"Mommmm! Is the rosemary ready to pick?" Marco asked, crouching by the herb bed.
"Careful with it, Marco," his mother said, brushing her hands on her apron. "One wrong pull and it's ruined. You need to know which leaves to use and which to leave."
"I know! I'm being careful," he said, holding the plant gently.
"Good. Rosemary for wounds, thyme for digestion… remember that. Each plant has its purpose," she said, glancing at him sharply.
Marco tilted his head. "What about sage? I thought sage helps with fever."
"Correct. Sage helps, but too much can make someone sick. That's why I always measure. Even a good thing can hurt if you don't know how to use it."
Marco nodded, pretending to be serious. "I'll remember. Maybe I can make a stronger tonic tomorrow."
"Stronger doesn't always mean better. You'll hurt someone if you're careless," his mother replied, lips twitching.
Liora appeared at the garden edge, satchel swinging. "Mommmm! Come see me! Marco! Hurry up!"
"Not now, Liora! Mother's watching," Marco protested.
"Mother won't mind a little fun," Liora teased, grinning.
His mother sighed. "Go then—but stay on the path. And don't break anything."
"Fine," Marco said, "but I'm winning."
"Ha! We'll see," Liora replied, tugging his hand. "Last one there is a rotten egg!"
They ran, feet splashing in dew, laughter echoing under the early sun. Marco stumbled. "Hey! No fair, you pushed me!"
"I didn't! You tripped!" Liora laughed, vaulting over a root.
Marco scrambled upright. "I'll get you at the tree, just you wait!"
"Marco! Slow down! You'll ruin the rosemary too!" his mother called, shaking her head.
"Mommmm! Watch me!" Liora shouted. "I'm the fastest!"
As they reached the old oak, Marco's eyes caught movement near the cobblestone square. A man in gray leaned against the wall, eyes fixed on them.
"The Cross family… something isn't right here," whispered Corwin to a villager.
"What do you mean?" the villager asked, uneasy.
"Superstition runs deep. Watch them closely," Corwin said, voice low. "Especially the children."
Marco and Liora collapsed under the oak, panting. Marco grinned. "Ha! I win!"
"Maybe… this time," Liora said, brushing leaves from her hair.
"Mommmm! Don't forget the rosemary!" she called faintly from the garden.
Marco sat back, looking at the rising sun. "I hope today stays quiet," he muttered.
"Quiet never lasts here. You'll see," Liora replied, smirking.
From the shadows near the square, Corwin's gaze lingered. "Even the innocent bring trouble," he murmured.