The boy glanced at his basket. "I came to get some herbs for my dad."

I got a closer look at his stash of herbs and realized they were Evoila. The old shaman back home used them to relieve fevers.

"Is he sick?" I asked.

The boy nodded. "Yeah. He's burning up. Our shaman has tried all of the remedies possible with what we have, but nothing has worked." He sniffed. "I overheard the shaman and Mom talking. Our wiseman told her if they could only get some of these herbs, then they might be able to save him. Without it, he might not make it past tonight."

I frowned. "How did you recognize them?"

"I've seen the shaman's book. I'm studying to be his successor. It also helps that he's my grandpa. I probably learned the names of herbs before my own."

"Woah. Say, what's your name?"

"Xulan."

I smiled. "I'm Keith! Nice to meet you, Xulan. Now, follow me."

The boy gulped. "Where are you taking me?"

I smiled. "To the border, of course! You need to get those herbs to your old man. Accompanying me is the safest way."

"You think so?"

I nodded. "I know so! Trust me!"

The boy smiled. "O-okay! I believe you!"