tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270105807761118692024-03-13T10:09:24.255-07:00The Saga's of Oggin the OggThe Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-73341380384268166342012-08-08T02:08:00.002-07:002012-08-08T02:08:47.518-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3<sup>rd</sup> Saga</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> Part 7<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As Oggin lay on the grass a movement to his left caught his eye, he turned his head and saw a small pair of brown moccasins near his head. A soft voice spoke.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Iz youm comfy down there Misser Ogg’in?” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Oggin raised himself on one elbow and was greeted by the sight of three pairs of eyes regarding him with a mixture of concern and curiosity. It was Taly and her Owl and a slightly nervous Fawn. Tally wore a look of concern on her small round face and the Owl one of unblinking judgement, which Oggin found slightly disconcerting.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’da seen Miss Cara was talkin’ to ee an’ then that lady wiv the red hair cummed over an’ shouted at ee an’ all…”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Er yes…that was Kajoa…she’s my….er…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">friend….”<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“’er don’t seem all that ‘appy Misser Ogg’in…”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She is often like that Taly…quite often…” replied Oggin in a resigned tone. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well we was goin’ to ‘ave a see ‘ow your’n extension thingy was getting’ along….am you comin’ or is you’m gonna a lie down fer a bit longer loike?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Oggin looked up into the girls face, it was a mask of innocence.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No…I’ll come with you Taly…I’m curious to see what’s going on too…”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He slowly got to his feet and noticed the Fawn moved further behind the girl, obviously very nervous. Oggin ignored the timid creature and slowly walked toward his cottage, with Taly and her pets at his side. As they drew near, Oggin could see Cara the Hasselsnag and Gladys the Stone Woman just outside his front gate. As he looked it seemed that the pair were sort of shimmering slightly and staring very intently at the garden. Beyond his front hedge he could see a great pile of building materials, where Kajoa’s very <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">best</i> roses <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">should</i> have been and at the small front window, the lady herself was looking out. Her expression told Oggin that this had better be the finest extension in existence or he’d be living with Cyril the Sleeping man for a week or so. Just then, Taly let out a cry.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ooo look…is a Fluffy….!” And ran off toward the two strangers that Oggin had seen before, they were stood a few yards off and Oggin thought it strange he’d not noticed them before. Taly seemed to greet the shorter of the two like an old friend and oddly, the Fawn nuzzled up to him at the same time. Oggin started to get a dull pain behind his eyes and supposed that it was because the morning sun was behind them, so he looked away. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Of course he was quite wrong…but that’s another story.)<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As he turned back to his cottage he was all but bowled over by the figure of The Shed Master and his greasy apprentice rushing headlong to join the two women. The fast striding Shed Master was shadowed by his scuttling apprentice, who was apparently trying to catch his master’s robes as they billowed behind him. The Shed Master suddenly stopped as he reached the cottage but sadly, the apprentice did not and bumped into his Master’s be-robed behind. He received a sharp stab in leg for his trouble from the Shed Masters staff and fell to the ground whimpering, at the same time offering profuse apologies, through gritted teeth.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Oggin looked back his garden, the whole front of his cottage was now bathed in the same shimmering light as the women and then grew so bright that Oggin was forced to shield his eyes from the glare. After a few moments the light faded and revealed a neat, flat roofed extension to Oggin’s house. Through the large windows could been seen the open mouthed face of Kajoa and it struck Oggin that this was one of the few times he’d seen her with nothing to say. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The next few minutes passed in a bit of a blur. The Shed Master, closely shadowed by his apprentice, inspected the work and signed it off as ‘Complete and of a High Standard’ and passed the paperwork to Oggin. The two women, joined by Taly wandered off slowly and Kajoa could be seen feverishly measuring the shelves inside the extension windows. Oggin glanced around and found himself alone and started to trudge his way home. He knew the next day or so would be spent moving Kajoa’s prized Knick-Knacks around and around in an endless parade of mild dissatisfaction and grumbling. Such is life he thought, such is life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And so Dear reader, this Saga draws to a close. We may come this way again someday. We may find out what happened to The Mammie and her ‘friendly’ postman or even how Hirsh the Boog found true love at last. For now, let us leave the folk of The Village to go on with their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-24083598153894792562012-01-17T17:05:00.001-08:002012-01-17T17:05:47.870-08:003rd Saga Part 6<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Oggin slowly walked back across the green towards his cottage, hands in pockets and deep in thought. He was a little worried by the sudden appearance of The Shed Master and the offer of help from The Stone Woman. His past experience of dealing with fairy folk and their go-between’s gave him pause to doubt the smoothness of proceedings and this in turn would bring conflict with Kajoa. Something he did his very best to avoid at all times. A movement caught his eye and he glanced over to see Simon Patel, the pie maker, cleaning the windows of his pie shop. Simon’s wife, the redoubtable Janet, stood in the door of the shop, with floured hands and arms folded across her ample bosom. She watched her husband like a cat watching a rat and a slight waft of steam issued from the door above her head. Oggin gave the pair a nod of acknowledgement and received an answering nod from Mrs Patel while Mr Patel simply continued his closely supervised work. As Oggin shifted his glance back toward his front garden he thought he caught sight of two figures passing further down the lane, by his cottage. The pair were walking away from him and seemed to be strangers. One was a tall and lean looking, he was dressed in a short, brown leather coat and bluish trousers and had a wide brimmed hat on his head. Oggin noticed he was wearing a bag of some sort across his shoulders. His companion was also quite tall but thin and seemed to be skipping. Oggin stopped and stared as the figures started to move out of sight and it struck him the second person looked as if he had long tall ears. Oggin closed his eyes, shook his head and looked again but the ears had disappeared and he felt like he was suddenly getting a headache. Turning his attention back to his cottage, he was surprised to see a shimmering light over the small front garden, quickening his pace he took his hands out of his pockets and hurried forward toward this new sight. All at once his ankle struck something and he found himself lying flat out on the grass. When he tried to get up a weight between his shoulder blades pressed him back down and a soft girlish giggle came from above him. Oggin closed his eyes and fought the impulse to struggle, it was the Hasslesnag and he knew it would do no good.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Good Morning Oggin of Ogg…Are you in a hurry?”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Good Morning Cara…I was…” replied Oggin, in a pinched tone.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Oh there’s no need of hurry Oggin…no need at all….In fact it would be better if you slowed down a tiny bit…the delivery is still coming in…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Delivery…?”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Yes Oggin…all that which will be needed for your extension is being delivered….”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Delivered…?”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Oh Oggin…for The Mother’s sake <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">please</i> pay attention!....All the materials for the extension are being put in your garden…ready for the build…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Where are they coming from…?”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“All the four corners of Oggland and beyond…Flat glass from across the Small Water…seasoned hardwood from the dark forests of Boog…Smooth white timber from Westex….”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Okay…okay…I get the picture….and I suppose they’re getting here by magic…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Well yes….how else…?” </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Of course….silly me…how else indeed…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">At this point, several things happened at once. There was a very loud and piercing banshee wail from a short distance away, this was followed by a quiet ‘pop’ and the weight disappeared from Oggin’s back and suddenly his limited view was filled with a pair of scruffy tartan slippers, with one pom-pom missing. Kajoa!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Ye lang streak a shite ye...wit are ye daein’ striched oot playin’ thea diddy here weel ma roses is bein’ spoil’et tae bits…ye stupit hawfwit ye…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Well my flower….”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Dinae speak tae me…ye tumshie…ye are as much use as diddys on a dour so ye’are….”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Extension..!” Oggin blurted out while Kajoa drew breath.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Whit…?”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“It’s the materials for your extension my rose bud…the extension for you to show off…I mean <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">display</i>…display your Knick Knacks…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Oh…oh…why did’ye no say so…ye numpty…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“It was going to be a surprise my petal…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Surprise ye says…weil I’ll be surprised if ye git it done so I weil...”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Oggin kept very still as he let out a low breath. He watched as Kajoa retreated back towards the cottage, her red hair bouncing as she walked and her third best house coat flapping as she went. Much as he loved this woman and he really did, he decided to stay just where he was for a few moments. Just to be on the safe side.</span></b></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-38685829346131180842011-09-11T15:52:00.000-07:002011-09-11T15:52:55.509-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue;">The Third Saga</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Part Five</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>As Oggin drew a bit closer to the little group he could make out the individual members of the assembly more clearly. Ted The Postman was still bent forward, postman’s hat in hand, bowing toward the Shed Master in a faintly silly way. The Shed Master himself cut a very imposing figure, he was at least seven feet tall with long, shoulder length white hair and a white beard. His red robe, pinched in at the waist by a white tasselled rope, was heavily embroidered with strange symbols and Oggin noticed he had a gold cap sitting on the back of his head. In his left hand he held his Staff of Office, a six foot polished wooden pole, marked off in thumb widths and topped with gold square. As far as Oggin could make out, the Shed Master was silent and wasn’t even looking at poor Ted, he seemed to be disinterestedly gazing into the distance, at nothing at all.</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>To the Shed Master’s left was a diminutive little man. He looked to be quite old and was dressed in all brown, grubby, woollen clothes. He stood with bent knees and a pronounced stoop and his dirty grey hair was long and very greasy looking. In fact, Oggin thought, he looked altogether ‘greasy’ and unctuous. He was constantly rubbing his hands together, as if he was washing them, in a very obsequious, slimy manner. Oggin decided to take an instant dislike to him, as he thought it would save time later.</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Some fifteen or so feet behind this trio was a small girl. She was dressed in dark green tights and tunic and a shock of jet black hair framed her smiling, cherubic face. On her left shoulder was perched a small Owl, which, for all the world, seemed to be whispering in her ear. Oggin recognised it as an Athene Owl, a very rare bird in Oggland. To the Girl’s right, a small brown Fawn rested its head against her waist as she slowly stroked its head. Oggin guessed this was Taly, Nitta the Cutter’s new apprentice, although what she had to do with this ‘merry band’ he couldn’t fathom.</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>As Oggin reached the post pole, Ted caught sight of him and suddenly stood up, pointed to Oggin and announced,</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>“This, your masterness…this is Oggin the Ogg…the man who you have come to see your worshipness…he is here…now…”</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>The Shed Master slowly turned his head toward Oggin and inclined it, in the merest gentle nod of acknowledgement. Immediately, the small man scurried past Ted the Postman, almost knocking him over and stopped in front of Oggin. Now furiously rubbing his hands, he spoke with a Walland ‘sing song’ accent.</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>“Mister Oggin…I y’am Titus Morley of Walland…’umble apprentice to Giles Belann of Westex…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The</i> Shed Masster Gener’al…”</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Oggin’s dislike of the man grew a little greater.</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>“I yam requir’ed to remine’ yew that the Shed Masster Gener’al iss ure to oo’versee the e’rec’shun off a build’n on you’are behaff…an’ as such you’are requir’ed to uner’take cert’ann responsa’billitys…..These are has foll’ows…”</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>At this point, The Shed Master lifted his ornate Staff of Office and poked Titus Morley <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very</i> firmly in the rump and finally spoke.</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>“Titus boy…will you’n ever shut yer cakey yap fur a min’it an’ let I’da speak….”</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Oggin at once recognised the soft Westex drawl and a smile played across his face. Titus Morley stooped even lower and put one hand over his mouth like a scolded child. Oggin wasn’t sure if this was a demonstration of obligation or to stifle a cry of pain. Either way, his smile broadened at the sight.</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>“So…you’m be Oggin of Ogg…I has bin told much of ee…me ’ansum…you’m got some fitty frien’s in them knockers an’ pisky’s…ain’t ya…loike yon maid…” </strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>He inclined his head in the direction of Taly, who had moved closer to the trio. The Fawn had moved behind her, just peeping around her legs and the Owl was watching intently, with wide unblinking eyes. She spoke.</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>“I’s glad ta see ee Masster Belann…an’ I bids ee welcome fer sure…was yer travels proper loike…?”</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>“Indeed they was young’un…indeed they was…This weren’t zacktly where I was a’spectin to be today…but t’is roite a’nuff fer I…”</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Oggin noted that Tally also spoke with the soft Westex drawl and seemed to treat The Shed Master almost as an equal, a fact that was giving Titus Morley <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">almost</i> silent apoplexy.</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>“Well I’s guessin’ you’m be a bit addled a’fer the journey…so if’n you’m follows me I’ll tak’ ee to yer lodgin’s at Bob Weaver’s ‘ouse…”</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>“Lead on young’un…Titus…git yer ‘and off yer fizzogg an’ look sharp or I’ll swap ‘ee fer a dinky…see if I don’t…”</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Oggin watched as the odd trio set off for Bob Weaver’s cottage, Taly and The Shed Master walked side by side and seemed in deep conversation and the stooped figure of Titus Morley scurried along behind. Oggin noticed that the little man seemed incapable of walking in a straight line and zig-zagged to and fro behind them. Walking at <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">twice</i> the speed and covering <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">twice</i> the distance in the process. </strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>It struck Oggin that no plans had been made as far as the actual <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">building</i> of his extension was concerned but he knew that if the Stone Woman was behind all this it was much safer to just let things happen. Anything else would be a waste of time and effort. He turned to find Ted the Postman still standing, cap in hand, watching open mouthed, as the others wandered off across the green.</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>“Close your mouth Ted…unless you’re catching flies…”</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Ted turned to Oggin and put his cap on his head, trying to regain some composure.</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>“They is a weird bunch Oggin….that Titus bloke was a right bloody ball ache…you’d think he was running the bloody village to listen to him…and that bloody Shed Master fella…he was too high and mighty to speak a bloody word!”</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Oggin nodded his tacit agreement but kept his council, not wishing to give Ted further encouragement.</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>“Well Ted, I’m going to toddle off home for a brew…I’ll leave you to your work…You never know, there might be a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">message</i> for The Mammie eh...?”</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>With a wink and a cheesy grin at the now blushing Postman, Oggin set off home to see what the Stone Woman and her friends had delivered and where the hell they’d left it.</strong></span></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-4517607931092834792011-09-01T01:58:00.000-07:002011-09-01T01:58:50.506-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue;">3<sup>rd</sup> Saga</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Part Four</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">May I begin with a few words about the Shed. Many of you will, I have no doubt, be familiar with the common or garden shed, some of you may even own one, or perhaps, even two. Your shed or lean-to will be mostly used to hoard odd garden stuff, old bikes, paint and even an eccentric husband. Most will be self-built and viewed as an outdoor storage-cum-hiding space. This however is not the case in Oggland, not at all.</span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Here the common shed has been somewhat elevated, to the status of small cottage or a dwelling place. Sheds of any description cannot simply be built or dismantled on a whim. Each village or hamlet has a group responsible for oversight of a shed and this “Nanning Assembly” calls most of the shots. This brings us to The Shed Master, he has the job of designing the size and shape of any shed or ‘shed like’ structure and overseeing its safe and compliant building. Once, many years ago, many Shed Masters wandered the country plying their trade and sheds, extensions and lean-to’s sprung up hither and yon. But after the Romans departed, in a huff, most of the Shed Masters left with them, for better paid jobs. So now, only one Shed Master remains, Giles Belann of Westex, The Shed Master General.</span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A Shed Master always travels with a companion or “Apprentice”, this apprentice is taken on to help out and most of them take over when the Shed Master gives up work or, as happened many times in the past, mysteriously dies suddenly. Titus Morley of Walland is Apprentice to Master Giles and has been since his boyhood, some sixty five years. This has left him a stunted and bitter little man, impatiently waiting for his Master to die and often, openly wishing him so.</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Oggin sat and slowly finished his food, his mind, as always, was working over the day to come. By his reckoning it would take three or four days for The Shed Master to get to The Village. This should give him plenty of time to draw up plans for an extension and contact the members of the Nanning Assembly for approval, so no need to rush, he hated to rush. He picked up the last piece of greybread, popped it into his mouth and pushed his plate away with a flourish, leaned back and slapped his stomach with a sigh. After placing his plate in the sink he padded back to his room to change for the day ahead.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">He emerged twenty minutes later wearing his <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">third</i> best work trousers, his second favourite wool shirt and a handkerchief wrapped around one hand. He was cursing under his breath and muttering foul threats to an un-named cat. Apparently, as he’d reached under the bed one of the creatures had lashed out from the darkness and left Oggin with a ‘calling card’ of deep bleeding scratches. He crossed to the sink and ran cold water on the cuts to clean them and then reapplied the kerchief, promising bloody retribution at a later date. Going outside the back door he found the sun indicated it was around mid-morning and the early mist had mostly burnt off, leaving the promise of a fine day to come. Birds twittered and squabbled in the trees and the ever busy Bees buzzed their way from flower to flower, in organized and frenzied anxiety. Oggin decided to walk the long way around to the Green and ambled off toward his back gate. From inside the shed at the rear of the garden he could hear Cyril, The Sleeping Man, moving around. He called out a greeting.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">“Morning Cyril…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">“Fuck off Oggin….I is asleep you bastard…!” came the standard reply.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Oggin smiled to himself, any day was improved by a word or two from Cyril, as he was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i> in a worse mood than you.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Going through the back gate, Oggin started down the narrow hedged in path toward the village green. He stopped at the rear of The Mammie’s garden and peeped around the hedge, The Mammie was hanging out yet more washing and was surrounded by several slightly grubby children. Some of them pulled at her skirt, some played hide and seek around her legs and one was sitting eating some dirt. The Mammie seem oblivious to the noise and continued to peg out the clean clothes, including, Oggin noticed, a pair of men’s underpants. As The Mammie was unmarried, Oggin guessed the rumours about Ted, The Postman, must have some truth but dismissed it from his mind. After all, both were single, so it was nobody’s business but theirs, not that that would prevent the local women from idle gossip and passing comment. Oggin pressed on, the moss under his feet was soft and still cool and in a few minutes he reached the far end of the green. On the right he could make out Evan Evans, the Shepard, leaning on his crook, stroking a sheep’s head and talking to it. Over the far side Oggin could see Ted the Postman, sitting at the base of his post, apparently eating something from a paper bag. Evan suddenly noticed Oggin and abruptly stopped talking to the sheep and shooed it away in an embarrassed manner. He waved a greeting to Oggin, who waved back and spoke.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">“Good morning Evan…nice day for it…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">“Mornin’ Oggin boyo…tis indeed…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Oggin ambled on and had gone about half way when he was brought up short by a sudden puff of smoke, right in front of him, his heart sank, his shoulders dropped as he waited for the inevitable appearance of The Stone Woman.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Sure enough, the smoke cleared to reveal the tatty presence of Gladys, The Stone Woman. Her hair was dishevelled as usual and her wand drooped where it had been repaired yet again. </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">“Good Morrow Oggin of Oggland…I bring you a gift…a Boone…a reward…an offering…a little pressie…But first, I shall council thee with some wise and sound advice…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Oggin steeled himself, this was the part he hated most.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">“Oggin of the Ogg…I caution thee…Never play leap frog with real Frogs…for they are slimy and much given to cheating….”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">As she spoke, she tried to wave her wand but only succeeded in making it bend even more till Oggin thought it was in danger, not for the first time, of breaking completely. As she appeared to have finished her ‘advice’ giving, Oggin spoke.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">“Good Morning Gladys…it’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> nice to see you again…tell me, what is this “gift” you have for me today…?”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">“Pardon…?”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">“The Gift Gladys…you said you have a gift for me…?”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">“A gift…? Oh yes…the gift…yes…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">She reached down the top of her dress and produced a folded piece of paper and with a flourish, handed it to Oggin.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">“I give you, Oggin of the Ogg…Plans…on paper…drawn and measured and drawn…With lines and such. For verily, as a reward for your goodness and to speed its construction, I, that is to say, We, have brought you, Oggin of the Ogg, these plans…as you see…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Oggin unfolded the paper and indeed, there was a plan drawn on it, a plan of an extension, an extension of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his</i> cottage. It was very finely drawn, almost beautiful in fact and at the bottom were the marks of the Nanning Assembly and strangely, the stamp of the Shed Master General as well. As Oggin took in the detail he forced his now open mouth to shut and swallowed hard, Gladys spoke again.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">“The Shed Master General has been summoned and he and his apprentice will arrive shortly…so you may start construction this very day…worry not Oggin of the Ogg…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> has been seen to…materials are already waiting for you in your cottage garden…Bob Weaver will assist you and provide lodging for the Shed Master while he is here. Bob and the two Bobs the elder will provide labour as well…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> this has been done…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">“Right…” stammered Oggin, “all done…already…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">“Indeed Oggin of Ogg...it has already been done…already…We have combined our forces to ensure you may bring happiness to your Tosk woman….and as thanks for the help you have given us in seasons passed….Go now Oggin…meet the Shed Master as he arrives at the village post….”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">As Oggin opened his mouth to speak another puff of smoke marked the departure of The Stone Woman and he found himself alone once more. A glance at Evan Evans and his sheep showed Oggin that as always, he was the only living soul to have even seen the fairy or her pyrotechnic display. In fact, only the piece of paper in his hands seemed to mark the events of the past few minutes.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Oggin glanced up to see a collection of figures had now gathered at the village post. Ted the postman was on his feet and seemed to be bowing to a very tall person in a red cloak, a smaller man stooped nearby, rubbing his hands and a little way off, a young girl stood watching, at her side a fawn and on her shoulder what looked like an Owl.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Oggin sighed one of his ‘post Gladys’ sighs and figured that as the fairy was involved things could only get more weird as the day went on, so with a slow shake of his head, he started toward the group. </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-8640766157177148072011-08-17T01:05:00.000-07:002011-08-17T01:05:49.505-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">3<sup>rd</sup> Saga</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Part Three</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Oggin sat in confined discomfort as the world fell out of his bottom. A voice reached his burning ears.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“Oggin hen…is tha’ yer’sel….yeh shitebag….”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Oggin could only manage a low grunt in reply.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“See yous is reekin so ye’are…ya ken ah can smell ye fae in here…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Oggin tried to grunt again…but could only raise a squeak. Kajoa the Tosk, for it was she, stomped outside, to berate the unfortunate Oggin further, as was her fashion.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“Is youse deid in therr…it shurly reeks like it right enough…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“No my tiny Toskland flower…I just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wish</i> I was….” replied Oggin, in a whisper.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“Ah willnae mak scran afor ye in tha’ case...ye wullnae wan it wi’a whitey on ye…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“No my Tulip…” whimpered Oggin, as Kajoa returned to the kitchen.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">In a while, Oggin felt that the, ‘problem’, had subsided enough for him to attempt to stand and on very wobbly legs, he made his way indoors. </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“Dain’t pad aboot in here ye….fetch yer’sel te yur bied...rite noo…an’ if ye are gonna boak…dee it on’a cat…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">With one hand clutched to his mid-section and the other groping for support, Oggin shuffled his way to his room and lay curled in a foetal ball, waiting for the death he fervently hoped was coming.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black;">Now dear reader, perhaps a word or two on the subject of The Tosks; The origin of the Tosk race is largely unknown, in fact, as they came from beyond the High Mountains, most Ogglanders have never met with them. The Romans tried on several occasions to invade Toskland but they only ever succeeded in getting a sound thrashing, so gave it up as a lost cause.</span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black;">With so little contact, a number of myths have grown up around the Tosks. Their “carefulness” with coin is well known as is their “crafty” nature but it’s their apparent aggression that marks them out in the eyes of outsiders. While it is true they do speak in an aggressive manner, it’s by no means a trait of real aggression, just simply their way. It should also be mentioned that in Tosk, men and women are treated as equals in society and in all matters of work, hence Kajoa’s former trade as a Hog Wrangler and Ferret Skinner.</span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And so it was that Kajoa saw her chance to get Oggin to ‘see’ her point of view. She set about the task with guile, cunning and a few entreating words, also knowing he was in no fit state to argue his case. Not that she even, for a moment, considered he had one anyway. In due time the still ‘afflicted’ Oggin found himself agreeing to an extension of the cottage, to better house the growing collection of Knick-Knacks, which, he knew, threatened to take over the whole building. Feeling her work done, Kajoa went off the tell The Mammie of her victory and boast just a little too.</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">The night passed and Oggin awoke to find he was, in fact, still alive. The dull ache in his lower gut served to remind him of the day before but he decided to think of it instead as ‘hunger’ and rose to find some food. The sounds from the kitchen, together with the smell of sausages frying bode well but the soft, out of tune, lilt of Kajoa singing did not and he remembered his rash promise of an extension.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“Iss tha you big man…” said Kajoa over her shoulder, her hands a blur of skillet, smoke and flashes of flames.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“Iss ya bahookie bet’er an’ tha’ the day Hen…Ya lookit fair awfy las’ night so ya deed…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“I’m feeling much better thank you my flower…just hungry…I think…I hope”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“Wiel…you sit yer’sel doon…the scran is awe but done the noo…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Oggin eased himself very gently onto the bench behind the wooden table. A knife and fork were already waiting there and a mug of steaming tea stood to one side as well. With almost a flourish Kajoa placed a large tin plate before him and stood back with a smile.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“You get yur wallies around tha’ Hen…while iss hoat…” and then added, with a wink, “Tha’ll put wood in yer walopper so it will…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Oggin looked down at his plate, greybread, fried golden brown, two kinds of sausage, spotty beans in sauce, toadies and a pile of fried buttermash with an egg on top. As he tucked into this feast it struck him that it was actually a collection of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> his favourites, on the one big plate. It was then that he voice of Kajoa crept into his ears.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“So Oggin…darlin’…will ya be seein’ yon Shed Master th’day…byraway….?”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Oggin pretended nonchalance and slowly finished his mouthful before speaking.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“I shall contact Giles the Shed Master first thing my turtle dove but remember he is from Westex…and it may be a few days till he gets here…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“Aye ah ken tha’ Oggin…but mind ya get aboot it ya bawbag ye…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“I shall my love…as soon as I finish this wonderful...no…superb meal…”</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Oggin looked up and smiled on of his best charming smiles and was rewarded by the narrowed eyes of Kajoa as she snorted and then stomped out of the kitchen in a very marked manner.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Oggin returned to his meal but knew he would have to make good on his promise and contact the Shed Master, something he was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> looking forward to.</span> </span></b></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-19572228540896594262011-08-05T21:21:00.001-07:002011-08-05T21:21:56.760-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">3<sup>rd</sup> Saga</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Part Two</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Oggin and Bob arrived at Bob’s gate and shook hands.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I’da wish ee luck Oggin boy, Tha’ Boog is a bit tricky minded, I reckons….”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“True Bob…but I think even she will see the sense of the arrangement…well, I hope so anyways…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">With a final wave, Oggin set off for the short walk to the cottage of Tookie the Boog. He knew from past experience that Tookie could be a bit of a handful, in fact she seemed to prefer it that way. As he approached he let out an almost audible sigh, he saw the shapely and swaying rear of Tookie, sashaying off toward the village. With luck, he thought, that would only leave H’rsh to deal with. So not quite as bad, after all.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">He advanced toward the front door and reached up to knock. It was then he noticed the knocker had been replaced by a large, polished brass model of a “gentleman’s parts”. He recollected having seen it before, on the now ‘missing’ front door of Greedle the Bronze. So Tookie had ignored his advice and must have risked going back, to scavenge what she could. Ignoring the knocker, he rapped on the door and waited. A thin weedy voice came from inside.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Who iss dat….make yer’sel known…afore I puts da dog on yous…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This was followed by a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very</i> poor imitation of a dog barking.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“H’rsh the Boog…it’s me, Oggin the Ogg….I have come to speak to you…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The door opened a few inches and the myopic H’rsh peeped out, eyes narrowed behind her thick lenses.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Iss dat yer’sel Oggin….?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“It is H’rsh…really…look…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">He leaned in toward the little face and smiled. The smile was immediately returned as the little Boog recognised him, flung open the door and rushed forward to hug the stuffing out of him!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A muffled voice came from somewhere around his belly.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Oggin….Oggin…tis that glad I am te see yers…tis seasons since I seed ya last so it is….”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Oggin gently pushed H’rsh away and held her at arm’s length by the shoulders. He could see tears in her eyes and a twinge of sadness bit into his heart.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Would you have some tea brewing…I’m fair parched you know…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I do...so I have…would you loike a mug…tis fresh made so it is…” </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“That would be very nice…very nice indeed…shall I go round to the back garden…seein’ as it’s so nice...we could have our tea and a bit of a chat…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Indeed an’ dat sounds jus grand te me…youse go on round…der’s a bench fer sittin’ on an’ all…I’ll be just a minute, so I will…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">With a smile, a wink and a sideways nod, Oggin left the Boog to close the door and made his way to the back garden. At once he could see the little woman had been working her magic once again. Almost the whole garden was a riot of colour and scent. Butterflies and Bees flitted and buzzed their way from bloom to bloom in a ceaseless, workaholic display of eagerness. Even the small and tidy vegetable patch was inter sown with tiny blue flowers to mark out the rows. He could now see why the midden had not needed his attentions for a very long time. A small wooden bench lay to one side and at once Oggin recognised Bob Weaver’s handiwork. He sat and wondered at the life the little Boog must be leading, busy by all means but was she still as happy as she used to be. His musings were interrupted by H’rsh as she appeared from the back door. On a tray, were two mugs of steaming tea and a small plate of biscuits. Oggin suddenly remembered the oat cakes, still in his shirt pocket but was a polite man, so kept quiet.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Dare ye are Oggin…tis Dandelion an’ Camomile…an’ dem’s is Buttercup softies…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Oggin took a mug and a biscuit, he sniffed the ‘tea’ and as it smelt fine he took a sip, it was unusual but still very palatable. The biscuits had tiny yellow flecks, which Oggin guessed, wrongly, were the Buttercups H’rsh had mentioned. A nibble proved to be a riot of taste. Sweet, sour and another flavour which he couldn’t place, very nice and he guessed they would be moreish too. This time he was right. H’rsh took a seat beside him and beamed a huge smile his way.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Oggin…tis that pleased I am ta see youse…so I am…” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“It’s nice to see you too H’rsh….but tell me, you seem a little down in the dumps….is there anything wrong…?”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Tis this place Oggin….between da little folk an’ dat Tookie…well tis not as fair as it was…to be sure….don take me wrong loike…I feeds an’ I works well enough loike….but I has no time to ma’ sell…de ye see whit I’m sayin’….”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I think so H’rsh…I think so…you miss your old life…don’t you…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Aye…I does an’ all…t’was fine at first loike…bit of a adventure loike…but I sore misses havin’ me own place roite enough so I does….”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Well in that case, I may have some news to lift your sprits a bit…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Oggin slowly explained about the death of Janice the Farmer, the Testament and the meeting he had had with Nina, The Wolf Woman and Bob Weaver. How they had decided that she, H’rsh the Boog was the best person to look after the cottage and the orchard on behalf of Nina. As he spoke, he watched as the Boog’s eyes widened and then start to fill with tears, which trickled down her sun browned little face. At length, he paused and asked.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Well…H’rsh the Boog…will you take the offer….?”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">H’rsh blinked behind her thick glasses and swallowed hard before croaking a reply.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Oh my goodness…I….I don’t know what to say te ya…I…I…Yes Oggin…Yes, yes, yes….please….yes please…oh my goodness…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Oggin put out his hand and gently held one of hers, she was trembling. He looked in her eyes, smiled at her and said.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I’m so happy for you….and really glad to know you’ll be doing what you do best…tending to the growing life of Ogg….Now, you’ve to move as soon as you can. The orchard is in real need of your tender care, if the Papples are to be ready for the brew in good time. Just you let Bob Weaver and his boys know when you’re ready to move and he’ll see that you get some help…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Oh Oggin…how will I ever thank you fer dis…tis won’erful so it is…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Just do what you do Little H’rsh…grow and tend the land…make us proud of you….Now I’d best be going…Thanks for the tea and biscuits…you go and start packing…Another chapter in your life will start soon enough…”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Oggin stood and H’rsh once again gave him one of her ‘bone crushing’ hugs before he set off home. He crossed the green and caught sight of Tookie the Boog, laden with shopping, on her way home too. He still had a slight lump in the throat at H’rsh’s reaction to his news but he knew Tookie would not be as pleased. He was about two thirds of the way when the Dandelion tea ‘kicked in’ and he had a sudden and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very</i> desperate need to pass water. He quickened his step but that produced a whole new sensation in his lower stomach. The Buttercup Biscuits were now working….Fast!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So buttocks clenched and eyes wide, with very small steps he hurried as best he could, straight to his midden box….only just in time too.</span></b></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-19318188108489751692011-08-02T04:47:00.001-07:002011-08-02T04:47:12.406-07:00<strong><span style="color: darkblue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3</span><sup>rd</sup><span style="font-size: medium;"> Saga<br />
<br />
Part One: The Meeting</span></span></span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>The news of the death of Janice the Farmer came as a shock to Nina, The Wolf Woman, the revelation of the Testament and its contents, if anything, more so. The scars of the acrimonious split between the two women had never left Nina, despite the passing years. They had not spoken for four years and in that time the reasons for the split had become lost and forgotten, as is often the way of these things, only the memory of the harsh words, spoken in anger, remained. Nina now felt torn, she had worked very hard to make a life for herself and loved her little cottage but she couldn’t just ignore the Testament, she needed advice. Nina knew there would be no shortage of ‘advice’ in The Village, everyone would have something to say. She needed ‘wise council’, from someone she could trust.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>So that is why Oggin the Ogg and Bob Weaver found themselves walking together in the morning sunshine, heading out of The Village toward the former home of Janice the Farmer. The two friends walked in silence, each with his own thoughts. Oggin understood that whatever was decided today would have a long term effect on not just the parties involved but the whole village. He had dressed in his best ‘meeting trousers’ and his second best sheepskin shirt, with the fleece side inside. This did tend to tickle a bit but he thought it appropriate. His beard was combed, his feet polished and he had two oat cakes, just in case. Bob ambled beside him, also deep in thought. He and Rob, his wife, had talked this summons over at length, Bob valued his wife’s common sense and her knowledge of village life.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>Nina had arrived at the cottage early. This was the first time she had been here for a long time and it seemed to have changed very little. The term ‘cottage’ was a bit of a misnomer, in fact it was really a large wooden hut with a slate roof. The boarded sides were still green, if a tad faded in places and the roof had moss in abundance. She pushed the gate open and it let out a squeak of protest and almost without thinking, Nina dropped the end of Be-Be’s chain over the post just inside the gate. She looked down and a cold wave went up her back as she noticed it was still worn at the bottom, from almost constant use.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“You’m stay there girliy…” she told the Wolf, which lay down, head on its front paws.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>Nina walked slowly toward the front door, fishing for the key in her trouser pocket. Suddenly, she stopped. She couldn’t go any further. Her mind raced and was filled with images of what, seemed like, someone else’s life. Voices flooded her thoughts and she started to tremble a little, a tear welled up and fell down her weather worn face and with a sharp intake of breath she turned and walked stiffly around the side of the cottage to the back garden. Nothing had changed here either, a rustic wooden table, flanked by two benches stood strangely forlorn on a group of flag-stones. She was just about to turn and run away from the pain in her chest when she heard the voice of Oggin, calling from the track outside.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“Nina…er…Nina….Are you there…?”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>She hurried back to the front of the cottage, rubbing her eyes with the heel of one hand. Outside the gate, a long way outside the gate, stood Oggin and Bob. Both the men were occupied trying to melt into the hedge opposite the gate and staring at Be-Be, the she Wolf. In turn, Be-Be was standing, staring at them and letting out a low but very audible growl.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“Now, now girl, tis only Oggin the Ogg and Mister Bob….you’m lay down an’ leave ‘em be…”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>The Wolf took a couple of paces back, turned to look at her mistress before laying down but kept watching the two men with cold eyes.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“Mornin’ Oggin…Mornin’ Bob….you’ms a’ll be safe now…come on in…”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>Nina turned and made her way to the back garden again. The two men followed, almost tripping on each other’s feet, both keeping a very close eye on the Wolf and in turn it kept an even closer eye on them. They sat around the table, Nina on one side, Oggin and Bob on the other. Oggin noted the redness of Nina’s eyes but kept silent. She spoke first.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“I’da loike t’a say thanks to the both of youse fer comin’ an’ helpin’ me with this testament stuff an’ all. I don’t want t’a give up my place, I put too much hard work in’ta it and I’m wery ‘appy there, on me own. Havin’ said that, I feels it’d be a shame to let this place go to a stranger what’d not look a’fer it loike…”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>The two men listened in silence, nodding as she slowly spoke. When she had finished, Oggin put both hands on the table, palms down and took a deep breath before speaking.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“Well now Nina, first off, we both feel honoured that you asked us….Now, what you’re saying is, you’d like a tenant to take over this place for you…but someone local…?”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“Yes Oggin but I’m not fussy ‘bout rent an’ such…tis the care of the place that is more important…to me anyways…”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>The two men glanced at each other again and Bob Weaver spoke.</strong></span></span><br />
</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“Well’um…as I sees it…there’d a’be own’y wun person yere abouts as ‘ould suit fer tha’ koind’a thing…H’rsh the Boog…”</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“I agree” said Oggin, “she is a little…well… strange but she has a heart like a horse and would take care of the place and the orchard too….”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“Aye” agreed Bob “an’ me an me boys would ‘elp ‘er out loike…if’n she needs it…”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>Nina listened and paused before speaking.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“I thought she were tucked up wiv that other Boog wench…Tookie, is it…?”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“She is Nina” answered Oggin, “for now at any rate but the coin she got for her old cottage is running out….and well….to be honest, I don’t know how much longer she can support the pair of them...seeing as Tookie the Boog isn’t…well….”earning” so to speak….”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“I see….I thinks as this’n place would make a livin’ for ‘er…what with the orchard an’ such” said Nina, ”Do youse think as she’da go for it…?”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>Bob rubbed his chin and spoke, “I caan’t see why not. From wot I ‘ears she’d a be a hard workin’ sort a body….loike Oggin says, she’da be a bit strange loike but tha’s not ‘ardly standout in these parts affer’all…”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>Nina nodded and with the briefest of pauses, stood and offered her hand to the two men.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“Thas a deal then…H’rsh the Boog it is….who’s gonna tell ‘er…?”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>Oggin stood and took her hand in both of his, he spoke.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“I will do that Nina…when do you want her to move in here…?”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“Just’a soon as she can Oggin…the orchard needs a goin’ over afore pickin’ season…”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“Right you are Nina…I’ll drop in and see her on my way home…”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>Bob now also stood and shook Nina’s hand and nodded. The three then made their way back to the front gate, Oggin and Bob slid, with care, past Be-Be and went to the far side of the track.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“Soon as I get an answer I’ll send word to you Nina…” said Oggin</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“Aye, I’ll get one of me boys to see ya…” chimed in Bob.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>With that, the men went off on their way, back to the village. Oggin turned briefly to wave back to Nina but she was standing with her face buried in her hands, her shoulders slumped. Oggin realised that all this business had hit her hard and resolved to help in any way he could.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“Oggin, boy…um think we done the roite thing by yon woman…?”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>“I think so Bob…I think so…but time’ll tell I reckon…”</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana';"><span style="color: darkblue;"><strong>That same friendly silence fell on the two friends as they walked back to the village, each consumed by his own thoughts.</strong></span></span></span>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-36300700579502402172010-12-11T11:01:00.000-08:002010-12-11T11:01:07.661-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Oggin Saga Trilogy: Part Three</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"><strong><span style="color: blue;">A Prologue:</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Life in The Village, or what passes for life, went on throughout Newness Season and into Warm Season. The rise in temperatures brought more work for Oggin the Ogg, indeed, so much so, that he and Bob Weaver decided to work together on a more or less permanent basis. By using Bob’s cart they could go further afield and now cleared middens in That Village and in The Other Village as well. The spoil and compost they produced was initially brought back and piled up in Bob’s garden and the Weaver boys would make sure it was always covered and kept dry. Some they would bag up and sell to gardeners for vegetable patches and flower beds but most of it went to The Wolf Woman, for her small holding business on the outskirts of the village. The youngest twins, Bob and Bob, although only thirteen years old, were entrusted with this task and became firm friends with The Wolf Woman and her She Wolf, which they re-named “Fluffy”. The Wolf Woman seemed quite smitten by the twins and being from The Fens herself, she enjoyed the chance to speak in that strange accent again. All this work meant Oggin had more coin coming in and Kajoa was not slow in helping him dispose of it, not of course that he would mention it. However, a “Knick-Knack extension” was on his mind as he knew it would be needed soon.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"><strong><span style="color: blue;">H’rsh the Boog was still living with Tookie and had tried to set up a Herb Garden in Tookie’s back yard but strange, unexplained “accidents” kept happening to it and in the end she gave it up as a bad job. Gossip held that the coin H’rsh received for her old cottage was running out and there was much speculation as to how the two women would support themselves in future.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Nitaa the Cutter acquired a young apprentice called Taly, apparently she was from Westex and around ten years old and was very gifted with animals. She had been seen playing with various woodland creatures and when out of the cottage was followed by a small flock of twittering birds and a fawn. Nitaa herself was gaining a growing reputation as a hairdresser and despite her outwardly harsh attitude was slowly becoming an accepted member of village life.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Annie, The Bonnet Biddy, had taken a back room in the village shop and restarted her business with a new line of what she called “Flossinators” which were selling well in the area. Although some wags reckoned she could have chosen a better name for them since you had to stand at least six feet away when she mentioned the bloody things out loud.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The never changing life of The Mammie didn’t change. As ever, new children came and went, older ones were replaced by younger ones in a cycle of repeated caring, cuddling and cosseting. It was noted however that Ted the Postman tended to have a lot of “messages” to deliver to her cottage and some would come quite late in the evening.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"><strong><span style="color: blue;">On a sad note, The Wolf Woman’s former “friend”, Janice the Farmer, had been found dead at her farm cottage. As she had no living family, tradition dictated that the four oldest members of The Village were given the job of searching her dwelling for any signs of foul play. As expected, none was found, it seems she died in her sleep but however they did find a “Testament” which named Nina the Wolf Woman as her heir. The four agreed that this was a “genuine statement of testament” and as no one came forward to claim any unpaid debts, the title to the farm would be offered to The Wolf Woman, to do with as she deemed fit. In the village, this news was greeted with a lot of rumour and supposition. Most of the villagers knew of the previous ‘relationship’ between the two women and moreover, of the way it had ended, so most were surprised to hear of this Testament and its contents. In any event, this would make Nina one of the wealthiest unattached women in the district, in terms of land owned.......</span></strong></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-68710065721629189292010-12-09T12:57:00.000-08:002010-12-09T12:57:00.332-08:00So there's Part Two of the Trilogy....Part Three will be along sooooooooon.The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-33850606027734684712010-12-09T12:54:00.000-08:002010-12-09T12:54:39.843-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Second Saga: Part Sixteen</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin the Ogg and Bob Weaver followed the shapely rear of Nitta the Cutter through her back door and into the cottage. Oggin had been into this cottage only once before, when H’rsh the Boog lived there and remembered it as a ramshackle, run down sort of place but this was no longer the case, not at all. The first thing to strike Oggin was the smell, a deep, almost dark smell, very sweet but not sickly, with a hint of herb-like undertones, refreshing and yet very intoxicating at the same time. The rear door had a tiny vestibule that led into the kitchen. The kitchen was a bright oasis of light, white walls, white floors and white surfaces. It was very intense and seemed to be lit from everywhere at once but in fact all the light came from a translucent white ceiling, the windows had been coloured with some sort of deep blue tint, on the glass.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">All the internal doors were gold painted and heavily embossed with strange artworks. The walls of the hallway were covered in purple velvet and Oggin glanced up at the ceiling which at first seemed black but was in fact very dark blue and pin pricks of light shone out like stars in the night sky. The floor was black and white, in chequer board tiles. Nitaa reached a door, pushed it open and beckoned the dumb struck pair into the room beyond.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Come in’ter me w’ed w’oom....an’ meet me guests....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The “w’ed w’oom” turned out to be the ‘red room’ but Oggin thought ‘womb’ would have done just as well, it was decorated in dark reds and clarets throughout, even the large and well stuffed leather sofa was dark red. The only exception was a huge peacock backed, cane chair in one corner, in it sat a small, blond haired young woman, whom Oggin didn’t recognise. One end of the sofa was occupied by a middle aged looking woman in a tweed suit, who nodded to Oggin as he entered. Once Bob was in the room, Nitaa closed the door behind them and took a seat at the other end of the sofa, Oggin quickly realised that he and Bob were obviously meant to stand. Oggin’s eyes flicked around the room, the lamps were dim and the red shades didn’t help but he could make out the same strange renderings on the walls that he had seen on the doors. The almost tangible silence was abruptly broken by a girlish giggle and Oggin’s blood turned to ice water, it had come from the youngster in the cane chair, it was The Hasslesnag!</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The tweedy woman smiled sweetly, leaned forward and spoke.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">”Welcome Oggin of the Ogg....and Bob Weaver of the Fens....These are my friends....Nitaa you know of course....and this young lady is Cara....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">It took a couple of seconds for Oggin to regain the power of speech as his brain raced to catch up with his ears. This neat, tidy, almost prim woman in her two piece tweed suit and white blouse was, The Stone Woman.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Er...um....Hello Gladys....you look...er....well....different...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The young woman giggled again and Oggin turned his head to face her.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“And so do you.....um....Cara....” he said trying to keep a tremor out of his voice. And indeed she did, a simple flowered sun dress and her blonde locks in a simple but elegant style too, were it not for the impish smile and twinkling eyes, he would not have recognised her at all. Gladys interrupted his thoughts.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Now...Oggin and Bob...I know that you both have a great many questions and I....we...will try to answer some of them for you...I realise that keeping the secret of the trench has been hard on you both but you must understand...both of you...that it was necessary to prevent a calamity beyond your understanding....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Calamity</i> Gladys?....What could be so calamitous about a book of recipes written by H’rsh the Boog....why was it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so </i>important that Nitaa needed to try and bury it under a few bushels of dirt and stones...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“...an’ cat poop an’all...” interjected Bob.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“...yes...and cat poop too....Why were the scribbles of an innocent, short sighted, hairy little Boog so important that two honest men and a daft donkey were sworn to secrecy...on pain of dire retribution...at least....can you help us to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">understand</i> that....” </span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Oggin...this whole thing was an accident...nothing more...well a chain of accidents really...but none of this was meant to happen....it just...well...did...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“To be honest Gladys...that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">doesn’t</i> help...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Well then....I’d better explain.....As I’m sure you know, there are three types of human kind...The Fairy Folk...The Mortals....and Half-Way Folk...like Nitaa and myself....Cara is one of the Fairy Folk...she <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">assists</i> me in my work....Well, Cara and I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">engineered</i> the dismissal of Greedle the Bronze in the belief that her loss would be the district’s gain...and indeed so it was...but...what we didn’t know however, was that one silly little Boog would stumble...quite by chance...across some very dangerous herbal recipes and might try and use them...or even worse...<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lose </i>them...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“And then....?” enquired Oggin</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“And then events spiralled out of our control...First H’rsh moves out of her cottage and shacks up with that busty <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tart</i> Tookie and her old cottage becomes even <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more</i> derelict.....if that were possible....and then...at the same time our dear friend Nitaa is driven from her home in Eastex by some narrow minded bigots who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">insisted</i> she was a follower of the Old Wicca customs.....which she wasn’t I might add....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“So you move Nitaa the Cutter up here from Eastex...all well and good...but it still doesn’t explain that book...in a tin...in a midden...and a smug Donkey...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Well Oggin....despite a search of this cottage...while it was being renovated there was still no sign of H’rsh’s book of recipes...so we assumed she had taken it with her when she moved out...Once Nitaa was in this place, Cara and I convinced the Boogs to pay a visit here for a day of hair therapy and Cara and I searched Tookie’s home for the book....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I see...You and Cara, shall we say...<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">remove</i> the book and bring it here....but where do we figure in this little plot of yours....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“The midden you and Bob were contracted to provide was just a piece of good luck really....it gave us the perfect place to dispose of that retched book for good....or so we thought...Bob junior told Cara how the job was going but we mistakenly thought you were going to be backfilling...when in fact...you had more to dig...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“’as thaa dinkey bin taalkin’ out’a turn...?” asked Bob</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“No Bob...” replied Cara “he and I have the odd natter during the night...I just misunderstood what he said...I don’t speak Donkey very well....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“So why is he so damn <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">smug</i> then...?” demanded Oggin </span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“’cos it was ‘im wot told us not’a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">burn</i> that bleedin’ book...” replied Nitaa</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Yes Oggin...we have young Bob junior to thank for that excellent and timely advice...Apparently...if we had burnt the book the dangerous recipes would have survived as Elfin Smoke and could be captured by anyone with the right equipment and knowledge....He told us it had to be buried inside a metal box and left to rot in the soil, till the writing is absorbed into the earth...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Okay Gladys....that just about explains it all...but it still leaves one small problem...Kajoa...she still thinks I’m hiding something from her...which of course I am....and to be honest I’m really not good at keeping things from her...she sees straight through me...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Don’t worry about that Oggin...” replied Cara, “...I have made her ‘forgive and forget’ with a little spell I cast...She won’t be giving you a hard time over <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> anymore...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Bob, who for the most part had stayed silent and listened carefully suddenly craned his head and started looking through the window at something outside.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Wos a’matter wiv dem stooped young’ens...they’m be actin’ daft’er than normal loike....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Ah....yes...sorry about that Bob...” replied The Stone Woman “We put them both in a short time loop...they keep repeating the same actions and speech over and over....when you go back outside they’ll think just a minute or two has passed...we thought it best you wouldn’t have to account for too much time spent in here...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Hmm...I do wonder waat they be talkin’ about fer all this toime...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Prolly be me bleedin’ brassiere size...like dey always do...mucky little buggers....” replied Nitaa in a scornful tone.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Yes...well...be that as it may Gladys...I think all that is left now is the payment due...for the midden...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Indeed it is Oggin...Bob...I trust the secret of the midden’s contents will remain so....here is your payment with our gratitude and our thanks...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">She handed Oggin a large leather bag which he hefted in his hand, testing its weight. He nodded to The Stone Woman and then to Nitaa and turned and winked at Cara The Hasslesnag and she giggled her girlish giggle in reply.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Nitaa the Cutter escorted the two men back through the hall and kitchen and out into the garden. Oggin turned briefly and spoke.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“It’s been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">almost</i> nice doing business with you...Please contact me if you need anything else....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">With a final nod he and Bob went out to the path and saw the two Bobs sort of freeze and then start talking again, just as The Stone Woman said they would. Bob junior got to his feet and flashed one of his brown smiles at Oggin who smiled back, shaking his head slowly.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">So, that was the end of the job, the little band of workers set off back toward The Village and home. The boys shared the job of pushing the ball-barrow and trying to lead a smug donkey. Back at Bob’s house the two men divided the coin as per their agreement over a tankard of ale. Neither were sorry to see the job finished but both admitted to enjoying the time they spent together. Oggin parted company from Bob with a firm shake of hands and slowly made his way home. He cleaned and put away his tools, stowed the ball-barrow and went into the kitchen, Kajoa was busy as usual at the stove and the smell of her Squirrel stew and dumplings filled the kitchen.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Is that you Oggin ya Bampot ye...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“It is my fragrant flower...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Weil gan an’ wash your’sell ya dirty beastie ye....supper’s almost done...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">As Oggin went to change and wash he thought of the Hasslesnag’s words and whispered to himself....”Forget...well maybe....but Forgive....somehow I doubt it....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">THE END</span></span></strong></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-51138674441876883292010-12-09T12:52:00.001-08:002010-12-09T12:52:54.288-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Second Saga: Part Fifteen</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Fairies must have been watching over Oggin as he slept, for in the morning his day bag was on the table and his breakfast too. Kajoa must have mellowed a little after he went to bed, either that or she was trying to poison him. For the second day in a row the Torchman was late, so Oggin stuffed three sausages in his shirt pocket and ate an oat cake as he transferred his tea to his “Sukamug”. This was another of his ‘inventions’, it was a mug with a tight fitting lid and a small spout. You had to suck the liquid through the spout but it was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">almost</i> spill proof, even when walking. He was quite pleased with it and even managed to sell five to the shopkeeper in The Other Village. Oggin’s own example had a little woolly jacket that Kajoa had knitted for it, it kept the tea hot for longer, or so Oggin claimed anyway.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Despite the sun the morning had a chill to it and as Oggin passed the Green he noticed that Evan Evans was not there with his flock. Instead, several Crows and a few Sea Pigeons were scouting the longer grass for a meal and seemed totally oblivious to Oggin’s passing. The rest of the Village was quiet, even Ted was not standing at his post yet and Oggin was enjoying the feeling of the clean, fresh Newness Season air. Then a soft giggle reached his ears and the enjoyment evaporated like morning mist on a warm day, The Hasslesnag had <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">announced</i> her presents. Oggin stopped and very slowly turned to face the direction of that hated sound, The Hasslesnag was indeed there. The red and green striped suit and the little red hat seemed brighter than normal and oddly, her blond hair looked a shade or two lighter as well. She stood about ten feet from Oggin, legs crossed and one toe on the ground, she cupped one elbow and held a slender hand to her mouth but Oggin could clearly see the Impish smile and the twinkling eyes, suddenly she spoke in a clear childlike voice.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“If you keep our Secret,</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">I shall taunt you much less than before.</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">If you keep our Secret,</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">I shall never ever taunt you no more.</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">But if you go and Blabber it,</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">If you tell a mortal soul,</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">I shall drop you in the Deepest Shit,</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">And land you in a Hole.”</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin simply remained rooted to the spot, frozen.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Remember what we have told you Oggin of the Ogg....We <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shall</i> be watching you and listening to your every word....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">As the creature spoke the last words, she just slowly faded away from the feet up, till nothing was left but that Impish smile and then that too disappeared with a light ‘pop’ and she was gone.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin just stood stock still for a minute, The Hasslesnag’s words still ringing in his ears and a sense of foreboding clouding his thoughts. Fairies and magical folk in general played a part in everyday life in The Land of Ogg, not a great part but it never paid to dismiss them, especially if they appeared and spoke to you. Imps and Pixies were known to cause trouble and were fond of playing tricks on mortals, however the Gnomes and Elves, The Old Woodland Folk as they were known, tended to keep to themselves and were generally seen as a force for good. The Stone Woman seemed to act as a “go between”, she was a mortal but had some of “The Powers” at her disposal, Oggin was never sure if she was a force for good or otherwise. With a shake of his head, he walked on toward Bob Weaver’s cottage, he was a pragmatist at heart and accepted what fate brought his way and tried to make the best of any situation but he was having trouble this time.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">He got to Bob’s place to find the boys and Bob waiting outside the gate and was puzzled to see Bob junior waiting as well.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Mornin’ Oggin...I ‘ope you don’ mind but I’s bringin’ the dinky cos ‘e were gettin’ bum’shis wen ‘e thought we’en were leavin’ ‘e a’hind loike”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Not at all...young Bob junior is welcome to come for the walk if he wants to...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">At the mention of his name Bob junior pricked up his ears, looked at Oggin and gave him a huge brown toothed smile and snorted a greeting.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">With the two boys <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">supposedly</i> leading the Donkey they set off, Oggin let the lads take the lead but observed that Bob junior seemed to be doing the leading and so he hung back, to talk to Bob in confidence. He told him about The Hasslesnag’s warning and they both agreed it would be best not to ignore it, Bob had had dealings with the fairy folk before and seemed, if anything, even more worried than Oggin. It seemed to Oggin that only by asking The Stone Woman some <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very </i>direct questions and hoping for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very </i>straight answers would they discover the real truth, Bob agreed but added that even if they did find out what was behind all this nonsense it wouldn’t help them much. Oggin had to fall in with that view but said he would just feel better if he knew what was really going on.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">As they reached Nitaa’s cottage the boys tied Bob Junior to a tree and the donkey just lay down and smiled at Oggin again. Oggin hated to admit it but the donkey was beginning to alarm him a bit, there was nothing he could put his finger on, it just seemed a bit too “knowing” for comfort. Oggin lead the way to the back garden and regained a little of his confidence when he found everything as they had left it. Yet again, the young Weaver boys proved their worth as they set about clearing the tools and began filling the ball-barrow with small stones. Bob senior got straight into the trench and was waiting to start with the spreading, Oggin took advantage of the opportunity and went to the back door and knocked. After a short pause, the door opened to reveal Nitta in another cat suit, this time in bright blue. Her hair was dyed to match, except for the white streak and it struck Oggin that she looked like a busty lightning bolt.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“’ello Oggin ya ole bugger....wot can I do for ya...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Good morning Nitta...I thought I’d let you know we’ll be finished today...are all your ‘girls’ safe indoors...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Yeah...all safe’n sand....Lis’en....I got visit’ers...so you jus’ gimme a knock wen ya dun...al’wite....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Will do...will do.....I’ll speak to you later then....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">She closed the door without reply and Oggin fancied he’d just been dismissed from her presents like a young farm boy. He returned to the trench to find Bob had spread the barrow load and the lads were busy filling a second load, Bob glanced up and spoke softly.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“’er’s lookin’ a bitty over dressed fer this toieme a day ain’t ‘er....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Did you see the hair...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Are....looked roite daft ta moi way a thinkin’....still....‘er coin’s as good as anyone’s I s’pose...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“That’s true......I think one more load after this should be enough...what do you recon...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Let’s see wen they is in an’ flat loike....” </span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">As it turned out it took a load and a half to bring the trench up to the correct level and both men stood back and declared themselves satisfied. The four of them then brought the cover across and laid it over the trench with the slide just short of the cage, Oggin told the boys to carefully spread out the remaining spoil and stones on the bare patches and rake it smooth, then tread it down. He watched as bob cut the slide hole in the cage wall and then between them they slid the cover into place, it was a perfect fit. Oggin then got on his knees and worked his way around the edge of the lid, using garden pebbles to hide the joint, meanwhile Bob attended to the ‘flap’ of wire from the cage that would prevent feline escapes. The two boys finished at the same time as Oggin and they all three worked at getting the patches of earth covered with pebbles, to match the rest of the garden. By this time, Bob had finished working and joined them as they completed the last few feet. Both Oggin and Bob stood off to one side and looked over their work, the job was neat and tidy. The lid, with its’ oiled finish and simple construction looked very good and complemented the pebbled garden really well. The boys had collected all the tools into the ball-barrow and Oggin sent them out to the path to wait with Bob Junior while he and their father dealt with Nitta the Cutter.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Once the lads had disappeared, the two men approached the back door and with some apprehension, Oggin knocked. Nitaa opened it almost immediately and stood smiling at them, her gold eyes flashing in the sunlight.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“You boys don’t ‘ang abaght do ya.....I bett’r ‘ave a look...ain’t I....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">She set off up the garden and Oggin followed, trying not to stare at her bottom as it rocked to and fro. She looked at the slide joint with the cage and nodded approvingly and bent over to inspect the hinges on the midden cover. Oggin felt she spent just a little <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">too</i> long in this position but it didn’t stop him from still enjoying the view. She stood up slowly and turned to flash Oggin another of her smiles.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Yous ‘ave dunn a first claas job..you ‘ave...it awl looks rewee good ‘a dat...don’ it....Cum in‘e ‘ouse the pair off ya....’ere’s som’body ‘oo wans ta meet ya.....<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">both</i>...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">She walked back to the cottage and Oggin shot a worried glance at Bob who just raised his eyebrows and followed on. The pit of Oggin’s stomach lurched and he was suddenly aware of just how a fly must feel, when caught in a spider’s web. </span></strong></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-79735491230504293882010-12-09T12:50:00.001-08:002010-12-09T12:50:56.082-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Second Saga: Part Fourteen</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The party slowly made its way back toward The Village and Oggin was pleased that Bob kept his curiosity in check throughout the journey. When they reached Bob’s gate, he sent the boys in with Bob junior and instructed them to unhitch the cart and get some food for the donkey. He then leaned back on the gate and spoke.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Well then Oggin....wa’s the story wiv dat tin then....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“As you know, the cottage you live in used to belong to Greedle the Bronze...she had to leave in a hurry and I don’t think she’ll be back. She used to sell ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stuff’</i> to some shady types and got locals to grow the plants for her....and one of them was H’rsh the Boog. Now as far as I can tell poor old H’rsh had no idea what she was growing till some rough types showed up to collect it.....you with me so far...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Aye....I know’d about the Bronze wummin....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Well....H’rsh was well known in these parts for messing about with herbs....she tried to use them to colour hair...in fact she tried them out on herself....used to get in a right state too.....anyway, she moved out of her cottage and sold it on......To Nitaa the Cutter...who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">also</i> dabbles with herbs <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> is a hair cutter as well...!”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“An’ you recons there’s a connection loike....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I’m sure of it Bob....that tin had H’rsh’s recipe book in it and only <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">one </i>person would profit from its disappearance....Nitaa the Cutter....in fact she coloured H’rsh’s hair yesterday....Oh...and that tin....it was a cat food tin...imported too I should think....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“’ow you know that....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“That writing on the lid...I’ve been thinking about it....the letters were spaced wrong...like some were missing...I think it said <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">La Cuisine de</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chatte</i>.....and the picture....it was a ginger cat...not a monkey....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“An’ oos gotta load’er cats....” said Bob, with a knowing look.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“...and who’s just moved here from Eastex...right next to the Small Water...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Tha’s all well an’ good Oggin....but you’da gotta wonder why loike....wass all the hidy stuff about....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I don’t know...” said Oggin, “...and I don’t think we’ll find out any time soon either Bob....Still...time’s getting on....I’ll see you in the morning and we’ll go and get the job finished and hopefully get some coin too.....you Stay Well Bob Weaver....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“An’ you an’ all Oggin...you stay well an’ all.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The two men parted company with a wave and Oggin made for home. There was much to think about and Oggin tried hard <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> to think about it. His personal philosophy of “Live and let live” was having a hard time dealing with the events of the day and he knew that Kajoa would quickly sense that all was not well, so decided to put all thoughts of Nitaa, the tin and The Stone Woman out of his mind.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Of course, this plan didn’t work and the more he tried to behave normally the more it showed and the more suspicious Kajoa got. In the end the atmosphere got quite frosty and Oggin went to bed early, simply to escape.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin laid in bed, in the dark, thinking. He knew that Kajoa was unhappy because she realised that he was keeping something from her but he also knew that telling her would be like standing on the green and shouting it out loud! </span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">In the end he decided to sleep on it and hope Kajoa calmed down a little.</span></strong></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-37934576990723645322010-12-09T12:49:00.000-08:002010-12-09T12:49:43.388-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Second Saga: Part Thirteen</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The caravan of workers continued slowly on its way toward Nitaa the Cutters cottage, Oggin was sure that Bob Junior was looking ‘smug’ but tried not to think about it, he found the thought of a ‘smug’ Donkey too much to handle. The teenagers followed along behind, still throwing fir cones at each other and the occasional “Ouch” followed by a raucous laugh, betrayed a hit. For the most part Bob Weaver was quiet and Oggin guessed he was trying to make sense of The Stone Woman’s visit, something Oggin had given up trying to do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">years </i>before.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">They arrived outside Nitaa’s gate and there was a brief discussion on the best way to get the midden cover into the back garden and in the end it was decided that it would be best to carry it through on its side, with the slide at the top. As Oggin helped to remove the ropes holding it on the cart, he got his first close look at Bob’s handiwork. He was extremely impressed, there wasn’t a single iron nail or screw used in the whole thing, every joint was fitted to perfection and hardened ‘dowel pins’ used to fasten the entire piece together. The lid was separated from the slide section and three wooden hinges allowed the cover to be lifted up with the slide still in place. All the wood had been sanded smooth and not a rough patch could be seen, even on the underside and then for good measure Bob had applied a light coat of oil to the complete construction, to keep it in good order in all weathers. Despite the weight of the cover, the four of them managed to manhandle it through the gate and into the back garden, where it was placed to one side till needed.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Without being asked, the two boys began clearing the Oggbarrow and tools away from the trench while Oggin and Bob inspected the fence line next to it. Both agreed that a simple hole in the fence, to accommodate the slide would be the easiest option and it should be possible to keep it ‘cat proof’ as well. Now Oggin turned his attention to the bottom of the midden trench. The signs that somebody had recently buried something were only too obvious and as the two men exchanged knowing glances, Oggin wondered what on earth made the ‘clandestine digger’ think this piss poor <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">effort</i> would fool anyone. He told the boys to sit on the pile of stones and grabbing a small spade jumped into the hole. As Bob crouched beside the trench, Oggin set about carefully removing the freshly dug soil and within a minute his spade made contact with a solid object. Placing the spade to one side he cleared the loose soil away by hand and found himself looking at the top of a round tin, he gently eased it out and saw it was about ten inches in diameter and some six inches deep. On the lid Oggin could just make out some printing;</span></strong></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'French Script MT'; font-size: 72pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: red;">La<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>De<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hat</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">And under that what appeared to be a picture of a fat ginger rabbit but most of the paint had been rubbed off and rust had taken its place, Oggin looked up at Bob.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Do you think we should risk opening it Bob.....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Bob rubbed his chin in a thoughtful manner before replying with a shrug.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Better’n spend’n the rest off tiime wonder’n wa’ss in ‘un I sess....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">With great care and not a little trepidation, Oggin slowly removed the lid and looked inside. It was a black leather bound book and Oggin showed it to Bob before lifting back the cover to reveal and hand written title page;</span></strong></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Gigi; font-size: 28pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: black;">The use of Herbs</span></strong></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Gigi; font-size: 28pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: black;">In the</span></strong></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Gigi; font-size: 28pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Colouring of</span></strong></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Gigi; font-size: 28pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Hair</span></strong></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Gigi; font-size: 28pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: black;">By</span></strong></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Gigi; font-size: 28pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: black;">H’rsh O’Kilarchie</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">In a flash of inspiration the truth became clear to him, Oggin now knew not only <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">who</i> had hidden the book but also <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why.</i></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Wh’a is’sit then Oggin....?” asked Bob</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“For the time being my friend, I will say nothing but when we have some privacy I’ll explain it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> to you...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Fair’nough Oggin....you’da know best.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“We’ll just re-bury the tin as we go Bob....you okay with that....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Tha’s fine be I.....le’ss get on with un...afore yon wummin shows er’self....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Agreed then...” said Oggin and then raised his voice, “You two boys...you can ‘shift and sieve’ and make a start on sorting the bigger stones out of the pile as well. When the trench is deep enough, the big’un’s go in the bottom and the little’un’s on the top.....Now, one of you two pass me a pick and shovel and let’s get on....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Once the two boys were not watching, Oggin used the spade to cut a hole in the side of the trench and put the tin in it, out of sight. The work progressed very quickly, Oggin would loosen the soil and break it up and then he and Bob would change places and Bob would throw the spoil up and into the barrow. The two lads worked well, sifting the soil and grading the stones that came out. </span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The sun had climbed high in the sky when Oggin called a halt for a bit of a break and some food. It struck him as odd the Nitaa the Cutter hadn’t put in an appearance but he could guess why and he didn’t need the distraction anyway. They had done about another hours work when Oggin declared the trench deep enough and told the boys to load the barrow with the bigger stones, while they were distracted, he re-buried the tin in one corner and made sure a really big stone went on top of it. The large drainage stones in the base of the trench had to be placed by hand, one after another, although this was time consuming it was Oggin’s experience that this was the only way to get a good drainage over time. Once he was happy with the bedding layer, the boys started adding the smaller stones on top and Bob and Oggin tamped them down. With a six inch layer of stones in place, Oggin once again called a halt and told them that was enough for today. As before, the two younger Bobs set about clearing away the tools without being told.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Bob...do you think it’s worth trying the cover for size before we go...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Tha’s up to ee.....but I recons it’d not be much ‘elp till we’da ‘ave an’ ‘ole fer the slide...mind....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“That’s true Bob.....and to be honest I’ve had enough for one day....we’ll let the drain stones bed in overnight and come back tomorrow to finish off....do you want to join us again...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“If’n I can be a use to ee.....I’da loike ter see un finished mind...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“That’s agreed then...many hands make light work....let’s pack up an’ piss off....!”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The four picked up their grub bags and set off to the front gate, Oggin bringing up the rear. He’d just reached the gate when he heard a voice from behind him.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Oi....Oggin you finished alweddy...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Oh....hi Nitaa....no not quite...we’ll be back in the morning to finish the soak away and seal it all up...do you think you could keep your ‘girls’ indoors till we’ve done...we’ll be cutting a hole in their run...for the poop slide....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Tha’s not a problem....jus le’me know when ya finish....know wot I mean...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I will don’t worry.....stay well...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Yeah riiite....An’ you....stay well...an’ that...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin Turned to go out of the gate and found himself facing the two Bobs staring at Nitaa’s front door, mouths open, eyes glazed and a look of total stupefaction on their faces. Oggin clicked his fingers in front of their faces and both jumped back, looked very shamefaced and went to the back of the cart, nudging each other.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin moved up beside Bob junior, who was still looking smug and said.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Come on Bob...let’s all go home....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Bob looked across at Oggin and smiled broadly, shook his head and clicked his tongue and Bob junior set off at a slow, end of day walk.</span></strong></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-90797049405680166802010-12-09T12:47:00.000-08:002010-12-09T12:47:58.035-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Second Saga: Part Twelve</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Mournedee arrived with a bang at Oggin’s cottage and much earlier than he would have liked but arrive it did. The Torchman’s knock was in fact actually a little late, as dawn had already broken but Oggin didn’t mind as he and Kajoa had prepared all his needs for the day the night before. He was up and dressed and in the kitchen in a couple of minutes and a quick drink of tea and an oat cake saw him on his way to Bob Weaver’s place with a spring in his step. As he crossed the green, Evan Evans was just driving his sheep to their first feed of Newness Season on the common ground. Oggin waved a greeting and Evan held up his crook by way of reply and as Oggin turned back he saw a sight to freeze the blood, The Bonnet Biddy, in full cry and on some sort of mission. In fact she was almost running and that is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> something anyone should see this early in the day, just the same, Oggin couldn’t resist.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Hey there Annie....where are you off to this early in the day....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Oh....ish zat you “Mish’ter Oggin’sh....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Keeping a respectable and more importantly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dry</i> distance, he replied.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Yes Annie....it’s me Oggin....I’m off to work.....what’s your hurry....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oh Mish’ter Oggin’sh.....Good Mornin’sh to you’sh....I got’sh a mess’shge to she Tookie and H’rshshsh the Boog’sh....they’sh is’ss wantin’ hat’sh in a hurry’sh.....sh’ow I i’sh hurryin’ a bit’sh.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Well, well...” replied Oggin with a perfectly straight ‘poker’ face “I wonder why on Ogg they would need hats in such a hurry...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Wells...I really don’t’sh know’sh.....buts I thought’sh I’d better hurrys a bit’sh....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Well I shan’t keep you Annie....you stay well....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“And’s you’sh Mish’ter Oggin’sh....you’sh sh’tay wells too....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin watched as The Bonnet Biddy scampered away toward Tookie the Boog’s cottage, of course, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he</i> knew full well <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why</i> the two Boog’s wanted “hats in a hurry” but doubted that Tookie was ready to answer her door at this hour and he also doubted very much that Annie was prepared for the sight that was about to greet her!</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">When Oggin reached Bob’s place he could see the two older boys stood waiting, behind the gate and as he approached they stood back and swung it open. Inside he could see the donkey had been hitched up to a small two wheel cart and the midden cover was lashed to it. The first thing to strike Oggin was that the two boys seemed a little ‘over-dressed’ for a working day and their hair, up to now an unruly mop, was all slicked down and shiny. Bob himself stood beside the donkey and he had a mocking smile on his face as he nodded toward the lads.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Good Mornin’ to ‘e Oggin....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“And good Morning to you Bob....and you boys too....I see we are all ready to go...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“We is that...Young Bob juniou’er ‘ere ain’t bin out fer a week or more....I recon ‘ees almost a’cited...bless ‘un....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Come on then...sooner start...sooner finish...” said Oggin.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“You’um two boies can shut the gate and walk behin’ the cart...I don’ won yous gettin’ there afore uzz....else tha’ wumon‘ll be ‘aving ye fer ‘er breakfas’....more an’ loike....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Bob made a clicking sound and the donkey slowly moved forward, Oggin fell in beside Bob and the two men started through the gate together.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Tell me Bob...why’s the donkey called Bob junior....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Cos oor ald Dickey, wus call’d Bob, ‘ee up an’ dy’de...this’un iz ‘es son loike...so I calls’un jun’iur....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Oh....right...I understand...” said Oggin but he didn’t really. </span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The two men and the apparently happy Donkey plodded on together in the morning sunshine, the two boys kept up the rear, chatting quietly. As the cart was quite wide, Oggin took them on a slightly more circuitous route, staying on the main paths and tracks. They had reached about half way when there came that familiar ‘Pop’ and cloud of smoke that heralds the arrival of The Stone Woman. The Donkey stopped, pricked up its ears and just stared with hairy curiosity, Bob also stood stock still, although he looked a little apprehensive, the two boys tried to look blasé, in that annoying way all teenagers do.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Greetings to Thee...Oggin of the Ogg....and to Thee...Bob Weaver of the Fens....and to you “Bob Junior”....O Good and Faithful servant of man....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">At this, Oggin looked bored, Bob relaxed just a little and Bob junior spread his ears in greeting. Oggin could swear he saw the donkey smile too.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“And Good Morrow to you Gladys....to what do we owe the delight of your <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">regal</i> presents....” replied Oggin, starting to get in the mood.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Take <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> the piss...Oggin of the Ogg...lest I smote thee with me wand....I have come to give you and your friends a dire warning....” </span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">It struck Oggin that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> of The Stone Woman’s warnings were always...’<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dire’.</i></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“But....before I divulge to you this information most precious....remember ye this...’Never put all your Ducks in one trouser leg’.....Now....listen carefully....A secret lies within the midden you are digging....a secret most evil....most malevolent...in fact....not very nice at all....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“And what is it....this secret....?” asked Oggin</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“If I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">told</i> you.....it wouldn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">be</i> a secret....would it....!”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“And if you don’t tell us....all <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this</i> has been a waste of time...” retorted Oggin.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Ah....yes....right....fair point, O Wise and Watchful Oggin....fair point.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“An’ well made an’all...” chipped in Bob.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Indeed Bob Weaver.....well...<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">somebody</i>...I’m not saying <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">who</i> mind...but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">somebody</i> has buried <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">something</i> in the midden...she...I mean <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">they</i>...thought you had finished...and she...sorry...I mean <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They</i>....thought you’d be backfilling it today...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“So the secret would remain.....well...secret...and under ten bushels of stones...” replied Oggin </span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“An’a a foo bushels of cat shite an’all...” added Bob, helpfully.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Yes....stones and.....er...as you say...but my point is it should <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> be removed...it must remain buried....<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for all time</i>...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Now that Gladys is going to be a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bit </i>of a problem... you see the midden is too shallow and needs to be at least two feet deeper....or it won’t work...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I’m sorry Oggin of the Ogg.....I have neither knowledge of the vagaries of middens...nor how they function...but I implore you to take care....if you must dig deeper...well you must....but the “Item” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">must </i>be reburied it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">must</i>...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“So it shall be Gladys....so it shall be.....just a little <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">less</i> secret...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">By this time, Oggin, Bob and The Stone Woman were almost huddled together, next to Bob junior’s head and the two lads had got bored, wondered off and started throwing fir cones at each other and weren’t listening, Gladys leaned closer.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Then it must remain between the four us....and never be spoken of again....ever....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Four of us....?” said Oggin</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Why yes....Oggin of the Ogg...Bob junior has heard <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> that has transpired this day...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">At this, the Donkey twitched his ears and nodded his head, before turning slightly to look at Oggin.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“R-i-g-h-t.....” said Oggin, not believing it himself.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“In that case....Oggin of the Ogg and the Two Bob’s of the Fens...I leave it in your hands...and hooves...to see that this dire secret remains so.....but...remember you this...’Many a Muckle....makes Mud Pie’ ....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">And with another puff of smoke, she was gone. The two men and the faithful beast stood in silence for a moment, before Bob spoke.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Izz ‘er all’ays loike thaa’....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I’m afraid so Bob.....I’m afraid so....Shall we go...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Bob clicked his tongue and the party moved on....</span></strong></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-19990936722196142022010-12-09T12:46:00.000-08:002010-12-09T12:46:13.980-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Second Saga: Part Eleven</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">And so it was, not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">half</i> a mug of tea had gone before the “brek oot the whisky” call was heard. Not the Carrot Whiskey, the special ‘Corn Whisky’, the reserve stock, the “good stuff”. Oggin brought in glasses for the pair and was instantly sent back for larger ones, while the inspection of Knick Knacks was quite forgotten, in favour of the new subject of Nitaa the Cutter. It became abundantly clear that the two women didn’t like the newcomer a lot, this despite the fact they didn’t really know her or anything about her but they didn’t let <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that </i>stand in the way of a good ‘character assassination’. Oggin noticed that drink had a strange effect on Kajoa, in the early stages she became oddly belligerent and he went from “hen” to “numpty”. For the Mammie it was worse, he graduated from “tumshie” to “ya Bassa ye” in a very short while indeed but Oggin figured she had a head start in that department. Of course he also knew that Kajoa’s mood would swing the other way after a while and he hoped the Mammie had gone home by then. As the hour grew late, the Mammie decided she should go home, “tae see af’er th’ weans an’ tha”, although Oggin doubted she was capable of seeing after anything. At Kajoa’s urging he ‘volunteered’ to walk the Mammie to her gate, so she would be safe. He pondered that it was more likely he was protecting the rest of The Village from<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> her</i>, none the less, he took her home as ordered.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">He returned home to find Kajoa sitting on the edge of the bath, in a state of undress save for a very broad smile and the crockity pot on the dressing chair beside her.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“See yon pot Oggin....tha’s gimme a few i’dees...so it has....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">And indeed it did dear reader, indeed it did...but let us not dwell on such things.</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">For Oggin the Ogg, Stoppdee started a good deal later than was normal, in fact it was almost mid-day when he woke. Feeling somewhat more relaxed than usual, he stayed in bed for ten minutes, enjoying the warmth and the smell of cooking seeping in from the kitchen where a humming Kajoa was preparing a Latearly Breaklunch, traditionally the first meal of The Ogglanders Stoppdee. The humming however, was for a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">different</i> reason entirely. Oggin lay in his bed, hands behind his head, thinking of all the things he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wasn’t </i>going to do today, when this quiet reverie was shattered by a loud knock on the front door. This was followed by about the most amazing thing Oggin had ever heard.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“You stay in bed ma hen...ah’ll git thaat....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin froze, this couldn’t be good, Kajoa never left the kitchen while cooking a meal. Even when the range caught alight once she stayed put, beating out the flames with a frying pan in one hand and still mashing spuds with the other. Oggin had heard that some ‘Jovan Perceivers’ had been in The Other Village and feared bloodshed if they had disturbed Kajoa to “Spread the Good Whispers of Jovan” when she was cooking. He was almost relived to hear the lilting voice of Tookie the Boog, well, almost. The relief evaporated slightly when he heard H’rsh the Boog’s voice as well and then the sound of all three heading for the sitting room. Kajoa’s head popped round the bedroom door.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“You’d best git up rinoo hen.....Breaklunch is ah’but ready...” then her voice dropped to a whisper, “..ain you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">gotta</i> see the he’air on yon Boog’s....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">She coughed a stifled laugh and went back to the kitchen and Oggin got up, splashed his face, smoothed his beard and put on his dark blue, one piece, Stoppdee lazing-suit. He tip-toed across to the sitting room and peeked through the door crack, clapped his hand to his mouth and almost choking, fled to the kitchen. Tookie and H’rsh the Boog’s were indeed sitting on the sofa but a change had befallen them, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">obviously</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">from a very great height</i>. Tookie was dressed in an almost modest bright red lazing-suit, it had large holes strategically cut in it so it showed almost as much as it covered but it was the hair, it was also <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bright</i> red, even her eyebrows. H’rsh had forsworn her normal modest brown or black garb, she was dressed in a very bright green two piece trouser suit and her hair, once a bird’s nest of riotous colour was now iron straight and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all </i>Moss green.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin reached the kitchen to find Kajoa bent double, red in the face and holding her breath in an effort not to laugh out loud. At his approach she vaguely pointed at the door and managed to splutter.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Whit.....whit tha.....feck....” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>before almost falling to her knees.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I think the two Boog’s have been to see Nitaa the Cutter...for hair <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and </i>fashion tips....bless ‘em.....I surly hope they didn’t part with coin.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Yon Cutt’a must’e paid <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">them’s</i>.....” choked Kajoa, still fighting for breath.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">While Kajoa tried to find some sort of composure, Oggin poured out two cups of tea and took them through to Tookie and H’rsh in the sitting room. The two were still smiling like dressmakers dummies and Oggin placed the tea in their hands, while trying not to look them in the eye, not an easy task.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Er...Kajoa’s just finishing breaklunch....she’ll be here in a minute ....or so....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Oh der’s no hurry Oggin....no hurry a’tall....” replied Tookie. </span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Ah no.....jus you tell’er ta take her time....an’all....” chipped in H’rsh.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin gritted his teeth and looked them in the eyes to smile and then went back to the kitchen. It suddenly struck him that the two women seemed a little <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">too</i> relaxed, a little <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">too</i> laid back. When he reached Kajoa she was sitting at the table mopping her eyes and trying hard to breathe normally.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Those two are high as kites....I don’t know what Nitaa the Cutter has given them....but they are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so</i> laid back they’re on their arses....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Naw way....ye’are kiddin’ me onn.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“No really....I mean it...they’re sitting there like a couple of semi dead fish....eyes glazed....silly smiles....and clearly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very</i> relaxed....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“This I gotta see fur ma’sell.....yur food is here.....ah’m gwan’a see this byraway...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Grabbing a mug of tea, she scuttled off to the sitting room and soon Oggin could make out the sound of conversation. Half of it was an animated Kajoa talking ten to the dozen and the other part came from the terminally relaxed Boog’s. Oggin toyed with idea of listening at the door but decided he wouldn’t be able to understand most of it, so he stayed put and finished his breaklunch, in peace.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">After about half an hour, he heard the front door open and shut and Kajoa came back to the kitchen table.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“See yon pair a numptys...they’s reet oot ay’it so they’are....Yon Tookie hoad yin a’her diddies hing’in oot ah hole in her claes...tha clatty bint....and H’rsh...ya keen she swatch’t mouldy so she did...ah hope theys git back hame afore they come roond....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“True my love....true....but I’d like to be a fly on the wall....when they do....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Both laughed and then Kajoa recovered her food from the pantry and Oggin announced his intention to have a long soak in the bath and rose to go. He stopped at the door, turned, winked at Kajoa and spoke.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Would you like me to..er....leave the water in....doll...?”</span></strong></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-56517672467463127482010-12-09T12:45:00.000-08:002010-12-09T12:45:02.334-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Second Saga: Part Ten</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>First gentle reader, a word or three about...Knick Knacks. The fondness for knick knacks is, of course, difficult to explain without a little delve into their history. Variously known as Ornaments, Object d’art and Dust Catchers the Knick Knack has been with us for many years and they have always been fairly rubbish. That is not to say that they don’t have some uses, after all what else would you give people you dislike for wedding presents? And no trip to the seaside is complete without the purchase of a souvenir, made in China of course. Right, that’s enough history.</strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><strong><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Tosk affection for the Knick Knack runs along different lines entirely. For the Tosk, the acquisition and collection, not to say hording of these objects speaks to the deep seated need to have “something to pass on”. This is not in any way linked to wealth as most of the objects have little or no intrinsic value, instead it is a matter of ownership, of having and of course to be seen to have. There is an old Tosk saying which goes; </span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“If ye dinna hav’ a Knick,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>ye dinna hav’ teh Knack”,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> even their greatest poet, Bobbie Streams, alludes to them in his work; </i>“...but to see them is to love them, love but them, and<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>love forever...”...<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> I hope that helps.</i></span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The afternoon went much as Oggin feared it would, he was dispatched to fetch the knick knacks from Kajoa’s room, various cupboards and storage spaces, one at a time and took them into the sitting room. There, Kajoa would order their placement on the shelf, followed by their re-placement, in a different place, at least twice each. She would sit on the sofa, walk around the room and even slowly walk out the door, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">almost</i> looking up but not quite, then back in again, checking that the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘best’</i> pieces were on show in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘best’</i> places. For Oggin the whole exercise seemed to last forever, he just couldn’t understand why she had to change this one with that one, sometimes over and over again. Of course, he knew better than to pass comment, he liked a peaceful life far too much. Finally, after a couple of hours, Kajoa announced she was satisfied and Oggin thought he could breathe a sigh of relief, he was wrong. Just as he was about to avail himself of a mug of tea and a sit down Kajoa blurted out.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Yon crockity pot....Ah forgot yon broon pot...so ah deid....Go’an fetch it hen....ah’ll put it onna yon wee table furr noo....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin slopped off and got the pot and placed it on the small corner table, naturally it wasn’t quite right so Kajoa elbowed him out of the way and turned it three inches, which made all the difference, apparently. As she stood hands on hips, admiring the pot, Oggin slipped out and crept to the kitchen in search of tea and some rest for his back and legs.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Thas a good i’dea<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hen....I’ll hovv one an’all.....” she said without turning round.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Of course my Tiger Lily....” replied Oggin, wondering if she had eyes in the back of her head.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Kajoa joined him and the two just sat watching the sun start to go to rest for the night. With a sigh, Kajoa sat up and spoke.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Wid ye fancy a carry’oot the night hen...al’a yon movin’ has me fair ‘nacked so it has...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“If you like my flower....what would you like to have....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I’m no fussy....jus’ get me a double a whit’ever you arr havin’.....am fair famished so I am byraway...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Your wish is my command my rose bud....I shall button my sleeves and pop over the way.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Right enough....I’ll put oot the plates an’ stuff....off ye go...an’ nae tak’kin’ tae strange women.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin buttoned his shirt sleeves back in place, as it had gone a little cool outside and set off to Patel’s Pie and Mash shop. As he walked it occurred to him that something was not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">quite</i> right, he felt he was being set up for something but couldn’t figure out what. Being Finntend, around supper time, the shop was crowded and Oggin had to wait awhile to get served. Jimmy Patel and his brother Brian were workin hard behind the counter and before too long Oggin stood back outside holding the customary paper carrier bag with the customary steam going up his sleeve. Jimmy had sold out of Oggin’s favourite pie, Squirrel and Parsnip, so he’d gone for the Stoat and Swede pie instead but the Rosemary butter Mash would still go well with it. When he walked back in the kitchen door, Kajoa wasn’t there but three plates were, two “best” plates and one old one, instinctively he knew which one was for him.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Kajoa came into the kitchen, dressed in her best tartan trews and her best green wool jumper. She also wore a look of guiltless total innocence, which they both knew meant Oggin was screwed.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Have we got visitors darling....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Is’at Squirrel an’ Parsnip pie then hen....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“No my little snow drop....its Stoat and Swede....and do we have visitors...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Oh....aye...so it is...di ya forget the mash hen, byraway....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Not at all...dearest....Rosemary butter.....the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">visitors</i>....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Aye...wiel.....jus afte you wen te the pie shop....aye ...jus afte mind...ah ‘membered ah’d as’t the Mammie te hov’ supper wie us...right enough....byraway...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“That would be just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">after</i> you requested <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">three</i> meals from the pie shop then....just after....by the way...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Aye...right enough....noo, ah’ll tak these in’te the Mammie...an’ youse can eat your’n here....mak sure te come an’ say a hi te the Mammie wen’you’ve done mind....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Of course my fragrant snapdragon....why would I do else...the chance form some sophisticated discourse with the Mammie.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">At that point a loud shout came from the sitting room.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Where’s yon feckin’ scran...ah’m fair feckin’ fadin’ away here ya ken....!”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Jus’ comin’ noo...” answered Kajoa, “hoad yer wheesht.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin watched her disappear toward the other room and then sat down with a sigh, it all became clear now, the whole thing was a ruse to cover the arrival of The Mammie and in turn, she had been summoned for the sole purpose of admiring the Knick Knacks. This inevitably meant that he would be expected to hover around lifting down various items for closer inspection and fetch tea or worse, drinks. The anticipated and longed for ‘quiet evening’ was about to evaporate in a haze of alcohol and knick knacks and loud, unintelligible conversation.....And so it was.</span></strong></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-48148149337325196472010-12-09T12:42:00.001-08:002010-12-09T12:42:57.279-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Second Saga: Part Nine</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">It was late morning by the time Oggin reached Bob Weaver’s front gate, just in time to meet his wife, Rob, coming back from The Village, laden with shopping bags.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Good morning Rob...let me help you with those bags...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“An’ good mornin’ ta you Oggin...I thank’e...these ‘ear bags do fair weigh I down...an’ tha’s the truth....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin took the bags from her hands and she opened the gate. Oggin noticed that it had been newly set on hinges and no longer needed to be lifted up to open and shut, Bob had been busy, Oggin thought to himself and he seemed to be settling in. Oggin followed her through the gate and waited while she shut it behind them, before letting her lead the way to the house. Bob himself appeared in the doorway and held up a hand in greeting when he saw Oggin.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Welcome ‘ome wife and welcome to ‘e Oggin...is nice to see ‘e again....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The two Weavers briefly hugged each other and then Rob disappeared inside, Oggin heard a shout.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Bob an’ Bob....git yer’sells out ‘ere and tak the shoppin’ to the kitchen...come on boys...move yer sells...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Two small boys, sort of miniature copies of their Father, shot out of the house, both wore huge grins. They grabbed the bags from Oggin and scampered back in the house, laughing as they went.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Thas the two young’uns....daft begg’ers the pair of um they are too...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“They seem like nice boys Bob...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Arr...they is...but don’e tell they I says so....” said Bob with a wink.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Two wooden armchairs had been placed on the veranda, to one side of the door and Bob gestured Oggin to sit in one, as he settled in the other. Oggin was surprised just how comfortable the seat was, it seemed to have been very carefully carved to accommodate the human bum and did so wonderfully. Before either could speak, Rob appeared with a couple of mugs of tea and passed one to each of them.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Thanks Rob....that’s very kind...” said Oggin, gingerly turning the hot mug in his hands.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Thas allroite...you enjoy un....oh...an’ come an’ see I a’fore you goes....I’da ‘ave a present for tha’ woman a’yours...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">She turned and went back into the house, leaving Oggin a little baffled but not worried. He turned to Bob and spoke.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Bob...those two older boys of yours are a rare gift...they work like donkeys and have done an excellent bit of work....I went to do the ‘squaring off’ this morning and to be honest, I hardly had to do a thing...all the corners were true and the sides were cut straight as an arrow...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Thank’ee Oggin...I’is proud of me boys...mind you...I taught ‘em as all they knows.....”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Both men laughed at the joke and then settled into a discussion about the rest of the job. Oggin said he would come for the lads on Mournedee morning and Bob suggested he would like to come as well. It seemed that the midden cover was almost complete and that Bob intended to have it finished by Stoppdee afternoon.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Well...that’s a reasonable idea...” replied Oggin,”but how would we get it there...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I’ll hitch up our donkey, “Bob junior” and bring un in the cart....do ya think we’d ‘ave un all done be dark....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I think that’d would be a tall order to be honest Bob...even with your help but we’ll be finished by Ceconday I recon...thanks to those lads of yours...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“The boys was after tellin’ me about tha woman as lives there....She’d a put the fear a’the Pixies up tha pair on ‘em so she did....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“She is a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">strange</i> woman Bob...that’s for sure...but I think she’ll fit in around these parts....just one more odd eccentric...to go with all the others.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Both laughed freely again and it struck Oggin that he was becoming firm friends with Bob Weaver and that was no bad thing. He stood to leave and then remembered Rob’s request to see him, so stood at the front door and called out to her. Rob came out of the kitchen holding a large earthen ware pot, Oggin recognized it as old Roman, what they called Samian. The outside was decorated with figures in relief and it had a sturdy lid.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I’da be pleased if’n you’d give this to Kajoa for I....I found un today when wass searchin’ through the back roums...an I’da got two or three all’ready loike...we calls um crockity pots....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“That’s very kind of you Rob...very kind indeed...I’m sure she’ll love it....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin bade the pair his goodbyes and set off for home, clutching the “crockity pot” and had gone as far as the green when something struck him about the decoration on the pot. He hadn’t really looked at it closely, all this old Samian pottery was richly decorated and was prized for that reason, plus of course, as it was glazed inside it could be used for the slow cooking so liked by Ogglanders, who loved their ‘ovenstews’ so much. No, there was something else about this pot, something else entirely, the reliefs around the pot were, well, rude. Naked people were engaged in various acts and as Oggin turned the pot to look, he thought some of these ‘acts’ were not physically possible. As the pot had been found in the former residence of Greedle the Bronze he was not surprised, a little <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shocked</i> but not surprised.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Arriving home he went straight to the kitchen, expecting to find Kajoa as usual but there was no sign of her. He set the crockity pot on the table, poured himself a mug of tea and sat down. This was indeed a very fine example of old Roman earthenware and had never been used, the lid fitted to perfection but that decoration, oh dear, he wasn’t sure what Kajoa would make of that. Then the back door opened to reveal the woman herself, a shopping bag in each hand and look of fatigue on her face, she saw Oggin and spoke.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Dain’t sit there like a diddy....gett yoursell ower here an’ grab dese baggys will ya....!”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin sprang up to relive her of the bags and put them on the table.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Iss dat yon pot fae Rob Weaver....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Er..yes my dove chick....she said it was a present for you...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Aye...a’ ken that...I met up wi her at yon shop an’ she says she’d gie me a pot she hid tae spare like...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Well here it is my little cygnet....in all its glory....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Kajoa crossed to the table and bent to look closer at the pot and slowly turned it, inspecting the reliefs.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Thass braw an nae mistake...iss a wee bitty rude mind bu’ I like it right enough...iss tae good fur cookin’ in but it’ill mack a braw knick knack so it will byrway....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Breathing a sigh of relief Oggin replied, “Sit you down my love and I’ll pour you a cup of tea...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Aye...you do that....and den wiel get on wie some wee jobs...an’ that....”</span></strong></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-68232924777185396452010-12-09T12:41:00.000-08:002010-12-09T12:41:44.655-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Second Saga: Part Eight</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">It’s Slowdee and just before dawn Nick the Torchman gave Oggin’s door a good solid thump and yelled a “thank you” for the coins. Oggin sat up and made a grunting noise in reply, then tried hard to wake up as well. It took all his fading will power to swing his legs off the bed and served to remind him how hard he’d worked the day before. There then followed a period of inner argument as Oggin worked at convincing himself he really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">needed </i>to get moving and that the sides of the trench really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">needed</i> to be straightened, his work ethic won out in the end and he lit a lamp. Looking away from his legs, he pulled on his clothes and went in search of a mug of tea. He sat in the warm kitchen, mug cradled in hands and thought through the day ahead. The trench shouldn’t take more than an hour or so and it would only take a while to have a natter with old Bob Weaver, so all being well he should be home again by mid-day. Kajoa hadn’t specified what the “jobs” were she wanted doing but as the knick-knack shelves were still empty and the back door was sticking, he could take a reasonable guess. Kajoa had left four of her “special” oat cakes for him, so he ate the two savoury ones with his tea and decided to eat the sweet ones as he walked to Nitaa’s cottage.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">When he went outside, he found the morning to be cool and fresh, with just the lightest breath of breeze, so slight it hardly moved the grass by the side of the path. Even this early in Newness Season flowers had started to peep through the ground. Snow Drops were poking their green shoots and delicate white flowers up above the last vestiges of snow lurking in the hedge rows. On the trees, Oggin could make out the tight little buds that, with increasing daylight, would be this season’s leaves, the song of birds busy searching out a mate filled the air and Oggin hoped that The Stone Woman was right, that this truly was the start of Newness Season. By the time he’d meandered and munched his way to Nitaa’s front gate the sun had climbed high enough to warm the air and he could see swirls of mist drifting along the paths and between the trees, like ghosts, slowly going home. A twittering column of grateful birds had formed behind him, clearing the oat crumbs he’d dropped as he walked.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin was going to knock the door but decided he could do without the distraction that Nitaa engendered in him, he didn’t know what it was but the woman seemed to beguile him in a way that he didn’t understand, or for that matter want either. He quietly set to work, making as little noise as possible. It turned out that Oggin was about right in his estimation, the job of straightening the trench sides didn’t take long at all, using a stave and a plumb line he quickly had all four sides of the trench in alignment. The job had been made easier by the accuracy the Weaver boys had demonstrated the day before and Oggin found himself even more impressed by these two young lads. He was putting away his tools when he heard the back door of the cottage open and looked up to see Nitaa the Cutter, her hair awry and lips pale, poking her head around the door,</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Oggin....I didn’ ‘ere you come in....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Er...no....as it was so early I thought I’d leave you to sleep....it is Slowdee after all....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Thas wery kind off ya...ere...wheres day two lads....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“The two <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">boys</i> aren’t with me today....I let them have the day off...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Thas a pitie....I wass lookin forward ta seein them again....fine stra’wpin lads....they is...ain’t dey....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Er yes...I suppose so....but they are only <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">young</i> boys really...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Yeah....jus ow I likes ‘em.....Wellw I wos gonna ave a cup a tea...you won one an’all...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Er....Thanks but I really don’t have the time this morning...busy, busy....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">At this, Nitta extended a bare leg out of the door and Oggin knew he was thee inches short of seeing something he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> shouldn’t.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“You <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sure</i> I can’t tempt you....at’all....?” she replied, with a lick of her lips and a flash of her bright blue eyes.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin could feel himself blushing under his beard and was almost struck dumb.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Er....yes....I mean...er...no...I...er...um...I’m really sorry...really sorry...but I have such a lot to do....at home and such....sorry.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Me too Oggin........me too.....Wellw....you run along home den...Oh...an give me luv ta <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cow</i>’joa<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.</i>..won’t ya...Tat ta....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">With that, she disappeared back inside and Oggin had to use a great deal of self control not to bolt like a rabbit out of the garden and back to the path. Once through the gate, he stopped to draw breath and considered he’d had a quite lucky escape.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin thrust his hands in his pockets and ambled off toward Bob Weavers house, the morning sun filtered through the trees and spread dappled patches of light on the ground, the air was now definitely warm and after a few yards Oggin reached up and unbuttoned the sleeves of his diggen shirt and put them in the back pocket. With now bare arms he strolled on his way, enjoying the feeling of fresh air and sunshine. The path back to The Village was mostly straight and in the distance Oggin could make out two figures coming toward him. As they got closer he recognised Tookie the Boog and beside her, H’rsh the Boog. The two women were in deep conversation and hadn’t noticed Oggin, not that H’rsh could see him anyway and he briefly toyed with the idea of hiding till they went by and save the time it would take to talk to them. This was childish, so good sense and politeness prevailed and as the pair got closer he hailed them with a bright “Good Morning”. They both jumped like scared cats and then Tookie stood with her hand on her ample bosom as if catching her breath, while H’rsh peered in all directions trying to see who spoke. Oggin stopped to regard this miss matched pair, Tookie as usual was dressed to kill, or at least <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stun</i>, with most of her anatomy <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">outside</i> her clothes as normal. H’rsh was her slightly drab self, except of course for her hair, which was as multi-coloured and wild as ever. Oggin was strangely pleased to see the two had come through the Cold Season in good health, even if common sense had passed them by again.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Why Oggin da Ogg...is dat ya’self” said Tookie, “Whit yer big strong arms and dem <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">loooong</i> legs an’all....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">H’rsh was still squinting about, trying to see, so Tookie grabbed her shoulder and pointed her in the right direction.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“It is indeed Tookie, good morning to you again and to you too H’rsh....what might you two ladies be doing out, on this fine Newness morning....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“We is goin’ ta see da new woman in H’rsh’s ole cottage, so we are....it’s been claimed dat she is a dab hand whit da herbs an such...so we’s goin’ te see if’in she can help us whit da H’rsh’s hair...at all....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“An i was wantin’ a look at me ole garden...” chimed in H’rsh, “te see wat she doin’ whit it...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Ah....I see...well H’rsh...I fear you may not approve of the changes that she has made but I wish you both luck....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“An where might you have been from den Oggin...?” asked Tookie</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Well as it happens....I have just come from the very same place....a new midden has been asked for and me and the Weaver boys are charged with the digging...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“An’ hav’ ya been in da house yet den....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“No Tookie....I have not....nor would I wish to.....Now...I’ll bid you good ladies good-bye as I have business with Bob Weaver to complete....stay well ladies.....stay well...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“And yerself Oggin....and yerself....stay well now....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">As Oggin continued his journey he reflected that pointed questions deserved pointed replies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-76137311282905135752010-12-09T12:40:00.000-08:002010-12-09T12:40:09.371-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Second Saga: Part Seven</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">I shall begin by clearing up a few points. The Oggish notion of the overall passage of time is governed (mostly) by seasonal changes and not by a strict calendar. The more astute among you will see immediately that this will lead to some difference in the length of a year as the weather would largely cause that change to happen. So;</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Spring is called Newness Season</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Summer is Warm Season</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Autumn is called Brown Season</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">And Winter is Cold Season</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">This does have some disadvantages of course, odd weather conditions could mean Newness Season starting at different times in the north of Oggland from the south but generally speaking it balances out in the end. This situation has grown from the Oggish concept of time, or more precisely, the lack of concept. Ogglanders don’t have any time for time, they just live as they see fit, sleep when tired, get up when you wake, eat when hungry and do some work in between. That which is not done can be done tomorrow or the day after, possibly. This was one of the other reasons for the Romans leaving, they’d tell an Ogg to turn up at 10 o’clock and he’d show up at 9 o’clock asking what they wanted or conversely he’d roll in at 11 o’clock and when told “You should have been here an hour ago” would ask, “Why....what happened?” The Romans, who were organised, just couldn’t deal with this at all. In this way, an Ogglander is never early or late, he always arrives at just the right time and nobody complains. It’s just the way of things.</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">The days of the week are also differently named;</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Monday =Mournedee </span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Tuesday = Ceconday </span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Wednesday = Middleday</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Thursday = Thorsday</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Friday = Finntend</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Saturday = Slowdee</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Sunday = Stoppdee</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">This represents a 5 day working week, with a possible ‘half day’ on Slowdee but almost nobody works on Stoppdee unless it’s really, really necessary. </span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Religion is unheard of in Oggland, the Druids did try to move in from Walland once but everybody just laughed at them till they went away again. The Romans didn’t even bother to try, they were too upset about the time keeping.</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Hope that helps...let’s get on.</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin stopped just short of Nitaa’s gate and turned to the two Bobs.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Now....lads....the lady who lives here is....er...well...a little strange....so don’t be staring and gawping at her....just get on with your work....Okay....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Both answered in unison, “Yes mister Oggin sir...” and nodded solemnly.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">As the Oggbarrow was too wide to go through the gate the trio carried it over the gate posts and into the garden. Oggin was impressed by the obvious strength of the boys and the ease with which they tackled the task without guidance. As they set off toward the back garden he heard one Bob remark to the other.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“’Ere...look’a this ‘ere garden will ya...is loike yon beach at ‘opton...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“We’da best not be yer when yon tide comes back....!”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Both laughed quietly and even Oggin smiled a little. He tapped on the front door with the cat’s head knocker and Nitaa opened it almost immediately. She was dressed from neck to ankle in a one piece Leopard skin outfit which Oggin guessed would not have been that tight on the Leopard, in fact he could count her ribs, the bright red lips were back and her hair was tied into bunches.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“ ’ello Oggin...you on yer own d’en....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Morning Nitaa.....No...I ‘ve brought along some help...a couple of Bob Weaver’s boys.....is it alright if we just press on...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“You fil yer boots mate....I’m gonna ‘ave a cup a tea...aint I....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Right you are then...we’ll get on...As it’s Finntend I’d like to get as much done as we can....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">With a nod, Oggin moved back from the door and turned to follow the boys into the back garden. When he arrived he found both the Bobs crouching next to the cat run, fingers through the wire, ‘scritching’ cat’s heads, in a state of utter bliss.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Come on you two....let’s get going...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The boys sprang up and Oggin explained what he wanted to do and what he wanted them to do by way of assistance. He left them to unload the Oggbarrow and lay out the tools while he marked out the trench.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together they cleared two patches of the pebbles and the pebbles off of the marked oblong, then Oggin made the first cuts into the soil with his ‘dragging pick’ and one of the Bobs shovelled the spoil into the Oggbarrow. When it was mostly full he wheeled it across to the other Bob and tipped it onto the cleared patch, the other Bob set about sieving out all the stones and putting them on the second clear space. Oggin was surprised and pleased to see that the Bobs needed no coaching and were happy to just work away without chattering. And so it went, dig, shovel, cart and sieve, from time to time the three would swop places so that backs and legs didn’t get over used. Despite the size of the trench, six feet by four feet, it progressed well and Oggin decide to call a halt for some food and a bit of a break. Oggin turned the Oggbarrow over and used it as a seat and the two boys perched on the growing pile of stones, all three began tucking into their pack up food. Suddenly, Nitaa appeared from her back door, carrying a tray laden with four steaming mugs. Both the boys, who hadn’t seen her up till now, froze. In fact one of the Bobs was stuck like a statue, with a piece of bread in his hand, poised an inch from his mouth. Both just stared with wide eyes and slack jaws as Nitaa slowly approached, her eyes bright and her ready smile invitingly broad. Oggin also noticed that the cold air of the garden had had an ‘effect’ on two other parts of her anatomy and the boys were now transfixed by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">those</i> as they jiggled toward them. She stopped, smiled, blinked slowly and then her husky voice purred.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“’Ello Boyz....I b’ought yer some’finn’ot...........to drink...did’n I...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin glanced across at the Bobs again, both had reddened cheeks but remained frozen in mid air. Oggin quickly stood and took the tray from her.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“That’s very kind of you Nitaa...very kind....<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">isn’t it boys</i>...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The two suddenly jumped, as if stung and nodded and mumbled, like a pair of dumb struck monkeys. Nitaa took one of the mugs herself and Oggin moved toward the lads to allow them to take one each. They were now trying to look <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">anywhere</i> they could,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">except</i> directly at Nitaa. In turn, Nitaa was idly swaying from side to side and almost thrusting her hips at the boys. Oggin caught the motion as he went to sit down again and hid a wry smile, thinking ‘She’s good...very good’.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“W’ell den Oggin.....’ows it goin’ den...?” Nitaa asked.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“It’s going very well....we should have about four feet done by twilight today...but as its Finntend, we’ll only get a half day in tomorrow....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Das good den init...” she replied, then turned toward the boys, smiled and said,</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Is yer tea alwoite boyzz.......’ot enouff for ya...eh...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">As they glanced up to answer she slowly licked her lips before raising her mug of tea to take a drink...watching them over the rim, like a cat watches a mouse.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Bobs mumbled some words of thanks and went even redder before putting their heads down and trying hard not to be there at all.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Rwoite....I’ll leave ya to it den....put da mugs by the bawk door wen yer done...won’t ya......Ta-Ta Boys......”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Nitaa turned slowly and walked away, Oggin watched her go and wondered how she didn’t dislocate a hip walking like that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and </i>how she stopped her bum falling off at the same time. From his right he heard a slight choking cough but let it go, he guessed the lads didn’t get out much and wouldn’t have seen that kind of woman before. Mind you it was a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bit</i> of an experience for Oggin as well!</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The trio finished their food in restrained silence and then went back to work on the trench, the pile of stones and the spoil from the hole, rose steadily as the trench increased in depth and soon progress slowed as it took longer to fill the barrow from the bottom. As the sun fell, Oggin called a halt on the work and instructed the boys to put the tools in the trench and turn the Oggbarrow over and set it on top of the hole. With a final look around he led the lads out of the garden and home. He was very pleased with the way they had performed and told them so, in fact he decided to let them have the next day off as a reward. He knew that he could go back in the morning and just do some side straightening and that would suffice.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin arrived home himself just as it was getting dark, the smell of Rabbit and Rodent Risotto filling the cottage. Kajoa urged him to get washed up quickly as the meal was almost ready and the ‘rodents’ would spoil if overcooked, so Oggin did as he was told and the two sat down together for supper. He regaled her with the tale of Nitaa the Cutter and the blushing Weaver boys and they both laughed, he then explained his plan to return the next morning and straighten the trench sides and then go on and see Bob, to arrange the Mournedee start. Kajoa cautioned him not to spend the day sat by the Weaver’s stove, gossiping and drinking tea, as there were a couple of jobs that needed doing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nearer</i> home. Oggin, who was tired, announced that a soak in a hot bath would be in order, to relax his aching muscles, so he went off to run the water. He set the flag for the Torchman, left him two coins and went back to the bath room to find Kajoa, perched on the side of the bath, with fresh towels, a scrubby brush and a very wide grin.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Shall we just say that Oggin went to bed that night a lot <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more</i> relaxed than he thought he would...and leave it at that? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-73030930647617511902010-12-09T12:37:00.000-08:002010-12-09T12:37:53.445-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Second Saga: Part Six</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">First, a word on the subject of The Torchman. Throughout Oggland there are no public officials in the accepted sense. Public duties, like Postman etc. are passed down through a family and each successive generation takes on the role and in the event there is no successor, one is adopted. None of the ordinary folk of the Villages own a clock, for a number of reasons, not only are they very expensive and hard to come by but, more importantly, nobody cares a “rodent’s rectum” about the time anyway. Now, the Nick the Torchman is a sort of night watchman, he tours around the village 3 or 4 times a night with his torch making sure all is well and there are no fires, lost drunks and that sort of thing. As there is no crime in Ogg, at all, that’s really about it for him, wander around, nip home for a cuppa and then wander around again.</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">BUT....</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">As he is the only man with a clock, it’s also his job to ‘knock up’ anyone who wants to get up early in the morning, like the baker and such, plus anyone who puts out their “Torch Flag”. No particular time is guaranteed, just before sunrise is all you get and you only get one knock, so miss it and you miss out! It goes without saying that being ‘knocked up’ at just after 3am in the Summer is a bit of a bugger, especially when you only wanted to start work at six but there you go, if you’re that fussy, buy a clock.</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Oh and for smartarses, yes the Romans had left a few sundials behind but they don’t work in the dark and nobody could read the stupid Roman numerals. Nick the Torchman’s got one though, he stands his clock on it.</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">It was just before dawn when Oggin heard his ‘knock’ and grunted a ‘thank you’ to Nick before swinging his legs off the bed. As it was still dark, he couldn’t see his legs but still he put on his ‘holeing’ trousers straight away and then lit a candle, before pulling on his ‘diggen’ shirt, with the special button on sleeves. Going to the kitchen, he found his day bag on the table, with a note propped against it. It said: </span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">i put a piece in yr baggy----stay well <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>K</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Kajoa had also put six cooked sausages and two hard boiled eggs on a plate and as usual the tea kettle was warming on the stove, so Oggin poured a mug of tea and set about the eggs and four of the sausages. Opening the back door, he looked out onto the dim light of dawn and sniffed the air, it was dry and not so cold as yesterday and as Oggin looked up he could see the stars starting to disappear from the mostly cloudless sky as well. He hoped this marked the beginning of Newness Season but he also knew that false starts were common as well.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">It was now getting lighter by the minute, indeed it was light enough for Oggin to see the end of his garden quite well and he set about choosing the tools he’d need for the day. A freshly sharpened cutting spade was a must, as was the wide ‘shifting’ shovel. He selected a ‘dragging pick’ next and then his prize possession, his “Oggbarrow”, an invention all his own. The Oggbarrow utilised a ball instead of a wheel and it had taken Oggin weeks to make. The ball was two pieces of thin iron, hammered into half spheres and joined by a thick iron bar which acted as an axle. The ball was easier to turn and tended to bog down much less in soft ground, plus as it was bigger than a wheel it was capable of supporting a much larger hopper. Strangely, the concept didn’t catch on as Oggin had hoped among the more conservative villagers and his had remained, the only one in The Village. </span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">With the tools loaded and day bag over his shoulder, Oggin set off to Bob Weavers place to collect the two boys. As he walked, he hoped that they would be ready as he didn’t want to be delayed today. He needn’t have worried, the two boys were standing waiting at Bob’s gate, tools over their shoulders and a bread bag each in their hands. Both wore wide smiles as Oggin approached and both nodded, and then spoke in unison.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Mornin, Mister Oggin sir...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Good morning boys....ready for some work....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“We is thaat Mister Oggin sir....we is thaat...” they both replied.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Then put your tools in the barrow and follow me...it’s not far....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The lads put their tools in as instructed and the trio set off, Oggin in the lead.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The path was easy and even more of the snow had faded away from the open areas and only lurked under hedges and thickets. The sun was pleasant on Oggin’s face as he walked and he could hear the birds in the nearby trees calling out in greeting to the warmth and its promise of the Newness season to come. In a short while, they reached the large pile of snow in the middle of the path that marked Oggin’s recent ‘visit’ from the Hasslesnag yesterday. As he skirted around it he could still see the hole in the centre where he had been standing. Having rejoined the pathway, he knew they didn’t have far to go now and it would mean a good early start. As that thought was leaving his mind, the noise of that familiar ‘Pop’ sounded in front of him and took its place in his brain. Oggin stopped and put down his barrow and waited for the inevitable cloud of smoke to clear. Glancing behind him, he saw the two lads frozen and looking a little shocked, he spoke to reassure them.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Don’t worry lads....it’s just The Stone Woman...nothing to worry about.....<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">probably</i>....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Turning back, he saw that as there was so little breeze the smoke was taking a while longer than usual to clear and he could hear some loud coughing coming from within it. At last he could make out the Stone Woman, wand in hand, with one hand up to her mouth, coughing and wheezing.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Hello Gladys....what can I do for you today....” said Oggin, trying not to laugh.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Greet<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(cough)</i>ings Oggin of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(cough)</i> the Ogg<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">...(splutter)</i> I have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(choke)</i> important news <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(cough)</i> for you this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(splutter) </i>day.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Yes.....?” replied Oggin watching as she bent double and waived her wand like a demented flagman and banging her chest with her fist.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“First Oggin of the Ogg you must answer me this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Cough-splutter).....</i>Riddle.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">At this point she held up wand to signal a break in the conversation and turned her back to Oggin all the while coughing and spluttering fit to bust a lung. Oggin heard some muffled sniggering from behind him and turned to see both boys with their hands clamped over their mouths and doubled up in a effort not to laugh out loud, he motioned then to be quiet and turned around just as Gladys, having regained her composure, turned around again herself.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Answer me this, Oggin of the Ogg...What is it that has four ears, two tails and wet feet.....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Er.....two donkeys in a river...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“No.......The answer is....Two donkeys in a river...!”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“That’s what I said.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Was it....oh....sorry....Correct...the answer is indeed ‘Two Donkeys in a River’....like what you said....I shall reward you with this news......It has been decided that Newness Season...the season of newness.....shall start this very day....!”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Right....okay....that’s er....really good news Gladys....thanks for letting me know....really....thanks....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“You are most welcome Oggin of the Ogg......and remember you this....’A Leopard cannot <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ever</i> change its trousers’....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">With a pop and a much smaller puff of smoke, she was gone and Oggin was left standing even more bemused than normal. From behind him, one of the Bobs asked.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Mister Oggin sir....why would a Leopard wan’ ta change ‘is trousers in’a firs’ place then....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I have no idea Bob....I have no idea at all....and I fancy she doesn’t either...”</span></strong></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-42318278843256530332010-12-09T12:35:00.001-08:002010-12-09T12:35:53.579-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Second Saga: Part Five</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The sun was still warming as Oggin sauntered along the path toward The Village and he took off his pikka and slung it over his day bag to save carrying it. Bird song was coming from the woods and trees around him when suddenly he thought he heard a girly giggle nearby. At more or less the same moment he found himself up to his waist in cold, wet snow. Snow, wet snow, had gone down his neck. Snow, cold snow, had even gone <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">up </i>his trouser legs. Then he defiantly heard it, the unmistakable sound of the giggling of the Hasslesnag, coming from up in a tree nearby. In her green and red striped outfit, she was standing on a branch that wouldn’t have held a Sparrow, she was laughing and pointing at Oggin with a bony finger and then started to sing.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><strong><span style="color: blue;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oggin the Snowman is a far from happy soul...Oggin the Snowman has got snow down ‘is ‘ole....His big bald head....should ‘ave stayed in bed....And not gone out for a stroll</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.......Don’t be sad Oggin the Ogg, Nitaa didn’t want the snow......so I gave it all to you....!”</span></span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">With this, she just faded from sight like coloured mist and left Oggin, waist deep, cold and seething. With an effort he managed to extricate himself from the snow and stood to one side, shaking his trousers, his shirt and even his pikka, all of which had been occupied by cold, wet, clinging snow. He glanced up but the sky was clear and there were no trees over him. It was as if the Hasslesnag had just dropped the biggest snow ball ever, right on his head. With a damp arse and squelching foot covers he continued on his way, muttering dire and bloody revenge under his breath.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Damp and bedraggled and steaming very slightly, he arrived and Bob Weavers gate and called out. Bob himself appeared at the front door and motioned Oggin to come in, lifting the gate he went into the garden, the Donkey simply ignored him this time, consumed as it was with staring into space, there was no sign of the dogs, which worried Oggin. As he reached the veranda, Bob looked at him slightly askance.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Wots ‘append to yew then boy...yum looks soakin’ through....git yersell in ‘ere and ‘ave a warm boy...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">As Oggin trudged up the step to the front door Bob turned and shouted into the house.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Bob youngen’....come yew ‘ere an git this man’s coat ‘an put un next to the range....an’ tell yer ma ter git some tea on ‘an all...” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">A small’ish tousle haired boy ran into the room and Oggin passed him his sodden pikka before Bob lead him over to the stove at the rear of the room. Bob dragged a chair over as well but Oggin stood with his back to the heat and steamed quietly. Rob came into the room with a mug of something hot and passed it to the slightly warmer Oggin.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Oh my word....Mister Oggin...wot on earth ‘append to yew than....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Cupping the mug in both hands, Oggin explained about the Hasslesnag and the huge ball of snow and both stood and listened, looking slightly perplexed.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“So this ‘ere ‘asslesnag then....is at sum kinda Pixie then...? asked Bob</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“More like some kind of Imp...” answered Oggin, “...she never causes real harm...she wouldn’t actually hurt anyone....but she can be a real pain in the arse.....Oh...beg pardon...missus Weaver....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Never you mind Mister Oggin...” she replied, “...we’d a’got summits loike that’n down our way...we calls un the Lilyspinner.....roite bleedin’ nuisance she is too....!”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin, who was now feeling warmer inside and out, handed his mug to Rob.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“That was very nice Rob....very nice indeed and most welcome too...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Thas alroite....I’ll be leaving yous two ta be gettin’ on with your business’es....you call out if’n you’d be wantin’ summit else now....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">By now Oggin felt dry enough that he could sit down in reasonable comfort so turned and perched himself on the chair Bob had offered. In his turn Bob brought another nearer the stove and the two men got down to discussing the job at Nitaa’s cottage. Bob offered to make the slide and a cover for this cat midden as he could do that at home and then it could be ready for when the hole had been dug. Oggin readily agreed to this as it would speed up the whole job and contracted to pay extra coin for the service. As it was already Thorsday, both men decided it would make sense to get an early start tomorrow and then work till just after midday on Slowdee. No one worked on Stoppdee but that would give them a good start for next week. It struck Oggin that Bob weaver was a ‘thinking man’ as well as a hard worker as he would chip in with sound suggestions as the discussion went on.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Now then Oggin...I spose you’d a loike ta meet my lads....seein’ as ‘ow theys is gonna be ‘elping yous an’ such....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“That would be nice....are they about....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Aye....I’ll gi’em a call.......Bob!....git yersell in ‘ere an’ bring yer brother wi ya...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Roite you be Pa....!” came a reply from somewhere in the house.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin watched as the two boys appeared, they were identical twins, like as two peas in a pod. Both looked like younger versions of their father, same mop of dark hair and the same open, honest faces and both with ready smiles.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Oggin...this be Bob an’ ‘is brother...Bob...theys me eldest....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Pleased to meet you both lads....are you ready for a bit of hard work...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Oh don’t you worry none Oggin...theys all’ays ready fer a bit o’work....” said Bob, as both boys nodded vigorously.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Okay then boys...I’ll be round for you at first light....bring a bit of food with you and a pick an’ shovel each too.....I’ll bring the wheelbarrow and a sieve for the stones an’ such.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Bob shooed the boys away and Oggin stood to leave the warmth of the stove and the warmth of this family he’d come to like in a very short time.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Now, Bob, are you sure you have enough timber to make this lid and such...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Don’t yous worry your’sell Oggin...there’d be plenty hangin’ aroun’ this place as ain’t got no use...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The two men shook hands as Rob brought Oggin’s pikka in from the kitchen and he put it on to find not only was it dry but very toasty inside too.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">He set off home, the snow was starting to fade away from the ground and was a good omen for the week ahead. He went into the kitchen and was greeted by the smell of Spicy Squirrel stew and dumplings, one of his favourites. Kajoa was seated at the kitchen table and he joined her to let her know what had happened during the day. Over a mug of tea, she offered sympathy for his encounter with the Hasslesnag but laughed just the same.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Wiel Oggin...yon supper’s ready when you are....so git your’sell washed up an’ sat doon....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin nodded and made his way to get rid of his pikka and foot covers and set the flag by the front door, for the Torchman, then went back to eat. After their meal, both he and Kajoa stayed in the warm kitchen, talking and drinking tea before the dark drove them both off to bed.</span></strong></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-62314263497637362962010-12-09T12:34:00.000-08:002010-12-09T12:34:28.884-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;">T<span style="color: blue;">he Second Saga: Part Four</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Oggin woke back in his own bed, having enjoyed the “early night” spent with Kajoa and was feeling quite relaxed. He got up and even left the cats to sleep on, dressed and went into the kitchen. Kajoa was standing at the stove and softly singing an old Tosk folk song as she worked. To Oggin, the words were unintelligible but the melody was pleasing and it signalled that she was for once, in a good mood in the morning.</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“Good morning my little song bird.....I hope you slept well...”</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“Mornin’ hen...sit ya’sell doon...awe’ll hay ya breakfast in’a minute...”</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Oggin sat and watched as Kajoa shuffled pots and pans and returned to her soft song. He was struck again how lucky he was to have found this woman, despite her often bad temper she was fiercely loyal and when the moment took her, very affectionate too. She turned and put a plate on the table in front of Oggin, six large sausages and two fried eggs nestled up to a slice of fried greybread, topped with a big tomato.</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“There ya are hen...get tha doon ya...ya need tae keep ya strength up....” she said, with a polite cough and a grin.</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“Thank you “hen”....it’s going to be a long day and I’ll need this....”</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“Aye...right enough...I’m away tae haya wee snooze....Noo jus ye ‘member this Oggin tha Ogg....ye haya breakfast here...mak sure ya come bak here fe ya supper an’all...”</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“I will my flower...I will...you go and have rest in the warm....I’ll see you later don’t worry....”</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Oggin set about the plate of food with passion but as was his habit, secreted two of the sausages in his shirt pocket, for later. In a matter of minutes his plate was empty and he rinsed it under the water cock over the sink. He’d already put on his ‘cold trousers’ and foot covers in readiness for the day ahead. Oggin didn’t usually wear foot covers, as his feet, like all Ogglanders, were not only very large, wide and hairy but had soles like thick leather. However, in the cold season they were sometimes necessary and besides, they hid Oggin’s odd looking toenails. Putting on his pikka coat, he grabbed his ‘day bag’ and set off to see Nitaa.</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Outside, there had been a very slight thaw over night and now the sun was doing its best to raise the temperature a little more. The air was still quite crisp and in the shady places in the lane, the frost still held a stubborn grip on the countryside. With his hood up, hands thrust in pockets and bag over his shoulder, Oggin trudged on toward the cottage of Nitaa the Cutter but saw few people on the way, the children were busy in the Mammies’ back garden, building a snow burrow, which apparently required a great deal of laughing and shouting. Oggin had never really understood the childlike fascination with digging holes but he supposed it kept them out of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>trouble, for the most part anyway. The local wildlife had thinned out as it always did in the Cold Season. A lot of the birds had gone South, over the Small Water, to more sunny climes, those that remained made the most of any “Brown Season” berries and fruits that lingered uneaten in the hedgerows. Creatures that couldn’t leave had to make the best of life as they could, Oggin saw some Fox tracks in the snow and hoped all the hens were shut up at night or someone would be going short of eggs. Keeping to the main paths and tracks meant his journey took a little longer but meant he avoided the deeper snow drifts in the old copse, besides it was a nice day and it was good to get out in the fresh air.</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">He arrived at Nitaa’s cottage and was amazed at the transformation that had taken place since H’rsh the Boog moved out. The pretty garden had all but gone and had been replaced with a wilderness of pebbles and sand. The cottage itself seemed to have been expertly renovated on the outside, even the front gate had been painted and re-hung. The front door had been replaced with a forbidding looking studded Oak arrangement that wouldn’t have looked out of place on a castle, Oggin grasped the big black iron ‘cat’s head’ knocker and gave it a good bang. It opened to reveal Nitaa the Cutter, dressed from neck to ankle in black silk, embroidered in gold, the high neck tunic was almost military but the trousers were flowing and full.</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“Mornin’ Oggin....why don’t you go rand da bak an’ I’ll come owt an’ show ya what I wants...won’I....”</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“Okay....” said Oggin with a nod and a smile.</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">He went “rand da bak” as instructed and found that the back garden had also been transformed. All the carefully cultivated soil had disappeared under flag stones and pebbles. Two enormous wire cages had been added, one attached to the back of the cottage and another at the far end of the garden. The cottage cage was fitted with a roof and back wall, it looked for all the world like a little house with three wire walls. The other was like a huge sort of ‘fruit cage’ and Oggin could see a perfusion of different plants growing in various pots inside it and in one corner, a bee hive. The snow which had fallen everywhere else in the area seemed to have all but missed this single patch, in fact there were very few signs of the cold which had gripped the rest of the village and woods nearby.</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Oggin’s musings were interrupted by a noise from behind him and he turned to see Nitaa standing at the back door, she was now wearing a big coat, in the same style as before but this one was ginger and white. Oggin noticed that her face was very pale and looked like it was made of fine alabaster, her lips too, were pale and thin. She regarded Oggin with those strange blue and gold eyes and he fancied a little ‘half smile’ crossed her face, she stood arms folded across her, holding the coat closed tight against the cold, she spoke.</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“Roite den Oggin...less git darn to’it....Iss too fuckin’ cold to fart abaght art ‘ere....I wants a nue midden ‘ole on the end off da girls wun...iss gonna need a slide fwom inside so’s dey kin do their business fwom inside da wun an dat...”</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Despite her tortured use of the Oggish language, Oggin thought he had got the drift of what she was asking for, he was concerned however that the woman was some sort of slave trader, which made him a bit uncomfortable.</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“So....your...er....‘Girls’ do this...er...outside then...?”</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“Yeah....course they do....they ain’t dirt’ey.....”</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“Right....of course not...” stammered Oggin.</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“You wanna meet ‘em...?”</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“Oh...er...um....yes...I suppose so....that might be nice....”</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Nitaa half turned and let out a high pitched whistle and then called out.</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“Come on me Girly Girls....come on.....come an’ see mummy an’ the nice man...”</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Oggin watched in fascination as a flap opened in the base of the cottage wall, inside the cage. At first slowly and then in a rush a dozen or more cats appeared and stalked into the cage. Some hung back, eyeing Oggin with open suspicion others came up to the wire and rubbed their faces on it, tails held high in feline greeting, all seemed well fed and in very good condition.</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">“Thas me girls Oggin........thas me girls...” said Nitaa, her face wreathed in smiles.</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">The rest of this strange ‘site meeting’ passed under the watchful gaze of this curious feline audience. Oggin was both surprised and pleased to find that not only did Nitaa know exactly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what</i> it was she wanted but also <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how</i> she wanted it done. After almost an hour of instructions, questions and counter questions, the two parties agreed on a price and shook hands on the matter. Oggin said he would return in two days to start the work and would hope to have it all done in seven work days. They parted company and Oggin started to make his way to see Bob Weaver and his brood to discuss terms with him. It was the custom in Ogg that all men were entitled to make a fair profit from their labour but ‘fleecing’ was considered very bad manners so as he walked, Oggin was figuring what profit there was to be shared with Bob Weaver and his boys. As he walked, he munched on a sausage and was feeling well pleased with himself. This was a good job to have in the Cold Season when work was hard to come by and it’ll provide coin for two households.</span></span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;">It has often been said that one should never be too pleased with oneself, lest others don’t agree....I’m not sure who said it but that is of no matter.</span></strong></span></i></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-44136901508522907112010-12-09T12:31:00.001-08:002010-12-09T12:31:35.155-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Second Saga: Part Three</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">A brief ‘ish note or two on the Weaver Family; Bob and Rob Weaver, husband and wife, are in their thirties and are from the eastern side of Fenland. Both were born in the village of Hamreed-next-the-Water. Married at sixteen, Rob has raised seven children, three pairs of twin boys and one daughter. The eldest boys, both called Bob are now sixteen years old, the daughter is just seven months old. As is the custom in the Weaver family, all the boys are named Bob, after their father, as he was after his and the little girl is named Rob, etc. etc.( I think you get the idea). The Weaver’s are a hard working, honest and close knit bunch, they are as “Mad as a box of Frogs”...but always nice with it. Being from east Fenland the whole family speak with a quite thick Norfolk accent and this makes them hard to understand, even harder than the Tosk’s! Like most Fenlanders, they tend to move around a lot and prefer not to stay in any one place for more than a couple of years, the reason for this behaviour has been lost in the mists on the Fens. It should be noted that the term “Fenner” is considered by them to be a pejorative and they refer to themselves as “The People”. Nina, The Wolf Woman calls herself a “Fenner” but in much the same way as homosexuals refer to themselves as “Queers” but then hate it when anybody else does.</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin carefully lifted the gate aside and let himself into the garden, the Donkey lost interest and went back to his food. As Oggin got closer to the house he suddenly noticed two dogs, laying almost hidden in the snow, to one side of the garden, one lifted its head and a moment of panic gripped Oggin’s gut, he didn’t like dogs. The dog, a very scruffy looking mongrel, cocked its head to one side and then lay down again.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“You’m tac no notice a they’s....Ma kicked ‘em out fer fighten’ wiv the boys......they’s feelin’ sorry fer theyselves as now...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin stepped up onto the veranda to face the man and extended his hand in greeting, Bob took his hand in both of his and shook it vigorously. The grip was firm and the hands were the strong, calloused hands of a working man, used to manual labour. Bob was some six feet tall, with a shock of dark curly hair. His tanned face had a light covering of brown stubble but was open and friendly, with a ready smile and twinkling eyes.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“You’m come in Oggin an’ warm you’sell....fancy a cup a tea....Ma’s all’lays got da kettle on....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Thank you Bob....that would be really nice...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Muther!.....we got us a visit’er...bring us out a spot a tea will ya....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Bob motioned Oggin to take a seat at the long three-trestle table in the centre of the room. The former sumptuous decorations were all gone and the thick carpets had been replaced with a scattering of reeds. An enormous pot bellied stove had been placed at the rear of the room and two more moth eaten mongrel dogs were sprawled on the floor in front of it. Although the room had lost all its glitz and glamour, it had gained a homeliness the former never had. From the rear of the room a woman entered, she was a slightly plump but pleasant looking person, dressed in a light blue dress and wearing an apron. Her dark brown hair was held back under a blue head scarf. She too had that same look of open friendliness on her reddened face, she was carrying two big mugs of steaming tea. </span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Oggin...this yer is my wife...an’ better ‘alf...Rob.....Rob my dear...this ‘ere is Oggin....’eeiss come to make an’ offer o’ some work fer us’es....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">As Rob placed the mugs on the table, Oggin rose to greet her. She wiped a flour covered hand on her apron and shook Oggin’s warmly, a broad smile on her face.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Pleased ta meet ya Oggin...now you mind ‘e don’t keep ya gassin’ all day now...’e could tork the bak leg offa donkey an’ then convince it ta tak a walk...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Thank you for the warning Rob...and the tea.....but my other half would say the just same about me if she was here...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">With another warm smile, she returned to her cooking and left the two men to talk. Oggin explained about the job, as far as he could and that he wouldn’t ‘call a wage’ on it till he’d actually seen it for himself. He didn’t go into too much detail about Nitaa the Cutter because he still wasn’t sure about her himself. Their conversation rambled on and Bob told him something of his travels and Oggin filled him in on a few details about The Village and That Village. Before they knew it a couple of hours had passed and Oggin said he would return tomorrow afternoon to fix the details. Bob said he would let his boys know when they got home from snow clearing and would look out some tools for them both. With a final shake of hands the two men parted company and Oggin made his way home. The day was closing fast as he got home and the cottage was quiet when he got in, so he called out for Kajoa, she answered that she had gone to bed to avoid the cold and for an early night. </span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin asked if she’d like some ‘company’....she did.</span></strong></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-34285748805387501282010-12-09T12:30:00.000-08:002010-12-09T12:30:08.146-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Second Saga: Part Two</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The cold and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very</i> stony silence was finally broken by Oggin, who thought he’d better say <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">something,</i> before <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he</i> needed to get a coat.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“So....er....Nitaa....what can I...I mean <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we</i>....er...do for you....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I fought you was da middin man...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“The midden man...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Yeah....da middin man...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“You thought I was the, midden man...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Yeah...da middin man...da one wot clears da drains.....didn’ I...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“And do you need the midden clearing....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Nah....I wants a new’nn puttin’ in....don’ I...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“A new midden...?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Yeah...das wot I said...din’t I...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Er is the original midden faulty....?” </span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Nah...it ain’t foughty....it ain’t big e’nuff is it....I wan’s anovver wun for me girls...don’ I....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin glanced back at Kajoa, who by now was leaning on the door post, her head to one side, listening intently. Her expression had softened very slightly but there was still a hint of suspicion playing around her eyes.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Your girls.....right....er...how many girls is that....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I sposse ders abaght twenney....mebe twennyfive...trouble is wen one gets arrt dey alwis comes back wiv a belly fool of arms an legs....don’ ay...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin’s mind had now flipped into ‘panic setting’ as he tried to take in what she was saying and what it meant.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Well...er ...Nitaa...the...er ...problem is the weather...what with the cold and such.....Digging out a new midden at this time of year is a...well...sort of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">big</i> undertaking...it’ll take at least three men...and it’ll take a bit of time too...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Well....can ya do it or nort....?</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I should think so....but...well...to be honest...it’s going to cost a lot of coin...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Tha’snot a wowey....you git yer arse arrt to my place soon as ya can an I’ll show ya wot I wants an den we kin sort aught da coin den.....Okay....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“That’ll be fine....I’ll find the labour I’ll need first...not everybody wants to work during the cold season...but it shouldn’t be a big problem....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">As he spoke Nitaa was putting her coat back on and Oggin again caught a whiff of her strange perfume and heard a stifled sneeze from Kajoa. Oggin stood aside to let Nitaa passed and she looked up to give Kajoa a smile that could freeze water as she left the room, Kajoa on the other hand, looked almost smug.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">As he shut the door behind his newest employer, Oggin half turned and lent on the wall and let out a long breath. Kajoa spoke first.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Thas a weirdo....an’ <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nae</i> mistake...d’ya ken tha coat she hod on....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Yes...it was knitted out of fur....did you see her eyes.....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Aye....ah deed.....mind we yon outfit she wass wearin’....ya could see wot she’d had fer breakfast an’ all....!”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin turned to Kajoa and both burst out laughing at the same time and headed off toward the kitchen. Oggin sat at the table and Kajoa put down two mugs of tea and sat opposite him. The tension of the meeting with Nitaa had passed and a warm silence settled on the room. Kajoa spoke first.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“See thas a big job ye are takin on Oggin....an’ nae bugger oure hiss dog wans tae work in this weather...ya ken...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“True my love...true....but I was gabbin’ with old Ted in the pub...he reckons the weavers in Greedle’s old place have got seven kids and two of them are big strappin’ lads, so they might well be glad of the work...and the coin...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Aye...ya mak a fair point...but youse heed ma Oggin....I dinna trust yon woman....there’s summit no right aboot her.....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Well she surly gives me the willies too....but needs must my flower....needs must...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Aye right enough hen...right enough....Wiel....are ye gonna spend awe day we yer ugly feet unner ma table or git oot an see yon weaver....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Right you are my little Rose bud.....right you are...” he replied with a sigh.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin rose and went to his room for an over coat, he chose the old ‘pikka’ he’d had for years. It was green once but was now covered in brown patches, sown over the many rips and tears it had gained in its long life. Its chief benefits were its hood and thick padding and even on Oggin, it came down to well below his knees. His legs felt the cold in this weather, rather more than he cared to mention. Suitably dressed, he made his way outside. The snow had stopped falling and the village was now dressed in a smooth covering of deep, white, softness, in the silence it had taken on a beauty that was seldom seen by very many. With no indications of anybody being about, the only real signs of life were the columns the smoke drifting skyward from all the cottage chimneys. The snow clouds had left a clear blue sky and a bright sun but the cold was still there in the fresh, tranquil air, Oggin could see his own breath forming tiny clouds as he made his way to Greedle the Bronze’s old home.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">In truth, this was the first real visit Oggin had made to this place since the happenings of that night in the Warm Season. It seemed like all that had happened many seasons ago but it wasn’t really that long since. Oggin approached the gate way, the big iron gate was gone, in its place a plain ‘five bar’ gate was propped against the posts. He paused to look into the former front garden, remembering it as it was before. Weeds and grass had moved in to take over the ground, all signs of the statues were gone, even the plinths on which they once stood. On one side of the garden he could see a very friendly looking donkey, tethered to the ground by a long rope. It was munching on a fresh pile of vegetables but raised its head in curiosity, ears pointing forward, to stare back. Oggin called out in a loud voice.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Hello the house...I am Oggin the Ogg....I would speak with you about an offer of some work...!”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">After a moment a tall man came out of the door and stood, hands in pockets.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I’da be Bob Weaver...Head of this ‘ouse....or so my wife tells me....you’m come on in then Oggin the Ogg......work’s all’iss welcum ‘ere...!”</span></strong></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27010580776111869.post-34716122514160895632010-12-09T12:25:00.001-08:002010-12-09T12:25:52.292-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The Second Saga: Part One</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">For Oggin the Ogg and Kajoa the Tosk life had continued much as before throughout the autumn. Kajoa continued to harangue Oggin and Oggin continued to deal with the middens of The Village and do the odd repair job to raise a coin or two. </span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">H’rsh the Boog stayed on with Tookie the Boog for nearly a month in all, before going back to her ramshackle cottage but she didn’t stay long. Her lovely garden was totally ruined and despite Oggin’s assurances, she just didn’t feel safe there anymore, after two restless nights she moved back in with Tookie. The sale of her cottage raised enough coin to pay for an extra bedroom at Tookie’s place, with enough left over to see them well enough.</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Nina, The Wolf Woman, as ever the tough, remorseful type had gone back to growing vegetables on her small holding and was once again, doing well.</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">The Stone Woman had kept her promise and from time to time she would ‘visit’ Oggin, pass on some coin and ‘suggest’ who should receive it and how it should be given, in detail, long, long detail.</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Life for The Mammie was as it always was and in all probability, always would be. She continued to shepherd other people’s children and never seemed to notice a thing.</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">There had been no word of Greedle the Bronze, indeed her former dwelling had been taken over by an itinerant family of basket weavers from Fenland, along with their seven children, four dogs, nine cats and a donkey.</span></strong></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: black;">The Hasslesnag had stayed away from Oggin but he suspected it would only be a matter of time. </span></strong></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Winter came to The Land of Ogg and it came hard. Snow was falling for the tenth day in a row and at this time of year, the temperature never crept much above freezing day or night, for months. The Village always slowed down at this time of the year, people tended to stay indoors quite a lot, only venturing out when necessary, really necessary. Of course, some things still needed to be done and midden grubbing was one of them. The midden was covered at this time of year, usually with a couple of layers of sacking. Oggin had to cover his whiff gas midden too, so as to insulate it, to ensure a reasonable supply of gas. Never the less, even <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he</i> had to keep a fire going in the cottage almost twenty four hours a day. Kajoa made it plain that as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">she</i> was responsible for the stove, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he</i> could look after the fire.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“...an’ tha’s an’ en’ tae it....” as she said, more than once.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Winter was not without its pleasures obviously, there were many quiet evenings spent reading, listening to the steam radio and just simple conversation. There was also ‘the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">early</i> night’, although this in turn led to Warm Baby Month, when all those early nights ‘bore fruit’, so to speak.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">One other piece of gossip had made the rounds from pub to hearth and back again, apparently the buyer of H’rsh the Boog’s old cottage had shown her face and more importantly, her coin. The cottage had been refurbished and the flower garden mostly removed, replaced by pebbles. Despite the cold weather the tradesmen came and went in something of a procession but for some time all this had been done through various ‘agents’ but now the owner had made herself known. Nitaa the Cutter was from Eastex, a small county in the Southern part of Ogg. In truth, that was just about as much as was known for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sure</i> but that didn’t stop the endless speculation. The villagers never let the facts get in the way of a good gossip.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">It is Middleday, roughly eleven o’clock in the morning and Oggin has been up for some time already. Kajoa had bellowed at him till got out of bed, as only she could. Apparently he’d agreed to put shelves up to provide more Knick-Knack storage space. The fact that he couldn’t remember any such conversation, ever, was no bar to Kajoa’s urging, or her voice. He’d been working away at the job for quite a while now, fixing a high shelf around the entire sitting room wall, even above the doorway. Kajoa had come in from time to time, to ‘supervise’ and supply mugs of tea but seemed mostly pleased with his efforts. Oggin didn’t know quite <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how</i> she would get the knick-knacks onto the shelf, as it was over three feet above her head but she hadn’t said anything, so he was disposed to keep his own council.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Just as he was finishing up and putting the wood shavings and off cuts on the fire, there was a loud knock at the front door, a shout came from the kitchen’</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><strong><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Dain't youse wait fer me tae ans’er tha...”</span></span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Of course not petal....” responded Oggin</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">As he put down the broom and was making his way to the door the knock came even louder.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Hold on a minute...I’m coming...” Oggin replied, in a loud voice.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">A female voice replied, just as loud.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Well move yer fuckin’ arse den...i’ss fuckin’ freezin’ ouht ‘ere...!</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin opened the door to be greeted by the sight of a short ‘ish, slim woman, wearing a multi-coloured coat with a hood and black boots. Her face was thin and white, despite the cold and her eyes were a piercing bright blue but her pupils were gold.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“I’z you Oggin th’ Ogg...eh?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Er...yes...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Ri’te....I’m Nitaa da Cutt’er....well iz you gonna let me freeze me tits orf or ya gonna assk me in....?”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Oh...sorry....come in...the sitting room’s on the right...”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">She brushed past Oggin, a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bit </i>closer than was actually necessary he thought and he caught a whiff of a very odd but strangely seductive perfume and also, that the hood had two pointed ears on top of it, he pushed the door closed and followed her into the room. The brighter light of the sitting room allowed a better look at this strange visitor, the coat was indeed many colours, many colours of long fur and yes, the hood did have two pointed ears but most startling of all was the tail that hung from the back of it. Long, thick and composed of the same furry elements as the rest of the coat. Oggin at first thought it must have come from some huge creature, as one big skin, ears and all. But something caught the light in the room and with a flash of surprise, he realised that in fact, it had been knitted, knitted from animal hair. Nitaa stopped in the centre of the room and with an almost sensuous shrug of her shoulders, let her coat slip off and caught it behind her back, before tossing it onto the sofa, Oggin thought this was a well rehearsed move. If the coat was unusual, the rest of her outfit was in a different world. The shiny black leather boots were spiked heeled and went all the way up to the top of her thighs. She had on a long sleeved, black, one piece suit, flecked in silver thread and it was skin tight, as her pert bottom obviously showed. When she turned to face Oggin he had to concentrate hard to stop his jaw from dropping. The suit had a gold zip-like fastening running right down the front and disappearing between her thighs, this also managed to further accentuate her somewhat full breasts. Her hair was jet black with a single streak of stark white, swept back, it fell off her shoulders like a cascade of black water. Her bright red lips parted and flashed Oggin a smile that would melt lead. Oggin was, by now, really struggling to say something, anything, but his addled brain just wouldn’t, no, couldn’t, form any intelligible words. Luckily, Kajoa chose that precise moment to poke her head around the door and sort of save the situation.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Who was it at da dour Hen...” she asked, having not yet seen Nitaa.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Oggin seemed stung into action and standing to one side, stuttered into life.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“Er...Nitaa the Cutter....this is my life partner Kajoa the Tosk......Kajoa....this is Nitaa the Cutter...she’s moved into H’rsh the Boog’s old cottage....”</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">His voice tailed away into a stone cold silence as the two women eyed each other. Oggin could swear the temperature in the room dropped by ten points and rather unnervingly, he noticed that Nitaa’s formally large golden pupils, seemed to get very narrow.</span></strong></span></div>The Bunnyrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285623694697807876noreply@blogger.com0