Page 25 of Highland Slayer
Anaxandra looked at him. “Why?”
“Because ye need tae guard me while I accomplish this.”
That was all he said, but it sounded logical to her, so she returned to her post by the entry door.
But that crossbow was at the ready.
After much rummaging and collecting what was needed, the apothecary finally returned to him with a dirty basket full of things. He peered at it, noticing that she’d put a small earthenware phial into the mix. He pointed to it.
“What is that?” he asked.
“A rotten brew,” she told him. “Have ye not heard of it?”
Estevan shook his head. “Nay,” he said. “What is it?”
The apothecary shrugged. “It’s brewed from old bread,” she said. “It can help fevers or wounds. Ye stir it with wine and drink it.”
Estevan nodded. “I’m grateful,” he said. He meant it. “How much for everything?”
The woman’s gaze moved from Estevan to Anaxandra, her back to them as she watched the street beyond the door. “Is she truly a Lady Templar?”
Estevan glanced at Anaxandra before replying. “What doyethink?” he said, grinning.
The woman laughed. “I think she wanted tae kill me,” she said. “The next time ye come back, dunna bring her.”
Estevan continued to grin. “Never mind that,” he said. “How much money for these things?”
The woman snorted. “A penny each,” she said. “Ye’ve got six things in the basket. Give me six pence and return the basket tae me.”
Digging in the purse on his belt, Estevan produced the required coinage and thanked the woman.
“Ye’ve been helpful,” he said. “Thank ye for the suggestion of the onion water.”
The apothecary slapped him affectionately on the arm again, nearly staggering him sideways. “Onion with honey,” she confirmed. “That will help him recover. Will ye tell me something, lad?”
“If I can.”
“Do ye have any brothers?”
Estevan chuckled. “Seven,” he said. “The two older ones are already married, but I’ll send the younger ones yer way.”
He was jesting, but she took him seriously. “Will ye?” she said. “Lad, that’s the grandest thing anyone has done for me. What’s yer name?”
“Estevan. And yers?”
“Lorna McKee.”
“Thanks tae ye, Lorna.”
He was heading for the door now with Lorna following. “If yer knight hasna recovered by the time ye return the basket tae me, I’ll give ye something else for him,” she said. “Is he married?”
“Nay.”
“Then send him my way, too.”
Estevan started laughing. They reached the door and Anaxandra turned to see them behind her, but Estevan pointedto the horses before she could speak. He didn’t want her around Lorna longer than she had to be, fearful she’d try to lodge a bolt in the woman again. Anaxandra obeyed, heading for her horse as Estevan moved to his.
“I promise I’ll send ye any man I can, Lorna,” he said, though he didn’t mean it. “Hopefully ye’ll find a husband one day.”
