The group made camp on top of the first mesa on Fellowship Tableland, had supper, and turned in for an early night. Melchior was first up in the morning and made coffee for the group. He was concerned now that the supply of coffee would not last them the entire trip, and the prospect of coffee-less mornings made him uneasy. Caspar was next up, followed by Balthazar an hour later. There was no particular rush today. They had agreed to Caspar’s suggestion that they plan to make camp in New Narthex Pass, at a place known as Comfort Station. It was an easy day's journey from their present location. There were numerous circular mesas throughout the tableland, and as they came upon each one, they saw the star again each time, even though it was daytime. The star seemed to be leading them. All was going smoothly until they reach the entrance the pass and found it closed.
Balthazar: What now, Caspar?
Caspar: I’m not sure. I’ve never known the way into this pass to be closed before. Fortunately, though, there is another way. Let us make for kitchen canyon, which, if I'm not mistaken, will bring us out into the middle of New Narthex Pass. We’ll have to turn north and ascend those hills ahead of us. There is no guarantee that the way into the canyon will not also be closed. It is midwinter, after all. But I think we must try.
As they made their way into the hills, snow began to fall. It continued into the evening when they reached a plateau that none of them knew was called Coteau des Caraffes. They made camp, lit a fire, and ate their supper. After supper Melchior wandered off into the peculiar formations just to the east, which turned out to have caves that someone was using as a warehouse. The first cave contained piles of white, chalky powder. Another held packets of sugar, and something very like sugar. But best of all, two more contained the largest supply of coffee that Melchior had ever seen. He rushed back to camp with the news.
Caspar: These supplies do not belong to us. But if we were to leave fair payment I think it would be acceptable to replenish our coffee supply.
Melchior: We should leave at least twice the fair price, plus a generous tip for the one who lugged all of this up here.
Camel: Yes, a generous tip is in order for everyone who lugs things. Hint, hint.
Balthazar: What are we thinking? A little myrrh? I’ve got loads of it. I’m happy to get this one, gentlemen.
Melchior looked at Caspar, who smiled and turned to Balthazar.
Caspar: We accept. Thank you, Balthazar, that was very kind.
And that usage of myrrh for currency to buy expensive coffee, my friends, is the origin of Myrrhbucks, which was to become a famous purveyor of coffee, and which had been using Coteau des Caraffes for their warehouse. In later centuries, as the dark ages descended, this detail was forgotten in favor of the star that features so prominently in our story.
Balthazar: What now, Caspar?
Caspar: I’m not sure. I’ve never known the way into this pass to be closed before. Fortunately, though, there is another way. Let us make for kitchen canyon, which, if I'm not mistaken, will bring us out into the middle of New Narthex Pass. We’ll have to turn north and ascend those hills ahead of us. There is no guarantee that the way into the canyon will not also be closed. It is midwinter, after all. But I think we must try.
As they made their way into the hills, snow began to fall. It continued into the evening when they reached a plateau that none of them knew was called Coteau des Caraffes. They made camp, lit a fire, and ate their supper. After supper Melchior wandered off into the peculiar formations just to the east, which turned out to have caves that someone was using as a warehouse. The first cave contained piles of white, chalky powder. Another held packets of sugar, and something very like sugar. But best of all, two more contained the largest supply of coffee that Melchior had ever seen. He rushed back to camp with the news.
Caspar: These supplies do not belong to us. But if we were to leave fair payment I think it would be acceptable to replenish our coffee supply.
Melchior: We should leave at least twice the fair price, plus a generous tip for the one who lugged all of this up here.
Camel: Yes, a generous tip is in order for everyone who lugs things. Hint, hint.
Balthazar: What are we thinking? A little myrrh? I’ve got loads of it. I’m happy to get this one, gentlemen.
Melchior looked at Caspar, who smiled and turned to Balthazar.
Caspar: We accept. Thank you, Balthazar, that was very kind.
And that usage of myrrh for currency to buy expensive coffee, my friends, is the origin of Myrrhbucks, which was to become a famous purveyor of coffee, and which had been using Coteau des Caraffes for their warehouse. In later centuries, as the dark ages descended, this detail was forgotten in favor of the star that features so prominently in our story.
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