Bekka, Bepol, Renak and Nella were all still sleeping when Renpol roused himself. The village watch had just rung the five bells of the morning. Usually only the watch and farmers got up this early. The sun was still hidden, and it was dark out. Renpol only had to approach the small bed Renny slept in for the boy to wake up. “Is it time, Pa?” His tiny sleepy voice still carried far in the quiet pre-dawn morning.
Renpol smiled. “Shh! Let’s not wake the others.”
He told Renny to dress while he went to get some bread, cheese, dried fruit and meat for their trip. There were a couple of old water bags which had seen little use recently too. Renpol filled those from the drums of water in the kitchen. Running the water pump was noisy, so it was better to use this reserve water. Bekka would have Bepol and Renak refill the drum later.
Renpol also had an old walking stick he could use. Renny would need one too, but he could cut one for the boy when they were on the road. Renpol sighed when he touched the well polished shaft of the staff. It had been many years since he’d thought of using this again. Along with the water bags, they were among some of his oldest possessions, having come with him to Sanshan nearly seventeen years ago when he’d first come to the village. He’d only intended on passing through, a journeyman cobbler with a travel case looking to make a place for himself in a town or city. The village was only a means for him to get more experience, until he saw Bekka…
He was turning to get Renny when he noticed Bekka standing at the door to their room. “You shouldn’t be up,” he whispered.
Bekka walked up to him and kissed him. “Last night was pleasant. I want more like that. Don’t you dilly-dally on this trip and come back quick.”
Renpol smiled. He loved Bekka very much. “I will be as quick as can be, the day over to Mokhtan to find out what Renny will need, sleeping in an inn will be interesting to the boy, and the return here early the next day.”
Bekka kissed him again and turned to find Renny was also ready to go. She gave her quietest son a kiss as well. “Mind what your father says and your manners too. Call your elders auntie and uncle if you are not using their names and keep your eyes open.”
Renny smiled. His mother always said those things to him. “Yes, Ma.” He could tell from the turbulent eddies in his mother's colors that she was worried, so he gave her an extra hard hug. They left right after.
With one last look back from Renpol who saw Bekka waving at them, while Renny only looked ahead or to the sides and missed the same wave, they left Crafter’s Crescent and soon after exited the South Gate of Sanshan towards Mokhtan.