XVIII

EVEN THOUGH WEARY AFTER A NIGHT OF JOLLITY AND GOOD FELLOWSHIP, SITTING UP TO A VERY LATE HOUR

Even though weary after a night of jollity and good fellowship, sitting up to a very late hour, all of my companions seemingly eager to impress on me their hope that I would, when writing up an account of my travels, reveal their sundry activities in the most favourable manner, needs must we had to rise early, break-fast and depart if I was to cross the water before nightfall.

THE TRAVELLER. Heavy were mine eyes at the morning board sitting opposite to Albert, not just from the pleasures of the previous evening, but added to by a touch of melancholy, this being the day of my departure from The Island of Herttach.

Albert had arranged for me to be roused early and under my direction the boy soon packed and stowed my baggage. I presented both him and The Housekeeper with little gifts, made by the craftsmen of mine own native land, kept aside in anticipation such a moments. They received these tokens with much appreciation and wished me a safe and speedy journey homeward.

Around nine our Solar Cart was fetched and Albert again took his customary position at the Control-Bar. Joining him at his side we moved off into traffic lighter than was usual due to the Publick Holiday, the servants waving us an adieu until we turned out of the side street on to the principal thoroughfare.

Little of note occurred on our journey to The Great Bridge, avoiding as we did the Circular Solar Cart-Way around The Capital, Albert making a straight and direct route. Sadly I must recall the lines of those moving wearily between Hurry Stations remained much the same numbers as before. Albert informing me such persons were allowed no respite even on Publick Holidays.

Toward the later part of the afternoon we came to rest outside of The Money Changers office, I requesting a halt to give me the opportunity to change back the bag of coin I had secured on my arrival in Herttach. Taking the still sealed, though I now I was convinced, much lighter bag of coin, from my secure valise, I indicated to Albert I would try to keep the time taken to transact, short. I strode into the money changer’s office.

The same clerk working there as on my previous visit and handing him the money bag, I expressed my desire to receive Golden Ecudoros in exchange. Taking the money-bag from off me he dropped it into a draw in the desk, without any close examination. Then opening the money-chest counted out Six Golden Ecudoros. How could this be correct. I remonstrated with this person who I had assumed to be a man of unblemished integrity. Looking up with a languid and almost pitying glance he pushed his quill aside. I told him in no uncertain manner the money-bag had never been opened or its store depleted since he himself had given it to me. Six Golden Ecudoros indeed.

THE MONEY CHANGER. “My good Sir, I can understand any good reason for dismay. All is as it should be. Though I glean from your expression that I must explain. Surely Sir you have had during its time in your possession need to examine and move The Money Bag?”

THE TRAVELLER. I retorted sharply that of course I had done so on several occasions. But had never once opened it.

THE MONEY CHANGER. Continuing softly as if addressing a person with limited powers of comprehension. “Then Sir you must have become aware of the gradual reduction in weight of the bag. I see from your expression reasons must be forthcoming. The Coin of The Island Herttach these recent times become subject to some devaluation, that is the rate at which it could be exchanged for the coin of other nations has declined, and if the truth be told indeed continues to decline. A man of much ingenuity, who common knowledge is aware has designed and constructed several engines vital to the good order Herttach, though few men know the exact purpose of these devices. Well Sir. he in his wisdom devised the Herttach Crowns now in general circulation, Their weight without a hand of intervention, gradually diminishes, thus devaluing the currency in a natural and untroubling manner. The metal from which they are minted is a base one and therefore of little consequence. Thus you give me twelve gold coins and in exchange I present you with a bag of Herttach Crowns. You return at some time later, the coin has now reduced in weight and thus value, therefore I give you back in exchange Six Gold Ecudoros. Tis fortunate for you indeed that you did not wish to exchange on the morrow, for on that date I could have given you but Five. Good day to you Sir. A pleasant traversing of The Bridge and perhaps one day we might have the honour of once again doing business with you.”

THE TRAVELLER. Saying this he picked up his quill and resumed his labours. I put the Six Golden Ecudoros in my money belt and covering it with my waistcoat left the office, firm in my own mind that I would make no mention to Albert of what had occurred.

The sky had begun to display the first signs of twilight when at last we found ourselves confronted by the Transparent Barrier, unchanged since my arrival it continued to span the entire length of the horizon and disappeared up into the clouds.

Albert earlier had informed me that another driver would convey me back across The Bridge to reach The Greater Continent. He regretted this was the only course open to him, needing as he must to return to The Capital without delay on Official business. I accepted this information with some regret though could not help but wonder if sentiment might have played a role in this decision, the easier to make our farewells. Not much was said. Then just before we commenced our transit through the shimmering barrier, Albert stopped the Solar Cart. A man of about five years and twenty stood awaiting our arrival and getting down Albert introduced him to me as Edward, the transit Solar Cart driver employed by The Official Agencies.

ALBERT. He reached up to shake my hand warmly “I bid you farewell Sir! and hope that I have been of some use to you during the past days we have spent in each others company, and further add the hope should you ever again decide to visit these shores we will have an opportunity to renew our acquaintance. Up and aboard ans abroad Edward.”

THE TRAVELLER. Edward did as he was bid and Albert giving my hand a final shake turned heel and strode off without a single backwards glance, not I felt for lack of any regard for my person, but because of the difficulties I had heard tell, the citizens of The Island of Herttach have when confronting the demands of personal relationships.

Edwards took the control-bar, move off, The Solar Cart, in an instant we passed through the Transparent Barrier, our view of The Great Bridge in an instant transformed from the rickety structure observed from the Herttach side of the barrier, into the fine construction it was in reality.

Those crossing at this time were few in number and I requested my driver to halt a moment whilst I took a final glance back. He did so less than one half league along The Great Bridge. Looking back I gazed intently through the Transparent Curtain shimmering gently in the evening light and saw beyond it green fields filled with corn, wide and uncluttered highways on which Solar Carts travelled along with ease and facility, houses in the small town, the last port of call before departure, the buildings fine in aspect and well maintained, the townsfolk contentedly going about their business, as the church clock struck on the hour.

FIN