Chapter Three

Following down R617 there was no other signage other than various markers on the side of the road. Joel slowed down as the road turned to dirt and grit with various sized potholes.

“Look for a white gate. It shouldn’t be too far away,” Sarah said softly. “There is no sign to indicate road D600 and this one goes a really long way. Then we need to find a sign on the left pointing towards the Farm.” Hayley tried to silence Sarah telling her to stay still.

Fifteen minutes later Joel turned down a narrow bumpy dirt road through the white gate. Separated by the dirt road, the trees lined up like soldiers, and the sun peeped through the tall trees reflecting colors of gold and brown. The closer they got to the Farm the higher the Mountains climbed the sky.

“I’m so tired.” Hayley yawned, stroking Sarah’s hair.

“There!” Mark spotted the green faded wooden sign indicating Silver Springs Farm.

Joel turned right and followed the dirt road until he came to large decorative black wrought iron gates. “Here at last.” He pressed the buzzer.

Almost immediately a gentle voice sounded through the intercom. “Welcome to Silver Springs Farm.”

“Sarah Roberts,” Joel replied.

With a slight grinding noise, the large gates started to open.

Joel turned left past a central large circular stone garden feature.  It housed an angelic cupid water fountain, the cupid sat upon the back of a turtle, separating the courtyard into two areas.

Neatly cut bushes of various sizes and colors hugged against the white building complementing the cobbled courtyard. Attached to the white building and at every window were dark green garden planters.

“Simply breathtaking,” Hayley whispered. “Try to get up, you should see this, Sarah.”

From the courtyard they saw the mountains rolling across the sky shadowing the building before them, the sun raging colors of orange and red were beginning to set behind the mountains and like a curtain slowly pulling in the darkness.

The front doors opened and two young men approached them. Both dressed in dark green shirts with white lettering Silver Springs Farm on the top pocket, black trousers, and black shoes. They introduced themselves as Max and Peter to assist with their luggage.

Sarah stayed in the car while the others entered the immaculate building. The wooden floor creaked under the chocolate brown carpet. The lighting was low giving a warm homely feeling.  Silver framed pictures of abstract art were placed carefully on the walls in equal spacing.

They were greeted by a small thin elderly woman with beautiful silver-streaked white hair tied into a soft bun. “I am Margaret the owner of Silver Springs Farm.” Her smile was warm, showing perfect teeth. Please feel welcome and make yourselves at home.” Her thin face never stopped smiling.  “Oh?  I thought there were four people.”

Joel explained the incident earlier. 

“The poor dear,” Margaret said. “Well, if you are ever in need I do have a first aid kit and direct speed dial to the emergency services.”

She led them to her study. The room was big and matched the theme of the entrance, a large table and chair sat next to a window overlooking the mountains. Cream couches with thin brown stripes were placed around a fireplace. A small dark brown table lay before the couches. Although the walls also had silver framed pictures they were old, black and white, in various sizes and not abstract.

“Your pictures are really good,” Mark said, analyzing them. “They must be over a hundred years old.” He found one that looked like a younger version of Margaret with a handsome man standing next to her.

“I’m into photography; in fact, it’s what I’m going to be doing if I can convince my parents to allow me. They think I should become an Engineer or something, so I kept them happy by applying to the KZN University for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths.”

“Well I am sure your parents are right, however, I am sure they won’t mind if you keep photography as a hobby.”

“Yeah, I guess you're right.”

“Margaret,” Joel asked. “I really hope it won’t be a problem that we brought another person with us.”

“As I said to Sarah when she called me earlier it would be fine. The more the merrier.” Margaret stepped behind her desk and pulled out keys and papers from one of the drawers. “I have you in a self-catering loft with plenty of firewood and plenty of space.”  Her mannerism changed slightly as she looked at each person. “There are only two rules that I have. Enjoy yourselves and don’t break anything.” Her eyebrows raised and her light eyes narrowed. “Many objects here are antiques. Older than even I.” She forced a laugh and touched her pearl necklace.  She turned her attention to Mark still perusing through the pictures.

“This place has a remarkable history.” She walked over to him. “This place used to belong to my late husband’s great grandfather and has passed down through many ages.” She pointed at a photo that had the same handsome man as in the previous photo except this one was taken with people who looked like aborigines. “This is Carl, my late husband. He passed away a few years ago, he was a very good man. I met him in Canada of all places.” She laughed. “He was a South African Doctor who had joined a mission in Alberta to study the Natives in that land, of course, that was many years ago.”

“What exactly can we do here?” Hayley asked. “I mean, on the Farm itself. It is just a guest farm?”

“Well, if you like I can show you my Merino sheep. I don’t just run a guest house I have a full complement of workers to mind my sheep.  I run a sheep farm.”

“Cool.” Mark gave a crooked smile. “Can we see that? I mean will you let us see the sheep shaved?”

“Well, it’s not that time of the year yet for them to be sheared, but I can organize a tour of the Sheep pen for you.”

“There are a variety of other activities to do in the area.” Margaret continued and walked back to her desk. Retrieving the keys and papers she said, “If you decide to go hiking or touring the mountains please make sure you are with a guide. Many people have gone missing time again because they did not have a guide with them.” Raising an eyebrow she said seriously, “I really don’t want to send out a search party.”

“I’m sorry I have spoken much and do not know any of your names.  It has been quite some time since people have come here. The business has been slow. I imagine near December it will pick up.”

After further pleasantries, Margaret gave out the keys with brochures of the area.

“If you need anything please don’t hesitate to call me.” Margaret smiled. “Max and Peter will show you to the loft, your cabins and assist you with your luggage.”