When he passed, they would look after him in confusion, and so began the murmurings, as people vaguely recognized the former digger boy, wondering why he had such a fine sword at his hip.
They'd built a small wooden platform in the centre of the village to receive the Captain and his army on. On that platform there was a table laden with food and ceremonial gifts of weapons and water.
At the table, Greeves was sat with Judas standing behind him. Both were dressed better than Beam had ever seen them. Greeves had a green velvet coat over his shoulder and fancy shin high leather boots over his legs. His hair was oiled back and his beard was trimmed.
As for Judas, he'd also combed what little hair remained on his balding head, and he'd put on some of his cleaner clothes. He had a large axe sheathed at his belt rather than his usual baton, making him look quite the fearsome bodyguard indeed.
