Annabeth chuckled, leading the way out of the apothecary. “Daenae worry. I’ll teach ye what to look for. Besides, it’s nae as difficult as it seems.” As they walked through the castle grounds toward the forest, the tension of the morning eased, replaced by the simple comfort of companionship.
The two women chatted as they wandered deeper into the woods, their laughter breaking through the quiet rustle of leaves. Elena knelt beside a patch of green shoots, squinting at them in concentration. “Is this one of the useful ones?” she asked, holding up a sprig of soft leaves.
Annabeth glanced over and nodded. “Aye, that’s yarrow. Good for stoppin’ bleedin’ or soothin’ cuts.” She crouched beside Elena, pulling a small blade from her satchel to cut the plant. “It’s best to take just enough for what ye need. Ye never want to strip the land bare. Take just enough and allow the rest to continue to grow.”
As they worked, Elena’s curiosity grew. “I’ve always been interested in what ye do,” she admitted, carefully tucking a bundle of herbs into her basket. “But I never had the chance to learn. I suppose it’s nae somethin’ most folk teach a lass unless she’s born to it.”
Annabeth tilted her head, watching Elena thoughtfully. “Can ye read, Elena?” she asked, her tone calm but purposeful. When Elena nodded, looking puzzled, Annabeth smiled. “Good. I’ve got some old notes on healin’. I’d be glad to teach ye what I ken if ye’ve a mind to learn.”
“Ye’d do that for me?” Elena’s voice softened with disbelief as she straightened, her basket clutched to her chest. “I daenae ken what to say. That’s—aye, I’d love that, Annabeth!”
Annabeth gestured to a cluster of small white flowers. “Then let’s start now. This one’s chamomile—it’s grand for helpin’ folk sleep or calm their nerves. Pick only the heads of the flowers and leave the stems.” She smiled as Elena mimicked her movements, her enthusiasm warming Annabeth’s heart.
As she watched Elena work she noticed something different about her, a glow. Her breath caught in her throat as she knew the look well.
Could it be that Elena is with a bairn? But she is nae married.
Annabeth froze as the arrow thudded into the tree trunk beside her. She turned sharply, heart pounding, to see three men step out from the trees, their expressions sharp and menacing.
“Stay calm, Elena,” she whispered, shielding her friend slightly. “We’ve naythin’ of worth on us,” she called out to the men, keeping her voice steady despite the fear curling in her stomach.
One of the men sneered, stepping forward. “Och, I reckon ye’ve somethin’ we can take, lass,” he said, his gaze crawling over them both leering in a disgusting manner as he flicked his tongue at them.
Annabeth’s blood ran cold, and she tightened her grip on the small knife hidden in the folds of her skirt. Beside her, Elena clutched her basket, her face pale and frightened, but Annabeth forced herself to keep a calm demeanor.
“We daenae want trouble,” Annabeth replied, her voice firm as she stepped slightly in front of Elena. “We’ll be on our way, and ye’ll have nae reason to bother us.”
The tallest of the men chuckled darkly, shaking his head. “Nay, ye’ll pay us in another way, lass,” he drawled, his meaning clear.
Annabeth’s stomach churned, but her face betrayed none of her turmoil. “Fine,” she said evenly, taking a step forward. “Let me deal with ye first.” Her voice didn’t waver though her pulse raced as she kept the knife hidden against her palm, the weight of it grounding her.
She moved slowly toward the man, her mind racing as she faked a false smile.
I willnae let them lay a hand on Elena. She may be carryin’ a bairn, and I’ll see her safe first.
The knife pressed against her palm was her only chance, but she had to get close enough.
Play the part, Annabeth. Daenae falter.
Elena gasped behind her, but Annabeth didn’t look back, afraid that any sign of hesitation would give her intentions away.
The man grinned as she neared, his hand reaching out for her arm. “That’s a good lass,” he said, his voice dripping with mockery.
Annabeth forced a faint smile, her heart hammering so loudly it drowned out everything else. “See, I'm doin’ what ye say, arenae I?”
“Aye, ye’re a good lass.”
She stopped just short of the man, her fingers tightening around the knife handle. “Ye’re too kind,” she murmured, her tone honeyed to keep him at ease.
Her eyes flicked quickly to the other two men, gauging their positions.
If I can take him down fast, Elena will have a chance to run.
The man’s fingers brushed her arm, and Annabeth struck. The knife flashed in her hand as she drove it into his leg, twisting it for maximum effect. His eyes widened in shock as he stumbled back, clutching at the wound.
“Elena, run!” Annabeth screamed, pivoting to face the other two, her blood roaring with adrenaline.
Elena hesitated only for a second before she turned and bolted toward the castle, her skirts flying behind her. Annabeth held her ground, knife raised, her gaze fixed on the remaining men.
