Connects to: 20.04 and 29.14.36.
Overview
At the base of a tall crag is a small hermitage inhabited by an ancient mystic who spends much of his days meditating atop the crag while gazing down from his high perch. He has a reputation for great power and wisdom.
Some time ago the Abbot of the Monastery of the Sainted Foot (20.04) rode in on lionback and paid the hermit a visit while journeying west to Fernsbank (01.09) so that he could see the power and wisdom of the hermit for himself. The hermit asked that the Abbot stable his lion in the hermitage’s cowshed and while he was doing so the Abbot talked of the lion’s glossy coat, its sharp claws and its marvelous obedience. The hermit’s skinny cow looked at the lion quizzically and the Abbot asked the hermit if the cow would be safe alongside the great beast, but the hermit only smiled.
While sharing the hermit’s simple supper of greens and curds the Abbot spoke at length of his great deeds to the silent smiling hermit. At length the Abbot began to feel frustrated for the hermit seemed to be nothing but the sort of simple minded old man that he could have seen by the dozen at home, but then a lion’s roar rent the night followed by a strange cry. The Abbot apologized for his lion, saying that the beasts of such men as himself have a power that is difficult to restrain and offered to pay for the hermit’s cow, but the old man stayed silent. The next morning, the frustrated Abbot went to the cowshed to get his lion and within the shed there were bloody bones strewn about and standing over them was the cow chewing its cud contentedly. The Abbot walked the rest of the way to Fernsbank and learned a valuable lesson in humility.
Connection
- This location is mentioned in a strange journal which discusses why it rains but once a year (29.14.36).
Hooks
- Why was the Abbot riding a lion? Just showing off his magical abilities to charm animals or something else?
- Who else has gone to the hermit of the crag?
