Chapter 24
They left the Sir John Barleycorn under darkness and drove back into the forest. Nobody felt comfortable with the idea of socialising when Morrison and many others were working in constantly dangerous circumstances. They justified it to themselves as a demonstration of unity and an attempt to create the atmosphere needed for their return. Nobody believed anything could be achieved by false pretences, and people certainly couldn’t be ordered to have fun. It had to be natural. The first step was to make everyone aware that they were not there to monitor or police the camp. Lanegan had an idea of how to achieve this, which would involve a level of public humiliation.
The lights of Cadnam faded and a new brightness began to emerge. Every path of the evacuation site was illuminated by festooned lights that stretched for miles creating blocks of darkness. Bonfires had been lit to provide warmth and light and acted as a meeting place. Nobody wanted to think of spending winter on the site, but the thought was always present as rain or a rapid change of temperature could destroy any built-up enthusiasm and hope.
“We’re here,” said the driver.
“Where, exactly?” asked Isabelle.
“This is the exact centre of the site. You are surrounded in every direction,” he answered.
“Suddenly, I wish Morrison was here,” said Lanegan.
They stepped from the vehicle as a light appeared up in a tall tree and began to slide towards them.
“What is that?” said Jacob.
Their eyes tracked the light as it slid.
It quickly became obvious that the light was the product of fire. Watching it grow in speed, they ducked as it shot over their heads and into a large collection of sticks and logs, exploding into sparks and flames. Cheers and shouts erupted from a newly illuminated crowd that welcomed them.
“That was different,” said Jacob.
“Wasn’t it just,” agreed Isabelle.
“Greetings,” a voice shouted from next to the fire. “We have been informed that much work is to be done after tonight - so until then, we would like to officially welcome you to the not so little camp that you had built for us.”
“Thank you very much,” said Lanegan. “I’m very glad to see health and safety standards are being kept up – I have never seen fire shooting out of trees at great speed before.”
“Try and fit in, Tom. Just a little,” said Ella.
“This isn’t our first bonfire Prime Minister, I can assure you of that. Now, can we please get everyone a drink?”
“Call me Tom. This is Jacob, Isabelle and Stephanie.”
“I am pleased to meet you all. My name is Waits, Mark Waits. I somehow managed to become the head teacher of this newest of cities.”
“You have done a wonderful job Mark, and on behalf of all who have benefited and myself personally, I can’t thank you enough.”
“You don’t need to thank me for ‘the people’ Tom; they have managed it themselves and they return it in abundance. From you personally however, it is my pleasure.”
“Where are you from, Mark?” asked Isabelle.
“I’m from here, the forest,” he replied. “We welcome you to our home and should you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”
The bonfire had revealed a giant open circle in the middle of the site. Within the circle were smaller camp fires where food was being cooked and served.
“If you don’t mind me asking, Mark, where did all of this food come from?” asked Lanegan.
“This is what people have brought with them. We are close to running out, Tom. It will not be long before we are entirely dependent on government rations.”
“Then you should be saving it, not eating it all in one sitting.”
“We have little choice I’m afraid. We don’t have constant power for our fridges and freezers. Farming is entirely reliant on machinery that demands fuel and power, and livestock need feed and water. Ironically, we are so dependent on technology that we cannot return to older methods of farming that pre-dated it. If we were to return to normal tomorrow, it would still take us months, possibly years to replenish stocks and much of the cattle might not survive.”
“We have years of rebuilding ahead of us – but first we must regain control.”
“You have our full support, Tom. We will do everything that we can.”
“I know you will. The hospitality has been overwhelming.”
“We wouldn’t have it any other way. On a different subject, I’m sure you have noticed that there is nervousness amongst some of the people here when you and your people are present. I am certain that you have been informed about certain things that have been occurring on this site since we have been here and so I feel that I should tell you face to face that it is true. Keeping up morale within the camp has been difficult and these things have helped, I hope you understand that, Tom. That being said, we will try and stop them if it is seen as a threat to the ongoing troubles.”
“I have heard about them, yes. I have also heard that they are helping.”
Lanegan turned and looked at Susan.
“I meant what I said in my message earlier. I want to use the things you are talking about as a tool to help us stop the troubles. That is why we are here.”
“Would you like to see something, Tom?”
“I would. I’m beginning to enjoy surprises.”
“Then come with me and grab your friends.”
They walked around the circle, accepting drinks and stopping occasionally to watch magic tricks and story telling. At the end of a long pathway was a shelter built between two trees. As they approached, Willow appeared out of the trees causing Stephanie to jump behind Jacob.
“What is wrong with you?” she shouted.
“What do you mean?” Willow replied.
“You’re always coming out of the trees. Can’t you use the paths like everyone else?”
“It’s quicker - if you know your way through them.”
“So, you’ve met Willow then,” said Mark.
“Yes we have,” answered Lanegan.
“This, my friends, is where we keep our entertainment.”
Mark opened a canvas door to reveal a small collection of musical instruments and various incomplete games.
“It is a humble selection, I’m afraid,” he said. “Most of the usable things are saved for the children and school. Over the years things unfortunately get broken and obviously cannot be replaced easily. Making them by hand takes time and money. It’s sad, but people have donated what they can.”
“Mark, all of this is overwhelming to say the least,” said Lanegan. “Your generosity in sharing your food and drink with us, even though you don’t have enough to go around is too kind – may I show you something that will go a small way to repaying your good nature?”
“I’m intrigued, lead the way,” replied Mark.
“Okay. But first Willow, could you pick up your favourite instrument please from the selection available? I am going to assume you play one or all of them.”
Willow looked at Lanegan and tried to establish whether he was being tricked.
“It’s okay Willow, go ahead,” said Lanegan, reassuringly.
“I only play one instrument,” Willow replied.
He reached inside his coat pocket and pulled out a tin whistle.
“Okay,” said Lanegan, confused at the sight of the instrument. “let’s go.”
Lanegan set a quick walking pace as the excitement grew within him. Every time he felt they were moving in the right direction, he was shown the consequences of the system he had maintained. The half-empty storage shack with beaten up instruments filled him with a recurring guilt that reminded him to keep going forward. Every gesture he made had to be positive, not just to convince everyone else he was willing to change, but also himself.
As they reached the road, Wilf was waiting by the vehicles with a surprised expression on his face. Lanegan waved on his approach and turned to see what Wilf was looking at. He immediately jumped as he
realised they had accumulated a vast number of followers. He turned to Wilf and shrugged his shoulders.
“I suppose we were always going to need help unloading,” he said.
“You make friends very easily, don’t you, Tom,” Wilf replied.
“It appears so. Although a general curiosity is more likely. Now, where’s Willow? WILLOW,” Lanegan shouted.
“I’m right here,” Willow said, only two metres away.
“How does a big man like you hide so well?” asked Lanegan.
“Apparently I blend in with the trees, hence the name, Willow. Out here on the road, it probably has more to do with your eyesight and the nature of night time.”
“Fair enough,” said Lanegan. “You have all been very kind and generous to us all, and in return, you can have whatever is inside these vehicles, so long as you play your whistle for us. I didn’t intend for such a large audience and I apologise for that.”
“Tin whistle,” said Willow.
“Pardon?” said Lanegan.
“It’s called a tin whistle.”
“Okay, your tin whistle. Do we have a deal?”
“We do,” agreed Willow.
Willow put the whistle to his lips, closed his eyes and began to play. The whistle’s tones soared through the air and danced in time with the trees and the bonfires in the distance. For a few moments everyone was free of thought, their minds focussed solely on the simple melody. Nobody spoke a word.
Willow re-opened his eyes as he finished and let the wind and trees continue his tune.
Lanegan looked at Jacob and smiled.
“I think I understand,” he said.
“I knew you would,” Jacob replied.
Lanegan turned his attention back to Willow.
“I think you’ve passed the test, Willow. Shall we look inside?”
Lanegan and Wilf took a side of the van each and pulled open the giant doors - nobody spoke.
“Can’t see a bloody thing,” said a voice in the crowd.
“Oh, wait a minute,” said Wilf.
He quickly ran to the front of the van and turned on the light for the back compartment.
Gasps of excitement relieved Lanegan’s momentary feeling that they had disappointed the crowd.
“Well I never,” said Mark, looking inside. “This is a sight.”
“I’m glad you like it, Mark,” said Lanegan. “We have quite a few of them. I would also like to introduce you to Wilf, who with his friends are the true providers of these gifts.”
“This is very exciting - may I have a look?” asked Mark.
“Of course, help yourself,” said Wilf.
Items from the vehicles were unloaded causing a stir of curiosity and excitement. For the next few minutes the only noises to be heard were of instruments being played simultaneously or badly, both a far cry from Willow’s sublime playing.
Lanegan found Isabelle, Jacob and Stephanie who had seated themselves on the side of the road.
“Jacob, can I show you something?” he said.
“Sure,” replied Jacob.
“I’m sorry that I haven’t had time to talk to you much since London. I feel bad since you are the main reason for us being here,” Lanegan said.
“You don’t need to be sorry. There is a lot going on. I’m happy to help where I can.”
“I know you are. However, I would like to give you a small gift to say thank you. I kept it aside so that nobody took it.”
“This sounds intriguing.”
“Close your eyes,” said Lanegan.
He ran to the front seat of Wilf’s truck.
“Okay - now you can look.”
Jacob opened his eyes and gazed down at a guitar case. He opened it slowly to reveal a Gibson Dove acoustic guitar in pristine condition.
“It’s yours,” said Lanegan. “I’m told by Wilf that it is an especially good one.”
“It’s beautiful,” said Jacob. “Whose is it? It must belong to someone.”
“I don’t know.”
As Jacob rolled it over to study every curve and detail, Lanegan noticed some letters that had been stuck inside the guitar through the sound hole.
“W.A.,” he said out loud.
“Pardon,” said Jacob.
“It says W.A. inside the guitar.”
“Wilfred Appleby?” said Jacob.
“Of course it is - Wilfred Appleby,” agreed Lanegan.
As he said the name, he realised the depth of Wilf’s involvement in many of the things he was supposed to stop becoming public knowledge. A month ago he would have been accused of being a criminal and charged with disobeying the state laws he swore to uphold.
“What is it, Tom?” asked Jacob.
“Nothing,” he replied. “I’m glad you like the guitar. Let’s go and give it a test run.”
They returned to the centre of the site where they were handed more drinks and invited to dance. The time for minor humiliation had arrived. Lanegan had only danced a couple of times previously, his wedding being the one and only public display. He had since tried to erase that embarrassment from his memory. But with a few drinks on top of the afternoon whiskey, Lanegan embraced the occasion with an enthusiastic, uncoordinated performance, much to the joy of the spectators.
Jacob and Isabelle found a small fire to sit by, in part because Jacob was afraid of being asked to do a public performance. A quiet moment was welcome for them both, away from the attention that Lanegan’s profile acquired.
“None of this seems real anymore, does it?” said Isabelle.
“How do you mean?” replied Jacob.
“Us, sitting here, running from our homes because our people are destroying them for reasons they cannot explain. And now we’re sitting here in a forest, eating and drinking. It feels like a dream, not reality.”
“When did you last speak to your family?” Jacob asked.
“Not since London, I have no way to reach them here,” replied Isabelle.
“You must miss them.”
“I do. Being busy makes it easier, but all of this sitting around – I don’t know - I feel like we’re wasting time.”
“I know it’s not the same, me being away from my parents and you from your children, but I do understand. Because of our involvement at the highest level we haven’t had time to think. Everything we’ve been doing has been for everyone; we haven’t allowed ourselves to think about the people close to us. Time allows thought - all you are doing is letting your thoughts catch up.”
“You’re probably right. At some point I will have to leave you all and be with them. If things go bad, being with them and trying to secure a future will be all that matters. Do you think it will work? Do we have a chance?”
“We know it can work. It worked up until three weeks ago. The question is: is it reversible?”
“And …”
“We had better hope so, because if things turn nasty it will play into the hands of people like Bob Bukewitz. I hope it works.”
“It’s best we keep our heads up then isn’t it,” said Isabelle.
Isabelle held Jacob’s hand and lent her head on his shoulder.
“You’re not just going to look at that guitar, are you?” she said.
“I was considering it,” he replied.
“Play something for me; something new, just in case it sends me mad,” she said jokingly.
Jacob began to strum quietly. Isabelle moved to sit by his feet and gazed into the fire. He simply picked notes, experiencing the sound. In that moment he completely lost all sense of his surroundings. Those nearby listened without movement so not to spoil the moment. When Jacob finished he looked up to see Ella and Stephanie sitting on the other side of the fire. He could not contain his emotions and grinned with joy.
“I can see why you’ve been such an influence on him.”
“On who?” he replied.
“Tom. Since this began I have seen him change from determined to almost beaten and then to an excit
ed schoolboy. And the last part is because of you.”
“I – we – everyone played a part. We’ve all helped each other,” said Jacob.
“You opened his eyes Jacob. You not only found a potential cause, you convinced people it was possible before the evidence was available. He would have been replaced if it wasn’t for you.”
Jacob blushed.
“I’m glad to have been a help,” he said.
“Been?” said Ella. “You are still helping Jacob, without knowing it. All of you are. Nobody can lead without support. Just don’t let him take all the credit when this all ends.”
“Where is Tom?” asked Isabelle.
“Ken dragged him away,” said Ella. “Bob Bukewitz has just arrived.”