The carpenter had been on his new journey of discovery for several days before he found a road. Many times he had thoughts of turning and going in a different direction. He didn’t.
Using the logic that, as he was unsure where he wanted to go, it made little sense to go in another direction. Not knowing how close he may be to a town he also reasoned that each step must take him closer to somewhere, so he maintained his easterly direction.
After about 8 days of walking and sleeping in fields he was rewarded with the sight of a road and by the depth of the ruts on either side and the lack of grass growing on it, he determined that it was a well used road and that meant it must lead to a sizable community where people may be in need of his special talents and services.
Once more faced with a choice of turning left or right, he chose left and with the warmth of the sun on his back which he felt was a omen, he increased his stride and was rewarded with the sight of a distant township on the horizon shortly afterwards.
Interestingly, he noted a decrease in his new stride and an equivalent increase in self doubt. Uncertainty crept into his mind the closer he came to entering the township which he believed held such promise. Fears of rejection, reliving past failures, hearing hurtful comments of days gone by, flooded through his consciousness. Physical manifestations of his fear were created, tremors in his hands and a weakness in his knees; his innermost desire was to run and run as fast as he could back to the safety and security of the forest, where these insane ideas had been born. Who had he been kidding? Who had he really been fooling to believe that a man such as he, a man of poor breading, of grotesque features and little talent unable to speak, should have the audacity to expect the rich and successful merchants and office bearers of this township to enlist his aid in the creation of precious belongings to adorn their opulent households.
Amid indecisiveness, fate played the first of many hands in the argumentation of his new life, as he brooded over his next move to once more run away or face an uncertain, but (he thought) predictable, future; of name-calling and ridicule, being the butt of hurtful jokes and the target of malicious gossip, spiny stares from young and older people alike.
While he was indulging in this all too common masochistic ritual, a horse drawn carriage pulled alongside and the driver asked to speak with him. Being conscious of his inability to communicate effectively, the carpenter feigned ignorance and without turning continued on his way towards the township. The carriage continued on and pulled up just ahead of him, one of the footmen dismounted and opened the side door, out of which came a delicate white-gloved hand which was attached to an equally graceful and beautiful woman of refinement. As the footman held the door open the hand beckoned to the carpenter who by now was overcome with curiosity so strong that he had overlooked all the shortcomings he was previously thinking and as if in a trance, he moved forward to the call of the hand.
The woman spoke, “Why is it that you do not answer my driver when spoken to?”
The man hung his head and gestured with his hands around his mouth and a shrug of his shoulders that he was unable to speak.
This display had an affect on the woman, which manifest itself in an expression of pity upon her face. The carpenter, seeing this, was once more reminded of the difference between himself and others, causing him to lower his gaze onto the ground and feel the inadequacies he had experienced all too often.
Sensing that something was wrong, the woman quickly changed her expression and motioned for him to join her in the carriage. At first the man was very reluctant but on her insistence and with the aid of the footman that was still holding the door he finally seated himself opposite the lady who was not alone; there were three others in the carriage with her, an elderly gentleman, a younger woman and a small child.
Feeling as if he were in a dream state, being driven in a fine carriage with such elegant people he allowed himself to soak up the atmosphere and imagined that this was his carriage and these were his friends they were going to a grand ball, where he was to unveil his latest creations from the world of beauty which only fine timbers can create. As he gradually came out of this state his confidence seemed to have been renewed as much of his distress had vanished, to the degree that he was able to look into the eyes of his fellow travellers and smile with a nod of appreciation.
As his gaze went from passenger to passenger his eyes took in the small child and he noticed the remnants of recent tears still glistening on his streaked red cheeks. Wondering what could have been the cause of the distress, the carpenter’s gaze soon discovered a broken wooden toy being clutched tightly by the young boy’s cubby hands. With no thought other than to ease the boy’s pain, the carpenter lent forward and gently touched the toy. The lad relinquished his hold and allowed the man to examine the broken object. Smiling at the child he reached into his sack and retrieved one of his precious tools, it’s keen edge glinting in the sunlight. The boy was mesmerized as the carpenter slid his plane along the shattered edges of the broken toy ‘til both breaks were smooth, then reaching once more into his sack he, brought out another strange looking tool that was as equally as sharp as the first, and with hands that were confident and trustworthy he carved tiny nicks into the smooth side he had just planed. With sure hands he rubbed a mixture between the two sides and bound them with some narrow pieces of leather thronging, all the while with a smile on his face, which appeared to become infectious. The small boy, grabbed hold of the woman’s arm and said. “Look Mother that man has mended my broken toy, it’s as good as when Father gave it to me.”
This brought smiles to all in the carriage, as well as the Carpenter, who detected tears in the eyes of the other adults, for the first time understanding why he felt so good within himself. Because of his gifts he was able to bring some happiness into the lives of others. Sensing that the carpenter was pleased to be able to help, the elegant woman explained that they had just been to church for a remembrance service for her Husband, and the child’s toy was his Father’s last gift before he tragically died a year ago.
The boy, now brimming with excitement, pleaded with his mother to allow the man to come home with them because, as he pointed out, there were a lot of broken things around the house that the man could fix and he seemed so nice and gentle, not to mention clever with his hands.
The lady suspected that the carpenter had places to go and other jobs to complete. She thought; ‘Surely a person of his skill would certainly be in demand’, but at her son’s insistence she inquired of the man’s availability and invited him to stay with them until either all the jobs had been completed or he had to go to work for other clients.
The man could hardly believe the words he was hearing and agreed. Yet it was not too long before the old doubts started to invade his thinking; were these just good people taking pity on a mute woodworker who would be taken and shown off as a charity that the family had undertaken to enhance their standing in the eyes of the other town folk. It was not uncommon for nobility to pay for hermits to inhabit their gardens or for beggars to be employed to loiter around the back kitchen doors as a sign that the occupants were considerate to others less fortunate.
It had been so long since genuine friendship had been offered he was soon on guard to the inevitable blow that was sure to fall as it had so often in the past, when he least expected it. Should he stay or not take the chance and leave while he still had some credibility left.
He decided to sleep on it and reconsider his future the following day.
This period of self determination, even though in depth, was but a moment in time as the carriage jostled its way over the bumpy road into the centre of the township.
Looking through the braided curtains which covered the windows of the carriage the carpenter saw many fine shops and buildings which housed all manner of items. The appearance of the town was one of affluence and prosperity.
The previous thoughts of being used and teased were soon replaced with the ideas of what could be possible in a town such as this. All he needed was a start, a direction in which to focus his talents and the market would appear, he was convinced.
Being so engrossed in his future prospects he missed the turning of the carriage into the large estate that was the property and ancestral home of the lady opposite him. It was not until the rocking motion had stopped that the carpenter’s thoughts returned to the present and the situation in which he now found himself. Stepping down from the coach his eyes were treated to the most spectacular sight he had ever witnessed. In front of him lay sprawling manicured lawns that were dotted with mature trees of the varieties he was accustomed to and some which he was had never before seen, massive and majestic Oaks, tall Yews, towering Poplars, rows of Walnut trees, knarled and weathered Elms. Birch and Beech trees lined some walkways, while others were graced with huge Maples which had spread their branches to the other side of the avenues, creating the effect of high vaulted cathedral ceilings of red and golden leaves splayed as giant webbed hands under a blue cloudless sky. Beneath these trees sprawled a crisp brown carpet of crunchy leaves that had been discarded from the roof above. Others he was unfamiliar with he later was to learn, were gigantic Mahogany’s that had been bought from lands far away, as well as Cedars and Rosewoods. All had been planted with forethought to their beauty and usefulness of creating unique furniture pieces, as it transpired the Master of the estate that had so tragically died a year earlier, had a weakness for the beauty of items made from exotic woods; a trait which he must have inherited from his great, great grandfather who used to travel to different countries in the course of his business and bought different and interesting seedlings back with him in the hope that one day they could be used to furnish the palaces of royalty. This idea seemed to have been lost in successive generations until the present heir had seen to the select cutting and milling of specific trees several years earlier. Though the carpenter was not to know all this at the time, he understood something special about the place he was now standing.
Turning to assist the woman and other passengers from the carriage, he was directed towards a large outhouse building to the right of the mansion he now stood in front of and was informed that the groundsman there would find him a room to sleep in and supply him with all the necessary items for his comfort. He was told that when that was done he was to report to the kitchen at the rear, where the staff would have been instructed to make him feel at home and acquaint him with the times of meals and other routines of the house. The carpenter nodded appreciatively and walked off in the direction indicated with his sack once more slung over his shoulder, humming as he went. The Groundsman was a likeable character, and gave the Carpenter what he required and ushered him to his quarters, which were situated on the top floor of one the storehouses in the surrounding compound.
When finally left alone he set about making his quarters comfortable, placing his wooden cot under the window, which overlooked the courtyard, where he could easily view the lawn and trees which had earlier taken his consumed interest.
Once his sleeping arrangements were to his satisfaction, he settled to another task and sat on the small wooden stool that had been provided with a roughly hewn oak trestle table that stood alongside the wall opposite his window; there he lovingly placed his sack and commenced to rummage through it and retrieve all his precious tools, carefully and lovingly placing each on the table top. He handled them with such care that a casual observer may well have thought they were made of fragile china instead of hardy metals and woods. When the sack was empty he folded it neatly and placed it under himself as a cushion, then settled to what he considered a most pleasurable task of sharpening and setting his cherished implements.
This chore took on ritualistic proportions. He intimately inspected every screw thread and blade angle, his mind replayed the events of the day, incredible to imagine a few days earlier he contemplated living no more. Why had this happened to him? Did he deserve the kindnesses that had been bestowed on him by this family? The more he analyzed the situation the more he began to doubt the sincerity of the people he had met and doubted his own abilities to perform the work that he may be expected to do. Thoughts invaded his mind such as it was just luck that he was able to fix the little boy’s toy. Anyone could have done that he told himself. What would have happened if the boy wasn’t in the carriage? Where would he be spending the night now? How long would his luck hold? What if they have a change of heart in the morning and he is thrown off the estate? Certainty of uncertainty was more secure that uncertainty of certainty, surly he would be better off if he was not relying on the kindness of others. But something strange had occurred in his thinking and there was a minute glimmer of a feeling that till now had laid dormant or not existed at all. That was the feeling that maybe he did have some qualities others saw in him that he did not recognize. Perhaps there were jobs he could do better than others. Possibly he had a talent that was real and not just in his imaginings or flights of fancy. As these ideas started to grow and take form he quickly shut them down and focused back to the duties at hand with his tools. Too much idle time wasted spent on daydreaming was not good for someone in his position. He recalled the words the governor of the institution he was sent to as a child, “you must not aspire to any level of greatness, accept the position you have been dealt in life, you are but a worthless creature in human shape, only fit to be used as common service labour by those gentry that take pity on your pathetic life, that is surely why you were placed in my care, because of the embarrassment your muted form would bring on your family. Now you listen well boy, and be satisfied that you have been granted air to breathe.”
These rude reminders from the past were enough to squash any high designs that he previously entertained.
He doubled his efforts to hold back the tears that had been unspent for many years. He had no right to feel sorry for himself, the governor had been right it was enough to have the privilege to be allowed to breathe.
Finally with his maintenance chores completed he wrapped each tool away and stored them in a coffer on the ground floor storeroom and proceeded to the kitchen for some supper.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Chapter 2
The carpenter had been on his new Journey of discovery for several days before he found a road. Many times he had thoughts of turning and going in a different direction. He didn’t. Using the logic that, as he was unsure where he wanted to go, it made little sense to go in another direction. Not knowing how close he may be to a town he reasoned that each step must take him closer to somewhere, so he maintained his easterly direction. After about 8 days of walking and sleeping in fields he was rewarded with the sight of a road and by the depth of the ruts on either side and the lack of grass growing on it, he determined that it was a well used road and that meant it must lead to a sizable community where people may be in need of his special talents and services.
Once more faced with a choice of turning left or right, he chose left and with the warmth of the sun on his back which he felt was a omen, he increased his stride and was rewarded with the sight of a distant township on the horizon shortly afterwards.
Interestingly, he noted a decrease in his new stride and an equivalent increase in self doubt. Uncertainty crept into his mind the closer he came to entering the township which he believed held such promise. Fears of rejection, reliving past failures, hearing hurtful comments of days gone by, flooded through his consciousness. Physical manifestations of his fear were created, tremors in his hands and a weakness in his knees; his innermost desire was to run and run as fast as he could back to the safety and security of the forest, where these insane ideas had been born. Who had he been kidding? Who had he really been fooling to believe that a man such as he, a man of poor breading, of grotesque features and little talent unable to speak, should have the audacity to expect the rich and successful merchants and office bearers of this township to enlist his aid in the creation of precious belongings to adorn their opulent households.
Amid indecisiveness, fate played the first of many hands in the argumentation of his new life, as he brooded over his next move to once more run away or face an uncertain, but (he thought) predictable, future; of name-calling and ridicule, being the butt of hurtful jokes and the target of malicious gossip, spiny stares from young and older people alike.
While he was indulging in this all too common masochistic ritual, a horse drawn carriage pulled alongside and the driver asked to speak with him. Being conscious of his inability to communicate effectively, the carpenter feigned ignorance and without turning continued on his way towards the township. The carriage continued on and pulled up just ahead of him, one of the footmen dismounted and opened the side door, out of which came a delicate white-gloved hand which was attached to an equally graceful and beautiful woman of refinement. As the footman held the door open the hand beckoned to the carpenter who by now was overcome with curiosity so strong that he had overlooked all the shortcomings he was previously thinking and as if in a trance, he moved forward to the call of the hand.
The woman spoke, “Why is it that you do not answer my driver when spoken to?”
The man hung his head and gestured with his hands around his mouth and a shrug of his shoulders that he was unable to speak.
This display had an affect on the woman, which manifest itself in an expression of pity upon her face. The carpenter, seeing this, was once more reminded of the difference between himself and others, causing him to lower his gaze onto the ground and feel the inadequacies he had experienced all too often.
Sensing that something was wrong, the woman quickly changed her expression and motioned for him to join her in the carriage. At first the man was very reluctant but on her insistence and with the aid of the footman that was still holding the door he finally seated himself opposite the lady who was not alone; there were three others in the carriage with her, an elderly gentleman, a younger woman and a small child.
Feeling as if he were in a dream state, being driven in a fine carriage with such elegant people he allowed himself to soak up the atmosphere and imagined that this was his carriage and these were his friends they were going to a grand ball, where he was to unveil his latest creations from the world of beauty which only fine timbers can create. As he gradually came out of this state his confidence seemed to have been renewed as much of his distress had vanished, to the degree that he was able to look into the eyes of his fellow travellers and smile with a nod of appreciation.
As his gaze went from passenger to passenger his eyes took in the small child and he noticed the remnants of recent tears still glistening on his streaked red cheeks. Wondering what could have been the cause of the distress, the carpenter’s gaze soon discovered a broken wooden toy being clutched tightly by the young boy’s cubby hands. With no thought other than to ease the boy’s pain, the carpenter lent forward and gently touched the toy. The lad relinquished his hold and allowed the man to examine the broken object. Smiling at the child he reached into his sack and retrieved one of his precious tools, it’s keen edge glinting in the sunlight. The boy was mesmerized as the carpenter slid his plane along the shattered edges of the broken toy ‘til both breaks were smooth, then reaching once more into his sack he, brought out another strange looking tool that was as equally as sharp as the first, and with hands that were confident and trustworthy he carved tiny nicks into the smooth side he had just planed. With sure hands he rubbed a mixture between the two sides and bound them with some narrow pieces of leather thronging, all the while with a smile on his face, which appeared to become infectious. The small boy, grabbed hold of the woman’s arm and said. “Look Mother that man has mended my broken toy, it’s as good as when Father gave it to me.”
This brought smiles to all in the carriage, as well as the Carpenter, who detected tears in the eyes of the other adults, for the first time understanding why he felt so good within himself. Because of his gifts he was able to bring some happiness into the lives of others. Sensing that the carpenter was pleased to be able to help, the elegant woman explained that they had just been to church for a remembrance service for her Husband, and the child’s toy was his Father’s last gift before he tragically died a year ago.
The boy, now brimming with excitement, pleaded with his mother to allow the man to come home with them because, as he pointed out, there were a lot of broken things around the house that the man could fix and he seemed so nice and gentle, not to mention clever with his hands.
The lady suspected that the carpenter had places to go and other jobs to complete. She thought; ‘Surely a person of his skill would certainly be in demand’, but at her son’s insistence she inquired of the man’s availability and invited him to stay with them until either all the jobs had been completed or he had to go to work for other clients.
The man could hardly believe the words he was hearing and agreed. Yet it was not too long before the old doubts started to invade his thinking; were these just good people taking pity on a mute woodworker who would be taken and shown off as a charity that the family had undertaken to enhance their standing in the eyes of the other town folk. It was not uncommon for nobility to pay for hermits to inhabit their gardens or for beggars to be employed to loiter around the back kitchen doors as a sign that the occupants were considerate to others less fortunate.
It had been so long since genuine friendship had been offered he was soon on guard to the inevitable blow that was sure to fall as it had so often in the past, when he least expected it. Should he stay or not take the chance and leave while he still had some credibility left.
He decided to sleep on it and reconsider his future the following day.
This period of self determination, even though in depth, was but a moment in time as the carriage jostled its way over the bumpy road into the centre of the township.
Looking through the braided curtains which covered the windows of the carriage the carpenter saw many fine shops and buildings which housed all manner of items. The appearance of the town was one of affluence and prosperity.
The previous thoughts of being used and teased were soon replaced with the ideas of what could be possible in a town such as this. All he needed was a start, a direction in which to focus his talents and the market would appear, he was convinced.
Being so engrossed in his future prospects he missed the turning of the carriage into the large estate that was the property and ancestral home of the lady opposite him. It was not until the rocking motion had stopped that the carpenter’s thoughts returned to the present and the situation in which he now found himself. Stepping down from the coach his eyes were treated to the most spectacular sight he had ever witnessed. In front of him lay sprawling manicured lawns that were dotted with mature trees of the varieties he was accustomed to and some which he was had never before seen, massive and majestic Oaks, tall Yews, towering Poplars, rows of Walnut trees, knarled and weathered Elms. Birch and Beech trees lined some walkways, while others were graced with huge Maples which had spread their branches to the other side of the avenues, creating the effect of high vaulted cathedral ceilings of red and golden leaves splayed as giant webbed hands under a blue cloudless sky. Beneath these trees sprawled a crisp brown carpet of crunchy leaves that had been discarded from the roof above. Others he was unfamiliar with he later was to learn, were gigantic Mahogany’s that had been bought from lands far away, as well as Cedars and Rosewoods. All had been planted with forethought to their beauty and usefulness of creating unique furniture pieces, as it transpired the Master of the estate that had so tragically died a year earlier, had a weakness for the beauty of items made from exotic woods; a trait which he must have inherited from his great, great grandfather who used to travel to different countries in the course of his business and bought different and interesting seedlings back with him in the hope that one day they could be used to furnish the palaces of royalty. This idea seemed to have been lost in successive generations until the present heir had seen to the select cutting and milling of specific trees several years earlier. Though the carpenter was not to know all this at the time, he understood something special about the place he was now standing.
Turning to assist the woman and other passengers from the carriage, he was directed towards a large outhouse building to the right of the mansion he now stood in front of and was informed that the groundsman there would find him a room to sleep in and supply him with all the necessary items for his comfort. He was told that when that was done he was to report to the kitchen at the rear, where the staff would have been instructed to make him feel at home and acquaint him with the times of meals and other routines of the house. The carpenter nodded appreciatively and walked off in the direction indicated with his sack once more slung over his shoulder, humming as he went. The Groundsman was a likeable character, and gave the Carpenter what he required and ushered him to his quarters, which were situated on the top floor of one the storehouses in the surrounding compound.
When finally left alone he set about making his quarters comfortable, placing his wooden cot under the window, which overlooked the courtyard, where he could easily view the lawn and trees which had earlier taken his consumed interest.
Once his sleeping arrangements were to his satisfaction, he settled to another task and sat on the small wooden stool that had been provided with a roughly hewn oak trestle table that stood alongside the wall opposite his window; there he lovingly placed his sack and commenced to rummage through it and retrieve all his precious tools, carefully and lovingly placing each on the table top. He handled them with such care that a casual observer may well have thought they were made of fragile china instead of hardy metals and woods. When the sack was empty he folded it neatly and placed it under himself as a cushion, then settled to what he considered a most pleasurable task of sharpening and setting his cherished implements.
This chore took on ritualistic proportions. He intimately inspected every screw thread and blade angle, his mind replayed the events of the day, incredible to imagine a few days earlier he contemplated living no more. Why had this happened to him? Did he deserve the kindnesses that had been bestowed on him by this family? The more he analyzed the situation the more he began to doubt the sincerity of the people he had met and doubted his own abilities to perform the work that he may be expected to do. Thoughts invaded his mind such as it was just luck that he was able to fix the little boy’s toy. Anyone could have done that he told himself. What would have happened if the boy wasn’t in the carriage? Where would he be spending the night now? How long would his luck hold? What if they have a change of heart in the morning and he is thrown off the estate? Certainty of uncertainty was more secure that uncertainty of certainty, surly he would be better off if he was not relying on the kindness of others. But something strange had occurred in his thinking and there was a minute glimmer of a feeling that till now had laid dormant or not existed at all. That was the feeling that maybe he did have some qualities others saw in him that he did not recognize. Perhaps there were jobs he could do better than others. Possibly he had a talent that was real and not just in his imaginings or flights of fancy. As these ideas started to grow and take form he quickly shut them down and focused back to the duties at hand with his tools. Too much idle time wasted spent on daydreaming was not good for someone in his position. He recalled the words the governor of the institution he was sent to as a child, “you must not aspire to any level of greatness, accept the position you have been dealt in life, you are but a worthless creature in human shape, only fit to be used as common service labour by those gentry that take pity on your pathetic life, that is surely why you were placed in my care, because of the embarrassment your muted form would bring on your family. Now you listen well boy, and be satisfied that you have been granted air to breathe.”
These rude reminders from the past were enough to squash any high designs that he previously entertained.
He doubled his efforts to hold back the tears that had been unspent for many years. He had no right to feel sorry for himself, the governor had been right it was enough to have the privilege to be allowed to breathe.
Finally with his maintenance chores completed he wrapped each tool away and stored them in a coffer on the ground floor storeroom and proceeded to the kitchen for some supper.
Once more faced with a choice of turning left or right, he chose left and with the warmth of the sun on his back which he felt was a omen, he increased his stride and was rewarded with the sight of a distant township on the horizon shortly afterwards.
Interestingly, he noted a decrease in his new stride and an equivalent increase in self doubt. Uncertainty crept into his mind the closer he came to entering the township which he believed held such promise. Fears of rejection, reliving past failures, hearing hurtful comments of days gone by, flooded through his consciousness. Physical manifestations of his fear were created, tremors in his hands and a weakness in his knees; his innermost desire was to run and run as fast as he could back to the safety and security of the forest, where these insane ideas had been born. Who had he been kidding? Who had he really been fooling to believe that a man such as he, a man of poor breading, of grotesque features and little talent unable to speak, should have the audacity to expect the rich and successful merchants and office bearers of this township to enlist his aid in the creation of precious belongings to adorn their opulent households.
Amid indecisiveness, fate played the first of many hands in the argumentation of his new life, as he brooded over his next move to once more run away or face an uncertain, but (he thought) predictable, future; of name-calling and ridicule, being the butt of hurtful jokes and the target of malicious gossip, spiny stares from young and older people alike.
While he was indulging in this all too common masochistic ritual, a horse drawn carriage pulled alongside and the driver asked to speak with him. Being conscious of his inability to communicate effectively, the carpenter feigned ignorance and without turning continued on his way towards the township. The carriage continued on and pulled up just ahead of him, one of the footmen dismounted and opened the side door, out of which came a delicate white-gloved hand which was attached to an equally graceful and beautiful woman of refinement. As the footman held the door open the hand beckoned to the carpenter who by now was overcome with curiosity so strong that he had overlooked all the shortcomings he was previously thinking and as if in a trance, he moved forward to the call of the hand.
The woman spoke, “Why is it that you do not answer my driver when spoken to?”
The man hung his head and gestured with his hands around his mouth and a shrug of his shoulders that he was unable to speak.
This display had an affect on the woman, which manifest itself in an expression of pity upon her face. The carpenter, seeing this, was once more reminded of the difference between himself and others, causing him to lower his gaze onto the ground and feel the inadequacies he had experienced all too often.
Sensing that something was wrong, the woman quickly changed her expression and motioned for him to join her in the carriage. At first the man was very reluctant but on her insistence and with the aid of the footman that was still holding the door he finally seated himself opposite the lady who was not alone; there were three others in the carriage with her, an elderly gentleman, a younger woman and a small child.
Feeling as if he were in a dream state, being driven in a fine carriage with such elegant people he allowed himself to soak up the atmosphere and imagined that this was his carriage and these were his friends they were going to a grand ball, where he was to unveil his latest creations from the world of beauty which only fine timbers can create. As he gradually came out of this state his confidence seemed to have been renewed as much of his distress had vanished, to the degree that he was able to look into the eyes of his fellow travellers and smile with a nod of appreciation.
As his gaze went from passenger to passenger his eyes took in the small child and he noticed the remnants of recent tears still glistening on his streaked red cheeks. Wondering what could have been the cause of the distress, the carpenter’s gaze soon discovered a broken wooden toy being clutched tightly by the young boy’s cubby hands. With no thought other than to ease the boy’s pain, the carpenter lent forward and gently touched the toy. The lad relinquished his hold and allowed the man to examine the broken object. Smiling at the child he reached into his sack and retrieved one of his precious tools, it’s keen edge glinting in the sunlight. The boy was mesmerized as the carpenter slid his plane along the shattered edges of the broken toy ‘til both breaks were smooth, then reaching once more into his sack he, brought out another strange looking tool that was as equally as sharp as the first, and with hands that were confident and trustworthy he carved tiny nicks into the smooth side he had just planed. With sure hands he rubbed a mixture between the two sides and bound them with some narrow pieces of leather thronging, all the while with a smile on his face, which appeared to become infectious. The small boy, grabbed hold of the woman’s arm and said. “Look Mother that man has mended my broken toy, it’s as good as when Father gave it to me.”
This brought smiles to all in the carriage, as well as the Carpenter, who detected tears in the eyes of the other adults, for the first time understanding why he felt so good within himself. Because of his gifts he was able to bring some happiness into the lives of others. Sensing that the carpenter was pleased to be able to help, the elegant woman explained that they had just been to church for a remembrance service for her Husband, and the child’s toy was his Father’s last gift before he tragically died a year ago.
The boy, now brimming with excitement, pleaded with his mother to allow the man to come home with them because, as he pointed out, there were a lot of broken things around the house that the man could fix and he seemed so nice and gentle, not to mention clever with his hands.
The lady suspected that the carpenter had places to go and other jobs to complete. She thought; ‘Surely a person of his skill would certainly be in demand’, but at her son’s insistence she inquired of the man’s availability and invited him to stay with them until either all the jobs had been completed or he had to go to work for other clients.
The man could hardly believe the words he was hearing and agreed. Yet it was not too long before the old doubts started to invade his thinking; were these just good people taking pity on a mute woodworker who would be taken and shown off as a charity that the family had undertaken to enhance their standing in the eyes of the other town folk. It was not uncommon for nobility to pay for hermits to inhabit their gardens or for beggars to be employed to loiter around the back kitchen doors as a sign that the occupants were considerate to others less fortunate.
It had been so long since genuine friendship had been offered he was soon on guard to the inevitable blow that was sure to fall as it had so often in the past, when he least expected it. Should he stay or not take the chance and leave while he still had some credibility left.
He decided to sleep on it and reconsider his future the following day.
This period of self determination, even though in depth, was but a moment in time as the carriage jostled its way over the bumpy road into the centre of the township.
Looking through the braided curtains which covered the windows of the carriage the carpenter saw many fine shops and buildings which housed all manner of items. The appearance of the town was one of affluence and prosperity.
The previous thoughts of being used and teased were soon replaced with the ideas of what could be possible in a town such as this. All he needed was a start, a direction in which to focus his talents and the market would appear, he was convinced.
Being so engrossed in his future prospects he missed the turning of the carriage into the large estate that was the property and ancestral home of the lady opposite him. It was not until the rocking motion had stopped that the carpenter’s thoughts returned to the present and the situation in which he now found himself. Stepping down from the coach his eyes were treated to the most spectacular sight he had ever witnessed. In front of him lay sprawling manicured lawns that were dotted with mature trees of the varieties he was accustomed to and some which he was had never before seen, massive and majestic Oaks, tall Yews, towering Poplars, rows of Walnut trees, knarled and weathered Elms. Birch and Beech trees lined some walkways, while others were graced with huge Maples which had spread their branches to the other side of the avenues, creating the effect of high vaulted cathedral ceilings of red and golden leaves splayed as giant webbed hands under a blue cloudless sky. Beneath these trees sprawled a crisp brown carpet of crunchy leaves that had been discarded from the roof above. Others he was unfamiliar with he later was to learn, were gigantic Mahogany’s that had been bought from lands far away, as well as Cedars and Rosewoods. All had been planted with forethought to their beauty and usefulness of creating unique furniture pieces, as it transpired the Master of the estate that had so tragically died a year earlier, had a weakness for the beauty of items made from exotic woods; a trait which he must have inherited from his great, great grandfather who used to travel to different countries in the course of his business and bought different and interesting seedlings back with him in the hope that one day they could be used to furnish the palaces of royalty. This idea seemed to have been lost in successive generations until the present heir had seen to the select cutting and milling of specific trees several years earlier. Though the carpenter was not to know all this at the time, he understood something special about the place he was now standing.
Turning to assist the woman and other passengers from the carriage, he was directed towards a large outhouse building to the right of the mansion he now stood in front of and was informed that the groundsman there would find him a room to sleep in and supply him with all the necessary items for his comfort. He was told that when that was done he was to report to the kitchen at the rear, where the staff would have been instructed to make him feel at home and acquaint him with the times of meals and other routines of the house. The carpenter nodded appreciatively and walked off in the direction indicated with his sack once more slung over his shoulder, humming as he went. The Groundsman was a likeable character, and gave the Carpenter what he required and ushered him to his quarters, which were situated on the top floor of one the storehouses in the surrounding compound.
When finally left alone he set about making his quarters comfortable, placing his wooden cot under the window, which overlooked the courtyard, where he could easily view the lawn and trees which had earlier taken his consumed interest.
Once his sleeping arrangements were to his satisfaction, he settled to another task and sat on the small wooden stool that had been provided with a roughly hewn oak trestle table that stood alongside the wall opposite his window; there he lovingly placed his sack and commenced to rummage through it and retrieve all his precious tools, carefully and lovingly placing each on the table top. He handled them with such care that a casual observer may well have thought they were made of fragile china instead of hardy metals and woods. When the sack was empty he folded it neatly and placed it under himself as a cushion, then settled to what he considered a most pleasurable task of sharpening and setting his cherished implements.
This chore took on ritualistic proportions. He intimately inspected every screw thread and blade angle, his mind replayed the events of the day, incredible to imagine a few days earlier he contemplated living no more. Why had this happened to him? Did he deserve the kindnesses that had been bestowed on him by this family? The more he analyzed the situation the more he began to doubt the sincerity of the people he had met and doubted his own abilities to perform the work that he may be expected to do. Thoughts invaded his mind such as it was just luck that he was able to fix the little boy’s toy. Anyone could have done that he told himself. What would have happened if the boy wasn’t in the carriage? Where would he be spending the night now? How long would his luck hold? What if they have a change of heart in the morning and he is thrown off the estate? Certainty of uncertainty was more secure that uncertainty of certainty, surly he would be better off if he was not relying on the kindness of others. But something strange had occurred in his thinking and there was a minute glimmer of a feeling that till now had laid dormant or not existed at all. That was the feeling that maybe he did have some qualities others saw in him that he did not recognize. Perhaps there were jobs he could do better than others. Possibly he had a talent that was real and not just in his imaginings or flights of fancy. As these ideas started to grow and take form he quickly shut them down and focused back to the duties at hand with his tools. Too much idle time wasted spent on daydreaming was not good for someone in his position. He recalled the words the governor of the institution he was sent to as a child, “you must not aspire to any level of greatness, accept the position you have been dealt in life, you are but a worthless creature in human shape, only fit to be used as common service labour by those gentry that take pity on your pathetic life, that is surely why you were placed in my care, because of the embarrassment your muted form would bring on your family. Now you listen well boy, and be satisfied that you have been granted air to breathe.”
These rude reminders from the past were enough to squash any high designs that he previously entertained.
He doubled his efforts to hold back the tears that had been unspent for many years. He had no right to feel sorry for himself, the governor had been right it was enough to have the privilege to be allowed to breathe.
Finally with his maintenance chores completed he wrapped each tool away and stored them in a coffer on the ground floor storeroom and proceeded to the kitchen for some supper.
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