TILE #2 Oct 24th 2025
BROCKS BARN
The small village of Brocks Barn gained its name from the lone barn that stood on a nearby hill top. It happened to have been unwisely erected atop a large badgers sett and apparently said creatures had taken exception to this structure atop their ancestral home.

In consequence the barn had become almost unusable. Eventually a local wise woman reached a compromise with the head Brock whereby the autumn grain harvest could be stored in the barn over winter, which also added a welcome layer of insulation to keep the sett warm. Thus also providing the badgers with a food supply of rats and mice. "We help each other", as the wise woman, Mrs. Hodson had explained to the disgruntled farmers.

It was to the home of the wise woman that Jim took Timmy to. "It's far too late to go see the man I told you about" said Jim as he led the horse to a water trough before hooking up a nosebag "I see theres a light on, she keeps strange hours."

As he spoke, the front door opened and a woman held a candle lantern to see who her visitor might be.

"You be running late Jim lad and who's the boy by your side? Come inside the pair of you and have some soup to drive away the night chill." she added as Timmy was introduced to her.

"My husband Charles has a special way with soup making, even more so than I," and she laughed as if at a private jest though Jim and Timmy were too tired to notice.

The soup was a golden green colour with chicken providing the gold and numerous herbs and vegetables the green. Whatever its ingredients the soup gave immediate warmth and strength.

Mr and Mrs Hodson, whose first names were Charles and Freda, were fascinated by Jims tales of the Citadels goings on and eventually Timmy was persuaded to give an account of himself too.