Hybrid Trilogy

Chapter 4 Origins

It had always been assumed, by mortal man that the Vampires were protected by Werewolves, but that was just a myth, because a Werewolf, only had the power of the wolf three nights per month during the phases of the full moon. How the times fed the fear and imagination.

luckily for Ruby, Bernard was an accomplished fighter and as a tiller of the land was as strong as an ox, so any threat was neutralised. After some five weeks of travel and job hunting, they only really being able to secure the occasional short stint of work, just enough to keep them traveling and searching. Bernard and Ruby found themselves walking through Loxwood on their way to Guildford town, they had been into most towns on their journey down south in search of work, and so far, they had, had no luck. Guildford was the next town, were they planned to look for work. Bernard and Ruby had decided that they would head for Portsmouth, as Bernard had been told that there was always work to be found on the ships, and no doubt Ruby could find work in the town.

They walked through the hamlet for it was such, with only 4 houses that they could see, they were of sandstone construction light in colour with led casement windows and creeping ivy and climbing roses around the doorways. They were a great deal larger than that of the feeble cottage they had left in Rangemore, but none as grand as that of the manor house. on that windy day, the sporadic cherry trees blew scented blossom into the air filling it with a sweet aroma, Bernard noticed a piece of paper flapping against a post outside a farm yard.

He went over to discover that it was a note, advertising for a milk maid. "Here there's work here Ruby" said Bernard

"Oh, eye what work?" asked Ruby. "Their looking for a milk maid, you can do that no?" replied Bernard. Just then a man came to the farm yard gate, a thickset hansom quite tall and muscular man, with scruffy grey hair peeking out from under a flat plaid patterned cap and long greying beard, he wore a, leather body tunic and britches. He looked to Bernard and Ruby like he belonged in Burton upon Trent. Bernard looked similar also wearing a flat cap, a thick black hip length overcoat and dirty greyish britches. Bernard looked sheepishly at the man as he approached them.

"Can I help you, are you lost?" The man asked in a well-spoken southern accent.

"No sir, we're not lost, but I see your looking for a milk maid" Bernard replied suddenly feeling more confident.

"Yes, that is true, but I'm afraid the jobs really for a woman, I can't afford a skilled worker and I've no need of one" the man said almost apologetically.

"Oh no sir" Bernard said quickly "the jobs not for me sir, it is for my daughter, Ruby sir" he said pushing a shy reluctant Ruby forward

"Hello sir" Ruby said shyly offering a small curtsy

"I'm Ruby and I'm keen for the work sir" she said timidly.

"Well" the man started looking Ruby up and down

"you look as if you can do the job, do you have any experience? The man asked "oh, er, eye sir...yes sir , we lived on a farm back up north sir" she lied, Bernard was although not overly pleased that his daughter had lied, relieved that she had, because finding work for the both of them was becoming increasingly more difficult. "I can't afford much, only 4 shillings a week, but I will throw in bed and board as well" he continued "it's hard work mind you, girl long hours seven days, but a few hours off each day and time for church on Sundays, well are you still keen?" the man enquired.

" Oh, eye sir, thank you sir, I am sir" Ruby blurted out quickly "And would I pay your farther? "the man added.

"Oh no sir" Bernard piped up "she'll send money home for my wife and her sisters' sir" he finished.