Anais took the flowers and laid them on the grave. She said her prayer as she had done since that winter's day when her father had not returned from battle. Now she was alone-her mother had no will to live- her brother cut down as he ran unarmed except for the cross of wood he thought would defend the family from the soldiers who had rampaged through their village like wild dogs.
Anais was beyond tears this day.Now as she looked at her slim hands tremble-she hated her feeble frame-she could not change her body but she could change her life for a purpose. That purpose would be to make pilgrimage to the home of the man that had taken her mother's joy and their family's soul. Anais would voyage to England itself and with the arrow that had killed her father held close to her breast, she would have her justice. A life for that of her brother and a life for that of her father.For Anais had seen but one arrow on that battlefield with black and red flights. She would search until she found the owner.
Thomas found the door swung open at his touch. No dog nor cat came to welcome him.No ember was in the hearthplace.Thomas turned back to the entrance as a familiar figure filed the space, a stick held to prop unequal legs. A huge laugh that would shake the chest bone welcomed him home,
"I knew it! Thomas -come out of there into the light and give me a welcome!"
" Where is everyone uncle?"
" The new clearing of course!" Thomas beamed with relief at this news. Before he could ask another question, a huge arm swept him into his uncle's barrelled chest, squeezing the breath from him as it had done since he was a toddler,
"Matilda! Matilda! The prodigal son has returned!"
Indeed,Thomas was the prodigal son.Now it would be his burden to feed his mother and sister- and to find a wife to bear him sons. As old faces ran to join the cheering throng, Thomas began to fear the future as if he knew his joy must be paid for with equal sadness soon.That day was coming sooner than he realised..
