Voyage Home

Dustin stood side by side next to Callum just looking at him, a deep look of concern all over his face. He was more than worried about him, the love of his life. The man that stood next to him in silence seemed changed by learning about everything that had led up to this point. There were no words that Dustin could think of that he could say that would ease the obvious pain that Callum was feeling right now and it more than saddened him.

“We are ready, sir.” Marston said as he stepped in front of Callum and Dustin.

“Very good, Lieutenant.” Callum said. His voice was distant, hollow, as if life had drained from him. Marston noticed it as well, his eyes shifted toward Dustin for a moment and then back to Callum. Marston turned and went to his men that were mounted.

Each of the Regulars that had been gathered were heavily armed. Muskets were slung over their shoulders, sabres hung from their saddles, pistols, two per each, were in their equipment belts that they each wore.

“Quintan?” Dustin asked softly, touching his sleeve.

“Let us end this.” Callum said above a whisper without looking at Dustin. He stepped forward and took the reins of the horse that were held for him by a footman of the stable. Callum came round and stepped into the stirrup, grabbing the saddle, stepping up, swinging his leg over, and settled onto the saddle. Dustin mounted his own horse, next to Marston. The squad followed the lead of Callum as he set off with his horse. A slow walk at first, hooves echoed in the alleyway they came out of then out into the street, the cobble was different here and the clatter changed in its tone.

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“Grandfather?” Dustin asked as the old man had drifted away with his voice. Old eyes met his and a hand pat his knee. The smile was there and was warm.

“I’m alright, my boy.” The old man said.

“How do you feel?” Dustin asked.

“That’s a strange question. I will give you a strange answer.” The old man said and Dustin cocked his head slightly, “I feel as I felt at that moment. Everything I had been through up to that point had been for nothing. I recall clearly as we rode off in pursuit of Lord Upton that I could see each and every face of those that had died, right before my eyes, each and every one of them. My friends, my crew. It was very overwhelming to be sure.”

“I’m sorry.” Dustin said.

“As am I.” The old man said, “I have not thought about it for years, as it was rather painful, you must understand.”

“I do, I really do.” Dustin said softly, his hand wrapping the old man’s.

“I think it changed my relationship with your namesake as well. We did remain together until his passing, yes, but we never spoke of it and what happened…ever.” The old man said and the spark in his eyes faded. Dustin narrowed his eyes and was searching for it. He couldn’t find it.

“Perhaps you should have a rest, Grandfather, you look a little tired.” Dustin said and gave a gentle squeeze with his fingers. The old man looked at him and gave him a soft nod, “Let me help you to your room.”

“I can manage, thank you, my boy.” The old man said slowly rising from his chair. Dustin scooted back out of his way and watched as the old man went slowly across the parlor toward the small hallway beyond the stairs. Dustin looked over at Andrew on the settee, who was watching the old man as well. They both heard the door close and latch. They looked at one another for a moment. Dustin got up from the ottoman, Andrew watched him walk into the kitchen. He set the notebook and pencil down and rose up, going into the kitchen as well.

“Are you alright?” Andrew asked as he saw Dustin was at the stove, just staring down at it.

“I suppose.” Dustin said. Andrew came over to him slowly.

“What are you thinking?” Andrew asked.

“Thinking of what he must be feeling right now, what he felt then, in that time. I can’t imagine it, how he bears it. I understand everything that he has said, but the feeling of what he went through, all that loss, all those people that died, as he said, for nothing. How could you cope with that?” Dustin asked as he looked at Andrew.

“I really don’t know.” Andrew said.

“You’re a lot of help.” Dustin said softly.

“I mean, you and I have never experienced anything like that, war, loss. Have you?” Andrew asked, Dustin shook his head, “I didn’t think so.”

“I wish I could help him.” Dustin said.

“As do I.” Andrew said with a soft smile, “You love him so much.”

“Yes, I do.” Dustin said.

“I think he knows that, and that comforts him.” Andrew said, slowly moving his hand and touching Dustin’s. Dustin looked down and the fingers touching his.

“It’s not enough, that’s apparent.” Dustin said.

“What are you saying?” Andrew asked.

“He has deep regrets in his life. I know he wishes that he could change things, even though he says that he would not. The pain is obvious, don’t you think?” Dustin asked.

“Yes, I think you’re right.” Andrew said, “Hearing him recount all of it, reliving it…perhaps this was not a good idea.”

“Or, perhaps it is.” Dustin said in thinking about it, “It might make him feel better about it all. The only way to know that is to ask him, I suppose.”

“He talks to you more than anyone else, doesn’t he?” Andrew asked.

“I am the only one in the family that has been here with him, for him. He and my father drifted apart when I was very young, or even before that. I don’t think they were very close. My brothers stayed close to home as we grew up, and did not come here as often as I did. I would sneak over here as a boy, across the pasture now and then. We would talk, I remember, usually out there on the knoll or at the old stable.” Dustin smiled at the memory, “He would talk about the wind, the sea. I could tell he missed it, even then as a boy. I think he still misses it.”

“He loved it, obviously. The way he describes it, it’s quite remarkable.” Andrew said.

“Yes, it is.” Dustin said, taking Andrews fingers with his own, “I am glad you are here, Andrew.”

“I am as well.” Andrew smiled his soft smile.

“I am sorry if I am interrupting.” The voice said, both Dustin and Andrew spun and looked from the stove. The back door was open and Dustin’s father, Henry, stood there.

“Father…you gave me a bit of a start.” Dustin said as was relieved to see him there. He came around Andrew and walked over to his father as Henry closed the door. The older man smiled at his youngest son and put out his hands. The two fell into an embrace, making Andrew smile at seeing them together. Dustin pulled back from his father and looked at him, “What brings you here?”

“I came to see your grandfather, actually. Your brother thought that I should spend some time with him.” Henry said.

“Henry?” Dustin asked, his father shook his head.

“No, Robert. He is doing some repairs on the barn for me. We were discussing other things and he kept on me about it and finally chased me off.” Henry said. Andrew could not get over how much the two looked alike. It was almost uncanny. The only differences between them were a bit of height and greying hair.

“Robert is at Harbroughs?” Dustin asked, Henry nodded, “He seems to be spending quite a bit of time over there as of late.”

“Yes. Things are apparently slow in town for him. With Henry working at the mill, he is not at home until late in the evening. I seem to be alone for the most part.” Henry said.

“Have you heard from Mother?” Dustin asked. The look on his father’s face said it all for him, “What now?” Dustin asked.

“We can speak of that later.” Henry said and Dustin knew to let it go.

“Well then, Grandfather is resting for a bit.” Dustin said, “Would you care for coffee?”

“That would be welcomed, yes.” Henry said and smiled a bit.

“Sit down, Father, I’ll get it for you.” Dustin said turning away and going to the stove.

“And how is the book coming, Andrew?” Henry asked. Andrew smiled and came over to the table at the other end.

“It is fine, sir, thank you for asking.” Andrew said. Dustin was smiling as he was at the stove, pouring cups for them both.

“Where are you now, if I may ask?” Henry asked as he sat down.

“He is recounting about them going after Lord Upton.” Andrew said as he sat as well.

“Ah, yes.” Henry said, nodding slowly, remembering some of it, “He and Dustin. I don’t know much about it, or what happened. He would not speak of it when they returned home. It was quite some time, after Papa was gone again, that Dustin actually told me of some of it, and only because I asked. Martha didn’t even know, I don’t think.”

“It is very…involved.” Dustin said and his father looked up at him.

“Really?” Henry asked as he took the cup from Dustin. His gaze shifted back to Andrew, “I would like to hear about it sometime.” Henry said and Andrew looked at Dustin as he was handed the other cup.

“Thank you. Do you think he would mind?” Andrew asked Dustin.

“Grandfather? I don’t think so. That is why you are writing it, is it not? He wants the story to be told.” Dustin said. Henry was looking back and forth at both of them. Andrew looked at Henry.

“It is in my shorthand, I would have to read it to you, sir.” Andrew said.

“If you wouldn’t mind. I would say, why not?” Henry said and flashed a brief smile, then sipped his coffee.

“I’ll be just a moment then.” Andrew said and got up from the table as Dustin sat down to his father’s right. They looked at one another for a moment and Andrew came back in with his notebook. He returned to his chair and opened it, “Where would you like me to begin from, sir?”

“Wherever you would like. I have no doubt that it is rather thrilling.” Henry said.

“It certainly is that.” Dustin said. His father looked at him as Andrew was thumbing back pages.

“He certainly had a way of finding it, or rather, it found him, I think.” Henry said.

“I would agree with that as well.” Dustin said with a smile.

“I found a good place to start you off with, sir.” Andrew said looking up from the notebook.

“Wonderful. I am all ears, my lad.” Henry said and smiled. Andrew started to read. Henry sipped his coffee as he listened. It was Andrew’s voice, yes, but was his own father’s words, his own description of events and Henry could actually picture it in his mind, his father at that time, young, handsome, full of life and daring as he was. He became amazed and engrossed by it. He had grown up listening to Dustin, Thomas, and Christian and what they told him, but this completely different as his father had never really told him himself.

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The pot was drained, cups were finally empty as the three of them still sat around the table. Andrew was nearing where he had stopped writing, the beginning of the pursuit of Lord Upton. He stopped his narration and looked up across the table at the older version of Dustin, Henry, who was now in deep thought and also now understood his father. With what he had heard, things in his early became even more clear to him. He had so underappreciated what he had, what he had felt, and he realized how much he truly loved his father.

“Absolutely astounding.” The voice said from the kitchen doorway. All eyes looked up and saw the old man standing there. Andrew swallowed hard and closed the notebook. He stood up from his chair. The old man looked at him and the twinkle in the old eyes was there again, that spark of life, “To hear you retell it, Andrew, is truly amazing. You have captured the very essence of the moment, it is as if I was reliving it all over again in hearing you. A job very well done.”

“Thank you, sir.” Andrew said softly.

“I no longer have any doubts about telling my story to you, if it is printed just that way.” The old man said and smiled. Henry rose up from the table, coming around it, going by Dustin, then Andrew and stood in front of his father, “Good to see you, Henry.” The old man said and was wrapped in Henry’s arms. He was taken by surprise with it. He was slow to return the embrace, but did. Henry held him for the longest time. Dustin was sitting at the table watching them and was tearing.

“I love you so, Papa.” Henry said into the old man’s shoulder.

“I have always loved you, Henry, more than words can say.” The old man said. He slowly and gently pat the back of his son. There was a sob that came from Henry, “There, there now.” The old man whispered. They slowly pulled apart from one another. Their faces close. The old man could see the tears.

“I am so very sorry, Papa. I never knew what you had gone through.” Henry said.

“There is nothing to be sorry over, my boy.” The old man said and raised his hands and cradled his son’s face in them, “You didn’t know, because I didn’t tell you. I probably should have, it might have made things easier, easier for the both of us I’m sure.”

“As you have said before, what’s done is done.” Henry said and smiled.

“Yes.” The old man said. The back door opened, Dustin turned and looked, his eyes dropping tears.

“Oh my lord, what has happened?” Robert, the eldest son, asked seeing the state of all there in the kitchen.

“Robert.” The old man said, looking around Henry.

“Is everything alright?” Robert asked, concern all over his face. He looked down at youngest brother at the table, seeing the tears, “Little one?” Robert asked and Dustin nodded.

“Yes, everything is quite alright.” Henry said, wiping his eyes with the backs of his hands as he turned around to face his oldest son. Robert still had the look on his face, “We were just having a reading that’s all. It was quite moving.”

“I’m sorry I missed it.” Robert said coming next to Dustin, putting a hand on his shoulder and looking at Andrew, “You must be an extraordinary writer, Andrew. There is barely a dry eye in the house.”

“Thank you, but it’s not my writing, it’s the content.” Andrew said softly with a brief smile and looked slightly embarrassed. Robert raised an eyebrow and then looked down at his brother.

“You alright, little one?” Robert asked. Dustin nodded. Robert squeezed the shoulder and walked around him. The old man stepped around Henry and put out his arms. His oldest grandson hugged him tight.

“Good to see you, my boy.” The old man said. Robert smiled and gave the old man a kiss on the cheek.

“Good to see you as well.” Robert said. He pulled away from the old man and looked at all about him, “Well, is there anything to eat? There is not a single scrap to be found over at Harbroughs.” Robert said trying to light the mood of the room.

“I’ll fix you something.” Dustin said getting up from the table.

“Don’t go to any trouble, little one.” Robert said.

“Nonsense.” Dustin said, “Sit yourself down at the table.” He went to the stove and opened the fire box, stoking it, and then threw another piece of wood in it, then closed the door. Robert went to the end of the table and sat down.

“So, tell me of this reading then.” He said looking mostly at Andrew.

“I would have to start again, I’m afraid.” Andrew said, “It might not have the same feeling if I just picked up from somewhere in the middle.”

“Indeed, I would agree.” Henry said going to the backside of the table and sat down. The old man came around the table and took the chair that Dustin had been in, “Tell me, Andrew, when are you going to transfer it over out of your shorthand?”

“I have been doing that at night, sir.” Andrew said, “That reminds me, I must be going into town to get more supplies of paper. I am running a bit low.”

“Then you have done quite a bit have you?” The old man asked.

“Indeed I have, sir.” Andrew said and seemed to brighten a bit.

“Excellent.” The old man said.

“Perhaps I should go to town now while I am thinking about it.” Andrew said, “Let you all talk freely.”

“You don’t have to run off.” Henry said.

“Thank you, sir, but I probably should while it is fresh in my mind as I have a tendency to forget things.” Andrew said and nodded once. He looked over at Dustin at the stove for a moment, their eyes for a moment.

“Andrew,” Henry said and stretched out his hand, Andrew looked back, “you need to know…you’re considered as family.”

“Here, here.” The old man said. Andrew blinked back tears of his own, looking at all of them at the table. Andrew took the outstretched hand with his.

“Thank you, sir, thank you very much. You don’t know what that means to me to have you say that, sir.” Andrew said quietly.

“I know someone who does.” Henry said and nodded toward the stove. He let go of Andrew’s hand and Andrew looked over at Dustin, who had his head down as he now faced the dry sink. Andrew walked over to him, putting a hand on his shoulder, standing next to him.

“Are you alright?” Andrew asked above a whisper. Dustin nodded his lowered head, dropping tears again.

“What does a body have to do around here to get something to eat?” Robert exclaimed from the table. Dustin shook his lowered head, Andrew chuckled, Dustin broke out in a short laughing fit, then turned his head and looked at his older brother, “What? I’m hungry.” The older men at the table laughed loud and hard. Andrew looked at Dustin and they gave each other a tight hug.

“You really need to go into town?” Dustin asked.

“Yes, I do.” Andrew said.

“Alright. Let me feed that bruiser and then I will start supper while you’re gone.” Dustin said. Andrew smiled and turned away.

“And Andrew,” Henry said, stopping Andrew before he reached the doorway, “there is never any reason for you to leave. I think we can all discuss anything out in the open, especially in this house. Always remember that.”

“I will, sir, thank you.” Andrew said, nodding his head and then going out of the kitchen.

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Evening had come to the Cross. Dustin had made more than enough supper to satisfy even Robert. Henry had been asked to stay, and did, enjoying it very much, not only the supper and the good wine, but the closeness of being with family. He missed his sons, them being with him, especially when they were younger. He never said it, but he enjoyed having them around him unlike most fathers of the time.

Henry, the junior and middle son, showed up after returning from his job in town. Henry looked very much like his father and younger brother, but was larger, more muscled from his labors. The other difference with him was his eyes, they were his mother’s eyes and not the deep brown. Henry was sat down to the table by his younger brother and was served supper as well. The others were gathered in the parlor, sitting about and talking, all catching up with one another.

The old man was enjoying the evening as well, his son sat near him on the ottoman, Dustin’s usual place, but Dustin was still fussing about in the kitchen, seeing to his brother, and his needs. Robert was telling his tales of what was going on in town and was lending to the spread of local gossip a bit. The old man listened and would laugh now and then as Robert could be quite animated when describing one person or another. It was comforting to the old man to see his eldest grandson this way. He knew he, himself, would sleep well tonight because of this and all the activity of the day.

Henry finished his supper and came in to join everyone else. He made his way over to the settee and sat next to Andrew, who was now in the middle, as Robert was at the other end. Dustin had finished clearing away and came in to join everyone as well. He sat on the floor next to his father on the ottoman, leaning against his father’s leg. He was listening to Henry take over a story from Robert about someone, adding another detail or two that Robert didn’t even know. They all laughed together about it, albeit at the expense of someone else, but it would never leave the room, and they all knew it.

The evening began to wind down. The old man was seeing the telltale signs of fatigue in the faces of his grandsons, Henry especially from working all day. Their father was the first to rise however off the ottoman. Robert followed the lead of his father as he had the walk to go back to town to his lodgings. Henry rose off the settee as well, yawning, making the old man smile. He was proud of his grandson, as Henry was working hard to move up in his position at the mill, and the old man knew it.

Robert gave hugs all around to everyone, his family. He thanked Dustin for a very fine supper, and pinched his cheek saying that he was happy to have been spared from having to pay for supper tonight at one of the taverns. Dustin punched him in the big muscled shoulder for pinching his cheek. Robert laughed and mused his hair. He hugged the old man tight again, telling him he would be back in another day or so and wanted to hear more stories from him. He left through the front door. The old man smiled. Henry hugged his grandfather and then his younger brother. He shook Andrew’s hand and gave him a wink before leaving the room to go out the back door. Henry told his son that he would be there shortly. He turned to his father, and had him sit back down in his chair, returning to the ottoman himself once again.

“What is it, Henry?” The old man asked.

“This has been a day, Papa, a very good day. I want to have more like this with you, if that would be alright?” Henry asked, and the old man was on the verge, fighting it back. He cleared his throat and looked at his son.

“I would like that very much, Henry. You’re more than welcome here any time, you know that.” The old man said.

“I do, Papa. I wanted to say that…I know we can’t go back and make up for lost time…but, I want to make the rest of the time we have between us good.” Henry said, his eyes were misting.

“I would welcome that.” The old man said.

“Good.” Henry said and cleared his own throat, “I will say good night then.” Henry said and stood up. He leaned down and gave his father a kiss on the cheek, “Love you, Papa.” Henry whispered.

“I love you, too.” The old man said and dropped a tear. He sniffled his nose. Henry turned and looked at youngest, scanning his young face for the longest moment.

“I owe you.” Henry said softly.

“Owe for what, Father?” Dustin asked.

“For that day out on the knoll, the day you set me to thinking about all of this. It is a debt that I shall never be able to repay. You have a good heart, Dustin, and you’re a very good man. I couldn’t be prouder of you for being just that.” Henry said. Dustin choked back tears and stepped into his father’s arms giving him a good tight hug.

“I love you, Father.” Dustin said.

“And I you.” Henry said, patting his sons back. He pulled back and looked at Andrew. He stepped over to him, putting his arms around him, surprising Andrew a bit, “Keep an eye on both of them.” Henry said. He let Andrew go and backed up.

“I will, sir.” Andrew said.

“Good night, then.” Henry said.

“Good night, sir.”

“Good night, Henry, and thank you.” The old man said as he rose up out of his chair.

“Good night, Papa, good night, Dustin.” Henry said and left the parlor, going out the back door of the kitchen.

“A most eventful day, and a very pleasant evening as well. There have been so few of those in this house.” The old man said, “I think I shall be off to bed then.”

“Good night, Grandfather.” Dustin said as the old man walked by them toward his room off the small hallway. Andrew was watching the old man as well and then looked over at Dustin. He stepped up to him, taking one of his hands in his. Dustin looked down at the hands joined and then up to Andrew’s eyes.

“I must say that your father was right, it has been a good day. A very emotional one for certain.” Andrew said softly, hearing the door close to the old man’s room, “I still am having thoughts about it.”

“I am as well.” Dustin said, “My father seems to have made a change in his manner. I wonder what brought that on?”

“If I had to guess, I would think from the reading. He seemed quite lost in thought over it. I also heard him say to the Captain that he had no idea about what he had gone through.” Andrew said.

“Yes, I heard that as well. I took it for granted that he knew all about it, growing up here as he did. But, I will say that I am more than glad that he has had a change of heart about Grandfather, even more than when you first came here. It is good to see.” Dustin said.

“I am also a bit overwhelmed about being considered as family.” Andrew said. His throat was tightening a bit. Dustin smiled wide.

“He seems to have accepted you and that makes me very happy as well.” Dustin said, “I was slightly overwhelmed when he said that to you.”

“So those were tears of joy then?” Andrew asked and Dustin nodded, “Then he must know how I feel about you.”

“I would imagine so.” Dustin said. He leaned forward and kissed Andrew softly, “I have no doubt it must have been Robert that told him.”

“Robert? You think he would?” Andrew asked, Dustin nodded again.

“Robert has always been my protector growing up, as well as my biggest cause of teasing. We were always close when I was very young, closer than Henry and I. Robert was always the one I looked up to, when he wasn’t teasing me.” Dustin smiled.

“I can’t imagine. All I had were older sisters. They never had much to do with me.” Andrew said.

“I would have been lost without my brothers.” Dustin said. Andrew gave Dustin’s hand a squeeze.

“I should do some writing tonight as he has retired early.” Andrew said.

“Are you sure that’s all you want to do?” Dustin asked with a raised eyebrow. Andrew smiled. Dustin kissed him again.

“Well, maybe I can write…after.” Andrew said and leaned in kissing Dustin deeply. They slowly wrapped arms around one another.

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Dustin came down the stairs and into the kitchen. He stopped near the table. He could feel the kitchen was warm and then he could smell the coffee. He smiled and shook his head, knowing his grandfather was up and about somewhere. Dustin only had on his pants and a shirt, no stockings or shoes as he had risen later than his normal pre-dawn hour. He had dressed quietly, letting Andrew sleep, as Andrew had worked into the very early morning hours, after their lovemaking. Dustin smiled at the memory of last night upstairs. He was brought out of his memory hearing a dog barking outside. Dustin went to the kitchen window and looked out.

The old man was walking along the stone wall at the bottom of the knoll, one of the dogs from next door walked along with him, the one that was barking was coming across the pasture, running to catch up, barking as he came. Dustin watched the old man for a minute then turned and went out of the kitchen, going upstairs for stockings and his shoes. Dustin returned and sat down at the table, putting his stockings on and slipping into his shoes. He went to the stove and poured two cups from the pot. He took them to the back door, going out. The wind was up, blowing rather strong this morning. Dustin came down the knoll toward the old man.

“Here, Grandfather.” Dustin said as he reached the old man and the dogs. They whined at seeing Dustin, wanting his attention. The old man smiled and took the cup from the young hand.

“Thank you, my boy, good morning.” The old man said.

“Good morning. What are you doing out here in the wind?” Dustin asked.

“I have told you before that the wind is an old friend to any sailor.” The old man said.

“Yes, I know, but it is rather cold as well. You’ll catch your death. You don’t have a coat.” Dustin said.

“It does me good now and then to be out. Besides, I will be stuck indoors for a while, there is a storm coming. It might last two or three days.” The old man said with a nod and Dustin looked toward the west. It was getting grey and cloudy.

“It always amazes me that you know how long it might last. I have never known you to be wrong.” Dustin said. The old man started to walk toward the house, taking his time.

“I take it Andrew is still asleep?”

“He is. He worked most of the night with his writing.” Dustin said as he walked along with his grandfather, the dogs followed.

“Did he now? He seems to be quite taken with this. I have noticed more than once that he focuses so intently when he writes in his notebook.” The old man said.

“Yes, and he never lets it out of his sight either. It is beside the bed every night or in his hand when he is up and about.” Dustin said. The old man nodded as they started up the gentle knoll.

“He is a very intense young man. But, he has a good heart and is quite a thinker as well.” The old man said.

“Yes, he is also very tender and caring.” Dustin said and then went a bit wide eyed realizing he may have said too much. The old man gave him a side glance and then smiled, “What I mean to say is…”

“Dustin,” The old man said and stopped, Dustin stopped as well, “I have told you before, I have no issue with what you do. I am just happy, that you have found someone that cares for you as much as you care for him. I am also very happy that your father is accepting of this as well.”

“Why wouldn’t he be, Grandfather? You and Dustin Perkins were…” Dustin said, but the old man raised a hand to stop him.

“Were discreet, as you and Andrew are. I know you have not been seen or caught in any compromising situations by your father.” The old man said.

“True. I think it might have been Robert that might have said something. Andrew and I were speaking of it last evening after you went to bed.” Dustin said and looked a bit worried.

“I see. I’m certain that Robert only meant well.”

“I am too. I don’t think he would want to intentionally hurt either of us.” Dustin said.

“I agree. Your brother loves you very much. After what I saw yesterday in the kitchen, I know he would never hurt you. He was very concerned seeing you upset as you were.” The old man said. He took Dustin’s arm in his and started to walk again, “Now, with Andrew working all night and sleeping all morning more than likely, what are we going to do with ourselves?”

“I need to go into town and see the butcher and stop at the Square. If it is going to rain for as long as you think it might, I need to stock up and be ready.” Dustin said.

“Being prepared is always a relief. Takes the surprise out of it, doesn’t it?” The old man asked as they reached the back door. The old man emptied his cold coffee out of the cup and opened the door. He let Dustin go first and looked at the dogs, as they looked up at him. The one that had walked with him was the oldest of all the dogs that belonged over at Harbroughs. The old man cocked his head to one side, “Come in and warm your old bones by the stove.” The old man said and the dogs walked into the kitchen. They both knew just where to go. They settled next to the stove but out of the way. Dustin shook his head as he poured more coffee.

“Father had a dog when he was young, did he not?” Dustin asked, taking the old man’s cup to refill it.

“Yes, he did, right after he came here. A scruffy looking thing that was almost as tall as he was.” The old man said.

“Where did he come from?” Dustin asked.

“He was a stray from the village. He found us. It was quite unique actually. Your father had a way with animals. They would all gather around him. He would talk to them as if they were people, and you would swear that they understood every word he said. It was quite amazing actually.” The old man said as he took the cup from Dustin and went to the table, sitting down, “The first colt that was born here, foaled right down there in the stable, responded to your father almost immediately. The colt would follow him about when he was out of his stall.”

“I remember him, Ranger, wasn’t it?” Dustin asked with thinking about it.

“Yes. He was quite the champion. Your father could jump just about anything with him as I recall. It always set me on edge when he did that.” The old man smiled remembering.

“I remember I was young, when he died.” Dustin said, “I also remember father didn’t say much to any of us for a few days after that.”

“Yes, it hurt him deeply to lose that horse. It was like losing a brother or a very close friend to him.” The old man said, “I know he feels it with all of them, but Ranger was very special to him, his first horse that was his. Christian gave him to him.”

“I didn’t know that.” Dustin said, sipping his coffee, “I wish I had known him.”

“Who, Christian?” The old man asked. Dustin nodded, “He would have liked you very much, as you are so much like your namesake, and Christian was very fond of Dustin. They were very close and cared deeply about each other.”

“Did that concern you, Grandfather?” Dustin asked softly. The old man looked at him and gave him a brief smiled.

“It did, I will admit.” The old man said. He sipped more coffee and then set the cup down, “I trusted them both, as well as Thomas. Christian had a bit of a wandering eye.” The old man smiled, “But I knew Dustin, and knew how he felt about the two of us. As long as I remembered that, I never really worried.” The old man said and looked at his grandson sitting with him, “You have asked that before. Is there something wrong?”

“No, there is nothing wrong.” Dustin said quietly as he traced a finger around a knot in the table top, “I was merely wondering that’s all.”

“Times were different then.” The old man said, “It was more…lax in its attitudes I suppose you could say. Unlike today where it seems that everyone is watching everyone else and judging their actions as it were.”

“Yes…it is that way, isn’t it?” Dustin asked and lifted his eyes to the old man, who nodded silently, “Well, I should be off and try and beat the rain.” Dustin said starting to get up from the table, he stopped as he stood and put a hand on the old man’s, “I do so enjoy this, our little chats.”

“As do I, my boy.” The old man said with a smile. Dustin took his cup to the sink and set it there. He turned and went to go and grab his coat off the pegs at the front door, going by the old man, he gave him a kiss on the cheek, “I shall see you when you return.”

“Yes, and behave yourself. If you go outside, please, put on a coat for my sake.” Dustin said.

“Alright.” The old man smiled looking up at his grandson, “You worry too much, my boy, but I will do as you ask.”

“Thank you.” Dustin said, patting the old shoulder gently, then walked out of the kitchen.

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“Good morning, Andrew.” The old man said as he was sitting at the table. Andrew was a bit bleary eyed and groggy. The old man smiled.

“Good morning, sir.” Andrew said and weaved just a bit.

“Come, sit, before you fall down.” The old man said. Andrew pulled out a chair and sat as he was told. The old man rose and went to the stove. He poured coffee in a cup and brought it back to the table, “Here you are, my boy.” The old man said. He put a hand on the young shoulder and pat it once gently before sitting down again. He watched as Andrew lifted the cup and sipped from it. He noted the change in Andrew’s face as the life-giving liquid was taken, “Feeling better, my boy?”

“Yes, sir, thank you.” Andrew said softly.

“Good.” The old man smiled.

“Where is Dustin, sir?” Andrew asked.

“He has gone into town to gather supplies, I’m afraid. There is a storm coming.” The old man said.

“I didn’t know.” Andrew said.

“Yes, the wind is up and clouds are rolling in. It should be here in another hour or so I would think.” The old man said, “Andrew, I wish to say to you once again how impressed I am in hearing the way that you write. It is quite astounding.”

“Thank you, sir. I wrote as the way you were speaking. I feel that that is the best to capture the essence of it.” Andrew said.

“I completely agree with you in that respect. But, I am wondering how you will present it in book form.” The old man said.

“I have given that much thought as well, sir. I am thinking that it be presented as a running narrative. Something that hasn’t been presented before by any other author, at least that I am aware of.” Andrew said.

“I see.”

“Would you agree with that, sir?”

“Yes, but with that being said, I am also wondering if the reader might be a bit lost or confused with the aspects of sail. Not everyone is familiar with the finer points of a ship I’m afraid. There might be questions raised that need to be answered.” The old man said.

“I don’t agree, sir.” Andrew said and the old man looked at him with a raised eyebrow, “You see I know nothing about sail, but in hearing your descriptions of it, I found I had no questions about it at all. It seemed a perfectly natural thing to me, as if I was there, at that moment, when the wind would take the canvas and make it billow, the sound of it, the smell of the salt in the air mixing with the freshness of the breeze. You describe it perfectly, sir. And, I must say, as long as I can take your descriptions and make them to be understood, then I have done it justice, sir.” Andrew said with passion in his voice, conviction. The old man smiled and pat the back of a hand that was resting on the table top.

“You do do it justice, Andrew. I cannot thank you enough for that.” The old man said.

“It is entirely my pleasure, sir.” Andrew said.

“Shall we continue then?” The old man asked.

“If you wish, sir. I will fetch my notebook.” Andrew said.

“Finish your coffee first, my boy. We can wait until Dustin returns if you like.” The old man said.

“We don’t have to necessarily have to have Dustin be here, sir. I can get notebook and we can carry on.” Andrew said.

“If that is what you wish to do, then…” The old man said. Andrew got up from the table, going into the parlor, going up the stairs to get his notebook. He came back down, pencil behind his ear, notebook in hand. He sat at the table, opened it and looked to see where they had left off. He looked at the old man.

“You had begun the pursuit of Lord Upton, sir, with the Regulars and Mr. Perkins.” Andrew said.

“Quite right.” The old man said, and thought back to that night, “The journey was going to be long. We had ridden a few hours and it was well into the early morning hours…”

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“Captain,” Marston said as he trotted up next to Callum, as they rode up the road heading north. Marston pointed at something up ahead.

“I see it. It looks like…” Callum said and gripped the reins a bit tighter, “come on.” He said and snapped the reins. The horse galloped ahead, Marston staying with him, the rest starting to catch up to them.

The block wagon was off the side of the road. There was a body lying in the dirt at the rear of the wagon, Callum could see as he reined his horse to a halt. He climbed down off the horse, dropping the reins. He stepped over to the body and knelt. Marston reined his horse to a stop as well, climbing down and coming to Callum’s side as Callum turned the dead man over.

“His head has been stoved in.” Callum said. He lifted his eyes and saw the door hanging open, attached only to one hinge. Callum rose to his feet and stepped over to the wagon as Dustin and the Regulars reined to a halt. Callum put his hands on the doorway and looked inside, another body was lying on the floor, chains and shackles lie about, Callum looked back at Marston, “Have a look around, Lieutenant.” Callum said.

“Yes, sir.” Marston said. He walked up the side of the block wagon, going to the seat. Horses that pulled the wagon were gone. Marston went around the front of the wagon, “Captain!” Marston called out. Callum came around the other side of the block wagon, coming up toward Marston as he was knelt down, now supporting a man that was lying in the dirt, “This one’s alive, sir.” Marston said and Callum close and knelt.

“Can you hear me?” Callum asked.

“Yes.” The guard said weakly putting a hand to his head.

“What happened here?” Callum asked.

“Men on horseback…stopped us…we tried to…but they were…too many.” He said and was moaning as he held his head.

“Your prisoners, what happened to them?” Callum asked.

“That…giant man…couldn’t stop him…broke the door out…he…” The man slumped on Marston’s arm. Callum and Marston looked at one another for a moment, Callum started to slowly look about as Dustin came up beside Callum.

“Where do you think we are?” Callum asked.

“I would think we are somewhere close to York, sir.” Marston said.

“There’s a garrison there, is there not?” Callum asked. Marston nodded, “Alright, we’ll have two of your men take the block wagon and take these unfortunates there as well. We can have them send us reinforcements to Sunderland. I have a feeling we will be needing additional help in this. We have to hurry though.”

“Shouldn’t we go them as well, Quintan?” Dustin asked as Callum rose to his feet.

“No.” Callum said and looked about again, “We must reach the estate as soon as we can.”

“But if that monster is loose…” Dustin said, Callum looked at him.

“I defeated him once, I’ll do it again.” Callum said, his voice of authority. Dustin fell silent, “There is no time to lose in this, Dustin.” Callum said. Marston had let the injured man lie back down and called to his men. He was giving orders as Callum and Dustin were staring at one another.

“I understand your desire to end this, Quintan, I share it, believe me, and I agree that we will need additional help. There seems to be too many for us to deal with.” Dustin said.

“I don’t believe so. Upton’s man at the manor said there were only five that went with him. Griffould and Atch make seven.” Callum said.

“You count that giant as only one?” Dustin asked, “I would count him as at least three on his own.” Dustin said and rolled his eyes a bit.

“But you’re a better swordsman, that makes it even.” Callum said, “Don’t let his size hinder you.”

“It is rather difficult to think that when he blocks the sun from the sky.” Dustin said, Callum shook his head. Dustin walked over to his horse, leaving Callum to himself and his thoughts.

The Regulars were broken up. Two men were told what to do by Marston. The others set about to help take the horses of the two and hitch them to the block wagon. Callum went to his horse, climbed up into the saddle and settled into it. He stepped to Marston who looked up at him.

“Join us when you can, Lieutenant. We are going to proceed on ahead.” Callum said.

“But Captain, you will…”

“If we meet them, we will slow them down long enough until you join us.” Callum said.

“As you wish, Captain.” Marston said. He bowed his head slightly then lifted his eyes toward a mounted Dustin behind Callum. Dustin merely shrugged his shoulders. Callum kicked his horse and set off, Dustin behind him, leaving Marston to look after them as his men worked the horses and the block wagon.