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often
    had to be pondered before the meaning became clear? Perhaps he was overreacting and falling into a self-centered pattern he'd tried all his life to avoid. Each person was an individual.
    Differences were meant to kindle interest among people, inspiring them to learn about each other and become closer. Not that it always worked out that way, but it was something to aspire to. As a child, he'd been persecuted for what he was, but life in the Ruby Order had changed that. Of course some people still mocked him, but such ignorance was to be pitied, even if it did test his temper at times.
    What had this to do with Melody? They liked each other. The spirits told him she wasn't a woman who would tie herself to a man out of pity or kindness. If she wanted a relationship with him, it was because they could derive mutual pleasure and become a good match.
    Blaze poured the herbs into a jar, sealed it, and cleaned the bowl. Glancing around his herbarium, he reached for the cloth bag resting on the table. He stepped outside at the same moment River and
    Colt arrived.
    "I thought I'd replenish my supplies and help River around here while you're in Femmeglenn,"
    Colt said.
    "If you should need me—"
    Colt grinned. "We won't. Have a good day, Sir."
    Blaze nodded and walked to the stable where he brushed and saddled his tall, big-boned chestnut gelding. He slipped the cloth bag into the saddle pack and mounted. Why the hell did he feel more nervous than if he was riding into battle?
    * * *
    Melody's attention focused on the bloody leg wound she was tending. Late that morning, she'd been preparing her herbarium—as well as fixing herself up—for her meeting with Blaze when a trainee had approached her with an urgent message. Several of the villagers from Reed Hill had been involved in a wagon accident when their horses became frightened and slipped off the edge of the ridge.
    By the time she arrived, one of the animals was already dead and the other's injuries were so severe it had to be destroyed. By some stroke of luck, the four passengers had survived, though two had serious injuries.
    The leg of the young man she worked on was so badly damaged that she believed amputation was the only course of action.
    "Sweet Music, I will assist."
    Melody glanced up for a second, surprised to find Blaze kneeling beside her.
    "Thank you. I'm about to amputate his leg."
    Blaze's brow furrowed as he examined the injury. "Let me try something first."
    Melody and the trainee who had been assisting her exchanged glances.
    "You think you can save it?"
    He nodded. "With your permission and if your assistant will remain with me?"
    "Of course." Melody stepped aside, glancing at him with curiosity as she moved to the next victim.
    Though she would have liked to watch his technique, she knew that her skills were best used on others.
    She wondered if Blaze was indeed as knowledgeable as his reputation claimed, or if he was trying to show off his healing skills, for she saw no way of saving the leg.
    That's a jealous attitude!
    Tara, please. Not now. I'm very busy.
    Then concentrate on helping these people and stop being envious of Blaze's skills!
    I am not envious! Just curious.
    Melody stooped beside a woman who was just regaining consciousness after the fall.
    "Don't try to move," Melody said. "Another wagon will be here soon to take you to the village.
    Can you tell me your name?"
    The woman responded slowly to all of Melody's questions, yet her answers were correct, as Melody hoped they would be, and the head injury didn't seem severe. She did have broken ribs and a
    sprained wrist that Melody treated.
    A short time later, Dames Redd and Glenna arrived with a wagon to carry the injured to Femmeglenn.
    While in the wagon, Melody took over assisting Blaze with the leg injury. By the time they arrived at the fortress, she knew the chances of saving the limb were good.
    A couple of hours later as they washed blood from their hands in a corner of the