长老的

The ephors, Priests to the old gods.

五长老是古代祭祀。

1 1 The Presbyter to the beloved Gaius whom I love in truth.

我长老致书给可爱加约，就是我在真理所爱。

Possibly the point here is not the sheer quantity but the inner attitude of the Pilgrim: the starets wishes to test his obedience and readiness to fulfil an appointed task without deviation.

也许关键不在于确定数目，而于朝圣者心态度——长老希望以此试验他服从，看他是否能毫无偏差地完成长老所要他做。