I waited until they were all in the fields bringing the harvest in. It’s a job for everybody, even the young uns, and so I’ve got the run of the village hall to myself.
I’ve learnt a thing or two through my years of ministering to the folk of this village. Learnt which of nature’s plants can heal, soothe a sore stomach or throat, ease a fevered brow, speed a wound’s mending.
And I know which plants can bring on a fever of the mind. Some of the younger lads in the village have been known to go a- mushrooming when they’re in season and they come back to the village giggling and all daft.
But it’s not only mushrooms that can turn a man’s mind. There are other plants with subtler and not always predictable effects, that can leave you with dreams full of feverish thoughts and paranoia. Have you wandering who’s for you and who’s against you, for sometimes days or more after.
I’ve been trying out some on that big daft oaf Jeremiah, mixing some in with his ale when he’s out in the fields. It only takes a dash or two in a drink for the effect to take hold.
I survey the fine spread that’s laid out for later. Ales, cakes, stews and more. I think I’ll start with the stews; they’ll hide the taste and texture the best.
