Rose checks Rondo's ... wound

"Before you put that on I need to make a poultice." Came Rose's eager voice, preventing Rondo from dressing.

Rondo gave her a skeptical look. The wound on his shoulder was already gone.

"Red Caps sometimes, are known to, poison their spears." Rose stumbled over the words, but her voice got stronger as she went. "We treat the blood poison with a poultice on the arms that draws it away from the heart until swelling is observed, then make a cut to bleed it out."

"She's right, I don't know the treatment, but Red Caps are known to use poison." Venus informed Rondo. She turned to Rosalia. "Can you help him?"

"Ladies, I appreciate the concern, but I feel fine. Were's have a strong resistance to poisons and other coward's tools."

Venus lifted the broken spear and gave it a ginger sniff. The reek of **** was stronger than it should be. She tossed it to Rose who gave a shriek and fumbled as it bounced off her chest.

Venus would have chastised her if she hadn't been so overcome with fear. "This is a strong poison. Too strong."

Rosalia nodded. "I see six different herbs at least. It would have killed a man instantly."

As the two spoke Rondo began to sway and his vision swam for a moment.

Rosalia noticed. She dropped her pack drew out a mortar and pestle and started grinding immediately.

Venus rushed to her lover's side as his shaking legs gave out. She rolled him gently onto his back. His body was shaking. His eyes had rolled back into his head and he began to convulse.

"Hurry!"