Chapter Nine:
The track that led home was muddy as ever. The tall grasses hid all manner of bandits, but Kai knew most of the scoundrels. They would bring their wounded to Seeme’s compound when the dangers of their chosen profession became a harsh reality.
As a healer’s assistant, Kai would help them without seeing the doctor, that way their wounds might be covered up. Damage from combat became animal attacks or farming accidents. No need to inform the local magistrates about the injuries if only bad luck were the cause. Kai had a good reputation with most of the unsavory local individuals. It helped him survive in life. He walked this path unafraid of the men the tall grass might hide.
The monsters were an altogether different concern. There was no reasoning with a beast hell-bent on e
