Stuck

It has been nearly two days of muddy travel. I should have know better than to set out in the midst of the rains, but...my departure was timely. Four times I became stuck fast in the mud, disgusting stuff, my robes are filthy and I must look quite disheveled. In fact I have taken note of several patrons of this very inn who have not taken their eyes off of me since I sat down. To think that rain and mud would so lengthen my journey. I should have been in Guangai early this morning, instead I will not arrive until tomorrow after the noon meal at the earliest.

I suppose I should have anticipated this, certainly a few of the sutras have helped me on my way, the magic of the god-king Abin-Thul is a powerful thing. Nonetheless I do not wish to be held up by such a...insignificant thing as rain. I suppose there is no help for it, I shall spend my night here and start out again in the morning, perhaps the road will be dryer tomorrow. At least my food is hot as is my jiu, and I have a bed for the night. I spent last night in some peasants bed...it was filled with bugs.

I cannot wait to reach Guangai where my real journey will begin. I wonder what the Saru eat...I wonder if they drink jiu...I may order another bottle before I leave.