I draw breath to shoot, but the wind blows again and I have to wait. The next time the breeze dies down, I exhale a percussive puff. The dart embeds itself in the snake’s side, and the creature’s tail waves back and forth. I ready another dart in case the first wasn’t enough, but the snake falls still as the sleeping potion takes effect. I reach for the long forked stick I cut for myself last night. Carefully, I thread it through the branches and work it under the motionless body, then dump the creature into a burlap sack. A few days should be enough for me to get the venom I need, and then I’ll let the creature go on its way. This serpent’s markings remind me of Diadem, and I’m curious to see if the snake’s venom has some of the same properties.

“Is this a common thing for healers to do?”

My heart jumps at the familiar voice. Dineas stands behind me, peering warily at the burlap sack.

“Dineas! I didn’t expect to see you back so soon. You’re looking well.” The army has issued him new clothes, and his hair has been freshly trimmed. Plus, a few days under the sun seems to have given him his color back.

He grins. “There’s not much for me to do these early days. I thought I’d come and see how things are. And”—he takes a small basket out from behind his back—“to ensure I’m still your favorite patient.”

The basket’s filled with candied rose petals and nuts. The sight makes my mouth water.

“My friends lent me some money until the scribes get around to paying me. I’m trying to make my way through everything in the markets, and these are my favorite so far. Try a petal.”

I don’t need to be told twice. The fragrance drifts up my nose as the flower melts on my tongue. “Well, it’s decided. Nursing you back to health was a worthwhile effort.”

“And here I thought you saved me for the pleasure of my company. Or perhaps my vast knowledge of the world.”

“No. It’s definitely the presents.” I tuck the basket under the crook of my arm. “But tell me how your first days have been.”

He brushes off his new livery. “I’ve settled in well. Arxa has me doing exercises with the third battalion so far, but I’ll try out for Neju’s Guard next week.”

“Neju’s Guard?” Was that the name of the battalion that fell ill?

“That’s Arxa’s elite unit. There’s a trial for it next week, and they’re open to all. They’re expanding their ranks.”