Sheppard's HIll

Trouble In The Village (Part one)

The blue sky, the green hills stretching away into distance, the gentle songs of the blackbirds. It was just perfect, but something was wrong. Sebastian just did not feel right. Was it the long wait for breakfast? Maybe the mood being soured by the fracas in finally getting get out the door that morning?

No, it was more than that. As he bounded across the lush hills and fields he felt empty like never before. He looked around for the umpteenth time to make sure Edwin, his lethargic friend was still lumbering along behind him. Sure enough there he was slow, ungainly, out of breath but never the less still going.

“Only a mile to go” Sebastian thought to himself “could meet him at the car.” Ever loyal the thought was forced out of his head and he walked along with old slow coach as usual. AS he leapt into the back and settled into his grooming routine everything seemed ok, but deep inside he knew something was wrong.

The first time Sebastian had bounded across the fields at Sheppard’s Hill was quite some time ago now. He still remembered it vividly. At just a year old he and a more youthful Edwin hiked from the village, up that steep hill, and across the fields at a good pace. Of course Sebastian could still do that, but Edwin! Not any more.

Over the years of running and walking there, he had felt so much joy. However this day there was none. He pondered what was wrong for a while but gave up because that depressed him all the more.

The journey back seemed very long and was quite a relief when Sebastian settled into his round, furry bed. A quick spot of grooming, flattening the blanket and the depression was over for this very solemn Sunday.

Monday morning came round again. Edwin and Rachel overslept, yet again, but could always be sure that Sebastian would let them know. Ten o’clock! It couldn’t be but it was! No time to think of excuses just phone the bosses and fly, but where was Sebastian? It was pitiful to hear the badly acted tales of woe from Edwin and Rachel, on each other’s behalf of course! Within minutes they were out of the door to check the village for Sebastian.

Sebastian trembled as he remembered his deep depression at Sheppard’s Hill the day before. He just had to find out why it had happened. On arrival at the car park all seemed normal, but then as the minutes passed he felt it again. As he tried to overcome the extreme depression a faint voice could be heard.

Perhaps it was from the west? He crept along ever alert to lurking dangers, but nothing but a faint whisper could be heard. Just a mile more and it appeared, a tall shadowy figure of a man. The calling continued getting stronger every moment, every stride towards him. The shadowy figure was nearly upon him and soon the mystery would start to reveal it’s secret. Just then another call came, it was Edwin and Rachel.

“Sebastian! Time to come home now. It’s Monday, don’t you know!”

The lure of the shadowy figure was strong, but his loyalty was more so. Sebastian duly headed back to his family but vowed to return. As much as Sebastian loved his family, and really did not want to worry them, the urge to return to the shadowy stranger was growing stronger.

Rachel drove back, whilst Edwin sat in the back with Sebastian. The cute looking collie was rather subdued, refusing to stay awake enough to notice as his master tried to comfort him.

Over the weeks Sebastian’s depression was getting worse, culminating in a visit to the vet. The day of the vet came, but there was no Sebastian. After much searching he was found cowering in the corner of the spare room, incredulously curled into a space belying his size.

The collied whimpered and scratched vigorously at the carpet, but eventually succumbed to the trip to the vet. All the time knowing what he must do, Sebastian finally concluded that a brave face would be the best approach.

After a quick groom on the way the now smart, bright-eyed dog walk into the vets room tail wagging in mock happiness. Immediately on seeing the vet his heart sank further into depression, which he could not conceal. Edwin and Rachel got on just fine with the the slender faced Mr Smythe. Sebastian gave them a puzzled frown as he whimpered in fear. The creature before stared evilly into eyes, resembling nothing Sebastian had ever seen. Mr Smythe’s hair more resembled spines than anything else. As the evil looking vet looked him over the collie was trembling violently.

Finally they got out of the room and away from the vile vet. “I don’t think I could have our Sebastian put down you know” Edwin emotionally announced to Rachel.

“No, we just can’t do that for depression” she agreed “Absolutely not, we will cure him ourselves.”

The fear of this vet was justified now and they promised never to return to the vet. As time went on the depression became easier to hide, and anything was better than the vet. Any vet!

“Sebastian! Dinner!” rang out from the hallway. He was straight up on his feet and into the kitchen as if he were in the Olympics. A glance over to the door, that face, and the usual kangaroo impression was enough for a ticket to the garden. Edwin thought nothing of it as this was just a normal occurrence with Sebastian.

“It’s been five minutes now. Is Sebastian finished in the garden?” enquired Rachel sternly. The reply came sharply and out they went to check. Surely he would have not run off again.

“Gone!” they harmonised as they realised just where the sleek black and white collie had headed for.

Out on Sheppard’s Hill the wind was blowing hard. Sebastian even paused for breath such was the force of the mighty gale. Faster and faster the wind rattled round as if it would never end, but then sudden silence. In the distance the winds were gradually forming into a series of oval-like shapes. As the shapes merged the form of a man became apparent. It was the same mysterious fellow as before. The chance to finally solve the puzzle of his depression was here again. The thought to go back came and went several times until finally the decision was made, there was no going back!

Besides, it may just be bad weather and a friendly hiker. The shadowy figure advanced towards the nervous Sebastian. Every step revealed the sheer size of the phenomenon. Step by step, minute by minute, the shadowy man was getting nearer to Sebastian.

Deep inside he felt compelled to stay. Yet he also felt such great fear. The figure was there in front of him, beckoning him forward. As Sebastian edged forward a huge vortex of winds started before him. He felt himself lifted from the ground.