Dawn Wagon Ride

Defi had an agreement with the north farm that he could use the wagon early in the morning, taking a mound of firewood to one of Barham's cousins to sell in town.

Near dawn, after the harvest was done, the adults of the north farm did not have to wake so early.

So he was surprised that, on entering the wood-house where the farm kept the boar-lizard, wagon, and dried firewood, Old Farbar was waiting.

"Elder? Has something happened?"

With an invalid, a recently born baby, and a recuperating mother in the house, there was great chance of accidents. Scenarios raced past Defi's mind.

"I'm coming with you today." Farbar nodded to the bundles of tied up firewood next to the already-harnessed boar-lizard.

"It's different firewood?" In the light of the lantern, the wood looked slightly darker than the usual.

"Smoking wood," Farbar grinned widely. "Lavender oak, to be precise. It's got stronger smell than most woods, very fragrant."