Thursday, December 15, 2005

Inuenro
*episode 2*

The next say, the old priestess walks alone into a village. Her young ward was left behind and hopefully out of sight. She is spotted by the villagers who come out to meet her. When a suitable crowd has gathered, she says, “A humble traveler has come to beg at your doorstep. I am in need of supplies, and I have little to offer in return.” The villagers pause for a moment, then the flock around. Almost before she can tell what is happening, she is swept into the house of the village headman where she is made comfortable and asked to wait for the arrival of the local priestess; who she will of course want to see. Any attempt on her part to discuss the matter on which she came to town is met with joyful goodwill; and completely ignored. After a while, Konpon gives up and accepts that she will have to wait for this, Lady Wakai, before she can accomplish anything. So she sits and listens to the headman’s boring conversation; and even eats some of the food his wife attempts to foster on her. At last, a young priestess walks through the door and looks to her elder. After exchanging pleasantries with the headman, she says, “Sir, thank you for showing this guest your hospitality; but I must ask you to leave us, for the moment.” When the headman and his wife have left, Wakai sits opposite Konpon. She says, “I take it you have been welcome far more warmly than you would have liked. Please forgive them; they are like this anytime an elder clergy passes through our village. I am young, and have only recently received this position; they have yet to develop trust in me.” Konpon says, “Give them time; if you do your job well, they will grow to trust you. Now, as I tried to tell the headman, I am making one final pilgrimage. I have exhausted my supplies far sooner then I thought; and have come here hoping to receive aid. I have little that is of value; so I must hope that their goodwill holds out.” Wakai says, “I am sure that it will; however, do you travel alone?” Konpon says, “Yes, I have grown to value my solitude.” The younger says, “But surely it is dangerous to travel alone at your age. I find it hard to believe that you could defend yourself.” The elder says, “I have little to fear. I carry nothing that could be stolen except food; and unlike a woman of your youth, my body is not something to be desired. Also, I have not lost the ability to handle demons on my own.” Wakai says, “Even so, you could be hurt and need aid. I will talk to the villagers, I am sure that I can find one willing to accompany you.” Konpon says, “No, I wish to continue as I am.” Before the young woman can respond she says, “I am old; this trip is meant to be my last. If I had wanted to die in bed with people fussing over me, I could have stayed at home. Please, I beg you, allow me to die with my dignity intact.” Wakai sits in thought for a moment, then she nods. She says, “Very well, you shall setout tomorrow, alone, with what supplies you can carry.” Konpon says, “I thank you; but there are still many hours left till sundown; and I must continue with my journey.” Wakai says, “I don’t think that is possible. The headman will insist on putting you up for at least one night; and it is mainly his good will which will supply you with food.”
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