Feb 18 2010
Onward! The Cordal Junction
1st Fieldsday of Seedbirth in the year 1031
I rose early this morning to prepare for Service of First Light. A few of the other travelers in the encampment followed me over to a large milestone boulder near the road and we sang a long chorus of hymns. I was happy to see the Stew Woman joining in this morning. After service Brother Kaliston went off to check to see if any late travelers were in need of his help. The Stew Woman, whose name I learned was Molga, handed me a small package wrapped in a road dirty cloth. She informed me that inside were Sweet Sun Cakes, she had made them from some borrowed millet and a small stash of honey comb that she brought with her on the road. I have not tasted a Sweet Sun Cake in ages. I thanked her and offered to read another prayer for her, she gladly accepted and I finished the prayer with a hymn of good will sung just for her on this morning. I could see that it lifts her spirits and we parted ways with broad smiles.
Vann prepared the cart and hooked up the cows. He looks disheveled, like he did not sleep very well. He also looks grumpy, but there’s nothing new with that. He complains to me that we must get moving, but Brother Kaliston has not yet finished. Vann makes a sharp remark about the “unnatural devotion” of Priests and Clerics and that it unnerves him. I find his lack of faith and consideration to just as unnerving. Finally, Brother Kaliston returns, in his arms are various fresh vegetables and 3 bright red apples that were given to him by our fellow travelers. We load up the rest of our belongings, it is my turn to sit up front with bitter old Vann.
The trip today was a short one to the Cordal Junction. It is just about a 1/2 days journey from the Crossroads. At the Cordal Junction the road forms a T shape, to the North is a lakeport town called Mirrorwood and to the South is the ancient Dwarven passage way through the mountains to Cordal. We will camp at the Cordal Junction and arise at first light to make our way through the subterranean passage, as going through at night would prove treacherous, especially with these old cows leading the way.
The road was clear, but the sky was slightly overcast. I held out hope that there will be no rain until we are in the passageway tomorrow, thankfully it did not rain. To the North in the far distance you could see the edge of Mirror Lake, flanked by green grassy shores. Ahead it was a long dirt road with Vann sitting next to me smelling rather ripe the whole way.
Late afternoon approached and we pulled up to the Junction. It was a little busier here and there were several merchant carts displaying their wares for sale. I purchased a small walnut sized linen sachet filled with clovespice. That will come in handy in squashing the ripeness of Vann and his farting cows. Vann had unhooked the cows and they were happy to find a patch of clover grass to nibble close by under his watchful eye. Brother Kaliston and I spread out a yellow cloth and begin to set out the fresh foods for an evening meal.
We had 3 apples, a couple potatoes, an onion, a half loaf of crusty oat bread, a flagon of sweet mead and a generous cut of salt dried ham. We decided that the best thing to do would be to set the apples aside and make a stew to share with some of the poorer travelers who did not have food of their own. Vann had a fairly large cooking pot with him and when he saw the bounty of food he was right quick to tie up the cows and get a fire started for us. Although he was less than pleased when he later learned that we would be sharing our bounty with others in the camp.
Vann watched the pot while Brother Kaliston and I prepared for the Service of Last Light. Several Pelorian parishioners joined in, as well as a few who follow some of the other Gods. It was a good service, although I am very tired from the road travel. It seemed as though we were the only clergy present at the encampment, I am happy that our presence was of service to so many. Vann begrudgingly dished out enough portions for us each to have a share of the stew and we opened up a line to feed who we could, starting with children and mothers. We passed blessings to all and thanked Pelor for providing us food for which to feed the people.
At the end of the evening, when my traveling companions and I were alone, I opened my flask of church wine. Wouldn’t you know it Vann was right there by my side filling my nostrils with his stench cup in hand, grunting his request for me to fill it up. I poured a small drink for each of us to have before bedding down, and we drank to a good night’s sleep. Vann seemed miffed about the small amount of wine but drank it and toasted to our good health anyway. Brother Kaliston brought out the apples and I brought out the little dirty cloth pouch given to me by Molga. Inside were 4 beautiful little Sweet Sun Cakes cakes made of whole millet and sweetened with honey, they were round and plump and Molga had pressed the shape of a sun into the top of each. I shared so that each of us had a cake and re-wrapped the last cake to save for later.
The apples, wine and Sweet Sun Cakes were an exceptional way to end the evening at the Cordal Junction. Tomorrow will be the long trek through the passageway and out to the Cordal and the sea port, I am thankful that i picked up the sachet as I can smell Vann and he is not close by, perhaps it would be better if it rained to give him a washing. I am anxious to get to the Temple and receive the next part of my calling.
A Good Evening, Blessed be the Light of Pelor.