Two Dreadful Circumstances

Baby Pierre waited at the bus stop in Quillan, under his book.

As La Princesse de Babylone became sodden, Baby Pierre fell asleep.

The four thirty bus ( the last one for the day) started up, and some people got on.

Oh look, said a man, there's a book on the ground. Someone's dropped it.

He bent down to pick up the book, before boarding the bus.

The bus pulled out of the bus station, and Baby Pierre woke up.

Where's my book? wondered Baby Pierre. Where's La Princesse de Babylone? Where's the bus?

Though he waited and waited, the bus never came.

....

Back in cold Carcassonne, Gaius and Margaret had gone for a walk even though it was drizzling.

After all, said Margaret. We are in Cathar country.

What's that got to do with it? said Gaius.

They had to be hardy in those days, said Margaret.

I have no need to model myself on the Cathars, said Gaius. Being a Roman myself.

Fiddle dee dee, said Margaret. Let's go. Have you got an umbrella?

Yes I have, said Gaius, but it seems to be broken.

They walked out through the graveyard behind the Cité, and followed a country road past vineyards and trees. They crossed a bridge. They saw no one except a few soldiers. The soldiers looked surprised to see them, and smirked as they said bonjour.

The path led through a forest and up to a deserted village. It was eerie and damp. All the windows were broken and rubbish was piled up inside. They heard several loud bangs.

Run, said Margaret.

Gaius started to run, then slowed down to a brisk Roman walk.