Hedge of Thorns: Ink
Vigorous scrubbing with soapwort in some spring water gets rid of the stench, and I bring a half bucket full of water to the porch before I re-bundle the hunting blind. If it’s not raining in the next day or two, I’ll be going out with it again.
Tending Tumble threw off my usual scheduled hunt for venison and bear. Butchering the kills is truly hard work, much less hauling the carcasses home to smoke the meat. I probably should’ve kept Jenny the mule.
A raven takes off from a tree upslope to fly a diagonal over my land. I prop the blind against the wall and sigh. “I want to draw now, not wait until the next blizzard.”
Until the hunts are successful, they’ll be two physical urgencies on the back of my mind, and who can create well distracted like that?
I lift the lid on the seat of my porch bench and take out my whetstone. Knife first, or the hatchet? The task’s repetitive motion, with the sound of oiled stone on steel is relaxing. I sheathe the sharpened tools. Leaving the whetstone in the bench, I take the bucket indoors.
Then, I go to my loft to retrieve my ink-making jug and one jug of haw cider. To the water, I add sufficient equal amounts of vinegar and cider to double the volume. I stir the mixture.
My favorite part of the ink-making process is pounding and grinding the oak galls into very fine powder. It’s a great way to relieve frustration.
Knowing I’ll be supplied for months of work makes stirring the galls and liquid twice a day for the next nine days completely worthwhile.
Why am I starting a batch of ink if hunting is so critical? I need time to plan. Unlike last year, surviving game has had to relocate after the fire.
The last place I heard a bear was along Iron Creek, an area I’m not keen to wander through if there are less risky places I can choose. Honestly, that bear was too large. What I hope for is a younger cub, one ready for its first hibernation.
The blind will be essential, since I don’t know where Dad and Bobby installed the tree stand.
Hedge of Thorns: Ink is part of a short Post-Apocalyptic story with episodes posted weekly.
Find previous episodes of this story, and other short stories here.
Ruth
Heidi Kortman
Krystine Kercher
Heidi Kortman