He cared for me, and I cared for him despite the odds.
I blinked out of my thoughts. "Are you comfortable?"
"No." He chuckled. "Hot. Cold. Hot."
I felt his forehead. It was blazing. "I don't know anything about this illness." Worried, I rose and crossed to the man nearest him. He was covered in boils that rendered his appearance lumpy and bloated. Several were oozing blood.
"You should not be here, Moonbeam," Batu told me.
"I can't catch this illness," I replied. Hopefully. "Ghoajin can't handle this herself." I straightened, queasy and disturbed but aware there were three people who needed help. "And I'm not going to let you be alone and suffering with this disease."
"They can find you another guardian."
"You cared for me when I was ill. I will do the same for you."
"It is not your duty."
"Don't be stupid, Batu!" I snapped, irritated by his casual dismissal. "I am going to help you. Somehow."
"Very well, ugly one." He smiled tightly. His eyes were closed, his skin clammy and soaked through with sweat.
I left the tent and breathed in the putrid air outside of it. The place positively reeked. I was scared for him and struggling to figure out what should be done to make things better.
I really wasn't sure. Angry with myself, I began to unload the horse while my thoughts raced. I had no medical training, but common sense said their environment was an issue. I couldn't exactly create a sterile environment like that of a hospital, but I could take care of the disgusting conditions. It was a place to start and something Ghoajin wouldn't be able to do on her own.
Fire. "Ah, yeah," I murmured. Their clothing, the old rags piled under a table, anything that had been thrown up on … I could burn that shit.
My makeshift mask slid off, and I gagged. It was even worse without it. I tugged it into place once more and eyed the tent.
In theory, I should be able to roll up its sides. There were leather straps dangling beneath the head of the mushroom, and the clean air would definitely make the place more bearable.
I circled the small ger and tested one felt wall. They were designed for quick erection and disassembly and to be carried in small wagons pulled by horses. The walls were in strips about ten feet wide and size feet tall. I had made an attempt to help someone put theirs up yesterday as part of my chores. Although I failed miserably to do it as instructed, I at least know how they were supposed to go up and come down.