Karl’s watch went by quietly enough. Really about the only thing he saw was a rabbit hopping about looking for a meal. Otherwise, the watch was quiet. Karl couldn’t help but wonder when he would get a chance to talk about enlightenment - or at least his beliefs about it. This group was odd to him. The elf struck him as aloof and mysterious, someone that he really wanted to get to know better. The uncle and his nephew were much like the folk from Linham he’d met with before - very smart, very cautious and very simple folk. The uncle was fierce, brave and seemed honorable. There was much more to him then met the eye. The boy was young and inexperienced - it was the boy that Karl wanted very badly to speak with. The gypsy was simply beautiful - and dangerous. She was tinkering around with things that ought to be left alone. The spirit world was fraught with danger, and Karl knew that no good would come of her playing in it. Then of course was brother Erik. There were lots of things about Erik that Karl knew, but saying these things aloud would inevitably get Karl in trouble. Erik came from a long line of Dracholt nobility. The lands upon which Erik and Karl came from were stolen from them in a despicable plot to ruin their good name. Someday, the lands would be returned to Erik because Karl had no interest in land or title. Karl was simply happy being who he was, a monk traveling the world seeking to spread enlightenment. He hoped that members of the group would soon be ready to listen.
As the sun was rising in the east, Karl began his morning vespers. As was typical for his prayers, Karl knelt down and closed his eyes. Folding his hands together, he began the prayer his master had taught him. Completing his prayers, he stood up and walked back into the camp. Ellyianna had already started breakfast and Narom and Absolom were over on the camp’s edge sparring. Jessika stood over watching the practice session, observing without comment. Erik noted his brother coming back in to the camp and said, “Prayers done?”
“Yes brother. Looks like the start of another wonderful day.” Karl moved over closer to the fire. His stomach was already letting him know that it was breakfast time, and the delicious smell coming from the cooking pan assured him that it would be a good breakfast.
“Good. We need to get the horses ready and be on the trail as soon as we can.” Erik looked concerned but this was normal Karl thought. “Karl, come with me and let’s get them ready.”
“Ok brother. Should we eat first?” Karl smiled and looked at Ellyianna.
“It will be a few moments yet before it’s ready. Go ahead and help your brother.” Ellyianna stirred the contents of the iron pot once more.
“Ok, I will.” Karl and Erick moved over to where the horses were tethered to the ground. Tending to the horses meant feeding them and making sure there were no saddle sores or other ailments that would prevent the horse from carrying his or her rider. Satisfied that there were no such problems, Erik and Karl went about saddling and preparing the horses for travel.
“Breakfast is served!” Ellyianna began serving out plates of bacon, bread with jelly and bowls of oatmeal to the group. “I’m sorry that I don’t have any fruit for you today.”
“Just as well,” Narom grumbled. “Fruit doesn’t travel well anyway.”
“But uncle, fruit is good.” Absolom looked genuinely sad that there was no fruit. “I’m so used to having a plate of apples or pears or....”
“No use worrying about what we cannot have.” Narom glared at his young student.
“Yes, I know sir. Just saying that it would have been nice.” Absolom dug into the oatmeal and took a spoonful.” As his tastebuds registered the flavor, he smiled. “This is very good Ellyianna. What did you do to it?”
“Just some honey, and a bit of brown molasses sugar. Do you like it?”
“Yes! It is very good!”
“I must admit, you are a good cook.” Narom took a huge bite from his bread and chewed it forcefully. “This is a most adequate breakfast for traveling men.”
Ellyianna looked over at Narom. “Well, if you think you can do any better than adequate, by all means please take over the cooking duties.”
Narom looked up from his bowl. “I didn’t mean anything. It was a compliment.”
“Please excuse my uncle Ellyianna. Sometimes he doesn’t know how to be polite.” Absolom smiled, and winked at his uncle.
Narom laughed. “Yes, he is correct. Accept my apology if I have offended you.”
Ellyianna smiled. “No offense. All is well.”
Breakfast was a pleasant affair with the members of the group making small talk amongst themselves. Karl had almost managed to get started teaching enlightenment to Absolom when Erik intervened.
“We should clean up and be on our way. Narom, I have the horses ready to go.”
“Ah, yes. Erik, you are correct. We should not stay here. Let’s clean up and move on.” Narom took a small swig of wine from his wineskin.
Ellyianna didn’t take long with the bowls and plates. The breakfast had been so good that the dishes really only needed a rinsing. Soon, the fire was put out and the party mounted their horses for yet another travel day.
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