An Unearthing of Goddesses

An Unearthing of Goddesses Part 35

Kate woke with the dawn and walked to the fields, where she and Hume hoed and weeded and watered and picked. Kate's back ached early on, and she rested in a wheelbarrow while Hume worked tirelessly. This was harder work than any of her previous training, including her combat skills. But at least while she was working, she wasn't thinking of Adam. Her mind and body were concerned only with the motions of harvesting. 

They brought back baskets of corn and beans, melons and squash. From the orchards they plucked peaches and plums, pears and pomegranates. The vegetable garden offered up an array of rosy tomatoes, buttery lettuces and spicy peppers. Hume led Kate to the herb garden to finish, where they sat in conversation among the perfumed rows.

"All earth dwellers should be well schooled in the use of herbs," Hume said seriously. He picked a bunch of mint, holding it to Kate's nose. She smelled deeply of its fresh aroma.

"Minthe was a water nymph, who attracted the attention of Hades. Persephone, his wife, jealously turned her into this herb." He popped a few leaves in his mouth. "Unfortunate for her, poor thing. But very fortunate for us. We use her for tea, for colds, to calm the nerves."

He next cut a strong bunch of spiky rosemary. "Rosemary, the 'dew of the sea,' rose from the ocean alongside Aphrodite. It aids memory and students will wear a wreath on their heads to assist their study. For women, to plant it by your door side means you will always be the head of your household."

He harvested thyme, taking a deep sniff. "This herb is for warriors. Maidens give a bouquet to soldiers as they leave for battle. It is a source of courage. A sprig under your pillow will banish your bad dreams."

Then he cut a bunch of a yellow flowered herb, shaped like a tiny spear. "Sideritis is Greek mountain tea. When warriors were wounded by iron weapons, arrows and swords, this was their medicine."

Kate followed along attentively, trying to attest to her memory all the wisdom Hume was imparting. Perhaps she needed to wear a wreath of rosemary. The warmth of the sun and the fragrant smells were lulling her into a drowsy state.

Finally, Hume reached out a burly hand and plucked an enormous handful of basil. "The king of herbs. Basileus, we put in our departed friends' hands to give them a safe journey to the afterlife. We hang on our doors for good luck. And when we eat it – it calms the soul. And its best friend – is the tomato. Tonight, we make a salad fit for the Gods!"

They stopped on the way home at the cheesery to get a variety of savory choices – sharp goat cheeses, smooth mozzarellas, pungent parmesans, nutty bries. Then, they went to the bakery, the smell heavenly as they entered. A dark skinned, stout, bear-like grandmother greeted them at the counter.

"Grrrreeetings, friends. What has your fancy tonight? Baguettes, scones, croissants, buns, pastry?"

Hume looked over the inventory. "Some of these fresh loaves," he picked some rye, wheat and oat breads, then some pies – berry, and peach, and lemon.

The proprietress eyed Kate watchfully. "I'm just putting out some biscuits. Care to help?" Hume nodded his approval and Kate joined the bear woman.

"It's all about the butter," she whispered to Kate as they mixed flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. "It's got to be cold. And you never overmix." They gently folded the ingredients together, adding milk and kneading until it was a thick disc. Theycut the dough with a round press and popped the biscuits in the oven, a heavycast iron beast like a locomotive steaming ahead, cooking non-stop.

"There ain't a thang in this world that can't be mended by a hot biscuit," the bear woman said, looking Kate over. "Not one durned thang. You missing yo' lover? You can't count on life to be right, to bring what yo' need?" At Kate's incredulous look the bear woman smiled. "I know the look. Love torn. Hungry. Like you ain't 'et in days. But you can count on your own self, that's fer sure. Pick yourself up, walk your own path. Make a batch o' biscuits. Don't overmix, keep it simple. Always keep life simple. And always have plenty o' butter. That's what makes life sweet."