Long Way To Earth... Part 16

 

And on and on they walked, the bard and the llama, over chessboard patterned and paved streets at first, later on snowy paths over hills and mountains, catching sight of the upstream of the River of Why flowing nearer and further away from time to time.

Soon they found themselves following a different kind of stream of other travellers and passengers with or without vehicles or mounts and loads all heading in the same direction.

And when they reached the pass at the top of the highest of the High Mountains they had a beautiful view over the giant City of Earth in the distance in the valley of the River Why.

For minutes they stood still in awe and could see that more and more people and their vehicles and animals were filling the streets the closer they got to the lit bridges to the city.

'What do you think brings them all to the city?' the llama asked still amazed and standing motionless next to the bard.

'Move on, folks. The good times don't fall from heaven', growled a weathered looking peasant who was leading a small flock of sheep through the snow and must have overheard their little conversation because he was the one who answered the llama's question.

'It's the Holidays', he said, 'all are coming back for the Holidays from afar to visit their friends or families. And visitors from all over the land and country come to see the City's lights and markets, for, you know, the City of Earth is the capital and most magnificent city of the kingdom. And now, out of the way. You two are blocking the whole traffic.'

And Bromford and llama kept going with the flow.

'What do you think?' the llama asked another question. 'What did the astronomer mean when he said the mighty and magnificent witch and sorceress was living in a barrel? Did a mean a literal barrel of wood? Do you think she is living in there crouched together like one of those ancient Greek philosophers thinking about time and all kinds of mathematical-philosophical problems? Or does barrel stand for something completely different here?'

'I think we will have to wait and see and find out', was the answer of the bard.

Today is Monday, the 16th of December 2024

"Mother of Bromford"

I′ve been down the river of sadness
I've been down the river of pain
In the dark, under the wires
I hear her call my name

I gave you the key to the highway
And the key to my motel door
And I′m tired of leaving and leaving
And I won't do that no more

Oh, mother of Bromford, though you may call
You hide yourself behind the wall
Their sadness grows like weeds upon a thousand leaves

Oh, mother of Bromford, the wind is hot
I tried my best, but I could not
And my eyes fade from me in this open country

I′ve been down the river of sadness
I've been down the river of pain
And I′m tired of leaving and leaving
I won't do that again