TILE#3 October 25th - GOINGS ON

'Goings on' was a phrase that generally covered anything nefarious from extra marital encounters whose male practitioners usually referred to such as "having a bit of strange" to the outright criminal activities the Citadel was suspected of or known for.

Jim was a carter known for his honesty which made his services sought after and he had originally been a Brocks Barn boy who had run away to the city to make his fortune and largely succeeded. Country practice and conditions were very hard on wheeled vehicles and at a very early age Jim had been forced to learn the trade of wheel wright and the knowledge gained had allowed him to build and run the best haulage in the Citadel for those able to afford his prices.

It was no surprise that he'd known Charles and Freda because, they had been born in the city many years before and in their youth forced to flee to the country, with Jims assistance, to avoid being punished for being a 'witch and wizard'. Which epithet really meant 'knowing more than was good for you or those around you' and being vulnerable to ignorant and malicious rumour.

In the country a wise woman was a highly valued person because of her knowledge of herbs and midwifery. The first to aid the injuries and ailments of the men and the second to ease the birthing of the women and the difficulties of rearing children. Charles, for his part, was apothecary and teacher. He taught the men how to make and use special tools and practices when required or requested. His especial friend was George the artisan, to whom he intended to send Timmy because they could both help each other out for their mutual benefit.

Charles had many more arcane skills than the villagers were aware of, such as distillation of various essences from the herbs that Freda collected to make ointments and medicines to aid her work. Alembics, flasks, test tubes and various blown glass appurtenances took up a large part of his study the rest of which was filled with book shelves, a large desk and a fireplace with a brick hearth and a large stone mantelpiece perched upon which were a variety of mechanical instruments including a clock.

The following morning after Jim had been long gone, being an early riser, and Timmy had eaten breakfast, Charles took him into his study to find out whether the boy had received any worthwhile education before being orphaned. He was delighted to discover that Timmy could read, write and sketch with some considerable ability and better still had brought with him a small portfolio of his best drawings and water colours.

"Since it is the weekend Timmy, I won't take you to meet George until Monday and that will give us all time to get used to each other, won't it?"

Freda had already decided to have Timmy accompany her on what she referred to as her 'rounds'. "Best way for the boy to meet the villagers" she told her husband with good humour "healthier than having him stuck inside that dark study with your books and smells!"