I chose the easy way.

  I will only take quests that match my rank.

  Climbing back up the ladder—slowly, properly.

  But if the guild ever makes another mistake like that…

  I’ll hunt my way.

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  —

  At home, I walked over to the well, filled a bucket with water, and brought it into the bedroom.

  I soaked a cloth, removed my tunic, and looked at the bruise on my lower abdomen.

  It had turned deep purple. Swollen.

  I pressed the wet cloth against it.

  …

  It hurt. But at the same time, I felt numb.

  I sat on the edge of the bed, holding the cloth in place for a few minutes before setting it aside.

  Then I went to crush the comfrey and arnica.

  Pulling the herbs from their clay jars, I dropped them into the mortar and worked the pestle until they were a dark, wet mash.

  I spread the poultice over the bruise, then wrapped it with a cloth bandage. Sighed.

  "I'm out of shape…"

  I opened a cabinet and took out a bottle of mead.

  Drank straight from it—one long swig.

  It might help with the pain.

  …

  Eventually, I drifted into sleep.