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have in mind. ~ Thanks. Waddie Greywolf
Him
Who Made The Seven Stars
By
Waddie
Greywolf
Chapter
26
"A
person
needs
at
intervals
to
separate himself from family and
companions and go to new places. He must go without his familiars in
order to be open to influences, to change.” ~ Katharine Butler Hathaway
“Would you like
to tell me more about your new friend, Son?” Billy asked.
“Well, first of
all, he’s big. Really, really, big. Much bigger than Boomer,” Randy
said.
“Have you said
anything to your mother?” Billy asked.
“No, she worries
enough about me. She says I’m too young and too little to be roaming
around down there in the creek bed by myself and up in them thickets
northwest of our house where the two creeks branch’s come together. I
asked her how am I gonna’ become a good self-sufficient buckaroo if I
live my life peaking out from behind her skirts? While it didn’t win me
a lot of points, she agreed she understood my position. I like to go
there because there’s a great swimming hole what ain’t too deep. It’s
really private. I can take off ma’ clothes and practice swimming naked.
I’m get’n pretty good. I can swim from one side to the other without
having to stand up. The other day I was swimming, and I got the feeling
I was being watched. I sent out ticklers, but I didn’t get nothing
back. I was just goofing around and pretending to be having a rough
time in the deepest part. Before I knew what was happening, this huge
hairy monster appeared out of nowhere, jumped into the water, and
grabbed me to him. He scared me to death for a minute, carried me to
the limestone shelf on the far side, and sat me down. I guess he
thought I was in trouble and needed rescuing,” Randy said.
No one around
Billy’s table dared take a bite of food for fear they would miss a word
of Randy’s adventure. They were enthralled by the boy's story.
“Then what
happened, Cowboy?” Billy asked.
“I let him hold
me for a minute until he was sure I weren’t hurt. He smelled terrible,
but I gave him a big hug, and a kiss on his furry cheek. I motioned for
him to let me go. He did, and I walked over to my clothes. I got a big
apple I brought with me to eat if I got hungry. I walked back to him,
sat down by him, and and gave it to him. I spoke to him and told him I
appreciated him saving me. He ate my apple in one bite and got a look
of pure delight on his big ugly face. I stood before him naked and
looked him in the eyes. He wouldn’t look directly at me. I tickled him
and spoke to him. "I shared my treat with you. Will you share
your milk with a hungry bairn?" I asked.
“He looked
directly into my eyes and into my soul, Cowboy Billy, and I heard him
send to me, 'What do you know about bairns? How can you touch
my mind? You are but a young human,'" he said. I sent him
pictures of you and Boomer, and me enjoying feeding from Boomer’s
teats. I told him I was healed of a deadly disease by the cowboy I
showed him, who himself was enhanced by watchers and another race of
ancients, and I was given the gift to send and receive thoughts.
"You’re
not repelled by my smell?" he asked.
"Of
course. You smell awful, but it’s a warm day. If we sit in the water
together it won’t be so bad," I sent to him.
He moved into
the deep water and acted like he was bathing himself. He would shake
himself, rinse, and shake again. He sat on the bottom of the creek and
motioned for me to come to him. I swam out to him, he took me into his
enormous arms, and offered me his left teat. I sucked and drank until I
thought I was gonna’ bust. He sang to me the whole time. I closed my
eyes as I sucked his big teat and saw pictures in my mind he sent me
along with his song of great warriors in battle, brave and strong,
protecting their families, females and bairns, of his kind. Wonderful
things he shared with me,” Randy said.
“Have you seen
him since?” Billy asked.
“Yes, sir, once
or twice, but he keeps his distance from me. I take him a piece of
fruit each time I go down there, but I just leave it for him on our
rock. I know he’s there, and he’s always watching me. I sent out
feelers a couple of times to tickle him, but he’s stronger than I am
and blocks me -- like you do sometimes when you’re busy. I don’t try
again. I don’t want to pester him or annoy him,” Randy said wisely.
“No, that
wouldn’t be good. Have you given him a name?” Billy asked.
“Yes, sir, but I
ain’t told him yet. I think on him as my ‘Beast’ but I named him after
a character in a fantasy movie by the man what made the Muppets for
Sesame Street. He reminds me of the great but gentle beast who the
young girl befriends and helps her find her way through a great
labyrinth. His name was 'Ludo.’ My Ludo is almost as hairy, but meaner
looking. He comes to me after I lay my head down at night, just
before I go to sleep, and he surrounds me with his strength and
protection. I can feel him holding me in his huge arms, and he kisses
me gently as I drift off to a peaceful rest. I sleep soundly and
unafraid of anything because I know he’s always watching over me,”
Randy replied.
“Sounds to me
like you two already bonded, Cowboy. I think you done got chore’self a
protector. It was similar with me and Boomer. I saved his life when I’s
only a little older than you. I just turned seven, and I spent two
weeks nursing him back to health. After that, I didn’t get to see him
as much as I wanted, because he had a higher directive not to interfere
with my life. Then he saved my life, and I saved his one more time. We
sort of leap-frogged into a strong bond. Don’t feel bad if Ludo don’t
show his’self or he ain’t more friendly at first. It will take time.
He’s probably under direction from them ancients not to interfere
unless it’s an emergency. After he pulled you out of the water, he
probably realized you weren’t in no danger, and he was embarrassed he
made a mistake. Those above him probably told him to do the same for
you Boomer was told to do for me: observe and protect but not to have
much contact with you until you’s older; however, you sort of checked
him with your gift and your request for him to feed you. To his race,
to deny his milk to a hungry bairn of any species would be the worst
possible thing he could do; an almost unforgivable act. The fact you
didn’t show him no fear was a puzzle to him, and he’s fascinated by
you. It ain’t chore’ imagination you feel him come to you before you go
to sleep at night. That’s his way of bonding with you. I’m so used to
Boomer now, I rarely think about the comfort and security of his
protection, but it’s always there, to comfort or reassure me if I feel
uneasy about anything,” Billy said, and Randy nodded his understanding.
“How much of our
wager did I win, Son?” Kate asked Nathan about their previous bet.
“The Lion’s
share, Ma,” Nathan replied, “you won the jackpot,” he added.
“Smart man!”
Tron commented dryly. Everyone laughed.
“They made a bet
this morning you done already got chore’self a protector, Randy,” Billy
explained to the boy. “Do you mind if I talk with your mother about
chore’ 'Beast’, Son?” Billy asked.
“I’s kinda
hope’n you might, Cowboy Billy,” Randy said and grinned, “Come’n from
you, it might be easier on her,” Randy replied.
“No problem. I
got several things I need to talk over with her. We need to get over to
your place the first part of next week to take a look and firm up some
plans to start running cattle,” Billy said.
“I know she’s
looking forward to it, and she wants to do it. I heard her say, it
would make her life and ours so much easier. Grandma agreed with her
and urged her to consider your offer,” Randy said.
Sheriff Tate and
Buster were sitting at the same table listening to Randy’s story. “How
can I befriend the Sasquatch what’s watched me for years on our place,
Billy?” he asked.
“You can’t until
the time is right, but I got me a feel’n it’s gonna’ happen soon,
Sheriff,” Billy replied, “As you know, I’m taking several folks with me
this Friday e'nin
to Retikki Prime to be enhanced and to receive the female
Shedu into our protection. I was gonna' wait 'til Monday but changed my
mind. Would you like to go along and get
chore’self enhanced?” Billy asked.
“Are you
kidding? I’d jump at the chance. Would it mean I'd get me a set of them
purdy wings?”
Will asked like a kid anticipating Christmas.
“The full
McGilla, the whole nine yards, Sheriff,” Billy assured him, “And it
would also mean you would be eligible for your own protector. Knowing
Boomer’s uncles like I do they’s most accommodating and probably would
give you your pick of the litter,” Billy added and grinned.
“When do we
leave, and should I pack a bag?” Will asked anxiously.
“I’m sure we’ll
talk again, but if you and your family can come out for supper Friday
evening, we’ll
leave immediately after eating, but we won’t be gone for more’n a few
minutes our time. We can stay as long as we like on Retikki Prime. The
time dilation is different between galaxies. You won’t need no bag.
Just your boots and hat, but we'll transport to the line cabin to
strip before we pass through the gate. Folks don’t wear no clothes on
Retikki Prime,”
Billy replied.
“Won’t be no
problem for me. I ain’t shy,” the sheriff allowed.
“That’s ‘cause
you ain’t ‘shy’ of anything on your body, Sheriff,” Clyde said and
everyone laughed.
“You wanna’ go
along, little brother?” Billy asked Randy.
“You bet, Cowboy
Billy, I’d love to meet them big watchers,” Randy replied with glee.
“I’m sure they’d
love to meet you, too, Cowboy,” Billy said.
“Don’t you think
you should ask Mary first, Son? She might not like the idea of her
young boy running around naked. . . oh, never mind. . . . you and your
granddaddy used to run around naked together until he passed away, then
you reached puberty and suddenly became modest,” Kate reminded him.
“Of course,
Grandma, but we don’t have to include minor details like 'at. Us
cowboys don’t
need to share ever’thing we do with the women folk -- right, saddle
buddy?” Billy said and winked at Randy.
“Right, Cowboy
Billy,” Randy replied.
“‘At’s my
faithful wing-man,” Billy allowed, “Besides, seeing as how my buckaroo
brother here has already got his’self a protector, he’s gonna’ need to
know how to take care of him,” Billy replied, “What better way to learn
than to go straight to the horse’s mouth,” he added.
* * * * * * *
Immediately
after dinner, Kate made up another care package for Miranda. Billy
gathered his posse, including the sheriff and Everett, to transport to
the Tate ranch. Their plan was to leave Everett there and bring back
Dociean so he could enjoy Sunday dinner and the music. Buster decided
he would stay and talk with Nathan and Tron. Naturally, Randy and Kayla
wanted to go along to see the pups. Billy got Mary’s permission, and
they were away. They arrived in
the living area and Miranda came in to greet them. She was particularly
fond of Randy when she learned he could send and receive her thoughts.
<< You must be the young cowboy Master Billy told me about. He
picked out one of my pups for you. The biggest pup of my litter. He
named him Goliath because he was so large I couldn’t give birth to him
without Master Billy’s help, >> she sent.
<< He
picked that handsome pup for me? >> Randy asked.
<< Yes, he
said you and your sister needed a companion, and I’m sure Goliath will
find a good home with you, >> Miranda replied.
“Thank you,
Cowboy Billy, for thinking of us,” Randy said.
“You’re welcome,
Cowboy,” Billy replied.
“What are you
talking about, Randy?” Kayla asked.
Randy told her
what Miranda told him, and she smiled from ear to ear. She threw her
arms around Billy and hugged him. “We can’t thank you enough, Mr.
Daniels,” she said.
“Don’t thank me.
You should be thanking the sheriff and Miranda for trusting me to find
a good home for Goliath,” Billy said.
Randy and Kayla
proceeded to thank Will and Miranda. The pups were too young to be
showing their individual personalities, but even at such a young age
they were adorable. After Miranda had her feast, Boomer allowed her to
have more of his milk. She engorged herself with it and could barely
walk back to her whelping box. She knew Boomer’s milk was the key to
giving her pups an early advantage on growth and she was still somewhat
concerned for her smallest pup, Gracie; however, in only two days the
smallest pup grew considerably until she was almost as large as her
next smallest sister.
The sheriff and
Dociean showed Everett around the place. Will told him they would
return shortly after the music was over as he had to be at work early
the next morning. He and Buster would see him then. Everett assured
them he would be alright, he would take good care of Miranda and the
pups and
be there whenever they arrived. Billy and Nick transported them back to
the ranch.
Billy’s slaves
worked their butts off that week and got a lot accomplished. With Enoch
and Moss acting as construction managers for the new, more permanent
living quarters and operating the huge Earth moving machines, they
managed to clear two large areas on a bluff above the James river about
a mile away from the line cabin. It was Tron and Nathan’s idea to keep
the housing away from the main compound and keep a large space between
the
areas for larger buildings and gathering places. They actually were
able to pour the concrete foundations and set the blocks for the
pre-fab structure to sit upon. Hank and Buck were sure the next week
they would have the second finished, and they would be able to have the
structures delivered. Since they were so far ahead of schedule, the
cowboys felt like they could comfortably accommodate another group of
workers. Billy gave the order for the most newly morphed slaves to
gather
fifteen more for their bunkhouse. Fifteen more workers would mean the
work would proceed even faster.
It was another
celebration. The new cowboy slaves were even more grateful than the
last batch, but this time Clyde didn’t have to outfit a one. Hank and
Buck were so efficient they had clothes and boots for all. They shopped
around on the Net and contracted to get large lots of different western
clothes for considerably reduced prices. They were tigers with their
master’s money; yet, they didn’t buy junk. They bought the best they
could get which would wear better and longer than cheaper clothes and
got them for approximately the same price. It was another time of
rejoicing for the new cowboy slaves and they were looking forward to
the evening’s entertainment.
The cowboy
slaves showed the village musicians where to set up, and they were
ready
when Billy and his party returned from the Tate ranch. Everyone took
their seats and there were another fifteen Irin cowboys who joined
them.
Billy got up to introduce the guest musicians but first, motioned for
the fifteen newcomers to stand and everyone applauded for them. He was
holding the microphone and welcomed them to the Highland Shire. “With
each new group we bring on-board our project, the closer we come to
achieving our goals. We’re just in our infancy, learning to walk, but
I’m greatly encouraged by what you accomplished this week. If things go
as well this next week, I hope we can bring on board another fifteen
cowboys and have a full complement for our bunkhouse,” he announced,
and received a round of applause. “Are some of you in the back doubling
up on chairs?” he asked. Several raised their hands. “Hank -- Buck --
order us another fifty chairs and some extra tables. I noticed we were
a bit crowded for dinner and with more Irin coming on-board we’re
gonna’ need 'em. What we don’t use we can store in the old barn and
cover them,” he said, and Buck made a note.
Billy introduced
the Maestro Gustaf M. Moehare to the audience and there was great
applause. Billy gave the Maestro his microphone. “Our first three
pieces will be three folk dances our people
created to celebrate the four seasons on the planet we originally came
from. Unfortunately, it has long since been destroyed and we don’t have
seasons on board our master’s spaceship; however, we still count the
time and celebrate as if the seasons still happen. We believe
traditions
should be preserved for the coming generations to enjoy and create a
bond between us,” he said wisely.
They began the
first set and from the group came four dancers in different family
costumes and began a rollicking quickstep they danced with their
partners. Aeron was one of the male dancers who each had a tambourine
lemniscated with colorful ribbons and tiny bells. They added greatly
to the percussion to accentuate the music. It didn’t take long to see
Aeron and his female partner were the stars of the dancers and several
times the others would give them the floor to perform some particularly
difficult dance steps. It was their time to shine and they took
advantage of the opportunity.
The instruments
were new to many in the audience, but the sounds the village musicians
milked from them were pleasing, and they were highly accomplished in
their performance. They played for two hours straight and still the
audience begged for more. Billy decided to call a short break for the
musicians to stretch their legs, make a comfort stop, and have some
liquid refreshment. Kate and her staff served cake and lemonade. The
villagers love the sweet yet tart flavor of the lemons. They didn’t
have lemons on board the ship. Billy commented to Hank and Buck to see
if they could make up a care package for the musicians before they
returned to the ship. During the break
the Maestro Gustaf asked Billy if he and his twins would play for them.
“We planned to reserved the whole evening to your performance,
Maestro,” Billy replied.
“We have heard
wonderful things about a group you have founded, and we would love to
hear you play,” he said.
“Yes, we formed
a string quartet, and I’m quite proud of our small group. We would be
happy to perform for you and your wonderful musicians sometime soon,
but let’s wait until we’re invited to share an evening with you good
folk aboard the ship,” Billy offered.
“As you wish,
Master Billy, but we were hoping for some small exchange,” the Maestro
replied.
“Let me see what
I can arrange,” Billy said. He immediately went to his three musicians. “Roz, you got the
keyboard transcription and violin parts written out for that Vaughan
Williams piece you been working so hard at?” he asked.
“I downloaded
the piano transcription and violin parts from the Internet two weeks
ago, Master Billy, but the piece was originally written for violin. I
just fell in love with it, and thought it might be well-suited for my
viola,” Roz replied.
“I couldn’t
agree with you more. You up to playing it this afternoon? The musicians
are asking for an exchange, and I couldn’t think of a better piece than
your ascending lark,” Billy said and smiled.
“I’d be honored,
Master Billy. I’ll gather everything and meet you and my brothers at
the stage,” Roz said.
“We’re all set
after you complete your last piece, Maestro Moehare,” Billy relayed to
the conductor.
The last set was
of more classical nature and featured unknown composers from other
worlds Billy, Kate, Vox, and Zelma never heard of, but their music was
exceptionally fine. Vox was particularly impressed with the village
musicians and asked to be included in the next ‘on-board’ concert they
might give for Billy and his family. Billy promised Vox he would soon
become a regular guest at the ranch once again. When the village
musicians played their last number and responded to a couple of calls
for encores, the conductor stood at the microphone and thanked everyone
graciously for a wonderful meal, delightful company, and a wonderful
chance to share music. “On behalf of my fellow musicians, I was
appointed to implore Master Billy, if he enjoyed and appreciated our
music, to reward us with a small token of music from him and his
musicians. We humbly and gratefully turn the stage over to Master
Billy,” he said followed by thunderous applause for the audience with
yelling, much stomping of boots and hooves from the cowboys and cattle.
The seasoned
cowboy slaves who worked the stage since the beginning of the barnyard
concerts quickly set up for Billy and his three musicians. Billy stood
at the microphone. “Those of you who haven’t been entranced by the
lovely music coming from our lonely barn playing viola mistress in the
dead of night, you are in for a treat. I have listened enough to say
she is ready for a performance. Our lovely viola player Ms. Rosalyn Q.
Cumber will play Ralph Vaughan Williams “The Lark Ascending”
accompanied
by me and my fiddlers-two, Castor and Pollux Daniels,” Billy announced.
The audience went crazy with applause. The string players tuned their
instruments to Billy’s synthesizer. They began and you could hear a pin
drop the attention was so great.
From the very
first notes of the piece Roz captured the hearts and imagination of her
audience with some of the most inspired playing Billy or his family
ever heard. Kate, Zelma, and Vox were rocked on their musical heels.
The hugely melodic piece was particularly suited to the viola and Roz
milked every nuance to make it the most intelligently seductive reading
of the piece. There is no heart so hard or cold the first several
minutes of the Vaughan Williams piece won't win over to complete
pleasure. And, for some strange reason Billy couldn’t put his finger
on, the darker, richer sound of the viola gave the piece a new aura for
him: one that sang and spoke to him of his younger days riding on the
back of his owner through the early spring mornings in the hill country
of West central Texas. Cass and Poly acted as backups for their big
sister as she did for them on their Bach double violin concerto. Billy
played his part with sympathy and sound musicality. It all came
together as one of the more memorable performances from the barnyard
concerts. A cobbled accompaniment to be sure, but a stunningly
beautiful performance by the Highland Shire’s newest prodigy. Zelma
Jane Redbone couldn’t wait to bring this group to Houston, and she
entertained, in the dark recesses of her
scheming entrepreneurial brain, a
performance by the Village Musicians. The ‘Village People’ for a new
generation.
Once again the
crowd went crazy for one of their own. Roz played a brief encore and
the evening was over. Billy thanked the village musicians and told them
he hoped to have them come a play for them many times in the future.
Buck and Hank gave the village musicians several of the different
peppers the sauces were made from, and they were thrilled to have the
seeds. They included some lemon and lime seeds to grow their own trees.
They were most grateful. After many, handshakes, hugs, and more than a
few kisses, Billy and his posse transported the musicians back to
Nick’s ship. Billy made it a point to give the old warrior Cloog a big
hug and a kiss and told him how honored he was Cloog agreed to come and
be
his guest for the day. The old man shed a few tears at Billy’s
hospitality and graciousness and returned his love in kind.
Things were
winding down for the evening at the ranch when Billy and his men
returned from the ship. Will and Buster were getting ready to leave and
drive home for the evening. Kate presented them with lots of leftovers
and desserts in case they got peckish during the night or Buster and
Everett might have for lunch the next day. She even sent a separate box
of goodies for Miranda. Will and Buster couldn’t thank her,
Billy, and the rest of his people enough for accepting them into the
greater heart of their immediate family.
“This week will
mark a new beginning for us,” Billy said as he hugged and stole a kiss
from his big brother, the sheriff of the county.
“It will,
indeed, little brother. You have given me and my dad our lives back.
There are no words to express my feelings,” Will said.
“Live strong and
well, my friend,” Billy told him.
Will left with
his dad and said 'goodbye’ to the cattle guarding the gates. Buster
looked at him like he was crazy. Will just smiled to himself as he
turned onto the blacktop and headed for town and home.
* * * * * * *
Billy only had a
little while to talk alone with Mary and Evelyn Rutherford over another
dessert before they took off back to their ranch. Randy and Kayla were
busy with Hank and Buck taking care of everything for the evening. “Is
Wednesday good for you folks for me and my crew to come visit and take
a look at the ranch?” he asked.
“That’s fine
with us. What time?” Mary asked knowing cowboys get up early.
“Eight o’clock
too early?” Billy asked.
“No, we’ll be
up,” Mary replied.
“Good. We’ll be
there with horses to take a look. Mary, Randy asked me to talk with you
about a couple of things. When I was about Randy’s age, I saved
Boomer’s life, and against most of my family’s advice, except my
granddad, I tended his wounds, kept him fed and watered, slept in a
cave with him every night for two weeks with two sleeping bags to keep
us warm, and nursed him back to health. Today he is my fierce but
loving protector and my number one slave. From what Randy tells me,
he’s developing a friendship with another big watcher who lives in the
caves and roams the thickets foraging for food on your ranch,” Billy
said.
“Oh, dear, I was
afraid of something like that. He came home the other afternoon with
his belly so full I thought he ate something that gave him gas. It
looked just like the times he and Kayla gorged themselves on Boomer’s
milk. He smelled like he wallowed around on a dead skunk. I made him
shower, wash up with fels-naptha soap, and he was a lot better. He
immediately went to bed and slept all night. In the morning he was just
fine. I asked about his day, but he wouldn’t say much,” she said, “My
only thought was he ran into a Sasquatch and made a friend. Randy never
met anybody who wasn’t his friend. He’s just like his daddy and
Darrell’s older brother,” she added.
“Your husband
has an older brother?” Billy asked.
“Had. Yes, he
went to the Middle East about four years before my husband and was
blown to pieces by an improvised mine. There wasn’t enough of him to
put back together. They sent what was left of him home, but wouldn’t
allow the casket to be opened. Darrell and I were in college, and I
came home with him for his funeral. His name was Douglas. I never met
him. I think his death broke his dad’s heart. He went down hill pretty
fast after that and died just before Darrell finished boot camp. I
could be wrong, but I got the feeling he didn’t want to wait around and
have to bury his second son,” Mary lamented.
“I’m sorry to
hear that. I didn’t know you lost two sons, Mrs. Rutherford. That must
have been rough,” Billy said.
“It was, and I
agree with Mary. My husband just gave up on life after Doug was killed.
I think losing the three main men in my life caused my decline in
health to the point I just didn’t care anymore. I do now, and I
certainly appreciate the second chance to see my grandchildren grow
up,” Evelyn Rutherford said.
“Did Douglas
have a family before he went to Afghanistan?” Billy asked.
“No, he never
married. He didn’t want to start a family until he returned,” Mary
replied.
“We’ll be there
bright and early Wednesday morning. Don’t do anything special. We’ll
have breakfast here and eat supper when we get home. I was planing on
going
into Fredericksburg for more building supplies, but I think I’ll leave
that in Hank and Buck’s capable hands for another day,” Billy said.
“We’ll be
looking forward to your visit, Billy,” Evelyn Rutherford said.
“Mary, from what
Randy tells me, I don’t think there’s any need to worry about him. If
his new buddy he calls ‘Ludo’ shared his milk with Randy, he will be
watching him and protect him with his life. It’s just a part of their
heritage to protect bairns of any species; especially, those with whom
they form a bond. I’m relieved he’s made a friend with one to watch
over him. Next Friday evening I’d like for ya’ll to come for supper.
Come around five 'cause we sit down to eat at six. After supper, I’ll
be taking several male members of my family through a star gate to
Retikki Prime. I’m taking my uncle and his ramrod, Moss Garrett, Enoch
Redbone, and Sheriff Tate with me. Of course I’ll be taking my angels
and Boomer. With your permission, I’d like to take Randy along. I’d
like to introduce him to Boomer’s uncles. We won’t be gone more than
ten to fifteen minutes. Just time enough for you and Evelyn to have a
second dessert and another cup of coffee,” Billy said.
“We’d be happy
to come for supper, but can I let you know about the other when you
come to the ranch Wednesday?” Mary asked.
“Of course. You
and Ms. Evelyn talk it over,” Billy replied.
* * * * * * *
The evening was
over and the Rutherfords left to drive back to their ranch after many
thanks, hugs, and kisses with a promise to see them Wednesday morning.
Billy won Kayla’s heart and imagination along with Randy’s. Kids
pick up on small things adults sometimes overlook. Kayla saw the love,
admiration, and genuine appreciation Billy had for Roz and her talents.
It said to Kayla, while her little brother might have a special place
in Billy’s heart, there was plenty room for her. Kayla wasn’t naive
either. She didn’t wonder why Billy and her mother didn’t seem to be
forming an attraction or romantic bond with each other. She knew in her
heart her mother was vulnerable because of everything she went
through in recent years. Billy was much younger than Ruth and there was
just a wide enough gap
in age she knew her mother would never allow herself to entertain such
an
idea no matter how she might admire him and think Billy was one of the
most handsome young cowboys she ever met. Then there were the male
companions Kayla saw who surrounded Billy like they were his inner core
of family and the special relationship he seemed to have with his big,
undeniably handsome mature cowboy-angel-slave Nick, whom he referred to
as his 'pa.’ To say nothing of the love and unspoken bond that Billy
and Boomer displayed to the world. She knew it was a strong union of
some kind, but hadn’t yet completely figured it out.
“Do you think
Mary will allow Randy to go with us, Son,” Tron Garrrett asked after
the Rutherfords left.
“Not at first,
Ramrod, but I got me a stealth ally among them what will convince her,”
Billy replied.
“Evelyn?” Nathan
asked.
“No, Kayla,”
Kate replied, and Zelma Jane agreed.
“Exactly,
Grandma,” Billy said and smiled at them.
* * * * * * *
Tom and Abigale
and the boys said their 'goodbyes’ and there were more handshakes,
hugs,
stolen kisses, and a few tears shed with promises to keep in touch and
offers to visit again real soon. Rory and Calhoun were both in tears
when they hugged Billy and told him 'goodbye.’ They didn’t want to
leave. Tom and Abigale shared their sorrow but laughed at them. They
told them there would be many more days to share together at the ranch.
Billy reminded them it would be a short week because they would be back
on Thursday so’s their dad could be in court the next morning.
Finally, they
were down to the core family sitting around in a moment of silence.
Suddenly, Kate started laughing and everyone looked at her. “All day
long I’ve been praying for a moment of quiet. Now that it’s here, I
hate it!” she said and fell out laughing. “I want them all back with
the noise, laughter, and sometimes utter confusion. That’s what life
and living is all about...not sitting in silence. Don’t you agree,
Vox?” she asked her friend sitting next to her.
“I can’t
remember when I’ve enjoyed such a wonderful day at the ranch. It was
almost like the days I can remember when you and Daws were still having
friends in and holding concerts in the ballroom. I remember the
holidays and how everyone pitched in to get everything done just at the
last minute. Somehow, it would always come together and everyone shared
a moment of silence before Daws said some words or a prayer and we sat
down to eat,” Vox recalled, “The past was good, but today was a special
day. I never felt more alive or included in my life. Something’s
happening to me I can’t explain. I feel like I’m coming together as a
whole person and opening doors I have always been afraid to look behind
before,” he added.
“Maybe you’re
like our species, Mr. Vox,” Edith spoke quietly, “Our young go through
what you might call a metamorphosis to become what Archie and I are,”
she said.
“Excellent
observation, Edith,” Kate responded, “Do you think you’re ready to meet
the other ‘you’ inside and learn to share with your embedded sister?
I’ve known and loved her for many years. Her name is Roxanne and after
you go to sleep she comes forth, dresses in my old clothes, and visits
for a while. She even plays the organ for us,” Kate said softly.
“Then the vivid
dream of me playing Wagner and the Bach jig fugue wasn’t a dream at
all?” he asked almost as if he were speaking to himself.
“Not at all,
brother,” Roxanne replied.
“Will you and
Vox be staying the night?” Kate asked Roxanne.
“While I
appreciate your kind offer of hospitality, I should not wish to impose.
I’ll leave it up to my brother to decide for us,” Roxanne replied. Vox
broke into tears. “Oh, my God, why have you not revealed yourself to me
before now?” he asked.
“You weren’t
ready, Vox,” Kate said with empathy, “Roxanne is fiercely protective of
you, and she has a right to be. What affects you affects her,” Kate
said.
“I need time,”
Vox said.
“That may be
true, but you ain’t leaving the ranch until you come to grips with your
other half, Vox,” Billy said firmly, “I didn’t go to the trouble of
healing you to have you do something rash or stupid on a whim of the
moment. For all the complications you might see arising from a
confrontation or a conjoining with your other half, there is an equal
number
of remarkable possibilities which can open new doors for both.
By coming together -- no pun intended -- you have a new world of
eroticism to contemplate. You can share it all. You don’t have to
be one way. You can have all the sexual probabilities rolled into one
organism, and with your second chance, it can be a new beginning for
you,” Billy said, “I think the metaphor my Psyche gave you to ponder is
apt. Become something new and wonderful. Just think! Multiple orgasisms
for two organist united in a unique organism. A new world is waiting
for
you,” he added.
“I don’t know
how to go about it,” Vox lamented.
“Trust your
inner woman, Vox. Don’t deny her. Work with her. Learn about Roxanne.
Get to know her. Stay here at the ranch until you feel secure. Talk
with Grandma and Zelma Jane. Talk with Roz and Dorcas. They can help
you,” Billy urged.
“I will. Here
are my keys. Keep them until you think we’re ready to fly away
together,” Vox said holding up his car keys for Billy. Billy took them
and gave them to Kate for safe keeping. Vox got up, excused himself,
and headed for his room.
“How long?” Kate
asked Billy.
“A week -- maybe
less -- but I won’t enhance them to morph until I’m absolutely sure
they’re ready for it. That could take as long as six months,
depending...” Billy said, “That’ll give me time to get old Elmer the
bull refurbished, sexed up, and studded out; ready to release into his
new pasture,” Billy said
and giggled.
“I think Roxanne
is stronger than Vox. I think she’ll have him sold on the idea within a
month -- max,” Kate said.
“I agree with
Mama-san,” Nathan said.
“I second that
emotion,” Tron added and laughed.
“I hope you’re
right. Now I gotta’ fix up Elmer Breedlove. Poor old thing. He ain’t
got a clue, he’s just about to hit the jackpot,” Billy said and
laughed.
“I just hope his
old heart can stand up under the pressure,” Kate said and grinned.
“I’ll beef it up
while I fix the rest of him. He’ll be so horny he’ll take the first one
what hits the bed,” Billy explained and laughed.
Roxanne was
understanding and sensitive, but she was firm. She adjusted to Vox’s
whims for years, but now it was his turn to share with her. She didn’t
insist he allow her ‘drag time’ right away but slowly introduced him to
her collection of older clothes given him/her by Kate over the years.
It took Vox three days to adjust to the idea, but once he took the
plunge he allowed his sister, his inner woman, to revel in her
femininity. There was no turning back. Vox never looked back. He began
to believe Billy, Kate, and Edith’s words. He was leaving his previous
world and walking into the garden of Eden before Adam lost his rib.
There was no need for separation. He contained the total package. He
was not afraid to morph into his female form.
* * * * * * *
Billy and his
immediate family transported for the line cabin. Everyone was exhausted
and after cleaning up for the night climbed into bed to sleep. No one
was interested in sex. They were down for the count. Billy felt a
tickle in his mind. << That chu,’ Buckaroo? >> he asked.
<< Yes,
sir, Cowboy Billy. I just wanted to thank you for a nice time, tell you
I love you, and wish you a ‘goodnight,’ >> Randy said.
<< We had
us a good time, pod’ner. There will be more, >> Billy said.
<< I hope
so. Mom asked me about Ludo, and I told her the truth. She didn’t seem
worried or nothing, >> Randy said.
<< I can
feel Ludo listening to our conversation. His presence is strong in you.
I hope your mom lets you go to Retikki Prime with us, >> Billy
sent.
<< I think
she will. Kayla came to my defense and told her my going with you could
only prepare me, and in turn her, for the future. She told mom the more
I’m enhanced the easier it’s gonna’ be on our family to get over the
rough spots, >> Randy sent.
<< She’s
right about that. Good for Kayla. You remember to be extra nice to your
big sister. She’s in your corner, Cowboy, >> Billy sent.
<< I will.
I better sign off for now. I know you had a big day. I love you, Cowboy
Billy, >> Randy said.
<< I love
you, too, Buckaroo. Look forward to seeing you Wednesday, and you keep
our little cowboy buddy safe, Ludo, >> Billy sent and broke
connection.
“Sometimes I
wish I weren’t the dad type, and I could be your little buddy,
Kemosabe,” Nick said and smiled.
“You can be
anything you want to be for me. There’s enough little boy still inside
that mature hunk of angel/demon flesh what shares mischief and love
with me enough to satisfy my deepest needs. Like Vox, I got the best of
all possible worlds together in one package -- not in the same
circumstance, but a fine melange of interesting personal quirks to keep
us playing off each other for a very long time,” Billy said, “After all
-- you Tonto, me Kemosabe,” he added and pinched Nick’s big tit. Nick
jumped and hollered, tickled Billy and got him laughing. They ended
their struggled in a deep kiss and fell asleep in each other’s arms.
* * * * * * * *
The sheriff
awoke to the smell of fresh coffee and breakfast cooking. He got up,
took a quick shower, put on his uniform and walked into the kitchen
just in time to find Everett putting a full plate of bacon and eggs
with toast in front of his dad. The sheriff’s plate with a full cup of
coffee was waiting for him at the head of the table. Everett got his
food and sat down opposite Buster.
“Thank you,
Everett. What a nice surprise. What do you say, Dad?” Will asked.
“Best looking
cook we ever done had, and he cooks pert-damn good, too,” Buster said.
“He’d make some outfit a damn fine old woman,” he added and saluted
Everett with his mug of coffee.
“Don’t take that
the wrong way, Son,” Will was quick to explain, “that’s cowboy talk for
a good cook on a work’n ranch. The cowboys affectionately refer to him
as their ‘old woman,’” he said.
Everett shrugged
his shoulders and grinned as he took a bite of his eggs. “I don’t think
I’m going to have any problems here. Miranda and I had us a good long
chat last evening, and she convinced me this is a pretty good outfit to
work for. She said she’s happy you got more family. She said you been
lonely too long, and she’s been worried about you, Sheriff,” he said.
“I’ll be glad
when I get my enhancement, and I can talk with her. We got us so much
to catch up on with each other. She knows ever’ damn thing there is to
know about me. She listens to me rant and rave about work and every day
nonsense. She’s been a faithful companion, and I ain’t afraid to say I
love her. Hell, if she could morph into a woman, and have a litter of
kids, I’d marry her tomorrow,” the sheriff said and laughed. He got a
laugh out of his small family and Miranda barked at him. “Naw, I
mean it little girl. You mean the world to me,” Will added and Miranda
barked again.
Will left for
work without a care in the world. He knew Miranda and Buster were going
to be fine under Everett’s supervision. He got to the office and there
was much merry making about Will becoming a daddy. Lima Bean was there
with balloons and salsa dip with chips. His staff showed her the video
of Miranda whelping the pups. She was happy and pleased. She wanted to
know if there would be a couple extra. “I don’t know for sure, Ms.
Bean, three have already been spoken for, but we’ll wait and see,” he
said.
“You know how
word gets around. We got calls at home over the weekend asking what
price you was gonna’ ask for them. You can make some good money on them
pups, Sheriff. They ain’t a lot of heelers left in the county and you
done bred Miranda with a top quality show and performance dog,” Lima
said.
“You can’t put a
price on a good home, Ms. Bean. I want them to go to special people
because they’re gonna’ have special abilities,” the sheriff said.
“Like what?” she
asked.
“I can’t tell
you. You’ll just have to wait and see,” Will said mysteriously.
“They’re all so
dang cute. Even the runt is a winner,” she said.
“She ain’t a
runt no more. She filled out over the weekend and is now pushing the
others away for the best seat at the table,” Will said and laughed.
About that time,
Bubba and Earl walked into the station with their hats in their hands
looking sheepish. “Time to go to work, folks,” he said to his staff and
Lima Bean, “C’moan into my office, men, and have a seat,” he said
ushering them in with a wave of his hand and closing the door behind
them. Their cameras and the stuff his deputy confiscated from the
pastor was sitting on his desk. Will sat down and looked from one to
the other. They looked nervous. “What the hell were you men think’n?”
Will asked quietly. The effect had more impact than if he stood and
yelled at them.
“We’s just
trying to make a little money, Sheriff. We didn’t mean no harm. We
weren’t out to do no mischief. We’s just trying to get pitchers of them
dance’n cows out to the Daniels’ ranch. For some damn reason, the
preacher
wants pitchers of ‘em, and he was willing to buy us them nice cameras
and pay us for the pitchers,” Earl explained.
“You men are
damn lucky y’ain’t dead. The cowboys and men of the Daniels ranch had
every right to shoot you the minute you set foot on their land. They
didn’t need to know what you were up to. You know the laws of the open
range. You men were born and raised here. You ain’t got no excuse. All
kids what come from farms and ranches around the area are taught from
birth, you don’t trespass on a man’s land without his permission. If
you do, you’re taking your life into your own hands. You men may lack
common sense, but I know for a fact you ain’t stupid. Fortunately for
you, Billy Daniels is a good and decent man. He’s willing to overlook
the incident if you agree to go out ‘tere and fix his fence. You do
that and he tells me he’s satisfied with your job, he told me I could
release your cameras to you; but only, if you men swear under oath
never to set foot on his land again unless you’s invited as a guest,”
Will said and stopped.
“Really? He said
that? He ain’t real pissed at us? Yeah, we could fix his fence. We’ll
drive out this afternoon and fix it. But you might as well give them
nice cameras to the preacher. We didn’t get him no pitchers. I know
he’s gonna’ want ‘em back,” Earl said.
“You swear it
was Womack’s idea for your men to get pitchers of them dance’n cows?”
the sheriff asked.
“Cowboy word of
honor, Sheriff,” Bubba proclaimed.
“Then as far as
I’m concerned, he took a gamble and lost. It don’t seem right to me you
men should have to bear the burden for his failed wager. He should bear
some of the responsibility. If he tries to get you to give 'em back,
tell him the sheriff said you could keep ‘em as a lesson to him; he
shouldn’t be sticking his holy nose into other’s folk’s business just
‘cause he thinks he’s got a right to investigate something he don’t
know nothing about. That ain’t his job. It’s my job, and when he steps
over into my territory, I don’t take kindly to his intrusion. I don’t
preach in his church, and I shore’ as hell won’t put up with him trying
to do my job. He asked me to go out to the Daniels ranch and take a
look around. I did, but I didn’t find nothing like what he claims is
go’n on out there. He told me there was demon worshiping and
supernatural shit going on, but I didn’t see nothing like
‘at. I saw a lot of people relaxing and having a hell of a good time,
but that was it,” Will said.
“Them cows
talked to us, Sheriff,” Bubba said.
“Yeah, so what?
You know you two will be laughed out of town if you tell anybody about
it, don’t you?” he asked, “Besides, it weren’t the cows what was
talking
to you. Billy Daniels is a genius when it comes to electronics, and he
has a little device on each cow’s neck what can send and receive sound.
It was a couple of his cowboys sitting in the barn making it sound like
them cows was talking. Pretty damn effective. Them cowboys made you
believed them cows was talking to you,” the sheriff said and grinned
real big like they been had. Bubba and Earl hung their heads like they
were the worst kind of suckers. They knew if they said a word about the
talking cows they would become the laughing stock of the county.
“We didn’t know.
We didn’t think about it,” Earl said in disgust at having been made a
fool. “So all we gotta’ do is drive out there and repair his fence?” he
asked.
“That’s right,
but you gotta’ do a good job, or you won’t get your cameras back,” Will
said.
“We’ll do a good
job, Sheriff, and thanks for going easy on us,” Earl said.
“Do what’s
right, and it will be forgotten. Now, I can’t order you men to stay
away from Womack, but if you go around him again, you men are bigger
fools than Billy Daniels and his cowboys made you out to be. Womack
will
get you into a lot of trouble, then turn his back on you, and leave you
holding the bag. The next time, if there is a next time, and I’m hope’n
to God there ain’t, I can promise you men won’t get off so light. If
you don’t get chore’selves killed, you will do time. Worse yet, you
could be looking at a lifetime of slavery. Let my words be a strong
warning for you men,” the sheriff said firmly.
Bubba and Earl
left the sheriff’s station and went to the local diner for breakfast.
They talked quietly so no one could hear. They decided they got off
light, and would drive out that day to fix the fence. “Did ju’ git the
feel’n the sheriff was on our side about all this,” Bubba asked Earl.
“Yeah, like it
was mostly the preacher’s fault for talking us into it,” Earl replied.
“We’s jes’ lucky
it weren’t the last sheriff we had. We’d be behind bars for sure,”
Bubba said.
“Yeah, he
wouldn’t even talk with us like Will Tate done. You plan on vote’n for
Tate?” Earl asked.
“Hell yeah! That
means we better register, Earl. You and I ain’t never voted in our
lives,” Bubba said.
“We’ll make the
effort this time, Bubba,” Earl allowed.
Bubba and Earl
may not have been good for much but they cowboyed all their lives and
knew how to mend fences. They got the materials they needed and drove
out to the Daniels ranch. They made sure they didn’t set foot on his
property and made the repairs on the outside of the fence. When they
finished it was stronger than it was before and looked good as well.
The cows ambled over and stood watching, but they didn’t say anything.
They just stood there chewing their cud and watching.
“I don’t care
what the sheriff said, Earl, them cows is intelligent. I can just feel
them think’n about us,” Bubba said.
“Yeah, they give
me the creeps, but on the other hand you gotta’ give credit where it’s
due: they be some damn fine look’n cows, Bubba,” Earl said.
“Won’t gainsay
that, brother. One a them pretty little heifers is better looking than
my last girlfriend,” Bubba allowed, and Earl laughed.
* * * * * * *
Will took great
joy in telling his staff and Lima Bean his dad had a miraculous
recovery over the weekend, and Billy Daniels gave him a male slave to
become part of his family to take care of his dad when he was away. He
explained since the slave was to become an immediate member of their
family they gave him their last name. He would be known as Everett
Tate. They rejoiced for Will because they knew of the close bond Will
shared with his dad. They didn’t know everything, but they knew the
sheriff was happy and seemed comfortable and content with the new
situation. Will seemed like a changed man and nothing could get to him.
He even began to do some minor campaigning for his second term as
sheriff and his staff was solidly behind him. Will took great delight
in calling the rest home to tell them he would not be bringing his dad
back. He made other arrangements. They didn’t seem too upset, told him
they would gather Buster’s personal items, and he could pick them up at
his convenience.
* * * * * * *
Monday and
Tuesday passed like a blur. There never seemed to be a dull moment at
the Daniels’ ranch. Wednesday morning everyone was up before dawn
getting the horses saddled and into the Daniels’ big horse trailer.
They took ten ponies including Samson and Maybelle. Billy asked his
Uncle Nate and his Ramrod Tron to go with them. He took Nick and
Boomer, but the big watcher didn’t need a horse. He could easily keep
up with them. He asked Moss, Enoch, Hank, Buck, Clyde, and Andy his
Irin cowboy ramrod. They sat down to a good ranch breakfast just as the
sun was coming up for the day. They took Billy’s new fifth wheel diesel
truck with a crew cab. Fortunately, the horse trailer had a small
traveling section for several men and everyone was comfortable for the
short ride to the Rutherford ranch. They pulled into the front gate
right at eight o’clock and pulled around in front of the house.
Randy and Kayla
came running out of the house shouting welcome and ran to the arms of
the cowboys. They didn’t stop until they hugged and kissed each one.
Mary and Evelyn were more reserved but pleased to see the cowboys in
their gear with chaps and spurs. They invited them in for coffee and
Billy graciously accepted. He really wanted to get started before the
sun got too high, and they could get back early. As he passed the
living room, on the mantle over the fireplace was a picture of Evelyn’s
two sons, Darrell who was sitting with his older brother
Douglas standing behind him. He stopped and looked for a minute. “Is
this a picture of yore’ boys, Ms. Rutherford?” he asked.
“Yes, Billy,
they’re my sons,” she replied.
“Dang, they look
enough alike to be brothers,” he said without thinking.
“They were
brothers, you twit,” Nathan said.
“I know, but you
gotta’ admit they looked a lot alike,” Billy tried to redeem his faux
pas.
“That’s all
right, Billy, many folks thought they was twins,” Evelyn said coming to
Billy’s defense.
They had coffee
and went out to the truck to unload the horses. It didn’t take them
anytime.
“You gonna’ ride
with me, cowboy?” he asked Randy.
“I’d love to,
Cowboy Billy. Can I, Mom?” he asked.
“Sure, go on.
Have a good time, but don’t ask too many questions,” Mary said and
grinned.
Billy reached
down and pulled Randy up into the saddle and sat him in front of him so
he could hold onto the saddle horn. Randy leaned forward and patted
Samson on his neck and tickled him, << Nice to see you again, old
friend, >> he sent.
<< Nice to
feel you on my back again, Master Randy, >> Samson replied.
They were off at
a leisurely pace. Billy didn’t want his protector to get overheated nor
did he want to wear out the ponies. They had a full day ahead of them.
The men rode from one end of the property to the other. They only
stopped long enough to inspect the two huge barns and out buildings.
Nothing was locked and Ruth told Randy to show them anything they
wanted to see. The bunkhouse was twice as large as the one on the
Daniels ranch and was in better shape. It was a two story
configuration. Upstairs were the bunks and one enormous room for toilet
and
shower facilities at the end of building. Downstairs was a
large kitchen area. The rest was devoted to tables and benches for
eating
with several old chairs and couches set around for lounging. It was
plain and simple but immediately serviceable. All the plumbing worked
and the hot water heater was in sound working order. The foreman’s
shack was a big four bedroom house with two stories. Upstairs were four
good sized bedrooms with only one large bathroom at the end of the hall
which could easily accommodate four men. The building was sound
and in great shape. There were several extra buildings for tack and
ranch equipment. Everything was in much better shape than any of the
men expected.
They covered
most of the property by noon, but still had the creek to look at and
some of the mesquite thickets to ride through. Billy was impressed by
the seclusion of the ranch to be so close to one of the larger small
cities in Texas. They were less than ten miles from the city limits of
Fredericksburg, and there was a large area of the ranch which was still
unexplored mesquite thickets. It was like a wilderness no one ventured
into unless they were chasing cattle for a roundup or they just wanted
to explore virgin territory. Most areas of the sort were bulldozed and
stripped away many years ago to provide extra grazing for cattle but
there were a handful of ranch owners who believed the wilderness part
of their ranch contributed to the overall general health of their
livestock and property. They were right, and it also shaded and held in
the ground water more readily than exposed terrain. There was always
active springs to provide good, clean water for the livestock and the
ranch.
As Billy was
leading the riders he told Samson and Maybelle to head down into the
creek bed since the water was low and they could get a drink if they
wanted. They took time to let the ponies drink and were talking quietly
among themselves when Samson raise his head and snorted, << Skunk
apes and a couple of daddy long-legs upwind and around the bend from
us, Billy, >> he sent.
“What’s up ahead
and around the bend, Randy?” Billy asked.
“My secret
swimming hole, but from what Samson just told you, I don’t think it’s
no secret anymore,” Randy replied.
“Let’s us ease
on up and take a peak around the bend, Samson. Follow me, Nick. The
rest of you men stay here until I whistle for you. Boomer, you’re with
us,” Billy said.
Samson and
Maybelle could be silent when they wanted to be and walked very
carefully so’s not to be detected. Boomer’s padded soles and fury feet
didn’t make a sound even in loose gravel. They came around the bend and
found three Bigfoot and two daddy long-legs playing around in the cool
water of the pool. Billy, Randy, Nick, and Boomer totally surprised
them. They turned to look but didn’t spook. They just stood still
looking in wonder at what they saw. Here were two cowboys and a
young bairn accompanied by another Bigfoot of considerable size, but
Boomer was obviously one of them. He looked strikingly handsome with
his well groomed full fur which move easily and flowed when he moved.
Billy noticed
the tallest of the daddy long-legs face was covered with a brown
leather mask
and he was wearing a dirty pair of old Wranglers cut off at the knees.
He had neither a shirt nor shoes for his feet.
The other daddy long-leg was completely without clothing of any kind,
but he made no effort to cover his nakedness. << We mean you no
harm. We’re exploring the Rutherford ranch to decide to run cattle here
and financially help the family of my little saddle buddy sitting
before me. You and your brothers are welcome to live here and forage;
you are also welcome on the Daniels ranch and the Tate ranch. The proud
Watcher you see next to me is my protector, my number one slave, my
bonded mate, and the husband of my children. His name is Boomer. My
name is Billy Daniels and this humanoid on the horse next to me is my
adopted dad. He is a fallen angel, my slave, and another one of my
protectors. I am the chosen of the Grigori and Irin race. You are
welcome here, >> Billy sent to them in a gentle manner.
They looked at
one another in awe. The biggest, meanest looking of the Bigfoot fell to
his knees in homage to Billy. Randy quickly sent to Billy, the big
beast was 'Ludo' and Billy could feel the boy’s heart beat a little
faster. E’aup, his little brother was a cowboy in love, Billy thought
to himself. The other two Bigfoot saw their companion and followed his
lead. The two daddy long-legs just stood there like they were scared to
move. Ludo reached up, gently took the masked long-leg’s hand, pulled
him to his knees, and the other followed suit. Billy motioned for Nick
to join him and they dismounted. He took Randy down from the saddle and
without a word the boy ran to Ludo’s huge arms. The monster was all
smiles. Billy took off his hat and began to remove his shirt. Nick did
the same. When they were bare-chested they disappeared for a few
seconds to the gasp of the daddy long-legs and returned in a bright
flash of light fully fledged. Their audience was in awe. Billy and Nick
slowly walked toward them, raised their wings, and flooded them with a
great white light. Billy couldn’t adjust their bodies as he didn’t have
their DNA on file, but he and Nick could improve their overall health
and leave them clean as the day they were born.
<< You
there, big one, holding my beloved little brother, will you claim him
as your own to love and protect? >> Billy sent.
<< I have
no choice. I have fed him from my breast, and he has named me. I am
Ludo. I am his slave and his protector, Master Billy. Are you his main
protector? >> Ludo asked.
<< I am
his main protector. He developed an incurable disease from a genetic
weakness and would have been dead by now, but I corrected his DNA and
cured him of his disease. I am his bonded
brother who gave him a new life. I am his slave in love and duty to
him. He has no father. His father was killed in a needless war on the
other side of our planet. It will be left up to his protectors, you,
me, and my family to make sure he grows in statue and strength. He is
to be taught right from wrong, what is good and what is evil. If you
daddy long-legs need help or consider rehabilitation, you only have to
let Randy know, and I will see to it you are helped back on your feet.
My offer is good for all your brothers. And should any of you Grigori
watchers fall upon bad times or become injured, send for me, and we
will come to you. Have no fear of us. We will heal you and nurse you
back to health, but we will not try to change your ways. Change must be
your decision. For it is only through a deeper need to love we are all
capable of change, >> Billy sent. He figured the daddy long-legs
drank enough watcher milk they could hear his thoughts. He could tell
from their response they could. << In two days, I will be
taking Randy with me through a star gate to introduce him to your
ancestors, the greater Grigori council, and he will also be introduced
to the Irin, another advanced race of people who will further enhance
him, >> Billy said.
<< May I
join you, Master Billy, >> Ludo asked.
<<
Certainly, if you wish. Allow Randy to groom you. He must learn, to own
or be owned by a protector, is not all fun and games. It takes some
work.
Randy will tickle me and let me know when you’re ready. My pa here and
I will come and transport you to our ranch. We are taking a number of
humans and other creatures with us. Will you be uncomfortable around
others? >> Billy asked.
<< Not
with you, Randy, and your husband, Master Billy, >> Ludo replied.
<< Then
it’s settled. Arise and go your way, >> Billy said almost as a
blessing.
Billy and Nick
disappeared again, and when they returned their wings were gone and
they looked like two buffed out cowboys without their shirts. Their
fellow riders slowly came riding around the bend. Ludo stole one last
kiss from Randy, turned him around to face Billy, patted him on his
little butt, and sent him back to his big brother. Billy and Nick were
putting on their western shirts as the men came riding up. Randy was so
excited he almost pissed his Wranglers. “Ain’t Ludo wonderful, Cowboy
Billy?” he asked with enthusiasm.
“I’d say he’s a
keeper, fer sure, Buckaroo,” Billy grabbed him up, hugged him, and
stole a kiss. He sat Randy in his saddle again and climbed up behind
him. Billy was impressed with the terrain, but made a mental note to
clear a portion of the thicket, and with his bulldozer create a new
catch basin for water to seep into the ground for the use of cattle and
wild critters. That would be a project for another day. He decided he’d
seen enough, and they rode back to the ranch house and loaded the
horses back onto the carrier. It was a little after noon when they
arrived back at the main ranch house.
Mary, Evelyn,
and Kayla had sandwiches, chips, and lemonade ready for the men for a
quick lunch. The men ate and Billy discussed with Mary and Evelyn his
previous offer. He told them he could move Irin cowboy in as soon as
the following Monday. The only question Mary and Evelyn had for him was
fear of the cattle coming too close to the ranch house. Billy suggested
a fence between the outbuildings and the main ranch house. It would
create a separation for the ranch operations and the main house. He
would make it high and strong enough to keep out unwanted critters like
deer
so Mary and Evelyn could have a garden if they wished and it would be
safe
for them to keep a pet who could come and go as he pleased without
fear. Randy and Kayla smiled at each other. They knew Billy was talking
about Goliath. They couldn’t wait. “Then do we have an agreement?”
Billy asked.
Mary looked at
Evelyn, and she nodded her approval. “We have an agreement, Mr.
Daniels,” she said and they shook hands binding their understanding.
Billy whipped
out his Highland Shire Project check book and wrote Mary a check for
four thousand dollars. He dated it for the following day which was
April first. He made note of it and told Mary the check weren’t no
April fool’s joke, it was real. They shared a laugh. Billy promised
he’d have a check in her hands the first of every month. He planned to
start bringing Irin cowboys over as soon as possible to clean up the
outbuildings and get them ready for occupancy. One of their first
projects would be to build a six foot high fence, enclosing about
five acres around the main ranch house. It should be plenty of area for
living comfortably. Mary and Evelyn were ecstatic about their good
fortune and the comfort of knowing they would have others living on the
place who could give them a hand from time to time. Billy assured them
his slaves would be available for them. He also asked about enclosing
another area for a kitchen garden for his cowboys. Mary and Evelyn
agreed to that as well.
Billy told Mary
and Evelyn about running into three watchers and two daddy long-legs.
He described the one with the brown leather mask and Mary knew of him.
She let him stay in the barn several times and provided him with what
food they could spare. Billy told about meeting and speaking with
Randy’s new watcher buddy and emphasized how important it was for Randy
to accompany him and his other family members to Retikki Prime. It
could all be done while they have dessert around the table, and they
would return within minutes. Mary said she
understood and would allow Randy to go with Billy. She trusted him
completely. Evelyn agreed.
* * * * * * *
The cowboys left
and headed back to the Daniels’ ranch. By the time they got back to the
ranch, unloaded the horses, unsaddled them, rubbed them down, and fed
them it was almost time for supper. Billy was in a great mood. He
hadn’t been in the saddle in a number of days and riding Samson again
with his little buddy was a great treat for him. It sort of centered
him. Everything seemed to be going his way and he was content. He was
looking forward to the next day when Tom, Abigale, and the boys would
once again return to the ranch so Tom would be handy for court on
Friday morning. He was considering asking Tom if he and the boys might
like to go along on their trip to Retikki Prime.
* * * * * * *
The trial of
Orville Higginbothem was pretty cut and dried, but there were a couple
of surprises. When Tom McMartin got up to testify he carried with him a
file folder. The judge wanted to know what he had in the folder? Was it
evidence? “My attorney told me it’s supporting evidence, your honor,”
Tom replied.
“In what
manner?” the judge asked.
“This case is
bound to cause a great deal of adverse publicity for our company, so we
contacted those customers who purchased machines from us over the last
two years to ask if they were charged a delivery fee. Almost everyone
was charged a fee, paid in cash, but only a handful who insisted on a
receipt have proof. The receipts are written on a typical pad you can
buy at any stationary store and are signed by O. Higginbothem. We have
repaid those who have a valid receipt and gone so far as to accept
signed affidavits and honored them if the amount was in the ballpark of
the others. So far, it has cost our company close to a hundred thousand
dollars,” Tom said, “The exact figures are in the papers, sir,” he
added.
“He can’t submit
that at this late date, your Honor. We haven’t had time to go over it,”
the defense lawyers argued.
“Of course he
can. If the information is current. Obviously, Mr. McMartin needed time
to gather the information, and I will accept it. What does it matter if
Mr. Higginbothem is a little guilty or a lot guilty. I would say this
only shows a pattern of robbery and abuse of his position with Mr.
McMartin’s company which led up to the attempted murder of Mr.
McMartin’s cousin and employee. It shows a solid motive to cover up his
crimes and draw attention away from them; on the other hand, it’s like
the old saying, this information is like carrying coals to Newcastle,”
the judge replied and accepted Tom’s information.
The judge heard
all witnesses including Enoch whose leg was carefully bandaged, and he
was walking slowly with a cane. The judge excused himself and retired
to his chambers to review everything. It didn’t take him long to
deliberate, and he returned with his verdict. Orville Higginbothem was
sentenced to life as a slave, and in case of his conviction, he was
already sold to Mr. Billy Daniels. It was the trial
of the century for the small county and the courtroom was packed.
Since
the sheriff was one of the witnesses he had to be present and sitting
on the front row were most of his staff, his dad Buster, and Everett
whom they introduced as their cousin, Everett Tate. It was a great
opportunity for the sheriff to shine and be showcased as one of the
major players in the trial of the century for the small community. The
judge made no secret of his admiration for the young sheriff and how
responsibly he handled his job. He even went so far as to state he
certainly hoped the citizens of the county had the good sense to
re-elect Sheriff Will Tate. He was a credit to their community.
Almost all the
major people of the Daniels ranch were there to support the sheriff:
Kate, Nathan, Tron Garrett, Moss, Enoch, Zelma Jane, Vox, Hank, Buck,
Nick, Clyde, and Andy. Clarance Womack made it a point to attend. He
got there late. He sat in the back of the courtroom, but he could see
everything. He remembered seeing Enoch Redbone before somewhere, but he
didn’t remember him walking with a cane. Also, he carefully watched the
sheriff’s dad who was suppose to be suffering from the advanced stages
of Alzheimer’s disease, who didn’t seem to be displaying any symptoms
at all. In fact, he looked perfectly healthy and seemed to be following
the court proceedings with no problems. And who was this new cousin of
the Tate’s? He certainly looked like them, almost too much like the
sheriff himself. He could have been his younger brother. Was Buster
Tate another miraculous healing? Was the sheriff in league with the
devil? Did Will Tate sell his soul to the demonic forces at the Daniels
ranch to restore his dad to good health? He swore to himself he would
get to the bottom of this and root out the evil he was sure existed at
the Daniels’ ranch.
End of Chapter
26 ~ Him Who Made The Seven Stars
Copyright ~
© ~ 2012 ~ Waddie Greywolf
All Rights
Reserved ~
Mail to:
waddiebear@yahoo.com
09/01/2012
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