There was a place in Wilderness Town that nearly everyone respected. This respect was different from the awe and affection subjects felt for their lord; it was gratitude that welled up from the heart.
That place was the hospital managed by Jeremus. A man beloved by the townspeople running a place they respected seemed only natural.
Of course, Allen deserved some of the credit. The hospital was an institution directly under the kingdom's Cabinet. He had devoted considerable resources to it and given Jeremus almost complete authority. The townspeople's appreciation owed much to Allen's special support.
At that moment, in one of the hospital's wards, two wounded Northern Men sat on their beds, leaning against the brick wall and eating the lunch before them.
It was a meal for patients, usually served to those beginning to recover from serious injuries.
A large slice of honey cake helped keep their spirits up, a bowl of meat broth gave them enough energy to recover, and a generous portion of grilled fish provided additional protein.
It was winter, and Allen had not yet had the time or energy to introduce greenhouses, so there were no fresh greens.
In warmer seasons, some vegetables would also be served to provide dietary fiber.
Naturally, a menu this carefully considered had been devised by Allen.
Alix, who had lost a large chunk of muscle from his left leg to a Warg, gulped down the food in his mouth and said indistinctly to his older brother, "Do you think people here eat this well every day? Look at Pete, who takes care of us. He gets three meals a day too. There's no meat, but he gets enough to fill his belly. That's much better than back home."
As he spoke, Alix picked up the broth before him