Seeking Solace

Anya was still in her mother’s womb the last time the dragon blood tree bloomed. Her mother pressed several leaves in the family’s book of remembrance. Anya could not imagine what it would be like to glaze upon the tree in full bloom.

In her one-hundred-and-eighth year, Anya received word that the dragon blood tree would bloom soon and was determined to make a pilgrimage to see it.

Gojeck was busy in the mine, so would not be able to accompany her on the journey. “I’m no spring chick. I can make this journey alone. After all, it’s only a half-day walk from her,” said the matron.

Rising before dawn, Ayna dressed and packed a light lunch of goat cheese, rye bread, and fermented goat’s milk into her pouch. “There, all’s proper. Let’s be off before moss grows between my toes,” said Anya.

Soon, the matron left the village behind and began climbing the foothills to the citadel. “This hiking is certainly harder than I remember,” huffed the woman.

Ayna stopped near a small brook to drink and wash her face. “It’s so cold it makes my bones rattle, but this water is so good, I should take some back with me to Gojeck,” the woman remarked as she dried her face.

As the sun hit its zenith, Anya stepped into the arched walkway leading to the shrine. In the distance stood the dragon blood tree in full bloom. “Oh, Mother, if you could see it now, the color radiates like a ruby. I wish you could be here with me now,” said the matron.

The woman approached the tree, reciting her grandmother’s prayer: “We walk alone or in pairs. No matter where you walk, you are there.”

Anya tossed a silver florin in the wishing pool, made her wish, and then collected one of the cut dragon lilies to take home as a good luck charm.

“What peace I feel. It has been too long since my heart felt this light. I should come more often. Maybe bring that old curmudgeon Gojeck and see if we can smooth his rough edges,” chuckled the matron.

The walk back was light and dreamy. Stopping by the brook, Anya filled her bottle as a gift to her husband. As the setting sun touched the horizon, Ayan sat next to the fire, telling Gojeck how amazing her adventure had turned out.

“Well, by the looks of that spring in your step, I believe I will join you next time; these old bones of mine could use a pick me up,” said Gojeck with a rye smile.

Laying in bed, Ayna remembered her promise to her mother. At the next blooming, Anay would walk the distance and honor the ancestors for their sacrifice for the next generation. “Mother, I did it. Be at peace,” said Anya, then she fell asleep.