Travelling Again (Open)

[Robert Williams]

In his years fighting in the Crusades, and leading men into battle in the same, Roe had grown use to and adept at judging people. He basically judged them in two ways. He judged their particular skill levels with various types of weaponry, which was sometimes obvious and sometimes not. He also judged them on their character, whether they were likely to defend outnumbered comrades, run in heat of combat, and kill or defend non-combatants. There was something about this butcher that just didn't strike Roe correctly. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something wasn't quite right. He shelved the thought away for the time being, but did flag this fellow to himself to be careful around him. "Thank you for the offer, it is well appreciated, but I best be getting myself and my wood material back to Locksley. However, if you need any carpentry done, be sure to look me up," he said with a ready smile.

[Thomas Scarlett]

Hearing Roe say that his problems weren't too much of an issue were a relief for Tom to hear. Roe seemed like an alright man to know and have the odd conversation with but listening was never his strongest point. Besides, his issues seemed more important to him than a stranger's would. Although, Tom was running pretty low on friends at the moment so it would probably be wise not to insult someone by his arrogance which he knew was sometimes quite off putting to some people. It was best to be a bit false at times, especially around someone you have just talked to for a while. '' I think that you're issues probably would be quite interesting to here. It may even help a bit in the end. If you want to talk to me about anything, like who you was a big brother to wards, then I will listen.''

Turning his attention back to James, who he was pleased to have finally learned their name, he considered about his offer for a ride to Nottingham. Tom didn't live there, nor had any intention to do so, but perhaps it would be worth a look. However, not at the moment, it was getting dark, cold and Tom was filthy from his walk through the forest. Not just everyday dirt, but proper dirt which was kind of annoying to Tom. He would definitely have to change his trousers and clean his boots before he could do anything else the following day. '' Thank you for the offer but I will have to say no today. I am already dirty enough so the walk won't do me any harm and I do not live in Nottingham, even if the place is worth a visit.''

[Robert Williams]

Roe was pleased to hear that Thom was at least willing to listen. That was always a good sign when somebody said they were willing to listen, even if they really weren't that willing. It sometimes indicated that they were willing to make the effort , which was also promising.

'' I think that you're issues probably would be quite interesting to here. It may even help a bit in the end. If you want to talk to me about anything, like who you was a big brother to wards, then I will listen.''

It is kind of you to inquire, but I would think that you might be able to figure that one out. Do you happen to remember whose ward I was back then? It really isn't of great importance though. Those days are quite long gone now. So are you just passing through or are you staying for awhile. You are more than welcome to stay in the old Scarlett place with me, if you don't want to go on to Nottingham. It isn't much yet, but it does have a roof. And just imagine, you'll probably be able to hear Dan spinning in his grave knowing that you are back in his house," Roe laughed while nudging Thom playfully in ribs with his elbow, with a mischievous smile.

[jamesbutcher]

Honestly, James wasn’t feeling too hot about Roe either. In both of their, well, ‘career options’, the ability to judge people was important for survival. Roe had needed it to plan battle strategies, and James needed it simply to avoid finding a noose around his neck one morning. Roe, he knew, hadn’t taken to him well, but he wasn’t about to jump to conclusions about what he thought Roe knew. He probably didn’t take well to being accused of eavesdropping or something, but still, best keep an eye out.

“Oh well, it was nice to meet the both of you. Don’t get too muddy on the way back,” he smiled. Mud meant dirt, mud meant stains, mud meant cleaning. Horrible, disgusting filth. Gave totally the wrong impression. Disgusting. Resisting the urge to pull a face, James grabbed the reins again to yank the mares head up. With a wack from the stick the unkempt looking creature started forwards worriedly, ears back and wide hooves sinking back into the mud as she went.

Roe he might have to go back and watch. He could easily come up with an excuse that he’d accidentally imbedded the meat-cleaver in a table and needed a new one, but that would probably cost more than it was worth. Oh well, at least he knew where to find him if he needed him. Tom he didn’t think twice about. If he was really up to something he would have been more careful about his surname.

He quickly stopped focusing on them after a few minutes. After all, he had to get back before that cazy old lady came back to the shop for sausages.

[Exit James]

[Thomas Scarlett]

Tom honestly couldn't remember much about his past experiences before he had left Dan's house. This was mainly because he had had a lot of other things to consider before leaving, and so was not as up to date with the lives of others as perhaps he should have been. Rather, he was far more concerned with his own disgust at his brother, sadness at his father's death and most importantly whatever good things he could do for himself. He wasn't a bad man back then though, or at least he thought he was not. Tom was just looser moralled then a lot of people would have been. It wasn't even his fault that he got drunk often. It was more his brother's being as he drove him to it being as he thought he had the right to tell him how to live is life.

'' I apologize, but I do not know who you are speaking of. I was distracted a lot of the time back then with more frowned upon activities, as you may be aware''. Tom paused for a moment, considering something. '' Especially if my brother would have ever mentioned me to you''.

The offer surprised Tom very much but this day was very surprising in general. It was true that Tom did need a place to stay for a while, but then he didn't know what to expect in this man's company. He didn't know if there would be rules, or a strict code of conduct there or anything. However, the prospect of being back in Dan's old house, which Roe reminded him of, was very amusing. '' It is a very kind of offer and definitely one that I would consider. But before that, I would wish to know a little bit more. Firstly, are there any strict house rules that you have in your home?''

Turning his attention back to James, Tom wished him a good journey and also said good bye. He was a little unsure of him though. He seemed pleasant enough, but he just hoped that he wouldn't be telling the authorities about his connections to an outlaw. In the end there would be of course nothing he could be punished for but he would much rather go without his connections to his relatives being questioned. However, he would not say anything about Luke's whereabouts to them, even if it would shift the blame. It was odd, but he felt loyal to the boy, despite only having met him once after several years.

[Robert Williams]

"Ach! ..... There's nothing to apologize for Thomas or Thom, whichever you choose to go by. Believe it or not I was born into a noble house, they lost their lands and title, but I was adopted as a ward into a local Earl's house. Who it is is not really important, since I left 15 years ago, and have probably been forgotten long ago. The Earl's grandson, several years younger than me, though, provided me with some good memories. However, eventually he would move in different circles than I, me becoming a carpenter's apprentice. So, as memories to me they are important, but its not important that someone like you have knowledge of them. Besides, since I was not a blood relation, there was no family connection there anyway.''

Roe's eyes sparkled as if the mind possessed some hidden knowledge. Everyone knew that you and your brother were not on the best of terms. The way that nobody ever spoke of you directly, and how silent the master became when you were about, always spoke volumes. Those who who old enough, knew that your behavior, though not unusual, was not something that was approved of. However, I was never brave enough to bring it up to my master. .... So no ... it was not something that my master at the time would have ever spoken of to me or in my presence," he chuckled.

'' It is a very kind of offer and definitely one that I would consider. But before that, I would wish to know a little bit more. Firstly, are there any strict house rules that you have in your home?'' Roe laughed .... "Well .... rule number 1 is not to burn the place down. I'm not opposed to drinking, but don't bring any drinking or gambling partners back with you. And don't come back if you're going to be bringing the law down on the both of us. I can be an outlaw if needs-must, but I'd like to stay out of harm's way if I can, and I would like for too. Understand that I am offering this out of old time's sake to the Scarlett's .... so you are included. By the way, have you seen anything of the two Scarlett boys since you've been back?"

[Thomas Scarlett]

'' I never knew that you were born into a noble house. It must be frustrating that you no longer have any special privileges which would have came with that''. Roe's history was actually quite interesting to Tom. Normally he found other people's business rather boring. After all, if it did not concern him, then why should it matter. There would be no benefit, or in worse cases make him worse off so it hardly mattered, However, being as he was getting to know this man a little more, it was good to know more of his past.

'' That is good that he seldom ever mentioned me. I would not have liked him to take too much care''. That was actually the truth as well. As much as Tom hated his brother, he wanted to Have not hurt him too much with their constant bickering. It was much better that Dan had not cared because it was easier for both of them. If Tom had had such an argument with his father, then he would have been devastated. He was always his father's favorite for some reason. Although he was no where near as talented as Dan, his father always respected him the most. '' Dan was always jealous of my relationship with my father.l My father treated us both kindly, but he treated me with a lot more respect. I used to admire Dan as a little brother does admire an older sibling but the fact that I was much more valued was always at the back of his mind so we never truly got along''.

'' I will follow those rules then. It shall be good to return back to the old house. I have seen Luke since my return. He is doing.... well, he is coping anyway. So, what are the plans for me seeing the old house again then?''

[Robert Williams]

“Eh, you never knew? Well, its not likely that you would have payed much attention to the scrawny young apprentice, even if he was slightly older than yourself. Its not like it really matters, either of thse lives of mine. Its not like I can go back and inhabit them, right? Yes, I was a baron’s son …. Not the highest level of the aristocracy I grant you. My father was deep in debt, as I understand it, and went to fight in some foreign land and got himself killed. In order to pay his debts both title and lands were sold back to the crown. Practically I guess that left me an orphan. In truth, I was too young to remember what that life had been like, good or bad. I’ve always supposed that the baron and the old Earl had been friends, or there was a personal debt owed one to the other, and I was made ward.''

Roe had thought that Thom wasn’t that interested him. He had remembered him as being as much a self-centered young man those years ago as Dan had been …. perhaps … demanding. He had thought at the time that 2 brothers could hardly have been different. He wondered how similar Will and Luke were to their father and uncle. He also sensed that Thom hadn’t changed much over the years. He thought it was possible that he had mellowed some, but he doubted it. Probably a place to rest his head that was dry and at least somewhat familiar was what appealed to him,

“Thom ….. that’s not always the case. Its possible that he did care a lot. Many times when we force a separation from people its hard to find our way back.”

Wasn’t that the hard truth of things thought Roe. He had had an experience with that as a teen just as Thom probably had. His was not with Dan though, it was with the Earl himself, and all over a young girl and an infant boy. It had caused a separation that he knew could never be breached. It was almost certain, after 15 years, that they were as gone as the old Earl was. The only thing that Roe felt that he could do was run away …. and run away to the Crusades he did. That indeed was a crucible that made him into a harder more distant man than if I had stayed, that was for sure.

“It is not unusual for an older son to feel that way, especially across the years. They often feel that they are not appreciated, and eventually those feelings of neglect can come out in other ways. That, by itself, can get in the way of feelings that are really just as natural, and more pleasant. However, we all make our choices, and then we have to live with those consequences, don’t we?''

'' I am glad to hear that those are ‘rules’ acceptable to you then. Well …. If you will help me carry some of this wood and branch frond, I will be appreciative. I’m still working on different parts of the hut. I’m afraid there is no homecoming or celebration planned. I have very little to offer you but a dry place to sleep. You can help me out if you wish, but that is your own decision. Feel free to ask me anything you have a question about, just as I would be interested in knowing what you’ve been up to since you left here. I understand that you may not want to talk about the specifics of your separation from Dan,” he said with a quizzical look on his face, as he lifted one of the loads onto his broad shoulders and began the short trek back to Locksley.

[Thomas Scarlett]

'' Thank you for sharing this information with me. It is interesting to know more about you. As you said, when I was younger I didn't pay much attention to you, or anyone else for that matter, but it is good that I am finding out some more. I only wish now that I had a story to tell you that doesn't involve me getting drunk and making an idiot of myself. Although you can hear one of those if you wish. I have plenty''. Tom gave an embarrassed look to the forest floor, which was covered in a type of mushroom, covered with mud. Usually his drunkenness didn't exactly embarrass him, but he didn't exactly like saying it to a Baron's son. Although he wasn't particularly noble now, it still seemed a bit awkward.

'' Perhaps he did care once but I think he believed genuinely that I wronged him so much that I wasn't his brother anymore. He was always stubborn and sometimes distant with me, even as a teenager, but he was completely different after my father died. I think that if I would have died before him, then he wouldn't have cared. I suppose it is another way that he showed he wasn't appreciated, like you said.''

The next thing that Roe said, was what Tom dreaded. It seemed like very hard work to lug all that wood back, but he was offering him a place to sleep he supposed, so he had to be fair. Even though the house wasn't exactly charming according to Roe, it was still a good offer from him. '' I'll give you a hand with the wood then and don't worry about the house not being too impressive yet. I'm sure I've slept in worse places''.

Tom smirked as Roe asked him about his time away from the place. He had gotten very good at making this part of his life seem rather interesting so he had great pride in sharing it. '' Well, what didn't I do once I left Dan's place? For the years I left I had spent many years traveling around. I'd been to many different towns including London. It was a good place. There was lots to do with the shops, taverns and other places. There was good women there as well, especially one of them. I was going to propose to her and everything. Do it all properly with going down on one knee and all that. Nothing came of it though in the end. However, that is a pretty boring story to be fair.''

[Robert Williams]

Roe smiled, it was good to see that maybe if Thom was somewhat embarrassed …. maybe he had a conscience too. “Think nothing of it. I’ve had good times and bad. I’ve seen more of the world, during the Crusades, than I really cared to. A large part of me is glad to be back here after so long away. Feel free to tell me any stories that you are willing to. It takes all kinds of people and experiences to make up this life,” he laughed. I’m sure that yours will be instructive and entertaining in their own right.”

Roe considered what Thom said about his brother Dan very carefully. He wasn’t sure if he had ever really contemplated the relationship he had had or could have had with his brother. “It’s very possible that he felt, when your father died that his role had changed. He might have thought that he had become the head of the family. He tried to treat you more as a wayward son than as a brother, probably without realizing it. It just made relations between the 2 of you way too toxic to be endured, at least for you. And, whether you realized bit at the time, probably made him feel like a failure, and that might be why he closed himself off. …. just some observations and possibilities. Of course none of my surmises or assumptions are probably true.”

Roe nodded his head at Thom’s offer. “Now, don’t fell obliged. I’m not charging you room and board or anything. After all, in a strange way, you are family. All of the Scarlett’s are welcome there, even an outlaw would be. I have heard a few give descriptions of him. He sounds like he has Dan’s skill with wood and the heart of his mother. I’ve heard next to nothing about Luke, so I have no way to evaluate him in any way. …. No the house is not ’impressive’, but it is structurally sound. We will have to swap tales about places that we have slept and who ….. ,” at which time Roe gave Thom a mischievous smile.

“Well you certainly have some good tales to tell. Yes … London is quite an exciting place …. a woman that you almost proposed to? My my, your brother would find that desire of the stability of marriage an encouraging sign. However, I’m not sure whether that’s something you are ready for, even now in your life. Am I right? I don’t think its boring at all …. Feel free to tell me that or some other story … we’ll be back in Locksley in a moment or two,” Roe smiled. “Are you prepared for the mansion?,” he laughed.

[Thomas Scarlett]

Tom was pleased that Roe was taking his less honourable days in good humour for he would have hated for Roe to think he was a drunken layabout. That may have been true when he had first started drinking, and certainly when he had first left Dan’s presence. It was a relief to be able to do whatever he wanted such as waking up stinking of vomit and having a massive headache as well, without having a nagging older sibling telling you that it was disgusting. He knew perfectly well that it was, but that was part of the appeal at the time. ‘’ If you really are interested in my drunken stories, than I shall tell you one now. This was all about 5 years ago, in a small village west from here. There was a small tavern there, and when I say small it was about as big as half a tavern that they have in Nottingham. It was one of those places where you only drink there if you are either strong, clever or in my case stupid. It was common knowledge that this where all the best gamblers in the village went to try and win their week’s income so I thought I would try my luck, being as I had quite easily beaten most of the other people who betted with me. However, this place was completely different. The gamblers there were much better than me and soon I found that I had lost all of my money that I had with me. By this time, though, I had already had one too many so I was keen to get my money back and maybe more which was of course foolish of me. I ended up betting my clothes away basically which, when in a small tavern crowded with nearly everyone in a village, isn’t exactly the most dignified place to lose them. I had to give them up though and then trek back through a few fields in the freezing cold as I was too embarrassed to stay in the village after that.’’

‘’ You could be right there. I haven’t really considered how Dan felt to be fair at the time. I don’t really care how he felt though. He should have asked for my help in things as opposed to just belittling me all the time’’. Tom sighed, thinking partly of how much he hated Dan but also a little bit sorry that he hadn’t tried to help. It wasn’t all Dan’s fault, but it was mostly his.

Tom smiled back at Roe as he guessed what he might have been implying. ‘’ I’m sure some time we could discuss that. It would be a pleasure’’. After, he then thought that he owed some kind of explanation about Luke, being as Roe wasn’t sure about him. ‘’ Luke seems very nice. You should try talking to him at some point.’’

‘’ I wouldn’t be prepared to marry again at the moment at all’ Tom said rather suddenly. He wasn’t going to be going down that route again. It was bad enough the first time, and one of the things he regretted most was not actually going through with it. ‘’ I will probably tell you that at some point’’. Tom was pleased that they were almost at Roe’s house and smiled back at his description of the place. ‘’ I am very much looking forward to it but I apologise that I will probably get mud in there from my boots. An afternoon’s walk in the forest probably wasn’t the best idea today’’.

[Robert Williams]

Tom and Roe had started out across the edge of Sherwood on their way back to Locksley. Roe was continually surprised about how much, after 15 years, that he seemed to instinctively remember about the topography and the lay of the land. It was one of those cases where the shortest distance between 2 points was not a straight line, but Roe found it was a path of least resistance. He thought was wise, especially since he thought that Tom wasn’t very comfortable with carrying the wood and brush anyway. It was good to see that Tom was more comfortable in talking, even if the stories were pretty tall. So Roe felt the more encouragement that he could give the better off they would be. Roe kind of had a feeling the direction that the story was heading, but laughed heartily when Tom had finished. “That was quite predictable Tom, but very good. I’m afraid I don’t have too many drinking stories before I left for the Crusades when I was 17. And most of my stories from them are only ones of battle, which I expect are not nearly as entertaining as yours. You must admit that you have probably have had more different experiences than most can claim. However, you shouldn’t be overly embarrassed or shamed by the things you have done, unless they resulted in others being hurt. After all, none of us are saints. I left here as a carpenter’s apprentice and came back skilled and experienced in the taking of scores of lives, by a variety of means. It doesn’t make me evil, but it does make me knowledgeable. They say all wisdom starts from knowledge and experience. I have my doubts,” he laughed.

Roe realized, as he had many times before, that it was impossible to understand a man until he had walked in his shoes. Therefore, it would always be difficult for him to understand Tom, just as it would always be difficult for Tom to understand his brother Dan. “We almost always wish that we could have done or said things differently. I think you have that attitude, and I think it’s at least possible that Dan felt that way himself.”

Tom smiled back at Roe as he guessed what he might have been implying. ‘’ I’m sure some time we could discuss that. It would be a pleasure’’. After, he then thought that he owed some kind of explanation about Luke, being as Roe wasn’t sure about him. ‘’ Luke seems very nice. You should try talking to him at some point.’’

“We can discuss such things at your own convenience, of course. I’m afraid I don’t have much experience in such matters, at least I left here,” Roe said a bit distractedly. “I am sure you have some entertaining stories there as well. As far as Luke goes, that sounds quite positive. However, since he was just an infant when I left, I really have no idea what he would like. If he’s the young man I ran into in Locksley, I doubt whether he’s likely to have a good first impression of me,”[/i][/b] he laughed.

“I nearly married myself, but I was prevented by the Earl. I never really forgave him for it. In many ways it changed, if not destroyed the person I was, or could have become. Your view might change at some point. Myself, I’m afraid, am simply not the marrying kind. I’ve been alone to long to change this dog’s way of life. Don’t worry about that. I would prefer to keep it as clean as I can, but I won’t discriminate against you just for a little bit of mud. Mud dries, and can be swept out … so don’t fell concerned ….. just enjoy your old home ….. and take a rest from the load you’ve been carrying. We’ll see if we can find a little something to eat, rest a bit, and then determine what you want to do next,” he winked.

[Thomas Scarlett]

Tom was pleased that Roe seemed to find his story entertaining as opposed to finding his past experiences a little disgusting, like a few people would do. The story was quite predictable, but never the less, looking back, Tom found it amusing. It had been a long while since he had done anything of a similar nature though. He had gotten drunk a fair few times recently, but not so drunk that it was embarrassing. When Tom heard of Roe’s stories though, he hadn’t any desire to hear them or any desire to want to pretend. Many people would accuse Tom of being cowardly, but he did genuinely fear fights and more importantly war. He had no death wish so he had never wanted to join the army or fight in some war. No good come of it, in his opinion. He thought. all that would happen is you would either be killed or you would suffer some kind of disfigurement. Tom was proud of his looks, very proud in fact, so he didn’t want to risk ruining them permanently. He didn’t think that people who thought in battles were evil though, just either stupid or mislead. ‘’ If you should ever want to hear any more of my stories, then do not hesitate to ask. I am glad that you enjoyed the one I just told you. I do not think you are evil by the way. You wouldn’t be offering me a place to stay if you were. However, I am not fond of any type of violence. It’s not because I find it offensive, I actually find some tavern brawls amusing in a weird way, but I don’t want to risk damaging my appearance’’. Tom knew that probably made him sound incredibly vain, but he wasn’t really too concerned about that. If you were good looking, then you should off he thought.

‘’ Perhaps it was possible that Dan regretted some things he had said. He never once looked for me though. It was possible that he could have’’. Tom didn’t exactly want Dan to have apologised. In fact, he probably wouldn’t have accepted it. However, it would have been quite a compliment if he did feel that strongly to search for him. It would definitely give Tom’s ego a big boost.

‘’ I’m sure that your lack of stories on that front then, will make mine sound all the better’’. Tom said this rather cockily. If there was anything he was proud of other than his looks, then it was his charm to the opposite sex. Although, being good with numbers also proved useful.

The story of the young man Roe mentioned in Locksley was intriguing for Tom to hear. He wondered whether it was in fact Luke who he was speaking of. Trying to gain more information, Tom decided to ask Roe a few questions. ‘’ What did this young man look like? If he was wearing tatty boots and dirty clothes than it could have been Luke’’’’.

‘’ I’m prepared to hear about this woman if you want to mention her’’ Tom said, adding a smug grin. It felt good to be common enough that no one cared who you married. ‘’ I will look forward tour discussion about my next plans and I am glad then, that you do not mind mud. Dan would have been very annoyed if I walked in now, with my boots on in this state. I suspect that he would force me to remove them, which I pleased that you are not going to make me do.’’ Dan’s constant belittling of Tom in his youth had really annoyed him. Dan was constantly giving him childish punishments that in all fairness were what his father would give him, but all the same it wasn’t Dan’s place to tell him what to do. By the time of his father’s death, Tom was prepared to start being an independent aduly which he wasn’t given the chance to do until it was forced upon him by being evicted from the house.

[Robert Williams]

They were nearing the edge of the forest and soon would be in Locksley. Tom was continuing to entertain Roe with several of his colorful stories. Tom did not appear to be very desirous of hearing any of Roe’s war stories, which was just fine by him.. Many of them he had no desire to relive by re-telling them. Besides, Tom was entertaining enough for the both of them, and Roe found that Ton had this innate need to perform.

“Tom, you are more than welcome to break into one of your stories. They are quite entertaining and they do give me a small window into your history. I’m glad that you don’t think I’m evil, but have done things that some would call evil. We were told that the ends justified the means. Sometimes it did, most times it didn’t. But, as you’re aware I’m sure, it doesn’t do anyone any good to re-tell those stories. Your view of violence is a healthy one I think, although there are times when violence must be employed to protect things and people that are important to us. The positive thing for me is that I have little to defend these days,” he laughed. “well … by all means … if your appearance is that important to you should do what you can to protect it. Just understand, you as a Scarlett, I would always feel the need to defend you …. if the need were to arise, just as I would your nephews, or even Robin.”

“Tom, you should ever make to many assumptions about people and what they truly believe …. They are always surprising us …. Both on the good and the bad side.” Roe laughed heartily once again, “I am sure that your worst stories would always surpass my best stories. I am more than willing to bow to your abilities when it comes to that.”

“What did this young man look like? If he was wearing tatty boots and dirty clothes than it could have been Luke.’’ Roe thought for a moment and then shook his head in at least a tacit agreement. “I must admit that his attitude and anger did remind me of Dan to some extent. And your physical description would seem to fit him quite closely as well. It was quite funny when we had our little confrontation. He was actually attacking the house. However, I’m sure that he didn’t expect anyone to actually be in it when he was throwing and kicking rocks at it. He was quite surprised when I bolted out of the house after,” he chuckled.

They were now in the clearing behind the Scarlett home, preparing to enter through the back. ‘’ I’m prepared to hear about this woman if you want to mention her’’ Tom said, adding a smug grin. Suddenly Roe got a distracted look as if he was remembering something from far away and in space and time. “I was a whole different person then …. It’s as if that person died. At any rate, I expect both her and the boy are dead and gone by now. She was a good person and she deserved better. But let’s not dwell on any negatives now that we’ve got you home, eh?”

“Just put the wood down here …. kick a little of that mud off and we’ll sit down and have some dried beef to tide us over …. at least for a few minutes.” They entered the refurbished central area. The just rebuilt table was pushed against the wall and above it, hanging on the wall was his old Frankish Crusaders uniform, his 2 swords, a large hatchet and a small one, and his Saracen bow and quiver. “So …. What would like to do next …. Go on a tour of the old house …. Or do you want to hunt down your nephew?”[

[Thomas Scarlett]

Again, Tom was pleased to be getting compliments about his stories. He hadn’t told too many people of them, so he was glad that he had this opportunity. On the topic of war, it was a difficult one. He thought it was good that the country was being defended but he would never do it himself. He certainly didn’t think people who fought were evil anyway. It was just their duty. ‘’ I will tell you some other time then and I do not think you are evil. You just did what you were told and did your duty’’. Tom was pleased that Roe took his comment about his appearance in good favour and paid him another compliment. ‘’ I am glad I did not come across as vain then, even if I may be a little. However, when you don’t have much else, it would be hard not to feel a little protective about it’’.

Tom wasn’t usually quick to jump to conclusions about people, but he thought he knew Dan well enough to know that his personality was very much the same throughout his life. Even as a young man, he was bossy, proud and prejudiced. At that time, Tom was perfectly respectable but he had seen how Dan felt about people who weren’t of the norm. He would be quite harsh to them, when at times they had not wronged him in any way. Judging his brother’s behaviour, Tom would never be so quick to judge people or be so rude to them. ‘’ My brother was a man who was very set in his ways and old fashioned. I am sure he would not have looked for me and there would have been no chance of him apologising’’.

It was pleasing that Roe was able to see that Tom was a bit of a success with the opposite sex. Of course, he did know he was a success, but it was always pleasing to hear it. ‘’ It was rather obvious that I would be the more successful’’ Tom said cockily but joking at the same time. ‘’I will have to try and help you get a few more women’’.

It was very surprising to hear of his nephew’s anger at the house. Luke had always been respectful from what his uncle remembered so he didn’t expect that attitude to change in such a way. All the same, if Luke wanted to attack the house than it was kind of his right, even if it was a little immature. However, he supposed that he should at least try and say something responsible about it to him. It was the type of thing Dan would do, but maybe that was what Luke needed being as that is how he was brought up. ‘’ If I should ever see Luke again, then I will tell him not to do something so stupid. I think the discipline will do him good. It sounds like something Dan would do, but that is what the boy is used to so maybe it will work. If not, then I will just leave the matter there. It would be better for Luke and me to just get along as opposed to having a poor relationship.’’

Tom was quickly getting the impression that this wasn’t exactly a topic Roe would like to talk about. He was quite interested, but it would be for the best if he respected Roe being as he was offering him a free place to say. ‘’ We will speak no more of it then’’.

It was quite a strange feeling to look back at the old house again, and a good one. It was nice to feel at home again in a way after spending a long time travelling. Tom dumped the wood he was carrying into a neat pile and tried to get a bit of the mud from his boots off. He then walked into the central area, noticing some interesting things hanging on the wall, even if he was not sure what they were. ‘’ You have done a good job of sorting out this place and you have some very interesting decorations here.’’

Grabbing a chair from the corner of the room, Tom sat down in the middle area and looked around a bit more. It looked pleasant enough to stay in for quite a while and he would hopefully do so. The chair was quite hard to sit on and so he was not very comfortable, but he managed. Looking down at the floor, he noticed that there was quite a lot of mud there from his boots. ‘’ I apologise for the mess already. I thought that I would leave quite a bit though when I came in. Did you want me to take off my boots?’' Tom then considered what to do next. ‘’ A beer would be nice, and then perhaps you could show me around the place’’.