Chapter 16
We Meet AgainTheir departure from Chatham was somewhat precipitate, the orders and the mailbags arriving almost simultaneously. It was fortunate that Ceran had returned the previous evening with young Johannes in tow and bearing letters from Petroc’s father and his cousin.
Johannes shifted nervously as Petroc read the letters. “Ik liked that house. An’ Uwe father was good, Mijn Heer.”
Petroc smiled and lifted the second letter. “But you don’t want to live there or at my cousin’s house?”
The boy looked at his feet. “Nee. No, Mijn Heer.” His eyes met Petroc’s. “Ik wil – I wish to stay wit’ Uwe, Mijn Heer.”
His anxious expression and nervous perch on the edge of his seat told of the obvious turmoil within the young lad. Petroc softened his voice as he said, “Johannes, this is
