Early the next morning, feeling better after a good night's rest, Odo was given directions to where he could find Herdsman Searl. As he walked through the village, he was surprised to see how prosperous it was. The weather may have been cold and wet, but the people appeared to be content and well-fed.
It was easy to find the herdsman; he was in his byre, sharpening an axe.
"Hail, Herdsman Searl," offered Odo in greeting.
The herdsman returned his smile warmly as Odo introduced himself.
"I've heard o' ye," said Searl. "Hears ye doin' a fine job with yer cows, an' Cheesemaker Gerald is makin' some nice cheeses too, people round here are talkin' 'bout it."
"Doin' our best, we are," replied Odo, pleased at the acknowledgment. "Good milk helps."
"Then ye be a fair distance from Melleste
