Repent, or Repeat

[Dosadi]

I'll defer to your knowledge, we don't get wolves over here in Alabama, just those pesky coyotes.

I'm not a fan of stuff that hunts me much and I'm not a bit above using chemical (seamus' feet stink) defenses if those would work. LOL

Glad I was able to give ya a smile

Dosadi

[PacNorWest]

#14

It was a top of the food chain, predator stand-off. Man vs. wolf. The huge grays walked the circle around the camp, staying well away from the fires. Intense yellow eyes and shiny white teeth gleamed from saliva dripping mouth's.

"Look at the intelligence in those eyes," Toby watched the beasts carefully calculate their next move, "I don't like them any better now than I did when we were kids. Remember at the Lodge?" He asked Milo, never taking his eyes off the circling animals.

"Yeah some, mostly I remember Helga going so berserk at the mention of them. Dad said not to look them straight in the eye, they consider that aggression, and respond. These wolves look to be about the same size. What do you think the Alpha over there weighs? 180 maybe?"

"Yeah, I'd guess that's about right," Gary spoke up. "I wonder if the wind reverted them back to their wilder ways, or if we fired a shot, they would associate with being hunted. I don't much fancy being lunch for them."

"If we shoot, I think we need to kill one of them to reinforce their fright of man." Milo had the gun ready. "If we shoot the Alpha dog, that will throw the pack into confusion for a while, long enough for us to move on. What say you Seamus?"

"They are grand beasties for sure, but I nea fancy providing a meal for them. I think we should consider shooting the Alpha female. She is the one leading the hunting pack, and she's almost too ya boyo."

"Everyone in agreement?" Milo called out. Four voices sounded and Milo took his shot. The large female crumpled to the ground. The rest of the pack dissolved into the night, like they had had never been there. Milo walked over to investigate the wolf. "I was going to skin her, but even in the weak fire light, I can see she is crawling with fleas. That's a no go for me, any of the rest of ya interested?"

Nobody was. Seamus was further surprised when the men bowed their heads and thanked God for the life of the wolf. "She may have wanted to eat us, but she was still one of God's creatures." Gary explained to Seamus, when the big man stood watching the bowed head circle.

"Is that stew done? I'm starving," Gary complained and the rest laughed. They had just dipped their cups in the pot, and were taking cautious sips of the boiling hot liquid, when there was a wolf howl just inside the dark tree line. Close enough to send shivers down strong men.

"He's mourning his mate, I would too under those circumstances," Milo had his rifle in hand, but not aimed.

Toby looked at Seamus; "we're all married and have children at home. How about it, you fancy a wife?"

Seamus looked up sharply, " no woman would have me," he said simply. "Begging yer pardon boys, but I'm nae interested in mixing me colors."

"You wouldn't be," Toby told him and dropped the subject. He figured if Seamus was interested, he'd get around to asking the particulars.

[Sully]

Thank you Pac.

Sully

[Dosadi]

Thank you Mrs. PAC

The nurse for the babies? Seems she is needing someone?

Dosadi

[ted]

Thank you Pac.

[stjwelding]

Thank You Pac

Wayne

[PacNorWest]

#15

Seamus thought about Squire Toby's words all night long. A world traveler, he had never found a woman of color that was interested in a Scottish, bagpipe playing, Black man. If he wanted a companion, or more; he was being gifted with an opportunity. The new normal might change his way of thinking. There was naught to do but pray on the matter and see what the Good Lord wanted him to do.

Off and on during the night, Seamus prayed when he woke from his light sleep. The Linderman men never asked him to stand watch and he understood why. Whoever had trained the men had done an excellent job. They even thought alike, but with subtle differences. Seamlessly they traded watch, no words were needed.

He was the unknown, untested man. They had accepted him at face value, but he was not in their confidence, yet. He had listened and understood the Da had sent the two oldest out as co-leaders, but that it worked better for the marksman to concentrate on his craft, and the older of the three seemed like a natural leader. The young one a bit brash, here and there, but a good man to stand beside ya in a fight.

It was Seamus's instructions to keep them safe, but they were doing an excellent job on their own. So their must be something major in the future. Seamus knew all about the family and the individual members, but he hadn't known there was a woman of color there. A surprise for him? His sardonic eyebrow lifted as he contemplated the situtation. Then he smiled. It would be, as it would be.

Toby had already said they would be on the move tomorrow, so Seamus stirred enough to turn his boots that were slowly drying near the coals of the cooking fire.

[stjwelding]

Pac thank you for Blessing us with more of your fantastic story. Praying for you and yours, Pac.

Wayne