The medicine should take effect in the next few hours, you looked at the cloth between your fingers to make sure that Khotun Kahn wasn't watching your hands.

"If it doesn't work, I have an emergency plan.", you dropped the cloth inconspicuously to hide a small bottle in the box that stood at your feet.

Then you turned to him and held out a metal can with both hands. He looked at the tin with narrowed eyes.

"What's this?", his voice had calmed down since drinking the poison.

Apparently he himself was under the impression that it helped. Of course, it was only his imagination, but as long as he didn't notice, you would be happy with it.

Stupidity was not one of your qualities, so you also treated his knees with ointment and gave him a real soother for the pain. He should feel better for the moment and think you're really interested in helping him.

"That's some of the ointment I used.", you crossed your fingers in front of your stomach as he took the tin. "It also helps with wound healing. If the pain returns it could be useful. I also discovered that cuts often heal without infection if you use them regularly. There will be scars, but that should be the least of your worries."

Khotun Kahn already had a large scar across his face. He had never given the impression of being vain. He looked thoughtfully at the small tin, which seemed tiny between his large paws.

"I will consider your efforts when I reward you.", he said.

You bowed.

"That's very generous.", you said with a fake smile.

"Of course it is.", his eyes travelled over your face before he indicated with a nod that you could go. "For today you shall be rewarded with a bed. And a warm meal."

Your stomach growled. It had been far too long since you had eaten. After the measly remainder of your stomach contents had gone overboard, you had begun to starve. Now it was time to get something between your teeth again and the Kahn seemed to know that.

He watched with a grin as you knelt down in front of the crate and grabbed the cloth. As you did so, two of your fingers pinched the small bottle underneath and made it all disappear into your pocket.

He didn't notice. Unperturbed, you continued to tidy up the workplace.

"I know it won't be appreciated but the medicine might not be received well.", the weight of his gaze on your shoulders was so uncomfortable that you tried to speak as much as possible so he would think he knew everything and expected everything.

Behind you, he shifted in his chair. He was still wearing the heavy armour of the Mongols. Leather and metal pressed against his swollen knees.

You had seen his skin, especially where his joints were, everything seemed to be reddening and swelling. He was sweating profusely.

Even if it wasn't in your mind to help him, you thought you already knew what was bothering him. Sometimes, with age or due to other factors, water accumulated in joints and bones. This caused pressure and pain. The legs in particular could be affected.

Your surgical skills were limited but it would be possible to drain some of the water. But this would require cutting open the flesh and the wounds would take a long time to heal. And there was no guarantee that the water would not return.

Despite all this knowledge, you weren't quite sure why he stood up or walked so clumsily when no one was watching. Maybe it was the joints, but you weren't well taught about bones.

"Vomiting and diarrhoea, you say?", he asked, his eyes narrowed.

You nodded, lost in thought. Although it was almost impossible to like him, you couldn't help but be curious. If it were possible to cut him open and study him, you would gladly do so. In the end, even the worst person was good for something.

Especially to learn.

"It happens sometimes.", you said and stood up with a bow.

His eyes trembled. A cold shiver ran down your spine. Everything inside you tightened. But he didn't get up to check whether you had pocketed anything or not. So far he hadn't even discovered the knife you stole from the captain's cabin.

"Cramps are also possible.", it would be better to let him believe that the effect of the poison was a side effect.

Perhaps it would then be possible to give him something like this more often without arousing suspicion. A few weeks of this game and it would make him miserably ill.

"Will it happen quickly?", he looked at you insistently.

It seemed as if there was something on his face. As if he was worried.

"Is there something important coming up?", you couldn't help but ask.

He showed you his teeth.

"Watch your mouth.!", hissed Khotun Kahn.

Understanding, you lowered your eyes.

"Apologies, that wasn't my intention.", you were smiling mildly. "I just wanted to point out that fast riding can possibly cause such effects. The stomach has to get used to the medicine and will be sensitive the first few times you take it."

"Hm...", he raised his chin suspiciously. "Some things are not meant for your ears."

"I understand."

"Then behave like it.", he gestured towards the exit. "You may go. You will be given food and a place to sleep. But you stay on the island."

"As it is commanded."

"Stay alert. When I call for you, you have to be there."

"Understood."

A soldier appeared. The grim expression on his face revealed that he had something else to do at the moment. He also wore full armour.

With a bow, you bid farewell to the Kahn and let the soldier guide you through the camp. Tents and other soldiers passed by.

The atmosphere seemed exuberant, almost charged. They all wore their full armour. Sabres gleamed in the light of campfires. Everything seemed to be screaming for war.

"You will sleep here.", the soldier led you into a small tent where food was stored. "Your hands."

You stopped in front of a bed of straw and linen and raised both hands as he asked. He tied it round a pole with a rope.

"There's your meal.", he pointed to a bowl of steaming gruel.

Then he disappeared.