Chapter 25

The old man, who introduced himself as Tamner, led John and me into the last hut on the edge of the village. It was bigger than the others, but still modest. Rough glass jars and vials filled shelves against the earthen walls. Woven rugs and furs lined every inch of the dirt floor not taken by the large fire pit in the center.

"Set him over there," Tamner said, pointing to a mound of furs built up into a bed. "Hasim, I will need you close. Please do not go far."

I followed his directions, setting Poe on a bundle of furs as the Tamner hurried to search the shelves. He selected a few vials and one of the jars, and a bunch of things I couldn't recognize. Keeping my promise to the old man would be simple. I wouldn't leave until I knew Poe would be alright.

"You, friend of Hasim," Tamner called over to John. "Come. Hold."

John stood inside the doorway looking awkward and out of place, before walking over to accept the handful of items the old man held out for