CHAPTER 31
The Journey
Davey and Paddy sat together in the quiet of the bedroom. The light which glimmered in from the street light outside was extinguished when the light-man turned off its supply. Davey picked up the matches from the dressing-table and lit the lamp above Paddy's bed.
AI tell yer what lad that helmet's handy. If yer could make them yer'd make a fortune, think of it, nobody would need to spend money on the gas. They could just go round wearing
[email protected] AAnd it would protect you from being blown-up if there was a gas leak,@ joked Davey.
AYer having me on now aren't
[email protected] AUncle Paddy,@ said Davey in an enquiring tone.
AYeah
[email protected] AHow do you think this helmet ended up in the German trenches
[email protected] ANo idea lad, maybe yer should ask yer
[email protected] AYou know what he'd do - send for the men in white
[email protected] They both laughed. ASeriously Uncle Pad, how on earth did it get there. I mean the old man had it, we know that, then me dad got it
[email protected] ASommat must have happened to it in the
[email protected] AYeah, but
[email protected] AWell the only way yer goin' to find out is by gettin' on with
[email protected] He looked at his clock, AIt's gettin' on for midnight. In the mornin' yer going to have to go out with yer mam and
[email protected] He stuck his hand under the mattress and pulled out a wad of banknotes.
AUncle
[email protected] AShush lad, yer'll wake her up. Take this lot and buy yerselves sommat. There's plenty more where that came
[email protected] ABut they'll want to know how come I've got
[email protected] AYou've got a point there. Tell yer what tell them that it's yer first week's
[email protected] AThat's more than I'd earn in the first five years, never mind the first
[email protected] AHow about this then, tell them yer've got a magic helmet, a ghost from the past told yer to look inside a wall and in it yer found some
[email protected] ADon't be daft,@ said Davey pretending to pound his uncle's arm.
AWell tell them that I've received a war payment for all me injuries and this is a present from
[email protected] ANaw, they'll never believe it, we're going to have to think of a better story than
[email protected] AWhat d'yer think we should do for now then? Get some
[email protected] ANo way, I'm dying to find out what happens. Like the old man says events are going to come together
[email protected] AGet on with it then me old son,@ urged Paddy.
Leaving Speke Hall were two riders, from a distance it looked like a man and a boy but when Davey zoomed in for a closer look he saw it was the old man on his pony. Alongside him rode John Middleton seated on the back of a lumbering cart-horse. The two men rode close to a winding river heavy with brown, mud-laden water from the Autumn rains, within its swirling muddy mass could be seen leaves, dropped from overhanging trees, which tumbled and tossed along. Over muddy fields, across deep ditches and through huge hedgerows, the riders slowly made their way. The difference in height made it difficult for them to talk but occasionally one would shout a few words to the other, mostly they joked or bantered about something. It was light-hearted humour and much appreciated by Paddy who remarked, AThem two could do a turn up at the local club, Little and Large,@ he guffawed.
AThey'd certainly make a sight for sore eyes Uncle
[email protected] AIf they didn't want to attract attention to themselves I reckon they're goin' the wrong way about it
[email protected] They watched as the pair passed by a farmer tilling a field. His plough, pulled by two oxen, was harnessed to him as it was to them. He stared across, tripped and was dragged along a furrow.
AHa! Look at >im, fell tip over
[email protected] jeered Paddy.
The two riders chortled at the antics of the ploughman. Towards day's end they crossed a flat field dissected in its centre with a roadway which was wide enough for two carts to pass by next to each other. The horses stepped up out of the boggy ground on the road's stone surface and shook themselves as though shaking off the memory of such hard going. The road soon rang to their hooves. John's carthorse left a trail of great clods of earth, both horses were as chatty as their riders and never stopped nuzzling each other and whinnying in delight at being ridden.
It was Autumn, evening drew in early as they approached the first town they would have to pass through. The old man peered at Richard's list, AIt's Market Drayton
[email protected] The finely dressed stone road gave way to a higgledy-piggledy arrangement of cobblestones, the weary horses disliked the uneven, slippery surface but settled themselves to it with words of encouragement from their riders. It wound into the town; black and white wattle and daub houses overhung the road, smoke filtered through thatched roofs and trailed into the darkening sky. The smell of wood-burning stoves and the meals simmering away upon them brought groans from the giant's stomach. AWhat
[email protected] he said as they saw a group of white figures crossing the road and making their way into a tavern.
[email protected] cried Davey as he zoomed in to look at the spooky figures, shimmering white in the twilight.
AIt's salt lad. They're salt miners,@ Paddy laughed, Athe ground down there's full of the
[email protected] AHey up there! It's a flippin'
[email protected] shouted one of the men turning towards the sound of echoing hooves. The other men joined him in making fun of John, AWhich one's the
[email protected] shouted one. AYou've got it the wrong way round mate, you should be carrying the
[email protected] AAnd don't think you're getting away with it >helmet head', going off to war are
[email protected] AI don't reckon them feller's know what they're dealin' with
[email protected] AWhy doesn't John get down and flatten the lot of them. I
[email protected] AMe
[email protected] But John had heard it all before, he didn't even turn his head as they passed the men.
AI think we'll avoid passing through towns except under cover of the night my friend,@ said the old man.
AThe gnats are still troublesome even at this time of year,@ replied John.
They continued the rest of the way through the town unmolested, the darkness was drawing in as they found a grassy meadow. They dismounted and led their relieved mounts through lush knee-deep grass. After they had hobbled the animals they got a small fire going.
AYou've done this before,@ joked John as he saw how expertly the old man brewed up a meal.
AIt seems like another world, another lifetime ago John. So much has happened, so much has still to
[email protected] AWill we save the girl old
[email protected] AHer fate is wrapped up with that of the Shaman. It is upon him that we must focus our efforts. Only time will tell whether we are to be
[email protected] After they had eaten they unrolled their bedrolls, wrapped themselves into blankets then took out their pipes and lay chatting and puffing away.
AThis helmet,@ John's deep voice rumbled in the darkness, the dying embers of the fire illuminated his huge torso, Atell me, why do you wear
[email protected] The old man took off the helmet and passed it to the giant. APut it on
[email protected] The giant shook his massive head and its mass of shaggy locks, AIt will never fit
[email protected] ATry
[email protected] The helmet fitted his head perfectly, John was clearly astonished. AHow can this
[email protected] ASpeak with him
[email protected] AHello,@ said Davey.
John leapt up from his reclining position and swung his great paws through the air, if anybody had been near him they would have been decapitated.
ACalm yourself John. Do not be
[email protected] AI fear no
[email protected] AThen listen to the
[email protected] AI'm Davey McCann,@ said Davey.
AI am John Middleton,@ said the giant hesitantly. AFrom where does this voice come old
[email protected] ANear to here in distance but far away in
[email protected] AShould the witchfinder learn of this we would burn at the
[email protected] AThe evil man we seek was in possession of this helmet. We take it to men who will use its power to defeat
[email protected] AIs he a
[email protected] asked John, taking the opportunity to
remove the helmet and pass it carefully back to the old man.
AMore than a witch. The souls of thousands; men, women and children, provide him with his evil energy. He must be
[email protected] AAnd this boy? What is he? A white
[email protected] ANo, just a
[email protected] ALike the boy David, the one who slew
[email protected] AJust a boy John but he sees more than we are able. Let us rest now, tomorrow will be another long
[email protected] They lay in the darkness listening to the sound of the horses tearing clumpfuls of grass. It was a long time before John stopped twisting his head round quickly at every sound.
ADon't make any jokes about slings to him lad or big as he is I reckon he'd die of
[email protected] AI'm going to speed this up, I mightn't get the chance to do anything tomorrow when I have to go to New
[email protected] ABe careful yer don't go too quick lad or yer might miss
[email protected] They watched the giant and old man move rapidly down Watling Street; they witnessed them carefully scout around darkened villages and towns, avoiding people. At Dunstable the riders missed their turnoff onto the Icknield Way and had to retrace their steps in the darkness until they found it. The road was less well-preserved than Watling Street but it still provided good-going for the horses. Half a day passed in the blink of an eye as they turned off the Icknield way on a bright Autumn afternoon, heading southwards, following the sun high in the heavens.
AHold it a mo' lad, just got to nip the lav'
[email protected] Davey took off the helmet but as soon as Paddy had left the room he couldn't help himself but replaced it and followed the speeding images through. The two riders were approaching a wide river, Davey realised from Richard's directions that it was the Thames. As they reached its banks the wind began to howl. Soon it had increased to such a force that the old man undid his groundsheet and fastened it into place across his body with the same straps which had been used to fix it to the rump of the horse. The giant appeared to be impervious to such a distraction. The clump, clump of Paddy returning up the stairs saw Davey saying, AJust put it back on Uncle Pad, look, it's blowing a
[email protected] The wind was blasting the surface of the river sending spray high into the air, the sky darkened and ominous black clouds rolled in.
ADo you wish us to find shelter for the night old
[email protected] asked the giant.
AIt is not a night fit for man or beast to spend in the open John but first let us cross this great
[email protected] They came to a cluster of thatched cottages which congregated around a crossing point. Floating at the water's edge was a flat-bottomed ferry boat, it was hauled across the river by means of an overhead cable. The ferryman hailed them through a shower of hailstones, AI were just about to pack in for the day when I saw you gennermen, are ye for
[email protected] The horses took some coaxing but once they had settled themselves onto the barge they stood stock still. With the hailstones dashing into his face the ferryman hauled out into mid-stream, John lent a giant hand.
AThankee kindly, are ye from these
[email protected] Aware of the dangers of the old man's Spanish accent John did all the talking, AClose
[email protected] AAnd where may that
[email protected] John ignored the question, AIs there an inn hereabouts where we might be able to stay the night and dry ourselves
[email protected] AThat be Medmenham,@ said the ferryman pointing back at the thatched cottages, ALike as not ye could've found rooms there for the
[email protected] He thought about it for a moment longer, ASoon as we get the bank follow the river downstream, ye'll come to the parish of Hurley, there be the Bell Inn there, ye'll get a warm welcome
[email protected] Davey said to the old man, AI'll go on ahead and see what it's
[email protected] He moved down the riverbank for some distance until he came to a manor house surrounded by a number of dwellings which bordered a road leading to the inn. Its huge black oak-beamed frontage, lit up by coachlamps around the doorway, stood alongside the rain-soaked road. Davey looked inside through a window shaped like a spy-glass and saw a huge log fire burning. AThe ferryman got it right Uncle Paddy when he said they'd get a warm welcome. It looks so cosy in there I wish I could get into
[email protected] AWhy don't yer have another try
[email protected] ANaw there's no point, we've tried hard enough, I'd only break the mirror. Here comes the old
[email protected] After they had ensured that their horses would be well looked after the giant led the old man inside. He had to bend almost double under the low-beamed ceilings, even then he banged his head so forcefully that the building itself seemed to tremor. The bang received a loud raucous cheer from a group of men sitting together around the fire.
ADon't mind them, they be travelling players, the plague's drove >em out of London,@ a barmaid called cheerily.
As John and the old man removed their soaking outer garments the mention of plague caused them to look at each other warily. John led the way to the bar, ATwo flagons of your best ale there
[email protected] The girl pumped the handle and filled the flagons, AAnd would you be wanting rooms for the
[email protected] John was busy taking a drink, the beer flowed down his throat and he steadily tilted his head back until he drained the last drop. One of the men had arisen from the fireside, he was a stout, heavily-muscled fellow, AHey Titus
[email protected] shouted one of the players after him as he walked to the bar, AI'll have a cider and
[email protected] Drink had flushed the man's face, it lent his vicious nature false courage, as he reached the bar he deliberately knocked into John sending the remains of his drink pouring down the inside of his collar. Slowly John replaced the flagon on the bar. AWill ye be paying for the gennerman's
[email protected] asked the barmaid of Titus Andronicus.
AO monstrous! What reproachful words are
[email protected] shouted the actor. The other members of his troupe sensed the bad vibrations which the confrontation had sent out, they rose to their feet.
AI'll have to be asking the landlord to ask ye all to leave,@ said the barmaid meekly feeling the tension rising as the men approached.
AThese words are razors to my wounded heart,@ said Titus.
One of the men vaulted over the bar and seized hold of the buxom barmaid, ALord Titus, by your leave, this maid is
[email protected] The girl screamed as the man produced a theatrical dagger, its point was real enough as he warned, AA thousand fiends, a thousand hissing snakes, would make such fearful and confused
[email protected] The girl held her tongue.
The old man felt a slight tug at his waist and turned to see one of the players brandishing his bag of gold, he held it up and taunted the old man, AKnow that this gold must coin a plot, Which, cunningly effected, will get, A very excellent piece of
[email protected] AReturn the gold and unhand the girl, then we will be on our
[email protected] shouted the old man.
Upon hearing the old man's distinct accent one of the actor's cried, ADismounted from your snow‑white goodly steed, a barbarous man of Spain, the Queen shall have notice of
[email protected] Apart from a hunching of the massive muscles on top of his shoulders John did not move, the faint click as the old man turned the handle of his staff was the only sound heard as he swiftly withdrew the blade.
Titus shouted, AKeep your dancing blade by your side, or have it glued within its sheath, Till you know better how to handle
[email protected] The old man flourished the sabre, the men around backed away from him but shielded by the body of the giant Titus stayed. John punched him in the ribs, it was not a wild swing, he simply drew back his fist a short distance then punched it forwards; it was not a fast action but the incredible power the blow unleashed sent the man flying along the bar, knocking over three or four of his fellows to collapse in a heap. The old man pointed the tip of his sabre at the man with the barmaid, AUnhand
[email protected] he ordered. The man vaulted back over the bar, dagger at the ready. Other members of the troupe had drawn weapons.
AThey appear to have a certain skill in these matters,@ said the old man as they watched the men fan out around them. A golden-haired player with brawny arms brandishing a stool, rushed at John, A
With this, my weapon drawn, I rush'd upon him, Surpris'd him suddenly,
[email protected] John seized the stool and wrenched it from the man's grasp, as the man was jerked within punching distance he tapped him on the head with his knuckles, the man collapsed to the saw-dust covered floor. AHow now? Brown
[email protected] joked the giant.
The atmosphere was anything but joking. The travelling players were intent upon overwhelming their opponents.
ALook
[email protected] exclaimed Davey as one of the men lunged at the old man. The sabre whirled and slashed, it dispatched the life of the man.
Seeing that one of their number had been killed the players became infuriated, they leapt for any long-range weapons they could lay their hands upon. From the walls of the inn various farming implements were snatched and brandished; a scythe carved through the air; chains, used for attaching a wooden yoke to oxen, were also swung, they collided with John who barely flinched as he dragged their wielder in for a knockout blow. Slowly, back to back, John and the old man retreated out through the door to the inn. The icy wind outside went unheeded as the battle continued in the soft glare of the coach-lamps.
Whilst some of the players kept the two men at bay with sudden charges more of their number fetched fence-posts, mattocks and rakes, anything which could be wielded from out of range of the giant's club-hammer punches and the old man's sabre.
It was taking an awful lot to raise the temper of the giant however, slowly but surely, he was losing his calm.
AThe steam's started comin' out his ears now lad, won't be long before he blows his
[email protected] As one of the men turned to receive a vicious mattock from one of his fellows John bent down and seized him by the ankle. His hand clamped like a vice as he heaved the man up and swung him round, clearing a great circle around himself and the old man. The man's head connected with the body of one of the players, sending him crashing to the ground clutching his ribs. John flung the man into a group of the players and then he and the old man made off at a slow trot.
The actors were not giving up easily, they ran along a footpath hemmed in by dense hedges which led them back to the river, along its bank the chase continued. Occasionally the old man and John stood and fought but as soon as there was a lull they again continued their retreat.
Outnumbered and with only the old man's sabre against such superior odds they both knew that sooner or later one of the players would get lucky and strike a blow.
AJohn, we must get out of this, much depends upon our successful
[email protected] shouted the old man.
Davey swept ahead of them and saw the means of escape, AThere's a boat up ahead, near to a weir, hurry
[email protected] The old man told the giant, together they ran for it and barely scrabbled into the lugger before they were caught by the players. A slash of the sabre freed it from its moorings, a powerful push from John sent it out into mid-river.
The players sent stones accompanied with fierce shouts winging after them, A I have dogs, my lord, Will rouse the proudest panther in the
[email protected] Titus shouted, AAnd I have horse will follow where the game runs like swallows o'er the
[email protected] He flung a stone which in the darkness could not be seen by John, it would have struck him but the old man caught it and flung it back at its thrower. Titus collapsed to the ground clutching his head.
ANice one,@ said Paddy, Abut it sounds like them fellers are goin' to chase
[email protected] AThey'll be wasting their time Uncle Paddy, look at them
[email protected] The boat was caught in the whirls and eddies which led to the weir where the water dashed rapidly down a steep ramp. The lugger was dragged towards it and flung down the ramp, the giant and old man clung to the gunwales as it rushed down with its keel grating on the bottom. It hit the deep water at the bottom of the plunge then bobbed back up before plummeting on in the strong current.
AWe'd best trim the boat John,@ said the old man as soon as it had settled into the steady flow of the current. They placed the mast and sail which lay in the bottom of the boat to one side then carefully they manoeuvred John into the stern. The old man retrieved a set of oars and sat amidships. The bow of the boat tilted upwards with the weight of the giant but the old man seemed satisfied. He rowed on.
AI'd forgotten how strong that >elmet made him lad, look at
[email protected] The old man sat on the thwart, bending and straightening his back into each pull. He was heaving the boat along, its bow rode high out of the water helping it to plane along. Downriver they raced; past a stately abbey where bells tolled for morning prayers, through a sleepy town where hardly a light betrayed the inhabitants, past a tiny hamlets where only the far-off barking of an old dog indicated life. A herd of fallow deer creeping down to drink at the water's edge were startled by their sudden appearance.
The river widened and the rising sun brought with it a fresh breeze, from the hull they lifted the mast and fastened it into place with two stays, a triangular red sail was unfurled and as the giant sent the boat onto the correct tack the sail filled and pushed them along, the old man placed the oars in the boat.
AThat's made for an easier life
[email protected] John grinned, ADid you see that fellow who I rapped on the head, I only wish it had been Titus Andronicus himself,@ he jested. From far off they heard the sound of a hunting horn and turned to look at each other, AFox-hunters, most like,@ said John.
As the sun continued to climb the countryside gave way to majestic buildings with wide beautiful lawns. The lawns decreased as the buildings increased in amount and grandeur; castles, cathedrals, churches and theatres were passed, great stone towers and keeps overlooked each tack they took. By mid-morning their tiny craft was lost in a mass of vessels of all shapes and sizes so that John had to be constantly on the look-out ready to send them onto another course. The old man replaced the oars in their rowlocks should they need to perform any sudden manoeuvre, AThere is a fine stench to this place,@ he said.
John wrinkled his huge nose, AIt comes from the water itself I fear, should we land and
[email protected] The old man took out the map Richard had given him, AIf we continue we can sail out into the sea, then by following this coastline (his finger traced the route) to here, we will be in position to cross the Channel. It will save us
[email protected] AAnd our
[email protected] On either side of the river buildings of every type and description crowded to the water's edge. They sailed beneath the arches of a stone bridge but as they passed through Davey cried a warning, ALook
[email protected] The old man gave a powerful flick of the oars as, in the same spot where their boat would have been, a woman plummeted into the river from the bridge above. Her black skin and the inflamed buboes around her armpits sent a shout from the giant, ABLACK
[email protected] They stared at the body as it floated slowly downstream in their wake.
AUgh, did you see her Uncle Paddy. It was
[email protected] A>orrible ain't the word for it
[email protected] They turned a bend in the river, ahead of them a large fleet of warships was assembled. Some vessels were tugging at their anchors out in mid-river, others felt the pull of the tide upon them as they rode at the quayside. Schooners, frigates, long-bowed slender ships, all had their gun-ports open revealing men working away at the cannons shipside.
Jolly boats, ferries and shore boats swarmed all around. Gantries and scaffolds teamed with men hauling on ropes and swinging great nets filled with bundles and packages, stores and provisions out onto the ships waiting below.
ASeems like Richard was right John, they make ready for war with
[email protected] AIt would be well for you not to return here old man but not all these vessels are for
[email protected] As they sailed past a flotilla he pointed towards the flagship, Jesus of Lübeck. It carried the royal standard of England proudly at the masthead, beneath it fluttered the captain's crest - a negro bound with cord.
AIt is an evil trade John,@ said the old man observing the lines of black slaves who were being taken below. The smell from the vessel was enough to cause them to move
away but to ensure they did so a marine pacing the deck of one of the warships levelled his musket towards them. John jerked the tiller and sent the lugger heading beneath the arch of another bridge.
The clamour and din of the city was a stark contrast to the tranquillity of the countryside; carts and horses, men and women shouting and yelling, the sounds of people toiling away at their day's work added to the sounds of the docks, of cargoes being loaded and the hum of the African slaves crammed into the holds of the ships.
It was to be a long time before either John or the old man spoke, in fact it was not until the city had been left behind them and had been replaced by a wide expanse of murky water flanked by green fields and Autumn trees devoid of leaf that the first of the giant's deep warnings came, AReady about,@ he warned, the yacht jibed and he added, ALee ho,@ as the boom swung across the boat forcing the old man to duck.
Out past mid-channel surrounded by a heavy swell, under a black sky broken by only the faintest starlight the tiny craft continued seawards constantly tacking to the east. Late into the night the old man consulted the compass Richard had given him, AWe have now reached the position from which we are able to sail due south,@ he stared at the particles suspended in the water and by watching them as they sailed past was able to gauge their speed, AThis north wind combined with the southward flowing tide will take us around the coast and out into the Channel, it will be but a matter of hours before
[email protected] AI'm no sailor myself,@ joked John trying to sound cheerful.
AThe conditions will ensure a calm crossing, have no
[email protected] Southwards the wind pushed the tiny craft, occasionally the old man asked the giant to correct their position by applying force to the tiller. Not once did they need to tack but sailed smoothly onwards over the flat sea. The only sounds that could be heard was the rush of water beneath the hull and the screech of sea-birds telling each other of their positions in the night.
AWe make good time John,@ said the old man as he used his helmet to scoop sea-water from out of the bottom of the boat.
By mid-morning the coastline could be seen as a ribbon strip along the horizon. Under the old man's directions John kept the craft headed straight to shore, heaved up by strong rollers they ground upon a wide, flat, deserted beach. AIt has served us well John but there'll be no coming back this way for it,@ said the old man, he pushed against the bow of the lugger and sent it bobbing out amongst the waves, ARichard will need to repay the owner for the mischief we have done
[email protected] They began the long walk from the sea to the land. No locals were about as the strange pair walked inland along a deserted road where for mile after mile the wind swept sand pounded against their ankles.
ABoy. Do you
[email protected] asked the old man.
AYeah, we're
[email protected] AGo to the child, stay with her, watch over her. John and I can take care of whatever comes our
[email protected] Davey did as he was asked, Chacuti sat in the library, upon her lap was a sheet of paper upon which she was using a charcoal stick to draw a sketch of Richard as he sat reading a thick, leather-bound book. AWhat is it that you read
[email protected] she asked looking up.
AIt is the tale of a man who suffered much for his belief's, it is called >Pilgrim's Progress'
[email protected] [email protected] tone in her voice caused him to close the book to signify that he was giving her his full attention. She asked, AWill the Shaman come
[email protected] AYou know that you should not talk of such matters. The old man has told you not to worry has he
[email protected] AHe would never leave me unless it was absolutely necessary. I have to remain
[email protected] In the distance a glint attracted Davey's sharp eyes. ADid you see that Uncle
[email protected] he swept across the lawn and down the field towards a clump of trees.
AThere it is, up there. It's a
[email protected] They moved up to the top of a tall young oak, as Davey zoomed in he recognised the man who, due to the lack of leaves, was only partially concealed by the branches. AIt's O'
[email protected] AWhat's he doin' up
[email protected] As he swayed backwards and forwards in the breeze he held a telescope to his eye and swept the grounds of the estate.
AI've an idea he's looking for Chacuti. She'd normally be out riding if the old man hadn't told her to stay in the
[email protected] AWell I reckon whatever he's doing he ain't up to any good. How'd he get up there
[email protected] Davey scanned back down the branch he sat upon, deep cuts had been freshly hacked through the bark forming a set of steps.
AI've been up them steps when the toughies caught
[email protected] exclaimed Davey.
AThat tree's been around some time then lad. But yer right, look, there's the chopper he
[email protected] At the base of the tree propped against the trunk was an axe. AQuestion is, why's he bothering to spy on her or anybody for that matter. One thing's for sure, he's up to no good, unless he just likes sittin' in the top of trees with a
[email protected] AI'll track him back and see what's led to him coming here should
[email protected] As Davey spoke a huge bird glided close to the man in the tree, he cried out in alarm, warded it off with his arms and began to quickly climb down. As soon as his feet hit the ground he picked up the axe and ran off.
AFlamin' >eck what was that
[email protected] ASome kind of giant bird. Something's going on here Uncle
[email protected] He moved back to the night when O'Neill was dismissed by Richard. They scanned through the old man sitting in the study waiting for Richard; saw Chacuti standing with Richard at the doorway to their home saying goodbye to their guests. The guests made their way out to gleaming carriages drawn by prancing horses, the wheels crunched back and forth over the gravel as the spirited animals waited.
AThank you, do come again,@ said Richard to a gentleman and his lady.
AAnd she's so beautiful,@ said the lady to Richard as she kissed Chacuti goodbye.
AI remember that old cow saying Chacuti was a commoner Uncle
[email protected] ANowt wrong with commoners lad, salt of the earth, that's
[email protected] Leaving Chacuti to say their final goodbye's Richard entered the study, the old man motioned for him to come nearer then said quietly, AO'Neill was watching us, he saw whatever took place in this
[email protected] AWe know what happened next lad, get up to where O'Neill's nicked the
[email protected] Their view swept above the lane, it was crowded with carriages. Each carriage carried a lantern swaying from the top of a pole. It was a cheery sight, some of the ladies sat singing the words to the songs played at the ball, over their knees they had thick woollen rugs to keep out the cold. The pleasant evening was destroyed when O'Neill caught them and charged past, yelling oaths and urging the mare ever faster. The carriages blocked his path and he was forced to ride beneath overhanging bushes which tore at him as he rode past thumping its rear with the stump of his arm, holding the reins in his other hand.
He left the gates to the estate behind him and galloped over a well-beaten trail which cut across a gorse and heather common, Davey soared high above looking down upon him. The trees were joined with buildings, some of which Paddy recognised. AHe's heading into the
[email protected] he said as O'Neill rode swiftly along AThis is amazin' lad, he's riding over our house, if it had been built four hundred years ago that is. There's King John's hunting lodge on Lodge Lane, eh up he's going to
[email protected] O'Neill dismounted outside the lodge and tied his horse onto a rail. He ran nimbly up the steps to the door and tugged on a bell-pull, deep inside the house they heard the dull tones of a bell and the heavy bark of a large dog. An aged gentleman answered the door, he wore his night-clothes over which he had thrown a heavy blanket to shield himself from the cold, behind him strained a mastiff which was endeavouring to get past his legs and attack this unwelcome visitor.
AYes! What do you want at this ungodly
[email protected] snapped the man.
AI'm sorry your honour, I have certain information to impart to you,@ replied O'Neill.
AShut up
[email protected] snapped the gentleman to the mastiff, the animal slunk away but sat eyeing the man who was ushered into it
s home suspiciously.
ACertain information which concerns a Mr Richard Parker,@ continued O'Neill in answer to the gentleman's enquiring look.
ABe quick man, I do not take kindly to
[email protected] AI was told that certain information was always, if your honour will pardon my saying so, appreeciated,@ he stressed the word >appreeciated'.
AAs the witch-finder of this area it is in my power to decide whether a small reward should be paid,@ the gentleman agreed.
AShall we say that this matter concerns,@ O'Neill looked all around, then at the dog which growled back at him, then back at the witch-finder, Aconcerns
[email protected] AYou have
[email protected] barked the witch-finder.
AThe evidence of mine own two eyes your
[email protected] [email protected] the witch-finder was eager to listen, Aout with it, quickly now
[email protected] All the tiredness of his heavy sleep had disappeared.
AYou know Carnatic
[email protected] AAhem, the chap who captured the galleon. What of it? Is there a witch there? Who is
[email protected] His eyes peered fiercely from beneath hooded eyebrows, AGive me a name and you shall be well rewarded for this night's
[email protected] AThere is a young woman there, known as Chacuti, came from the land of the Inka. I sailed on the schooner which took the galleon, some of me ship-mates says they saw her walk on water. I didn't mind them but when my share of the loot from the galleon ran out this Richard Parker he gives me a job working for him. And I tell you I've seen some strange goings-on in that
[email protected] AAnd so you reward his generosity with treachery, but it is of no matter. He has consorted with the
[email protected] AI don't know about that, but he certainly has, shall we says, a tender spot for her, that much is
[email protected] The witch-finder sat down at a desk and picked up a quill, he dipped it into ink and began to make notes. AYour
[email protected] he wrote it down then ordered, ANow, tell me what you have
[email protected] AWell like I said me mates saw her walk on water,@ he waited whilst the witch-finder scratched away, Aand I saw a candle, watched it light all by itself and then go out,@ the quill scratched, Aand I saw Richard Parker and some strange old man who lives up at the Hall talking about someone being in the room with them but nobody was there. Right frightened they
[email protected] AThis is most interesting,@ said the witch-finder blotting the ink, Athis has all the classic signs of
[email protected] O'Neill gave a wretched smile which disappeared from his face when the witch-finder said, AHowever, we shall require further evidence if we are to be able to issue a warrant and burn out this
[email protected] He reached into his desk and from a velvet lined tray picked out a number of coins. He passed them towards O'Neill who opened his hand.
AWhat is this
[email protected] shouted the witch-finder, grasping hold of his hand. ASuch symbols are known to the
[email protected] AHa! That'll learn
[email protected] exclaimed Paddy, AThe shoes on the other foot now, look at his
[email protected] AIt were when I was a young man, your honour. Voyaged to India, up in the hills we went, thought nought about it at the time, just some tattoos, had them done like you
[email protected] [email protected] roared the witch-finder. The mastiff edged nearer, growling. The witch-finder spoke sternly, AI am deeply suspicious about your motives this night. I charge you to obtain further evidence concerning your report or else a warrant shall be put out for your arrest on the charge of incitement of
[email protected] The witch-finder then spoke perfectly calmly, AYour
[email protected] O'Neill was thrown, he began to stutter and whine.
ADo not attempt to leave this district on pain of
[email protected] threatened the witch-finder. The mastiff escorted O'Neill to the door, its teeth clacking shut at his heels, hurrying him on his way.
AI'd better let the old man know about
[email protected] said Davey shocked.
The old man and giant followed the same road; occasionally as the day had worn on they had passed various travellers but both had kept their heads down, their eyes averted and their mouths shut and although they made a strange pair, they did not receive the same harsh treatment to which they had grown accustomed as they travelled through England.
AO'Neill has been to see a
[email protected] AI fear the skulls have tipped him far to their ways, his actions are miserable,@ said the old man.
AHe says that Chacuti's a witch, says he's seen her walking on water, and that candles have lit on their own and other strange things have happened in the
[email protected] ADid the judge believe
[email protected] AHe give him some money and told him to get further evidence. We've seen him in a tree, spying around with a telescope, he's up to no good that's for
[email protected] AI cannot return to assist her, you must do something
[email protected] AWhat can I do? I can't speak with her. Only when you wear the helmet can I speak to
[email protected] The old man frowned, AThe fates are in motion, what is unformed will soon be formed, what is in turmoil is taking order. Stay with her
[email protected]