Found:
I stopped by one of the farms. I didn't particularly wish to, but what choice was there? The few people who still chose to work the lands this far from the safety of the Trestlespan are hardy folk, but not always quick to trust. As luck would have it, the men who run that particular farm were friendly, welcoming and only too eager to help an injured woman in need. A little too eager for my liking. I accepted their offer of a few rations along with a few other useful items and bade them farewell. Their disappointment at my refusal to stay until better healed was almost tangible. There was a time that I would have been only too happy to partake of their company for an eve or two, injured or not, but those days have passed. Now, all I want is to get back to that wretched little town and find my horse!
I made it as far as the river before taking further rest. And a much-needed bath! I'm covered in mud, blood and goodness knows what else. The water, though freezing, felt good against my infected leg. Speaking of which, I found myself forced to apply my smaller blade to the slowly healing wounds in order to break the skin and wash away the badness. It was really rather unpleasant but it had to be done. It feels rather better now. Hardly good, but not quite so bad.
I'll stay here a little longer, doing my utmost to push certain bittersweet memories aside and instead focus upon the present, the necessary, and the physically painful.
I have to make it back. I have to find Steel.
