Wounded Legacy

Chapter One 　

"You can't just throw words at me. I don't treat you that way, I never have." Sam cried at her brother. Jake had belittled her for the last time, Sam was ready to take him on now. The two of them stood on opposite sides of the table and stared at each other. Jake was sure that she would back down and allow him to have his way, everyone always did. Everyone in the family had always let him his way to avoid the predictable and loud fit that would follow anyone daring to get in his way. Jake had learned at an early age to defy anyone that tried to direct him toward the right thing to do, from cleaning his plate to letting the water out of the tub after his bath. At four years old, he realized his tantrums and screams would lead to his parents trying to calm him and give in to anything that would quiet the squalls his tiny lungs could produce. By the age of ten he had figured out just about everyone around him. He knew how to blame his brother and make it look real good, as he stood back and watched the punishment being doled out onto his brother. He had the look of innocence down to a science and had learned how to use that look with teachers and preachers alike, always to his advantage.

Tired of the oppressive personality of his brother, Tim the younger of the two, had never come home again once he left for college. The family had figured out after the first year he was gone, that he would never come back to the ranch again as they held off Christmas, in the hope that he would show up. No one talked about it though, because Jake wouldn't allow it. He would slam his fist on the closest object to him and yell, "Shut up. Just shut up about him. He doesn't belong here." His parents wouldn't dare say another word and the air in the room would become suffocating to Samantha. Year by year as her brother had gotten older, he had pushed her parents down until they could no longer speak freely in their own home. Her mother, Robbie, was a pretty woman, the beginning of soft lines showing on her face now. A constant smile, was her way of dealing with the son that had become more tyrannical by the day, but her eyes showed the sadness and fear in her heart.

Sam glanced at her mother, pretending to wipe the dust from a flower in the kitchen window. Keeping the peace since she was five years old, had become Sam's duty in the family. Her father kept to himself and always found a job on the ranch that would take him far away from Jake. Never a large man, even in his youth, Luke Prentiss had shrunk into a small figure of a man, always holding his head down. He loved his son, as any father would, but he couldn't tolerate being around him. Sam hated the look on her father's face whenever Jake pulled one of tirades, he seemed to shrink even smaller and almost crept out of the room to get away from the tongue lashings Jake would throw at him. Sam would grieve at these times, wishing her father would stand up to him and wanting to do it for him.

Luke wasn't really afraid of Jake for himself, but he was afraid of what would happen if they ever confronted each other. So, Luke chose the path of least resistance and stayed out of Jake's way as much as possible.
Today, Sam didn't feel like keeping the peace anymore either. She stood her ground against her older brother and stuck her chin out, as if to say to him, you'll have to knock me down, 'cause I'm not giving in on this, brother of mine, there is too much at stake for all of us. Jake had found a buyer for the ranch, a developer in town, and was ready to sell. He had been pointing out to his parents they would have to sign it over to him, in order to get the deal done. Making it sound as if this was the only thing left to do. Jake was tired of ranching and wanted to use the money from the ranch to find something else to do, or so he said. As Sam listened to him telling her parents they would have to turn over their ranch to him, her temper began to boil within her. Her fists were clenched so tight the nails cut into her palms. Looking into the faces of her parents, she saw fear. They were afraid of him and what he may have done to get his hands on the ranch. Jake didn't care what would happen to them with no way to make a living and too young to retire yet, only himself.

Not only was Jake good looking and tall, he had a way of making you believe every word he said. If you didn't, he would say it louder and tower over you until you at least pretended to agree with him. Sam could see that her mother had no idea what he was even talking about. Nothing had ever been mentioned about selling the ranch, as she sat with her lip trembling not knowing what to do. Luke stood up and turned towards the door. Jake stepped in front of him, "We need to settle this now, Dad. I want this ranch sold and the papers are all drawn up for you to sign." His father would normally find a way to get around Jake and leave the room, but today he had a slower walk, almost methodical, daring Jake to put a hand on him to stop him. He didn't look at Jake, but headed for the door, defying Jake to stop him. Opening the door he turned to Jake, "Son, you are welcome to go find your way elsewhere in the world, but this ranch ain't for sale, not under any terms." Jake started toward him and Luke shut the door behind him, hard.

"Jake!" Sam yelled out. Jake turned to her with a look of pure meanness. "You stay out of this Sam, it's none of your business." he told her with a finality. "Jake, this is just as much my business as yours. I work here the same as you. The difference is, I love this ranch and I would never sell any part of it. Neither will Dad." she fired back at him, without any fear whatsoever. Sam had stood up taller with this said and dared Jake to try and roll over her. This surprised Jake, he was used to commanding the room, with his booming voice and tall form, especially with his family and anyone that worked on the ranch. Feeling a little off his game now, with Sam standing up to him so boldly, he said, "This is gonna happen, Sam. You can't stop me." He stomped out the door, slamming it behind him and got in his truck. Leaving a trail of dust behind him, Jake headed toward town, as Sam looked after him with a glazed look in her eyes, not knowing just what to do next.

The two women were startled as the door burst open and Luke stepped into the room. He went into the den and made a phone call, Sam listening at the door. As he hung up the phone, Sam walked over to him. "Dad, are you alright?" she asked quietly. "Just fine hon, get your coat on, we're going in to see Jamison Wright." he answered her. Sam had a look of amazement about her as she quickly got on her coat and boots, not asking any questions, just following her father out to the truck. Once in the truck her father smiled. Sam glanced over at him, "Dad?" He actually laughed out loud. "Honey, don't worry. I knew this day was coming and I made a plan for it. You see, I figured when Jake started spending all that time with that slick developer that's been buying up ranches left and right, something would come at the ranch. From Jake. So I took care of it a while back. Now we got to tie up any loose ends, quick like."

Sam decided to keep quiet for the time being. She had learned years ago, that her father was just as determined as Jake, but kept it to himself and got the job done without so much noise. They pulled into the parking lot in front of the large office building and saw Jake's truck parked close to the doors. He was leaning against it, talking to the developer that had his offices in the building. Without speaking they both waited in the truck for Jake to pull away, in a hurry, tires squealing. Luke opened his door and got out, waiting for Sam to join him and they headed into the building. Once inside they took the elevator up to the third floor. Luke opened the door and walked into an office. Nodding to the receptionist at the desk as she were quite used to him being there, he walked down a hallway and knocked on a door. A familiar voice called out, "Come in." Sam followed her father in and looked around. Standing in front of a huge desk was her brother Tim. He mouth dropped open, but no words came out. She stood stock still, as if her boots had become glued to the spot she stood on and the world had started spinning off it's axis.

"Hello Sam, good to see you. Boy! You sure grew up." her brother smiled invitingly to her. Sam finally got control of her limbs and ran to him, crying and throwing her arms around him. "How.." Sam stuttered. Tim kept his arm around her waist and squeezed her tightly. "It's a long story Sam. I moved here about six months ago and Dad and I have been in touch the whole time. Now, don't go getting your back up, little girl." he laughed and pointed her to a chair. Sam looked at her Dad, pleading with her eyes for an explanation. Her father leaned over and took her hand. "Sam, Jake has been using the ranch's assets, the horses for one thing, to gamble, for some time now. That's the real reason he needs to sell the ranch. When I figured out what he was doing, I contacted Jamison, my old friend and lawyer. During our conversations, he told me he needed to hire someone to help with all the extra work that was coming in. I told him about Tim, and that's how it all happened. Tim wasn't too happy with the law group he was with and decided to take the job and move here to help us out." Luke looked over at Tim with an affectionate smile.

Sam looked from one to the other. She couldn't believe that so much had taken place in the matter of an hour, and she still didn't fully comprehend it all. Her brother Tim was actually sitting across from her, behind a mahogany desk, smiling and leaning back in his chair, as though this was the way things had always been. He still looked the same, although she hadn't laid eyes on him for many years. "Does mom know?" she asked increduously. Tim leaned forward and turned a picture frame on his desk toward her, "Mom has met Salina, my wife, you will too soon." Sam looked at the very pretty woman with long dark hair in the picture and a tear slid down her face. She wiped it away and smiled at Tim unable to speak. Her emotions at seeing her brother after so many years had taken her voice. Tim came around from behind his desk and kneeled in front of her. "Sam, we'll have plenty of time to talk later. Right now, Dad and I need to explain things to you about the ranch. You are going to have to help us with this." He looked at her and patted her hand. Sam nodded and reached in her pocket for a tissue, ready to help in any way she could.

An hour later Sam and her dad were heading back to the ranch. They had stopped off at the local feed store and picked up some vaccines that had been previously ordered. With those in hand, they could explain their absence from the ranch, if Jake asked where they had been. Jake's truck was no where to be seen as they pulled up to the farmhouse. Sam jumped out and ran to the kitchen to find her mother, still sitting at the table. He mother looked up at her with a smile and reached out for her. Sam whispered to her, "Oh mom, he's home." Her mother nodded without speaking. Her husband had come in and she looked at him, "Everything taken care of ?"

He smiled and nodded, standing straighter than he had in years. Sam helped her mother get lunch on the table and they spoke very little while they attended to the job at hand. Just as they sat down to eat, they heard Jake's truck pull up. Sam began to talk about a new foal, telling her father that she wanted to keep him because his lineage would add to the stock they carried.

Jake stomped into the house and headed up to his room taking the stairs two at a time. Sam decided to continue her conversation about the foal, even though Jake was out of hear shot. Robbie and Sam began to clear the table and heard Jake coming down the stairs. When he came into the kitchen he stopped at the table, "Mom, did you do my laundry today?" His mother turned to him and nodded. "Where are the papers that were in my pocket?" he asked angrily. Robbie turned back to the sink and said, "Jamison has them." He stepped toward his mother with his fists clenched, "What have you done?" His scream was like an animals and he moved closer to her. Sam stepped between them, "It's over Jake. You aren't going to trade this ranch for your gambling debts. It's all over." She spoke quietly, but with a deadly determination. Jake moved away from her, unable to speak and afraid of what he might do if he stepped any closer to his mother. He began to shake and sat in the chair at the table with his head in his hands.

"I don't know what happened. I didn't mean for this to happen, it just got away from me." he said with a muffled voice. Sam still stood where she was, but her mother had left the room, afraid she would break down and tell Jake it would be ok. Luke stood at the door. He had come in and witnessed the scene, and now stood still unable to move as he stared at his son's head laid on the table. Many emotions were flooding through Luke as he stared at the man in front of him. "Jake!" he finally said, louder than he had spoken in many years. Jake lifted his head, looking toward his father. "The State Attorney will be getting in touch with you. He has some questions for you. So do I." his father said to him with the determined voice he hadn't used in years.

Sam felt as though she couldn't stand anymore and sat in the chair next to Jake. "Why Jake? Why would you throw us away without a thought? I know you were glad when Tim didn't come home, but what about us. Does family mean nothing to you?" she pleaded with him for answers. Jake got up and ran out the door to his truck, heading toward town. Her hands in her lap and tears streaming down her face, Sam knew that nothing would ever be the same for this family. Not that change wouldn't be good, after all, Tim was back and that would be wonderful. But what about Jake, she wondered. The amount of debt he had facing him was enormous and she couldn't imagine how he would pay it off. Her father and Tim had taken away any liability the ranch would incur from his debts. They had even set up a Trust so that Jake could not try to sue for any inheritance he would come into. The ranch could not be sold, it would remain a working ranch and any profits would pay for the continuance of the ranch, to be sure that Jake couldn't pull any more fast ones. Still, Sam was unsure how this would all play out. Sam had been made manager and would be keeping a close eye on the books with the new accountant they had hired.

Later that night, just as Sam cut out the lights to head up to bed, she heard Jake's truck. She stood on the first step and waited. Jake came around the corner and stopped when he saw her. He had thought he would avoid seeing any of them, by waiting so late to come in. He pushed Sam out of the way and headed up the stairs, she could smell the whiskey as he went past her. Sam, no longer sleepy headed to the kitchen and made a cup of tea. Her mind was full of all the past explosions by her brother, knowing that this wasn't over. He wouldn't stay quiet for long. She worried about how this would effect her parents and wondered how she could manage to stay between them, with something this volatile waiting to happen. Sam waited for a long time, making sure that Jake wasn't coming back downstairs, before dragging her tired body up the stairs.

Sam awoke before daylight the next morning and made coffee, taking it out to the porch to watch the sun come up. As the sun rose in front of her over the mountain range beyond the barn, she realized that Jake's truck wasn't there. Still in her pajamas, she headed to the barn and jumped in the truck. Driving around the barns and corrals, she doesn't find his truck anywhere. Sam went back to the house and found both her parents at the table. Luke held what seemed to be a letter in his hands. He held it out for Sam to take. She read through the sloppily written letter from Jake and laid it on the table. "It's a trick. He'll be back." she said flatly as she left the room and headed up to her room. Sam sat on the bed and thought about what Jake could be up to. He had said in his letter that he had to get away from the people that wanted money. What had he left them with, could they be in danger from these people? A tap on the door brought her head up to see her mother standing there.

"It's a good thing honey. Jake needs to be away from the ranch, it's way over due." her mother said quietly. Sam bit her lip, a habit she had and nodded in agreement with her mother. She got herself up and took a deep breath, knowing she and her father would have a full day in front of them, with Jake gone. She stared at herself in the full length mirror. "Better start bulking up old girl! These puny muscles won't hold up to the load of work in front of you now." She left the pretty room she had occupied all of her life and headed out the back door. Standing on the porch, she looked out to the horses in the pasture behind the barn. They had decisions to make today and they wouldn't be easy ones to come to grips with, concerning how to run the ranch without Jake. His mouth and his attitude were always hard to take, but he did work like a bulldozer and never seemed to tire, working long days, harder than anyone else on the ranch could.

Sam was worried...
　
　

　

　

　

　
　
　
　

　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　

Lightening And Talons

　

Deep in the bowels of the black cloud that rolled in over the barn, lightening and thunder boomed til it shook my eardrums. The crack of lightening over my head made me jump so hard, I hit the gate and dropped the bag of feed I was carrying. When I looked up over my head the blackness dropped down on me as if it were night. I could see the rain coming, appearing like a Tsunami rolling into view, but it hadn't quite reached me yet. The dust from around the barnyard blew against my face, stinging like a nettle from the ocean. I struggled against the wind to get into the barn. Finally reaching the safety of shelter over my head from the shots of lightening, landing too close for comfort, I breath easier for a moment.

Peering out the door of the barn and holding it against the wind, I can only make out the outline of the fence, the road beyond is obliterated by the dust. I hear it coming now, the rain. It began to hit on top of the metal roof like bullets being shot from a gun. The torrent came so fast and hard the water was running under the door. I had never heard such booms of thunder. It gave me insight to how war must feel like to the soldiers hunkered down in foxholes. I can't lie, I was afraid and wished I weren't so alone.

I sat on a bucket to wait out the storm, thinking I would be safe from it, cowered here in the barn like a child. I was wrong. A huge crack of lightening made me look up, only to see fire on the far wall, climbing upwards in a snakelike fashion. My heart leaped up out of my chest and I was shaking, as I desperately looked around for something to put out the fire with before it reached the hay that would send the barn up in flames beyond control. Even if I could get to it, I had nothing to put it out with. I opened the door to the pounding rain and fell out the door. The rain was so hard I could barely stand up. Bent over and holding my hand over my eyes so I could see, I made my way to the faucet where a hose was hooked up. Dragging it into the barn, pulling with all my might, I began to feel as though I were making progress, until the hose stopped following me. The fire was creeping further and further along the rafters now, dripping hot embers down on top of me, and the hay. I took the hose and made sure the rain hadn't missed any of me, wetting myself completely and not even minding the coldness of the water. I ran back out the door and unhooked the hose from the post it had gotten caught on. Back inside I climb up the ladder to the loft and shoot the water at the very top of the fire and back down again and again, along the roof line, all the while the storm outside still rages on. The booming thunder is deafening and I cringe with every bolt of lightening.

By the time I had gotten the fire out and felt safe enough to rest for a moment, my body was spent, mostly from the fear that had totally taken hold of me. My arms hurt from holding onto the hose so tightly, as if that would help me in my quest. I laid on the hay in the loft, letting the hose run all over it hoping to extinguish any embers that may have landed there. Making a fold in the hose to stop the water, I look around me, feeling that suddenly I wasn't alone after all. A giant barn owl was staring at me. It was the eeriest look I had ever encountered. As I stared at him, he began to slowly turn his head, his giant yellow eyes never leaving my face. I wasn't sure just what an owl would do if he felt cornered and I sure didn't want to find out today. I started to throw the hose over the side, then thought better of that idea. I might need it, if he decided to come for me. I had lost all track of time by now, as I backed my way to the ladder, afraid to turn my back to the creature in front of me.

By the time I reached midway down, that huge bird took flight at me. His wing span must have been ten foot wide! Not really, but it sure seemed like it as my mind sought refuge from this wild beast. I waved the hose at him, with the water on full force and hid my face under my arm. Now I was stuck, halfway up the ladder, or down, depending on how you looked at it. Any which way, I was hanging onto the ladder as he flew past me time and again, patiently planning his final attack. I knew I had to keep my face away from the talons that hung beneath the huge bird as he flew around me, torturing me time and again. Thinking I would soon be free, every time he started toward the open door, only to see him turn and come flying back at me again, had me truly afraid now. He certainly had the advantage on me with those wings. If I could fly, he wouldn't be getting the best of me this way, but...I have no wings.

I wondered how long he would use this tactic, if I started going down the ladder again. I carefully and slowly put one foot on the rung below me. He didn't seem to notice, so I did the same with the other foot, finally reaching the bottom. There was about twenty feet between me and the door and I waited until he had perched himself at the top of the ladder before I began to run. I ran as hard as I could, frantically looking behind me and managing to fall twice. There he was coming straight for me, in dive bomber mode. I heard myself scream as his talons grazed my shoulder. He let go when he heard me scream, or when he decided I was too heavy for him, I don't even care what the reason was. I dove for the door and landed in the great pool of mud that had formed there from the down pour of rain. Slipping and sliding with help from my hands stretched out in front of me clawing at the mud, I make it to my truck. Slamming the door behind me, I realize that I can barely breath. I wondered if it was fear, or did it really take that much effort to run in the mud. After a few minutes I could no longer hear the rasping from my chest, I had gotten my breath back and looked out the front of the truck over toward the barn.

The rain had let up into a nice downpour now and I could make out the opening of the barn. Starting the truck, I cut on the headlights and shine them at the barn. The beast was sitting on the bucket that I had earlier occupied, as if making claim to his barn and daring me to enter his home again. Feeling a bit ashamed at the fear I had suffered from the attack, I drive the truck right up to the door and shine my brights at him. He lifted a talon and shook it at me. I couldn't believe what I was seeing! The darn thing was daring me to come into my barn. My barn! This was no ordinary bird, or owl or whatever. This thing was a monster that had taken control of my barn. Yeah, where were you when it was on fire? What did you do to save it? I yelled at him. I sat in my truck, protected by the metal and glass and yelled at the thing.

I looked around me at the mess I had made in the truck. It was amazing that one man could have that much mud cling to him and then deposit it all over his truck. The seat was covered and the steering wheel too. I began to laugh at the sight of it. Reaching into the back I pull out an old towel and try to wipe myself and the truck off enough to drive it home. Suddenly, a crack of lightening and a bolt of thunder clashed together, precisly at the same time that dumb bird landed on the windshield with a frightening thump. The back of the seat held me in and I couldn't get away, but I tried, oh yes I did. It's really embarrassing to admit that I screamed again. Just like a girl, I let out a blood curdling sound that sent the massive fowl into the wind. I look out the window to see him gracefully light on top of a fence post. I wonder to myself, if my screams would send him off to the woods. Rolling down the window and letting the rain pour into my truck, I begin to scream. Sort of like Tarzan and a yodel all combined into one. I keep this up until my throat hurts. He hasn't moved. He sits there staring at me like I am the animal...and he is the master of all things in his path..

This is stupid, I say out loud.

Taking one more look at him, I turn the truck around and head down the road toward home, not getting far. That dumb, actually not dumb at all, beast, is sitting in the middle of my road straight in front of me. I stop the truck, with the headlights on him. His glaring evil eyes seem to read my thoughts and he lifts his head at me as if to say, he owns me. Now, I have a decision to make. I can run the truck at him and hope it scares him away... or not. At this point, I don't see any other way out of this. This is the only road out of here and I am tired and wet and dirty and don't need to go mud bogging after that rain, to try and drive around him. I need a shower, badly. Playing this game with this giant bird of prey had gotten old and I don't wanna play anymore.

Feeling somewhat fearful, I put the truck in gear and step on the gas all the way to the floor. It lurches forward with a thunk and cuts off. I had slipped the clutch with my muddy boot, in my sinister plot to outsmart him. He sits regally in the same place, as though this four thousand pound truck can't touch him. Hmm..maybe it can't, I think to myself.

Enough!! I'm going home bird! I yell at him at the top of my lungs and take off again. He flies up and over the truck as I barrel down the road. I look in the rear view mirror to see if he is still flying away, only to see him sitting in the back of my truck. I almost drive off the side of the road, as I realize, this beast is going to get me killed...I keep driving now. I am on the highway and speed up as fast I can go with the curves and narrow road. I only hope nobody is coming around those curves toward me. I glance back at him and see his feathered horns blowing wildly with the wind going past him at sixty five miles an hour. Huh! Bet you never flew that fast before you old buzzard! I yell at him in my mirror.

Suddenly, he lifts up and takes flight back toward the way we had come. I said we, did you notice that? This madness has been going on for so long now, I actually said we, as if he and I are bound together by this madness! I let off the gas and slow down to a safe speed to travel the two miles home. I pull up in the drive and the porch light is on, welcoming me home. Reaching down for the door handle I smile, I am ready to jump out the way I always do. I stop and slowly open the door while looking around...making sure..I'm alone. Finally, I breath a sigh of relief with a little bit of shame too.

This is one tale I won't be telling my buds about. It seemed now as if my ordeal had lasted for hours, it was actually only about an hour, from the time the storm rolled in, until I put my feet on the porch at home, but what an hour! As I reached for the door, I started to laugh. My fear had taken on a life of it's own back at the barn and I was totally exhausted.

Not to mention, totally covered in mud!　
　
　

　

　

　
　
　
　
　
　

Soldier's Legacy

The coals in the wood stove had died down to a few embers as Soldier snoozed in the rocker close by. Stoney, his collie, nudged him in the thigh. Soldier snorted and awoke with a start, as Stoney laid in front of him on the floor feigning sleep. The dog opened one eye and glanced up at Soldier, with his almost best look of innocence. Soldier rubbed his face and pulled his suspenders back up over his shoulders while getting up out of the rocker. He realized from the chill in the room the fire had gone down. Pulling on his coat he headed out the door to gather enough wood for the night, Stoney following closely behind.

Soldier had never gotten around to fixing the wagon that would carry the wood to the house, so he had to pile it in his arms. Managing to open the old door and stumble into the house with his load, he dropped it beside the stove. Leaning one hand on the rocker, he stood to get his breath, Stoney standing close by looking up at his friend with worry across his brow.
After some while, Soldier got his breath back and stoked the fire for the night. Now that Stoney was sure his beloved friend was alright, he took his place by the rocker again, keeping one eye on his friend, patiently waiting for his dinner. Soldier and Stoney always had dinner together, as longtime friends should. While Soldier got out the beans and franks, Stoney nudged the wood into a neat pile, allowing himself more room by the stove.

Soldier glanced over at him nudging the wood and smiled, as he prepared their dinner. A sound outside brought Stoney to his feet. Soldier waited, as he watched Stoney for signs that he should go out and see what was out there. Stoney crept closer to the door without making a sound, his ears perked up straight above his head. A knock on the door made him bark and jump back to stand beside Soldier. "It's alright old boy." Soldier told him, recognizing the familiar knock. He went to the door and opened it to the chill night air. "Well, what in the world are you doing out here this time of night Teddy?" he said to the boy standing there smiling. "My mom wanted you to have some of these sweet potatoes. She knows how much you like the way she makes 'em." the boy answered. Soldier smiled and took the pan from the boy, as Stoney wagged his tail and waited for the boy to notice him. Stoney would never make the first move, he was a mannerly dog and he dearly loved the boy.

Teddy got down on one knee to pet the dog and Stoney covered his face with his tongue, so happy to see him. "Plenty dark out there tonight son." Soldier said dryly. Teddy smiled, "It ain't so bad, I know the way with my eyes closed." he smiled up at the old man. Soldier laughed and put the potatoes on the top of the stove. "I'll drive you home son." he said to the boy. "Oh no! I'll be fine, see ya later Soldier. Bye Stoney." Teddy said heading out the door.
Teddy was only ten, but he had walked the woods with Soldier since he was just a tyke and wasn't afraid of a walk in the dark. He and his mom lived about mile down the road from Soldier and thought of him as their family, their only family. Teddy could almost run the whole way home, down the hill and around the winding dirt road that led to Soldier and Stoney's home. He took off now at a trot, anxious to get his own supper. He opened the door and threw his coat at the coat rack when he got home, taking in the wonderful smells coming from his mother's kitchen. "Is that you Teddy?" called out his mother. "Yea, it's me." Teddy replied, walking into the kitchen. Jumping in his chair, he looked up at his mother, "Soldier was real glad to have the potatoes Mom." She smiled and filled his plate. Teddy's mother, Kate, was quite young to have a ten year old son. She was barely past voting age and held down two jobs to make ends meet.

She had gotten the old house with the cheapest rent she could find and held it together sometimes with duck tape. The owner of the house didn't see any sense in fixing anything that still stood. He was a mean old miser that lived in a big house in town and thought that anybody that had a kid at her age, ought to have to suffer some. He had no idea how hard she worked to keep that old roof over their heads, or how many times Katie and Soldier had repaired it. They had few luxuries, but she made sure to keep plenty of good food in the house. She loved to cook meals for her son. He was the love of her life.

Katie worked at the shoe factory during the week and tended bar on the weekends, rarely taking a day off. At least the shifts at the bar were at night and she could spend time with Teddy during the day. Teddy would go up to the cabin and stay with Soldier when she worked late at night. Soldier had taken her under his wing when she was too young to know how to light the stove, much less cut the wood for it. He had made sure her fire was always lit and that she had plenty of wood to fall back on when winter came.
Katie's mom had left when she was young and her father died the week the baby was born. She had planned to stay at home with her father after the baby came, but the house was taken by the bank when Teddy was three months old. Not old enough to rent a house or apartment, she was ready to give up, when she ran into Soldier and Stoney at the grocery store. Soldier had found her hiding among the can goods, counting her money and checking the price on the cans. She would put them back and continue searching for something more affordable.

Soldier wasn't young by any means and figured she was down on her luck as he quietly spoke to her. "Can I help?" Her reaction was like a deer that has gotten caught in the garden, he had spooked her and she fell into the shelf of canned goods. When she turned around to him with wide eyes and fear all over her face, his old heart melted. "Look child, I think you need more than a can of beans today. Come on with me, I'll feed you." Katie was too scared to accept his offer and bounded out of the store. With nowhere to go and her belly growling something fierce, she began to sob. The baby in the pouch in front of her had begun to cry too now. Her body now limp and lifeless on the sidewalk, with the baby screaming, his tiny hands reaching out in front of him and sweat forming on his brow from his screams, she gives up and lies down right there on the sidewalk.
Soldier reached down and picked her up in his arms. He carried her to his old truck and sat her inside. He drove down the street to the McDonald's and order her a meal. She sat on her side of the truck, unable to look at him with her head against the window, still crying and sniffing into a napkin. Soldier didn't say a word, but drove home with her beside him. When he pulled up to the cabin, he said, "I won't arm you child. You best come in and get that baby fed by the fire."

Katie was shaking so bad she was afraid she would drop the baby. Soldier reached out and took the baby from her and walked into the house, leaving the door open for her. Placing the baby gently on the sofa, he took the baby's hand and felt the tiny fingers, smiling before he stood up. Soldier went to the door and called for Stoney. The dog came into the house and stood beside Soldier. He was unsure what he was supposed to do and his tail would wag and then stop . Seldom had he seen a stranger at the cabin. Slowly, Stoney made his way over to Katie and peered into the blanket she held close to her. His huge brown eyes looked into Katie's and he smiled at her, taking the fear away from her. She reached out and laid her hand on his head with a smile. Stoney laid his head on her leg and rested it there for a bit, letting Katie know she was safe.

Katie began to relax and looked over at Soldier at the stove, putting in wood. He got up and walked over to the kitchen that was open to the room she was in. As she looked around, no longer as afraid, feeling Stoney by her feet, she saw that the cabin was as tidy as it could be. Even the small scatter rug by the door looked as though it had just been washed. There was no dust anywhere that she could see. She laid the sleeping baby beside her and got up. Not knowing what to say to this man that had just fed her and brought her home with him, she stood still, unable to move her feet. She was still somewhat afraid, but not as much.

Soldier turned around with two cups in his hand, reaching out to her with one of them. "It's tea, it'll make you feel better." he said looking into her eyes. Katie took the tea gratefully and sipped it. She began to calm down and sat back down with the baby, almost waking him with her movement. Soldier had sat in a chair at the table and looked down at his cup, not saying a word. Stoney got up and nuzzled against him and he reached down and rubbed his head lovingly. This gave Katie the courage to go over and sit across from him. "Thank you." she said to him. Soldier just smiled and nodded, "You look like you could use a friend. I've been in that place myself before." Katie couldn't help but smile back at him. She began to tell him about her father's death and how it had left her completely alone in the world. After some time, Soldier told her she could stay with him until she could get on her feet and this was how the friendship began, that night in the three room cabin with Soldier and Stoney.
Soldier talked to the man that owned the house down the road and rented it from him. After a few months Katie got a job at the factory through a friend of Soldiers, lying about her age. She was sorry to not be able to finish school, so she started taking courses to finish up at night with Soldiers help. He watched the baby for her while she went to class two nights a week. Katie was a hard worker and frugal with her money. Soldier helped her to fix up the house enough to move in and she continued to paint and do the things it needed, as she could afford it. She and Soldier found enough furniture to make do with at the local used furniture store. All of the things for the baby came from there too. Katie would take them home and carefully wash them, making them soft for his tender skin. She couldn't afford much, because the cost of babysitting was taking almost all of her money. That's when she began working at the bar, she didn't mind working, the extra money allowed her a few extras for her son.

Katie had decided that she needed more than she could make as a waitress to count on, so she waited until the bartender position opened up and told the owner she wanted the job. She held her ground with her chin held high and told him that she would always be on time and wouldn't miss work unless it were absolutely necessary. Katie proved to be a valuable employee and gained the respect of the owner and customers alike. Katie didn't have time for much, other than work or studying. She spent as much time as she could with Teddy and taught him to be honest and kind. She had learned those lessons from Soldier and Stoney. Together they had helped her through the first few years.

Nowadays, Soldier was slower than he had been when they first met. Stoney kept a close eye on him these days, never leaving his side for long. Soldier had taken to napping quite a bit during the day, but Katie didn't realize this. Teddy had come home one day and told her he didn't want to bother Soldier 'cause he was asleep. Katie thought this was strange and got in her old beat up Oldsmobile that Soldier had given her and headed up to the cabin. Putting the car in park she expected to see Stoney coming running out to greet her. The door was slightly ajar, so she suspected that Teddy had not shut it properly. As she went to the door she heard a crying sound. Feeling that something was terribly wrong she started to run. Flinging the door open she saw Soldier in the rocking hair with his head hung over his chest. Stoney was sitting with his paws in Soldiers lap, licking Soldiers hands and crying. The dog looked up at Katie as if begging her to help his beloved friend.

Katie gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. She had never given any thought to anything ever happening to her much loved friend. He had given her so much over the years and she loved him dearly. Walking slowing over to the chair she called out his name, to make sure he wasn't just asleep, knowing that wouldn't be the case. Stoney looked up to her with pleading in his eyes. Katie began to cry with Stoney and hugged him tightly to her. She sat for a long time at Soldiers feet holding onto Stoney. The door opening startled her into action. Looking up, Teddy was standing there with a look of horror on his face. Katie jumped up and went to him.

"Mom!" Teddy cried and buried his head into his mother. She held him for a few minutes and then told him to go get in the car. Teddy almost always obeyed his mother without question or back talk. Today, he slowly went to Soldiers chair and held onto his hand. Stoney licked his hand while he cried. Finally, Katie took him by the shoulders and led him out to the car. "But Mom, why?" he asked her through his tears. Katie could only shake her head. She was so shocked she couldn't comfort her son yet, she had no idea what to say. Katie went home and called the town doctor, telling him what she had found. She knew Doc and he and Soldier had been good friends. He told Katie he would take care of things and come by her house later.

Katie and Teddy were devastated. Katie tried to fix dinner as usual, but burned it beyond recognition with her thoughts only on Soldier. Teddy had gone to his room and laid on his bed, staring at the ceiling. A knock at the door brought Katie out of her thoughts as she went to answer it. The doctor was there and she invited him in, tears streaming down her face.

"Katie, I'm so sorry. I know you and Soldier were like family." he told her with his arm around her. She began to cry and asked, "What happened doc?" The doctor sat Katie on the sofa and noticed Teddy on the stairs, peeking through the rails. He motioned for Teddy to join them. When Teddy had come down and sat beside his mother the doctor told them, "Soldier has been ill for some years now. I have treated him the best I could, without putting him in the hospital. He didn't want that." Katie looked stricken and said, "I would have found a way to pay for it!" Teddy cried and held onto his mother. The doctor continued, "Katie, Soldier loved you two more than anything, except for Stoney of course. I never saw a dog more like a human than that one. Soldier left instructions with me for the funeral and after. Of course he wanted Teddy to have Stoney." Doc looked down at Teddy and smiled.

Suddenly Katie said, "Oh my gosh! Stoney! Come on Teddy we have to go get him!" Katie was standing now and the doc grabbed her hand. "He's on the porch Katie." he told her kindly. "I brought him with me after they took Soldier...in the squad." Doc was trying to put a calming note on the circumstances for Teddy. He guessed that neither of them had any idea of what needed to be done. "Katie, I will come by tomorrow morning and give you the letter that he left for you. The attorney has everything else and he will take care of the funeral, you don't have to do that." he told her gently. Katie nodded and held onto Teddy, still in shock. After a moment Katie told Teddy to go get Stoney and bring him in. Doc looked at her and said, "Katie, he passed in his sleep, quietly. There's no more pain for him." Katie was quiet for some time. "Why didn't he tell me?" she asked with pain on her young face. "Soldier kept many things to himself, he didn't need to tell some things. Did you know that he was a commander in the army? He went all over the world, but he loved living here in our quiet little town. I think the quiet was what brought him here in the first place. You see, Soldier chose his hometown." Doc told her smiling. Katie sat without moving, taking in what Doc had said.

"Katie, did he ever tell you how he got his name?" Doc asked. Katie shook her head no. Doc laid back in his chair and crossed his legs. "He lost his family at a very young age, like you did, and joined the service. It seemed the right thing for him, he had no one to think about at home, so he joined up. In boot camp one day, as he stood at attention during an inspection, the Commanding Officer asked him, what is your name? He was so young and new to things, he answered, Soldier sir. You see, that's what he thought the officer wanted to hear, because that's what the Sargent always called them. It was a joke among the men for a few days, but it stuck. All of his fellow soldiers named him and he became known as Soldier. When he came home, or here after he retired, he never changed it. He had been called Soldier for most of his life by then and it felt like.. home to him. We talked about it when he first started coming to see me, about twenty years ago."
Katie looked at Doc and smiled, "Thank you for telling me. I don't know why I never asked him myself. I guess it just seemed to suit him." Doc smiled and took her hand, "I'll be by in the morning." After he left she went up to Teddy's room to check on him. He and Stoney were on the bed playing with a car. "You ok hon?" she asked. Teddy looked at her and tried to smile, nodding his head. Katie knew that he needed some time and Stoney would be the best medicine for him now.

A week after the funeral, the young attorney laid out Soldiers estate for Katie. He had left his sizable estate to Katie. The only provision was that she take care of Stoney. Katie was shocked, she had no idea that Soldier was so wealthy. He had lived his life simply and never mentioned his finances. Katie thought about all the things he did for them, never making money important. Soldier had taught her to be strong and work hard and not to spend money she didn't have. Now she was quite well off now and could do almost anything she wanted. The only thing Katie wanted was a house of their own. The worry of losing the house she had rented for so many years, was always on her mind.

A year later Katie went to the cemetery to put flowers on Soldiers grave and talk with him for awhile. She laid the flowers in front of the headstone and knelt down, rubbing the name on the stone, Soldier. " Hi Soldier. We moved into the cabin last week. All the work has been completed and it looks great. I thought about buying a house, but Teddy wanted to live at the cabin where you and he had so many wonderful hours together. I had some rooms added and few appliances put in. Nothing outlandish, I know you wouldn't approve of that and I don't need it. Thank you for giving me a home I can finish raising Teddy in and be happy. I graduated yesterday and I have a new job starting soon."

"Oh yea, thanks for the lawyer you hired too. We are getting married, but I think you already know that. I love you Soldier, always." Katie smiled and stood up, with good memories flowing through her as she left the final resting place for Soldier.
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　

A Ride In The Night

During the day the farm is so open and simple and unfolds before you, as open fields with cattle grazing quietly, are gloriously green. The wind blows the tall grass gently as the breeze touches my face. The deep green of all the fields and surrounding trees look as if it were a picture, taken out of a magazine. The only break in the emerald color are the occasional sandy colored paths the vehicles travel on. The sight beckons me to walk through the grass and take it all in.

Before I can begin that calming walk, I am called to help my husband with a project. Not to worry though, because these long summer days are plentiful. Perhaps later in the day when the sun is going down, would be cooler anyway.
I leave my chair under the trees and spend the afternoon with my husband, not giving any more thought to the walk I had intended to take.

Dinner is outside tonight with my son joining us for fresh corn from the fields. Everyone is happily allowing butter to run down our chins and hands. Corn, freshly pulled and wrapped in it's own husk is never better, than on a late evening in the yard with family laughing and asking for more. As darkness begins to fall we take all the food into the house and wash up the dishes. My son is still outside while this takes place of course. He sticks his head in the door and calls me outside. Thinking I must have forgotten something, I wipe my hands and slip on my sandals, leaving the rest of the cleanup to my sons wife.

He is sitting on the four-wheeler, smiling. "Come on." he calls to me. Never one to resist having fun with any of my sons, no matter how many dishes are left, I jump on the back and hold on. As we rode across the fields, I was brought back to my earlier thoughts of walking through this tall grass that was now slapping against my bare legs, making them itch!. Still..it's much more enjoyable flying along in the coolness brought in by the darkness. The sun is nowhere to be seen now, as we head toward to opening in the woods, that leads to a path. Having too much fun flying along, at a much higher speed than we should have been, I gave no thought to heading into the woods...after dark. After all, I was with my son and he knew those woods like the back of his hand, even if I didn't.

The path is wider than most you would find in the woods. It has been maintained for equipment to use, going from one farm to another. The tree branches reach out to each other and form a canopy over us as we fly through, dust raising a cloud behind us and reaching out to cover us like a blanket, unless we keep ahead of it. Tears are running down my cheeks from the wind in my face and I hold on tighter. He slows down to show me, with the headlights shining on it, a deer rub he had found earlier in the day. The dust had followed us and now covered us while we sat admiring the rub, leaving a bitter thick taste in my mouth. Oh for a diet drink right now!

He takes off again and on through the twists and turns of the path we go, at a much higher rate of speed than I would have chosen. Still, I can show no fear. After all these years I must show courage, or at least pretend that I still have some. I lay my head against his back and hold on tight, as the four-wheeler jumps in the air with each bump in the path. Suddenly I am awash in mud. We had driven through a giant mud puddle, not by accident, and it covered my back and face. He let out a howl of laughter and revved the engine more, delighting in what he had accomplished. Away we flew into the night through the dark and eerie trees, with branches now reaching toward me to pull me off of the roaring machine and land me in the darkness. I just knew that I would be lost forever in the darkness, if I let go for a moment.

He stops to admire a clear spot in the woods, made by the deer. Turning to me, he asks if I am ok. I nod and smile, never for a moment willing to let him know I might be scared. He grins and heads off again, turning down another path. Now, I know where this path leads to and I was suddenly unsure of my decision to come on this night ride, with my demon for speed son. Of course, I could never tell him I am afraid. I am the mom, right? Do I ever earn the right to tell my children I am afraid? Not yet, no.. I am not ready to take to the rocking chair and miss all the fun they have to offer, now that they are grown and have to worry about themselves. So, I will nod and smile and hope we stay on the used part of this path...ahhh...that's not gonna happen!!

He has now taken a sharp turn to the left and yells for me to hold on, laughing with glee. Wonder what he thought I was doing back there? I did however hold on tighter now, as the huge gulley's and water holes washed mud over us. I think this is what some would call, mud bogging, as I feel it running down my back. The difference is, they do it in the daylight with somewhat of a road to follow. Not us, oh no. We are on the power line, at the back of the farm in the dead of night, bouncing over ruts three feet deep. He is in his glory now as we fishtail around in the mud and once again find enough dirt to dig in and get a footing for the tires to grab. My face is covered in mud and so are my hands, making it difficult to wipe my eyes and clear them of dust and mud. Water..water..please.

We stop. He sits and listens, telling me to shush. Shush what? My heavy breathing? 
Suddenly a huge animal is in front of us. The dust in the headlights shows a large shadowy figure, hovering almost on top of us. My son turns that four wheeler around, doing a 180, as we almost turn over, in his haste to get us out of there. Noises are coming from the animal as we dig the rear wheels deep and climb out of a rut almost choking out the machine. Do I dare look behind us? Nope! I hide my face in his back.

I am holding on for dear life, so tight I have his shirt clenched in my claws and my head almost burying an imprint on his back. We head back to the path we had started on and I am sure, as I peek around him, that we will soon be flying over top the trees at this speed. I try to glance behind me to see if anything is following us, but I can' let go enough to see. I bury my head again and dig my ankles into the sides of the four wheeler so tight they hurt. My butt is rising off the seat at each bump and I cringe, fearing the worst, until it hits the seat again.

Finally after what seemed hours, yet was only minutes, we reached the opening of the path and could see the lights from the house. Relief settled in and I rode the last quarter mile in a more relaxed position, even though we were still going at top speed. Almost to the house now, my son eases off the gas and slows down to a stop. Really! So close to home but too far to run, he stops! He is looking behind us. I pat him on the back and yell, "Go!" He laughs and takes off again.

When we are safely within the light from the porch he stops and we get off. I look at him and ask,"What was that?" His eyes are looking at me as though I can't be serious. "Mom! It was a bear!" he says. I look up at him for almost a full minute, thinking about how close we wear to it. "What do you mean, it was a bear?" He starts to laugh and holds his hands up in the air, like duh! I begin to think about that rough and terrifing ride back to the path and realize that I was on the back and closest to that things reach, as it chased us. "Why do you think I was trying so hard to get away?" he asks as he reads the thoughts going through my head.
I look at him with narrowed eyes, "I didn't know there were any bears back there!" I tell him in fury now. He is still laughing, harder now, with tears streaming down his muddy face. As he reaches up to wipe the tears and smears mud everywhere, I begin to laugh too.
"So, you took your only mother out on a midnight ride with the bears!" I am laughing so hard now, I have to sit down.
He looks at me and says, "It was fun, wasn't it Mom?" I slap at him and miss as he moves deftly away, smiling at his still youthful outlook on life, this grown son of mine. Smile and laugh, no matter how close you come to getting....eaten by a bear! That's my boy!