The first thing he did was feed the fire.
He added dry wood and bark until the flames climbed higher, because the water needed to heat fast and the room Isabella gave birth in could not be cold. Then he took two large clay pots, filled them with clean water from the covered jar, and set them over the fire. His hands moved quickly but carefully. There was no wasted motion. No confusion. Only urgency.
Warm water.
Clean cloth.
Soft furs.
Herbs.
Food.
Suppression medicine.
He placed everything into order in his mind as if repeating the list could keep fear from taking over.
