Somnolent summer

This close to the Divide the land was unpopulated, but old fences were covered in woodbine and hawthorn and, despite the intense heat of summer, the cheeky peek of spring’s cornflowers were seen in the deep shade of the rambling hedges. Under an old tamarind tree a latticework bower stood in somnolent repose, water gurgling over smooth stones nearby. The wanderers were quiet in absorbing the sights of a serene and unsullied countryside, filling lungs with the ripe smells of summer. Tiny birds flew by undaunted, dipping bright wings in greeting, chirping continuously. They wandered down green lanes of sun-dappled earth, crossed flower and bee filled fields and meandered along tracks bordering fragrant orchards of peaches, pears, apricots, and further along early apples attracted hosts of birds and squirrels. Knapweeds and hollyhocks jostled for space. Red clover and dandelions vied with sunflowers and primroses, and staked sweet pea gave off a heady scent. The sky was blue and bright, with not a cloud in sight.

The Infinity Mantle