Vinny watched the sunset over the estate, this time the primary colour was red. A striking crimson beauty but somehow chilling. A portent, perhaps, for things to come like maybe Ken had run out of best bitter? Vinny shuddered, Scrapps looked up sensing his master's discomfort and whined briefly.
"Come Scrapps there are dark deeds afoot let's get to the sanctuary of the Rampant Horse shall we?"
Scrapps was in total agreement and pulled on his lead towards that shining beacon in the distance.
Vinny stepped into the pub. No sign of Dave. Then he spotted him at the jukebox with his back to the door. Vinny tiptoed towards their table and took a seat. He unclipped the little dog's lead and Scrapps wandered under Old Pete's table, waiting for the master that would never come.
Dave having spent his pound turned.
"Get one in would you Dave?" said Vinny in triumph. Dave was magnanimous in defeat and went to get a round in.
The jukebox started up. A certain King Crimson track.
Dave sat and handed over the prize. Vinny smacked his lips and relished the first sip.
"You know Dave it occurred to me while watching the sunset this evening that the Rampant Horse is not unlike the court of the Crimson King."
Dave looked confused.
"How so?"
"Well let's dissect the song shall we since you've put it on the jukebox. We have the purple pipers, Vinny gestured at the gents toilet. Dave made a face.
"Tenuous."
"The song mentions tournaments begun, that would be the darts and dominoes not to mention the fierce competition at the pool table."
Dave nodded. Vinny continued.
"The final verse mentions wise men sharing a joke, that would be me and thee."
"Ok I can't disagree on that one. What about the fire witch?"
"Well that new barmaid has a temper on her and a huge wart on her thigh.'
"How do you know that?"
Vinny just smiled and sipped his pint.
Dave shook his head. "Oh aye, on soft grey mornings widows cry when Vinny is around."
"And finally you see divining signs as Ken changes a barrel."
"And we're the puppets who dance to the pull of the beer?"
"You've got it Davey boy."
"I suppose Ken is the jester?"
"Et voilà , comparison and evidence presented your honour."
"You do talk shite Vinny."
© Darren Sant 2023
