The Girl with No Name Ch. 03

They stepped outside and walked across the moonlit orchard. They crossed a vegetable garden and reached the property's east gate. The farmer opened it, and with that Danka began her wanderings. He led her along a small path that made its way across a sheep pasture before exiting onto a road that passed several wheat fields. Ahead loomed a forested hill; its dark mass looking very ominous in the night.

"People are scared of the woods. That's why you're often safer among the trees than you'd be anywhere else."

They continued along the forested part of the road. It was so dark they barely could see. The farmer walked very quietly, employing the habits he had learned years before as an archer. Now they were going uphill. Danka was scared, because she knew that as soon as they got to the top, she'd have to continue alone.

They passed the summit and stopped in a clearing facing to the east. The moon already was well to the west and there was a hint of light in the eastern sky. Danka had forgotten that summer nights were very short and that she would not be walking in the dark much longer.

Danka already was much further from her home than she had been in her life. Everything was very strange: the hills, the moonlit river, and the distant lights that marked the next town. Her fear went away: she now was very curious to explore her new world.

"This is where we part ways. I have just enough time to return to the town and report to the city council. Today I will join the others and search for your body."

Danka smiled shyly in the pale moonlight.

"I'd ask you to forgive me for ruining your life, but from what I understand, you didn't have much of a life to ruin. You wanted to escape from your family, and now you've done it. You may want to look at your life in that way."

"I...I suppose you're right, Farmer Orsktackt. I did...I wanted to get away...I mean...I even prayed about it..."

"Then the Lord-Creator granted you your wish, is that not so? Not in the way you were expecting, but when the Lord-Creator grants a wish, it never is in the way a person anticipates. Before you go, there is one more thing I want you to think about. You've seen the dark side of humanity and suffered the cruelty people can inflict, for no good reason. It just happens and you need to be ready for it. Don't trust anyone...but keep your heart open. Occasionally you will cross paths with people who will be nice to you. They are out there...the few decent people, and you must be prepared to share kindness when you come across it."

The farmer tapped his companion's collar.

"What's the most important thing to remember about your disguise?"

"I'm not supposed to tell anyone about it, and never let anyone see me put it on or take it off, Farmer Orsktackt."

"What's another thing to remember?"

"Get on my knees when I talk to the Clergy. Show them the letter if they ask me about it, but don't say anything else, Farmer Orsktackt."

"Good. The first village with a church where you can sleep is about a day's walk from here. You'll get there before sunset. As soon as you enter, go to the Church. Get some sleep there, and then you can think about where you will go next."

The farmer had so much more he wanted to tell the young peasant. So much more, but there was no time. They had to part ways. He didn't know how to say goodbye to her. He abruptly turned and walked back the way he came, without saying anything. She watched him until he disappeared into the trees.

She picked up her bucket, turned east, and walked towards the first faint light of the pre-dawn.