No. As I said yesterday, you’re young enough to be my child. That makes you way too young for me,” Kenric answered. She looked relieved and nodded.

“Aunt Jocosa and my mother had taught me how to cook and clean,” Diadra said, changing the subject. “Mother and Aunt Jocosa had said I was becoming a good cook before…”

“Right. We don’t have to talk about your past if you don’t want to,” Kenric replied. “I know all about having a past you’d rather move on from.”

“Oh.”

“And I forgot my manners. I’m Kenric Mender,” Kenric said. He bowed slightly, earning a giggle. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Diadra.”

“It’s nice to meet you too, Mr Mender,” Diadra replied shyly.

“Let me heal your bruising and use the bathroom. Then I’ll take care of the mules,” Kenric said, casting Lesser Heal on her. “Do you really think you can cook better than me?”

“I do,” Diadra answered. Kenric smiled. She smiled shyly back.

She may want to repay me for healing her and Diadra is old enough to cook and do some chores. I might as well let her help if she wants.

“Alright Diadra. I’ll leave breakfast in your capable hands,” Kenric said. “After I get done in the bathroom, you’re welcome to use it as well as my hairbrush and toothbrush if you like since I don’t have any spares. I’ll also show you how to use the stove and where the pots and pans are.”

*

Kenric checked Jack and Jill over for injuries in the early morning light. The sun had been up for a few minutes. It’s a pretty day, Kenric thought. After feeding and watering them, he hitched the jackstocks back to the vardo.

“We’ll be heading into the village just as soon as they open the gate,” he told the mules. Kenric sniffed as a scent blew from the wagon. That smells good. “Alright. I’ll see you two in a bit.”

*

“That was great! I’m not sure what you did with the eggs, but they were excellent,” Kenric praised.

“You’re just saying that to humor me,” Diadra said. He noticed she had blushed at the praise though.

“Not true. I meant what I said,’ Kenric countered. “I’m a healer. I don’t lie.”

“Then thank you,” Diadra replied. “Want me to clean up?”

“Let’s talk first,” Kenric answered after glancing toward the gate and seeing it still closed.

“Please don’t leave me here!” Diadra suddenly pleaded.

“Diadra, I’ve told you…”

“I know you said you don’t think you’re able to care for me,” the girl interjected. That’s not exactly what I said, Kenric thought. “Hamptonville is close enough to Antioch that Uncle Tobias and the other men come here to drink in the tavern because it’s cheaper than in Wilkesboro.”

If that’s true, then I don’t want to leave her here. It would be cruel to heal her only for her to end up back in the same situation.

“Alright. I won’t leave you here,” Kenric said. “Does your uncle visit Yadkinville?”

“Sometimes. There’s a general store and inn there in addition to a tavern,” Diadra answered.

“Winston Salem, Shacktown, West Bend, or Lewisville?” Kenric asked, spreading his map out on over their plates on the table.

“No. those were considered too far away or too small,” Diadra replied. Shacktown and West Bend are no bigger than Antioch while Lewisville isn’t any larger than Hamptonville.”

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“You seem to know a lot about the villages along the way to Winston Salem. We’ll see what we can find for you there since it’s a bigger town.”

“My parents were farmers and sold their crops to those villages and in Winston Salem and Wilkesboro depending on prices,” Diadra answered.

“Wouldn’t that mean you would have inherited your parents’ farm?” Kenric asked softly. She ignored my comment about leaving her there.

“I don’t know. Uncle Tobias sold the farm over a year ago,” Diadra replied.

“And he didn’t give you any of the silver,” Kenric stated. She shook her head. I should have charged those assholes a lot more than I did.

“Ho the wagon!” a voice shouted from outside. Kenric and Diadra turned to see a guard standing beside Jack. “You want to move this contraption? We have a traveling merchant that wants to leave in about an hour.”

“Is there a place for me to park inside the walls that’s out of the way?” Kenric asked as he walked to the door.

“Aye,” the guard answered. “Are you a merchant?”

“I’m Kenric Mender and I’m a healer,” Kenric replied.

“Is that so?” the guard asked. Kenric nodded. “What’s your prices, Mender?” Kenric told him the prices he had charged in Wilkesboro. “Pricey, but not as high as the healer with the merchant is charging. You’ll find some work here.”

“Will you show me where I can park?” Kenric asked.

“Aye. Follow me,” the guard answered.

“I’ll wash the dishes,” Diadra said. She handed him his map.

“Thank you,” Kenric said, taking the map and returning it to his inventory. He sat on the driver’s bench. “You might want to wait until we stop again.”

“Okay.”

“You can sit up here across from me if you want,” Kenric offered.

“I’ll stay inside, if that’s alright,” Diadra replied.

“Suit yourself. It’s a pretty day,” Kenric said. He picked up the reins and snapped them at the same time he clicked his tongue to get the mules moving.

43

The guard pointed Kenric off to the right a few feet past the gate. He nodded once Kenric stopped the wagon. The guard then started talking to the few other people out and about as he returned to the gate. A couple of times he pointed at Kenric.

“Guess he was letting them know what we are,” Kenric said. Diadra didn’t respond. Guess it’s not us, but me. He noticed a few people standing in front of two covered wagons across the path from where he parked. “I guess that’s the merchant the guard spoke about.”

“Uh huh,” Diadra replied. Kenric grinned.

I was stating the obvious and she let me know it. I suppose it’s also good I didn’t snap at her for being cheeky. When I was younger, I would have. It’s good to see she’s getting more comfortable with me too. Perhaps Diadra isn’t as emotionally and mentally scarred from what she’s been through as I feared or maybe she’s simply stronger than I thought. Then again, she’s an elf and assuming elves are the same as humans is ignorant. I need to see if there’s a book or treatise on the differences between elves, humans, and dwarves.

“Diadra, you’ve lived around this area your whole life. Do you know if the lone traveling merchants like this usually carry clothes and boots?” Kenric inquired, pushing aside his thoughts.

“I think most carry fabric because people normally make their own clothing and other things from it,” Diadra answered. She glanced down at her feet. “I don’t know about boots, but even if they did, it probably wouldn’t be something small enough to fit me.”

“Good points. I guess I’ve gotten used to city life,” Kenric conceded. I had forgotten people outside of the larger towns and cities are more self-reliant. Plus, living in the gutter like I had been doing meant not paying attention beyond my own being. And living at the clinic provided me with what I needed. “Well, I’m going to ask them if they have anything that might fit you anyway.”

“You don’t have to,” the girl said.

“On the contrary. Providing you with clothing is part of being responsible for you.”

“Oh.”

“I’m aware I’m confusing you. On the one hand I say I’m looking to leave you somewhere and on the other, I’m saying I’m responsible for you. If it helps, I’m confusing myself too. We can talk more about that later if you want,” Kenric said as he engaged the brake and put the reins down. He turned and smiled at Diadra. “I need to measure your foot, so I have an idea of what size boot to look for. I just healed you, so I don’t want you risking your health walking across this muddy path.”

Telling her that the diagnostic spell gave me her current height, weight, and such as well as her ideal measurements might freak her out, Kenric mused. Knowing she’ll end up 5ft 2 inches tall and ideally weigh between 95 and 120 pounds is unusual. I’m not sure why the system and spell informed me of those details. Diadra is currently 5 ft and weighs 80 pounds. She needs good food.

“And the merchant wouldn’t want me trying on anything with dirty feet,” Diadra pointed out. He focused on what she was saying.

“Too true,” Kenric agreed, standing up. “Let’s see if I have some string around here.”

*

“Who is the merchant?” Kenric asked after walking across the path. Three guards on horses and two more walking around the merchants’ two wagons eyed him suspiciously.

“That would be me,” a tall, dark-skinned man said. “The name is Adam Asbury.”

He’s my size and if I was a woman or into men, I might be interested in more than his wares, Kenric thought. And I wouldn’t want to fight him. Especially now with my oath in effect. Kenric shook off those thoughts.

“I’m Kenric Mender,” Kenric replied. The two shook hands.

“You’re a healer?” Adam asked.

“Yes.”

“I’d ask if you were looking to travel with a merchant if I wasn’t working with Deacon Talley already,” Adam said, gesturing to a shorter man sitting on the driver’s bench of another wagon.

“Heading east?” Kenric asked. I wouldn’t mind traveling with others for safety.

“No. We’re heading to Wilkesboro and then Asheville,” the merchant answered.

“I take it, you’re heading east?” Adam asked. Kenric nodded. “Too bad. But you came over for a reason. Are you looking to buy something?”

“Perhaps. Do you have any dresses or other clothing that would fit a young 5ft tall girl?” Kenric replied.

“Clothing? Afraid not,” Adam said, giving Kenric a questioning look. “I carry bolts of fabric though.”

You can keep wondering. My business is none of your business.

“What about boots or shoes?” Kenric asked.

“Maybe,” Adam answered. “Steph!”

“Yes sir?” a girl shouted. A second later, a blonde-haired girl that looked a few years older than Diadra stuck her head out of the wagon.

“Do we still have any of those little girl slippers?” Adam asked.

“Let me check,” Steph replied. Adam nodded. “We have three or four different sizes of the sandals left but no slippers or boots.”

“Would any of them fit a girl with feet this small?” Kenric asked, handing the merchant’s assistant the knotted strings he had used to measure Diadra’s foot. Steph disappeared back into the wagon without saying a word. She reappeared with a pair of brown leather sandals about an inch longer than the string.

The sandals were barely what Kenric thought of as shoes. The sole was roughly shaped and thin. A leather thong was attached to the front of the sole where he assumed it would sit between the big toe and others. That thong was woven to two other thongs that fit across the foot and were attached to the sole. The other end of the main thong was woven to a thong loop that tied around the ankle.

They look cheap and like they’ll fall apart if they get wet! But needs must.

“I’ll sell you these fine sandals for 35 silvers,” Adam said with a grin on his face.

“Those… sandals can’t be worth more than 10 silver,” Kenric retorted, biting his tongue. You greedy prick! “And I’m not sure they’re worth more than 5 silver.”

“Ah! But my friend, this is a case of supply and demand. I have the supply and you have the demand,” the merchant happily countered.

“15 silvers.”

“I can’t possibly sell the sandals for less than 30 silvers,” Adam replied.

I loathe merchants!

“20 silvers,” Kenric muttered.

“Since you’re a healer, I’ll go as low as 25 silvers,” Adam said. “And not a silver less.”

“Fine,” Kenric agreed. I hope your member falls off from the pox. He paid the merchant and put the sandals in his inventory. “Do you have any hair and toothbrushes?”

“Indeed. I’ll sell one of each to you for 20 silvers total.”

*

“What’s wrong?” Diadra asked after Kenric entered the wagon. “You look upset.”

“I can’t stand cheating merchants,” Kenric replied. He sighed, letting his anger go. “I got you a pair of sandals. They’re not much, but they’ll let you walk around outside without getting your feet too dirty.”

“They look like they’ll fall apart if they get wet,” Diadra said. She covered her mouth when she realized what she had said. Kenric laughed. “You thought the same thing?”

“Yes,” Kenric answered, handing the sandals to her. “But we’ll get you something better in Lewisville or Winston Salem. I also got you a hair and toothbrush.”

“Thank you! Truly,” Diadra said, taking the brushes. “No dresses or other clothes?”

“You’re welcome and no,” Kenric replied. “Maybe the general store in Yadkinville will have something.”

“I could tie a string or cord around my waist as a belt,” Diadra said.

“True. I could go see if the merchant has any belts too.”

“No. You have more string, and that will be fine.”

“Alright. If you want to walk around, feel free to. Just don’t wander off too far,” Kenric said. “I’m going to offer my services and see if anyone wants a healing.”

44

Not much in the way of healings today, but I did a lot of examinations. I think I saw nearly every villager here. That’s about 400 more silver for me. And some more vegetables and meat I didn’t have to buy. So, all’s well, Kenric thought as he finished tending to Jack and Jill. I’m not sure what Diadra is cooking, but it smells amazing.

Kenric popped another roasted peanut in his mouth. These are amazing too! I don’t like the boiled ones that Farmer Henderson offered me though. I think I’ll have to buy roasted peanuts whenever I can find them from now on because these won’t last long with both Diadra and me eating them.

“Excuse me healer, but could I trouble you to check on my mother?” a man asked.

“I’m done for the day, but I’ll be glad to see her in the morning,” Kenric replied. He turned and saw the man had an old woman in a pushcart.

“Please… she has pain and swelling in her joints,” the man said.

“It’s alright Brandon,” the woman said. “Perhaps Maria could bring me in the morning.”

“Ma, you know Maria is doing laundry tomorrow,” the man, Brandon, replied.

Diadra stuck her head out of the wagon’s door. The tips of her ears could be seen through her curly red hair. She pointed into the wagon, mimed eating, and rubbed her stomach. Kenric snorted a laugh. The girl smiled and disappeared back into the wagon. Brandon’s eyes widened. He and his mother exchanged a look.

I like seeing her smile. These two probably think Diadra is my slave or young wife though.

“I’ll take a look,” Kenric said, focusing their attention on him.

“Thank you!” Brandon gushed. His eyes kept glancing toward the wagon door though.

“Like them young, do you, healer?” the man’s mother cackled. “Most men do.”

“Ma!” Brandon exclaimed. “I apologize Mr Healer.”

“It’s not like that ma’am,” Kenric said. But I would bet good silver that your son likes young girls. “And my name is Kenric Mender, not Mr Healer.”

“Sure, sure,” the woman said. “The girl is an elf and you’re clearly human. So, that makes her your slave, wife, or… plaything. Which doesn’t matter to me. It’s all the same.”

“Ma…” Brandon said in warning.

The old woman made a circle with her left-hand fingers and then pushed her right index finger in and out of the circle. She cackled again.

“The girl is my ward, not my wife, slave, or anything else,” Kenric said getting tired of the taunting.

“Got paperwork to prove that?” Brandon asked.

I see that look in your eye and don’t like it. I better get the subject of their visit back on track so I can get rid of them, Kenric thought.

“Enough!” Kenric ordered. Brandon and his mother hushed. “I charge 5 silvers for an examination and the healing fee is based off what I need to do to heal the problem and yes, though it’s not any of your concern, I have the proper, legal paperwork.”

“We can afford the examination,” Brandon replied more than a little miffed. He handed Kenric 5 silvers.

Kenric put the coins into his inventory and cast his diagnostic spell on Brandon’s mother.

“Your mother has arthritis,” Kenric announced after dismissing the results notice.

“Can you heal it and how much would it cost us?” Brandon asked.

“45 silvers for the healing,” Kenric answered. Though I should charge you more for annoying me and delaying my supper.

“We can afford that if it means I won’t have this pain and swelling anymore,” Brandon’s mother said before Brandon could say anything. “Pay the healer, Brandon.”

“Yes ma,” Brandon replied sullenly. He paid Kenric.

“Alright. Here goes,” Kenric said as he readied his Greater Heal spell.

“Out here?” the mother asked. Kenric nodded and cast the spell. He wasn’t going to invite the woman or her son into his home after all. A few minutes later, and it was done. “I feel so much better! Brandon, I don’t hurt at all!”

“That’s great ma!” Brandon exclaimed.

“Thank you Mr Mender,” Brandon’s mother said.

“You’re welcome, ma’am,” Kenric said with a nod. “You folks have a nice night.”

“Why don’t you and your… ward have supper with us?” Brandon asked.

“No thank you,” Kenric replied. Is his sense of smell that bad or is he just ignoring the good smell coming from the vardo? Either of those or he just wants to see Diadra again. “My supper is waiting for me.”

“Oh,” Brandon said.

“Enjoy it,” Mr Mender,” the old woman cackled, making her obscene gesture again.

Kenric shook his head and climbed up the vardo’s porch. He paused before going in and cast a Lesser Ward over the mules. He then cast the same spell over the wagon. Kenric entered and shut the door.

*

“Supper is getting cold,” Diadra complained as he washed his hands.

“Sorry. I got rid of them as quickly as I could,” Kenric replied, sitting at the table. And why am I apologizing? Right. She cooked and I want to show her I appreciate it. “What did you cook? It smells fantastic.”

“Stuffed bell peppers,” Diadra answered. “I used the rice, tomato gravy, and beef Farmer Lee left us.”

“I don’t remember any rice or tomato gravy,” Kenric said as Diadra served them both.

“His son brought it while you were seeing another person two hours ago,” Diadra explained.

“Oh. Did he leave a lot?”

“A bag of rice that weighs about 10 pounds and three jars of the gravy,” Diadra answered. “He said that his parents didn’t think they had paid enough and wanted us to have the extra food. I thanked him too.”

“Good. Thank you for doing that,” Kenric said. She smiled and nodded. “Didn’t someone give me milk too?”

“Yes. Dalton Hall left three gallons of fresh milk,” Diadra replied. “Do you want some?”

“Yes,” Kenric answered. I like the fact that she can remember names. Heavens know I can’t. “I’ll get it.”

“I’m already up,” Diadra countered. She served them both a cup of milk. She’s trying to be useful. If I get used to her helping, that’ll make it harder for me to leave her in Winston Salem. “Try the peppers!”

“Alright,” Kenric said. He tried the food. “Hmm. This is great!”

Diadra smiled after a moment and dug into her own food. I suppose she wanted to make sure I was telling her the truth. They ate in silence for a few minutes.

“Who were those two?” Diadra asked. “I didn’t like the way the man looked at me.”

“Just a patient,” Kenric replied. I didn’t like the way he did either. “I’ve cast wards over the wagon and mules. You won’t have anything to worry about and we’ll leave just as soon as the gate is opened in the morning.”

She nodded. “What about sleeping arrangements? I can sleep on the floor.”

“The bed is large enough to share it,” Kenric said after thinking it over. “I promise to stick to whichever side you don’t want, and we can use the blanket that hunter gave me as another divider.”

“I…”

“If,” Kenric said, interrupting her. “If you can’t handle that, I can cast a healing sleep on you or one of us can sleep on the floor. But I must warn you that the comfort enchantment doesn’t extend to the floor as my back can attest.”

Diadra giggled at his last statement. She nodded her head. “I’ll try.”

“Just remember my promise and oath to you, alright?” Kenric tried.

“Alright.”

“I see there’s two peppers left. Why don’t we eat one each?”

45

Kenric woke sometime in the night to thunder, lightning, heavy rain, howling wind, and sobbing. Lightning flashed and he made out a small shape curled up under the blankets shaking.

“Diadra?”

A whimper answered him.

“Are you alright?” Kenric asked as he sat up. The lights turned on a few seconds later after the enchantment detected their movements. That enchantment is amazing!

“I’m scared,” Diadra answered.

“You had fallen asleep before I had.”

“The storm woke me. I’m afraid of them.”

“Between the wagon’s protections and my ward, you’re safe,” Kenric said. I hope that reassures her. I also hope it’s true. This is the first storm that’s hit since I started living in the wagon.

“Are you sure?” Diadra asked.

“As sure as I can be,” Kenric replied confidently. “Would you like me to cast a light Somnus spell on you so you can sleep?”

I’d offer to hold you, but don’t think you’d accept my offer, Kenric thought. That thought surprises me. Is it the oath that makes me want to protect her or is it something else?

“I…” Diadra started to say only to squeal in fear when thunder boomed right over the vardo.

“I’m not going to let anything happen to you,” Kenric said, reaching over and patting her shoulder. He cast Somnus weakly on her at the same time. She gasped in surprise before falling asleep.

That should keep her sleeping until morning. I had focused my intent on sleep and healing anything else wrong with Diadra. And that makes me wonder if the spell can help with mental and emotional issues and pain. Jakob and the others never said if healing spells could or couldn’t. Then again, I never thought to ask. That’s something else I need to find out because if they can heal those kinds of issues, that would explain how Diadra is recovering so quickly from her ordeal. Otherwise, I’ll have to chalk her recovery up to her strength or the differences between our peoples.

Kenric forced his thoughts away and closed his eyes after turning off the lights. The storm started to move further away, and he fell asleep to the relaxing sound of rain hitting the vardo’s roof.

*

Kenric woke the next morning shortly after sunrise. He yawned and stretched, after wiping the sleep from his eyes. I can’t believe how quickly I got back into the habit of getting up this early.

He checked on Diadra and was happy to see she was still sleeping. He entered the bathroom and took care of his morning ablutions. Kenric used Cleanse on his clothes and put them back on. He reached out to his wards. They were still intact and hadn’t been disturbed. He exited the wagon to tend the mules.

Ugh. It’s muddy.

“Morning you two,” Kenric told Jack and Jill after carefully making his way to them through the mud. Both mules nuzzled his hands, and he rubbed them. He fed them some hay and oats. He then returned to the wagon to get two pots of water so they could drink. “I really need to get a water trough for you guys.”

The mules nodded their heads. Yeah, you didn’t understand me. He smiled though. The guard at the gate waved and Kenric returned it. He walked over to the woman.

“Good morning,” Kenric said.

“Morning,” the woman replied.

“Could you open the gate for me in a few minutes?” Kenric asked. “I’m ready to get on the road.”

“Maybe,” she replied. She rubbed her left palm. “It’s a bit early.”

That’s a strange way of asking for a bribe. He counted out 10 silvers and she frowned.

“I was thinking of leaving in 10 minutes,” Kenric said, handing over 20 silvers. The guard smiled.

“I’ll have the gate open by the time you turn your wagon around,” the guard said as the coins disappeared into her inventory.

“Could you forget you let me out early as well?” Kenric asked as he handed over 20 more silvers.

“I’m pretty sure I’m talking to myself,” the guard said with a grin on her face. The coins disappeared like the others had.

Kenric smiled and nodded at the guard. He walked back to his wagon and hitched the mules.

Bribery works wonders. Too bad I had to spend most of the money I got from that old woman and her son though. Now that I think about it, I probably didn’t have to bribe her with so much silver. If the village has rules against opening the gate before a certain time, she will want to be able to deny that she let me leave early to save her own butt, Kenric thought. He used Cleanse on his boots again and got the mules moving. I want to be in Yadkinville by midmorning.