SURVIVORS
Chaptre 75. Heavy Rain
That afternoon they discussed their next plan. It was unanimously decided to continue the journey through the aisle of maple trees in the warm water pond after all the preparations were completed.
First, they must have their own horses. Then must practice archery and horse riding well. It is important that the trip is smooth and security is maintained.
Next prepare adequate logistics and store the seeds of important plants. Because based on experience, the new place they go is still unknown and do not know how to get food sources for all team members.
Next, they would collect pearls that might later be used as a means of payment if they found a village.
They should make more salt for the stock, as well as fish and smoked venison. Robert will pick up the Oat plant again for additional logistics later. Also plan to make washing soap from coconut oil.
That's how the days go. Without feeling 2 full moon passed. That night the sky was gray, as if to signal that it would rain heavily. The shadow of the crescent moon among the cloud clumps was unable to provide enough light in the sky.
The horses were firmly tied in the stables so as not to run around in panic when they heard a thunderclap. Stock of grass and drinking containers prepared in a cage. Gilang hung a light candle from the pottery in the corner of the stables. A warm, dim yellow light, comforting their horses.
Other team members are busy getting rid of clothesline so as not to get wet. Salted fish that have not dried properly are also transferred to the kitchen. Including a large table that is usually in the middle of the yard, now moved to the kitchen.
They gathered in a warm kitchen with a fireplace left to stay lit. The rain started to fall. They should be content to eat in a candlelit kitchen. Occasionally lightning boomed.
"Ohh, something we forgot. Fish. Kira forgot to make the fish pond cover. If it rains hard, the pool water will spill." Doctor Chandra patted her forehead.
Robert immediately ran while grabbing the basket. Indra followed him with another basket. Both of them fought to catch fish with willow baskets under the rain that began to harden.
"Of course, this is enough. We'll bring this basket of clams and crabs together."
Robert stopped the effort which was not so good. Finally Indra helped Robert carry a basket of crabs that are usually stored in the pool. They brought another basket of fish that had been caught just now.
Liam nimbly prepared a large pottery jar to hold the fish and crab baskets. Robert and Indra still go back and forth to fetch water to fill the crock to keep the fish alive.
"You changed your clothes before you ate" doctor Chandra ordered.
Indra and Robert walked across the porch of the women's lodge heading to the men's lodge to change into dry clothes.
"Niken, can you make some warm ginger tea tonight?" ask doctor Chandra.
"Good doc. We make echinacea tea and ginger plus honey to ward off the flu and colds,"
Silvia answered and quickly chose the flowers and leaves in question to boil in a pitcher of water along with ginger slices and added honey.
While Silvia was preparing the herbal tea, Laras, Niken and Angel were already serving food on the table.
Everyone gathers and eats well. The rush of rain and the sound of lightning does not diminish the joy of those who give warmth. They are like family now.
"So how? Are we backtracking our travel plans?" ask Laras.
"It rained very hard tonight. The roads must be very muddy and slippery. Anyway the river water level may rise which makes it difficult for us to cross" Robert commented.
"Yes. We wait until the river and the road are safe. The direction there is quite rocky too." Leon chimed.
"alright. We'll wait two or 3 days. The better the fast, the sooner we leave." Doctor Chandra decides.
"Importantly, the things that need to be brought, just prepared first" Robert added.
"good. We just follow. Everything that is necessary, is prepared. So there's no need to look for crabs and clams on the beach." Laras answered.
"Yes. Washing soap is already there. Fish and smoked venison are enough. Fish, squid and salted shellfish have also been packed." Niken.
"The herbs, flowers, leaves and roots and seedlings you mentioned have been dried for our herbal tea supply." Silvia added.
"Honey and candles are enough, '" Leon reported.
"good. We'll just walk then." Gilang held up his thumb and smiled.
"Hemm. Is it not dangerous?" Indra's worried.
"The question of moving honeybee hives is not only about road shocks, but also about their food source. If we don't find any more flower fields, then they'll starve. Maybe we should even provide honey water for one of those cages." Robert thought hard.
"Are we carrying a lot of flowers? We just need to feed until the flowers we plant, grow and bloom." Angel expressed her opinion
"That I can't decide right now. But it'll be hard to bring one of the 3 beehives we make, if possible." Robert stopped the discussion about bees.
"All right," Angel nodded.
They choose to rest faster because the sweep of cold air contains water points make the body shiver.
*
In the morning clear blue sky with clouds flowing in blue combined with the yellow hue of the morning sun on the horizon there. Beautiful and comfortable, that is the right word to describe the painting of the sky. But it was different around their cottage.
The surface of the clay is really slippery. Laras and Niken who want to times are also confused.
"Wear this for the handle," Liam handed 2 sticks of wood on the two.
"Don't get too close to the river, the water from upstream may not have all come down." Robert reminded.
"Yes" answered the two, then walked slowly.
"Truly can't go anywhere today. This place turned into a rice field. Hahahaa," Gilang laughed out loud.
But not for Robert. He remained down to the muddy ground, checking the fish ponds whose water was spilled and left only 2 fish in the murky water.
"Help me here" cried Robert from the direction of the water shelter that was partially left open to contain rainwater.
Indra and Gilang got down from the cottage.
"Do you want this water pot?" ask Indra.
"We're sliding near the cottage. To wash dirty hands and feet before entering the cottage."
Robert got ready and held the lips of the jar. Slowly the three shifted the location of the water container to approach the door of the cottage. It was finished when Laras and Niken returned from the river.
"What's this moving for?" ask Niken.
"To wash dirty feet before entering." Indra answered softly.
"Is our drinking water supply enough?" ask Robert.
"Quite, there are 2 full water places inside," answered Laras spryly.
All right, this is enough. And we don't have much activity today." Robert nodded.
One day they can only move around the cottage. Or to the river if the call of nature arrives.
The days are boring for a team that is always over energized by it. But they have to be patient waiting for the right time to pursue the hope of "coming home".
***
Illustration of one type of echinacea flower. Does it include one of the flower collections in the house?