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Waddie Greywolf
Him
Who Made The Seven Stars
By
Waddie
Greywolf
Chapter
43
"Serenity
is
when
you
get
above all this, when it doesn't matter what they think,
say or want, but when you do as you are, and see God and Devil
as
one."~ Henry Miller
The next
morning
Billy awoke to the movement and soft sounds of Hank fucking Buck
next
to him. He smiled to himself as he reach over to feel for his
surrogate
dad's cock and found him ready for his morning milking. <<
Time
to get your heart started, Pa, >> Billy sent.
<<
You
just wake up? I been lying here listening to them two for about
half an
hour. They sound like two morning doves calling to each other --
peaceful and quiet -- soothing. I'll bet you a blowjob it will
be a
while before Buck asks you to change him back, >> Nick
sent back.
<< If
they's happy, I wish them well. They deserve what pleasure and
comfort
comes their way, >> Billy thought.
After Hank
realized Billy was taking care of Nick, he didn't worry too much
about
him and Buck breaking the sound barrier, and began to take care
of his
mate like the cowboy he could be. It only heightened Nick and
Billy's
coupling more as Billy's slaves' pheromones were strong and
powerful.
The two couples managed to hit almost at the same time and there
was a
quartet of moans, groans, deep sighs, and muffled sounds from
relief
and satisfaction in the room followed by silence -- then, they
quietly
laughed at each other.
"For men in
their eighties, you two amaze me," Billy said quietly relaxing
in
Nick's arms.
"Age don't
mean
nothing. When a buckaroo's got his'self a new toy to play with,
he
becomes born again to a new universe of possibilities and
delights,"
Buck said.
"Hell, h'it
ain't got nothing to do with your new plumbing, my good mate;
although,
I gotta' admit, it's the finest I ever done had. I swear to you,
Master
Billy and Captain Nick, Buck is the only person in my life, male
or
female, who has managed to keep our sex new and special all
these
years. You could give him back his cock and balls this morning,
and I
wouldn't shed a tear," Hank said complimenting his mate, "Well,
maybe a
couple, when he ain't look'n," he added and and laughed.
"Now, now,
while
I certainly appreciate them kind words, Brother, let's not be
hasty.
You bring me a totally new cowboy when you fuck me like you done
last
e'nin and this morning. You show me parts of you I ain't never
seen
before, so don't never underestimate your ability to bring
something
new to the banquet. I ain't ashamed to admit, I always thought
of you
as my husband, but while I don't feel like no woman, I certainly
feel
like you're fulfilling the role as my spouse like you's my own
personal
super-hero -- and you fill me up good, too, Cowboy," Buck said,
"How
many buckaoos can claim they got theys'selves a nice, tight
little
pussy especially made for them?" he asked.
"Quick,
Son!"
Nick exclaimed, "Put the coffee on before them two start
gathering
leaves and twigs to make a nest in our bed," Nick said
irreverently.
The men shared a laugh.
"Glad to,
Pa,
but them two buckaroos is welcome to nest in our bed anytime,"
Billy
said.
"I hear
that! I
gotta' admit, I think we had us a dang good time here last
e'nin; one
of the more memorable we spent here in the cabin," Nick
complimented
Hank and Buck.
"It was a
special treat for us, too," Buck added.
"What's on
the
docket for today, Kemosabe?" Nick asked, changing the subject.
"First, we
gotta' go check on Gog and gather him for breakfast. After
today, I'm
going to have him take his meals on the ship where he will be
spending
most of his time; hopefully, with our Shedus. Right now, we
can't
afford to have a giant his size out and about on the property
too much.
Now and then, for a concert or a Saturday feed, probably won't
hurt
none, but until we get going we need the cover of the ship for
the more
exotic of our family," Billy reasoned. "When I accepted
Balthazar's
petition to become my slave, I promised him I would slowly ween
him
away from Madam Spartza; however, since she's come under my
protection,
my slave has found himself back in his old position; not because
Madam
Spartza demanded his attention, but rather from my slave's own
deep
sense of pride, duty, and need for appreciation. Furthermore,
Balthazar
wasn't happy the way Beauford was being cared for, and took it
upon
himself to to see to his needs and grooming as well. At my
urging, he's
learning to delegate some tasks, but I want him to create a
team, over
which he will become the supervisor and head Shedu wrangler.
Since
we've seen a connection with Gog and the Shedus, I want him to
apprentice under our handsome black angel to relieve him of his
many if
not most of his responsibilities to our holy cows," Billy said
and
winked at Nick.
Billy
addressed
Hank and Buck, "I don't think it's any coincidence either, your
two
apprentice grooms, Mace and Picard, have also been apprenticing
under
Balthazar to help him groom our Shedus. Balthazar's correct in
reasoning the grooming of one species for whatever purpose
readily
applies to another. Somethings may be different, but the same
respectful approach and attitudes of service are applicable and
must be
adhered to. Of course, it's just expected, anyone working for or
around
the great bull and cow will be naked at all times. That's
another
reason why we forbid Mace and Picard to wear clothing on board
ship.
With our Shedu's permission, the villagers take great delight in
packing picnic baskets and sitting on quilts spread on the lawn
outside
their grooming areas in the evening to have their supper while
watching
Balthazar and the brothers tend to the great beasts. Beauford
informed
us, female pregnancies among the villagers are up by ten
percent,"
Billy said and laughed, "They gotta' be doing something right,"
he
added and his cowboys laughed with him.
"After
breakfast, Hank and Buck need to fly over to the Rutherford
ranch,
check on our outsourced herd, and get things going for the day.
Then,
they'll return to the ship to continue working with Enoch, Moss,
and
the teams on the Shire project. For the next couple of days I
want you
men to sort of act as wranglers or guides for our newest slave.
Tonto,"
Billy said addressing Nick," You, Clyde, me, Grandma, and Ms.
Zelma are
driving down to San Antonio to have lunch and pick out some
musical
instruments for Randy and his sister, Kayla. It should be a fun,
relaxed day. I think we could use a day to get our minds away
from the
ranch and project to think on other things, Tonto," Billy said.
"Couldn't
agree
with you more, Kemosabe," Nick replied, "Remember, you still got
Bubba
to help with parking his wings and transporting," he added.
"I ain't
forgot,
but thanks for the reminder," Billy said, "I think we'll have
time
after breakfast, we'll assist Bubba in transporting back to his
ranch
and return to our ranch to collect our posse for the day," Billy
added.
"I'm
worried
about what Gog told us about Joe getting older and being at an
unfair
advantage. I never knew much about them two before they become
members
of my crew. After their first rut and we built them the arena to
contain their passions, they become excellent crew members and
protectors of me and the village folks," Nick said.
"Not to
worry,
Tonto, your masked-man done got it all figured out. I'll make an
announcement. As their new master, I require them to submit to a
complete physical examination from our slave veterinarian this
year,"
Billy said and smiled at Nick.
"Why don't
you
never tell me everything, Kemosabe?" Nick complained.
"To keep
you on
your toes, Tonto. Two days before lock-down, we get Doc Oatie
over to
the ranch to do his slave doctor'n routine on Crunch. The
not-so-jolly-green-giant-Ork get's a thorough poke'n and a'
prod'n;
blood drawn; temperature taken; finger wave; test-tickle check;
reflex
test; eyes, ears, nose, and throat exam; endurance treadmill;
the
works; slap him on his big green butt and tell him he's fit as a
fiddle
and ready for love.
"The
afternoon
before
lock-down we bring Joe to the slave processing center and Oatie
gives
him the same exam with a couple of extras. We overhaul Joe until
he's a
giant in his middle years. We'll have most of our posse of
cowboy-angels over for lunch Thursday afternoon. With the extra
wings
we'll have enough collected power to zap our big blue giant with
so
much macho energy he could take on King Kong, Mighty Joe Young,
Godzilla, and Rodan in a giant-monster free-for-all smack-down
wiff'
one arm tied behind his back!" Billy exclaimed.
"Why didn't
I
think a' that?" Nick said seeming a little upset he might be
losing his
reason.
"You's just
blinded by our love, Pa," Billy said sweetly and stole a kiss
from the
big cowboy-angel, "Beside, I noticed since I become Master Billy
and
you Captain Nick, you done turned over a lot of personnel
decisions to
me. I don't mind. I think it's made both worlds come together
better.
Since taking on Madam Spartza and the beginning of the Shire
project, I
no longer think of your ship as yours or mine, but part of the
ranch,"
Billy explained.
"I ain't
got me
no complaints, Kemosabe. If it works for you, it works for me,"
Nick
replied.
"I think we
need
to talk with Joe privately or a couple of his close friends,"
Billy
said.
"Our new
grooms,
Mace and Picard, are in tight with them. They been known to
share an
evening in their house with them," Buck said.
"When we
check
in on Gog later today lets have a chat with them," Billy said to
Buck
and Hank.
"We'll make
arrangements, Master," Hank said.
Billy made
coffee. Boomer and the twins joined the cowboys for a cup before
transporting to the main ranch house. The twins were
particularly happy
and pleased to find their old friends stayed the night in the
cabin
with their master and his dad. Hank and Buck, along with Boomer,
spent
a lot of time with the twins over the last two week working on
the
Shire project. The cowboys told Billy they were impressed the
way the
twins were beginning to blossom into strong members of the team
and
growing in stature within the greater family circle. They were
becoming
two of Billy's most talented and valuable members beyond their
incredible musical talents. They also sang the praises of
Billy's
Psyches, Archie and Edith, without whom the project would not
have been
the success it was.
The men
transported to the ranch house and were earlier than usual, but
most
everyone was in the kitchen getting breakfast ready and chatting
quietly. Billy made up a couple of mugs of coffee for him and
his pa
and announced he, Nick, and Clyde were going to wake Bubba and
give him
his first lessons in de-winging. They would teach him to
transport
after breakfast. They found Bubba
fast asleep in his protector's arms. Brute was awake and smiled
at
Billy and Nick as they came through the door. "Wake up, Master
Bubba,
we got company," Brute said and began to bathe Bubba's face
lovingly
with his huge tongue.
"Tell `em
to go
away until after you get through bathing me, sweet beast," Bubba
moaned.
"Not this
morning, Cowboy, we got us a full day, and we need to get you
trained-up to be a cowboy-angel," Billy said firmly, "After we
teach
you to transport, you and your `sweet-beast' can fly back to
your place
where you can spend the rest of the day in bed wiff' him. Nobody
can
fault you. Ain't no doubt, Brute is a worthy beast," Billy
added.
Bubba
grumbled
good naturedly but got out of bed. He was naked but Brute helped
him on
with his Wranglers and boots. Billy told Clyde to outfit him
with a
nice leather harness and in an instant Bubba was looking good
and hot.
"I think I might learn to love this part," he admitted shyly.
The
others
laughed at him. They took him by the hand and taught him to
transport
to the de-wing zone where they removed his wings. It didn't take
them a
couple of times before Bubba felt he could fly solo. He
transported
himself and Brute to the zone, de-winged, and returned. The men
congratulated him and gave him pats on the back for his
graduation.
They would wing-up again and teach him to transport from place
to place
after breakfast.
Breakfast
that
morning was a time of coming together for Billy's immediate
family. It
was a time Billy would always remember as one of great joy and
hope for
the future. After a fine weekend with the wonderful success of
the
Highland Shire project they were finally getting a sense the
project
was underway. Tron and Moss were anxious to get their ranch
started up again and Billy told them to pick twenty-five of the
Irin
cowboys and cowgirls they wanted. They looked at each other and
looked
back at Billy with blank looks on their faces.
"What?"
Billy
asked.
"Dad and
me, we
done talked it over, and we's kinda hoping Bossman Rutherford
could be
here to give us a hand and help us decide," Moss said shyly and
grinned. The family went nuts laughing at them. Billy almost
fell off
his chair. Nick rarely laughed, but he was holding on to the
back of
Billy's chair as he laughed with the rest.
"If you men
are
serious, I'll ask his mother, but I hope you realize, I'll have
to put
him on the payroll as a consulting employment specialist; and,
they
don't come cheap," Billy said and joined his family in another
round of
laughter. Kate was in tears and Zelma claimed her sides hurt.
"Furthermore, you'll be setting a precedent them other ranchers
will
hear about and demand equal time to use his abilities," Billy
added
which only made them laugh more.
"Yeah, but
what
he might save us in cooperation and time not having to be spent
with
personnel problems and adjustments might save more in the
long-run than
the initial costs for his services," Tron reasoned, and of
course, his
mate and son agreed with him.
"It's like
Randy
said, Son, there's those who will flourish better in jobs within
the
Shire project than trying to get a ranch up and running
full-time.
He'll more likely be able to cull them from the herd, and those
with
whom we contract to accept our slaves will have an easier time
with the
transition," Nathan backed Tron and Moss.
"Makes a
lot of
business sense to me. I agree with them cowboys, Master Billy,"
Enoch
spoke up, "Besides, I don't feel like my day is complete without
a big
ol' hug and a wet sloppy buckaroo kiss from the ramrod of the
Rutherford spread," he said and started everyone laughing again.
"We'll
second
that!" Hank said for him and Buck.
"Okay! All
right, I know when I'm out numbered. I'll ask his mother. It
might be a
handy argument if she gets uptight about me spending money on
them for
musical instruments and more clothes. I'll just tell her I'm
deducting
the cost from her son's salary for his consulting services,"
Billy said
and everyone laughed again.
"Your
granddaddy
would be proud of you, Son," Kate allowed, and they all laughed.
Billy,
Nick,
Clyde, and Bubba winged up and the men began to teach Bubba how
to
transport from one end of the long hallway down the far side of
the
house where the bedrooms were. They did it several times, then
told
him to try solo. Bubba was a natural and waved when he
materalized at
the far end. They had him transport back and forth a couple of
times to
get the hang of it. Finally, after saying thank you to his hosts
and
the kitchen staff, Billy, Nick, and Clyde transported Bubba and
Brute
to the living room of his ranch. Bubba couldn't thank Billy and
his men
enough. "Just
remember,
we're
gonna'
need
you back over to our ranch Thursday noon for lunch to
help us with our blue giant right afterward. It won't take
long, and you and Brute can transport back to do what you need
for the
rest of the day, but you're due back to our ranch again Friday
noon if
you
want to see the smack-down festivities and the lock-down of our
blue
giant and our half-breed green Ork," Billy reminded him.
"I'd sure
like
to see that. Is it gonna' be an all weekend thing, Master
Billy?" Bubba
asked.
"Sure. You
can
stay wiff' us over to the ranch in the same room you and Brute
shared,
or we'll find a place for you on the ship if you like. Also
Friday
afternoon, us cowboy-angels will
get off to ourselves in the slave processing room at the ranch
to have
us a small ceremony to ring my pa here," Billy motioned to Nick.
"You's
gonna'
get ringed, Captain Nick, like Clyde and Balthazar, sir?" Bubba
asked
with enthusiasm.
"Yes, Son,
I was
feel'n left out, so I asked our master to include me," Nice
replied,
"Make that one more other than the Bull," Nick said quietly to
Billy,
and he nodded his agreement.
"I'd really
like
to see that, sir, if'n ya' don't mind," Bubba said like a school
boy.
"You're
welcome
to come and observe, Bubba, and bring your watcher if you like,"
Nick
replied.
"Thank you,
Captain Nick, I sure will," Bubba said.
"You got a
busy
day today, Bubba?" Billy asked.
"I gotta'
go
over to Earl's and get my stuff. I promised I'd take him to
breakfast
yesterday morning. I'll do it this morning. I already et a good
breakfast, but another won't hurt me none. That way I won't have
to eat
lunch," he replied and grinned.
The men
said
their goodbyes and Billy, Nick, and Clyde transported back to
the
Daniels' ranch.
* * * * * *
*
"What'll we
do
first, Number One?" Bubba asked Brute. He picked up the cognomen
from
Billy calling his watcher his `number one.' Brute smiled
proudly.
"It's still
early. We could go back to bed for a while, I could relieve my
master,
and give him his bath for the day," Brute said.
"The sun
just
barely come up over the hill country. Damn, they get up early
over to
the Daniels' ranch!" Bubba exclaimed.
"You'll get
used
to it when we get into a routine and eating properly," Brute
said.
"You in
charge
of me, Number One?" Bubba asked.
"Yes,
Master
Bubba, it's my job to see you eat properly, and any other needs
I might
provide you. I'm your slave, your protector, your companion, and
your
caretaker," Brute replied.
"I'm glad
it's
you, Brute. I'm afraid I'm a man what needs a lot of care and to
be
reminded to practice self-discipline," Bubba said.
"I'm your
beast,
sir. Put yourself in my paws, and I will help you become the man
you
need to be and want to become," Brute said.
"I have
faith in
you, Brute," Bubba said.
"That's all
you
need, Master Bubba -- Brute will do the rest," Brute replied,
"Then
it's back to bed for a while. I'll give you comfort and relieve
you of
your heavy load, and you can fall asleep while Brute gently
bathes and
sings to you
like he did when you were just a wee bairn," Brute said.
"Sounds
like a
little bit of heaven to me, my handsome beast," Bubba agreed.
* * * * * *
*
Hank and
Buck
returned from the Rutherford ranch shortly after Billy, Nick,
and Clyde
returned from Bubba's place. They were giddy and laughing. They
reported to Billy, Bossman Randy, and his strawboss were already
up and
having breakfast with the cowboys and girls. They stayed in the
loft
with Ludo. Randy wanted them to asked if Master Billy would
consider
allowing his strawboss to go along with them to San Antonio.
"I don't
see why
not. We got plenty room and he might come in handy giving us a
hand
loading stuff into the van," Billy allowed, "I know he's gonna'
want
Rand Snoddy here with him when he helps chose the hands for the
Garrett
ranch. I'll see if Mary will allow him and Kayla to return with
us and
maybe we can get that out of the way this afternoon. They can
have
supper wiff' us and we can take them back to their ranch," Billy
said.
Clyde
brought
the van around and those going with them to San Antoino were
waiting.
Kate and Zelma wanted Roz to go with them and Billy agreed.
Billy took Nick, Clyde, Balthazar, and the twins with him and
left
Boomer to assist the planning crew on Captain Nick's ship. Kate
asked
if they could stop by HEB in Fredericksburg on the way back. She
wanted
to pick up a few things. Billy agreed. Everyone going with them
got
into the huge van and set out for the Rutherford ranch. It was still
relatively early when they arrived. They hoped to get in some
shopping
before lunch and head back to the hill country shortly
thereafter. Mary
had Randy and Kala dressed in their best outfits. Kala was
wearing a
pretty floral print spring dress and Randy looked like an old
time
buckaroo gunfighter in his western outfit. Rand Snoddy was in
the
kitchen having coffee with the family. Ludo was breast feeding
little
Clara. It looked like a scene from any American home.
"Can we
take our
strawboss with us, Cowboy Billy?" Randy asked after hugs and
kisses.
"Sure, we
got
room, and he can give us a hand loading packages," Billy
replied. Billy
went on to tell Mary and Evelyn Rutherford how Randy and Rand
picked
out the ranch hands for their ranch, and his neighbors, Tron and
Moss
Garrett, wanted Randy and Rand to give them a hand choosing
their crew.
Would it be all right, if Kayla and Randy returned to the
Daniels'
ranch with them, and Billy
would bring them home after they ate supper with them? Mary
didn't
have any problem with it and agreed. Everyone climbed into the
van and
they were off for San Antonio.
They made
good
time and were there just after the big store opened. It was a
huge
music store devoted to mostly instruments of all kinds with
racks of
music. Billy didn't bring Vox along because he figured between
himself
and Kate they could pick out the music Randy and Kayla should
begin
learning. The place was a musician's wonderland. Billy led Kayla
and
Randy to the electronic keyboard section first. Billy and the
twins
were happy with their Casio Privia keyboards, but they had a new
line
of Yamaha keyboards which were amazing in their sound and
keyboard
response. Billy wanted Randy and Kayla to learn using a legato
touch
and the Yamaha had the most consistent action of all the rest;
plus, it
had many more extras than the Casio.
Billy sat
down
at the demo model and ripped off a difficult Chopin Ballade and
people
in the store gathered around to listen. When Billy finished, the
attitude
and interest of the sales people doubled. Randy sat down after
him and
began to play the first Bach Invention in C Major and played it
perfectly from beginning to end. The people were impressed and
applauded the young boy. Billy and his family were stunned.
"How'd
ju' learn that without a keyboard, Son?" Billy asked.
"He sits in
front of his computer for hours, watching and listening to Glenn
Gould.
Randy wants to play like him. He plays along with him using his
desktop," Kayla explained, "He just transfers what he learned to
the
keyboard. He taught me to do it, and I can play too, but we
don't hum
along when we play," Kayla bragged. Billy, Kate, and Zelma
laughed.
"Let your
sister
play, Cowboy," Billy said and Randy reluctantly gave up his seat
at the
keyboard. Kayla sat down and played nice little piece called
"Crazy
Eight" and she played if flawlessly. When she finished there was
more
applause. The Daniels/Rutherford contingency took over the
store. Kayla
and Randy tried several brands of keyboards but decided the
Yamaha's
were the pick of the litter. Randy really liked the weighted
keyboard
and how much it felt like a real piano keyboard. Billy bought
six of
them. One each for Kayla and Randy and the rest for him and his
musicians. The store threw in headsets for each keyboard.
They moved
to
the other instruments and Randy found a violin which caught his
eye. He
tried it and was able to play a basic tune on it. Kayla liked a
cello
she found and after hearing Roz play a couple of pieces on it,
decided
it was for her. The people gathered never saw such a talented
family
and were more astounded by each performance. Poly and Cass took
two
violins and with Roz on the cello played the first movement of a
Telemann trio which mesmerized the crowd. It only solidified
Randy and
Kayla's musical imagination. Billy bought the string instruments
for
them. Zelma jokingly suggested since he bought six keyboards,
why not
start a small orchestra? Billy thought it was a great idea and
asked
how many violins, violas, and cello's they had in stock? They
replied
they had six of each. He bought them all and bought four double
basses
as well.
Next they
moved
to the country section of the store with guitars, banjos, and
mandolins. Clyde picked up a fine, expensive Gibson guitar and
started
strumming a few chords. He played a beautifully lyrical Spanish
piece
no one ever heard before. He told Billy later it was created by
a
Spanish composer who personally taught it to him hundreds of
years ago,
but never wrote it down. It was such a lovely piece, people were
stunned after he finished. Then they broke into applause. Billy
was
quite proud of his cowboy-angel.
Randy
picked up
a five string banjo and began to pick around on it. To
everyone's
surprise he strummed a few well known chords. Clyde played them
back
and then he began to play the well known melody to the Dueling
Banjos
piece. Randy picked out the same melody in return. A big grin
crossed
Billy's face. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Clyde and
Randy
set off and bit into the meat of the piece and ate the notes
like they
were being invented for the first time. The crowd was clapping
in time
and urging the two on who were in their own world of pick'n and
grinning. By that time, the store was full of people who came
from the
other stores to hear the impromptu performances by some kids who
were
part of a highly talented musical family. When Randy and Clyde
finished
the Dueling Banjos piece the gathered audience went bananas and
responded with shouts, whistles, and thunderous applause.
Poly
grabbed a
fiddle and Cass grabbed a double bass as Clyde and Randy got
their
heads together. "I watched a man play a piece on the Internet
and
memorized it," Randy said to Clyde, "It's called Flint Hill
Special. Do
you know it?" he asked.
"I heard it
once't before; take off, Son, and I'll follow," Clyde urged him.
Poly and
Cass
never heard it before, but it didn't matter to them. One time
through,
and they would have it down pat. They urged Randy to begin. The
young
cowboy set out and wowed the audience with his virtuoso playing.
Clyde
was right behind him, caught up with him, and joined him on the
second
pass. Poly was playing an accompanying part until Clyde and
Randy gave
him a nod and it was his time to shine. Then they passed the
attention
to Cass, and the halfling made the double bass sing. It was a
wonderful
musical moment. Billy and his family were more than gobsmacked.
They
were flummoxed and flabbergasted. What did he create with these
two
young children? Billy was becoming worried until he looked up
and
caught Zelma Redbone's eye. She saw his conundrum and slowly
shook her
head not to go there and grinned at him like the cat what
swallowed the
canary. Billy could see the vision in her eyes and a Christmas
performance on the stage of the Houston Philharmonic featuring
her
extended family including Rory and Calhoun Redbone McMartin
playing
their hearts out for a packed house; everything from Bach to
country
and bluegrass. Billy returned her smile, winked, tipped his
cowboy hat
to her, and gave her a thumbs up. Zelma broke up.
Billy
bought two
of the Gibson acoustic guitars. One for him and one for Clyde.
Roz and
Kayla started playing around with a couple of fine looking
mandolins
which had pleasing sounds and Billy bought them as well. Kate
picked
out several basic keyboard learning books and bought numbers of
classical pieces for Kayla and Randy to pick over. She suggested
the
same for Rory and Calhoun and Billy added them to the bill. It
was the
store's single largest sale since they began business ten years
before.
Billy whipped out a roll of hundred dollar bills what would
choke a
horse and counted it out to the penny. The store owners finally
put two
and two together and realized Billy was the man who saved
Randy's life
at the WalMart in Fredericksburg. They couldn't do enough for
the
Daniels and their friends.
The young
strawboss of the Rutherford ranch walked around in awe of his
Bossman.
He had no idea the talent the young man possessed and was dazed
to be
in his presence. Randy didn't seem to change a bit after such a
display. He was still as warm and caring about Rand as he was
since
they met. Billy put his arm around Rand and pulled him close. "Don't let
your
Bossman overwhelm you, Mr. Snoddy. Just remember, beneath his
talent is
the heart of a young boy who needs a big brother. I can only
provide so
much for him," Billy said trying to reassure the man.
"I didn't
have
no brothers or sister when I grew up. I was pretty much on my
own,
Master Billy. I been so independent most of my life, I don't
know if
I'm the man for the job. This assignment is turning out to be
much more
than just a strawboss for a group of men and women," Rand said.
"Out of all
them
folks, Randy picked you first. My elders in our family were
right. That
boy knew what he was doing. I saw the picture you drew. When you
realize you need Randy as much as he needs you, it will begin to
make
sense, Cowboy," Billy said quietly, "If you's unsure, let him
lead.
Just be strong and support him. Trust me, everything will fall
into
place," Billy added.
"Thanks,
Master
Billy, I'll give it my best shot," Rand said.
"I know you
will. Randy has faith in you, and I got faith in both you men,"
Billy
encouraged him.
* * * * * *
*
Billy gave
everyone a choice of where and what kind of food they wanted to
eat. He
told them they could eat anywhere they chose, but he didn't want
to eat
in a fast food place. San Antonio had several nice restaurants
where
they would have a nice lunch. Everyone finally decided on
Mexican food
and Billy had Clyde drive them to one of the best restaurants in
town.
The back of the van was packed to the ceiling with instruments
and some
larger instruments strapped to the inside panels. There was
still room
for everyone, but after a trip to HEB in Fredericksburg, the
youngsters
might have to share a seat with someone. Billy knew Randy
wouldn't
complain too much about it, and Kayla adored Roz. They had a
great
lunch, Billy paid the check and they were off again. The stopped
by HEB
and it seemed everyone knew who they were. People would hunt
them down
in the isles to introduce themselves to Billy and Randy. It took
longer
than they thought with the interruptions, but they finally left
Fredericksburg and drove back to the Daniels' ranch. It was
still early
afternoon. Everyone came out to help unload the van and the
extra
instruments were stored in the new barn in one of the large
storage
rooms on the side. Billy left Randy and Kayla's instruments in
the van.
Randy and
Rand
were whisked away to the old barn where the interviewing tables
were
still set up. They thought it was amusing Tron and Moss wanted
them to
help pick the hands for their ranch. They did the same as Randy
the day
before. They gave each a pencil and paper and told them to put
anything
on the page they wanted, but they didn't want histories or
reasons why
they wanted to work for them on their ranch. It took Randy and
Rand
less time than the day before. They handed Tron and Moss the
names, and
they were the ones they chose. It worked out fine for everyone.
* * * * * *
*
Bubba drove
up
to the bunkhouse on the Hickson ranch. After spending time at
the
Daniels' ranch and seeing the work put into bringing everything
up to
date with repairs and a coat of paint, he grimaced to himself at
how
rundown and neglected the Hickson place looked. The bunkhouse in
particular was little more than a rundown old shack and Bubba
imagined
the only thing holding the structure together was a few patches
of
paint which refused to fall off. He wondered how he could have
stayed
in it so long. He took a deep breath and let it out a
self-accusatory
sigh at his own intransigence with his long, deep dream of
something
more with his childhood secret love for his cowboy buddy. Bubba
chastised himself for his disgust with the condition of the
Hickson's
ranch. His uncle's ranch looked only a little better, but since
it
became his, when Bubba looked upon it, he envisioned it fixed up
and
looking successful like he planned to see it become. He knew
Earl was
inside the old dilapidated wood structure. His old truck was
parked out
front.
Bubba
walked up
to the door and let himself inside. Even after a nap and a good
tongue
bathing from his watcher, it was fairly early in the morning,
and Earl
was still in his bunk. He raised up bleary eyed and looked at
Bubba. "Hey, Bubba,
where you been?" Earl asked, sat up, and threw his legs over the
side
to get his bearings.
"Here and
there," Bubba replied as he started to gather his stuff
.
Earl
started to
pull on his Wranglers and shirt. "I went over to your uncle's
place to
look for you yesterday. Your truck was there, but you weren't
home,"
Earl said.
"Yeah, a
friend
come by and picked me up. I stayed at his place for a night,"
Bubba
said gathering a bunch of his stuff and making his first trip
out to
his truck to throw in the back.
"What's
your
hurry, Brother?" Earl asked.
"No hurry.
I
just got some things to get done, and I want to gather my
personal
belongings so's I got everything together in one place," Bubba
replied.
"I'll pull
my
boots on and give you a hand," Earl said.
"No need,
Brother. I ain't got that much stuff," Bubba said, stopped, and
spoke
to
Earl, "Sorry I's unavailable to go to breakfast wiff' ya'
yesterday
morning, but I set aside some time for this morning if ya'onna'
drive
into town to Willow Creek or Nacho Momma's place," Bubba said.
"That would
be
nice. I'll splash some water on my face and be ready to go,"
Earl said,
"Any word about your uncle's place?" Earl asked.
"Yeah, I'll
tell
you about it over breakfast," Bubba said, stalling to think how
much he
wanted to tell Earl. He didn't care to have everyone in town
know his
business and knew what he told his buddy would be passed on to
Womack
within hours. He decided to tell him just enough to keep Womack
guessing.
"What you
got to
do today, Bubba?" Earl asked.
"I got to
drive
to Brady to buy me a new bed and some other stuff for the ranch
house,"
Bubba said.
"Where'd
you get
the money?" Earl asked.
"Here and
there,
from a couple of sources," Bubba replied, "To be honest wiff'
ya,' I
don't care to tell you much about my finances, Earl. The less I
tell
you, the less information will get back to Womack, and we
already done
talked about him. You know how I feel. All you need to know is,
I got
me a new job, and I'm entering a partnership with some men to
start up
the ranch again," Bubba said.
"You got a
job
for yore' old buddy, Bubba?" Earl asked.
"Not
really,
unless you want to become my love-slave," Bubba said and
grinned.
"Thanks for
the
offer, Brother, but I don't think so," Earl replied annoyed.
"You know
how I
feel about you, Earl. Like a dadburn love sick fool, I already
let ma'
hair down and told you how much I love you. I done loved ju' all
my
life. I let chu' lead me around like a big bull wiff' a ring
though
his nose, but that's changed since our last talk. You made
yourself
clear you won't never consider such a horrible thing as loving
me, and
like it or not, I gotta' learn to live with it. So, I'm going my
way,
and other than taking you to breakfast this morning like I
promised, I
ain't support'n you or your mother no more. If'n I can't have
you the
way I want, I ain't gonna' waste no more time or money on you. I
ain't
a' gonna' settle for crumbs from your table like an old faithful
lap
dog," Bubba said more firmly and sure of himself than Earl ever
saw him
before.
Earl didn't
say
anything but looked at Bubba like a puppy the big man just
yelled at
and told not to follow him down the road. One tear escaped his
left eye
and ran down his cheek. He slowly arose from the bed and walked
toward
his big buddy. He reached up and gently put his hand on Bubba's
shoulder. He took in a deep breath and sucked in the sexual
essence of
the big cowboy's fragrance from Brute's morning tongue bath and
something clicked inside. The suppressed sexual feelings he held
for
his surrogate brother, but sat on all these years, broke loose
like the
fires of Hell consuming the worst of sinners. At that moment,
Earl
Hickson didn't care. He lost control
of his sphincter, and it spasmed like it could almost feel
Bubba's huge
penis slowly, but lovingly, penetrating him to plumb the depths
of his
soul. The thought of such intimate bonding with his brother was
overwhelming to him. Earl was already singed by the heat of
passion
from the basic raw animal sexual pheromones he was breathing in
from
Bubba's magnificent, strongly masculine body. Earl couldn't help
himself, he was so drawn to Bubba his own body lost control. He
got a
look in his eyes of profound surprise as his mouth opened
slightly, his
head slowly moved toward Bubba's, and Earl's lips found his
cowboy
brother's mouth.
Bubba
neither
waited for a second invitation, nor questioned Earl's motivation
for
the moment. It was something he dreamed about happening, but
after
their last conversation was convinced it would never come about;
however, it didn't stop the wheels in Bubba's head from
analyzing the
situation. He was bouncing every possibility around his brain
within
the confined walls of his cranium. He heard a voice break in to
get his
attention, << Beware! You are wearing my scent, Bairn,
which
enhances your own. While you are unaware, it's very potent to
your
buddy. Earl would have the power to resist if he was never
interested
in the first place. He's only succumbing to feelings what's been
locked
up inside him and repressed for years. He subconsciously wants
what
he's doing, but he consciously hates himself for giving in to
his basic
animal instincts. Your draw for him is strong. Earl's kid sees
you as
his cookie jar. You're just getting a taste. Don't assume he's
going to
give you the whole pie, >> Brute sent to him.
<<
I'll
settle for a small slice for right now, Number One, but stay
tuned,
>> Bubba sent in reply.
<<
Always,
-- it's what a protector does, >> he heard Brute assure
him.
Bubba
gently
enfolded Earl in his huge arms and returned his kiss with just
enough
passion and strength, but not so much as to frighten his smaller
brother. Bubba only gave as much as he received. He allowed Earl
to
drink as much of him in as he needed and left it up to him how
long
they lingered. Bubba was surprised when the kiss went on for
sometime
with Earl exploring Bubba's mouth and seemed relaxed enough to
throw
his arms around his big cowboy buddy. Earl finally broke it off,
but
not abruptly. He lingered awhile and stole several small, extra
kisses
from his brother. Bubba gently returned them. The big cowboy
neither
fooled himself nor got his hopes up it was a kiss of invitation
or
commitment. It was neither. It was a kiss of exploration and
Bubba was
sure he heard Neil Armstrong's voice saying, `One small step for
man --
and the eagle done shit,' Bubba cowboy-paraphrased the last part
in his
mind.
"What have
I
done?" Earl asked rhetorically, sounding a bit like Scarlett
O'Hara,
but since neither cowboy knew what the word 'rhetorically'
meant, it
only sounded empty and remorseful to Bubba.
"Let's see
--
you either just gave a small portion of yourself and your love
to your
brother for safekeeping, or you done sold your eternal soul to
the
devil and you just bought chore'self a first-class, one-way
ticket to
the hottest portion of Hell reserved only for the very wicked or
most
perverted of humanity," Bubba replied. He was quiet for a moment
to let
his words sink in -- then, he laughed.
"King's X!
It
was my first time, and I didn't really mean it!" Earl exclaimed
like a
little boy, but he quickly stole another kiss from Bubba, like
he was
stealing one for the road.
The big
cowboy
laughed at him. "Who do you think would be more pleased? God,
because
you showed your brother a little long-overdue love? Or the Devil
because you just handed him your soul on a silver platter due to
one small lapse in judgment? Remember, your brother is gonna' be
standing in judgment wiff' you hold'n yore' hand," Bubba said,
"Or, I
could sell you out and tell bowfubbum I didn't really wanna' do
it, but
your kiss and the thought of stable'n my old cayuse way up
inside that
tight purdy little cowboy butt of yorn for an e'nin made me
crazy wiff'
lust," Bubba added and laughed again.
"It's your
aftershave what done it!" Earl exclaimed.
"Do I look
like
I shaved?" Bubba asked, rubbing his whiskered chin with his
hand.
"Don't take
it
the wrong way, Bubba," Earl said.
"There
ain't no
`wrong way' to take what we just done, Earl!" Bubba exclaimed,
"You
offered, I accepted, and we shared. It just happened, like it
was the
most natural thing in the would for us to do. What's wrong wiff'
that?"
he asked firmly.
"You know
what I
mean. It don't necessarily mean it will lead to some'um else!"
Earl
exclaimed in reply.
"No, no,
you
don't git off that easy, Buckaroo. It don't necessarily mean it
won't
lead to some'um else neither -- like me making such sweet love
to you,
yore' asshole will tell you to beg me to fill you up with my old
longhorn and ride you like a cowboy should ride his saddle
buddy,"
Bubba insisted, "In the meantime, if you gimme' one more a them
sweet,
sloppy buckaroo kisses, I'll settle for that, and forget about
the
rest," Bubba said quietly still holding Earl in his arms.
Earl took
another deep breath, inhaled more of Bubba's enhanced sexual
pheromones, and proceeded to give Bubba another kiss even better
than
the first. It contained just a hint of repressed passion Earl
was
having a difficult time riding herd on to keep from coming to
the
surface. When they finished, it was Bubba's time to sigh deeply,
"You
met my bargain, and paid me more'n I asked. All is forgotten,
Brother,"
he said and let Earl go.
Earl got
the
funniest look on his face like he wasn't real sure it was what
he
wanted to happen, but he was relieved Bubba was a cowboy of his
word.
"You won't tell nobody will you, Bubba?" Earl asked.
"No, I
won't
tell a soul, but I'm gonna' have sandwich-boards made up what
reads:
`Earl Hickson done kissed me! Now we's butt fuck'n buddies!' I
plan to
walk around the square wear'n `um," Bubba said and laughed.
"You's
terrible,
Bubba," Earl said and smiled.
"I ain't
like
you, Earl, I don't betray my friends; especially those what love
me,"
Bubba slammed him.
Earl didn't
answer. He knew Bubba was talking about Womack. Bubba wondered
if
Womack put Earl up to showing him a little affection? He
wouldn't put
it past the fat little bastard. Bubba also wondered if Womack
pressured
Earl, perhaps it backfired on his buddy, and Earl discovered he
liked
it a little more than he thought he might. Bubba was convinced
the
second kiss was more than pretend -- or maybe he was reading
more into
it than he should because it was what he wanted. He thanked his
protector again for his sage advice. Then it came to him to do
some
fishing of his own. "What's Womack got on you what would make
you
betray your brother, Earl?" Bubba asked.
"Nothing. I
swear to you, Bubba. I just come to see the light of Jesus, and
I
wanna' make sure I go to heaven. Other than you for a buddy, I
ain't
never had me much in this life, and never learned how to go
about get'n
more for myself than working like a slave for a nickel on the
dollar. I
realized this past weekend, without you in my life, my prospects
ain't
real bright, Brother," Earl replied.
"Look,
Earl, if
that bastard is blackmailing you or is hold'n some'um over your
head,
tell your brother. The time we been apart, I come to make
friends with
some pretty powerful folks what might be able to help you. I
learned me
some things I never knew before about my uncle and his legacy to
me. It
weren't only about the ranch, land, or money, Earl, it was about
my
place in our community I never knew about before. If Womack's
got you
by the nuts, for god's sake, Brother, tell me about it!" Bubba
exclaimed.
"It's
nothing,
Bubba," Earl said, and Bubba knew he wouldn't get any more out
of him.
Bubba drove
them
into town and Earl decided he wanted to eat at Nacho Momma's. It
was
fine with Bubba. He could park his truck out front and watch it
while
they ate so nobody could steal anything from the back. He
thought about
how insane the idea was. Nobody in the small town was the least
interested or gave a rat's ass what Bubba Kirkendall had in the
back of
his truck. He knew folks in town who spent thousands of dollars
on
security locks, bells, and whistles for their homes and never
bothered
to use it or even lock their front door.
They ate a
good
meal. Fortunately for Bubba, they posted the lunch menu early so
he
didn't have to eat two breakfasts. He told Earl he weren't
hungry for
breakfast, but the enchilada and taco lunch combo sounded good
to him.
They talked quietly while they ate; mostly about things Bubba
wanted to
get done around the ranch. Earl kept talking about how rough it
was
going to be for him and his mom now they didn't have Bubba's
rent
coming in. Bubba felt sorry for him and said he might have some
work
for him if he wanted to do some basic carpentry and painting for
him.
He offered to pay Earl minimum wage, which was nine dollars an
hour,
but if Earl didn't work and fucked off, Bubba wouldn't keep him.
Earl
was used to Bubba just giving him money when he was broke. He
said he'd
think about it. Bubba knew Earl probably wouldn't stoop to
working for
him, but at least, he made the offer. The only problem with
giving Earl
money was, he never once in all the years ever thanked Bubba.
Neither
did Earl's mom. They acted like it was their due just to be
Bubba's
friend.
They were
mostly
quiet on the way back to Earl's place. Bubba's cell phone
buzzed, and
he
saw it was his attorney Jack McCormick calling. He smiled as he
punched
the button to connect. "Howdy, Brother," Bubba said.
"Howdy
yourself,
Bubba. How's by you, Cowboy?" Jack asked.
"Fine and
dandy,
sir," Bubba replied.
"You now a
full
member of the Daniels' cowboy-angel-family?" Jack asked.
"E'aup!
Fully
fledged, sir. Same color as the head Bossman's," Bubba replied.
"Gold?"
Jack
gasped.
"`At's
right,
Brother. I just hope I's worthy," Bubba said.
"You ain't
got
nothing to worry about, Bubba. Somebody must think you're worthy
or
they wouldn't be that color," Jack said, "You certainly got my
vote,
Cowboy," he added.
"You to
home or
work?" Bubba asked.
"I'm home
for
the day," Jack said.
"I'm
driving
Earl back from breakfast right now, can I call you back in about
ten
minutes?" Bubba asked.
"Sure. No
problem. I ain't going nowhere. Talk with you then," Jack said
and
disconnected.
Bubba
disconnected, put his phone in his shirt pocket, and smiled to
himself.
"Who was
that?"
Earl asked.
"A new
friend I
met about a week ago," Bubba replied.
"Is he part
of
your new business arrangement?" Earl asked trolling for
information.
"Yes, he's
one
of my new partners. They's several, Earl, but I can't tell you
more,"
Bubba said.
"Can't or
won't?" Earl asked.
"Both,
Brother,
and don't even ask why. You know why, Earl," Bubba replied.
They pulled
into
the compound of the Hickson ranch. Bubba pulled up in front of
the
bunkhouse to let Earl out. "Thanks for breakfast, Bubba," Earl
said.
"You're
welcome,
Brother, but I hope the sky don't fall. Glad to hear you're
listening
to my words. Your parents never taught you manners. My uncle
demanded
it of me. A few words of gratitude for something somebody done
for you
goes a long way to insuring their continued good feeling toward
you,"
Bubba said, "I'm gonna' be busy the rest of this week and over
the
weekend. I'll give you a call the first of next week and see if
you're
interested in doing some work for me. You should have yore' mind
made
up by that time. If not I'll get somebody else," Bubba said.
"Other than
work
for you, I get the feeling you won't have much time for me no
more,
Brother," Earl allowed.
"I'm afraid
that's so, Brother. I done told you, I'm going on with my life
with or
without you. Say `hello' to your mother for me," Bubba said like
it was
the end of his conversation with Earl.
"Bye,
Bubba,"
Earl said quietly and got out of the truck. He watched Bubba
turn the
truck around and drive down the dirt road to the blacktop. He
had an
empty feeling inside which didn't have anything to do with
Womack or
his pushing for Earl to get something going with Bubba to betray
him.
Earl wondered to himself if he was falling in love with the new,
strong
willed cowman-rancher he could see Bubba becoming. The Devil be
damned,
what he experienced in Bubba's big arms in the bunkhouse with
them two
kisses rocked his world. Bubba was right. It just seemed natural
to
share a little love with his brother. `What would Jesus do?' he
asked
himself.
* * * * * * *
Bubba got
to the
blacktop and began the drive back to his ranch. He took his
phone from
his shirt pocket and pressed Jack's home number, and he
answered. "Hey,
good look'n, what cha' got cook'n?" Bubba asked and heard Jack
laugh.
"Absolutely
nothing, Cowboy. I's kinda hope'n you weren't doing nothing, and
we
could do nothing together for a while," Jack said.
"How `bout
help'n an old cowboy out this afternoon with some'um he don't
know
diddly-squat about?" Jack asked.
"Sounds
like a
mysterious challenge. What is it?" Jack asked.
"Drive into
to
Brady wiff' me this afternoon to help me pick out some new
furniture
for me from a couple of them Western stores," Bubba replied.
"No
problem.
Where is you?" Jack asked.
"On the way
to
your ranch, Pod'na," Bubba replied. He heard Jack laugh.
"See you
when
you get here, but beware of Satan and Matilda," Jack said.
"Who?
What?"
Bubba asked.
"Satan and
Matilda. They's my guard geese. Male and female Chinese geese.
Don't
make the mistake of underestimate'n them. They can take out a
chunk of
flesh through yore' Wranglers, Cowboy," Jack said and laughed.
"Screw
that! I
ain't get'n out of ma' truck until you come out for me!" Bubba
exclaimed and Jack roared with laughter. "I'll see you in a few,
Brother," Jack said and was still laughing as he disconnected.
Sure
enough, two
enormous white geese headed straight for Bubba's truck on a dead
run with their wings spread, their heads lowered with a mean-ass
look in their eyes when he drove into the compound of the
McCormick
ranch. They looked like two miniature Boeing 707's on a bombing
run, a
mission to destroy the intruder into their world, and they were
making
a horrible racket, honking at the top of their voices what would
raise
the dead. Between bouts of honking, they would hiss like a
basket full
of snakes. Bubba sat there with a big grin on his face, but he
wasn't
about to get out of his truck. He saw Jack on the front porch
laughing
his ass off. He walked down, shooed the guard geese away, called
them
by name, and reassure them Bubba's truck was not an advance
invasion
force. They seemed to be trained well enough, if Jack said the
intruder
was okay, they could back down and lower their attack level to
defcon
prepared. Bubba was sure he just witnessed defcon: Holy Shit!
Bubba got
out of his truck and didn't wait for Jack to invite him in. He
ran as
fast as he could to the steps, front porch, and stood waiting
for Jack.
Jack was doubled over with laughter as he walked to the house.
"I
warned you," Jack said.
"I ain't
never
seen nothing like them birds before in my life. They's scary
sum'bitches. They's the most frightful creatures I ever' done
seen,"
Bubba said and laughed nervously. "Fuck them
monster movies, I'll have nightmares for weeks dream'n of being
chased
by them bastards!" he exclaimed.
"Ah,
they'll get
used to you and your truck, but it may take a while," Jack said
and
laughed again.
"Hell! If I
had
me a pair of them birds I wouldn't need them watchers over to my
ranch," Bubba declared and Jack laughed again.
"Why do you
think I keep `um?" Jack asked rhetorically.
"I hear
that!"
Bubba agreed.
Jack
invited
Bubba in and showed him around the place. "Damn! Did you buy
this stuff
or was it your family's?" Bubba asked, referring to the
furniture.
"Most of it
I
inherited, but a couple of pieces I bought in Brady," Jack
replied.
"This is
exactly
the kind of feel I want for my place. If we could find something
like
this, I'll be a happy buckaroo," Bubba said.
"They's a
couple
of stores over there what carries this sort of Western
furniture.
C'moan! Let's jump in the truck and drive over," Jack said.
The cowboys
drove into Brady and visited several stores before Bubba made a
purchase. When he made up his mind, he bought close to ten
thousand
dollars in nice, sturdy, handsome, but not pretty, furniture. He
only
ask for the California king size pillow soft bed to be delivered
as
soon as possible, because Jack reminded him they were probably
going to
be busy out to the Daniels ranch from Friday noon through the
weekend.
Since Bubba bought so much from the major store, they were
anxious to
accommodate him, and agreed to deliver a load the next day.
Bubba
figured with the muscle power of six watchers he could remove
the old
stuff in a matter of hours. Bubba drew them a detailed map of
how to
get to his ranch, paid for his purchases with his bank's debit
card,
and they drove to the local WalMart to buy sheets and covers for
his
new bed. He also bought some groceries to stock his empty
cabinets and
refrigerator. It was getting late and the sun was low in the
sky.
"You
hungry,
Brother?" Bubba asked, "I'd like to take you to supper," he
added.
"You smooth
talker. I don't usually accept such an offer on a first date,
but see'n
as how we just picked out your new bed together, it might seem
appropriate," Jack said and laughed.
"Ah, Hell,
t'weren't chore' help what prompted my offer. I's thinking of
having to
face them mean-ass, scary frick'n birds when I take you back. I
wanna'
make damn sure we's on good terms," Bubba declared and Jack
doubled
over with laughter.
Bubba took
Jack
to a steakhouse he knew about West of town. It wasn't fancy, but
they
served the best steaks cooked over mesquite with the bare
essentials:
beans, cowboy potatoes, and a small salad. There were only a few
customers and for the most part, Bubba and Jack had the place to
themselves. They had a couple of glasses of wine and were
feeling
mellow. The more time they spent together, the better they liked
each
other. Because of their past weekend, they were quickly coming
to trust
one another with their most intimate thoughts. There was enough
age
difference between them, Bubba looked up to Jack as a big
brother, and
there was an innocence in Bubba which made Jack come to think on
the
big cowboy as his younger brother. It wasn't a sexual draw,
although it
could have been, but an easy understanding they were becoming
good
friends
who would be there for each other no matter what.
* * * * * *
*
The
Garrett's
ranch hands were chosen, they were told to get their gear
together and
be ready after their supper to be taken in the school bus to the
Garrett ranch. While Tron, Moss, Enoch, and Nathan were working
with
them, Billy and his immediate family transported to Captain
Nick's ship
to check on Gog and his keepers. Of course Randy wanted to go
wherever
his cowboy hero was going and asked to bring his strawboss
along. Billy
didn't know what they would find, but decided if Randy was going
to be
a cowboy he couldn't be shy about any circumstances in which he
found
himself. Billy knew they very probably would find the giant, his
keepers, and Balthazar naked in the area of the stables.
Billy,
Nick,
Clyde, Hank, and Buck, along with Randy and Rand Snoddy
transported to
the the hallway in front of the apartment Captain Nick and
Beauford
assigned Gog. Billy knocked on the door. A naked dwarf open it,
bowed
deeply to Master Billy and his friends, and made a sweeping
gesture
with his arm inviting them inside. Billy went to Mace, embraced
him,
and kissed him on top of his head. The men walked into the room
to find
Gog, Picard, and Balthazar naked. Randy was in cowboy heaven. He
ran to
the naked giant and was swept up into his arms for a giant hug
and a
kiss. He did the same with Balthazar and whispered something to
him
which made the huge black man laugh and blush. "I'll dream of
nothing
else until that day, Buckaroo," Balthazar said.
"We didn't
mean
to disturb you gentlemen, we had a busy morning and day, but we
wanted
to check on our new slave to see how he's doing and if he's
comfortable. Are these men treating you with respect and
kindness, Mr.
Groats?" Billy asked.
"I couldn't
ask
for better companions or accommodations, Master Billy, and I do
so
enjoy being able to be natural without the hindrance of
clothing. Mace
and Picard are a world of wonders unto themselves, sir, to say
nothing
of our magnificent stable master, Balthazar," Gog raved
sincerely. Gog
seemed overwhelmed and pleased he might be working for the giant
Shedus
with Mace and Picard under Balthazar's expert guidance and broke
into
tears several times at his good fortune. He couldn't believe
such a
nice apartment would be his to live in, enjoy, share the company
of his
new friends, and a place to bring and entertain his Irin bull
brothers.
Conversation
finally
came around to Joe the blue giant. "We were hoping Mace and
Picard know some things about Joe which might help us since we
heard they were guests in their home several evenings," Billy
said.
"We know no
secrets, Master Billy, but we will be willing to help if we can.
We're
quite fond of Joe, but we feel Crunch treats him cruelly and has
little
respect for him," Picard replied, "We don't understand how
someone as
good hearted and kind as Joe can put up with Crunch day after
day. We
can only take Crunch for brief periods," he added.
"Has Joe
said
anything to you about any concerns he might have for the coming
smack-down?" Billy asked.
"Yes, sir,
but
he mentioned them only to us in private -- mostly when Crunch
was gone
and we were lying together after offering Joe our comfort. As
big as he
is, he's the most excellent and caring lover either of us could
hope
for; however, our new friend Gog is equally excellent and
skilled as a
lover. Picard and I found out something special about Joe after
we
trusted him enough to share our bodies with him. Being intimate
with a
giant will cause most to relax, let down their guard, and
sometimes
they will trust you with the secrets of their hearts. We understand
it to be a trait which could possibly make them vulnerable to
others
less scrupulous with their intent toward them; so, we respect
them and
keep what we know to ourselves. We certainly understood we were
not to
discuss anything Joe shared with us with his mate. Joe has great
apprehensions about the coming battle because he's afraid he
won't win,
and he doesn't think he can spend another year as Crunch's
slave. He
told us if he lost, he would ask Captain Nick to sell or trade
him to
the Gregori or the Irin.
"Joe was
worried
when Gog arrived and we were assigned to assist him because he
thought
Gog might be his replacement. We assured him Gog was here
because
Master Billy asked for him, and he was the close companion of
two of
Master Billy's guard bulls when they lived together on Fort Adam
Lear.
Joe went on to tell us, even if he won this smack-down, he would
request reassignment to another world to get away from Crunch --
not
because he doesn't love his half-Ork brother, but because he's
getting
too old to live such a demanding life anymore," Mace explained.
"I wonder
why
Joe remained with Crunch all these years?" Billy said like he
was
musing to himself.
"We asked
Joe
the same question, Master Billy, and he told us it was for
several
reasons," Picard picked up the story, "When Joe fell in love
with
Crunch they were both much younger. Crunch is much younger than
Joe and
the giant became his daddy. As Joe told us, when they met,
Crunch was
more human than he was Ork. The Ork part of him didn't begin to
manifest itself until a decade or more after they were together,
but
when it did, like teenagers in human families rebel against
their
parents, Crunch began to challenge and rebel against Joe's
authority.
Joe noticed it would happen about the same time every year and
disrupt
their lives for three days; then, afterward, Crunch would snap
out of
it and become Joe's good boy again.
"Over time,
the
Ork part of Crunch grew stronger until one day he rose up
against Joe
and demanded he become his slave. He told Joe if he didn't like
it, he
must fight and beat Crunch into submission if he could, and if
Joe
bested him the next time he came into rut, Crunch would be
forced to
become his slave for a year. If not, Crunch would beat Joe into
submission and the giant would remain his slave for the rest of
his
life. Crunch knew Joe's race was mostly peaceable and would
rarely
raise a hand against another unless ruthlessly provoked. Joe
remained
Crunch's slave for three years. Each year Crunch became more
demanding
and cruel to Joe until the blue giant finally broke and almost
beat
Crunch to death.
"Every time
Crunch would come around after being knocked out cold, Joe would
yell
in his face and ask if Crunch would admit defeat and submit to
being
his slave for the next year? Joe said he was forced to cold-cock
Crunch
six times. Fortunately, the seventh time, when the giant drew
back his
huge hammer of a fist to turn off Crunch's lights, did he
finally
submit and called Joe his master. You know their tradition, Joe
whipped
out his big cock, pissed all over Crunch soaking him, demanded
Crunch
open his mouth, rammed his huge cock as far down Crunch's throat
as he
could, and forced him to drink what was left in his bladder. And
so it
went for many years; except, until recently, it was rare Joe
ever lost
their rut-battle, what come to be known as `close-skillet' on
Captain
Nick's ship," Picard said.
"I'm amazed
Joe
managed to stay on top for so many years," Billy said.
Mace
continued,
"Ork ejaculate combined with Crunch's human jizz acts like a
hormonal
stimulant and a temporary physical rejuvenator for blue giants.
Joe was
always an equal opportunity lover and would provide his mate
with as
much comfort as Crunch did Joe when Joe was the master; however,
when
Crunch became master, he never took care of Joe's needs and was
very
demanding of Joe for his comfort only. Joe began to notice, the
more of
Crunch's come he drank the better he felt and the stronger he
became.
Joe discovered if he stocked up and sucked Crunch off half a
dozen
times before lock-down, it gave him an edge to defeat Crunch. It
took
Crunch years to discover Joe's secret, but when he did, he began
to
deny Joe his jizz and wouldn't let him suck him off several
weeks
before they came into rut," he explained.
"Wait a
minute.
How could Crunch have both Ork and human semen?" Billy asked the
handsome young brothers.
"Two sets
of
testicles, Master Billy," Mace replied.
"In the
name of
the gods of love and joy, that would mean...!" Billy exclaimed,
stopped, and looked at his family to see if anyone else put two
and two
together but didn't come up with `quantum-hybrid' for an answer.
"What,
Kemosabe?" Nick asked. Everyone was hanging on Billy's epiphany.
"Crunch
ain't no
hybrid a'tall, Tonto. He's like Vox and Rox. He's another
chimera --
one who has allowed his Ork half to subjugate and suppress his
inner
human just like Rox allowed Vox to do for years," Billy said
like a
conservative looking through a dark pair of austerity glasses
into the
blinding light of fiscal reality. It certainly shed a new light
on the
current situation. A couple of jaws dropped, but his family
agreed, it
made perfect sense. "So what you're telling us is, Crunch has
been
cheating to keep Joe subjugated to him?" Billy asked Mace and
Picard.
"I suppose,
if
you considered manipulating circumstances in your favor as
cheating,
Crunch would be guilty, Master Billy, but you can't accuse
Crunch
without considering what Joe did to give himself an edge,"
Picard
allowed.
"Our young
groom
is right. What about Joe pig'n out on Ork come before a rut, or
your
plans for Joe we discussed this morning, Kemosabe?" Nick
challenged
without revealing details.
"There's a
major
difference in leveling the playing field and stacking the deck,
Tonto.
I understand your point, and I ain't disturbed by your
observations.
You men are right to bring them to my attention," Billy
replied,"However, if I'm master of these folks, they belong to
me, I
belong to them, and I'm responsible for their well-being, then I
expect
the judgment of my word to be final. To these points, I consider
what
Crunch did from the beginning -- bullying a more docile species
into
submission -- as intimidating and manipulative. Joe responded
the best
he could, but it seems these Ork-Giant ruts have grown from a
lover's
quarrel to a full blown cold war; complete with gross, all out
battles
for survival. Crunch's species may be more adept and used to
this type
of mating ritual, but Joe ain't and no matter his size or
strength, it
has been an emotional and psychological disadvantage for Joe
from the
beginning. I ain't so inflexible I won't listen to someone
else's input
on the matter and consider their opinion, but as you know and
have
commented several times, I will look out for the underdog,"
Billy said.
"Hosanna!"
exclaimed Balthazar.
"Hosanna,
in the
highest!" exclaimed the rest of the men gathered.
Billy
opened his
arms, raised them before him, and began to speak to his audience
in the
universe, "It is as old as the ancient plays of the Greeks,
Romans,
those of early England, and even modern plays, for a member of a
cast
to step out of character for a moment to make an appeal to the
audience
or to the mythical gods of Earth, to ask for conformation of
judgment
or intervention should the players upon the stage make a bad
decision
or choose the wrong direction; they call for you to hear their
plea and
offer guidance if their decisions are not in keeping with the
greater,
perhaps more compassionate, voices in the universe. Playwrights
often
wrote two or more endings to a play in which the outcome would
be
determined by the druthers of the audience. We call upon you to
do so
today for two of our family. You have placed this burden upon
us, and
we have accepted your commission. Watch us players closely. If
you
agree with our course, register your approval, but if you
disagree, let
your voices be known in proportion to those who agree and so
give good
reason," Billy said like a player upon a stage, then added,
"Hosanna!"
"Hosanna,
in the
highest!" Billy's family replied.
"For now,
pending further notice, we will follow my plan," Billy said
firmly
without explaining to those who didn't know what was discussed
earlier
that morning in the line cabin. Strangely enough, no one present
asked
to whom Billy's soliloquy was addressed. They knew he was
speaking to a
greater audience throughout the universe. He called and they
responded.
* * * * * *
*
Later, in
the
ranch house before supper, Billy asked Balthazar what Randy
whispered
to him when they met in Gog's apartment. "Ramrod Randy told me
the
first person he planned to morph into when he got his wings was
me. He
promised he would make such sweet love to me with a perfect copy
of my
own penis, he would win my heart and poison my passion for
anyone but
him," Balthazar replied.
Billy damn
near
fell on the floor laughing. "E'aup, he's gonna' be a fine
buckaroo,
`at's fer damn sure. Precocious little bugger, ain''nee?
Ain't
no doubt in my mind, he'll keep that promise one day. He gets it
from
his big brother. Ever' time I look upon you in the raw, I share
his
feelings, and I wouldn't put it past him to do exactly what he
says,"
Billy said, and they shared a laugh.
"He don't
know
it, but he already has my heart wrapped in gold foil,
lemniscated with
bright ribbons, and shoved into the back pocket of his cowboy
Wranglers
like a ubiquitous can of Beechnut smokeless tobacco," Balthazar
swore to his master.
"And my
heart's
in his other pocket, Brother," Billy agreed.
"And not
presuming to second guess my master, but at least one of your
plans to
consider for Crunch is to equalize the two creatures sharing his
body by removing one pair of testicles?" Balthazar asked
quietly.
"I won't
deny
the thought has crossed my mind, but it's only one of several
possible
outcomes and not necessarily the preferred one. I won't consider
any
action without more investigation into the matter," Billy
replied.
"That's why
you
asked for a universal consensus? Balthazar asked.
"It is. I
don't
want to make a mistake, and I want those out there in the
universe to
know whatever I decide was swayed by their input. Neither will
it be
done before the thoughts of all parties concerned are considered
and
other avenues are exhausted," Billy said, "Even then, Crunch
will be
allowed to speak for himself and be given options. Crunch ain't
no
criminal for following his species' natural mating instincts,"
he
added, "but Joe should be given an equal opportunity to better
his
life," Billy said.
"I've come
to
expect fairness from you, Master. Whatever comes of this --
whatever
you decide -- you have my full backing," Balthazar said.
"Thank you,
Balthazar, your words are a comfort to me," Billy said, "And
thank you
for assuming the position of master of the stables," he added.
"I'm
pleased and
proud to be of service, Master Billy. It gives me a chance to
make sure
our Shedus are properly tended, cared for, and given the
consideration
they're due. My new position also affords me more time to devote
to you
and our larger family. I think it's working out nicely for
everyone,"
Balthazar said.
"I agree.
Hopefully we will be sent a couple of others who have the
qualification
for overseeing our treasures. Captain Nick assures me there are
several
within the fallen angels stored in stasis who might be able to
lend us
a hand with their care. I plan to keep my eye out for another
couple of
giants. The Shedus seem to respond well to them. I can't believe
Billy
Gog Groats just fell into our laps," Billy said and laughed.
Balthazar
agreed with him.
* * * * * *
*
Billy
called the
Breedlove ranch and Vox answered the phone. "Hey, Mister Music
Man, we
done went and got some more musical instruments today, and you
need to
start teaching our students," Billy said.
"Really?
How
wonderful. What did you get?" Vox asked.
Billy gave
him a
complete rundown down of his day with the family and the
exciting
things they discovered about Randy and Kayla's innate musical
abilities
and their willingness to learn. Of course, Billy enlarged the
story and
told it like a true cowboy. He managed to get Vox laughing. Vox
switched Billy to the speaker on his phone to allowed Elmer to
listen
to their conversation. Billy could hear the big Bull bellowing
with
laughter with Vox. He was enjoying Billy's story. "How is Oatie
and
Jethro getting along?" Billy asked.
"Aw, Hell,
we
ain't seen hide nor hair of them two for several days. They's
like two
rabbits in a burrow. I don't think they's got out of bed more'n
a
couple of times. Roxanne cooked a good meal for us last e'nin,
and they
came to the big house for supper. They ate like they never
tasted food
before. Our table looked like a herd of locust passed through
and ate
everything in their path," Elmer declared and roared with
laughter,
"But when you got the food of love, you don't need to eat real
food,"
Elmer added and laughed again.
"It sounds
like
Master Oatie has decided to keep his enhanced slave," Billy
said.
"You
couldn't
pry them two apart with a twenty mule team, Son, but I drew the
line
when they started feeding each other at the table," Elmer
declared and
laughed again. The bull sounded happy for his grandson and
son-in-law.
"And I
suppose
we could more easily pry our Bull and his little darlin' apart?"
Billy
said and laughed.
"Not a
chance,
Cowboy!" Elmer replied and bellowed with laughter again. Elmer
Breedlove could lift Billy's spirits like no other cowboy.
"What can
we do
you for, young Master," Bull asked.
"I need
Oatie
over here tomorrow sometime -- at his convenience -- to do a
checkup on
our Ork, Crunch, what's going into rut -- and I need him
Thursday to do
a checkup on our blue Giant, Joe," Billy said.
"He cain't
do
`um both the same day?" Elmer asked.
"Naw, sir,
but
they's a good reason, and we'll explain. We also need you and
Vox for
your cowboy-angel gathering powers when Oatie comes on Thursday.
I'm
calling in several other of our brothers to assist me and my
posse to
give our blue giant an overhaul," Billy said, "Remember to bring
Mick
Flynn with you," he added.
"Will do.
I'm
beginning
to see a pitcher," Elmer said, "And it's a Billy Daniel's Blue
Plate
Special to give the giant an edge," he added.
"And you
would
be right, Master Bull," Billy said and laughed.
"Don't
blame you
a bit. I seen the way Crunch treats his mate, and I can feel
Joe's
humiliation, resentment, and pain. While some men might enjoy
such
abuse, I know Joe don't," Elmer declared.
"Exactly,
but
there's more to it we just discovered a while ago. It looks like
me and
ma' pa's gotta' a big decision to make, Bull," Billy said.
"Can you
tell
us, Son?" Elmer asked.
"Crunch is
another like Vox and Rox. He ain't no Ork-Human hybrid. He's a
chimera.
Joe fell in love with his human part, but Crunch's Ork part's
been
totally dominant for some time now. We get feedback, Joe can't
keep up
since he's getting older, and Crunch is considerably younger,"
Billy
explained.
He heard
Elmer
let out a long, low whistle, like the news caught him totally
off
guard. "Only you could find yore'self in a mess like this,
Master
Billy, but somehow I know you're gonna' do the right thing.
Look! You
tell me when you need Oatie over to your ranch, and I'll make
damn sure
he's
there. Ain't no two ways about it! You may have to put up with
Jethro
coming wiff' him, but I don't think he'll be a problem for you,"
the
Bull said and laughed.
"No, not at
all.
I just won't let him get near Captain Nick's ship or none of us
will
ever see him again. Them village folks is likely to kidnap
Jethro and
them powerful holy cows will help. They's so in love with their
resident demon they shed tears when his name is mentioned. I
shit you
not!" Billy said and the three men shared a laugh, "Why don't
you men
transport over here at noon tomorrow, have lunch wiff' the
family,
we'll take care of Crunch, and you can either hang around for
supper or
return if you like. Remember, we still gotta' pick out slaves
for your
two ranches. We could pick yours tomorrow, Perry Reid's
Thursday, and
he could be here to help with Joe's enhancements," Billy said
like he
was thinking out loud.
"Sounds
good to
us. Lets do it. Hell, Oatie ain't done no work but a couple of
times
this week. He takes his `assistant' wiff' him ever' where he
goes. He
won't let that big cowboy out of his sight. Cain't say's I blame
him
none. We took `um to breakfast this morning down to the Willow
Creek in
town. We always get good service because I believe `tipping'
ain't no
city in China, but them ladies couldn't do enough for my
grandson and
his mate. It got downright embarrassing; didn't it, Sugar-tits?"
Bull
asked his mate in mock disgust. Vox laughed and strongly agreed
with
the bull, "We'll get them two over there tomorrow about eleven
come
Hell or high-water, if'n I have to rope, hogtie `um, and lock
`um in
the calf-carrying cage. How's that?" Elmer asked using his
wonderful
cowboy hyperbole.
Billy broke
up
laughing. He was sure he couldn't top that one. "Perfect, Master
Bull.
We'll look forward to seeing you again," Billy said. They wished
each
other well, said their goodbyes, and disconnected.
* * * * * *
*
After
supper
Billy, Nick, Clyde, Balthazar, and Boomer drove Randy, Kayla,
and Rand
back to the Rutherford ranch. It was like Christmas unloading
the van.
Kate, Zelma, and Roz went nuts picking out clothes for Kayla and
Randy.
Billy tried to soften the gifts by telling Mary and Evelyn he
couldn't
say `no' to his grandmother. They bought a lot of summer clothes
for
the kids, but Billy made sure their `strawboss' got some good
looking
Western clothes. He figured correctly, Rand would become a
regular
around both ranches, and he should dress well to reflect his
status at
both ranches. He was overwhelmed by the Daniels' generosity.
Mary and
Evelyn were also overwhelmed by the musical instruments Billy
bought
the children. They were more than a little impressed. Mary began
to
think Randy's request to stay in the foreman's house with Rand
made
more sense than she originally thought.
Randy
wanted his
piano set up in his bedroom in the foreman's house and his other
instruments there, too. He was in heaven as Clyde and Billy
helped get
things in order. Billy and his men didn't stay long and asked if
Mary
planned to come over Friday noon for lunch and the evening. Mary
didn't
want to come until Sunday dinner, but she didn't have any
problem with
transporting Randy and Kayla to the Daniels' ranch on Friday to
stay
the weekend. The kids were overjoyed. They didn't tell her about
the
smack-down, but Billy later found out Mary knew.
Randy and
Kayla
wanted to know how best to start learning to read music. They
already
knew the basics from tutorials on the Internet, but they wanted
to know
how Billy learned to read music. "Start with simple four part
chords
like hymns or Bach chorales. Learn to count and keep an even
tempo when
you read even if it's very slow. Do it slowly until you get the
notes
right, then gain speed. It won't come overnight. You must work
at it a
couple of hours a day. Do one hour in the morning and one in the
evening of nothing but reading. I'll have Dociean and Dorcas
order you
printers for your computers, and Roz and Clyde can teach you how
to
download and print out music available from the net. Some sites
are
free, but others require payment. I'll have Dorcas set up an
account
and you can buy what you want. You can order more that way. We
can
photo copy, and you can share your choices with each other,"
Billy said.
After many
hugs,
kisses, thanks, and promises to see each other again soon, Billy
and
his posse drove back to the Daniels' ranch. Billy got out of the
van
and
told Clyde to drive on up to the ranch and he would walk. He
hailed
Thor
and Zeus. They were glad to see their master again. "Come, you
two,
walk wiff' me up to the compound then you can return," he said,
and
they readily agreed. Billy told them about housing Billy Gog in
an
apartment created especially for a giant in the castle on
Captain
Nick's ship. There would be plenty room for them to stay with
him for
the weekend, and the bed was so big they could share it. He
thought the
two big bulls were going to cry. They assured him they were
really
looking forward to noon on Friday. They walked
and
chatted most of the way to the compound. Billy filled them in on
what
was happening around the ranch and how he felt about things. He
talked
with Thor and Zeus like they were good friends, and he could
tell them
anything. They were very supportive and wished him well. They
said
their goodbyes and turned to walk back to the gate. Billy
proceeded to
walk up to the house and found Nick waiting for him sitting on
the
steps.
"We gonna'
get
an early start to bed this e'nin, Kemosabe?" Nick asked.
"You tired,
Pa?"
he asked.
"No, not
particularly. I's more concerned for you. You had a pretty
emotional
day what's still hang'n over your head like a dark cloud," Nick
replied.
"I could
sure
use me some quality time wiff' ma' demon dad," Billy said.
"Think we
should
take him out of his box and dust him off, Kemosabe?" Nick asked.
"Best idea
you
done had all day, Tonto. What do you think about your boy making
the
complete transition to Kagoli, Pa?" Billy asked.
"It's only
a
matter of time anyway, unless you figure out some way to padlock
my
hole to keep your tongue out," Nick replied, "A chastity device
of
sorts," he added.
"What an
awful
thought, Pa. Some of the best love'n I ever got was from your
handsome
hole. I wonder if the real Lone Ranger made love to his faithful
companion's ass?" Billy mused.
"If he
didn't he
weren't a true man of the West," Nick replied firmly.
"No
argument
there, Pa. Fuck it! I want the full package like Jethro. We owe
it to
the Kagoli," Billy allowed.
"No,
Kemosabe,
you owe it to yourself," Nick replied.
"Cain't
gainsay
that, Pa," Billy replied.
End of Chapter 43 ~ Him Who Made The Seven Stars
Copyright ~
© ~ 2013 ~ Waddie Greywolf
All Rights
Reserved ~
Mail to:
waddiebear@yahoo.com
03/02/2013
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