Tales from Cathay - Journey of Life

Chapter 2

The mist covered the village like a white blanket. Birds were singing and frogs could be heard croaking near the river. It was early morning. The village was still asleep but it would not be long until first villagers wake up. The mountain casting shadow over the village provided villagers with a bit more shadow to cover the sun. It was a good thing because Sun rose later than in other villages. One person, however, was already on his feet.

Yang Ling was already in stables preparing cattle for a long journey. Baskets full of rice and planks of wood tied together by a rope. One basket of fish, two baskets of rice and three piles of wooden planks. Two cows and one goat were standing next to the shipment. All these things were goods meant for monks up in the temple. It was not much but was enough by monk standards. They never demanded anything. They never forced anyone to give them tribute. But it is the decision of people.

Yang Ling picked up a bag around his neck hanging at his hip.

The bag included a bottle of wine loaf of bread. it was enough for one journey to the temple depending on the amount of cargo of course. The whole journey took him a whole day. He always left early in the morning and returned in the evening. Exhausted and happy.

He took his walking staff and ventured forth. Cows and goat were tied together by a rope so they don't run away. It happened once in past and he doesn't want that happening again.

As he was about to exit the village voice of a woman called out to him.",Leaving without saying farewell?" said the woman. When he turned around he saw his mother in the middle of the street supporting herself with a walking stick. His lips turned into a wide smile" You should be in bed. The physician said you need a rest." he walked close to her putting a hand on her arm. His mother was much smaller than him. And much older than him. But in her age, she was still acting like a young woman. He admired her for that.

"I know. But how do I know I will see you ever again? I might not be here when..." she was interrupted by Yang Ling" You will see me again mother. The river is not ready for you yet." he kneeled before her taking her hands. She smiled" just be careful out there my son. And when you return your favourite dumplings will be waiting for you with me." Yang Ling laughed "Of course. That's the main reason why I always return." They both laughed. He stood up and with a hand gesture, he said his farewell.

He took cow by its hanging piece of rope and left the village. Baskets hanging from cows backs and planks piled up on goats back.

Rice farms were covered by white mist. The mist was making Yang Ling uncomfortable because who knows who or what can wait in that mist.

When he was young his teacher used to tell stories to all children in class about men half beast and half man. A best on two feet like a man and with two hands like a man called Yeshòu nánrén. Similarities end there. Their mind was primal and the only thought was about killing their prey.

These furry creatures were not the only one of their kind. Once a trader from far land came to Zunjing. Selling trinkets with crosses and small hammers. For good luck he said.

He told us a bit about a place he comes from. Some kind of Kingdom or Empire. He then started to describe creatures similar to Yeshòu nánrén. But instead of fur, they had skin and horns. And those are not a legend he said. They are dangerously real. Yang Ling thought about him while he was approaching a small resting place. He tied his animals to a small pole near the building. He also took off the baskets and wooden planks from their backs.

He sat on one of the chairs in a small shelter. He was halfway through his journey. He just needs to climb the mountain staircase and he will be up in the monastery. But monastery can wait for now. Now its time for bread and wine.