Fontagu's mouth dropped open. ‘But I have five fingers!’ he blurted.
The healer laughed. ‘Then you can add; eat lots of fibre, even if you don't like it. No meat! And… What else would you say, little one?’ he asked Tab.
Tab looked across at Lord Verris. ‘Live well today,’ she said.
‘Be good to your mother,’ Vrod suggested.
‘Laugh often,’ Philmon said.
‘Try to get to bed early,’ Amelia added, stretching and yawning.
‘There you have it,’ the healer said. ‘Quentaran magic and mysterious herdsfolk magic is just the same.’
Fontagu growled. He stood up and walked away from the fire while those who encircled it laughed at his retreating back. Even the equens wrinkled their noses as if they were laughing.
Tab sighed contentedly. They would be leaving soon, back to their sky-city to discover new worlds, face more hostile opponents, and hopefully make some new allies too, but right now she was amongst friends and she did feel better.
Lord Verris winked at Tab, and she grinned back.
‘Live well today,’ she said again.