[Arry]

‘Well, well, Gil Tussock,’ said Tomlin nudging his red cheeked friend with a sharp elbow to the ribs. ‘Looks as if this one has gone and kissed you first.’ ‘And isn’t that a first all round?’ he went on, winking at the Muddyfoot brothers.

Fallon and Ferrin, for their part, had their thoughts on the cask of stout that Fordogrim had mentioned. Ferrin, in fact, was licking his lips in anticipation of the dark, hoppy liquid. ‘Do y’think he might give us a taste now?’ he asked his brother, ignorant of the fact that Tomlin had spoken to him. ‘Just a wee tot . . . for comparison . . . to the Dragon’s stout.’

‘Don’t know about that,’ returned Fallon, watching Fordogrim balance himself on the loosely stacked woodpile. ‘Can tell you this, for sure, the man’s a right showman himself, now, isn’t he? Knows how to sell himself . . . and his beer. You know, he reminds me of . . .’

Further comments on the subject were interrupted by Tomlin, clearing his throat quite loudly. ‘Perhaps you two could help me get our . . . leader, here . . . moving?’ He nodded to where Gil still stood dumbstruck. ‘Our talents have been called on for tonight. We should pull ourselves together for a bit of practice . . . don’t you think?’

‘Pardon us, Miz Foxburr,’ Tomlin offered in apology for leaving her standing alone in they yard. ‘But best we’d warm up if we’re to join you tonight.’ Ferrin and Fallon stood to each side of Gil and had him securely by the arms. They were just leading him down the path to the Great Road when Ferdy and his Da pulled in at the gate with their cart.

‘What’s wrong with him?’ Ferdy asked, jumping down from the seat. He waved his Da on, saying he would catch up to him in a few moments.

‘Whipped with a rowan switch,’ Tomlin quipped. ‘Fair bewitched,’ threw in Fallon. ‘Muddle-headed,’ laughed his brother. ‘We’re going down to The Pool to put together a playlist for tonight,’ Ferrin continued. ‘There’s to be a big party in the Inn yard. Come on along and join us, why don’t you? We’ll wait for you down the road a bit. Go tell your Da.’

Ferdy hurried on down the path and up the stairs to the Inn’s door. ‘A rowan switch,’ he muttered, puzzling over Tomlin’s comment. ‘Now what in blue blazes is that all about?’