CHAPTER 29
Carnatic Hall
AWell don't yer look
[email protected] exclaimed Mrs Murtagh as Paddy entered the kitchen.
ADon't start yer fussin',@ said Paddy as Mrs Murtagh began straightening his collar and tie, drawing in the collar once filled by his bull-neck. AIt's about time yer started gettin' out that room, lying there day after day ain't no good for
[email protected] Paddy coughed but his mother wasn't giving in, AAnd don't start makin' out yer not up to it yer great lump, look at
[email protected] She stood back and admired him, he had put on his tweed jacket over a pair of corduroy trousers, both were now baggy, AA right gent yer look, I'm proud of
[email protected] Tears began to well up into her eyes so she turned back to the sink, AGo on then out yer go. Why don't yer pop over to Hughie'
[email protected] AMight do that,@ said Paddy. He walked out through the front door, on the way he picked up his small army knapsack which had been placed beneath the sofa cushions. It was evident from the way it hung down from his shoulder that it contained something weighty.
Mrs Murtagh watched him from behind the cover of the front curtains. He did not go over the road but walked slowly down the street heading towards the far off tower of the cathedral.
AWell who'd have thought it,@ she said to herself as he disappeared into Dombey Street.
AI see you boy,@ said the old man, Athe girl is with
[email protected] AShe is here,@ said Davey. Chacuti stood alongside him, they gazed into the window of her room.
AWhat you have told me of the Shaman is good news. The brotherhood will take his strength, they will weaken him, perhaps he will be weakened so much that he will not pose a danger to
[email protected] ATake a look at what they're doing to him, it's horrible,@ said Davey.
AI have seen what takes place at this moment boy but I cannot do more, to do so would be seeing into my future. Even the helmet will not allow such
[email protected] ABut the Shaman saw what was going to happen in his
[email protected] AThe mirror of stone was powered by evil, the crystal skulls aided his insight, even then what they saw was only possibilities, already some of those possibilities have
[email protected] AYou mean like the tattooed man? Where is he
[email protected] asked Davey.
AHe journeyed back to England with us, but he left the ship as soon as it reached harbour. His share of the gold will keep him out of our
[email protected] AChacuti's already told me that he turns up again - like a bad
[email protected] AIf and when he does we shall be ready for
[email protected] He walked to a small lead-lined window and looked outside, ASee, down there, beneath the great trees, the child plays. Watch over her and ensure that her life develops safely. Return to me if danger
[email protected] Chacuti watched as Davey took their view out through the window behind the old man, they found themselves level with the top-floor of a two-storey black and white manor house. Directly in front of them two great trees grew in a courtyard, on benches which surrounded the base of the trees sat Chacuti and another girl.
AIt is my friend Annette,@ Chacuti whispered.
They watched the girls attempting to crochet patterns into small linen handkerchiefs which were stretched tightly over frameworks.
AI am embroidering Richard's initials, Annette is doing her father's,@ said Chacuti.
Davey looked at her, she seemed quite happy to be seeing such contented images of herself. He wished to know the extent of this beautiful manor and rose into the air. The courtyard was surrounded by the manor's four sides which were bordered with a moat; higgledy-piggledy black and white walls rose above the moat and were topped with roofs covered in pink fluted tiles, across the drawbridge spanning the moat extended a perfectly flat green. Even from the height at which he looked down at the manicured grass Davey received a shock when he saw the giant figure of a man striding over the turf.
AIt is John, the Child of
[email protected] cried Chacuti.
AHe's a
[email protected] stuttered Davey.
He followed the giant across the drawbridge, two or three huge strides and he had covered its length. His great fist tapped against the iron studded oak door like a battering-ram. Davey saw Chacuti and her friend run to the door, AIt must be
[email protected] they cried. The great weight of the door prevented them from opening it. Two servants unbarred it and aided by a push from the giant it swung open.
[email protected] squealed the children, Atell us a story,@ they begged.
Grinning from ear to ear the giant lifted them up onto his shoulders and walked beneath the upper-storey of the house into the courtyard. The sinking sun still shone down in one corner, there he lowered them and laid his great bulk down. They immediately leapt upon him and bounced all over his huge frame. AAlright, alright,@ he boomed giving a deep belly-aching chuckle.
AWhere is this
[email protected] asked Davey.
AIt is Speke Hall,@ replied Chacuti, Ait is where Richard took me when we first arrived in
[email protected] ABefore he built this house we're now
[email protected] AYes, they were very happy times for us. Please, let me see
[email protected] Davey gave her her wish.
The old man walked out into the courtyard, the sun had fallen casting the whole house into shadow. AThat'll do for today little ones, it's too cold for you out here,@ said John rising from telling them the story. AHello old
[email protected] he boomed and clasped him by the hand. They were obviously good friends. The old man enjoined him, ACome John let us go inside and quaff a flagon of
[email protected] The children ran ahead of them into a great hall, its oak-panelled walls extended up to roof height, a minstrels gallery indicated the level of the first floor. Every wall was covered with arms of every description; swords, sabres, muskets, pikes, axes and maces, whole suits of armour stood beneath in several places. John towered almost twice the height of the suits of armour.
AMy lord, my lady,@ the giant boomed in greeting as a finely dressed man and woman entered the hall through another doorway.
AIt is Mr and Mrs Norris,@ said Chacuti, Athey looked after
[email protected] AWelcome John, it has been some time since you last honoured us with a visit. You have been to London I
[email protected] The giant chuckled, AI went to London to visit the
[email protected] Mr Norris joined in, AAnd what did you
[email protected] AI frightened a little mouse under a
[email protected] the giant guffawed.
ANot such a little mouse I hear John, the Queen's wrestler had not been beaten
[email protected] laughed Mr Norris, Abut will you stay, we are entertaining this
[email protected] AOh do say you will stay
[email protected] begged the children.
AI don't really like keeping company, you know the way I am,@ he looked at the old man, Ajust popped in to see my
[email protected] AOh do stay John,@ insisted Mrs Norris, Aeveryone is dying to meet the man who defeated Queen Elizabeth's finest wrestler.
John gave a grudging acquiescence, AI cannot argue with a lady,@ he boomed.
Satisfied the two children ran off. Mrs Norris reminded him, AWe shall see you here this evening, you have given us your word
[email protected] The old man led John down to the kitchen, a huge haunch of ham was roasting on a spit which a large fat greasy lady was slowly turning, ALock up your larders, it's John
[email protected] she squeaked.
John grabbed her round the waist and hoisted her up into the air, AFood
[email protected] he ordered playfully.
APut me down you big bully or you won't be getting anything except a thick ear,@ she threatened brandishing her ladle. John sat down at a thick oak table opposite to the old man, huge chunks of meat were placed in front of him, he laughed at the old man who sat gnawing away at a carrot. AGet some meat down your gullet man. How come I've grown up to be so big and
[email protected] he laughed at his own joke.
AThe heart that once beat in that poor animal told its body of its terror before it was slaughtered. Every bite you take John is a taste of that pig's
[email protected] The giant turned to the greasy lady, AHelp me Hannah, he's preaching to me
[email protected] She just shook her head, AI'm mindful of him, but what he says does ring true I'll grant him
[email protected] Undaunted John
continued to tear his way through the flesh, his huge fingers tore off great gobs which he swallowed almost whole.
Chacuti begged Davey, APlease may I see where the children have
[email protected] Hand in hand the girls walked through a number of bedrooms, the rooms were all linked to each other. In one someone was sleeping and the curtains were pulled around the four-poster to shield whoever it was from any disturbance.
AShush, it is Richard,@ whispered Chacuti to Annette.
They passed into a room which was bare save for a small writing table and a big fireplace.
Annette told Chaucuti, AClose your eyes, then when you have counted to twenty try to find
[email protected] As the counting began she ran to the fireplace, inside it, hidden by the mantelpiece was a small rope ladder, quickly she climbed up the ladder and withdrew it after her.
[email protected] she called, try as she might Chacuti was unable to find her, after some minutes Annette appeared behind her and gave her such a fright that she screamed.
The scream woke Richard who darted into the room, dagger drawn he yelled, AWhat is it! Who is
[email protected] The children were at first too frightened of his appearance to be able to answer which had the added affect of making him sure that an intruder was close by.
AI was hiding where the men of God go! It was
[email protected] blurted out Annette as Richard stalked around with his dagger at the ready. He realised his mistake, AI am sorry children, come here,@ he sheathed the dagger and held out his arms, they gladly comforted themselves and rested their fears.
AMummy and Daddy are having guests to-night, John is here, will you join
[email protected] Annette asked him. ASay you will,@ begged Chacuti, AI'm going, aren't I
[email protected] AIt seems like it is already decided,@ he laughed, Aof course I shall join you, now run along whilst I
[email protected] APlease show me what happened in the evening,@ begged Chacuti, AI can remember those days so
[email protected] The great hall was host to around twenty people, many of them were acquaintances of Richard judging by the ease with which he struck up conversation, AAnd tell me,@ sniggered one portly gentleman whose nose showed the effects of his continual cider drinking, Awhat are your intentions now that you are a wealthy
[email protected] AMuch the same as your own my
[email protected] joked Richard, Ato eat, drink and be
[email protected] The group around them howled at his response.
Disgruntled the gentleman muttered, AHumph,@ and swaggered off.
For their support Richard felt he should provide those remaining with an explanation, AMy own home, which I have named Carnatic Hall, in honour, and thanks, to the great vessel which enabled me to build such a residence, will shortly be finished. It is then my intention to both live and conduct my affairs from
[email protected] The group clapped politely, AWell said Sir,@ said one man, voicing the sentiments of the rest. A lady asked, AAnd is it true what they say about this child, that she is a
[email protected] Mr Norris interrupted, ALater, later, but now I must direct your attentions to another great achievement,@ he called out and one of the minstrels in the gallery above blew a clarion. ALadies and gentlemen, we have here tonight two men who have triumphed against all the odds, Mr Richard Parker, who you all know, has lived here under my roof since his audacious capture of the Spanish galleon. Stand up
[email protected] He stood up to cheers and claps from the assembled guests, even after bowing and resuming his seat some of the claps still continued. AAnd we also have here with us tonight a perhaps somewhat more retiring gentleman, AMr John
[email protected] An uproar of clapping and cheering broke out. John, who sat quietly with the old man by the huge fireplace raised his flagon of ale in thanks to Mr Norris, his benefactor.
ANo, you don't get away with it that easily John, come on out
[email protected] To cries of encouragement John was forced into the centre of the room to stand at Mr Norris's side. AThis man
[email protected] cried Mr Norris making an attempt to pat John on the back but couldn't reach, Athis man has returned to us, champion of all England! Even good Queen Bess's men cannot hold a candle to our
[email protected] More cheers and cries interrupted so that he had to raise a hand to ask for quiet, Abut tonight I intend to put him to a real test, come
[email protected] He led the man-mountain to the wall alongside the minstrels gallery, on it rested a huge double-handed sword. ANot since the knights of old has any man had the strength to wield this weapon, I challenge John to attempt
[email protected] John smiled and stepped forwards, ANot so fast,@ said Mr Norris halting him, Ayou have to first receive a slight
[email protected] John raised a giant eyebrow but grinned broadly when two servants staggered into the hall carrying a keg of ale. AThere's your disadvantage
[email protected] The crowd cheered.
The giant lifted the keg in his huge hands and removed the bung, amber liquid poured forth and he lifted the keg it so that it flowed down his throat. Quart after quart was swallowed as the guests cheered him on. Not until every last drop was drained did he stop then he threw the empty barrel to the servants who staggered backwards under its weight, much to the amusement of the guests.
ARight, where's that
[email protected] he boomed wiping the back of his hand across his frothy mouth. But the alcohol was speeding round his vast bloodstream, he took only one pace before he suddenly slowed.
AProblems
[email protected] laughed Mr Norris. The guests were as inebriated as the giant, to screams of laughter he staggered around, one table was trampled beneath his great feet as he sought to remain upright, the guests scattered as he reeled towards them but he managed to gather his wits, shook his head and mumbled something about cooling off. Everyone followed at a safe distance as he reeled out of the hall and into the courtyard, where he tripped and fell flat on his face.
AThat would have flattened the Queen's
[email protected] shouted a joker.
AThat's exactly what he did
[email protected] retorted another wag to general uproar.
John hauled himself to his feet and tottered beneath the upper floor of the house to the doorway which led to the drawbridge, with one huge heave he opened it, weaved out onto the drawbridge, stood bobbing for a moment then plunged headfirst into the moat. He did not come up for some minutes. The guests began to crane forwards.
AIs he
[email protected] questioned one.
AHe's been down too
[email protected] shouted another.
A general panic began to ensue, AGet him out! Stand
[email protected] Richard started to take charge, AMake way
[email protected] Suddenly the giant dragged himself onto the drawbridge, he was covered from top to bottom in pond weed which clung to him like slimy green cobwebs, he looked terrifying. The women and the two children screamed, the women started running back into the hall on the heels of the children closely followed by John who gave chase adding a series of deep bellows to his startling appearance.
Richard and the other men who remained with him laughed heartily then followed the runaways back into the great hall where John had them penned into a corner. In one hand he held the double-handed sword, he was swinging and flailing it round like a child with a stick. The old man had remained at the fireside throughout and sat calmly supping his ale, chuckling to himself as he watched his giant friend terrifying the guests.
As Mr Norris re-entered the hall and saw that he had been outdone he clapped, the men with him followed suit, hesitantly at first the women and children joined in. Only then did John return the huge weapon to its place and stood chortling as the frightened women took out their anger by pummelling his giant stomach with their little fists.
Davey looked at Chacuti, she appeared to be laughing, perhaps the first time for hundreds of years he thought to himself. He too had been laughing but his face became deadly serious as he considered how on earth she could be rescued from the state she was in.
AWas it not a celebration to
[email protected] without waiting for an answer she asked him, Aplease may we see my horse,
[email protected] AI can't do that, it would mean taking too big a jump
[email protected] APlease, take me to him, it would mean so much to me,@ she begged.
AI suppose it'll be alright, I mean the old man did say that what had happened to you had already happe
[email protected] Davey moved rapidly through the years, they saw her, a young woman, racing across the grounds of Carnatic, the stallion's mane blowing in the wind. Past the front of the house with its neat-kept croquet lawn then down the length of a large field the horse galloped, it took a ditch which divided the field in its stride. AI can jump that ditch,@ said Davey, recalling his chase by Lurch. But the girl was not impressed, her attention was solely upon the powerful animal which tore without pause through the grounds of the estate. Down the lane by the lake, across the bridge and alongside the stream it powered along. Davey was surprised by how neat and tidy everything was but as the girl reined up sharply in about the same place where there now stood the railway bridge he found out why.
AMorning Ma'am,@ said the overseer of a group of eight men. One of the men held the bridle of the spirited animal, it whinnied in its annoyance at having to stop running.
AMorning Mr Holt,@ she replied, AMaster Richard said to ask if you would be so kind as to cut back any branches overhanging the
[email protected] AAye missy, that'll be to make sure none of the ladies lose their wigs
[email protected] he joked. The men about him also laughed. AWell we'll see, first there's the leaf-clearing needs doing, then the hedges need
[email protected] Chacuti played Mr Holt's little game, APlease Mr Holt, you know how much the ball means to
[email protected] The stallion pranced about, chomping at the bit, eager to get going. ASteady,@ she said patting his neck.
AMight be able to fit it in if we're
[email protected] AThank you, I'll tell Richard,@ she touched her whip lightly to the haunches of the animal. It shot off up the lane.
Davey was interested to see where the lane went to in the opposite direction to the one he had taken from the railway, he watched as the animal galloped on for some time until it reached two stone columns set on either side of the lane. Two iron gates hung between the columns barring the entrance, the deep-ruts cut into the earth outside the gates told of the regular comings and goings. As he looked closer at the gates he saw the image of a sailing ship, wrought in iron, decorating their centre. Above the ship was written something but it was back to front so he found it hard to read. Leaning slightly further forwards he took their view outside the gates and spun it back so that he could read whatever it said, the words CARNATIC HALL paid testament to the galleon of that name.
Chacuti was urging him to follow the horse, it was as if she was getting as excited watching the magnificent animal as she had when riding him. Back down the lane it raced for a short distance then veered off on the right, the grassy track it ran on lay on top of a natural embankment, Davey realised why the railway engineers had chosen to lay their rails in that particular place. She followed the embankment for some time then veered off to the left through the area which Davey knew was now overgrown with rhododendrons, shrubs and trees but Chacuti rode along a wide path through well-kept gardens; flowers of all kinds burst forth all around; trees, fetched from all corners of the globe helped form this arboretum.
It was late afternoon as she trotted behind the house, the horses hooves rang out on the paving stones, under a sandstone arch they passed to where the regular floor was replaced by uneven cobbles, the horse disliked the feel of these under his feet and naturally slowed as they neared the stables. Unlike the rest of the house which was built from sandstone the stables were constructed from brick; above them was living accommodation for the grooms and stablelads, green painted doors opened to the stalls themselves, they were well-tended with full mangers of oats and grain. A groom hurried from one of the stalls carrying a horse-blanket but Richard arrived first. He helped lift Chacuti from the mount then after the groom had unsaddled the stallion he took the blanket and placed it upon the steaming animal. ADid you enjoy your
[email protected] he asked.
AIt was wonderful Richard,@ she said shivering in the cool evening air. He took off his jacket and placed it over her shoulders, then escorted her into the house.
AWas he not the most caring
[email protected] asked Chacuti of Davey. He nodded, although he was getting used to this world that the helmet had allowed him to enter he still sometimes found it hard to reconcile himself to the fact that these things were actually happening and were not just a part of a huge dream and one day he would wake up. Or, he grinned to himself as he thought how Paddy would put it, AWake up in the
[email protected] AThere is the old man's room,@ said Chacuti, pointing up to one of the rooms above the stable block. Davey looked inside, the old man sat upon the floor in a cross-legged position, on his head was the helmet.
AI hear you boy,@ said the old man, Ait has been long since we spoke, much has happened during that
[email protected] Davey was flustered, AYou mean I shouldn't have rushed forwards to where you are
[email protected] he asked guiltily.
AIt was not wise boy. But the child is safe, she is living her life in happiness, no sight nor sound of the Shaman has interfered these years
[email protected] AI'm with her
[email protected] ANever leap forwards again boy, it is far too dangerous. You have had the luck of the innocent, next time we may not be so fortunate. You must continue to inform me what you
[email protected] He repeated his previous admonition, AWatch over her boy, for this is surely the calm before the storm. Richard has spoken to me of strange happenings and against my advice has taken the man, O'Neill, into his employment.
AWhy would he have done so if you warned him against
[email protected] asked Davey.
AThe man was down on his luck, his share of the gold was used up and his injury prevented his finding work. Richard felt unable not to take him under his
[email protected] ABut the girl has already said that he's a
[email protected] exclaimed Davey.
AWe are but pieces in the machinery of fate, we can be take action as opportunity presents
[email protected]