Episode MMX1V – The Giving of Thanks

After three days rowing in dark, dripping fog, we came upon several low-lying islands. The first two were little more than smooth black rocks just above the waves, but a third was larger and higher. Vegetation was at one end on a small hill. And, there was a spring of fresh water as well. And so, we were well pleased to come ashore, anchoring our pram in the lee. It was on this island that we found bream birds of unusual size. They were indifferent to us and lay about in the bushes and on smooth stones. It being the time of the harvest feast, we took two that seemed willing to sacrifice, roasting them on a fire made from some of our precious dry coal. Their meat was hard and stringy and had a lingering, fishy taste. Several of our crew became ill from eating it. Even so, we were at safe harbor and thankful for it.” (From “The Voyage of Discoveries © mmgilbert 2004)

Episode MMXXI – The Retribution

Not soon after we had made camp at a certain smoking well, we found ourselves drowsy and our company fell into a deep and dreamless sleep. But, upon awakening we encountered the worst of nightmares for it seems that this spring is a dwelling place of evil. Looking about us as the web of sleep let our souls again free and as our stupor subsided, we, found a number amongst had been used sorely with many of these poor pilgrims being dead from frightful bite marks, some of whom had been half eaten from head to feet. A few others, still alive, awoke to agony and possessed with writhing fits that there was little to do for them but to provide the mercy of the ax. And, then we found the foul beast that had come among us and caused so much misery and torture. Upon catching it, we dealt it our retribution for its guilt, despite its confession and prayers for forgiveness and understanding. Its meat was good.