Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2016 14:51:09 +1300
From: arthur carkeek <artcart65@gmail.com>
Subject: the runner chapter 8

THE RUNNER

CHAPTER 8

BY

ARTHUR


CONTACT AUTHOR:

artcart65@gmail.com




Carlito and Greg worked diligently on the huge skin. Carlito had the
enviable job of attaching the giant skin to the wooden frame that lay on
the ground; while he worked on that, Greg set about making two scrapers
from the bottom half of a garden spade and a few pieces of wooden slat for
the handle.

For Carlito it was a new adventure; the skin had to be evenly tied to the
frame to stop it from shrinking and also to keep it well stretched for
fleshing.

The salting of the previous day had firmed up the old flesh, fat and sinew
that had been on the skin and would make it a little easier to scrape it
clean; it would however still take a long time and hard backbreaking work
to make the skin useable.

Carlito sighed as he worked on sewing the skin onto the frame with thin
twine; this new world was far harder than he ever thought it was going to
be. The realisation that, in reality he was totally unprepared for it; only
made it harder to deal with.

The two boys worked through the day without rest or stopping for food. By
the end of the day, and feeling totally worn out by their efforts; they had
succeeded in finishing only half the fleshing. Their fingers felt numb from
the hard scraping and their backs ached like never before.

Carlito began to spread more salt on the skin to keep it good overnight;
tomorrow; if they were lucky, they might have it finished and then look at
the mixture needed for proper tanning. Greg left Carlito to his job and
returned to the cabin to ready a very late meal; every bone in his body
cried out for rest but there were still things to do.

When Carlito rejoined Greg for dinner; the first thing they had to do was
bath; the heavy smell of bear, fat and blood covered them from head to
foot.

Over their dinner, the boys talked about what and how to finish the work on
the skin; they had now become so involved with it that any thought of
leaving it to rot was out of the question. It was during this talk that
Greg mentioned they should recover all the claws and the four large canine
teeth; he didn't know why only that it seemed a good idea.

Sleep came easily that night; even without a certain amount of amorous
play. The next morning dawned hot and clear. After a heavy breakfast;
Carlito went back to his scraping while Greg worked on recovering the large
claws and teeth; it was a bloodier business than he thought it would be but
the result was quite staggering.

Greg joined Carlito at the scraping once he had the claws and teeth out and
placed in a plastic dish of water to clean them later. Today the boys did
stop for lunch and then it was back to scarping.

It was almost dusk before they finally could look at the skin and decide it
was clean of everything; it was now time to put it somewhere under cover to
dry slowly in the shade until they had all the tanning requirements. If
they had read the book right then the skin was now safe from rotting as
long as they kept it dry and a fine layer of salt covered the fleshy side.

The cabin suited the boys and; even the small amount of damage done by the
bear attack was easily fixed and the door secured. They planned on staying
there for some time to come; there was now really no need to drive all over
the country as yet.

Over the next two months; the boys made a nice home for themselves in the
cabin; there was plenty of wild game and their skills as butchers improved
with practice. The ingredience for the tanning of the bear skin had been a
success but the process had been mixed with laughter, sweat and hard work.

The final result may not have won any awards but it was now dry, supple and
useable. From the teeth and claws; Greg had drilled each one and made two
necklaces out of them; the boys felt a certain pride at their
accomplishments up to this point as they placed the necklaces around their
necks for the first time.

It was early one morning when Greg found Carlito sitting alone on the stoop
watching the sun rise. Greg picked up a certain sense of melancholy as he
saw his boy friend alone in the early light. Greg sat down beside Carlito
and waited until his boy friend wanted to speak to him.

Carlito looked out at the new dawn; the peace of the night was suddenly
broken by the sounds of waking birds that heralded a new day; it was a
peaceful time and yet, Carlito felt it was time to move on. He did not know
why he felt like that; this place had been almost like a home to them both
but now; there was a sudden urge to move north east; to where? Carlito had
no idea only that it seemed to be urgent and it was as though he was being
pulled by invisible strings.

Finally Carlito turned to look at the patiently waiting Greg; with a sigh
he explained what he had been thinking of; without a word; Greg stood and
then said.

"I'll start to pack things up; we can get underway first thing tomorrow. It
will give us today to check over everything."

"You don't mind leaving here; I mean it is a good place but...well it's
just something seems to be pulling me away from here, but I have to think
of your feelings as well." Carlito replied.

"Carlito; you know that where you go I am really happy to go with you. If
it's time to go then we will go; as long as I'm with you I don't really
care where it is. Now come on, time to go pack ready for tomorrow; the
sooner it's done the sooner we can take a little time for ourselves in our
last day here."

Greg's smile hid little of what he was thinking about to fill in the rest
of the day. Carlito smiled and went with Greg to pack what they would take
with them; the huge bear skin was the very first thing they packed into the
trailer.

The start was made in the early morning; as before, they decided to stay on
secondary roads or off road tracks to preserve their safety. There arose
one problem with their planned route north east; they had not planned for
the damage the winter had caused and; with no one to clear the damage away;
the boys began to find one problem after the other.

On that first day they barely covered ten miles before they called it a
day. Three times there had been large trees across the road they were on
and each time it took a few hours to clear them away and make space to get
through.

The camp that night was a little more solemn than usual; the frustrations
of the day seemed to sit heavy on their shoulders; it was time to rethink
their plans.

The boys decided to return to the larger roads and highways; the problems
of winter had been and would make it too tough to travel with ease. The
next morning found them turning onto a four lane highway. They selected
this one because it was going in the direction they thought they wanted to
go.

There were now, not only the old wrecks of vehicles to consider as they
drove; but the many newly forming pot holes scoured out by the snow, rain
and wind. Their speed was a little better but Carlito still did not wish to
push it much above fifty miles an hour; it was still a strain on his arms
driving the beast.

The boys had been on the road for the best part of six days when the first
sign of trouble arose. They had turned off onto a two lane roadway and had
gone for more than twenty miles when they came to a sudden halt. Across the
road was the biggest tree Carlito or Greg had ever seen. There was little
doubt in either boy's mind that they would not be able to move it and the
single small 12" blade chainsaw in the trailer was going to be useless.

On one side of the road was a steep bank; they could not go down there or
they would lose the trailer or possibly the Humvee as well. On the other
side was what looked like a river bed but the huge tree had fallen into it
and they would not get by there either; they felt trapped.

The last alternative was to turn around and find another way; the only
problem with that was Carlito had very little idea on how to back the
trailer in the narrow confines of the roadway without perhaps falling off
either side.

Carlito looked around; all seemed quiet and so he suggested they make a
camp for the rest of the day and night and once again rethought their
situation.

Late in the afternoon; the boys had a small fire going; there were only the
sounds of the birds in the woods and the small crackling of the fire to
keep them company; it was a peaceful scene and they had relaxed back
against each other to try to relieve the tension and frustration of the
lost day.

The night was alive with critters; for Carlito it was still a marvel as he
settled down each night; he was still used to the smog laden air and noisy
sounds of Los Angeles; even after all this time the sound of crickets in
the night was a pleasure to listen to as he lay against Greg by the fire.

When morning broke; it was time to make a decision; somehow Carlito had to
turn the vehicle and trailer; it was going to be an operation of
inches. There was a wider part of the road about a mile back but Carlito
did not think he could back the trailer so far without problems or losing
it altogether; he had to try to turn it here.

As they ate breakfast; the two boys talked it over; finally Greg suggested
they disconnect the trailer; turn the Humvee first and then use the Humvee
to turn the trailer by dragging it around on the spot; once done they could
hitch up and be on their way.

Carlito looked at the Humvee and then the width of the two lane road; it
was a good idea and he may just be able to do it with Greg's help and
watchful eyes.

With the signals agreed on; Carlito unhitched the trailer and drove the
Humvee forward to get enough space to attempt a turn; he was now very close
to the massive tree. Greg took a position at the front of the Humvee and
began to guide Carlito as the other boy backed the Humvee towards the steep
edge; turning the wheel at the same time.

Had it been someone with far more experience in the heavy vehicle; they may
have made the turn in three attempts; it took Carlito seven but he did get
it turned around. The next problem was now to ease past the trailer and set
the Humvee in a position to be able to turn the front of the trailer back
around to face them.

As Carlito edged past the trailer; he could hear the sound of small stones
and rocks slipping over the side of the roadway; it didn't do much for his
confidence to know he was so close to the edge.

With the Humvee finally turned around; the next part was hopefully
easier. Taking the long tow rope from the back of the trailer; Carlito tied
it tightly to the front draw bar of the trailer; he then ran it back to the
tow ball on the Humvee and got ready to pull it around with Greg keeping a
close watch.

As usual things did not go according to plan. As Carlito began to drive
forward; the trailer just ran backwards but, with the rope along one side
it also turned it at an angle and; had Greg not called out in time they
would have been watching the trailer roll down the bank.

It was another ten minutes before they came up with a solution; Greg jammed
a large boulder under the outside wheel to stop it from moving; they could
not use the brakes on the trailer as it would mean neither wheel would
turn.

Carlito got back into the Humvee to try again; they had now been at it for
two hours but he hoped this would do the trick. Slowly Carlito drove
forward; much to his delight the trailer turned on the spot and it took
only a few seconds more before it was turned around and ready to be
re-hitched to the Humvee; it had been a torrid morning so far.

Once the trailer was hitched back onto the Humvee; both boys decided to
stop for an early lunch before finding another way north. They had been
almost finished with their light lunch when they both heard the ominous
sound of high revving motor bike engines coming their way.

Both boys did not hesitate; grabbing the remains of their picnic lunch and
whatever else they had beside them; they threw it all inside the Humvee and
dived inside reaching for their weapons at the same time. Carlito did not
have time to put on his armour but the heavy armour of the Humvee would
protect them from most guns or other weapons.

With the doors locked and all the windows up tight; Carlito started to
drive forward; with luck they might even break through those coming and get
completely away without having to try to fight them off.

Neither boy had seen who it was as yet, but the sound of the bikes just did
not inspire confidence on those riding them. Had it been a single bike or
even two then they may have waited to see what happened; with the loud
rumbling they could hear; it meant there were far more than one person
involved.

Carlito was doing thirty miles an hour when he came to the bend in the
road; as he drove around the bend he saw the mass of riders ahead of
him. Even in the few seconds he had before running into them; he could see
they were a very rough looking lot. There were many races and different
types of bikes; some were the heavy Harley's others were Japanese and few
he did not recognise; there were about twenty riders and all were armed in
one form or another.

At the sight of the single Humvee coming towards them; the front three
riders slewed their bikes to a halt across the road and took out shotguns;
the other riders seemed amused at the situation as the Humvee came at them
without slowing down.

Carlito almost ducked from instinct as the first three blasts of the
shotguns peppered his bullet proof glass windshield. Greg had lowered his
window half way as had Carlito. Greg had the barrel of the riot gun poking
out the window ready for use and Carlito had one of the MP5's on his lap
and the other on the seat beside him.

As the shot peppered the windshield without effect; Carlito picked up the
MP5 from his lap and rested it on the top of the partially open side
window. Gripping the steering wheel as tight as he could; he drove at the
three bikes blocking the roadway.

Carlito almost felt like laughing as he saw the terrified look on the faces
of the three as they realised the Humvee was not going to stop and, that it
was armoured; they had picked a target that was better protected than they
thought it would be.

The two outside riders dived for the side of the road as Carlito hit the
middle of the three bikes; it threw the bike high into the air and it
landed further back along the road in a crumpled mess; as he passed where
the rider on his side had dived, Carlito let fire with a long burst from
his MP5; on the other side he heard the loud blast of the riot gun and;
from the very corner of his eye saw a body lifted high into the air and fly
backwards over the edge of the bank.

The third rider was not so lucky; he had been standing in front of one of
the bikes to the side; as Carlito hit the three bikes; the two outside ones
flew off the road; the third rider was knocked down and Carlito felt the
soft bump as the heavy Humvee drove over him.

Carlito drove for his life; as they went down the centre of the other
riders; both he and Greg fired indiscriminately at the men; they had no way
of knowing if they hit any but it served to get them all out of the way so
he could make his escape. Once clear of the large gang, Carlito pushed
harder on the accelerator while changing weapons; he did not have time to
reload the first one.

As he drove for their lives, Carlito could hear Greg reloading the riot
gun; they had got away without a scratch but now the real dangerous part
started; Carlito knew he could not outrun motor bikes in the heavy Humvee;
their only chance was the heavy armour or to find a place they could defend
and hold.

The self proclaimed gang leader looked at the mess around him; his face
showed his anger as he surveyed the wreckage. After a little time he
managed to get his gang back on their feet; looking around he tried to
calculate the damage.

Of the twenty three men he had lost three killed and two wounded badly
enough where they would be useless in the coming fight. The bikes did not
fare much better; there were the three that were trashed on the road and
another two further along that had been badly shot up.

One had been sprayed with 9mm into the engine block and the other had a
shredded fuel tank from a shotgun blast at close range. Two more had been
dropped by their riders only to slide down the steep bank and into the
small river below.

The gang leader called for everyone to mount up; with the loss of the
bikes, some would have to double up but that was not going to stop him from
getting the prize they had set their hearts on; he was sure there had only
been two people in the Humvee; they would not live to see the night out if
he had any say in it.

As he drove; Carlito wished he had taken more notice of the land around
him; for now he was driving blind and had no certain destination in
mind. Fortunately for him; Greg had been the one to watch the countryside
as they drove along.

After a short time; Greg told Carlito to turn onto a rough dirt
track. After going for a short distance through some pine trees and scrub;
they came out into an open field; at the far end was a high butte that
stood all alone at the very edge of the field.

Carlito did not hesitate as he aimed for the tall butte; it was an unusual
feature to see in that particular area where it was mostly trees or small
open farm land. Carlito drove as fast as he dared over the broken
ground. Once close he could see they would have good cover from a few
mounds of fallen rocks.

With the butte behind them and a long drop off to the left; they would only
have to defend two sides and anyone coming at them would be left out in the
open. Carlito drove as close to the butte as he could safely get; by
pushing the front of the Humvee almost into the rocks at the foot of the
butte; he formed a small protective wall along with the trailer; they would
be very difficult to get out of there.

With the Humvee parked; Carlito went to the trailer and began to take out
all of his weapons and ammunition; he did not have another set of body
armour so gave his to Greg; he was prepared to take his chances but he did
not want Greg hurt.

Carlito and Greg had just about finished their preparations when they heard
the rumble of bikes coming towards their hide out; the bikes were not going
slow and were obviously intent on causing mayhem to the two boys.

Carlito and Greg now held fully loaded M14's; both also had an MP5 over
their shoulder for quick access and they wore a 9mm pistol on their
hip. The front seat of the Humvee also now had two riot guns ready to be
grabbed if things got too close.

The two boys watched as the first of the riders came into the clear area of
the field; the first two looked to be carrying rifles but the rest seemed
to have shotguns or pistols.  As the bikes got within the range the boys
were happy with; they both fired off a few rounds at the two leading men.

There did not seem to be any obvious hits but the two riders did
immediately slew their bikes around as they jumped clear and then took
cover behind the prone bikes; the answering shots of the rifles were a
little too close for Carlito's comfort as he ducked his head; the loud
clang of the bullets hitting the armoured sides of the Humvee was a good
warning for both of them.

Carlito had positioned himself near the front of the Humvee while Greg took
a place in between the trailer and the rear of the Humvee where he could
fire from good cover either over or under the tow bar; he was also well
protected by the body armour and the large, wide tyres of the vehicle.

Carlito glanced around the front of the Humvee just in time to see the gang
diving for cover; not that there was much but their bikes were all now
laying on the ground and most of the gang was down behind them.

The gang was well outside the range of the shotguns and pistols but the two
rifles were another matter; the two boys would have to be careful if they
were not going to get hit from one of them.

Another bullet ricocheted off the front of the Humvee as Carlito hurriedly
pulled his head back; the loud crack of Greg's M14 sounded in the air as
the boy fired back.

Carlito and Greg had agreed to keep the riders distracted by taking turns
firing from their respective sides at different times; they may not hit
much but it would keep the gang's heads down and they would never be sure
which side to fire at.

It was still a long time until dark; it would be then they would be in the
most danger; it had been decided that; if they could not get clear during
the day they would lock themselves into the Humvee for the night; with the
heavy armour they would be almost impregnable to the lightly armed gang
members.

Sporadic fire continued for a few more minutes. As Carlito watched he saw
what he thought might be an advantage. One of the riflemen was behind a
large Harley; the most prominent item on the bike was the large swollen
looking fuel tank; that was going to be Carlito's target.

It took Carlito five shots before he got his desired result; with three
holes now in the fuel tank; he lowered his aim and fired at the metal on
the hot motor; he was hoping for a spark.

Carlito was not disappointed; with his third shot there was a bright spark
and then a huge and thunderous explosion. The rider behind the bike was now
turned into a running flaming torch. The second rider and accidently stood
up as the hot wind from the raging fire ball exploded close to him; Greg
got him with his second and third shots. The two most dangerous were now
out of the fight.

The boys could hear the loud angry shouts from the rest of the gang; if
they got near the two boys there was going to be mayhem. The fighting died
down as the gang members were now limited to their close range weapons; the
boys had a distinct advantage with their rifles.


Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Runs-Slow and Peter had been on the road for more than two weeks. The
fallen trees and large pot holes did not slow them in the least as they
could easily leave the road and go overland with their horse drawn trailer.

They had made it onto a two lane road and were quietly moving along when
Runs-Slow put up his hand to stop peter on the trailer. As usual, Runs-Slow
had been running ahead of the trailer and keeping watch all around.

As they had come around a long bend; Runs-Slow saw what appeared to be a
number of wrecked motor bikes on the road and off to the side; he
immediately signalled for Peter to stop while he went to investigate.

After a few minutes, Runs-Slow returned and told Peter what he had found
and what they should do about it. The wrecks were new and had been there
only a short time; there was also the matter of three dead bodies left
lying where they fell and signs of blood loss from others.

As the two boys stood and thought about what they should do; Peter saw a
huge fire ball and black smoke rise in the air not far away. It was only
moments later that they also heard the sounds of distant shots being fired;
someone was in trouble but; did they want to get involved.

The two boys held a quick conversation; in all honesty they could not leave
someone in trouble if they were able to help. Runs-Slow told Peter that he
thought the dead men looked to be part of a gang; if that were so then they
had to try to help those being assaulted by them.

Runs-Slow went to the trailer and changed into less clothes; he now wore
only his breech cloth and moccasins along with his knife belt; he checked
that his Eagle Feather was in place and silently sent a pray for protection
in the coming fight.

The boys decided they would drive as close to the fight as they could with
safety; once there they would both take to their feet and work their way
closer. Peter had become quite good at moving like Runs-Slow; to most he
would have been soundless although Runs-Slow always said he breathed too
loudly.

They tracked the gang along the road a little more before Runs-Slow saw
where they had turned off onto a narrow dirt track; it was time to take it
slow and very quiet.

The occasional shot was still heard but now far closer; there were also the
occasional blasts of shotguns and loud yells of anger. When Runs-Slow
thought they were close enough; he signalled Peter to tie the horses to a
tree and follow him on foot.

The two boys stepped carefully as they worked their way towards the sounds
of the shots and yelling. Using only hand signals that Peter had learnt
from Runs-Slow; they worked as close as they could without being
seen. Ahead of them they could see the large Humvee and trailer parked
close into the strange butte and tumbled rocks.

From the Humvee they could see the occasional shots towards the hiding gang
members; the answering fire was sporadic at best and seemed to have little
effect on the two people hiding behind the vehicle.

Runs-Slow gave Peter the hand signals for them to creep up closer; on a
signal from Runs-Slow they would both open fire with their Winchesters;
with luck the gang members would try to escape being caught; not only out
in the open but in a cross fire.

The heavy smell of fuel and burning flesh filled the field; Peter could
feel his stomach wanting to recoil at the stench that was filling the air.

Runs-Slow sued the larks call to let Peter know it was time to take
part. With both boys being used to weapons and their ability at straight
shooting; the first five shots scored four solid hits; there was sudden
confusion in the ranks of the gang as they were now hit from behind.

The battle became torrid as the gang tried to fight on two fronts against a
well hidden enemy while they were out in the open with little or no cover;
the end was a foregone conclusion.

When the gang was whittled down to only four men; they decided to give it
up; of the original twenty three there were now only three without wounds
and there leader was dead; they all threw their weapons out in the open and
stood up with empty hands.

The shock on their faces was easily seen when they saw they had been beaten
by only four young teens and one was very obviously a Native American
dressed as though he had just stepped out of the 1800's right down to a
feather in his long black hair.

The men looked nervously at the approaching teens; this had been the last
thing they had expected when first chasing down the Humvee; it was meant to
be an easy pick and now they were looking at an uncertain future.

Carlito and Greg were not sure how to make the first move with the two new
faces that had stepped in to help them; that they were both about the same
age helped a little.

Finally it was Greg that spoke first but without moving his eyes from the
four grown men standing with their hands up. The wounded man groaned as the
fresh blood dripped from the arm wound; he did not know if he should lower
his bad arm; if he did would the teens shoot first and ask later. It was
the sort of thing they would have done to them had the situation been
reversed.

Greg decided it better to introduce each other first and thank the two new
teens for their help.

"Hi, I'm Greg and this is Carlito; thanks for the help; they would have had
us if you hadn't come along when you did."

Runs-Slow stayed quiet; he had other things on his mind just then; most of
which was devising a way to make the four men pay; Peter answered for both
of them.

"Hey, no problem. My name's Peter and this is my boyfriend Runs-Slow. Glad
we could help; where were you headed?"

"We don't know really, just going where we thought it may be safe or to
find a place of our own. It looks like the world is fucked now; we will
have to start all over again."

"Well, what are we going to do with these four? Can't leave them around
here; they might get ideas and come back at us again." Peter replied.

"I don't really know. I've never thought about something like this. We have
both had a pretty quiet time and this is the first time we really came
under a threat."

Greg and Carlito were surprised when they heard Runs-Slow speak for the
first time; there was a glint in his eye as he looked around the field.

"We have to tie them up; do you have some extra rope?"

"I have a lot of cable ties; the larger ones may do." Replied Carlito.

"Ok, get them and tie their hands behind their back; we don't want them
getting ideas. Peter, can you watch them while i get a few things from the
trailer and bring it back here?"

Peter nodded and; along with Greg kept a close eye on the four silent men
while Runs-Slow took off at a fast trot to get their trailer and Carlito
walked back to his to search for the cable ties.

A half hour later and the four men were lying on their stomachs; their
hands fastened tightly behind them. Runs Slow was looking inside their
trailer while Carlito and Greg looked at what was left of their transport;
it did not look good for them.

Runs-Slow returned with a deep bowl, a bottle of water and one of the deer
skins he had prepared a long time ago; he set his items on the ground as
Carlito and Greg returned with very sad looks on their young faces; Peter
was the first to ask them what was wrong.

"The Humvee is trashed." Replied Carlito. "The radiator took a full shotgun
blast and is leaking like a sieve. The engine has two bullet holes in the
main engine block and there's oil dripping everywhere. Both left hand tires
are holed and flat and I only have one spare. It's pretty well fucked for
use; looks like we have to walk from here on."

Peter looked around the open field; there was no animal life and nothing
that would be of help to the two new friends; they could not really leave
the large trailer as the new boys would have nothing left unless they
stayed here and tried to live with what little was around them.

Runs-Slow looked around; he then said.

"If we had two more horses we could make your trailer the same as ours;
Peter has everything he needs to fix yours but we have no horses and I
haven't seen any for a few days. I'm going to take these men away from
here; why don't you all think about as way to keep your trailer while I'm
gone?"

Carlito and Greg looked at Runs-Slow for a moment; he was right; they had
to find another way to keep their trailer; Peter stood to one side with a
thoughtful look on his face as he scanned the field where the fight had
been.

Runs-Slow had sat down and was cutting the deer skin into long one inch
strips and placing them in the large bowl which was now filled with
water. Peter looked over at the two crestfallen teens; he had an idea but
would need help if the two new teens wanted to move from here with their
trailer intact.

"Can either of you ride a motor bike?" Peter asked the two.

"I've ridden a trail bike. Why?" Said Carlito.

"We have a field full of bikes. If we looked them over; there must be at
least two good ones we can use. With a few days work and a bit of smarts we
might be able to set your trailer up to be pulled by two of them. If we
look for those big ones; the Harley's, they should have enough power to
tow. If it works we could all go together; four of us would better than
just two if trouble came our way again. What do you think?"

"I've never ridden anything that big; but then one bike is much like the
other when it comes to riding; it's going to be the weight that could be a
problem; if it falls over we might not get it back up alone."

"I think it would be OK Carlito; if my idea works they won't fall over,
they won't be able too. Want to give it a try?"

"Hell yeah, better than walking and leaving everything behind for someone
else. What have you got in mind?'

Peter began to explain his idea to the two new friends. As he talked;
Runs-Slow got to his feet and looked at the four men on the ground; the
sodden strips of deer skin were now in a bundle and held in his left hand;
in his right was his favourite 30.30 rifle.

"You get up; start walking in front of me towards those trees down the
other end."

The four men struggled to their feet and began to walk away towards the far
off trees; they were not sure what was going to happen but they did not
like the look on the Indian's face; there was something dangerous about the
young teen and the way he looked at them; it was as though he had nothing
but contempt for them as he forced them forward.

As the four men stumbled away with Runs-Slow not far behind and very alert;
Peter continued with his idea for the other two teens. As the time passed,
Carlito and Greg really warmed up to his idea; it would take some work but
it might just be their salvation from their present situation.

Runs-Slow pushed the four men forward; as they entered the trees, he told
them to turn left and follow the edge of the butte. Runs-Slow was looking
for something in particular; he had an idea so that the other teens would
never be worried about these men again.

Runs-Slow kept the men walking until he found the sort of place he had been
searching for. It was on the far side of the butte and was a thin needle of
rock separate from the main butte.

Telling the men to sit down he then instructed them to remove their
boots. One of the men asked for his hands to be released; Runs-Slow gave
him a look and a smile then shook his head, no. They would have to work it
out themselves. Two of the men succeeded in pushing their footwear off but
the other two had boots tightly laced and could not get them off.

Runs-Slow took out his knife and quickly slit the laces then stood back
while the boots were pushed off with the other foot. Once the men were
bootless; Runs-Slow then told the men to stand with their backs against the
towering needle. He placed each one a distant apart until they were
standing at four separate points.

With a warning about him having little compunction about shooting all four
of them; Runs-Slow then proceeded to tie each one by the elbows to the next
man beside him. Next Runs-Slow did the same to their legs; the wet deer
skin stretched tight as he pulled their legs and elbows together. The men
were now secure on four side of the needle and would not be able to move.

Once the men were fully secure; Runs-Slow set about tying one of the thin
soaked strips around their forehead and then another around their
throat. When he was finished; Runs-Slow decided it was time to rejoin his
friends; for these four men the sun would do the rest; if they survived
through until the next day then they would be lucky; the wet deer skin
would see to that as it dried.

Runs-Slow returned to the field just in time to see the three boys
attempting to stand up one of the many motor cycles that were lying on the
grass. Just as Runs-Slow got close, the boys managed to lift the bike and
began to roll it back where another one was standing close to the Humvee.

It was getting late and; once the second bike was standing beside the
first; the four boys called it a day for now. There was one more thing that
had to be done before nightfall; they could not camp so close to the
dead. Runs-slow unhitched one of the horses and; taking along rope he went
with the other three to gather the dead and take them well away from their
camp site; the night animals would see to their destruction.

The four teens set up their camp with the combination from both trailers;
as Peter and Greg cooked; Runs-Slow sat quietly and watched the others; for
the next part he had little experience and so told Peter he would stand
guard further out while the teens worked on their project for the next few
days.

Early the next morning and after long discussions last night; the three
teens set about trying to attach the two large motor bikes to the heavy
trailer. Firstly Peter got out all his tools along with the portable welder
and generator.

Next he went under the Humvee to inspect the tow bar. It was held on by
eight bolts which went through two thick metal plates and onto the chassis
of the Humvee. The bolts were a little rusted and it took the best part of
the morning just to get them free and then clean.

With the tow bar off the Humvee; Peter and Greg set about measuring the
plates and the bike frames to get an idea of how far apart they should be;
meanwhile; Carlito lowered the jockey wheel on the trailer and released the
brake so the trailer could be turned away from the vehicle.

By late that afternoon; the boys had the beginnings of their two bike tow
vehicle. There was still a lot of welding to do and final plans to be
finished. During their dinner; Carlito tried to explain to Greg how they
would ride the two bikes once they were attached side by side with the tow
bar welded between them.

On the third day their plan looked as though it was going to succeed; Peter
added extra steel rods taken from other bikes to give their two more
strength to carry the weight of the trailer.

On the fourth day it was all done; their creation was a little humorous at
best. The trailer was now riding between the two co-joined motor bikes; it
would take Carlito and Greg a little time to get used to turning at the
same time. Their first efforts gave Runs-Slow and Peter a few good laughs
but, eventually the other two got it right; they were all ready to move on
and see what was around the next corner.

Carlito had siphoned out all the gas from the Humvee and so they had a good
sixty gallons in the solid tank on the trailer; the need not to have to fit
a seat made the job just a little easier than the trailer Peter had built
for him and Runs Slow.

It was decided that the two bikes would have to stay in low gear; it would
give them better pulling power as well as staying behind Peter and
Runs-Slow's trailer and the slower horses.

The little procession looked very other worldly as they left the open field
and turned back northward; they had about three hours travelling before
they would have to stop for the night.

For the first days travel; the four boys had little trouble except for
Carlito and Greg trying to co-ordinate their driving skills with the
co-joined bikes and trailer.

When they set up camp late that afternoon; all four realised they had the
perfect mobile camp between the two trailers and the accumulated knowledge
of all four boys. As travelling companions; Carlito and Greg both agreed
that the two new friends could not have been better; although both wondered
why Runs-Slow seemed to much prefer to run alongside the trailer instead of
riding on it.

On their third day of travel; and when they stopped for a midday meal;
Carlito was tempted to ask Runs-Slow what had happened to the four
captives; as he thought more on who the young teen was; he decided not to
ask. His father had taught him that there were some things others were not
meant to know; this was one of those times.

The sixth day found them rolling along a two lane road that had seen better
days. On each side of the road, the trees grew tall and thick. As they came
around a slow bend; first Peter and then Carlito saw something they thought
would never be again.

Off to the left; in a long valley that seemed to follow an old water course
was what looked much like a small ranch in operation. As yet they were
still a little distance from it but the well tended fences and a small herd
of cattle with a few horses roaming the fenced paddocks.

At first glance there seemed to be no buildings but the obvious newness of
the place raised their awareness. A little further along the road they saw
what looked to be a barrier built across the road and halting access to the
ranch.

Runs-Slow suddenly raised and arm to stop the two Trailers; with a quick
glance around he suddenly disappeared into the long grass at the side of
the road. Peter, seeing Runs-Slow take off into cover; immediately reached
for his rifle; his actions were not missed by the two boys behind him; they
also raised their weapons in readiness.

The valley seemed to suddenly become very quiet; the sounds of birds
stilled and even the animals in the fields seemed to stop what they were
doing to look around for trouble.

As the three boys watched and waited; they suddenly heard a sound off to
their right and inside the trees; it was the sound of a young voice and it
did not sound friendly.  The voice almost echoed as it called to the three
boys on the road.

"Drop your weapons and get down; keep your hands clear of any weapons or we
will shoot."

As there was no sign of Runs-slow; the three boys did as asked by the
hidden voice. Peter set the brake and tied off the reins on the front of
the trailer. Carlito and Greg turned off their bikes and stepped off them
and to the side leaving the guns in the trailer.

The voice called once more and still the boys could not see the boy behind
it.

"Step well clear of your trailers."

The boys did as they were asked and took a few steps to the edge of the
road and well out of reach of any weapons. Once they were well clear, the
boys saw a young teen step from the trees with a rifle in his hands; behind
him was an older teen girl also armed.

"What do you want on our land?"

Peter looked at Carlito to see if he wanted to take it from there; Carlito
shook his head and left it up to Peter.

"We didn't know it was your land; we've all just come from the south and
west; we were looking for a safe place to live. We don't mean any harm."

"You all sit down on the road and don't move; we have people coming and
then we will decide what's to be done with you. Where is the fourth one
that was running in front?"

As soon as Runs-Slow was in the long grass; he went to ground and began to
move through the grass like a small snake. There was enough of a breeze to
disguise his movements as he worked his way towards the tree line.

It had not been anything he had seen or heard but just instinct that had
told him others were hiding and watching them; he never ignored his
instincts.

Runs-Slow found himself in the tree line but did not rise up to his feet;
he knew better than to take those sort of chances. With only his eyes
moving; Runs-Slow scoured the woods for any signs of others; his instincts
told him there were men in the woods but he could not as yet place them.

Suddenly from his left he heard a cricket call; for someone else it would
have meant nothing but; for a child of the badlands it sounded wrong; the
pitch was to low and; when he heard an answering call from the right; he
knew he was being watched by others.

They; whomever `they' were; had not as yet seen him but they knew he was in
there somewhere; it was a time to be extra cautious. Runs-Slow eased
himself deeper into the trees; even though he was a desert child he was
still not without the skills in wooded areas.

From somewhere in front and above him came the sound of a bird call;
whomever it was, was good but for someone that was as good as Runs-Slow
there was enough difference for him to detect. Runs-Slow again raised his
eyes without moving his small slim body.

Carefully he checked out each and every tree within sight. When he saw it
he almost missed it; it was the barest of discolouration high in a
tree. Runs-Slow had been able to make out the faintest of colour change and
turn it into the toe of a moccasin on a tree branch; its owner was hidden
behind the trunk.

Now that Runs-Slow had marked where one of them were; he set his ears to
find the other two trackers on his left and right. Runs-Slow shimmied
through the pine needles without sound; his small body hugged the ground
like any snake would have and he moved in a slow and sinuous way that gave
off no sound.

Three times he listened to the crickets and finally he was convinced he had
placed them; they had him in the centre of a circle but he was sure they
had as yet not spotted him where he lay close to a tree trunk and partially
buried in the detritus of the woods.

Runs-Slow was sure he could get to the two enemies on the ground but the
one high in the tree could be a problem if he could not use his rifle; its
blast would have alerted others.  Runs-Slow lay there and let his sharp
mind work out the problem; it was going to be difficult but he had to
protect his boyfriend Peter as well as the two new friends they had just
made; he hoped they were still safe behind him.

Runs-Slow decided to take out the one on the left first; he was a little
closer than the others by the sound of the cricket calls. With the care of
long practice; Runs-Slow eased his rifle onto his back; taking his hunting
knife from his belt he got ready to take care of their problem.

As he was about to move; Runs-Slow suddenly felt the touch of cold steel on
the back of his neck; had he not been Chiricahua he would have
cursed. There had been four of them and he did not see the fourth one; he
was now in a very dangerous position.

Runs-Slow did not make any attempt to turn around; he was caught flat
footed even for all his skill. The voice that whispered to him almost
brought tears to his eyes as the words sank in.

"Little brother, you have improved greatly but; you still breath to heavy."

Runs-Slow went rigid; there was no doubt who his captor was; with tears
streaming down his face, and in a most un-warrior like way; Runs-Slow
twisted around and looked up into the smiling face of his cousin Joseph Two
Toes; the older boy was almost laughing as he whistled out for the other
three to join him.

The three boys sitting on the side of the road were suddenly surprised when
their two captors lowered their rifles and smiled at the trio. From behind
the three boys came the sound of voices. Peter turned his head and almost
gasped at what he saw.

Runs-slow was walking beside an older teen; in itself it was not unusual;
what caught Peter's eye was the fact that he could just make out what
looked like tears running down the cheeks of his boyfriend. It was a most
unusual thing to see Runs-Slow do; he had always projected a sense of
fearlessness and maturity; tears were the last thing Peter ever thought he
would see on his face.

What Peter also saw that was unusual was the older teen with is arm over
Runs-Slow's shoulders; it was a gesture of friendship and family not one of
threat or danger. When the group finally made it to where the trio was
sitting; Peter could see the wide smile that seemed to radiate out of
Runs-Slow.

It took a few more minutes for explanations to be made and a further ten
minutes for the newcomers to realise they had found safety; twenty minutes
later they were being guided up the road towards what they hoped was their
final salvation; a home to call their own. It had been a long and sometimes
dangerous road but they now felt they were close to finally being able to
stop the wandering.

Runs-slow was torn between wanting to be close to his cousin and needing at
the same time to be beside his boyfriend but his boyish tears that were
most un-warrior like continued to flow. He could just not believe he had
not only taken his small group to safety but had found his cousin alive.
The time of the Chiricahua had not yet come; there were still two of them
alive so there was still hope for the people to survive even this
catastrophe.


END.