The Gathering-In, or The Quest of the 24 Messengers. - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Bêthberry · 09-09-2002, 07:32 AM

Hob had not paused to watch where Erling went but had turned to care for the ponies immediately. He lingered over their care, unhitching them and setting the carts aside in the small paddock. He brushed the ponies carefully and lovingly and even talked to them, for with animals his tongue was readily loosened. Gently he scratched Cob's ears, for he knew his pony loved the attention and the affection.

After some time, though, his tired muscles and empty stomach got the best of his reticence and he headed off for the large smial at the base of the hill. Knocking a bit anxiously at the yellow door, he hung his head down and didn't see Mrs. Broadbelt open the door until she coughed. He looked up.

Um, hello, Mz Broadbelt. I'm the second Messenger Marcho's sent you, Hob Heathertoes.

He stood uneasily waiting to be invited in, particularly since Mrs. Broadbelt's face acquired a puzzled frown.

Why, whatever do you mean second? We haven't seen the first. Good gracious me, did you lose him on the ride here? Is there trouble afoot? Oh, dear, so close to Staddle? Mr. Broadbelt, Mr. Broadbelt, there's trouble in the night. We've lost a Messenger we have. Round up the men. Come, quickly. We must find him before any hurt is done to him.

Before Hob could correct her false impression, the bustling woman had already roused not only her husband, but her neighbours on either side of the smial also. And he was too worried about Erling himself to point out that they had ridden into Staddle together.

[ September 12, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ]

09-09-2002, 07:32 AM	#11
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	Hob had not paused to watch where Erling went but had turned to care for the ponies immediately. He lingered over their care, unhitching them and setting the carts aside in the small paddock. He brushed the ponies carefully and lovingly and even talked to them, for with animals his tongue was readily loosened. Gently he scratched Cob's ears, for he knew his pony loved the attention and the affection. After some time, though, his tired muscles and empty stomach got the best of his reticence and he headed off for the large smial at the base of the hill. Knocking a bit anxiously at the yellow door, he hung his head down and didn't see Mrs. Broadbelt open the door until she coughed. He looked up. Um, hello, Mz Broadbelt. I'm the second Messenger Marcho's sent you, Hob Heathertoes. He stood uneasily waiting to be invited in, particularly since Mrs. Broadbelt's face acquired a puzzled frown. Why, whatever do you mean second? We haven't seen the first. Good gracious me, did you lose him on the ride here? Is there trouble afoot? Oh, dear, so close to Staddle? Mr. Broadbelt, Mr. Broadbelt, there's trouble in the night. We've lost a Messenger we have. Round up the men. Come, quickly. We must find him before any hurt is done to him. Before Hob could correct her false impression, the bustling woman had already roused not only her husband, but her neighbours on either side of the smial also. And he was too worried about Erling himself to point out that they had ridden into Staddle together. [ September 12, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ] __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.