“What is that stuff?”

“It will relieve your pain.”

“It looks like weeds to me.”

“It can save you.” He reached for her jaw and before she knew what to expect he slipped his other hand in her mouth. Her eyes turned to stare at him. “Consider it our agreement. If I hurt you, bite it off.”

Despite her misgivings, she held still and let him place the poultice on the wound. It did not pain her, so she even let him poke and prod around the wound, then massage the area to restore circulation.

She sighed with relief and let go of his hand. “That does feel better,” she said. “I have been stoned by monkeys before. I didn’t know they could be kind.”

He looked into the large, beautiful eyes of the lioness. “Anyone can be kind.”

She looked back. “You’re crying, aren’t you?”

“The Bedango makes my eyes water.” He wiped his eyes and got another gourd. “Here, drink this water.”

Slowly and carefully he poured its contents into her mouth. Some of it spilled, but enough made it into her parched throat to bring a smile of relief. “The gods must have sent you. What is your name?”

“Busara.”

“‘Teacher.’ That is a good name. I am Asumini.”

“That means ‘jasmine.’ A delicate flower.” He looked at his cut hand and glanced at her injured but still powerful arm. With a smile of amusement, he harvested grass, then raised her head and made a soft cushion. “Asumini, as soon as you can walk we have to get you out of this sun. I live in a cave nearby. There you will be safe from the jealous eyes of night.”

“I can’t stay here. I can’t eat fruit, and you’re no hunter.”

“I’ll scavenge.”

“You’ll drive off the hyenas, eh?” She looked at him wistfully. “I know I am not long for this world, but I will pray for you, Busara.”

“There must be someone that can help you,” Busara said. “Don’t you have family or friends?”