Tam's Last Mark

The final page torn from Tam Woolmark's tally-book, wedged in a dry crack on the cistern landing where he made his stand — three lines, meant for Sella, written when he knew the rope was too far.

Sella —

I got the last head. It's here with me, the big siege-auger, and it's not worth what it cost and I knew that when I reached for it and reached anyway. The water's between me and the rope now and the thing in it doesn't tire and I do.

Take the coin from the uppers. It's enough. It was always enough — I just wanted to be the one who made it more. Don't come down after me. Send nobody down after me. Keep the croft and keep your knee off these stairs.

I'm sorry about supper. — Tam