Caravan

Steam wisps away from Milky's drowsy head as she lets out a grumpy, resonating moo, fixing her large black eyes directly on Ben. Despite her agitation, she persistently chews on the remnants of yesterday's tussock. This man, who loves his cows dearly, can also be stern with his punishments, delivering lashes one after another. The first strike was particularly severe. Ben handles his bovine companions with great care, but he also expects their cooperation in return. These animals are valued members of the village community, where men, women, and even children contribute significantly. As the caravan sets off, it becomes evident that John's bull has consumed something unusual, causing him to plod slower and emit a more pungent odor than usual. The familiar sounds of creaking deadwood and the concept of forgotten toys accompany their journey, as is customary. Gradually, the caravan leaves the soft ground of the valley behind and ventures onto a new path. They now face a rough passage, where navigating over sizable tree roots becomes challenging, not to mention the wayward branches that often tear the fabric of their tents. Despite the obstacles, Ben is no stranger to these forest trails, having traversed them countless times during his training at the Mineralist's encampment located on the other side of the hills.