| Passage I |
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The next days were relatively uneventful for Enid when taken in comparison to the previous week. She spent most of her time helping Beth prepare meals and perform chores. This was something for which Beth was eternally grateful, and rightfully so, since until now she had been the only woman in camp. Enid had never realized how lucky she had been in her own time, not to have to make her meals literally from scratch. Here, the game had to be caught, then dressed and cured with salt or cooked before it spoiled. Enid purposefully remained away while the game was being skinned and dressed. She knew that her own food from her time had been prepared in a similar manner but she had not watched it then and she saw no reason to watch it now. She did not think she would be able to eat it if she did. What Enid could stomach, she aided Beth in and each day it became a little easier to accept the things she had once thought repulsive. Being a patient woman, Beth was content to let Enid stir the soap in the kettle or fetch water or help wash the clothes. The old woman was developing a great attachment for "the child", as she called her. Beth's mood was lighter than it had been in years and she hummed as her gnarled fingers performed her chores with a new agility. In the back of Beth's mind was her knowledge of the amulet. She never worried for its safety, sensing that Enid must value it and know something of its power, else she would tell someone that she wore it or she would wear it proudly over her collar, for it was a beautiful piece. Beth was confident that Enid respected the necklace and would not be foolish with it. Beth smiled and nodded as she pulled the deerskin taut between the poles to dry in the sun. She was pleased that at last Kane's time was drawing near. A stiff breeze swept over the deerskin and carried its stench to Enid as she approached. "Ughh! That's awful!" Removing one hand from the large basket she carried to cover her mouth and nose, Enid stopped behind Beth. Beth laughed softly as she turned and led Enid out of the way of the hide and the breeze that bowed it out like a sail. "It shall last but a few days, child." She patted Enid on the shoulder then gave her a gentle push toward the path, sending her off to the garden. Beth wondered, as she cocked her head and watched Enid walk away, where in the world Enid had come from. She had not known how to do anything for herself and aside from that fact, her clothing had been the strangest Beth had ever seen. They were as strange as her speech. She sighed and turned to complete her duties. "We shall see. We shall see." |