Chapter 27 - Mandatory Vaccination
Laura, who was walking hand in hand with Daven, was surprised when they saw the town's view from the hill where Kassia's house was.
With her small hand, she pointed happily, "Look Daven, that's our village; I can even see what my house looks like."
Daven also looked for his house and was surprised to see how near his home seemed a strange wooden thing. "Laura, you know what that wooden thing is."
Laura scratched her little cheek doubtfully. "I don't know, but I think it has to do with the construction of the sewers and the wall.
Although I think I heard Mother Helmi say that that wooden thing was called Crane. "
Daven smirked. "Be it a crane or whatever, I have to admit it's quite big; I wish I could be close enough to get a better look at it."
Laura shook her head. "That's a bad idea, Daven; you should know that it is dangerous to go to the construction zone.
Papa Einar and Aila always remind us not to go to the construction zone because we could get hurt. "
At that moment, Aila's voice was heard. "Children, please line up and remember to put your left hand on your partner's shoulder from the front.
One by one, they will enter Kassia's house and receive what the Jarl's son calls vaccine. "
When they finished listening to Aila's indications, Daven and Laura formed in line; while this was happening, Kassia was sitting on the bed while Max held her arm.
"This is not going to hurt you much, Kassia; I can calculate that with only five pustules, it will be enough to inoculate the children.
As for us, with only two, it will be enough so that we can all inoculate ourselves, only perhaps the most complicated thing is the inoculation of the whole town, but as long as you want, I will be with you throughout the process. "
Kassia nodded, and it was then that Max used a silver dagger to cut a small abscess from which he removed a yellow substance.
He carefully placed the yellowish substance in a small wooden plate; this he repeated until he emptied the yellow substance from about seven abscesses.
After finishing, I use alcohol on a silk cloth and clean the wounds. "How are you feeling, Kassia?"
Kassia held her chin. "I didn't feel pain while you emptied my abscesses; only when you put alcohol on me did I feel a little pain."
Max finished cleaning the wounds and stroked Kassia's cheek, "I'll be with you in a little while longer."
Laura, who was formed in her row, watched with curiosity as the boys and girls entered and how they left holding her arm.
She only realized that there was a small wound in his companions' arms when one of the children presumed that he had received Odin's blessing and showed his arm.
The small cut did not scare any of the children; even Laura was impatient to receive Odin's blessing from Father Einar.
When it was Laura's turn, she entered Mother Kassia's house with a gigantic smile.
Once inside, she could see how Papa Einar was sitting on a chair, and in front of him was a chair, Laura calmly walked towards the empty chair, and it was then that she could feel how Einar carried her while he sat her on the chair.
"How have you been, Laura?"
Max said as he used his silver dagger to make a small cut on his arm.
Laura only made a small face when she felt the short cut as it only lasted a few seconds before she felt that her wound had something refreshing.
"I've been fine, Papa Einar," Laura said with a smile that showed her little teeth.
Max felt a small lump in his throat; Laura noticed that Einar seemed to want to cry, so she thoughtfully looked at him. "There is something wrong with you, Dad Einar."
A tear fell from Max's face, and he shook his head as he stroked Laura's head. "It's okay; I just remembered a little girl like you."
Laura scratched her little head, and from her leather bag, she took out a green plant that looked like asparagus. "Papa Einar, Mama told me that if one is sad, a gift can always bring out a smile.
I found this rare plant on the beach in the morning. I hope you like it. "
Max received the small green plant from Laura's hands, and when he looked at it with a little more care, he realized that it was a salicornia, so a smile formed on his face.
Laura, who saw how Einar smiled, could only feel his hands hug her, "Laura, you just found something that will benefit our people, tell me if you want something."
Little Laura thought for a moment and clenched her hand into a fist. "I want to have more meat in my meals and those of my friend Daven.
I also want to learn how to use that magic weapon that you created; I think I heard the blacksmith Gerd say it was a Crossbow.
I'm sure that if ever those filthy Vikings want to come to attack us, I can assassinate them before they can get off their Drakkars. "
Max smiled. "You will have more meat in your meals together with Daven, but remember to only order what you are going to eat as the food should not be wasted.
As for the Crossbow, I will personally teach you how to use it but always remember these words. "
Max's face turned severe "The crossbow is a weapon so having it in your hands means that you are willing to die to yourself as you are ready to kill.
If you don't remember these words when you are fighting, you could die, either because you are afraid or soft on the enemy. "
Laura nodded, and it was then that Max stopped hugging her. "Alright, time, you can go out and remember to tell Aila where you got the little plant you gave me."
"Yes, Papa Einar."
After saying those words, Laura left the house with great joy, and Felipa, who was translating the entire conversation, approached Einar with curiosity.
"Einar, what is the plant Laura gave you, and why does it seem to be so important."
Sven, who had been watching silently, also asked, "I'm also curious to know what plant it is."
Max scratched his chin while holding the salicornia carefully. "This plant is called salicornia, and it belongs to a family of plants that can grow using only seawater.
Its two main advantages are that its ashes can refine seal grease, so the soap I made will be of a higher quality.
Not to mention, they can also be used for creating glass.
But its other important function is the one that interests me, the salicornia can be allowed to dehydrate to create a green salt, which is much healthier and richer than sea salt.
Although it can also be eaten, being a food full of minerals, vitamins, and proteins.
It's perfect food for anyone who has done strenuous exercise to eat and recover.
I have to thank Laura because if I had not brought this little plant, I would not know that in Iceland, there were also salicornias. "
Carefully, Max put the salicornia on the table. "Father, I would like some slaves to look for these little plants on the coast.
But remind them that the most valuable thing about this plant is the seeds because, before the end of winter, I will try to grow them. "
Sven nodded. "I will tell Eskol to prepare some slaves, and I will bring your mother along so she can be vaccinated."
Max nodded and allowed another child to pass to have his vaccine, while Sven left the house in the village's direction.
That same day after vaccinating all the children and vaccinating all the important people, including him, Max decided to take it non-stop while resting his head on Helmi's legs.
Helmi, who was looking at him with a smile, massaged his head.
"Rest a little, Einar. I will take care of you."
Helmi said using Latin with some errors.
Max, who had his eyes closed, only nodded and allowed himself to be pampered as he would have to work a lot for the next 3 days, apart from vaccinating his entire tribe.
He would also do a small census to find out at once how many people the tribe had.