The Drummer's Coat

In the sheltered valley of northern Devon lies Ashacombe, a handful of white‑washed cottages with low thatched roofs that hug a sparkling stream and ancient oak woods. The village centres on the venerable Bracefort Hall, an H‑shaped stone house whose sun‑lit courtyard overflows with magnolia, jasmine and climbing roses, while oak paneling and tapestries give its interior a timeless warmth. Daily life is simple and orderly, each garden a patchwork of vegetables and flowers tended with quiet pride.

Yet beneath the peaceful routine a subtle unrest begins to stir. A local child falls mute after a mysterious encounter with a reputed witch, and the faint echo of a drum—later linked to authentic military details—suggests that forces from beyond the valley may soon intrude. Listeners are invited to wander the winding lanes, feel the hush before the drumbeat, and discover how the tight‑knit community confronts the first tremors of change.