The Valerian Root

With cold, practiced efficiency, Elara forced the bitter, life-saving medicine down Julian's throat.

The dark brew smelled of damp earth and crushed iron. She tipped the small bowl, ignoring the dark severity of his condition as the foul liquid vanished past his lips. Toby shifted his weight from foot to foot, looking as though he desperately wanted to intervene, but the hard, stubborn set of he