The Healers’ Oath

Will Ysore, an apprentice healer in 1347, find a cure for the Black Death?

August 1347. Alaïs is a healer, a Mèstra of the Sarrasine lineage. Her daughter, Ysore, is her apprentice—her Escolan—and is waiting to be officially recognized as a healer. Mother and daughter know everything about plants and their healing properties, and put their knowledge to work for the people: they treat the sick, disinfect wounds, perform surgeries, and assist with childbirth. In the village, they are admired as much as they are criticized, especially since they aren’t very diligent about attending Mass…

The Feast of the Assumption is approaching, and with it the Fair of the Golden Virgin, which brings together villagers and merchants from the surrounding area. Their fellow healer, Na Simone, who joins them there every year, is not there. Alaïs is worried. Behind their stalls, the fairground vendors are on edge. A rumor is spreading that Alaïs and her daughter confirm the next day: the Black Death has reached the village. Alaïs recognizes the cough, the fever, and the characteristic swellings. Mother and daughter know this: no one has ever managed to cure this deadly and terribly contagious disease. Will Alaïs and Ysore, together, manage to find a cure?