Page 34 - The Devil's Arsonist

Epilogue

‘The Flames of Redemption’

Sunday, 25 December 1994, The Bell Inn, Woodham Ferrers, Essex
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It was Christmas day in the Bell Inn. The lonesome and sad figure of the now century old,
‘Young Ned’, sat with empty glass at his usual haunt; where for over eight long decades he had
drunk his favourite brew of Ridley’s Ale. His first had been bought by his father this same day
in 1914, before he like many from the village had gone to war, to fight for King and Country
and little else; but he was lucky and returned. His commanding officer, and Lord of the Manor
of Sandys Hall was not so; and lies buried near where they fought; another victim of the ‘House
That Ran Out of Luck’. In reflective reverie he thought back on a life, that had been all that he
could ever wish. He had a wife he loved and who loved him. He had worked his beloved fields
with hand, plough, tractor and of late the electronic wizardry of the combine harvester; through
the four seasons of each year; the winters of cold and rain; the springs of snowdrops amid rain;
the summers of sun and still more rain; and the harvests of autumn gathered between frequent
rain. But most of all, he had been blessed from heaven above; for he had not bought a single
drink in his entire life!

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