Nothing I learned at Lord Randall's manor has prepared me for my work on Blood and Bone Alley. In the nobleman's manor I learned Latin and Greek, reading, writing, and figuring with numbers. The children of most noble families spend their time as I did, seeking higher things like languages, domestic training, and service to God. While I did not spend my time in frivolous matters like music, chess, and games, I served FatherLeufredus and learned to be humble and meek.
Life with Red Peg is nothing I could have prepared for. As her assistant, I sweep the one room she calls home, tend the fire, shop for meals and tend to her needs as a bonesetter. Peg often has me mixing herbs into potions for broken bones, sprains, swollen limbs, and all manner of human suffering. I find that Peg's potions and cures vex me more than all the lessons I suffered at the manor.
Peg's medicine is not one of learning or science. She relies on her patients to tell her what is wrong and her knowledge of herbs is a wonder. Her faith in Horanswith Leech, the bloodletter, and the barber surgeons on the alley leaves me feeling weak and fearful for Peg's soul. Peg says we can learn much from nature and the world around us but Father Leufredus says all is God's Will and must be left to prayer.
While the life of a bonesetter's apprentice is not an easy one, I find I could have it much worse. My friend Tildy is a kitchen maid for Master Theobald, the physician. Her mistress is harsh and Tildy is not permitted to speak her mind nor go about town as she pleases.
The girl's on Lord Randall's manor cleaned, cooked and worked in the fields to provide for Lord Randall's family. What little they raised for themselves was heavily taxed to pay for their keep. At least Red Peg gives me a few pennies for my labors and never begrudges me my wanderings in the town.