Small miracles

Pilgrimage of Bones

The next morning came quickly it seemed. Summer days were long and the nights shorter, and here as soon as the sun rose past the horizon, the scorching heat seemed to bake the land. Islana and her new companion set out again treading the soon burning sands, towards whatever place was calling to them. Young Madaya seemed quite relaxed about everything.

The girl filled Islana’s water skin and once again went through the process of wetting her scarf and covering her head and face, doing the same for Islana.

Whatever had scared the girl yesterday was pushed out of her mind now. Such was the strength of the young, to whom the world and new experiences were like one great adventure.

The girl quietly hummed her tunes and chatted along while the young huntress took on more words and expanded her knowledge of the desert language.

Around midday the girl clapped excitedly pointing at some strange plants in the distance. When they approached Islana saw it were the thorny green ones she had seen before in her trip.

Madaya pulled a small knife from her belt, its blade not much longer than her small fingers. She cut into the flesh of the plant carefuly to avoid any of the clong black thorns.

All the while she spoke as if teaching Islana about the process. She cut some of the fleshy pulp out taking it to her lips and giving some to Islana.
Although hot it felt refreshing on the tongue, full of liquid and with very little taste.

Scoping some more with her fingers, now she had made away with most thorns, she mashed some into a paste and held Islana’s arm.

A nasty sunburn had spread on her forearm, making her flesh raw. The girl placed the paste on it making the redhead wince and gasp in pain. Madaya blew on it and took a strip from her robe and tied a bandage over her arm with reassuring words.

Almost immediately Islana felt a great relief and cooling sensation wash over her wound.

Madaya smiled and pointed back at the thorny plant “Ontia…” she said beaming.