The Ravens Tree

How it all began.

Stuart Goddard, 19.

when we were but just little boys

something changed me

normal children played with toys

but we played with the raven tree.

Barwick, 1904.

Usually it was warm and dry in the small village of Barwick but today was very different, today was a storm. This takes us to a small six year olds basement his name Jonathan Harrison and right on cue we hear ten small feet pitta pattering down the steps. There is distant childish chatter about the thunder and lightening

crashing outside, a high pitch but gentle voice whispered;

"But what if it never stops thundering? And the roof falls down? And what if the sky falls down?"

It was Jonathan a sickly boy with no courage. As he said this he sat and coward in the corner of the damp cellar. Stuart Goddard the oldest in the group and also the most caring reached out his hand for his weak friend and said;

"don't worry Jon that'll never happen, and if it does I promise I'll protect you" 

Jon reached for the strong hand and Stuart pulled him up.

"look at you two acting like a pair of girls! Ahah get up and fight me you pansies"

The voice of Benedict echoed across the room. Stuart walked over to Benedict and measure up to his full height, (which was at least two inches taller) and stared at him, There had always been friction between Bennie and Stu even from a young age. two alpha wolves in the same gang is never a good thing and can only lead to trouble. Sometimes its hard to tell if they're even friends. interrupting the two boy's stare off was a sensible and steady voice

"Nope, this won't work if its not organised. So who's being the Russians and who's being the Japanese?'

Alan rivers is a classic goody goody who gets along with adults and goes to church everyday, not a day goes by with ought Alan bringing the all mighty God into things.

" who's the baddies, I wanna be the bad guy"

This voice concludes all of our gang, This is peter Jeffrey declaring his love of being a freak, but a funny one at least.

"If I remember what my father said the bad was the Japanese"

Alan responded without a moments delay.

"well in that case I want to be on the Russian side!"

Stuart always wanted to be on the winning side, all the boys laughed as they teamed up, all except Jon, he stood awkwardly in the middle with a glum look on his face.

"I don't want to play this game"

The rest of the boys stopped laughing.

"oh come on, it will be fun!"

Bennie tried to convince him, but already Jon had been worked up and he began to cry.

"please, I don't want to die."