Beginnings & Endings: Mark
In the library, Embar on his lap and a tumbler full of Talisker in his hand, he sat staring. He could hear the voice inside his head.
‘All yours now. Don’t you go letting me down! Embar told me he wanted to stay with you so you make sure he does, right? Mrs Protheroe will do for you, and look after him while you’re away. It’s all yours, brother, all yours. Caergollo, the woods, the sea, the books, everything. And my music, look after that too, but you’ll have help. Embar knows.’
The voice faded. The words were the same as in the letter. It had arrived in Kyoto just after he got back from seeing the Ox Herding paintings. He touched his pocket; he carried his set of cards of the ten paintings always now. And the letter. He pulled it out.
‘You were right, brother,’ Tristan had begun. ‘You’ll never see me alive again. By the time you come back I’ll be gone, but here is the key to the house. Don’t lose it. I don’t need it any more. Mrs Protheroe looks after me. And Embar. I go out in the woods when I can, up to the kieve, and the cottage. The woodfolk give me herbs for the pain. And the passing.
It’s as easy as it can be, considering. Mrs P. lets me have anything I want, which isn’t much. I’m not hungry but I keep drinking, just to maintain consciousness. I’m not like Dylan Thomas, I don’t rage at the dying of the light, in fact I welcome it. I shall go to the sea at the end. It’s full moon tomorrow night. Maybe one day you’ll understand.
It’s all sorted, the solicitor has confirmed everything. Jack Ellis is OK, if you get in a muddle just ask him. He doesn’t cost the earth either. It’s all yours now. All yours now. Don’t you go letting me down …’
Mark couldn’t see to read any more, his eyes were full of tears.
Embar nuzzled his hand. Again he buried his face in the black fur, crying.
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