Chapter VIII, Reading 1

Kewero was up early one morning and slipped into the kitchen to start cooking before Flindra awoke.  The princess was an early riser so it was a rare day that she made it to the kitchen before Flindra.  Flindra had taken over the job of doing most of the cooking so this morning would give Kewero a chance to concoct something tasty as a special treat.

Her kitchen was a large cave off the main chamber of the cavern.  There was a large rock hearth in the center of the cave.  Smoke would rise from the fire and disappear into the great spaces above, so it never was smoky in the kitchen cave.  She hastened to get a fire burning and planned her meal and her day while she coaxed the flames to life.

 Kewero traded for all of her food so what she had was simple and consisted of such things as coarsely ground grain which she could make into porridge, flour to be made into bread, jerked meat, and dried fruit she purchased after the harvest in the orchards to the south.  Occasionally, the Ainaz would offer her fish, which was pickled in brine and stored well.  It wasn't as tasty as fresh fish but it added needed protein to her menu.

Their standard breakfast usually consisted of a bowl of porridge and perhaps a slice or two of toasted bread.  To add a splash of variety to the meal, Kewero planned to mix some dried fruit and spices into the porridge.  For an even more special treat, Kewero pulled out her secret stash of honeycomb.  What better way to enjoy toasted bread than to slather it with honey? 

Kewero hummed happily as she gathered her supplies and returned to the hearth to begin her preparations.

"Good morning," Flindra said with a smile as she entered the kitchen cave.

"And a good morning to you, Flindra."

"May I lend a hand?"

"Perhaps you could put on a kettle so we could share a cup of tea while we wait for the porridge to cook?"

"Gladly."

"Thank you."

Flindra sniffed the porridge pot when she placed the kettle on the andiron.  "That smells yummy."

"It should be good," Kewero noted with satisfaction, "but our dinner has the potential for being tastier yet."

Flindra turned to Kewero with a question in her eyes.  "What are you planning?"

Kewero smiled secretively.  "I have a special task for you today.  I think you'll like it."

She looked puzzled.  "What do you have in mind?"

"During the months you've been here, I've noticed you've become a little grim.  You're to be commended for your disciplined approach, but I don't want you to lose your innate joy and exuberance."

Flindra looked embarrassed.  "I'm sorry."  She frowned as she shifted her gaze to the fire.  "Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by my responsibilities.  I suppose I have gotten a bit somber about things." 

"Which is very understandable, Flindra, and you have nothing to be sorry about, my dear.  I've been pushing you hard, perhaps too much so."

"I don't think so.  In fact, I think I should be working harder.  There's so much to learn."  She turned a troubled face to her mentor.

Kewero smiled kindly as she stirred the porridge.  "The Spirit gave us a heart with which to feel joy.  He has given you great responsibilities but He will bless you as well.  Always keep your eye on the best in life and don't be overwhelmed by the worst."

"Momma always told me to count my blessings and give thanks to our Beloved Spirit for them," Flindra said as she smiled in joyful remembrance.

Kewero nodded her head.  "Sound advice," she agreed.  "So I think it would be best if you start the day with some joyful activities.  I also think some fun will help with your studies as well."

"How so?"

Kewero pinched some dried mint from a bag and dropped it into her teapot.  "During my long years of life I've learned that sometimes the best way to understand a difficult subject is to divert the mind away from it.  Rest is just as important to learning as action.  A quiet mind sometimes understands things better.  So I want you to focus intently on another task this morning."

"What would you like me to do?"

The water in the kettle was boiling so Kewero poured it into the pot.  "After we eat, I would like you to leave the caverns for a while and exercise that horse of yours.  Deru needs the workout and you need to quiet your mind."  Kewero's face split into a smile.  "While you're out, you might want to keep your eye open for any game.  It would be nice to have some fresh meat for a change."

"That it would be," she agreed enthusiastically as she accepted a cup of tea.

"Now you understand my plans for dinner," Kewero confessed.  "I hope you don't mind."

Flindra laughed.  "Not in the least."