THE FERALS


By Tessa Harvey


Jake fetched the belongings he had not collected the night before and went to haggle with the landlord over how much rent was owing. It was settled fairly amicably as the child was watching, then the small family of man and boy caught a bus to a larger town where they could hire a car . Slowly Jake was shaking off his lethargy. He could not stay locked in grief.

The scenery was lovely, of hills and trees, though approaching drizzle made it seem bleak. They enjoyed the bus journey.

Later, celebrating having a car again, Jake took his son some distance to a real castle. It was wonderful! They saw the now grassy moat and entered the large gateway. The dungeons were a sombre reminder of past cruelty, but Brodie absolutely loved the armoury , and he was full of questions about suits of armour and ancient weapons.

People in past centuries must have been smaller to fit in some of these things, mused Jake. He himself was of medium build, but could not see how the armour would fit! Not exactly comfortable!! He was glad he did not have to be a bold knight of old, rescuing some poor maiden from dragons or tyrants!

He thought about tyrants who were more modern, then changed his thoughts. Depression crept up on people. It was right to be aware of the world around him, but not to be unduly pulled down by all that was happening

Visitors' numbers were limited because of COVID-19. There was absolutely no touching of any exhibits, and guides moved them on politely, most with a smile.

It still felt odd to see hand sanitisers in a castle! Up on the crenellated battlements, it was awesome, the view spectacular. The rain had cleared, and city, trees and hills stretched out all around them, Scotland to the North, Cumbria to the East, and then Westmoreland and on to Tyneside.

It gave Jake a sense of perspective, his own problems real, but as part of a much greater whole.

Brodie wanted to climb the battlements!! After pointing out some buildings that could interest a child, they headed back down out of the old castle, and "home" to Ethel.

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