The Chef's Immortal

Chapter Three

Just before daybreak the following morning, six dark figures snuck into the far hills. Chuluun led the way, with Ruolan close behind him. The 4th and 13th Princes were in the middle of the small group. Nusa situated firmly in Yinxiang's embrace. Shunyuan followed directly behind the 13th Prince, not straying too far from the Princess. All the while keeping a close eye on the rear to make sure no one was following them. The small group didn't make a sound as they traipsed along the rocky path that led to the center of the grasslands. They were headed for a small ravine that was located several miles into the hills. There they would be able to set up a small defensive camp while relying on the freshwater stream to provide drinking water and fish.

It was winter now, so game would be scarce that deep in the hills. But they'd packed enough dry camel meat so even if they couldn't rely on the fish, they wouldn't starve. Chuluun was thrilled, believing this trek into the hills would prove to be too much for the dainty princes. If he could show his father that the 13th Prince couldn't even handle winter in the hills, it would prove that he could never protect Nusa. The Khan would have no choice but to send Chuluun and Nusa into the hills alone when that happened. There was no way he was going to stand by and watch his little sister being taken away from him.

Nusa had yet to wake up since being stabbed by the shepherd, and this was worrying all of those in the group. If something happened out here they would only have themselves to depend on. Chuluun knew nothing of medicine or healing. He'd been a warrior all his life, learning nothing but the sword and the bow. He never studied when he was younger, believing only physical strength could protect those he loved. He could only pray to Tengri that his sister would recover.

The group continued to walk on in silence, the only sound which could be heard was the mumbling of the two princes every now and then. Chuluun tried to take his sister after they'd stopped to rest once, but the 13th Prince shook his head and placed her back in his own arms. What was this guy thinking? Whatever his objective, Chuluun would not let him succeed. They continued on. It would take two days to get to the ravine at the rate they were walking, and it didn't look as though they could pick up the pace with all of their equipment.

After a day and a half, the snow began to fall. The Prince stopped, grabbed a blanket from his pack, and wrapped the Princess tightly before continuing on. Chuluun was perplexed, was the guy trying to push the point across that he cared about Nusa? Or, more likely, was he just putting on a show?

"Stop," the Prince called.

"What now, Your Highness?" asked Chuluun.

"She has a fever."

"It's normal for a person to have a fever after being stabbed," Chuluun huffed.

"Not like this. Her fever, it's too high. Feel."

Chuluun walked back to the Prince, rolled his eyes, and place a hand on Nusa's head. She moaned, and Chuluun jerked his hand back. The Prince was right, Nusa was burning up. But what could he do? He bit his lip and turned to stare into the distance.

"We'll keep going, maybe there will be some medicines in the trove at the ravine."

"No, we need agaric, now," said the Prince.

"What?"

"Field mushrooms, help me find field mushrooms. If we smash them and boil them in water it can be used to reduce her fever. We'll need to find enough for several days, just in case. Everyone spread out and look around. They're short, dark mushrooms with a large-cap."

All but Chuluun began to search the area for the agaric. Chuluun stood and watched the 13th Prince. The Prince sat on the ground holding Nusa in his arms. He held her close to his body, sharing his warmth while sweeping the hair from her face. His sister was shivering, but she had large beads of sweat pouring down her face. She looked even smaller beside the tall man. Her face was pale and she was moaning continuously now. Tears escaped from Chuluun's eyes before he could stop them.