Chapter 4.4

True to his word, Mushroom/Jaala kept up with Katashi’s strong pace through the morning.  Mushroom/Jaala expounded upon the festival of lights, its origins, evolution over time, how the displays were made today, and described in great detail its appearance.  Part historian, part bard, the man’s talk soothed the mind as a brook in the garden.  Katashi almost missed the point of mid-day, enraptured not by the man’s words, but by the cadence of his voice.

“A moment,” said Katashi.

“Of course,” replied Mushroom/Jaala ceasing his rhythmic speech and moving patiently to sit cross-legged with his back against an Ash tree.  Katashi moved away into the woods and bowed in the Circle of Humility pose, conducting the mid-day praters.

Katashi finished the prayers after perhaps half a sand and made his way back to the path.  Mushroom/Jaala was gone.  Katashi looked about and saw no one and felt no need to call out.  If the man travelled with him then that was good, if he did not then that was good as well.

Katashi began walking again, but had not gone far when he heard the heavy footfalls and creaking leather of men in fast pursuit.  Do I have time to hide off the path before they are upon me?

~ by beinnsgriob on May 19, 2008.