Billy Part 9

As they navigated the narrow alleyways, Billy’s mother began to notice small and subtle differences. The alleys became wider and cleaner, the houses were better kept and the smell of waste was not as pungent. The deeper into town the ventured, the more evident were the signs of wealth around them. Eventually the alleys turned into streets that were paved with stone. The houses that lined these streets were made of grey stone, strong and stable structures. Both Billy and his mother found that their breathing came easier here and they relaxed somewhat. The faint light from the sunset was quickly fading and all around them little lights appeared from the shuttered windows of the houses as people lit their lanterns. It wasn’t before long when Billy’s mother saw the cathedral from between the houses. The street they walked opened up into a big square and the entrance of the cathedral was on the opposite side. Billy’s mother tugged at her son’s hand lightly and urged him forward quickly. She wanted to get inside the cathedral before the night had fully set. This was a strange town and they had nowhere else to turn to and very little money, the priest at the cathedral was sure to take them in. As the approached the square, a figure appeared at the end of the street and blocked their way. Billy’s mother stopped so suddenly that Billy bumped into her back and she almost fell to the ground. Behind them the mule snorted. For long moments all three of them stood in silence and then the figure walked towards them. Billy’s mother was unable to move and her son whispered to her in ear questioningly. She felt terribly afraid. It was dark and there was no one in sight. She watched the stranger approach and was unable to see the face inside the hood. The stranger stopped a few feet away from them and spoke.
“We’ve been waiting for you. We thought you would not come.” He spoke softly and there was no menace in his voice.
“You must be mistaken sir. We are just lonely travelers and we have no business here. We are on our way to the cathedral, if you let us pass, we will be on our way.” Billy’s mother responded with a quivering voice. The stranger stood unmoving as if he had not heard her. She took a few steps forward and then stopped. The stranger did not move out of their way. Feeling a little more than afraid now she looked behind her, it was too far away to turn around now.
“Sir, we have no money, there is nothing of value with us. Please let us pass.” Her voice was almost pleading and still the stranger said nothing. It was Billy who spoke next his voice strong and confident, “I have come”, he said. “I have come just like you have bid me to come.” Her mother turned to stare at her son just as the stranger closed the distance between them. He took a hold of Billy’s hand pulling him close and ran his other hand over Billy’s face. The movement was so quick that Billy’s mother barely had time to respond and just as quickly the stranger pulled away and took a few steps back. The hood had fallen away from his head and Billy’s mother could see him grinning in the faint light of the street. He took her hand in his and held it tightly. “Come with me, this way and quickly,” he said. Quickly he moved away half dragging Billy’s mother behind him. They moved away from the square and away from the cathedral. Billy’s mother tried to protest but could not. Billy followed behind them, holding on to his mother’s hand tightly and with an inexplicable grin on his face.