Chapter 38 (1/2)

Eldric and Tamara sat quietly as Lia relayed her story. She told them what she heard from Yolly and what happened on the streets. She was still shaking remembering what the guards did to the young woman, how they invaded Yolly’s store, and how she fled the area. Lia glanced outside, trying to see if she was somehow followed. After all, the people who wanted them dead were out there, biding their time.

“They did not see you? Giving those medicines?” Eldric asked.

Lia shook her head. “She made me take back the remaining jars on her shelves. Hopefully, that’s all of it.” She glanced at her bag, now sitting atop the table in front of them. Some of the contents tumbled and spilled inside in the midst of the commotion.

“Yolly isn’t one to tell other people about where she got them. Besides the ones we made were only salve or medicines for headaches or face paints. Nothing much.”

“They’ll still blame us. They’ll find a reason to blame us,” Lia bit her lip.

Eldric contemplated for a while. “Maybe you should change your home first? Just to be safe,” he added when he saw Tamara about to protest.

Lia glanced at Tamara who looked torn between their safety and helping people. “Eldric is right. It is for our safety too.”

“Nowhere’s safe. Nowhere.” Tamara muttered, her eyes casting a faraway look again. Lia was sure, her mother recalled some other betrayal.

Eldric rose abruptly that earned him surprised gazes. “Anyway, I should get going.”

“At this hour?” Lia hissed, her eyes widened as she spoke.

“There’s no more perfect hour than this,” Eldric replied.