Safari - 02 (28 page)

For nothing.

The old sedan bumped and jumped through the sea of wheat, and he watched it slow to a stop. Two children jumped out and ran toward him. The car continued toward the little community that was emerging here, nestled amongst a wheat field, a corn field, and an apple orchard. Gus had always wondered and worried about what he would do when his stores of food ran out and whether he could grow his own. The group had already addressed that very problem. For the last two years, they had been at the southwestern tip of the valley, far and away from Gus’s mountain, and at the end of a dirt road not easily seen from the highway.

In the world that remained, Gus figured the area was pretty much paradise. Pretty much. That thought stayed with him for a moment, as fresh as the valley air he breathed.

As they got closer, the children called his name, telling him to come to supper.

Gus turned in their direction, smiling faintly as he was conscious of his missing teeth, and held out his once-scorched hand. Steady as a rock. The longing for a drink, just a sip, didn’t bother him anymore. Maybe the people had helped that, but he believed being in an area where there was no alcohol probably helped. Having two broken arms probably had something to do with it as well.

He stood up from the lookout chair where someone kept watch for straggling deadheads most of the day and night. Taking one last look around at the goodness surrounding him, he adjusted the aluminum bat slung across his back. The weapon hung in a new leather sheath Adam had made. Yet another gift he didn’t think he deserved. Gus stretched until his back cracked and walked toward the yelling, giggling children bearing down on him, making paths in the field.

The two came to either side of him and took his hands. Their happy faces ignited his smile.

The sun in their eyes, Gus and the children made their way through a meadow that shined and swayed ever so gently and wondered aloud at what might be for supper.

Afterthoughts

You’re probably wondering where Scott is, right? Well, don’t worry. I didn’t forget. I’m working on Scott’s hunt for Tenner in
Halifax
right now, and it should be ready by late summer, barring any major problems.

Check my site for details and updates on the third book around that time.

Enjoy the story? Try these other titles by Keith C Blackmore:

Horror

Mountain Man

The Missing Boatman

Cauldron Gristle
(novella—contains a “Mountain Man” short story)

Heroic Fantasy

The Troll Hunter

131 Days
(novella)

White Sands, Red Steel

Science Fiction, Fantasy

The Bear That Fell From The Stars

And please support Indie authors! If you enjoyed this story and have the time and inclination, please leave a review. It’s good advertising for me. :)

Visit
www.keithcblackmore.com
for news and announcements.