As my feet drew me to this new world, I passed by the tavern, but having little money and none to spare, I did not enter, only looked into the window. It seems a pleasant place, but strangely deserted, not even anyone to tend bar. I wondered whether they served food as well as drinks. Sometimes it is pleasant to get away from one's own cooking ... when one can pay, as I cannot.

Turning away, I took a little-used path into the woods opposite the tavern and after walking perhaps a mile discovered what might be the reason why the tavern was so empty. I had already passed three abandoned cottages, and I could see at least one more some distance away through the trees. The third house I'd passed, a short ways back, was going to be perfect for my needs at present, though if I stayed here it would have to be enlarged over time. For now, the main room with its good-sized fireplace, cast iron stove and oven, a long wooden table in decent shape, and rafters not too high would be an excellent place for drying herbs and making healing items from them. The second room, very small, contained a bed frame and a mattress that would have to be replaced as soon as I could make a new one, and I had a blanket. There was even a root cellar and, close to the house, a good well. I had a few candles with me, and perhaps in one of the other houses I'd be able to find a couple of good chairs and some oil lamps.

My needs are simple - or at least, I've had to learn to live simply. Food might be a problem. And while I wish illness or injury on no one, I had to hope there would be some need of my services for which I could ask a little silver or a gold piece.

I had barely made the place habitable when there was a rattling in the chimney ... (see my blog)