“Okay, oh, and let me know if the man contacts you, okay?”
“What do I do?”
“Nothing, just give me a text to say he’s called. I’ll work out what to do next.”
“You mean, you have no plan?”
“I have a dynamic plan.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means I’m making it up as I go along.”
“Oh.”
“Have you ever been to the Isle of Man?” she asked, changing the subject completely and abruptly.
“Huh? Um, no, why?”
“Do you want to go?”
“I don’t know; what’s there?”
“No idea, but I may need to get there in a hurry and a motorbike could well be just the job.”
“You are so weird!” he said.
“Yeah, I know. Sorry. See you Monday.”
She was gone and he was staring at a dead phone again. He wished she wouldn’t do that.
Chapter Twelve
Diane Cooper-Wright wished all the students were like the girl with whom she had just dealt. The paperwork and records showed she’d been at Portsmouth University for a year already, but for the life of her she couldn’t remember her at all, and she dealt with all applications.
Tamsyn Morrghan possessed an unusual name, so she should have remembered it. Diane had found her intelligent, articulate, respectful and polite, not four attributes necessarily found in one person of her age very often all at the same time.
She had initiated enquiries on Tamsyn’s behalf after receiving her original call, and was pleasantly surprised when she told her that she would have to start again, as she was not upset and accepted it gracefully. She claimed that as her parents had tragically died when she was young, enough funds were available for her education, so that wasn’t an issue.
“I’d rather spend an extra year at this end of my career than waste several in the wrong job wishing I had done,” Tamsyn said.
A very mature and intelligent remark, Diane thought.
The girl had entered the office with a nice-looking, but rather big young man with a motorcycle helmet under his arm and wearing a black leather jacket. They’d talked a little until Diane was ready for them. He came first and simply handed over a completed application form. She went through it with him, noting his excellent grades.
“Have you applied anywhere else?” she asked.
“I have completed three other applications, but they’re sitting on my desk at home. I’ll wait and see what you guys say first.”
“Why don’t you go through UCAS?”
He glanced at the girl.
Oh, thought Diane, it’s like that, is it?
“Is there a problem with a direct application?”
“Not at all. Do you want to see if the department head is available?”
“Sure, why not?” the boy said, grinning.
While he waited, she dealt with Tamsyn, and signed her up to start the first year in Computer programming, IT Systems and design. Her excellent grades through the first year of Media studies meant there was no problem with this, but the courses were so diverse that they weren’t able to give her sufficient credits for her original first year.
Tamsyn accepted it all philosophically and in good heart. After signing various forms, she went to the IT department and spoke to one of the lecturers. Mike Hambley spoke with her for just five minutes, and realised in that short time that this girl might just be able to teach him a thing or two. He was actually delighted at the level of knowledge she displayed, and looked forward to seeing what she would be able to bring to the course.
She returned to the office and met up with Lee when he came out of his semi-interview with the department head.
“I have a place, if I want it,” he said, looking meaningfully at her.
She laughed.
“In other words, if I’m coming here, so are you?”
He looked sheepish.
“Is this wise?”
He shrugged, so she relented.
“I’m starting in the first year again in IT. What course are you on?”
When he told her, she laughed.
“Seriously? I thought you wanted to do games programming?”
“I had a long look at my life. I love playing games, so thought if I do it all the time, I’ll lose something I love.”
“That’s why you’re doing sports science, recreation and leisure management?”
“Before my Dad fucked off with another woman, I loved my sports. He encouraged me, so when he walked out, I lost interest. I think I’d like to start again. That way, when I get home I can chill on the sofa and play games. Cool, eh?”
Still laughing, she shook her head.
“I brought you a helmet. I wasn’t sure what size you are. It’s my spare. It’s an open face, I’m sorry.”
“No problem. Shall we grab some lunch and head off after that?”
“Yeah, perhaps you could show me round a bit?”
Tamsyn, who felt that she had never been to Portsmouth in her life before, grinned.
“Yeah, well, there’s plenty of time for that in Freshers’ Week.”
They popped into the nearest pub, which just happened to be an Australian theme pub. Lee could not remember a time when he had been so content.
Matthew was relieved to see the email in his inbox. On opening it, he checked the sender’s details and breathed a sigh of relief. This was the first email he had exchanged with the secretive Igor from Russia.
All the previous communications had been on the SWC message boards. When Matthew had told the man that he may have a sword of a similar type to the ones on sale, the man appeared to be interested in their origins. Matthew wondered if he knew a little more of their history, he might seek to raise the price. Matthew had explained he wasn’t interested in selling his, but might be willing to buy the two that Igor was selling.
Matthew.
I am in possession of letter detailing location and nature of swords findings. They were discovered in Germany, what was East Germany. I was soldier posted there in 1980s. They were found on farm in site of burying. Three men buried there, important men. Letter from finding professor states bury time 700-800AD. Translation of inscription on swords also.
Would like to see your sword for comparison.
Igor V
Matthew smiled at the man’s poor English. However, he thought ruefully, his English was better than Matthew’s non-existent Russian.
He wrote back.
Dear Igor.
I would be very interested in seeing your swords, for comparison’s sake. I am determined to date mine accurately as well as get some firmer idea as to whom they belonged. I do not let my sword out of my home. If you wish to view sword, you may visit my home, but in the interests of security, I would ask that you come alone.
If you cannot bring the swords from Russia, I understand, but would like to view any suitable photographs or other reproductions of inscriptions and their translations.
If the swords match, I would certainly consider purchasing yours to add to my collection. I am not interested in the axe, but if you are not willing to break the lot, then I might make you an offer for all three.
Matthew.
The reply came back the following day.
Matthew
The swords will not leave Russia until I sell them. I will be in London soon for business. I will email when I come and see you.
Igor V
This was good news indeed. Matthew was a bit baffled as to how two swords that were reputedly Celtic happened to be found in modern Germany, but then recalled that the Celts were known to have been in the heart of Europe, specifically in Austria and southern Germany in the years before the Roman Empire. (see Appendix 1 - The Celts ) It could be that the Saxons were related to the Celts, and these swords were the link. Whatever was the case, Matthew was excited.
Lee sat on his bike and watched the girl. She stood twenty feet away looking through the railings at a big house in the trees at the end of a long drive.
He was feeling strangely content, if not a little apprehensive. Tamsyn broke all the known rules. She was friendly and good fun to be with, but sent him confusing messages. Being a young man who had yet to experience women, he wanted to come over as a macho and controlling man, but was actually quite content to simply do whatever she asked.