The Blighted Fortress by David E Dresner

Author:David E Dresner [David E Dresner]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781912850938
Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
Published: 2019-03-15T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 57

Dinner Tales

Following the large farmers and young children on the path, Glenda and Traveler saw it was a relatively short path that quickly led to well-maintained common fields. Around the commons were set cottages of varying size. Livestock barns and storage structures were at one end of the field and separated from the homes. This village was a larger version of Hermann’s village.

The farmer led them to a large, two-level cottage set among similar but smaller homes. This cottage’s size declared the owners were of some importance and prosperity. The farmer opened the door and called out, “Martha, visitors with gifts.”

A pleasant appearing woman was immediately at the door. She sized up Traveler and Glenda then smiled. “Welcome, young travelers.”

Traveler extended the bags. “Please take these small gifts. I’m called Traveler and my sister is Glenda. We want to thank you and your husband for your hospitality to weary travelers.”

Smiling back at both young people Martha replied, “I believe I see berry pies for this evening’s meal. I bet Arthur has already tried a berry but I better double-check”. She sampled a berry, nodded and said, “Excellent! The fire is just right for baking. Let me get going on baking and dinner. Would you like to start with fresh milk?”

The two travelers rapidly nodded in acceptance and quickly had mugs of a cream-heavy milk in their hands. These farmers needed calories not diet pills. Plaque on arteries was a distant problem. Glenda took a deep sip and grinned at Martha, “Wonderful! This is saving my life.”

The woman smiled back as she studied Glenda, “You’re a very tall young lady and you need more meat on your bones. I’ll take care of you over dinner. Now would the two of you like to wash before dinner? You must be dirty after a long day’s walk on our dusty road.”

“You’re saving my life a second time,” exclaimed Glenda.

The woman returned in a minute with several large wool towels and a jar of the same white soap as the keeper had offered. Pointing to one of the older sons she said, “Lars, show them the washtub then leave.” Pausing a moment, she added, “Don’t try peeking at this young lady.”

Lars, the oldest boy from the creek turned a bright red while his brothers and father laughed. Traveler joined the group laugh as he noted that Glenda was developing red in her cheeks.

“Follow me please, the washtub is outside,” said Lars in a formal sounding voice. His voice had recently deepened and he had to practice controlling it. Occasionally it reverted to a squeak much to the laughter of his family.

Glenda and Traveler followed Lars outside to a fence surrounding a large outdoor fire pit. Heat was rising off the pit toward a large clay pot which was elevated several feet above the pit. Steam was coming off the pot’s water as heat escaped to meet the cooling night air.

Resting on the ground adjacent to the bubbling pot was a large wooden tub. Steps led up to the top of the tub for easy entry.

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