Chapter 50: Like Locusts

"We came out of it that day itself." Ileus cupped her cheeks. "Are you hungry?" 

"That day? How long was I out?"

"One day!" His voice was jarring. 

"I am thirsty…" she replied. Her throat was parched and she felt she could drink a barrel of water. 

Ileus removed the fur and got up to bring her a canteen. On the way he lit a candle and took out cheese and bread from a saddlebag for her. He placed the plate beside them after fixing the candle on the ground and then helped her to get up. "You look pale, Ana," he said as he gave her water. He extended his palm, which had a green paste in a small bowl. "Have this. It will help you heal." 

Medicine. She stared in his warm eyes that flickered golden in the dim light of the candle, with doubt. She hated medicines. She hated the word. "Why do I need it? I think I am fine now…" she drank the water.