Little Boy Of The Mountain H
--H--
Hefting the full waterpouch over his shoulders, the boy entered and stood in the courtyard and looked back north above it's fenced wall at the high peaks overhead. He examined the signs of the prevailing weather. While the sun strove against the grey morning and appeared to be gaining ground, there was a changeableness in the air. Beyond these concerns he enjoyed this particular view from this particular spot: somehow the peaks looked closer and clearer when framed by the open timber roof structure of the courtyard. There were rugged and comfortable couches here, under the shade, and there was a cosy firepit in the center. He liked to sit here when he practiced drawing or worked on smaller wooden items.
The donkey was tied up at the far western end of the courtyard near the tool-racks and the big gate that led out to the mountain road. The boy untied the old animal, and greeted him gladly just as his mother came in to see him off properly. He unlocked the gate, saddled Clipper, walked him outside and mounted. He checked all his pockets and adventuring gear and smiling he waved goodbye. His mother closed and locked the gate after him, and he cantered away down the track.
The path led first south west for a very short stretch, between some lone pine trees, and near the rabbit enclosure, and then turned around and downward to the south east, so that it came back to a point directly below the south side of the house and it's bay window, which now stood above them at the summit of a steep cliff wall. This rocky barrier was over thirty feet high, and cleaving to it were creeping plants with big floppy leaves that anchored in small cracks and fissures. The cliff wall was very difficult to climb. He had attempted it twice, but had not succeeded. He had felt unsure of himself and given up quite quickly both times. It was certainly too dangerous to attempt without ropes, and his parents would not approve.
He look further up, and saw his mother was standing watching him from the main window. She waved and smiled. The boy waved back and turned Clipper southward down the trail towards the valley.