“No, Silas! They’re not like us! She could kill him.” Charlie’s mother’s words cut through her but she stepped back and remained silent, understanding the woman’s fear.
“Mama, she won’t hurt me. It’s ok,” Charlie said, flinching as he moved his injured arm to try to comfort his mother.
Silas brought the cup to his lips and drank it, watching the woman all along. “It’s ok. Dr. Stone confirmed they won’t harm. Help him sit up.” Kara and the nurse lifted the boy and Silas brought the mug to his lips. “It’s pretty hot, Charlie, so take small sips.”
The boy did, trusting him completely, and in no time, the tincture was gone and Charlie lay back, looking drowsy.
“How long will it take to work?” Silas asked her.
“A few minutes.” She went to the boy and touched the arm that had sustained the injury. Growing braver, she lifted it up and held it in one hand while running her fingers over the flesh near the wound. She smiled at him and he smiled back, then slowly closed his eyes. “Some even fall asleep right away,” she said, smiling and stepping away for the doctor to do his work.
“If you hurt him…” Charlie’s mother began.
“I did not hurt him. I would not.”
“I believe her, Joe Lynn,” Silas said.
“Me too, mama,” Kara said, taking Silas’ hint and walking her mother out of the room. The rest of them watched while the doctor cleaned and stitched the gash.
* * *
They all waited at the clinic until Charlie woke a little over an hour later.
“I can teach you to make a lesser dosage so he doesn’t sleep but it will help with the pain,” Rowan offered Joe Lynn.
Joe Lynn looked at her, then at her son and nodded her head, barely meeting Rowan’s eyes. “Thank you, yes.”
Rowan smiled.
“Why don’t you do that while I go to my meeting at the hall,” Silas said.
“Maybe you can teach us too,” the doctor said.
Rowan nodded. “I can do that. May I look around your garden?” she asked.
“Go on,” he said, although not without a moment’s hesitation.
Silas came to her. “I’ll be gone for about two hours. I’ll come back for you then. Stay inside, don’t wander alone until everyone has seen you with me.”
“I’ll stay with her,” Kara offered.
“Thank you,” Silas said, nodding. He then left the clinic and Rowan went out into the herb garden. The first thing she did was find the one plant that she was glad to see grew in abundance here. It was considered a weed, but she knew its usage well. It would prevent pregnancy and if this morning’s coupling had already been effective, this herb would end that pregnancy before it had a chance to take root. It was bitter and strong and Rowan knew too much could have much more serious consequences than the belly ache that accompanied the taking of the herb, but she had no choice. It was the only way to prevent producing the breeder children Commander Norrin sought. It was the only way she would be at least somewhat free.
Chapter Eight
“Thank you for helping my brother,” Kara said once Silas had left and Rowan and Kara stood in the room while Charlie rested.
“I couldn’t not help him, he was in pain,” Rowan said.
“My mother didn’t mean to be rude, she’s just scared.”
“I understand,” Rowan said, glancing out the window. “They’re scared of me.”
Kara studied her, looking as if she felt sorry for her. “Most of the villagers are just cautious and maybe a little afraid. They won’t hurt you though.”
Rowan lowered her gaze, realizing how she would always stand out no matter where she went. “What about you? Why aren’t you afraid?” she asked.
Kara smiled and shrugged her shoulder. “I only see a girl like me, a little afraid and unsure but trying to put on a brave face. I don’t see a breeder, or anything else for that matter.”
Rowan smiled. Kara’s words warmed her and she knew they were genuine. “Thank you. I want to have a look at the garden and I can show you how to make the tincture I made for Charlie for when he needs it again.”
“Please do. I have an old book so I know a bit about the herbs, but not too much.”
Rowan looked at her wrist as they walked out to the garden, noticing that same marking the others wore.
“What is that mark?” she asked. “Is it similar to what Silas has? I’ve noticed everyone has it.”
“Silas’ is huge!” Kara said, smiling. “He doesn’t need all that ink, he just likes it, I think!”
Rowan had to smile at how Kara spoke. “What does it do?”