My grandfather was quite the prankster, and he used to tell a story of one poor pilgrimage group that he threw into total confusion with a single offhand comment.
As those who have done the Test of the Pilgrimage know, one of the hardest parts of the test is getting everyone organized at the same time, in the same place. The process can take some time, especially if you have never done it before. One such group was forming up under the guidance of someone who had done the test before near the old Valley of Kings chariot stop. It was obvious from the conversation that could be overheard that they were just starting out. So my grandfather rather matter of factly says “Did you get your bracelets?” Thinking perhaps this might get a chuckle from the group.
They took him completely seriously
For the next ten minutes the group was stymied with the exchange back and forth….
“Did you get a bracelet?”
“No, did you?”
“I didn’t get a bracelet!”
“You don’t need a bracelet!”
Well, my grandfather did feel a little bad about causing all that confusion, but he had to laugh at the same time. In the end the group got their pilgrimage underway, and passed handily the next week, even without the bracelets.
- Telanoc