‘Idiot girl,’ Bruna muttered, when Leesha told her what she had said to Elona. ‘Only a fool shows their cards when the game’s just getting started.’

      ‘This isn’t a game, it’s my life!’ Leesha said.

      Bruna grabbed her face, squeezing her cheeks so hard her lips puckered apart. ‘All the more reason to show a little sense,’ she growled, glaring with her milky eyes.

      Leesha felt anger flare hotly within her. Who was this woman, to speak to her so? Bruna seemed to hold the entire town in scorn, grabbing, hitting, and threatening anyone she pleased. Was she any better than Elona, really? Had she had Leesha’s best interests at heart when she told her all those horrible things about her mother, or was she just manipulating her to become her apprentice, like Elona’s pressure to marry Gared early and bear his children? In her heart, Leesha wanted both of those things, but she was tiring of being pushed.

      ‘Well, well, look who’s back,’ came a voice from the door. ‘The young prodigy.’

      Leesha looked up to see Darsy standing in the doorway of the Holy House with an armful of firewood. The woman made no effort to hide her dislike for Leesha, and she could be just as intimidating as Bruna when she wished. Leesha had tried to assure her that she was not a threat, but her overtures only seemed to make things worse. Darsy was determined not to like her.

      ‘Don’t blame Leesha if she’s learned more in two days than you did in your first year,’ Bruna said, as Darsy slammed down the wood and lifted a heavy iron poker to stoke the fire.

      Leesha was sure she would never get along with Darsy so long as Bruna kept picking at the wound, but she busied herself grinding herbs for poultices. Several of those burned in the attack had skin infections that needed regular attention. Others were worse still. Bruna had been shaken awake twice in the night to tend those, but so far, her herbs and skills had not failed her.

      Bruna had assumed complete control of the Holy House, ordering Tender Michel and the rest around like Milnese servants. She kept Leesha close by, talking continuously in her phlegmy rasp, explaining the nature of the wounds, and the properties of the herbs she used to treat them. Leesha watched her cut and sew flesh, and found her stomach was strengthening to such things.

      Morning faded into afternoon, and Leesha had to force Bruna to pause and eat. Others might not notice the strain in the old woman’s breath or the shake of her hands, but Leesha did.

      ‘That’s it,’ she said finally, snatching the mortar and pestle from the Herb Gatherer’s hands. Bruna looked up at her sharply.

      ‘Go and rest,’ Leesha said.

      ‘Who are you, girl, to …’ Bruna began, reaching for her stick.

      Leesha was wise to the move and faster, grabbing the stick and pointing it right at Bruna’s hooked nose. ‘You’re going to have another attack if you don’t rest,’ she scolded. ‘I’m taking you outside, and no arguing! Stefny and Darsy can handle things for an hour.’

      ‘Barely,’ Bruna grumbled, but she allowed Leesha to help her up and lead her outside.

      The sun was high in the sky, and the grass by the Holy House was lush and green, save for a few patches blackened by flame demons. Leesha spread a blanket and eased Bruna down, bringing her special tea and soft bread that would not strain the crone’s few remaining teeth.

      They sat in comfortable silence for a time, enjoying the warm spring day. Leesha thought she had been unfair, comparing Bruna to her mother. When was the last time she and Elona had shared a comfortable silence in the sun? Had they ever?

      She heard a rasping sound, and turned to find Bruna snoring. She smiled and spread the woman’s shawl over her. She stretched her legs, and spotted Saira and Mairy a short way off, sewing out on the grass. They waved and beckoned, shifting over on their blanket to make room as Leesha came to sit.

      ‘How goes the Herb Gathering?’ Mairy asked.

      ‘Exhausting,’ Leesha said. ‘Where’s Brianne?’

      The girls looked at one another and giggled. ‘Off in the woods with Evin,’ Saira said.

      Leesha tsked. ‘That girl is going to end up like Klarissa,’ she said.

      Saira shrugged. ‘Brianne says you can’t scorn something you haven’t tried.’

      ‘Are you planning to try?’ Leesha asked.

      ‘You think you’ve no reason not to wait,’ Saira said. ‘I thought that, too, before Jak was taken. Now I’d give anything to have had him once before he died. To have his child, even.’

      ‘I’m sorry,’ Leesha said.

      ‘It’s all right,’ Saira replied sadly. Leesha embraced her, and Mairy joined in.

      ‘Oh, how sweet!’ came a cry from behind them. ‘I want to hug, too!’ They looked up just as Brianne crashed into them, knocking them laughing into the grass.

      ‘You’re in good spirits today,’ Leesha said.

      ‘A romp in the woods’ll do that,’ Brianne said with a wink, elbowing her in the ribs. ‘Besides,’ she sang, ‘Eeevin told me a seecret!’

      ‘Tell us!’ the three girls cried at once.

      Brianne laughed, and her eyes flicked to Leesha. ‘Maybe later,’ she said. ‘How’s the crone’s new apprentice today?’

      ‘I’m not her apprentice, whatever Bruna may think,’ Leesha said. ‘I’m still going to run my father’s shop once Gared and I marry. I’m just helping with the sick.’

      ‘Better you’n me,’ Brianne said. ‘Herb Gathering seems like hard work. You look a mess. Get enough sleep last night?’

      Leesha shook her head. ‘The floor by the hearth isn’t as comfortable as a bed,’ she said.

      ‘I wouldn’t mind sleeping on the floor if I had Gared for a pallet,’ Brianne said.

      ‘And just what is that supposed to mean?’ Leesha asked.

      ‘Don’t play dumb, Leesh,’ Brianne said with a hint of irritation. ‘We’re your friends.’

      Leesha puffed up. ‘If you’re insinuating …!’

      ‘Come off the pedestal, Leesha,’ Brianne said. ‘I know Gared had you last night. I’d hoped you’d be honest with us about it.’

      Saira and Mairy gasped, and Leesha’s eyes bulged, her face reddening. ‘He had no such thing!’ she shouted. ‘Who told you that?’

      ‘Evin,’ Brianne smiled. ‘Said Gared’s been bragging all day.’

      ‘Then Gared’s a ripping liar!’ Leesha barked. ‘I’m not some tramp, to go around …’

      Brianne’s face darkened, and Leesha gasped and covered her mouth. ‘Oh, Brianne,’ she said. ‘I’m sorry! I didn’t mean …’

      ‘No, I think you did,’ Brianne said. ‘I think it’s the only true thing you’ve said