Story The Truck the Witch and the Blacksmith

[gonewacky]

When the Witch’s head was against the truck bumper Albert yelled, “Clutch pedal in.”

The Indian looked at the truck as he nodded his head and affirmed, “Nice Horse.”

Albert replied, “Nice Bird.”

The Indian explained, “I need a Blacksmith to make me some arrow heads.”

Albert replied, “I’m Iron Man, and I can do that.”

The Indian informed, “I’m Wind Walker and over there in the bird is chidí naatʼaʼí, or Bird Man to you.”

Jim blinked back and Suzy took his arm as she informed. “We got reinforcements.”

Jim hypothesized, “I think it’s the guy from the story Malinda told us,”

Suzy replied, “How can that be Jim? He went to 1944, and that’s seventy years from now.”

The Indian explained, “Let me show how it works.”

The Indian put his hand up in the air with his thumb up. Then he held out his hand and a ball of bright flashing colored light appeared. The Indian threw the ball in the air, and shot it with a Lightning bolt. Thousands of little flashing stars rained down on them as they appeared in front of a big barn.

The Indian smiled, “1982 is the year. This is the place we burn the bodies. I guess this would be our home base.”

The Indian ran his hand across his throat. Then the Iron Bird wound down. Albert commanded, “Truck off.”

Bird Man walked over and exclaimed, “Wow! What made you take on a spirit like that?”

Suzy replied, “That’s what we came here for. It was our mission to stop that Witch.”

Bird man questioned, “Do you even know you are stuck in this time passage, and can never go back?”

Jim spoke up, “We do now, but not when we came here. Where ever this is?”

Bird man informed, “Wind Walker and I’ve been here like fifty or maybe seventy years. It’s hard to keep track of time when you’re jumping around in it and don’t age. You see we’re all in a time passage. It’s like a place between the living and the dead, and the gap between Heaven and Hell. This is the place where good and evil fight. Sometimes we wake up sitting in the bird in a different time and place. Then we have to try to figure out why we’re there.”

Wind Walker informed, “We have a crematorium in the barn. If you loosen the winch we can drag the body in there.”

Albert commanded, “Truck on clutch pedal in Winch P.T.O. low. Clutch pedal in truck off.”

The Indian undid the cable, and took her lag and dragged her to the barn. Suzy was holding Tommy’s hand as he looked wide eyed.

Bird man insisted, “You know this place, so you can blink back here anytime you want. Just think of this place and 1982. Now I think you need to get the boy back to his time.”

With that Albert commanded, “Truck on.”

Then Suzy made a ball of bright flashing colored light, and threw it in the air. Then shot it with a Lightning bolt. In a flash they were back in the street at Dention. Rebecca came to Albert and exclaimed, “That was the most amazing thing I ever saw.”

Albert replied, “To bad you can’t put that in the paper.”

Rebecca divulged, “Don’t need to. I’m writing a Dime novel. I’ll call it The Witch Hunters.”

Jim gave Tommy a gold coin for helping and blinked him home. Jim put him back in his place and took the little bolt. Back at the truck they all disappeared and the town came to life.

Suzy awoke sitting in the truck between Albert and Jim. The truck was parked in front of an old Victorian house. On a tree lined street. They all looked at each other, and the nineteen seventy cars parked on the road. Jim blurted, “Times not stopped, and the trucks not running. Guess we don’t need that yet.”

Albert replied, “Just give me the word and I’ll stop time.”

Suzy demanded, “Well let’s go. Our job must be in that house.”

They walked to the front door and knocked. A man in his twenties waring a ball cap opened the door. He announced, The Priest is still in there with her. He’s been in there over twenty hours, and I fear he can’t last much longer.”

Suzy insisted, “We’re going in. Take us to him.”

Guiding them up the hall the man insisted, “I don’t think that’s safe.”

Stopping at a door he announced, “In there.”

Suzy flung open the door and saw the Priest sprinkling Holy Water on the woman tied to the bed as he chanted scripture. She makes an energy ball and slams it into her chest and demanded, “I command you back into the ground Demon.”

When nothing happened Suzy yelled, “It’s just pure evil possessing the body. The Soul is gone. I’m going to untie her.”

As soon as Suzy loosened one hand the woman pushed her hand into Suzy’s chest. Bright light shot from the opening in her chest and felled the room. Jim grabbed the Priest and Albert’s arm. Then he blinked them to the sidewalk. In the room a million little stars replaced the light as Suzy untied the other hand then her feet. She took her foot and dragged her from the house kicking and screaming.

Seeing Suzy dragging the Demon across the porch Albert called out, “Truck on, Clutch pedal in Winch P.T.O. low, Clutch out.” Albert pulled out the cable as Suzy drug the Demon to the truck.

Slipping the cable over the Demon’s head Albert yelled, “Clutch pedal in Winch P.T.O. Reverse High, Clutch out.”

The Demon was hung tight to the bumper. Then Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Thousands of little flashing stars rained down on them as Jim blinked them out. The Priest stood on the sidewalk wandering where they went.

Back in 1874 Tommy ran up to his dad yelling, “You won’t believe it dad. We killed the Witch with James’s Iron Horse. I had to pull this real heavy rope. Then an Indian flew in on a giant Iron Bird, and stabbed an arrow in the Witches eye. The Indian help me put the rope around the Witch’s neck, and the Sheriff killed the witch. Jim gave me this gold quarter for helping kill the Witch.

Jesse Laughed, “Boy that there is a five dollar gold peace and you’ve got the wildest imagination that any little boy ever had. If you can’t farm you’ll surely make it writing dime novels.

Tommy replied, “Nope I’m going to be a Sheriff and kill Witches.”

The End

 

[gonewacky]

I’m working on book two, and have more I could post. I see it looks like a lot of people are reading it. Witch surprises me because this is more of a doom and gloom board. But I had hoped for some feedback, but I did not write it for that. I just hope people are enjoying it. That is enough for me. If you want more let me know… Joe

 

[Walbash]

Excellent story. Thank you for sharing and look forward to more.

 

[Lake Lili]

That was a wonderful ride! PM you feedback. Thanks!
Lili

 

[Kiwibutterfly]

Thank you for writing your story, I'm enjoying it.

 

[kyrsyan]

This is a great story. And even doom and gloom need a lighter side. You write well.

 

[Millwright]

Good stuff, keep it going.

 

[danielsga]

very good story, keep me glued to it.

 

[223shootersc]

Good job! Hope book two is a sequel!

 

[RememberGoliad]

Good story! I enjoyed the characters, plot, and interaction. Looking forward to your next story...or next part of this story, whichever!

 

[wab54]

That was a fine story!!!!! Hope to see more!!

WAB

 

[gonewacky]

Book two of The Truck the Witch and the Blacksmith​

Chapter One

After killing the Witch and being thrust into their first assignment the time keeper Njal came to them.

Suzy, Jim, and Albert were on the porch enjoying the summer breeze. Then time stopped and the Viking Warrior Njal appeared in front of them. In a deep echoing voice he spoke, “You have done well my faithful servants. You have past my first test without direction. Being thrust into a strange time and place with no directions is shocking.

I’m very pleased you went right into action and did what needrd to be done. There is much for you to learn. You will need to be observant of all things around you, and act accordingly. You will work as a team, but I’ll test or use you one at a time as needed. I will send Suzy first. I have a little boy that saddens me. This is an important rule, “Innocents is always protected. We will fight to the end if need to protect it. If you ever need help call upon me and I’ll do what is needed. I will call other Warrior’s if needed, and even a Horse Men if that’s what it takes.”



Then Suzy was alone with the Viking Warrior Njal. In his deep echoing voice he spoke, “Love hurts it can be so bad that it consumes you. Your very being will be taken over by it. This clouds your thinking. You’ll make bad decisions, and lose all faith in love. This has happened to the mother I’m sending you to. I will make you a school teacher for her son Jimmy. I will also give you the power to stop time. Just say, “By the power of Njal I command time to stop. Then to restart it you just do the same. To call for help just say. By the power of Njal I command Jim to appear.

His stepfather is possessed by many Demons. I have sent others to remove the demons, but he just lets them back in. There is no saving him.

She has tried to leave him time after time, but her husband always finds her and drags her back. This is what I want you to do. Take the mother and child to another time. Then the child will be free of the pain that is haunting me. I’m sending a messenger to tell the boy you’re coming. Now go forth.”



Jimmy was only six years old and in the first grade, but he knew what his dad was doing was not love. Little Jimmy pulled the covers over his head and whispered, “Please make him stop hurting mommy. My mommy needs love. Please send her love. My love is too little, and can’t stop my daddy.”

Then time stopped and it went dead silent. Then the covers slipped from his head, and Jimmy saw a Ninja Warrior Princess smiling at him.

Jimmy’s eyes opened wide as she spoke, “My dear child your love is strong. It’s so strong it traveled the world to find me. I’m sending you some help. You will meet the fire red haired love Warrior. She will help you save your mommy. Do you understand?”

Jimmy nodded his head, and the Warrior disappeared.



Suzy awoke in a strange room. Climbing out of bed she went into the next room. She was in the kitchen of the house that she rented when she first met Jim. All her stuff was gone, and it felt strange. Then the diel phone on the kitchen wall started ringing. Suzy saw a calendar next to the phone that was turned to September 1969. She picked up the phone and said. “Hello.”

“This is the Principal at the grade school. Miss. Johnson is out sick and we need a. substitute teacher for her first grade class. I was wondering if you were available.”

Suzy replied, “I’ll be on my way.”

The Principal affirmed, “We look forward to seeing you Miss. White.”

Suzy hung up the phone, and looked around the room. She saw a purse on the kitchen table. Opening it she saw a wallet and car keys. She went back into the bedroom and picked out a dress from the closet. Slipping the dress on she went to the bathroom. Brushed her hair and got the purse. In the driveway was a 1965 Ford Falcon. Suzy thought, Thank you grandpa for teaching me to drive that old truck. Inside the car was a three-speed manual column shift.

Suzy mumbled, “Three on the tree. I got this.”

She pushed in the clutch pedal, and started the car. Then she pulled up on the shifter and pushed it up into reverse. Backing the car out on the street she pushed in the clutch pedal, and pulled the lever down into first gear. Letting out the clutch she was off to the School.



A few blocks away Sabrina was fixing breakfast. Her husband Jeff was complaining, “What the hell is taking so long?”

Sabrina explained, “I got Jimmy’s pancake in the pan now. I’ll put your eggs in next.”

Jeff insisted, “Turn the burner up and cook the dam thing faster. My damn toast is getting cold. You’ve become a worthless bitch. I don’t know what I ever saw in you. You look like hell in the mornings. You need to wake up looking better.”

Sabrina set the pancake on Jimmy’s plate and assured, “I’m doing your eggs now.”

Jeff bitched, “Don’t break the yoke or over cook them. You know I like to dip my toast in the yoke, and you always screw that up.”

Then Jeff insisted, “Take Jimmy to catch the bus. Jeff watched her from the window eating until she returned. Then Jeff demanded, “Give me your shoes.”

Sabrina argued, “I haven’t eaten yet.”

Jeff muttered, “Maybe you’ll cook faster next time. Now give me your shoes!”

Sabrina begged, “Please Jeff just take my shoes. I’ll be good, I promise.”

Jeff ordered, “Get in the basement. I’m locking you in the laundry room. You can’t be trusted.”

Jeff locked Sabrina in the laundry room and went to work.

Parking at the school Suzy went into the office. Seeing Suzy the Principal announced, “Oh good you made it. I’ll take you to your class,”

Showing Suzy the class room the Principal informed, “I believe Miss. Johnson keeps a lesson plan book in her desk drawer.”

Then he left and Suzy sat at the desk. Pulling open the drawer she took out the book. The morning lesson was writing letters L,M,N, and O. Suzy put the book back in the drawer as the children started coming in.

She went to the blackboard and wrote L then put the M under it until she got to the O. The children were all talking and horsing around. A few were sitting at their desks waiting. Then the bell rang, and Suzy sat on the front of the desk. Some of the kids were having trouble settling down, and one little blond haired boy stared intensely at her.

 

[gonewacky]

Suzy announced, “Let me know when you’re ready. I’ll just wait right here. The room went quiet as everyone stared at the substitute teacher. Suzy got up and walked between the desks as she announced, “I’m Miss. White and will be your teacher today. Would everyone take out a piece of paper and a pencil? Then write the letter L at the top of the page.”

Suzy walked around the class looking at their papers. Then she went to the black board and wrote “ove” after the L. Stopping at one little girl Suzy requested, “Let me see your pencil.”

Suzy erased the “o” and handed the pencil back, as a little spark flew from her hand into the girl’s hand. Then she announced, “Try again”

Suzy moved on as she saw a boy stick out his tong at the girl she helped. Walking over to the boy she made a little ball of bright flashing colored light the size of a pea. Suzy let it roll off her finger to the boys shoulder. As she bent down and whispered in the boy’s ear, “Now doesn’t that feel better than what you’re doing?”

The boy replied, “Sorry Teacher.”

The entire class stared at Billy. They had never seen him apologize for anything. Then Suzy announced, “Now let’s do the “v” this one is easy just a straight line down then up.”

The Principal peeked in the little window in the door. He watched Suzy walking around the class. All the children had their heads down working. He thought. Good job Miss. White. Then he was on his way.

Suzy sat on the front of the desk as she addressed the class, “You already know how to make an “e” right.”

One little girl replied, “Yes, Miss. Johnson did that one already.”

Suzy went on, “Now put the “e” on the end and wright you name at the top.”

Then she walked around the class looking at the names. Looking at a girl’s paper she announced, “Nice job Joannie.”

Then looking at another she confessed, “Nicholas, that’s a big name for a little boy.”

She went around the class until she got to Jimmy. Suzy knew this was the boy. He couldn’t stop looking at her. Suzy revealed, “That looks good Jimmy.”

Then Suzy instructed, “Now put an “M” under the L.”

Then she added an “om” to make Mom. For the “N” she had them do the same adding “ow” to make it Now. Then Suzy wrote a sentence, “I Love Mom Now.”

As they were finishing the recess bell rang, and all the children looked at Suzy. She insisted, “What are you all waiting for? Go!”

With that there was a mad dash for the door. Except for Jimmy he just sat at his desk looking at Suzy. She walked over and questioned, “Don’t you want to play Jimmy?”

Jimmy questioned, “Are you the Love Warrior?”

Suzy put her finger to her lips and went, “Shhh, that’s a secret.”

Jimmy continued, “The Princess said she was sending you to help me. I need you to stop my daddy from hurting my mommy.”

Suzy insisted, “That’s not your daddy Jimmy.”

Jimmy replied, “I know, my real daddy died in the war.”

Suzy thought, Oh yah this is the height of the Vietnam War.

Suzy insisted, “That’s an evil Demon, and we need to get you and your mommy away from him.”

Jimmy insisted, “It won’t work he always finds us and hurts mommy bad.”

Suzy felt the boy’s pain and made a ball of bright flashing colored light, and pushed it into him. Then she questioned, “Do you feel that?”

Jimmy disclosed, “It feels like a big hug from mommy.”

Suzy insisted, “Just let me take care of this and it will feel like that a lot.”

In the school yard a group of girls were gathered by the slide. Nancy disclosed, “I like Miss. White. She’s not like Miss. Johnson.”

Daisy agreed, “I know she makes writing our letters fun,”

Then the bell rang, and soon the children were coming back in.

Suzy wrote a capital and lowercase version of each letter on the black board. Then she sat on the front of the desk. When the class settled down Suzy explained, “I hate to do this, but your teacher has it in the lesson book for today. I need you to take out a piece of paper and put you name at the top. Then write each capital letter and lowercase letter ten times.”

Suzy heard a few moans from the class, so she walked around the class giving encouragement. One girl was having trouble with her “o’s.” Suzy requested, “Let me help you.”

Putting her hand on the little girls hand little sparks bounced around as Suzy helped her make an “o.” Then Suzy insisted; “Now you try it.”

The little girl made a perfect o, and Suzy just smiled. Soon the class was finishing, and Suzy was collecting the papers. Setting the paper’s on the desk. Suzy disclosed, “We have a few minutes until lunch. You can move around and talk if you wish,”

Then Suzy erased the blackboard as she listened to the noise of the class. It was like Music that was coming in waves. Then the bell rang and the kids started to file out of the class. Except Jimmy who stayed in his seat.

Suzy questioned, “Where do you live Jimmy?”

Jimmy informed, “722 west Elm Street.”

Suzy pushed a little ball of bright flashing colored light into Jimmy and insisted, “Go eat lunch Jimmy, we’ll come up with a plan.”

As soon as Jimmy was out of site Suzy cried out, “By the power of Njal I command time to stop.”

Then she cried out, “By the power of Njal I command Jim to appear.”

In an instant there stood Jim in front of her barefooted and in his underwear. Suzy blurted, “Jim! You’re in your underwear!”

Jim replied, “I always sleep in my underwear. Where the heck are we?”

Suzy replied, “They sent me on a mission. This is September. 17th, 1969, and they sent me to save a little boy. Now look around, blink home, and come back.”

Jim disappeared and in a flash he was back. Suzy explained, I’ve been sent to save a boy and his mother from his stepfather. He’s Demon possessed by many Demon’s. I’ve been her all day teaching the boy’s class. Now I need you to take me to his mother. We’re in Lambert and I’m staying in my old house on 35th in 1969. The boy’s house is on 7th and Elm. Do you think you can jump me there?”

Jim replied, “I’ll do 7th and Walnut, then we can just walk the block to Elm.”

Jim took Suzy’s hand and in a flash they were standing on the corner of 7th and Walnut. Walking down 7th Suzy explained, “Its 722 west Elm.”

Soon they were standing in front of the house, and they walked up to the door. Jim looked through the window, but didn’t see anything.

Suzy questioned, “Should I start time and knock on the door.”

Jim questioned, “You can do that? Start and stop time?”

Suzy replied, “For this they gave me that power.”

Jim replied, “No, let’s go in and look around to see what we’re getting into first.”

Jim took Suzy’s hand and blinked them to the other side of the door. Jim went down the hall, and Suzy went into the kitchen. Jim headed back to Suzy announcing, “No one in the bedrooms.”

Suzy replied, “I found stairs to the basement in the kitchen.”

They went down the stairs and looked around. Suzy insisted, “I don’t see anyone.”

Jim replied, “Let me check this door with the padlock on it.”

Jim disappeared and in a flash he was back explaining what he saw. Jim told Suzy, “Prepare yourself. She’s lying on the floor in there, and has bruises all over her body.”

Then Jim took her hand and they were standing in the laundry room.

Suzy gasped, “Oh no! Is she alive?”

Jim replied, “I don’t know I never touched her.”

Suzy kneeled next to her and touched her. She moaned a little and was crying.

Suzy whispered, “We’re here to help you.”

Opening her eyes she begged, “No! You have to go! If he finds you here he’ll kill me.”

Suzy took her hand and pulled her up as she assured, “No one is ever going to hurt you again.”

Then Suzy made a ball of bright flashing colored light and pushed it into her. She took a deep breath and wobbled around a little as she exclaimed, “I haven’t felt that for years.”

Suzy insisted, “I’m here to make sure you feel that the rest of your life, but first I need to know your name.”

Sabrina informed, “I’m Sabrina, but you don’t understand, I’m trapped. Last time I tried I had help and made it to Portland and he still found us.”

Suzy looked at Jim and exclaimed, “She doesn’t understand.”

Gripping Sabrina’s hand tight Suzy took Jim’s hand and insisted, “Jim take us to the kitchen in the house on 35th.”

In a flash they were all standing in Suzy’s kitchen. Suzy let go of Sabrina’s hand and she froze.

Then Suzy explained, “I’ll stop time at 2:30 when the bell rings. You blink Sabrina out front of the school; I’ll start time after you get there. Then we can take them to the house. Then decide what time we’re putting them in. I was told to move them to another time. Now blink me back to my class and I’ll start time.”

Back at the class room Suzy passed out a math work sheet. Then she wrote on the black board as the children worked. Suzy wrote, “You can't see it, but you know when it's there. You can’t buy it or take it. Sometimes a person may win it. Though not seen or heard it may be perceived. Some people want it; some people give it as a gift. It can make people insane, and people are hurt when they lose it. It can even be blind. It can be given to many, or just one. What is it?”

Suzy turned to the class and explained, “I’m leaving this riddle for your Teacher. You all know the answer. It was the first word you learned today.”

Billy was waving his hand wildly and Suzy questioned, “What do you need Billy?”

Billy replied, “You have to put a circle around it and write save, or the Janitor will erase it.”

Suzy smiled, “Thank you for reminding me Belly.”

Billy smiled big as Suzy put the circle around it and wrote save. Then Suzy read the riddle to the class, and questioned, “If you know the answer raise your hand.”

Almost everyone’s hand went up. Suzy pointed to Daisy and requested, “Would you tell the class the answer Daisy?”

Daisy stood up and announced, “Its “Love” Miss White.”

Suzy informed, “That’s the most powerful thing in the world. One day you will find that people will do anything for it. It’s the one thing that the more of it you give the more you get.”

 

[gonewacky]

Looking at the clock Suzy announced, “Oh look at the time. Put all your stuff away, get your coat, and lunch pail if you have one. Then line up at the door.”

The last few minutes seamed to take forever. Then the bell rang and Suzy announced, “By the power of Njal I command time to stop.”

Then Suzy went out to check on Jim. Jim blinked Sabrina down the road from the School. As they neared the School Sabrina took a tight grip on Jim’s arm. Then she stopped making Jim look at her. She cried out, He’s out front waiting for me. He must have come home for lunch and found I was gone. You have to take me home!”

Jim insisted, “Didn’t you hear what I told you. We’re Demon Hunter’s, and he has no power over us. Time is stopped. Look at him he hasn’t moved an inch.”

Jim tugged her arm and made her walk up to Jeff. Then he pulled away and Sabrina froze. Jim grabbed both biceps of Jeff and insisted, “See that woman coming out? She’s a Demon Hunter!”

Then they disappeared. Jim shot them five thousand feet in the air. Shaking the mam Jim yelled, “Demon! I’m talking to you inside of this man. Right now you are falling to earth at a rate that will destroy this body. Then that Demon Hunter will cast all of you back to Hell. Then you can spend the next thousand years finding another host.”

Suzy saw Jim disappear with the man, and walked to Sabrina. She touched her and she came to life. Sabrina’s eyes opened wide and she questioned, “Where did they go?”

Suzy replied. “It’s probably better that we don’t know that.”

Then Jim reappeared and ordered, “When time starts you leave.”

Then Jim let go of him and he froze. Suzy informed, “This isn’t going like I planned, Jim I’m going to get Jimmy.”

Suzy went back into the school. In her room the children were froze in place by the door. She touched Jimmy and he came to life. Pulling him from the line she exclaimed, “Your mom is outside we need to go.”

Jimmy questioned, “Why isn’t anyone moving?”

Suzy replied, “I’ve stopped time to keep you safe Jimmy.”

Jimmy threw his arms around Suzy and yelled, “I knew you were the Love Warrior!”

Gripping his hand Suzy drug Jimmy down the hall as he looked all around. Going out the door Jimmy saw his stepfather, and stopped dead in his tracks. Suzy kneeled down and whispered, “He can’t move Jimmy I’ve stopped him, but look over there. Do you see your mommy?”

Seeing his mom Jimmy yelled, “Mom!”

As he drug Suzy running to her. She kneeled on one knee catching Jimmy for a hug.”

Suzy instructed, “See that turquoise 1965 Ford Falcon in the parking lot? That’s my car. Take them to it, and I’ll go in and start time. Then I’ll be out as soon as I can.”

Then Suzy turned and went inside. Back at her class she called out, “By the power of Njal I command time to start.”

Then the children flooded into the hall. Suzy closed the door and went to the office. Inside she announced, “I’m going home now.”

The Principal stepped from his office and affirmed, “Thank you Miss White.”

With that Suzy went to her car, as Jeff watched from his truck. She was driving home with Sabrina and Jimmy in the backseat. Jim was sitting next to Suzy when Sabrina cried out, “Oh crap! Jeff’s following us.”

Jim turned and looked out the back window and exclaimed, “Step on it Suzy.”

Suzy pushed the gas pedal to the floor. You could feel the power of the six cylinder engine kick in. Jeff sped up and Jim blinked out. Then Jim appeared on the passenger side of the truck. He grabbed the steering wheel and jerked it at the last moment heading the truck at a power pole. Jim blinked out just before impact.

Reappearing on the passenger side of the car Jim announced, “Wow that’s the first time I jumped from something that was moving. Well he’s not following us anymore.”

Jimmy questioned, “Wow you can disappear?”

Jim replied, it’s a trick Jimmy. Like this one.”

Jim pulled a nickel from his pocket. He held it up with his thumb and finger. Then he cupped his other hand under it. Dropping the nickel Jim slowed time between his hands. The nickel was almost not moving at all. Then Jim snatched the nickel out of the air, and handed it to Jimmy.

Jimmy disclosed, “Hay this nickel has an Indian on it.”

Sabrina replied, “Of course it dose Jimmy. He’s a cowboy can’t you tell.”

Suzy pulled the car in the driveway and turned it off. Then she had everyone go in the house. In the kitchen Sabrina questioned, “What made people with powers like you come to help me?”

Suzy replied, “You need to ask your son that.”

Jimmy butted in, “I prayed every night under my covers until the Warrior Princess came. She said she was sending the red headed Love Warrior, and there she is.”

Suzy just smiled as Jim questioned, “Where we taking them?”

Suzy replied, “I have no clue. I’m calling in some help. By the power of Njal I command Wind Walker to appear.”

Then Wind Walker appeared questioning, “You summoned me?”

Jimmy pointed and called out. “Look mom he’s an Indian,”

Suzy informed, “I was sent here to save this little boy and his mother. I was told to take them to another time, but I don’t know what time to take them to.”

Wind Walker questioned, “What year is this?”

Suzy replied, “Its September 17th, 1969.”

Wind Walker insisted, “I think my time would be best. I think there would be too much culture shock to take then to your time. Bird Man and I have done this kind of thing before. We know people and Churches that can help them resettle. Have you given them much love?”

Suzy replied, “I did the boy twice, but I’ve only done the mother once. They both know about our powers, and have seen us use them.”

Wind Walker informed, “You know that giving them love like that puts them under a spell. They will forget over time, and soon they will think this is all a dream. I say take them to 1982.”

Suzy insisted, “Sabrina. Jimmy, come over here. We’re going to all hold hands, and make a circle. Then we’re taking you to a forever safe place.”

As they made the circle Wind Walker made a ball of bright flashing colored light and pushed it into Sabrina’s head. She got week in the knees and Suzy and Wind Walker held her up as they blinked out.”

Seeing the woman Bird Man mumbled, “Damn Wind Walker she’s in bad shape.”

Suzy explained, “She’s a rescue.”

Bird Man insisted, “I’ll make up the spare room.”

Jim knelled next to the little boy. Then he pulled a twenty dollar gold peace from his pocket. Handing it to the boy he insisted, “You give this to the Indian to get whatever you need.”

Suzy took Jim’s arm and instructed, “Take us home Jim.”

 

[Texican]

wacky,

Very good stories which is demonstrated by the hours spent reading till the wee hours of past midnight.

Henry showed up with a horse.

Looking at Albert Henry announced, “I need this one reshot, and I have two more after this one."

It is enjoyable reading passages with wrods substituted for the real word.

Moar is appreciated.

Texican....

 

[gonewacky]

It is enjoyable reading passages with wrods substituted for the real word.

I may have spelled it wrong, but that is the term used back in the 1800's for shoeing a horse.

 

[gonewacky]

Chapter Two

It was the end of summer when Josette was ready to reopen the Horse Shoe Restaurant. She sat out front with Jim and Suzy as she explained, “I’ve got just about everything I need to reopen the Restaurant. I’ve hired a cook and now I need to get some beef. You know Mr. Hanson dose all his business from the Saloon. Barney always went to the Saloon to get our beef for the Restaurant. I just don’t think I can go in the Saloon and do business with Mr. Hanson.”

Jim questioned, “Are you asking me to do it for you Josette?”

Josette replied, “If you can’t do it I’ll ask Mr. Blocker.”

Suzy looked at Jim and insisted, “You’ll have to face him sometime Jim. He is a prominent business man around here. Besides we could stock up on some beef for winter our self’s.

Jim questioned, “How much did you want?”

Josette replied, “If you want we could go in on an entire Steer. I could have the cook butcher it and give you half.”

Jim assured, “I’ll go talk to him now.”

Jim went across town to the Saloon. Going in the door Jim spotted his grandfather right away. He was sitting at a table with the Saloon gal Vivian sitting on his lap, as Jim walked up Earl questioned, “Deputy, did you find my wife yet?”

Jim replied, “I’m not working on that case. You’ll have to ask the Sheriff.”

Earl mumbled, “Like you don’t know what he knows. What do you want?”

Throwing a twenty dollar gold piece on the table Jim demanded, “A 2 year old steer for $20.

Earl insisted, “I get $25 for a 2 year old steer, but since I don’t want trouble with the law. I’ll give it to you for $20, but I want the hide back.”

Jim replied, “I’m having the new cook at the Horse Shoe butcher it for me. You can pick up the hide there.

Putting out his hand Earl agreed, “I’ll have one of my men drop it off behind the Horse Shoe day after tomorrow.”

Jim took his hand and a strange feeling came over him, as Earl gripped his hand tight. Then Earl ordered, “Now get out of here you’re bad for business.”

Walking out Jim looked at Jack polishing a glass behind the bar. Tipping his hat he said, “Jack.”

Jack replied, “James.”

It was the fall of 1874 and Benjamin had gone back to New York. His dad had let him take the train from San Francisco. Rebecca had got a letter from the Publisher accepting her dime novel, “The Witch Hunter.” We all knew Albert would be the hero.
Victoria was stocking up the root cellar. Amos Had dug the Potatoes and Carrots, and was working on the Onions. Jim and Albert were smoking a pig, and Suzy and Rebecca were making Apple Butter.



In 1971 at Lovers Butte Anthony and Violet were snuggling and kissing. The city lights flickered in front of them, as Anthony slipped his hand up under her dress. Grapping his wrist she insisted, “No!”

He pushed her back and put his hands around her throat.



That night in bed Suzy awoke sitting in the truck between Albert and Jim. The truck was parked behind a 1965 Chevy, and they were on a hill overlooking the city lights. Albert advised, “The truck is on, so time’s stopped. This car in front of us must be our target. Albert got out and walked up to the driver’s door. Looking through the window Albert saw a young man with his hands around a girl’s neck.

Jerking open the car door Albert grabbed the man by the hair. He came to life yelling. “You know you want it,” as Albert pulled him to the ground. Stepping back the man froze, as Albert exclaimed, “His eyes are moving.”

Suzy insisted, “Demon possessed, I got this. Touch him Albert.”

Albert touched him and he came to life. Suzy shot a lightning bolt into his crouch. Then she made a ball of bright flashing colored light, and slammed it into his chest. You could hear a howling sound as Suzy ordered, “Back to hell with you Demon.”

A black cloud in the shape of a hideous monster slipped into the ground, as Albert pulled Him to his feet by his hair. Then he looked into his eyes and divulged, “We just casted a Demon out of you, and saved you from going to hell. A Demon can only come into you if you invite them. If you do that again you well be going to hell. There are no second chances with us. Now when you come too you will be here alone. Take that time to think of what you’re doing with your life. With that Albert let go of him and he froze.

Suzy went to the passenger side of the car. The girl was pushed against the passenger door. Suzy made a little ball of bright flashing colored light the size of a pea. She thought that should be enough love for this. She opened the door, and put her hand on her back to keep her from falling out. Then she put her other hand with the little ball on her head as she came to life. She screamed as Suzy whispered, “You’re safe now.”

Violet filled with the warm feeling of love. Then Suzy helped her from the car, and walked her to the truck explaining, “We’re taking you home sweetie. It’s all over now, and you’re safe.”

Just then the crow came down from the truck and landed on the man’s head. It cawed three times and flew to Jim’s shoulder. Jim announced, “I’ll ride in the back with the Crow. After dropping off the girl Jim blinked them back to the old Feed and Seed. Where Jim questioned, “How old do you think that girl was Suzy?

Suzy replied, “I ask her when she was under the spell of love. You can’t lie under a spell of love, and she said she was fifteen.”

Albert revealed, “That’s marrying age. I don’t understand what you’re upset about. Heck I was only twelve the first time I stepped to the bar and got a drink.”

Jim replied, “In our time you can’t beat your wife, you have to be twenty one to buy a drink, and eighteen to get married. Things have changed a lot between now and then.”

With that Jim blinked them back home, and they went back to bed. In bed Suzy made a ball of bright flashing colored light and pushed it into her body. Holding her hand over it she waited for the effect, but nothing happened. Not so much as a tingle. Saddened she drifted off to sleep. Suzy so wanted to feel love. All of her life she saw love all around her, but it seemed just out of her reach.

She wanted to experience the feelings of love rushing through her body. The tingling of her skin, the warmth inside of her, and the pain of her thought’s taken away. Even if it was just for a moment she wanted it.

The next morning she awoke to the sound of Victoria in the kitchen. Suzy got up and made the bread dough. Then she cut a slice of bread from the day before, and went out and sat on the edge of the porch. Tearing off a peace she threw it out for the Crow. The Crow flew down from the tree. Throwing out another peace Suzy whispered, “I know you love me Bird, but I need to feel love. I want to feel that warm tingly euphoric love that makes you blind.”

Just then time stopped. Even the Crow was frozen. Suzy stared at the Crow she had never seen it frozen in time before. Then the Viking Warrior Njal appeared in front of her. In a deep echoing voice he spoke, “My dear child why does sadness come to thee?”

Suzy replied, “I can’t feel love. I feel the love of others, but not my own. You know inside of me.”

 

[gonewacky]

Njal chuckled, “Oh child don’t you know, you are love, but there might be a way.”

Then he held out his hand and commanded, “Bird!”

The Crow came to life and flew to his hand. Pulling the birds head next to his lips he whispered. The Crow took flight and flew to Suzy’s head. Suzy was blinded by a bright light, and a voice echoed, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails, and it feels like this.”

Then a warm feeling rushed through her. Her body tingled all over, and Suzy felt like she was floating. Her mind was filled with all the happy times in her life. Then she experienced a child hugging its mother, a boy catching his first fish. A life time of love from around the world filled her thoughts. Then Suzy was sitting in the truck with her Grandpa and he whispered, “Places you never dreamed of.”

Victoria looked out the kitchen window and saw Suzy. She was lying on her back white as a sheet with her eyes rolled back in her head quivering, and her Crow was rubbing its head on her cheek. Victoria gasped, “Oh my god!”

She ran out the door to the porch as the Crow flew to the tree. Knelling next to Suzy Victoria shook her as she called out, “Suzan!”

Suzy’s eyes rolled back into place as she looked at Victoria and Smiled.

Victoria questioned, “You feeling all right? You look pail. I think you’ve been working too hard. Why don’t you come in and sit for a while. I can do breakfast without you. I’ve been doing that for years before you came.”

Suzy sat up and gave Victoria a hug and whispered, “There’s no way you’re steeling that joy from me. You know I love you too Victoria, but I’m fine. I’m just a little tired.”

Back inside Suzy kneaded the dough and put it in the bread pans. Then she mixed up the batter for the pancakes, and poured some batter in the pan.

Victoria questioned, “You going to eat first this morning Suzan?”

Suzy replied, “No I’m burning one for Benjamin.”

Victoria thought as the pancake started to burn, Suzan isn’t right. She looks as white as can be, and doing strange things. I’ll have to talk to Jim about taking her to the Doctor. Then Victoria revealed, “Benjamin has been gone for months sweetie.”

Suzy replied, “I know Victoria that’s why I’m burning his pancake. I hope he can smell it all the way over in New York.”

Victoria just watched as Suzy put the pancake on a plate and set it at Benjamin’s place at the table. Henry came in and saw the burnt pancake on the table and thought, Someone is pissed off. Hope that pancake isn’t for me. Then he questioned, “What’s up with the pancake on the table?”

Victoria replied, “I think that’s Suzan’s way of saying we need a tenet to replace Benjamin.”

Then Emily walked in and Suzy announced, “Emily would you bring home a slab of bacon. Just put it on James’s bill.”

Emily replied, “Sure.” Then she had a seat at the table and whispered to Henry, “Did you see Suzan. She looks white as a sheet, and what’s up with that burnt pancake?”

Henry just shrugged his shoulders as Albert came in. Seeing the burnt pancake Albert commented, “Who did I piss off now?”

Henry replied, “It’s in Benjamin’s spot.”

Albert replied, “But Benjamin isn’t here anymore.”

Henry answered, “I think that’s the point.”

Albert mumbled, “Oh.”

Seeing Rebecca coming down the hall Albert announced, “Rebecca knock on James’s door on your way by.”

Jim’s voice rang out, “I’m up.”

After eating it was back to work. After Albert opened the Blacksmith Shop Jim questioned, “You want to get a load of wood?”

Albert replied, “I think one more truck load well give us enough. I’ll get Charlie and Patty hooked up to the wagon. Then we can back the wagon to the pile when we’re done. That will make it look like we used the wagon when we start time.”

Jim insisted, “Just like last time. Then we can let Henry and Amos stack it.”

Then that’s what they did. Then they took the wagon back, and parked it next to the Livery. After putting Charlie and Patty away they went to the Blacksmith Shop.

Albert started the fire in the Forge as Jim questioned, “What are we making today?”

Albert replied, “The thing that makes me money, Horseshoes.”

Jim mumbled, “Oh.”

Then Jim went to the door and looked up and down the street. He saw Rebecca coming down the street with Suzy. Then a young Rider road into town fast and stopped at the door to the Blacksmith shop. Looking at Jim he questioned, “Mr. Blocker?”

Jim pointed to Albert pounding a Horseshoe. The young man yelled, “Sheriff, I have a message from the U.S. Marshal in Lambert.”

Albert tossed the horseshoe in the fire and got the note. The rider road off as Albert opened the note. Albert handed the note to Jim and moved the horseshoe to the water bucket.

With Rebecca and Suzy standing next to Jim he read the note aloud, “The Rosco brothers have taken over the town of Silver Creek. Need you and your deputy to meet me at the Cottonwood Y Junction to Silver Creek. Bill.

Rebecca insisted, “I want to go.”

 

[gonewacky]

Albert looked at Suzy and Jim and explained, “This is going to be dangerous. The Rosco brothers are as bad as the Shelton gang that shot you. I can’t go through something like that again.”

Rebecca barked back, “Albert you can stop time. Jim can slow time and blink me out if need be, and Suzan can Lighting Bolt them to hell if needed.”

Albert looked at Jim, but Jim just shrugged his shoulders. Then he looked at Suzy. She smiled, “She’s got you Albert. What are you going to do?”

Albert surrendered, “Then you and Suzan hitch Charlie and Patty to the wagon and saddle two horses for me and James. I’m going to have James jump me to Silver Creek so he knows where it’s at. I think I can get him there in about ten jumps.

Jim stood next to Albert as Suzy looked all around saying, “All clear.”

Then Jim and Albert disappeared. On the road out of town Albert pointed to a hill, as the crow came down and landed on Jim’s head. Jims eyes opened wide as he exclaimed, “I think I see the town. Does it have a Church on a hill overlooking it?”

Albert replied, “Yep. Did the Crow show it to you?”

Jim blinked them behind the Church. Then they snuck around the side of the Church, and peeked in a window. The Church was full of people, so Albert whispered, “I’m going to try to stop time from here,”

Jim insisted, “Go ahead.”

Albert called out, “Truck on!”

Time stopped and they walked around to the front of the Church, as Albert divulged, “I didn’t think it would work this far away. Guess we know now.”

One of the Rosco brothers was guarding the door to the Church. He had one hand on the Bell rope, and was watching the town. Albert hypothesized, “His brother must be down robbing the town.”

Jim replied, “I’m blinking us back.”

Then Jim grabbed Albert’s arm and in a flash they were back at the Blacksmith Shop. They headed to the Livery were Suzy and Rebecca were holding Patty and Charlie. Suzy questioned, “You going to start time?”

Seeing Henry froze in place watching them Jim cried out, “Oh crap!”

Jim and Albert darted back into the Blacksmith Shop. Then Albert called out, “Truck off.”

Then Jim and Albert came back out of the Blacksmith Shop like nothing happened. Suzy scolded, “Thanks to that bright move you guys get to saddle up your own horses.”

In no time they were heading out of town. About a half mile down the road Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Thousands of little flashing stars rained down on them as Jim blinked them out.

Appearing on the hill by the Church Albert cried out, “Truck on.”

With that time stopped, and they all went around to the front of the Church. Jim cut the bell rope the Rosco brother was holding, and Albert took his gun. They looked in the Church and saw all the men were in front of the women and children. With time stopped Albert stood in front of the Rosco brother, and Jim stood behind him. Jim reached out and touched him with his hand. He came to life and jerked the rope that went limp in his hand. He dropped the rope and went for his gun. Albert pointed the Rosco brother’s gun at him and questioned, “You looking for this?”

Then Jim pulled his hand away and he froze. Looking back in the Church Jim requested, “Can one of you get me something to stuff in his mouth?”

Rebecca went to a boy about fifteen and removed the bandana from his neck. Jim pushed it in the Rosco brother’s mouth as Albert put the shackles on him. Then they tied his hands with the piece of bell rope Jim cut. Then Albert announced, “Jim and I are going into town and find his brother.”

With that Jim and Albert went down the hill to town. Jim checked out the Blacksmith Shop, and Albert went into the Trading Post. Then Jim heard Albert yell, “I got him in here.”

Jim went to the Trading Post where he found the other Rosco brother stuffing boxes of bullets into his saddlebags. Albert pulled the Rosco brother’s gun from his holster and handed it to Jim. Jim pushed the gun under his belt. Then Albert suggested they find something to tie him up with.

Jim found some rope and leather straps. He pulled off about ten feet of rope and cut it with his knife, and then they tied his feet without touching him. Then they made a loop and slipped it over his free hand. Jim grabbed his other hand so he would come to life. Then he jerked it back as Albert pulled the rope with the loop behind his back. Then Jim let go and he froze. They tided his hands behind his back. Then they tied the extra rope back down to his feet.

Albert revealed, “This is my plan. If we catch them no one gets the reward, but if one of the town’s people does it they can put in for the reward. This is a poor town and can use the money. I know the Blacksmith here. His name is Edwin. I’m not sure of what his last name is, but he’s a good man.

I say we drag this brother out in the street. Then we go up and get Edwin. Then head to meet Bill. Then come here with Bill like we were never here.”

Jim agreed and they carried the Rosco brother to the street kicking and screaming. Dropping him to the ground Albert complained, “Noisy bastard I’m glad he’s froze. I should have shoved something in his mouth.”

Jim added, “That’s what I was thinking.”

They walked back up the hill to Suzy and Rebecca. Albert told them their plan, so Suzy went in and stood behind Edwin. Jim and Albert stood on each side of him, so all he could see was the open Church door with the Rosco brother. Rebecca stood out the door with her foot on the Rosco brother bringing him to life.

Then Suzy touched Edwin and he came to life. Albert explained that he would be the one that captured the Rosco brother’s, as they walked him to the porch. Then Albert insisted that they were never there.”

With that Suzy pulled her hand away, and Rebecca took her foot off of the Rosco brother. Jim pulled the other Rosco brother’s gun from under his belt, and pushed it down the back of the Blacksmiths pants. Then Albert pushed the other gun in next to it. Then they went behind the Church to the wagon. Jim explained, “Oh crap I can’t blink us to Cottonwood Junction I’ve never been there, and you can’t use the team unless we start time. Albert and I can get on our horses and they will come to life, but the wagon is a no go.”

Suzy looked cross-eyed at Jim and exclaimed, “I have powers to you know. Remember the horse that jumped the fence and ran down the road. Get on the wagon Rebecca,”

Suzy got on the wagon and made a ball of bright flashing colored light the size of a marble and threw it at Patty then did the same to Charlie. Then they were all off to meet Bill at Cottonwood Junction.

Arriving at Cottonwood Junction Jim questioned, “How long does it take to get from Lambert to here?

Albert replied, “About an hour and a half if you ride hard, so I would think it would take Bill about two hours. The rider that came with the note was riding hard and his horse was all lathered up. I’d say by… Oh hell! How long have we stopped time?”

Jim cried out, “Oh shit. Albert start time.”

Albert whined, “Truck off.”

Suzy questioned, “Do we even know when Bill might be here?”

 

[gonewacky]

Albert replied, “I’m thinking about it.”

Rebecca laughed, “We can start and stop time, but we can’t tell what time it is.”

Jim exclaimed, “Don’t look at me. My watch just keeps running when we stop time. I’ve been fighting this every time we do something.”

Albert blurted, “I think about an hour and Bill will be here.”

As time passed Albert revealed, “I don’t think Bill is going to be too happy about James and I bringing two women along.”

Rebecca insisted, “You know no one can stop Suzy from doing what she wants. He will just have to accept it. I’m a reporter and this is a story. He doesn’t want me writing bad things about him. Bad things happen when a Journalist gets pissed off.”

Jim hollered, “Riders coming!”

Albert looked up and announced, “It looks like there are six of them coming fast.”

Soon Bill road up alongside of Albert, and questioned, “Two women is the best posse you could come up with.”

Albert informed, “I don’t need a posse I got a gunslinger in James, and Suzy can out draw and out shoot any man you got here. You know Rebecca is a reporter chasing a story. Besides the Rosco brothers are probably gone by now, by the time a rider road to Lambert and a messenger road to Dention then I road here, half a day has gone by.”

Bill replied, “You don’t know the Rosco brothers. They have spent days in a town like this before, and loaded a wagon full of stuff. Then they just disappeared. I say my boys and I go down the creek and come in between the buildings. You take your team and ride straight into town as a decoy. You’re just people coming into Town.

Now everyone watch where we’re at so we don’t shoot each other. Let’s ride!”

With that Bill took his posse and they headed single file along the creek. Albert and Jim moseyed down the road. They knew there was no hurry to get to town, and they wanted Bill to have everything under control when they got there.

Coming into town they could see the town’s people gathered in the street, and Bill and his men around them. Edwin was talking to Bill and Suzy exclaimed, “The Blacksmith is talking to Bill.”

Rebecca informed, “That’s the story I need for the paper. I have to talk to him. I’ll have to talk to Bill too. I’m sure he wants his name in the paper.”

Suzy pulled the wagon to a stop as Jim and Albert dismounted. Wrapping their reins around a hitching post Bill walked up and announced, “The Towns people captured them. I do have a problem though. The fourteen year old boy that road to Lambert to get me, road the horse he stole to death. It went down about a mile from town, and he ran the rest of the way.

The boy was so out of berth he could barely talk. The horse he stole was the Blacksmith’s. Normally I would tie the Rosco brother’s to their horses and take them in that way, but I gave them to the Blacksmith to replace his dead horse. So I’m going to throw them in the back of the wagon, and we’ll all ride back to lambert. What do you think Albert?”

Albert questioned, “What about the boy?”

Bill replied, “The Blacksmith is going to tether the two horses together, and ride back with us for the boy.”

Albert insisted, “Let’s do it.”

Jim walked over to the wagon to tell Suzy and Rebecca what was going on. Rebecca Jumped down and ran to the Black smith to get her story. Suzy looked at Jim, “I think Rebecca is getting another headline.”

Jim smiled, “You knew she wood.”

Then Jim watched as the posse put the Rosco brother’s in the wagon. After saying their goodbyes they were off.

The sun was getting low in the sky when they pulled into Lambert. Jim saw the boy sitting on the edge of the boardwalk in front of the Jail. The Blacksmith dismounted and walked to the boy, as the posse gathered around the wagon.

The boy dropped his head and questioned, “Are they going to hang me for stealing and killing your horse Edwin?”

Edwin pulled the boy to his feet; put his hands on his shoulders and insisted, “Carl they don’t hang heroes for being courageous. Let’s go to the Restaurant. I’ll get us dinner and maybe even a piece of pie.”

After the Rosco brothers were locked up, they took their horses and wagon to the Livery and stabled the horses for the night. Then they went to the Hotel to get a room and dinner.

The next morning Rebecca filed her story with the paper, and they headed back to Dention.

 

[gonewacky]

Chapter Three

The next morning they headed back to Dention. At the creek Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Thousands of little flashing stars rained down on them as Jim blinked them just out of Dention.

Then they stopped at the livery to drop off the horses and wagon. Seeing them come into town Josette walked across the street to talk to Jim. When Josette got close Suzy questioned, “Is everything all right?

Josette replied, “I’m opening tomorrow. The Cook is butchering the Steer now. He wanted to know how you wanted your half?”

Jim stopped and informed, “Just have him cut it in half. I’m hanging it in the smokehouse.”

Josette assured, “You can pick it up this afternoon Jim.”

Then she headed back across the street. Henry came out and Albert informed, “You’re charging everything to the County including Jim’s team and the Wagon too. We used the team and wagon for prisoner transport and that makes it billable. Just write it up and I’ll sign it.”

Henry replied, “Thanks Albert.”

Jim walked up and questioned. “Are you opening the Blacksmith shop today?”

Albert replied, ‘I don’t see anyone knocking the door down. Why do you ask?”

Jim questioned, “I wondered if you would help me get the smoker going.”

Albert asked, “What are we smoking?”

Jim replied, “Half of a Steer I split with Josette.”

Albert joked, “Only if I get Suzan’s peace of meat when we have some of it.”

Suzy blurted, “I heard that Albert.”

Jim declared, “You like living dangerously don’t you Albert.”

Albert replied as they walked, “No. I just like to stir the pot a little.”

At the boarding house Albert and Jim carried wood down to the creek, and Suzy and Rebecca went in to see Victoria. They told Victoria about going to Silver Creek, and Rebecca’s story.

Rebecca whined, “Now I have to come up with some gossip for the paper.”

Victoria revealed, “I was in the store yesterday and I heard Abigail Peterson was with child. Roy and Abigail went to Lambert and the doctor confirmed it. I also heard Turners Guns and Hardware sold.”

Rebecca stepped close to Victoria and threw her arms around her saying, “I love you Victoria.”

Suzy added, “We all do Victoria. Everyone here is like a big family.”

Then stepping back Rebecca announced, “I’m going over to talk to Mr. Turner right now.”

With that Rebecca left and Suzy hinted, “You know Henry’s an available Bachelor Victoria.”

Turning her back to Suzy Victoria exclaimed, “He smells like a horse, and he smokes.”

Suzy thought, Well that went over like a lead brick, as she said, “Oh.”

Looking out the Kitchen window she could see Albert and Jim carrying wood to the creek. Suzy thought, I wonder if Jim even knows how much I’ve fallen for him. I need to get him to take the next step. I know he knows I’m not his real cousin, and that I was adopted. We’re only related on paper. I tried to tell him, but he just puts his finger over my mouth. Then he tells me he knows. I can’t keep living like this. I want more. Tonight has to be the night. I’m going to fill him with love and…

Suzy was snapped out of her thoughts as Victoria requested, “Would you put the bowls on the table sweetie.”

Setting the bowls on the table Suzy questioned, “Where is Amos Victoria?”

Victoria replied, “I’ve got him out cleaning out the coach house, so Jim can put the wagon in there for the winter. A wagon that nice shouldn’t be left out in the weather next to the Livery. He can take it out when he needs it, or Henry can send his stable boy to get it if needed. I just think it’s best to do that, and I’m not using it.”

Suzy smiled, “Why thank you Victoria. I’ll tell Jim.”

Handing Suzy the plate with bread on it Victoria requested, “Here, would you put the bread on the table sweetie.”

Seeing Mable walking across the porch Victoria took the pot of soup to the table. Then Suzy called Albert and Jim as Henry showed up. At the table Suzy told Jim about putting the Wagon in the coach house. Jim agreed to do it after he picked up the beef.

After lunch everyone went back to work. Jim and Albert got their half of the Steer, and salted it down. Then they hung it in the smokehouse. After getting the smoker going they put the wagon in the coach house. Then they took Charlie and patty back to the Livery.

That night in there room Suzy question, “That money you spent on a detective, and found I was adopted when I was days old. You knew no Hanson blood pumps through my veins. Why didn’t you tell me back then?”

Jim admitted, “I didn’t know if you knew are not, and I didn’t want to put that on you if you didn’t know. Then when we got here and I found out you knew. I didn’t push you because I respect you. I thought you wanted it to be that way.”

Suzy replied, “I did at first, but as time went on that changed.

Jim looked wide eyed at Suzy and questioned, “What are you trying to tell me?”

Suzy questioned, “Do you remember when you were living in my house, and I told you I wanted a love like that?”

Jim replied, “Of cores I do. How could I forget something like that? Sometimes I feel that with you.”

Suzy questioned, “Do you think you have evil in you?”

Jim mumbled, “I hope not, but I think about that sometimes. Why?”

Suzy revealed, “I want to know what would happen if I put some pure love into you. You know like I missed and hit you with an energy ball of pure love.”

Jim replied, “I think we might be immune to that. I think a ball of pure love is only harmful to Evil. Evil and love are opposites and they try to cancel each other out. However that would be the time to ask me something you thought I might lie about.”

Suzy informed, “Remember our first mission after the Witch? You took the Priest and Albert, and blinked them to the sidewalk. The Demon pushed her hand into my chest. Then a bright light shot from the opening in my chest and filled the room. She jerked her hand back in agony. The wound healed over like it never happened, I don’t think we’re human anymore, but I think I can help you.”

Suzy embraced Jim and squeezed him tight as she made a ball of bright flashing colored light. Pushing it into Jim’s back Suzy immediately felt her whole body tingle, as a powerful surge of love rushed through her. She felt euphoric and warm all over; she could feel it inside of her. It was taking over her entire being. Then it started to fade away and Suzy made another ball of bright flashing colored light. Pushing it into Jim’s back. Jim went limp and fell to the floor with Suzy on top of him. Suzy began to quiver inside as rushes flowed through her.

She was in a trance like state as all her thoughts disappeared. The only thing she could think of was what was happening to her. If this was how love felt she never wanted it to stop. Little sparks of love shot from Suzy flickering in the air, and giving the room a strange glow that bounced around them. Then it all started to fade away. Suzy rolled off Jim on to her back, and stared at the ceiling exhausted.

Jim took a big gasp of air and sat up and bellowed, “What the hell was that? That was the most amazing thing ever! Heck that was better than the best sex ever.”

Lying motionless staring at the ceiling Suzy whispered, “Pure love Jim. Just pure love is what that is.”

Then Suzy made a little ball the size of a pea and threw it at Jim. Jim ordered, “Stop it Suzy. I can’t take anymore.”

 

[gonewacky]

Throwing another pea sized ball Suzy laughed, “You were just begging me for some love. Can’t you handle it?”

Jim replied, “You have no idea what that is doing to me. I can’t even think.”

Suzy just laid on the floor as Jim flopped on the bed.

Suzy spoke softly, “You're here with me, and there's nothing I fear. I know that my heart will go on and we'll stay forever this way. You’re safe in my heart, and my heart will go on tell the end of time. I think we’re immortal and were sent to fix things in time. I believe there’s so much more than just fixing the Hanson time line. I now believe we were meant to be as one.”

Getting to her feet Suzy saw Jim was fast asleep. Suzy whispered, “Sleep my love. I know you love me with all your being now.”

Suzy went to bed and awoke to the sound of Victoria making the fire in the wood stove. Slipping from the bed Suzy whispered, “Sleep my dear.”

Getting dressed Suzy went out to help Victoria. One look and Victoria revealed, “Suzan you have a glow to your face this morning.”

Suzy replied, “I know. I’m surrounded by people that love me, the wood shed is full, and we have enough meat to last the winter when the beef is done smoking. Yes life is good for hard times.”

Just then Albert came walking through commenting, “Going down to put wood on the smoker.”

Victoria replied, “I got the coffee on. It just isn’t perking yet.”

Suzy watched Albert out the window as he walked down to the smoker. Victoria slid the bread pans in the oven and put the cast-iron skillet on the stove. The day was starting, and things had changed between Suzy and Jim.



After breakfast Suzy was walking to the Blacksmith Shop to see Jim. On the way she saw Margaret taking Helen and Pearl in the General Store. Tommy was sitting on the edge of the porch sucking a stick candy. Then she saw Fred Schaefer coming out with a box. Suzy remembered how bad he treated Emily and thought, “I bet he’s Demon possessed. I should cast it out of him.”

Then she saw him kick Tommy in the back of the head knocking him into the street as he yelled, “Keep your ass out of the way. Don’t be blocking the customers.”

Tommy laid lifeless in the street as Suzy ran to his side. Knelling next to Tommy Suzy’s hands started to glow. Then time stopped, and Njal stood before Suzy. In a deep voice he declared, “My dear child if you save him you’ll be sacrificing another life. Jim already sacrificed a life for this child. I’ll let you choose the life. Will it be Helen or Pearl?”

Suzy clinched both of her hands and screamed, “No! Not the girls!”

Njal insisted, “Then do what you’re meant to do, and cast the Demon from the man.”

With anger Suzy made a bright flashing colored ball of light, and slammed it into Fred’s chest. As Njal bent down and pulled the stick from Tommy’s throat and let it drop to the ground.

Suzy held her hand tight to Fred’s chest as she ordered, “Back to hell with you Demon.”

Then a black cloud in the shape of a hideous monster slipped into the ground, as Njal faded away and Time started. Then Tommy took a gasp of air, as Fred apologized, “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. Oh look your candy is all dirty. Let me get a Penny from my pocket so you can get another one.”

Suzy just watched dumbfounded as Tommy went back in the store. Fred tipped his hat to Suzy and was on his way.

Suzy just stood in a daze staring at Fred taking his wagon down the street. When Hank and Tommy came out little Tommy wrapped his arms around Suzy’s waste ant and whispered, “Thank you Cowboy lady for making my Daddy happy again.”

Suzy felt a surge of love flow through her, as Tommy sat back on the edge of the steps with his stick candy. Hank held out a Peppermint Stick and exclaimed, “There two for a Penny and Tommy told me Peppermint was your favorite. He likes Root Beer that’s all he buys.”

A tear slipped down Suzy’s cheek as she whispered. “I know.”

Hank went on, “Tell Jim Jesse almost paid off his bill. I never would have thought he could get a crop, but Jim doesn’t have quit in his dictionary. How about Jim’s half of the crop? Did he make anything on that deal.”

Another tear slipped down Suzy’s cheek as she whispered, “He traded that for time with the children. I can take Helen and Pearl anytime I want, and he can take Tommy whenever he wants. Jesse shook on it when Jim said it might take ten years to pay that off.”

Hank insisted, “Bring them home after Church on Sunday. Emily loves little Helen. I’ll make arrangements with Henry to rent a horse for my Buggy, and Emily and I will take them home.”

Suzy assured, “I’ll talk to Jim about it Hank.”

Hank thanked Suzy as he went back in the store. Suzy went and sat next to Tommy on the step.


That night when they were all asleep they appeared standing in front of the truck. A Demon was standing in front of them. Albert pulled his gun, and shot the Demon . It let out a horrible hideous squeal. Then the Demon rose up and dropped to the ground. Like the ripples in a pond the ground shook in waves. This knocked Albert to the ground as Suzy elevated in the air. Jim blinked out watching from a tree, as everything was happening in slow motion. Albert got to his knees and raised his gun. Jim was watching for his opening to help.

Then a horse went between Albert and Suzy at lighting speed. The rider swung a sword chopping off the head of the Demon. Its body shimmered as blood squirted out of the neck. Then the body fell to the ground with the head landing on it. A black cloud in the shape of a hideous monster slipped into the ground as the Knight yelled, “Back to hell with you Demon.”

Jim blinked back as the Knight road off yelling, “Tell we meet again my friends.”

Then Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Thousands of little flashing stars rained down on them as Jim blinked them out.

In a flash they were at the farm in 1982. Wind Walker and Bird Man were sitting on the porch when they appeared. Bird man stood up and insisted, “Look Wind Walker. They got one with its head chopped off. Wind Walker went over and picked up the head by the hair as Albert drug the body by the foot.

Wind Walker questioned, “Was it a Sword or an Axe?”

Albert replied, “A Sword.”

Wind Walker informed, “Don’t tell me you met the Knight on the horse.”

Albert replied, “Yep, he just road in, chopped off the Demons head, and road off.”

Wind Walker Threw the head in the incinerator, and helped Albert with the body. Then Wind Walker pulled down the lever turning on the incinerator. Turning to Albert Wind Walker insisted, “As easy as making toast.”

Then he went on, “Bird Man and I have seen the Knight a few times. He never talks much. He just shows up and chops their head off and leaves. I think he only works on the hard ones. There’s another head chopper out there. She’s a Samurai Princess, but she only shows up when a child is involved.”

Albert disclosed, “I shot a bullet at him, and it just went threw him and pissed him off.”

Wind Walker replied, “I’ve had that happen with an arrow that just went through one too. That’s why I like to stab my arrow into them with my hand. I can hold the steel in them that way. Maybe you should make a knife out of some metal from your Truck. I take it that grinding some of the metal from your Truck into a powder. Then adding it to your led worked.”

 

[gonewacky]

Albert replied, “Sure did. I got bullets that work now when time is stopped. I’ll talk to Jim about making a knife.”

Wind Walker insisted, “We should get back out there. Bird Man is probably talking their ears off.”

Out at the truck Jim questioned, “All taken care of Albert?”

Albert replied, “Ready whenever you are. Truck on.”

Then Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Thousands of little flashing stars rained down on them as Jim blinked them out.

As they disappeared Bird man questioned, “You think they know that was one of the horsemen?”

Wind Walker replied, “Not yet. I think they’re too young in the spirit. I don’t even think they know there not human anymore. It took us years to figure things out. They do have one up on us though. They got a spirit guide in the Crow.”



The days went by and soon the leaves were falling from the trees. Work was slow at the blacksmith shop. Albert had made some hinges for a barn and an Axe for the Watson brothers. The only other thing he made was a piece of angle. It was to replace the peace he took from the mud flap. He used the medal to make knifes for him and Jim.





They were fast asleep one night. Then the next thing they knew they were sitting in the truck overlooking a road along a river

Suzy announced, “Look there’s a bunch of guys down by the river. Hey they’re moving back up to the highway.”

Jim turned and looked at Albert. “Can you see what they’re doing?”

“No they’re in the trees,” Albert replied.

“I think I do,” Suzy advised. “Look over here there’s a car coming.

Jim looked where Suzy had pointed and saw the 1930’s car moving along the highway. It was small without binoculars to look through, but he could see it. The car came around the corner and stopped at the roadblock. He could see the guys moving around the car, but they looked just a little bigger than ants. They got out of the truck and walked to the edge of the road. The view was better but they were still a long ways away.

“Hey what is going on?” Jim asked.

Albert replied, “I think they have guns and they’re moving around the car. They’re pulling someone out of the driver side.”

Just then, Jim heard a shot echo through the mountains.

“Damn bastards!” Albert shouted.

“Oh my god oh my god!” Suzy wined.

Jim knew they shot the driver. He didn’t have to see it. The air got thick, and Suzy just kept shouting “Oh my god.” Then he heard another shot echo through the mountains. Suzy dropped to her knees then staggered towards the truck. Saying, “I’m sick.”

Albert yelled, “Damn sick bastards! They need to be Hung!”

Jim walked over to Suzy. She was lying over the front of the truck. He grabbed hold of her and pulled her close. She kept saying, “They shot a child,” over and over.

Jim knew it was a child from the size of him or her. Then Albert commanded, “Truck on.”

Then the Crow landed on Jim’s head, and it hopped to Suzy’s head. Then the Crow landed on Albert’s head. At the same time they all lived what happened. It was a family, and they pulled the father from the car and killed him. Then when they pulled the mother from the car, the little boy about six or seven came to protect his mother. Then they shot him killing him.

Then others they killed flashed through their head.

Albert insisted, “I go to Church and I think it tells in the Bible some wear, “If you harm one of my children, you’ll soon wish you hadn’t. You’d be better off dropped in the middle of the lake with a millstone around your neck.”

Albert revealed, “In my mind the winch cable would be the same as a millstone around your neck.”

Jim could feel this war, it was in him pumping through his body. Then a giant Viking Warrior appeared in front of them. In a deep echoing voice he spoke, “I’m Njal and I called upon you to learn from me. What you see hasn’t happened yet. The men you see are six pure evil Daemons’. Their capturing women so they can impregnate them. Then they can sacrifice their babies. They do this to gain more power. I just gave you this vision so you would know what we’re here for.”

Then he held out his hand and called, “Bird.”

The Crow flew and landed on his hand. The Warrior spoke softly to the bird, “You showed them?”

The Crow squawked a few times, and the Warrior said, “I understand go on”

The Crow squawked a few more times and the Warrior said, “Job well done faithful servant. Now go to the one you love.”

Then the Crow flew to Suzy’s shoulder, and the Warrior cried out, “Let the battle begin!”

Then he hit his axe handle on the ground, and in an instant they were all standing in front of the truck on the road. All six of the Demons where standing in front of them. Then Suzy shot one with a lightning bolt. Albert wasted no time putting the winch cable over his head, and stretched his head to the front bumper of the truck. Jim disappeared, as the Warrior swung his axe taking off the head of three of them in one swing.

Jim appeared in front of one of them stabbing his knife in his eye socket. The Demon quivered and fell to the ground with the knife in his eye. Spinning around the Warrior swung his axe taking off the head of the last Demon. Then He hit his axe handle on the ground, and they all were at Wind Walker and Bird Man’s farm. The Demons were on the ground in front of them.

Looking at Albert the Warrior insisted, “This was the power of unconditional love. It came from the little boy.”

Then he hit his axe handle on the ground and vanished. Wind Walker walked up and said, “We can only do two at a time. This is going to take a while. I don’t know what it is with the head choppers. We always hang ours with the Iron Bird.”

Jim replied. “I think he’s a Viking. He said his name is Njal.”

Wind Walker replied, “Njal means giant. Did you see the size of that guy? He’s a giant if ever I saw one, and the way he swings that axe scares me.”

Albert acknowledged, “I know what you mean. I watched him take off three heads in one swing.”

Wind Walker confessed, “Njal is our overseer. I’m sure he is yours too.”

 

[gonewacky]

That night Suzy awoke in the woods to see a woman with a bow. “I am Artemis, I come to you for help. I need you to lead my animals to safety. You need to know that if they breathe, they live. If they live, they think. If they think, they feel. Just like you. I know you understand this. That’s why I’m sending you. I will make you as a child, and increase your powers to cast a spell on my animals.

You need to lead then to safety. I’m sending you to August 14, 1933. In ten days, the fire will have burned 40,000 acres (more than 60 square miles), but that is just the beginning. On August 24th 1933 the fire will be pushed by strong east winds. This will make the fire explode to 240,000 acres in twenty hours, exhibiting some of the most rapid forest fire growth ever. All my animals will die if you don’t lead them out. I’m sending your Crow to guide you. You will need to lead them 100 miles north to the great Columbia River. You will have to go through the town of Keasey. That’s the only safe passage. Now throw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt, and let your journey began.

Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air. It flew higher than she ever imaged. Then she shot a Lightning Bolt at the tinny speck in the sky. Millions of tinny little flickering stars rained down as far as she could see. Suzy’s Crow appeared and landed on the head of a Bear walking. Suzy could hear the Bears thoughts, “Let’s go.”

The Crow flew out in front of Suzy and she fallowed it. Then a raccoon joined them and some deer. Some chipmunks were riding on the back of one of the deer. Then a herd of elk came in behind them with squirrels riding them. Next a pack of wolfs joined the herd. Then the Skunks took up the back of the pack.

Suzy thought August 14 to the 24th means I have do ten miles a day. This made Suzy pick up the pace, as more animals joined the herd. Then Robins and Stellar Jays started circling over the herd. Bobcats and Cougars joined the herd as Magpies, Owls, Starlings, and Swallows joined the birds in the air. Wild Turkeys Jumped around in the herd, as Mountain goats and antelope joined in. Then Rabbits and Opossums joined the Skunks at the back. Hundreds of animals were fallowing Suzy through the woods, meadows, and over creeks. Looking back all Suzy could see was animals. Hundreds of birds shaded the herd, as they circled overhead.

Soon dusk was upon them, so Suzy stopped to rest. The Bear laid in front of Suzy, and she sat next the it and leaned against the Bear. She was tired and hungry, but didn’t know what to do about it. She was deep in the wilderness and had nothing but the body of a child. Exhausted she fell into a deep sleep.

In a dream the giant Viking Warrior Njal appeared in front of Suzy. In a deep echoing voice he spoke, “Remember I’ve given you the power to summons help when needed. Don’t forget to keep the animals under your spell.” Then Suzy could smell the smoke and awoke. The Bead growled at her and Mumbled, “I got this.”

Then Suzy made a small ball of bright flashing colored light, and pushed it into the Bear. Getting to her feet she throw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt, Millions of tinny little flickering stars rained down all around her, as she watched the glow of the fire light up the sky.

Suzy petted the bear and whispered, “I hungry my dear friend.”

The bear raised its head and roared, as the darkness faded away. Giving way to dawn a berry fell in front of her. Then another fell, and Suzy looked up. The birds were swooping down, and dropping berry’s for her. Suzy ate and her Crow guided them deeper into the woods.

Crossing a creek Suzy bent down and scooped up some water with her hands. The Bear lapped up a drink next to her. Then they were off, because there was no stopping. Looking back Suzy saw the size of the herd was growing. Reaching the top of a hill, Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air. It flew high. Then she shot a Lightning Bolt at the tinny speck in the sky. Millions of tinny little flickering stars rained down as far as she could see. Then it was down the other side. Suzy was getting tired as they crossed a meadow.

She felt a bump on her butt. Looking back she could see it was an Elk nosing her. Her crow flew back and landed on her head. Then the thought of riding the Elk went through her mind. Then the Elk came up alongside her and she slipped up on it back. With her Crow leading them they were on their way with the bear following them. Then she heard a shot echo through the mounts. The Crows starting squawking and the birds chirped loudly. Suzy sat straight up on the Elk and yelled, “By the power of Njal I command time to stop.”

Suzy climbed down from the elk and it froze. Putting her hand on the bear Suze ordered, “You’re up. Let’s go.”

She jumped on the bears back and grabbed a hand full of fur. The Bear took off running through the woods. Suzy was holding on with all she had. Then the bear slowed, and Suzy saw three men in red and black plaid hunting jackets. About ten feet in front of them Suzy slid from the bear and it froze. Then Suzy took all their Rifles and Pistols. She piled them behind the Bear and called out, “By the power of Njal I command time to start.”

Suzy stood next to the Bear as the men came to life. In shock that their guns were gone the men just stared at Suzy. Reaching for their Pistols Suzy insisted, “I’m bringing my animals through here. Now run for your life!”

Then Suzy pointed at a big tree next to them and shot out a lightning bolt. The tree started pulsating and the base blew into a million little slivers. The Bear stood up and roared and the men ran as the tree feel to the ground. Suzy picked up the guns so she could hide them. Soon the herd was behind her again even bigger than before. Suzy climbed back up on the Elk and led them on.

Soon darkness was falling upon them. Suzy stopped the herd in a meadow next to a creek. Then she called out, “By the power of Njal I command Jim to appear.”

In an instant Jim was standing next to her. Looking at Suzy Jim questioned, “Who are you?”

Suzy replied, “It’s me Suzy, Jim.”

Jim insisted, “You look like a little girl.”

Suzy replied, “No kidding genus.”

Jim snickered, “Let me guess. You’re on another quest?”

Suzy pointed and insisted, “Look”

Jim turned and saw Thousands of animals and birds of every kind as far as he could see. Jim exclaimed, “What the hell!”

Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air. It flew high. Then she shot a Lightning Bolt at the tinny speck in the sky. Millions of tinny little flickering stars rained down as far as they could see. Suzy explained, “I have to keep doing this to keep them under my spell. It’s my job to lead them to safety. I’ve been leading them for days and only had berries to eat. I was hoping you could bring me some bread or something. How is everything back at the house?”

Jim replied, “I just got up and got dressed I haven’t even left the room yet. I thought you were out helping Victoria.”

Suzy replied, “It’s been days for me and just one night for you. Time is not going at the same speed here. Maybe you should go to Albert’s room and have him stop time until I get back.”

Jim replied, “I’ll jump right to Albert’s room I just hope Rebecca is back in her room already. I’ve seen this spot so I can jump back here, but I need a time references.”

Suzy explained, “I started August 14, 1933 and been here three days it must be the 17th of August 1933.”

Jim smiled and blinked out. Soon Jim returned with Rebecca in hand. Rebecca handed Suzy half a loaf of bread as she looked wide eyed at all the animals.”

Suzy insisted, “Pet my Bear.”

 

[gonewacky]

Being hesitant Rebecca put out her hand, and the Bear lowered its head. Rebecca ran her hand over the large Bear and exclaimed, “Suzy you look cute as a girl. I want you to tell me everything. I want to know every last detail. Now for my thoughts, I think I should help Victoria and say you are in your room sick. That way I could take your food to your room and Jim could bring it to you. If we stop time for too long Albert, Jim, and I won’t be able to cook. That’s the last of yesterday’s bread and today’s bread is still in the oven.”

Suzy smiled, “You can come with Jim if you wish. Now sit in the grass with me as I eat.”

They sat on the grass and Suzy tore off a piece of bread. The bear came and laid behind Suzy. She leaned back against the Bear as birds dropped berries on her. Rebecca laughed, “Your living a dream. I wish I were you.”

It was getting darker as Suzy pointed to the back of the herd. “See that glow in the sky. That’s the fire we’re running from. I have to save all the animals from a burning hell. In a few days that fire will explode to over 300 square miles. Then it will race through here killing everything in less than a day. I have to have them to safety before then.”

Exhausted Suzy fell back against the Bear and let the bred slip to her lap. Jim took Rebecca’s hand and blinked them out. Back at the house Jim and Rebecca told Albert about what was going in with Suzy.

Albert questioned, “So Suzy is a little girl and has to walk 100 miles through the woods in less than ten days? That would be hard for a healthy man to do. I don’t think she’ll make it.”

Jim replied, “Suzy was so tired and hungry when Rebecca and I were there. She fell asleep talking to us, so I blinked us back. She did tell me she started riding a Elk.”

Albert reviled, “I thank Suzy will make if she is riding. I rode 100 miles in a snowstorm one time. It took me a little over three days. I’m sure she can make it on the back of an Elk.”

Suzy awoke to berries hitting her. The dawn was upon them and it was time to start moving the hard. Suzy finished the bread and berries. Then Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air. It flew high. Then she shot a Lightning Bolt at the tinny speck in the sky. Millions of tinny little flickering stars rained down as far as she could see.

Then the Elk came to Suzy and she climbed on its back. Her Crow landed on one of the Elks antlers, and rode there with Suzy for most of the morning. Then the Crow took flight and led them through the woods. It was hard for Suzy to see all the animals. They were lined up behind each other as they went down the path between the trees. She knew the line had to be long, so she tried a Njal trick. Suzy held out her hand and called. “Bird!”

Her Crow came and landed on her hand. She whispered in the Crow’s ear. “I can’t see the herd. Show it to me.”

The crow took flight and flew high circling overhead. Then the Crow came down and landed on Suzy’s head. Suzy was in the sky seeing through Crow’s eyes the line of animals went for over a mile. A lot of the animals were still filing out of the meadow.

The Crow went back to its place leading Suzy. They came out of the woods and followed a small river. It wound its way through the flat lands, and the animals bunched up in a herd again. Then Suzy saw a farm house up ahead. She grabbed the horns of the Elk and gave it a little kick. The elk picked up the pace to a trot. Soon they were at the house. There was a little boy sitting on the porch. The boy’s eyes opened wide as he asked, “You know how to ride an Elk?”

Suzy replied, “Sure, I can ride all my big animals. Look here come’s my Bear. I ride him too. I’m bringing my animals through here. I have to lead then to safety, because a big fire is coming.”

Then the boy’s mother came out. Seeing the hard of wild animals she exclaimed, “My word what is going on.”

The boy explained, “She said a fire is coming and she has to get the animals to safety mom.”

The mother mumbled, “I’ve heard of animals fleeing a fire, but never dreamed it would be like this.

Suzy informed, “This isn’t normal I’ve put them under a spell until I get them to safety. I have to go now. You should think about leaving before the fire gets here.”

Then Suzy rode the Elk back out to lead her herd. She could see the narrow passage through the hells. She thought, “That must be where the town is at. “

By the afternoon they were coming upon the town. Suzy slid down from the Elk and walked with the Bear as they went through the town.

All the animals rearranged as they went through the town. The Bobcats and Cougars lined up on one side of the road, and the Bears were lining up on the other side to protect the herd. The Wolfs dropped to the back to protect the Rabbits, Opossums, and Skunks in the back of the herd. People moved off the street and watched from their windows. The birds were swooping down over the herd as they passed through town. At the end of town Suzy levitated in the air, as she watched the safe passage of her herd. She watched until the last Opossum with her babies left town. Then she flew to the head of the herd and found her Bear and Elk. She walked with her Bear for a while. Then she got on the back of the Elk. This was her most challenging day yet, and Suzy was proud of what she did. She made a ball of bright flashing colored light and threw it in the air. Then she shot it with a lightning bolt. Millions of tinny little flickering stars rained down over the herd. Then Suzy bedded them down for the night. Siting and leaning back next to the Bear. Suzy announced, “By the power of Njal I command Jim to appear.”

Jim appeared and announced, “I’ll be right back.”

Then Jim appeared with Rebecca holding a bowl of soup. Handing Suzy a stack of bread Jim reveled, “Albert, Rebecca, and I have been saving our bread for you.”

Rebecca informed, “Victoria had Amos kill a chicken to make this chicken soup for you. She hopes you get better soon. I’ve spent all morning sitting in your room. Jim and I think it’s about three of your days to one of ours.”

Suzy hypothesized, “This is day six for me, so it must be day two for you.”

Rebecca replied, “It’s the afternoon of the second day for us. You herd looks much bigger.”

Suzy replied, “The animals just keep coming. There becoming protective of each other. We went through a town today. All the Mountain Lions lined up on one side of the herd, and the Bears were on the other side to protect the herd. The birds flew low over the herd protecting from the air. I had to fly up into the air to oversee the safe passage. Then I flew to the front to take my place. Yes, I found out I could fly today. Well in this little girl body anyway.”

Then Suzy handed Rebecca the bowl and questioned, “Jim can you come back and lay with me for a little while?”

Jim smiled took Rebecca’s arm and blinked out. Then he returned in no time at all. He sat next to Suzy with his arm around her. Suzy slipped into a deep sleep as Jim faded away. In a dream Artemis came to her saying. “My child you are doing well. I am so proud of what you’ve become. Your power is strong and your love is powerful. You have passed my test. I will give Njal my approval. Now awake and finish your journey.”

Suzy awoke to find Jim was gone, and a pack of Wolfs had surrounded her and the Bear. One Wolf was cuddled up on each side of her and another at her feet. She could hear the morning birds singing their song. She yawned and the pack of Wolfs moved away. She stood and made a ball of bright flashing colored light and threw it in the air. Then she shot it with a lightning bolt. Millions of tinny little flickering stars rained down over the herd. Suzy whispered, “Enjoy my dear friends. Soon my love will slip away, and life will return to survival again.”

 

[gonewacky]

Suzy looked over the herd; their number must be in the thousands she thought. The Birds had become so many the sky would go dark when they took flight. The Bear arose and they were on their way. Suzy shoot up in the air. There was big valley ahead of them. Suzy thought the great Columbia River must run through the valley.

Sadness felled her knowing her journey was coming to an end. Suzy wanted it to be over, and at the same time she wished it would last longer. Suzy drifted back to the ground, and walked next to the Bear as she spoke, “I love you Bear, but I know your memory of me will fade away after I leave. I’ll keep a special place inside of me for you my friend. Our journey will end, but my love will live on in you too.”

Then time stopped and Njal appeared. He held out his hand and called out, “Bird.”

The Crow came down and landed on his hand. He ordered, “Go to the one you love.”

The Crow went to Suzy’s shoulder. Then Njal’s voice echoed, “Job well done my faithful servant. You have earned the power of flight. I also endow upon you the power over the beasts of the land.”

Then in a flash they were standing alongside the mighty Columbia River. Njal revealed, “I feel it’s only fair you see the end of your journey. Behold the mighty Columbia River. We can just stand here a moment, and enjoy the beauty. This place pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight. I thought this would be pleasant before I send you home.”

A tear slipped down Suzy’s cheek, and the Crow wiped it with his head. With that Njal’s voice echoed, “Sweet dreams little one.”

Then Suzy awoke in her bed to the sound of Victoria in the kitchen.

 

[gonewacky]

A little about the Author of The Truck the Witch and the Blacksmith.

I’m a Vietnam Veteran and in my late sixties. I never finished High School I dropped out to join the U.S. Marines. At that time I had about a fourth grade reading level. Which was OK because that was what the news paper was written at that time. I never did learn to spell. Not even to this day. I was a great story teller or as I’m told. I sat around many camp fires telling stories.

I was a pipe fitter for most of my life. I had no problem reading Blue Prints. (Glorified welder is what I was.) I was my Wife’s high school sweetheart, and been married over 40 years. (We lived together until she was with child. then married)

Everyone told me to write down my stories. But there was this big secret. I didn’t know how to spell. Now at the end of my life I’m going blind and typing this from a 32 inch monitor so I can see the text, but I have tools now. Word helps a lot, and I have a reader that helps me find wrong words that are spelled right but are the wrong words like Witch which is the right which.

So I still have to google the definition for about 1 in 20 words. I never planned to be a writer I’m just a story teller telling a wild story. The best that could come from this is for people to enjoy it. See the love in it, and be better for it.

The VA is sending me to the VA Hospital in Portland Oregon on the 16 of June to see a doctor about my eyes. I’m hoping for the best.

Never be afraid to post something. I’m a Marine and have thick skin. You can’t hit me through your screen anyway.

With Love From Our Home To Yours Joe.

 

[Dannab1]

WOW Joe, thanks for sharing. That makes this story even more special! I bet your stories over a campfire are amazing!

 

[steamroller]

This is a great story, thanks for sharing.

 

[Texican]

Wacky,

Thank you for your service in the Marines.

The Truck - The Witch and the Blacksmith is a wonderful story especially with all of the twists and turns.

Thank you for the time and effort that you put forth to bring us your story.

Prayers sent for the docs to help you with your sight.

Texican....

 

[gonewacky]

I worked real hard to put up another chapter, but I can’t write at this rate. I’m burning out already, and have been neglecting my chores. I had this story in my head already, but getting it from my head to the page is where the work is. I hope it reads alright, as I have never pushed something out this fast.

I do this for your enjoyment. I have no ambitions of it being anything more than whatever it is. Let the story begin…

With LOVE from Our Home To Yours Joe

 

[gonewacky]

Chapter Four

It was a warm afternoon and Annie was napping with Sarah. Four year old Sarah awoke slipping from her mother’s arms. Wandering outside she was playing by the door when the hunter spotted her. He tied his horse to a tree, and walked across the field to the cabin. He smiled at the girl as he snatched her up putting his hand over her mouth. Then he ran back to his horse and road off with the girl. The mother awoke to find her child gone; she searched frantically as she wept. Panic set in and she lost all control of her thoughts. Fear and anxiety controlled her emotions as she flung around looking frantically. She had lost the ability to reason, and was slipping in to a complete breakdown. This is the worst thing that can happen to a mother.

The next morning her husband arrived to find she had regressed to the thinking of a child. It took over an hour to understand what had happened. He searched everywhere for the child, but he found nothing.



Albert awoke standing next to Njal. He spoke in a deep voice, “Albert look across this field. That cabin is where you start. By your feet are the tracks of the man that stole a little four year old girl. You need to go talk to the father and track the thief. I will send Artemis to have her animals guide you. I will also give you the power to call for help. Just say by the power of Njal I command Suzan to appear, or any other Demon Hunter you need. All your powers work here. Now go forth and make me proud.”

Njal disappeared and Albert walked across the field. Knocking on the door a large man came to the door. Seeing Albert he exclaimed, “Thank god a law man.”

Albert replied, “I’m a tracker and was sent here about a kidnaped child.”

The man looked around and questioned, “Where is your horse?”

Albert replied, “Don’t have one.”

The man questioned, “Brake its lag?”

Albert insisted “Something like that. Now about this girl what does she look like, and how old is she?”

The man replied, “Her name is Sarah and she’s 4 year’s old. With brown hair and she was wearing a flower sack dress.”

Albert questioned, “Your name would be?”

The man replied, “I’m Louis Badger and my wife Annie has had a complete breakdown. Sorry I can’t get much out of her to help you. She’s like a child, and not making much since.

Albert insisted, “I need to get a horse. Do you know where I can get one?”

Louis demanded, “Take mine it’s in the corral next to the lean-to enclosure. The saddle, rains, and blanket are in the lean-to. If I’m not here I’ll be at the Owens place about a mile south of here. Please do your best to get our little Sarah back. Annie’s never going to be the same without her, and I can’t live without them.”

Albert insisted, “Whoever did this picked the wrong guy to have on his ass.”

Then Albert saddled the horse and headed out. Back at the spot where he met Njal he looked at the horse tracks. Seeing the tracks Albert thought, Well look at that you’ve got a hoof like Patty, and have to have a special shoe made for it. Look at that nice hook on it. Good job whoever made this shoe. I can track this horse!

With that Albert was on his way. He went through the woods up over a hill, and down to a creek. Then he followed the tracks up the creek. Then they went over a ridge and back down to another creek. It was hard to find tracks because the rider was taking deer trails, but Albert would see that hooked shoe print and know he was on track.

Then the rider did the same thing again. Up a creek over a ridge and down another creek, but this time he saw where he left the insides of a small animal. Then there was a small fire pit with tracks all around it, and the hooked track was everywhere. Albert thought, They shot some food and stopped here to eat.

He got down from his horse a put his hand over the fire pit. It was stone cold and Albert thought, They must be at least a day ahead of me.

Mounting his horse Albert was watching the sun get low in the sky when he saw an animal that had been skinned. Thinking it was a Raccoon it hit him this might be a trapper and he was following his trap line. Albert started looking around and found a trap about twenty yards away. He now knew he was following a trapper or mountain man. The creek flowed out into a flat land, and Albert saw the tracks in some soft mud. He saw all four tracks and knew he screwed up. No hooked shoe on this horse. He had been tracking the wrong horse. The sun was about to drop from the sky, so Albert made camp. He would have to backtrack tomorrow, and find the tracks.

He took the saddle off the horse and staked it out. Then he took the saddle blanket and wrapped it around him. Then he laid in the tall grass.

Then he fell in to a deep sleep, and Artemis came to him. She explained, “I’m sending a Bear to help you. Follow the Black Bears tracks to get you back on your journey. I will send you a rabbit to nourish your body. Take it, because you’ll need it. Now wake daylight is coming.”

Albert awoke and looked where he came from. The mountains where huge and some had white tops, Albert thought, I must be on the west side of the Cascade Range.

Albert took his horse to the creek to drink then he saddled it up. He road east until he got to the last place he saw a hooked track. Sure enough there was a Bear track right next to it. Albert wasted no time following the Bear tracks. The bear was walking right in the horse tracks, but never stepping on the hooked one. After Albert went up and down a few more creeks the tracks ended at a slide of shell rock.

Albert knew he couldn’t track over rock. After all he wasn’t an Indian. He thought about calling Wind Walker for help when he saw the Bear up ahead looking back at him. Every time he thought he might be on the wrong track he would see the Bear up ahead. Albert played the cat and mouse game with the Bear all day.

 

[gonewacky]

Then about dusk a rabbit hopped out on the trail in front of him and stop. Albert wasted no time pulling his pistol and shooting the rabbit. It was none too soon his stomach had a knot in it from hunger pains most of the day. He made camp and started a fire. After eating the rabbit he fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning Albert was stiff and sore all over. He mumbled. “Damn Blacksmith Shop has let me slip out if shape. I’ve road for a week before and not felt this bad. What do you think horse?”

The horse never even looked at him. Slipping the blanket on the horse’s back Albert insisted, “I must be losing it I’m talking to a horse.”

Cinching the saddle strap tight the horse hit Albert with his head. Albert turned and saw the Bear walking off. Jumping on the back of the horse Albert gave it a gentle kick and was off. Down the trail a ways Albert saw the remains of a skinned out Wolf. He mumbled, “I’m definitely on the trail of a trapper.”

Albert realized it he was zig-zagging all over but was heading north. He wished he could just head north and find the place. But he might never find it if he didn’t follow the tracks. With that it was on word. A Bear track here a hooked shoe print there was all he had. Then a Crow landed in front of him and started squawking at him.

Now Albert was at a loss of what to do. He wondered if it was Suzan’s bird and he should call up Suzan or keep looking for signs of the Bear. Albert gave in and yelled, “By the power of Njal I command Suzan to appear!”

In an instant Suzy appeared in front of him. Albert gave a sigh of relief. “Thank god you’re dressed. After what you told me about Jim showing up in his underwear I was worried.”

Suzy bubbled, “Albert you’re on a journey. What did you call me for?”

Albert replied, “Njal sent me to track down a kidnapped little girl. Artemis gave me a Bear to follow, but then a Crow came and stopped me. I didn’t know if it was your Crow or not, so I summoned you.”

Suzy put out her hand and smiled, “Let’s see Albert.”

Then she called out, “Bird.”

The Crow came down and landed on her hand. Then she asked, “What do you see?”

The bird jumped to her head, and Suzy saw a man sitting on a porch with a gun. The bird flew to a tree and Suzy announced, “You’re on the right track Albert, but the man knows you’re tracking him. He is waiting up a head to shoot you. I’m going to go and take a look.”

With that Suzy levitated in the air and flew. Suzy stopped at the tree tops by a clearing. She saw a boy about 10 or 12 Stretching an animal hide in a frame. A girl about 8 or 9 was scraping a hide with a boy about 6 or 7. A big pot on a fire had animal hides steaming in it. All there close were rags held together by strips of cloth tied in knots. The man with long hair and a beard sat on the porch of a cabin. He was holding a rifle draped over his leg with a little girl sitting next to him.

Suzy flew back and told Albert what she saw. Then she added, “Prepare yourself it stinks really bad. Whatever is simmering in that pot with the hides almost made me puke.”

Albert in formed, “He’s probably braining the Skins it’s where you soak the hide in a brain solution to tan it.”

Slowly they moved through the woods, and stopped at the edge of the clearing. Albert could see the man on the porch. Then he saw him aiming the rifle at them and he called out. “Truck on,” as a puff of smoke came out of his rifle.

Suzy looked at a bullet frozen in the air about six feet in front of her. She exclaimed, “That child thieving bastard tried to kill me.”

Albert questioned, “You want me to kill him? I have bullets in my belt that will shoot when time is stopped.”

Suzy argued, “No he’s mine, and you know we’re not killers.”

With that Suzy flew to the porch as Albert road his horse. After taking his Rifle and tying him to the chair. Albert questioned, “His eyes move are you going to cast the Demon out of him.”

Suzy replied, “I can’t he’s hurt a child. This would be the job of a group of Demon hunters, Horse men, or an Overseer. We can’t make that decision.”

Just then Njal appeared. In his deep echoing voice he praised, “Well done my faithful servants you’ve understood an important rule, but your journey is not yet done. You must reunite the children with their families.”

Then Njal faded away, and Albert announced, “Great were in the wilderness with a madman, and a bunch of kids. We have no idea where we’re at or what year it is, or who these children belong to.”

Suzy replied, “I think we need some help, but if we call James he can’t help us unless we know the date. Then there is that thing he can’t blink to a place he’s never been. I say I fly around and find a town to blink to. Then I call James and have him blink back home. I fly back here and we can call him from here. Then we can have him blink us all out side of that town.”

Albert’s eyes lit up, “How do you think of this stuff?”

Suzy replied, “I think it’s from when I was a little girl.”

Albert revealed, “I wish I could have seen you as a little girl. I say go with the little girl plan.”

Suzy laughed as she shot up in the air. Looking around Suzy soon realized she was on the back side of Mount Adams. She had seen this view from Interstate 5 in modern times. She spun around and looked to the west, but all she could see was wilderness. She was hoping to see smoke from a fire or something that would give sign of life, but they we’re in the middle of nowhere.

Drifting back to the ground Suzy Revealed, “We’re in the middle of nowhere in between Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens in Washington State if it’s even that yet. Hell for all I know this could be just be the Northwest Territory. It might take me a day flying around to find something. We got to be a hundred miles from what would be interstate five in my time. It might be a trade rout in this time. I don’t know. I should have paid more attention to history in school.”

Albert confided, “We just need to think about what we’re going to do. We can call all kinds of help if needed. We could build an army of Demon Hunters if needed. Getting James is a good Idea. If you have to fly a hundred miles to find a town, then you’ll need to talk to people. To get the lay of the land and the time we’re in. right now time is stopped and you can’t do that. Maybe we should start time.”

Suzy insisted, “Let me talk to the man first. Touch him Albert.”

Albert touched the man and he came to life cussing, “You bastards you knocked me out and tied me up.”

Suzy smiled, “Then she pointed to a big Fir-Tree and shot a Lightning Bolt at the base of the tree. The tree started pulsating and the base blew into a million little slivers then the tree fell to the ground. Then Suzy started shooting little Lightning Bolts at the man.”

He yelled, “You Witch!”

Suzy stopped and said, “You’ll wish I was a Witch. Where do you take your furs?”

The man replied, “Go to hell!”

Suzy bent down and whispered, “No that would be where you’re going. That’s my job sending Demons to hell. Now where do you take your furs?”

He spit at Suzy and she made a little ball of bright flashing colored light the size of a pea and tossed it at his foot. He jerked around in agony tipping over the chair, but refused to say a word. Making another little ball of bright flashing colored light the size of a pea she tossed it at his other foot. He screamed in intense pain, but refused to tell.

Suzy smiled, “You’re pissing me off. You won’t like me if I call another Demon Hunter.”

Then she made another ball of bright flashing colored light the size of a marble. Suzy exclaimed, “They’re getting bigger.”

The man blurted, “Oregon City!”

Suzy closed her hand absorbing the energy ball and informed, “Now that wasn’t so hard. See how much better you feel. Albert take your hand away.”

 

[gonewacky]

The man froze and Suzy informed, “That’s two hundred miles away, and across the mighty Columbia River. I say we start time and I fly out and see what I can find.”

Albert insisted, I’m going to put something in his mouth first. I’m not listening to that foul mouth the entire time. Albert took his knife and cut a peace off the man’s shirt, and shoved it in his mouth. Then he announced, “Truck off.”

The children came to life, and stared at them. Suzy exclaimed, “I got this.”

She made a ball of bright flashing colored light, and shoved it into little Sarah sitting on the porch. Then she went over to the other three children and did the same. With a smile Suzy shot in the air and flew off.

Albert sat on the porch as the other children came to him. The oldest boy asked, “How come you tied up Jack?”

Albert replied, “Because Jack was bad.”

The oldest boy insisted, “Why don’t you just hit him and make him get back to work.”

Albert just stared at the boy and questioned, “What’s your name?”

The boy replied, “Stupid.”

Albert’s eyes opened wide as he questioned, “What?”

Stupid replied, “I’m Stupid and she’s Cry Baby and he’s Dummy. I don’t know our new sister’s name, but Jack calls her Useless.”

Albert shook his head. He didn’t know what to do about this. Then he insisted, “I’ll keep this simple you’re Mark, you’re Marry, and you’re Mike. Now who are you?”

Stupid replied, “I’m Stupid.”

Albert cried out, “Oh crap!”

Stupid replied, “Crap died when it snowed.”



Suzy flew until she found a river and followed it until she saw a town. Setting down out of town she walked in to where some men were working a Lumber Mill. Suzy walked up to the man leading the men and question, “What town is this?”

The man turns and questioned, “How did you get here?”

Suzy told the truth, “I flew. How else would I get here, well I might have been just walking fast. Look there is a Law Man coming. He has some kids that have been kidnaped. I need to know what town this is?”

A man stacking lumber stopped and stared walking over as the man replied, “This is Claquato and I’m Hawkins Davis the founder.”

The man spoke up, “Did I here you say a Law Man recovered some children?”

Suzy replied, “That is what I said.”

The man quickly asked, “Was one of them an eleven year old boy?”

Suzy replied, “In-fact one is about that age.”

The man looked at Hawkins and insisted, “Its David it’s got to be.”

Hawkins reminded, “It’s been four years Michael; don’t get your hopes up to much.”

Suzy questioned, “What’s the date?”

Hawkins replied, “I’m not sure, but it’s the first week of September.”

Suzy insisted, “The year.”

Hawkins revealed, “Why 1854 of course.”

Suzy replied, “I just wanted to know I was talking to sane people.”

Michael walked towards Suzy and insisted, “I’m going with you.”

Suzy stepped back and pulled her gun and barked, “I’m not leaving here with anyone to have their way with me.”

Then she backed away and walked out of town.

Hawkins scolded, “Don’t ever mess with a woman like that Michael. If a woman is wearing pants and has a gun you’re just asking for trouble. I’d bet she’s mean as hell, and would shoot you without looking back. If it’s your boy she will bring him here. Now get back to work.”

Suzy went just out of town and called, “By the power of Njal I command Jim to appear!”

In a flash Jim was standing in front of Suzy. Jim questioned, “You summoned me?”

Suzy replied, “Remember this place Jim.”

Jim looked around and questioned, “Is that a town back there?”

Suzy replied, “Its Claquato and its the first week of September 1854. I don’t know the exact date, but you don’t need it to jump around in the same timeline do you?”

Jim replied, “Nope same timeline same day same time. I do that all the time.”

Suzy instructed, “Blink home and I’ll call you when I get to the other place, then you can blink Albert the kids and me here.”

Jim questioned, “Albert is here?”

Suzy explained, “Yes this is his journey.”

Jim replied “OK” and disappeared, as Suzy took flight and flew back to Albert. It was just before dusk when Suzy returned. Landing next to Albert she explained, “Sorry it took so long but I had to go a hundred miles to find a town. It’s 1854 and this area is uninhabited.”

Albert insisted, “Watch this. Boy what is your name?”

Stupid replied, “I’m Stupid.”

Then pointing to the girl he questioned, “What is your name?”

She replied, “I’m Cry Baby.” Then the other boy replied, “I’m Dummy.”

Suzy moaned, “No way. That sick son of a bitch. How could someone do that?”

Albert replied, I don’t know, but I got everything ready. I got his horse saddled up and found some rope to drag him behind it. I turned his Mule lose and he jerked around for over an hour until he passed out. Anyway I think that is what happened, I didn’t check him.”

Suzy smiled, “Who is calling Jim me or you?”

Albert Called out, “By the power of Njal I command Jim to appear!”

Jim appeared in front of them saying, “You summoned me?”

Suzy replied, “Let’s get together so you can take us to Claquato.”

Jim informed. “You need to know time has almost stopped back at home. I blinked back to our room and was here before I could even walk to the door.”

Albert requested, “Jim help me drag this guy in the chair over here.”

Albert took one chair leg and Jim took the other. Then they dragged the man off the porch, as Suzy got the horses. Then she gathered the children and pushed love into them. With them all together Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Thousands of little flashing stars rained down on them as Jim blinked them out.

Appearing just outside of Claquato Jim and Albert tied a rope to the chair lags and tethered it to his horse. Jim took his horse and Albert took the horse he got from Sarah’s father and walked them into town. Suzy followed behind them with the children.

Michael was waiting at the edge of town. He was looking hard when the oldest darted off yelling, “Dad.”

Running to his father, Michael dropped to one knee catching the boy. Squeezing the boy Michael whimpered, “Let’s tell you mom you’re home David.”

Hawkins showed up as did a lot of town’s people. The word of David’s return spread fast.

Hawkins looked at Jim and Albert and acknowledged, Sheriff, Deputy. What do we have here?”

 

[gonewacky]

Albert replied, “This here is the Kidnaper that took the children to use for slave labor. He’s a real piece of work.”

Hawkins commanded, “Sherman, George lock this man up.”

Albert questioned, “You have a jail?”

Hawkins gave him a one eyed look and said, “We have a place.”

Albert questioned, “How far is it to a Court House?”

Hawkins insisted, “We have one of them too.”

Albert sighed, “Oh I see.”

It was twilight when Hawkins insisted, “Let me have my cook fix you and the children something. They must be starved by the looks of them. I don’t know what to do about the rags wrapped around their bodies. I got over fifty men working for me. I’ve got loggers cutting trees, river men floating the logs to the Mill, and Mill workers. I border and feed most of them right here at the Mill. I’m sure we can find something better than the rags to wrap around them. Just follow me.”

Hawkins led them to a building with just a floor and roof. It had rolled up canvas walls. A cook stove was at one end and two long tables that could seat about 15 or 20 people each.

Hawkins called out, “Thomas fix them something to eat. I’m going to make them a place to sleep.”

The cook made them Venison, eggs and fried bread. The kids ate like they were never fed. Then Hawkins came and sat with them and questioned, “How far did you have to chase him?”

Albert replied, “About three times as far as the white topped mountains east if here. We’re from the other side of the territory.”

Hawkins inquired, “You need to take him back? If not we can take care of him for you.”

Albert replied, “My concern is the children. I have to return them to their love ones. The little girl Sarah in the flour sack dress we know where she goes, and we’ll be heading out to take her back tomorrow. The other two we think are from somewhere between here and Oregon city.”

Hawkins recommended, you should check the Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Vancouver. Someone there might have heard something.”

Then the cook took their tinware plates and Hawkins showed them to their sleeping quarters.”

The next morning they left for the trapper’s cabin. Once they had the children out of the view of the town Suzy pushed love into them. Then Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Thousands of little flashing stars rained down on them as Jim blinked them back to the cabin.

At the cabin Albert explained that he went up and down four ravines to get there. That each one had a creek and that if Suzy went four ridges to the south, she would find a clearing with a cabin and a corral next to a lean-to enclosure.

Albert added that there was another horse in the corral and a Wagon next to the lean-to enclosure.

Suzy flew south until she came to a mostly wooded valley with clearings. She saw a cabin at the far side of one clearing with another cabin in a meadow south of it. The horse was still in the corral and the Wagon was next to the lean-to enclosure. She was sure this was the place, so she called Jim, “By the power of Njal I command Jim to appear!”

Jim appeared in front of her and announced, “You summoned me?”

Pointing across the field Suzy insisted, “That’s the cabin.”

Jim replied, “Got it.”

Taking Suzy’s hand Jim blinked them back to Albert. They all gathered together with Jim holding one horse and Albert holding the other. Then Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Thousands of little flashing stars rained down on them as Jim blinked them back to the edge of the clearing.

Albert handed Suzy the horse and picked up little Sarah, and walked to the cabin with Jim. Suzy and the children followed him. About twenty feet away from the cabin Albert yelled, “In the cabin.”

The door flew open and there stood Louis holding a rifle. Seeing little Sarah Louis leaned the rifle against the cabin and ran to Albert. Albert held out the child as Louis took her and held her tight as a tear slipped down his cheek. Suzy left the horse with Jim and walked past Jim and Louis. Then she went in the cabin. Annie was sitting in a chair at the table staring into space. With her back to Louis blocking his view, Suzy made a ball of bright flashing colored light and pushed it into Annie’s head.

Holding a hand on each side of her head, Suzy looked deep into Annie’s eyes and whispered, “Come back little Sarah needs you now.”

With that Annie jumped up from the chair yelling, “Sarah!”

Louis turned and took Sarah to Annie. Hugging her tight Annie wept.

Albert insisted, “Let’s put you horse up.”

Louis confided, “I have no was to repay you. I thought that was the last I would see you, my horse, and my daughter.”

Albert replied, “I’m paid by the government to do this. This is my job, but what you can do. Is the next time someone needs your skill. Give it to them, and have them pass it on.”

Louis questioned, “You have three people and two kids. How are you going to travel with one horse?”

Albert insisted, “We’ll be fine. Don’t worry about us. You just take care of your wife and that child.”

Louis insisted, “Let me give you some Deer Jerky I made and some hardtack.”

Albert put the Deer Jerky and hardtack in the saddle bag and put the children on the horse. Jim led the horse as they headed south. As they walked they talked about making the two hundred mile trip. Suzy revealed she thought she was flying about thirty miles an hour when she flew to Claquato and back. Then she gave them her plan. She would fly about ten miles ahead and call Jim. Then he could jump back and get Albert and the kids. Albert would have to get on the horse with the kids for you to jump them, but I think it will work.

It seemed like a good idea and they started doing it. Suzy took flight with her Crow flying next to her. The crow seemed to like flying with Suzy. Then late in the afternoon Suzy reached a cliff side that went down to the Columbia River. She flew down and landed on the bank of the river. Looking up the gorge she knew she was on the west end of the Columbia Gorge. There was a Steamboat going up the river. Suzy read James P. Flint on the side of the boat.

She remembered the last time she stood next to the Columbia River with Njal. He loved it so as did Suzy, Suzy Just looked all around as her Crow walked around at her feet. Suzy couldn’t help but think, What if we get to Fort Vancouver and no one at the Hudson's Bay Company knows anything?

She saw a bald eagle swoop down and pull a fish from the river and whispered, “I wish you were here Njal I could use some help about now.”

Then her Crow flew up and landed on her head. Flashes of the little boy’s home flashed through her head. She saw him Chopping wood with his father. He was much younger and had to use both hands to swing the hatchet, but it was the same boy.

The crow flew to the ground and hopped around, as Suzy called out, “By the power of Njal I command Jim to appear!”

Jim appeared and looked around then blinked out. He returned with Albert sitting on the horse with the two children. The Girl whined, “I have to go.”

Suzy comforted her, “I’ll help you Sweetie.” Then she helped her down, and took her behind some brush washed up by the river. The girl questioned, “Are you going to take me home?”

Suzy replied, “We’re doing our best darling.”

The girl screamed, “No I don’t want to go there. Please don’t take me there.”

 

[gonewacky]

Suzy was shocked even abused children want to go home. She didn’t know what to think so she put the lid back on the beehive. One thing at a time, get the boy home and then deal with this. Suzy comforted her saying, “We’re not bad people. We came here to save you, and we’ll work this out. Then she made a ball of bright flashing colored light and pushed it into the girl.

Back at the river bank Suzy revealed, “I’m glad we came here. You know Albert in our time there is a big Freeway on the other side of the river.”

Jim butted in, “That is a big wide road that you could fit several Wagons side by side on.”

Suzy continued, “They will build dams on the river. I think this is about where the Bonneville Dam will be. It won’t be wild like this. I’m glad I got to see the river when it was wild.”

Jim mumbled, “Me too.”

Suzy went on, “This got me thinking about coming here. We have a spirit guide, but I never thought about using it. We need to use it more. The Crow showed me where the boy lived when he was taken. I’m going to try what Njal showed me. Suzy held out her hand and called, “Bird.”

The Crow flew to her hand and she announced, “Show Jim.”

The Crow flew to Jim’s head and Jim saw the cabin and the boy. Then Jim insisted, “Albert stop time. We don’t want to appear in front of someone watching us.”

Albert commanded, “Truck on.”

The girl next to Suzy froze, as Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Thousands of little flashing stars rained down on them as Jim blinked them out.

Upon appearing in front of the cabin the boy slipped from the horse, and froze. Suzy insisted, “I think he’s home”

Then she walked over and made a ball of bright flashing colored light. Pushing it into him as Albert called out, “Truck off.”

With that the boy ran to the door and flew it open. Then they heard a woman scream, Albert road the horse to the door. The woman came to the door holding the boy tight. Looking at Albert She exclaimed, “Thank you constable. I thought this land was lawless.”

Albert questioned, “Then he’s yours?”

She replied, “Oh yes! I had given up on him. I thought I would never see him again.”

Albert tipped his hat and said, “Mam.” Then Albert road back to Jim, Suzy and the girl. He dismounted and walked with them as the woman watched from the door. After they were a safe distance from the cabin Albert questioned, “Now for the girl.

Suzy held out her hand and called, “Bird.”

The bird came down and landed on her hand. She spoke to the Bird, “Can you show us the girl’s home?”

The Crow flew to Albert’s head. He saw Jack shooting the girl’s father as she fought to break Jack’s hold of her. Then the girl’s mother came from the cabin. Jack gut shot her. Then he dragged the girl to her mother and made her watch him shoot her in the head. Then Albert was standing in the cabin looking at a small baby crying. Then time raced forward as Albert watched the baby die of starvation. There was no home to take the girl to.

Albert let out a loud scream, “You sick son of a bitch!”

Grabbing Jim’s arm Albert demanded, “Jim take me to Claquato I’m hanging Jack. He’s a murderer.”

Jim blinked out to the spot just outside of Claquato. Albert stomped off as Jim went back for the girl and Suzy. After returning Jim mounted the horse and went after Albert. Riding up to Albert and Hawkins talking Jim herd Hawkins say, “We had a trial right after you left. He was found guilty, and I thought if you hang a man for stealing a horse. Then it should be the same for stealing children. The jury agreed and we hung him.

Suzy walked up with the girl as Jim questioned, “What do we do with the girl Albert?”

Hawkins insisted, “I thought we had the right to hang him. I thought this land was lawless.”

Albert assured, “You did the right thang Hawkins, and the land is wild and lawless. We just have to face the fact. That now we have a little girl with no one to take her to.”

Hawkins called the girl over and questioned, “What’s your name child?”

The girl answered, “It was Kathy before Jack made it Cry Baby.”

Hawkins questioned, “Do you think you could carry a water bucket around with a dipper. I would pay you a dollar a week to take water to my Mill workers.”

Kathy just nodded, and Hawkins assured, “I’m sure I can find a family that wonts her.”

Suzy moved over behind Hawkins. Then Hawkins looked at Albert and questioned, “You left this morning and came back at the end of the day. There is no way you took the other two kids home and came back, so tell me what is going on here.”

Albert read Suzy’s lips stop time as she made a ball of bright flashing colored light.. Albert blurted, “Truck on.”

Hawkins froze and the Mill stopped. Suzy made a ball of bright flashing colored light and touched the girl, as she pushed the love into her. Then she put her hand on Hawkins shoulder and pushed love into him, as the crow landed on Hawkins head.

He went into what looked like a trance, as Albert started time. The crow took flight and Hawkins eyes cleared and he exclaimed, “I think it’s time for you to go now.

On their way out of town Jim admitted, “I wish I knew what the crow shoed him.”

Albert revealed, “I don’t care. I’m just glad it worked.”

Then time stopped, and Njal appeared. Holding out his hand he called. Bird.”

The Crow flew and landed on his hand. Njal spoke softly to the bird, “You showed them?”

The Crow squawked a few times, and Njal said, “I understand go on”

The Crow squawked a few more times and Njal said, “You had to show them without them asking?”

The Crow squawked a few more times and Njal said, Job well done faithful servant. Now go to the one you love.”

The Crow flew to Suzy then Njal continued, “You work together well my children. Much time could be saved using the powers I’ve given you, but job well done. Now dream of love,” echoed in the air as they all faded away.

 

[gonewacky]

The History of the town in the story

Claquato was located in Lewis County Washington. Claquato was founded in the 1850's by Hawkins Davis and became a prosperous lumber town with a mill. The first Lewis County Courthouse was located in Claquato and completed in 1862. The town flourished under the leadership of Davis until he was killed in a mill accident in 1864.

In 1874 the railroad came and like many towns Claquato was bypassed, which lead to the eventual demise of the town. Claquato was officially removed from the County records in 1902.

 

[gonewacky]

Chapter Five

After Jim, Albert, and Suzy left Hawkins had Kathy bathe and gave her one of his old shirts. With her small body it worked as a dress coming down to her knees. After the horrible smell was gone from her body Hawkins sat her down for a talk. He explained that he couldn’t keep her in his home. That the Mill was way too demanding, and he didn’t have time to raise a child. He explained that if he kept her in his home no family would step up to take her.

The next day Hawkins had a shed behind the office emptied out. Then he turned it into a room for Kathy. He gave her the water bucket and dipper, and walked her around the Mill.

Kathy worked at the Mill caring her water bucket for the men. They all loved her and enjoyed her daily rounds bringing water. She was the Princess of the Mill, and everyone loved her. The men would do anything for her, but none of them would give her a home. She was left sleeping in the shad at the Mill, and eating with the men. They always save the seat closest to the cook stove for her when it was cold.

Hawkins always ate with the men. Most times he would set next to or across from Kathy. One day at supper Kathy asked Hawkins how much shoes cost, and wondered if she had made enough to get some. She explained her feet were hurting every night. Hawkins jumped up from the table. Took Kathy’s arm and pulled her through the town to the Mercantile. He talked to her on the way telling her she should have told him when her feet first started hurting. He wanted her to understand that she could tell him anything. Then he got her shoes and two pairs of socks.

Everyone saw Kathy as Hawkins little girl, and this might have been her downfall. Days went by then weeks, but no one wanted to give her a home. Hawkins loved the girl, but he too could not take her. His life was too unpredictable to take on a child. He did teach her to read and wright at night in the winter when the days were short. He got her a little stove from Olympia on one of his trips for supplies. He made sure the men kept wood scraps stacked next to the shed, but had no luck finding her a home.

The only mother figure she knew was Suzy. In that short time she was with her somethings stuck in her head. She wore pants and everyone gave her respect like a man. When the day came that her shirt she used as a dress got caught on a log. She was pulled down to the ground, and being dragged by a team of horses. The log started to roll on her as the man pulled the team to a stop. She was trapped with her dress under the log.

Some men ran to her rolling the log off her dress. Kathy got up and took her water bucket. Then she stomped off to her cabin. She retrieved a dollar from her hiding place. Then she went straight to the Mercantile, and purchased pants and a shirt.

The months turned in to years, and Kathy was still living in the shed at the Mill after five years. When Kathy was 13 Oregon became the 33rd state of the United States on February 14, 1859. Hawkins took Kathy to Oregon City for the celebration. They took Hawkins buggy and horse to Fort Vancouver. It took them all day to get to the fort. Hawkins bordered his horse and buggy at the livery, and got tickets for the Steam ship Belle costing him $2 each way on Belle.

Hawkins got Kathy a dress and insisted that she ware it. Then they took the Steamboat to Oregon City. On the way Kathy saw covered Wagons everywhere.

The flood of people coming on the Oregon Trail could be seen all over. The Steamboat Belle stopped in Portland, and Kathy had never seen so many people, as they crowded on and off the boat. Wagons full of goods were loaded on and off the boat, and the city went as far as the eye could see into the hills behind the city.

Then it was up the Willamette River to the falls 26 miles upstream from the Columbia River. She saw the 42-foot-high and 1,500-foot-wide falls on the river. It was the most wonderful thing that ever happened in her life. The thoughts of working for Jack were still stuck in her head and the law man that saved her.

After their trip things went back to normal until that dreaded day. Kathy was now 15 and the men were looking at her differently. One day Hawkins was walking through the Mill, When he saw one of his men taking a drink slip his hand down to Kathy’s buttocks. Kathy swung the water bucket as hard as she could, and hit the man in the head knocking him down. A group of men laughed as Hawkins called out, “Kathy would you come to the Office.”

Realizing Kathy was becoming a woman. Hawkins knew she could no longer be the water girl. It was a distraction to the men, and dangerous. He told Kathy he was promoting her to sales, and she would work in the Office with him. He explained he was hiring a water boy to take her place.

Then Hawkins worked teaching her math and how to do work orders. By the end of the year Kathy was running the office. Her dressing like a man and demanding ways gained her much respect. With Hawkins acting like a farther no worker questioned her. The Mill foremen Alfred followed Kathy’s every order. He saw her commands as if it was Hawkins himself.

A few years went by and Kathy was still living in the shed. Hawkins came in one day and told her he was going to build a home for her. Kathy rejected the idea, and refused to move to it. It was the very next day there was a commotion at the Mill. Everyone was confused on what to do.

Kathy went to see what was going on, and was grabbed by two men. They dragged her back to the office. Convincing her she didn’t need to see Hawkins that way. That he was gone.

Kathy’s world had come apart. This was the only life she knew, and all the feeling from her childhood came flooding back. She needed the lady that showed her so much love when the lawmen saved her. She locked herself in the shed.

After three days Alfred pounded on the door and Kathy yelled, “Go away.”

Alfred talked through the door, “You have to come out so the men will go back to work. I can run the Mill, but I need you standing next to me to do it. The men see you as the boss now.”

The door opened a crack and Kathy insisted, “I can’t do it.”

Alfred insisted, “I can run the Mill. I just need you to stand next to me and agree on what I tell them. I remember that scared little girl the first day you came to work here. I just need you to be strong like that again.”

Kathy stepped from the shad, “I think we should go to the Bank to see if we can pay them first.”

Kathy and Alfred went to the Bank and talked to Mr. Parker. The Banker disclosed if the Mill shuts down the town dies, and the bank with it. “It looks as if I have no chose but to put you down on the account as Hawkins daughter. For the first year we should do the payroll from the Bank. Bring the pay ledger book over, and will pay them one at a time. We’ll just do that together.”

Then Mr. Parker questioned, “How much was Hawkins paying you Kathy?”

Kathy replied, “He paid me a Dollar a week for the last ten years.”

Mr. Parker commented, “Oh I see what is going on. That’s your spending money. He puts your pay to your account. Do you want me to just keep putting the $5 in your account every week?”

Stunned Kathy replied, “Sure just keep it that way.”

After the bank Alfred gathered the men and gave a long speech about how the Mill was the heart of the town, and without it none of them would make it. That the town would die, the Mercantile would close, and the Bank would shut down.”

Kathy added, “Just give your best like before and we’ll be fine.”

Then she went and took her placed in the Office and wept. She had saved every dollar Hawkins had ever given her. She only used them to buy boots and clothing. She had about three thousand saved up. Not counting what might be in the bank.

Over the years other Mills opened up and down the corridor to the east. The closest town Chehalis ten miles away was in the corridor. This made the out of town sales slow. After eight years the Mill was struggling, and Kathy didn’t know what to do.

She had to start letting men go, and by 1874 the Mill closed. With about five thousand saved up by never paying for anything, but boots and clothing. She now had no cook to cook for her, and the Mill wasn’t buying the food and supplies anymore. Now was the time to start her journey.

Knowing she had always wanted to find the lawman that saved her. She made a box and put her blanket in it, most all of her money, and what few clothes she had, and the dress hanging on her wall. The dress didn’t fit her anymore, but Hawkins had got it for her when they went to Oregon. Then she nailed the top on the box closed.

 

[gonewacky]

Now that she was packed she went to the Mercantile, and got a peacemaker, holster, a bag, and two boxes of bullets. If the pants lady used a gun then so should she.

She went to the back of the Mill and loaded the gun. Then putting a tin can on a log she shot at it, and missed, and missed, and missed until the gun was empty. Then she loaded it again and started over. After shooting one box of the bullets she had hit the tin can twice. Loading the gun and putting bullets in the loops on the gun belt. She put the rest of the bullets in her bag.

The next day she hired a man with a wagon to take her to Chehalis 10 miles away. She showed him her box she was taking. The man tried to lift it and complained. “Lady this has to weigh 200 pounds. There is no way I’m getting this in the wagon by myself.”

He went out to the street and waved down two men on a wagon. They came and helped load the box. One man complained, “This damn thing must be full of bolts.”

Kathy never said a word and gave the men a dollar for helping. In Chehalis some Wells Fargo men help to unload the box. When the Stage came the two men insisted the driver get down and help load the box. The driver insisted, “Damn that’s got to be full of rocks. It’s the heaviest thing I’ve ever hulled. Kathy smiled and whispered, “Thank you.” and handed the driver a silver dollar.

Taking her hand he helped her on the coach. Taking a seat Kathy put her bag on her lap. A man was sitting across from her and asked where she was going. Kathy revealed she was heading east at the Columbia River. He told her he was going to Portland.

Late that evening the Stage arrived at Fort Vancouver. The driver went into the Wells Fargo office for help. They came out with a big two wheeled cart. The driver warned about loading it, and one man hurt his back. They whined about the weight of the box, but got it on the cart.

Kathy inquired about a steamboat ticket. Then found she had to get three tickets. The first boat only went to the cascade rapids. Then she had to travel up river passed the rapids to catch the next boat that went to Celilo Falls. There she would have to do the same thing. Off load and take a land road up river to the next boat. He explained that there would be wagons for hulling cargo to the next boat, but she would have to pay them separate from her ticket. Unless she shipped the box as cargo and paid that rate.”

This was much more complicated than Kathy had thought. She thought it would be like when she went with Hawkins. Get on the boat and get off when she got there. She was naive about the world, all she knew was the little town she lived in and the one trip with Hawkins.

She questioned, “I’m looking for a lawman that’s about three times as far as the Mountains with the white tops. Do you know what is over there?”

The man replied, “I think that would be Fort Boise.”

Kathy insisted, “Then that’s where I want to go.”

Kathy sat with her box at the ticket office waiting for it to open. The next morning at six it opened. She got a ticket and they sent a man to push her kart on the steamboat. A ships mate tried to unload the box but he couldn’t even lift one end.

The man asked, “What’s in that box”

Kathy replied, “All my hopes and dreams.”

The ships mate assured he would return the cart on the return trip, and parked the box by the rail.

What Kathy didn’t know was she was suffering from Transference. In modern times the syndrome was well known as rescuer syndrome, or the Nightingale effect. It’s perfectly reasonable for a person to form emotional attachments to those who have helped them.

With Kathy’s years of wanting more it was driving her to do whatever it took. The love that Suzy put in her twenty years ago burned to this very day. No man could give her that love, and like a heroin addict Kathy was looking for a fix. She thought if she could find the lawman she could get that feeling again. She didn’t understand that love is like a drug. Love affects the same brain reward circuits, which are responsible for addiction. If you’ve tasted it once, you’ll want more and actively search for it. This was what was driving her to find the lawman. It was all about love.

Then the passengers all rushed to her side of the boat. They gathered at the rail to see the waterfall. One passenger told her that the waterfall was formed after a young woman sacrificed herself to the Great Spirit. She did it to save the Multnomah Indian village from a plague. She jumped from the cliff, and the Multnomah peoples were saved. Her father, the Chief, prayed to the Great Spirit to show a sign that his daughter had been welcomed in the afterlife. At once, the water began to fall, and Multnomah Falls were formed. The Chief took this as a sign from the Great Spirit.

Kathy looked in amazement as the waterfall came into view. She enjoyed the beauty that pleased her aesthetic senses, especially the sight. The falls disappeared into the mountainside as the boat steamed up the river.

After some time a ships mate that came to help Kathy told her the History of the Cascade Rapids.

There was a land bridge here that fell into the river making the Rapids. Tribal lore associates this series of events with the creation of the Cascade Range volcanoes. As the Klickitat tribe tells it, the Great Spirit had two warring sons, Pahto to the north of the river and Wy’east to the south. The Bridge of the Gods was created as a way for the family to meet, but the brothers fought over a beautiful woman named Loowit. Their anger shook the earth with fire. Then the bridge fell into the river.

Loowit could not choose between the brothers, and some say she perished in the fighting. For punishment, the Great Spirit turned his sons into mountains Pahto into Mount Adams and Wy’east into Mount Hood, and Loowit became beautiful Mount St. Helens.

When the steamboat docked the ships mate explained. That all the wagons lined up were for carrying the cargo to the next steamboat at the top of the rapids. He assured Kath he would find a wagon to hall her box.

When he returned he revealed he had found a wagon to hall her box to the next boat. The driver requested two dollars and you could ride up front with him.

Kathy watched from the rail as the passengers flooded off the boat, and men loaded the wagons. Her hart pounded as the wind blew her hair and the smell of fall filled the air.

One wagon pulled off to the side, and two men came to the boat. The ships mate pushed the cart to the gangplank. Kathy followed as the men took her box to the Wagon. One man tried to lift it and called out, “Oh hell what’s in this?”

Kathy insisted, “All my hopes and dreams.”

The three struggled and got the box on the back of the wagon. The ships mate took the cart back to the ship, and the driver helped Kathy up on the wagon. The man sat next to Kathy and she pulled two silver dollars from her bag. Taking the money the driver questioned, “You want me to set the box next to the rail like it was on the other boat?”

Kathy replied, “That would be nice.”

On the next boat the wagon driver talked to one of the ships mates, and explained about the box. The ships mate came to Kathy and questioned. “Would you like me to get you a sandwich and something to drink?”

Kathy questioned, “How much is that?”

The ships mate replied, “15¢ for the sandwich and 5¢ for the drink.”

Kathy pulled a silver dollar from her bag and paid the man. He returned as the boat pulled from the dock. Kathy set the drink in the bottle on the box next to her. She had never had a drink in a bottle before. She had seen some of the men at the Mill drink them, but she had never wasted her money on such things. Tasting it she found it was sweet like jam, but different. She wasn’t sure what to think about the drink, but it was wet and the sandwich was dry.

 

[gonewacky]

Kathy sat on her box and watched over the rail, as the thick fir-trees turned to scattered pine trees. The land turned to brown grass with big rocks.

Then the roar of the falls echoed off the bluffs and canyons soaring from the Columbia River’s restless, treacherous banks. They must have been over a mile from the falls, but Kathy knew it was the powerful wild river. It was as if it was saying stay away. Kathy felt a little fear as the falls came into sight, but knew she was safe on the boat.

It seemed like no time and the boat was docking at the falls. The sound of water upon the rocks was loud, as the ships mate who had got the sandwich returned. He explained that he would do the same as was done before, and find a wagon to take her box to the next boat. Then that’s how it went.

By night fall she was docking at The Dalles. She knew she had to take a stage from The Dalles to Fort Boise. Looking from the boat there were hundreds of wagons everywhere. The Dalles was a landing point on the Oregon Trail, and it was fall witch was the busiest time for travelers.

Kathy watched as the passengers filed off the boat, and the cargo was unloaded. A ships mate came to her and informed, “Mam the boat goes back from here. The next boat is up river past The Dalles Rapids.”

Kathy replied, “I need to hire a wagon to take my box to the stage line.”

He replied, “I’ll go see if I can find one for you.”

He went down the gangplank and talked to the wagon drivers. Soon he returned with a driver. He looked at Kathy and insisted, “I get two dollars and fifty cents for a load across town, but sense it’s just one box I’ll do it for two dollars and you can ride up front with me.”

Kathy agreed and the man tried to pick up the box. The ships mate tried to help the man and said, “I’ll get a cart.”

Then he went down to the dock and got a cart. Then helped the driver load the box. On the wagon Kathy gave the man two silver dollars and the two quarters from her lunch change.

The man insisted, “For someone looking so demanding you’re very kind.”

The Wells Fargo office was at the edge of town. There was a big building and a barn with a corral and horses. The sign over the building read “Wells Fargo Stage and Freight Lines.”

The wagon driver talked to the Station Master Morris. Then Morris yelled, “Ike, Peat, get out here.”

The two men came out and Morris explained about the box, and they were putting it in with the Freight office. Then Morris helped Kathy down from the wagon. He took her over the loading dock porch and inside. Inside where two dining tables with four chairs each, and a cook stove. Past the stove was an open doorway.

Morris sat Kathy at a table, and sat across from her. Then he questioned, “I hear you want a ticket to Fort Boise.”

Kathy replied, “Yes I’m looking for a lawman over there.”

Morris informed, “The ticket for passage is six dollars, and I’ll have to charge you a dollar for the freight of the box. The eastbound stage leaves the day after tomorrow. There are bunks in the back for passengers, so if you buy your ticket now it would make you a passenger. Then you could help yourself to the pot of beans on the stove, and the bread in the box next to it.

The beans are what they are. Sometimes there hot, sometimes there cold, and sometimes there warm, but they keep your bellyful.

In the morning I’ll make biscuits and gravy, and add beans to the pot. That’s about it. Are you getting a ticket?”

Kathy put her head down as she dug around in her bag. Retrieving a ten dollar bill from her bank account money, she slipped it across the table.

Morris took the bill and insisted he’d be right back. He went next door to the Freight Office. Then he returned handing Kathy her ticket and a claim check for her box. Then he handed her the change.

Kathy put the ticket, claim check and change in her bag. Then went right to the stove, took a bowl from the shelf, and filled it with beans. After she set the bowl on the table, she cut a slice of bread and got a spoon. The beans reminded her of the ones Gus would make at the Mill. Thoughts of the Mill went through her head, and a tear slipped down her cheek.

After eating Kathy went through the open doorway and saw there were bunks on both sides of the room. She picked one and laid on the bottom bunk. Putting her bag under her head she fell fast asleep, and dreamed about Albert. She was behind him holding her arms around him. Kathy felt safe with him, and she wanted that again. In her dream she saw a man tying two men up then saw him point a gun at another man.

Then she awoke to the smell of biscuits. Slipping on her boots Kathy went out to a table. Morris questioned, “One or two?”

Kathy replied, “I’ll start with one and see how that goes.”

Morris smiled as he made up a plate for Kathy. Then Ike and Peat came in. Ike teased, “You aren’t done yet? I guy could starve to death waiting for food around here.”

Morris made up heaping plates for Ike and Peat as he informed, “You got the southbound coming in this morning on a turn around. No passengers on the return, but there is freight for a weigh station going south.”

Kathy finished eating and went out to the front, and sat on the bench. She watched the city come to life. She had never seen anything like what was happening. Just before noon a wagon train came into town. Kathy counted the wagons and came up with seventy one.

Morris came out and exclaimed, “Looks like another wagon train taking the Barlow Road to Oregon City. 170 miles of hell is what that road is. That train must have started with over 100 wagons I’d bet. It most likely left Independence Missouri in April or May to be here by September. Just be glad you’re not traveling that way.”

Kathy replied, “I notice most of them were walking. Even the wagon drivers were walking the lead animal.”

Morris replied, “I’m sure most of them walked the entire two thousand miles to get here. They’ll group up out of the other end of town for a few days. The Wagon Master might wait for a guide to take them through the Barlow Road. The wagons have been less now that the Rail Road goes all the way to San Francisco.”

Morris went back inside, and Kathy watched the city slow down. Then Kathy had some beans and went to bed. She took off her boots, and slept in her close with her gun on her side and her bag under her head.

The next morning Kathy heard Morris call out, “Time to get up. The stage is here.”

Kathy put on her boots and got her bag. Then she found a plate of biscuits and gravy waiting for her. Another man was eating at the other table and Morris informed, “This is Sieg Rickhardt, he’ll be your driver.”

Then another man came in and Morris announced, “That’s Herman he’s a company man and taking the stage to a Weigh Station.”

Morris set a plate in front of Herman as Herman informed, “I’m going to the La Grand Weigh Station this time, and I’ll ride up top with Sieg,”

Morris announced, “Then I guess our princess gets the coach all by herself.”

After they had eaten Ike and Peat showed up to load the stagecoach. Ike brought out Kathy’s box on a hand truck, and insisted it would take all of them to get it on the coach. They all fought with the box, but got it up on top. Herman insisted it had hammers and an anvil in it.

Sieg helped Kathy on the coach and they were off. The ride was long and they kept stopping to get mail and drop off mail, and get new horses. They stopped at Cecil then Echo, and Pendleton. After that it was Mracham then the La Grand Weigh Station. That’s where Herman got off the stage. Then at Baker City they got six horses instead of just four. Sieg told Kathy they were going over the Blue Mountains and needed more horses.

There next stop was Huntington Weigh Station at the top of the pass. Sieg told Kathy they would stay the night there. They were going up the last hill and Sieg had got out and walked the horses up the hill. Kathy didn’t feel right. It was like something was wrong. It was getting dark, and an eerie feeling came over Kathy.