In answer, Athgar held out his hands, showing his palms.

“That looks painful,” the woman remarked. “Give me a moment, and I’ll see what I have in stock.” She disappeared into a back room, leaving Athgar and Natalia alone.

The Therengian looked around the place, noting the various plants that filled the room.

“I’ve never seen so much greenery inside a building before,” he mused.

“Didn’t they have plants back in Athelwald?” she asked.

“Not in someone’s house,” he replied, “though Skora had an herb garden behind hers. She grew all sorts of odd things.”

“Skora?”

“Yes,” he continued, “she was an old woman that helped look after us.”

His recollection was interrupted by the return of the proprietor. She was carrying a jar of some type of white paste, which she placed on the counter.

“Here we are,” she said, “this should help.”

“What is it?” asked Athgar.

“It’s an ointment made from kingsleaf. It will alleviate the pain and discomfort.”

“So it will heal my hands?” he asked.

“No,” she countered, “only time or magic will do that, but it will let you carry on with your life as if you weren’t burned. Just be careful not to immerse your hands in anything that might wash it off.”

Athgar wore a skeptical look, “And you expect me to believe this actually works?”

“Don’t just take my word,” she added, “try some.”

Natalia watched them stare at each other, then grabbed the jar, removing the stopper. She dipped her finger inside, scooping some out.

“Give me your hands,” she commanded.

He turned his attention to her, holding his hands palm upward.

Natalia started spreading the ointment over them, rubbing it in as gently as she could.

“How does that feel?” she asked.

“Much better,” he said in surprise. He looked to the shopkeeper, “It seems I owe you an apology.”

“Not necessary,” the woman replied, “but you’ll need to pay for the ointment.”

“Do you have a smaller container?” asked Natalia. “It’s a little awkward walking around town with a jar like that in hand.”

“Of course,” the owner replied. She moved to a back shelf, scanning its contents before grabbing a smaller pot, then returned to the counter, using a spoon to fill it with ointment.

“That should last you a few days,” she announced, “by then you should be well on the way to recovery.”

“How much?” asked Natalia.

“Kingsleaf is rare,” the shop owner warned, “and even this small sample is expensive.”

Natalia dropped some gold coins on the counter. “Will this do?”

The woman looked at them only briefly, then scooped them up. “Consider it paid.”

Natalia waited while a cork stopper was affixed to the top of the pot, then picked it up.

“Where to now?” asked Athgar.

“Back to the estate, I think,” suggested Natalia. “It would be nice to change, don’t you think?”

“Yes,” agreed Athgar, “and then, perhaps, some food.”