The Scoundrel's Tribute

The witch of Rankin

** READERS ADVICE! The following chapter contains REAL poisonous flowers and herbs. THIS IS FICTION, DO NOT TRY TO BUILD UP RESISTANCE AGAINST THEM THE WAY THE CHARACTERS DO! They are lethal!!! **

Rene

After the successful fairy hunting I finally got out of the castle and headed to the nearby town with Magda to gather my missing herbs. Although, the temptation to flee was really big. "Should I fake my own death and disappear? Not a bad idea, let's keep it as plan B." Once we arrived to the town, I headed directly to the herbal store I knew from my past life. If Magda found it strange that I went directly to my destination, she didn't mention it. I guess she got used to her weird Lady. I opened the door or the store and inhaled the mixed scent of the dozens of herbs. A familiar face greeted us, and she smiled kindly at me like she remembered too.

- Good morning! Welcome at Margit's herbs, what can I help the ladies with? - I greeted her with a warm smile and let Magda wonder around a bit, checking out some new bath oils and natural soaps.

- Hello Margit, I'd need seeds for these plants, if you have seedlings that's even better. - I gave her the list and she looked at me with scepticism.

- Lady, these are beautiful but dangerous herbs. Do you need a discount for them? - I knew what this meant. Margit used to serve women who were abused by their husbands, and helped them to get away with the murders. The discount meant if I need help.

- Not at all! I'd like to pay full price! - I answered and she grinned. Her white eyebrows furrowed as she searched for everything on my list.

- Let's see, we have the Water hemlocks, Oleander, Foxglove, Euphorbia, Mountain-laurel and Angel's trumpets. Do you need anything else? - I've nodded.

- Yes, I'd need your sweetest honey and some natural colorants. - she leaned closer to make sure Magda didn't hear us.

- Normally I don't butt my nose into other's businesses, but I've became curious. What are you planning to do dear? - her brown eyes sparkled with worry and I held her wrinkled hands. They were full of old wounds and bruises. I smiled at the hands that saved so many women in secret and said.

- I have someone precious to me, who needs to be protected. So I'll make sure her body can withstand any kind of weather. - Margit smiled and caressed my hands with her thumbs.

- I'll bring you something that could help. - she walked to the back and came back with a mold of different forms, a small bag of sugar, a small grinder and a mini torch powered by magic stones.

- This is the protection kit! Please choose a mold. - I didn't know she was prepared for these kind of things as well. Seeing my widened eyes she whispered.

- Sometimes, when a seed wanders far from the tree but the new tree produces sweeter fruits, the original owner tends to get jealous and try to poison the tree. With this, the new owner can make sure to protect their precious fruits. - I smiled at her and choose a mold of form of butterflies. I paid for everything very generously, we even purchased a few herbal teas and oils. When we headed out Margit winked at me and said.

- It was nice to see you again. - I blew her a kiss with a wink and left the store. The name changed as soon as we stepped out and Magda was very content with the lovely tea store we visited. There was still plenty of time before the carriage came to pick us up, so we strolled around the town. I wore simple clothes and gave Magda a little more decorated ones. I smiled as I remembered her confused expression.

- How could I wear these precious dresses when my Lady dresses as a commoner or worse?

- Magda, you look more of a noble lady than I do. So it would catch people's attention if I wore an expensive dress. Let's pretend that you are the Lady today and I'm your servant. - it took me a good ten minutes to calm her down but in the end Magda took her role seriously. We walked in the main square of the town when my arm had been caught by someone.

- Hey! Lady, how much does your slave cost? - and old, pretty drunk, and disgusting man asked and Magda got very scared.

- She is not for sale! - she shouted but the guy insisted.

- Come on Lady! You don't make a good use of such a pretty slave! - I saw Magda freaking out while this pig touched my cheeks.

- RELEASE MY MAID IMMEDIATELY! - Magda shouted and the guy raised his other hand to hit her, but I bit his hand and he screamed, slapping me. I fall on the ground and murmured a spell before getting up.

- Filthy b***h! How dare a barbarian bit me?! Come here I'll teach you a lesson! - he shouted angrily and Magda froze in fear.

- Leave her alone! - she said but her voice broke. He laughed at her but when out eyes met he stopped laughing.

- What are you looking at slut? - he asked and I smiled touching my swelling cheek.

- I was wondering how could a pig talk! It must be magic! - he was about to hit me again but his hand didn't move.

- What is this?! - that moment the patrolling knights arrived and Jesse was among them. When he saw me dressed as a maid, with my cheek injured he got mad.

- WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO THESE LADIES?! - he asked my attacker and they immediately restrained the man. Jesse hurried to me and Magda as well.

- My Lady! I'm so sorry! - she said and I motioned her to keep it low. Jesse looked confused but somehow caught on the things. He helped me up and touched my cheek.

- This doesn't look good, it could be a fracture on the jaw. - Magda gasped and I smiled at her.

- Please pick our groceries up we will head back soon, don't worry.

- How should I not worry?! - she asked with the basket already in her hands.

- She is right Lady. - Jesse lowered his voice.

- If the Duke finds out what happened he'll be furious!- I chuckled but it hurt like hell, so decided to make as less wide movements with my mouth as possible.

- Please don't worry! Let's go Magda. Thank your Sir Jesse for your help. - he bowed deeply for both of us and kissed our hands.

- It was my pleasure, I wish we would have arrived sooner. Take care ladies! - he left and I heard how people started to murmur about how lovely we looked together. I nodded to Magda and we kept our walk.

- Let's head back my Lady please, we must treat your wound! - she nagged and I was about to give up when I spotted a doll in one of the shop windows.

- Okay, we'll go back but I need that doll first! - with that I headed inside and purchased the doll that looked almost identical to Catherine. Blonde hair, blue eyes, light pink dress, but something was missing.

- Can you give me a fine wire and a meter of the lightest sparkling material you have please? - the store owner gave me everything I needed and we headed home. Back at the castle Magda made a huge fuss about my injury and the doctor was in my room sooner than I could pack everything out of the basket. He examined my jaw and called a priest to cure it.

- How could this happen to the Duchess?! - he asked angrily from Magda.

- It's not her fault doctor, I slipped and fell. - he didn't believe me obviously and kept nagging us. He finally shut up when we heard a familiar voice from the door.

-What is this fuss? - Dmitry asked and the doctor bowed giving him a report of my state. I saw Dmitry's eyes twitch and he sent everyone out of the room.

- Speak. - he said once we were left alone.

- There's nothing to say. I'm good as new.

- Someone raised his hand on the Duchess of Rankin. That's unacceptable! - he said and if I didn't know this man as the back of my hand, I'd think he was worried for me. But he only cared for the Duchy's reputation.

- He thought I was a slave, so it's fine. Don't worry, the Dukedom's honor hadn't been tarnished. I'm tired, please leave me alone. I need some rest. - Dmitry sighed angrily and left my room hastily shutting the door behind him. I took a seat at the table and took the doll out along with the fabric and wire.

- Magda, please bring me scissors, thread and a needle. - I said knowing that she had been standing in the door the whole time.

- My Lady, you should rest.

- Magda, I've asked for something. Please bring it to me. This is going to be a calming activity. - she bowed and hurried away. After I had everything I needed, I prepared a pair of butterfly wings for the doll."I'll make the candies tomorrow and gift it to her." I thought and Magda prepared my bath in the meantime. I submerged into the warm water happily knowing that everything was going fine.