Not even thinking about it Lilly nodded. “I’m not about to sit by while I can help.”

Clara nodded and began walking again. The once large circle where merchants set up their stands was crowded with people some lying on cots and some walking around doing whatever they could for the wounded. The smell of blood was thick in the air making Lilly’s stomach churn. As they walked into the mass of people her eyes focused on the men and women bleeding and groaning in pain.

“Mistress Clara!” A man shouted, the sleeves of his shirt were rolled up with his forearms covered in dried blood. His once white shirt was stained crimson now and he looked as if he hadn‘t slept at all. “I need your help.”

Clara walked over followed closely by Lilly who wasn’t sure what she should do. They got him as he stood over a man writhing in pain and crying out in such a way that tore at Lilly. “His leg is bad, I think I can save it but there is a substance in it that I was told if not removed will rot the flesh. I’m going to need and extra set of hands to remove it.” Lilly’s eyes found his leg that stood open. There was a black thick slime that covered the open flesh that stuck despite the blood seeping from the wound. Taking deep breaths Lilly found herself fighting the urge to pass out.

“Lilly.” Clara said getting her attention. “I need you to go to his shoulders and hold him down. This is going to be painful.” She handed her a small stick. “And put this in his mouth to bite down on.” Lilly took the piece of wood reticently and nodded.

The man’s eyes were wide when she put the stake of wood in his mouth. By his cloths she figured he was a farmer. She wondered what kind of person could do this to all these innocent people. “It’s going to be ok. They just have to clean the wound.” Lilly said soothingly to the man who nodded with terror in his eyes. She put her weight on his shoulders kneeling over him. She focused on his chest and his face while they began scraping the wound. The man thrashed and screamed biting hard on the piece of wood. Lilly fought against the need to cry putting all f her focus on doing what was needed. This wasn’t the time for emotion, this was time for action. She wasn’t sure how long the man screamed but eventually he passed out from the pain. She looked up for the first time at Clara and the healer who were beginning o bandage the leg. “Is he going to be alright?”