Ascent of the Aliomenti by Alex Albrinck Read Free Book Online

combination of herbs and the application schedule to Hope, who listened attentively, nodded, and began rummaging through a large bag stowed beneath the table. She pulled out a collection of plants and a bag, and began showing the mother the proper technique to ground the plants into a paste, which could be applied to the lump.
    With the mother distracted, Will fished a gold coin from his own money pouch and handed it to Eva. “Thank you, ma’am. I understand they’ve recently lost their husband and father, and I feared the mother had lost hope after seeing her daughter in such a condition. Thankfully, I’d heard of your skill and recommended we bring the girl to you. I trust she’ll recover soon.”
    Eva nodded. “That was a kind thing you did, sir. Generosity and compassion from a stranger can be powerful recuperative tools, as much as any herb.”
    Hope finished providing instructions, and had the girl’s mother to prepare and apply the herbs under her direction to ensure that the woman could repeat the process on her own. The woman profusely thanked all of them.
    As she began gathering the bundle, a man’s voice rang out over the crowd. “Will! Is that you?”
    Will panicked momentarily, for no one here, outside the “doctor” and her “assistant,” should know his name. He turned as a tall man with brown hair strode toward the group, and recognition hit. “Richard! How are you, sir?”
    Richard had once led an organized group of criminals that had preyed upon vendors in the small towns and cities that Eva, Will, and the other Traders frequented. They’d smuggle two or three men into the city in a covered wagon driven by a companion, and at night the men who’d entered the city unseen would stalk vendors returning home with the money earned from a day’s work. The men would leave the next day in a similar fashion, and no one would ever find the culprits. Will, using his advanced Energy skills and nanos, had captured three men engaged in a heist during his first Trading trip to Richland, and had destroyed Richard’s alliance of thieves in dramatic fashion. Richard had turned from his evil ways, and had served as Hope’s escort as she journeyed from the Aliomenti village to Abrecan. Richard, a tall and powerful man, had been defeated in battle by Will while the latter was unarmed. Richard had eagerly accepted the more honorable work Will had recommended and provided.
    “I’m doing well, Will. The lady was a charming traveling companion, and I was happy to serve in that capacity. I have found work with a master sword-maker here, and have, in a short time, become a sparring partner for several of the knights. They’ve spoken of considering me for knighthood, Will. Me. I cannot believe that is possible.”
    Will smiled. “I told you you were meant for something greater, didn’t I?”
    Richard glanced at the mother and the unconscious girl, and his face fell. “What happened here?”
    Will explained the situation, and Richard nodded, thoughtful. “I believe I’ve found my good deed for the day.” He turned to the mother, who was trying to figure out how to carry her daughter and the bag of herbs supplied by Hope. “Excuse me, ma’am? May I be of service to you?”
    The mother turned, and found another smiling face ready to help. She dissolved into tears.
    Richard looked abashed. “Was it something I said?”
    Will laughed. “Yes, Richard, it was. And that’s a good thing. She’s had little happiness in her life, especially this past week, and yet strangers have suddenly come forth to help her. Those are tears of joy, shed at learning that there are good people left in her world.”
    Richard nodded, thoughtful, and went to put a comforting arm around the woman, who turned her head into his chest and continued weeping. Richard’s face softened. “It’s going to be all right, ma’am. Let me carry your daughter back to your home.”
    She nodded, wiping away the tears. “You’ve all been so