Chapter 18: Home, Part 3

A moment later, Briana walked from the house onto the porch and announced that it was time to eat. Seth hoped that life would be a bit easier after lunch, but he was not going to hold his breath.

"What's for lunch?" Seth asked, placing the goat back in its pen, then walking toward the porch.

"Lunch?" Briana asked, confused.

"Yes," Seth replied, "lunch." Bryce and Reese teasingly nudged Seth, and Colin followed them to the house.

"Are you referring to our mid-day meal?" Briana asked, holding open the door for the men.

"Yes." Seth was amused, because he then realized that they didn't call it that here. "Lunch."

Briana then answered, "Well, for lunch, we will be having venison stew and bread." Briana nodded to Seth, and then said to the rest of the men, "And wipe off your shoes before entering."

At the dinner table were heavy bowls with stew in each one, and a huge loaf of wheat bread was in the center of the table. Once everyone was seated, they bowed their heads while Colin said the blessing, thanking the Lord for the meal. Then each person took turns breaking off a moderate chunk of bread as it was passed around the table. There was no silverware present. Seth watched to see how to eat the stew without a spoon. Each person brought the bowl to his or her lips, and drank it from the side of the bowl. Then Seth noticed in amazement that they used their fingers to scrape the last of the contents from the bowl into their mouths. Also on the table were little finger bowls holding water. Once the meal was completed, each person dipped his or her fingertips into the bowl to cleanse them, and then wiped them on a towel. It was very interesting and quite different to Seth. He watched and followed their lead. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, Seth thought to himself.

"Colin, have you heard anything of the village?" Bryce asked while dipping his fingers into the finger bowl.

Creases on Colin's forehead formed immediately and the corners of his mouth turned down into a grimace. He looked directly at Bryce and shook his head, as if warning him not to bring something up. "No, I have not been lately, but we need to go for supplies soon." The look in Colin's eyes was telling Bryce to end the conversation there. Seth suspected that it was because he was present.

But Bryce wouldn't let it go, acting as if he hadn't received the warning. "I wonder what Dracon is planning for the tournament?"

"Enough!" Colin replied, slamming his fist down hard on the table. "This is not suitable conversation before a guest."

"A guest?" Bryce asked, laughing, and then glanced over in Seth's direction. "He should know what is going on if he does not already. People are starving while that monster sits on the throne in the castle; a castle that is not even his!"

Colin pushed back from the table. "This conversation is over! We have to bide our time, and when the time is right ..."

This time Bryce's hand came down hard on the table. "When? When will the time be right, Colin? You are protecting her too much," Bryce bellowed, casting a glance at Briana. "She's sixteen; when will the time be right? People are starving in the streets and that monster has perverted the law..." Reese was now on his feet, placing a calm hand on Bryce's arm, but he quickly shook it off.

"Enough!" Colin's fist came down on the table once more. "Now is not the right time, but soon, very soon." Colin took a breath to calm himself. "We have to bide our time."

"I'm tired of biding my time!" Bryce countered. "I did not intend to be a farmer! I believe in you and in her! That is why I'm here! And if we wait too long, our chance will have passed." Bryce pushed his chair back from the table and stormed out of the house.

Seth could not help but wonder what this whole conversation meant. And he also knew that it was a conversation not meant for his ears. But even if the country was in turmoil, what did Colin and Briana have to do with that? What would they be expected to do to help?

A moment later, Briana silently rose to clear the dishes. Seth began stacking the dishes to help.

"Now, you boys get out of here so I can clean up this mess," Briana ordered, flipping Reese playfully with a towel as they all went back outside, except for Seth.

"Would you like some help?" Seth asked, clearing away a stack of dishes.

"No, this is woman's work," Briana replied, but Seth could tell that she would welcome the help.

"I ate the meal, so I can help clean up the mess," Seth replied, then added, "It was a fine meal, by the way. Thank you."

"You're quite welcome." Briana blushed, embarrassed, while clearing the remainder of the dishes from the table. Briana thought for a moment, and then added, "Sorry about Bryce. He can be quite exuberant when he wishes."

Seth picked up a bowl and placed it on the stack. "What was he talking about?"

"It's a long story and not one you need to worry about. It is not your problem."

"But if I can help ..."

"Look, if you really want to help, take the bucket to the stream and fetch some water so we can wash these dishes," Briana cut him off, and Seth realized that there would be no answers given tonight.

Seth looked to the wall where she pointed and by the door hung a bucket. He carefully lifted it from the hook and walked out the back door, glancing at Briana over his shoulder. For one brief second, he caught a faraway look in her eyes, but then it was gone. Seth brushed it off as he turned his attention to the task at hand. In the back of the cottage was a stream that flowed from a nearby mountain. It looked as if it was carved within the earth and had always been there. A few trees grew near the water's edge, creating shade. Everything within this country was beautiful, appearing to be untouched by the ravages of man. Seth was just beginning to see the depth of man's scars upon the earth.