Matthais, Chapter 2

Tomas, as usual, had been cheery. 
The villagers had always shunned him, because of the smell of his occupation, but he seemed to like the isolation. 
Matthias had returned the bits of leather he hadn’t sold at Hallaje, and talked a bit with the jolly tanner. 
“Well, Matthias, thanks for takin me leather to the market, ya really helped us out.” 
“It’s nothing, Tomas, really. Is Betthany doing better?” 
“Aye, a little-“ Tomas sighed, looked up from his racks of tanning skins, and shook his head “-she’s still sick, can’t leave her for too long. So yeah, ya really did me a favor.” 
Matthias shuffled his feet awkwardly at the praise “Well, if there’s anything you need again, come and ask. Not much to do around the farm until harvest.” 
“Alright, I’ll call over if I need help. Thanks again!” 
Matthias turned and began walking back to the village. Tomas called after him “Matthias? Want some Groschen for your troubles?” 
Matthias turned for a second- “Nah, mate, keep it. Betthany needs some good food anyway!” -and continued walking. 
He heard the shouting before he saw the village. 
Three-score men, it seemed, had come into the town in the half-hour he had been away with Tomas, and had gathered the population of the town in the common. 
Matthias, assuming the worst, quickly hid in a bush near the road, and continued watching.