The candles were lit and the tables had already been served when the clatter of hooves announced the late arrival of a traveler. Tamuna paused in her work behind the counter to peer out the tavern window, but the sky had already faded, blending the leaves with the shadows.

“Better put another spit on the fire,” said Aunt Sopiko as she came back from serving tables. “When that’s done, see to the room upstairs.”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Tamuna.

She ran to the kitchen, hoping to finish her chores in time to catch a glimpse of the unexpected guest. The harvest season had just ended, and the villagers had already put away their corn and grain for the winter. Occasionally, a cowherder would come down from the high pastures, but never after sundown. No, it had to be a traveler bound for the faraway lands over the mountain pass.

Tamuna had always had a love of faraway lands and peoples. Her aunt’s tavern was one of the last places for room and board before the mighty Kevona Mountains, and consequently, it attracted many interesting travelers. But this late in the season, it was rare for anyone to come down from the pass.

Of course, that only piqued Tamuna’s curiosity even more.

As she stoked the cooking fire, the door to the yard swung open, and Nika the stable boy came in carrying a bucket of water from the well. His curly brown hair spilled out beneath his gray woolen skullcap, and his boots were covered in mud.

“Hi, Tamuna,” he said, setting the bucket on the table. “Thought you might need this.”

“Thanks,” she said, smiling in gratitude. “Any news from the village?”

“Old Giorgi’s cow gave birth to a beautiful little calf. He’ll probably sell her in the spring—the calf, of course, not the cow.”

“Of course.”

“Anyway, she’s a gorgeous animal. I really wish I could save up and buy her. Do you think your aunt could… well…”

Tamuna drew a labored breath. She knew what Nika was asking, but her aunt was far too miserly to ever agree to such a request. If Tamuna asked her to raise Nika’s pay by even a few meager coppers, she’d probably be whipped for it. But Nika couldn’t save very much either, since his family took almost everything he earned.

“I’ll do what I can,” she said softly. Then, putting a hand on his arm, “Maybe we can save up enough together.”

His face brightened. “You really think so?”

“Sure. And with all the eggs the chickens are laying, maybe Sopiko will let us sell some at the market in Kutaisa.”

“Oh, Tamuna!”

Nika threw his arms around her, enthusiastically kissing her on the cheek. He still smelled like dirty hay and horse manure, though, so she squealed and pushed him away.

“By the seven rivers, Nika, haven’t you had a chance to wash up yet? You smell like you’ve been bathing with the pigs!”

“Sorry,” he said sheepishly.

“Well, what are you still here for? Go and wash up already!”

She shooed him out of the kitchen, but just as he turned to leave, she suddenly remembered the traveler.

“Wait—did you see anyone come in?”

He frowned. “What?”

“The traveler who just rode in. Did you catch a glimpse of him? When I’m—”

“Oh, my stars!” said Nika, his eyes widening like saucers. “I wasn’t in the stable when— Sorry, gotta run!” Without another word, he dashed out the door and disappeared into the deepening twilight.