I felt exhausted. I had just failed to cross into Wales. My feet were bleeding from cuts and blisters too. All my time was wasted because of Cromwell's men. I had to go all the way back. My feet were really aching. My clothes were rough on my skin. I almost believed I would never reach safety. Already there is a reward for me, £1000. I must get back to Wales.
But the good people here have a house for me. How hard they've tried. They will take me to the house. A hiding place. These people are so kind. They've brought me a cart horse to ride on and rest my aching feet. God bless them. Here are the Penderels to help me again. To lead me to the house.
For more than an hour I've been travelling through the woods and paths. I have to be so careful, I'm so worn out. I heard a distant church clock strike midnight. The moon was shining through the strange trees. In every tree and bush I saw I thought someone was spying. Each tree moved and stared at me. The branches swayed and like arms.
I'm finishing my journey on foot. The horse has been sent back with a good friend. I have to be very careful not to wake the animals on the farm. Two of my friends carried on with me, creeping past houses. Foxes eyes glowed in the dark. Ivy swaying in the wind. The moon moving behind the clouds. Nettles sting my feet.
Across a field an avenue of Chestnut trees lead us to a brick wall and a path. I was shown into a quiet garden. A lantern was lit just on the other side of the house. An owl hoots. I tip-toe to the back door. A figure stands peering at me.
© Jayne Pollock, February 2001.
