I sat down on the ground next to Bowen and removed from my belt the pouch that held my herbs.

“Let’s see, some feverfew will relieve the headache, and I have some leftover valieriana that will help you sleep.”

“I can’t sleep, Lailah. Who will watch over you?”

After I’d pounded the herbs together in a paste, I pulled Bowen’s head down so that I could better see the raised lump on his crown.

“Ouch!” He yelped.

“Sorry, but you really need to stay still. And I will keep watch tonight, Bowen. You need your rest. I can always sleep tomorrow. I’ve never needed much sleep anyways.”

I brushed aside his snow-white hair so that I could apply the mixture onto his lump.

“When did your hair turn white, Bowen? You’re so young.”

“Not that young,” he laughed. “I’ll be turning forty this year.”

“Oh, pooh, you’re old enough to be my grandfather.”

“Heh. Well, to answer your question, it turned white after the battle for Elvenglade.”

The smile died on my face. That was the battle that claimed the lives of my parents.