Yin Su watched her husband show the Traveler to his sleeping mat and heard him again ask for forgiveness because it was such a humble offering. The sleeping mat had been used many times by stranded wayfarers too tired to continue their journey. Her husband had never before commented on the lowly condition of the mat. 

Yin Su lowered her eyes and went to the cooking area in the courtyard to avoid hearing her husband speak of their humble household. She scraped the remaining porridge into her bowl and ate. The house did not compare with the Great House in the city, but it was as comfortable as any in the village. 

 Yin Su could not move her little finger. It throbbed in pain. The effort of cooking and now cleaning the bowls had aggravated the injury. She ignored the pain. The bleeding had stopped. She found fresh linen and applied a new bandage. She spoke softly to the child within her, reassuring him that the day’s events were behind them and they could now peacefully sleep. The child quieted in the womb. Her husband approached.

“Wife, you have insulted an important person.” The emotion in her husband’s voice was apparent. “You do me no honor.”

Yin Sue felt her muscles tighten. She put her hands over her belly and began speaking in undertones to soothe her child. 

“I regret doing so, Husband, but I had no knowledge of his importance.”

“What happened to your hand?” Her husband had not noticed the bandage until now. 

“The shaking earth dislodged a rock while I was on the mountainside. My smallest finger is crushed.”

His tone softened. “The child is safe?” 

“Yes, Husband. I was able to protect your son.”

 “If it is a son. You have yet to produce one.”

“The gods may still favor us with a healthy man-child.”

“We will honor this Traveler and the gods will understand. There is much to learn from him.”

“Yes. Wisdom is always welcome.” Yin Su glanced up at her husband. He was staring in the direction of the Traveler on his sleeping mat. Yin Su knew the look. Her Husband’s mind was occupied and active. She assumed his thoughts concerned the Traveler. 

She went to the birthing hut and curled up on her sleeping mat. How had she come to this place in her life? Perhaps the Traveler would inspire her as she had been inspired as a child living in the Great House in the city. She had seen important people. Had heard their philosophical discussions. Had joined in the lessons with Elder Brother and Younger Brother. She entered into sleep with happy thoughts of her childhood.

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