Time After Time

Tom and Pete kneeled by a roaring fireplace in a large dark hall. The heat burned their faces. Soaked clothes clung to their bodies. They had ridden non-stop for half a day.

William said they could not return to hide in Wigan. If they did, Lancaster and his men would descend upon the town and punish everyone. Adam had suggested the house of Henry de Enfurlong at Charnock Richard, which was where they now hid. William, Banastre and Henry had disappeared into their host’s chamber to make plans.

“You’re still shaking,” said Pete.

Tom stared into the flames.

“He would have killed me,” said Pete.

“The magician warned us. Did he know what was going to happen?”

“How could he know?”

“We came from the future. If we’d paid attention in history class and listened to old Hermes we’d know the future too. What if Norley wasn’t meant to die? If I hadn’t been there to shoot him, it wouldn’t have happened. If we do get home, it might not be home anymore. Everything could be different.”

“You’re thinking too much. If you hadn’t shot him someone else would have. It was the middle of a battle. Hundreds of people surrounded him. They all had sharp objects they intended to stick into the slimy toe-rag. Who cares it if things are different when we return? You may not have noticed, living in England your whole life, but it’s a bit weird. Any change could be an improvement.”

“I have a terrible feeling about all this.”

“It’ll be fine,” said Pete. “You cannot change the past, it has already happened. You have to focus on Sophie. You’re her only hope of getting home now.”

“It’s not a home. It hasn’t been a home since mum died.”

The sound of boots scraping on the hallway floor interrupted them. It was William returning from his meeting. He knelt by the fireside, rubbing his hands together, so close to the flames he would roast if he remained much longer.

A loud banging came from the door. William leapt to his feet. Adam and Henry rushed down the stairs, and stood at either side of the door, their swords unsheathed. William gestured for Tom and Pete to hide. They ran up the stairs and crouched in the darkness watching the front door.

William pulled the door open, there was the sound of mumbled voices and William stepped back. A hooded figure and a young girl stepped into the hall.

“I hope you were careful,” said William. The new arrival pulled back the hood and peered around the hall.

“Kate!” said Tom, jumping to his feet. He rushed to greet his friend, throwing his arms around her.

“Get off, you moron. Where’s your side–kick?”

Pete appeared.

“Glad you could make it,” said Pete. “I thought we might have to rescue you from your life of luxury...”

Kate strode to Pete grabbed him by the arms and kissed him on the lips. His face was bright crimson. She turned back to William.

“We need to go. Lancaster knows you’re here. Mabel has been helping him.”

Banastre and Henry rode towards Manchester. They would all stand a better chance of escape if they split up. William said there was a safe house south of Wigan. They rode all night through the darkness, avoiding the main tracks and villages, discussing the events of the past few days. Kate did not mention her escape through the tunnel, and William was too arrogant to ask about Mary. Kate suspected Mabel had kept the tunnel under her family home a secret from her husband. He had spent most of his married life away, and had no idea what was going on under his nose.

Kate introduced Mary and told Tom and Pete about all she had seen.

“It isn’t only us then,” said Tom. “How many others might there be?”

“I don’t know. There’s something rotten about this town,” said Kate. “Tom, they’re saying you killed Norley,”

“It was an accident.”

They rode on in silence.

“Lancaster doesn’t have Sophie. I am sure she’s not here Tom.”

“I know. What am I going to do Kate?”

“Go home. I have an idea... I’ve been remembering things.”

“Like what?”

“You’ll see.”

“We’re here,” said William. They emerged into a clearing. Dawn was breaking. They could smell the smoke of a log fire. Lights shone nearby, and an ancient stone cottage emerged from the gloom. A neat garden surrounded the building filled with flowers and herbs. Ivy covered the walls.

As William knocked on the solid green wooden door, Tom noticed a symbol etched deep into the wood. It was the same symbol they had seen before, two snakes entwining a staff surmounted by wings. “What is it?”

The door swung open, and heat and light poured out.

A huge man stood in the doorway. He had long grey hair and a thick beard, which hung to his chest.

“Come in,” said Hermes.