It's a kind of magic

For every action there is a reaction. That's how the world works. And Mother Nature ensures that is so, in order to look after her children. For every poison, there is an antidote. You just need to know where to look for it.

Tree moss has more uses than just for making tea - though that's the only form in which I have any. Still, there may be enough of the component in there that will counteract the venom of that snake. I just need to heat the tea with some wine - the alcohol will extract what I need. Add some fruit juice to the extract so the acids in the fruit will activate the whole thing. I've kept some of the liquid as it is, and mixed some into a roundloaf I had packed away to make a poultice. All this is making a hole in the supplies I brought with me, but I guess it's better to live hungry than die with a full belly.

The tracks are becoming more aimless, as if she's in a daze, and she's clearly got a wound to one foot. This is becoming worrying now. She could be hurt and helpless somewhere. On the other hand, I should catch up more swiftly. There seems to be a small city to the west, and her tracks lead more or less in that direction. Time to pack away my gear and take up the trail once more.