by Karen Binnie
Chapter 27
Pete's stomach was churning, the raw fish did not sit well in his stomach, it had lain there ready for the taking, he could not resist. His mouth opened slightly as he let out a low hiss, if he were in his human form then he would be rolling around on the floor groaning. He should have slithered closer to the gathering to see what all the fuss was about but his insides would not allow it, in the distance he listened to the strange language of the old man and the rapturous applause, the signing and music, there was some kind of celebration going on. Clarintor would want to know what was happening but it had been a while since her last contact, he was beginning to wonder how long he could survive this existence. He didn't understand the language anyway, he already had enough to remember from the night before, he had listened closely to the conversation between the one called Eldeen and the water woman Venur and remembered every word, sure that their secret meeting had some purpose and hoped that Clarintor would be able to translate. If he witnessed anymore his small brain would surely burst, his stomach lurched again and this time he knew he was in trouble, his insides were turning and bones were growing, punching from under his snake like skin, he was at last returning to normal.
Pete found a smock and footwear in one of the empty cottages, he was lucky that everyone had left to attend the gathering. He could not hide so close to the others now, no longer able to slither amongst the rocks unseen.
Clutching his sore stomach he crept back along the side of the mountain and in the direction of the clearing, pausing only once to regurgitate the contents of his stomach, which now felt a lot better, the pain replaced with one of hunger.
He had just reached the sanctity of the trees when his head began throbbing. “Clarintor is that you?”
“Yes, tell me what you have seen.”
Through his weakness, he managed to recall the night’s events, she had not been too happy at his incompetence over the gathering and left his brain as abruptly as she had entered.
His head and body ached as he looked for any source of food, unlike his demonic masters, Pete still wandered the path between life and death, if he didn't eat soon he would collapse.
He picked the fungi from its anchorage, it looked good enough to eat and he was very hungry, he rolled it over in his fingers inspecting the design. He would risk it, he would die of hunger anyway and the morsel had none of the tell tale signs of the poisonous variety he could remember from biology class.
He nibbled at the head and waited, it tasted like a mushroom, no stabbing pain from inside, no loss of senses, only the desire to fill his empty stomach, he ate the rest whole.
The flash in the clearing signalled another visitor and he crouched amongst the trees so as not to be seen, the man that glowed had returned, this would have been great news to Clarintor a day ago but she had just told him the man was not to be harmed. Pete was confused, they had spent the whole time searching that party for any sign of him, chasing some pulse signal that she was obsessed about and now he was not to be harmed!
He had spent a couple of days in this god-awful place with the heather that stung at his sinuses and eating mice, he was annoyed at the waste of time although he could never tell her that. He thought about her comments as he relayed the conversation he had heard, she had been silent for a while when her sinister laugh reverberated through his brain, “Pete you are truly amazing” she said, compliments were never forthcoming from the demoness until now.
She mumbled something about stealing their alien powers to aid her against the new master and she clamped shut, not another word for several minutes until uttering that she would let him go as her reward and to tell Kroil he could never touch her now.
Then she was gone from his mind, was it too good to be true? To be rid of the evil cow forever, it did feel as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders but what would he do? She had mentioned Kroil, she must have known of their plan to attack her, that's why she had separated them, she had not destroyed Kroil, if he could just get out of here then he would find him.
Pete now had a goal and for that he needed food, he searched the tree roots for more fungi and ate the spoils heartily as he contemplated his exit plan.
Eldeen had collapsed after performing his final piece of magic, sending the new inhabitants off to their possible death. Cooper had scooped him up and returned him to the cottage whilst the gathering continued. The people had not been shocked, in his address at the beginning he explained to them the events that were to come, his people trusted his judgement and truly believed that Jol would return with the gift of magic from Elaich. He also warned them that this, his final act marked the beginning of a new age, an age of healing, an age when their new leader would take his place as their protector.
In a symbolic gesture, Cooper returned from the cottage and placed Eldeen’s cape around the shoulders of Al'ice which was followed with much joyous celebration and the drinking of kailch.
Eldeen was a great leader but he had only clung to life, waiting until a cure for the disease could be found, it was clear to most of his people that he had become old and frail and not longer for this earth. For years he had Al'ice by his side, grooming him for his great role.
Cooper and Al'ice kept up the pretence of their merriment whilst containing their fears, both would be happy when the evening came to an end, it should have been a proud moment for Al'ice, one that should have happened at least five earth years earlier, now he felt empty, the hole in his heart growing.
Throughout the rest of the festivities, Cooper stayed by his side, safe in the knowledge that Tadge had returned and was keeping a watchful eye on her grandfather. His return had been a tumultuous one, his calm demeanour and presence tested when he had learned of Julianne's fate.
As nightfall descended on the village the gathering ended and Al'ice stood with Cooper at his side as each and every one of his people came to shake his hand in endorsement of his leadership, even the small children came forward to greet him, wrapping their tiny arms about his legs. At last the event was over and now he would face the wrath of his angel’s grandfather, this had to be the worst day of his life.
Tadge had time to allow his anger to dissipate, the emotion was alien to him, once full of great divineness it was not easy to accommodate human emotions.
Al'ice entered the cottage first, facing up to his greatest challenge, Tadge walked over and hugged him whilst whispering in his ear, “I do not blame you Al'ice, I hope for your sake she returns.”
Al'ice gave him a half hearted smile and nodded in agreement, “how is my uncle?”
“At peace, I believe he waits also to learn the outcome of tonight's events, he is sleeping, he walks the line between life and death as he awaits the news. Your uncle is strong even in death, you need not worry, he feels no pain.”
Al'ice pulled back the curtain and knelt beside the frail body of his uncle, taking the bony mottled grey skin of his hand in his as he whispered, “I have fulfilled my promise uncle, I will not fail you.”
Eldeen opened his eyes and moved his lips to speak, Al'ice drew closer to his mouth to hear him, “under this bed you will find my chest of celent, open the chest and lift the red package.”
Al’ice did as he commanded.
“Inside you will find the fourth cascelet, it now belongs to you, take it as leader of our people.”
Al’ice unwrapped the frail red silk, inside Eldeens cascelet he had kept hidden for many years since Venur’s death. So great was he as leader he no longer needed the symbol of leadership, so great his enchai he no longer needed the power contained within. Al’ice placed the cascelet upon his wrist, the green leather like new with its polished stones of ebony and golden studs, he felt the power surge throughout his body as the cascelet accepted his soul, merging as one. A faint smile crossed the lips of his uncle as he witnessed the acceptance, he had one final message to convey to his successor.
“Take my ring and give it to Jez,” his voice now barel
y a whisper, “you do not need such a trinket as leader to our people, they except you as you are and your queen, I love you Al'ice and remember I shall be in Kamerrean if you ever need my counsel.”
Eldeen closed his eyes and slumped against the pillow, he looked dead but his pulse still raced through his veins. Al'ice knelt with his head against his chest concealing the tears he now shed, the last words from his uncle echoed as he thought of Jol, lost in the darkness, at least she had Jez to guide her.
“It is unfortunate your grandfather agreed to this deal with the Ferimiah, I do not want Julianne to go anywhere near them.”
Tadge leant against the far wall, his arms folded in resignation as he watched Cooper busy herself making tea.
“Then we will have broken the deal, you do not brake terms with the Ferimiah, if she survives the Elaich as predicted then surely she can survive the meeting” she replied.
“I do not trust witches, they can be most unpredictable.”
“Then let Al'ice escort her, he will not allow anything to harm Jol.”
“Ah yes! Just like he allowed her to be sent to the Elaich without protest?”
“But he did protest, Eldeen is not a force to be reckoned with, without the elixir many more of our people would die, Jol is ready to save them now.”
“I am not so sure Tilly, you saw how it attacked her, she needs time to learn how to harness the power.”
“You could stay and teach her?” Cooper handed him a drink, forgetting that he never drank.
Tadge waved it away and gave her a look of concern. “Have you forgotten? I do not drink?”
She looked at the tea, of course he didn't drink, it was just her habit of making tea in a crisis, she had forgotten.
“I am not sure she wishes to stay, her love may be strong but how long do you think she can survive this, when she comes from a technological world?”
Tadge waved his hand around the primitive room as he spoke.
Al'ice did not lift his head from his uncle’s chest but listened to every word from the room beyond, Tadge was right, how could he expect Jol to give up everything for him, the doubts began to rack through his mind. There had to be a way, when she returned, if she returned, then he would fight for her, he would find a way to keep her happy.
“Tilly I will stay until we have news or at least until morning then I must return the girl’s body, she is still at Jesveril's cottage?”
“Yes, I have anointed the body to prevent decay, do you wish to see her?”
“No, that will not be necessary, so much death, If only I had my powers all of this could have been prevented.”
“You are not allowed to use your powers on us, we are not human, it would not have worked anyway.”
“Perhaps, I have broken the rules before as you well know, perhaps it is in my nature to be attached to your people, perhaps this was my destiny all along?”
“When will you know, surely it is time?”
“Very soon, but not until I return Jesveril's ashes to their rightful resting place, it is a shame she could not have waited until Julianne was ready, if only we had known it would be so soon.”
“She would not have made it Tadge, I feel it in my heart. She will be re-united with our grandfather at least in death, we shall return them together.”
“When Julianne returns, do not let her out of your sight until I have spoken with her, it may be my last chance to help her, if only she had not commanded me to give away the gift.”
Tadge enveloped Cooper in his arms for comfort as they stood and watched the clouds obscure the waning moon. They stood in the doorway for the rest of the night, watching the horizon whilst Al'ice paced the room behind them. They all harboured the same feelings, sad for their loss of loved ones and anxious for news. Al'ice had wanted to join the searchers they had sent into the night but Cooper demanded he stay, it was his final duty to Eldeen, to remain with his body.
Only Eldeen had known where he had sent them, the legend of the Elaich travelled across the land, some say the beast appeared in the lakes of northern England, others in the great lochs of Scotland, there had even been reports of sightings across the great sea on foreign shores. The beast appeared to move around and no-one knew where it would strike next, only the willing victim knew when it was due to arrive, this the only one redeeming feature of the legend, the sacrifice given by the people of a virgin to quell the beasts hunger and wrath.
The sun was beginning to poke its head over the horizon, it was time for Tadge to leave, then he saw him in the distance, “Tilly, Al'ice, I believe we have a runner, he heads this way.”
Al’ice shot past them and ran to meet the young boy, after a few minutes of talk & gesturing he sent the boy back to the village and returned to the others, his face jubilant.
“They are alright, they are both alright, they have been sighted to the east of the mountain range and heading south, Gregorn has been sent to intercept them and bring them home.”
Tadge slapped him across the shoulder, “this is great news and just in time for I must return the girl’s body, how long?”
“They will not return until the sun is at its highest, they have travelled far it seems.”
“Then I shall return in time to farewell Eldeen.”
Jol had not eaten in almost two days, finally she had succomed to the exhaustion and collapsed as they walked. Jez was getting used to carrying her weight now and lucky for him she was only of slight build. He had walked for forty minutes, distracted by the beauty now cradled in his arms, twice he went over on his ankle as he walked and hoped she would wake soon before he did himself some real damage.
Something caught his eye up ahead, a man running towards them and waving his hands. Relief at the sight of another was quickly replaced with fear that it may be one of the Celts, it may not be help that ran towards them but disaster. His fear waned as he recognised the man from the gathering.
He had been in two minds whether to return, when Jol had finally spoken to him following the river incident, it was only to discuss their return and the reasons behind why Eldeen had sent them to the cliff face. Jol had more than one score to settle with Al'ice and wanted them both to return home but Jez was weighing up the lesser of two evils, his new family or his grandfather back home, at least he ignored him and let him make his own mistakes, there were too many secrets with this lot.
They had not discussed the kiss, too much had happened, they were just both glad to be alive. Jez thought about it though, he thought about it a lot and so had Jol, he could tell as she had blocked her mind so he would not know her thoughts. He did not realise how it troubled her to know how easily she had returned his kiss, how it troubled her how close she had come to hurting him.
The man Gregorn had offered to take Jol’s weight but Jez refused, he seemed to have a habit of looking after this damsel in distress, as if it were his destiny. Glad of the company to distract him from his thoughts, he was now able to concentrate better on the path ahead.
It was not until the cottage came into view and Al'ice had rushed to greet them that he reluctantly relinquished his hold. The look of anguish from Ali'ce when he saw her face was enough to allow Jez to hand over his burden, she did not even stir, the evening’s events had taken their toll, she was out cold.
Jez allowed him to forge on towards the cottage whilst he dragged his heels, she was damn heavy after a while, his arms ached, his muscles tight.
As he passed the lush grass beside the river pool he collapsed and lay back on the carpet, the grass smelled fresh as he allowed the sun to penetrate his skin, he was very tired, too tired for the argument he was having in his mind, the argument he would have with the old man, but first he needed to rest.
Cooper thanked Gregorn for leading them both back home and gave him a drink to quench his thirst, she looked over to the pool and saw Jez collapsed on the grass.
“Here, I have kailch and crancakes, it is the best I could do at short notice, I shall cat
ch you some fish, are you alright?”
Jez ignored her, he just wanted to be left alone. Cooper was alarmed at the state of his t-shirt, it was torn and ripped, had he fought the beast, she could see dried blood on his chest.
Parting the cloth for a closer look at his wounds he clamped his hand down hard on her wrist, “Leave it” he demanded, his eyes still closed, “Leave Me!”
Almost six hours passed before Jez woke from his slumber, he stretched and yawned almost knocking over the kailch Cooper had left for him, beside it a large platter of venison, fish and crancakes. He looked over at the cottage and smiled to himself, grateful for the feast she had left him, she was no-where to be seen, 'Good' he thought, I can eat in peace.
Jez's appetite surpassed his hunger and every morsel was taken, not even a crumb left as he washed it down with the last of his drink. Jol had made quite a mess of his t-shirt, he surveyed the damage and smiled, thinking of the wildcat attacking him as she did, he kind of liked it. The blood had dried but boy, did she have some talons on her! There was no point dreaming over what might have been, it was time to confront the old man, Jez didn't like being used.
“Where is he?” he demanded as he entered the cottage.
Cooper was sat braiding cloths to the handle of a large urn. Jez reached across and pulled back the curtain, “Jez, NO!” she shouted.
It took a moment to register what he was seeing, Eldeen had been laid out on a wooden board upon his bed, his body wrapped in white cloth, the odd smell of incense wafted around the small space, circles of copper placed over his eyes and his hands placed together over his chest. Cooper stood behind him, placing her hand on his shoulder as she closed the curtain on Eldeen's dignity.
“He is not supposed to be sighted until the funeral, I am glad you have come, I need help.”
Jez stared at her dumbfounded, he had come for a fight and now this, his uncle who he had known for just a few days, joy come then it is taken away.
“Where are the others, is Jol still sleeping?”
Cooper shook her head, the anger plain to see, “Al’ice is supposed to see to the arrangements, he is our leader now, the people look up to him.”
“Where is he?”
“Jol wakened and stormed off earlier, I told her that Tadge had given express orders she does not leave until he returned but she shouted something, well, unrepeatable. Al’ice has abandoned his duties and gone after her, can you believe it! As his second in command, he commanded me to deal with the arrangements, I cannot do this alone!”
So Jol would take their anger out on Al’ice. That gave him some comfort, now that his opponent had up and died on him, no that was wrong, he could kick himself for even thinking that way, Eldeen was his uncle after all.
“Just tell me what you need me to do” he replied.
I found since arriving in this land, I was quite good at stomping off in a huff. I had woken to find Al’ice holding my hand back at the cottage and I wanted to wrap my arms around him and never let go. But I’m so mad with him, I was so glad to see him but angry as well, unable to cope with my dilemma, unable to speak to him in that confined space for fear I would give in. So I stomped off, I don’t know where I’m going, just letting the anger lead the way, I need to get my thoughts sorted before confronting him, so much has happened.
I find myself striding purposefully in the direction of the forest which leads to Kamerrean, it took all the time to reach the tree line before he caught up with me, 'Well, he's keen!'
Al’ice makes a grab for my hand but I pull it away, I refuse to look at him, I had nearly given in back at the cottage, I push my way further into the trees.
“Please Jol, wait, we must talk.”
I ignore him as the branches scratch at my arms. I forge on leaving the strong essence of orange in my wake.
“Come back, it will be dark soon” he makes a grab for my wrist this time, I manage to wriggle free.
“JOL, this is stupid!”
Well that did it, there was nothing worse than someone calling you stupid, I glance up towards the tree’s canopy determined not to look at him as I fight back the tears.
“My name is Julianne, I am only Jol to my friends!”
Pushing further into the dense forest, I keep slipping on the ground, I left in such a hurry in my bare feet. If I had time to think I would have put my boots on and my cloak or even better still I would have changed, climbing through the woods in these silly clothes is just not practical.
Al’ice stoops to break my fall, his hand brushing down the top of my exposed thigh, for a moment I freeze, the sensation stalling me in my determination.
'Don't touch me' I think, 'how can I stay angry if you touch me, get off.'
I saw the glow before I felt it as the invisible barrier enveloped my body, Al’ice could not touch me now. The power holding the barrier makes me gasp for breath, I can see the opening above, the entrance to Kamerrean, there I will stop and face him.
“Are you alright Jol?”
“Jez please this is not the right time, I’m ok.”
“Al’ice is needed back at the cottage now.”
“Well I’m not stopping him!”
Another barrier I have to erect, I do not want Jez listening in on our argument.
I finally reach the clearing and pause as once again the view takes my breath away. Kamerrean, the land to which we all belong, for a moment my anger dissolves. I turn to face Al’ice but he’s not there, had he not followed me all the way? 'Damn it!'
Whatever it was back at the cottage was obviously more important than me, had I blown it? No, he bloody deserves my wrath, I look back down through the forest, it’s getting dark already, I will have to wait here until morning, without Al’ice and alone.
I walk over to the invisible cover which protects the illusion and touch it, it stays firm. My last visit, here with Al’ice had been magical, he was so gentle and patient but then he had lied about my dad, 'Damn him!'
I could do with my emergency chocolate bar right now, for comfort, my stomach rumbles and I can’t even remember the last time I ate. I try not to think of food, so he loves me does he? Well where is he? Leaving me out here alone, he couldn't even stay the pace, I thought about what I said on the way up, yes I had been hurtful over my name but doesn’t he deserve it? What am I going to do now? My fear of my anger and hutting him like I had with Dave at that party grapples with my sanity. I had stormed off for a fight and now I stand alone.
I sit down and let the warmth of the sun calm my agitated skin, I won’t go back yet, couldn't go back yet, it was dark and that would be stupid, there's that bloody word again stupid, my emotions are all over the place, I’m like a silly schoolgirl. I am a schoolgirl, what am I saying? I look down at my newly developed breasts, well I don’t have to go back to school, sixth form is a personal option but one I had wanted. So what was the alternative, live my life out here with Al’ice by my side, hmmmphh! Like that was going to happen now, he is clearly upset with me, couldn't even be bothered to follow me all the way. Do I really want that though? Every time he touches me I just want to melt into his arms, perhaps its lust? No, I love him, I know I do, but enough to stay here in this place? No books, no cell phone, no TV, no I-pod, no internet, no washing machine, no microwave, no decent food, no cinema, silly clothes, I look back down at the garments I have worn for the past 24 hours and shake my head in disgust. Here I am hiding in the clouds whilst the likes of William Wallace roams the hills on the rampage killing Englishmen, I don't want to die at the hands of William Wallace.
I lay back on the rock, deflated as a shadow casts over my eyes.
“Looking for me?” asks Al’ice as he props himself beside me and holds out my half eaten chocolate bar, “peace offering?”
He is wearing his modern clothes and his hair loose, just how I like it, he is so handsome it’s infuriating.
I take the chocolate from his hand and place it on the ground between us, my han
d shaking, my inner ramblings have zapped all the fight from me, “I don't want to talk to you” I manage.
“That much I guessed but Jez seemed to think you had, now what did he say, a few axes to grind.”
“Did he! Well you had no right talking to him about us and he had no right getting involved with our business.”
Al‘ice suppressed his smile at his fiery angel, “so you do wish to discuss matters?”
“What! Discuss matters, what the hell is that? You make it sound so official!”
“Jo......Julianne, please this is a difficult time, I have neglected my duty to be here with you.”
I can only glare at him in shock, “Oh! I am so bloody sorry to keep you then! Go if you want to, what's so important anyway?”
Al’ice turns away, he is angry I can tell as I watch his cheek pulse, his jaw held tight. He looks at the ring on his finger, the one he must gift to Jez and speaks softly.
“Eldeen has passed, it is my duty as successor to prepare for his funeral, I left this duty in the hands of Cooper and Jez.”
Shit, that did it, what could I say now, why had I acted so stupid? His actions were only to protect me were they not? Ok so some people lie, but that is to spare the feelings of others, but he must have known about the beast, or maybe he didn't? Shit! Shit! Shit!
Eldeen has passed, my eyes fill with tears as I break off a stick of chocolate.
“I don't like it here, this is the second time this place has brought sad news, here, peace offering?”
He took the chocolate from my hand and eyed it suspiciously, and placed it on the ground between us.
“I should be there now, organising my people, I am to perform the passing ceremony, for I am the leader of our people now, it is my duty.”
“I'm sorry.”
“Don't be, it is expected, tomorrow marks the beginning of a new era, I have responsibilities now, I cannot run away from them any longer.”
“Al’ice, we should return, I feel awful.”
He returns my look of remorse with his sad eyes, and smiles, tracing his finger down the sides of my face he plays with the ends of my spiky hair.
“You are not alone, I feel bad for the way I have treated you, Eldeen can no longer tell me what must be done. I am so glad you are here.......alive, tell me what happened, I want to share everything with you.”
I shiver under his touch, “Al’ice I..........”
“Sssshhh!” he places his fingers against my lips, “no more secrets, no more lies, agreed?”
My resolve is broken, I think about my secret kiss with Jez, I can’t tell him, not now, it would break him.
“OK, what's passed is in the past, agreed! No more secrets no more lie's from now on.”
I am lucky he cannot read my thoughts as Jez does.
Al’ice put his arm around me and pulled me close to his chest, drowning me in his muskiness, I can feel the racing throb of his heart.
“Now will you tell me what happened with the Elaich? Tell me how you got the rash on your face.”
I raise my hand to my cheek and feel the rough skin, I shudder from the memory, my skin feels raw as I try to concentrate on healing as I had done before. I feel the warmth in my palm and hold it against the rash, my skin is itchy as it pulls together, becoming smooth once more.
Al’ice takes my hand and kisses my palm.
“It is better although there is still a pinkish mark, a little like when you are embarrassed, how did you get this?”
The monster seems so long ago now, it bugs me how I keep losing track of time so easily. I tell him about the beasts tongue and how the rough barbs dragged over my cheek and of the foul smell from its breath.
Al’ice plays with the torn silks of my skirt as I recall the events.
“Even the beast acknowledges your beauty, if only you could do the same.” he remarks.
I punch him playfully on the arm as I continue, my other cheek now glowing in unison, he is distracting, I look straight ahead as I concentrate on the creatures huge eyes pulling me in to read its soul.
“It's lonely, it is the only one left of its kind, it has tried to die but cannot, it roams the world taking nourishment from the offerings.”
The thought of those offerings send a shiver down my spine.
“The Elaich showed you this?” Al'ice asks, tracing his fingers along my exposed thigh.
I bury my head back against his chest and feel the comfort of his embrace as I continue.
“I used my power to heal, took his pain, absorbed it, we made a pact of sorts, I must locate his soul and release it, it has been stolen, I do not know where, his magic will guide me, he will no longer prey on the innocent. I remember a bright light and then waking with the lump on my head.”
“What lump, let me see?”
Al'ice holds my face in his hands, “Where is this lump?”
I touch my forehead and search across my hairline, the lump has gone.
“I must have healed it while I slept, that's odd I could not heal it before, it was very painful.”
“Perhaps you needed time from expending all you energy with the Elaich. That is why you have only been able to heal your cheek now.”
“Perhaps, do you not want the chocolate I gave you?”
“I do not understand the attraction? There are better things for one to taste.”
“What can taste better than chocolate?” I ask.
He pulls me in with those eyes and brushes his lips against mine, “this” he whispers.
Where was his angel? He had many questions, questions that needed answers, the wait was killing him, his body now ached all over and it was becoming increasingly difficult to hide his pain. Only sleep dulled the pain and he was bored of that already, the only comfort his memories, hopefully it would not be long now before he remembered everything, he wanted the truth but knew it was holding out on him.
His body ached all over now that the feeling had come back but he did not complain, content to keep up the pretence as requested by the old woman. He could not say for certain why he should do this but he trusted his angel, she was the one comfort he had at the moment at the centre of his turmoil.
Why could he not remember what had brought him to this place? Many memories had flooded his senses, the girl, his brother, death and magic. His body sore as if he had run a marathon or gone several rounds in a boxing ring but that could not be true, these were not the kind of things he would do, for that he was quite sure.