Tollu

There was something wrong with me Uncle. I just had ter look at his face, and he flushed red an looked away. It were not like him. Now the others were already washed an in bed. Miss Lithea came an sat with us though. She was curious right enough.

I didn't mean ter be pushy at all, but I was tired meself, an after the past few months travellin' I wanted a rest. "Let's have it then?"

"Have what, lad?"

"Have whatever be troublin' yer," I said plainly. 

Tollu had been having a solitary half in the Bent Elbow. He still had lots to think about, not the least what he was going to do about Murdo, when he heard a sudden cheer and several voices raised from outside. A few paetrons turned their heads, but most thought any good news would doon gravitate to the Inn, so they would know all about it.

But for Tollu it was like the knell of a bell. Good news, oh to be sure, but he had so much explaining to do. 

He hesitated.

"Tolbold, is it really you?"

"Henepa, we have all missed you"