章 115: An Oxen's Burden

"Are we off already, then?"

The shipwright had asked him, as they met outside in the courtyard after a good night's sleep and some breakfast.

"Well, I think we should make one small stop first."

"Hm?"

He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Where we are headed there is a distinct lack of materials. We will not be able to find any trees large enough to be used as a mast along the way."

"Mm… So you're going to cut some down here? Be quite the haul, dragging it to the shore."

"Indeed, but it's the only option we have. And, at least this way, you'll be able to choose a good bit of timber."

The man nodded. It indeed made sense, and so, with some oxen, some axes, and his sons, they headed toward the forest. Jikouji had yet to wake, but Gengyo did not have need of him quite yet, so he allowed him to sleep a little longer.

"Good patch of forest, this is."