Moving On

The next morning I was up bright and early. Spending two nights in a real bed had worked wonders. I washed and dressed and set off for a stroll around the village. As with all mass-gatherings there was a lot of cleaning up to do, and there were one or two people already out making a start.

I grabbed a bag from one of them and collected rubbish as I walked. The morning was fresh and crisp and the ducks had returned to the pond now that all was quiet again. Several of them were cleaning up food scraps that had been left behind by the revellers, which was good because I didn’t want to do it. Paper and bottles, yes. Food, no.

After about an hour I’d worked my way back to the inn. George, the landlord, was busy behind the bar cleaning and sorting his glasses.
‘Morning, love. Beautiful day. Can I get you anything?’
‘I’d love a small pot of tea, please, and is there any chance of some breakfast?’
‘Depends what you want to eat. Tea I can do, but the cook doesn’t start ’til half past seven. My cooking’s rubbish.’
‘Would it be alright if I cooked myself some eggs and bacon? I’m leaving today and would like to make an early start.’
‘Fine by me, as long as you leave everything clean and tidy. Cook’s got a very short fuse where the kitchen’s concerned.’
‘Of course I will. I’ll just nip outside and let Cedric know to get Maria organised. Would you like some breakfast too?’
‘Oooh, yes please! I’ll just have a bacon sandwich though. Nice and crispy.’

We had a most enjoyable breakfast and a bit of a chat about the festivities. He’d had a good time but, like me, hadn’t stayed out late.
‘Can’t lie in bed of a morning in this place. There’s too much to do.’
I cleared away our dishes and made sure the kitchen was just as I’d found it, then went up to pack my saddlebags. I was looking forward to continuing my journey.

All packed, I went back downstairs to find George. ‘I’ve come to settle up with you, George. How much do I owe you?’
‘Bless ya. Nothing! It’s all been taken care of.’
‘By whom?’
‘Bella.’
‘Then I must thank her. Do you know where she is?’
‘If she’s running true to form, she’ll still be snoring. Doesn’t usually get up until ten o’clock.’
‘Oh dear. I really do want to get away early.’
‘Why don’t you write her a note and I’ll make sure she gets it?’

Dear Bella,
It was so nice to meet you and your sister, Hecate.
I’ve really enjoyed my stay at the inn, and all the
festivities. You are quite the showman!
George tells me that you’ve settled the bill for the
stay, for which I thank you very much.
You and your sister are amazing women and I can
see that your communities hold you both in high
regard – and rightly so.
I would’ve loved to thank you in person, but you need
your sleep and I need an early start, so please accept
this with my sincerest thanks and best wishes. Maybe
one day we will meet again. I hope so.
Beryl
P.S. Don’t forget Hecate wants you to go and stay with
her for a while.

I gave the note to George; thanked him for his hospitality and went to get Maria. She was tethered outside the inn. I gave Cedric a few dollars for taking good care of her and climbed into the saddle.  All this travelling and donkey riding was making me quite limber.
‘Which way for Rainbow Beach?’
‘Go back to the main road and turn right. Head for the hills.’
‘Thank you.’ I gave a little wave to George and Cedric, and Maria and I walked back through the village. People were starting to appear and a small gaggle of children escorted us back to the main road.
‘It feels good to be on the move again, eh Maria?’ She gave a little snicker, which I took for a ‘Yes’.

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