by Benson, Tom
When Tracey and Archie had also taken part in the handshakes and hugs, they all went indoors.
Emma was delighted to see Helen again and eager to meet more new people from Auchcarn. “Tea and sandwiches all-round sound, okay?”
“Do you mean sandwiches—like bread?” Archie said as he followed the others out to the garden.
“Yes,” Emma said, “bread with a filling, and I’ve baked enough to feed regular people and a giant.”
Josh and Glen returned from delivering the new plough to the field. Introductions were made once again. Having so many to cater for, Flint gave Emma a hand in the kitchen.
Ten minutes later, Quincy, Imogen and Amber returned with the three toddlers in tow. A long walk around the fields and woodland had set them all up for a snack and a drink.
The use of the word ‘giant’ really hit home when the three children stopped chattering to gaze up at the big plumbing engineer. The youngsters were soon at ease when they were hugged by Helen and saw that the giant was her friend.
While people were enjoying the food, they were all chatting and getting to know each other, putting faces to names which had been heard previously. Helen had excused herself. She went to sit at a table with Emma and the children, all eager to hear about her adventures. She glanced at Sandy several times.
While Calvin and Tracey were content to relax in the garden and chat with Imogen and Emma, it left Josh and Glen free to go and try out the new ploughing contraption. Quincy took Archie to show him the gristmill and the plumbing from the well. Sandy, Flint, and Amber were on the way to watch when on a whim, Helen shepherded the children outside to see the new device being tested.
Sandy said, “Could you talk us through the construction, mate?”
“Sure,” Josh said. “The two small tractor wheels are connected by nylon belts to a set of cogs. The cogs work like gears connected to the cultivator discs which have teeth. This will provide traction and loosen the soil. Connected at the back is a double plough blade.”
Glen said, “It looks bulky and heavier than what we used before, but it will be more efficient and easier to use.”
“It’s bulkier,” Josh said, “but the frame is lightweight. When I pull the lever to lower the plough, the cultivator teeth will be driven by the gearing, and it will be as easy as pulling a wheel along the field.”
While Glen got into position at the front to pull and Josh went to the rear to steer, the other men stepped forward to watch the mechanism operating. Helen took a step forward and watched the demonstration for a few seconds as the device was easily managed by two men. She turned to gaze at Sandy and smiled.
Amber moved up alongside Helen and whispered, “I thought you’d have been ready for a rest.”
“I can rest later.” Helen quickly turned and watched the demonstration again. She turned to see a grinning Amber watching her. “What?”
“Oh, nothing.” Amber smiled as other cogs worked—in her head. She looked from Helen to Sandy just in time to see the soldier turn to smile at Helen. “How interesting,” Amber murmured.
Glen and Josh drew the plough along for fifty metres through the dark earth of the field, and then turned and headed back towards their audience. The small group who’d been watching all gave a polite round of applause. In the two freshly ploughed lengths were four neat furrows.
Glen unstrapped the harness from his shoulders and chest and slapped Josh on the back. “Great work, mate, and so much easier than previously, with or without using a cow.”
“What’s next?” Sandy said.
Josh said, “I’ve been working on an idea to improve the corn thresher, but there’s no hurry.”
Early in the evening, Calvin mentioned that he and Cherry, among others, were seriously considering a move to Dalwhinnie. Nothing specific was said openly, but he gave the impression that more than one couple were serious about such a venture.
Those who’d been Eagle’s Nest residents were keen to hear more about why people might want to move on. A general discussion continued about how it was viewed that having a third location to populate would be beneficial for everybody. Visits between locations would be made easier by already having friends living there and if there were children at each place, then so much the better.
Late in the evening, Sandy asked Flint and Amber for a few minutes of their time to discuss an idea he’d had. They were both aware it was a way to get them away for a quick briefing. He gave Amber credit for coming up with her theory. He highlighted his findings regarding the possibility of a rivulet on the other bank.
Amber said, “You believe it could be much more than a stream, but farther upstream from the town, and on the other side?”
“Yes, and the more I think about it, the more sense it makes.”
“I know you were keen to go over,” Amber said, “but I’d like to make a suggestion.”
“Go on.”
“You guys said I could be involved because of the secret you’ve shared with me about our possible quarry, but I thought it would be good if I went over with Flint.”
Flint was suppressing a grin as he looked from one to the other and remained silent.
Sandy was confused but not put out. “Was there something in particular—”
“Well,” Amber said, “I know that all three of us could go, but it would make more sense for two of us to use one kayak. I’ve also kind of suggested to Helen that she could show you around the farmland and you could point out the areas that we checked the other day—she’s keen to know how we could have lost a lamb.”
“Are you okay with that, mate?”
Flint nodded. “All good with me, and I’m confident that you’ll be able to explain things to Helen without telling her too much detail.”
Sandy nodded. “Okay, that sounds like a plan—we really need to keep the details of our mystery person between us if possible. I think it would be okay to say that we think there might be two ‘people’, so keep that in mind just in case Helen asks.”
Amber and Flint nodded, and then Amber winked at Flint out of Sandy’s view.
17. Search and Destroy
Wednesday 24th August
After breakfast, once again, the topic was raised regarding certain people moving from Auchcarn to relocate.
“Now that I’ve had a look around Dalwhinnie,” Calvin said, “I think that renovation would become an ongoing industry for those who wanted to settle there.”
“Who else is expressing an interest?” Sandy said.
“Anne and Craig, which would be nice because that would mean that we’d have four children there instead of just our twins. Of course, Anne is expecting again so it wouldn’t be long before there were five children.”
“Are there any others thinking about a move?” Flint said.
“Bill and Fiona were talking about it, and I believe Jay-Dee liked the idea.”
Archie said, “He told me about the place as soon as he got back, and it sounds good.”
Sandy nodded. “If there were a fledgeling community there it would be handy to have you around, Archie.”
Imogen said, “Of course, you specialise in plumbing. How did it go with the well and the plumbing to the mill, Archie?”
“It’s all good. I showed Glen another way to create a filter so that you’ll have no more issues with blockages.”
Calvin said, “Archie has proved his skill on so many occasions, and he recently completed a simple drainage system for a small toilet. It’s built at one end of the little hamlet we’ve created halfway down the mountain.”
“It’s in and working now, isn’t it?” Flint said.
“Yes,” Archie said. “The hardest task was segregating a portion of the loch. As usual, we ended up with a small team getting involved.” He laughed. “I gave them a few tips and left them to it.”
For a while, the subject of equipment being adapted and recycled kept everybody in animated conversation. In this area at least, the Eagle’s Nest guys, though young, had gained a lot
of experience and kudos, thanks to their desire to continually move on and improve things.
Helen said, “I’m impressed that two of the relay installations have been salvaged. Is there any more to do on those now?”
“No,” Sandy said. “The next logical move will be to ferry them to Dalwhinnie and the signal box at Achallader.”
“Have we worked out how soon that could be done?”
“We haven’t looked at the detail yet, but the trip made by Flint and Imogen has paved the way for the first relay to go when ready.”
“I got the impression yesterday evening that there was a mission being discussed for today?”
Amber gave Flint and Sandy an imperceptible nod. “It’s not really a mission as such, but I’m going upriver with Flint in a kayak. We want to investigate the condition of the banks. We’d like to know how the river has affected the land to the north.”
“Why is there an interest in the banks upriver?”
“We’d like to check possible landing points. The missing lamb didn’t jump over the wall or the gate in that big field, so we’re pretty sure we have had a mysterious visitor.”
“Will it be safe for two of you to go?”
Flint said, “Helen, I’ve seen this young woman handling a rifle. I’m confident that we’ll be fine. To put your mind at rest, we’ll be taking a radio. All we ask is that any calls are initiated by us—not from here.”
“When are you going?”
Amber said, “We can be ready to go in the next hour, and all we need will be a couple of volunteers to be our escort as far as the boat shed. Before we go across the railway and embankment, we also want to go up onto the roof of the police station to plot our route.”
“I’d be happy to—”
Amber interrupted. “I think you’ll be occupied actually—Sandy, didn’t you say you’d like to be taken on a tour of our fields and the woodland?”
“Oh, yes, of course.” Sandy nodded, playing his part in the subterfuge, but holding back on the eagerness he felt. He turned to Helen. “From what Calvin was telling me, you did a lot of the navigation from Auchcarn on your way back here.”
“It was easy enough,” Helen said, “and those stone markers are an excellent guide.”
Tracey said, “All three of us would like to visit the town while we’re here.” She got nods from Calvin and Archie.
Emma said, “I’d be happy to be part of the escort. I recall from last night that you guys would like to visit the outdoor shop.”
“That’s settled then,” Imogen said, “and I’ve no doubt Josh and Glen will want to be out ploughing more of that field that they’ve started.” She paused. “The children would love to watch.”
“This is a superb viewing area,” Amber said as she used binoculars to survey the countryside on the far side of the River Spey. “Can you give me a recognition point for that waterway, Flint?”
“Yes,” he said as he mimicked Amber’s stance. “Follow the course of the river to the north, or if you like, to the left.” He felt a light punch on the arm and grinned. “Look beyond the slight bend for an area where there is a massive lone oak tree in the middle of a field.”
“Got it … and there is long hedgerow to the left … perhaps bordering two or three fields.”
“That’s the area … and now scan slightly to the left of that hedgerow and—”
“Got it. I can see confirmation that there is a waterway—a steady line of reeds which disappear around a hill.”
“I’ll locate that area on the map, and once it’s marked, we’re good to go.”
When ready, they headed back to the main street and their friends visiting the stores.
Half an hour later, the pair in the kayak left to paddle upstream. Archie slid the locking bar back into place on the inside of the boat shed and turned to Emma. “This is an impressive little collection you’ve got here.”
“It is, isn’t it,” Emma said. “Okay, I suppose we’d better get back over the embankment and into town before Calvin and Tracey empty the outdoor shop.”
“They won’t leave without us,” Archie said, “I’ll be helping Calvin to pull the trailer back.”
Flint was in the rear cockpit to allow him to control the steering as he and Amber paddled across the current and upstream.
Amber talked over her shoulder but kept her voice low. “I take it we’re crossing early so that we’re not seen from the far side?”
“Yes, as I said earlier, we’ll be fighting against the river, and we can’t afford to lose our concentration by watching the bank or the greenery.”
Working together with the paddles, they rapidly fell into a steady pace against the current. It wasn’t as powerful as on some of the tighter bends Flint had experienced heading south to Dalwhinnie. For forty-five minutes, they worked in silence, making progress.
“One hundred metres after the bend,” Amber said over her shoulder.
“Seen—silence now.”
When they arrived at the narrow tributary, Flint used a practised technique to steer them into the new waterway. It was no more than three metres wide but judging by the flourishing reeds it had blossomed from being a small stream some time ago.
Flint placed his paddle across the boat and reached forward to briefly clasp Amber’s left shoulder. He nodded to himself with satisfaction when his companion stopped working. She lifted her paddle to sit in front of her. They sat still, and the gentle current carried them for half a mile.
Amber leant back and pointed forward to the right—something fifty metres away.
Flint saw the partial view of the back of a rowboat which had a name in red print. Although under overhanging foliage and firmly against the bank, the boat lifted slightly in the water and the name was clear; Adventurer. Underneath on a small nameplate, it read, AVIEMORE. Flint looked around the area as they went past using only the current. The water slowed, and the rivulet became more of a deep stream by the time they eased the kayak in against the right bank.
The pair climbed out and pulled on suitable clothing and footwear to allow for stealthy movement in woodland and fields. Flint was ready first and tugged on the short rope to pull the kayak up slightly onto the bank before covering it with branches. They were already in good cover thanks to coming ashore near dense woodland.
“Flint,” Amber whispered, but in an excited tone, “Adventurer was the boat that Ronnie and Erika talked about leaving in—do you think—”
Flint held up a hand. “That was on my mind, Amber.” He didn’t say that it was on his mind for a totally different reason. This was a subject to discuss with Sandy or Bill. It was not something to tell one of the friends of the long-missing teenagers.
“I know you said you didn’t want to plan too far ahead so can you now tell me the … objective, or what our next … phase, will be?”
Flint smiled and nodded. “Unlike the other things we’ve done, there are too many variables on this mission. I have an overall plan in mind, but a successful outcome will depend on what we find as we continue.” He paused to look between the trees, and he listened. “It was intentional to go away beyond that boat so that we can go back slowly and try to pick up imprints.”
“The boat was pretty well camouflaged—do you think we’ll see it when we get close?” Amber squinted.
“We don’t have to see the boat. Just beyond it and on the other bank was a large patch of lupins.”
“Okay, I know what they look like.”
“We’ll be on this side of the stream, but looking across at the other side for the lupins—our early warning. When we see those flowers, I’ll start working hard to find any signs. At that time we’ll also have a brief conversation if I find anything to update you—okay?”
“Yes, I’ve got it.”
“Before we move out, remember, watch where you place your feet. Think and move like a stalking animal.”
Amber nodded, and though she felt exhilarated, she kept it to herself.
Flint
moved between the trees and through the undergrowth. He travelled at a steady pace but with an impressive lack of noise. His rifle aimed where his gaze fell and as usual his slightly parted lips allowed for a slight improvement in his hearing.
Two metres behind and trying hard to emulate her companion, Amber was perspiring heavily due to the physical and mental effort to move quickly but quietly. She’d never considered how strenuous such an activity could be. More than once when she slipped and grabbed a tree for support she was glad she’d remembered to flick her laser rifle to Safe mode.
As he’d done with Imogen, Flint wanted to give Amber confidence and let her feel a valuable part of the team, so he waited, and his patience paid off. Ahead and fifty metres away on the other bank was the patch of lupins he’d referred to as their reference point. Two rapid taps on his back and he stopped to look back.
Amber adopted the signals she’d learned so recently. She used two fingers to point to her eyes, and then she pointed across at the flowers.
Flint nodded and gave her a thumbs-up signal before he turned to face forward, grinning.
Flint stopped and raised his left hand, fist closed. He glanced behind to see Amber on one knee, nodding. Flint pointed to indicate broken twigs and where dead leaves hung limply from low branches on more than one deciduous tree. He pointed to Amber and then the ground. When she nodded, Flint pointed to his eyes and then her again. He indicated a circle in the air with his raised forefinger.
Amber nodded, and then indicated that she understood, pointing to herself, the ground and her eyes—she was to stay put and remain alert to threats.
Flint disappeared into the undergrowth so quickly and quietly it was as if he’d never been there. He returned within twenty minutes as silently as he’d gone and before making an appearance whispered “Flint.”
“Amber.” his companion whispered.
Flint slipped out from bushes within two metres of her and pulled out the radio. He handed it to Amber. “Listen very carefully. We’ll synchronise watches in a moment, and then I’ll be leaving you here while I go ahead to investigate.”