A Place to Stay

The Never Ending Quest - Episode 43948

Astra had not had very much to eat since escaping from Gilder almost forty- eight hours before. Not only did her mouth water at the smell of the bread, but suddenly her stomach rumbled very audibly.

Bella heard it and giggled. "Don't worry," she said. "It's not too long till we'll be eating. First, though, we need to collect the bread from Nanva and bring it back to Mary. She's the woman who is seeing to the arrangements for the picnic. I imagine that she will need another hour or so to get everything ready after she's got the bread."

"You didn't mention her amongst those who would be at the picnic."

"I'm not sure whether she will be or not. Mary is Granny's sister's child. When her mother died, quite young, Granny took her in as there was nowhere else for her to go. That must be something like thirty years ago now. She's a very good cook and housekeeper, so she's the natural choice to prepare a meal like this."

By this time, they were at the door of Nanva's cottage. Bella knocked, and soon a middle-aged man answered the door. "Hello, Nanva," Bella said. "This is Black Zari. She will be joining us at the picnic."

"Ah, yes, I heard about her arrival. Welcome to Golabi, Khanom. The two of you have come for the bread for the picnic, I take it?"

"Yes, we have. Mary said she would need three loaves."

Bella handed over some coins, and Nanva went and fetched the bread. "I take it that the picnic will be at the usual time and the usual place?"

"I think so. If not, I'll let you know."

After exchanging farewells with Nanva, Bella and Astra headed back towards the centre of the village. "After we've given the loaves to Mary, whilst she's completing the arrangements for the picnic we'll go and find you somewhere to stay," Bella said. "I believe that Shirini has a guest room that might be suitable for you. I'm sure that she'd be happy to have you use it for a few days."

When they gave Mary the loaves, Astra noticed that the woman seemed uncomfortable in her presence, and she wondered why. Was it just because she was not used to meeting outsiders?

Then they went on to Shirini's house. "I'd be more than happy for you to stay with me for a few days," the midwife told Astra. She showed her the room that would be hers. It was small, but it seemed quite comfortable. Certainly much better than a night spent on a raft, Astra thought. "Thank you," she said. "It looks very nice."

  1. Astra and Bella talked to Shirini for a while.
  2. An hour or so later, the picnic began.

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree


JH

8/3/2004 10:38:58 AM

Extending Enabled

The Never Ending Quest Home

Extend-A-Story Home

21386265 episodes viewed since 9/30/2002 1:22:06 PM.

Do not click me.