Chapter One The Village

Chapter one

The Village

It was a crisp winter’s afternoon. The sun was out the sky was blue.
The school bell had just rung. Lots of happy excited children where looking
forward to the winters holiday. School was out for Christmas...
They made their way out of the school gates happy in the knowledge no more school for six weeks.
Michael McKenzie was nine years of age.He would be ten in four months time, February the 1st.
He was a tall boy for his age. Red hair and freckles with deep blue eyes.
He lived in a sleepy little village called Old Strepton. It was a lovely place to live.The village looked peaceful through all the seasons.
The last recorded big crime was one hundred and five years ago. A stranger had tried to rob the post office he had been caught and sentenced to deportation to Austraila.
No angry teenagers or gangs hung about the streets. Crime was nonexistant.

The local Policeman had a good life. Officer Anthony Davis was 50yrs old. There was no police station as such.
The local village hall had a cellar with rooms. In olden times it was used to keep prisoners or local offenders in.
Officer Davis had many hobbies, one of them was the scrabble group.
He was the County champion..He had been in the final more times than anyone, and he had won the title 10 times.The villagers were very proud of him.

Everyone respected him and felt safe when he was around. He had a commanding
presence. He stood at 6foot 5 inches. He had light brown hair and dark green eyes. Many of the local lasses had made a play for him.
The ladies of the village said the right one for him would come along. The right one had come along but Anthony was keeping it quiet for now. He would tell his family and friends at Christmas his good news.

His neice Jessica was his prodigy, she was only 14years old and had won many scrabble tournaments and was ranked number 1 in her league.
Anthony had taught Jessica her alphabet on a scrabble board. He was so proud of her.
Jessica's parents and her younger sister Natasha were all members of the scrabble group.
Jessica had lovely long blond hair and many of the village lads wished she would notice them. Jessica was more into her scrabble and fishing. Jessica and her sister went horse riding at Newton's stables.
Jessica did not own a pony but was saving up to buy her own.
Jesica got to ride a pony called Shadowmage. Shadowmage was a dappled grey he was 10yrs old and stood at 13 hands. He loved it when Jessica came she always had carrots and treats for him and she was gentle with him. Jessica was saving up to buy him
The scrabble group met up once a week to play and practice.
They had a nickname for the group Jessica had picked it they were called the FishMonstas.
As Most of them were members of the fishing club
Lots of folk helped run the club but one in particular was special she was Miss Nikki McMillan a primary school teacher in the local school.She had been teaching at the school for three years.
She taught English and poetry to primary seven.
All the kids loved her as she had such a beautiful smile and a lovely softness about her that can only come from within.
Most of the boys had a crush on her and the girls loved her too.
She had long brown chestmut hair hazel eyes like a fawn. She was only 5ft 2ins.
Jessica wished her shy uncle would see how Nikki looked at him. It was clear to a lot of folk Miss McMillan had feelings for The local bobby.....Many of the villagers said if he did not make a move soon someone else would snatch her up. Aye she was a fine catch.
Jessica had a plan...Before the New Year she would get her uncle to see what was under his nose....Miss Nikki McMillan..
Officer Davis Liked Nikki but he felt she was too young for him. Besides he had met an old friend four months ago at a police convention in Manchester. Christine Wilson they had been at the same police academy she was now a sargent working in Birmingham police station.
She had been married and was now divorced.They sat all night chatting. Anthony smiled to himself back home he found it hard to speak with to women, except his family and he was wanting to talk more he did not want the night to end. Christine was a tall women short blond hair a good figure she never had any children. Anthony thought her eyes looked like emerald they were a dark green.
He was never a romantic man but now he heard love songs running through his head and found himself counting the hours and days until they met again.
Christine felt the same for him.They had dated when they were younger but Christine was unwilling to move to the country so they parted. He was glad to hear she had had enough of city life and crime and was leaving the force.
Anthony also ran the local keep fit classes on a Wednesday night.
Jessica and her family all went to the keep fit classes.
They always had fun on those nights. The keep fit classes were for all age groups.
This week it was hola hoops.
Everyone was falling about laughing at eachothers attempts to keep the hoop up.. Natasha was the champion hola hooper, Jessica was getting the hang of it but their mum and dad it had to said were hopeless as were most of the older folk except Nikki and Gavin
Jessica smiled as she watched her uncle look at Nikki with amazement Jessica had misread the smile. She had wanted her uncle to ask nikki on a date but he refused to. plan B....
The big scrabble tournament for Christmas was being arranged. Mistletoe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He had to kiss her if Jessica timed it right.
There was only one obstacle Mr Gavin Patterson. Gavin was a teacher at the same school as Nikki.Jessica's scrabble nickname for him was pOOki. He had only been teaching for a year
He was the same age as Nikki and a very handsome guy. He played cricket,football,and he taught fencing. He had a very muscular frame. He was 6ft in height. The boys were a bit overawed by him and were well behaved in his class. He also taught music. He was a really good musician and made learning fun. PooKi was a scrabble champion he was next to nikki in the league table Jessica was at the top followed ny her uncle Anthony.
Gavin's eyes were a startling bright blue,he had wavy chestnut hair and when he smiled his dimples showed. Being outdoors a lot he had a rugged tanned complexion. Most of the girls, some of the teachers and the local girls had a crush on him.
He had eyes only for one girl Nikki. He had asked her out and they had a few dates.
Nikki found herself warming to Gavin. On the weekends they would go the White Swan. Gavin was the local attraction.
He had a great voice and could sing any song within reason.
Nikki enjoyed and looked forward to the weekend she had tried with Anthony but he was not interested in her. Gavin was fun to be around and he made her laugh and sing. Nikki had always been shy singing in front of folk. One day Gavin took her went for a picnic.
It was a lovely autumn's day. They went to blubell woods. deep in the woods was an old wooden hut. It had belonged to the local gamekeeper many years ago when there was a Lord in the manor.
The woods were shedding there leaves and the colours of all the different leaves against the sunlight took Nikki's breath away it felt good to be alive.
Gavin began to mimic the birds as they sang. Nikki found a spot to set up the picnic underneath a huge old chestnut tree. Gavin or Gaz as he asked her to call him brought his guitar alomg, and coaxed her to sing .They had a great day and it looked like the start of a romance.
Gavin was surprised she had a sweet voice he harmonised with her and they sounded good. After a couple of rehearsals he persuaded her to sing at the open night in the pub. They got a great applause and Nikki seemed to blosom when she sang. All the men in the bar wished they were Gavin..

Upper Strepton had a good scrabble team it was run by the local nurse come midwife,
Mary Rattson, she liked to be called sister Rattie as she had a love for all small rodents.
Jessica had pet names for them all...Mary was married to the local dentist, Timothy.
A kind man with a gentle touch. They had been married for seven years.
No children yet, they planned to have children in a few years time.
Mary and Timothy were thirty years old.
Both their parents mum were pressing them to start a family . They wanted grandchildren.
"All in good time." was ratties answer.
( Mary and Timothy would go on to have 4 children three girls and a boy)Two sets of twins!
Upper Strepton was like a mirror image of Old Strepton nothing much had changed over time.
A new road had been put in. Now it was easier to get around from Village to village.
Being a conservational village any new builds had to be approved.
The local schoolteacher helped Rattie run the scrabble club. There was a good atmosphere when the tournaments took place. Which ever village it was being held in provided the food and drink.
After the tournament there was always a party to celebrate the local musicians would come along and before you knew it the whole village had come..
There was a big tournament coming up.



Old Strepson nestled in a small dale surrounded with rolling green hills.
Farms and green fields surrounded the village. In some fields sheep and cattle grazed happily. Behind them was a forrest with old oak and chestnut trees.
The fields were separated either by long hedge grow or old stone Dyke walls.
Horses roamed around a huge field which led into the small forest, it was good shelter for the horses when it rained.
The river flowed through the countryside cutting a path through the fields.
Many happy times had been had by the river.
His dad was a member of the local angling club. Michael got to go fishing with him.
His father’s friends also took their sons or daughters, but to date Lynsey and Jessica were the only girls that went fishing with them.

Michael was a happy go lucky boy. He was looking forward to the Christmas and school holidays.
He liked school, he also liked the fact that Lynsey was in his class.
Lynsey and Michael were best friends, she had a mop of blond curls and he had a mop of red curls.
When they were four years old a programme called the curly tops was on.
All the characters had different coloured curly hair.
It was a big hit with all the kids so it was cool to be curly.
Her eyes were a pale blue everyone thought she looked so fragile, like a china doll.
He always felt he had to protect her, not that she needed protection. She was a tomboy.

As Michael walked out the school gates he looked back at the old building.It was over 300yrs old. A new annexe had been added and a new playground. It was a lovely old school.It welcomed you in with it's wide doors and big windows. It looked as if it was smiling at you.
He smiled as he remembered the incident when Lynsey hit a six at cricket and broke a school window.
They had to face Mrs Elizabeth Wallburton the school headmistress.
She was tall for a lady, six foot one inch, with grey hair that seemed to be always in a bun.
She wore the same type of clothing either black, grey or brown suits always with a white or pink blouse.
She was a very commanding figure. She also had a kind and understanding nature.
When she had to be she was very stern. She commanded respect and she got it!

Before Mrs Wallburton married she had been in the army that's where she met Mr Wallburton.
He was a Captain and made it to the rank of Major which was a great source of delight to Mrs Wallburton,
She always thought her husbands title as Major gave that little bit of quality to her standing in the village.
She was very proud of her husband and especially proud of the way he ran the village fete.
Every year for the past 20yrs like clockwork nothing ever went wrong except the weather and that was out of their control.
Mrs Wallburton also ran the ladies guild and helped organise church fetes. She took great pride in her flower arrangements.
She was looking forward to decorating the church this Christmas. They had been married thirty years. They were never blessed with children of their own. It broke both their hearts.
Becoming a teacher Mrs Wallburton surrounded herself with children.
The Major ran the Boys Scouts Club and she ran the Girl Guides. Their lives were full of children.

They had all been summoned to the headmistress room.
They all squirmed under her gaze. No one would own up as to who broke the window.
Mrs Wallburton Knew who it was, she had been watching the children at play.
She looked at Lynsey and smiled when she said "Looks are deceptive the face of an angel and the soul of a tomboy."
Lynsey blushed, her cheeks were red she quickly said "We'll pay for the window." All the boys agreed and shuffled their feet and looked at each other.
Harry gave a nervous giggle but one look from Mrs Wall Burton turned his face down and the giggling stopped.
"Very well the cost will be £5.00 I will expect it on my desk tomorrow morning." "You may go."
"Except you Lynsey, I want to have a private word with you." As the boys trooped out they started guessing what was being said.
"Maybe she's making Lynsey pick up all the glass up." Said Harry
"Michael laughed at this" She wouldn't dare she could cut herself lets just wait and see." They all agreed to wait.

Lynsey was surprised as Mrs Wallburton took her hand and shook it. "Well done young girl, a six well done."
"When I was a girl cricket was my game, played in the army team for 3yrs."
Lynsey was amazed and was trying to imagine her headmistress playing cricket she was bowled over with the image.
"Pity they won't let you try out for the under elevens so many boys to pick from." Mrs Warburton looked at Lynsey with a softness Lynsey had never seen.
Mrs Wallburton straightened her jacket and as she walked around the room. She was trying very hard to keep her composure, here was a little girl that reminded her of herself when she was a child.
Mrs Wallburtons parents had been very strict she was never allowed to play sports unless it was a ladies game.
One of the reasons she joined the army was to get a chance to be what she wanted to be and play the games she liked.
Although Lynsey did not know it Mrs Wallburton had a soft spot for her.

Lynsey could tell she had something important to say.
"I want you to leave it with me I'll have a word with Mr Brown."
Mr Brown was the sports coach he taught cricket, football and basketball.
"I'll tell him he has to give you a try for the under eleven cricket team." Lynsey couldn't believe her ears.
"I don't want you to tell the others it's our secret for now"
Lynsey was dumbstruck she nodded and thanked her.
She left the office with a look of happiness.
The boys were amazed when they saw her smiling she looked like the cat that got the cream.
No amount of prodding from the boys could make her tell her secret.
She was speechless, her dream might happen and all thanks to their headmistress.

Michael had been looking forward to next term. He had been picked to play in the under elevens cricket team.
He felt sorry for Lynsey she hadn't been picked, he knew she was better than George in the field and batting.
They had played cricket many times on the village green and Lynsey played in every game.
Lynsey had been thinking of forming a girls cricket team but could only get five girls interested To be honest they were hopeless.

She wasn't like the other girls. When they played skipping ropes and girly games she would be playing cricket.
She loved fishing and she had caught more fish than some of the boys.
As Michael walked home from school he decided to go through the village.
The village was over 700yrs old some say it is older, a few new houses and shops had been added but in the style of the existing buildings.
It seemed that everyone knew everyone.
Being a child he sometimes listened to the adults gossiping or talking about someone or something.
Not that he did it deliberately, sometimes he'd be in the sweet shop and would hear the ladies gossiping.
Or when his mum’s friends came over for their coffee and tea they would all sit with their tea and gossip. Nothing bad was said but he learnt a lot about the villagers.

As he looked down the road at all the shops and the little winding streets that led to other shops he felt so sad. The village was a bustle with folk.
Everyone was full of good cheer. Halloween was coming soon. Folks with Turnips and pumpkins and lottsa sweets and apples..Halloween was fun in the village.
Michael saw Jessica and her little sister Natasha go into the joke shop.
Michael gave a little smile it amused him that Jessica always dressed up as a witch, and her uncle Anthony always dressed as a wizard.
The halloween party took place in the village hall.
Mrs Wallburton always organised a good party.

He came to the butchers shop first. The shop window was decorated with red and blue ribbons that they had won for best sausages and best butcher meat.
The door was a bright blue as was the window frames. A small canopy hung over the window, it to was blue and white stripes.
All the butcher meat looked so fresh lying in trays and sitting on white marble.
The shop was tiled from top to bottom in white and black tiles.
Mrs Burnside was a ver clean and tidy lady. Her husband and sons had learned to be clean and tidy or else!! Mrs Burnside had a good set of lungs on her , she sang in the church choir. Everyone remarked how loud her voice was.
Mr and Mrs Burnside ran the butchers shop with the help of their three sons they were triplets they were now 21 years old.
They were big boys all had black hair with brown eyes and big muscles.
They had been helping their dad for years lift carcasses and heavy blocks.
They preferred rugby to cricket. They were good at rugby and played for the county team.Mr and Mrs Burnside were proud of their sons and it showed.


The village had many shops and small meandering lanes and roads that led off to other houses and shops. Some of the off roads still had the original cobblestones. Bumpy riding on a bike.
As Michael walked passed the shops glancing in he felt sad.
Then he came to his favourite shop. A smile spred across his face .
The children of the village loved the old sweet shop. Miss Verity Symes owned it. She was so sweet to everyone. She was a spinster sixty two years old. She had never married.
There had been a rumour of a romance along time ago when Miss Symes was only twenty three. No one knew what happened except Miss Symes and her mother.
She was small and very slim with white hair and such gentle grey eyes.
When her mother was alive Miss Symes hardly spoke to folk she was always polite, some called her reserved, others thought she was cold. They were all wrong. She always wore what the folk called sensible clothes and sensible shoes.
Two piece suits grey, black, brown or green.

Some of the village folk thought she had gone a wee bit mad with grief after her mother past away.
Her mother had lived until she was 92 years old. Her father had died when she was only 10 years old.
Miss Symes dedicated herself to her mother, one of the reasons she never married.
She had always wanted children and loved being around them. Just like the Wall Burtons.
With the money she inherited from her mother she bought a shop and turned it into a tearoom come sweetshop.
Her shop was never empty, her tearoom thrived and she was the perfect hostess.
Folk were always popping in for tea and scones. She was never short of someone to talk to.
She changed the way she dressed no more dark suits and sensible shoes.
She wore bright coloured clothes with matching dainty shoes.
When her mum was alive she was never allowed to buy clothes that she liked.
Her mum was very strict and would never allow her to wear colours such as, pink, bright yellow, and red.
That were another reason folk thought she had went a wee bit wonky in the brain.
She changed herself completely and became the person she always wanted to be.
She had all the village children and the ladies loved her tea shop.
Michael and many others thought she was one of the nicest ladies they knew.
Her shop window had cakes and all sorts of sweets in it, little white mice, pink elephant candy candy spiders and chocolate bats.
The window and canopy were bright pink and lemon.
Inside the shop on one side were twelve tables and chairs. each table sat four folk. It was brightly decorated in a lovely floray pattern with lovely pink and blue tablecloths.
The sweet counter was a delight.
Every sweet you could think off Miss Symes had them
One wall was full of jars of sweets fom mints to toffees to chocolates, jelly babies... Miss symes always gave good treats at halloween.


He past the greengrocers Mr and Mrs Armstrong owned it. Their daughter Louise helped out in the shop at weekends and holidays. Louise was sixteen and very pretty.
She had wavy black hair and brown hazel eyes. A lot of the boys in village would love to take her out.
Louise was more into her horse than boys. She had no time for romance. Her horse Troy was the only male other than her brothers and father that she had time for
Mr Armstrong and his sons, five in all rang the fruit and vegetable farm.
There was Adam aged twenty four, Bryan was twenty two Christopher twenty.
David nineteen, Edward eighteen.
They all looked alike black hair and brown eyes. They were all big lads.
Years of helping out on the farm and digging trenches mending fences left them with big muscles.
Adam and Bryan were studying new growth methods using natural fertilisers and hot houses.
The farm had once been a dairy farm, with cows and sheep. A bad outbreak of foot and mouth saw a lot of cattle being destroyed.
Mr Armstrong was sad but his wife Agnes had come up with the fruit and veg idea. That was ten years ago.The shop was theirs bought and paid for.They delivered their produce to other villages and built up a name in the local markets for their fresh products

As he walked down the village main street he became to feel sad again he just could not shake it off. He'd miss all these folk.
He paused at the bakers and looked in, he got a big smile from Mr and Mrs Forrester who owned the bakers. The smell of fresh bread and cakes filled Michael’s nose.
They were a happy couple and it showed. Both were in their 50's they had three children.
Two boys Simon and Terrance and Anne their daughter.
The boys were now twenty years old and Anne was 19 years old.
Anne had the same green eyes and brown hair as her mum,
The boys had blond hair like their dad. Simon was a chef in a big fancy restaurant in London.
Terry as he was called stayed in the bakery business.
He was an all rounder when it came to cricket that means he could bowl as good as he batted.
He had helped the village cricket team get their 1st trophy in five years it was a proud day for all the cricketers.
He got 165 runs and 4 wickets what a game. The villagers still talk about it.

He past the drapers with its wools, patterns and bright coloured cloths. Twin sisters ran the shop.
Margaret and Mary Forbes they were not married.
Margaret was engaged to Martin Green. He owned Merryweather farm.
He bred sheep and grew wheat and barley. The farm had been in his family for two hundred years.
Martin had been busy getting the farmhouse modernised for Margaret.
The house was due to be complete in April next year, the month they were to be married.
Martin was a strong man used to the outdoors he had a handsome ruggedness that Margaret and a few other ladies found irresistible. Black wavy hair with deep brown eyes that had a look of gentleness like a deer.
He was a shy man and it took him years before he could ask Margaret out.
He always felt silly going into the shop but his mother would send him with a list and Margaret always served him.

Mary noticed how Margaret took her time when serving Martin and how she glowed when he came into the shop.
In a way Mary was the one that helped Martin get over his shyness. Unbeknown to her sister she told Martin Margaret really liked him. If he liked her to hurry up and tell her as John Hammond had been pestering Margaret for a date.
That was when Martin plucked up the courage and asked her out, four years they had been courting.
Her wedding dress was in her wardrobe hand made by herself and her sister.
They were thirty five years old. Margaret looked younger perhaps because she had never felt real grief.

Mary had a worn expression she looked sad at times and then she'd snap out of it and be her cheery self.
Folk called her a handsome woman. She had blond hair and green years like her sister Margaret.
She was not petite more cuddly according to Mr Grayson that ran the Angling shop.
The talk in the village was that Mr Grayson was sweet on Mary.
He was one of the only men that went into their drapers shop.
Mary had been married to Alex for five years when the twins were born. Alex was a soldier.
Mary knew the risks but never thought it could happen to them.
He was killed six years ago by a sniper when he was on patrol in the war in the Middle East.
She had twin sons aged ten. Adam and Alexander. They were identical twins even their mum got mixed up.
The boys loved to swap identities and baffle folk.
They were sturdy boys into their sports; they had never really known their dad although they missed a father figure they had many role models to pick from Major Wallburton being one of them. The Major took the boys under his wing.
He got them into the cricket team and scouts; they helped him during the fetes. Putting up tents, arranging seats.
The Major and his wife paid the twins to do small chores for them... picking up the leaves in autumn, cutting the grass in the summer, helping in the vegtable plots. It was a very happy arrangement.

Michael looked at the cricket club with its immaculate green and white stands newly painted that summer.
His dream of playing for the village team would never happen.
The cricket house had got a new roof and looked like new even though it was one hundred and thirty years old.
He was remembering all the games played there and all the happy and sad times they had there.
Mr Brown the school coach was the captain of the village team. He was a good all rounder and was grooming young Terry to take his place as captain of the team. Mr Brown was thirty four years old married with three daughters folk felt a wee bit sorry he had never had a son but Mr and Mrs Brown took great delight in their daughters Sarah aged twelve , Melissa aged ten and Rachel aged eight. They all took after their mother in looks they had her blond hair and blues eyes Mr Brown was bald no one could remember what colour his hair had been. (It had been a light brown)
They were a happy and contented family.

Michael stopped outside the fish and tackle shop and peered in Mr Grayson was busy arranging stock.
He loved the smell the shop gave off it reminded him of the river.
Mr Grayson turned around and saw him at the window he beckoned him in.
"Well young Michael I hear you are moving soon." Michael nodded and looked so sad Mr Grayson’s
Heart went out to him he'd known this lad since he could crawl.
He was friends with Michael’s dad as he was chairman of the Angling club that they belonged to.
He ruffled Michael’s hair "Don't look so down lad. I know that there are great fishing spots in Scotland."
" And you can be sure the angling club will visit them." Twice a year the club went on fishing holidays.
Each time to a new place or revisiting favourite places. "I will miss so much here Mr Grayson I never realised what I had here until now." "Nay Lad you are going on a great adventure and life is opening up lots of new experiences for you."
He sat Michael down. "There are folk in this village that have never left it this is all they have known."
"I'm not saying that's bad, the folk are happy."
"Your dad has been offered a job he has dreamt about and a chance to create something really good."
"You lad will be part of that." "Your mum is so happy and you will be too one day."
Michael looked down. "Nay lad don't look down you will get through your sadness and one day you will say old John Grayson was right I am so happy."
"I have a going away present for you." he disappeared into the back shop and came out with a fly rod that Michael had been saving up for. "When you catch your first big salmon you tell all those Scotsmen it was thanks to John Grayson’s fly rod."
Michael did not know what to say he gave John a hug and thanked him.
"Will you promise to come visit us in Scotland?" Asked Michael Mr Grayson smiled "Of course, and I will expect a haggis hunt, I hear the haggis hunting is a big thing in Scotland." He winked at him
Michael laughed at him. There was a time he thought haggis was hunted. Mr Grayson had a weather beaten face ruddy complexion with deep green eyes. He always had his fishing hat on folk said he slept in it. He was tall six foot 5 inches.
He looked thin but had a lot of strength in him.
He had never married but hoped one day to make Mary his wife. The twins liked Mr Grayson and loved the fishing holidays.
Mary did like him but decided not to get involved until her sister had married and was settled down.

He left the shop with his new rod. He stopped in the heart of the village there was an old well now blocked off that stood in the square off to the right was the village hall with its clock on top. Christmas pantomines and shows were put on there as well as council meetings.
The streets and the parks were kept neat and tidy. Mr Wilson was the village caretaker he was employed to sweep the street and keep the grass and flowers looking good. He had been in the army most of his life, never married. Although there was talk that he had loved a local lass and had been turned down by her. Some folk say he joined the army to escape a broken heart.
Lately he had been spending more and more time in Miss Symes tea shop.
It had been noticed by a few of the villagers how tenderly they looked at one another had Miss Verity Symes been his sweetheart? Some said yes.

Arthur Wilson was Sixty five years old. He always wore his flat cap and tweed jackets. His overall were always on except for church and special occasions. Folk called him a handy man as he could mend almost anything.
He had two younger men that worked with him. Years in the army gave him a very straight back and a steady stride,
When he walked folk say he marched.
He was respected in the village and loved by many. He lived next door to Lynsey and her parents.
Every day he could be seen on his cycle or walking with Herbert. Herbert was a stray St Bernard’s dog,
He had been found by Mr Wilson when he had been up in Manchester.
Herbert was a bag of bones and all scraggy when he found him in an alley, the police said he could keep him as no one had reported a missing dog.
Herbert was adopted by the villagers he loved the attention he got he especially liked the butchers shop.
He accompanied Mr Wilson everywhere. He was white with brown and patches, a big friendly happy dog.

Herbert loved children especially Lynsey. Sometimes he walked her to school and sometimes he's be waiting to walk home with her.
Mr Wilson was a member of the angling club. Herbert was allowed to go on fishing trips with them.He enjoyed them just as much as the humans. He got to play in the water as long as there was no fishing going on. The kids had hours of fun playing with him and they did not mind when he shook the water all over them...
Like any village there were the two local public houses The Laughing Cavalier and The White Swan.
Both got their name from historical landmarks.
There had been a battle in 1560. The cavaliers were beaten back some took refuge in the village and where hidden in the cellar of the house that is now the inn. It had suits of armour, roundhead helmets, swords. Outside was the traditional white with support beams showing. A lot of houses were built in that style.
Inside had been slightly modernised without taking the character away. The old oak beams still showed. The tables and chairs were new but with enough age to fit into the inns history.
A big open fireplace welcomed you in the winter.
The white swan took its name from the swans that lived in the village park.
They had a huge lake where they and other birds nested. Outside hung the sign with a swan and her cygnets..Inside it had old oak beams small nooks and crannies a big open fireplace with all sorts of brass and ornamets surrounding it.
On the walls were photo's of the old days with horsedrawn carts and raggamuffin looking children'
A beautiful oil painting of a lake with swans and countryside took pride of place above the bar. The place had a warmness and a feeling of love..A love for all that entered it's door.

You could always hear singing coming from the inns. Mostly local songs.
The White Swan had been taken over by a young couple Anne and Mark Forrester.
They had came to the Village for a holiday and heard the White Swan was up for sale.
They decided that every Thursday would be a karaoke night and every Saturday a live band.
The karaoke night was a big hit as was the live bands.

To the left of the village was the bandstand where the local brass band held concerts.
The May Queen was crowned there. Then there were the parks.
There was the small park for younger children with swings sandpits chutes, roundabouts.
Many happy days where spent there. There was an adventure playground for older children; it had climbing frames, monkey bars miniature assault courses and a football park.
The paths were well attended. Mr Wilson saw to that. No matter what the weather was like you could always see someone out walking.
There were lots of benches set around the park and it boasted a beautiful maze.
Everyone had been in the maze. It was a great tourist attraction. At the heart of it was a sundial with a Gazebo.
The maze was two hundred years old. And shaped like a swan
Every Easter there was an egg hunt, lots of eggs were hidden all over the park and in the maze.
Parents enjoyed the egg hunt as much as the children. Oh how he would miss all that.
Michael’s feet felt heavy has he neared his house he glanced back towards the village green and sighed.

Off to his right was the old church with its big graveyard. There were a lot of old headstones some had gargoyles and looked scary, a very creepy place to be at Halloween.
There was a new minister as Reverend Lincoln was retiring he was seventy three.
He had never married and had been an only child so having no relatives he decided to enter the retirement home for Church elders. It was a charming place in Devon and he was looking forward to relaxing and doing nothing.

Reverend Saul Samuels. Was taking over the Parish. He would joke with a name like his he was destined for the church.
He was much younger only thirty one, unmarried which was a source of delight for some of the unmarried ladies of the Parish. Their housekeeper Mrs Deans would get hot under the collar when the ladies of the Parish would send up cakes they had baked or jumpers they had knitted. She took it as a slight on her housekeeping.
Rev Lincoln would chuckle he remembered his time when he was younger and perused by a few ladies in the village.

chapter five Battle won

Chapter Five Good sleep


He was so excited he had forgotten Lynsey's gift. He ran into his room and opened it was her book on King Arthur and Merlin and all the good the knights did, after all Merlin was a real wizard King Arthur was a real King.
That night his dad read him one of the stories of Merlin and how his magic helped King Arthur.
Michael smiled He did Believe in magic and Wizards.
After the story Michael and his dad placed the crystal under his pillow both said the poem together


2Power of the light protect him in the night.
As he sleeps keep him safe from harm
Let the crystal work its charm.
Surround him in light and let the monsters be banished into the night."

When the monsters reared their ugly heads Michael would be ready. Sandra stood watching father and son bonding.
She gave Michael a kiss and wished him sweet dreams.
"I'm ready mum he showed her the crystal. She smiled at him and gave a silent prayer it would help.

As Ian was making her hot chocolate she felt a rush of doubt "What if it doesn't work? What if he 'so frightened he forgets? And what if the wizard does not appear?" Ian took her in his arms. “I know it will work so no more what if’s being positive woman." He gave her a loving kiss. "
"Ian where did you get the crystal? He smiled "My grandfather I kept it all these years."
He never ceased to amaze her she loved him so much her gentle giant.
"Now off to bed we all have a big day tomorrow." Ian stayed up he didn't want to alarm Sandra but he wasn't sure if it would work for Michael it had worked for him but then he's been brought up with all the stories and he knew the mountains.
Before Ian went to bed he looked in on Michael he was sleeping Ian went to his bedside and kneeled down he began to recite the poem


"Power of the light protects him in the night.
As he sleeps keep him safe from harm
Let the crystal work its charm.
Surround him in light and let the monsters be banished into the night"



Michael was in a deep sleep suddenly he felt himself falling he landed on a big cloud shaped like a hand the hand let him down on a grassy field the sun was shining Michael felt good then the blue sky turned dark and a loud crackling and stamping noise was getting nearer Michael felt a wave of panic he’d heard that noise before it was the witch and her cronies coming to get him
And although his knees were shaking and he felt scared he stood ready to face his nightmares. He had to believe in wizard’s magic and the power of good over evil.
He repeated the verse over and over as the monsters where getting closer the witch was flying down on him her ugly face laughing at him. Michael felt for the crystal as he held it a heat a light burst from it and covered the monsters.
And like magic the monsters changed they became bunny rabbits and the witch became a kitten!
He wasn't afraid of rabbits or a kitten...... Michael saw the wizard and from his staff a light radiated all around the land.
The dark sky turned blue and the sun was shining.
Lynsey and his friends where in his dream she was laughing and skipping around him he felt so happy. For the first time in weeks Michael slept without being awakened with fear and awoke to life without monsters.


He couldn't wait to tell Lynsey and the gang and when they all came to stay he'd take them to the mountains and they'd fish and play just like they'd always done. Suddenly Michael realised his friends may live faraway but here in his mind they were close.

That morning Ian and Sandra saw the change in their son he was beaming "It worked." Said Ian, Sandra wasn't to sure until her son beamed a huge smile that lit his face... "I love Scotland and I'm glad we're here." He rushed over to show his mum the crystal.... He began telling them of his nightmare and how the light from the crystal changed the monsters into rabbits and kittens
Sandra knew by the light in her son’s eyes he had come through the nightmares.
As Michael was having his morning shower Ian showed Sandra the note he had received when he was a boy.
She gave him a huge cuddle and a kiss "Thanks honey for being a good man and a great dad."
Ian grinned "It runs in the family."


Life in Scotland turned out to be grand for them.
Jack was born three weeks after moving in, a bouncing 9lb 6oz baby boy everyone remarked on his size Michael wasn't surprised no wonder he could kick so hard. Jack had a mop of red hair and blue eyes but then all babies have blue eyes to start off with.
That week his dad took him to a farm where a litter of collie pups had been born.
Michael couldn't decide which pup when out from behind a bail of straw leapt a puppy it began licking hi face and its tail was wagging. "Looks like he's picked me dad." The puppy was white with patches of black all over it.”I'll call him Patches."
They went home with the new member of the family all the way home patches kept by Michael he knew this was his new friend and they would have lots of fun together. Time past so quickly Michael started school. The village primary had 3 teachers and 30 pupils,
Not as many teachers or pupils like his old school but he liked it, everyone made him feel welcome.

He had made new friends, Douglas and Emily Armstrong they were brother and sister. Douglas was nine years old and Emily was eight years old both had brown hair and blue eyes.
The two boys were the same height. Emily reminded Michael of Lynsey as she loved being outdoors and enjoyed sports.
They both have Highland ponies. They had been riding since they babies.
Their mum Elsie breeds Highland ponies and has a small holding with four stables.
The ponies live out in the fields all year. They get rounded up once a year to have their hooves trimmed.
The stables were for their horses.
Elsie has a big horse Dutch warm blood called Zola she stands at 14.2 hands; she has a white blaze running down her face. For such a big horse she was so gentle. Elsie was what folk would call a horse whisperer, she had a way with horses and they loved her back.
She had been present at Zola's birth. 13yrs they had been together, the bond was so strong nothing could part them.

Murphy who belonged to their dad Andrew. Murphy was 17 hands he was so tall he could see over the stable walls, He was a thoroughbred, they did not know what age he was they guessed about 17yrs old. They had found him 10yrs ago in a neglected state he was skin and bones. Elsie approached the owner and threatened to report him to the R.S.P.C.A She put fear into the owner, she had pictures of Murphy. When she showed her badge of authority to the man he gave in and told them to take the beast away.

Looking back on the photo's you'd never think they were the same horse. He too was a gentle giant he liked to nuzzle into you and was always nosing around your pockets for treats they all did it. Michael was getting over his initial fear of them.
Emily's was called Tobias, he was dappled grey and was 11yrs old and stood at 12 hands.
Spud was the name of Douglas's pony they had a wee laugh at his name. He was 11yrs old and stood at 12 hands... Spud was a chestnut colour, he loved being groomed both ponies did. Murphy loved his ears being rubbed. He didn't like the fly spray but he knew he had to have it on.
When Emily groomed Tobias he'd nuzzle her back and nibble her belt. When you washed his hooves he would take the water hose of you.
He liked being washed, he was a funny pony
Michael would laugh as the ponies would come out gleaming and once in the field roll around any bit of mud they could find.

Michael had never ridden a pony so he was a bit uneasy. After a few lesson from Elsie he was beginning to relax more and enjoy it. He wrote to Jessica and told her of the stables and how he was riding. He knew Jessica would be up with her dad come the fishing season and now that the stables were here she could bring Shadowmage.
Jessica had written to Michael and was so happy to have Shadow as her own.
Michael could picure Jessica galloping across the fields her long blond hair flying like the horses mane. He was so glad for her.

Andrew worked in the Forestry commission along with Ian, they had both went to the same primary school and had grown up with each other. Andrew was glad to see his old school chum come home. They marvelled at how fast time flew in... It felt good to see the children becoming friends. Ian was thinking of getting riding lessons again he had done a bit when he was Michaels age and he remembered the joy. Michael was so happy he knew one day they'd have their own horses and stables. All the time he had been writing to his friends and telling then of his new life.
Lynsey wrote every week and was really looking forward to visiting.
Lynsey became pen pals with Emily, they'd write once a week to each other Lynsey was so looking forward to meeting Emily and the ponies. She missed Michael but never said as she didn't want him to worry about her... All in all life in Scotland was good.

Patches followed him everywhere; mum wasn't too pleased at letting him sleep in Michael’s room but eventually gave in.
Their new E co home was near completion all summer and autumn dad and his friends had worked on it. Uncle Derek would turn up from time to time to make sure all was well.
Grandma was so surprised it was so big and warm and no bills for gas electric or water she could see this was the way forward.
When approaching their house you were struck by the way it fitted into the background the forest looked like their garden.
The house had been constructed of timber all timber fittings, no concrete anywhere. Grandfather said it looked like an American house with the veranda going all around the house. Sandra had wanted it that way; it meant you could walk out any part of the house and just sit. Ian had built three swinging seats. There were four wooden steps leading up to the house dad was pleased with the banisters he had carved them himself.
The Thatched roof gave the house age. The house looked at home.
The big windows for solar power gave a panoramic view of the loch and Glen... Inside had a feeling of stepping back in time, and of being nurtured by all natural fibres. The straw bails were hidden behind plastered walls of lime.


It was soon Christmas everyone was getting ready for the visitors and relations coming for the festive season their first Christmas in their new home. Michael was blown away at the size of his room he had a door that opened out into the huge garden, lots of storage space a place for his games and his computer. He had his own bathroom off his room. He loved his new home.
Sandra was busy in her kitchen she was so delighted at the way it had come together exactly as she dreamed it would she had a big kitchen with a breakfast table and chairs facing the French doors which lead into the garden. Her pride of place was her aga. Ian said she had too many cupboards but being such a big kitchen they got lost. There was a long window above the sink with panoramic views of the loch and the glen so peaceful and warm that's the feeling Sandra got when she stood looking out. The under floor heating kept the house snug.
Michael ran about with nothing on his feet. In the family room there were 4 long couches with 4 armchairs spaced around one another in the centre of the room there was the fireplace it opened at the bottom so that when you were in the kitchen you could see the fire.
The tall beams were oak and the open planning let each room flow from one to another.
The dining table had been a nightmare to find the biggest one they could find seated 20... Sandra was delighted... The limestone on the walls gave clean warmth to the walls with the lights dimmed and the huge tree with its lights twinkling was a picture... Big scented candles that Sandra made filled the air with a sweet smell of lavender. The pine logs were burning the house was snug. Ian had finished chopping the wood for the winter.
Patch was lying sleeping next to Michael Ian closed the door and left them.
Sandra was busy laying the table for her guest coming tomorrow little Jack was fast asleep in his crib....
Ian took his wife sat her down and told her to relax in front of the fire. "We have come home Ian" He nodded and put his arms around her.”We are one of the lucky few and I count my blessings every day." He smiled at her "All your hard work is paying off and you did work hard." She lifted his hands that had blistered so many times and kissed them. He picked her up "Right woman time for bed we got a lot of folk coming." She marvelled at his strength and took comfort in his arms.

Michael now knew what a snifter was and why it made everyone merry.
This Christmas would be special.
Lynsey and her parents were spending Christmas with them and New Year.
Michael was so excited he had so much to show and tell her. He had overheard his dad telling his mum how much the management liked the architecture and wanted to offer Derek a position. They were talking about them moving up beside everyone was so excited. They arrived a week before Christmas.
Kerry was expecting a baby she was four months pregnant celebrations all round.

Patches loved Lynsey and she adored him. Emily and Lynsey became instant friends and the ponies took to Lynsey as if they'd always known her.
He took her to the tree house his dad had made him. It was at the bottom of their garden which was a big garden. There was the fruit orchard, vegetable plot. In the middle was a pond Granddad had helped build. Sandra wanted ducks she loved ducks. Michael told Lynsey his dad had bought mum four ducks they were over at his Grandparents house It was to be a surprise for her.
He was proud of the tree house he had helped his dad and his granddad build it. It had electricity. Mum was noticing how good dad was at carving she talked him into building a craft room for him. Dad laughed at first but he thought about it, he did like working with the wood and everyone admired his work. It was settled dad would have his craft room.
Michael had asked his dad to carve him a plaque for above his door. He carved the words Secret Mountain.

On the plaque he had carved a mountain with an unusual figure at the top or was it tree with a figure beside it. The tree had no leaves just branches reaching out; an eagle was flying above it. “Oh Michael it's wonderful.” Lynsey's eyes lit up as she stepped inside. There was loads of headroom. It was big enough for his dad to stand in.
She saw his desk and chair where he sat and wrote his letters. The walls were covered in photos of the village and all their friends. Unbeknown to Michael Mr and Mrs Wallburton on hearing of their move decided to send on a special parting gift. They took photos of all the villagers in their daily jobs. Danny and Hubert, John and Mary the bakers.
His favourite sweet shop with all those sweets in the window. Miss Symes had sent Michael a box of his favourite sweets.
His classmates and all the cricket teams. Hung on his wall, he kept comics, books a torch and big cushions for sitting on.
"Lynsey this is a magical place, good things happen" Lynsey smiled and gave him a big hug "I knew you'd Believe."
Michael smiled at her "Jamie Harrington knows nothing I saw something special."

Her mouth opened and her eyes bulged "Do tell. Where? How? Michael hushed her. "It's a secret but maybe one day I'll be able to tell you but for now I have to keep it secret I pledged a vow." She nodded "And so you should.” I won't ask again I'm just so glad to have you back." "This is he best Christmas ever." Michael agreed.

Kerry and Sandra where in the kitchen lots of sighs and much excitement. “Well Sandra, Jack will soon have a wee friend to grow up.” They laughed at the coincidence. They both stood at the kitchen window a silence that was blissful; they turned and hugged each other. "This time next year we'll be standing at your kitchen window looking out over the Glen and with a new arrival"... Kerry grinned at her “I have something to tell you I passed the interview.”“ You are looking at the new music teacher for the primary school.” Sandra was delighted for Kerry.
Shouts of "Get the food out we folk are hungry” Sandra and Kerry carried out the food to the waiting family. Crackers were pulled and everyone tucked into their Christmas dinner. The biggest Christmas tree that anyone had seen in a room lit up the whole room.
Laughter and love echoed around the house and the Glen. New life had come to rescue the Glen and the forests. The Glen and forest had given a new way of life for people just like it did in the old days. It was protected and it protected.
Kerry told Sandra all the new s from the village. Miss Symes and wait for it Mr Wilson had announced their betrothal they were to be married. So the rumours had been true she had been the love he had lost.
Everyone was chatting and talking about the new cabins that were to be built.

Everyone had remarked how tall and robust Michael had become. How healthy he looked, mum said it was all the hill walking and being outdoors...Just like his father and his before him and his father . Little jack gurgled happily away. A picture of health, he was such a happy baby. Sandra had a feeling he'd always be like this, contented.

Derek had accepted the commission, work began on more cabins, and of course their new home. With 2 stables.
Lynsey and Michael had got ponies. Hers was called Heather a mixture of colours white brown with patches of black she stood 10 hands high and was 8yrs old
They came from Elsie s stock. Michael's was called Duke he was black with a wild mane he stood 10 hands high and was 8yrs old.
Both ponies were well behaved and well schooled. Lynsey loved mucking out the stables and took great pride in keeping it clean even if it meant nagging Michael.
They both got to play cricket. The boys and girls in their new school liked the game and where keen to learn and play.
Lynsey's dad Derek coached the teams twice a week.
Planning permission was granted for a small sports ground. A place where the children could play all types of sports.


Michael saw his old friends and their parents during the fishing season.Jessica brought Shadowmage up in her new horsebox. Michaels dad had built an extra stable so Shadow had a stable too. They had lots of fun. Treking through the woods, galloping across the fields.
Jessica caught the biggest salmon of her life, it weighed 13lb.
Her photo was taken and put up on the fishing clubs walls.
The Log cabins had been built to attract tourism.
At the start of the season three cabins were pre booked by the Old Strepton Fishing Club.
It was just like old times.
Everyone was full of praise the cabins and their new homes, built to the highest standard.
Derek built 20 more log cabins.
Michael and his parents were delighted when Mr Grayson brought Mary and the twins on holiday.
They had set a date for their marriage and wanted all of them to attend. Everyone was so pleased for them

Michael’s friends loved his tree house and his new house. They talked about the village and all that was happening
Michael asked his dad if he could tell his friends about the secret mountain. He said yes.
One night as they were camping out Michael told them the story, they were all excited. He showed them the crystal.
They all said the same the crystal had warmth and it gave a strange tingling feeling when you held it.
Michael had another story to tell them it was about the Monarch of the Glen and an eagle.

He told them of a boy that had come from Glasgow to work in the Glen. Well one day he set out on a mountain trek but he never checked the weather suddenly the mist descended and he was lost he was afraid and thought he was going to die.
He sat down as he could not see the path in front of him. Just then a stag appeared and began to walk down the mountain.
The mist was so thick but the boy followed the stag, then it disappeared into the mist. The boy was cold and tired then out of the mist flew an eagle, it called to the boy and flew low he decided to follow the eagle.
It led him to safety. There were some folk that laughed at his story but there were others who believed. Michael looked at his friends faces and laughed "I felt the same way." Harry spike first. "How did the boy know he was being led to safety? He could have felloff the mountain." Lynsey spoke up. "Ah! But he had faith and he had no other way to go."
Just then the bell ran. His dad had installed an old sailor’s bell on the porch so Michael would know when dinner was ready.
The children all made their way up to the house each one getting to hold the crystal and ponder on its magic.
Dreams can come true. Everyone's lives changed for the better. Kerry gave birth to a little girl, they called her Emily. She looked like Lynsey, small features and blond hair. Jack and she became great friends...


Michael's Great Granddad said he was getting the twang and before long "He'd no sound like an Englishman but a Scotsman." Michael smiled at him; he'd heard his mum say the same thing.
Michael thought to himself "Och aye it’s no that bad a twang.”
There were to be many parties and holidays to follow.
Michael never went looking for the mountain where he saw the wizard.
They never took the detour again and the secret mountain remained secret. For now. And life went on....... The story was retold by Michael to his children and His friends retold it to their children and so the Story remanins alive once more....

chapter Four Arrival

Chapter four ARRIVAL.

It was late when they reached their new home it was after midnight.
Ian's parents and a few of his cousins had tidied up the house and lit the fire for them coming... Ian carried Michael into his new bedroom; he was still sleeping as they unpacked.
Most of the big furniture had arrived before them and his cousins moved it in for them.."It's grand to have you all here, but what took you so long? We expected you here hours ago." Said Ian's dad as he hugged Sandra.
John was a rugged looking man white hair and was stocky built years of climbing had strengthened his body, he had piercing blue eyes Ian had the same eyes as his dad.
“Well John blame your son he took us the scenic route." His grandad raised his eyebrow at him he winked back and mouthed tell you later.
Margaret Ian's mum welcomed Sandra with open arms and a nice hot cup of tea. She too had a head of white hair Ian had been a late baby they only had the one child. Margaret had true warmth about her she lit a room up with her presence. "Och Ian you should have come the new motorway what with Sandra ready to drop the little yin any day."
She fussed over Sandra making sure she was comfy in the big armchair by the fire. The fire was roaring and Sandra felt warmth spread over her it was the warmth of love and a family. She felt a weight lift from her "It's all right Margaret we loved the detour." She smiled at her husband.

After many hugs and kisses it was time for bed everyone was gone. Ian and Sandra looked out of their windows onto the Glen and towering mountains. "Tomorrow my son and I will be hungry so I suggest we get some shut eye, you'll have to be up early to feed us for the journey up the mountain." She gave him a cuddle and kissed his cheek.
"Now you off to bed I have something to do." Sandra was puzzled "What have you to do at this time its 3am in the morning." He smiled "I have an errand to do I won't be long."
Sandra fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
She awoke with Michael shaking her and the smell of breakfast cooking, Ian was already up, she couldn't remember him coming to bed. His face was shining and happy she hugged her son and kissed his cheeks." "Dad said be fast or be last breakfast waits," He skipped off into the big kitchen to help his dad with breakfast.
As she got ready she took time to survey her new home in the light. The sound of the birds echoed around the trees and the water tumbling down the mountain Ian had joked that no taps for them Sandra was to haul the water daily like a real woman fat chance maybe a 100yrs ago. The house was still warm it had wood burning stove that heated the whole house.
"Well good morning sleepy head." Michael giggled as his mums hair was tousled and covered her eyes... "Here you are madam breakfast is served." As they sat and ate breakfast and chatted about what had to be done they could see how anxious Michael was to be off.
Ian had prepared food for their journey; Sandra had double checked the food and was satisfied there was plenty for them.
She smiled as she watched her two men walk away her son happy clasping his note in his pocket and her husband happy to be home once again.
It was a glorious winter’s day the sun was high and the crisp clean smell of pine filled their lungs. The heather covered the hillside.Sheep were dotted all over the hills.

. Ian stopped to take in the view. A range of mountains with the mist hovering over the top. The glen was covered in heather. "Along time ago the folk that lived here used the heather to make a thatch for their roofs." Michael looked amazed. "Heather? this stuff." Michael picks a bit of the purple heather. "Yes son heather." "Look feel it's strength." They both had a a tug at it. "How long would it last dad?. " "About ten years." "And when you think it could cost upwards of £15.000 to thatch a roof." Michael giggled ."Mum would love a purple roof being it's her favourite colour." Ian looked thoughtful. "Son you have just revived my memory.... mmmm I wonder." Michael knew what his dad was thinking.
A roof made of thatched heather...
The sun broke through the clouds, then the mist rolled away showing them the mountain tops. The sun sparkled on the water of the Loch and little streams that ran down the mountains.
It looked as if the water surface was dancing with rays of light.
The pine forrests were dark places, with lots of birds and small wildlife.
They saw the deer walk in and out of the forrests grazing on the grass.
Michael thought the forrest was great. He was looking forward to going on a trip with his dad. He'd promised to show Michael the small wildlife the forrests supported.
Snails,ants,moths,hedgehogs,squirrels and it was home to many birds.


Ian started whistling an old folk tune he'd heard his granddad whistle.
Michael tried to whistle like his dad but he hadn't quite mastered it, dad said practice makes perfect... "One day son you'll whistle better than me." They smiled at each other happy to be out doors and feeling free.

"Dad how do we know what mountain to climb?" "Ha ha there it is." And straight ahead was the tallest mountain Michael had ever seen... Ian saw his sons face drop "Dad I'll never be able to climb that." "Ah remember what I said the wizard does not expect you to climb it. You only climb as far as you can." "But first something to eat." As they sat eating Ian felt a rush of love as he looked at his son so small and vulnerable at that moment Ian would've fought every demon and monster that haunted his son’s dreams.


Michael climbed as far as he could... He was exhausted.
"Right son lets put your wish here under this stone, we'll come back in an hour and see if the wizard has got it."
Michael felt scared what if the note blew away what if they had gone up the wrong mountain he felt that fear creep in... Ian saw the look on his face” I promise you he'll come."
They went a walk around the steams and caves Ian telling Michael all the stories he remembered from his grandfather and his father. Soon it was time to go back and find out if his wish had been answered.
Michael was excited and afraid he'd never felt like this before.
As they got near the place Michael saw a light glistening he ran up and there was a crystal which held all the colours he could think off and beside it a note.
It was a message from the wizard
“Here is a magic crystal that will protect you from monsters because it is pure and from the earth core where no human being except myself has been. It has the power to shield you from harm." "But you must not run away you must stand and face the monsters believe in the crystal and it will protect you. You have to face these demons and tell them to be off where they belong. Remember I will be with you even though you cannot see me I will be there if you believe in me"
"Once you do this the monsters will never come back and if they do, use the crystal. At all times keep it under your pillow.
"Here is the word you must say every night." "Remember magic does exist and good will wins over evil."

Powers of the light protect me in the night.
As I sleep keep me safe from harm
Let the crystal work its charm.
Surround me in light and let the monsters be banished into the night."

Michael was so excited he was looking everywhere. "No son you canny see him he's up in the mists." His dad pointed up the mountain Michael looked skyward and the sky was covering the top of the mountain. If there where someone there they would never see them. Just then a giant eagle flew down from the mists and circled around them Michael had never been so close to a wild eagle he was huge. "Daddy it's the wizard’s eagle." Michael was waving his crystal at the eagle "Tell him I got the crystal." The eagle screeched and disappeared back into the mists of the mountaintop. Ian was taken aback "Daddy did you see the eagle when you came?"
"No son I never got to see him you must be a special boy."
Michael hugged his dad and as he held the crystal he felt warmth come from it as if it was pulsing...
He held it up over his head and shouted “Thank you thank you I promise to believe in you." Ian smiled at his son "Right we better be off Mum will be having kittens. Michael laughed at the idea of mum having kittens.

Michael skipped all the way home trying his hardest to whistle, then he did it he whistled he was so excited "Dad I can whistle." Ian looked lovingly at his son "Lets whistle a tune home." Michael wanted to learn Peter and the Wolf his dad was always whistling it around the house or when they where out walking.....
Father and son whistled their way home.
Sandra was amazed how healthy her son looked his cheeks were rosy again and the dark eyes were vanishing she heard the whistling over the hill and there they were father and son laughing and whistling.
She knew how hard Michael had tried to whistle and now well she thought a little bit of the magic was working.

Michael was so excited he told his mum how they climbed not to the top but as near as they could go. It was hard but they did it
He pulled out the crystal and showed his mum. It was beautiful and when held up to the light it gave off a beautiful kaleidoscope of colours pink, blue, red, green, lilac. And about the eagle.
A loud knock at the door brought all the family.
"Hello it's all of us can we come in?" Michael rushed to the door he was bursting to tell great Granddad but he knew he had to keep it secret.
Grandma had brought round a roast and it looked like everything from her kitchen. "Now you sit and put up your feet Sandra we've come prepared." Sandra thanked her and gave her a big hug.
As they all sat round eating supper the talk went to the new e co house. Ian was telling them all how he would draw the heat for the house from deep in the ground. "New fangled ideas do they work? That's what I want to see." Said Grandma.
"All in good time woman." Said granddad "New ideas that will save our forests for future generations."
"That's right dad it will” Said Ian.
"And don't worry mum we'll all be as snug as bugs in a rug." Grandma Tutted "But to make a house out of straw Ian I dinny understand that."
Granddad gave his daughter in law a wee wink as if to say you tell her Then he turned to grandma "Away into the kitchen woman and let us get on with things."
In the kitchen Sandra explained to Margaret the basic function of the new house. Margaret was amazed, and secretly very proud of her son and his wife.
Michael helped clear the table and his dad brought out the plans to show his father and his grandfather.
It was getting late when they all left and Michael could feel his eyes getting heavy,

chapter three The Long Way Home

CHAPTER THREE THE LONG WAY HOME

They had been lucky with the weather.It had stayed dry. It was dark even though it was only 6pm.
Sandra realised the journey was taking longer than usual.
"Ian why are we taking the long road" Ian winked at his wife and smiled. Ian looked down at the sleeping face of their son he knew what it was like to have nightmares most folk at one time or another have nightmares
"When I was a boy no older than Michael my grandad would take me hill walking said it would strengthen my legs." Sandra was baffled "I don't understand." Ian cut her off. "You will understand when I reach the place I'm looking for." "Believe me Sandra the detour will be worth it."
Just then Michael awoke it was dark the motorway was gone and in its place were mountains and trees.
Some trees where bare they'd lost their leaves as winter blew them away.
Michael had never seen the stars so bright and the moon so big... No street lights here it was twisting roads and huge trees.
"Ian lets stop for something to eat and stretch our legs." Good idea love my bum's went numb." Michael giggled at his dad...
It was only 6 o'clock and back in the village it would still be light... Here in rural Scotland Michael thought it was the middle of the night.... It felt like an adventure.
As the three of them sat eating Michael was looking up in bewilderment at the stars.
His dad saw the look in his sons eyes and he felt so bad at uprooting them but he knew that he couldn't pass up this opportunity to oversee the workings of the new nature reserve with a house added and what with the new baby they'd need the space and the money, and he was coming home.

Ian had grown up in the Highlands. He'd spent his childhood in Glen Thule forest with his father and his grandfather; they all worked for the forestry commission.
Ian had been different he had went to University and studied plants fauna and forest management.
Grandad McKenzie thought it a waste of time and money but Ian's mother had wanted him to better himself. Ian remembered the look on his fathers face when he graduated with full honours the pride was beaming all over them. The first McKenzie to go to University and graduate with full honours.
He knew his parents and grandparents were happy they were coming home.

Michael was glad his grandfather was still alive his grandmother had past away 10yrs ago but Old Cameron was still going strong he'd be 83 this year...Cameron said it was the good clean air, good food and a wee snifter that kept his bones from rusting.
When Ian told them he was getting married to an English girl they accepted it as granddad said times are changing and you had to admit Sandra was lovely, she had long soft shiny brown hair and the greenest eyes he'd ever seen

Ian winked at Sandra and turned to his son "Michael remember when we went on holiday we looked at the clouds and saw shapes in them mum saw a horse you saw a dragon and I saw a big dog." Michael remembered it was one of his favourite pastimes looking for animals in the clouds...
“Are you all sitting comfortable?" Asked Ian Michael and his mum nodded. "Right I'm going to tell you a story my grandfather Cameron told me when I was a wee boy, about your age Michael." Ian ruffled his son’s hair Michael beamed a smile at him Sandra looked curiously at her husband she wondered what he was up to but she trusted him. Ian winked at her and gave her a reassuring smile.

"See how bright the stars twinkle and how big the moon is well on nights like this the wise old man of the woods is known to appear, he lived here hundreds of years ago".
"Folk would come see him if they were ill or had a problem, he would fix it for them, if their cattle were ill the old man knew how to cure them it’s said he could work magic!"
Michael looked at his dad with a puzzled look. "Dad Jamie said magic was for babies it wasn't real." Ian laughed "Jamie knows nothing he's not lived long enough to know what is true and what is false." Sandra put her arms around Michael and cuddled him. "Let dad finish this sounds a good story." Ian smiled "Well thank you my dear."

" Some folk were afraid of the old man but he never harmed a living creature. He lived at the top of a mountain next to an old spreading acorn tree. He could be seen sitting under the tree for hours, some folk say he spoke to the tree and the tree spoke back." "He could be seen in the old forests planting new trees and talking to them he would sing a song in a strange language, no one knew what he was singing but the trees would appear to move their branches as if they were dancing to his tune." Pine. oak, chestnut, all types of trees were planted by him.
Michael giggled at the idea of trees dancing.
"In the mountains there are deep caves only the old man knew the safe passages he would come out with stones, plants and crystals he found deep in the heart of the mountain. He told the folk the crystals could cure certain ailments when applied properly, the crystals also gave off energies that were beneficial to our bodies." "He would make potions out of the flowers and crush the stones to make a powder for the land the farmers swore by it, their crops were always good and their soil was the best around.
"Dad how can a crystal help?" asked Michael Ian smiled down at his son "My Knowledge of chemistry isn't to great but I did read about "Crystals having a magnetic energy that comes from the Earth, and they have minerals Just as we have a magnetic energy that keeps us on the ground and not floating around, though floating around might be fun but we'd all be wearing spacesuits.”
Michael remembered the TV show about space the astronaut spoke about zero gravity at first Michael didn't understand he sort of got the gist of it. The earth has a huge magnet at its core, and everyone has a magnetic force in them so we are kept on ground by the earth's magnetic force." Michael was still a little puzzled but let his dad continue.

“Well the old man was happy he had his animals to keep him company he preferred animals to humans."
“He had rabbits, reindeer, mountain cats, eagles, Kestrels; they all came to visit his cave .They say he could talk to them."
Michael smiled "Like Dr Doolittle." Ian smiled at his son "Yes just like Dr Doolittle."
"One day a giant eagle landed at his cave with a broken wing the old man healed the eagle’s wing and they became friends when you saw the eagle circling you could be sure the old man was near."
"Then the old man disappeared no one could find him. A team of young men decided to climb to the top of his mountain for that's where the huge tree stood outside his cave."
"They never got to the top a landslide started and they had to go back huge chunks came tumbling down the mountain." When they looked up the tree had lost all its leaves. Its huge bare branches reached out to the heavens... It never grew leaves or flowered again even to this day it's said it's still there." "Just then the giant Eagle swooped out of the night and screeched at them and started diving at them, the men quickly got down the mountain, the eagle had warned them off."
"Then the stories started going around the old man had been seen on the mountain and in the woods but only on special times of the year “Michael asked his dad "What special times?" "New year Christmas, Easter he was seen around at these times."
Someone said the old man had left a note pinned to an old pine tree in the forest it said "if you need me and your life is in peril look to the trees I will follow."
Michael looked around him he'd heard of wizards but never seen one James Harrington said there were no such things as wizards but Michael remembered the stories about King Arthur. Lynsey had a book about King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, Her uncle Russell taught History at the local High school, he would read them stories when he visited Lynsey's.
He said Merlin the Wizard did live all those years ago and Magic was real. He told them not to listen to Jamie Harrington Merlin was a wizard and he helped Arthur so maybe Jamie wasn't right after all. Magic might really be here.

Mum got the blankets out and Michael sat between them under a beautiful winter sky... sipping his hot chocolate.
"Right are we all comfy and snug...” Michael cuddled between the both of them... "I’m telling you a true story handed down to me by my grandfather"
Sandra was just as curious as Michael.

“As I told you in these mountains lived a very old man some called him a Wizard others call him a wise man." "His shape can only be seen by special folk, and can only be seen on certain nights" Ian paused to let it sink in.
"Dad can the wizard beat monsters." This was the first time Michael had mentioned monsters to him he had told mum but he didn't want his dad to think he was afraid.
Sandra looked at her husband he gave her a reassuring smile and a wink.
"Well let me tell you it helped me fight my monsters when I was little just like you." Michael couldn't believe his ears; his dad had nightmares like his.
"Were they huge big hairy monsters with big green teeth and red eyes and was there a witch that chased you.”
Ian looked down at his son’s face his eyes were bulging and a look of hope was there. Ian felt a lump rise in his throat and tears were filling behind his eyes. He pulled himself together and gave his son a hug.
Michael felt the grip and warmth of his father and for the first time in ages he felt safe.
"How did you do it daddy?" Michael felt hope and excitement rising.
If his dad could beat the monsters then maybe he could to.

“When I was little I had bad nightmares getting chased into the forest and not being able to get out I would wake up trembling and crying...” Michael tried to imagine his daddy being frightened he cuddled closer to him
"My grandfather told me a story about believing in magic and the power of the crystals, how they can protect you when you sleep but not just any crystals it has to be one of the wizards.”
"This is a true story son I'm not making it up." Sandra looked at her husband he never ceased to amaze her. He'd never told her about his nightmares as a child or this story she was intrigued and wanted to hear more.
"I asked my granddad how I could see the wizard."
"Well boy you'll see him, it could be in the trees or the top of a mountain" "And when you see him you make a wish." "Then you write it down on a piece of paper and take it as far up the mountain as you can climb."
“Our Granddad was always telling us stories of the Glens and how they held the history of their folk, and how strange things happened up in the mists of the mountains."


"My grandma would scold him and tell him to stop filling our heads with silly nonsense." "We all loved his stories."
"My dad would take me through the forests and tell me tales of the people that once lived there and how they used the magic of the earth to heal the sick and injured." Anyway back to the story." Michael and mum smiled at each other and huddled closer under the big warm blanket Michael had his favourite drink hot chocolate was warming his toes.

"One night, on a night like this we were travelling home late, I was seven yrs old; we were passing Ben Tara k the mountain the home of the wizard." It was night like this, a full moon and all the stars where out."
Granddad stopped and told me to close my eyes he took me out of the car and turned me round. There it was Ben Tar ak
“I looked up and there at the very top of the mountain looked like a person with a long cloak."
“He was holding a staff a long stick like the shepherds use."
"I was so excited I yelled at granddad “I see the figure Granddad smiled at me."
"Didn't I tell you he came here but only on special nights dinny go telling your grandma her disnay understands about these things and he gave me a wink."
“He took my hand and said "You see boy there he stands awaiting your wish." "Remember you canny tell anyone else this is our wee secret."

Sarah smiled at her husband...
"Well that night I wrote my wish down on a piece of paper and next day Granddad took me to the mountain where I was to leave my wish”.” It was a big mountain, we only reached halfway up but Granddad told me that was far enough."
"I placed my wish under a big rock next to an old tree."
"Did you see the wizard again?" Asked Michael
"Well no son because granddad told me he'd only come that once and that I was to think myself lucky I had seen him once and was getting my wish granted." "Only special folk got to see him."

"The next day we went back to the old tree and next to it was the big stone and sitting next to it was a bright crystal that shone with every colour you could imagine and under the rock was a note."
"Was it from the wizard daddy?" Ian smiled at his son and said "All will be revealed."
“Yes it was from the wizard and he said because I had seen him he would grant my wish. But I had to believe in him and all he stood for".
“On the note was a message from the wizard" Here is a magic crystal that will protect you from monsters because it is pure and from the earth core where no human man has been. It has the power to shield you from harm." "But you must not run away you must stand and face the monsters believe in the crystal and it will protect you. You have to face these demons and tell them to be off where they belong." “Remember I will be with you even though you cannot see me I will be there if you believe in me"
Michael was hanging on every word his dad was saying.

"Once you do this the monsters will never come back and if they do, use the crystal. At all times keep it under your pillow.
"Here is the word you must say every night."
Powers of the light protect me in the night.
As I sleep keep me safe from harm
Let the crystal work its charm.
Surround me in light and let the monsters be banished into the night."

Michael was so excited "Did it work daddy?" His dad lifted him high and smiled "Yes it did I never got chased again I stood and faced those baddies." "When I held up my crystal and the light poured from it the monsters changed they became little mice and furry rabbits and even though I couldn't see the Wizard I felt him near me. His power and goodness helped me to stop running and face the monsters”

“My Granddad said everybody has to face their demons sometimes."
"At the time I didn't know what he meant, I do now." Michael was puzzled "What did he mean daddy?"
"Well son monsters can take the shape of almost anything that we afraid of they could be giant spiders or big green giants." Or have big teeth thought Michael.
"There comes a time in every ones life when they must stop running and stand up to these bullies that's what monsters do they bully and frighten folk especially little folk."
“Daddy Do you think I'll see the wizard tonight."
Sandra felt a bit wary she didn't want Michael to be disappointed.
"If not tonight then another night I promise you." Ian winked at her...
On the long drive they played their game of making out shapes usually it was cloud, being it was dark it was the shadows of the trees on the mountains, what odd shapes they saw.
Michael saw two horses and mum saw a soldier they saw all sorts of shapes in the trees and the hillsides.

Michael was no longer tired his eager eyes scanned the surrounding landscape.
As they approached a very steep climb towering over them was a mountain one that Ian knew well. Just then Michael jumped "Daddy stop look up there, it’s the wizard it's the wizard."
He was jumping with excitement "Calm down Michael ". Said mum and then she looked to where Michael was pointing she had to admit the figure looked real. It was a tall figure with a cone hat and flowing cape it looked as if he was holding a long stick. "Close your eyes son and wish." Said his dad. Just then An Eagle flew over the tree and settled on a branch.
"Oh look dad it's the wizard’s friend.
Michael closed his eyes and made his wish. "Daddy you'll have to take me up the mountain I have to leave my wish." His face was alight with wonder and hope. "I will son just as soon as we reach our new home we'll climb that mountain together."

Sandra felt a tear sting her eyes for the first time in months their little boy looked happy and hopeful his inner light had been switched back on... Sandra whispered a silent thank you to her husband he winked back...Michael was so excited he didn't want to sleep but soon his eyes closed. She nestled her son in her arms as he slept with his head on her stomach.
She turned to her husband "You never told me that story." he smiled "Remember my granddad said tell no one." She smiled "Ian did it work? Or are you setting him up for a big downfall?" Ian reassured her "Darling don't worry it will work." "This is the same place my granddad brought me to." He winked "Hence the detour."
Sandra was imaging Ian as a small boy if it had worked for him please please let it work for Michael... “Ian where will you get a crystal?” He looked at her sheepishly “I still have the one my grandfather gave me.” He never ceased to amaze her. She closed her eyes and slept for the rest of the journey.

Chapter two Saying Goodbye

Chapter two Saying Goodbye
Michael's house was one of 20 cottages that formed a hamlet.All had thatched roofs, whitewashed with osk beams running across the front of cottages. All the residents kept their gardens looking good they took pride in their work.All the cottages had small front gardens but at the back they had loyts of space..Their back gardens nestled next to a small copse with horsechestnut trees. The inside of the cottages were small but cosy.. Michaels room was in the attic. He could look out his window and see clear across to Upper Strepton.
His telescope nestled in a nook by his window, he loved hoilidays and winter as the nights drew in he could get more time and see more in the night skies.
His walls were covered with his cricket heros and posters with galaxies and constellations.
His fishing rods had there own rack. His fly's were kept in a glass cabinet. His bookcase had all sorts of books. he kept his comic collection in two boxes next to his bookcase.
Hi room had sloping eves that seemed to cuddle you embracing and warm.
he kept his room tidy.
Many generations of village children got their prize conkers from the majestic trees.
Lynsey's parents and his parents had been friends for as long as Michael could remember.
Lynsey's dad Derek was an architect. Lynsey took her curls from her dad. He was of average height 5ft 6ins. blond curly hair and was always drawing sketches of houses or animals he was a good artist.
He had painted a portrait of Kerry and Lynsey when she was a baby.
He had captured his wives beautiful face, her hair was shining the sunlight bouncing off her golden brown hair, her soft blues eyes and her skin looked so soft it made you want to touch the painting.
Lynsey looked like an angel her curls framed her baby face giving an air of innocence.
He had sketched and drawn them both through the years but that one painting remained his favourite and Kerry's
Kerry was small; she would say petite, with a warm smile for all she met.
She gave private piano lessons to anyone who wanted to learn. She had 10 pupils and she was happy in her life and it showed.

Michael remembered all the talks his parents had together about building an eco friendly community, and how one day they'd be able to live of the land and nature and not pay bills.
There would be a wind turbine for electricity and they would be drawing heat from underground and air filters for fresh air to let the building breath. The adults where like kids with a new toy!
Michael and his friends thought a straw house would fall down, and the thought of living in one made Michael uneasy, but he never told his parents how he really felt about the move, Lynsey was the only one and he had sworn her to secrecy.

It seemed to the children their parents were always talking about schemes and plans, if it wasn't houses it was the arrival of the new baby; Michael was going to be a big brother soon.
Derek was a keen fisherman just like Ian, Michael’s dad.
They were members of the local fishing club and on special occasions Michael, Lynsey, Matthew, Davy and Harry, Michaels other friends got to go fishing with their dad's.
Michael had heard the ladies saying "It's great to have a day to ourselves." "The longer the better." And they'd all laugh. He wasn't sure what they meant but it didn't matter everyone was happy...

Kerry and Sandra were best friends. They shopped together, tried out recipes on each other.
They were best friends just like Lynsey and Michael. Kerry and Sandra were both the same height and up until Sandra's pregnancy had the same dress size handy when shopping and swoping clothes
Kerry had short bobbed brown hair with a hint of blonde she often regretted getting her hair cut but what's done is done no need crying over spilled milk.
Sandra's hair was long it went down past her shoulders and was a deep brown with a hint of chestnut running through it.
Ian said she had a touch of the Irish in her.

Two months ago Michael’s mum and dad told him they had to move house, they were going to Scotland to live.
Michael's dad came from Scotland... Michael was brought up with the stories of the Glens,
A big forest so dense it was like night-time in daytime the Monarch of the Glen was the stags...
He had heard his mum and dad talking about the new home. Michael remembered how mum’s face is shone when she spoke of their new e co friendly home.
One day coming in from school he saw his dad try to lift his mum and swing her around but he only managed a small half turn. She was too big around the tummy.
"Sandra it's our dream come true". I saw mum was happy her face was shining. "I know Ian." And then her face changed a sad worried look covered her once smiling face. Ian never saw the look he was to excited.

“We have to tell Michael the good news." Ian was so excited “Derek has designed and is helping to build our new home". Sandra knew Derek and Ian had plans to build an eco friendly village one day.
"Ian that's wonderful it means Michael will see Lynsey at holidays and weekends". Ian laughed "Those two are so close." Ian turned to his wife and saw the frown on her face "Come on Michael will adapt".
He’ll make new friends besides guess who is thinking of moving." Sarah was not surprised. I knew before you." She giggled as Ian snuggled into her neck. He smiled at his beautiful wife her long brown hair shone in the sunlight and her green eyes were like emeralds. Being six foot 5 inches Ian was tall Sarah came up to his shoulder he would tease her saying she was just the right height to lean on.
Michael took his height and colouring after his father he was a good four inches taller than anyone in his class his red hair and freckles gave a healthy glow to his face. A few folk would tease him and call him ginger it never bothered Michael after all his hair was a gingery colour.
Sandra hadn't told Ian about Michael's nightmares she was about to tell him when Michael came in the back door.

Michael didn't want his mum to worry; he had overheard his mum telling auntie Kerry the doctors had told her to slow down and not to worry or work too hard especially in her condition... A new baby was due soon, in four weeks time. So he put on a brave face and helped with the packing.

It wasn't that Michael disliked Scotland his grandparents the Mackenzie’s lived their and a lot of his dad's relations.
Sometimes they were very noisy especially when night came and they all had a wee snifter. He still didn't know what a wee snifter was, he knew it made the men and some of the ladies merrier than usual mum said it was high spirits. Christmas and New Year everyone was in high spirits.

Michaels parents, felt sorry for him, they tried to reassure him, and told him he'd make new friends.....
That this was too good an opportunity to miss out on'
The only good thing about the move was the fact that Michael's grandparents lived just 2 miles away... Where he lived he only saw his grandparents a few times a year. Dad said it was too far to travel....And getting time off work was hard.
Grandma and Grandpa Mackenzie... Mum said dad was just like his father happier when he could be outdoors. And Michael had the same love of the outdoors.

Michael's mum's parents where in heaven. He never knew them. There where photo's of them and they looked nice.
They didn't have white hair like his other grandparents; their hair was brown like mums. Mum said that's because they died young and that most people when they get old their hair either falls out or it goes white or a silver Gray.
Mum would tell Michael stories of them how good they where and how sad she was that they where taken away in a plane accident...

It had happened two yr s before Michael was born. They had been on holiday; a safari in Africa. The plane they where travelling home in crashed into the sea. Michael would see the tears in his mum’s eyes when she spoke of them.
Michael had never really known what it was to be sad and to lose someone close, now he knew what sadness meant, he was feeling so sad that sometimes the tears just flowed from his eyes when he thought of his home and his friends and everything he was leaving behind.

Michael's new house was to be much bigger than his old one and there was a nursery for the new baby, which according to mum and dad was in a hurry to get out of mum's tummy...
Mum let Michael hear the baby's heartbeat through a stethoscope she had bought especially for him. She didn't want him to feel left out and wanted him to love his new baby...
Michael loved to listen to the baby's heartbeat and sometimes he'd feel the baby kick... One day he felt the baby kick harder than usual "It's a boy! I'm going to have a brother; a girl can't kick as hard as this." Michael rubbed his mum’s tummy and whispered into her belly,” When you come out one day you and I will play football, cricket, fishing in fact there's lots you and I can do together." He kissed his mum's tummy.
Ian and Sandra smiled at each other they knew it was going to be a boy but kept it a secret from Michael... "And if it's a boy what's his name to be?" Asked dad, Sandra frowned at him she was a bit afraid Michael would come out with a name like Egbert which he called his hamster...
Michael thought for a minute “Well as he's always jumping around mum's tummy, we'll call him Jack, Jumping Jack Flash.” Dad laughed out loud "I like the Jack not too sure about the jumping and flash." Michael giggled at the idea.
Sandra liked the name in fact she had been leaning towards Jack or Douglas for a name
Jack Mackenzie it had a ring to it .It was settled. Unbeknown to Michael, one of his great great-grandparents was called Jack.
So it was settled Jack was to be the baby's name if it was a boy....


Michael had never had a nightmare, but now it seemed that every night he was being chased by monsters, some had big teeth and red eyes and the witch had a broomstick and she flew over him trying to snatch him away. Michael was so scared because now in his nightmares his legs were feeling heavier he was finding it harder to run away from the monsters and the witch.
When Michael and his friends played games he was the fastest runner he could run faster than any of them.
His mum had tried her best to reassure him that the monsters were not real.
That's OK for them to say thought Michael they're not the ones being chased.
His mum knew the nightmares were related to moving away from everything he knew and loved, but they had to take this offer.

Lynsey had tried to Help Michael she told him not to run away but face and fight the monsters. Stand up to them as they were just bullies, trying to frighten him. Michael had tried but when the monster opened its mouth and the big teeth were ready to chomp him up he ran away again...Every night it seemed the witch was getting closer to catching him.
Michael was looking tired and had circles under his eyes His sleep time was no longer restful. His parents were so worried.
And did not know how to help their son.

Ian had been up to Scotland to make the final arrangements he took lots of photos of the hose they would live in. Well the one they would live in until their e co house was built.
The new house was much bigger than the old one it had four bedrooms and two bathrooms, mum loved it. It had a front and back garden with lots of raspberry and blackberry bushes, there was a huge plum tree, mum was already thinking how many pots of jam she would get from them... Dad said the back gardens grass was so long they two could hide in it and mum would never find them, so they could sneak out the back garden and go fishing...
Dad had promised them it would be all neat and tidy for them moving in...

The time had come, all the boxes where ladled and packed up in the huge van dad had hired... It seemed to Michael the entire village had come to help them on their way... They all said how much they'd miss them but it was for the best...The sun was out and the village was awash with it's rays. A crisp clean winters day.

Michaels friends turned up to say goodbye, Jessica,Harry, Matthew and David, Harry with his huge owl eyes and small face sniffed as he shook hands and wished Michael good luck. Harry wasn't one for saying much, they had been friends for so long, and life would not be the same without his mate Mickey.
Michael had decided to give each of them a keepsake so they would always remember each other.
Michael had overheard one of the neighbours saying "He's young he'll soon forget all of us." He did not want to forget his friends or his friends to forget him. So they arranged to give each other a gift. Something they would keep and look at and remember each other by.
Jessica gave Michael a scrabble board it was a special board she had helped her uncle Anthony carve it from wood. The tiles were polished granite.
Jessica had tears in her eyes as she handed Michael his going away gift.She was remembering all the good times they had shared ."Thanks Jess I promise to keep playing. Jessica had helped Michael with his words and how to play strategicaly.
Michaels ratings had gone up because of her help. She gave him a big hug "Now Mich monsta (her pet name for him) I want a letter every week and when you get hooked up we'll play online scrabble I've found a great site it's called ISC." Jessica felt a lump rise she gave Micahel a hug and he gave a promise to keep playing and practising. "Give Shadowmage a carrot for me". "I will."

Harry gave Michael his lucky charm, it was an old brass button, it looked like it had come off a Calvary jacket, and it had a horseman on his horse holding his sword above his head... Harry had found it when they were fishing; he said it was his lucky charm because after he cleaned the button he caught three fish... Michael remembered that day well, the sun had been high in the blue sky, everyone was happy. The dads were all laughing and talking about sports and who would win the ashes or the league...A huge picnic basket filled with every delight for man and boy...
Sandwiches, chicken, cream, cakes, chocolate cakes, pies, cheese, biscuits, juices, everything they needed
The wives always contributed to the picnic hamper glad to be rid of the boys for a few hrs.
It was a father, son and daughter counting Lynsey outing, that's how the four boys became friends, through their parents and all the mums became friends... They all caught fish that day except David he looked miserable. Harry gave him one of his...

Michael gave Harry his signed poster of Freddie Flintoff, and his cricket manual books. Michael knew how much Harry loved cricket.
When Harry came to play he would stare at the poster and practice his stance in the mirror, standing just like Freddie waiting for the ball. Harry wanted to play cricket for England one day. Everyone said he had a gift for it. And who knows maybe one day Harry will fulfil his dream.

...David who was the strongest of them said it was helping out on his grandfather’s farm, gave him muscles. Lifting and carrying the bails and helping with cattle. David had a thick head of black hair and dark brown eyes he looked like a wild gypsy at times especially when his hair got over his ears.
They shook hands; David gave Michael a box of fish-hooks for fishing, Michael’s dad was always forgetting to replenish the fish-hooks. Michael gave David his favourite spin rod, David’s face was beaming he’d admired the rod ever since Michael’s grandfather had bought him it. Michael hoped his granddad would understand David' couldn't afford a rod like this one Michael knew he loved it. And he had his new rod.
"I'm sure to catch one now eh Mick." They all laughed.

Matthew was next. A lot of folk thought they were brothers.
Mathews mum said he was a big boned boy... he was not over weight. He was slightly plump but not fat.
They had the same colour of hair though Michaels had more curls they had the same dark green eyes.

Sometimes they'd pretend to be brothers it was fun..... They shook hands.
Matthew handed Michael a parcel "Open it just now Mick I want to see your face." said.
As Michael opened it he saw a football strip it was the rovers strip Matthew had got the team to sign it... Michael was speechless all the team had signed it. He looked at all the names, Big John Adams, Davie green and his favourite Jon Joe his name was Joe Johnson the fans turned his name round, he was their top goal scorer...
Michael handed Matthew a box "Go on open it." Matthew opened the box and inside was Michael’s collection of the famous five comics.

Matthew loved reading them, when he stayed over at Michaels he had read them many times and still found them exciting.
Super heroes with difference theses superheroes were children four boys and a girl, just like the five of them.
Matthew would fantasise and get them all to play pretend super heroes.
Matthew was the leader. He was the biggest he was Dynamo D He could smash through anything, Harry was X Ray eyes, on account of his big eyes, Davy was Elastic man who could stretch further than anything. Lynsey was Miss minimize she could become so small she could fit through the smallest crack. She didn't like it at first but then Matthew told her she could also grow taller than a building so she was happier being miss mini she shortened the name, the boys let her .
Michael was Captain Quicksilver, the fastest person in the whole world and he was so strong he could lift a mountain if he wanted to...
They had lots of good times playing their games.

Deep down Matthew felt a little guilty because he told his mum how much he'd miss the comics and here they where... A tear formed in Matthews’s eye as he realised he was losing a dear friend one who he'd known all his short life... For the first time all the boys knew what it felt like the sadness of losing someone.
Matthew wiped his eyes and sniffed, they all sniffed and made a group hug and promised never to forget each other.
Michael looked around for Lynsey she was always late for things.

Mum was hugging their neighbours and dad was shaking hands with everyone, promising to write and let them all know how they where doing and mum promising to send photo's of the new baby and the house...
Michael bit his lip to stop himself from crying...Just then Lynsey came running up and thrust a box into Michael’s hands and before he knew it she was hugging him and kissing his cheeks... "I had to double wrap it." Don't open it here wait till you get to your new house." Michael smiled him gave Lynsey a musical box... Lynsey loved it. It was Michael’s mums. Michael told her how much Lynsey loved it.
Sandra gave it willingly.
Lynsey loved to dance like the ballerina in the box
"I'll always be you pal Michael and remember don't open the box until you reach your new home." She pulled him aside and whispered into his ear so the other boys wouldn't hear.” Michael please doesn’t run away from the monsters fight them." "Remember we're the fantastic 5 and magical things happen." "Remember Merlin was a real wizard we got that in history so magic is real please please Michael believes."
Michael knew Lynsey meant well but she would never know what it was like. Michael didn't want the other boys to know about his nightmares and how scared he was of the monsters he thought they'd laugh at him.
Tears were rolling down her cheeks... Lynsey would miss Michael so much...


Michael felt his tummy turn over it. Lynsey was crying and it seemed she wouldn't stop. They all hugged her...
Aunt Kerry was hugging mum, tears flowing as they said their goodbyes.
"I promise to keep in touch Kerry, Scotland isn't the end of the earth and there is the internet we can chat and gossip."
"I Know Sandra, and I am so glad for you but this place will never be the same without you and Ian and Michael."
Lynsey squeezed between them "I'm coming to stay at holiday’s auntie Sandra remembers you said I could."
Sandra smiled at Lynsey her golden curls framed an angelic face how she'd miss this little angel.

"And so you will. All of you will be staying there will always be a place for you at our home." With that she kissed and cuddled Lynsey... "See you all at Christmas." Lynsey tugged Auntie Sandra’s sleeve “Danny said Hubert can't come.” Sandra smiled “Of course he can't this is home and besides Danny would miss him.” Lynsey agreed.
Hubert was a huge St Bernard dog that followed the children everywhere.
Danny. Took such pride in his work, you the village children all loved it when his fruit trees were ripe,
he always had a wee parcel for each of them, strawberries,plums,blackberries and rhubarb.
Every year at the garden fete he was awarded a special gift. For his good work in keeping the village clean.
Everyday Herbert accompanied Danny on his rounds, he especially liked going past the butchers he always got a nice juicy bone.


Hubert lay down at Michaels feet, he knew something was wrong he saw all the sad faces and tears.
His huge brown eyes looked up to him Michael bent down and Hubert started licking Michaels face it was his way of saying goodbye to Michael .
Michael hugged Hubert and again felt the sting of tears in his eyes. Mum had promised Michael could get a dog of their own when they moved to their new home Michael was looking forward to that but how he would miss Hubert
"Right that's us packed up and ready to go, thanks to our good neighbours and friends. Dad turned to thank everyone again and thanked everyone for their help.

The van lurched forward and they were moving away dad was waving and shouting goodbyes. Michael and his mum watched as Lynsey and all their friends became dots and then they were gone..
Michael felt so sad he turned away so his mum wouldn't see his tears, they rolled silently down his face..... He was trying had to be brave he had heard the grown ups talking and mum was told not to stress or get worried as it might affect the baby.


Sandra knew her son was crying. It broke her heart to see her little boy so afraid when he’d awaken trembling and crying that the monsters nearly caught him again he'd cling onto her. The only thing she could do was to bring him into their bed... Ian didn't mind sharing the bed he even drew a cartoon of the three of them in bed... Two big pair of feet sticking out the blanket and a pair of small feet in between them...Michaels dad could've been an artist but he said their was to much competition and not enough money to support a family and what passed as modern art was a joke..
Mum encouraged him to draw she had his drawings and paintings all around the house as did all their family and friends.
Michael liked to draw but lately he just didn't want to...

It was a long journey to Scotland miles and miles of motorways. Michael had tried to stay awake but he was so tired