Search for the Sunlight

Basil woke early. He was anxious about the journey ahead and hadn’t slept well.

As he lay staring up at the thatch, he thought how easy it would be to simply forget all about their quest and simply settle down in the comfortable surroundings of the meeting house. But the future of Treewoodkind was at stake. He forced himself up from his sack, stretched his stiff limbs and tottered over to the fountain where he stooped forwards, cupped his hands together and doused his face with water. Almost immediately he was wide awake.

The fire had all but burned out in the night and the air in the room was chilled. Basil shivered. He picked up the poker from the hearth, raked the grey ash, to expose a few glowing embers and placed a handful of dry kindling on top. Next, he knelt down and blew gently until the flames began to dance in the grate. It was time to wake the others.

Harry rose first. He made his way to the fountain and filled the kettle while Basil, Herbert and Sherlock gathered their belongings together and prepared themselves for the next stage of the journey.

“Nice guys these Wheel people,” Harry remarked, just loud enough for the others to hear.

“Yes and even nicer now that they don’t squeak.” Sherlock replied.

A loud knock on the door stalled the conversation. It was Catherine, Richard and Douglas. They had come to say goodbye.

Catherine entered the room first and made her way directly towards Basil. She placed her arms tenderly around his neck and planted a lingering kiss on his lips.

“Goodbye,” she whispered, struggling to hold back her tears.

Douglas and Richard shook each of the travellers firmly by the hand and thanked them for all they had done, not least their wonderful gift of silent bearings and firm pneumatic tyres.

“Take good care of yourselves on your journey and God willing, we’ll all get to see this elusive sunlight one day.” Richard said.

With heavy hearts, the Treewoods slung their lapsacks over their shoulders and, stealing one last look around the cosy interior of the comfonarium, they left via the front door.

Outside, loud cheers and rapturous applause filled the air. The entire population of the plateau had turned out to bid them farewell and wish them every success on their journey.

The travellers were moved to tears of joy by the genuine warmth and unrivalled hospitality that these gentle unassuming people had shown them during their stay. But sadly, it was time to go.

Without looking back - Harry and Herbert seldom looked back, it was bad luck they said - The Treewoods leapt over the newly repaired safety fence and began their descent down the steep hillside to the valley below.