Interior Cartography

Travel Journal Entry #17

Interior Cartography

Night has fallen, and I am sitting alone next to a campfile eating some of Sage's brownies. After an enjoyable lunch with her and some of my fellow travelers, I decided to continue ahead because I wanted some time to be alone. Here, in the night, with only the sound of the popping firewood and the breeze rustling through the foliage, I spread out my scrolls in front of me. Sweet Albert stood nearby, dozing, his saddle and tack resting on a stump.

A while later, Albert's sonorous voice broke through my concentration. "Is that a map of Lemuria?"

"Yes," I said tersely, not wanting to engage in conversation. Several more moments passed in silence.

"That's not a very good map," he said.

Not at all astonished that Albert could read as well as speak, I said "I know."

"You need re-draw it."

"Yes, Albert, I know..."

"You should mark descansos on it."

"Albert! I know what I have to do."

"Then do it."

"I know," I sighed, as I put another descanso cross on my map.

Another moment passed.

"Can I have a brownie?"

I gave him the entire bag.

Image and text: Lori Gloyd (c) May 17, 2006