10 Minute Tales, Part 2

Jul 20 - Traveler

He walked down the dusty path, a stick firmly in hand. The skies above him were clear, save for a single wispy cloud caught in a lazy breeze. He sighed happily as he looked around. The fields were resplendent in their emerald waves, the occasional worker bent low to work at the field. He waved to one that saw him, following the road again. He had done so for years, after all. Another worker came over, intrigued.

"Beg pardon, sir. Who are you?"

"Who, me?" he chuckled softly, adjusting his hat somewhat. "I'm just a traveller."

"A traveller? Where did you come from?"

"A land far away from here, where the wind howls a horrible howl in the days, and where the snows snuff out all warmth at night."

"Sounds unpleasant." the worker grimaced slightly. "How do you put up with it?"

"We spend a lot of time under the shelter of buildings or the ground itself. It is not pleasant, but it makes us appreciate our family all the more."

"I can only imagine." the worker muttered, looking around. "There's so much space around here, I don't think we know what to do with all of this."

"I'm sure you can find something out." he smiled. "You have as much time as you have room."

"Well, I suppose that's true."

"What crop are you growing?" he looked around. "It seems like... rice?"

"Yes, it's rice. We've been growing this for decades." he smiled and looked around. "The atmosphere for it is just perfect."

"There's an awful lot for one settlement." the traveller noted. "Do you give the food to others?"

"Yes, well..." the worker coughed. "I have to admit, we do have to pay the lord of this land."

"I see. Is he fair?"

"O-oh, um, yes, of course...!" he stammered quickly, smiling broadly. The traveller frowned a little. Something was awry.

"Very well. Which way is the nearest town?"

"Just keep travelling down this road, sir." he pointed further down the road. "You'll come across Onada soon enough."

"Thank you." he nodded, shuffling the pack on his shoulder. "I hope you find the rest of the day as pleasant." he carried on his way. The worker waved briefly before returning to the field.

-----

The town in question wasn't very large, but it had an inn and that was what he sought. He walked in as it grew dark, sighing as he dropped his sack onto the floor. The receptionist didn't blink.

"Good evening." she bowed briefly. "How may I help you this evening?"

"I'm after a room for the night."

"Just tonight? That will be thirty coins."

"Of course." he nodded, counting the coins out. "Hm... here." he put the money on the counter. The receptionist nodded and reached behind her, getting a key.

"Here you are." she smiled. "You'll find the room on the first floor. It is number four."

"Four?" he chuckled. "Where I come from, that is an unlucky number."

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry! We, um..." she looked again. "We don't have any other rooms for rent tonight..."

"It's quite all right, I don't believe in bad luck."

"Oh, um... very good..." she nodded. "I hope you enjoy..."

"I'm sure I shall." He lifted his pack and headed up the stairs. He had business to see to.