When I finished my tale, the host and others within wind of my voice laughed
boisterously, which I assumed indicated that they were pleased with my offering. But despite the Innkeeper’s initial enthusiasm and genuine applause, he still remained reluctant to permit me in joining the clan en route to Canterbury.
“Although what you’ve said is fine in both meter and rhyme, I’m afraid the other palmers won’t consider it worth their precious time.”
“I don’t understand,” I said, revealing an expression of disappointment. “Even if I don’t speak another word along the way, I would enjoy hearing the other tales firsthand.”
“I’m so sorry,” Harry declined, “but in truth your tale is very sad. Many men here have wives at home, who they wish not to think of as unclad. But please don’t be offended by missing our little retreat, perhaps if you come back again I’ll let you use your feet.”
“Well, I don’t know if that will be possible, sir, as I have many other places yet to see. But good luck on your journey. I have a feeling that they’ll be reciting these stories for years to come.”
The Innkeeper didn’t attempt to read anymore into the words I presented. He calmly tipped his cap and rejoined the others in The Tabard’s yard. I left Southwark with conflicted emotions about failing to earn a spot among those pilgrims. But perhaps it was my own vanity obscuring the purpose of my visitations. I had to remind myself that the benefits of my own story helped them as much as their predicaments inspired me.
My true pilgrimage, therefore, didn’t include venturing upon the same soil as the Pardoner, the Miller, the Wife of Bath, or even the Knight. The province I needed to explore resided farther in the thickets of my imagination. At this point, I sensed my progress narrowing on the decisions yet to be rendered on this day. The clarity of this single moment allowed me to hope that no matter what direction I traveled, I’d eventually solve the riddles that hindered me for some time.
Chapter 38
11:19 A.M.
The Classic Crusade of Corbin Cobbs Page 38
