Crazy Old Roman Remedy

Gaius has returned to the beach.

What's all the excitement? asks Gaius.

You've missed it, says Katherine. A shark followed Arthur and Nerida into the shallows. Arthur thought he'd been stung.

By a shark? asks Gaius.

No of course not, says Katherine. By a jellyfish.

Did he try spitting on it? asks Gaius.

No, says Katherine. It seems to have floated away.

The jellyfish? asks Gaius. 

And the shark, says Katherine. Nerida dealt with it. She's plucky.

Well done, Nerida, says Gaius.

It was so cool, says Nerida. 

How did you deal with it? asks Gaius. 

It wanted proof of something Arthur hadn't actually done, so I tricked it.

Yeouch! says Arthur.

Are you all right? asks Gaius. Were you in fact stung?

I didn't think so, says Arthur.

Lie back says Gaius. Show me the place and I'll lick it.

Arthur lies back and points to his knee. The scabby one.

There's no sign of a puncture, says Gaius. But here goes.

He bends down and licks Arthur's knee.

What crazy old Roman remedy are you trying? says Katherine.

There are certain people whose saliva relieves snake bite, says Gaius. It may work for jellyfish stings as well. At least it's worth trying. How does that feel, Arthur?

Better, says Arthur. You must be one of those people.

Don't count on it, says Katherine.

Gaius spits out a few scabs.

It's a small price to pay, to save Arthur from discomfort.