The Braedsen Village Chronicles V

Back to Keitha. It's about time, huh?

The Braedsen Village Chronicles
Chapter 6
Keitha and Genna get in Trouble


They arrived at the cottage in good time for lunch, and surprised Mikel who had fallen asleep next to the sheep's pen. This made Keitha feel badly. The poor boy'd had no one to relieve him of his duty since Keitha left the evening before, and had probably not had any sleep, but for this small respite.
They were immediately greeted by Genna upon entering the house.
"Oh, Keitha! You're back. Father and I never thought you would....."
Genna stopped when she noticed Rosetta.
"You don't need to be afraid of me, Genna. I could give you warts, but I never would. Besides, you'd have to be foolish enough to put essence of toad on your skin, and I know you're not foolish." Rosetta made this remark as she was unpacking her bag. Genna carefully backed away from the table containing Rosetta's herbs and potions.
"Here it is! Now, will one of you start boiling some water?"
Rosetta asked very sweetly, but something in her tone gave the girls the impression that she expected her "request" to be carried out immediately.

Rosetta was at Rubert's cottage tending to Terisa for over an hour. She finally pronounced that the beloved wife and mother was safe from death, and bid Keitha to come and see what she must do to nurse her mother in the days to come. After enjoying a late lunch, and a little conversation with the Shepherds, Rosetta was on her way back to her Wagon in the woods.
Keitha looked at the paper Rosetta gave her. It was a list of items she needed for the proper care of her mother. Rosetta promised that none of the items were expensive. At least, not at this time of the year.

2 Ounces Dried Rose Hips
1 Jar Lavender Oil
New Cloths, Preferably Made of Cotton
1 Medium Jar Monkshood Leaves
1 Jar Poison Oak
1 Small Jar Olive Oil
1 Small Sack Dried Peppermint Leaves
1 Small Sack Dried Echinacea Leaves
2 Ounces "Poison" Salt, It is truly called something else, dear, but that is the name by which it is known here.
1 Ounce Baking Soda
1 Jar of Honey, Whatever size you wish
I will tell you how to make half of it into a salve, and the other half into tea when you return from the market.

"Rosetta must know what she's talking about. Because I have no idea why she wants these things, or what she could possibly use them for."


About an hour and a half later, Keitha set out for the market along with Genna, Kevina, and Carrie. Keitha would have left the little goat behind, but the little goat was being stubborn, and Rubert told her that it was a waste of time to try to get Carrie to stay. So, Carrie went along.
When the arrived at the village, they were overwhelmed by the amount of people there. It was a small village, but apparently, something had happened. Something that had given everyone a reason to be out of their homes and gossiping in the street instead. Another thing that Keitha and Genna noticed about the Village was how big it was getting. It was beginning to look more like a city and less like a town everyday. Though why people wanted to live in the Village was beyond their comprehension, what with all the murders. While purchasing some of their supplies from a nice-looking young vender, they asked him what all the commotion was about.
"Oh, haven't you heard? There've been two more deaths in the past night."
"What?" They said, unbelieving.
"But that's never happened before. It's unheard of, even for Braedsen." Genna was completely shocked. And to hear such a thing from such a good looking fellow.
"I know. It's near unbelievable. But it happened." He went on, "I'll tell you another thing, they discovered the first early this morning. Innkeeper John found a merchant dead. Then, Old Man Rick's maid found him dead in his study."
There was a squeal from Genna, and, encouraged by this, the young vender went on, "It turns out that Old Rick was a spy for some foreign country. They found documents in his study, one's that could have gotten him strung up. Whoever killed him did the country a favor. Thing is, since it wasn't by law that he was killed, whoever did the killing will face murder charges. It's a downright shame if you ask me."
The girls paid for their purchases, but were jittery for the entire time they were shopping after hearing such a tale. However, once they left the outskirts of town they felt safe enough. Very few were ever murdered outside of town. Besides, the air was so sweet and the birds were trilling so merrily, that it was nearly impossible for the girls not to enjoy their walk. Unfortunately, their peace was not to be enjoyed long. As they passed Sycamore Grove, they were attacked by a party of bandits.


Heehee.... Don't you wish I weren't ending the chapter here? Too bad. I am. Even though it is so short..... sigh. I need a break. I think I'll take a week off writing. Or maybe even two.