Page 35 of Bloody Business

The messenger confirmed that there was no blue fern to be had, so Julep found herself on the back of a battle ram for the first time in her life.She clung to Artur, a little afraid she would fall off the massive beast.She was also thrilled at the speed.Clods of dirt flew from cloven hooves as the great beast galloped on the open road, flanked by their escort.

She wondered if Artur would teach her how to ride.She would love the convenience, and it was a lot faster than walking.

The beasts couldn't run all the time of course, so they mostly walked fast.They had a nice gait, and it was surprisingly comfortable.

She was a little less thrilled with it as the day wore on and she developed saddle sores.It didn’t help when she slid out of the saddle, and her legs tried to buckle.Clearly, she would need to work up to long rides.

Fortunately, Artur wasn't bothered by the ride at all.He steadied her, and kept a look out while she used the bushes.

“How are you doing?”he asked kindly as he prepared to help her mount.“You've done well.”

“I'll manage,” she affirmed, ignoring her angry muscles.Getting the medicine was more important than some trivial pain.“It's actually fun, in its way.I think I'd like to learn how to ride.”

He grinned.“We'll get you a mount of your own when we get home.A nice calm ewe.Before you know it, we'll have you riding like you were born to it.”

He helped her up and then swung into the saddle.“I have just the ewe in mind.She has fantastic gaits and an excellent bloodline...”

Julep let her mind wander after a bit.She didn't understand all the terminology, but it was obvious she'd found one of Artur's passions.She liked his enthusiasm and looked forward to spending time with him.

When did that happen?How strange that goblins had become such a large part of her life.It wasn't that long ago that she'd been a simple village herbalist, content with her life.Goblins had gone from something to be wary of, to people she was concerned about.

How ironic that she had fled one goblin only to end up with another one, but in such very different circumstances.

??

By the time they neared the village it was almost dawn, and Julep was exhausted.She was looking forward to a hot fire and a chair.She was hungry too, and fantasizing about hot bread and tea.The local bakery had added a tea room, and they made the best sandwiches.

Even though they were in a hurry, she looked forward to waving to her former neighbors.It was a gloomy day, but everyone here kept country hours.They would be up and about.

Unfortunately, the village of her memories was gone.A large wooden palisade surrounded the village, its pointy tops stabbing at the rising sun.Although herds were visible in the distance, the heavy wooden gates were closed.

“What happened here?”She stared at it, dumbfounded.If she didn't know better, she'd swear that they'd come to the wrong place.

A head popped over the wall.“Who goes there?”

Julep squinted.“Is that you, Bart?It's me, Julep!”Bart was a farmer, with a knack for brewing.He supplied the locals with a lot of excellent beer.

“Julep!”Bart exploded.“You've got a lot of nerve, showing your face around here.Get out of here!Git now!”

“But...!”She started to protest.

Another head poked up “Did you say, ‘Julep’?”It was another farmer's son, Clyde.He was a mild mannered fellow, and his father had the best orchards around.She liked Clyde.They'd gone to school together.

He saw her and his face turned ugly.“Get out of here!We don't want you here.”

“But why?What did I do?”she cried.These people had been her neighbors.They'd never had a problem with her before.

A rock flew out of the village.Artur raised his arm and deflected it before it could hit her face.Another flew out and hit her in the calf.It grazed the battle ram and it bolted.Artur reined it in at the edge of the forest.

“I don't understand,” Julep said, longing to go back and explain herself.It had to be a misunderstanding.

Artur stared at the village, his eyes narrowed.“Worry about it later.Let's find this plant.”

There was a big batch of blue fern nearby, and it was easy to spot.Big stalks with spiral curls at the tip stood as tall as a man's chest.The ferns were dark blue.White mushrooms gathered in clumps under the ferns, their gills an attractive red color.A delicious scent wafted off them, making her suddenly hungry.

“These must be the poison mushrooms.I see what you mean about the smell.”

“Right,” Julep said, dismounting and gathering her sack.“Bleeding mushroom is only a menace if you don't know its tricks.”She pointed at the blue fern.“But like many poisons, the antidote often grows near it.”She addressed the helpers that have been designated while the rest of the goblins kept watch.“Stuff your bags with as much as you can and pack it tight.”

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