Читать книгу Theopolda's Quest - Linda Wisely - Страница 16

As they topped a hill, Brother Justus informed them that La Luna Blu Inn (the inn of the blue moon) was just beyond the next tree line.

"Race you to that next hill!" Theo kicked Safron in the sides and they all galloped joyously across the grassy knoll.

Jasper won with his long-legged stride. Theo and Sagan weren't far behind. Last of course, was Brother Justus holding tightly on to Snow's saddle horn.

"Let's don't do that very often. I can feel every bone in my body, and it isn't a good feeling," Brother Justus moaned.

"You're just getting old," Theo teased him.

"Is the food good at the inn?" Will asked, as his stomach rumbled.

"Yes, it used to be the best place to stay for miles. My friend Phidolphulis's wife, Yvonne, is a great cook. Though it has been many years since I have been there."

When they reached the trees, they rode cautiously, as that was where thieves often attacked. But they met no one. In about an hour a building could be seen through the trees. It didn't look like a fine inn though. As they rode into the courtyard, they saw the inn sign, 'La Luna Blu', faded and hanging on one side. Tall grass was growing between the cobblestones of the courtyard and vines almost covered the inn walls.

Theo didn't know what to think of this rundown place. She stopped her horse and waited while the men rode up to the door and dismounted. Brother Justus knocked loudly on the weather-faded, wooden door with the rusty hinges. After a few minutes, an old man opened the door hesitantly, peering out with squinted eyes.

"Phidolphulis, what has happened here?" Brother Justus exclaimed, not realizing the old man couldn't see who he was.

"Who's there?" the old man said in a feeble voice.

"It's Justus Pellini. Phidolphulis don't you recognize me?" Brother Justus drew closer to his friend.

Finally recognizing Brother Justus's voice, the old man gripped Brother Justus on the shoulder, "Justus, is that you? It's been so long since I've seen you. I'm afraid my eyesight isn't what it used to be."

"Yes, old friend, it's me." Brother Justus took hold of the old man's hand. Motioning for the others to dismount and follow them, he and Phidolphulis turned and went inside.

Theo's heart sank. Are we going to stay here? There might be rats! As she walked through the door, she had to brush a cobweb out of her hair.

It was an inn, at least it certainly used to be, but all the tables were empty. The floors were filthy and everything was in disrepair.

"Excuse the mess, my wife died five years ago from the Black Plague. Ever since then my health has gone downhill, and I just haven't had the heart to keep the inn going. None of the young people at Heath, the closest town, want to work so far from the city. I haven't had a guest at the inn for over a year." Phidolphulis brushed a tear off his cheek. "But you can stay. There's plenty of rooms available. You just might have to share it with some vermin." He gave an embarrassed laugh.

"My dear old friend, can we do something to help you?" Brother Justus turned towards the young people. "This is my charge,Theopolda, and our guards, Will and Sagan. We are not in any hurry. I am taking Theo on a tour of Italy for her eighteenth birthday."

"Nice to meet you kids. I don't know if there's any hope left for this place. You might want to do a little cleaning just so you have a decent place to sleep, though. I remember you are not afraid of hard work, Justus."

"Ovviamente (of course), we will clean up the place and also fix the things that need fixing. We can have you up and running in no time. I remember this as an excellent location for an inn, since there is not another for many miles," Brother Justus said, already scanning the room to see what needed doing first.

Theo, Will, and Sagan just stood looking around in amazement. What a strange place to stop on their tour.

But Franciscan Monks were sworn to do good and help people wherever it was needed and that is what they would do.

Theo looked questioningly at Brother Justus. He raised his eyebrows and gestured towards a mop and broom sitting in the corner behind the bar.

"Will and Sagan, please see to the horses and then come in and we will decide what you can do to help fix the things that need done here."

The next few days, Theo, Will, and Sagan were busy fixing and cleaning. Before Theo started cleaning, she took off her cloak and hung it on a peg and wrapped half of an old sheet around her waist. After she thoroughly cleaned the hall, she moved to the kitchen. All the dishes were dirty and the wood counters and floors were disgusting. There were few cleaning supplies, but fortunately Phidolphulis's wife had made her own lye soap and put up a large supply before she died. By the look of things, no one had used any since that day.

Brother Justus cleaned the old ashes out of the huge hearth and started a nice fire. Will and Sagan fixed the bad spots on the shale roof of the inn with some pieces of shale they found in the barn. Then they cut new wood for the posts and window frames that needed replacing.

Since the inn was built of local stone, the structure was still good and sturdy.

Theo removed all of the bedding from the six rooms upstairs and washed them in a tub outside. Sagan and Will helped her hang them in the sun to dry and beat the dust off of the heavy tapets that had covered the sheets on the beds.

Brother Justus and Phidolphulis sat by the fire and talked about how they were going to get the inn back into operation. Phidolphulis needed a lot of encouragement. Brother Justus assured him that there would be plenty of customers once the inn was back in working order.

Will and Sagan went hunting with their bows and brought in a deer and several rabbits. After skinning the rabbits, they brought them proudly to the kitchen.

"Fhi taught me how to make her delicious meat pies. I can make some rabbit pies right away," Theo volunteered.

"That is a great idea, Theo. Make plenty so we can sell some." Brother Justus smiled at her. That evening she hummed happily as she made a batch of meat pies in the now sparkling clean kitchen. In a couple of days passing travelers were stopping in for a dram of Phidolphulis's homemade meade and Theo's meat pies.

The next day Brother Justus sat down beside Phidolphulis. "I know you can't run this place by yourself. I would like to go to Heath and the surrounding area to see if there are any unmarried girls or needy widows who I can convince to come work here. Would that be all right with you Phidolphulis?" Brother Justus asked politely.

"Yes, but good luck finding anyone. The towns were left mostly desolate after the Plague. They are just now starting to recover. But I know you have always had a kind way about you, so maybe you will be able to persuade someone. I can offer them room and board and two farthing a month."

Phidolphulis's eyes were brighter and he stood straighter, since they had started helping him.

Brother Justus had trimmed his friend's hair and beard. Theo had washed and mended his clothes. Their encouragement was having a strengthening effect on him.

"I thank the Lord you came when you did. I am ashamed to admit that I was in such a low place, I was considering ending my life." Phidolphulis confided to Brother Justus.

"Yes, my brother, I believe it was the Lord's mighty hand that sent us this direction instead of to Florence first. There is much blessing in a good day's work and in helping someone in dire need." Brother Justus gave Phidolphulis a light hug.

Theo, Will, and Sagan slumped in exhaustion by the comforting fire that was burning in the big old hearth.

"I bet you didn't plan on working your fingers to the bone on this trip," Will whispered to Theo. "I know I didn't."

Theo just gave him a tired smile.

"I kind of enjoyed the change of pace myself. I've always liked building things," Sagan said with a grin.

Brother Justus, noticing their somber expressions, came over to them. "You kids have done a great job here. Tomorrow you can go to the village with me to find a housekeeper for the inn. A nice ride will do you good."

They brightened up visibly. They were ready for the next part of their journey to begin.