en couldn’t do. I could run faster, jump higher, that kind of thing. T

ocument and press herbs and flowers and their medicinal properties. She also had a section for creatures she encountered. She was heavily interested in

?” she asked, her earlier trepidation gone in l

” he said, almost apologetically. She understo

y. He didn’t look feverish, but it would be hard to tell without touching him. If he were a typical patient, she wou

r practice.” Saffron wasn’t used to talking this much or for anyone showing any interest in her. The townspeople whispered that she was a witch.

ile back and glanced out of the cave’s entrance. It was fully dark now. She needed to head back. She couldn’t stay the night here despite enjoying h

s flick towards th

ng to ask her to stay. She nodded, but he

w?” she asked boldly, a b

he asked coyly,

p. I want to make sure that it isn’t infected. I can also b

ng a ring off of the last finger on his right hand. It wa

s nothing.” She stammered.

the incredible pain it is causing,” he replied smoothly. She nod

et again,” he said and lay bac

as the man inside the cave, unclothed, leaned back, and stared at the cei

e other. He replied with a nod and

e and put her mind at rest. She was torn between worry and fascination. She k

it was deep blue with gold stitching. She brushed her hair until it shone and plaited into a simple b

as well as an old pair of trousers that were her father’s. She locked the shop’s door and walked

y enough for her find, after traveling it twice now. She felt her heart race as she drew closer.

k a few tentative steps closer. The cave was dark. She supposed the fire could have gone out

alled out, her

rms. “You’ve been a bit naughty, girl. The Baron is none too pleased,” he grinned widely, and she could see a mul

said and squirmed in his grasp. He tsked

arked and another one of Holt’s henchman stepped from the cave, a menacing grin on

ness,” William, she remembered his name, sneered. S

that sat on the edge of town. She was surprised when they didn’t walk to the front

quivering. She struggled against their hands

for your whoring. He wants you here, so you don’t embarrass him in front of th

he large doors which creaked open at their approach. She paled when she saw t

William lashed her hands together and tied them to the large iron ring at the top of t

ged as the Baron walk

pe to whore around but hey, everyone has the potential for dark secrets. We should have married earlier, perhaps it would have

as he whipped the last against the floo

heard a smooth voice say. She twisted and looked over her s