The Snake and The Rabbit

The Forest of Dean part 2

“How would such a piece pass detection when she was first brought into the house and bathed?” I asked.

“I know not sirs.” Our guest thought for a moment. “Mother did find a little black book on her trimmed in gold. She thought it an invasion of privacy to open it. The necklace could have been in the book. I can tell you that the necklace was silver in colour.” He seemed to get lost, in the past perhaps. “Her eyes were just as remarkable as her hair. I witnessed in nature the colour of her eyes once. We were hunting, father, I, and The Lady. She was an expert marksman. A storm caught us unaware. As the blue sky of sunlight passed to the dark blackness of pounding rain, in between was the colour of her eyes. It seemed to me at that time, God plucked that very colour from the heavens and placed it there.”

I could tell by the tone of Holmes voice he was put out, “is that quite all?”

“Yes sir,” our guest seemed proud of the job he had done in telling his story, got up, and recovered his hat. “Gentleman, good day to you,” He left as abruptly as he came.

“Well, what do you make of that?” I asked.

Holmes opened the envelope. Inside was a check for L3,000 and a note. He handed the note to me. It read as follows: “ ‘I know that when you get this I shall be dead. My son is an honest person and I know will deliver this into your hands. This woman that has listed you as her benefactor has done me the greatest service another human could ever do me. She gave me back the life of my son. For that, I am grateful. Yours truly, Morse Pennington.’

Something just occurred to me Holmes; Mr. Pennington said that when she was found she had a black book with gold trim in her possession. Could it be the same black book that we now possess?” I noticed that the book I was taking notes in was lying on top of the book in question so our guest did not see the book upon the table.

Holmes stepped over to his desk retrieving a piece of charcoal. With the book in hand, he closed his eyes letting his fingered glide over the back pages. One page at a time working his way forward. At one point, he turned the page back, “here.” With great care, he rubbed the charcoal across the page. Slowly the imprint of a necklace appeared.

“What is the charm?”

“A Celtic knot.”

Holmes got up and went into his room. I did not see him for the rest of the day. I read over the book at least twice more. Trying to make sense out of what was written. There is no doubt in my mind that he got more from it than I.

We were working on three other cases when this book came into our lives. One was lackluster as my friend described it. Though I did take a few notes, there was nothing of great importance in it. He solved the little problem as if one would remove a thorn from ones finger.

As I came down for breakfast five days after the strange little book appeared, Holmes was standing in front of the far left window with a rug around his shoulders. “Watson,” he said.

“Good morning, looks like we are going to have another glorious day.”

He groaned as he pulled the rug tighter. “Watson, during our friendship I have only outright lied to you once. Not because it was the right thing to do, it was to divert attention. However, I feel that I must now come clean in order to proceed with current events.”

“The reason must have been an excellent one.” I laid the morning addition of the paper on the table as I sat down.

“You asked me who I thought our mystery author was writing to.”

The Snake and The Rabbit

Do you ever say anything?

I was watching a video about A.I. and its theorized effects on humanity. Yes, I commented. With the following:

60% of Americans Now Living Paycheck to Paycheck, Down from 64% a Month Ago

As the title of the articles suggests; 60% of adult Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. If your washing machine blows up and this throws your household into a financial tailspin, are you really worried about the future? A.I. or not. Unless your job is directly related to, your interested in, or your going to school, A.I. is something the techies talk about. Or you marvel at the new cool thing Siri did.

When do you comment on posts?

https://ir.lendingclub.com/news/news-details/2023/60-of-Americans-Now-Living-Paycheck-to-Paycheck-Down-from-64-a-Month-Ago/default.aspx#:~:text=As%20of%20January%202023%2C%2060,improved%20some%20consumers’%20financial%20situations.

Once there was Darkness

Chapter 41

Part 2

Kessa brought the conversation back around, “how old was the king when his parents dropped him off?”

“Oh,” she continued with a start. “Not his parents. The queen mother. I never met your father. Sometimes I wonder if he knew at all that you spent the better part of your life in the temple. When you, as a family unit attended service; when you did, it was as if you were one happy family. I honestly don’t think he knew.”

“Explain to me how he would not know.”

Kessa spoke, “my husband, how many things have I done under your nose that you have had no idea about?”

He sweetly answered her, “but a child. I would have come unhinged if Abraham or Rajaf would have taken Frego to the temple or the barracks and just dropped him off without telling me. I don’t accept that.” His gaze went back to Sister Sheryl. “How old was I? When all this started?”

“A month old. Maybe two at the most. You spent the better part of the first 5 years of your life with us.”

“Where does Abraham fit into this?”

“Abraham came every day.” Kessa held up her hand for Sister Sheryl to stop talking. Jolla came out with a plate of bread and cheese.

Sister Sheryl was amazed, “she’s growing into such a fine woman.” When Jolla left the garden, Kessa motioned for Sister Sheryl to continue. “Yes, Abraham visited you every day. Some days it was only for an hour or so. But I can’t think of a time he didn’t come to at least check on you.”

“Were you the one that pushed me in a chair and yelled at me for hours because I took Max food at the river?” Kol asked quietly.

Kessa looked at him with a stunned expression.

Sister Sheryl choked on her tea. “Heavens no. I do remember there were several times you wondered off. I followed you at a distance a couple times. The act itself was very kind. I told Priest Solomon and Abraham.”

“Abraham was the one who talked Max into coming to the temple in the first place.”

“Yes, you and he brought Max with you one afternoon.”

“Did I talk much?”

Sister Sheryl thought about that for a moment. “Now that you mentioned it, very little. You would speak when spoken too. Answer direct questions. You were never chatty.”

“I have a memory of playing in this garden when I was 5.”

“Shortly after your 5th birthday, the queen mother came and got you. Telling Priest Solomon that you would be starting your military training in a few months.”

“You’re military training. When you came to us, you walked with a slight limp. We were told you had cut your foot that morning.” Kessa added.

“Who told you?”

“Abraham.”

“What is the longest amount of time I stayed at the temple?”

“Your official training started when you turned 2. The only time you left after that was on your birthday. And you officially left when you turned 5 to start your military training.”

Kol was lost deep in thought. Kessa didn’t disturb him. She motioned for Jolla who delivered Sister Sheryl a large tray of cookies to take back with her. Kessa walked the sister to the garden gate. “Thank you.”

“I really shouldn’t say anything. I have no proof. I always thought Abraham was his dad.”

“We will see you at worship. Enjoy the cookies. I know Jolla enjoyed making them.”

“Thank you.”

Thankful Thursday on Sunday

Thankful Thursday on Sunday

Today I went to Hazard to visit the friend I’ve known the longest. She, her husband and I went to high school together. The drive back was peaceful. Cheekie only whimpered a couple times. 😉 After listening to our sermon, I thought about all the miles I had put on that road. All the money I had fed the toll booths over the years. The one speeding ticket I’ve had (knock on wood) was on that road. The student loans. The useless degree. How would my life have been had I not pursued that course? Many of you have read my testimony; had I not left, would I have ever comeback to Christ?

Wether I lived in Williamsburg, Richmond, or London; when I drove past that ‘Laurel County’ road sign, I had always felt a sense of joy and excitement. I made it out one more time. Freedom!

Today when I drove past that sign, I smiled. Remembering how passing that sign felt. How many times that if I could, I would have high fived that sign as I drove past.

That sign still means I’m closer to home than I was. But now that sign means so much more. I’m closer to people that love me and that I love.

I’m sure I will travel down that road again. And I will drive past that sign. That sign will forever be a reminder of what was. It has a new meaning now: I’m closer to God than I ever was.

The Snake and The Rabbit

The Forest of Dean

We had just begun to settle back into breakfast and our discussion of the narrative, when there was another knock at the door. Again, it was Mrs. Hudson.

“Mr. Holmes, sir there is a gentleman here to see you sir.”

On Mrs. Hudson’s heels was a young looking man. He was maybe in his late 30’s. Smartly dressed and walking with a slight limp. As he brushed past Mrs. Hudson she scolded him.

“I have disrupted your meal. Forgive me. But Mr. Holmes it is an honor and a pleasure to meet you.” He extended his hand in greeting.

Holmes did not accept it. Instead, pointed to the chair opposite me at the table. “My friend and colleague Dr. Watson.”

“Indeed a pleasure.” He shook my hand, and then apologized to Mrs. Hudson.

He handed Holmes an envelope. “This sir is for you.” Holmes had a look of confusion on his face. Our guest took off his hat laying it on the sideboard before joining us at the breakfast table. “It is a most amazing story.” I could not say why Holmes did allow our intruder to stay. He had a jolly good nature about him. Though I knew my friend was tired and not feeling well. Perhaps it was the draw of hearing his tale.

“Pray talk,” Holmes said as he closed his eyes.

“My father owned a large track of land in The Forest of Dean and as such started a mining operation. He was always considered fair and honest by all who knew him. One cold April morning, father and I had gone to the hunt. It was our custom on Saturday; ever since I was but a lad and the rifle bigger than my person. This particular morning was unnaturally cold. As we passed through the woods, that I was all too familiar with, I tripped over what appeared to be a pile of leaves. Almost broke my neck. Examination of the obstruction produced a person. Tattered clothing, blood and scratches covered the skin. It was hard to tell if the creature was dead or alive. Father decided it would be best to take it back to the house. Mother started to clean it off and to our horror she discovered the creature was indeed a woman.”  

“Really?” I interjected.

“Yes, you can imagine our horror and surprise. Mother sat, nursed her for a month before she was able to get up or even move about the house. She turned out to be one of the most amazing people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She was with our household for three years. Gentlemen I promise you, we never heard her utter a sound. She could read and write. Not one word did she speak. Holmes half opened his eyes. “We learned, quite by accident that she could cook.” Our story teller continued.

“What a wonderful quality.” I admitted.

“There are no words to describe the meals that she placed on the table. The Queen herself could not have consumed better food. One day we received word that there were three strange men in the local village. When she heard this, she begged father to put her in the mine. Of course, he was opposed to putting a woman in such a dangerous position. I will never know what moved him to do so but he agreed. She stayed hid out for three months. The men in the mine held her in great respect. She worked harder than most of us.”

“Us?” Holmes asked.

“Oh yes sir, by the time I was one and eight, I knew everything that could be known about the business end of running fathers mine. So I set out to learn about mining itself. The strangers in the village came up to the mine, one older gentleman and two other men. Pinkerton’s they called themselves.”

Sherlock Holmes set up in full attention.

“They interviewed everyone on the property. They were searching for a lady that in a lot of respects fit our ladies description. As it turned out, the older man claimed to be the missing girl’s father. Though I never understood why if you were only concerned about the welfare of your child that you would feel the need to have two detectives around? After a full month, they left. Not long after this account, there was an accident in the mine. No one was severely hurt save me. Gentlemen, she saved my life. Now, it occurs to me why no one spoke up. Had she not been there, I would have surely died. That is why I walk with a limp.” He smiled. “Father wanted to do something special for her. After all, she saved his son’s life. She would hear not of it. For after all, we had, she wrote, saved her life. Finally father suggested leaving her something in his will. To this she agreed and named you Mr. Sherlock Holmes as her benefactor. My father died short of two months back. It has taken me this long to collect my wits about me.”

This was truly an amazing story. I glanced over at Holmes who seemed to be staring at his untouched breakfast. “Sir,” I asked, “what was your father’s name?”

“Oh how forgetful of me.” Our young guest seemed to get embarrassed. “Morse Pennington. I, James M. Pennington am the only child.”

Holmes finally spoke. His voice was almost a whisper, “tell us what you remember most about this woman?”

“Well as I stated earlier sirs, she worked just as hard if not harder than the men; which won her great respect. She never spoke a word. She was a most attractive person after all the bruises and scrapes healed. I may have forgotten to note, mother cut her hair when she was first discovered. Clean,” Mr. Pennington made the motion as one having their head shaved with his index finger over his head. “When it grew back, it was the grandest shade of red I ever saw. No colour as yet have I witnessed to describe it. She never let it grow past her shoulders once it started growing again.”

Holmes groaned, “Did she possess any jewelry, eye glasses, anything?”

“A necklace sir but I never saw any of it save the chain. I know nothing of jewelry therefore I know not how to describe such.”

The Snake and The Rabbit

Once there was Darkness

Chapter 41

Part 1

Kessa and Kol were sitting in the garden enjoying a relaxing evening when a sister appeared. Her brown frock was as peaceful as she was against the beauty of the garden and the calm of the evening.

“Priest Solomon sent me to speak with you.”

Kol rose from his seat, “join us.”

She was confused. This wasn’t the action of a tyrant. She was rarely wrong about people. He genuinely seemed kind. Priest Solomon had filled her head with the images of a power wielding tyrant who trampled people under foot with wild threats and abuse of power. With great hesitation, she took the seat he offered. As he motioned, another chair was brought out and placed beside the queen.

Kessa motioned and a sweet young lady brought out another service for tea and placed it before the sister. She thought she recognized this young lady. “Tea,” the queen asked, as she filled the cup. When the sister raised the cup to her mouth, the smell of the liquid tickled her nose. She smiled as she concealed a giggle. “My dad made the tea. God has given him many talents.”

“Delicious. Thank you.”

“How may we help you?” Kol asked.

There were those violet eyes. He was the only person she had ever met with violet eyes. And in her life, she had met a lot of people. The queen mother had light blue eyes, almost gray. But what the sister remembered most about the queen mothers eyes, they were cold and empty. The king’s eyes were kind, questioning but the overwhelming sense of authority lay behind them. Kessa had piercing blue eyes. The sister couldn’t look at them for very long. It was as if the queen was looking through her. Into her very soul at the most intimate parts of her being. She discovered she did better looking at the bridge of the queen’s nose.

“I am Sister Sheryl. Priest Solomon sent me to speak with you because unlike him, I took no oath. His oath didn’t encompass the width of the church. I prayed that you would liken his words to the ramblings of a senile old man.” She smiled. “There is nothing senile about Priest Solomon. Looks like God has allowed his words to take root in your heart. While he has chosen not to break his promise. I made no such promise.” Sister Sheryl took a sip of her tea. “Priest Solomon and I grew up in the church. Perhaps that is the thread that binds us. Priest Solomon knows all of my secrets and I know all of his. I think we are as close as we will ever be without being married.” She looked up. “Perhaps this is a conversation we should have in private?”

Kol had a finger on the corner of his mouth as he listened. “This is private.” He lowered his hand.

“Yes. Maybe Abraham should be here instead of me.”

Kessa looked at Kol, “we have spoken with Abraham.”

When she saw the love between these two, she knew in her heart that God wanted her to talk. Maybe the words she had to say would bring peace to the king’s heart. Though with Kessa by his side, it seemed to her that he needed answers more than peace. Kessa made another motion. The young lady appeared with a tray.

“What are these?” Sister Sheryl asked.

Kessa smiled and the young lady answered with great excitement, “cookies.”

“Thank you Jolla.” Kessa was still smiling.

“Jolla,” Sister Sheryl gasped. “I thought I recognized you.”

Jolla smiled, bowed and left.

“She looks so happy.”

“She is,” the king answered. “Her cooking skills are amazing. Though she seems to prefer baking.”

Sister Sheryl took a cookie from the plate, “what do you remember of your childhood, sire?”

“Kessa, Abraham, and some very close friends are helping me with major events.”

“Priest Solomon takes care of the church and I take care of the children. Though I haven’t given birth to any of them, I feel like they are mine. I want them to grow up healthy and happy. To become strong members of our community. Not knowing the love of a parent can change a child. Sometimes for the worst. I pray that with God as our guide, we can show each child the love they deserve. My queen, as you know, not all children fit in with temple life. Some of them choose to join our military.” She stopped taking a bite of the cookie she had chosen. “This is divine.” She marveled as she laid it back on the saucer. “Max, for example, has grown into a fine man and a good leader. From what I’m told.”

Kessa added, “Max is indeed a Godly man.”

Sister Sheryl smiled. “That makes my heart glad.” As she looked at the king, her expression was sad. “I remember you. When you were placed in my arms, all I could think about was how tiny you were. Out of all the children I’ve ever held, you are the one I thought I would break. So tiny.” She trailed off. “It isn’t uncommon for parents with high status lives to bring their children to us. You were different. Our doors are open to all people, as you know. When those parents brought us their children, it was for a week here. A month there. I honestly thought when your wife died.” She looked at Kessa, “my apologies. That you would have brought your son to us. I kept expecting you but you never showed up.”

“It never occurred to me to throw my son away.”

Sister Sheryl bristled at this, “oh the children aren’t thrown away.”

“What do you call it?”

“Redirection. Direct direction to God.”  

“Forgive me, but I don’t need the temple to give me a direct direction to God. Jesus did that. I understand the importants and the function the church serves in our kingdom. But don’t ever think you are my direct link to my heavenly father. The church is only part of the journey. I feel your function is one of support and guidance.”

Sister Sheryl didn’t know how to respond to this. Even if she should.

The Snake and The Rabbit

The Little Book

The little book was on the table between us. I produced my notebook to make some notes. “Who do you think this woman is writing to?”

Holmes was silent for a moment, which was his custom most of the time. “At present, us. We are the ones reading the narrative.”

“There are times in the writing Holmes, that it seems she is writing to you.” Holmes said nothing. “We can deduce from her wording that she is an American?” I asked.

“Agreed.”

“By her own admission this was an arranged marriage.”

“From the tone, I suspect there was something amiss between the unneeded governess and THE MAN.” Holmes added.

“What was Shire?” I asked.

Holmes raised an eyebrow, “a horse.”

“Really?”

“Shire’s are draught horses. They are bred to work; bred to be massive horses. Some have been known to be 19 hands high and weight more than 820 kg’s. It will take more data before I can formulate an opinion as to how THE MAN killed him, poison is always an option. As I suspect he did.”

“But there is nothing in the book to assume he was poisoned.”

“Noted.”

“The same person that wrote the letter wrote in the journal?”

“Yes.”

“The writing in the letter is neater than the book.”

“Different pens. Different setting.”

There was a knock at the door which surprised us both and quiet alarmed me. It was Mrs. Hudson.

“Mr. Holmes sir, your brother is here to see you.” She stood out of the way and Mycroft Holmes stepped inside.

“My boy, stay where you are. I cannot stay long.” He walked over to the fire. “I popped around to apologize.” He stood with his hands clasped behind his back facing Sherlock Holmes. “As you know, this is out of my usual routine. I felt it was important to tell you that though I feel strongly about what I said,” he pointed a fat finger at Holmes. “I am right after all.” He put his hand back behind his back. “I may have gotten a little out of line in my presentation.”

Holmes scoffed. For along moment there was silence between us. Finally he said, “accepted and appreciated.”

“Come around to the Diogenes Club when you can.” He moved to leave, “both of you.”

“As long as that subject never comes up again,” Holmes remarked.

“I cannot promise, though I will try.” Mycroft said smiling as he walked out the door.

The Snake and The Rabbit