Joseph dabbed lightly at the wound with the wet cloth, squinting to see in the light of the fireplace.“It hurts,” Kara replied.“It’s supposed to hurt.” Joseph leaned back, and dropped the cloth back onto the bed. “At least for now. That should help prevent any infection.” He fumbled in his bag, and pulled out another small bottle. “And this should numb up the area enough for me to start stitching.”Kara gave a heavy sigh, looking away at the door. “It’s just a little wound, Joseph. You’re making too much of a fuss.”“Just hold still,” the scout commanded. He took her slender arm and dabbed the salve over the cut. “You let me do this right and it will heal in half the time.”The thief smiled. “Those magical herbs of yours?”Joseph grunted. “There’s nothing magical about a jacoya root.” He put the bottle back, then reached for a needle and thread. “And if you don’t want this to leave a scar, you’ll do as I say.”“It’s not like I haven’t gotten scars before.”
