Free Shepherd Hunted by Christopher Kincaid Page B

pip as you, Yuzu, but she’s pip for sure. What’s your name?”
    Kit sighed. There looked to be no way to get away from them anytime soon. “Kit.”
    “I’m Hoss. That’s Mira. And Yuzu. Let’s go.”
    Hoss started down the cramped alley. Mira bounced over and grabbed Kit’s little finger. She looked up and beamed. Kit’s ears pushed against her hood. Kit glanced over her shoulder to see Yuzu scowling at her. Kit stuck her tongue out. The girl’s eyes widened before drawing down. Good. Best keep her off balance. Kit did not want to fight unless she had no choice. The faster she found a doctor, the faster she could get Timothy and get out of this mess.
    Kit allowed Mira to lead her to a floral-patterned curtain stretched across an opening in the wall. Waning light filtered between the buildings. Mira let go of Kit’s finger. Kit looked at the sliver of sky before ducking into the room. She had time yet. The scent of disease in the small space curdled Kit’s stomach. Mira and Hoss didn’t seem to notice, but Yuzu frowned and crossed her arms over her stomach. A small boy lay on a lumpy mattress in one corner, his hair damp. Sores stood out on his bare chest in large welts. A second mattress rested on the other side of the room. Crates, pots, dolls, and even a few books were scattered between. A pair of lanterns cast wavering shadows. Little sunlight made its way into the den.
    Mira clasped her hands against her chest, and Hoss stared at his feet. Yuzu looked Kit in the eye before turning away. What do they expect me to do? Kit thought.
    Kit crossed the room. She swallowed and knelt, feeling the heat radiating from the boy’s skin. Kit didn’t think she could catch whatever this disease was. She had breathed the air from the carts enough that she would have taken ill by now if she could. She rarely caught anything humans seemed to catch. The twits watched her like she was a doctor or the Prophetess. Yuzu snagged Kit’s gaze again. The girl knew little could be done. Kit sighed. What would her shepherd do? Knowing him, he would mention a book about this. A book. What was it he rambled on about that one night?
    Kit dug through her memories. Timothy had a habit of rambling on about whatever had his attention. Most of it Kit had little interest in or knowledge of. She would just smile and nod while he rambled. Kit was sure her eyes must have had a glaze, but he never seemed to notice. Why would anyone want to read about trees or bridges? He said something about the bark of a tree being good for fevers. Walnut? No willow. That was it. Willow bark.
    “We need to make willow bark tea for his fever.”
    “What’s a willow?” Mira asked.
    “It’s a tree. I know where one is,” Yuzu said. “I need to talk with you, Kit.”
    Kit gazed at Hoss and Mira, watching as hope blossomed in their eyes. Stupid. Colt didn’t look far away from riding one of those wagons. “Get water in him. Put damp rags on him.” She followed the dark-haired girl—woman—outside.
    “When Colt gets better, you are going to be an official member,” Hoss said to Kit’s back.
    “He isn’t going to make it,” Yuzu said once they were far enough away from the curtain.
    “No. Although my shepherd wouldn’t give up.”
    “Shepherd? Look, these kids need someone they can trust. They…their parents all…took wagon rides soon after all this started. They are looking at you the same as they did me. Don’t get their hopes up. Willow tea. Can’t hurt to try.” Her dark gaze flicked away. “Allen always said I…” She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. Just be off with you.” Yuzu trudged away, leaving Kit at the mouth of the alley.
    Kit tugged her hood. Not everyone could be saved . But there is one I can save. Her conscience nagged her. What harm would it do to help these kids? It’s not like Kit could do anything until after dark.
    “When I find you, shepherd, I am going to shear you for all the trouble you are causing