Author:
Paul W. Feenstra is a historical fiction novelist. Meticulously researched and detailed, his character driven novels create a dramatic window into our chronicled and complex past. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1959, to Dutch immigrants, Paul still commutes to Los Angeles, California, where he worked as a multiple ‘Emmy’ nominated entertainment industry professional.

Created in a similar style as acclaimed authors Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett, ‘Falls Ende – Primus’ is a fast-paced, emotional novel that will leave you breathless. 

The small picturesque hamlet of Mellester in Devonshire, England, is home to herdsman, Godwin Read and his son, Odo. When the aging knight, Sir William Ainsley, Lord of Mellester Manor goes on a hunt for wild boar, the inexplicable happens, and Godwin makes a decision that will ultimately impact their lives and Mellester Manor for ever. 

Set during the tumultuous reign of King Henry II, in feudal England, the quiet and peace of Mellester Manor is shaken by the unexpected. For Odo, there is more at stake than just his dignity and pride because they’ve already been taken, all he has left is his life. Will Falls Ende see his downfall and disgrace and how far will one man go to protect what’s closest to his heart?

Falls Ende is more than a simple story, it’s a saga of survival against all the odds.

Falls Ende

Early the next morning, feeling better after a good night's rest, Odo was given directions to where he could find Herdsman Searl. As he walked through the village, he was surprised to see how prosperous it was. The weather may have been cold and wet, but the people appeared to be content and well-fed. 


It was easy to find the herdsman; he was in his byre, sharpening an axe. 


"Hail, Herdsman Searl," offered Odo in greeting.


The herdsman returned his smile warmly as Odo introduced himself.


"I've heard o' ye," said Searl. "Hears ye doin' a fine job with yer cows, an' Cheesemaker Gerald is makin' some nice cheeses too, people round here are talkin' 'bout it."


"Doin' our best, we are," replied Odo, pleased at the acknowledgment. "Good milk helps."


"Then ye be a fair distance from Mellester. What can I do fer yer?"


"I'm told ye have a bull, a breeding bull."


"Ahh, you'd be talkin' 'bout Blacky, he's a big 'un, he is. Would ye like to see him?" 


Blacky was hard to miss. He was a massive beast, with a thick and deep muscular chest that tapered back to narrow hind quarters. On seeing the two men, he bellowed a couple of times and walked a step or two closer but kept his distance.


"He's a gentle sod, this one is, Odo. Never had a problem with him, ever. If you need him for breedin', you'll be wanting him for a month or two?"


"Guess we need to talk to the reeve then."


Reeve Peter Hardwick was a jovial man with a round open friendly face, and Odo took to him immediately. 


"You'd be doin' us a favour, lad," said Reeve Peter. "Blacky's a big boy and eats plenty. We'd be more'n happy to rent him to ye for a while."


Odo asked to see some of the offspring Blacky produced and inspected them keenly. He asked questions, and both Herdsman Searl and Reeve Peter did their best to answer. In turn they asked questions of Odo, gauging his ability to take care of such a valuable beast for a time.


"I will need to confirm the payment with Steward Baldric, but he ain't here right now. Lord Ridgley has sent him away on important matters, but the two shillings we discussed won't be challenged, my word will be honoured," said the reeve confidently. 


Odo was impressed. He silently wished things worked as efficiently in Mellester Manor.


They proceeded to discuss details about transporting the big beast both to and from Mellester, another expense Odo was expected to pay for, but overall, the final cost of his experiment was slightly less than he'd anticipated. Once all the particulars were arranged, Odo shook hands with both men, and began the long walk back to Mellester and Charlotte. 


As he walked he considered his life and how fortunate he'd been. He had Charlotte, his land and his cows. He was happy, more than he'd ever been in his entire life. The only thing missing was his father. 


Godwin recognised good qualities in his son, he nurtured them and taught him values and common sense. When taken ill and bedridden, both father and son talked endlessly. They'd spoken about Godwin's death, as both men knew it was inevitable, and also of Odo's future and plans.


They'd always lived frugally, and as a result, Godwin accrued some modest savings, a small amount of money that could be used to invest in the land and the business when the time was right. 


After his father's death, the land that he inherited continued to generate income from the sale of milk his cows produced. He charged a nominal fee or bartered for food in exchange for allowing villagers to graze their animals on his land. He hired an apprentice and sometimes additional labour when needed. While not rich, he moderately prospered. 


His affection for Charlotte was deep and his love was returned in equal measure. He'd always loved her, from the day she first smiled at him and they became inseparable. 


For Odo, life was simple. He had Charlotte and the thought of marrying her made him feel dizzy with joy.


Chapter 12