To his intense annoyance a horse appeared. The shaggy beast came over the slope as the sun rose. Tom was furious. It was the story of his life. Whenever things went well, some interfering busybody arrived on the scene and stuffed things up. The district was full of the sods. The rich bastards thought they owned the place.
He took in a deep breath and prepared to tell the intruder to sod off. Then he took a second look. The horseman wore a cloak and his boots were fastened with long straps that bound his trousers to his legs. His first impression was of a boy of about thirteen. When he looked closer, he realised the young man was closer to twenty.
He was a small man on a small horse. His light-brown hair hung to his shoulders and an ugly scar crossed his cheek. He halted a few paces away and removed a knotted cord from his belt. His fingers ran down it and came to rest on the first knot.
He cleared his throat.
'Welcome, Tomas son of John. Great Sage. Master of the Light.' His fingers moved to the second knot.
'The Duideth bids and commands me to deliver this message. You have passed the Seventh Gate and are admitted to the fellowship of the Duideth. Blessed is the Duideth and holy are its works.' The third knot, which was bigger than the others.
'Heed the laws of the Duideth. Heed the law of silence. Do not profane the sacred works with writing.' Further commands and dire warnings followed as the horseman ran his fingers further down the cord. He reached the last knot.
'You will be received by the Duideth when next the Lord Sun descends in the fullness of his being. Go to the Seventh Circle. Go as a simple man. Take no weapons.' The last knot slipped through his fingers. Tom guessed the message was over. But the messenger kept talking.
'Bring the young woman of fair countenance.' The words were rushed and he began to fade away.
'I don't understand,' Tom shouted. 'Where am I to go?'
A look of alarm appeared on the young man's face.
'Up where the stones are.'
He cocked a thumb towards a nearby hill.
'Go there tomorrow night ... and take the girl with you.'