Recovering Lost Youth

Here we are in the baggage compartment of the Eurostar train to London.

Here is Arthur's bicycle.

Here are two more bicycles. They are the bicycles of Vello and David.

That is not so strange. They are going to London, and on up to Edinburgh that same afternoon.

There are two more bicycles, belonging to persons we know.

And then, other bicycles, of no interest to us whatsoever.

Let us walk up the train.

Here is Arthur, scribbling something onto a notepad. Has he started writing poetry again?

Green bilious excretions of love.....

Oh dear, that's not very good. Let's move on.

Here are Vello and David in the second compartment.

They are discussing where they might go.

It's my idea, you know old chap, says David. You're just tagging along.

Nonetheless says Vello, I don't think it's wise.

Tell me why it's not wise to go back to one's roots, says David hotly. I want to see Ninewells again. And I shall. Are you coming or not?

No good trying to recover your lost youth, says Vello. It's pointless. Let's just stay in Edinburgh and visit the pubs. If you feel energetic we can climb Arthur's Seat.

This reminds them of Arthur.

I wonder what young Arthur's up to? says David. He's such a secretive chap.

We'll soon find out, says Vello. You know Ageless is right on his tail?

Yes but how reliable is Ageless? says David.

Reliable enough, says Vello. Belle et Bonne has promised him a reward.

David tries to imagine what that might be.

Do we know what it is? says David.

Something to do with his beloved, says Vello.

The two men are silent for a while, thinking of various beloveds they have known in the past.

The train roars on monotonously. They soon fall asleep.

And now here we are in the fourth compartment.

We should not be surprised to see Ageless, for we know he is acting the spy.

But who is this sitting behind him? The other person we know?

It's Chris Froome, on a quick trip to London. And that was his bike.