The Peculiar Adventure of Mr Norton

Chapter 3

When Edward came to again, it was morning the next day. Birds were chirping and the sun was almost at its zenith in the sky. Sitting up, still half-dazed, Edward looked around. Slowly, his mind tried to recall what happened last night. Geraldine! His senses suddenly came to him and he searched frantically with his eyes. To his surprise, he found himself sitting in the middle of a forest. He was certain that he collapsed on the street last night, but now this town is nowhere to be seen. Did they drag him out of the town and abandoned him here in the middle of the forest? Something else got Edward's attention. For when Fred had first entered the town last night, he can't help but notice a tree while sitting in his carriage. This tree was noticeable because of its immense size. It stood much taller compared to the other trees in the forest and its trunk much wider as well. Whether from near or far, this tree dwarfs all other trees around it and right now, Edward is sitting right under it. How could this be? Has the town simply disappeared into thin air?

Edward felt that maybe he is still dreaming. Yes, it has to be, he is in a dream and soon he will wake up from all of this and they will all continue with the journey to uncle George's house. This has to be the only explanation! However, the breeze blowing against his face, the chirping of the birds above him, the smell of the grass all seemed too real for him to conclude that this is all a dream. Having gathered his thoughts, he decided that he needs to try and make contact with Fred or someone. The easiest way would be to try and walk to uncle George's house. The only problem was that he did not have a map, nor was he familiar with the terrain around here. It was not for a long while did Edward finally made up his mind. He decided that he should head west since the countryside here is known to have clusters of towns and settlements on its western hilltop. With a bit of luck, he might be able to encounter one of these clusters. Having established which direction was west based on the movement of the sun, he stood up, dusted himself and began his journey to the west.

Edward has walked and walked for what he felt like his entire life. Once again, the sun rose and set almost as if it is yet another day as usual. For Edward, he felt otherwise. He felt weak and emotionally drained, his body no longer has the ability and his mind no longer has the will to carry on. He leaned against the tree to catch his breath as he glanced into the horizon. How much daylight does he still have before it is dark again? Much to his delight, in a distance, he could see a small settlement at the foot of the hill. With hurried steps, he walked hastily towards this settlement.

Much later in the evening, he has learned that he has stumbled upon the tiny settlement of Soham. Soham was established as a result of frequent travelling merchants and their passing trading caravans. During this time of the year, Soham was the most frequented and trading caravans could be seen all around the settlement. Edward has managed to find an inn for the night to regain his strength and to contemplate on his next step. Having not eaten the whole day, Edward wolfed down his food without stopping to do anything else. After having finished his meal, he decided he should gather any possible information he could to explain the event which happened the previous night. He walked to the bar and spoke to the bartender.

"Good evening Sir, can I help you?" the bartender inquired without looking up. He was busy cleaning a pitcher.

"Good evening to you too Sir," Edward replied, "I would like a pint of your ale please."

Without saying anything further, the bartender filled one of the jugs and gave it to Edward.

"You are in luck today, this brew came in one of the kegs brought by those caravans. Rumor said that this caravan came from the Ireland and that this particular brew is unique. We decided to serve it tonight to our patrons, do tell if you find it to your liking," the bartender said.