Sliding down from his horse, Alterain marched toward the nearest villager, a man loading firewood onto a cart. The man glanced up in surprise as the tall, battle-worn knight approached, his eyes widening in recognition of the authority Alterain commanded.
"Where can I find the man who aids the healers and knows medicine? His name is Yves…" Alterain demanded, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.
The villager blinked, startled. "Yves? Oh! The young man who treats the sick? He lives in a house just down the road, near the old chapel. But—"
Alterain didn't wait for the rest of the man's words. He was already striding toward the direction indicated, his heart pounding louder with each step.
The road seemed longer than it should have been, every second stretching out painfully as he neared the old chapel. Finally, a small cottage came into view, its windows dark, the front door closed but not locked.
