Sorrow Hill: Saltbury Estate

By Ken Donaldson

A Title pillaged out of time reaps reward of a different kind. ~Torrance Hill.

Strange it be, even; to the humblest of man standing in the right place of time can be swayed to seize ill-gotten opportunity when a door opens a glee in his eye without considering what consequences waits to come in the future.
So it was with my ancestors casting the line of fate inside a world of unexpected horrors facing them just to maintain this pretended lie upheld before others of status and stature who had been born and accustom to the blood of others fallen behind them.
For my granddad it was a promise of a new life he dreamed to be far better than his own means of surviving. But little did he know the price of his treachery and the secret burden his family name shall measure on the scales of time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ken Donaldson
• Release date: Apr 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9780244466527

Ken Donaldson

I am the Storyteller of tales, a poet, novelist who can bring to life a world that only you can see through my compositions scribed on parchments to take you to places far beyond the realm of just one reality

Book preview

Table of Contents

Sorrow Hill

Saltbury Estate

Copyright

Respects

Note from the Author

Credits

Contents

Torrance Hill

Humble Men Stolen Beginning

Plotting A Plan

Ripples form

Next Stage Begins

Building Upon Foundations

Fools Gambit

Errors Come at a Price

Protecting Thy Own Interest

Fresh Blood on Saltbury

Foundation to Freedom

Deeds of Men

Facing Realities

Changing Sea Breeze

Turning a page

The Honey’s Curse

A Vision Grows

Last Man Standing

Time unto Time

The Hill Relives

Legacy unto Legacy

Conlogue

Behind the Scenes

Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer

Prologue

Torrance Hill

Humble Men Stolen Beginning

Plotting a Plan

Ripples Form

Next Stage Begins

Building upon Foundations

Fools Gambit

Errors come at a Price

Protecting Thy Own Interest

Fresh Blood on Saltbury

Foundation to Freedom

Deeds of Men

Facing Realities

Changing Sea Breeze

Turning a Page

The Honey’s Curse

A Vision Grows

Last Man Standing

Time unto Time

The Hill Relives

Legacy unto Legacy

Conlogue

Behind the Scenes

Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer

Sorrow Hill

Saltbury Estate

Ken Donaldson

04/06/2019

ISBN: 978-0-244-46652-7

Copyright

        The contents of this novel as with all novels including those which form part of a series comprised by Author Ken Donaldson are © under all world trade agreements and as such are protected by copyright laws along with all other stories written by Australian Author Ken Donaldson.

The stories composed by Australian Author Ken Donaldson are not works of public domain and as such anyone caught with downloading illegal copies in any format, or proven to have uploaded to any website illegal copies of the said Author above works shall be liable to compensate the said above Author under the laws of Australia that are held to an account against any acts of piracy by criminal perpetrators.

Penalties currently claimable for damages and may increase depending upon revised Australian piracy laws are as follows at the date of this publication:

For a website service provider, a website owner, or a corporation-based venture as any entity shall commit producing any illegal copies an amount enforceable for payment will be determined by current rate of Australian award for each and every offense at that time for any and all past, present or future lost, plus possible jail time to be served as well. Hence:

The end-user, downloader or individual as any entity shall commit producing any illegal copies an amount enforceable for payment will be determined by current rate of Australian award for each and every offense at that time for any and all past, present or future lost, plus possible jail time to be served as well.

By obtaining a copy of this or any story composed by the Australian Author Ken Donaldson in any material form Electronic or otherwise. Not legally paid for. You, have agreed to accept legal responsibility for your own actions under the laws of Australia no matter which nation on Earth you reside upon as your home and territorial domain. Thus, once caught for committing a criminal act of your own freewill an account payable by you for each and all illegal copies found in your possession or have been found connected to you past or present shall be lawfully paid by you.

This contractual agreement is legally binding even if removed from the publication during an act of criminal intent upon producing illegal copies. You as the end-user are responsible for your own actions in life and any estate accrued during life shall be sold in the event of your death regardless of any and all inherent claims by those preceding you.

Map of area

SumTun is Seaside City at South point

North Church 2 hours ride from CBD

North Hensworth 6 hours ride

Northwest Meadsdale 2 hours ride ----- ½ hour east of the Northern Church

Northwest Sandstone quarry 2 hours ride

Northwest sheep farm 1 ½ hours ride

West Church 1 ½ hours ride

West Redwood pines 3 hours ride

Northeast Trescotton 1 hour ride ---- 1 hour ride north from Smithinberry.

East Smithinberry 2 hours ride

East Meratell shire 3 hours ride ---- 2 hour ride east from Smithinberry.

Southeast Saltbury 1 hour ride

Southwest Drop-off 2 hours ride ---- 1 hour ride west from Saltbury

Respects

The Author would like to express a warm Thank Thou to Author Terry R. Hill and his wife for having sent a special request to have the Novel presented here. To be quilled.

The Author also sends warm thanks to the following list of readers whom have often enquired how soon. Once the writing on Saltbury Estate had been discovered.

Thanks to:

Darlene Parker Suber

Jenifer Smith

Deb Keenan

Josie Taylor

Crystal Miles Gunther       Author.

Sandra Shrewsbury       Author.

Elgon Williams             Author.

Noel Craske        Author.

Jim Henry              Author.

Deepak Menon       Author.

Note from the Author

The story thou about to read through is a composition wrote to adhere closely to era setting. In such a period of history where reputation, nobility and stature were commonly measured through wealth of stature providing sizable enough to pay one’s right of entry amidst society’s placement.

Thus, holding to era standards conversation spoken between Characters has been produced using the best possible authentic traditional mannerisms throughout the story’s composure to heighten periodical entertainment allowing for progressive English evolution throughout history’s journey.

Whilst same time applying story theme in a general presentation produce a very uniquely mixed blend of period era context primarily, including where needed for ease of reading pleasure; terms commonly known in today’s proper English standard whilst enhancing an old English theatrical charm.

As thou Author, thy wish thou endless hours of reading entertainment pleasure for personal enjoyment.

Ken Donaldson

Credits

Story by Author Ken Donaldson

Editing by Author Ken Donaldson

Interior design and formatting by Author Ken Donaldson

Cover Design by George Voorhes Jr.

Contents

Torrance Hill

Humble Men Stolen Beginning

Plotting A Plan

Ripples form 

Next Stage Begins

Building Upon Foundations

Fools Gambit 

Errors Come at a Price

Protecting Thy Own Interest

Fresh Blood on Saltbury

Foundation to Freedom

Deeds of Men

Facing Realities

Changing Sea Breeze

Turning a page

The Honey’s Curse

A Vision Grows

Last Man Standing

Time unto Time

The Hill Relives

Legacy unto Legacy

Conlogue

Behind the Scenes

Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer

Prologue

    Stepping behind the scenes of Sorrow Hill back to where simple humble beginnings grew to form a bond between four families. Emalia presents a deep dark past etched behind the Hill crest family name. In which history hides the deeds’ of men often preformed and hoped left remained hidden from the public view forever.

    Hence Emalia bares all uncovering the shield shrouding a family name held to name sake's reputation and above all else; honour so prized. Men are willing to do unspeakable acts, to preserve the false image way of life considered worthy of holding as respectable notarization beyond contestation.         

Torrance Hill

oven lies shrouded under a mysterious darkness. Concealed by namesake floating amidst a strongly founded society, spawning forth unknown names craftily woven unto webbed writing’s spilling deceptive historical truths, passed down word through mouth entering lines claimed glorified unto history pages. Shapes beginnings family names formally viewed commoner ranked amidst society stature; Thus, beith same one family whose reputation shielded a darker past unknown story gained acceptance unto society values washed clean through stolen wealth. In a time whence unproven glorified deeds produced nobility, to a commoner by class. Held loosely cemented through thinly spaketh lies repeatedly over time till finally reaching acceptance believed truthful a weight by measure, in a world. Whence conjured realities existing unto alleged reality required support gained through society numbers bonding formations amidst a secret society circle. Forged destinies unto otherwise unknown peasant birthed families whom managed shaping own foundation stones, bought through wealth nought worth of deed. Saw thy family name lay sound bedrock claim, prior birthing a story whence thy life’s tale formally began.

Walk side thee a while, through times of peace, hardship, sorrows and thou limits filled unto joy. Uncovering a past owned to thy alone, left inheritor the teller of the tell. Bearing blood stained hands, steeped deeply riddled lies woven creatively unto deceptive truths. Bought lawful acquisition through unlawfulness use, a manner fowl nought known, nor shamed unto public knowing. Till last thy final hours call thy quelling pages detailing secrets thy hold untold history. Reviles life events behind a thy family surname known unto society beith, Hill; founded by thy granddad two generations ago. Thus, beith thy legacy, whence all beith told left for thou understanding. Less forgotten, tho thy guilt fuels’ a heart’s burning desire releasing thy secrets unto thou. In seeking forgiveness unto thy soul’s journey hungrily craving eternal bliss sound peaceful in rest; pushes forth little remaining strengths thy beith able summon unto quill one story travelled through the corridors of life’s passage owing thy family life’s history. Prior a time whence first life’s sweetness breath drew tasted thy lips; leaving in thy wake, unto thou, thy burden spirit’s curse finally told.

    Thy true name Emalia Hill, current title deed owner established winery titled Sorrow Hill. Where thy sit holding inked tipped quill casting ink to stained parchment thy word quilled in solitude. Amidst the highest point upon an icy mountain flat topped cliff inside thy empty house where the birth of a legendary name whence began. Shaping history through the etching of a life passage passed unto thee. Tho, granddads life’s history which thy spaketh allowed born legal heir unto fortune filled amidst luxury life housed society style.

Picture a moment back years’ unto time’s history gone pass whence a simpler, humbler era existed, flirtatiously hosted society creeds, bounded to status living an endless whirlwind filled days unto nights deeply adorned in luxury never ending to thine whom held statured position, or so it would seem.

    The year 1380 finds a young man whom is known unto thy, named Torrance Hill. A simple impoverished council clerk working for the shire of SumTun in the company of seven other men. Whom, received through chance a golden gift opportunity a blessed new destiny under a strange twist to fate in a time where a man’s future beith won, earned, inherit or stolen. The latter instance happening for granddad a man of cunning, whilst employed unto Council Chambers held job placement well positioned seemly. According to known events whence pure chance detained him working under lateness of hour, behind closed doors inside a council quarter chamber one night. Signing off on town allotment approvals for new coming settlers moving into SumTun shire which required him to enter a section inside the council hall of records quarter; where availed him reasons unbeknown to thy. Displaying traits thy nought believeth him capable conduct. Whence a chance discovery laid hand across old files he located towards the back section of the shelf he had been sorting through. Which appeared unto view in one aged stained folder marked unclaimed tho, covered under layers of dust left by the way side, to be sealed inside deeds to four estates long forgotten by council chamber-men. Drawing thy granddad’s attention closer, nay perhaps curiosity held the hand of fate guiding thy granddad that night when he opened the folder to learn of the contents. Bearing one title contained to his interest a winery estate called Saltbury formally owned Astoria Hailworth. Amidst four estates showing naught known heirs remaining in the region believed alive to lay claim against any titles he held in hand. Thus, granddad waste nought time concealing the dusty old folder out of sight behind his shirt covering. Whilst stepping lively returning back to his paperwork of awaiting approvals unfinished sat on his desk to stamp one, prior rushing hastily a departure from council chambers’ for the night. Guarding closely one folder containing title deeds to four estates hidden behind his shirt cover, being spirited away back to his small one-bedroom council owned hovel. Located several short blocks walk back from work within the rapidly growing township of SumTun.

Where he passed night’s remainder few hours slumbering till morn hour’s call broke in day’s dawning. Beckoning him timely rise unto daily duty routines prior work. Thy, note a comment here in granddad’s journal

Granddads journal records continues noting the winter day being one fullest blue skies, mild temperature during his walk back to work that morn, whilst contemplating whom he shalt share the word of opportunity or perhaps gain support unto fellow work mates, whom he felt valued worth. Or shalt thy say, to enter into such an agreement with him, in a deal holding verily risk for all concerned; shalt discovered dealt unto fraudulent claim. Thus, holding personal fear for a thirty years’ jail time beith served him new way of life instead. Granddad walked the snow laden path enjoying the outside view SumTun offered till his walk reached a point where two front doors shackling him in life stood facing him several short steps in front. Bought back reminders unfinished work started prior night waited him shortly thereafter, in his normal daily office duty activities required his attention waiting. Thus, granddad entered work foe the day carrying forth his job per normal nought revealing changes in his character displaying sign of the secret held life fate bestow him. Despite thumping stamp to papers leaving his hand sore with his signatory signing off on allotment approvals pending migrating people’s arrival settling to SumTun Shire. Wasting off the morn till a fifteen-minute tea break allotted interval arrived, whence he gathers the stack of completed documents. To deliver personally at the registrar service counter where final stage payment collections processing and transaction held conduction. A duty costing granddad five minutes in unpaid time owe his daily morn break.

Thus, his ten-minute break time remained, yield him a troubled brow pondering thoughts running through his own mind. Seven men, three stately titles remained to whom shalt, he grants a prestige’s gift in offering luxury life in order to clench his deal amidst the select few fellow workmates. Compiled fear to him which reasoned his logic unto whom, he shalt trust conversation whence time plus place shalt convene. Presented trouble unto him mind knowing even to spaketh unto whisper inside council chambers prior held a circle trusted shalt pose risk a level unsafe to his own comfort. Hence his compounding question rage war within his mind, ‘to whom shalt he risk spaketh amidst seven men employ his department’. Whilst thoughts deepened unto names John Jones, William O’Connell, Phillip De-Mar, Paul Willis, Thomas Donald, Ronald Smith plus Charles James rotated round his head. ‘Seven men, three estates’ consuming his day time hour unto hour passing a lot of fearful thought. Nought mention aside work duties mounting behind him whilst weighting option careful a choice whom beith the right type of man he risk ally unto. Despite his unlawful treacherous plan held unto God plus Country held secret to personal ill-gotten gain. A point thy note quilled here in granddads journal spanning two full weeks’ prior orchestration timing; whence his chosen selection process settles to contact Phillip De-Mar, Paul Willis and Thomas Donald. Tho, thy note granddad’s method of logic selection to spaketh unto firstly,

    Phillip De-Mar a married man whom fleeing his own native land held to account a crime thy nought spaketh to elaborate deeper. Whilst leaving back wife plus naught child in seeking his fortune prior migrating his wife to join him. Certainly, a logical choice worthy granting an invitation to, one shalt thought. As entered the date is

Tho, granddad nought spaketh Paul nor Thomas whilst the week flowed same daily routines abided unto time a direction granddad thought approach one man first. As thy read entry marked;

Accordingly, granddad’s remaining end-week record entry shown to be quietly spent company him wife. Tho, granddad does cleverly quill one excerpt explaining the account showing markings cast his neck derived through engagement unto robbery outside of town whilst resting his horse near a tree nought far from North Church located between SumTun and Hensworth. Which brings the next event turning to Monday as it is quilled granddad’s journal.

Paul’s commitment left granddad, two additional people required in order to seal his task. Thus, granddad set focus watching Thomas Donald’s pond next two days. Whilst weighting balance men in his department whom, held heart condition greed shalt beith prospect worthy final approach. Thomas unlike Phillip plus Paul proved nought easy mark to gain spaketh to. Due to his type of work duties composed which often sighted Thomas departing chambers inspecting allotment site requiring conformation correct final boundaries measurement existed verily. Weakening granddad’s chances far less avail contacting Thomas prior expire unto week’s end. Tho, Thomas nought beith single task granddads required complete holding one title left unto grant. Thus, granddad concerns caused him worry he

quilled to Journal entry August 18th 1380 stating

Granddad knew full the danger presented him should he nought risk chance in forming a full union with all the other three men. Thus, Granddad did something a little crazy whilst at the same time one could say verily cleverly administrated given the challenge unto him. Whence fleeting time raced unto weeks’ end during Friday 20th August 1380. To wit, granddad enlisted Paul Willis aid beseeching him to approach Thomas Donald summoning a bade private meet held wash-quarter directly proceeding the mid-day meal break. In the meantime, granddad managed to slip quietly through the door into the registrars processing quarter’s closely following Charles James prior the door’s closure. Where he presented the same line to Charles unto partnership in an estate property same method he applied with Paul Willis. Granddad mentions here. Charles cast eye close unto granddad in sought a reaction first whence hearing the offer prior his enquired information unto time. Tho, granddads journal states; he responded to Charles enquiring

Wilt thou disclose knowledge unto one whom beith posed stolen prior protect thou invest?. A response Charles spaketh

Nay Torrance, whence shalt thou met unto spaketh?. In response, granddad states he whispered to Charles directions plus time to date whence meet shalt beith. Lastly, thy turn back to Thomas who is listed in granddads journal showing reluctant primarily. Tho, willing to hear the full proposed prior commitment. Thus returning quilled parchment handed to him with the comment yes at eleven mid-night after to granddad personally whilst delivering papers requiring approval to his desk during the latent section of the noon after.

Stage set, awaiting time passing to prearranged hour unto eleven mid-night after meeting appointed location setting Saltbury Estate. Where four men shalt gather whom sought an opportunity advancing station unto life status level pass commoner class to gentlemen of stature held sighted unto society’s eyes.

Humble Men Stolen Beginning

Hence events unfolding listed in granddad’s journal starting entry dated

Thus, granddad’s day proceeded pass morn meal whence he rode to Saltbury estate whilst the day’s colours provided cloaked shade shield masking gathered figures to sight whom stood top side Saltbury Estate west side near horse tethering rail. Where companied men to granddad, Paul Willis, Thomas Donald and Charles James departed horse through foot step to congregate below the front step leading up to the homesteads front doors. Hence Granddad extended formal greeting to company passing on his appreciation to whom attended on a grey day cast day to sight. Whence spaketh bold words

Nought spaketh unto day Torrance. Spaketh thou bade stated Paul Willis.

Eye Torrance enlighten unto prior invest Paul added.

Thus, company spaketh quiet unto tongue granddad cast stern eye facing company unto spaketh

"Prior confess, thy beseech thou sworn oath unto secrecy. Whence thou shalt spaketh naught unto ear thou ear thus day, shalt pain unto death beith thou deliverer!". Pausing to draw breath whilst steeled eye glare held cast each man standing ground to the second step whence him stood. Tho, the men stood deadly silent pondering, granddad spaketh further requesting conformation to him spaketh.

Shalt thou swear?.

Eye responded Paul plus Charles together. Whilst Thomas paused to consider.

Thomas wilt thou spaketh? enquired Torrance.

Eye spaketh spaketh Thomas half-heartedly.

Thou oath thy hold sworn stated Torrance.

Tho, thy beith uncertain as to how long it had taken till all the men had finally agreed, as it is nought quilled in granddad’s journal. Nought matters less, a sworn oath had been agreed; whence granddad instructed his company present follow him walking up the steps of Saltbury’s homestead treading a path east towards the homestead corner and a distance round the side stopping front a door, which accessed the office nought held to business spanning years passed prior estate’s owner last entry. Where granddad grasping hand firm hold of the door’s knob handle jolting the door upwards forcefully managed to unlocked the door. Allowing the men to access inside quarters. 

At a point in time whence granddad acting the humble host invited company to step inside pass chance earshot; shalt voices carry down estate’s hillside to the main carriage-way below. Tho, the air inside released a repugnant odour to the nose whiffing off a stale musky note nought expected. The men entered regardless wanting to learn granddad’s golden opportunity currently undisclosed. Whilst eye sighted office features displayed naught except a dusty beaten desk cast unto time and several footsteps walked to the wooden dust covered floor. From where granddad nought long ago concealed under several old unfilled contracts laying inside the middle draw his stolen estate titles.

Gentlemen, cast thou eye unto bless stated Torrance reaching inside the desk removing a folder containing four deeds to stately titles held viewable chest height in front of the other three men present company. Whilst remaining silent allowing his company moment to realise type of papers he held forth whence noted the title Saltbury estate.

Torrance spaketh verily, thou thought? enquired Charles James.

Charles thy hold title deeds unto four estates naught heir unto claimant Torrance spaketh in responded.

Torrance thy sight estate title, tho unto thy beith? requested Thomas Donald

Thomas thy spaketh unto thou gathered beith ownership title. Shalt thou wilt? enquired Torrance.

Eye, Torrance responded Charles James whom sought granddad’s thought clear, hence spaketh Thou thought unto plan Torrance?.

Thy plan beith quill thy name plus thou names unto titles beith claim stated Torrance.

Thy spaketh madness Torrance stated Thomas Donald.

Whilst Paul, whom noted spaketh to ear piped comment

Thy thought host Thomas spaketh madness Torrance stated Paul Willis.

Nay Paul. Thy plan quill thy name unto new title deed whence prior name beith. Thus, forge family inherent papers unto distant family claim estate owe thou beith Kindred stated Torrance.

Thou plan beith risk Torrance tho, beith held unto fruit Stated Thomas Donald. Considering his former statement whilst drawing attention Charles plus Paul whom stared blankly in moments of thoughts whence words spaketh Charles.

Hence thou beith claim Saltbury Estate Torrance thy believeth?. Focusing eyes casting glared directed towards granddad waiting responded.

Eye, beith verily. Tho, thy spaketh unto thou two reasons. Thy first beith knowledge estates existed, entitled thy first claim. Second thou remember Phillip De-Mar? enquired Torrance.

Eye came the united responded.

Thou noted Phillip nought beith employ unto passing week?.

Eye came a responded from Thomas and Paul.

Spaketh thou thought Torrance? commented Charles.

Eye responded Torrance.

Before continuing to explain how he had encountered Phillip prior to inviting Charles to be a part of this business venture. Through to tragic ending whilst informing his company of the life to death battle held Phillip plus him on estate grounds. Thus, granting valid reason why he alone shalt poses ownership Saltbury.

  Whence granddad completed story poor Phillip’s unfortunate end. Thomas spaketh directly validating conformation to granddad’s claim Saltbury tho nought commit him own self the same.

Paul, Charles shalt thou wilt lay claim? enquired Torrance.

Paul quickly inquired shalt his fate meet, same end Phillip shalt he decide nought to be involve. Considering fate fallen Phillip left him some unsettled feelings in his own mind. Granddad casting wary eye cross Paul’s face assessing Pauls tone plus manner of stance. Shortly responded to Paul expressing reassurance

Wilt beith weight unto tho tongue Paul, held honour thou prior sworn oath nay. Tho, shalt thou nought held oath, thou wilt beith company unto Phillip. Tho, thy beleiveth thou nought beith fool Paul stated Torrance.

Prior shortest silence amidst company standing gathered to time. Paul smiled back at granddad extending his hand spaketh greeting, passing conformation spaketh

Thy oath beith sworn unto arrangement, thy wilt lay claim.

Torrance reached forward clasping hold Paul’s hand firmly shake welcome Paul. Whom, walked cross standing granddad’s side facing Thomas plus Charles. Nought waiting to hear any more Charles extended his hand in conformation showing acceptance shaking the hand of both Torrance plus Paul moving position across to stand long side Paul. Thomas on the other hand, whom held reluctant, hesitating to accept. Stead turning round showing his back to the gathering walking leisurely to stop stance office window; casting eyes out cross miserable view to run down estate where he stood. Passing few minutes drawing mental note to general condition estate fallen left in ruin, whilst Torrance, Paul and Charles watched on silently waiting to hear Thomas response.

Thus, the office quarter, grown still to quietness, sounded off the drawing of a deep breath Thomas inhaled. Who, eventually expelled reluctant sigh turning back facing company present raising question to granddad;

Beith title estates held sight unto ruin whence eye cast unto Saltbury? enquired Thomas.

Granddad responded return responded