[Huan]

‘Well, I saw him myself. From the rooftop,’ said Birger in a hushed voice as Cook dosed Tevildo with a bit of honeyed wine to knock him out and then applied a dwale to him, as she called it. It was a sponge as had been soaked in some herbal concoctions and allowed to dry. Then, when it was needed there was but to soak it in a little water and hold it near the nose, wiping the wet mixture of various herbs onto the inner lining of the nostrils.

‘Saw what?’ said Cook, using only a few small swipes of the sponge. The cat was so tiny in comparison to the men she’d stitched back together and reset their bones. Soon though, the cat’s breathing slowed and it appeared to fall into a deep sleep.

‘He jumped right on the head of one of the biggest wolves. And raked his muzzle and clawed the beast’s eyes out. Brought the wolf down, too I think. All hissing and spitting and claws flying. And yowling and sinking his teeth into the monster’s neck.’ Birger leaned in closer to watch Cook clean the gashes and stitch them up.

Carr dipped his big finger into a pot of ointment and rubbed it gently down now closed wounds. He motioned for Birger to take hold under the cat’s front legs, and around the ribcage. He held the skewed back leg securely, while Cook, with a quick tug pulled the bone into place. ‘Don’t think the bone’s broken, just the joints are pulled out of place. Still, we’ll need to be splinting it to keep things where they ought to be.’

A low sided, wide box was filled with some sweet smelling straw and a number of soft, folded blanket scraps laid atop it, making a cozy little nest for the still sleeping patient. He was laid in it, on his side, a bowl of fresh water nearby. The box was set near the inn stove, where it would be warm and out of the way of any cold drafts.

Birger knelt down by the cat and gave him a quick scratch behind the ears. ‘That was one of the bravest things I’ve ever see anyone do. Amazing . . . you were just amazing!’

‘He’ll be alright boy,’ said Cook, motioning for Birger to come away from the drowsing feline. Let him rest, he’ll need it. Most likely be mighty sore tomorrow. Strong cat, though. I’ll just bet he’ll be up tomorrow . . . limping for sure, but on his feet for sure.’

It was cozy in the kitchen, the light subdued. And the warmth from the cook stove found its way into even the coldest corners.