Resolution

A long outstanding task is resolved.

That night I slept soundly in the happy knowledge that the matter that had been long preying on my mind would be resolved in the next few days. Regardless of the outcome I would be able to move forward with the rest of my life.

I woke at six, ate a hearty breakfast and prepared my saddlebags for my journey of five days. Astride my chestnut mare Conquest I set off at eight with the weather set fair, the blue sky broken by scattered clouds and a cool breeze.

My journey to Georgetown proved uneventful. The Star Inn where I spent my first night was passable with a soft mattress, a sterling mutton pie and fine ale. The only events of any note in my journey were a brief exchange with a highwayman, an argument with two Irish beggars and a skirmish with a wild boar in the Forest of Dartford when I dismounted for a piss.

Beginning to weary after two long days in the saddle I was greatful to reach my abode for the night, the Crosskeys Inn on the outskirts of Georgetown. In spite of a nagging anxiety about the morrow I passed a pleasant evening with the buxom serving lass Bess attending to my every want - well most of them. I took care not to overindulge in the moreish local ale as my head would have to be as clear as a mountain brook for whatever the morrow would bring.

Later, in my room, my thoughts turned as they often did to my unresolved predicament. Often in one's unpredictable passage through life events can turn against you. The easy path is to do nothing and live with anxiety gnawing away at your soul. The braver way is to remove the cancre by decisive action.

After a night riven by frightful and unresolved dreams I breakfasted well on bacon, three Norfolk sausages accompanied by two fried eggs - perhaps echoes of the condemned man's last meal - and sharpened my metaphorical dagger.

After packing my bag I mounted Conquest and cantered the short way into town with my heart beating a frenetic tattoo. In no time I stood before the door of my destiny. My hand poised for final moments, I could still turn for home but seizing the moment I rapped firmly. I could hear footsteps.

The events passed as I had hoped as I had the great advantage of surprise. The journey home was uneventful and there was no sign of pursuit. With the dark cloud on my soul removed I could now resume a life untethered.

My final message for the reader is to act decisively. In so doing remove the weight from your life which is preventing an easy freedom.

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

An effective tale with much wisdom to be resolute, focus on the task at hand, see it through and learn lessons along the way. I like the style, the imagery, the twists and turns. We must act decisively as the writer powerfully states.
You are good Alan...

[alanwgraham]

Many thanks Sami for your kind review.
Cheers,
Alan

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome. Cheers!

[barleygirl]

This is a well-told story, brief & compelling, leaving the reader with an ending that can be interpreted in whichever way resonates with each reader. First, it's great to be reading you again. Even before I left the cafe 4 months ago, you hadn't been posting much for a while, so I hope this is one of many new postings that I can peruse in the coming days & weeks. Secondly, this piece is remarkable for it's brevity & laser-focused storyline, whereas your tendency to go off on tangents (albeit fun well-organized tangents) is legendary! *wink! wink!*

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Margie. I was aware that this story was more straight ahead than my usual offerings. To be honest I've been a bit lacking in inspiration since a spell in hospital nearly a year ago. I have got a few writing projects to work on so hopefully I'll be able to upload a few.
It great to see you back in the cafe.
Cheers,
Alan

[barleygirl]

I'm sorry you've been thru a bum-scootin' low thrash! Don'tcha just hate how much longer it takes to bounce back, now that we're ancient? *wink! wink!*

[Betty Hermelee]

Don’t hold thoughts that produce anxiety; it seems that this gentleman had something on his mind that worried him terribly, so much so that he traveled far to rectify it, almost turning back before he got there.he did the right thing in that he removed the heavy weight on him by getting it off his chest and moving on in life.
A good lesson to learn.
Very relevant and well written Alan!
Best, B.

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Betty for your kind review. This was a bit different from my usual stories which can be a bit contorted but it's good to vary things a bit.
All the best,
Alan

[Betty Hermelee]

I liked it very much Alan, well written and made a point
Best
B.

[Lorry]

Well Alan, a bit of karma at play here, as I am currently on a road trip of this fine land (car, not horse) and fine weather to boot, which is an extra bonus, as the sky is that watercolour blue you only ever see in that place called abroad.
A very enjoyable write, with the wisdom of leaving troubles unpacked, as they will still be there on your return or perhaps your travels broaden the mind into resolving what you were too close to see from a distance, that We magnify things, especially worries out of all proportion and the ogre we imagine turns out to be the shadow of a normal sized thing projected in the candlelight as bigger than what it is.
Heading west today, from nairn to the islands, Skye and Mill and if time and we don't overindulge in sampling, a few more distillery tours before heading east to the enemy of the west, fair Edina 😊
Happy trails 😊

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Lorry for your thoughts. It is true that events from our pasta can give us indigestion. Also apologies for deleting your last review by mistake. My fingers are just too big for my phone. Your road trip sounds great. I'd love to head out west. We are also going to Edinburgh on Thursday.
Take care.
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

Words of wisdom here Alan. Getting bogged down with heavyweight stuff hanging round your neck like an albatross isn't going to do yourself any favours. A firm resolve to get this negative stuff resolved, whatever that might be is certainly a move in the right direction. Good to read you again. Hope all is OK in your neck of the woods.

Chris

[alanwgraham]

Many thanks Chris for your kind review. I was interested to see what anyone thought of this short parable. All is well here. We have just returned from a lovely short break in Bristol visiring my wife's sister. I hope all is well with you.
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

All good Alan. We visited Bristol too, a month ago :)

[Samuel Dickens]

Well, doggonit! What was that weight he removed? The sharpened dagger leads me to believe some type have cutting may have taken place. (Not onions or bread, I suspect) Excellent writing--you sure grabbed my attention.

Please check that second sentence.

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Samuel. I was sitting in the pub writing this so excuse me a few mistakes. I've included the word metaphorical before dagger now to widen the meaning.
It's meant to read like a parable.
Hope you are doing well and writing more for us to enjoy.
Cheers,
Alan