Beginning VI-2-3-4

They were arranged in a rough circle, quite closely around a roaring campfire. They had no tents or major provisions that could be seen. Some sat on the ground, others on logs or makeshift chairs. One or two lay stretched out on the ground, their feet close to the flames for warmth.

I greeted them as warmly as I could manage (being slightly disoriented), and made some attempt to make eye contact with each of them. Some looked doubtful and had challenge written on their faces, while others where simply curious. I pointed back upstream and began to say, "The Fisherman..."

... but at that, and before I could finish my sentence, the eldest of them, the aged woman - the one wearing an heavy hand-stitched coat and who was most suspicious of me, smiled then, shouting out a word I did not understand, and gestured vigorously that I come and join them.

I did so. She spoke a few rapid words in a weird tongue and space was made for me at the fire. The remains of the food cooking on the flames was prepared and passed around while much rapid and unintelligible conversation was had. Nobody asked me any questions, and I was content simply to absorb the atmosphere.

Later, I must have fallen asleep after an hearty meal.

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