ossvar and I waited for the ass-drivers by the castle gate.  The pilgrims had already gone ahead to the village to meet with the cart-driver.

One of the serving girls walked past, her belly swollen with child.  She was breathing heavily in the cold air.  We did not meet each other’s eyes.

Mossvar turned to me.  “Isn’t that…?”

I nodded but was glad that Ivar came up just then, with a satchel over his shoulder and holding a plain wooden staff.  He was followed by a string of donkeys.

“Trader Mossvar, has the time come for us to depart?”

Mossvar cast me a quick puzzled glance, but he replied politely.  “Today won’t be a long walk.”  He motioned for Ivar and the drivers to go ahead.

We stood for a few moments together.  Mossvar clasped my shoulder briefly, then followed his caravan.

I watched them walk down the road.  The sky was grey, but the air was still.  At last I shouldered my bedroll and followed.

ear midday, Ivar brought some warm bread and a large piece of cheese to the smithy.  I washed my face in the bucket and sent the forge boy away.  While we were eating our meal, I thought perhaps Ivar seemed happier.  His face was still bruised, but we did not speak of it.

Ivar told me that he had paid for us both to go with Mossvar’s caravan.  I protested, but Ivar said that he didn’t mind the expense.

But Ivar has little experience in these matters.  Later I spoke to Mossvar and learned that Ivar had not known to ask (and pay) for food, drink, and a place by the fire.

I do not know if it would be kinder to pay for these things and swear Mossvar to secrecy.  Instead I paid for the one of us to sit with the cart-driver, the whole journey, if needed.

We will buy food when we pass through the villages.  The ground will be cold, and probably wet, but I am looking forward to our journey.

ossvar has come!  He greeted me warmly.

The caravan is eight asses, with light bags, four ass-drivers, and six pilgrims.  The pilgrims are tired and angry, and their leader (with a long and dark face) has insisted that Mossvar hire a cart.  I will go with Mossvar to the village to help him hire a cart.

oday I prepared for my upcoming journey.  I will travel lightly.  This is not difficult, because I own very little, and I’ve packed most of it already: my books of rituals, some candles, a few simple reagents, a silver necklace from my mother, and an extra set of clothing.

A week ago I visited the tanner and purchased a pack big enough to hold my possessions.  It also has some extra space in case I find something I want to bring back. 

Each day I grow more excited about the trip to the mine. I hope that Mossvar arrives soon.

I told Kean of my plans.  He was not happy, but at seventeen, I have enough freedom in my apprenticeship to leave Cannaghdown for a couple weeks.