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Post by thundertail on Feb 13, 2011 7:30:02 GMT -5
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FIFTEEN:
“HOMESTEADING AT BAZ TURNS INTO MY HOMECOMING!”
---------------------------------------------------- Of course Simon and Clubber were not dummies, and seemed to know all along of my desires about staying here in Baz before I even told them so; and they naturally knew that after I told them, we all would soon part company. Simon replied soon after I told them that I shouldn’t worry about good byes right now, for he promised me they would stay in town for a few days to make sure I would do all right here; and only until then would they leave, he telling me that they had to report back to the Matriarch on the success of their task. He said that the first thing to be done was to find accommodations for me for the time being, and rooms and stables for he and Clubber for a few days; so after we located a place for Clubber (A dinosaur paddock down the street from where we were going to stay with nice comfy hay, he told us later.), both of us checked into Baz’s only hotel. Inside the Baz Hotel we met it’s owner at the front desk, an older but cheery lady by the name of Ellie Hunt; and her helper and friend Susan the Dromeosaur waited to take our things up to our rooms, and as soon as Ellie decided on which rooms we should have, Cleo and Agnes (Two human girls that also worked there and seeming to be teenagers by their looks.) led Simon and I in that order up to them. Before this Ellie Hunt told us that they were her best rooms, but I (Thinking of the cost!) told her that her best rooms were not for humble travelers like us as we weren’t so special; but she tisked and laughed as she said that ALL of her rooms were first-class, and winkingly divulged that she never charges all that much for them anyway! Once in our rooms (Mine had a large feather bed and room for a desk and tiny lounge; small washroom and a tiny stove to cook on if I wished. The rooms were decorated with a women’s touch, nice drapes and paintings and other vanity items; but there seemed to be a masculine air to the place as well, like the room was decorated with both genders in mind. Simon told me later that his room was set up the same way.), we set out our things the way we wanted them, and then we met outside our doors and headed back down to the lobby; where Ellie and Susan met us there, the former going through papers and the latter was polishing the brass fixtures. Ellie asked us what business we had in Baz, and Simon told her that he had no real business there save for escorting me; and that I had definite business here, for I wished to stay in Baz and start a new life here. She said that it was a good town, and I would like the people here; and then she asked if I had any profession to offer possible employers, and I told her that I wanted to establish a shipping company in this town eventually, but first I needed a way to earn my keep and a permanent place to live in the mean time. Ellie told me that this seemed like the wisest course of action when starting out in any town, and Susan nodded from where she was working as Ellie said that first one had to establish oneself; perhaps find a house, or in my case to find a farmstead with a barn or other buildings that could be renovated into a shipping company, she suggested. Susan then stopped her polishing to say that she knew of no such place in town, but the land assayer’s office in the Town Hall might have records on such things; and her directions there were accurate to a tee when we eventually went there, and soon bid them both a cordial good-day (Simon saying it in his quaint Australian accent!) and stepped out into the street. After we went past the large fruit stand on the main street of Baz (The owner greeting us as we passed, and named Frank Stratton, and his business partner being Clem the Ankylosaur.) and dodging past the streetlight lighters (A Bracheosaur named Thoth and his human friend riding his enormous neck named Toby Hertz, who waved at us from his high perch.), we made it to the rustic looking building that housed the Town Hall; and going up the wooden steps that led into the building, we were met at the reception desk by a man named Lewis Taylor, whom claimed to be the Mayor of Baz. I began telling him we were new in town, but before I could finish the sentence he rose and bowed in recognition of Sir Simon; and asked to what did he owe for the pleasure of his presence in town, and Simon said it was all on my account! Lewis Taylor turned to shake my hand and said it was an honor to meet me, and then asked of the business I had in town; of which I told him I was a Dolphinback, and that I was looking for a place to begin my new life. I said that Simon was appointed by the Matriarch to guide me along the way, and he told me that there were many forms of opportunity here in Baz and asked what profession I sought; of which I told him my wishes to establish a shipping company here one day, and was looking for a location to start one up. I then said that I had heard that the town assayer’s office might have records on properties that might suit these needs, but his brow knitted as he said that he did not know of one off the top of his head; then turned toward one of the open doors off the reception area and called out, and a pig-like Protoceratops waddled out to see what was the matter (She had twin baskets at her midsection with lots of papers and scrolls in them.), and Mayor Taylor told Cara of my situation. After listening to my situation and completely ignoring it for the moment, Cara groused that she needed help filing all these records; but he shushed her and rolled his eyes, embarrassedly saying she was like this all the time. Lewis Taylor told her to belay that and told her to see if there were any open properties suitable for my shipping company; and thinking a bit she galloped back into the record room she was in, coming back many moments later with a ledger in her mouth. Then after she placed the book on his desk, she told him that HE could put the records away all by himself; and he rolled his eyes again and opened the tome, began pouring through the pages and stopping occasionally at certain places. When done he looked up and smiled at me, and said that there were only three places that might suit my needs; one being a swath of swampy land right next to the Town Mill, where many have built their businesses there, and that it was right at the edge of town. Another place was a small warehouse next door to the Kotch Bakery near the fruit stand, a communal warehouse that many of the businesses used but they didn’t own it; and then there was the old Fergusson place, a farm on the other side of town where the owners have been missing for decades and their land title was put in escrow. Simon asked for directions to each of the places, and the Mayor of Baz wrote them down instead; and after that I had to feed their curiosity about the Outside World for the next twenty minutes before they would let us go, then said our good-day’s and headed back out into the street. The first place we went was the warehouse next to the bakery, but the door was locked and we went to the bakery to see if they had the key; and Emily Kotch the owner of the bakery said that she did, for she said that she used the space to store flour sacks and other baking supplies as her own store room was sometimes too small. She returned with the keys many moments later, and tisked as she unlocked the door and saw all the sacks in there that were hers that had gotten spoiled (There were lots of other things in there, but they looked like they belonged to other businesses.); and called for Samuel her Dromeosaur pastry chef to help remove them, and then we went inside to inspect the space. The so called warehouse was just a tiny room not much bigger than my hotel suite, and looked like it couldn’t hold more than a cart load of cargo at a time; and it had no space for pullers nor their drivers, and it had no doors wide enough to take in a cart, full or not! I left the space disgusted, then apologized to Emily for taking so much of her valuable time; then shook her hand as both Simon and I left the area, leaving Samuel and Emily all alone to remove the spoiled flour sacks all by themselves! Simon and I made it back to the center of Baz and asked directions to the road the Town Mill was on, where the Mayor had said the vacant parcel of land was located near; and those we asked told us that it was bottom land where many had built businesses in, but for some reason they had abandoned their enterprises. When Simon, Clubber and I got there, we quickly found out why; for the entire area seemed to be a shallow swamp, boggy ground with sick looking Cyprus trees growing amid marsh foliage for as far into the mess as we cared to look. There was ample evidence that people had tried To construct buildings there, planking and rotted pilings strung out into the watery ground; and staked out property lines denoted where one person tried to erect yet another mill (Thus we guessed as we spotted a moss covered waterwheel that lay on it’s side half in and half out of the slimy water to our right.); and all these construction attempts looked like they had been abandoned many years ago, which was a testament to me of how futile it would be to try to build my shipping company here. Simon suggested that we started to head back into town, and I agreed as I saw the sun begin it’s long descent to the west; so we hopped aboard Clubber for the ride back, shaking our heads at how useless the information the Mayor had given us was! After we housed Clubber at the stables, Simon told me that he and his friend back there had a little errand to do tomorrow; and that I should go to the Fergusson Place by myself tomorrow, and we would meet back at the Baz Hotel when we were all done with our tasks. That sounded like a good plan to me, so I agreed to it; then we presently went up to our rooms for the night, me up worrying the whole night as it was my first time doing something on my own since coming back from Canyon City. Never the less, I had to do well here like I made everyone think I could; and eventually resolved to do my best in any case, and thusly I vowed to myself as sleep finally took over my body. In the morning I got ready with fresh clothing and went down to Morningmeal with Simon, Ellie Hunt and the rest of the hotel staff plus a few of the other hotel guests, (Around here they serve meals family-style, and everyone in the place was considered one big family!) and after that we rose to leave one by one; but I paused and asked Ellie for directions to the old Fergusson Place, and she was more than happy to give me her cheery directions there. I was to go through town to almost to the road to the Town Mill, and then take a left on Rosepetal Lane for about one mile; the Fergusson farm was number four Rosepetal lane, and there were four other farms on that road that made up a communal agricultural compact (The names of the owners of the other farms I would learn later, she assured me!). I turned to leave after thanking her, and Simon approached me to shake my hand good luck; and set out walking, all the way there following Ellie’s directions to the drive of the place, not knowing by the fences that lined the road what I was going to find at the end of the trip. As the cover of trees parted I saw the peak of the barn when I crested a rise in the path, and I saw that the lane went right up to it as I entered the barnyard; but by the decay in paint and it’s general state I knew that it hadn’t seen repair in quite a long time, for many windows were broken or cracked and boards were missing from the outer walls and doors stood barely mounted in their frames and askew. I pivoted right and saw the abandoned farmhouse set back against a small stand of trees, style a cross between Victorian and Rustic with several styles I had not seen before - and in need of just as much repair as the barn; but I went to inspect the barn first as it would be where my shipping company would originate from, and wrested a side door open to gain access to the musty, dusty place. It was day time and there was no need for a lantern as sunshine filtered through the windows high above and through wide gaps in the wall planks radiating down in dusty streamers, and I passed by an array of rusty farming implements as I walked carefully on the tipsy floor planks to the central space of the barn; which was sparsely supplied with old cart rigging and oil lanterns and wagon parts, around this perimeter lay stalls not used for years with gates frozen in various states of opening or closing, and ropes hung from rafters high above with pulleys and blocks and tackles, and higher above still were lofts and ladders along the supports. I was about to explore further, but the triple metal prongs I suddenly felt at my backside made me change my mind in a heartbeat; and when I turned at the sound of a voice (‘Hands in the air!’), I saw a small skinny and ancient man scowling meanly at me holding the implement in question directly at my face! Now please bear in mind that I was not afraid of the frail old man, nor of the pitchfork he wielded (Even though the rusty implement could give one a nasty case of Tetanus!); but the fact remained that I was trespassing, and it was I that was in the wrong! I gulped and smiled as I lifted my hands as instructed, then apologized for the intrusion and told him that I was new in Baz and I was seeking a place to make myself a home; but instead of acknowledging the information, he demanded who I was and who sent me here. I told him my name and the fact that the Mayor of Baz told me this was abandoned property, and I could claim it if I so desired it; but the man cackled and called Lewis Taylor a fool, saying that he was a no-account procrastinator, and if one is out of his sight long enough, he is also out of his mind! He then lowered the pitchfork (Using it as a cane as he walked,) and said that his name was Emil Fergusson, and that it wasn’t my fault that I acted on misinformation, and for that I was forgiven; then waved for me to follow him out of the barn, replacing the pitchfork for his cane that he left beside the door. He led me across the farmyard and to the house beyond, telling me that the reason why they hadn’t been in town all this time was that his wife Emma had this withering disease; and he had been too busy taking care of her to go into town, much less visit too many people. We ascended the wooden steps of the porch (Which sagged slightly with our weight!), me assisting the old man up them before taking them myself; and as the front door creaked open I saw that their house was just full of all their memories, just like all houses I’ve visited whose occupants have lived there a lifetime have theirs set up. The stairway to the right wrapped completely around the main foyer I found myself in, whose walls were adorned with pictures and paintings both of the scenic subjects and portraits of their family and friends (I assumed.); and dusty but ornate side tables with nick-knacks and other such things on them and Chippendale-style chairs lined the walls at intervals, and a large woven area rug framed the floor of this space with an oriental runner leading away down a short hall under the far landing of the stairway could I see. Dark molded wood and banisters were everywhere, which punctuated lighter paneling and painted plaster of the walls; and from this I knew I was in no ordinary house, for it was no doubt a mansion (Even though it could stand with a dusting and a cleaning, I observed! But I knew not to mention this as they were old and probably could not keep up with the chores.), containing many rooms filled with the treasures this old couple had acquired over the many years they were together! My thoughts were broken as Emil Fergusson called out his wife’s name as soon as the door shut, and when no answer came right away; he halted me with a palm and winked that I should stay in the foyer a moment, then shuffled through a door to our left in search of her. I waited there for a few moments but soon my innate curiosity took over, and I found myself gazing into the room to the right of the foyer because the door was open; and what met my eyes seemed to be a sitting room of sorts, where many chairs sat in strategic places for conversation both intimate and more public, and punctuated by side tables and other furniture. Along the wall to the front of the house set two large windows that let in a lot of light and was framed with maroon and tan tiger-striped window curtains and bunting, and most of the other walls contained paintings and shelves with still more trinkets on them amid brass sconces along the darker paneled and plaster painted a different hue walls; and what lay in the center of the far wall of the room was an enormous fireplace still crackling with fire with a massive slate mantle atop it, and atop the mantle-piece sat many other interesting things that drew my feet into the room for closer inspection. Along with the usual figurines and other nick-knacks, there were many other special pieces that appeared to me to be trophies of some sort; some were awarded to Emma Mertz and others were awarded to Emil Fergusson, she before she was married to Emil had won many events as a Ring Rider at the Dinosaur Olympics (2 third place trophies, 5 second place trophies and 1 first place trophy!), and Emil had won four trick-riding medals in Skybax acrobatics. I examined them further in wonder until the fire at my feet began to crackle, which drew me out of my wonder and made me remember my place; so I placed another log on the fire from the wood rack next to the hearth, and scooted back to the foyer as the fire crackled back to life. I entered the foyer just in time as I saw the opposite door open and Emil was leading a portly and slightly taller old lady through it, she shuffling and wheezing at nearly every one of her steps; he asking in near whispers if she was all right while she was grousing that he worried too much, just as I had taken approximately the same spot I had when Emil had left the room. As they at last turned their attention to me, I introduced myself to them both and added that they had a wonderful home; then Emil introduced Emma to me and said the mayor gave their house to me because he thought they were dead! Emma touted Emil and said the Mayor was a very busy person, and such things could have slipped his mind; then she asked me if I had eaten Midmeal yet, of which I replied by admitting I had only had my breakfast. She then offered to make me some, but I asked if she should in her condition; but she chucklingly told me that I worry too much like Emil does, and said that on most days she’s right as rain while others she’s sick in bed. Emma then beckoned with a finger and told me to follow them, and we made our way through the house; through the room they had emerged from and down a short hallway, at last arriving in an old fashioned and rustic kitchen. There was the good smells of their gruel cooking, and Emil explained that they were just about to eat when they heard noises outside in the barn; and he said he had been having problems with trespassing children of late, and he smiled when he said that was why he was so rough on me with that pitchfork! I apologized once again for trespassing, and both he and Emma agreed that at least I was a courteous trespasser; and we all had a little chuckle over that while Emma scooped out bowls of the gruel for all three of us, Emil directing me to one of the simple kitchen chairs arranged around the even simpler kitchen table as I sat - the simple food seemed to taste better as I was hungrier than I thought! Many moments later Emma told me that they were once famous people, for they both were stars of the Dinosaur Olympics and performed with traveling circuses before that; but she said the circuses disbanded, and they grew too old to compete in the Olympics any more. Emil said that they had many friends and fans over the years, and these people had embellished them both with gifts both big and small and pitched in to give them this property; and he was not qualified to judge whether or not they deserved all this as they were humble folk underneath it all, but he said that it would have been downright rude to refuse the generosity of their benefactors - and that meant they were stuck with all this stuff! Soon the conversation turned back to me and my current situation, and I told them for Emma’s sake about it (Including the fact that I was a Dolphinback.) and that I wished to make a new start of things in Baz; and also of my plans to one day start up a shipping company in town, and as they considered what I said among themselves I finished up my gruel. The proud Emil said that he wasn’t about to lose face with Lewis Taylor once again by turning me away just like that, and the kind Emma said that it had been a long time since their boys were alive and the place seemed deserted; then Emil countered by saying that the place was pretty run down because he was getting too old to do a good job of keeping it up, then Emma suggested that I could stay with them and work off my room and board by doing chores and fixing things. Emil then told me that if I wanted to stay here and start up my shipping company, the barn wasn’t being used right now and I could start it there once I fix it up; then once that’s done he would charge me rent on the barn as soon as I turn a profit. Then they asked me how I felt with that idea, and after only a moment’s thought I smiled and asked them how I could turn down such a gracious offer such as that; and they both smiled as Emma rose to kiss my cheek, and they both practically welcomed me into their family as she told me that my first chore was to wash the Midmeal dishes! After I was done with those, Emil and Emma asked if I would like to have a tour of the first floor of the house; or at least they started to, but after the first hour Emma started growing tired and we needed to help her to her bed. Her room was on the first floor down that short hall adjoining the kitchen, and Emil’s was right next door to that; Emil stating that this house was so big that all they could really use was the first floor of the place, which on face value I could see his point. However, in the back of my mind I knew they were growing very old; too old to be going up and down all those stairs all the time, but I kept this thought to myself for now. After she was snug in bed Emil continued the rest of the tour, showing me two other sitting rooms on this side of the house, done up like the first sitting room I saw when I first entered the house; and as the tour continued on into that room he displayed and explained all their trophies and medals on the mantle-piece, and as he showed me around to under the main staircase in a closet there, , Emil showed me his pride and joy: an ornate and bejeweled Skybax saddle he said he rode upon in the Skybax flying circus he was with. He was growing tired of traipsing around the house himself after a while, and told me that I could inspect the rest of the house myself at my leisure; for there was also the second floor where all their old bedrooms were on, the their floor where there were servant’s quarters as well as the basement below this floor. Once all that was said and done, he asked me where I had been staying in town, and I told him I was staying at the Baz Hotel; so he just tisked and said that they were way too expensive to have me stay one more minute, but I told him I thought their rates were reasonable. I told him that Ellie Hunt and her staff all seemed like nice people, but Emil told me they were all busy-bodies and gossip mongers; and advised me that I had better hurry back there and get my things quick, for he said they were going to plan a Welcoming Eveningmeal for me, and advised me not to be late! So after saying my farewells for now, I quickly walked back down Rosepetal Lane to the center of Baz; and made it back to the Baz Hotel after asking directions there by a passer by, and walked up to the steps leading to it. I said hello to Clubber in passing who was waiting just outside, and met Simon inside, who was chatting with Susan the Dromeosaur who was tending the front desk; and they simultaneously asked me how my day went as I went to lean on the front desk beside them, smiling before I made any answer. I first told them that the Fergusson place was not abandoned like the mayor first thought, Emil and Emma Fergusson was still alive and well though very old (So old they were practically shut-ins!); but they said that I could stay with them and use their barn to start my shipping company, provided I do chores and renovations to the property to pay for my room and board. I said that this was all well and good, but since they were so old they would probably need personal care as well; then I explained that Emma has some kind of withering disease and sick more often than not, and Emil is a frail man and needs a cane to get around most of the time - so I may just have to help them out. Simon said that taking care of the elderly was a noble task, for ones of those years no doubt have had full lives; and I said that indeed they had, for Emma was a champion Ring Rider and Emil was an accomplished Skybax stunt rider and both were in the Dinosaur Olympics as well as certain circuses. Simon exclaimed a question of if it were THE Emma Mertz, champion of the Ring, and he was the Amazing Emil, master of the skies, and I told him I assumed so; and he gushingly reminisced about his thrills as a lad watching them perform, where once Emma tossed a ring to his papa as a memento for their rousing applause! I had to cut him short from his memories to remind them that I still had to gather my things, saying they wanted me back with my things before Eveningmeal; and before I went to go I asked if it would be OK if Clubber take me back there when I was done, and Simon told me that he was sure he would consider it an honor. So I went up to my room and began packing my things, stuffing everything I had plus what I had gotten along the way into all my bags (I had four now: overnight bag, backpack and two small gunny sacks.); and toted them all down onto the front steps of the hotel; there Ellie hunt, Susan, little Cleo and bigger Agnes stood to bid me a fond farewell. Simon let me say my goodbyes to them and thank you’s, and then he suggested I help him get my things aboard Clubber’s saddle/cart, he doing this with very little fanfare. I found out why as I turned to see some of the other townspeople pause to stare at the slight commotion going on outside their hotel, a thing that they should have been used to by now; but Simon ignored this as he mounted the cart and beckoned me aboard, then presently Clubber walked us down the street and onward toward the Fergusson place - which was where the focal point of my destiny on Dinotopia lie… ----------------------------------------------------
I've so much to say, and yet I cannot speak Come and do my bidding now for I have grown too weak My weary eyes have seen all that life can give Come to me, O young one, for you I can forgive I stood where no man goes, and conquered demon foes With glory and passion no longer in fashion Cast this shadow long that I may hide my face And in this cloak of darkness the world I will embrace In all that I endure, of one thing I am sure Knowledge and reason change like the season A jester's promenade Lying at my feet I see the offering you bring The mark of Cain is on our faces, borne of suffering O, I long to see you say it's not been wrong I stand before you now, a riddle in my song The answer is that sweet refrain, unheard it always will remain Beyond our reach, beyond our gain Trapped in life's parade, a king without a crown In this joy of madness, my smile might seem a frown With talons wrought of steel, I tore the heart of doom And in one gleaming moment I saw beyond the tomb I stood where no man goes, above the din I rose Life is amusing though we are losing Drowned in tears of awe. ~ Kansas: ‘The Pinnacle’, from their ‘Masques’ album. ~ ---------------------------------------------------- Emil and Emma Fergusson were waiting for me on their front porch (She had obviously gotten better in my absence.) and saw us coming from there, and rushed off it to meet us as Clubber came to a stop at the edge of the barnyard; but they slowly made their hobbling way toward us as Simon jumped off to tend his friend a moment, turning to wait for me to toss my belongings to him. Before I had the chance to do so Emil insisted that I introduce my friends to them, and he shook Simon’s hand while Emma crouched to pat Clubber’s nose after those introductions were made; and after that I told Emil and Emma that these friends were from the Explorer’s guild, then Simon added that they had been assigned by the Matriarch herself to help me find myself a home. Well, that tore it for the Fergusson’s; for they all but insisted that Clubber and Simon stay and join us all for Eveningmeal, and seeing the looks of determination on their face of this fact, there was nothing Simon, Clubber or I could do to convince them otherwise! Emma led Simon toward the house (Holding his hand, more for support than camaraderie.) while Emil and I led Clubber over into the barn, or rather just outside it so we could use the still functional block and tackle to remove Clubber’s saddle/cart (Showing the older gentleman the trick of single-handedly removing it from the Ankylosaur’s back!) so he could get a meal; the beast thanking him for such a good meal, which was only last year’s hay but he was used to far worse! After Clubber was all taken care of and said he’d be fine for now, Emil and I walked back to the house; and found Simon helping Emma set the placements on the small dining room table just off the kitchen, and Emil scolded Emma for eliciting the help of our esteemed guest like that - and to quell any further argument I volunteered to finish with the settings. Once done Emma began to serve, and as I helped her with that I saw that she had stretched the original feast with extra potatoes and rice; but nobody seemed to notice this, and everyone marveled as they tasted and chewed. Table conversations soon took place, turning from how the weather was to general gossip to how their meals were; but soon they turned to subjects more on the personal nature, and Simon inquired about some of his favorite childhood performers - and Emil and Emma Fergusson were more than happy to tell their story! After that they asked Simon about the Explorer’s guild, and why the Matriarch would wish them to escort me all over the countryside; so I told them that I was a newcomer to Dinotopia, and after several failures at what I had been assigned to, it was decided that I adjust on my own and find my own way here. However, I would need to be guided as I did not know the territory too well; and Simon and Clubber came highly recommended as guides, a compliment that Simon modestly begged off! I said that I had been all over the Northern Plains so far, but there was a certain charm about Baz that reminded me of home (Or at least the kind of home I have always dreamed of living in.) and this made me want to settle here; and it was only my good fortune to find two wonderful people who cared enough to take me in like this - and this compliment both Emma and Emil begged off! They then said it was their pleasure to help out a newcomer, and that it had been a long time since they had anyone here besides themselves; and that having me here would be a refreshing change of pace - a sentiment that I modestly begged off! Soon the food was eaten, and Emil asked if the two Explorers would like to stay the night; but Simon said that they had other plans in town, and would probably be leaving in the morning. Simon then informed me that they had sent a message to the Matriarch by Postal Bird, telling her that I had decided to stay in the town of Baz; then informed me that she runs the Romano Hatchery in Bonabba near the Earthfarm when she is not doing the duties of the Matriarch, and that was located a little more than five miles north of here. He chuckled as he told me that I may get many visits from her as she lives so close by, but I told him that it might be all right for her to check up on me from time to time if she wanted to; a thing that Emil said it was her duty as Matriarch to inspect any place or any person she wished to, but Emma said that they would be extremely honored to host her stay in this humble place. Other conversations then ensued, taking all of another twenty minutes or so while the meal we just enjoyed settled; some of what was discussed was the condition of the crop of that last Harvest, and whether or not this upcoming Harvest would be just as good. With Simons colorful language in telling his opinions and with Emil’s gruff opinions adding counterpoint, these conversations became quite entertaining to me; and I chuckled through all of it, but made little comments on the subjects as I was new and had no clue what to say anyway. Presently the mooing bray of Clubber could be heard emanating from the area of the barn outside, and Simon suddenly got up from his seat at the dining room table and headed for the door (Begging their pardon, and saying that they had to leave right away.); and I followed him out into the barnyard as Emil and Emma presently followed, me wishing to assist Simon in getting Clubber’s saddle/cart on him. When the task was mostly done a wave of emotion came over me as I realized that these two friends, whom I had spent so many months being with would be leaving, and I would probably never see them again for a long time; so I shook Simon’s hand with tears in my eyes and drew him into a brotherly hug as I told him that I would really miss him. Then I went to Clubber and placed a hand on his snout, then I crouched to hug his armored face and told him pretty much the same thing; but he just shrugged out of the hug and told me to cut the soft stuff, saying that any more and he would get all misty himself! With great sorrow Simon mounted up and turned to wave at us, and Clubber brayed sadly as he turned to head for the lane that began in front of the house; and I shouted farewell as Emma and Emil joined in yelling their own good-bye’s, and I yelled at their backs that they would be more that welcome if they found themselves in these parts again. Both my hosts nodded their agreement as we all waved, and did so long after Clubber’s club-tail disappeared over the ridge in the lane; but soon Emma looked strangely at Emil (Who knew that signal all too well!), and began to lead her back into the house while I trailed behind them in readiness to help him if needed. Emil set Emma down in one of the chairs in the right-hand sitting room while I went over to light the fireplace, and Emil rushed to the kitchen to get her some water; then I went to her to open a window near her chair to give her some air, and Emil returned moments later with a glass and a Chinese paper fan. After seeing the lit fire and the open window, he began to fan the panting Emma and offering her the water when she was ready; and then began to rub circulation into arms and legs, asking her a few times if she was beginning to feel better. As she began to weakly tell him she was all right, he began fanning her some more; then I meekly asked if there was anything I could do for her, but they both looked at me suspiciously as if they weren’t used to have someone else witness her being administered to. Emil said Thank you and he would tend to her, and he would take care of things for the night; and Emma pan tingly told me to find myself a bedroom to sleep upstairs, and it was all right to snoop around up there as they had nothing to hide. Instead I offered to do the dinner dishes before turning in, but Emil nearly yelled at me to scoot; and I had better do what Emma said or she would become upset, and that would be even worse for her condition (Said more as a threat than actual fact, so I did not argue!)! There was no getting around their family pride, so I nodded and went off to do what I was told; and I bid them a good night as I left the sitting room, going into the main foyer where my belongings had been left. At the foot of the sweeping staircase I chose only my bedroll out of the rest of my belongings, then I got a candlestick on a brass holder and lit it with wooden matches I found in the drawer of the sideboard it was atop; then I ascended the stairs to the second floor of the Fergusson mansion, a long hallway with eight doors spread evenly down it with a smaller door at the end. I followed the hall runner to the first door across from the main stairs (Right-hand middle, which would face the front of the house.), and found it container a bedroom set up with female tastes in mind; a silky canopied bed and a white marble mantle-piece with full-length mirrors done in ivory frames, white dressers and boudoirs with make-up and powder containers and notions of every feminine whim - all of which was layered in dust, and suggested that this room hadn’t been used in years. The room opposite this room (Facing the back of the house.) had walls painted in circus colors and designs and windows done in brightly colored drapes, twin child beds were in two of the corners and bassinets and changing tables were arranged in strategic spots; and there were many toys here from stuffed creatures to automatons to balls and other playthings, and this must have been the nursery in it’s day - but it was covered in just as much dust as the bedroom of feminine design (I concluded that the former room must have been Emma’s.). The next room down on the back side of the house had no windows, and from the books and tomes within the buster brown shelving I surmised it to be a library; one with a large study table in the center and many plush leather chairs for comfortable reading, and it could also be used for student study as it held a blackboard and certain writing supplies (Once again, coated with the dust of years of neglect.). The door at the far end of the hall led to a stairwell, flights going up as well as down; and this told me that this house was far larger than the exterior suggested, but I figured I would have plenty of time to explore it further in the future. The door across the hall from the library held another bedroom, done up in dark woods and simple bed and utilitarian furnishings; and the only decoration in the room was a dresser top that was filled with pictures of Emil and Emma when they were younger, and four pictures of two strangers both boy and man in age and one was near blonde while the other’s hair was brown, and their professions seemed to be Skybax pilot and sea captain respectively (This room seemed to have been occupied by the Skybax pilot by the uniform I found in the bedroom closet.), If I slept in this room it would no doubt remind me of my failure at Canyon City, so I left there and went in search of another room to sleep in; and I skipped over the next room as I went back up the hallway, for that was Emma’s room. The next room down was just as large as hers, but bore a more masculine feel along with the telltale signs of who once occupied it; and I felt that Emil Fergusson would not appreciate me sleeping in his room or pawing through his things, so I left the room for the last one down the corridor (A corner room facing the front of the house, and also would give a commanding view of the lane into town if I looked out the windows.). This bedroom had a very comfortable looking feather bed and simple furniture done up in Milk-Paint (Pastel colored or white paint mixed so thin that the natural grain of the wood shows through, and makes the piece look hand-crafted.), along with a cozy fireplace and a shaggy area rug that encircled the wood floor; and the two windows faced both the front of the house and the eastern side of the property, and from the clothing in the closet (Some of these clothes looked like they would even fit me!) I knew that they belonged to the Mariner in the pictures in the room at the other end of the hall. Never the less, I picked this room more because it was the last such bedroom on this floor than anything else; and I put my bedroll onto the bed and lit the fireplace with the candle I was using (Making sure to open the flue, handle being on the right side of the chimney.), then I went down the main staircase to ferry my belongings up into that room. Once that was done (During that operation, I noticed that Emma and Emil must have gone to bed, for they were nowhere to be seen in the sitting room, and the whole house was quiet and dark.), I went to shake the dust out of the bedclothes (Thinking as I sneezed and coughed that this whole house would definitely need a good dusting!) and drew them down for sleeping; then I disrobed and blew out the candle but left the fireplace still burning and slid into bed, and slept like the dead as I got the best night’s sleep I had since arriving on Dinotopia! It wasn’t the sun that woke me the next morning (Though it streamed in annoyingly through a gap in the curtains directly into my eyes!), but the smells of Morningmeal being cooked as it wafted up the stairwell and through my slightly ajar bedroom door; so I got up and dressed and ready for the day, but decided to take the other set of stairs at the other end of the hall down to the main floor of the mansion. The door one flight below led into the utility areas at the rear of the house and led out into the kitchen through another door; but as I emerged into there I heard Emma calling for Emil (Who was obviously cooking, but was currently nowhere to be seem.), and she sounded desperate so I followed her voice to her small bedroom down the short hall. It had a bed which she occupied, and surrounding her were all the accoutrements of a hospital Outpatient facility; and I inched her door open slightly and asked what she wanted, but instead she smiled and asked how I slept last night. I told her I had the best sleep in my life in that corner bedroom with all the Milk-Paint furniture (Explaining I looked into every room on that floor before I picked that one.), and she said that this was her son Gregory’s old room; who was a shipper on the sea, but his ship ran aground on the Razor reef in a storm and he was killed 25 years ago. She went on to say that their oldest son named Philip was a Skybax pilot, but he was killed in a Pteranodon raid near Ebulon nearly 30 years ago; and she wept slightly saying that they had preserved their rooms just the way they had left them, and that it was a cruel twist of fate that they had outlived their very own babies! Returning from her sad memories, Emma Fergusson asked if I would help her up and get her to the commode in the corner (A Medieval version of a sit-down toilet, where a chamber pot sat under the seat in a cabinet underneath.); and I did as she asked, but once there she told me to scoot so she could use it! I quickly left her as she began to sit and I closed her door, and when I entered the kitchen I saw that Emil was still missing; and the food was half cooked and the stove door was open to reveal a low burning fire, but there was no extra wood in the tinderbox beside it. Just then I heard chopping sounds coming from somewhere outside in back of the house, and I went to the back door to see Emil splitting firewood out by a small woodshed a hundred yards away; but the man was so frail that he was having an enormous amount of trouble, getting the axe stuck in the chopping block more often than not and wheezing with the effort of removal! I rushed out and ran to where he was, then watched him struggle for a second before commenting offhand that I was pretty good with an axe; so he pan tingly said that if I was so darn good at it, then I should chop the wood! So he handed me the axe and I got to work splitting about a dozen hewn logs into three or four pieces each, Emil bringing them uo to the house a few pieces at a time; and when I had enough split I helped him, bringing up a half dozen pieces at a time. After he relit the stove and the tinderbox was full enough for now; he cooked breakfast just like scheduled, and by this time Emma had come out of her room. During Morningmeal Emma suggested that I not do anything for them for the rest of the day, suggesting that I continue th get used to the house and property; for she told me that there was still a lot of things to see around here, and the quicker I get used to my new home the quicker it will seem like home to me. I told her that I had planned all along to help out around here, and insisted that I pull my own weight in the work that needs to be done; and Emil told me that this was what they had planned for me as well, but it was best to obey Emma and get used to things first. He admitted that the place was growing too big for them to take care of all by themselves, and what they needed most was a helper to get the place back into shape; but still they said that I was their guest, and all they asked was for me to do my best and to clean up after myself - plus the fact that they knew of my desires to turn their barn into a shipping company, and aimed to accommodate me on that. Other than those things, nothing much was really expected of me; so they both told me after Morningmeal was eaten to go off and explore the property, and they would take care of the Morningmeal dishes… ----------------------------------------------------
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Post by thundertail on Feb 25, 2011 20:28:12 GMT -5
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SIXTEEN:
“ROUTINE BECOMES NORMAL EXCEPT WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES!”
---------------------------------------------------- As the many months rolled by with the Fergussons, I truly grew to love it there; and I gradually began to think of Emma and Emil as my true mother and father, and I’m sure the sentiment was mutual for them as well. During that time we talked and laughed and joked about this and that subject that caught our fancy, and shared tales and true stories about our lives and our friends both here and now as elsewhere and else-when; for I was growing just as caught up with their stories about the Flying Circus and the Dinosaur Olympics as they were thrilled at what I told them about the modern marvels of the Outside World. During those months Emma had gotten only three bad attacks from her condition and many times she had to pause from the exhaustion, saying it was only when she got too excited or other excuses, but this did Emil no good for his worrying about her; and I saw that the old men was not doing so well either as he struggled stubbornly through which ever chore he decided to do, though on each one I offered to help him on, he eventually gave in and allowed the assistance. During the first few days of my stay there I had finished ‘snooping’ through their house, and saw that the third floor near the roof of the structure was set up like servant’s quarters; Spartan and plain wooden rooms with beds to accommodate up to eight human-sized servants, a cook stove in a simple kitchen, and very little adornment to be seen (Though those who would live up here could fix the place up like they wanted.). The basement of the house was not in the deepest basement of the house, for under that was a root cellar of sorts under the northern part of the house; this section was covered with planks, and inside I saw the remnants of food storage from dozens of years ago. The basement proper contained storage of older furniture and other things no longer needed in the house proper, including old clothing and other things the Fergussons probably had forgotten were down here (Crates of things ‘No longer used, but too good to throw out or give away‘.). Outside the house their property (Which included the use of the rolling meadow out back, shared by the three other farms on Rosepetal Lane.) was lined by forest, and though the spit of farmland was not generally used by them; they allowed the other farms to use what part of their shared property they wished. I walked to the giant boulder that marked the center of this combined field, of which all four farms radiated out from; and saw barnyards and cultivated fields of the other farms, but looked back to the eastern tree line of the Fergusson property and saw something unusual just inside that tree line. It was a sixty square yard area enclosed by stone posts at intervals and roped off with chain rails, wrought iron gate allowing access to it with many stone monuments contained within; and when I got near I saw that this was a cemetery of sorts, but the stones contained no religious markings whatsoever. What commanded the array of stones was a twenty foot tall obelisk with a Skybax insignia over the inscription of the interred, and this was the final resting place for ‘Powerglide’ Emil’s beloved flying steed from the Flying Circus; and right next to that monument was a life-size statue on an ornate pedestal of a Hadrosaur, and the name of the one interred there was ‘Felonia’, Emma’s beloved mount from the Dinosaur Olympics. I stood solemnly at the memories Emma and Emil must have felt for them, and silently promised these former Partners that I would take good care of their friends for them. There were headstones of other persons there, but the names on most of them I did not recognize as I bowed in respect for them and moved on to the next ones, but with two of them I had recognized their names; for the mention of the Fergusson’s two sons happened often, and I realized their sons Gregory and Philip were also interred here. There seemed to be space in this cemetery for a few more souls to be buried, even though the hallowed place had not seen landscaping in quite a few years; and many of the headstones were overgrown with brambles and the like, and most of the chain railings had advanced signs of corroding away, and as I left the place I made note to one day fix this cemetery up a bit. As I walked up to the barn one day I finally got the chance to inspect it in detail, and with Emil’s help by ashamedly giving me the tour (He saying that he had meant to get it repaired, but grew too old and busy with Emma of late.); I found out what was really amiss with it, and what a monumental task it would be to get it into working condition. For one thing the outer wall boards rattled in the wind, and many of the floor planks had warped and made walking in spots a treacherous proposition; and even though the exterior support timbers and crossbeams seemed their eighteen inch thick strength, only their outer footings encased in the cement casings of the foundation of the barn seemed unaffected by weather and time. The series of four inner support timbers, whose lengths were embedded deep into the floor of the basement of the lower barn were rotted at their bases down there, all due to the dampness of the ground and the rot of many decades of wood-eating insects; which made them soft at the base and their weight caused them to sink into the earth, and made me fear that these four gigantic timbers would have to be replaced - or at least shorn up somehow! Evidence of this damage was also evident when I went to inspect the roof of the barn (A task I did alone for the safety of the frail Emil.), as the peak seemed to have sunk down more than six inches; and this over time caused splits in the roof planks, and these gaps caused leaks to form between the terra-cotta roof tiles when it rained. When we had at last left the barn for now, Emil said that he had plenty of tools to get the job started; and led me to a building that was built against the southern side of the barn, and told me as he opened the side door to it that this was his old tool shed and workshop. In it I saw all sorts of ancient hand tools and standing shop tools (State of the art of more than a hundred years ago in the Outside World. Well worn from years of use, yet hadn‘t seen use in quite a number of years by their look.), and he said he used the place to fix their furniture and repair things around the farm and house; but that was years ago as he was getting too old to use most of this stuff, but he said I was welcome to use any tool in here as I saw the need. There was a large foot-driven grindstone in the corner that I could use to sharpen the tools that needed it, and on workbenches there I saw many hand honing stones of various grit; and over in the other corner I saw what looked like an old-fashioned forge complete with giant bellows and coal bin that looked like I could forge any other tool that I might need, and I could also make nails or spikes or hinges or any other type of hardware that I could possibly need (I went on to tell him that I had learned all sorts of forging techniques in school, and the forge would certainly come in handy!). Of course the work shop had it’s own two hundred pound anvil set atop a wooden stump base, and arrays of saws and planes and chisels and hammers, plus many other tolls that lined the walls on their own wooden pegs; and in more drawers there were clay jars of nails and screws and small pieces of small hardware and knobs for every kind of drawer or o the application one could think of. As I finished my inspection of the place I thanked Emil for the use of the tools, then I began to think out loud what would need to be done to get the barn back into shape; and I continued talking like that all the way back to the house, and at the porch in back he stopped me and said that I should get myself busy with the barn if I wanted to start up my shipping company any time soon! As it turned out, I had to put the barn project on hold for a time; for there was plenty of other things to do around the house to occupy my time, and these were things my hosts were becoming too old to do. Aside from the chores that they allowed me to do on a daily basis, I got to work cleaning the whole house from top to bottom; beginning in the third floor servant’s quarters, then working my way down floor by floor. In the servant’s quarters I changed all the bedclothes and dusted every surface, then I got to work sweeping and mopping the floors; then I cleaned the windows and the two fireplaces I found up there, and lastly I polished every wooden surface (Since the servant’s quarters consisted mostly of wood, there was a lot of surfaces to clean!) until they glowed. Working my way all the way down the back stairs, sweeping and mopping each step and polishing the railings all the way down; I began on the second floor of the mansion, starting with the library. I dusted off every book and other surface before polishing every one of the wood-stained shelf, all the furniture and chairs got a thorough cleaning as well as the windows and drapes which let in more light; then I put every book back in their place, or into alphabetical order as necessary. My efforts on that floor continued with the nursery, again dusting everything and making the juvenile beds; then making sure each baby-care accoutrement was in their proper place and ready in case the nursery would ever be used again by restocking it with non-perishable baby items like diapers and the like, and lastly in there I put all the toys and other playthings away or on shelves as room for them allowed. In the other bedrooms I changed sheets and dusted every surface, sweeping floors or cleaning rugs when needed; and I restocked each hearth with firewood and other things necessary for immediate occupation, cleaning windows or other specialized tasks custom for the room - concentrating on the bedroom once occupied by Gregory Fergusson, as I now considered it my room! Once that was done I swept and mopped the hallway and cleaned the runner rug down it’s center, and then I concentrated on cleaning and polishing the woodwork all the way down the sweeping main staircase. Of course my hosts noticed all my diligent cleaning, and one day weeks into this Emil pulled me aside and asked why I was cleaning the house when there was a barn to repair; and at dinner that night I explained to them that a clean house was a healthy house; and that dust, especially, was very unhealthy for anyone to live in, especially persons with their conditions. I told them I wished them to be as healthy as possible so they could live longer and happier lives, and when they heard this they nodded and complimented me on my thoughtfulness; both offering to help me with the rest of the house but me saying that I started it and I can finish it, even though I knew the house would be a lot easier to maintain once the initial cleaning was accomplished. I told them that after I was done I would concentrate on the barn and other buildings on the property, as those buildings were in much worse shape than the house; and I would work on sprucing up the grounds and property after that, as that was the first thing anybody would see when they come for a visit, I told them. Emil chuckled at this as the meal continued, saying that I might have my work cut out for me, but at least I had a plan on how and when everything would get done! So another several weeks went by, and the house was completed; and then I took on the task to renovate the area around the house; pulling weeds and overgrown brambles and sculpting plots for flower beds, cutting the grass using a wooden push-mower I found and had to repair before use as well as making sure both the back and front outdoor wood racks were full with at least a half a cord of firewood each. I scanned the exterior of the house and saw lots of damage, like shutters hanging askew and bricks and molding loose or torn off; and even though the house desperately needed a paint job, there wasn’t so much as an ounce to be found on the entire property (I asked Emil about this, and he said he would look into ordering some paint one of these days.)! Shortly after that I had gotten the mind to finally begin to spruce up the Fergusson’s graveyard at the edge of the property, so I gathered the needed implements and placed them into the wheelbarrow I fixed (I learned how to re-spoke a wooden axle wheel: once the wheel is taken apart, set the spokes offset into the rim; then place the hub in and twist it until the spokes are straight, then attach the bearings and grease before putting on the axle covering. Then slip the assembled wheel onto the wheelbarrow spindle and reattach the forks and you‘re done!) and wheeled my tools over there; but when I got to fifty feet of the gate I saw Emil Fergusson in there, and he was kneeling in front of the stone obelisk, muttering words I could not make out. He had placed a sprig of lilac at the base of it, and seemed to be talking to someone unseen; so I hung back and waited for him to finish paying his respects to his long lost Partner Powerglide, he bowing as he rose and lovingly placed his hand on the Skybax symbol before turning to leave. He looked up at me with a start, and asked me how long I had been standing there; so I told him it wasn’t long and not to worry about it, for I understood the sorrow of losing a loved one. I explained as he drew near that I was too young to understand death when my father passed away, but when my mother died I was much older; and by that time I knew the sorrow of death well, because in between those two deaths many of my relatives had passed away too. He asked me why I had come here at a time like this, and I told him that I had a mind to tidy up the graveyard; so he moped past me and suggested that I get busy then, but turned back and told me to hold off on it for a while. He told me to drop what I was doing and follow him into the house, saying that he had something to show me; and not knowing what it was he wanted to show me, I did as I was told and followed his cautious footsteps across the uneven ground between there and the back door of the house. Inside he led me to a closet that was just under the main staircase, which I knew held nothing but an ornate Skybax saddle that I found while cleaning; and polished all the silver equines and leather attachments, but still I marveled at the silky fabric woven saddle with the multicolored tassels around it’s perimeter as he showed it to me and began to say what he was going to say. Emil told me that this was Powerglide’s show saddle and they had performed many daring feats for the crowds using it, and with it grew in fame over the years; and their friendship grew until he could almost tell what Powerglide was saying, and knew everything his friend was feeling and thinking as their trust grew and swelled into sort of a symbiosis. He said that when his friend died of old age (Saying that his species does not have a great life span, and Powerglide was over fifty when his time came; but humans usually have a somewhat greater lifespan.) and when he passed on Emil said he lost a piece of his heart; and if it weren’t for the love of Emma he would have been a shell of himself. He told me that as he grew older he could actually hear Powerglide calling him, and sometimes he dreamed that Powerglide was flying the heavens looking for him; or the dream would be of Powerglide standing on a pinnacle waiting for him to arrive, and from those visions he knew that Powerglide was waiting for him so they could ride the winds once again. He said he had been having these dreams more and more as he grew older, and he knew that he would ride him once again in the Afterlife; then looked at me and told me that I could not possibly know such devotion between two creatures, and that any friendship or other relation I had ever had can not compare to such a relationship. He said that this is what true Partnership was all about, where two beings live as one; and though I seemed to respect such an institution, I would never understand it unless I experienced what one was like myself. I nodded concededly and said that I had indeed had many types of friendships and things, and said that a Partnership must be a pretty powerful thing indeed to be better than any of those things; and Emil Fergusson said that I was right and it was a gross understatement as I clasped his shoulder, but then he slammed the closet door sharply, breaking us out of our chat as we heard noises out in front of the house. We both rushed out to see one Chasmosaur-driven cart with a full load of lumber, and Saltosaur pulling a sledge with four twelve inch thick timbers that were hewn square and at least sixty feet long; and Emil ran up to them and said that it was good that they had arrived at last, Troodont handler of the Saltosaur shinnying down a rope ladder to get his clawed hand shook. A few of the twelve helpers (Some human, but the rest saurian.) got down and began untying the bindings of the loads, but Emil told them to unload the lumber over there by the barn; so they shrugged and took their loads the extra hundred yards or so, setting down slats on the ground before sliding the two loads weighing a ton or more each onto them. Behind the load of lumber on the cart there were four huge crates of nails and one crate of pegs and another of spikes the size of railroad ties; and when all that was unloaded, they went around back and filled up on water from the well before leaving. When they had finally left I went to Emil and asked him why all this was here, and he said that he ordered this so I could get started on the barn; and not to worry about the cost as he had meant to get the barn repaired one of these days anyway, saying that he had a long standing account at the mercantile in town. Then he gave me back my Postal Bird whistle (Me checking my pockets stupidly as he did!) saying he summoned a Postal Bird and arranged the delivery that way; then he told me that I should get busy, and the day wasn’t getting any longer! I continued to inspect the new lumber until he had gone, then I went into the tool shed where I saw a pile of tarpaulins; taking several in my arms and bringing them out, then I began to cover the loads and securing them the best I could in case it rained. Next I went back to do the job I had planned to do in the first place, not knowing that work on the barn would not begin for some time to come nor the reason for the delay. I went back to the cemetery and began my work there, first pruning all the overgrowth that had invaded the headstones, then manicuring around each monument so grass could grow where it was bald in patches; then I went to scrubbing the ages of corrosion and lichen growth off the stones, still not knowing what to do with the rusty iron chain that bordered the cemetery as there was still not a drop of paint on the property to hold off the corrosion! As I picked up my tools and implements and wheeled them back to the tool shed, I went back to the house for Midmeal; and there I went to discern my next array of chores, and did them for many weeks to come. Besides my daily routine of chores around the house and grounds for the Fergussons, I was sent many times into Baz proper to get supplies and run errands for the place; like getting groceries and going to the mercantile to get parts for the pump for the well and things like that, or to deliver messages to Emil’s business contacts and file orders with various merchants so they could obtain needed cargo through their connections (Such tips would come in handy when I finally started up my shipping company, and Emil promised he would recommend me for their shipments when the time came!). My task into town the day after the lumber shipment arrived included getting groceries (Flour, various fruit they ordered, writing paper and ink, and a few other things that were on the list they gave me along with the money.) and to send a message via Postal Bird to one of Emil’s business contacts in Bent Root (He told me simply to just recite the message he had written down on the note.); It was a lot of things to remember but I knew I could handle all that, and I knew I would need the wheelbarrow in order to bring all the supplies home! This time I went to town with a task of my own to do, for I had to see if the town hall had any records or blueprints on the barn I was going to fix, for I wanted to repair it to the current building codes of Dinotopia, and Emil said he didn’t have the blueprints for it. So I walked the wheelbarrow into town, and received more stares and other strange looks than I usually do (Me being a newcomer in town and they not knowing my true motives, I really couldn’t blame them!); but little did I know that word had gotten around that the Fergussons were still alive when they were rumored to be dead, and for years they thought their ghosts haunted their old farmstead - and other rumors to that effect! At first people walking along the street veered away from me, or turned their heads as I looked in their direction; and many of them whispered things to one another that my excellent hearing could just barely make out (‘He takes care of a haunted house…’, said one. ‘I think he’s not right in the head…’, another whisperer said, and the reply: ‘I think he hallucinates them…’. ‘Do you think Emma was fatter than me?…’, another at a dress shop asked, and the reply from her friend: ‘Ghosts do not get fat!…’. And there was many more whispered comments than that, heard everywhere I went that day!). By then I had enough of their whispering, and dropped the wheelbarrow right there in the street; then I glared at everyone in eyesight (Most turning away.), turning so I could see them all. I asked them all how they could be so insensitive, and could they not see that they were old and infirm; and the fact that it wasn’t the Dinotopian thing to do to tout the elderly - and that they should all be ashamed of themselves! I told them that Emma and Emil Fergusson has already lived a far greater life than any of them could ever hope to live, and ones who had lived a life like they did should be shown some respect; and that for me I felt proud to take care of them in the sunset of their lives, and that I was grateful to them for them taking me in like they did! Then, as many of them bowed their heads in shame before moving on; I bent to lift the wheelbarrow once again, giving the rest who lingered the evil eye as I continued on with my tasks around town. I stopped at the town hall to get my own business done first, asking Cara the Protoceratops who was tending the reception desk today if they had any records on the barn at the Fergusson place; but she told me that they had no plans or blueprints on the barn in particular (Just that it would be included in the deed to the farm itself.), but she said that it was a common barn design and there were hundreds of such barns all over Dinotopia. After I told her my intentions with the plans she said she could put in a request with the Dinotopia Building and Planning Board in Waterfall City to see if they had the drawings and specifications I required, and that it might take a few weeks before the request is sent through channels; then she asked what specifically I had planned to do with the barn, and what had already been done to the barn so far. First I said to no one in particular that it would take a long time to get the blueprints, then I told her that I hadn’t really started on the barn just yet; that I had merely cleaned it up enough to see what I really had to do with it to make it functional and safe, and that I may need to reconfigure the stall arrangement inside and make the lofts safer as I wished to put dorms for the cart handlers up there. I told her that before any of that was done I’d have to fix it structurally, for the center support beams were sinking into the ground underneath and was causing the whole central peak of the roof to sag; and even though my host had purchased some lumber to help me get started, I wished to repair the barn as per Dinotopian building codes. Cara told me that I may repair the barn as I saw fit, but before it was put to use I should have it officially inspected for safety; and then she said her goodbye as she waddled into another room to set the filing process in motion, and I took this as my cue to leave. I grabbed the wheelbarrow as I left the town hall and retraced my steps to the fruit stand to continue my other chores in town, but as I got near enough to see one of the fruit kiosks sagged and fell, sending hundreds of oranges spilling out into the street (Frank Stratton the owner coming out upon hearing the noise, and reacted vehemently at the colossal mess!); and I rushed over to help gather them with several other passers by, Frank rushing out back for baskets to gather them in. Once most of the oranges were rounded up, I went to the broken Kiosk and inspected where the nails holding it together had loosened up over time; commenting to no one in particular that I could fix this, but Frank Stratton heard and accepted the offer! Figuring that there was no way out of it now and asking if he had any tools (Which he did, but he was so inept at them he never used them, he said.), I placed the stand legs up and pounded the loose nails back into place; then I took some spare boards he had out back and attached them to the legs and the base of the kiosk on an angle for support and righted the kiosk when I was done, and it was as sturdy as ever as he marveled at the quality of my work as he began loading the kiosk once more. In the mean time I began my purchases at the fruit stand and got everything Emma wanted on the list, and when Frank Stratton was done loading the oranges he shook the now sturdy stand and marveled at my work so much he came over and gave me a small basket of oranges for my work; me saying that his other kiosks might be in the same condition, and offered to fix those the next time I was in town - an offer he gladly accepted! After paying for my purchases after many a profuse thank you from him, I left there and went to my next destination in town; which was the mercantile store where most of the rest of the purchases I needed to make would be made. Inside I chose a twenty pound bag of flour, a bottle of indigo ink (They were out of cobalt black like Emil wanted.) and a sheaf of a hundred sheets of parchment paper, removing them from their proper places around the store, and waited for the Pachycephalosaur proprietor to tally up my bill; which I hoped didn’t add up to over and above the cost it would be to send Emil’s Postal Bird message! Fortunately the bill came to all but the last twenty Drachs left in the bag of coins the Fergussons gave me to complete my tasks in town, and as I asked the Pachy (His name was Lucifer.) where the Postal Bird aerie was located; and he said that it was back near the Baz Hotel, so I thanked him after paying then I went to load the wheelbarrow and locate the aerie. Once I found it I took out my silver Postal Bird whistle and blew, and immediately the she-bird emerged from her station and I recited first the destination address at her prompting; then the message that I recited from Emil’s note and lastly to whom it was from and the sender address, and after I placed the indicated amount of Drachs into the till she asked if a return message was expected. I told her that I was not informed of a reply, but if they wished to send one; they may feel free to do so, and then she nodded and flew off. My tasks in downtown Baz now completed, I turned and pushed the much heavier wheelbarrow back home; and as I related the events that took place there, , all Emil could say was how cheaply I had made my transactions! Weeks later the plans for the barn finally came by Skybax courier, and I at last set to work seeing what could be done to stop the central support timbers from sagging the roof; for the assayer’s report said that the barn had been built on soft ground, and a poor substrate had been lain before the barn had even been erected. What should have been done was the inner supports should have been either surrounded by cement casings that were sunk at least ten feet into the ground below them, or the timbers should have been driven into the ground until they had hit bedrock nearly twenty feet below ground level; but now that the damage was done I did not know what to do about it, nor how much man-hours would be needed nor how many workers I would need to undertake such a monumental task - let alone in which way I was to pay them for their services! I put off plans to fix the underlayment of the barn for now, concentrating on repairing the outer walls and horizontal supports first; thinking of how routine life here was becoming as A bucket came up on a rope with bread and a water skin, for Emil Fergusson had decided to help me out a little until he had to tend to Emma as she had yet another attack. The next morning I was in the kitchen, for it was my turn to make the day’s Morningmeal; and Emil went to get me some water from the well, and as I thanked him when he gave it to me, he went to rouse and tend to Emma in her ground floor bedroom. I knew she had been feeling poorly the past few days, and had been sick in bed for almost the whole time; so I was preparing her favorite barley gruel with a touch of cinnamon like she liked it along with the rest of the fare I was preparing for the rest of us as I gazed absently out the window before me. All of a sudden my cheery mood was broken forever by Emil’s forlorn wailing (OH, NO!… EMMA!… WAKE UP!… OH, NO-O-O-!… ), immediately he broke down into peals of wailing and sobbing, and then I knew something terribly wrong had happened; so I dropped what I was doing and rushed to the source of the outburst, screeching to a halt once I saw what was the matter!… ----------------------------------------------------
I just had a dream She was by the riverside Alone and dressed in white Paling in the cold Walking on the icy face On memories of glory days
Meet me on the other side Once the mourning after turns to day Keep on to the other side The mourning after slowly fades
How could I have known Just the thought is simply wild In her womb...a little child I am left to roam On the surface of a dream In a world that can't be seen ~ ‘The Mourning After’, by Kamelot ~ ----------------------------------------------------
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Post by thundertail on Feb 25, 2011 20:31:22 GMT -5
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SIXTEEN:
“ROUTINE BECOMES NORMAL EXCEPT WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES!”
(Continued)
---------------------------------------------------- I ran out of the kitchen and into Emma’s bedroom, where I saw a sorrowful sight indeed; for Emil sat crouched next to Emma’s bed, head on her chest wailing and crying without seeming to be able to stop. I rushed in and placed my palm on his back while I checked her carotid pulse on the neck and saw her almost blissful expression as if she were merely asleep, noticing her icy-coldness and her lack of pulse there; and Emil hitched in preparation of another round of sobbing as I checked her pulse at the wrist, noticing the lack of one as well as her stiffness as I lifted her hand. All the while my eyes welled, and after I checked for life in the lifeless body; I fell down beside Emil for my own episode of sorrowful crying, and after the longest time I nearly silently asked him if he found her this way. He merely snuffled and nodded as he looked at me with watery eyes, then meekly asked me what we should do now; and I told him the only thing I could think to do, which was go and find some help. I slowly rose, smoothing a tuft of hair on Emma’s forehead as I did; and tried to get Emil to rise as well, but he clenched her hand all the tighter and refused to budge. I left him there with his grim vigil at his dead wife’s side as I backed away, thinking that from my previous touch Rigor Mortis was just setting in and it couldn’t have happened too long ago; and I sadly trudged out of the room and up the back stairs to my bedroom, where I had left my Postal Bird whistle. I figured the fastest way to get a message about the death to authorities was a swift Postal Bird, and I went out onto the front porch to scan the skies; only blowing the whistle when I saw a cluster of birds flutter by in the distance, and hoping that at least one of them was of said profession. It turned out that two of them were of the Postal Bird guild, and they wheeled toward me as soon as the sound reached their ear slits; and as they got near one landed on the porch railing while the other perched on the railing for the steps, both asking in unison what service could they do for me today (Their cheery speech ceased when they noticed my gloomy expression.). All at once I told them that Emma Fergusson had died and we needed help, and to hurry and get the coroner; but the first bird told me to please calm down and the second one told me to say it again slowly, so I did as was told as they considered the event piece by piece. The first postal Bird said that we needed a Healer to confirm that she was indeed dead and why she died, then the second one said the town clerk was needed to notarize the death certificate; and then the first one said that we would also need the Undertaker to prepare the body for burial and procure a casket, and the second one said that others were needed to help remove the body, and grave-diggers to dig the grave. My sorrow grew to confusion, for my mind was too depressed to perform that kind of thinking at the moment; so I told them that if these people are what was needed, then to please summon them as quickly as possible. The two considered which of them would inform which parties as I slipped a Drach each into their tiny pouches they carried, then off they flew toward the center of town; I watched them go for a moment, then went back inside to tend to Emil in his profound sorrow. I found Emil Fergusson still at the bedside of his dearly departed wife, his extreme misery seemed to have abated somewhat and was reduced to mild tears and standing beside the bed; so I went to his side to view the body for a moment, then told him what I had done. At length I sighed as I took another look at the prone form of Emma Fergusson, saying to Emil that we should leave her be for now; and led him into the kitchen at a slow pace and said we should eat, for I was cooking breakfast before all this and by now the food had gotten cold! As I reheated the gruel, I said to him that we should at least keep up our strength; but even so we found that our appetites had escaped us somehow, and I made a weak smile saying it was nerves! To settle his upset constitution I made him a cup of Jinka tea from the last remnants of the water boiling away in the kettle, then refilled it and set it to boil so I could have some too; and then after my second cup, some people began to show up at the front door. The mayor I recognized as well as his friend Cara, and in a Triceratops-driven cart was two humans and two Harpymimus with an Ovaraptor holding the reigns; and lastly a Pachycephalosaur in a black cape wheeling his own bicycle rickshaw screeched to a halt behind them. Mayor Lewis Taylor stepped up and shook Emil’s hand (Saying in a mumble that he hadn’t seen him around town in a while.) while Cara nuzzled his leg consolingly, then introduced everybody that had arrived (Mostly for my benefit.); and the first that was introduced was Hatchery Master Voxer the Ovaraptor Healer, and his five assistants: Gunwa and Bremmin the Harpymimuses and Anna Forsythe and Paul Guinness that were humans (Female and male respectively, African and Caucasian by race.). Then the Mayor introduced Apollo their Triceratops puller, who bowed in respect; and lastly Sir Squibb the Pachycephalosaur Undertaker; who bowed his cranium and flourished his cape like Dracula, and frankly that gave me the creeps more than their morbid task ahead! With little further adieu, Healer Voxer squinted and looked around and asked where the deceased lay; and he had to wait in line as Emil and I led the way single file through the house, and he squawked mournfully as he saw Emma laying there where we left her. As everyone (Except Apollo, who was still hitched to his cart outside.) filed inside the rather small bedroom, muted sobs and gasps were heard from all; and Emil and I were asked to stand aside by the fireplace to make room so they could work, and we complied by shuffling aside. As Voxer came near the bed, his beak chattered in concentration as he examined Emma from head to toe; then accepted his stethoscope from the doctor’s bag that Anna Forsythe had brought in with her, and clasped it to his ear slits as he checked many pulse points. He then looked up and asked about how long ago was it that she had died, and I spoke my estimate of about one or two in the morning; and he asked me how I knew this, and I said that Rigor Mortis does not set in for about six hours and that she was just getting it when I last touched her at about seven in the morning. He squawked that therefore I must be a medical expert, but I told him I was an expert in nothing; but I indeed knew a few things, and Sir Voxer chortled that he admired an honest human! The healer at last confirmed that Emma Fergusson was indeed dead, and then stepped aside so Sir Sqiibb the Undertaker could begin his work; first of which being to have Anna and Paul Guinness strip the pillows and bedclothes off the bed, leaving the under-sheet for now. Then the Pachycephalosaur had them wrap Emma’s body with that sheet, and told Bremmin and Gunwa to bring in the canvas stretcher that was in his Rickshaw; and when the two Harpymimus returned, he had them lift the wrapped corpse so Anna and Paul could slide the stretcher under her making Emma Fergusson’s body ready for transport. In the mean time, Mayor Lewis Taylor and Cara led Emil Fergusson and I into the kitchen; using the kitchen table as a desk to help us fill out the death certificate, and Healer Voxer was there to confirm the time of death based on my estimate of it. Then Cara asked about the burial arrangements, and Emil told her that he would like her to be buried out in the family plot out back; right next to her beloved steed Felonia, then as a thought turned to me. He asked me if I would go to the closet in her old bedroom upstairs, and get that mint green gown that was hanging up (It was her favorite dress, he said.); and said to get those black strapped shoes that were in there too, a chore I did with little trouble and only took a hand full of moments to complete. When I got back the Undertaker was done with his task, and Emma’s body was being solemnly carried out of the room; Squibb informing us all that he would take her to his shop and embalm her, and she would be ready for burial within twenty-four hours, and that he would obtain grave-diggers shortly. Emil got up and followed Emma as she was carried out, walking along side her as they went, and was asked to please step aside so they could load her onto the cart driven by Apollo; so I gently grasped his even more frail form and drew him back, and as everyone got aboard their respective carts, I had drew him all the way back to the front porch. The Mayor and Cara said one last good bye, a lick to Emil from her and a handshake from him to me; and presently they ambled their way back down the lane and over the rise and out of sight. As we concluded waving, I noticed Emil leaning on me; and not so much for camaraderie than support, for the events that just occurred had all but exhausted him. I asked him how he was holding out, and he drearily told me that he felt lost and all alone, and that everyone that had any meaning to him was now gone; but I turned and drew him into a fatherly hug that he melted into, saying that he wasn’t totally alone even now, for I was still here for him. He replied by saying that this was indeed true, and that I had been with him the whole time; and then he said something I thought he would never say as his tears of sorrow turned into ones of almost joy, for Emil Fergusson squeezed me hard and called me his ‘Son’! Presently we walked back into the house, Emil requesting to sit in the first chair in the sitting room for a while as I tended some of the household chores for the time being; and I checked out how he was doing from time to time, finding him in various places in the house. For most of the day Emil puttered around the house, looking at this or that object that was Emma’s; Pictures of her and trophies she had won, thinking long and hard over the memories they shared. I let him carry on like this as I kept an eye on the poor man, for here was a man near the end of things and all he really had left was remembrances; and I helped him upstairs at his request to pour over the trappings of his wife, and the things she had given him over the years contained in their old bedrooms. He would speak to me about how pretty she looked in this or that outfit or that dress, or about the time he gave her this necklace or those ear rings; and simile at the times they had made love in that bed; being the culmination of a wonderful night on the town, along with other times they shared together. In his room Emil showed me cufflinks and tie tacks she had given him on birthdays and anniversaries, and other things she gave him for no other reason except that she loved him; and knowing that his love for her was the only thing he had left, I led him back down to the main floor of the house when he was finished there, the embrace more that of a son would impart on a father than for physical support. After a little while the crew began to arrive to dig the grave, and the Postal Bird from Sir Squibb stating the same and including all of their names (Paul Guinness from the Hatchery led three other humans, and Apollo was there for any heavy work.), came shortly before that; and after I showed them where the cemetery was and where Emil wanted the grave to be dug, I left them there to do their grim business. A short time later they were done, and left as quickly as they had arrived; and later that day the Undertaker came with Emma’s remains in a whicker casket being conveyed in a black carriage pulled by a grim Chasmosaur, and what came shortly after that was perhaps half the population of Baz. Both Emil and I felt awed at how so many people showed up to pay homage to one of their own, one they scorned and made the focus of so much rumor; but I guess that even so, they could do no less for one of their own townspeople. The precession exited the front of the house after gathering there, and filed out to the graveyard behind the pallbearers as they solemnly and carefully traversed the treacherous terrain between there and the graveyard; but since the mourners numbered over a hundred and the graveyard was so small, they congregated just outside it in the field before it. They all bowed and waited as the casket was lifted and positioned over the hole in the ground, set within pulley ropes and held in place by rigging attached to Apollo who held it steady; and Squibb ushered both Emil and I beside him near the casket after that task was done, then he began a small speech and ceremony that began by announcing why we were all here today, and then continued by telling the congregation all the great things Emma Fergusson had done in her life. It turned out that in her younger years she was a story-teller and a spreader of news from various towns in the region (And I didn’t know that spreading gossip was a profession on Dinotopia!), and also a doer of deeds and being helpful to others was also things of her childhood; and as she grew old enough to seriously pursue a profession, she became very interested in many events of the Dinosaur Olympics. Of these many events such as relay races and gymnastics, she discovered she really had a talent for the Ring Riding event (First partnering up with her younger brother and his own Corythisaur steed.); she then grew proficient enough to perform on her own with another steed (Felonia.) whence they became Partners, and as time progressed she met and fell in love with Emil Fergusson when the aerial performance squadron he was with joined up with the Olympics. Sir Squibb went on to mention all of her other achievements, services and performances done for the goodwill of all Dinotopians; and it was at this moment that I noticed that Anna Forsythe from the Hatchery had drifted close to me, and as our eyes met I merely nodded solemnly at her. At the conclusion of his speech Sir Squibb the undertaker directed Emil and I to lead the precession up to the casket, and to speak a few words or retain a moment of silence as we placed a provided flower upon the wicker container; and as we did so everyone else had lined up to do the same singly or in small groups, and we watched them all from outside the confines of the cemetery until all were through. Sir Squibb halted everyone from dispersing for a moment, saying his final condolences to those whose loved one this was; and then Apollo began to slowly lower the casket into the ground, and as the ceremony waned small knots of hushed conversation began with some in the crowd. Soon the crowd began to disperse as the burial crew got busy with their grim task in the background, and that was when I noticed Emil Fergusson’s deflated condition; for the shock of losing his wife and the to-do of the burial ceremony seemed to have taken a lot out of him, and he had taken to leaning on me as he stood. I took him up and began aiding him back to the house, and Anna rushed over to help out as well; but I told her in whispers that I could do it as I got busy doing so, and she smiled back knowingly as she went back to her group of Hatchery workers. Once I got him to the house I sat him down on a couch in one of the sitting rooms, then asked him how he was holding out; but he said he was fine and made efforts to stand and walk out of the room, his dragging steps telling me him being fine was NOT the case. Further evidence that Emil Fergusson was not entirely himself was the way he conveyed himself around the house during the next week or two, for he would walk the walk of the dead; moping about the house straightening this or that knick-knack after staring at it for the longest time, but otherwise would not do any of the everyday chores when it became his turn. More often than not I would find the firewood not chopped or the laundry undone or any other regular chore neglected when it became his turn to do them, and this forced me to take up the slack for the chores he did not seem to have the heart to do; but I realized what he had just been through and understand that for some people such losses were catastrophic for their wills to accept, so I knew never to complain about his depressed procrastinations. Instead I pretended a cheery mood in his presence, artfully describing our usual food or exclaiming on how fantastic the otherwise ordinary day turned out; and I even went as far as calling him ‘Dad’ or ‘Father’ or any other fatherly title as the situation called for, but still the gloomy mood of Emil Fergusson persisted to the point where I feared his continuing funk would soon be the death of him! Ever so gradually Emil’s mood finally began to brighten for some reason, me not knowing why but was overjoyed at the change in him; and he began to see all the things I was doing for him in his time of mourning and all the things I was doing for him as a son would for a father, and in the back of his mind and unbeknownst to me he began to formulate a way to pay me back (This I would not know of until after the day of his death.). One day shortly after his mood began to brighten I was in the barn area sharpening and repairing some tools I would need when I finally got around to repairing the barn in earnest, so I had no idea that Emil had left the property to go into town; and I only learned that he had left when I had finished what I was doing and went looking for him as it was his turn to fix our Midmeal and nothing was made as yet, but no matter where I looked I could not find him anywhere (The first two places were the cemetery and his bedroom on the first floor - his two favorite places.). I was just about to panic as mid-afternoon rolled around when a bicycle Rickshaw wheeled up the lane and the lady driver stopped it in front of the house; and Emil got out of the passenger seat and paid her then waited for her to turn back down the lane, then he walked right up to me and dangled my Postal Bird whistle on it’s chain in front of my face! As I took it from him he told me that he had some business in town that he had to attend to personally, and apologized for ‘borrowing’ my Postal Bird whistle; but rationalized that there was no other way to summon a Postal Bird, and thusly a ride into town! As I followed his much happier steps into the house, I asked him what kind of business he had there that was so secret that he had to sneak off like that (I explained that I had looked all over for him, and was worried; and was about to call for help in finding him, but I was glad he was back anyway.); but he merely said that it was a private matter, and asked that I say no more about it. I said that I would and kept my promise for the longest time, but still I could not help but wonder what all this was about; for the results of Emil’s business in town must have been pretty fantastic indeed for the changes in moods I had seen in him, as Emil Fergusson had gone from virtually an emotional cripple to the happiest man on earth in one fell swoop! The first thing he did when entering the house was wash my Midmeal dishes I had abandoned as I was looking for him and all, then he got busy cleaning and dusting the house; and over the course of the next several days I saw him really begin to pull his own weight around here, and then some! He would split and chop the wood so the woodbins were never empty and did the laundry in a much faster manner than I’ve seen him do, and I’ve never seen him do as much around the house as he was doing now; and he even took the time to turn over a small plot in the field out back for a vegetable garden saying that it would save some of the trouble of going into town to purchase what we needed, explaining that the plot would need to be fertilized with Copro and turned a few more times to be ready for that in a season or two, as the ground was only fertile enough for grains at present, he explained. He also began showing me all the things he liked to do, for example as a lad he apprenticed in Volcaneum for a year; and knew how to forge all sorts of useful things (One of the reasons why he had a small forge on the property.), like nails and hinges and chisels and axe heads and things like that. He said that he was also a cook’s helper, and assisted in making all sorts of simple and delicious dishes; and Emma’s mother taught her all the recopies she knew, laughingly saying that between the two of them they never went hungry all their days! I then told him that I once worked in a pizza parlor for five years, and knew the recipe for pizza well; but he was unfamiliar with the dish, and I fell short in trying to describe it to him and had to make it to show him how it was done. I had little problems obtaining the ingredients for the toppings (Things like onions, peppers, mushrooms and other vegetables common on pizza grew everywhere on the island; and the ingredients for the sauce was also common like tomatoes and various spices and things - meat was a no-no!), but making pizza dough in the right consistency using Dinotopian baking techniques and ingredients proved most difficult; for my first experiment made the crust akin to a croissant and the second try was almost cake-like in consistency, and the closest version required Pine seed oil and distilled linseed albumen (The dough needed an egg white, and this combination was as close as I would ever get!) before it began to look and taste the part! When Emil first tasted the pizza I made (With peppers, mushrooms and onions; topped off with Mozzarella cheese made from Mammoth milk!) he loved it profusely, saying it was like a complete meal including bread all rolled into one; and I told him that it was a common fast-food meal for those who didn’t have a lot of time to cook (One could buy frozen ones in stores, order take-out from a pizza parlor or make it from scratch oneself, and a full business industry grew up around this type of food and others like in in the Outside World. He told me that this food could be one of the next gastronomic ‘hits’ on Dinotopia, and told me that I knew a lot of useful and interesting things; and he said that this was why he liked me, not to mention all the things I had done to help Emma and himself. He said that I had done a lot for them, and that it was high time he did something for me in return; then asked me how far along I was with the barn(I told him that I had merely nailed down the loosest of the wallboards and flipped over some of the warped floorboards.), then he simply said that we would just have to do something about that as he grabbed the last slice of pizza from the pan! The next morning during Morniungmeal he told me to meet him down by the barn after enough of the daily chores were done, and when those was done; I found Emil coming in and out of the workshop toting out tools and nails and the plans I had begun to create in preparation to repair the barn, and waved me over as soon as his hands were empty. I did not know what he had in mind at the moment, but he said that since we could not repair the barn’s main support structure without a lot of help; we could at least repair the things that were not structurally important to the barn, and indicated the south side of the workshop that was just as disheveled as the rest of the barn that it was rested against (Even though the interior of the workshop was sound and tight and the interior walls were insulated against the weather, the outer clapboards were just as loose in places as the rest of the barn - plus other things we might find along the way.). Emil Fergusson first went all the way around the back of the workshop to where it joined with the rear of the barn and began to measure boards that were in the worst shape first, writing them down before coming back around to transpose them onto new planks from the covered over pile; then he told me to cut those pieces to lengths and widths paying mind of any notches or special cuts he drew, and when five or six of these planks were done, he toted them out back and got to nailing. He had also told me to rip many planks into two inch wide strips, as these would be nailed at the joints between boards so rain would not leak in; and since I had seen this done on many wooden buildings in my time on Dinotopia and the Outside World and it was a good building practice anyway, how could I refuse! By the end of the day we had only completed the rear outer wall of the workshop, but that was mostly due to the fact that we both didn’t know how to properly frame up the only window in that wall and had to figure that out by trial and error; and it took nearly a week to finish up the longer adjacent wall, the eight other window casements along it seeming easier as we had already figured out how to repair them by then. As we began to get started with the front wall of the workshop with it’s wide door and smaller window next to it, Emil noticed that we were running low on the medium sized framing nails we had been using; for the lumber supplier had gotten part of the order wrong, and sent us more roofing nails and spikes and pegs than we could possibly use at the moment (The nails we were using were wedge-shaped and the size of eight-penny nails, and we had started out with only a keg of those; while the supplier gave us ten kegs of the twenty-penny spikes the size of small railroad ties and eight kegs of the four-penny roofing nails.) Having an idea Emil told me to fetch all but five kegs of the roofing nails and all but four kegs of the spikes and meet him inside the workshop, and as I began the task I saw what he had in mind; for he got started preparing the forge, loading it up with coal from the bin beside it and preparing to light it. I knew a few of the things he may be needing pretty soon, and got out several ceramic ingot molds and tongs and other forger’s tools; and when the fire was lit he had me man the bellows, squeezing it up and down until the coals began to glow almost blinding white. It took almost four hours to get the forge hot enough to melt iron, and all during that time I pumped the bellows while Emil shoveled coal into it; he looking like a Fire-tender on a steam locomotive, and me like a fanner at a Turkish spa! The extra roofing nails had to be made into ingots before they could be pounded into the medium nails we needed, but the twenty penny spikes merely had to be heated before being pounded to the right thickness before sheared to length; so we got to work on those first, dropping the finished nails into buckets of water so they would cool. By the end of the day we had pounded most of the extra spikes into nails, me switching off on the pounding when Emil grew too weary to do it while he switched to the bellows; and found that we had made almost four kegs worth of nails, which were plenty to continue working for a while. As we rested a bit, Emil showed me a whole bin of rusted and worn metal parts and fasteners, and told me that we could use that if we ran out of other things to forge into nails; and the next day we were right back out at it, and by the end of another week we had gotten a lot more progress done. However, with all this labor our regular chores around the place suffered; and we had to concentrate on that for a while as well. One day at Eveningmeal I asked Emil why he was so enthusiastic about doing all these things around the place, saying that the heavy work should be my job and mine alone (We both knew that I was more worried about his condition than anything else, but I just made off like he was taking all my work away from me!); I said that something fishy was going on, and wanted to know why all this special help all of a sudden. At first Emil gave me joke replies to my questioning, saying he was getting too lazy and fat and needed the exercise; and after I gave a chuckle at this reason, he then told me precisely why he was doing all these things when he knew he really shouldn’t. He told me first and foremost that it was the Dinotopian thing to do to help others in their labors, and the second thing was that I was trying so hard to help them (Us old folks, with a limited amount of faculty left, he told me.) that he felt it prudent on behalf of himself and his beloved wife to return the favor; but he said that the two most important reasons of all were the facts that first I had become a really good friend to them, and secondly they had really grown to think of me as the younger son that they never had! And at the point where he drew me into a fatherly embrace, I knew I truly had a family here on Dinotopia; and with the closeness we shared over the next two months I knew this fact was true, for I was truly beginning to feel that Emil Fergusson was indeed my true father. As the many days rolled on and this feeling increased in me as well as within the old man, and I was getting the feeling that my life would truly be a fulfilling one here; for through our friendship and mutual labor, the farmstead was really beginning to take shape. I was really beginning to love that old man, and that was why it was such a shock on his last morning; and was more surprising was that he gave no indication that anything was wrong the previous night, so I just treated that morning just like any other. It was my turn to cook Morningmeal, and before preparing it I knocked on his bedroom door so he’d be ready for it when it was done; for the Loggers were coming through to give us enough logs to make many cords of firewood, and we would need all the energy to tote and chop wood all day. I was making Seaweed Pancakes this morning, a dish that didn’t take long to fix; so I tapped on his door once again and called that it was ready. When no noises came from the other side of the door, I opened it and told him to wake up and his breakfast was getting cold; but Emil still lay there in bed asleep or so it seemed, but I was shocked into action when I noticed that he wasn’t even moving! I rushed to his bedside cursing at my stupidity of assuming anything as I checked his wrist for a pulse, and broke out wailing in sobs when I could not find any; and I know I did not cry for more than a handful of moments before thinking clearly enough to do anything about this, but for me it seemed to take forever… ----------------------------------------------------
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Post by thundertail on Mar 16, 2011 19:25:05 GMT -5
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SEVENTEEN:
“I INHERIT A RANCH OF THE DEAD, BUT LIFE SOON RETURNS.”
---------------------------------------------------- I rushed out to the Postal Bird I summoned to tell him of the terrible news, and after about an hour a repeat performance of what happened a few months ago with Emma Fergusson began to commence; me only eating my portion of the seaweed pancakes while I waited for the coroner and medical experts to arrive, and wished I didn’t for the grim situation unfolding before my eyes as they presently arrived. This time Squibb said that Emil’s heart simply stopped, and no other ailments he could detect was present; and when he asked me at what time he died, I told him that I had forgotten to check for Rigor Mortis and didn’t really know. Since he said that it had not set in as he examined Emil, doctor Squibb said that it happened just at the beginning of sunrise; which was about an hour before I tried to rouse him the first time when I was starting breakfast, and after I finished hearing the doctor’s diagnosis the mayor of Baz walked me into the kitchen to help him fill out the death certificate. I told mister Taylor that Emil should be buried in their family plot, beside his wife and between her and his Skybax Partner; and as Emil was summarily carted away for embalming just like Emma was, I saw out the window the gravedigger crew get busy in the graveyard once again. The ceremony later that day was as somber as it was familiar, and of all the things Emil Fergusson told me of his life; it was stated that he was once enlisted in the Skybax corps, but was asked to ‘retire’ because he was so reckless. I placed my flower on his casket and thanked him and his wife for all the things they had done for me, then turned and thanked all of those who had come for attending; then slowly walked back to the house as the precession placed their flowers where I had placed mine before slowly dispersing, and Anna Forsythe came with me to ask with her eyes if I would be all right while my stern but sad look told her that I would. As she returned to her group of hatchery workers I arrived at the house and watched the rest disperse to their homes one by one, and continued to watch from the windows as the grave diggers returned to bury Emil’s casket and eventually they left as well; silently crying to myself as the sun went down, my mood growing darker with the encroaching night. By morning my mood felt no better, and I took to wandering the house; feeling so lost I kept on finding myself in Emil and Emma’s latest bedrooms seeming to ask them what was to become of me, and never even thinking to clean up after the scant snacks I was barely able to eat due to my severe depression. I found that for the first time since I arrived on Dinotopia that I was all alone and truly on my own in the world, a desire I had ale=ways dreamed of when I lived on the Outside World; but a reality I actually felt terrified of at this very moment, and this feeling must certainly be what Emil was feeling at the loss of his wife! As my funk finally began to break three days later, my travels included the barn and other buildings plus many visits to the graveyard; and I reached the grand conclusion about myself and this place, and the fact was that I did not belong here as the Fergusson farm was not really mine! I quickly began to realize that I was now no better than a squatter and a trespasser now that both Emma and Emil Fergusson were now deceased, and knew that I had to leave soon before they send guards to forcefully throw me out; and that was what was going through my mind as I packed, just the gear I brought here with me and nothing originally to the house. All of that I put in my backpack and other sacks, shut down the house and took the house keys with me (Large skeleton keys for both barn and mansion, which had keys for both front and back doors.); then set off down Rosepetal lane to the center of Baz, slowly making my way into town hall as I would truly miss Baz. When I got there I stepped inside and marched up to the desk mayor Taylor occupied, then I dropped the Fergusson house keys on his desk and startled him to attention; then I said that the Fergusson place was now vacant, and they could do with it anything they wanted with it. Mayor Taylor simply smiled at me and confirmed if this was so, told me not to be so daft hasty and offered me a seat; and when I did he asked me how I had reached that conclusion, so I told him my reason that it was the Fergusson’s house and not mine, and I had no right being there as they were now dead. He nodded and said that was a sound and noble thought, then said he was glad I showed up here at long last; for he explained that there was a bit of business to tend to here in this courthouse, and that it concerned me personally. I feared something bad was about to take place (Like some kind of tax or levy the Fergussons owed and I was now responsible for, or something of that nature… Old laws of the Outside World die hard in my mind, you know!) as I listened to him go on, saying that Emil Fergusson had altered his will recently; me nodding as I remembered his clandestine trip and the temporary theft of my Postal Bird whistle, and the mayor continued after he had Cara the Protoceratops go retrieve the Fergusson will in the other rooms of the courthouse. While we were waiting the mayor asked me how I liked Baz so far, and told me how much of a joy it had been having me here; and then apologized for the two tragedies I was a personal witness to, and then groused that it must have been a terrible blow to have both my hosts pass away! Cara returned many moments later with a thick folder in her mouth, and helped sort out the important looking documents after Mr. Lewis took it and placed it on his desk; and the papers included forms as well as well as formal looking documents, plus a white letter envelope sealed with wax and was addressed to me as it had my name on it. The first thing that Mayor Lewis Taylor told me was that the reason why I was needed here wasn’t anything bad like I was no doubt thinking, and then officially told me that the late Emil Fergusson had left me his property in a will; and as Cara brayed her congratulations to me, he told me that to make it legal he had to officially read the will to me aloud. So with great flourish, he stood as he picked up a copy of the will; then made motions to study it for dramatic effect before clearing his throat, then hastily began to read the will aloud once he noticed his theatrics were annoying me!: ~THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF EMIL FARGO FERGUSSON~
~I, Emil Fargo Fergusson, being of sound mind and body, hereby be- queath to Timothy Edward Smith, all of my worldly possessions. Said possessions includes the property at four Rosepetal Lane and all that is contained within. Property includes the house, barn and out-build- ings, the ten acres of land included in the property, all articles and personal possessions contained within each building and on the land, all implements and tools, our private cemetery and monuments and all business holdings and interests both I and Emma Mae (Fairchild) Fergusson possess…~
~Timothy, being like a son to my wife and myself; was a ray of sunshine in the sunset of our lives, and we loved him very much. Our goal was to help him find his place on Dinotopia, just like he has helped us in our old age; however, the only way two such as us can ever repay Timothy For the services he has provided is to give him all our worldly possess- Ions. My son, use what we have given you wisely; and it will serve you Well…~
~All our love goes with you…~ ~Emil Fargo Fergusson…~ Emil’s signature was next, and then the mayor’s as he was the one to notarize it; and as the mayor looked up he waited for my reaction, the one he saw was one of shock and disbelief as he asked what I thought. My silence was brief, and I breathed that I just could not believe it; and I looked around with a slowly growing smile, one that grew with the notion that I went from having nothing to speak of to a bona-fide landowner of this town! The mayor chuckled as he sat back down, then repeated his former question; of which I asked him what exactly was the scope of the property willed to me, and he merely said that it was pretty considerable, and the holdings would put me in touch with business dealings that would benefit my future shipping company. I told him that I really did not know a whole lot about Emil or his wife, like that his middle name was Fargo (I had told him mine, of which he no doubt added to the will.) and Emma’s middle name was Mae and her maiden name was Fairchild; and the mayor said that along with his tenacious nature, he was also aloof. Mayor Taylor told me that the Fergussons have been quite beneficial to Baz over the years, and that most of the businesses in town owed their very existence to their good natured loans; and that it was the Fergusson’s idea to have the townspeople make me think that they disrespected them. (To let me see for myself their nature, and to prove to the townspeople that I had actually discovered the fact in the Fergussons for myself; and this fact will play a great role in how they treated me, the mayor told me… Even so, I did not understand this!) He told me the Fergussons wanted to teach me the value of being needed, and the value of loyalty to those that are beneficial to me; and it was only then that I finally knew why the people of Baz had been so crass to me at first, and nodded knowingly. As this silence rolled on for many moments, mayor Taylor suggested that I read my letter; and as I fumbled it in my hands to open it, my eyes adjusted to Emil Fergusson’s chicken-scratch handwriting: ~Dear Timothy,~
~This may seem strange to me by saying it, but I am sure that by the time you read this letter I’ll be dead and gone; and I sure hope it will be many years down the road, but being a hundred and three like I am, you just never know! My son, when you first came to our doorstep, I really didn’t know what to make of you; but right away we saw how kind and caring you really are, and the selflessness you showed by forsaking your original desires to come assist us told us more of you than you could possibly tell us with words. You are a good man, Timothy; and the only way to thank you for your help is to help you in return, but unfortunately, we were too old and feeble to help you in a physical way. So the only other way we are able to help you with any degree of certainty is to give you all our earthly remains, this farm and property and all you see within it; and this should give you all the help you will need - thus I hope as it is all I’m able to give…~
~With all my love - Good luck!~ ~Emil Fargo Fergusson~
~Postscript~ ~I do not mean to come off too pushy, but if you do not accept the Gift I give you, I shall certainly come back to haunt you!~ I looked up and the mayor asked me what he said, but all I told him was what was written in the postscript; a thing that the mayor chuckled at, and said that he would not put that task past him! I chuckled a little too and said that if he was capable of that, then I had better go ahead and accept his inheritance; then the mayor exclaimed ‘excellent!’, and then began to prepare the other paperwork that went with the will. These were deeds to the property as well as the house and barn and other buildings, as well as vouchers for every major piece of furniture and piece of equipment on the property; and there was more paperwork in the form of bonds for the shares in all the businesses and other endeavors Emil and Emma was involved with, all of the above was of course in triplicate. As mayor Taylor explained each document, he said I was to sign each copy; one copy to be filed with the records department of Baz, another to be filed with the Hall Of Records in Waterfall City and the last set of copies were for my own records. It took me at least ten minutes with his explanation to sign every copy and my wish to make my signature neat and legible, then mayor Taylor collated them into three neat stacks with a copy of the will on top and the bonds on the bottom; then he smiled at me as he cleared his throat, preparing himself to tell me something else - I was sure. He told me that now that I was an official landowner in Baz, I was now an official citizen of Baz; and I now had certain rights, privileges and duties as a citizen of Baz. He said that I could now conduct business in town, free from any scrutiny from town officials; and I could now attend the monthly meetings, and express my opinions on any town matters as I saw fit. He also told me that I would also be required to help out in town emergencies in the form of either financial assistance or by simply ‘pitching in’ with certain unexpected tragedies; and I was to co-operate with town officials in legal matters and other crimes, and I was to learn and obey town bylaws. I told the mayor that I would help out and co-operate to the best of my abilities, and I promised to cause no undue trouble; that I might have an idea or two every now and then, but I would have to see how the town ran before I felt qualified to voice them at town meetings. He also informed me that I could also run for mayor of Baz if I wished to, and also said that he was going to hold the elections by planting time next spring; and Cara nearly sang that she loved to campaign in the spring as she sauntered into the next room, and the mayor said that it would be grand if I would run as well - for he loved a good competition! I laughingly begged off and told him that I was too new here and didn’t know this town’s politics well enough to run, but told him that I might be ready to run the election time after that; and mayor Lewis Taylor chuckled as he said that it was all for the best as he usually won anyway, and the election after the scheduled one might not take place for many years to come! At length I gathered my deed paperwork and put it in my backpack, thinking to myself that I would have to go over all that in detail so I would really know what all that was worth; then I said my good-byes to mayor Lewis Taylor and Cara as I strapped it to my back, turning to leave after a momentary sidelong glance at them. As my hand reached for the door handle, the mayor called out to me; saying to not forget my keys as he held them up for me, and I turned and nodded as I went to receive them. I thanked him and said good bye again, and I went out the door in earnest this time; but my quick pace out the building slowed as soon as my feet hit the cobbled street beyond, for it was then that I realized that even though the Fergusson place was now legally mine, I was still just as alone there as I was before! I wondered how I was to keep the house and grounds up and still run my shipping company, and I realized that I would quickly fail all alone like this; and began to reason that I would invariably need help running the place, but I also realized that I currently lacked money to pay such help. As I slowly shuffled down the street, I began to notice a broken slat on a building or the chipping paint on another; thinking that these greedy thoughts were not the Dinotopian way to think, and that I should instead be feeling grateful to the Fergussons for their generosity and not the feasibility of my own greedy ambitions! I had many such thoughts, as they were racing to and fro in my brain at this point, just like all the people and dinosaurs milling by me with me scarcely noticing them; but I kept my business to myself as I walked up the street, and eventually made it to the fruit shop owned by Frank Stratton and his Partner, Clem the Ankylosaur. Before the owners could come by and see me, I noticed that his kiosks were peeling paint as well; and told him that he would get a lot more customers if he gave them a nice paint job, pulling off this large flake from the leg of one I recently fixed to show him. He thanked me and asked if I knew how to paint, and I said I would do it if he order the paint; and he said he would get on it shortly, just as Clem came out with some baskets of bananas to bray hello to me. As soon as Frank unloaded his friend’s back, he told me that mister Fergusson had left an unpaid b ill with him, a sum of some forty-two Drachs; but he said he would never collect now that they were dead, and he began to tend the fruit. I went to him and told him not to fret, for I had just inherited the Fergusson place; and I would get the money to him as soon as I could, a thing that he told me that getting the place painted would be payment enough for him! I then told him that I might have to start an account with him too, and he said that this would be fine; and to come in and fill out a note when I felt the need, and I thanked him as I turned to go. Moments later I arrived at the commissary or general store, where I saw crowds containing mostly humans and smaller dinosaurs gathered like they usually do at it’s opening; and where a large, two sided bulletin board stood beside the building. This was where folks could get local and island-wide news and word of eminent events and other such messages, and also where merchants and salesmen and work contractors could place their ads and other announcements; and the usual drifters were there along side of the usual townsfolk; and the former was busy reading while the latter was posting their pages onto the board, and I tried to pay them no mind as I elbowed my way up to read the newer posts. I had finished reading my third handbill when this nervous looking Troodont bumped into me with his twitching tail looking for his own opportunities, and he briefly apologized and continued tisking and worrying over each handbill; and I tracked his twitchy motions while I scanned the posts before me, and asked him if he was having any luck when his browsing wandered closer to me. He gasped and said he was having the worst luck possible, for he was new in town and out of a job; and what was worse, he had a mate and hatchlings to take care of, wandering away as he spotted yet another promising handbill. On his next circuit of the bulletin board, he also told me he was also seeking a place to stay for himself and his family, but there was not so much as a stable to stay in and they could not possibly afford the hotel (He was kind enough to speak English, even though I had heard him curse in fluent saurian a few moments ago; but he had a clipped British accent, quick like his jerky motions.); and to that I said it was a shame and wished I could do something to help him, thought a moment and exclaimed that perhaps there was a way to help him out after all! I pulled him aside and explained to him that I had been a newcomer in town many months back, and eventually got a room at an old farmhouse at the edge of town; and I saw that my hosts were really old so I began to help them do nearly everything for them, and as time rolled on we had become great friends and really close. I told him that it was unfortunate that they had both recently passed away, and I felt guilty for staying there by myself as the farm wasn’t really mine; so I told him that I went to the courthouse this morning to turn in the keys, and I just found out an hour ago that they had their will changed, and it turned out that they had bequeathed the place to me. The Troodont congratulated me and shook my hand vigorously, then we introduced ourselves (His name is Ricky.) and said that he thought he could guess the rest; that I was left all alone there, and could not run the place all by myself. I nodded and said he was right, telling him there was plenty of room there; and if he wanted to he could stay there and pay off the room and board by helping me there. He made a toothy grin as he considered it, but only for a second as he agreed and said that this could solve both our problems; then turned to the street and made a shrill whistle which echoed all up and down the street, and three other Troodonts came streaking into the area from all points of the compass! These three congregated around Ricky and greeted him in true Troodont fashion, the larger one giving him a tiny smooch on the muzzle; and then he began to jabber at them in their quick Troodont language, and if I understood the language he was talking so fast I wouldn’t be able to follow him! After the thirty second conversation, he turned to me and began to introduce his family in English; his mate called Natalie who said hello in a Brooklyn accent, his son Gavin who came up to my waist and his daughter Zoie who was a head taller then her brother - both kids saying ‘Hiya!’ in ragged unison. Ricky told me that Natalie was a good cook and an expert housekeeper and maid, and he was a farmer and laborer and a ‘jack of all trades’; and his children could do some work around my farm too (They groaned!); but I told them that it wasn’t fair to have the children work, and that schooling and play was what they should be doing. However, I told them that what ever the parents think is best for their children should be done; and far be it for me to tell them how to raise their children, a sentiment both parents nodded at. After that I asked them if this was a good deal or not, and Ricky’s whole family looked at each other smiling; and without warning all five of us let out a whoop, and Ricky said that of course we had a deal as we all went to get their worldly possessions. Their wooden cart turned out to be designed no better than a child’s toy wagon even though it was nearly as big as the bed of a small pickup truck and designed to handle no more than a half ton of goods (They had far less then that, and it was all care-worn and ragged!), and was parked in an alley beside a warehouse building down the street; and it took both adults to pull it out into the street while the children pushed from the rear, so I took Natalie’s position up front as I knew the way to my new farmstead while she went back to push with the children. I tried to describe the place to them along the way, but still they gasped and made awed sounds as the property on Rosepetal lane loomed over the rise in the road before them, Zoie exclaiming that the house was a mansion; and when the barn itself came into view for the first time, Ricky said that it looked to be a fine estate and he could no doubt do wonders with the place! I had them stop their cart in front of the house, then grabbed my backpack and gunny sacks from the cart and went to use the keys on the door; and Ricky asked if I wanted the cart over by the barn, but I said that it would be easier to unload it where she sits and could be moved later. I opened the door and invited them all in, each gasping at the lavishness of the place (Even though the décor was old-hat to me and familiar!) as I gave them a small tour of the first floor; in and through the sitting room and through to the kitchen and back door, around past Emil and Emma’s first floor bedrooms and finally back to the main stairs in front. Upstairs I showed them all the rooms, from my room (Gregory’s) to Phillip’s and every room in between; and they ogled at the lavishness of each one, and commented on how thoughtful to have both a nursery and a library. As Natalie saw the door to the back stairwell and asked, I told her that the servant’s quarters were up there; but scampered up them before I could stop her; and the rest followed to see the more Spartan décor up there, and I quickly followed her along with the rest of her family. As they all looked around at the much simpler rooms and more utilitarian utilities; they began to congregate in the kitchen area as I followed them there, and after a brief conference in Troodont asked me if they could stay up there. They said that it had all the comforts of home, and was far more roomy then they were used to; but I told them that I had planned for them to sleep in the main bedrooms down on the second floor, for they were my guests. Ricky then told me that they were a humble family and used to a more Bohemian way of life, and they did not deserve such lavishness; so at length I gave in and said that I should let them choose where they felt most comfortable living in, and if they wished to live up here I should not get in the way. After many a profuse thank you from them all, Natalie had Zoie and Gavin go and choose their bedrooms; but they came back a moment later saying that there were several bunk beds made for humans in all the bedrooms, me explaining that these quarters were designed to hold a whole crew of servants. Ricky said that this can be fixed soon enough, and asked if the barn had a loft to put them in; but I said that the barn was unfinished, and the loft was probably unsafe. At length he said not to worry and we would fix that soon enough, and that they could use the nest-rolls they brought with them until some of the bunk beds could be moved out; then he called for Gavin and Zoie to come help him unload their things and bring them up here, and while that was going on Natalie said that she would fix all of us our lunch or Midmeal, so I went down with her to show her where everything was - and after she saw where everything was she shooed me out of the kitchen (’This is MY kitchen now!’, she scolded!)! I then took to helping Ricky and his kids bring the rest of their things up from their cart and assisting him bringing the cart to the barn (He giving the interior a quick glance before we left it.), and by then our Midmeal was ready; and what a cook Natalie was, for with the regular supplies I had on hand she made into a dish akin to the gourmet! During it Ricky asked me exactly how far along the barn really was, and I told him all that was done to it ever since I got here; and after the meal and inspecting the blueprints and plans I had for it, he told me that it was going to be a massive undertaking requiring a lot of help, time and resources to complete. This being said, he reassured me that the barn would indeed become sound again; for I found out over time that Ricky the down-and-out Troodont held quite a lot of connections with his equally labor-starved cohorts, and knew many friends of kind who were willing to work or help out - if the deal was to their liking. Also over time I found out that Natalie was an expert housekeeper and maid, and seldom wanted or needed any help of any kind around the house; and she even became friends of the wives of the farmers that were my neighbors on Rosepetal lane, and this was how I grew to know the Otts, the Hamiltons and the Jeffersons (1, 2 and 3 Rosepetal lane respectively. Sam and Bertha Ott had two grown children that didn’t live with them, and they grew predominantly wheat; and their Partners were Frankie and Brooks, male and female Ankylosaurs respectively. Peter and Amanda Hamilton had no kids yet, and they host the crews of shipping company caravans in their barn; and their Partners were Obsidion and Opal, male and female Hadrosaurs respectively. Bear and Chloie Jackson have a baby daughter named Paula, and also grew wheat along with corn; and their Partners were Weaver and Ileah, male and female Iguanodons respectively.). Zoie and Gavin proved to be the sweetest of children I ever knew, and even though they had their childlike enthusiasm they are very smart; and aced their classes after they were enrolled in the Baz schoolhouse in town, but even though they loathed the prospect of going there, their outgoing nature allowed them to make friends with nearly all of their classmates! As the many weeks began to roll by with this rather eccentric Troodont family, my sense of feeling totally alone on Dinotopia gradually waned; and my trips to the cemetery for remembrance and solitude became fewer and fewer, as that desire was being replaced with the want of camaraderie with my newly found friends and houseguests. Almost before I noticed the barn and outbuildings began to get renovated and the grounds began to be spruced up thanks to the carpentry and gardening skills of Ricky and the persons he summoned to help, and even though I shared a hand in a lot of this work; the payment for his friend’s labors never usually amounted to a day’s worth of meals or a night or two stay in the barn or servant’s quarters, a small price to pay considering what was usually charged for similar services in the Outside World! One evening as I was just falling asleep, I had begun to think that my life here on Dinotopia had come full circle; for I had started out the learner and one to be dependant on others, while now I was in a capacity to help others - even though I knew there was still a lot I had to learn!… ----------------------------------------------------
“Didn’t I tell you everything’s possible in this Deja-Vu? Try the river boat, the carousel, feed the pigeons, barbeque. Look at all the people, happy faces all around. Smiling, throwing kisses, busy making lazy sounds. It’s a bright June afternoon, it never gets dark. Get your green, green tambourine, let’s play in the park.”
“Some folks are on their blankets, slowly daydreaming. … and reaching for their food. Let’s go by an ice cream and a magazine with an attitude. And put on a cassette, we can pretend you are a star. Because life’s so very simple, just like ‘La, la, la!’. It’s a bright June afternoon, it never gets dark. Get your green, green tambourine, let’s play in the park.”
“There’s a painter painting his masterpiece. There are squirrels jumping in the trees. There’s a wide eyed boy with a red balloon. All my life I’ve longed for this afternoon. It’s a bright June afternoon, it never gets dark. Get your green, green tambourine, let’s play in the park. Here comes the sun, here comes the sun!…” ~Roxette: ‘June Afternoon”~ ---------------------------------------------------- The daily routines quickly set themselves in motion with my new family of Troodont houseguests, me never dreaming in a million years that I would end up being the head of such a household; and yet with any arrangements or dealings I could devise and any request I could make with this family of dinosaurs, they were ever agreeable and did their best to comply with my wishes. One of my wishes entailed Gavin and Zoie, for I knew that their childlike vigor would cause one little problem; for I asked them to be very careful when living in the house, and no rough play when in the house. I explained about Emil and Emma Fergusson and the illustrious life they have had, saying they were very famous and very kind to me; and I felt it my duty to see that their things were well taken care of, and I wished that nothing of theirs become broken due to overzealous play. Both Ricky and Natalie promised me their children would not play in the house or they would be punished, but I suggested they not be too hard on them if it should occur; for my only wish was to preserve their memory for as long as possible, and through the course of us living there things might be moved around or put away. So the children agreed to be nice around these fragile things, and I said that would be good enough; but I smilingly said that the old toys in the nursery were OK to play with on rainy days, for toys are not toys unless they have someone to play with them and love them! In terms of household cleanliness, the way Natalie kept everything neat and tidy far surpassed all my best efforts on the place in the past; which really didn’t surprise her as she had many maid jobs in the past, and she was considered a professional housekeeper. Just about the only help she requested of me was that my laundry get in it’s proper place, to pick up things after myself and not to make too many messes; and as a reward for doing these things she learned how to make all my favorite dishes, and I soon grew to enjoy the fare common among Troodonts - certain spiced bean and lentil dishes that were high in the protein that their formerly carnivorous constitutions demanded they eat. Since there was very little for me to do around the house, I felt it my duty to see about things around the property; but Ricky made it a point to have me do much in that quarter as well, for he worked like a dinosaur dynamo making sure all the farmyard tasks were done before I even had the chance to offer my help! Before I knew it the woodshed had been repaired, for he had caulked all the cracks in the roofing and secured all the loose boards in the walls; and the garden that was started by Emil had been tilled once more, and he then planted herbs there at his mate’s request. The creature seemed to have no weariness as he patched up all the loose areas on the exterior of the house and repaired all the loose shutters and the windows that rattled in the wind; and in the cemetery he touched up the landscaping in there to cover the recent soil disturbances due to the burials, and he had also removed all the debris in the field behind the house all the way up to the giant boulder that was the property marker. However, there was one thing that Ricky could not do on this property; and that was the vastness of the job of restoration of the barn, for that was a massive undertaking that would take a whole crew of helpers to set right again. Presently Ricky went into town to see about this, and eventually he had gathered a small team of burly humans and many other types of dinosaurs including sauropods; and they happened to be affiliated with a larger construction company, so they knew what they were doing. They were not too happy when they heard their only task was to shore up the main support beams, but went to the task never the less; professionally shoring up the rotted timbers and pouring the concrete caissons in the lower basement of the structure, then driving the large beams that Emil had ordered into the concrete filled holes. They lowered the good existing timbers onto the new ones and boxed them in with wooden gussets all the way up to the second floor level of the barn, and then when the concrete hardened and they lowered the shored up roof of the barn it was as sturdy as it would ever be; but when the time came to pay them they wanted far too much and all in Drachs, and they were going to claim a suit in the Baz court if we didn’t pay quickly! It was a good thing that they were willing to settle the bill in trade, and they wanted all the tools and equipment in the workshop; but we knew we would need all of that, and asked if they would take the furniture that I had in storage in the house instead - fortunately they accepted that deal because they were too strong and there were too many of them for me to fend off! I later told Ricky that I wanted any further helper candidates he found to see me first, just so I could judge their integrity myself; and to make sure their services didn’t make us go broke before we ever get started, and he agreed to this because he didn’t know the minds of those people either and two heads are better than one. To brighten my spirit’s a little, Ricky consoled me saying that at least the barn was in a lot better shape now; and with a little more work, we should be able to start up my shipping company very shortly indeed. Another good thing was the only thing really needing to be done to the barn was more cosmetic then anything else, and soon the new floorboards were in place followed by an extra layer of planks atop that going in the other direction for strength; then one of the loft sections was walled in for sleeping quarters, and the bunk beds were at last transferred from the servant’s quarters in the house to there. The closer the barn got to completion, the more I thought abut the little details about starting up the business; and one of the details included what to name the shipping company, but there were so many good ideas for it that I could not decide which was best. I went around to everyone on the place and asked them their ideas on the name, and then to be as democratic as possible I wrote each down on slips of paper and put them in my Stetson hat; then I let the winner of a coin toss reach in the hat and pick out the name for the place, and little Gavin won the toss! The name he read was one of three I came up with, and it was strange as there was at least eighteen ideas in my hat; but now the name for my shipping company was “THE AKIN-BAK SHIPPING COMPANY”, a funny and ironic name that was the name of an apple orchard the next town over from where I lived in the Outside World! Naturally there was a lot more going on around the farmhouse than just repairing the barn, even though it’s completion was a great relief off my mind; for the home life I experienced with this extraordinary family of dinosaurs had any experiences with human families left in the dust, and I grew to know each and every one of them better even than my own family. Troodont children are the most curious and playful of all, forever wanting to play with toys and examining everything they touch; or even to play-wrestle with their Uncle Tim, or play hide-and-seek with me or Treasure-Hunt in rooms all over the house! I know that when I wrestle with them to take it easy, but Zoie and Gavin sometimes do not realize their own saurian strength; and it was more often or not that I came out of it slightly hurt, once nursing a black eye for a week! When we play Hide-and-seek it goes pretty much like one would expect where one is chosen to count while the other ones hide and the counting one goes looking for them when they were done counting, but with a Troodont’s sense of smell they could find you faster; and on some of these play sessions Natalie and Ricky would join in, and all of us have a rainy afternoon of fun! The game of Treasure-Hunt requires a little bit of thinking, for one is to describe an object in the house in a roundabout way (‘Goes on something that flies.’, or ‘Is rough but gets clothes clean.’. Of course those items were Emil Fergusson’s Skybax saddle and the washboard!), and then everyone goes to find it; and the funny part about it is the things they bring back, for more often than not what is brought back is not what the describer was thinking of! On one of these sessions of ‘Treasure-Hunt’, we found something in the house I never knew was there; for that was the day that Zoie found the piano, hidden in a corner of a room covered with dust clothes and what I thought was merely a stack of boxes! We were currently playing the game one rainy afternoon when the description by Zoie was ‘Something that makes music’, so as Gavin scampered around the house I went upstairs to retrieve my Postal Bird whistle as it was the only thing I knew that played a note; but suddenly Gavin yelled out that he had found a musical instrument, and a big one at that! Zoie and I found him in Emil’s downstairs bedroom, pointing at that old stack of boxes with the dust cover over it; and I wondered if he was daft as I took off the coverings, and the piano was all there. It was eight feet wide and five feet tall, complete with the matching wooden bench that was the same ebony shade as the piano itself; and the tarp had protected the nearly unscratched surfaces, but as I lifted the key cover and tested a few notes I found that the musical instrument was at least a decade out of tune! As Zoie rushed in and saw the piano she smiled and said that she could play it, and I told her that I took lessons for a year when I was five; but that was so long ago that I had forgotten nearly all my lessons, she said she hadn’t played for about a year. I went to the piano and picked out a quick verse of ’Chopsticks’, her clapping as she went to it and played a simple saurian tune I never heard before (It sounded a little like ‘B-I-N-G-O’!); and then Natalie came in from the kitchen after hearing these songs and asked where the piano came from, so I told her it was here all this time! She smiled and told me that Zoie was pretty good in her piano lessons, and now she could continue if she wished; and I said that I might like to re-learn the piano myself, but I said this piano was horridly out of tune. By this time Ricky came into the house looking for me (He said later that he needed help setting in the stall railings in the barn.), and found us all in that bedroom; but smiled at what we discovered, saying that model piano was rare and worth a lot of money. I said that we were NOT selling it, and his daughter wanted to continue her piano lessons and so would I; and that it would be nice to hear music around the house for a change, for I saw Zoie’s concern at her father’s greedy comment. I said that to do this we would have to hire a music instructor, and find someone who knows how to tune a piano; but I said we could arrange everything later, and then Natalie said that Midmeal was ready to eat. Momentarily ignoring her mother’s call to lunch a moment, Zoie went to the piano and began experimenting a bit on it; Gavin coming over to watch her, that was until Natalie’s reminding cough told them they better scoot into the kitchen! During the meal Ricky said that we were nearly ready to start up the shipping company (Saying he would need some help in the barn after our lunch.), but we would need to obtain barn supplies and fodder for our future employees would find it hard to live in there; and I just said that he should make a list of what was needed, and we could go into town to procure them. Natalie said that she would need to go into town as well, and that we were running low on a few household supplies and groceries; so we should ALL go into town as she had been noticing how restless her children were getting on these rainy days, and maybe tomorrow would be a sunny day. I also reminded her that we would need a piano instructor and someone to tune that piano as well, and she said that perhaps the school system could set up having an instructor; but she didn’t know about the piano tuner, but maybe the school would know. I said that would be fine as the meal ended, and Natalie got busy clearing away the dishes; and in the mean time the kids got up and scampered out to play another game while Ricky went to get paper and stylus to get busy with his list, and all I did was remain seated a moment until this wonderful Troodont family got busy once more - that was until Natalie shooed me out of the kitchen by asking if there was something I should be doing (I got up and went to the barn to see about those stall railings Ricky had mentioned.)! The next day we got ready like we usually did, then Ricky dug the wheelbarrow out of the barn in preparation for use, and presently the kids and Natalie met us men folk out by it; and we all merrily made our way down Rosepetal lane, and found ourselves in the heart of scenic downtown Baz nearly an hour later. The townspeople and passers by gave our strange group sidelong glances as we passed by, and we stopped at the bulletin board to plan where we were to go before splitting up; saying we would all meet back there when we were done, and Ricky and I went one way while Natalie and the kids took the wheelbarrow to run their own errands. Our main goal was to procure fodder and other supplies for the shipping company, but my personal task was to see just how many businesses Emil Fergusson had a hand in around here; and to calculate just how much all of that was worth, be it monetary or influential. So the first business I went to was the one owned by my friend Frank Stratton, and as I called him over he said that his business nearly doubled since I had started the renovations on his fruit stand; and Ricky commented that he was an expert carpenter and could have done it if he had known, so I just had to introduce them, saying that Ricky was my houseguest and business associate. They shook and I told of our mission here in town as well as my inquiry of Emil’s influence, and he said that Emil had funded a bond that helped him get started; and he was indebted to him greatly; and Clem stated (After I introduced Ricky to him as well when he showed up!) that he had been given a running account ever since, saying that he had shares of stock in the shipping company that supplied them fruit as well. So that meant that not only did he have holdings in the fruit stand, he also had about a 10% share in that shipping company as well; and since I inherited all of Emil’s holdings, all of that was mine as well! Frank said that Emil had holdings in nearly every other business in town too, plus many other endeavors as well; and as I inquired about our other mission concerning the barn supplies Frank told me that the mercantile could arrange for everything (Stating of Emil’s account there now mine, and his connections through them.), so I thanked them for that information and we said our farewells as we walked away. It turned out that every business we visited had connections with Emil Fergusson (Bakery, hotel, several warehouses, second fruit stand, two curio shops, dressmaker’s shop, cobbler [makes shoes and boots], blacksmith, wheel-right shop, salvage store [Sells things others have discarded or do not know what they are. ‘Junk Dealer‘.], several other specialty shops, two restaurants of different styles and lastly both mercantile stores.), and the assets he had accumulated over his life (Minus the property at 4 Rosepetal lane.) totaled to nearly 100,000 Drachs; and I found out to my great joy that I had gone from being down and out to extremely wealthy, and Ricky beside me seemed quite honored to be walking by my side - let alone living with me! At the mercantile we told the owner (Seymour Rass and his Ovaraptor Partner Flax.) of our wishes, and handed them the list randy had penned; and after studying it, told us they could gather it all and have it shipped to my place in a few days. Flax squawked that Emil Fergusson had an overdue account, and said he owed them for the load of lumber delivered several months ago; and since we already used the wood, I pleaded that they start an account for me and add the overdue sum to my account. I offered the services of my new shipping company once it was up and running, and Seymour said it would be great to see some competition with the usual shipping companies that service the town; and I cautioned that my company might not get big enough right away to be a threat to them, and Flax chuckled that I lacked confidence and business moxie! We laughed a little too, and bid our good-byes; and chatted all the way back to where we all agreed to meet up, by the giant bulletin board where I first met Ricky’s adorable family. The moment Ricky and I parted ways with Natalie and the kids, she led the way with the wheelbarrow to the market and many other shops to fill the majority of her shopping list (They didn‘t relate their adventures in town until after we met up again.); and Gavin and Zoie followed her as she visited the fruit stands and the bakery, whining at each shop that they wanted this or that toy or piece of candy. Natalie only scolded them twice for this, saying she shouldn’t have to scold them at all; and they should know better than wanting things they usually could not afford, but after they were told this Zoie and Gavin remained sullen and well behaved for the rest of the journey. Shopping done, Natalie led her little group down the lane and toward the schoolhouse; children knowing the way and dreading going there a few days from now, but followed anyway as school work was not their business there this time. Once there they saw a portly human lady that was the schoolmarm named Miss Eldritch sweeping the front entrance to the ground floor place of learning, and she smiled as she recognized two of her pupils and presumably one of their parents; and asked why they were there; for it was not a school day and she never gave out extra credit, she joked lightly at them! When Natalie told miss Eldritch about the piano and it’s condition, and the fact that Zoie and their host would like to take piano music; and they would like to request a music teacher to tutor them in the art, Miss Eldritch said that the town of Baz did not have a music instructor nor a person that knew how to tune a piano at this time. However, she said that it was a good thing to pursue musical interests; and she would have to address the school board to have them commission a music instructor, and would do this at the next meeting at the end of the month. She told them that she would also look into finding a piano tuner for us as well, but she admitted she did not know where to begin looking for one; and Natalie said it was all right, and thanked her for her offer before collecting her children and the wheelbarrow and moving off. They walked away from the schoolhouse and back toward the center of town, and to the giant bulletin board where they promised to meet the rest of us; but before Natalie got there she stopped at the bakery, she getting them a sweet cake each because they were being good and patient little children. As Natalie and company were just finishing up their chores in town, Ricky and I were just finishing up our chores; and we were on our way from across town to our meeting spot when we saw the Lamplighter team standing outside a paddock area, wide awake (They sleep during the day and do their job at night, so seeing them there like that was quite unusual indeed!) with looks on their faces that told us that something terrible had just happened; and both were seriously chatting softly with one another in a desperate way, human talking in saurian and Bracheosaur hooting softly in reply. I thought it so strange that I asked them what was wrong as I passed, and Toby Hertz told me that they were kicked out of their home; and at Thoth’s chuffing prompt, Toby told us that their landlord raised the rent and they could not afford to live there any more, saying the low wages of a Lamplighter could not pay the rent and Thoth’s huge fodder bill at the same time! It was a terrible shame the greed of their former landlord, and Ricky and I consoled them as we saw they were nearly in tears; saying that everything was going to be all right, and that every dark cloud has a silver lining and such. It was then that I got an idea, and asked Ricky in a whisper if the barn floor could support the weight of a full grown Bracheosaur; and he told me that it could hold several, and asked me what I was getting at. I turned to the pair and offered them to stay with us in our barn, saying that we had plenty of room and that they could stay with us if they wanted to; of which they drew back a ways to confer with each other, but this only took a moment as Toby Hertz came over and said they accepted the offer - Thoth trumpeting a bit and Toby added that they really didn’t have a choice at the moment! So after shaking Toby’s hand and patting the leg of Thoth, we asked them to follow us, Toby climbing to the neck saddle of his Partner and all their possessions lay in saddle bags behind that saddle; and when we got to the meeting spot beside the giant bulletin board, Natalie and the kids were shocked to silence at the sight of our two new companions! I began to introduce our new friends as Ricky introduced his family to Toby Hertz and Thoth, and then I explained their unfortunate fate as well as my offer that they stay with them; saying that Lamplighters were a valuable service to Baz, and shame on their former landlord for doing that to them. Natalie nuzzled me for the noble gesture while Zoie and Gavin hugged my leg before approaching the giant creature, me then saying that I too had been treated thusly here; and then I was taken in by kind people who thought nothing of what others thought of me, and this was the reason why I first took them in and now these two fine people. As we all set off toward home and I leading the way through the town, Natalie began to relate to us how her errands went and the situation about the piano; and Ricky told them about our errands, for they already knew about our second unexpected task! As we crested the rise in Rosepetal lane near home I spied the large sliding door on the barn and thought that Thoth would never be able to fit in there, even the door itself seemed wide enough to accommodate his girth; but the door itself was too low for him even if he ducked his lowest duck, and as I voiced this concern Ricky assured me that all will be well - though I could not fathom how! Never the less, Ricky had discovered a special feature about my barn; and had fixed that so it works too (I did not know this until then, but every barn on Dinotopia is designed to accommodate a sauropod; utilizing fold-away doors and other ingenious devices for their entry, and my barn was no different!), so he scampered to the barn and opened the main sliding door. He appeared at the upper loft door a moment later after opening it and waving to us with glee, then he pulled a hidden rope connected to pulleys and other rigging and the track to the sliding door folded up on a hidden hinge; then Ricky scampered to the hatch frame and pulled another set of ropes, and the catwalk he formerly was using folded up as well on it’s own series of hinges! The cavernous opening now revealed was easily wide and tall enough for Thoth to enter, and we all moaned in wonder of the ingenuity of the designers of the barn; then Ricky called that perhaps they should inspect their new home (And the upper loft in back had nice comfy bunk beds for Toby!), and his human partner joyously suggested his large friend enter and get used to their new home! Within a week things began to get back to normal, and the Lamplighter team soon began to get used to the extra mile or two to get back home; but their food consumption soon began to get pretty pricy (The fodder shipment that was delivered, geared to last a team of pullers for a month, was quickly diminishing!), as Thoth ate more than we had prepared for! So thusly, all we asked for was the payment for their food, and conceded that the rent for their places in the barn was for free; but they insisted that they do some kind of work around the farm for the trouble, even though we did not ask for much in that area as we could not tell what kind of work to assign them. Toby Hertz and Thoth did not mind the extra commute to work, nor the fact that they were living in a future shipping company; and we did not mind our new tenants either, even though Thoth’s footfalls caused miniature earthquakes which shook the farm in the middle of the night!… ----------------------------------------------------
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Post by thundertail on Mar 23, 2011 18:54:38 GMT -5
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EIGHTEEN:
“A TRAGIC FIRE BRINGS FORTH LIFELONG FRIENDS.”
---------------------------------------------------- It was many weeks later that the final details for starting up my shipping company finally began to come together, and Ricky laughed the whole time that he carved the sign to be bracketed to the outer wall of the barn (An oval four by two and a half foot slab of wood with a picture of a Triceratops in the center, and little golden spikes along the back to indicate pain; featuring the shipping company‘s name encircling the image, the saurian translation of the name was featured on the other side.); for the humorous name of the AKIN-BAK SHIPPING COMPANY was a totally unorthodox name for any form of business, let alone a shipping company whose job did NOT dictate they hurt themselves in the process of shipping! A week ago the building inspectors arrived, and the barn passed their scrutiny with flying colors; though they commented on the fact that it held two roommates, the fact that I was doing a service for other public servants (Thoth and Toby Hertz.) allowed them to take lenience in that matter. All the businesses of Baz had been informed by mouth of the impending opening, and each waited patiently for that grand day as they wished to see how the business practices of the Outside World in the form of a shipping company performed within the constraints of Dinotopian business practices; and the flyers I was going to pass out in town (Made by Zoie, Gavin and myself as an arts and crafts project one rainy day.) would tell that the Grand Opening was just days away, and to be prepared for our wonderful services! Once this and the barn being restocked we decided over Eveningmeal that we would pass out the flyers tomorrow, and start our advertising drive by sending more flyers out to other towns; and we decided to celebrate the grand opening with song and piano music from the woefully out-of-tune piano, Zoie getting in some practice by being the maestro for the evening! The morning rose extremely cold and misty, and had been cold enough through the night so we had to use the fireplaces in our rooms, and evidentially so did all the other farmsteads in the area; making the whole area reek of low-lying wood smoke, and my vision blurred by the early morning sunlight gave everything a foggy air. We knew that all the work to prepare for the day had to be done, and we all got ready to do our daily routine before going to town and advertise the shipping company; but out in the barn our tenants were already up and seemed to be worried about something, and they should have been sound asleep after their nocturnal shift in town. Toby Hertz from the loft told me that he smelled smoke as Thoth moaned from his stall as he looked out a western-facing window at his eye level, but as Ricky came in to load the giant creature’s feed bin we told them that it was so cold that all the fireplaces had to be used and the smoke hung in the air because it was so cold that it would not rise; but Toby said that it was something more than fireplace smoke, and Thoth’s nose doesn’t lie! Just to belay their fears Ricky and I scoured the whole barn and the whole barnyard and grounds for any sign of trouble; me reporting back many moments later that I had found nothing, but Ricky ran back all aflutter from the fields. After I told him to calm down a bit, he said all at once that one of our neighbor’s barns was on fire; but could not find out which one as a breeze had kicked up, so all of us quickly exited the barn to locate which one! Toby Hertz went to check out the Ott farm while Thoth searched for smoke using his great height as a lookout, and Ricky scampered over to the Jackson’s barn while I trotted out to the Hamilton farm. When I got to the barn I could see through the windows and peering out between gaps in the boards a dull red glow as well as the billowing smoke oozing from every opening exposed to the outside, crashes and thumps mingled with the moans and screams of many of the occupants inside told me the fire was well under way; and the victims were either succumbing to the smoke or being cremated alive! Before I could afford a rescue, I would certainly need all the help I could get, so I blew my Postal Bird whistle for all I was worth; and continued until I saw my friends come on the run, and they had brought all the help they could from the other farmsteads thy had visited. Ricky had brought the aging and wheezing Sam Ott and his wife Bertha, and a pair of Ankylosaurs named Frankie and Brooks trundling as fast as they could; and Toby Hertz sprinted back from the Jackson‘s place with Bear and Chloe in tow, their Partners Weaver and Ileah Iguanodons immediately going to work and inspecting the perimeter of the barn for any way inside. Alerted by all the commotion since the beginning of the incident, Peter and Amanda Hamilton came around from the back of the barn to be in our midst; he crying at the tremendous loss and she over the loss of life going on before her eyes, and they both looked at the rest of us forlornly silently asking what to do next! Immediately I took charge, and told them to grab as many buckets and things to hold water as they could and form a bucket brigade next to the Hamilton’s well; and just then two Postal Birds who had heard my whistle came landing close by, and I told them to hurry and get the fire department - then changed my mind and told them to get EVERYONE in town! Just then Peter and Amanda Hamilton came rushing out, and a dismayed Peter told us a whole convoy of dinosaurs and their drivers were inside; and rattled off a list of some eighteen names and their shipping company, the Sea Breeze shipping company out of Bent Root. Amanda in tears said that their Partners, Obsidian and Opal the Hadrosaurs were also inside; and cried that they were doomed! Just then we heard the screams and groans of the trapped ones inside rise in pitch as the roaring blaze weakened the structure, sending the sound of some unseen collapse crashing through the overall noise silencing some of the screams; and this spurred Ricky and I to rush to open the main sliding door, but it was both too jammed to move and all the metal hardware and handles were too hot to handle! Thoth immediately rushed over and grabbed a loose edge of the sliding door with his mouth, pulled with all his strength until he ripped the door right out of the track and flung many yards away from the barn; and the draft from the missing door both drove the flames back somewhat as well as fanned it into a raging fury, but it gave Ricky and I a chance to rush in and see what rescue we could do. Unfortunately, all we could do was unlatch and open a mere few stall gates before the heat and flames drove us out once more a few moments later; leaving all the blind and panic stricken dinosaurs to stumble about aimlessly and in agony, but still we had to try again as we rushed into the flames once more. By then the bucket brigade was well under way, and dozens of bucket loads of water was being dashed inside; and by this time hundreds of people began to show up and immediately join the bucket brigade using the containers and other improvised firefighting equipment they brought with them; some of the dinosaur citizens brought in large water skins filled to the brim or ladders and poles and other rescue implements, and their human and smaller Partners quickly deployed these things. The growing controlled chaos going on outside did not diminish the agonizing cries from inside, and it was increased by double as the fire department showed up; quickly deploying hoses to the well, hitching it to two bellows pumps operated by an Ankylosaur and lastly a Brachiosaur who was armored in fireproof garb and sported an aerial nozzle on his head, operated by many human and small saurian firefighters, organizing many volunteers to both continue the bucket brigade and assisting in the deployment of hoses. All of our efforts inside the inferno came to naught, and we leapt for our lives out into the night; one of the firefighters seeing us and came with protective gear, and asked about our grim progress. We still had to get those persons out at all costs, and Toby Hertz came from manning buckets with an idea; for he had spied many lengths of chain and had gotten them, and said maybe they could be pulled out. He rigged Thoth with one and had me drag it into the barn, and I quickly lassoed the first one I came to (A yearling Misasurus.) and signaled he pull; rushing out instantly because it was too hot, and guided the chain as it pulled it’s prize free. Next Ricky and Sam Ott in firefighter’s attire went in with their chains, and out came two Hadrosaurs; and after their victims were beside the first, I went in once again. I blindly groped and found the horn of a dinosaur thrashing his head dumbly in shock, and tied the chain around it as I told him to follow me; and it was more the force of the chain than my coaxing that the great beast (A Triceratops.) followed, but then the groaning barn started to crack and I rushed out ahead of the victim! All of a sudden a cascade of fiery debris fell on the beast, causing him to collapse and stagger yet spurred him to move faster; and as he collapsed in utter shock at the difference in temperature at the doorway (The 400+ degrees of the fire vs. the 30 degree morning air can stagger anyone!), leaving Thoth to pull him the rest of the way to relative safety. We left the firefighters to try and gain control of the blaze as we checked out those that we rescued, and all of us were completely spent from being in there; and I discovered that I was missing hair as I must have been singed somewhat, and the rest showed the scorches and smudges of their bravery as well. As we were about to try and treat these victims (Me yelling and ordering that wet blankets be sent to cover their burns.), nearly all the persons from the Hatchery showed up; and doctor Squibb elbowed his way into the fray, inspecting both the ones we rescued as well as us. Immediately he had two helpers administer to each of the rescued dinosaurs, then came personally to diagnose us and to ask just what happened. When he found out that I basically led the rescue, he nodded and asked if I knew any first aid (He knowing of the medical things I revealed to him the last time we met!), and I said that I know how to treat a burned finger, and all I need to do is ‘expand the recipe’! He then recruited me to help out in triage, Ricky being my assistant; and we the assistant of the other trained hatchery workers, then said that a place for them to recover was needed. I told him that I had an unused barn across the clearing, and he cackled at the generosity before telling the rest to move the victims over there; and Thoth had a brilliant idea on how to do it; to place them on the fallen barn door and chain it to him, then he and others could drag them over - an idea that Squibb almost made him an honorary Healer for! The Hatchery workers were already bandaging up the others, the Miasaur young male being wrapped from tail to snout; and the rest were being treated the same way, only with slightly less bandages. The triceratops took a severe hit in the head with the debris fell on him, and as I checked out that area I saw his eye was mangled and bleeding profusely; so I began staunching that while reaching for a compress; and hands lifted it to me as I turned, and Anna Forsythe was there showing me how to properly apply it. I mentioned that we meet again as I wrapped gauze around the snout to hold the compress, and she agreed as she applied the burn cream all over the area while I loosely wrapped moistened bandages to the head area; then we both got to work wrapping the patchwork of third and second degree burns over the rest of his body. Within a half hour all the medics were done, and Squibb inspected all the dressings before saying they were fit to transport; but while some larger saurian volunteers began to roll the victims onto the rigged barn door, a terrible crash was heard by the burning barn! The blaze had consumed the major supports of the barn while our attentions were turned, and while the firefighters and volunteers worked the barn collapsed in on itself; folding in like a house of cards, and squelching any further screams of the rest of the would be victims! We all paused to mourn for the casualties, then went back to work; firefighters mopping up the rest of the blaze, now reduced to a gigantic bonfire blazing bright even through the light of early day. The treated victims were rolled onto the removed barn door by Apollo Triceratops from the hatchery and by Frankie and Brooks, doing it very gently as per Squibb’s orders; and chains from it leading to Thoth, Weaver and Ileah began to tighten as the three pulled the whole rig toward my barn. All the hatchery workers trotted along side, or hopped aboard to steady their patients as they thrashed around in pain or being lurched along by the rough terrain; and by mid-afternoon they were in my barnyard trying to drag the bandaged dinosaurs into the barn, taking a long time each as they didn’t want to injure them any further. Once in Squibb gave each victim a quick examination, then he assigned shifts to keep an eye on them day and night; and the medical supplies they had brought along were stored in there where it could be easily gotten to. Ricky noticed that the Triceratops’s eye began to bleed again, and Squibb stepped in and began operating on it a little; pushing the ruined eyeball aside and stuffing a thick compress inside before disinfecting it and bandaging it once more, then told me I was assigned to this one along with Ricky and Anna. That being so, I was also concerned with the smaller Misasurus and the two Hadrosaurs; and I asked of them from the other hatchery workers working on them how they were, but in each case they seemed to have little hope for them. Hours passed into night, and by then each victim had been given new bandages for their burns; but still none of them showed any indication of them regaining consciousness, and all but the Triceratops showed signs of failing vital signs such as thready pulses. After the victims were removed from the area, the firefighters and volunteers then had free roam of the entire structure; and began the day-long task of extinguishing the burned-out hulk and mopping up afterward, and though the fire marshal cautioned everyone about the treacherous area there were still a few minor injuries. Word had gotten out both far and wide about the tragic incident, and even more help began arriving along with many other people, including the boss of the Sea Breeze shipping company with many helpers to assess their losses and take the carts of their fallen co-workers, but left one behind as that one was owned by one that still survived. Everyone on all farmsteads pitched kin to help out, Natalie and the rest of the females making food, lemonade and teas to keep the hungry and thirsty firefighters and volunteers going during the crisis; and even Gavin and Zoie pitched in, taking the food to the hungry people and bringing water skins as fighting fires was thirsty work! By evening the embers still glowed, giving a hellish glow to the efforts of those putting it out; but eventually the ruins were cool enough for the fire inspectors to do their jobs, even though the rancid smoke still rose from it many days later. Efforts got under way to extricate the victims that did not escape the fire, and Voxer the undertaker led up the search; and the grim job went on for many days until all the persons on the roster the Hamiltons had were accounted for. When my efforts were not needed tending to the victims, I helped out for a little while picking through the charred wreckage, seeing the roasted carnage of bodies everywhere; and as I found the still smoking body of an Ankylosaur leaning askew in his paddock, I vomited violently in an unburned patch of hay! As the dying embers of the fire was finally put out, contractors were commissioned by the Hamiltons to first demolish and clean out the footprint where the barn once stood; then plans were bid on to rebuild the barn. The fire inspectors soon gave their report on the cause of the fire, divulging that a seam on a cook stove in back burst out and set the wall on fire; and Peter Hamilton said that it was about two hundred years old and never needed servicing, but when word got out many who owned that model of stove quickly replaced theirs for another model no matter how old it was! By the first morning after the fire began the young male Miasaur had succumbed to his injuries, even though best efforts from the hatchery workers and myself were concentrated on him most of all; inevitably, the Miasaur shuddered as his lungs ceased to function, and slumped as his heart gave out. Anna Forsythe, Ricky, many other hatchery workers and I continued to monitor the burned dinosaurs; but the condition of the Hadrosaurs were slipping fast, and within another day and a half the female quietly succumbed. We had a special visitor come to offer support and to facilitate the disposal of the deceased caravan (Their bodies would be cremated in a giant bonfire.), for Matriarch Maryanne Talbert made her appearance in my barn one day; and during an examination of the survivors asked me how my shipping company was going, and I said that it was already ready to begin, but things keep on happening and getting in the way! I told her as she examined the badly injured Triceratops that I tried to Commune with the beast once (Saying I discovered the talent when Altair, the leader of the Skybax, did so with me so very long ago.), but all I got was a wall of fire separating me and the silhouette of the beast (Her interpretation was that the fire was pain, and he could not raise his consciousness above it.); and as she tried it she said the wall of fire was lessened, and the beast seemed like he could sense her on the other side. She went with me as my shift ended, and I asked her how my brother was doing as I hadn’t seen him since our graduation ceremony; and added that I hadn’t seen any of the ones that washed ashore with me either, and I never knew how they fared. She told me that she had been so busy that she had lost contact with them too, and it was good to see I was concerned with them; for it showed I truly cared for them, and that she would look into things and tell me by Postal Bird or by Courier when she did. Less than twenty four hours after that the male Hadrosaur passed away, and though many of the hatchery workers were dismissed and sent back to the hatchery; Anna stayed on to help me with the Triceratops, and it seemed that the beast was definitely getting better as he thrashed with less pain and tried hard to wake up to no avail. Finally Matriarch Maryanne Talbert bid her good byes as well, and we all were sad to see her go; and her piece of wisdom she imparted on me before she went wasn’t really much, for she only said that I was becoming more and more Dinotopian all the time! Soon Squibb the Ovaraptor healer needed to get back to the hatchery, and laid up some medical supplies we would need to take care of the Triceratops; like extra bandages, burn cream that was made mostly with rendered fat and Mammoth milk, disinfecting cream whose main ingredient was lye, showed me how to mix up and administer a drug called “Arctus Listus” (A powder one added to any liquid and bid the dinosaur to drink. It causes nearly instant un consciousness, and patient wakes up many hours later with a severe headache!) and a concoction made to irrigate the ruined eye called “Carrotus Lavage” (Literally distilled carrot juice, and adds carotene directly to eye to aid in healing.). Before Squibb left for the Hatchery, he told Anna Forsythe that she was to stay only for a few more days; and no more, unless the condition of the triceratops worsens. In the days following the Triceratops’s condition gradually got better, needing to be bandaged to a slightly lesser degree on the burned areas and his thrashing in pain ebbing so he could at least get rest; and as per her bosses orders Anna began to pack and leave, she saying a lengthy farewell and shaking my hand before getting aboard Apollo Triceratops for the long trip home - and by her look she seemed to wish me a more friendly good bye! Si it was left to Ricky, Toby Hertz, Thoth, Natalie Zioe and Gavin to take care of this horribly burned and injured Triceratops; us wishing the shipping company were open for business, yet proud of ourselves about all we did for the poor victims of this terrible fire. We knew we had to play this out to the end before things would begin to get back to normal, and carried on with our usual chores and duties while tending to our last patient; and as the days went by I saw even more improvement with him, for he was really tried to wake up. One day Thoth was home from an evening of lamp lighting and his friend was up in the loft ‘sawing wood’, the giant creature’s head was hung low in slumber while I worked; and the job at hand was removing the Copro from the stall of our patient, wheelbarrow in with him while I was at his hind end with the pitchfork. Pretty soon he began to move again, and I knew enough to get out of the way of the thrashing; but what surprised me the most was when the beast made a noise, for it was not moaning but somewhat coherent words in saurian! I dropped my pitchfork and rushed to his head, and saw the beast blinking and licking his lips as he stared around at suddenly unfamiliar surroundings; and asked where he was as he saw me bound into view, smiling as I told him that he was alive!… ----------------------------------------------------
Help me, I need your love. Don't walk away The dark scares me so We're nothing apart Let's stay friends forever Here I stand and face the rain I know that nothing's going to be the same again I fear for what tomorrow brings. Trust me, For who I am Place all your faith Into these hands I got nothing to say, But let's stay friends forever Here I stand and face the rain I know that nothing's going to be the same again I fear for what tomorrow brings, Here I stand and face the pain Of knowing nothings going to be the same again I fear for what tomorrow brings. Here I stand and face the rain Knowing nothing's going to be the same again. Here I stand and face the rain Knowing nothing's going to be the same Again ~Unknown~ ---------------------------------------------------- The giant beast turned and moaned, asking where he was and who I was; but I simply told him to take it easy, for he had just gone through a rough time. He slowly said that this was not the barn he was in last night, so I told him that this was the barn across the field; and that night was almost two weeks ago, a thing that he tried hard not to show his shock. I told him that there was a terrible fire over there, and we were very worried over his condition; but we were very relieved that he began to get better, and now I knew he was going to be all right now that he was awake and talking! Then I asked him if he was hungry, for I told him he hadn’t a bite to eat for almost two weeks; but instead he asked if there were any other survivors, and that silenced me for a moment, and the look on my face told him the news would be bad. I sighed and said that the fire that night was a terrible one, and nearly impossible to escape; then I said that we rescued three others, but they perished as well. This news nearly brought tears to his good eye, and he said flatly that it meant that he was the sole survivor; and I merely nodded, saying more than once that I was very sorry, and we did all we could do. His sadness was profound, but he continued by asking how badly hurt he was; and I said that he was burned very badly in spots covering about 40% of his skin surface, and a collapsing loft fell on his head and ruined his right eye. His left worried a bit as if he was trying to move the ruined socket under the bandages, and asked if the eye would ever work again; but I told him there was not much hope of that, and it might need to be amputated once the infection stops and it heals a bit. With this news he harrumphed painfully and asked if he could get something to eat, and I said sure and paused; asking what his name was so I wouldn’t call him ‘Hey, you’ or something, and he told me his name was Flatbottom. As I chuckled at the name and asked who gave it to him, he acted offended and said his mother named him; telling me that when he was a hatchling he sat on his haunches a lot, but his mother told him that if he kept that up he’d have a flat bottom! Then he told me that if I thought that was amusing, I should know how his brother Pincushion was named; saying that they were playing hide-and-seek and his brother hid in the rose bush, when his brother came home their mother said he looked just like a pincushion with all those thorns in him! I chuckled at that as well, saying that his mom sure had a good sense of humor as I got the fodder (Mixed with all sorts of vegetables to give him vitamins needed to help heal his burns and wounds, as per Healer Squibb’s orders.), telling him my name and that this was my barn; then pointed up to the peak of the barn to Thoth’s slumbering head and told Flatbottom Thoth’s name (Saying I’d introduce him properly when he wakes up!), and that his human Partner Toby Hertz was asleep up in the loft. As he ate Ricky stopped by to check on my progress and tell me that Midmeal was ready, but paused and smiled at our currently ambulatory patient was up and eating for the first time in weeks; and naturally I had to introduce my business associate to Flatbottom, who said he was glad to meet him through his current mouthful (Him thinking that he had never been so hungry!). Flatbottom continued eating as Ricky and I continued with my Copro chore, I carting the nearly full wheelbarrow outside for now; and as I came back inside I saw that the bandaged beast had fallen asleep after eating his fill, and I motioned to Randy that perhaps we had better leave him be for now. At Midmeal we told Natalie and the kids that our recovering patient was named Flatbottom, and that I told him about the fire and his condition; but I didn’t go into much detail about it with him, and I suggested they didn’t mention much about it unless he asked. I said he seemed a little upset when I told him about it, and that he was the only survivor; and that this tragedy would no doubt hard for him to handle all at once, for I told them that physical injury was easy to see, but psychological ones were often hidden. Ricky and Natalie agreed to this, but Zoie asked when we would go pass out the flyers and Gavin asked when they could visit Flatbottom; so I said that we can pass out the flyers when Flatbottom was better, and said we all can meet him any time we find ourselves out there. With little other adieu, we finished our lunch and continued taking care of things around the house and barn; and when I went to check on the slumbering form of Flatbottom, I noticed that he was only feigning sleep for the moment, left eye trailing my every movement. He lifted his head to regard me a moment before speaking, reconfirming that everyone on his convoy was dead; and when I said that I was afraid so, he then stated that his Partner was also dead. Because I knew how important Partnership was to Dinotopians, I went inside his stall and placed a hand on the only spot on his muzzle that was not bandaged; saying that I was very sorry about this, and he scolded not to be so cursed sorry! He calmed down a bit and apologized, saying that his Partner was human and her name was Emily Freedom; and the fact that she had raised him from an egg and had many a grand time with her, of which I said that she sounded like a wonderful female. I knew it was a hard thing, and told him if he wanted to talk; I would be around, me or Ricky and the others. He said it would be OK, and it was more than enough that we were taking care of his injuries; and not to mind his other losses, and that he would get over it. Shrugging, I left him to take care of the other chores within the barn; feeding the now awake Thoth, introducing Flatbottom to him from across the barn. As Ricky came in to assist and look over the Triceratops in preparation of changing his wrappings, I heard Toby Hertz stirring from up in the loft; and then I spied Gavin and Zoie sneaking into the barn, creeping up to see their father play doctor with the large bandaged creature. I smiled as the two children was discovered by Flatbottom, and how they nervously made their acquaintance with him; all this while Toby came down and prepared his friend for another night on the job, and I could see by the look on the exposed parts of his face how Flatbottom was enjoying every minute of it! When it came time to change the dressing on Flatbottom’s right eye, Ricky called me over because he was still a novice at it; and I exposed the ruined socket as gingerly as I could, but my efforts still caused the beast a bit of pain. As he winced, Flatbottom asked how it looked, and I said it looked like a crushed grape; and he asked if he would ever be able to see out of it again; and I told him not very likely, and that I was good, but not THAT good! He would have chuckled at this if not for the pain of me removing the compress inside, and jerked as I inserted another one; moaning as I had Ricky hold it in place as I applied the Carrotus Lavage to the gauze and bind it back up again, noticing that the former dressing had sported considerably less blood than the dressing before. After assuring Flatbottom that it was all over for now, Ricky pulled me aside and told me that we had very few changes of dressings left, and only enough burn cream to last for two more applications; and we had better go into town tomorrow to get more, that and more home supplies as Natalie told him she used most of our food feeding the firefighters! The next morning I checked Flatbottom’s healing burn scars, noticing that the blisters were beginning to form and would burst and would soon run the risk of infection; and I mentioned to him that his shipping company came but left a cart here and claimed it was his, and he said that he and Emily Freedom owned our own cart. He then asked me after a moment if I would go to it and get the small chest kept under the bench seat, of which I did when I was done; seeing the cart for the first time, it was quite large enough to have been pulled by a Triceratops and sported a pivoting wheel assembly in front; and located the chest and toted it out and into the barn near Flatbottom’s head, then he asked if I would open it. Inside there was all sorts of papers and documents along with many other personal items that could have belonged to any of them, many pictures and portraits of him and a beautiful looking lady with flowing black hair; and he told me to pull out one of the pictures, a micro-mosaic of just her head in a plain landscape. He said that this was her his only love, and that this was done on his twentieth Hatchday; and since he was pushing fifty, Emily was much older than this as he stifled a sniff. I told him she was very pretty, and wished that I had known her; and he said with fondness that she was as brash as she was kind, and probably would have liked to have known me too. One of the next things I pulled out of the box was about five inches on a side and about a quarter inch thick, light blue and green on one side and white on the underside; and it resembled a shard of an egg, but no egg I knew grew that large! He told me that this was a piece of his egg, and Emily saved it from when he hatched; and went over several times about their rituals which included taking it out on his Hatchday, remembering all the times they had of the previous year (A tradition that I smiled and nodded approval of, of which he appreciated greatly as I put the egg shard back with reverence.). As we poured over each item, he saying a few words on each object; I accidentally pulled out an article of her under things that was stuck at the bottom of the chest, so I embarrassedly stuffed it back in as he chuckled! At length he poured over his memorabilia, and as the morning got long Ricky came by and reminded me of our mission in town; so I got up and left the chest open for his further inspection while I left him there staring in remembrance, said good bye as Ricky grabbed the wheelbarrow and we both set off for the streets of downtown Baz. At the fruit stand and mercantile we ordered our usual supplies, but had the proprietors send them back to the house; paid with contributions from persons who could not volunteer to help with the fire, and greatly appreciated as it helped all farms involved defray from all losses at the tragedy. We had also asked while there where we could procure extra medical supplies and medicines necessary for the continued treatment of Flatbottom (Us saying he woke up and would no doubt pull through, quite a relief to all who heard!), but none but the Apothecary had certain medicines, like the Carrotus Lavage in liter bottles; many saying that the Hatchery would no doubt have what we needed, and then we got directions there as it was one of the places we hadn’t visited yet. The hatchery was on a small rise in a tiny meadow in the southern outskirts of town, looking like a many leveled house attached to a wide and tall barn; many ramps and walkways leading between the upper levels of both structures, and arrays of paddocks outside with barn doors in the northern face of the barn connecting each. We parked the wheelbarrow next to a fence that led to what appeared to be the main entrance in the house structure, Ricky requesting to stay by the wheelbarrow as hatcheries made him nervous; so I went to the door alone and knocked, but for some reason there was no answer no matter how many times I knocked. This was strange but at least the door was unlocked, so I stepped into what seemed to be a parlor area done up like a grandmother would arrange her home; and the area ended in a wide stairway leading down, and no other way further into the structure was seen, so I followed the stairs down one floor into a stiflingly warm place. The chamber I was in was set with dim lighting, and I saw very little; but along both walls were niches going from floor to ceiling, and huge dinosaur eggs lay in many of them which seemed to glow with their own light. The light turned out to be coming from unseen shafts above, and each egg had a letter or number on many of them; and tables were set in the center area of the chamber, but my attention was focused mostly on the diverse colorations of each egg to notice more than that as I browsed. Maybe that was why I failed to notice the general condition of the eggs, for some squeaked or chirped softly and their sounds never reached my ears, or that many moved and shook while I was too preoccupied with the one I was looking at to notice; nor the fact that I was there for a reason other than taking a private tour of the Hatchery, but none of that mattered as I continued to look. I walked along side the rows of eggs, and something just above and forward of me began to move; shaking so violently it toppled out of it’s niche and came tumbling down, and what ever it was I leapt to try and catch it! I reached it and it was an extremely large and heavy egg, and I grunted in effort and fumbled many seconds as I tried to gain purchase on it (“WOAH, NELLIE!”, I exclaimed!); and rose as I lifted the large and fragile object, little one inside squeaking and rustling inside. I was thinking of how I was going to get it back into it’s niche when I saw a person rush in, and noticed it was Anna Forsythe as she scolded me; asking in quick succession who I was, what was I doing here and what was I doing with that egg! I explained quickly that I was looking for help in getting medical supplies, and all of a sudden this egg fell from it’s high niche; then I caught it and was trying to figure out what to do with him; and she told me to put it on one of the tables in the center of the room, telling me the egg might have gotten hurt. I complied, saying that if I wasn’t there it would have been a scrambled egg, and she took out a stethoscope to apply to the shell; saying a moment later that his heart was beating faster than normal, and I replied to the egg in a childlike way that my heart would be going a mile a minute if I had a scary fall like that too (The life inside cooed!)! Anna smiled and said his heart was returning to normal, and that I had a way with hatchlings; and I quickly told her how I helped deliver a Mammoth calf at Tentpole of the Sky, and she nodded. She stated that I was looking for medical supplies, then asked me what exactly I needed and I told her; then she said that egg was a sad case, for his mother died in the Rainy Basin and his father went missing somewhere near Hadro Swamp. She said it would be rough for him, growing up an orphan and all; and there would be no one to take care of him, and after he is let out of here he would have to go it alone - or as a ward of some caring family. As she escorted me to a supply closet, she piled loads of gauze and bandages into my arms; then went to another one and took several containers of burn cream and other medicines to bring herself, leading me back out to the egg chamber once again. Anna was just about to tell me to leave when the egg we left on the table began to shake and the life inside began to squeak adamantly; and as a crack appeared on the shell, she told me to drop what I was carrying and help her! She said that since I knew how to be a midwife, to go to the cupboard she indicated and get two bowls and several other prenatal implements; an order that I dared not refuse, and got water and soft fodder from the kitchen just down the corridor from the bandage storage closet. By the time I returned with my errands, the egg had several more cracks; and Anna had swaddled it in moist towels for support, and she stood back as the hatchling inside squeaked and struggled! First a horn was seen and then a beak, and the rest of the top of the egg lifted away to reveal the head of the tiny creature; and I had never seen a Triceratops so young as he spread his forelimbs and spread most of the rest of the shell, sky blue eyes scanning the room before his gaze reached me and Anna. He mewled and seemed to smile as I waved and said hi, he opening his beak to me expectantly; and as I began to feed him the leafy food in the bowl against my volition, Anna said that he seemed to like me. I nodded dumbly and told her that he could not take care of himself, and the little one grasped my fingers in his beak lovingly as I weakly smiled at Anna; then I said that maybe I could take care of him, but Anna told me that I would need the approval of doctor Squibb before I could adopt a hatchling. I told her that it was a spur-of-the-moment decision as it was, and my house was not prepared to take care of a hatchling at the moment; but she smiled and said that doctor Squibb knew me and would probably approve without much scrutiny, but the hatchling would have to stay here for about a day so he could be examined to make sure he was healthy. Anna Forsythe smiled and asked me what I was to name him, and I smiled at the little creature in his shell fragments and blurted out ‘Nellie!’; and Anna said that it was a girl’s name, but I told her that it was also a nickname for a boy’s name - for ‘Nells’ was to be his official name (I might have been wrong about it, but I told her Nells was a Swedish name of nobility.). She shrugged thinking it was all right, then reminded me that I should take my medical supplies for my patient; and as I left the hatchery she went to tell the Hatchery master what just went on after swaddling the youngster and placing him into a near by bassinet, and Ricky could not believe it when I told him on the way home! When Natalie heard it she was more then overjoyed, for she loved babies and couldn’t wait to help take care of him; and even Thoth and Toby congratulated me when they came home that morning, but Zoie and Gavin were a little confused. I looked on Flatbottom as I changed his dressings in a new light, and even he could sense that something was up even though I made light of his inquiry; concentrating more on his own fate, saying to just concentrate on his healing and everything would be all right. Finally I broke down and told him, saying that he could be his uncle or something; but he insisted that he was not his uncle, but I smiled when I told him that he’s a closer relation than me - for at least he was of the same species! After he stopped chuckling he asked me if Nellie was going to be my Partner, but I told him I was new to Dinotopia; and I really didn’t understand the concept, even though I’ve had friendships of all degrees Partnership was still a mystery to me. He told me that a Partnership was better than any friendship; and one gets so attached to the other you could just about tell what the other was thinking, and even though I told him I knew this I said that I have never really experienced it. I told him that Ricky was merely my business associate, and I loved him and his family dearly; but it never occurred to me to consider he was my Partner (A statement that Ricky heard as he entered the barn and told me that it was all right, and the relationship we had was fine by him.), and then Flatbottom asked about Toby and Thoth. I said that they were merely tenants, and they were here as a service to Baz as they needed this Lamplighter team; and though I liked them very much, again I would not really consider them Partners. I then told him that my second favorite dinosaur since I was a child was a Triceratops, and as he inquired what was my most favorite I told him the Tyrannosaurus Rex; but I told him that from what I’ve heard of them since being here, Triceratopses were a lot more agreeable! I told him that I liked him very much, and had kind of formed a bond with him as I treated his wounds; and if I didn’t know any better and having my choice, I would seriously consider him for a Partner. Flatbottom blanched and stammered, then told me that for him it would seem a bit too soon for him to consider having another Partner at this time; but thought it was kind of me to consider him for such a thing, and I apologized for asking, saying he was no doubt still in mourning over Emily Freedom. However, Flatbottom told me that after he heals as good as he’s going to get; he might consider my offer, because quite frankly he was becoming very fond of me as well! In the morning Natalie insisted on coming along when it was time to go get little Nellie, taking the pram from the nursery and strolling into town by my side; and we looked like a couple married with child as the onlookers stared at us, she merely ignoring them and chatting to me about what a wonderful day this was! The Hatchery master came to meet us and asked me if I was really ready to take on such a big challenge, running a farm and a shipping company and taking care of a burn victim and all; and I said that I had plenty of room and certainly plenty of help in raising the youngster (Introducing to him Natalie at my side, and she said she had plenty of experience taking care of young ones.); and after a theatrical thought he told me that he guessed it would be all right, and then he summoned the little guy, who was escorted out by Anna Forsythe. When Natalie first saw Nells she crouched and beckoned him over cooingly, and when he next saw me he came waddling and staggering to me; where I picked him up and swaddled him in baby blankets from the pram, and Natalie came crouching and told him what a sweet baby he was as I laid him in it and smiled myself! Squibb told us both to take very good care of little Nells, and asked me to stop by some time this week to fill out the adoption paperwork; and I nodded I would as Natalie took the reigns of the pram and began wheeling the new addition to my household out of the Hatchery, cooing and saying sweet nothings to him as his confused stare fell on me - I simply placed my hand inside the pram and on his tiny back as we wheeled little Nellie back home… ----------------------------------------------------
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Post by thundertail on Mar 29, 2011 20:15:50 GMT -5
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NINTEEN:
“AS MY LIFE CONTINUES IN BAZ, I HAVE OTHER IDEAS.”
---------------------------------------------------- Little Nellie had fallen asleep during the long pram ride home, but not after looking at me many times hoping I would make his auntie Natalie stop talking (She had been cooing and saying sweet nothings and other things they would do when we got home, and talked like this nearly the whole way home!); but all I could do was shrug to him and wink that it would all be over soon, I patting his back and trying to stifle his mewling groans. When we got to the house he gave off a sound of awe, and I lifted his swaddled body out and carried him up to the door; Natalie close behind as she wheeled and hefted the pram up the steps and through the door behind me, and Gavin and Zoie were right there in the parlor waiting for us! Zoie leapt to see the little one, but Gavin hung back a bit; unsure of the strange new life entering his house. I crouched to let Zoie see the unformed horn and frill, and told Gavin it was OK; and little Nellie doesn’t bite, so he edged forward a bit to see but far away enough not to touch! Ricky came in from the kitchen as he came in through the back door, and exclaimed that here was the little nipper; and Toby Hertz came from the sitting room, spying the little creature in my arms but not saying anything. Nellie was taking all this in, looking at each new face and responding in kind to the gestures and touches; and I smiled at the reactions happening on behalf of this new life, but began a frown when something warm and wet began forming on my pant cuffs! Nellie cooed and looked around sheepishly as I rose suddenly, and Natalie noticed the mild catastrophe and gasped; but I just smiled and told them it was all right, that Nellie was probably nervous and didn’t know any better. I held him tight as I (Not knowing where to put him so he could be cleaned up!) took him into the kitchen and placed him on the table there, grabbing a towel and removing the baby blanket he was swaddled in; and Natalie rushed in and took over the clean-up, telling me I had better go change my pants and she’d launder it later. As I went I never knew that this was the beginning of many an unexpected experience with my new ward, Nells Triceratops; and it was also the time I realized that I knew next to nothing about raising a baby dinosaur, and began to know that I had better learn soon or I would not be able to have the poor creature here! It was very fortunate for me as well as Nellie that Natalie was a good mother, proof being the fact that she raised her two children, and assured me that she knew how to take care of this baby as well; for her knowledge would give me time to study the ways and care of the young of the Triceratops tribe, and I would also have to find out where to get such information - and fast! I came down in my new wardrobe and found all but Natalie and little Nells in the right-hand sitting room, Ricky giving his children some rules on how to handle the young one, being gentile at all times and things like that; and Toby saying that Triceratops children are stronger than they were, and often does not know their own strength. I came into the room and said that I just could not leave a youngster like that to a fate that would have befallen him, and that even though I know little about saurian child care I would do my best; but with all of their assistance and support, I’m pretty sure I could raise Nellie like he should be raised. Both Ricky and Toby said they would do their part, and Zoie and Gavin told me they would be good around him; and Natalie came from the kitchen at last with a fully cleaned Nellie in her arms, cooing softly at first but squeaking as she carried him to me. The hatchling arrived on my lap and immediately snuggled his horn in my chest before settling into it, and I gave him a little hug and securing grasps as he did so; regarding this little creature for a moment before smiling, saying to them all that this might prove to be the best decision I made in my entire life! Life indeed went on, and in my daily routines around four Rosepetal lane now included the continued healing care of an adult Triceratops as well as the prenatal care of a hatchling Triceratops; and even though it proved impossible to start up my shipping company with all this going on, for me the trade-off was well worth the wait! Within the same amount of time I also noticed that little Nellie was growing, going from the egg-sized creature that was totally helpless to nearly twice that size and weight that made attempts to stand on all fours and walk; and I thought that the time was nigh to finally find out how to take care of his needs, for soon he would be ambulatory enough to explore the house and venture outside a bit if permissible. As my bonds with both Flatbottom and Nellie grew, older one by over attendance with his wounds and the younger through his constant presence where ever I went; all three of us grew to be nearly inseparable. A hatchling Triceratops grows fast, and soon Nellie wandered with me and began to go outside with me (He gasping at how big it all was!) and visit the other buildings I visited including the barn. There he met Flatbottom and Thoth, the former he seemingly knew was his own kin and stared up in wonder at the tall one smiling down on him; and through many visits there, Nellie grew to know each one. As for Zoie and Gavin the infant regarded like just other kids like him; and they would play together and run around the house, much to my dismay at the fate of the Fergusson’s things! Even though they played thusly, they also played quiet games in the nursery or library on rainy days; coloring or drawing, reading stories and play-acting scenes of fantasy, sometimes tug-of-war or other more active indoor events - and I marveled at the creativity the children of Ricky and Natalie showed with this small creature. Within days the burns covering Flatbottom’s body gradually receded, and Ricky and I soon found we were using less bandages on them; and his ruined eye was also getting better and staying relatively infection-free, and when I told Healer Squibb about the recovery of it he made a note and would examine it for the possibility of soon getting the remainder of the eyeball removed. Flatbottom was a little concerned about this procedure, and also asked what his life would be like with only one eye; so I asked the only person I knew in town similarly handicapped to come talk with him, and the only one I knew was Flax the co-owner of the largest mercantile in town. This Ovaraptor told me he had fallen as a youngster on a fruit gathering expedition, and fell on an acacia tree (They sport four inch long thorns!) ruining his left eye; and said he would love to stop by and give Flat bottom a few tips, flicking his eye patch up for me to see a completely stitched-over eye! When he had at last shown up when nobody was as yet in the barn, Flax needed no directions to know where in the barn Flatbottom was located; and introduced himself as he swaggered into his stall, jerking his head around so he could scrutinize Flatbottom with his good eye. He told him that there was someone here with an injured eye, and Flatbottom turned to show his bandages; then Flax told him that it didn’t look so bad after lifting the bandages, then said having only one eye wasn’t so bad either. He said that he was one-eyed since a lad, and he had no doubt become used to it (Showing off his eye for emphasis!) and so would he over time; then he told the story about his accident, and Flatbottom voiced his sympathy and how he could relate. Flax told him that if one part of one’s senses is taken away, their other senses take over and compensate for the loss; saying that through smell and hearing he could sense anything going on in his blind side, and similar ways would soon rise up in him. Flax said that before long he would soon not miss the lack of sight, and not to worry about being the only one; for there were literally hundreds of folks that have lost one or both eyes, and they carry on with their lives almost as good as if they were completely whole. With many such visits by Flax, Flatbottom quickly became able to handle his handicap; and literally tried to sense what and who was in his general surroundings, and this made me smile with pride at his attempts. To discover what I needed to know about Nellie’s childhood development, I found the only place to get that information was at the Hatchery; for they had a small library of the medical nature, and a very extensive section on childbirth of every species including the Triceratops. In the upper chambers of the house structure of the complex was a library of sorts, and it also held the medical records of everyone who ever was serviced here as well as everyone who has ever had an internship here; but my wanderings around this shelved space was in search of primary information on hatchlings, and not who had worked here. I found many tomes on subjects of raising hatchlings, and quite a few that focused solely on the Ceratopsian clans; and though I only had time each day to study a little bit, I had to return there every day as it was forbidden to remove any books from there. This did not dissuade me from taking notes and taking those home, so I arrived the second day with stylus and paper to jot down certain tips; like what types of food they like and what household dangers to have them avoid, and whether or not it was prudent to keep them in a house or let them dorm in another shelter. The most interesting part of one tome told of how Triceratops children show their emotions easier than adults, and would quickly become angry or sad or any other type of emotion over the slightest provocation; but it said that one should neither chastise or coddle the infant when in these moods, and sometimes it was best to ignore them until they realize their tantrums have no effect. The tome also cautioned that it may take a long time for them to realize this, and patience and understanding is also in order in these cases; these and other valuable tips passed my reading eyes as I studied, and so engrossed in this activity one day I failed to notice that someone had entered the library, placing a tray of food on the table I was studying from. However, I noticed the pressure of a hand on my shoulder; and turned to see the Nubian form of Anna Forsythe there, checking in on me and asking if I had eaten! My ackedemia in studying childcare also included on the job training, for between my reading sessions I also went to the hatchery proper and view this or that procedure; and my second observation of a baby dinosaur hatching (First being the hatching of little Nellie, and third experience with birthing if you count my experiences delivering little Timothy the Mammoth at Tentpole of the Sky!) bade I simply stand back and watch, for the other healers and trainees were busy learning and actually assisting the delivery. On my study breaks I ran into (Literally!) all the dozens of hatchlings that took to wandering around just like me, and though many of them I dared not associate with (Another tip in rearing hatchlings was that only parents or Partners or other professionals were to interact with very young hatchlings, for at that age they bond with whom they interact with very easily.); others seemed very eager to do so, but still I only greeted them or stayed with them briefly before moving on. As I occasionally helped out with certain mundane chores around the hatchery like dishes or laundry or preparing food, the others at the hatchery noticed my efforts; and pretty soon I was being relied on for doing such things as my study time allowed. I swear that I learned more from those experiences than from any of the books I had read so far, and healer Squibb noticed my perseverance and commended me for it. In a matter of weeks of spending first an hour or so and then gradually spending nearly all day there, I found that they had actually assigned me some shifts; and I had to rearrange my schedule at home to accommodate the timelines dictated by this new schedule! In my travels learning and participating in activities around the Hatchery, I saw a Brachiosaur laying eggs in a larger section of the attached barn; and as she came to terms it took several who were called over to help, and I was told to climb the scaffolding within the barn and stay by her head to say calming words. To hone my hatching skills I stayed to watch a Hadrosaur come into the world, offering asked for things as the midwives requested them (Hot towels, bowls, some medicines and the like.); and with the Ankylosaur hatchling I actually participated in a more intense way, being asked to clean the infant up after the hatching was done (A harrowing chore indeed when the squirming and tail-whipping infant does not wish to be cleaned up!). The slightly older hatchlings who’ve developed enough to amble about are allowed to play, and a room within the Hatchery is set up for that purpose; and I was assigned to watch over them while they did this on many occasions, and I loved to watch them caper about and interact with one another just as much as I loved to participate with them myself! Those hatchlings who are too old to need hand-feeding are allowed to eat in a primary dining room, and I was also assigned to oversee and assist them during their meals; and even though their eating methods were a bit messy (Them wearing as much food as they ate, and I also received samples of what they ate this way!), I always made sure they got enough nutrition to grow strong and healthy. One time a baby Bracheosaur fell down some steps and skinned his knees, and I was there to patch up his booboos; cooing concerned sounds and smiling in success when the procedure was all over, (And figured out why he was so ‘clumsy’, as his eyesight was less then perfect; and tested it out by use of my own glasses on him.) and reported this and my findings to Healer Squibb - of which he said he would look into. On special days it was arranged that the whole Hatchery staff perform for the children and other patrons a kind of entertainment session, a form of entertainment to raise the spirits of all around; and I laughed and sang as healer Squibb was maestro playing his Ukelele(!) at this extravaganza! Of course I helped the other hatchery workers in their other diverse chores, sorting and storing and laundering linens and storing and cataloguing medicines and medical supplies and disposing of hatched eggshells and many other chores too large for a single worker to handle; and there was one worker there that I was more than happy to help out, and that worker was Anna Forsythe! She seemed to enjoy my attempts to help her, and never seemed to complain if I did something a little outside her usual practiced procedures; she would just laugh or gently correct me with the right way to do things, either one or the other or certain combinations of both! One morning Healer Squibb arrived at my place, bag in hand and Apollo pulling the cart he drove; and in that cart he had brought some pretty extensive gear, telling me that Flatbottom had healed enough to have his eye operated on. He told me to start bringing the gear to the barn, and told Flatbottom not to worry about it as he nervously complained; having me prepare the Arctus Listus for the great beast’s anesthetic, then having me tell him to lay his head on his left side while the drug took effect. Squibb then had me open the ruined eye while he applied a clamp that held it open, and then inspected the eye socket as he prodded the pulp aside to inspect the interior (Believe me, if Flatbottom were awake for any of this, he would have been wild with pain!…); then he ticked as he had me arrange many instruments on a tray lined with a cloth, telling me I had better wash up as he went and did likewise as I was going to assist in the operation! Squibb took a specially shaped tool like a cross between a gooseneck clamp and scissors and began to probe the eye, he saying he had to sever the eye muscles before the next step; then told me to soak up the fluids with gauze before applying the instrument again; and four such applications later he had me pack the eye off while he went to mix other medicines that smelled like decaying pennies and had an iridescent sheen to the powder, daubing it deep inside the eye socket with a small wooden spatula. This he said would deaden the optic nerve so it could be severed and the eyeball excised cleanly, and once he did this the jellied gob came out to be put in a basin; then Squibb took miniature needles and thread made from spider web he told me and began to suture the optic nerve and all the muscles in there, then took regular cotton thread to tie off the stray arteries that bled. I was told to really pack the eye socket with gauze and bandage the area tightly, and then told me to clean up the operating area while he stooped to pick up all of his instruments; and then when done told me to keep an eye on him until the Arctus Listus wore off, and the eye should be healed in about three weeks. Healer Squibb had been long gone when Flatbottom woke up, and he complained that his eye was aching something terrible; but I just told him that it was all over now, and soon he would be able to have a full life… ----------------------------------------------------
There's a calm surrender To the rush of day When the heat of the rolling world Can be turned away An enchanted moment And it sees me through It's enough for this restless warrior Just to be with you Can you feel the love tonight? It is where we are It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer That we got this far And can you feel the love tonight How it's laid to rest? It's enough to make kings and vagabonds Believe the very best There's a time for everyone If they only learn That the twisting kaleidoscope Moves us all in turn There's a rhyme and reason To the wild outdoors When the heart of this star-crossed voyager Beats in time with yours It's enough to make kings and vagabonds Believe the very best ~Elton John: “Feel The Love Tonight”, from ‘The Lion King’~ ---------------------------------------------------- My visits to the hatchery eventually became more and more frequent, but it wasn’t because I needed to learn more about how to take care of little Nellie; and I really could not explain it at first the reason why, but later on I believe the reason was I was growing more and more fond of Anna Forsythe than liking to go there for the sake of the little ones (Though this was the reason I kept on convincing myself of!)! This feeling was also becoming apparent in my demeanor around the house as well as my performance tat the hatchery as well as my study, me pausing what I was doing as she passed through the room, seeking out chores that she was also assigned to and daydreaming when I should be concentrating on what I was doing. Gradually the way I was doing things there and at home was growing more and more careless, and I sought out shortcuts in the things I had to do just to hurry up and be with her (I mean to get to the hatchery to help the hatchlings!); and this fact did not escape the ones around me, for many looked upon me in these episodes like I was sick while some I swear could actually deduce what exactly was going on, and knew what was on my mind! The only one who didn’t seem to notice was Anna Forsythe, for she just took our time together like any other session; and kept to the business at hand no matter how much I tried to help or how cheery I made the situation with my jokes or silly comments, and this was gradually beginning to frustrate me! Of course my behavior around the Hatchery did not escape the notice of Healer Squibb, pausing to look sidelong at me in my poor attempts at my tasks; but he never said a word to me about it as he leered and walked away, eyes twinkling in mirth because his hideous beak would not! As Flatbottom’s eye socket slowly began to heal, he began to wonder about the life he would lead having only one eye; and I told him that the eye might take a lot of taking care of, and to remember what sir Flax of the mercantile had told him. He whined that he would have to have someone to help him, as he could not bandage the eye himself; but I told him that he would always have friends to help, and that I would help him with his eye for as long as he was with me. The poor beast seemed too distraught to think further than this, so I got to work making his life easier with the handicap, and I spent many hours trying to figure out a way to help. Soon his bandages would no longer be necessary, but the ruined socket would no doubt get dirty and run the risk of being infected; so at sir Flax’s instruction I got to work fashioning an eye patch to fit his Ceratopsian face, and finally coming up with the only style that would fit the bill. I found a large bandanna and with the help of Natalie and her sewing skills mended it into a padded square folded into quarters and padded with gauze inside, then I sewed four roped cloth strings to each corner, two longer strings on one side while two shorter strings on the other; and the shorter strings would be tied to the base of his eye horn while the longer ones would be tied to a cheek spike just at his jaw line. Flatbottom looked at me in dismay as I brought my invention out to him, but smiled as he had it put on and saw how comfortable and light it was; and then I told him that though it was colored black, I could decorate it any way he wanted me to if he wished, but for now he was too overjoyed to care too much about that! There was one thing that Rachael did not know, and that was I knew how to cook; and as she insisted she knew every dish made I had a rebuttal, for I actually knew how to cook a dish that she did not know how to cook! Of course I still had to see to things around my place, and even though Rachael had command of the kitchen; I had to assert my ownership of the house and kitchen as I wanted to teach her how to make something I knew and she didn’t, and that dish was pizza! As with Emil Fergusson, I showed her how to make the dough and prepare the sauce and toppings of every kind; peppers and onions, mushrooms and many other vegetables and fruits. She eventually asked as she learned the process if humans of the outside world made it with meats, and not wishing to lie to her; I confirmed this and apologized for upsetting her Dinotopian sensibilities, but she told me that Troodonts were once carnivores and hearing this did not bother her! Then she asked if it were possible to make it with even stranger items, and when I said anything can be added to pizza; she suggested it could be made with insects and other items, and these seemed gross to me! Shrugging, I got to work with her help, and before long we had made several pizzas with various toppings; and we did not have to call the rest to Eveningmeal that night, for the smell alone was enough to attract everyone to the dinner table! Ricky asked what these things were, and I told them all it was called pizza; a popular food in the Outside World, and they inspected each pie as they came out of the oven piping hot;. They marveled as I cut the pizzas into eighths with a flourish, and looked upon the toppings with mixed comments and asking why so many things atop them, but I simply shrugged and said that anything was possible on pizza! They were not really ready to try something new, even though I explained to them that pizza was practically a staple food in the Outside World; and would not eat any until I took a bite out of my first slice, and Ricky led the way as he cautiously picked up a piece and gently took an experimental bite. At his approving nod, the rest began to take their pieces; and in a word, the rest of my household liked it profusely! Zoie said it was excellent as she chewed smilingly, and Gavin was too busy eating to say much between chews; and Natalie and Toby Hertz (Who was invited to any meal with us he wished.) said that it was like a meal in itself in their own way, while I just sat back and smirked at their gastronomic comments as they ate. Even little Nellie had a few nibbles from one of my slices, and once he tasted he nearly climbed aboard my lap for more; so I just had to feed him his full! The half dozen pies seemed to vanish within an hour, and Natalie went out to get the last one she baked; and none hardly winced when the one with earthworms and grubs was served, which were some of a Troodont’s favorite non-plant foods they often imbibe in! As time went on, the rest of the household requested pizza be made; and this request happened more and more often as time went on, and my pizza idea soon became a big hit at the dinner table! In my travels between the hatchery and home I tried to tend to things at home, and during that time I was also noticing that as Flatbottom stayed in that stall and healed; he kept on refusing to be let out of his stall, worrying that if he did he might open up some of his burn scars. I kept on asking him to go outside or saying I had to thoroughly clean his stall so he had to leave it, but all he would do in that instance was to go to another part of the barn and wait for me to finish; me saying that it was a bright and glorious day and may as well enjoy it outside, but he would just shrink back and said he didn’t want to. The reason I was asking was because I had noticed his condition due to the lack of exercise, for his general musculature was steadily degrading due to lack of exercise; me hinting to him that he was getting a little flabby, and he retorting that I should look at myself in a mirror once! I simply shook my head and continued with my work in the barn, but I knew that something had to be done with that or his body would atrophy to an unhealthy point, and it would take all that much longer for Flatbottom to recover. I really wanted him to begin running around the field out back, but as he wheezed getting back in his stall I began thinking that perhaps he would need a little incentive to get himself physically fit, and I wanted him to have fun at it; but what on earth would motivate a Triceratops enough to partake in physical exercise? In the Hatchery library I read that a male Triceratops would often go on the rut when it became time to mate, and would charge and gore other males for possession of a female; but in their currently civilized state they would go off alone to perform the same procedures on inanimate objects in the forest, coming back all ready to Perform for the female. That aside, I figured to find a few things that Flatbottom could charge and gore without doing much damage; or in lieu of that, I had to find something that nobody minded if it were damaged. So I went into town to the Mercantile and asked about three barrels I saw there, but Seymour Ross the proprietor (Flax the Ovaraptor was his partner.) said I wouldn’t like those barrels; for they were old and leaked and would not even hold a drop of water, and he was going to eventually throw them away when the Recycler was back in town. I said that these were perfect, and I told him my concerns about Flatbottom and my idea about making him want to partake in exercise; and he said that it was a noble concern, and offered me them for a mere hand full of Drachs! When I got them home I tightened them up so they wouldn’t fall apart right away, then I rolled them one by one out into the field out back spaced randomly out there; then I went to Flatbottom and placed a harness around his muzzle, saying that I had something to show him outside - and I wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer! I led him out into the field, him pulling and trying to veer away, but I pulled him straight and ignored his complaints (“I’m getting tired!”, and “The sunlight hurts my eye!); but his complaints stopped when he saw the three barrels standing out there, and inquired what this was all about! I told him that I knew he had all sorts of emotions and issues, and it was not too healthy to keep them all bottled up inside; and I told him that perhaps if he worked off those emotions and acted out his anger at what happened to him in the fire, he would be a much better dinosaur because of it. I told him that he could do anything he wanted with the barrels, knock them around or run around them or even smash them to bits; but he said that if he broke them he’d get splinters, and I said I knew how to treat them! He said that these barrels were expensive, but I said they were the cheapest barrels I could find; and they were going to be thrown out anyway, for they could not even hold a drop of water. I then told him to stop making excuses and get going, and that I wanted him to stay out here for one hour; and I wouldn’t let him back in the barn until the hour was up, so as I left him there I saw him simply moping about the nearest barrel. When I came out to watch him later, he was slowly pushing one of the barrels; and the next time he was charging another barrel (The first one he had gotten all the way to the boundary boulder and was laying on it‘s side!), and that one was leaning against the human outhouse the next time I looked! By the end of the hour I went out, and couldn’t find the third barrel anywhere; and Flatbottom pantingly told me that he trampled it, indicating a pile of firewood tinder and metal hoops near the wood shed. Flatbottom thanked me profusely for making him go out there, saying that he was no longer angry about the fire and everything that happened; and said that he actually felt better both inside and out, asking me if he could go out again tomorrow to smash the rest of the barrels! I guess my most valuable contribution to the Hatchery I ever did came about not from anything that went on there, but the idea I came up with happened when I was doing a little work around my house. I was fixing a crack in a wall beside the fireplace in my bedroom, patching it up with plaster as the heat from the fireplace warped the wall and cracked the horsehair plaster; and I was just running a bead over it with a trowel when I paused in inspiration. At the Hatchery they had been having a rash of cracked eggs, a dangerous time for the hatchling inside as they lose moisture and the egg is very fragile; and the only thing they do for them is keep the egg shored up with wet towels and handle them extra gently, but there was no way they could help any further. The idea that came to me that day was if we could somehow REPAIR the egg, then the hatchling could develop in a more normal way; and the plaster on the trowel told me that this was the solution, for if I could repair a wall with plaster they could also repair an egg with plaster as well! I did not tell anyone there my idea, but when the next cracked egg came about I secretly went to work; mixing up a few ounces of the plaster they used for making casts, mixed a bit thicker than what is used for dipping bandages in; perhaps like the consistency of toothpaste, which was a bit thinner than construction plaster. I figured that construction plaster would be too ’dirty’ to be used on such a fragile thing, and that cast-making plaster was a bit more clinical than the plaster used for construction; and when the two or three ounces of the material was mixed in the pestle, I carried it out into the egg chamber. I went to the damaged egg and placed it on a hatching table, then I looked closely at the egg to find where the crack on it began and ended; finding it started an inch from the base on one side and made a zig-zag ‘L‘ shape, but ended a quarter of the way around near the middle. Using my finger as a trowel I placed a tiny line of plaster along the crack, using my little finger to work it gently into the crack; molding it to every incongruence of the crack as to not cover too many of the microscopic air holes I had read about. After I had gotten to where the crack’s direction changed, I wiped off the excess with a wet rag until only a thin white lightning-bolt line remained where that part of the crack once was; and scooped out another tiny amount of plaster and continued the procedure for the rest of the crack. Once done I gave a small sigh of accomplishment, then I stepped back to view my work; but could only go so far as I took as last step and heard a squawk, for I had stepped on someone’s toes! I turned quickly and saw healer Squibb there, holding his right foot and scowling at me with acid; and as soon as he could he asked me why I was here, and why was I doing an unauthorized procedure on an egg! I quickly explained to him the idea I got concerning cracked eggs, saying how repair on my house was the root of that inspiration; and telling him that I just HAD to see if it worked, but he just scowled and went limping to the egg and scrutinizing it like he was going to eat it. As he did so I told him as I shrugged that it seemed like a good idea to me; but he turned and requested that I tell him the procedure in explicit detail, and I did so as he continued to scrutinize my work. Squibb told me to stay where I stood as he finished examining the egg, then he told me that it was very dangerous to perform an untried procedure; for one can’t know if what is being done is good or bad, and now this egg will have to be watched closely until it hatched to make sure all was well with it. He said that what was done was done, but let it be on my head if what I did caused the little one inside any harm; and that even his experienced hatchery workers knew enough not to do anything unauthorized around like this around here, but softened as he said that he knew my desires were to help the little one and not to cause it harm - but if I get any other ideas like this, to please let him know first! He said as he put the egg back into it’s niche that he wanted me to make a full report, in writing and in triplicate; so he would have a personal copy and so would the Hatchery archives, and a copy is needed to be sent to the Dinotopian Medical guild in Waterfall City. He sent me away, and I moped about the place for about an hour; thinking of the irresponsibility of the thing I had done; I mean, what if I hurt that poor little Lambeosaur or something? I resolved to make it right, but had to do what Squibb had told me; so I went to the library and began to write the reports he had told me to make, using the best of my writing skills to describe every little detail. I was half way through the second copy when Anna Forsythe came in and sat down next to me, then asked what I was doing before I slid over the first draft of my report; and after she read it she told me it was an inspiration of genius, and even though it was untested my initiative showed I had a noble heart. So the prerequisite time elapsed for the hatching of this Lambeosaur egg, and the little one came out like normal; and the gritty consistency of the plaster I used made it easier for the hatchling to hatch, for she already had a pre-made crack in the egg to work with as she struggled free! Healer Squibb immediately gave the youngster an examination and found no maladies thus far, and for this he smiled; but warned me that there were still long-term problems that could arise, and she would have to be kept at the Hatchery an extra long time to see if anything amiss emerges. He later told me of his concerns after the chick left with her parents, for an eggshell is pockmarked with millions of microscopic air holes that allow an embryo to breathe while in the shell; and if too many are blocked the chick lacks air and therefore might emerge slow of wit or worse types of damage, but it seemed by my actions that it didn’t matter if only a few were blocked off as the chick seemed to have been OK - but this still didn’t rule out any such long-term problems later in life. At length he said he would applaud my efforts in the saving of eggs for the time being, and send my paper to the guild presently; but warned me that if I had any such ideas again, to please consult him first so he could judge whether or not it’s medically feasible! Pretty soon the procedure was considered viable, and once word got back from the Dinotopian Medical guild; I was asked to give demonstrations on how it was done, that was when such cracked eggs showed up to perform on! As time went on this practice was done in nearly every hatchery on Dinotopia, and I received accolades from all who visited the hatchery; but this honor did not come until many years in the future, and I‘m getting ahead of myself here! After only two weeks after Flatbottom started exercising and getting into shape, Ricky had been working in the background setting up deals and arranging deliveries for the Akin-Bak Shipping Company; and even though most of my efforts were directed elsewhere, he knew that I still wanted to fulfill my dream here. The Troodont had finished carving my sign a long time ago, and asked the help of Thoth the Bracheosaur to help crane the sign above the barn to be fastened to a corner post near the peak of the roof of the barn; and had gotten this task done practically without my notice, and the same went with the refurbishing of Flatbottom’s cart as well as keeping up with the re-supplying of the barn, but needed my permission to officially open it - and how could he do that while my mind was off doing other things? One day he came to me after Eveningmeal and told me that the Akin-Bak shipping company was ready to begin operation, and had been ready to open for nearly a month; then he asked me why my mind was not on the business at hand, and I simply told him that I had gotten involved with too many things of late to concentrate on it… ----------------------------------------------------
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Post by thundertail on Apr 7, 2011 17:04:29 GMT -5
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TWENTY:
“THE GRAND OPENING OF THE AKIN-BAK SHIPPING COMPANY!”
---------------------------------------------------- A few days later an adult sized tricycle came wheeling down Rosepetal lane, and riding it was this scrawny little Ovaraptor; and on back of it was a small wooden cart with the capacity of a wheelbarrow, and she had a scroll in the hand not controlling her contrivance, alternately checking it and her current course on the road. At the front yard of the house she stopped and parked her bike, then sauntered up to the front door of the house to knock; and Rachael was taken aback at the old and scary looking dinosaur before her, but softened when the Ovaraptor told her that the school board sent her. Natalie let her in, then called for the rest of us - especially Zoie and I; and when we came she introduced herself as Henrietta, and that she was sent to teach two pupils how to play the piano. Then Henrietta asked where the piano was, and she inspected the keys before testing a note; squawking in disgust as it came out sour, and asked me to go to her vehicle and get the large carpet bag in back. When I came back the top of the piano lid was up and her feet was dangling upward, and light banging was going on inside; and then she asked help to get out of there as I rushed to assist, saying in dusty coughs that it was fortunate the tuning screws were not fused, for if so they would have to be reamed out and redone. Then she took out a tool and began removing a panel near the foot pedals, gaining access to most of the workings of the piano there; twisting the linkages to the foot pedals and using another tool to tighten them, and then she took a turnkey-like device and began ratcheting them slightly as she asked one of us to play a note of Middle C. Zoie complied until that note rang true and clear, then worked on the next higher note; and continued this for more than an hour before she rose and stretched with a creak, saying that the piano would need more fine tuning, but it would do for now. Once she composed herself Henrietta asked Zoie to play a simple set of scales in middle C, to roll them up and down until she told her to stop; and once she was satisfied about her rudimentary skills, told me to take a seat and do the same. I did so, but it was loose and out of time; so she took out some simple sheet music and told me to play that, but I told her that I didn’t know how to read a note of music! She tisked and said that she would have to start me at the beginning, and told Zoie to sit and play the music; and though her attempt was unsure and showed it as she had never seen this music before, miss Henrietta nodded and told her to keep practicing for a moment. She asked me how long ago it was since I had a lesson, and I told her not since I was five (I was almost 50 at the time) and forgotten most of it; but I said to her that I would like to learn all over again, for I liked music very much, and would be overjoyed if I could join in. She told me that little Zoie would be getting a more advanced curriculum than mine, and I would need to have more frequent lessons scheduled; but for one such as me that wished to learn the more civilized professions, she said she would be more than happy to teach me! Miss Henrietta said that she wished to instruct little Zoie for now, and she would return in the morning to begin my instruction; but I asked if she wished to stay here with us, but she said the hotel in town would be fine. I shrugged and went out to the barn, for it was my turn to treat Flatbottom this morning. As I removed the last of the bandages from Flatbottom’s flank, the burns had at last healed; and only several patches of silvery pink scars remained, and the rest of the areas that had once been burned were wrinkled but were healing up nicely and fading back to it‘s normal grey-green texture. I really did not have to re-apply the bandages so I didn‘t, and Flatbottom turned to wonder why I wasn’t doing this; so I told him as he blinked in shock that it was no longer necessary, and aside from his right eye he was cured. I told him that he could now live a next to normal life on his own, and it was now about time to think about his future life; and he looked kind of sad as I removed his patch and applied the Carrotus Lavage, saying it only needed to be applied once daily. I said that I had given his cart a full overhaul, and I would hitch him up to it any time he felt ready to go; but still he lingered for many days, and I thought it was because he was still making up his mind. One day he said that he was ready, so I had Thoth bring the cart next to the barn entrance and began to pack up his things; but when I lifted the chest with all his memorabilia inside, he bellowed for me to stop! He said that when he said he was ready, he meant that he was ready to make his decision to stay on for a while; telling me that everyone was working so hard to help start up my shipping company, indicating the sign now up on the side of the barn as we left the barn. He told me that I helped him out in a big way, and if it weren’t for me he would have died in that fire, so the least he could do was to help return the favor by working here as a cart puller for me - at least for the time being. I was touched at this and smiled, saying that I needed good strong pullers for my business; and one that had his own cart was a big plus, so I hugged him and set his chest back by his feed bin where I got it from. He said we had to make it official, and said we should shake on it; so he raised his fore foot and I placed a palm on the underside in lieu of an actual handshake, and this was when I knew Flatbottom and I would be inseparable friends as well! We chatted for a time telling each other a few things, like me telling Flatbottom what my goals in the shipping business would be and the inheritance I got from Emil and Emma Fergusson; and that I was owner of all their things, including all their business dealings and other connections. I told him that I was indeed from the Outside World, and about my foreknowledge of Dinotopia thanks to the writings of sir Arthur Dennison; which he threw in the ocean, and was washed up elsewhere. Flatbottom told me about a few of his adventures as an Overland Shipper, times both profitable as they were dangerous as some of the routes he took crossed the Rainy basin and other places endangered by human actions; and through it all the camaraderie of the caravan brought the most unlikely characters together, and this if anything was the basis for what being a Dinotopian was all about. At length he suggested we get some practice in, him as he hadn’t been hitched to a cart for a long time; and me because I didn’t have a clue how to hitch him to the cart, let alone had experience driving a cart like the one he had! I backed him into the yoke and had him tell me how each strap and buckle went on, then he had me take it off and REMEMBER how each strap went; and by the fifth time I had gotten it right, but I still needed more practice before I could get the time down to the few moments an expert outfitter could do. That being done, he told me to climb aboard the driver seat while he started walking the cart around the farmyard, then told me how to use the reigns as a signal to tell him where and when to turn left or right; and this I did a few times, but nearly led him right into the front porch of the house! He told me that he couldn’t see out his right eye, so I would have to be extra watchful of that side so he didn’t run off the road or worse; and next time I led him he kept a straighter course to where I wanted him to go. All day we spent taking the cart all around the property, me plotting different courses so he would take us to different parts of the place; and as Natalie called for Eveningmeal to commence, I felt myself confident to take the cart on the road! A few days later and as the daily routine of my life went on, me getting two of my own music lessons under my belt; and miss Henrietta saying I learned fast, me mastering the scales in middle C as well as B-flat and octaves thereof. I told her it was all coming back to me, telling of my music instructor mister Volpie and his method that if I didn’t learn he would slam the piano lid down suddenly; a horrid practice to chastise mistakes Henrietta said; but she said that at least I was be beginning to learn to read sheet music, me referring to it more than her instruction. Thusly I remembered a musical joke I told them both: ’How is music like safety?’; and when nobody could guess. I told them: ’Because if you don’t C-Sharp, you’ll B-Flat!’, and with that both laughed merrily (Miss Henrietta telling me to stop being silly and continue practicing!). Zoie watched me practice and said she had such problems too, and I would get the hang of it sooner or later; but Henrietta scolded her for her comments, and told me my lesson for the day was over and she was next! I left the piano and went out into the barn once more, but before I could see which chores needed to be done; Ricky told me that the barn needed some supplies once again, and overhearing what he was saying, Flatbottom turned and offered himself and his cart to help procure it. Ricky said that with a cart like his, we could really stock the barn up; and I went to fix the rigging before getting the Triceratops, but wondered where Ricky went. Flatbottom said he went into the workshop for something he had been working on, and he returned many moments later with a couple of sheets of tarpaulin in his arms; and as we spread it out they were signs reading ”THE AKIN-BAK SHIPPING COMPANY”, “GRAND OPENING!”, he saying we could affix them on the side rails of the cart! He also suggested that we go pass out the flyers we made many weeks ago, and pass them out around town; and I added that between the both of us, we have plenty of possible connections to send them to. I said we could also send the flyers abroad, sending them by courier to other towns in the area; and maybe get enough prospects to start plotting out shipping routes, but that was if we could get customers and cargo for them to be shipped to them. Natalie came out to remind us lunch was almost ready, and we tell her what we are going to do; and she suggested that we all could help out with the flyers, and that all of us hadn’t had a day on the town in a while! Ricky and I went to find Zoie and Gavin, telling them we are going into town to pass out our flyers; but we’ll do it tomorrow as it was becoming late, and they cheer that they were going to see their friends! I tell Nellie in passing, and he capered about as he followed close to my heels for the rest of the day; and later that evening we tell Thoth and Toby Hertz, and they both agreed that it was about time to get the shipping company going at last! As they head out to their lamplighter job for the night, I tend to Flatbottom once more and say my good-night to him; then presently decide to turn in as well, and headed for the house for an excited night of slumber. I could not sleep well and was up just at dawn the next day, but I found that I was not the only one up so early; for Natalie and her mate with their children were already at the table, adults giving instruction on behavior in town today. Ricky said they would each gat a few flyers to pass out, but only give them to people they knew or ones that owned or worked for a business in town; and comeback to either him or mom or myself when they run out, and run away from nasty people that try anything bad to them! Natalie came over with out early breakfast and we ate in relative silence, and then Ricky and I went to the barn to prepare Flatbottom for cart travel; receiving tired greetings from Toby and Thoth as they trudged home from work; then continued feeding the still sleepy Triceratops until he seemed more alert, asking why we’re getting ready so early. I tell him as I finish with his eye that we wanted to make an early start, and led him out to the cart as the early morning light brightened; and once Ricky and I were done with this we drove the cart to the front of the house, where Gavin and Zoie hopped up in back while Natalie lifted Nellie up to my lap before climbing to the bench beside her mate. Taking the reigns in my hands, I began to lead the way down Rosepetal lane and into the town of Baz proper, little Nellie on my lap watching everything Flatbottom was doing; the other two kids clowned around in back the whole way there while Ricky commented that I had learned to drive a cart well, and Flatbottom saying that he helped to train me as Nellie brayed agreement. Natalie also told us that she made a shopping list of the household things we would need, and would get those while she was there; and Ricky told her that the barn needed to be restocked, and with the capacity of Flatbottom’s cart it could really be stocked well! As we began to get into the center of town, the people and dinosaurs there look and stare at us; not because we were riding a cart, but for the strange signs flanking the sides of the cart. Instead of being offended at being stared at like that, Zoie began to wave and the rest of us joined in as we passed by; nodding in greeting at everyone that captured our notice, one or all of us shouting greeting to any we knew personally. I stopped Flatbottom next to the bulletin board near the mercantile as Nellie wanted to get down too, but I told him to stay in the cart, and everyone else piled out of the cart as stacks of flyers were given to our crew; Gavin walking off in one direction while Zoie ran in the other, and Natalie took her list and headed toward the stores after promising to help out once her task was done. At a prearranged warehouse Ricky and I bought and loaded two tons of fodder and other barn needs, receiving help from the many hands employed there; and they did a masterful job of loading it squarely for easier transport by our puller, and the warehouse manager came around to see us in his office. The load would cost quite a lot as I had no real connections with this merchant, so he agreed to the terms I suggested; me paying with many Drachs and having to sign a note for the rest, and we shook on it before Ricky and I left the office. Ricky took the reigns and led the cart to the Courier’s offices near the Town Hall, and we talked to the spindly human clerk there about eighteen parcels containing flyers and business proposals from the prospects willed to me by Emil to me; businesses in places like Bonabba, Raptor Flats, Chimerney Bent Root and Treetown. Mister Phipps told us that they would cost between five and eight Drachs each, depending on the distance as well as method of delivery; and told us that some would be delivered by Overlander (The cheapest), while the others needed to be sent by Skybax courier (The more expensive.). After conferring with my business partner on the rates, I turned to the man and told them it would be all right; then I paid him the added sum, thanked him while Ricky wished him good day and left his office. I scratched Nellie’s partially formed frill, took the reigns and led Flatbottom to the bulletin board once again, and by this time Gavin returned to grasp another fist full of flyers (Getting a gulp of water from the water-skin we brought with us.) and ran back off into the town; and a few minutes later Zoie came back and did pretty much the same thing, then Natalie walked up with her parcels and placed them aboard the cart while noticing the already nearly full cart before her. She also grabbed some flyers after giving Ricky a peck on the cheek and set off into the city as well; seen nodding and chatting to prospects as she showed many the flyers, doing so until she was lost from view. In the mean time I dismounted the cart and went to the board to see if there was enough room to tack up my flyer, my friend doing likewise after his mate left his sight; and I found a bare spot and affixed the larger flyer I made for this purpose, and Ricky did the same with the Saurian version, tacking it to the other side of the bulletin board. I stepped back to see how the flyer stood out amidst the other notices posted there, and found mine to be the best and most visible notice there; and found out that Ricky was doing the same, him being heard saying it was a masterpiece from the other side of the board! Once our job was done, we both took to reading the other posts there; but we were not looking for other prospects, rather we were looking for posts that we had never seen there before; trying to find posts from rival shipping companies (Finding quite a few, but from companies too far away to be effective all the way over here.), and we were looking for people in town that needed goods delivered to them from other places. Mostly we found personal announcements and bids for matrimony, ads for new products at the bakery and news on how the price of grains were going down due to the ongoing harvest; but the most interesting notice found by me so far had nothing to do with business, for this note announced an event of the recreational kind… ---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- I looked at this and that flyer, mostly advertisements for this or that thing - or ones for different types of services to be had; and then my eyes reached the public announcements area, and saw there was a few bits of good news. One was the fact that the harvest was well under way, and that meant that I should be arranging to cart crop pretty soon. Another I read announced that the Annual Harvest Dance of Baz would commence in a week, and everyone in town was welcome to attend; and that one could bring a friend, then went on to say that music and dancing and a small buffet would be served. In the Outside World, I was not really one to socialize; but since I’ve been here I felt the need to do so, mainly because everyone I knew here was my true friends and not ones versed in alienation like those of the Outside World! I would go, but who to invite to come with me? I knew nearly all of the available girls in town, but they were mere acquaintances only; and any time I met them, I merely greeted them in passing. About the only one I really wanted to invite to the dance was Anna Forsythe, for I knew her much better than the rest; for I’ve worked with her in the hatchery and had a better rapport with her than any girl around - besides, I actually liked her quite a lot I’ll admit! I turned and went back to the cart, smiling at Nellie as I got up; but it really wasn‘t on his behalf, though he sure thought so! Ricky presently came around the bulletin board and took a seat beside me, looking this way and that for the rest of his family; but paused when he saw the look on my face, and on asking why I said nothing, and I turned my head to see little Gavin returning shortly followed by his sister and mother. Many more days pass, and still there are no prospective clients for the shipping company; and Ricky consoled everyone by saying that sometimes it takes time for business to emerge, so onward we wait. To pass the time Flatbottom had taken to charging the new barrels I bought for him (The others he demolished a while ago!) while Ricky went to groom the mud off the feet and legs of the still sleeping Thoth, and I had taken to making the beds up in the loft; but did this quietly so as to not wake Toby Hertz sleeping in his bed a few bunks away! As our chores got done for the day, I remembered that I had an evening shift at the hatchery; and rushed to get ready for it, practically running across town to get there on time. I signed in and grabbed the roster on it’s board to see if there were any changes to my assigned task for the night (Being told that I would be pressing and folding the linens, then four hours of egg-watch until sundown, when my two person team would be replaced.), and then looked around for Anna Forsythe as she was on the staff today; for there was something I wished to ask her, and I hoped her answer would be yes! The first chance I got was when she was getting sheets for a human mother, me loading the closet she was getting it from a linen cart; and I hurriedly blurted out that the harvest dance was coming around soon, but I got called away before I could say further! The next chance I got was when I was ironing sheets, and Anna came in with a basket of spent towels; and I said that at the harvest dance one could invite a friend; but then she was asked to help in an emergency delivery, and never got the chance to finish! As we were going up a set of stairs at the same time, she asked me who I was going to invite to the dance; and I told her I was thinking of inviting her, but Squibb came by to discuss a procedure with her. Later at mealtime she asked me why I chose her and not any of the other girls in town, and I told her that the girls in town are mere acquaintances and I only knew them in passing; but I figured since I worked with her here I knew her better, but the most important reason of all was I liked her better! Anna gushed a little at the revelation, but said nothing about it as a Harpymimus worker told her that a warehouse worker came in with a cut arm; and she was needed to help, so off she went again! After eating it was my turn to tend the eggs for the rest of the shift, and I knew that my co-worker for the evening would be the human Paul Genhes; but when I saw it was Anna Forsythe instead I was thrilled, more so as she told me she had traded shifts with him! Once we made the rounds and entered in the roster that all the eggs were doing well; I sat on a bench put there so workers could rest while they waited, and waited for Anna to finish. Before I could ask her again about the Harvest dance, she told me that she would be delighted to attend the dance with me; and it was MY turn to gush this time, for I didn’t know she liked me enough to go there with me! During the rest of the shift, I told her off and on about the particulars of the dance; as per what I read on the flyer for it, she nodded at every item. The dance was going to be on Tuesday afternoon, from twelve noon to dusk; and be held in the warehouse next to the commissary, where a paddock behind it would be set up for the larger saurian guests. There would be food and refreshments, and it was optional for attendees to bring some hors-derves to share with the others; and a small band would be there for musical entertainment, and those that play an instrument could bring it and join in - or those who could sing may do so if desired. However, the flyer did not say whether or not the event would be formal or casual; but I said that I would wear a good change of clothes, and Anna told me she would wear something pretty too! We continued our shift together, doing our duty for the well-being of the eggs all the rest of the evening; and with very little of interest happening for all that time, we looked forward for the other two hatchery workers to come and relieve us. When they came a while later, we left together; and when we were sure nobody was around see, we paused to impart on each other a light kiss before parting ways for the evening. Days seemed to stretch out to weeks, and as Tuesday finally arrived with no sign of offers to ship goods at the shipping company; I did my usual chores around the property and then got ready to go to the harvest Dance. I chose an ensemble from both my own clothes and the clothes left behind by Emil Fergusson’s son Gregory, then cleaned myself up really good and took extra time to put on my outfit perfectly. Flatbottom had heard of the dance many days ago as well, and suggested he could pull the cart into town and I could drive the cart as I escorted Anna (He had heard of that too!) to the dance; and even though he said it was to help advertise the Akin-Bak shipping company with the banners along the sides of the cart, I knew that part of it was he was longing to socialize with his fellow saurians and perhaps mingle with his own kind, so how could I refuse the old boy? We set off down the lane and took the main road that led into town, but before getting to the town proper I picked up Anna Forsythe at the head of Hydrangnia street where she lived; and got down to help her up so she wouldn’t spoil her carmine petticoat on the cart’s wheels, making comment on the pretty dress she wore. As she seated herself, she said that I had dressed pretty snazzy myself; and complimented Flatbottom on his freshly cleaned and deodorized condition as well, and he would have blushed at the compliment if he could! In town the street the dance was going to be at was lined with all sorts of other carts and other contrivances, so we had to park several buildings down before I helped Anna down and began to unhitched my friend; then as a group we walked down to the warehouse near the commissary the dance was to be held in. Many humans and saurians were seen walking toward where we were walking, and Flatbottom heard the happy bellows of several Iguanodons and Ankylosaurs; then said he’d see us later and followed them down an alleyway between the warehouse and commissary to a large paddock area out back, and already I could hear their muttered conversations as Anna and I walked by that entrance. Out front the doors to the warehouse was open wide, and many humans and smaller saurians were milling into and out of those doors; and inside many more were mingling and sampling the pastries and other goodies and sipping punches while chatting aimlessly among each other, and they were so engrossed with these activities no one scarcely noticed us as we walked in among them. I led Anna over to a bowl with some pink punch and got us both a cup, and that was when we turned to the sound of mayor Taylor’s voice. He greeted us by saying that Cara was officiating the saurian party and would not attend here, though he said she might poke her snout in from time to time; then complimented our dress and invited us to mingle before the entertainment commences before waddling off to greet other guests, us scanning the people to find ones we recognized to start conversations with them. Anna went in one direction as she saw Emily Kotch the baker and her rather obese daughter Elizabeth, and began chatting with them as she sampled a pastry; and I walked over to Frank Stratton owner of the fruit stand, and asked him how was business. As we milled the hired band started playing folk songs in the background, and the talking got louder to be heard over it; and just then healer Squibb entered carrying his ukulele and was accompanied with two Harpymimus hatchery workers, and he squinted as he saw me and then spied Anna a moment later. They came to us one by one as many more started showing up, and Squibb put his instrument by the piano to sample some purple punch and talk with the mayor; I milled around some more and found Toby Hertz coming in saying he had finished lighting the streetlamps. As soon as all seemed present the band leader announced that all may dance, and the band played a folk tune akin to what is played at a square dance; and the mode of dance was not dissimilar to a square dance, so I asked Anna in it as I was good at that dance. The next one was slightly faster, and I asked Elizabeth to join me; her doing the dance somewhat slower for her girth, and at the next dance (Sort of a waltz.) Anna came to take her place. We stopped at the next dance to gain refreshment near a window, and the scene out there was that of many saurians trading stories and sampling the special fodder for them; and then I spied Flatbottom apart from the rest with another triceratops listening to his chatting, but got drawn away from the scene by miss Henrietta as she led me to where the band was set up. There was a piano there, and Squibb was warming up his ukulele; and it was then that I knew what she wanted me to do, so I apologized in advance for hurting everyone’s ears before beginning to play. I played a tune akin to Beethoven’s last symphony, but I made dozens of mistakes; and lost the beat half way through, then told everyone I had only had a handful of lessons. They applauded anyway, saying it was a good attempt anyway; and then the band started up again with Squibb playing lead on his ukulele, and the dance continued on until sundown. Presently we all said our good byes and such before leaving the party by ones and twos, and I located and collected Anna Forsythe as we walked out of the warehouse arm in arm; and presently Flatbottom came from the paddock area to walk in step behind us, glint in his good eye telling me he had a wonderful time at the party after all! Anna and I hitched my friend up to the cart when we got to it, then I graciously helped her up and flicked the reigns; and Flatbottom slowly made his way back the way we came, The smart beast knew we had to chat along the way - and chat we did the whole way home. Anna sighed and said she had a wonderful time, and I told her I did too; saying it was great to have a change of pace once in a while, ’All work and no play makes anyone a dull person’ and the like. She agreed and said that she didn’t know I knew the piano, and I laughed and said neither did I; and she laughed back and said I liked Elizabeth the way I was dancing with her, of which I said I was not dancing with her. I explained saying that I was trying to give her exercise, that she looked like she needed to burn off a few calories as she laughed; adding that I confidentially thought that she sampled too much of her mother’s baked goods, and that even got Flatbottom roaring heartily in laughter! I looked at him and stated that I saw him talking to that cute little three-horn back there, and asked what was up with that; and that if he kept it up there will be a bunch of little Flatbottoms running about the place, but he just barked for me to shut up! He then apologized and said that Aphrodite was Apollo’s bug sister from Azonthas, and she had heard that I was in that fire and was worried about him; so he told her that I had nursed him back to health, and he decided to hang around for a while. Aphrodite said that it was a sweet thing I did for him, and I should be commended for the act; so I apologized for teasing him and said I would’ve done that for anyone in that situation, then Anna suddenly asked Flatbottom to stop the cart. We were at the foot of Hydrangnia street where she lived, and when she got down she told us that there wasn’t any place for Flatbottom to turn the cart around back there; and then asked me if I would walk her to her door, and as I helped my buddy park the cart I told him to wait for me in a whisper. He asked for how long, and I told him that if I’m not back in an hour or two; to go home without me, and he confirmed at my asking that he knew the way home! As we walked down the dirt road, she slowly found my hand and grasped it; and I slowly looked at her as she continued to gaze ahead, eyes telling her deep thought. At last she turned to me and told me that when she first saw me she saw someone lost with no direction, but she saw that I had fire and determination and passion for others; and with that I had achieved a place here among them, and that accomplishment won her admiration for me. I told her that when I first saw her I was too caught up with what was going on to really notice her, but later saw that she was really concerned with me and my well-being; but I did not know how to show my admiration to her, not until this dance came up. I said that she did not know a lot about me, for I was from the outside world and my ways were still a little different; and she said that she understood this and it was part of what made me what I was, and added that there was quite a bit that I didn’t know of her either! She became silent just then and so did I, and we disengaged hands as we came up to her house; a saltbox-type of building with two stories, and surrounded by a small yard with no extra land or barns for farming. Anna Forsythe’s house was in slightly better shape than my house when I first saw it, but not much more; and even though it looked sturdy enough, it could surely do with a coat or two of paint. Anna Forsythe unlocked the door and invited me inside, lighting lanterns to illuminate a smallish living area and sparse furniture that looked years old; then she asked if I wanted any tea or anything; and I really didn’t but said yes out of courtesy, and as she went to the kitchen to the right to boil water I had a chance to look around the room. Besides the usual furnishings I saw the room showed signs of living, things left on end tables and pictures hung on walls of scenery and portraits of her and children and older men of the same race; and not knowing the actual age of these paintings, I thought these people were her cousins or siblings. I scanned around the room to the front door, noticing a staircase to the left of it and a small room before it; and the living room showed both a woman’s touch as well as things set up for younger people, and the door next to the one leading to the kitchen was closed from my view. On a far chair I noticed a rag doll laying face down, and in a corner I saw a leather ball; and on the mantle of the cold fireplace was a picture of Anna when she was younger, and that older man with a boy and girl in the foreground - and Anna was clasped in his arms! From this evidence I finally saw what was going on here, for it appeared that Anna Forsythe was married; and these two kids in the paintings were hers, and I suddenly worried what I had gotten myself into! I backed away from these images and returned to the approximate spot where she left me as she came back into the room with two cups, smiled at me as she offered me one; but looked down in shame as she saw the look on my face, knowing I had deduced her personal situation! Anna Forsythe bid me to sit on a couch while she took an adjacent chair with a sitting table between them; then set her tea down while I did likewise, eyes lowered in preparation for saying what she was about to say. She began by saying that she did not mean to give me any deceit or lie to me in any way, nor to lead me on in any way; she said that she liked me very much, and still do, and for that it was about time she told me the truth about herself. Over twenty years ago she met a man named Jake Forsythe, and their friendship gradually grew to true love and amorous passion; and the usual thing that happens next is marriage, which was over thirteen years ago. First came little Sally and then little Tom a few years later, and now Sally is twelve and Tom is seven; and what lovely children a man and a woman could ever have, and Anna said she thought life could never be better! Jake worked at the Homeward Bound shipping company out of Spicer, and as his job demanded he needed to stay away for many weeks at a stretch; and often his caravans would cross over into pretty dangerous territory, and he always came back with adventurous stories for the children. The last time he left on a run was six years ago when Tom was merely a baby, and he never came back from it; and as I heard this I gasped, saying that I was so sorry! She patted my hand gently and made a brave face, then told me that Jake’s convoy was attacked by a band of pirates; but instead of merely taking the cargo and harassing everyone in the convoy like they usually do, they began killing all of them because one driver mouthed off to one of them! She said that one of the hands survived by sneaking off during the commotion, and before he left he saw that Jake was still living then; but could not guarantee his safety after he had left the area, he was too concerned for his own safety to think of anything else. Anna sniffed and told me that she scoured the whole Northern Plains for any further news on Jake, but she said that all she got was rumors and guesswork; stories from Jake being dead to Jake surviving and still living elsewhere and also ones saying he survived but now siding with the pirates, and quite frankly she did not know what to believe any more! She said that she would like to believe the best and he’s alive somewhere else on Dinotopia, but perhaps he is dead after all and she should be in mourning for him; but if Jake had aligned himself with the pirates, she would hate him just like she hated all pirates! I took many moments to digest all this, then reached for her hand and told her that she didn’t know anything for sure about Jake’s fate; and it would seem unfair to him if she hated him just for the sake of a rumor, for by all intents and purposes he is dead, and it does no service to her loving memory of him to be so hateful of him. Just then doors creaking open upstairs followed by the soft thuds of tiny feet on floor and racing down the stairs met out ears, and we disengaged hands as we looked in that direction; and I saw two of the sweetest looking children I ever laid eyes on, both screeching to a stop on the wooden floor in bewilderment and sleepiness. The girl of about four feet tall had deep brown braids through her long tightly curled hair, and bore a wide nose and deep bronze complexion amid almost olive eyes; and the boy a little shorter bore an extremely short afro of the same color, and his full facial features sat within two light brown eyes. Sally and Tom looked at their mother, then questioningly at me; and Anna told them I was her friend from the hatchery, and she invited me here for tea after the dance. I said hello to each in turn, smiling and offering my hand; but both shrunk away from it, Anna whispering that they were not used to strangers. Sally asked how the dance went, and Tom said dances were silly; but Anna told him that was how grown-ups have fun, and why weren’t they in bed! They said they couldn’t sleep, and then they heard her come home and wanted to say good night in person; so Anna smiled and told them both an official good night as she gave both a kiss on the head as they came up for it, then told them both to scoot off to bed! Once we heard both doors close upstairs, our eyes went from looking in that direction to looking at each other; and then our minds returned to their previous mode, and our hands found each other across the small table instead of the teacups that were directly below them. Anna Forsythe apologized for their manners, and said they were usually such mindful little ones; but she told them about the party, and she guessed the change in the evening routine upset them. I told her that she had a fine pair of children, and that I just loved kids (Jokingly saying that I used to be a kid myself, of which Anna smiled a bit!); and told her that this was the reason I hung around the hatchery after my first visit there, because I knew that children were the future of every culture, and I wished to help out the future. She said that she should have been more honest with me by telling me she was once married, and she said that most people would not consider friendship to widows; especially ones of husbands rumored to be a pirate, and with children too. The next thing I told her was I wasn’t offended that she was formerly married, in fact I told her I admired her determination to keep her family together through all this; that and keeping her hatchery profession running well and keeping up the house and all, all of which magnifies the admiration I had for her all the more. I said that single-parent families were pretty common in the Outside World, and I told her that divorce was the main cause of this (Explaining that when two find out they do not like each other after being married, they seek legal council to have the marriage annulled; and if there are any children, this legal process usually traumatizes them.); and that sometimes the husband or wife passes away, forcing the survivors in the family to get by all by themselves. More often than not the wife or husband that outlives their spouse seek out other companionship when they get lonely, usually many years down the road; and they try to have a happy life with the new suitor as he or she picks up the pieces of the former loss, and that usually this is a healthy course of action. I told her that I didn’t mind being her friend, even considering all she told me this evening; and that sometimes it was good to tell someone about one’s troubles, for it was the best way to help work out those troubles. Anna sighed and smiled and told me that it really felt good that she could finally tell someone about all this, and thanked me for taking it like I did; for regular Dinotopians would think her as soiled if she divulged to them her dilemma, saying either to stay forever chaste or be shunned for being the wife of a criminal. I frowned a bit at their demeanor and admitted to her that at first I felt that I should step away from this situation, thinking that her husband would soon find out and do me violence or something; but now that I knew the whole story, I thought it still would be OK to be friends. She removed her hand from mine and reached for her teacup, so I took a sip from mine; but it had turned cold during our talk, so I didn’t complain as I drained the cup. I put the cup down and I told her that if she felt the same way as I did about us being friends, I told her I would feel honored; and she said that of course we were friends, and that I was the best friend she had had in a long time. As she rose and I followed suit, she told me as she came up to me that Dinotopian courtship usually lasts a long time; and it could be years before things escalate to true romance, but I knew she was teasing me when she grasped me in an embrace that ended in a moment long kiss! When it was over we shamefully disengaged, she panted that perhaps we had better call it a night; and I nodded as I told her my next shift at the hatchery would be in about four days in the morning, and she said she would see me then as her shift that day would start at noon right before my shift ended. Anna Forsythe smiled as she beckoned me to the door, then she opened it and we both stepped out onto her front porch; then we meekly said good night in ragged unison; then we drew each other together for another small kiss, disengaging suddenly as I take my first steps down into her drive. I stared back many times as I slowly walked down the road, then as her house was out of sight I quickly walked to the end of Hydrangnia road; but when I got there I saw that Flatbottom had already left, and I hadn’t a clue as to how long I was at Anna’s house so I ran down the main road to try and find him! I caught up with the cart a quarter of a mile later, and struggled to yell for him to wait up as he slowed; and as I boarded the cart I asked about how long he waited, so he said he waited about an hour and a quarter before leaving. I said that he must have left only a handful of minutes before I left, and then he asked how everything went; and asked me if we were going to be nesting any time soon (I knew this term meant to sleep together and… you know!), and I slowly told him that we agreed to take things slow for now. He commented that if we liked each other, then we should start planning such things soon; but I said that she had her reasons for requesting this, and I agreed with her reasoning. He let the subject be for the entire trip back home, and when we got there I unhitched him and bedded my buddy down for the night; and I decide to turn in as well when I entered my darkened house, and I was sure Flatbottom would have memorable dreams of his evening just like I did! Everyone in the household woke to bright sunshine as well as full knowledge of the chores they had to do in the morning, each getting ready in their own way and coming down for Morningmeal and news of what was going to happen today; and all ate heartily as they digested both elements of their meal and chatter, and I looked on at the regimented candor of how our breakfast went. Ricky and I immediately got up after it and went to the barn, and Natalie shooed Gavin and Zoie back to their rooms to get their school books; escorting them out of the house as she rushed them off to the schoolhouse, not even noticing the postal Bird that flew up the road high above their heads. The bird circled the sign on the barn and landed on a stall railing just inside the open barn door, crowing like a rooster to get all of our attention; then he announced to all persons of the Akin-Bak shipping company that we had a proposal of business, and to hitch up our wagons if we wanted to participate. He said as we gathered that there was a large shipment of wheat in Bonabba, and the earth farm there was short for one stop on their system of delivery; for they needed someone to ship that load to Spicer so it would be ground into flour, where it would thusly be made into breads to help feed waterfall City. We said that we would gladly agree, and the bird nodded and flew off north in the direction of Bonabba; and Ricky and I hurried to get Flatbottom to his cart and prepare for the trip, the one-eyed Triceratops chuffing happily that he was finally going to do what he loved!… ----------------------------------------------------
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Post by thundertail on Apr 17, 2011 5:11:39 GMT -5
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TWENTY-ONE:
“MY SUCCESS BENEFIT’S THE MALADIES OF MY FRIENDS.”
---------------------------------------------------- The morning of our first shipping run began, and we hitched Flatbottom to the cart; then Ricky and I provisioned it for the three day round trip to Bonabba, and then to Spicer and finally back to Baz. Unnoticed to any of us, Nellie kept on following us around as we worked; asking any of us if there was anything he could do to help, but all he got was requests to please stay out of the way! As his episode of nagging continued, he asked and asked whether he could come along too; but I told him he was way to young to be traveling like this, so he went to Ricky and finally Flatbottom and got the same response! At last he scurried to Natalie out in the yard and complained that we would not take him with them, but Natalie gave him the same reply; but as kids always have a want to do when they do not get their way, he bawled and cried and yelled that he wanted to come along too. I saw that we would have no peace as long as Nellie carried on like this, so I had Natalie get extra provisions and a few of the hatchling’s things for the trip; then picked my little buddy up and said he could come along, him whooping as I placed him up on the seat of the cart! Ricky and I say to Natalie that she will be in charge of the place while we are away, and try to recruit Toby Hertz and Thoth to help as they are able; and Ricky told her to get Gavin and Zoie to help out too - or else they’ll get it if he found out they didn’t help! That said I flicked the reigns as Flatbottom got the cart moving, and soon it was turned around and going down Rosepetal lane; pitching and rocking over ruts in the road as Nellie was perched in my lap eagerly watching every move Flatbottom made! We were all in great spirits, for at last my dream was up and running; and off we set out on our very first run of the Akin-Bak shipping company! Rosepetal lane turned into the main streets of Baz proper, this time the townspeople barely gave us notice; save for those that rushed out of the way of Flatbottom’s one-eyed steering, and both Ricky and I had to shout at him to steer this way or that around the light traffic. Soon I turned my friend onto a northerly road out of town, and this close to civilization the roads were smooth and relatively rut-free; but few persons were traveling this road this close to Baz, but the reason for this baffled me for a while. The road was well marked, and signs at crossroads told of towns that I had never visited before as well as ones I knew well; and before the day was long, little Nellie took to sitting between me and Ricky all the way down the road. to Bonabba. Soon other travelers were seen coming up the road as we took the correct fork according to the sign, many on foot and a few driving other conveyances; and even a few small caravans were seen as we greeted each person in passing, but many were not going out way. We reached the Earthfarm that Bonabba was so famous for just before sunset, and asked many of the multitude of workers directions before we were told where to park the cart for quick loading in the morning; and then looked around for an empty stall to house Flatbottom for the night, and the potbelly Dromeosaur hostler at the only paddock that had room suggested Nellie should be put up with his father, a comment that flat bottom denied profusely! For his secret love of Nellie and his wish not to cause a scene, Flatbottom finally gave in and waited for the hatchling to scamper to his side; and we paid the owner for the space in advance, and Ricky and I sought out rooms for ourselves for the night. We found a single room in a hostel a few blocks away from the Brach Bus depot, and the beds were hard and so was the Eveningmeal that came with it, but for the time we spent on the road we were grateful for it. Before either of realized we were asleep, the sun broke harshly through our only dirty window; and we roused at the smell of the Morningmeal that went with the accommodations, and we were half way through it there came a light knocking on our door. Rickey opened the door and nearly sank to his knees, for standing in the doorway was none other than Matriarch Maryanne Talbert; and she smiled and led him back up by an outstretched hand, and I nodded to her respectfully from where I was. She formally greeted the both of us before coming in, and the first thing she said to me as she sat at our only chair in the room was how proud she was at the progress I had shown at Baz so far; and that she was glad to see that my dream was finally reaching a state of fulfillment, and commenting that I had acquired quite a collection of interesting friends! Then getting down to business she told me that she had been doing some research on the whereabouts of all the friends that had washed ashore with me, and obtained some correspondence from them to tell me how they were doing; which should fulfill the wish I had once conveyed upon her during the turmoil of the fire, and also there was a few more matters concerning the results of my achievements in and around Baz. She produced a satchel made of Mosasaur hide, but before she did anything with it she asked Ricky how things were; and he gushed that he was doing much better now that I had taken him in, for he stated he and his family had been doing rather poorly for his run of luck - but all that has changed now! Maryanne nodded at this and told him that I had a lot of potential to do good, and I have proven it many times so far; and the love I showed for him and his family by taking them in thusly proved the fact further, a thing that Ricky stated that they all would be forever my friends for all the kindness I had given them. Returning her attention to the bag, Maryanne opened it and took out several primitive envelopes that were addressed to me and written by many hands; and as I read the headers off each one I saw that they were from Sally DuHame, Francis Cole, one concerning the fate of Paul Packard, Rachael Myers, and Raul Palencia - but the only letter missing was from my brother Peter Smith! She told me I could read those at my leisure, but the scrolls still inside the satchel were to be read only in private and only when I returned to Baz; and that each were sealed in a different color wax, and to be read in the order she told me next. The one with the green seal I should open first, the one with the blue seal I was to open next, the one with the red seal could be opened after that and the one with the black seal I should open last. With those instructions given, Maryanne turned to Ricky and inquired how the shipping company was going; and we told her that it is going well so far, but this was merely our very first delivery run so far. I told her that so many things had happened since I came to Baz, that it took this long to get it up and running; and she said that sometimes it takes more patience than effort to make things happen in life, and if I had sufficient patience then anything was possible for me. After other light chat she rose and headed for the door, and Ricky sprung over to open it for her; and she nodded to him in passing as he bowed, saying farewell to us both as she disappeared around the corner of the hotel. Ricky suggested we gather our things and check out of the hotel, so we did and went to the paddocks where we had left Flatbottom and Nellie last night; and found Flatbottom already checking out, the hostlers asking Nellie how he and his father liked the place; and Nellie told him (For he had begun to talk many weeks ago.) in a childlike way that it was good (Besides that he was not his son!), as Flatbottom asked of the bill. Once paid we made our way first to the cart, and then to the grain depot to request our load of grain; weaving our way past other carts vying for their own loads until we came to the office of the dispatcher, Stenoychosaur proprietor handing me an itinerary on where to deliver the grain and an invoice for all seven tons of grain in hundred pound burlap sacks. Ricky turned to him and asked when we would get paid, and he told him in no kind words that we would get paid when we reach our destination; and when Flatbottom’s cart was loaded full, the Stenoychosaur told us all in his usual surly speech to bug off! We did what he told us and made our way out of Bonabba, taking another southward leading road out of town; and slowly made our way onward to Spicer, journey made slow by all the other convoys leading in that direction. To spend the time on this lengthened leg of the tour, I took to chatting with either Ricky or Flatbottom; or played around with little Nellie on my lap, who cooed and giggled at my tickling fingers! Soon these activities grew boring for me, and I looked down at the satchel at my feet that the Matriarch had given me; and I lifted it to my lap to inspect the contents, pulling one of the letter envelopes my fellow castaways had written to me. The first one was from Sally DuHame, from Canyon City and the Skybax corps; and she told me about all the things she was doing in the service, and she achieved so much that she was promoted to corporal! She said that she graduated training with flying colors (The third best in the troop!) and had been assigned as sergeant Hitch’s temporary wingman, then she was assigned to patrols along the eastern seashore to scout for trouble at sea; and then she was commended for her taking charge officiating the rescue of a run-aground ship, earning her the title of corporal and assigned a squad of her own. Sally then said that she missed me a lot, and wished that what happened when I was in Canyon City never happened; stating that I was a pretty cool guy, and it would have been great if we could have been pilots together! I next opened up the letter addressed from Francis Cole, and the letterhead said that he now resided in Sauropolis; and he said that things were doing better than he ever hoped, for his messenger job takes him all over the city and he is meeting lots of interesting people. He said that he also meets some less than civil people along the way, and uses my advice about standing up for himself; and handles any bad situation like this at first by trying to negotiate with them, or as a last resort he calls the saurian guard! He told me that he misses me a lot and hopes I could visit him in Sauropolis (He gave his street address, at one of the finest hotels near the delegate’s quarters and near the Sauropolis council chamber!), and would welcome me any time I show up. The next letter was in the penmanship of Matriarch Maryanne Talbert, and concerned the fate of Paul Packard; who went missing weeks before we graduated Beginner’s class and assigned our tasks, and nobody knew where he went off to. Her spies think they have located him, down south near Chandara there are many trade routes; and there are bandits and pirates galore, running rampage all across southern Dinotopia. Paul was rumored to be a member of one of those bands, for an informant said that she had seen a man fitting his description at the Blackfish tavern near Spiker; but no attempt was made to intercept him, as he had been in the company of many thugs known to locals as pirates. The matriarch said in this letter that further investigation is pending, and she will inform me if anything new turns up; and then I picked up the next letter, and it was from Rachael Myers! Rachael had been doing well since my little pep-talk in the Waterfall City library, and had made a little Anktlosaur friend there as a result; and since then they had been inseparable friends, and both succeeded better together than either could do singly. They had traveled to the sea and gotten jobs on the docks, eventually becoming part of a crew on a cargo schooner; and as the months went by she became captain and he became first mate, and they were building quite a reputation as sea shippers! They took on an almost pirate-like demeanor with their crew, Rachael Myers looking like the famous she-pirate ‘Annie Bonnie’ and Thule rasping in a pirate-like drawl; and she said that since I was now an overland shipper, perhaps our wakes would cross one of these days. The next one was from Raul Palencia and Redfeather his translator, and he had gotten so good at the tribal dialects of dinosaurs they had become translators for delegates that needed it; and they had recently returned to Waterfall City from attending the negotiations going on at Adelade, helping to reach a treaty between the humans there and their oppressed saurian counterparts. He said that the idea suggested by me concerning having the saurian guards holding training maneuvers near by had quite a bearing on the outcome of talks there, giving the humans fear of attack if they do not comply - or at least be reasonable about things; and fortunately things turned out for the better for all, making the whole town a bastion of equality and mutual co-operation for all. Raul said that his next tour of duty will be a tour of all smaller towns of Dinotopia, and Baz was certainly on his list; and if I gave him my address he would stop by for a visit as his schedule permits. The last letter was once again from the Matriarch, and this one began by commending me for progressing so much at Baz; saying that she knew her instincts about me were right, that if I were given everything I desired I would become quite an upstanding citizen - and this I proved in every possible way! The letter went on to remind me of the order in which to open up the scrolls (The scroll with the black wax seal I was to open last, the one with the green seal I was to open first; and the one with the blue seal I was to open after that, and the one with the red seal was to be opened after that - in that order only and only after I return to Baz.), but in all the letters I read; there was not one word from the one I wanted to hear from the most, my brother Peter Smith. I looked up from my reading because I noticed the cart had stopped moving, and saw that Ricky had stopped the cart by a clearing; and he smiled at me as he thumbed the sky where the sun had sunk below the tree line, and this I knew was time to stop and make our camp for the night. We unhitched Flatbottom from the cart as soon as I lowered Nellie to Ricky’s waiting hands, and the little one ran around the place (Me telling him not to wander off!) all the time it took to set out bedrolls and other sleeping arrangements for us all. The campfire was made and the firewood was gathered and we all set down to eat our thrown-together Eveningmeal of beans and hard bread, and Nellie drew near me as it was his first time out on the road at night and he was a little scared of the dark; but I told him there was nothing there in the dark that wasn’t there in the day, and Ricky began telling stories by the roaring campfire until it was time to turn in for the night. This was prompted by Flatbottom’s thunderous plop on the soft grass by the side of the road, and as Ricky arranged his sleeping nest and I fluffed Nellie’s little bed I still saw a hint of fear in his young eyes; so I scooted my bedroll closer to him and told him not to worry, for I would be only a few feet away in case of trouble. This gave the hatchling comfort for only a little while, for as I was just nodding off I felt his little presence scoot up to me; so I placed a piece of my coverlet over him and he seemed to be more at peace, but only for a short time because as I woke the next morning I found the tyke sleeping up against the muzzle of Flatbottom! As soon as everyone was awake, we whip up a small breakfast; then we pack up camp and make it down the road once more, and by mid-morning we make it into the town of Spicer. Soon Flatbottom’s cart made it to the mill complex, and after at time found the goateed and rotund human dispatcher; and he climbed up on the cart to inspect our load, and after counting the hundred pound sacks he found the load satisfactory. After I gave him the invoice to sign, Ricky asked if we were going to be paid now; he snorted and told us the silo Purser handles the payments, and when asked he said ’How should I know!’. Ricky hopped off the cart after taking the invoice and paperwork in search of the Purser so fast I could not stop him, so I shrugged and turned to help the hands that were just showing up unload the cart; As soon as this task was done, I gathered up Nellie and saw to Flatbottom; but as I turned I could not find Ricky anywhere, and I asked the passer by both human and saurian if they saw him. He came back many moments later with a cheesy grin on his face, and held up a sack that was brimming full of Drachs; and he asked if I could guess how much was in there after apologizing for being so late, but I told him not to count it until we were well under way. We mounted up and began to head out of the grist mill area, and Ricky told me that he was returning from the purser and saw some persons playing a dice game; I sternly asked him not to tell me he was gambling with our money, but he assured me he was quite lucky and won quite a sum off them (Me asking if he cheated, and he saying it was all the luck of the dice!) - so I told him to hand the sack over. On the way out of Spicer I began counting the contents, and I found the sack contained well over five hundred Drachs; a sum that Ricky told me could buy us another cart, albeit one slightly smaller than the one Flatbottom currently pulled! We continue on a roughly northward road and eventually make it back to Baz by the middle of the day, and find out we were only gone for three days; and that is not to say that anything changed in town since then, in fact it was even more like itself that ever before! Soon we made it back to the farmstead, and the first one to see us was Zoie; leaping onto the cart and into her papa’s arms, soon followed by Gavin who did pretty much the same thing. Natalie came over as soon as Ricky dismounted and gave him a welcome home nuzzle, then came to give me one as she took Nellie and set him down on the ground (Who immediately scampered into the house!); and then we led Flatbottom to the barn to unhitch him from his cart, each of us telling them how the trip went all the way there. Inside Thoth boomed his greeting and his friend said his from the loft window, and then I handed the bag of money to little Gavin who nearly dropped it for it’s weight; Ricky saying how much was in there, and me smiling as I said that the Akin-Bak shipping company would soon be a huge success! We finish our chores in there and presently made our way back to the house, but before we near the front porch a Postal Bird dived down and landed on the railing; saying he had a message from the Lewis shipping company out of Irenic, and that there is a load of fish to be taken to Raptor Flats, to be used by convoys crossing the Rainy Basin as ‘tribute’ to the Tyrannosaurs. I nodded in acknowledgement of the request, and said we would begin in the morning; and with this confirmation the bird flew off as we all entered the house, my brain suddenly thinking of all the things going on now. As we set down to our Midmeal, I asked Ricky if he would take the Irenic to Raptor Flats run; so he asked why and I said there was a lot of things to tend to here on the place, and I had some other business to do in town. He said that he would after a moment or two of thought, and then I told him I had to tend to the hatchery (Omitting that I missed Anna, and wanted to see her while I was there!) and check out any other leads in town and all that; and that I was sure Flatbottom wouldn’t mind going it alone with him, and I joked around by saying that Flatbottom liked him just as much as he liked me! With Midmeal ended, Ricky and I went out to tend to Flatbottom and tell him the news; a thing that he told us he didn’t mind, for at least he’d have the rest of the day to rest up! I let Ricky complete chores around the barn as I went to the cart and got out the satchel that the Matriarch left me, taking the sack with the money as well to add to the legers contained within my roll top desk in my bedroom; and I tallied up the money again and saw that the business was running just below profit level so far, and went to the library with the scrolls the Matriarch gave me to study them there. In that seclusion I could study them without being disturbed for quite a while; and as I began reading them (In the order the Matriarch said both personally as well as in her letter - I had better as she might have ways of finding out!), I found out more from them than what was in the letters from my friends! The scroll with the green seal was a document from the Dinotopian Medical Guild, done in a scroll-like script and bore the guild name and my own with equal prominence; for this document was a letter of commendation, and it was for the procedure I thought up about how to save cracked eggs! It read that for meticulous achievement with said procedure (It went on to briefly describe it.), I was awarded this document of achievement from the guild; and that it would be a valuable way to preserve the lives of the young ones. It went on to say there would be an honorary award given to me (A medal or something, I predicted.) upon my arrival at Waterfall City in the near future after a personal demonstration of this procedure before the head of the Dinotopian Medical guild (I decided not to make a special trip of it, rather to go there as my business takes me there.). The scroll with the blue wax seal contained a letter of achievement in Dinotopian Negotiation for my tactic in dealing with the unruly humans in the town of Adelaide (“Speak softly and carry a big stick”), for it made them deal more cautiously with the negotiation treaty the delegates sent there proposed; and with that tactic of sending a battalion of saurian guards on a ‘Training Exercise’ in the near-by outskirts of the town made the unruly humans behave, and now they treat the dinosaur population there in a more humane way. I saw that the letter stated that Aleta the Dromeosaur (The one who pleaded for help and wore that muzzle.) was the new mayor, and she invited me there to see the improvements they have made there; and I didn’t need to be told that once I arrived there, I would be afforded a hero’s welcome - again I would wait until my business took me in that direction, and would refrain from making a special trip there.. The third scroll I picked up had a red seal, and was much thicker than the other two; and when I unrolled it I saw it contained many pages, and also a multi-paged letter on smaller parchment. I read the official documentation first, and it looked to be the service record of some officer of the Saurian Guard; and when I looked through it more closely, I saw the record was that of my brother, Peter Smith! I read more closely and found he had been given ninety-seven out of a possible one hundred demerits and reprimands during his basic training, and had been given official warnings for insubordination and going against orders; as well as many times doing things contrary to orders, plus many times he totally disregarded the authority of his superiors - and that was merely during his training! Peter almost did not pass his training, and though it was suggested he repeat it; the instructors recommended he take further training elsewhere, and this was about the time the training exercise near Adelade took place. Thusly he played a small part in this exercise, performing maneuvers near one of the main roads into town as part of a marching regiment; and the only thing that saved him further demerits was him not complaining about the fact he had to camp out in the wilderness! One paper told of how one of his sergeants had rejected him for further promotions, not giving him a chance to excel to more than a private; and one from his commander repeating this, but would consider promotion if he improve extortionately within a year. The letter contained within was indeed from Peter, asking how I was doing as a Skybax pilot (Nobody had told him I had bombed out as a Skybax pilot yet!); and then went on telling me how much he hated the Saurian Guard, and how much he wanted to get out of it! He said they paired him up with a Corythosaur named Damon, and he was to be his steed; and it took many days before he could even mount the beast, let alone ride him! He said the instructors were real jerks, not taking his suggestions seriously and berating him for doing things not the way they said; and boy did they get on him for not keeping his station clean and neat, for it was his space and he thought he had the right to keep it any way he wanted (A thing I had been telling him about all his life: One should take pride in where they live, and keep it clean in case company came over… But he wouldn’t listen to me, and now he was paying for it!). He told me he couldn’t wait to get transferred out of the guard, and wanted to visit me in Canyon City on his first furlough; then asked if I would give the other castaways his regard when and if I saw them, and hoped he could cope with this strange place before it drives him crazy! The scroll with the black seal was opened, and I saw that it was once again in the hand of Matriarch Maryanne Talbert; flowing script going on once again commending me for my services in Baz, and hoping all was well with me during my first shipping expedition. The next paragraph concerned my brother, and the fact that he had been doing so poorly in the Saurian Guard that there was a chance he would be expelled dishonorably. She said that many efforts had been made to change his demeanor, from positive reinforcement if he performed assigned duties well (Which were very few, she added!) to physical punishments and make-work chores; but even personal counseling to seek out what his real problems were proved inconclusive, and she wished to know (Since he was my brother and I knew him all my life.) if there was anything I could suggest. She said that she convinced his commander to give him another chance, but he refused unless his demeanor changed; and his performance improves dramatically, and becomes an upstanding and loyal guard. She said that since they were at a loss to figure him out, if it were possible that there was anything I could do to make him improve; even though I knew by experience that it was nearly impossible to make Peter to change his stripes, for I had been trying for years to change him to no avail! To that end, she went on, she wished to ask of me a request; that of asking me if I would take Peter in at my home and let him see other ways of being a Dinotopian, and maybe I could talk with him and see just exactly why he was doing all these unruly things. If I refused she would understand, but if I agreed and did the best I could with him, that would be best even if my efforts failed; and asked me if I would send a Postal Bird to the Romano Hatchery in Bonabba with my reply, and asked that I reply as soon as it was convenient for me, and she would arrange his transfer as soon as she was able. I rolled the scroll up and went downstairs to the front door with my Postal Bird whistle, and gave the Matriarch my positive reply via the Bird that arrived moments later; and then went inside to think about a few things, but then paused as I reached the kitchen. I saw Natalie in the kitchen, and she was drudgingly washing the dishes; nearly panting with the effort, and so was Zoie as she swept with a broom in the corner with Gavin there holding the dust pan. I asked them if they were all right, and Natalie told me that they had been working hard around the house and the barn lately; and even though Thoth and Toby helped out a bit out there, they still needed their rest for their nocturnal job of Lamplighter. I surmised they had little rest, and told them to sit and relax a bit while I finished up in the kitchen; and though they complained that it was their job and all, I told them that we ALL share the work here and my being out on the road was no excuse! I cleaned all afternoon until Eveningmeal, and then Ricky and I prepared our dinner; serving it like any waiter in any four-star restaurant would to our weary family, and even called Toby in for some before they had to go out and light up the town! The next morning I went and started Morningmeal before Natalie even got up, then went to help Ricky prepare Flatbottom and his cart so they could make the pick-up in Irenic and delivery at Raptor Flats; then saw to it that everything was all right at home before getting ready for my other task that morning, which was to go to the Hatchery and take a shift there - and to go see my very good friend Anna Forsythe as time permitted! At the hatchery I see what is on the itinerary for me, then begin to set up things so I could work; which was in the pressing and folding department of all Hatchery linens, a chore that I didn’t particularly like but did rather well. It took an hour before I met up with Anna, who was gathering a change of sheets for an expectant mother at a linen closet I was in the middle of stocking; and when she saw me she shoved me into the closet and closed the door behind her as she followed me in, then wrapped herself around me in a kissing embrace that lasted many moments! When through she asked me how my delivery went, and I told her all about it (The easy run, the fact Nellie came long and didn’t like it much, the money and several potential contacts and everything else.); all this while opening the door and changing the subject, asking of Nellie’s size and general health. I replied that everything was fine with him (And the fact that he was learning more from Flatbottom than myself lately!), and I asked if everything was OK with her; of which she said things were fine except one thing, the fact that she missed me! I said I’d been thinking of her the whole trip, and had an idea along the way; and that was since we knew very little concerning her husband’s fate, maybe I could look around and ask about him in my travels. She said that this was what she had other friends do for her as they travel and she didn’t, but so far it didn’t work; so I said that I knew what he looked like and I could do the snooping myself, just so she didn’t get second-hand information or worse, rumors and lies! She nodded, then I asked her when it would be that I could see her again (Minus at work, that was!); but before she could answer I was called away to demonstrate my egg technique for a group of visiting Hatchery students, and I knew I’d get her answer later on in the shift! As I am in the middle of that procedure in the egg chamber, describing every step from preparing the cast plaster to the right consistency to just how much to apply to the egg; when two tiny humans enter, but they linger near the door until one of my pupils turns and sees them. I look and see that they were Anna Forsythe’s kids, done up in typical period garb most kids in town usually dress in; and the older girl was holding a scroll of some kind, both shifting nervously and ready to run if they were confronted too suddenly. I smiled and inched over as the others began cleaning up after the procedure, and asked them what they wanted; and the younger boy asked if their mommy was around, and the older girl said they had something for her. I told sally that her mom was around here some place, then told little Tom that I would go look for her; and they could come along too, provided they follow close and don’t touch anything! They nodded and finished coming into the room, me undoing my apron and putting it in a hamper before asking one of the senior workers if they knew where Anna was; and the last place the male Harpymimus saw her was in the daycare room tending the hatchlings, but when I got there the hatchlings were asleep and she was nowhere to be found! I found her in the kitchen helping Healer Squibb prepare the hatchery’s Midmeal, and I announced that she had a couple of visitors; standing aside to reveal her children hovering behind me. Anna exclaimed to them as she asked what they were doing here, and Sally told her that a strange man with a notebook and the mayor came to the house today; and they both looked all over the house for an hour before giving them this scroll to give to her, and Anna asked if everything was all right and if they remembered not to let strangers poke around. They complained they did, but the mayor told them it would be all right; and everyone trusts the mayor, or so they told her! Shaking her head, she took the scroll and unfurled it; and after many moments her jaw dropped, and tears filled her eyes! I asked her what was wrong, but she just silently handed the scroll to me; and after I finished reading it, I threw the scroll across the kitchen and almost hit healer Squibb with it! ---------------------------------------------------- I find it hard to breathe As life just eats away At the faces that surround me They look tired today The lady at my table Doesn't want me here I just want to talk to her But would she laugh at my accent And make fun of me Oh, it doesn't seem like this Blue sky's here for me I find it hard to breathe
There are no girls in here As far as I can see Only pin-up posters Looking down at me Watching paper cups of coffee Growing cold before my eyes All the things I see That make me realize I'm in this big world without you Nothing to my name Oh, I never knew that Blue sky meant such pain
I'm dying to be different In the coffee shop I've lived on borrowed strength Now my supplies are cut Though I’m older than my looks And older than my years I'm too young to take on My deepest fears Oh, I used to be confused But now I just don't know Since you left I've been watching Blue skies come and go Since you left I've been watching Blue skies come and go Aha: “Blue Skies” ---------------------------------------------------- My friend Anna Forsythe handed me the scroll in silence and fear, she nearly dropping it as I opened the scroll and read; my own eyes bugging out in anger as I read, for the scroll contained a notice of eviction from her home! The notice went on to say that a full inspection of the property had taken place, and the house was not found to be sound under the newer Dinotopian building codes; more so there were several points of particular note where sections were in a state of dismal disrepair, and were too far gone to be repaired in any normal fashion. Several main support beams were rotted nearly through, many of the floors sagged or tilted to unnatural grading, two chimneys were crumbling and were part of the support structure of the house, all windows were askew due to sagging walls; and the list of the more minor offenses went on for many a paragraph, so I halted there and tossed the scroll across the room. At a squawk I noticed that I almost hit healer Squibb, and rushed to retrieve the scroll and apologize to him; but he took the scroll from my hands and pursed over the words a moment, then looked up to say that Anna had quite a predicament on her hands! I seethed that something had to be done, but Anna mumbled that she tried her best to keep the house up; but lacked the skill of a carpenter, and now everything was in ruins (She began to weep as little Sally and Tom came to her to console with watery eyes of their own.)! I told her not to worry and I would get to the bottom of this, then asked Squibb if Anna and I could have the rest of our shift off; and he said of course we could as there was an emergency afoot, so we all thanked him and left the hatchery as fast as our feet could propel us. It took quite an effort for Sally and Tom to keep up with us, and Anna kept on telling them to hurry up and don’t lag; but we made it to the courthouse within twenty minutes of leaving the hatchery, and as we climbed the stone steps and walked right inside we saw the front desk was currently empty. I yelled into the establishment inquiring if anyone was here, and Anna rang the bell on the desk as she held the scroll in a death-grip; and Sally’s wanderings around the room and Tom’s poking into things on the desk went unnoticed by us as we waited expectantly, and it was this that Cara the Protoceratops came in from another chamber to see. She asked if she could help us, and I said that a terrible mistake was made; and we demanded it be taken care of immediately, of which she told me to calm down while she scampered off to other parts of the town hall. She came back later with mayor Taylor on her heels and a bespectacled bookish human entering a moment later, mayor sitting down at his desk as the other one stood near by before even looking at us; and when he did he asked what we were doing here and the fact that Cara indicated it was rather urgent. Anna Forsythe dropped the scroll on his desk and scowled as he opened it to read it, but barely scanned it before looking back up at us; inquiring what about this notice we did not understand, and that it was all legal and notarized. I told him that he could not all of a sudden kick an honest citizen out of her home without any notice, and it was rather underhanded that they perform an inspection without the owner of the house’s permission or even knowledge; and hadn’t he taken to account the fact that she had children and it would be unfair to them if they were homeless, not to mention that Anna was a single parent and things were tough enough on her just to get by? After the mayor finished hearing my ranting he told me that he was well aware of miss Forsythe’s current domestic situation, but if I had attended the last town meeting headed by the town planning board (I was busy taking care of all the things I had mentioned in the past few chapters!); I would have known that they were trying to re-zone many areas of the town, and had to have each building inspected for compliance to the new building codes. He told me that since I had recently renovated my house and barn, inspection of my property was not necessary; but each building in town had o be inspected, and there were many other houses that were condemned as a result. He admitted that the residents of those homes had to find other places to live, but as soon as the new buildings were erected they could move back in; and the same option is open to Anna and her family if she wanted, or she could even move into a completely new location if that was better. Sally whined that she didn’t want to move away, and Tom said that he liked the old house; and as both started bawling Anna crouched to shush them, and I looked down forlornly at them before looking back to the mayor. I stated that certainly something can be done about this, for these little ones love their home so much that no other home would do; but then the bookish man spoke up and said that the actual re-zoning would not take place for another month, and miss Forsythe’s home is not scheduled for demolition until last. He told me that if her home could be renovated to code within a month, she could keep her home the way it is; and these charming little ones would not need be put out, so I turned to Anna as she agreed with her eyes. Mayor Taylor then said that if this is all agreed, I should begin planning things immediately; and Cara told me that I had a big job on my hands if I were to repair miss Anna’s house within the deadline, and the bookish man asked what I had in mind. I told them that I didn’t have anything at the moment, but I had connections all over the place; and my business associate (Ricky) knew many carpenters and workers and the like, and many of them were trained craftsmen and contractors. I said that he was currently out of the area, but I would have him make all the possible arrangements when he arrives; but in the mean time I said that there was still a lot to do, and suggested to Anna that they should go back home and begin packing. She asked why and I told her that one couldn’t live in a place that is in the middle of repair, for all the construction materials and workers there would make it an unsafe environment to live in during construction; so I told her they would need a place to stay in the mean time, and offered that they stay at my place for the time being. Without any digression at all, Anna came to me and excitedly kissed my cheek right in front of the mayor; and Tom and Sally gave my legs a hug each, all before saying to her children that it was time to go home. I thanked the mayor and told them I would get her house ready by the deadline, and told them to mark my words; then followed the trio out the door and out into the street. Before Anna and her family could walk a block, her pausing at a corner allowed me to catch up; and she turned to me and said that she could not possibly afford to pay to get the house fixed up, even with all the connections I said I had. I told her that the workers that Ricky could get work relatively cheap, and I had suppliers that would give me lumber and supplies at discount prices; and not to worry about any money, for if I didn’t have enough to cover it, I could put my place up for mortgage. She scolded that I should do no such thing for their sake, but I said that it was a small price to pay; for what good is friendship when one friend can’t help another friend when they were in need, and it didn’t take a genius to see that she needed help right now! We walked on through Baz, stopping at a crossroads that would take her to her home and me to mine; and I told her I’d have Natalie prepare everything there while they pack their things, plus things for over night as they were staying with me over night. She then kissed me again and the kids thanked me and we parted company for the time being. At home I quickly told Natalie, and she was appalled at what the mayor was trying to do; then she had her kids help her fix up Philip’s upstairs bedroom for Sally, Anna’s upstairs bedroom for Anna and Emil’s upstairs bedroom for Tom. Then I made sure there was enough household supplies around to feed three more people for a while; and paused to tell Gavin and Zoie there would be some company coming over, then went to tell Toby Hertz and Thoth the same. Once done there I rushed back to town and went to the Forsythe’s place and saw to their packing, seeing their overnight bags and other luggage already packed (Children packing a healthy amount of their toys as well!); and by the end of the day they had many of their personal belongings stored away in boxes from several rooms of the house, but as it was getting late I suggested they come get settled in at my place - and only bring only what they needed for the evening and morning for now (I had planned to use the help of Flatbottom and his cart and Ricky to move the bulk of the house‘s contents - once I tell them, of course!). So off we left her house and made our way back to my place, Sally and Tom marveling at the size of the house and barn saying it was three times as big as theirs; and Natalie welcomed them in once the door was knocked saying what lovely human hatchlings and gushing at Anna saying their home was hers and all, and then after they got used to the front rooms of the place I suggested we all go up and see to their bedrooms first. In each of the rooms the children were to sleep in, I told them that all the stuff in there belonged to an important person and everything was special there; so I told them to be nice to everything and try not to break things, and they nodded as they began to arrange their things - Natalie staying to supervise for now. In Emma’s room I showed Anna the bed and closet and all the things contained within, saying at the closet that all of Emma’s dresses and clothes are in there but they might not fit her (Displaying a gown that would be far too short on Ana as well as being way too large around the middle.), and she had amassed an impressive collection of jewelry (Opening two chests where pearl and jeweled trinkets lay.) as well as used make-up (Holding up a powder-puff and pointing to all sorts of perfumes and potions of beauty on the ornate dresser - telling Anna that she looked all right without them anyway!); but I told her that if she wanted any of these things, she could have them as I had no personal use for them being a male and all! We came out of Emma’s bedroom laughing, and saw that Natalie had turned down the beds for Sally and Tom in Philip’s and Emil’s rooms; and was telling them of the very special people who once occupied those rooms, until she turned to see us coming. I told her that it might be time to start dinner for them, and she nodded and left by the back stairs; and then I began a brief tour of the upstairs, featuring the library (Great for schoolwork and study, I told them!) and nursery (Yes, we have toys here too; and for good reason as there were aunt Natalie’s kids that live here too!) - but not leaving out my room and the one their mom was to stay in too. Then I began bringing them down stairs, showing all the beautiful things the Fergussons had given me; and giving them a small tour around the ground floor of the house, showing every room and ending in the sitting room where my benefactors trophies still stood on the mantle there. By the time I had finished telling them, they sitting in the various chairs and couches around the room; the front door slammed on it’s hinges and two little streaks whizzed by the sitting room door headed for the kitchen, and a few more moments passed before Gavin and Zoie was framed in the door of the sitting room off the kitchen. They looked at their three new dark skinned guests unsure of what to do, so I gestured they come inside and told them not to be a stranger; then introduced each kid and adult to every one, telling them all that now they had new playmates. At this word Nellie came into the room fresh from his nap under the kitchen table, and saw all the new people in his house; then looked at me questioningly while I explained they were going to stay with us for a while, and to come on in and not be a stranger! Soon Zoie and Gavin opened up and said hello to them all, saying so graciously to Anna and chatting aimlessly with Sally and Tom; and then Zoie turned and announced they recognized them from school, and they were in many of their classes and they played with them on the playground. We let them go on like this Anna and Natalie beaming at new found friends; that was until she smelled the food cooking in the kitchen, and rushed away to tend to it. Just then Anna Forsythe said for all to hear that we should thank their benefactor for my kindness, and her kids agreed as they came to me and hopped up to give me hugs and such; but then Gavin said that they should too and both he and Zoie came and did likewise, and it was a good thing I was sitting on the couch for the inrush of youngsters on and around my lap! She laughed as after a few moments she rose and began drawing her children off me, Natalie’s kids seeing this and drawing away too; then Anna came and gave me a gigantic hugging kiss of her own as I rose to accept it. Confused, Sally came over to ask if I was going to be their new daddy, a thing that I turned awkwardly and smiled; saying that her mom and I haven’t talked about things that far, me shrugging to Anna, eyes telling her of the strange things kids say! I then told her that, if things came to that though, maybe I might; and that seemed to make her smile, and me too, for that matter! Presently Natalie came in and said that Eveniongmeal was served, and we all filed into the kitchen by the table; and little Nellie took her place under it as we sat, seeing the fare that Gavin’s mother was serving, dishes simple but hearty. As we ate Anna wanted to know what I had in mind about their home, for it would take a lot of work getting their furniture out; let alone fixing it up to meet the new codes, and that would take a lot of help. The children knew the talk would soon get boring, so Zoie excused herself for the rest of them and the rest followed; she saying that she knew the piano, and if they want to watch her practice for a while. I nodded that it was a good idea, pausing my thought until they left; then told Anna that I had to wait until Flatbottom and Natalie’s mate Ricky return from their delivery, that way we can use the cart and the Triceratops’ help, and maybe Ricky could employ helpers to help with the move. I said that I would go into town tomorrow and order lumber and supplies, then try to get workers to contract some of the renovations; plus Ricky knows many that would love the work, and the extra money they would make would really help them out too. Natalie got to work clearing the dishes and washing them, and Anna and I sat there with our latest cups of Jinka as we talked; she saying still that it would cost a lot of money, a thing she had very little of. I told her that I could spring for most of it, and if worse came to worst I could put the deed to this place up as collateral for a loan for the rest; but instead of making a rebuttal, she got this strange look as Natalie left and she heard the piano playing and children giggling, and she rose and looked at me accusingly. Anna Forsythe said that she just now realized why I was doing all this, and that it wasn’t to do a good deed for a friend either; then she approached me and drew near, saying that I was doing all this and letting her into my home like this was that I wanted to have my way with her! Before I could make a comment or protest she drew me up, wrapped her arms around me and implanted on my a very arduous kiss; one I nearly melted into before it was through, then she slowly drew back and waited for my response. My response was not of protest or anything like that, for I panted as I told her that I sure liked her idea better; a thing she chuckled lightly and shoved me back down on my chair, nonchalantly taking a sip of her Jinka as her mirth subsided once again! We talked on for most of an hour, making this and that plans concerning her house; until we heard the piano cease playing and Natalie’s voice, telling all the children they should be in their beds. I rinsed out our cups and let the fire in the stove turn low, then escorted Anna up to her room for the night; receiving a light smile from her as she closed the door, and the feeling of doing good for someone I really felt attracted to gave me sound slumber all night long. In the morning we collectively get ready for the day, and I find out in the barn that Ricky and Flatbottom had already gotten home; and the smaller dinosaur was tending the needs of the larger dinosaur as I entered the barn; Ricky saying that it had been another easy run as he noticed me, but paused as he saw from my face there was something on my mind. I told him Anna’s situation and the fact she and her two children were staying with us, and he said it was a shame them doing those things like that; then offered his assistance for anything he could help with, so I told him I needed his expertise again in locating workers and professional contractors to get Anna’s house up to code. I also told them both that all their furniture and personal belongings had to be moved out so they did not get damaged, and Flatbottom volunteered almost before I finished the statement; and then I told them briefly my preliminary plans on how to get the job done, they giving suggestions here and there that were sometimes better than my own. At length I suggested that we begin the move after Midmeal so both of them can get a chance to rest after their run, and also to get acquainted with our new houseguests; and for our new houseguests to get acquainted with them, and so the rest of the morning was spent that way. After our lunch we hitched Flatbottom back to his cart and went on our way, Anna coming along even though she wasn’t scheduled at the hatchery today but wanted to supervise the move and wanted to make sure nothing got broken (Her children also had the day off, and Natalie volunteered to keep an eye on them.); and we made our way to the center of Baz less than an hour later, ending up at the bulletin board to see if there was anybody seeking quick work for a day or so. We found four (Two of which being human, a Dromeosaur and a Styraccosaur with a small cart.) which agreed to our ten Drach a day each offer, and we all set out to Anna’s place; me explaining that all the furniture and other things had to be moved out so the house could be renovated; and they all nodded their assignments as I explained that all of it would be stored at my place, and we would lead the way there later. These four (Names of the two humans, one Dromeosaur and one Styraccosaur were as follows: Sam Fossey, Larry Beechum, Forper and Crag.) turned out to be real careful workers that worked extremely hard for their money, first helping pack the household implements, personal items and decorations in crates; then loading them in both carts while setting up the furniture for loading, then we went back to my place to offload the first loads. We put the bulk of Anna’s things in the barn, in the spare cleaned out stalls on the right-hand side of the barn, and the more fragile things or things her family would no doubt need before they move back into the house; down in the basement where the Fergusson’s old furniture once was (Those items I had to barter off to the ones I had fix the barn.), there for easy access to my temporary guests. We all went back to the house for the second load, and it was transported just like the last load; and by the end of the day we were almost finished emptying out Emma’s home, but as it was getting late we decided to call it quits for the day was long and hard enough as it was. In the morning we all set out again to Anna’s house, setting the last of the furniture onto the carts and driving the carts down the now familiar way to my house; and before Midmeal was prepared for all by Natalie, it was time to figure out just how much we had to pay our hard working helpers. They worked for two days roughly, and at the agreed rate we paid each twenty Drachs; each thanking us profusely for the money, and a chance to stay in such a wonderful barn and be fed the best food they had in a while! Sam Fossey said that he was a good carpenter and bricklayer, and would be glad to stay on and help with fixing miss Anna’s place if we liked; and he said his partner Crag loves doing any heavy lifting, so I told them if they wished to stay for the renovations they could - and told them the fact that we could surely use all the help we could get! After our lunch we all went back into town and call in all of our contacts, going to the mercantile to order up lumber and supplies; and seeing around if there were any building contractors available with crews and knowledge of architecture, sending many Postal birds out with requests of such to other towns in the area. In the space of two days workers start showing up at four Rosepetal lane, and one of the last to arrive the first day was this burly Dromeosaur with an important air about him and carrying a satchel aside his cloaked personage; and he came and found me and asked if I inquired of a building contractor, saying that he had made all the proper arrangements in planning this renovation. He showed me his accolades and his licenses, then pulled out a detailed blueprint of a house the exact design as Anna’s house; then pulled out a copy of the inspection report gotten from the town hall, and his estimate on how long the project would take along with the total cost of the renovation - including his fees and the wages of the workers. I saw that he was well prepared and his credentials told of the perfectionist he was; so I hired him right away, and also the crew he had personally picked - adding to the roster Sam, Larry, Forper and Crag. He commented that grunt labor would be helpful if not necessary, and added their names to the list; and then he told us all it was about time to begin; and asked directions to Anna’s house. Once there he immediately saw to the load of lumber and supplies that arrived that morning, and made a mental inventory of it; saying that he may need to order other supplies as needed, and dispose of some of the supplies already ordered as they may not be used. I told him to do anything he saw fit so long as the repairs were done before the month was over, and left him to his devices for the rest of the day; going back home and preparing myself for another shift at the hatchery, figuring everything would be all right there. Things went on like usual for nearly a week, me checking by Anna’s place every now and again; and noticed primitive scaffolding now encasing the house, and saw that progress was indeed happeming. Soon we got another run from Wimple Springs to Irenic and finally to Volcaneum, exchanging various goods along the way and finally delivering crates of hardware to the mercantile in Baz; and another run of Copro to Carnosk, a smelly job but beneficial to the cherry orchards there. Anna and her kisa were getting used to my place, and being keeper of her own house insisted to take on at least a few of the household chores from Natalie. When they weren’t needed for construction, Sam Fossey and Crag volunteered to help us make delivery runs; and this help nearly doubled our production as well as our profits, of which the pair got their fair share. The way things were going and the swiftness that things were progressing, everything was going so great that the things I had discussed with the Matriarch in her letters had gone completely forgotten to me; and one night as we were relaxing and talking in the sitting room with all of my extended family and friends, there came a knock at my front door. I laughingly rose from the last interesting story and went to it, opening it to see the turned uniform of a saurian guard; then asked if I could help him, and when the officer turned I saw that it was none other than my oldest brother, Peter Smith!… ----------------------------------------------------
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Post by thundertail on Apr 24, 2011 20:02:05 GMT -5
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TWENTY-TWO:
“A FAMILY REUNION BRINGS THE LAW INTO MY HOME!”
---------------------------------------------------- I opened the front door to my house that fateful night to see the turned uniform of a saurian guard, oblivious as to why such a person of authority would be calling us at such a late hour; but as I greeted this person and asked this guard what I could do for him, he turned to reveal a face that I had grown up to know as my brother! My mouth that was in a line of concern curled into a joyous smile as I rushed to shake his hand, clasping him on the back and asking how he was doing and all; then regained control of my emotional reunion of him and apologized, saluting as I had seen other saurian guards greet each other. Officer Smith returned the salute, saying that he and his steed Damion received orders to go to Baz and come to this address, then await further orders; but he said that he never thought in a million years to see me here, so I just smiled with cheesiness! I then looked past Peter out into the gloom and saw a saddled Corythosaur standing in the front yard, then drew Peter deeper into the house as I welcomed him to my humble abode (This news made his eyes widen!); then turned to Ricky as I introduced my brother to all sitting there, then asked him quietly if he would tend to this fine officer’s steed. Then I ushered him into the sitting room and offered him a seat, and then asked if he wanted anything to eat or drink; of which he said he was fine, and then asked me what all this was all about. Confused at his question, I began to tell him just who everyone was and how they came to be here tonight (Anna and her two kids, a friend from the hatchery whose house is under construction and staying here in the mean time. Ricky and Natalie and their two kids, who were down and out when they got here, and now here as working houseguests. Nellie, an orphan from the hatchery whom I’m taking care of. Toby Hertz and Thoth out in the barn, lamplighters for the town, and recently evicted from their home in town, whom I took in as well. Flatbottom also in the barn, victim of a barn fire I nursed back to health and is now staying on for the time being.); all of which he listened to with patience, then asked ME how I came to be at Baz as he heard I was with the Skybax corps. I told him that it was a long story, but before I could say anything further Nellie scampered from the kitchen and through the room to the main foyer; and was quickly followed by Zoie, Sally, Gavin and Tom! I began shouting to them not to run through the house, but before I got the last word out we all heard a loud crash coming from the foyer; and I immediately sprung to my feet, said the last word and ran out of the room to see what happened! There I saw Nellie sprawled on the floor, feet tangled in the rug bunched against the far wall and a pedestal that once had a large vase on it tipped over; and he lay there mewling amid dozens of pottery shards, the other kids standing a distance away staring sheepishly. I rushed to Nellie’s side and cleared away some of the pieces while gingerly standing him on his feet while checking for injury, getting him to walk a little as he limped and whined; I whispered to him that this was what happens when a person runs in the house as he complained of soreness, me saying the owies will go away soon, and maybe he should rest a bit. Natalie came from the kitchen to collect the poor beast and told me she would clean up the mess (She knew I had company to entertain!), and I then turned to the four other children and asked if there was something quieter they could do; and maybe they had homework to do or something, and Anna told me that some of them do. I asked them who had homework and Gavin and Sally raised their hands, and Zoie said she should practice the piano while Tom asked if he could watch her play; I said that was all right, and we all returned to the sitting room (Peter had risen and followed me in when the commotion started.). As I sat I sheepishly said that was an unexpected thing, and he nodded and told me he could say the same for finding me here; and asked I go on with my ‘long’ story, so I did. I told my brother Peter that quite frankly, I failed in the Skybax corps; that I hated it so much that I fought it from the very first moment I arrived, and it was because I KNEW that being a Skybax pilot was not my destiny here. I told him that when I arrived at Canyon City, I would not leave my station and would not change into the uniform they provided; and then when they tried to physically force me to comply, I used Kung Fu on them and defended myself that way. Peter knew of my Kung Fu lessons as a kid, for I defended myself against him a time or two with it; and he nodded the fact of my skills in that department, and then he asked what happened next. I told him that they tossed me in the brig, and I spent quite a while there; they trying every trick in the book to convince me to take the training, even by using the whiles of Sally DuHame the stewardess that washed ashore with us to convince me. I told him that I finally had to go on a hunger strike to convince them, and they even got Matriarch Maryanne Talkbert to try and convince me to no avail. Finally they had to give in or I would starve myself to death, and the matriarch put me under her service until we got to Waterfall City; but first we stopped at Tentploe of the Sky, where I revealed love and compassion, a thing that Dinotopians revere more then mere services. This fact she told the Council, and eventually they let me go discover my own destiny; and the Matriarch hired the help of sir Simon of the Explorer’s guild to guide me along the way, along with his Ankylosaur friend Clubber. I told peter that they guided me all across the Northern Plains, scouting out the businesses available all along the way in preparation of starting a shipping company; and discovering a problem at Adelade, of which I had a hand in fixing. I eventually ended up in Baz, and liked the place so much that I decided to stay permanently; getting a place to stay at the home of this kindly elderly couple, but finding they were so infirm I had to help them out more than I was helping myself. Gradually they passed away, and I figured I could not stay here any more; but found out that they had secretly willed their place to me, and through acts of kindness given and received I am where you see me today. As I was telling my brother, Ricky had nodded as he returned from tending to Peter’s steed; and listened in to the well known story of how I got here, and that reminded me it was getting late and suggested we all turn in for the night. I just remembered that there were no spare rooms in the house, and asked Anna if Tom wouldn’t mind giving up Emil’s bedroom and sleep with Sally for a few days; and she said she didn’t thing he would mind (Giving a slight peck on the cheek right in front of Peter!), then went to tell her son and help him switch around his things. Peter balked by saying it was all right, and he could sleep in the barn with Damien; but I told him no way, and no brother of mine will sleep in a drafty old barn if I had anything to say about it! He shrugged as I led him upstairs to Emil’s old room as I explained that most of my benefactor’s things are still here, and I wanted to preserve as much of their things for as long as I could to honor their hospitality and generosity to me; and Peter commented as he looked at the décor around him that I had done pretty well for myself, and I saying that I would have been nothing without all my friends around here. I bid him good night as I closed the door, went downstairs to see to closing up the house for the night; and checking in on little Nellie to see if he was all right from his little tumble earlier in the evening, and then I went to bed myself after another hour or so. Even though the weariness from the day was slowly creeping up on me as I lay there, my mind was racing as it thought of all the times I had with my brother both good and bad (Mostly bad!); and especially the way that the Matriarch had once again put him into my presence, for I wanted to see him do good here even though I could not deny the bad feelings that rise when he is in my presence. I knew I had to break through to him and show him what kind of life he could have on Dinotopia, but I had melt off his arrogance and superiority complex to find the true person underneath before he could see that; and I really hadn’t a clue as to how to go about this, for my own animosity borne from a lifetime trying to live with him would no doubt get in the way! I resolved to start fresh with him as well, and treat him like I’ve seen brothers and other family members treat each other here; with love and understanding instead of hate and animosity like in the Outside World, and as that resolution finally set in my mind grew peaceful at last and the dreams that replaced them lasted all night long. I woke up the next morning surprisingly rested, and totally oblivious as to what went on last night; and I got dressed and ready for another day with the shipping company, plus another shift in the hatchery with Anna Forsythe! The only thing that told me that this was NOT going to be a routine day for me was the sight of the person coming out of the next bedroom down, for my brother Peter in Saurian guard uniform stepped out just as I was; and I was taken aback when I saw his crimson armor and Romanesque helmet on his head, my shocked look turned to a smile as I came near. I held his hand and asked how he slept, me commenting that I slept like a rock; and Peter told me that it was the most comfortable sleep he had in a while, and it even surpassed the bed in his station in the saurian guard training barracks! I asked him why he was wearing his stiff-looking uniform when there was plenty of clothes around that might fit him; and he told me as we went down the main stairs that he had left his regular clothes in the barracks back at base, and figured to stay in uniform in case they were called for today. I hinted that somehow I doubted that, and told him we should go into town soon and pick out a few outfits for him; all as we sat down to the breakfast table, the first in line as many of my other houseguests were arriving. As Morningmeal was being served by Natalie I stated that I couldn’t wait to see his steed Damien today, and loved meeting new people; just as Nellie came to my hand from under the table, me asking him how he was feeling this morning. Peter stated as he ate that he had to hurry and see Damien too, for he had to saddle him up and prepare him to ride out; but I told him he should relax, and the reason why his superiors sent him here was probably to take a rest - and maybe this was a furlough or something. I said that there was a lot that I had to show him, and even more that I had to tell him; as a lot went on since the last time we were together, and the biggest reason of all was we were brothers - and nothing should be allowed to spoil our reunion! After Morningmeal I led him out to the barn, where Ricky was already there; tending to the fodder for Flatbottom, Crag and the newest guest there, Damian. I walked inside and looked each creature over, looking up at the slumbering form of Thoth as I passed; and Peter did likewise as I introduced each one in turn, whispering the latter creature’s introduction so as to not wake him! I turned to Damian and gave him a Skybax salute (Identical to the saurian guard salute.) and greeted him in saurian, Peter looking on at parade rest; and told the Corythosaur in the same language that it was an honor to meet a friend to my own flesh and blood in my midst, but he suggested that we speak in human as Peter unfortunately could not understand us! I commented that Peter should have studied Saurian better in beginner’s class, and continued in English the rest of my welcome; saying it is truly a surprise to find them both at my humble home last night, then asked if Damian slept well - he nodding his crested head as he chortled. As the creature walked out of his stall and got near his saddle and bags, his demeanor got serious and businesslike; and as he took a scroll out of the saddle bag and handed it to me, he bade that I read it aloud so I broke the seal and did so. _ ~From: Major Farquaid, Saurian Guard training barracks, Sauropolis.~ ~To: Cadet Peter Smith and saurian Cadet Damian Corythosaur.~
~Officer Smith, due to your less than exemplary performances during your training and subsequent assignments, a tribunal will be called to discuss your future as a guard in the Saurian Guard Corps. However, for your services in the expedition of treaty negotiations of the city of Adelade, this bids me to slightly rescind said tribunal for the time being, holding it off for a time when you finally decide what it is you really want in life. Until such a time as you do, you are granted a leave of absence from the Corps, and bidden to stay at the address you are currently at. You are not allowed to leave the environs of the town of Baz, and are bidden to accept the hospitality of your host and your brother, Timothy Smith, until said time comes to pass.~
~Officer Damian, you are officer Smith’s steed, and steeds are supposed to stay with their riders. Even though you are not guilty of any infringements and your record is indeed exemplary, you shall stay at the place where you are with him. Please be helpful to your rider, as he is a newcomer and is having difficulties here; and please pose no trouble to your host, nor inhibit anything that transpires there.~
~Respectfully~ ~Major Farquaid~_ I rolled the scroll back up and handed it back to Damian, stating that it looks like it was official; that I now have two more permanent houseguests (saying it as lightly as I could!). Peter reminded me of what I had been alluding to back in the house, asking me how I knew about all of this; so I told him about the time that the matriarch came visiting just after the fire, and I had commented that I was wondering how my brother was doing. I later got letters from all the ones who washed ashore with us, I told him; and then went on to tell him how the matriarch was worried about him, and said she would try to arrange Peter to visit me. I lamely said that this must have been the plan she came up with, to get him a leave of absence from the Corps and having the major order him to my place; but the haunted look Peter was giving me told me that every word of his current orders were true, and I dared not tell him that I had already gotten a copy of his service records just yet! Ricky came over and pointed at the Postal Bird that had just alighted on the wheelbarrow handle, saying that it looked like we have another run to tend to; so I went over and asked the bird his purpose here, and he said that there was a load of iron ore that was at Amberclime that needed to go to Volcaneum to be smelted. The bird also told us that the bakery in town had gotten their grain shipment, and needed for it to be transported to the mill; and afterwards the ground flour needed to be transported back there (I knew this would be a small load and a short and easy haul.), so I thanked her as I paid her a Drach and she flapped on her way. Just then Sam Fossey came down from the loft and stood beside his Partner Crag and stated that they could not help with shipping today, and that they were needed at miss Anna’s place to help with the construction; so I told them that would be all right and stood there thinking about how to delegate these two runs to little results, but then Damian spoke in English to say he could help. Damian said that he was strong enough to pull a cart if it wasn’t too big, and my eyes lit up as we did have another, smaller cart after all; then asked Ricky if we could use his small cart (The one that used to transport all their belongings in when they first moved in, the one we had been using as a Copro cart lately!), at which he said of course. He added that the yoke section might need to be redesigned to fit the use of a Corythosaur (The cart still sported the ‘T’ handle yoke suitable for two or more small Saurians to push with.), but it was about a quarter the size of Flatbottom’s cart and quite light enough for Damian to handle; and the Corythosaur insisted he could handle the thing well enough for now, and they could redesign it later if we wished. I turned to Peter and told him that I guessed that if he is to stay here he should help out, and asked if he wanted to come into town today and see what I do here for a living; but he simply shrugged as Ricky scampered out of the barn, going to get both carts ready as Sam Fossey led Crag to their cart. I looked at Peter in his helmet and uniform and tisked, then I took the helmet off his head and placed my hat on his head; saying that now he looked more normal, and would he please go inside and find some decent civilian clothes! He shrugged and complied, and I was about to follow him to help; but Damian called out and halted my progress, looking like he had something on his mind. First Damian told me in Saurian that if us two were indeed brothers, both were as different as night and day; for he said that while I seem to have fit in perfectly here, Peter seemed like a fish out of water. I told him that Peter had his own ways of doing things, and he gets insecure when situations aren’t exactly like he wants it; and the same thing goes when the persons around him aren’t exactly the way he wishes them to be, for he tries to change them to suit his preferences - and not exactly to the other’s best interests. I led the Corythosaur to a storage area and began to choose what I thought would be the right harnessing for his form, he taking it to put it on for comfort; and I saw in his eyes the situation still bothered him a bit, so I placed a palm on his side and looked up to him. I told him that deep down Peter was a kind and caring person, but expects immediate repayment of favors with other favors and profuse gratitude for favors he has done, and gets annoyed if these things do not come right away. Damian said that he sounds like a very selfish person asking such of others, and it seemed to him that to do things only for the promise of instant reward seemed petty and shallow. He told me that despite this knowledge, he really liked Peter and wished to show it to him, but if this was how he treated those who he confided in; he did not think he should be his friend, but I told him to have patience with him. I also told Damian that the matriarch sent them both here in order that I may try to turn Peter around, and maybe I could make him a decent Dinotopian after all; but I confessed that all the time I knew him I had built up my own animosity against him as I too came from the Outside World too and thusly flawed, and it would be a difficult task at best for these reasons. We finished up with Damian’s harness and we went to where the carts were being prepared, and Sam Fossey and Crag were just beginning to leave when they both paused to wave bye; them turning to leave for the day, and Ricky waved as he saw us. I paused to give Flatbottom’s nose horn a rub when we saw Peter come from the house wearing his uniform pants with a light blue shirt and a tan vest over it (Him saying that all but the pants he found and footwear was all that would fit.), wearing a different style Stetson than I wore while returning mine to my head; then said he was ready to leave as he saw the getup his cohort was wearing, making a look of incredulousness at them actually doing this. I said to him that it was about time we were leaving, and gave Flatbottom one last pat before coming over to Damian’s new cart; checking his rigging as Flatbottom pulled his cart down the lane, presently followed by Damian, Peter and myself. I told my brother that I thought it was time for him to see what I currently do for a living as we walked into town, and that the people here are friendly and helpful; but watch what you do or say, for they love telling a good rumor (Laughing as if it were a joke, but the fact was at least half true!)! Since Damian’s new cart was too small to ride in, we walked along side of it and gave help as needed; pushing or pulling over rises or through tough ruts, and made it to the center of Baz not too long after that. Even though peter was telling me he had gone through town yesterday in search of the right address, but he didn’t really take a good look around; and Damian chortled, telling him in English that guards are supposed to be more observant! As we turned onto the right street, I told them the bakery was just up ahead; showing them the store front before leading them around back to the loading area. I stepped up to the back door and knocked, seeing their baker kneading dough as the Dromeosaur helper opened the door; then I told him I was to pick up the grain to have it milled, and he nodded and allowed Peter and I in. The hundred pound bags were piled neatly on the store room floor, and I began lifting one as Damian backed the cart to the loading area door; but as I returned from depositing my first bag onto the cart, I saw that Peter was there still waiting for something. I asked what the problem was, and he said he thought there would be someone else there to help him lift the bags and complained of back pain(I scowled as this trait was one of the ones he was notorious for!); I sighed and said that around here we pull our own weight, and these bags didn’t weigh all that much to those used to manual labor. I told him as I lifted another one that it was real easy and the cart wasn’t too far away, so please pick the bag up and help out; and if not stand aside and watch, for those who do not pitch in are lazy and useless! This huffiness gave me extra strength to lift my bag, and I hefted a dozen bags thusly; ending at fifteen because Corythosaurs could only pull no more than a ton or so, and gruffly told Peter that it was time to go. On the way to the mill Damian mumbled in saurian that this is what he does, recruits help even though the task is relatively easy; and I replied in kind that this was what he always did, not for the need to command but out of laziness. I said that all he needs is motivation to do something, and the trick was to find something that interests him enough to try hard enough to attain it; but Damian mumbled that there wasn’t much here that is interesting to him, and I told him that in time things would be interesting enough. Peter drew out of his funk to ask what we were talking about, saying it wasn’t fair that we spoke a language he didn’t understand; I simply told him that Damian wanted to know how the mill worked, and if he paid enough attention to his language studies in Beginner’s class there would be no problem understanding us! This comment brought peter to silence, and quite frankly made me feel bad for snapping at him like that; but Damian looked like he was having a peaceful time pulling the heavy load to the mill, and I led him all the way until the great stone building with the twin waterwheels spinning in a diverted channel was seen in the mid distance through the wooded area we were traveling in. We got to the mill and went to the door that the mill-master indicated and began unloading our bags, Peter actually helping with a mere handful of bags; and the mill workers there took over the process of milling, saying it would take a number of hours to complete. The early lunch that Natalie had packed was taken out and consumed, Me suggesting to Damian that he could eat ‘ala-cart’ (Indicating the foliage growing along the stream’s edge.); and when done we still had a bit of time on our hands, which set us off on our own wandering around the environs of the mill. I found that Peter had chosen to wander along roughly the same route as me, and I saw him down near the stream looking this way and that at the water and the life just under the surface; him commenting that he wished he had a fishing pole as I got near, as there were several good sized fish in there, but I just said there was no fishing around Baz. He sighed and said that I had changed a lot since being here, that I had been doing very well; and that was what bugged him the most about me, and I knew right then and there that he was actually jealous of me. I told him that he could have had everything I had, everything he could ever want if he only tried; but it was a mystery to me what it was that prevented him from being a success here, just like he did to win all that he had done in the Outside World. I told him that I thought the reason why he was doing so bad was that nothing here was appealing to him, and I didn’t know how to let him see that everything here was just as worthwhile to have here as it was there; and then I told him that all he really needed to do was to change his attitude about things here, because like it or not, this was the only life he was ever going to have and he may as well make the best of things. I told him as we walked back to the mill that nobody here is responsible for him having a good life here, that it was up to him that will decide whether he is happy here or not; and even though everybody here really wants to help him out, he was the one to make the effort to make things work for him. Silent in thought, Peter followed me back to the mill and his Partner waiting to be hitched back up to the cart; and this time Peter did better than half the work of loading the recently milled bags of flour into the cart, and long story short he helped out through our second trip to the mill as well as the third. As our last delivery to the bakery got under way, the owner thanked us saying that now she could make bread for six months to come; and placed a bag of Drachs into my hands as her portly daughter eyed Peter like a delicacy, and on the way home I elbowed him commenting on the incident while giving him a healthy stack from the bag! We went home and I took the harnesses off Damian, Peter helping as he was able to though he was clueless about such things; and then we went back into the house to our well earned Eveningmeal, and we talked more extensively like brothers. I think the reason why we did not bicker like we usually did when together for too long was the fact that the rest of my houseguests were with us also, so our conversations were calm and platonic instead of demanding and accusing; which suited me fine as frankly I was all done with that kind of talk, and I’m sure my guests did not wish to hear of such banter! Peter repeated that I had a wonderful place here, and was glad to see that I was doing well; and I repeated that I would have never been able to get this far without all these friends around me, and I was glad that I was able to help them all in my own way. Peter began to tell us about his time in the saurian Guard training facility, where he was taught discipline and many skills necessary in carrying out the duties of guard; and said that even though it was extremely hard, he thought that he did rather well all else considering. He said they made him take care of his station and keep his uniform clean, and taught him how to tend to the needs of a Corythosaur and the one he got showed him how reliable one can be. I told him of Emil Fergusson and his wife Emma, their former lives as athletes and entertainers to finally earning the accolades that went along with them; and even though they became lost to public memory in their latter years, they still didn’t give up hope in a wayward Outsider just getting used to things. Their gratitude toward me was never ending, even unto their deaths as their legacy to me was this place and all things within it; and I told them I would never forget their kindness as I wanted to preserve their trappings as long as I could, and I wished to spread their generosity by helping out everyone I could… ----------------------------------------------------
When you wish upon a star Makes no difference who you are Anything your heart desires Will come to you If your heart is in your dream No request is too extreme When you wish upon a star As dreamers do Fate is kind She brings to those to love The sweet fulfillment of Their secret longing Like a bolt out of the blue Fate steps in and sees you through When you wish upon a star Your dreams come true “When You Wish Upon A Star”, from: ‘Pinnochio’ ---------------------------------------------------- The evening waned and the morning came, and all my guests went to the places they most needed to be; and I invited Peter to see my other interest in town, but he was quite perplexed as I walked up to and into the door of the hatchery! Anna Forsythe arrived after dropping Tom and Sally at school, then got her assignment in the incubation room; where doctor Squibb suggested Peter stay and observe, and egg-hatching was a thing that Peter had never seen before! Anna tended the eggs and checked off rosters at each round before Peter spoke next, asking about me and her; of which she said that we were friends and she wished we could be better friends, and then Peter asked her the touchiest of all questions of her. Peter asked where her husband was, and that sent her wool-gathering a moment before she spoke; then she told him he was dead, or at least presumed to be so as nobody has heard of him for more than five years. She then began to describe what the survivor of the pirate attack said, that the pirates began to kill everyone in the convoy; and it was assumed that he was killed too, but other rumors said otherwise. She said that I was kind and caring enough to be concerned of her and her family, and generous enough to let them all stay at my house until hers was repaired, and for that she would always love such a sweet and caring young man for all I‘ve done. Instead of commenting on it further, Peter simply left the incubation room and went elsewhere; seeing me as I was tending to a group of the older hatchlings; playing with them or treating minor scrapes they usually get from their clumsiness, rolling a rubber ball toward some of the more active ones. A squinting Bracheosaur child looked up to him after he ran into his legs, and their eyes met before peter told him to watch his step; a little too gruffly for the child’s liking as he scurried off bawling, and this made the rest turn. I said that hatchlings are a little sensitive to vocal tone, and one had to talk calmly and nice to them or they would get upset; and then I asked the children around me in a cheery was if I was right, and nearly all of them voiced their agreement in many dialects! Again he just walked off, finding himself in the presence of healer Squibb before he could raise his head; and Squibb asked who he was before realizing that he was my brother, then told him that I had the makings of being one fine healer. He went on to say that I did well tending to the wounded in that barn fire a while back, and I was very good at most aspects of hatching and other prenatal activities here; and that I even invented a procedure to save eggs that were cracked, and I even delivered a Mammoth calf at Tentpole of the Sky. Peter said that was very surprising indeed, for in the outside world he said that I had trouble putting on a Band-Aid; but Squibb was more perplexed at the divulging of my medical ineptitude than the strange term for a bandage, and asked him if he thought I had improved any since then - and in answer peter simply walked off. As my shift ended and it was time to go home Anna drew us into the incubation room to see something, and Peter got the chance to see an egg hatching; and even though the Lambeosaur child seemed really attracted to the grey-sideburned face of my brother, Peter simply turned away to ask if we could go now. I sighed and told him we should go then, seeing the looks of disappointment on the faces of all others that witnessed the hatching; and I took him home barely speaking to him the whole way, and this told him more of what I thought of him than any words I could have made at the moment! During the next several days the others in my household had the chance to be with Peter, and though they really wanted to help him out; they made things look like they were making simple conversation, and one of them barely knew he was doing this for he just needed a little help! Little Tom came running down the main stairs as Peter was in the foyer, and on the last step he tripped because his shoelaces had become undone; him spilling to his knees before sitting on the floor to tend to the errant laces, after many tries to get them right he groaned and asked the first one he saw for help. Peter came over and gave the simple instructions, demonstrating on the left shoe as he knealt there beside him; then Tom said that he could never get them right and would never learn, but Peter told him that he could do it with enough practice. Then Tom said that it was just like in school, where he had to get used to things there; and as he made friends they helped him, and soon he could be in school without being scared. Tom said that it was like first being here, nothing is right and nothing seems the same; but when you make friends you can count on, things seem like they can be done after all. As Peter tied the other shoe, his thoughtful look would have told anybody that saw that the wisdom of a child had set in and he was finally learning; so Peter lifted Tom to his feet and sent him on his way, giving the child a little hug in passing. Later on Ricky had Peter help him in the barn, removing the waste and laying down fresh bedding and things like that; and as he drew near the stall Flatbottom was in the beast chuffed and said hello in English, a thing that startled my brother a little bit before he returned the greeting. Flatbottom told him that it was indeed an honor to meet the brother of a true hero as me, and was glad to see that that Peter was in an institution worthy of a family of such greatness (The Saurian Guard.); said in the simplistic English which was all he was capable of, but Peter could understand it fine just the same. He told my brother that I had saved his life and he owed me a lot, and gave him courage as he had lost everything dear to him in the fire; saying that when all doors are closed to you, a window is left open so you can get a new point of view. Flatbottom went on to say that the circumstances that washed Peter ashore was like a closed door, that he feels lost and not in control in a strange place; but there is always hope and opportunity if one chooses to look for it, and if one doesn’t look one will never find them. Peter was enjoying the conversation until these things that Flatbottom said hit a sour note for him, and he turned back to his work with barely another word to my friend; a thing that Flatbottom told me was very rude, if you asked him! A late evening stroll brought him n the presence of Toby Hertz and Thoth just striding out to their lamplighter tasks, and after greetings they told him that without me they would have been homeless; and said that they hoped he did well here as they began to stride down the lane, for it was late for them and time to light the lamps was short. It was the third time that Natalie tried to tell Peter to keep his room clean, and the forth time that she told him not to leave things lying around the house; when she stopped and said to him that everyone has habits that seem normal to oneself, but to others they are repulsive and very worrisome. She told him she noticed that he liked to leave things around where ever he goes, things that should be picked up right away because they are an eyesore and a chore if others have to do it; and the fact that she asked him many times to please clean up the messes he leaves behind, but it would seem that her requests had fallen on deaf ears! She then told him when he tried to defend himself that everyone is responsible for the things they do, the messes they leave behind for others as well as the mark they leave on the world; and the fact that if one cared about what the world thought about them, they would try to make their lasting impression the best impression they possibly could. She then told him that when he leaves things around, who did he expect to clean them up; then thumbed her chest and said it was she, and that cleaning up the house was a hard enough job without him to always add to it. Peter then said that he wasn’t staying all that long anyway, and he was a guest and that meant that he needn’t clean up after himself; but she just glared at him, saying that he could at least show a little consideration for others! Ever since that incident until the time Peter debarked from my house, Natalie seldom said a word to him; and always served him the least portion of our meals, and none of us seemed to notice the animosity brewing between them! Peter didn’t know why everyone was giving him advice, and he probably thought that I prompted them all into saying something to him; but in all honesty I had no idea they were doing this, but secretly was glad they were around to help me out with this. One time Zoie was in practicing the piano, going over the notes to another tune the instructor provided for her; slowly as the music was new to her, and Peter walked by and paused at the struggled notes. Now Peter knew less about the piano than I did, and tried to help her out by telling her which notes she played were sour or flat; but in her practicing exertions told him that she could manage, and please do not talk while she was practicing. Peter thought it quite rude, and voiced the fact most vehemently; but Zoie stopped playing to say that sometimes a person jumping in when it is not necessary was rude, and perhaps he could see this and be more considerate. It was a good thing that I came in a few minutes later for my practice session, and I heard this going on; for I told Peter that our instructor gave us instruction on how to practice, and it did not include having a critic to tell us what was right or wrong. I said we make mistakes because we are still learning the piano, and at this point making mistakes are no big deal; and he looked at me strangely when I sat on the bench and began warming up with practice scales, so I told him that I am trying to expand my horizons through music - a desire he never knew I had, for I had not told him that I took lessons in the Outside World! He listened on to my practice and through to where I practiced a simpler piece than the one Zoie was working on, then walked away to other parts of the house; Zoie commenting to me that my brother was a really strange man, a comment I laughingly agreed! Fortunately Zoie’s brother had quite an opposite encounter with my brother, and so did Tom’s sister; as one day they were out playing kickball out in the back yard, and Sally kicked the ball away from Gavin so hard that it lodged itself in the eaves between the back porch and a vestibule on the east wing; and it was stuck so high up that both were at a loss as to how to retrieve it, but then Peter walked into the area in the middle of one of his contemplative wanderings around the property. He saw their concern and asked what was the matter, and both pointed at the errant ball perched up on the roof; and said they were playing and what happened, Gavin saying he was sure-footed but too short to reach it. Peter said he had an idea, motioning Gavin over and picking the forty pound hatchling up and gingerly walking up a stack of firewood to the edge of the porch overhang; then told the youngster to shinny up and get the ball, and Gavin scampered up the roof of the porch and over to the ball, prancing about giddily for how high up he was. When the ball was thrown to Sally, Gavin went back down the roof and leapt into peter’s catching hands; and peter received a hug from both, Sally saying that no good deed goes unrewarded - and Gavin adding his ‘Thanks, mister!’. As the weeks passed things progressed for the Forsythes, the scaffolding came down from their house and the finishing touches was well under way; and pretty soon the building inspector would soon arrive to either pass or condemn it, and we were all hoping to a great degree that he would nod the latter! Amid all this expectation I was giving Peter a tour of the back section of my property, and the graveyard that contained my benefactors; all as I told of them to him and boasted all the good deeds they had done in the past, and the fact that such noble deeds should be told over and over again and be preserved indefinitely. Emil Fargo Fergussen, who was trained in the Skybax corps and then retired to seek out his fame in the Skybax Flying Circus; and Emma Mae Neuman, who tried out for the Dinosaur Olympics and soon became a star. Their Partners Powerglide and Felona, the skybox meeting his friend for life in the Corps, and going on until his demise thirty years ago; and the Hadrosaur meeting her rider in the Dinosaur Olympics, and worked so well together they performed for many decades. I showed my brother their monuments in the cemetery, along with their beloved sons, Gregory and Philip; and told Peter that this was their legacy I was honor bound to uphold. I told him that they became so famous and as people lavished them with all sorts of gifts and mementos; they were supported quite handsomely all the days of their lives. During this Peter paused my speech and began telling me what was on his mind; and what he told me was not the best news I wanted to hear at the time, for he told me that he was sick and tired of being here! He told me the reasons, which were many; then told me his experiences in the Saurian Guard training facility, which was quite horrid and sad. When he first got there, his first impression was much like my first day at the Skybax training facility; being taken there against his will and then forced to wear the uniform, but he ended up going through the first-day orientation and only being mildly singled out. The biggest trouble he got was trying to give suggestions to the instructor (He meant well for the rest, he assured me!), who took it like the biggest offense of all and made him undergo the brunt of his hazing on him; but I told him that it was so in any form of military, and designed so that he would not disrupt the rest of them. Peter shook his head and told me that the instructor hated him, and this went on for many days; and any exercise the troops had to do, he made him do it first just to embarrass him! I said that if he saw the movies about the military and their boot-camps, he would know that this was what the drill instructor does; and it is designed to make the malcontent shut up and follow orders, and show the rest of them to do likewise or else. Peter went on and told me that the training was brutal and all the time the instructor got on his case, and one day he got into an argument with him; saying he had a better way to train the troops and tried to show the instructor how to do it; but instead of observing the procedure he took him and began to beat him up, and I knew of Peter’s lack of fighting skill as well as his lack of tolerance to pain so I assumed that he was hurting pretty bad after that! He said that he was beaten down many times that day, and was beaten some more when he tried to get up; and the instructor told him to never tell him how to train the troops again or he would be sent to the infirmary for good, that along with a long list of reprimands on his record. He said that after that he kept his mouth shut about the goings on there, and went through the training though he did very poorly; and he didn’t know how he passed sufficiently to make it to where he was, but the whole experience he said humbled him somewhat and made him see that somehow his opinions do not matter here. I nodded and said that other people’s opinions matter just as much as his, and that the Saurian Guard has methods that are tried and true; and they have worked for centuries, and only the powers that be in the guard have authority to change those policies. I told him he really had no right to try and change them, and though I thought the instructors methods to let him know this were crude and barbaric; at least it had it’s effect on him, and proved what I had been thinking of him for years. I told him that in the Outside World he considered himself an authority on anything he had an interest in, but that was merely his own opinion of himself; and that nobody can’t know everything about everything like he claimed for himself, and there would always be people out there that knew just a little bit more than he did - and he should respect them for it and take their advice and instruction when appropriate. I told him that I take others advice all the time, so much so that I do not know what is my own knowledge and what is from others; but I told him that was how I learn, and that is how I grow. I told him that he was a very smart man and I admired him greatly, and I look up to him on many occasions; but I told him that he wasn’t the only one I look up to, and I had formed my own outlook from these people too - and not solely from him. I told him that the trick of living here was to be humble, and not think so highly of himself; for it was only with this humbleness that one can go far on Dinotopia, for out of humbleness comes greatness. I told him that I failed here too, telling him the TRUE story about my time with the Skybax corps; and he was shocked at what I did to get out of it, and I explained my reasons right afterwards. I told him the plan I formulated after I was forcibly taken to Canyon City, and how I rebelled against the Corps at every turn; and when they tried to do to me what the Saurian guard instructor did to him, I defended myself with m the Kung-Fu he knew I took when I was younger. I was eventually reprimanded and thrown in their brig, and then they tried every tactic to try and convince me to undergo the training; but I resisted every effort they brought to me, for I knew my destiny did not lie with the Skybax. I told him I knew of their value of life, and they would not allow harm to come to me when I was in jail - even if that harm came at my own hand; so I told him I went on a hunger strike, and eventually I was allowed to leave. I said that after I regained my strength, the Matriarch took me under her wing to discern just what I was made of; and took me to Tentpole of the Sky to meet the wisest person she knew, and maybe he could figure me out. While I was there she found I was willing to help others, and showed compassion to everyone there; and what showed her the most who I really was, I told him I delivered a Mammoth calf - the mother being so grateful she named the calf after me. I told Peter I was then sent back to Waterfall City to have the Council decide my fate once more, and with the Matriarch’s insights; it was decided that I find my own fate on my own, only with the help of a guide. I knew I had a penchant in the shipping business, and found out my best bet was to set up shop in the Northern Plains along well-used shipping routes; then eventually made my way here, and could not be happier. Peter then sighed and said that he wished that he could be happy here, but he could not; for he felt like a ship against a gale, and he said he felt out of place here, Peter told me that I knew that he does not feel comfortable not being in control of his life; and that he was barely in control in the Outside World; as well as admitting to me that he felt pretty scared out there, but now that he was here he was absolutely terrified! He had no friends and certainly no allies, no people he could trust and nobody that he could confide in. I told him as we walked out to the border stone at the back of my property that he indeed had someone to confide in around here, and that person was me; for I was the only true family he had here, for I was his brother and I loved him, and I would always be on his side in good times as well as bad. This comforted him somewhat, and I went on to say that he had all sorts of friends here he could confide in too; for my friends were very concerned about him, and so was nearly everyone on the island. I told him that there was one very special person here who desperately wanted to be his friend, and wished that he would open up to him so true friendship would grow; and that special person was Damian, who could be just as good a friend to him as he was his steed. Peter told me that he saw now that we were only trying to help, and he felt like a fool for not seeing this until now; for my friends truly showed they cared, and now he saw that Damian was trying also. He said the only thing he thought that was pretty underhanded of me was the way he had his friends speak to him, for the way I had the people here try to convince him otherwise was pretty low, if you asked him. He then went on to tell me of the many things they said, things of responsibility and of seeking out opportunity out of what is left on hand; and all the encounters he had with all of them, and the fact that even the children had words of wisdom to give him. I told him that I didn’t know what he was talking about, and then he went on to say how all of them had things to say; trying to make his adjustment easier for him and all sorts of other advice. I praised them for being so caring that they did this, and what a great help they could have been if only he took heed of them; telling them how they did this without my knowledge, and it was a shame it didn’t work. I sighed just then and told my brother that before we got here my life was stifled by all that was going around me, all my dreams and aspirations was squelched by those that had no faith in my dreams; and that was why I was so drawn in, and never went out to socialize with those that would discourage my dreams. I told him that when I first came here I had sort of a complex about my dreams and ideas being overridden by others, and when I heard that my ideas of what I wanted to do here was replaced by the Council’s desire to make me a Skybax pilot; I thought it was the Outside World all over again, so I fought back with every tactic I knew of. But then I grew to know that I had a lot of other useful talents, and I made the powers that be see the same thing; and that was when I was allowed to follow what I saw was best, for they saw that I had great potential if I was allowed to find it for myself. I told him that he was the outgoing one back then, always getting friends and other people that could benefit him in his aspirations; but they were the ones being his friend just for the benefit he could give him, and I wondered if he was aware of that. I said that it was high time he rebuild his outgoingness and bolster his desires here with friends that can help, and to co-operate with others in their toils and their preferences; and I told him that here would be a good place to start that way of life all over again, and that it is never too late nor one so old that one can’t change the way they do and think of things. I said here the opposite was true, for people make friends here for the sake of making friends; and not for any other gain except that, and this was the reason (I told him) why he felt so left out here. I told him that people here value honor and goodness, not money and influence; and the sooner a newcomer figures this out, the better he or she will do here. Then I divulged something I promised the Matriarch that I would keep secret from my brother, and though I felt pretty bad for disobeying the matriarch; I felt more relieved that I told him all of this, and I’m pretty sure he appreciated it as well. I told him that I knew he had been doing poorly in the guard a long time ago, and I was really concerned about this when the matriarch told me about it; I told her that I wanted to see him and see how he was doing, and the matriarch had it arranged with his commander. I told him that I assumed that after his contribution to the issues that went on at Adelade, they gave him a furlough that they did not tell him about; to just simply order him and his steed to Baz and this address, and tell him no other information. The matriarch seems to have seen something in him as well, a leadership trait or something like that (I told him, for I couldn’t guess what she saw in him!); but the sad part was he didn’t see it for himself, and they figured that a time spent to his self to think things over would be more beneficial than the continuation of duty at this time. I told him that his duty record indicated that he would be expelled from the guard if he didn’t improve, and the matriarch did not wish for him to be shamed like that; so she asked me if I could help him out, being his brother and one he should be able to trust and confide in. I told him that I might have not been good at doing all of this due to my hang-ups in the Outside World, but I told him that I grew up a lot in the short time I had been here; and I think I could be the one who could help him, and with this little vacation for him he could finally decide what he really wanted here. Now that I told him all of this, I told him that it was now up to him to decide what he really wanted; for all we could do is help him, and that was provided that he take that help. Peter pondered the words I said to him, brows furrowing and face working deep in thought as we walked back to the house; and I let him be silent more due to the tough decision he seemed to be making rather than all the words I had just imparted on him, and I had led the way many paces ahead of him all along the way. Before we passed by the woodshed I felt a hand on my shoulder, and his face seemed lighter and fuller of life as I turned to see it; then he licked his lips and announced that he would indeed try harder to be one with everyone, and told me he had acted shamefully ever since he arrived on Dinotopia. He told me that it was high time that he start again, and take what was offered him; and to use his talents for the good of all here, and smiled as he said that he better get busy and learn the saurian language while he was at it! I grasped his hand as I said to him that he has made the first step into a much better life, a life that I knew he would do well here; then we drew each other into a brotherly embrace so uncommon for our family (We as a family do not hug or make any real physical contact of any sort, and probably freaked us both out as we did it!), and then I sheepishly told him that we better hurry inside, for it was just about time for Eveningmeal… ----------------------------------------------------
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Post by thundertail on May 6, 2011 4:35:07 GMT -5
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TWENTY-THREE:
“THINGS START HAPPENING AS SOME OF MY HOUSEGUESTS LEAVE ME.”
---------------------------------------------------- Peter began really opening up around the place the day after we had our little talk, taking part in all aspects of running the shipping company as well as menial chores around the farm; and took care to keep his things in order around the house, and at first everyone there thought he was going crazy! But as the days wore on they soon began to think he was really turning around, and he even began to joke with the others and really begin to interact with his saurian steed Damian; confiding in him the things that still really bothered him about being here, and I knew that he couldn’t change overnight like that, so I secretly kept an eye on him too. I saw that all was well when he took part in the children’s business, and even little Nellie (Who was growing not so little any more, for I could barely lift him up these days he was so heavy!) was beginning to get friendly with him, where before he was too scared of his uniform to really go near him. All in all I would say that Peter had really turned over a new leaf, and soon would come the time where he would have to make his decision about whether or not to continue in the saurian Guard; but as I said his views on things could not have turned around that completely in such a short time, and pretty soon more of his old self would rise to the surface - I was sure of it! During this time we had gotten a postal Bird message that Anna Forsythe’s house was finally completed, and the contractor would be by shortly to square up the resulting bill she owed; and by mid afternoon of the day it was announced, the Ovaraptor showed up at my door. He eyed the architecture of my home as he was led into the sitting room with his satchel, taking a seat by a low table to place it on; and as Anna and I both sat (Ricky was there, and so was Peter.), he got right down to business. He told us that between the worker’s wages, the building materials and supplies (Of which I provided the first of three loads myself I told him, and he re-tallied up the bill.) as well as all permits and his fees; the bill would be almost six thousand Drachs, and the news almost made Anna faint! She said that she only had about six hundred of it, and could not possibly pay for it; but I told her that I had some, and if worse came to worse I could place this house and property under mortgage to raise the funds. The contractor told us that it must be paid within fifteen days according to the contract, and he would be back then to collect what was owed to them at that time; getting up and collecting his paperwork, finding his own way out of my house. Anna turned to me and told me not to do it, putting my own home at risk just for her sake; but I said that it was OK, and our friendship was worth more than mere money. I told her that I was really concerned with her well-being, and not to worry about anything because I had connections; and the money would be here for him sooner than the due date, but she asked me how would she ever pay me back. I smiled and said not to worry about that, either; but saw her scorn at taking charity and recanted, saying she could pay me back when she could with no time limit if she wanted to or not pay me back at all - it really didn’t matter to me. Anna Forsythe thought this over for many moments before smiling, then turned to give me a kiss right in front of everyone again; asking the air what did she ever do to deserve a friend such as me, then as her kids came to say good night told them the good news. Sally seemed pretty excited to be going back to the home she was used to, but Tom hugged her legs and pleaded they stay here forever; but his mommy told him that everyone has their place, and their place was there, not here. She kissed them both and drew them out of the room, going with them upstairs to tuck them into bed; and after a moment Peter asked me why I did that for, putting the home I worked so hard for into financial jeopardy like that. He asked me what I saw in her, to be willing to throw away all I had just for her sake; and I told him that she needed help, and I’m the only one here with any chance to do something about it. I said that it was the Dinotopian thing to do, to help others in need; just like I helped her by taking her family in, and I was honor bound to see it through to the end. He then asked me if I saw anything else in her, and crudely asked if I was in love with her and that was the reason; but instead of answering that at this time, I asked HIM if he disapproved because of her being of African descent! He flustered a bit and stammered no and of course not, and that he wanted to know if I was doing the right thing being with her; then I told him flat out that I liked her and she liked me, and that for now we are friends and good ones at that. I asked him if he made friends with people based just on what they looked like and where in the world they originated from, and if skin color was all that matters in choosing a friend; but he stammered some more and became silent, just as I told him that such sentiments were becoming obsolete in the Outside World, and certainly have no meaning here. I asked Peter if he liked Anna’s kids, and he said they were OK; so I told him that if we were to be married, they would be my step-children. I told him that I loved them just like they were my own children, and in fact they were beginning to think I was their father; and then I smiled and asked him if he had something against nieces and nephews or something, comment of which he snorted a bit! I turned to Ricky as I continued, saying that here we make all sorts of friends here; and these friends do not look remotely like ourselves, but no better friends we could not choose to have. This Ricky nodded at and spoke, saying that humans can be the greatest of friends; and that the fact that I choose a human with dark skin as a potential mate is no great deal here, and softly stated that he had heard of racial strife on Dinotopia, but those were a thing of the past. Peter finally turned to me and asked if I loved her, and I told him that I did - very much; but we both chose the course of friendship first. I said that she still does not know the true fate of her husband, Jake Forsythe; and that it would be unwise to escalate our relationship until we know if he is alive or dead. I told him that in my shipping travels, I had asked around a few places; but either they do not know anything about him, or told me the rumors we had already heard. Peter asked me if I needed help in finding him, for being with the saurian Guard he could have access to all sorts of intelligence; and it was then that I knew two things, that he would approve of mine and Anna’s relationship after all, and that he was deeply considering going back into the Saurian Guard! Instead of saying so, I told him all I knew about Jake Forsythe; and went to where Anna had stored her personal possessions to show Peter a picture of him, he saying that he would need to memorize the face so he’d know it was him if ever he met him. Then Peter said something that I only half knew he would say, saying that Anna Forsythe was not exactly the type of person he would pick for a girlfriend; but she seems good enough to be my friend, and that if this was so how could he complain! Peter left the room and went to his bedroom upstairs for the night, and that left Ricky and I alone in the sitting room; and as I turned to him I saw Ricky deep in thought, but it turned out to be not the kind of thought I thought he was in. He suddenly turned to me and said that to repay a loan of six thousand, it would take a minimum of twenty-five deliveries at about five hundred each to recoup the difference; and may take upwards of fifty deliveries to recoup the overhead of provisions and labor, and this could take as long as six months to complete. I chuckled at him and asked if this was a proper time of the night to think of business, and then told him to finish his Jinka; and we would be busy enough tomorrow when we help Anna and the kids pack, so we had better get some sleep. We presently went to our separate bedchambers, shaking hands as we parted; he to the third floor where the rest of his family still slept, and me to Gregory’s bedroom on the second floor. What Ricky predicted that the repair on Anna Forsythe’s house would cost me still haunted my thoughts as I prepared for bed, and the monumental time he said it would take plagued my dreams as I tried to figure out how my shipping business would survive this sudden financial strife; and thusly my sleep was interrupted by horrid dreams of foreclosure and poverty for me and my housemates, and then hating me in the end for my colossal failure! I woke up many hours later that seemed like moments, beating the sun’s rising by at least an hour; and could not get back to sleep no matter how hard I tried, and descended to my Morningmeal groggy and cranky. As soon as everyone had eaten, we all got ready to do the things we needed to do that day; Anna and her children went to pack up some of their things they were using while they were here (Minus bedclothes and clothing they would be needing for a few days more), and the rest of us began preparing the carts and pullers for the day. I had gone up to where I kept my important papers and retrieved the deed for the property and then went to help the others, telling Flatbottom, Sam Fossey, Toby Hertz and the rest what we were about to do; which was to load up all the heavy furniture that was in storage, then begin to transport it to Anna’s house. I was just about in the middle of this when Anna came to the barn, the building inspector close on her heels; and he had said that the inspection would begin before Midmeal; and that the inspection would be completed before we got there, Making a beeline for his small cart right after he had said that. Once all congratulated Anna on a successful inspection, I turned to peter and Damian to ask them something; which was that I may borrow my brother’s steed for the day, as I had some important business in town. Peter deduced that I needed to look into getting a loan for the money needed for paying the contractor, and as I confirmed this both peter and Damian went off a short distance to decide between themselves, coming back a mere moment later to tell me it would be all right! I smiled as I went closer to the Corythosaur, saying not to worry and that I had taken care of Corythosaur Overlanders in my brief service of the Matriarch; and he commented that he felt in safe hands already, me making sure the straps on the military style saddle was secure. When done Peter came to me and placed a small sword within the saddle where it was designed to hold, saying that there were robbers about; and I may need the added protection where money was involved, then Damian brayed that he could handle any robbers! Peter then said he would go with the others to help out, and not to worry as he would let Anna call all the shots in the move; a thing as I laughed aloud at as I mounted Damian and turned him to address the rest, then led the way out of the drive and down Rosepetal lane. We all set out for Anna’s house, and true to his word; the inspector came out of her house and gave her a scroll he had just finished writing, saying that her home had passed all of the new Dinotopian building codes and was now fit to live in! After her applause at a successful renovation, they all began unloading carts and trundling the furniture into the house; and within an hour both carts were empty and the initial things were in the rooms they belonged in. They were too busy lugging things around to notice at the time, but as they all stopped for a rest-bit they looked around and saw the expertise the craftsmen had done with the place; every wall and floor level as could be and all walls were seamlessly plastered, and each frame and molding were redone in glowing perfection. Anna noticed all this too, and twirled around in the living area as she took it all in; but soon Flatbottom bellowed from outside that we all should return to our duties, for the early afternoon was quickly turning to evening. Damian and I had parted company with them at the end of her street, taking the road that would lead us into the center of town; and since I did not know where to begin looking for a loan for the needed money, I stopped at my friend’s fruit stand to ask if he would know. Frank Stratton began by telling me that the only loan he ever needed came from Emil Fergusson, and that was many years before I arrived here; which was all paid up by now and very much appreciated, but he knew of no places around here that could loan such a large amount when I told him the sum. He had heard that there was an assayer’s office in Amberclimbe that also served as a counting house, and they would certainly have the needed funds; provided I could coax them into it, of which I told him that I intended to put up the deed to my property as collateral. He cautioned me against it as it would be a risk to my home and business, but I assured him that such financial maneuvers were common in the Outside World; but agreed that I needed to negotiate wisely in case the owner of the counting house were less than scrupulous. Frank turned his attention to the one I was riding, and commented that I had a new friend; and I told him that Damian was my brother’s steed, for he was with the Saurian Guard and on furlough for the time being. At length our conversation waned, then I thanked him for the information and headed back out of town; traveling the crowded roads until I made it to Anna’s place. I walked in through the open front door of Anna’s house and saw that the rest had finished loading all the furniture they had brought with them into the house and arranged each piece where Anna wanted them to, and were now milling about evidentially taking a rest; and after greeting each one, I found Peter to tell him how things went with me and his steed. I told them all that I could not get a loan from the businesses of Baz, but there was an assayer’s office that doubles as a counting house (I told Peter that it was like a bank,) in Amberclimbe; and that I would go there tomorrow if I could borrow Damian for one more day, and peter told me it was all right with him if it was all right with Damian. Just then we all heard Flatbottom’s braying call, and went outside to hear his advice that we should go get our next loads pretty soon; for it was well after noontime, and there was still a lot of things to get before dark. I rubbed his face and bowed as I said yes master, everyone else chuckling at his nearly demanding tone; but we all prepared to leave anyway, each of us knowing he was right. Back at my place we all loaded up the remainder of Anna’s things that were in the barn and some of what was in the house, then we made the trip back to her house; unloading everything and carting it into the house in the rooms she said they belonged in, Peter and I unpacking things like lamps and other adornments to be put back in their proper places. Anna said that all that needed to be done was bring their clothes over and everything would be done; and then Tom, Sally and she can set everything else out at their leisure, and as it was so late we all bid our good-byes for the evening. In the morning we did it all over again, preparing Flatbottom and Slag and their carts for another day of moving; only this time it would be rather light as the only things left were their clothing and various other things that would go into storage among their furniture, and I prepared Damien for our trip to Amberclimbe. I followed the small caravan to the road leading to Anna’s place after everything was loaded, and then took a crossroads roughly south toward Volcaneum; Damian commenting that I rode him like a professional, for my rising and swaying matched his strides and turns perfectly. Along the way I told him that I took care of a group of Overlanders in the service of the Matriarch on the way from Canyon City to Waterfall City, and they said I took care of them masterfully; of which Damian told me that it was therefore an honor to meet one that has met the Matriarch, for he had never even seen her much less met her! Damian did not travel into the foundry city of Volcaneum, but skirted around it using paths only he seemed to know; and then when he was well past the place he ran at full speed of about forty miles an hour I guessed, saying the fumes the place gave off upset his sinuses! He continued this pace for nearly all early afternoon, me telling him he could slow down and take it easy as I would never drive him that hard; but he said he surmised that time was of the essence if we were to obtain the needed money for miss Anna in the allotted time, and the sooner we were in and out of Amberclimbe the better he liked it. I asked him why, and he told me that the inhabitants there were crafty and sneaky and tended toward thievery; and the only difference between them and pirates was they actually tolerated dinosaurs there, and some of the dinosaurs there were just as sneaky as their human counterparts. I hung on for dear life wondering if I was going to get a fair deal with the assayer when I got there, as well as if I was going to be robbed as soon as I got it; and these thoughts continued in my mind as we crested a rocky rise to see a great depression in the surrounding countryside, and the cluster of buildings and dwellings that littered the base of that depression. Damian trotted to a stop at that crest, panting as I dismounted and rubbed his frothing flank; cursing him for pushing himself so hard as he caught his breath, and then turned to scan the area below us and all the creatures going about below, made tiny as ants for the distance. The town of Amberclimbe seemed to be built inside a giant strip-mine no longer in use for centuries by the look, and even though the tiny openings of regular mines peppered the outer rim of the place; these didn’t seem to be in use either, and it looked like their economy was based on rare earths shipped into the town rather than by any form of local mining. I pulled out some rations as Damian used his nose to flush out a small stream to drink from near by, and offered him some as he soon returned; and as we ate he began to plan our moves when we reach the town, for he said that to survive there even for a short while a good plan was needed. For safety’s sake Damian said that we should stick together as much as possible, for he was some ten times stronger than me; and the fact that he was highly trained as a bodyguard, as he was with the Guard. I could not disagree with that, even though I told him I knew Kung Fu and could defend myself if necessary, and he grinned and said that he would like to see a demonstration one day! Damian finally caught his breath and had me get aboard once more and he took a more sedate pace as he traveled the switchbacks down to the floor of the extinct strip-mine; meeting many a dusty cart of cargo leaving town along the way, and receiving stares from them as they noticed a civilian riding a Corythosaur with a military-style saddle. Never the less we walked into the dusty town tall and proud, never showing fear at the swarthy characters that passed by us; and came up to the well marked assayer’s office after only making one circuit of the center of town, me dismounting and grabbing my satchel out of Damian’s saddle bag in one important looking flourish, then stepping up onto the wooden sidewalk in front like a big-wig as Damian padded up close on my heels. Inside the assayer’s office there was a wide desk with a tall balance scale on it, many shallow trays with various minerals in them, graduated weights for the scale, lots of paperwork and other desktop items; and a chubby Dromeosaur with a weather-worn face and a visor behind it, staring at some glowing gem with a loupe eyepiece. The skinny and tall human in front of it stood patiently as the creature gazed and appraised the object, but around the room scurried many humans and others that were clerks sorting paperwork and stowing this or that traded good in proper places at the back of the office; and two other similar desks were placed many feet apart there, various beings doing the same as the Dromeosaur with other customers. There was a waiting area near the front with seating for many types of anatomy, and as I took a chair Damian took a nest-like seat right next to me; and nearly an hour later it was our turn to approach the desk, Dromeosaur assayer looking up to scowl at the mismatched pair. I greeted the saurian Dinotopia style before telling him my case, saying that I was recently involved in a friend’s renovation of her house; and the contractor presented a bill for a very large sum, and that I would like to request a loan for the amount. Seeing that it was another chance to make money, the Dromeosaur smiled with all of his dirty fangs and introduced himself as Slowfoot; and that it was an honor to meet us, and then asked us what was the exact nature of the contract made with the contractor. I told him that the bill was for six thousand Drachs, and must be paid within fifteen days of issue (Which was nearly two days ago, I said.); and as he nodded, he stated that they might be able to help us out, but we must know this counting house’s business to make money, and there would be a slight fee for usury. I told him that I was aware of this, and was prepared to add any fees he deemed necessary, so he smiled as he picked up an abacus and figured for a moment; then came up with a sum of fifteen per-cent of the principal as their fee, then asked us how long it would take to repay them the money and fee. I told them that I own a shipping company, and I figured it would take about six months after my overhead to come up with the full amount; then he said that this was all well and good, but they do not exactly loan money to complete strangers and would need something to hold as collateral. I told him that I carried the deed to my own property (Which contains the shipping company, I said.), and I could use that as collateral if he wished; saying that it was willed to me by an Emil Fergusson, and as I said this his eyes widened! He told me that mister Fergusson was a very influential man in this town, and asked how he was doing; but I sighed and told him he had recently passed on, and on asking I told him the same was true for his wife. Slowfoot seemed in remorse for a few moments at the news, and then asked me how I came to own their property; and I told him that I was once their houseguest, but my many months of kindness and care proved worthy for them to change their will. I said that their two sons had passed on many years ago, and they had no one to leave it to; but then I came along and stayed with them until the end, and his smiling acknowledgement of this turned serious when I said the will included all their business holdings. He told me that the Fergusons had a hand in turning Amberclimbe from a mining community to the trading community it is today, and helped this establishment especially, then told me that the collateral of my property was not necessary. He just told me that all I had to do was to pay back the six thousand Drachs, plus an extra nine hundred for the fee within six months and everything would be fine; however, if I was late the fee would be doubled. Once I agreed to the terms he smiled, turning to collect the proper paperwork; then placed it before me to sign after he filled the blanks on the form and notarized the document, then he prepared my copy. Slowfoot rose and went to another room out back after shaking my hand with his clawed one, and returned many moments later with a small chest; opening it well out of my reach on his desk and began to count, raising his head several moments later to smile. He then pushed several stacks of Drachs toward me, suggesting that I confirm the sum as I quickly counted before placing them into the satchel that I brought in with me; then Slowfoot cautioned me that the town had been overrun by less than reputable people of late, and do not let them know you have anything of value on me. We said our farewells and I rose from the chair I was in, Damian looking about nervously as I placed my satchel into his saddle bag; then I mounted him and he began a slow walk down the street, looking this way and that. It was hard to tell which ones were watching our progress and which ones simply took cursorily looks, but we grew increasingly nervous as we made our way back to the road where we came in from; and even though the travelers going the same way as us may have meant us no harm, several of them were definitely getting closer! Whoever the persons were that were indeed following us must have sensed we were suspicious, and fell back to take another road between the buildings, but an accomplice in Ankylosaur form halted his cart right in the middle of the road in front of us; breaking the yoke of his cart and spilling his load of ore in our path, and feigned going wild with his club tail swinging. With no warning Damian went to full speed and traversed both the debris and the berserk dinosaur with acrobatic skill, and did not slow his pace until he was well out of the gully that was Amberclinbe! I hung ion for dear life as he made the distance between us and our pursuers greater and greater, panting that he slow down and begged that he stop; and once he finally did so, I told him to next time call out his moves! After a rest he told me that escape was the only option, but now that we were safe we could travel the roads like normal; and we did so all the way back to Baz… ----------------------------------------------------
People say Don't ever look behind Happiness is just a state of mind Rock and Roll lives and breathes in the hearts of the young So carry on You're running' on borrowed time Trying' hard to survive Keep on running' Your time in coming' Keep your dreams alive
Follow Your Heart (You got to Follow Your Heart) Living for the day, forget about tomorrow Follow Your Heart (You got to Follow Your Heart) Any other way can only lead to sorrow Don't wait any longer Follow Your Heart
Play for keeps And try to never lose Live it fast but live the life you choose Rock and Roll lives and breathes in the hearts of the young So let it ride Each time you roll the dice Luck will finally arrive Keep on running' Your time is coming' Keep your dreams alive
Oh, listen to the rhythm Your heart won't lie Rock and Roll hearts Just never die, never die ~Unknown~ ---------------------------------------------------- It was growing a little dark when Damian and I made it back to my place at four Rosepetal lane, so instead of waking everybody up at the house; I led my brother’s friend into the barn and tended to him myself. After removing his saddle and bags, I began rubbing him down before doling out his fodder and fetching his water; him telling me that I didn’t have to give him this first-class treatment, and me telling him that for the service he rendered to me this day, indeed I did! After making sure Damian would be OK for the night, I walked back to my house intending to take care of myself; for I was just as hungry and tired as my borrowed steed was that day, but when I opened the door I saw that many of my friends and relatives were up in the sitting room waiting for me! My brother Peter turned instinctively at the sound of the opening door, and Ricky looked over from the small conversation he was having with Anna and his mate Natalie; and before the din of their questioning became too loud, I began to tell them that my chore in Amberclimbe was a success. I told them about the trip and about the town, and the fact that the clerk at the counting house did not wish to hold the deed to this place as collateral; not until after he heard that Emil Ferguson was my benefactor, then I smiled and showed them the bag that was teeming with Drachs! Peter asked me about the condition of Damian, and I told him he is tired but well; and that I had already fed him and bedded him down for the night, of which he rose and said he would see to that himself and left by the front door. After he was gone I rose and presented the bag to Anna Forsythe, and in return she gave me a gigantic hug and kiss; me telling her to keep the money in a safe place until the contractor arrives for it, and Ricky asked me if I bothered to count it. I told him I counted it along with the clerk when he gave it to me, and that it was all there; and next he asked about the terms for the loan, and I said he charged fifteen percent over the course of six months. I told him that it meant another nine hundred on top of the principal; but he had already had it figured out in his head, and drew the conclusion that we needed at least four runs a week to make it back plus overhead if we were to make it. He then inquired if there were any other terms, and I said that because I was new to him I would need to pay him double the total if I ended up being late; and Anna commented that this was unfair, but Ricky told her that it was a reasonable term under those conditions. Anna Forsythe nodded and rose with the bag after I sat back down, turning to leave the room and retreat up to her bedroom; and then Natalie came in from the kitchen to ask if I had eaten yet, and on my negative reply went back to prepare me something. When she was gone Ricky told me that we would need to hire more pullers and drivers, and rent at least one more cart to make deliveries; and I nodded and said that it was about time we expand the business anyway, and then made plans on how we were to do this. We concluded that we would need new flyers made up, stressing our need for fresh employees; and putting the bulk of the workload on Sam Fossey, Slag, Flatbottom and the both of us until the new prospects arrive. We were in the middle of this when Natalie called me in for a simple salad and lentil soup (Plus all the breads I could eat.) late Eveningmeal, and while I was eating this Peter returned from the barn to state that Damian really missed him; saying matter-of-factly that he did too, and this cheered up my rather grim mood from my trip! Soon Anna returned to the sitting room, and Tom and Sally had followed her down from the homework they were doing; and as I returned from eating in the kitchen, Gavin and Zoie came running in with Nellie on their heels. Anna told them all that they were going to be leaving soon, perhaps as soon as tomorrow; and as their pleading eyes went from Anna to me, they all converged on me, sidling up and snuggling me in sorrow. They all pleaded with me that they didn’t want them to go, but I assured them all they could all come back and visit any time they liked; and Anna told her children that they had their place and we had ours, and they appreciated my hospitality and all but this was not their home. I hugged each one of them as they disengaged from my neck, and gave Nellie a pat as he was last; halting him near me as I watched Sally and Tom being escorted upstairs by Anna and Zoie and Gavin being escorted up by Ricky as he rose, and knew that some day Nellie had to be housed in the barn as he was getting so big. As we chat I playfully tug and poke at Nellie, saying that we all have a big day ahead of us tomorrow; and when I was sure the baby Triceratops was tired enough from this play, got up and bid everyone good night as I escort him to his sleeping nest in the kitchen - and presently the rest head up to their bedrooms for the night. In the morning I hustled to get ready, then met Ricky down at the barn to help him with the chores there; and my other team was up as well doing the same, Peter arriving a few moments later to prepare Damian for another local delivery stint in town. As soon as we were nearly ready a Postal Bird arrives, but the only announcement he has is news of another fish shipment from Irenic to Raptor Flats; and as I thanked her I told the rest that we would have to drum up more business if we were to make quota from now on, and that I would go into town myself to see if there are any more prospects. The bird said the load was huge, so I told Ricky and Flatbottom to join Sam and Slag in convoy to get it; and they all nodded their assignment and presently got under way, me turning to Peter and Damian to smile. I tell them that I was to come along with them for the day once more, for there were more flyers to pass out; and perhaps I could find a few more employees there - you never knew; and Peter said that was all right with them, so we started out on our journey for the day as well. Before we got within sight of Baz, Peter looked up and smiled; saying that I was doing well and didn’t need to worry about me any more, and I showed him that there was a lot more to care about here than there ever was in the Outside World; then he said that he was so wrapped up in himself that he never saw the potential he had here, then told me that when he was in town he was going to the guard station and file a request for other duty within the Guard. He told me that the reason he was doing this was he wasn’t trying hard enough at it, and I proved to him what trying hard could accomplish; and maybe if he tried hard at it, he could erase the bad start he had made there. I gave Damian a sidelong smile, for this was what we both were waiting for from Peter; and the Corythosaur turned and grasped peter in a big hug while I shook his hand, saying welcome to Dinotopia all over again! In town we meet with the owner of the mercantile who wished the crate of wrought iron brackets at the forgery, and in return he gave a crate of leather aprons; and at the forgery he wanted the load of barrel hoops at the scrap yard. This done Peter went off to the guard station while Damian and I continued our runs, a load of fruit to the bakery for toppings and she gave several dozen baskets of breads to the mercantile. Since I was at the mercantile anyway and the town bulletin board was right there, I stopped to check if anyone needed jobs; but these were few at best and knew little of the shipping business, so I ended up posting more of the old flyers there before rejoining Damian at the small cart. Moments later peter joined us, and told us he had left a message with the guard post; and now there was little to do but wait until his superiors send his orders, but I jokingly warned him about procrastination so he recanted by saying he would continue to help me until that day arrives! We continued on for a few more small chores in town, and while we were waiting to receive another load at the bakery (Peter went to negotiate what we were to deliver this time.) the baker’s daughter Elizabeth and a few of the other girls in town came walking by and giggling at some shared thing; and then Elizabeth commented my way that she heard that Anna and I were soon to be Nesting (This she commented to the others, who giggled all the more; and I knew what THAT term meant!), so I offhandedly said that I would let time tell one way or another! This sent all four of them scampering away in a laughing fit, and as Peter returned he asked what that commotion was all about; so I said that it was the ‘daily debut of the rumor mill’, but the term went right over his head and I had to explain it to him! He chuckled at the antics of some of the townspeople that I told him, that some heard rumors while others actually believed them; and was shocked at the bad gossip they believed, but I told them that Dinotopians generally tell the truth, so what is said right or wrong is generally believed to be the truth. He nodded as we made it onto Rosepetal lane and up to my place once more, and I saw a pile of luggage out on the porch of the house as we walked by; but before we got to the barn Natalie rushed out and stopped us, telling us that Anna and her children wanted to go home now; and that she had helped them all day to pack and was preparing a going-away meal for them, then whispered to me if we could borrow Damian and the cart once more to transport them there. I asked Peter and the Corythosaur this one last favor, knowing both would be tired after the long day they already had; and after a brief exchange they both said it was all right, an honor to help bring such a fine family home once more, they said. Their luggage and few loose belongings would be the lightest load Damian would pull that day, but we went inside and began a series of long and sorrowful good-byes while the dinner was being served (Pizza! Just veggie toppings this time, and no insects - even though I told Peter that the Grasshopper toppings were quite delicious as he blanched!); and all during the meal we gave words of hope and joy for the return to their house. After the meal we escort them outside and load Sally and Tom aboard (Zoie and Gavin hanging onto them as they had become quite inseparable, and Nellie snuffling them good bye as they both hugged and patted his just developing nose horn.), and we lead the cart around and down the lane once more; every member of the Forsythe family looking back at the place they had spent a part of their lives in, then turned forward dutifully as they steeled themselves for the continuing life ahead. Once there Peter and I help them bring the luggage into the house, and Anna told us to simply place them next to the stairs and they would take care of them later; then asked us if we would stay a bit, but Peter says he wished to tend to Damian a bit and leaves to do so. After that she tells Sally and Tom to bring their things up to their rooms, and she would fix them a snack later; and they nod as they get busy with it while she and I watched, then once they were upstairs she drew me into a side room. There, and without warning she pushed me against the wall; and I was on the receiving end of quite a passionate kissing embrace, me joking once again that I liked her idea better! She chuckled and told me that she could not thank me enough for all I did for her, giving me another kiss before letting me go; then said that the ones that moved her in did a wonderful job, but something went missing during the move. It was her late husband’s picture that she kept on the mantle-piece in the living room, and I told her not to worry and it will show up sooner or later; but then she said that it was a futile gesture and why had she kept it, but I grasped her shoulders and told her never to give up hope. She wiped her eyes a bit as we walked into the living room, and her kids had just finished with their things and were coming downstairs; and they knew this was the last time being together for a while and came over, hugging my legs as I stroked their hair. They said they would miss me a lot, and please come visit many times; and they both agreed that I would be the best daddy they ever had, and tears came to my eyes at the sentiment. I bent to kiss their heads, telling them that I’d be back real soon; and don’t drive their mother crazy, and they laughingly agreed. I rose after giving each a final kiss, giving their mother one for good measure; and I was escorted to the door with many a good-bye, where I saw Peter chatting with Damian in broken attempts at Saurian. As I got into their midst I greeted them and commented on Peter’s speech, saying he had to work on it a bit more and saying that Damian was a good teacher; and then we turned to wave at the Forsythes one last time before setting out back home, the late afternoon sun making our faces ruddy in it’s light. Nellie was there to greet us as we passed the house on the way to the barn, and followed us there waiting as we un-tethered Damian and tended to him for a while; but when I saw his worried face I came over, asking him what was the matter. He said he did a bad thing playing with Gavin, saying they were running around outside and he knocked him over; and though Gavin didn’t cry or say anything about it, Nellie was sure he hurt him. I told him that was because he was getting so big, and Gavin’s kind usually don’t grow so big; and the big ones should watch out for their smaller friends, but he said that he was still upset. I simply told him that it was time he made bigger friends, ones that can take that kind of roughhousing; and perhaps find places where big ones can live, and he told me that this was what he wanted to ask. He said he knew he was getting big, for even if he tiptoes around the house he shakes the floors and tinkles the nick-nacks; and he said he didn’t want to break anything because I said I wanted to save the Fergusson’s things, so he asked if he could stay out in the barn from now on. I smiled because this was what I wanted to talk to him about but didn’t have the time, and it was a good thing Nellie was observant enough to see he would soon cause trouble for his size; so I told him of course he could stay in the barn, and I was going to talk to him about this eventually. I rose after hugging him and led him to the barn, showing him all the stalls and the fact that most were empty, and he could choose any one of them he wanted; but looking around he looked into Slag’s stall, then over to Flatbottom’s stall as well as Thoth’s in the center. He had me open the stall just to the right of Flatbottoms and said this was the one after a brief inspection, saying that uncle flat bottom can be his neighbor; and I told him that uncle Slag has things to tell him too, but Nellie said that he scared him once at the water hole. As Peter was finishing up with Damian, Nellie and I returned to them; and Peter and I returned to the house after bedding Nellie down for the night as well. By mid-morning my two delivery teams returned, tired and hungry so I didn’t relate to them what happened just yet; though they noticed Nellie in the barn, and Randy noticed the absence of Anna and her kids. By the end of the day I had told them all of this, and the fact that Peter and Damian were ready to leave as soon as they received orders; and Sam Fossey said it was a shame to see them go, Ricky saying it was a pleasure having them. The next day I take Flatbottom to Spicer to pick up some cotton and take it to Waterfall City to the linen district and back, and Sam got another Irenic to Raptor Flats run; and a few days later we get other runs to and from various places; and within a week peter informed me that he got a Postal Bird message while we were away, saying to report to the Baz guard post and await orders coming shortly, and this was when I knew it was a parting of the ways with us. Peter began packing his meager belongings, trading the street clothes he had acquired while he was here for his uniform that he just finished polishing anything that would shine on it; then went out to saddle up Damian and getting his other Guard utilities ready, steed growing giddy with the nervousness of getting back to the career he loved. Before he was about to go I stopped him in front of the house, patting Damian and whispering in saurian good bye; and then I shook Peter’s hand wishing him good luck, giving him a brotherly hug for good measure. He was about to mount up when he had a second thought, and pulled something out of his saddle bag; and it was the picture of Jake Forsythe, explaining he wanted to memorize the face in case he saw him. I said it was kind of him to help like that, and he said that now he had a little mystery to figure out; saying he’d do it if Guard life got too boring, and we both got a chuckle out of that! Just then I remembered something and ran for the house, telling him to wait there a second as I left; I set Jake’s picture on the first table in the foyer and rushed up to the library and chose a book, one concerning the translation of the English language to saurian and back again. It was one that Gavin was studying in beginner’s class, but he had already mastered it; and rushed back down stairs after flipping through it quickly, slowing to a walk as I went through the front door. I walked up to Peter and presented him the book, telling him it would be a help in talking with his Partner; and he nodded as he flipped through it, saying it would help out indeed! At length he said he had to go, so he mounted Damian and adjusted the stirrups and bridle; turning around in the saddle to smile at me and saying farewell, so I gave them both a Dinotopian salute and said the Dinotopian greeting ‘Breathe deep, seek peace!’, and officer peter Smith rode out of the front yard and down Rosepetal lane… ----------------------------------------------------
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Post by thundertail on May 8, 2011 19:22:36 GMT -5
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TWENTY-FOUR:
“HARD LABOR BRINGS SOLITARY CONFINEMENT!”
---------------------------------------------------- It didn’t take long after that for me to remember that I had a tremendous bill to pay at Amberclimbe, and that meant that we all had to work hard to pay it up or I would lose the farmstead that was willed to me; and along with that the Akin-Bak shipping company as well as all my friends here, and that would ruin me completely! I immediately went out in search for more cart pullers and drivers, and asked far and wide if there were any spare carts I could buy or rent; for to pay that loan on time as well as pay for the added expense of paying all these new employees, I would have to take larger and larger runs and even ship in convoys if I was to make quota. I had Zoie and Gavin make up as many new flyers as they could, this time adding that help was needed; and that all applications would be seriously considered, no matter what the skill level of the applicant. While all this is going on we receive only a scant increase in the requests for deliveries, but at least the businesses around town are helping out by asking their goods only be delivered by us; and they also were sending their recommendations at the speed and handling of goods to their contemporaries in other towns, and I really appreciated their good word! I plotted out routes my drivers were to take, through rumored shortcuts hopefully to save time and thusly be able to make more runs; and sent Postal Bird after Postal Bird to all the towns to the east of the Obnubian Mountains to drum up more business, and while I waited on all this as well as dispatching the carts I currently had, I had very little time to pursue my other interests around town. One of my many commitments included my tenure at the Baz hatchery, a thing I had totally ignored for weeks now; but had to go there to explain myself, and hopefully Healer Squibb would not completely ban me from the place! I went there atop Nellie, who by this time was of perfect riding height for me; and even though no saddle would fit his widening girth, a thick blanket sufficed for the little tyke. He thought it was fun giving his foster papa a ride into town, and performed the task with an air of importance only children can muster; and as we arrived at the hatchery entrance, I told him to wait there a few moments while I take care of things inside. I had brought along the picture that Peter had borrowed of Jake Forsythe, and wrapped it in plain paper so it wouldn’t get damaged along the way in hopes of giving it to Anna if I saw her there (I had forgotten to visit her for all these weeks as well, and I hoped she wasn’t mad at me!); but the first person I saw there was Healer Squibb, who welcomed me back from the dead and offered me a shift at the hatchery today. I begged off, saying that I had to be absent from the hatchery to pursue my shipping business; explaining that I had to work hard to pay off a colossal debt, but he told me that Anna had already explained this to him. He said that it would be all right if I take time off, for he knew it was more important to tend to an immediate emergency than that of a lengthy commitment; and commended me for helping miss Forsythe out this way, and wished me luck in getting the debt paid on time as he left the area. Finally after many moments of searching, I found Anna in the hatchling play area supervising their play; and I snuck up on her as she rolled a ball to startle her, saying it was just me! She rose and kissed me lightly, asking where I’ve been; so I told her I had been busy at the shipping company all this time, and had just now had enough time to break away. After I heard how she was doing, I presented her the picture; explaining as she opened it that officer Smith had it, telling me he wanted to memorize the face so he could remember him if he saw him. Anna asked that even Peter was going to help, and I told her it would give him a little mystery to figure out while he was in the guard; and that might just be what he needed to stay interested enough in the guard to stick with it, but Anna commented it was nice of him to help out. At length I told her I had to go, and rushed out of the hatchery to the waiting form of Nellie; whom I patted his nose horn before getting back on his back, and we went back home as fast as he would amble. Over the course of the next few days Postal Birds kept on coming, sending great news from all over the Northern Plains; and it was obvious that the fame of the Akin-Bak shipping company was beginning to travel far and wide, and they wanted OUR services to ship their goods from there to where they wanted it to go! We started to get orders from Treetown, Bent Root, Skirlton, Snickerton, Gumley, Goombadel, Durnsmoor and Azonthas; asking to ship goods from Pooktok, Mollusk Town, Volcaneum, Neptidium, Gammawamma, Burbleville, Jamborine, Sauropolis and Waterfall City. The only problem was we could only take a few of their orders at this time, for we only had two teams of carts at the moment; but all of that would soon change as many applicants for jobs began to roll in, and things really began to escalate after that! At the end of the hiring process I had a total of five teams at my disposal, and along with me and Ricky with Flatbottom and Sam Fossey with Slag; we hired Boris the Ovaraptor with his friend Willie the Ankylosaur, a guy named Ferris Maltise and his friend Petunia the Miasaur, a lady of Aboriginal descent named Crystal Magimbo with her Styraccosaur friend Rivers and only Boris and Willy had their own cart and I had to rent two more to pull this off. With all this help the profits started rolling in, and before the end of the forth month of my contract with my loan; I had more than enough to pay it back, and nearing the last weeks of the six month time limit I was so rich I began to profit-share with everyone in the company - this was a fact that everyone could not be happier with! I told them that they were doing so well that there was no problem me keeping them on, and they could stay for as long as they wanted; that was if they wanted to leave or any other situation that warranted them leaving. Pretty soon I decide to take a trip to Amberclimbe, loan contract packed away in a bag on Flatbottom’s cart; and made it there with at least a fortnight to spare, another clerk that saw me said! Coming back from there I stop at the hatchery and tell Anna the good news, that my debt to them is over and she did not have to pay me back if she didn’t want to; but she asked if I was daffy, and of course I would get it back sooner or later (I simply told her to take all the time she wanted, forever if she wished!). Back home I see if there are any more runs to make, and found out that there were plenty to do; so I take Flatbottom since he was already rigged up (The poor Triceratops complaining that he couldn’t get a rest first, so I paused to at least give the creature some fodder!), and told Ricky he was in charge of the shipping company until I got back. The run I went on involved a trip to Bent Root to pick up materials to make nets, then we were to go to Azonthas to drop that load off; then wait for a few days until they were made into nets, and then take those nets and go to Irenic where they were needed. I was allowed to pick up any other type of cargo along the way, and sported many kinds of trinkets and small goods for trade with to acquire other, more valuable things to trade at our next stops. So onward we went, and made good time getting to Bent Root; trading several sacks of grain and baskets of fruit for things washed up on shore like driftwood, a set of silverware, plates and cups made of plastic and a case of canned peaches (No can opener, so I wondered how they’d open them!) at Hookwood. I traded that stuff for window glass and wine goblets at Bent Root before going for the net-making material (Rope lengths of various widths to be tied together to make nets.), then after a rest we headed north to Azonthas. There I knew I had to wait a while until the nets were made from that material, so I got a room for myself next to some stables for Flatbottom; and went to look around town with Flatbottom on my heels, he pausing every now and then as he thought he saw a saurian that he knew. The harbor side town also sported shipping companies of their own, and many had heard of the Akin-Bak shipping company and didn’t appreciate the competition in their town; but I explained to some that gave me trouble about it that it was only business that I was here, and no hard feelings if I just so happened to have a run that passed through their town. But even with the flak I got from them the town was beautiful, like Baz and Waterfall City in stature with it’s mostly stonework architecture; and many of the people had the air of being the seaworthy type, even the overland travelers that passed through the town! Two days later I got a message that the nets were completed, and went to the rigging shop to pick them up; and they were folded into bundles that slid easily into the cart by trained haulers and lashed down tight, and these persons even made room for the small amount of trade goods and provisions I had acquired while in Azonthas as well! Our next and final stop from Azonthas was the shipping town of Irenic, and with my penchant for taking the shortest route possible; I took a route from there as close to the coast as I could plot, taking a route overland to Gnomon and then to Widdershins. If at the time I had remembered the advice that Simon from the Explorer’s guild about the dangers of Windy Point, I probably would not have taken that particular route that particular day; for there were people down that road that wanted what I had, and this desire would forever change my destiny at happiness on Dinotopia for quite a long time to come! Flatbottom and I were traveling down the road several miles out from Azonthas and perhaps twenty miles away from Gnomon, traveling amid thick forest when we saw something up ahead, a cart of sorts that was all weather worn and disheveled with one wheel lying on the ground and the bed askew; and a lone human of indiscriminate lineage dressed practically in rags was there fidgeting with the axle underneath, so I called to this person if he needed any help as we pulled up along side and stopped. The man, scraggly beard and tussled hair looked up and smiled through rotted teeth that he had a little accident and his Scaly (I heard some strange nicknames of dinosaurs, and thought nothing of it when I heard it - even though from Dinotopia movies I had watched in the Outside World, I should have seen what was coming from that!) had run off; and asked if I could have a look at this, so I jumped off our cart and went to his to look. Flatbottom grumbled nervously a few moments later, and I rose to look about; and saw what must have been fifty other equally clad humans converging on us from all directions in the woods, road ahead as well as behind! By the time I had looked around and ducked under the slightly damaged cart, the man that was there was gone; and I saw him amid the other men, grabbing the sword another man was holding for him! I rose and asked if I could help THEM, and most of the group chortled while the rest groaned menacingly and with glee; then six of them jumped up on my cart and began pawing through all the cargo, but I was grabbed by two I didn’t see as I tried to rush over to stop them! At knife-point I was dragged back, the one with the knife telling me to let them have their fun; and I yelled my inquiry of what was going on here, and got more laughs and cat-calls as a reply. As the rest converged on the cart, I struggled against the ones holding me back; and more rushed over to propel me back, slamming me against a tree at the side of the road with swords and knives pointing at me, and when I struggled further they slammed me against the tree all the harder! They were all over my cart by now, and Flatbottom was bellowing in distress; so I yelled to Flatbottom to make a run for it (“Don’t just stand there, you fool!… RUN!!!…”), and many hands went to my mouth to squelch my shout! It was then that Flatbottom went absolutely berserk, bellowing at the top of his lungs and thrashing and kicking; which broke the yoke and smashed the front end of the cart, then he turned around and gored the ones trying to hold him back. Flatbottom ran up through the ones surrounding his frontal escape and barreled the disheveled cart off the side of the road, bellowing in fear and distress as he took off at full speed; and as he tried to look back he veered off the road for his one eye, quickly righting himself as he sped off down the road. I knew this was the time to try my escape in the confusion, so I ducked under the ones holding me and my Kung-Fu skills came into play; chopping one in the windpipe and kicking several more to the ground; and as they came at me with their weapons I blocked their thrusts and kicked many weapons from their hands, and I heard many broken wrists pop as their swords went flying. I was soon surrounded, but none could get close to me with my many lightning moves and quick reflexes; but I was only one and they were many, so a dozen rushed me and I had to leap straight up to land on top of the mass of humanity on the ground where I was, stomping those as I whirled about in defense of even more of them. Most of the ones I had engaged had recovered by now and joined their comrades; and I was soon overpowered once again, this time nearly all fifty of them concentrating on me rather than the cart. I was slammed against another tree this time, and this time held there several feet off the ground; and I was helpless for the many hands holding me there, and as I looked at them all in seething exhaustion their leader came bounding right up to me. He was rather skinny and short of posture, but sported on his head a nineteenth century naval commodore’s hat emblazoned with a skull and crossbones at the brim; and his clean-shaven boyish face counteracted the evil glint in his blue eyes, and he stared at me with those eyes that had turned into mirth. First he said his name was Jacques DeCirqua, and that I was a bonny fighter; but I would have to do better than that to best his bunch, then he told the rest to take everything in my cart. I yelled for them to wait a minute, then began screaming that I would kill each and every one of them; and to mark my words because I will do it, and they all just laughed at this while one dark skinned man asked what they were going to do about me. Jacques told the man that he could have me, and take him along; and that they could use a few good laughs. I struggled some more at the hands that held me, and they took me down from the tree as my legs fought to run as soon as they touched ground; then I suddenly went to my knees, not from the struggle but from something blunt and heavy striking the back of my head. Bodies and hands took me as my mind found it’s way down to the deepest levels of my consciousness, and I knew no more for quite an unknown amount of time… ----------------------------------------------------
Hello, Is there anybody in there, Just nod if you can hear me Is there anyone at home?…Come on now, I hear you're feeling down, I can ease your pain And get you on your feet again Relax, I'll need some information first Just the basic facts Can you show me where it hurts
There is no pain, you are receding A distant ship smoke on the horizon You are only coming through in waves Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying When I was a child I had a fever My hands felt just like two balloons Now I've got that feeling once again I can't explain, you would not understand This is not how I am I have become comfortably numb
O.K., Just a little pin prick There'll be no more pain, But you may feel a little sick Can you stand up? I do believe it's working, good That'll keep you going through the show Come on it's time to go.
There is no pain you are receding A distant ship smoke on the horizon You are only coming through in waves Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying When I was a child I caught a fleeting glimpse Out of the corner of my eye I turned to look but it was gone I cannot put my finger on it now The child is grown, The dream is gone And I have become Comfortably numb ~ Pink Floyd: ‘Comfortably Numb’ ~ ---------------------------------------------------- I became awake after an unknown time being out, on a stone surface in extremely dim light; so I can’t really see where I was, but all I know is the smell - the place reeked! As my eyes adjusted to the dimness, I saw that I am in a small stone room with only one window sporting iron bars high up on a far wall; and there was an ironclad oaken door set in the wall opposite, but otherwise the place had absolutely nothing in it. I tried to get up from my prone position in the center of the room, but I must have been beaten severely and tossed about like a rag-doll while getting here (Where ever ‘here’ was!); and my every attempt I made was met with bone-crunching pain, so I took a rest and vowed to myself to take it slower at my next attempt. I struggled around to a crawling position, then I slowly made my way to the nearest wall; gingerly using it to gain a sitting position and finally struggled to my knees, using the same method to reach a standing position and succeeding on my seventh attempt. After a rest from the pain I sidled the wall until I made it around to the door, seeing the iron hinges and heavy lock with no handle; and there was a hatch set into the door at eye level that could be opened to spy on a prisoner (Me.), and that was when my rattled brain realized that I was in a dungeon somewhere. As I stood there shaking in pain with my head hung low, I began to remember what happened to me that brought me to such a dismal place; and all those awful men that overwhelmed me - and were probably right outside the door listening for any signs of life from me! Who ever those bozos were, I was determined to let them know I was definitely alive; so I pounded on the door with all my strength (Which wasn’t much for my condition.), and did this for many moments until I heard one of them yelling through it - then heard a bolt being drawn from the other side. I continued to pound as the hatch opened abruptly and dark eyes looked in on me, their owner demanding what I wanted; I yelled back to let me out of here in no kind words, or I would kick his butt into next week! His reply was ‘you and what army’ as another bolt was worked and the door was shoved open right in my face, sending me sprawling into the center of the cell; and the bearded man with dark skin laughed as he came in and kicked me in the ribs, making my injured stomach growl involuntarily. That was when I knew I was hungry, but didn’t let on; but he heard the growl and stated I must be hungry; then kicked me again and went to the door, saying he would get me food as he left. It took me twenty minutes for my injured diaphragm to recover, but by the time I was able to stand up again my dark eyed jailor returned; ordering me away from the door as he reached in and placed a large bowl of something on the floor; quickly retreating and locking the door, but there was something about him that I couldn’t quite place, and I wondered what it was as I slowly walked over to pick up the bowl. I think it was fish chowder of a sort, but whatever this evil smelling poultice was it was disgusting to eat; and though I was so hungry that I could eat anything, it was awfully difficult to eat it with a fish eye staring back up at me from the bottom of the bowl! I managed to gag the rest of it down, and then smashed the stoneware bowl against the door; which brought those dark eyes looking ion from the door hatch again, warning me to behave myself or he would make me lose what I just ate. It was then that I asked if I had seen him before, but he just said he was never there; slamming the hatch shut and working the bolt, as I just leaned there trying to recover and improving slightly. As the hours passed I recovered all the more, and the weak gruel the dark skinned man served next help fuel that recovery; so much that I began thinking a little more clearly near what I assumed was evening, this being guessed by the lack of light coming in from the barred window high above. This window was so High up on the wall that I would not be able to even reach it if I was in the peak of health, and the walls were tightly mortared so I had no chance to climb up there; and the slime that grew in places would defeat even the best climbers anyway, so I just leaned there contemplating the hopelessness of my situation. The one thing that kept on nagging my thoughts was who my jailor was; for he was the only one of African descent he had the chance to see here, and it would be uncanny if this man was the one he knew. I took my chance in asking him at the next feeding (More of that disgusting fish-eye poultice!), and inquired if his name was Jake; and the only reaction he gave was a sidelong glance and a look down before he left. His next visit he informed me that he was to keep me alive so the boss could see me; and to shut up about the Jake business, for he had no friends calling him that. I stated that his name was Jake after all then, but he told me to shut up again; threatening to clobber me if I didn’t, but told him we had a mutual friend in Baz as he left. I nodded off for some time, but heard the door bolt being worked once again in the middle of the night and feigned sleep to see who it was; and my jailor stood there as he woke me with a toe, saying that the whole place was asleep. He then admitted his name was Jake, and asked who I knew that he knew; so I told him that I met his wife, Anna Forsythe at the hatchery there. I said that I saw a picture of him at her house, and she told me all about him; a bit of news he pondered for a moment, telling me to never speak his name or mention this to anyone - and they would kill him if I did! I was going to tell him more, but at a barely heard noise from outside he slugged me; getting up and heading for the door, saying that any more of my backtalk and he would break my nose! Several more days passed by I guessed, and Jake came in several times to feed me, more times than not he was helped by this or that scruffy looking malcontent; so there was no time to speak more casually, but his violent acting was getting on my nerves somewhat! But I suppose he had to do what he had to do to keep his true feelings a secret from his cohorts, even though he was using my body as a demonstration device; and I kept up my side of things as well, but even I couldn’t tell what part was acting and what part was real! Soon their leader could not wait any longer, and I was forcibly taken from my cell in the dungeon and up through the huge building I was in (I assumed it was a castle for the uniform drabness of the stone architecture.); and quick-walked right up to the main chambers, where their leader Jacques DeCirqua sat at a banquet table waiting for me. He told his men to release me, then offered me a seat at his table right next to him; snapping his fingers when I hesitated too long, and two of the ruffians thrust me down into the chair. He then said that food at the brig was not fit for man nor beast, and to help myself to the sumptuous banquet set before me and about a dozen of his ‘best’ men; but I just looked around at it, not quite willing to trust his supposed kindness. DiCirqua assured me that the food was delicious and not poisonous, demonstrating by taking a bite from the leg of some unknown cooked meat and washing it down with what was in his silver goblet that I assumed was wine. Slowly at first I sampled what was set before me, but then hunger took over and I began to bolt plate after plate of fare; and I eventually slowed down long enough to breathe, only to see Jacques watching me and smiling like a victorious chess player. After I washed down my meal with what was in my crystal goblet (It was only berry juice, I found out.), the leader of the pirates stated that this was better than being in the brig; and told me that it could be this way all the time, so I asked him what he meant. He said that I fight well, and he could use men like me to take care of things around here; and that he had a little preposition to offer me, so I asked him what that was. He said that he had been losing a lot of men lately, and laughingly assumed I knew how his men usually act; and the fact that they do get a little careless, and they often times get themselves killed. He said that if I stayed on and trained them how to fight the way I fight, then I would not be spending the night in his brig again; and urged me to answer well his proposal, or he may have to order his men to kill me! Instead of answering him right away, I took a knife and began to carve a slice of the cooked creature before me (I think it was a portion of Ankylosaur meat.); placing it on my plate and sliced a bite for myself, and then answered him after I finished chewing. I told him that if I did join them, my first priority would not be to train his so-called men to fight; for my first priority would be to kill him in the most gruesome way possible, then take over this foolish band of misfits! With this news Jacques DeCirqua stood and placed his hands on the table, suggesting sweetly that I rephrase my answer; but to his surprise I clamped my hand over one of his and drew the carving knife, poising it to stab him. Instead of stabbing the hand I pinned, I jabbed all around it in quick succession; him squirming and screaming for help, but I only jabbed the table all the faster - and all the closer to his hand! I simultaneously let his hand go and drove the knife deep into the Ankylosaur roast in front of me, and Jacques yanked his hand away seething; viciously eyeing me and checking his hand for damage, then shouting that I be put back in the brig! Hands first overturned my seat sending me backwards at a lurch, then grabbed me by arms and legs as they propelled me out of the dining area; and they didn’t miss one wall or doorway on my way back down to the brig, heaving me onto the hard stone floor and slamming the door shut! My head finally rose many moments later, and shouting and yelling could still be heard outside my cell door; for DeCirqua had trailed his men down and sounded like he was angrily ordering them to set something up, and my fearful eavesdropping told me it would be some kind of torture device with me as it’s test subject! All too soon the shouting stopped, and footsteps told of people leaving the area; and silence was heard for nearly an hour until I heard the bolt to my cell being worked once more. I inched my way to the back of the cell as the door opened, but it was Jake standing there looking with pity at me; then said that I shouldn’t have angered the boss that way, for he was just about to have me killed. He said that he convinced him that he could turn me, and maybe another week or two in the dungeon would change my mind; I told him that it would take a lot more than that, but instead of any retort, he suddenly asked me how his children were. All of a sudden one of the goons walked in, and Jake went from day to night; slugging me in the gut and telling me to talk, and the goon chuckled and commented that Mutt sure likes his work! Once he was gone, Jake went to see if I was all right before saying sorry; then quickly asked his question again, looking back to see if the coast was clear. I relaxed a bit and told him that both of them were doing well, saying that Sally was just about out of beginner’s class; and Tom was just getting into Beginner’s class, and seems to have an interest in the piano! He smiled and nodded, saying they were both smart, but they were only babies when he last saw them; and asked how Anna was handling this, saying he was so sorry for being away. Fortunately nobody else came by, and all seemed quiet outside the cell; so I accepted the water he offered to clear the blood from my mouth. I said she is a strong and determined woman, and I admire her for all that she can do alone like that; but she is only so strong, and taking care of the kids and holding down a job as well as keeping a household is a big job for anybody. He then said that when he first got here he tried everything he could to get away, but they are too strong and there are too many of them; but he said he didn’t want to get killed, so he decided to join them. He said that anything was better than being dead, even though it meant living with them; and he admitted he was beginning to forget why he was doing this until I showed up, saying that now this changes everything. I asked him what he meant, and he told me that now he can escape; both him and me together, and that with his inside knowledge and my fighting skill it can finally be done! I asked if he was crazy, and said that there was too many of them even for me; but he shook his head and said he had been here too long as it was, and frankly he was growing to actually enjoy this kind of life. He said he better get out of here soon or he would never be able to leave, and I said that I don’t particularly like it here either; but it would take a lot to slip past all of them, but he told me not to worry as he had been preparing a plan. All I had to do was lay low and wait!… ---------------------------------------------------
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Post by thundertail on May 14, 2011 4:52:09 GMT -5
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TWENTY-FIVE:
“GETTING AWAY FROM THE COMPANY OF LAND PIRATES.”
---------------------------------------------------- The next few days in the dungeon at the castle currently occupied by a band of land pirates headed by one named Jacques DeCirqua was like Hades on earth, and the many groups of the man’s cronies that visited me day and night were like demons; for they beat me mercilessly and taunted me and all I knew, making my jailor Jake Forsythe (Aka.: ‘Mutt’.) work over-time trying to keep me alive and recovered enough to endure the next session. On and on the torture went on, from beating to the bullwhip to hanging from chains on the wall outside my cell for hours to anything else their pea-brains could think up; and as the time wore on I slowly felt my will to live being sapped, wishing that they would hurry up and kill me already. At Jake’s suggestion to his boss, the ruffians ceased to visit for two days; and as I recovered slightly Jake asked me why I let myself go through all of this torture, and that perhaps if I agree to train the others, it would go well in the completion of his plans to escape. At this time my concussed brain figured anything was better than this pain, and I told him I would agree; and Jake said he would tell his boss, and for me to just watch for his signals after that. I asked him what exactly he had planned, but he told me to never mind; and that the less I knew, the less they could torture out of me if they got wind of it! Hours later I was forcibly summoned to the table of Jacques DeCirqua, and after well needed refreshment I tell him that his men had convinced me to train them how to fight; and he gleefully congratulated me on making the only wise decision possible, but saying that I could not start right away seeing my battered condition, and told me that first I must regain my health. I was picked up by two goons and taken upstairs, and given a regular room in the castle; then given the best food they had, which was slightly better than what Jake served down in the dungeon. After a night’s sleep their leader visited me, and told to rest as much as I could; me saying to him that I thoroughly enjoyed the first real bed I had for a while, and surely beat the cold stone floor in the dungeon deep below! He chuckled and told me that all this could be mine permanently if I train his dopes how to fight; and maybe they could survive bigger and more dangerous raids he was planning. I was treated to some of their nightly carousing and awful music, and introduced to some of their female ‘guests’ probably Shanghaied from neighboring towns; which in reality were nothing but cheap bimbos with no class at all, sporting scraggly hair and scragglier garb, and smelled far worse than their male counterparts! The royal treatment went on for many days, and I began to try and make friends with the less dangerous ones; but the violent ones ruled the lesser ones, and they received their bruises for trying to act nice. As they say, good things do not last forever; and Jacques began to suspect I am fit enough to train his men how to fight, and sends some goons up to drag me out into the central courtyard of the castle. There the ruffians hold me, and presently some hundred of them meander out from various portals leading to other parts of the castle; and they congregate and shout and carouse in various knots all around the courtyard. Jacques DeCirqua finally comes sauntering out, and the ones holding me go join the rest of the pirates; their boss coming up to me and asked what I thought of his army, and I comment that I really had my work cut out for me! Without warning he shouts to gain everyone’s attention, then goes to them to prod some to stand straight and shut up; many of them complying, but only by shouts and gestures of the ones around them. When at last he had their complete attention, Jacques ordered them to stand in straight lines; this resulted in pushing stints as some didn’t want to stand next to others they hated, and Jacque DeCirqua had to go into the ranks and swat them to behave! At long last the pirates all gain a semblance of silence, and their leader paces up and down their ranks; telling them why he had them gather like this, that today was the day they were all going to be trained. After this and he needing to explain things to the least intelligent ones (Which were most of them, by the look!), he comes over to my side and introduces me (I had told him my name.); of which they yell and cat-call me a bit until Jacques stares them to silence, then he told them that I would be their new trainer. They act up again, saying many things like ‘who will train who!’, and many other things that are unprintable; but DeCirqua shouts them to silence, telling them they WILL be trained by me whether they liked it or not! The leader of the pirates drew me in front of him, making me face the group of a hundred or more persons (Though they were so ugly I felt looking at them a dreadful task indeed!); and told me to begin, me clearing my throat before speaking to them. As I paced up and down the lines after introducing myself, I begin by telling them all that I would teach them; one of those things being how to defend oneself in a fight, and the next being how to defeat an opponent without attacking. After more grumbling, many stated that they believed that to attack was better; that it gets the job done quick and cleanly, so I just smiled as I paced and told them different. I told them that attacks can be made vulnerable by my method of self defense, saying that to win out on an opponent using this method it makes the attacker’s attacks moot; to defeat his moves so much that id shows him the futility of attacking you, and then and only then one can give him an incapacitating blow! As I see many blank looks on their faces, I saw that most of that went right over their heads; I am forced to re-explain what I just said in the simplest of terms, but still they didn’t seem to get it! I shook my head and sighed, looking up and stating that I must therefore demonstrate what I meant, so I bark that they stand at attention once more. I then begin by asking them to turn to the person on their left, but most don’t know their left from right, and I have to direct some of the more stupid ones (‘Left… LEFT!… No!… Your other left!… Never mind, just pick someone no other is facing!…”, and many other words of instruction!); and I told them that this one will be your opponent, then look around for a man who didn’t have a sparring partner so I could have one to demonstrate on. I was half way through this, but before I can give other instruction; arguments ensue among them, one throws a punch and almost immediately a melee of shouts and punches breaks out! I try to shout above the din and either wasn’t loud enough, or they were too engrossed in the ensuing riot to listen; but I turned to Jacques DeCirque and rolled my eyes, and he just smiled innocently and shrugged. I sarcastically ask him where he dug up such a bunch of clowns, and he nonchalantly told me that it was hard to find good help these days; and I just sighed and walked around a moment, my sarcastic comment being ‘I guess!’. At length I asked him if there was something he could do about this, indicating the sea of humanity beating the dickens out of each other; so he walked calmly to a vestibule in a near by wall, where a rope hung that went up a shaft within the castle wall. As he repeatedly pulled the rope, a large bell rang out from a pulpit high up in a tower of the nearest castle turret; and this brings both order and their scrambling to their battle stations out of sheer repetition, and four of the higher ranking pirates of the bunch approach their leader for orders. Unknown to anybody in the castle at the time and especially me, Jake slipped away in the commotion; and went into the bowels of the castle to prepare things for the plans he had concocted, well away from prying eyes. Over the course of his capture and tenure with the pirates, he had acquired a large supply of the medicinal drug Arctus Listus; and scurried through the dark passageways under the castle where he squirreled it away, just for an occasion such as this. As many would know, Arctus Listus is a herbal drug used to render dinosaurs unconscious prior to surgery; and in larger amounts can make even humans extremely slow and groggy, an effect that he was hoping to impart on his fellow pirates when the chance arrived. Jake had used the riot as a diversion so he could slip away, and when he gathered all the drug he had, he went to the wine cellars; where they stored all the berry drink they were so fond of, and added it all to every barrel down there. Once done he began to bring several up to the courtyard, where the next step of his plan should soon take place; and one part of that plan was to find a way to tell me about it, but he had already thought about that! As his seconds ask him what it was they wanted to have his band of pirates do Jacques DeCirqua scowled at these four and told them to get the rest back out in the courtyard, and to get them back into the formation like before - and any nonsense like that and it would be on THEIR heads! Ten minutes later a semblance of order was regained once more, and DeCirqua walked among the ranks yelling at each and every one of them for being such oafs; then explained to them that I was only there to help them, and to please LISTEN to me (Well, there was no ’please’; but his thugs took a better stance than before as a result!). I then took over them, pleading for them to pay attention; telling them to concentrate on what I was telling them, to work with me here - and for fate’s sake FOCUS! When I got back around front, I sigh and tell them that I guess I had better start from the beginning; asking one of them to step out so I could demonstrate on him, and the largest ruffian I had ever saw came sauntering out to stand in front of me and leer! He looks to be almost seven feet tall, and built like a brick wall with muscles bulging; handlebar mustache smirking under a bald head, and he must have outweighed me by triple! I show no emotion as I turn to the rest, telling them that the size of your opponent does not matter with this form of self defense; then I ask the large one to throw a punch at me, and I simultaneously block it and crescent kicked him in the side of the ribs, making him collapse on the pavers wheezing for breath! I turn to the jeering and cat-calling pirates, telling them that they could do the same with practice; but their cheering turned to gasps, and I knew something was about to happen! I spin to see the large man had gotten p and was making a lunge for me, but before he made it close enough; I gave him another crescent kick right to the face, using his mustache as a target! He went back down again, only this time did not move; so I go over to confirm his pulse was OK, then turned and shrugged sheepishly. I regain my composure and ask if another one would want to try, but then turn to DeCirqua and ask if he wanted to show them; saying that there would be no full contact, just a demonstration of punches and how to block them. At last he agrees, more due to his men’s taunting than anything else; and he squared up as I told him to throw a punch in slow motion, so his men could actually see the technique. As he does, I slowly swing my arm up and outward; making light contact that deflects his punch away, and Jacques nods as he sees how it is done as he tried again with the left fist. I deflect it away just as easily, only up from another angle; and I ask that he throw another, and then another as his men whistle at how easy it seems. I ask Jacques DeCirque to try a little faster, and as his punches come in as fast as a second apart; I deflect them easily from every direction, and then after a few moments like this I ask him to stop a minute. I tell him to make a fist and show it to the pirates, saying that hitting with a fist was like hitting with a club; that though it was effective, it could do only so much damage. I made a fist by tightly folding my fingers so it would make a smaller point of impact, then told them that making a smaller fist was like hitting someone with a hatchet; explaining that a hatchet makes a greater wound to a smaller area, and thusly such a fist is more devastating. I then have the leader of the pirates make that kind of fist, then throw it out straight so the others could see; coaching him to concentrate his power at the far end of the swing, where his opponent would be. I said it would be more powerful if one telescoped their punching power beyond their opponent, and that power would be magnified; and I demonstrated this by throwing a punch directly at DeCirque, only two inches to the left of his head and a little beyond that! He ducked aside and asked why I did that for, so I told him that if his head was a few inches over; he would be lying several feet away, that punch was so powerful - so he considered it and finally nodded. By this time Jake ‘Mutt’ Forsythe was finished with his clandestine task, and placed one of the tainted barrels onto a wheelbarrow and wheeled it up and into the courtyard; wooden cups clattering along the ropes that he lashed the barrel to the wheelbarrow with, and the noise roused his leader to look in his direction. Jacques DeCirque derided ‘Mutt’ by asking what he was doing, and stating he was missing half the training; and to get back in line or he would tie him to the bell-rope, but Jake put the wheelbarrow down and explained himself. He said that pretty soon there would be hot and thirsty men about the place, and he thought it would be good to have refreshments after they were done; and his boss considered the proposal and nodded, saying that it was a good idea at that; and told him to go get more, but his training would be all the harder when he returned! ‘Mutt’ leaves and many of the ruffians break from their training to sample what was in the barrels, and soon many of the rest do likewise; and as I get my turn at the keg, Jake returns to see me pouring from the tap. He dropped the other wheelbarrow, grabbed his side and moaned loudly; collapsing to the ground in a heap, so I rush to him to see what was the matter. DeCirque tries to stop me, but I said I had some medical training; so he lets me examine the stricken man, and as I look him over Jake whispers that we should be alone. I ask loud so the rest can hear what he had been eating lately, and Jake tells me that it was the meat they had a few days ago; then my eyes brighten and say that it must be food poisoning, asking if there was any place where he could be laid down. DeCirque, another hoodlum and I carry the moaning man to an alcove where a few raggedy beds are placed, and Jake groans as we pile him onto one; and from there I prod and examine him some more, turning to say that it was food poisoning like I feared. I said he might die, but there is only one sure cure; a medicine derived from the Phicas plant or more commonly called the spider plant, and he needs it quick or his condition would become fatal (Of course all this was a lie to get rid of them for a while!). I tell them to hurry as I poke Jake in the side, making him yelp all the louder and spurring the leader of the pirates and one of his cronies into action; and off they trot to find a plant that I was pretty sure did not grow on the island, then turned to Jake and smirked! Jake smiled back and told me what was on his mind in a whisper, warning me not to drink from those barrels; for he had tainted them with Arctus Listus, and I knew enough about that drug to knowingly nod my head! Jake takes a sprig of briar vine out of his pocket which is loaded with thorns, then places it under his belt line hidden from view; then winked as he told me to prod some more when they return, then ‘discover’ that as I prod and expose that he was only faking sickness (I nod.). Nearly an hour passes before anybody returns, but when their leader and the other return; they tell me there is not a shoot of such plant around the entire castle, nor in the immediate surroundings. I sigh like it might mean the end to old ‘Mutt’, then examine him some more; then run my hand near his side as he gasps, then I pretend to see something out of place on his prone person. I pull out the sprig of briar, saying that I found something; then show the thorns to DeCirque and say he was only faking it, news of which he scowls at ‘Mutt’ disdainfully! With the help of the other thug, DeCirque pulled Jake up by the shirt and shoves him to the exit; telling him to get back to work, and any more funny stuff and he would be the jailor permanently! As Jake is led away by the other ruffian, Jacques and I return to the courtyard; but by this time the drink laced with the Arctus Listus had been taking it’s effect on nearly every ruffian out there; as many were laying down asleep or barely standing, some trying to spar with others - and some fell to the ground even if their opponent’s punches missed! DeCirque looked around disbelieving what he was seeing, then went to some of them to try to slap some life into them, calling them lazy and asking what in blazes is wrong with them. I told him to forget them, and let’s get back to the instruction; for if they didn’t want to learn how to fight, at least I could train him. Turning away from his errant men and sighing, he says that he may as well do that; and got into a stance not quite one akin to that of Kung-Fu, waving that I may proceed. Somehow I knew this was also part of Jake’s plan, so I got into my own stance which was more professional; then let Jacques make his first move, then I pulled out all the stops! I immediately blocked all of the punches he threw at me and counter with other moves of my own; seeing that some of the instruction I gave him was being put into play, telling him that he was a good learner in the process just to keep him overconfident. I then slip in several Dragon-style throws and maneuvers that staggers him back, landing him on the ground more often than not; but he got up and complained that I wasn’t fighting fair, getting a glint on his boyish face that it was probably appropriate to cheat at this point. I let him get up and advance, but only to meet a wheel kick that sends him back against an inner castle wall. Not to be outdone, Jacques produces a short knife, wielding it like I had seen commandos do to Germans in war movies; but my training covered disarming people with such weapons and I grabbed his wrist at his first lunge with it and squeezed the pressure point just below the wrist; as his grip loosened I wheeled his arm around and smashed both knife and wrist against a stone column, hearing a crack that was either his wrist cracking or the knife breaking - I knew not which! Staggering to the side and holding his wrist, he came at me again with the other hand; swinging at empty air as I easily dodged it, and as soon as we were in clear ground once again I began some incapacitating maneuvers. I gave two quick hatchet-punches to the nose, then swung him to the ground; ending his fighting with a blind crescent kick to the face, and he did not realize he was out cold as he prepared for another attack - slumping to the ground with a look of surprise on his face! I then went over to him and see that he was still alive but out cold, then quietly walked out to see that nearly all of the rest are about in the same condition; even though many are trying to get up but failing, then look around and find the gatehouse and the pulleys and gears that run the gate and drawbridge. In there I undo the catch to the giant spool of chain, and the drawbridge comes slamming down with a crash, then find the levered wheel and begin cranking up the main gate; and once that effort meant for two or more people is done, I quickly run out of the castle and down the road into the quickly thickening forest; not stopping for hill or rill or twist in the road, and you could bet that I never looked back! Nearly twenty minutes later Jacques DeCirque begins to come to, and crawls out to see his men still out cold or just recovering; then weakly ordered them after me, but their condition barely gave some of them reason to moan or move. Jake Forsythe had been waiting to give me enough of a head start, and had quickly packed a backpack of provisions and things; and when he heard his boss getting up and giving orders, he acted on Jacques; addled brain to make his own escape. After hearing the order he went to a weapon rack within the castle and ran out; telling his boss he would get me, then ran out of the castle hot on my heels. By this time I had run almost a mile, but the toll I took at the pirate’s hands was great and I slowly run out of steam; first slowing to a trot and then a walk and then falling to panting against a tree, and this was when I notice vague movement in the forest to my left and right and thought I had better get moving once again!… ----------------------------------------------------
Here I am, And within the reach of my hands She sounds asleep and she's sweeter now Than the wildest dream could have seen her And I Watch her slipping away Though I know I'll be hunting high and low High, There's no end to the lengths I'll go to Hunting high and low, High There's no end to lengths I'll go To find her again, Upon this my dreams are depending Through the dark, I sense the pounding of her heart Next to mine, She's the sweetest love I could find So I guess I'll be hunting high and low, High There's no end to the lengths I'll go to High and Low, High Do you know what it means to love you... I'm hunting high and low And now she's telling me she's got to, go away I'll always be hunting high and low Hungry for you, Watch me tearing myself to pieces Hunting high and low, High There's no end to the lengths I'll go to Oh, for you I'll be hunting high and low ~ Aha: “Hunting High And Low” ~ ---------------------------------------------------- I traveled down the road leading away from the pirate stronghold on foot, but the treatment I had received at the hands of those pirates had taken it’s toll on me; quickly draining my strength and stamina to a point that pretty soon I slow to a walk down the twisting, turning lane through the great morass of forest all around me. Every now and then I heard small noises coming from the woods, and every now and then I see vague movement in the foliage and underbrush just at the periphery of my vision; and my addled brain began to wonder if there were any carnivorous dinosaurs in these woods, ones that would think of me as a meal! I quicken my pace despite my exhaustion, and hear noises coming up directly behind me; sounding like someone was following me at a run, I knew it was the pirates coming after me en-masse to do away with me! I was too tired to fight and there was little cover save for the twists in the road, so I hid around the back of a fallen tree stump near the path; picking up a heavy stick to brain the first to come around the corner, readying my poise as the footsteps got closer and closer. Moments later the sound stopped, like who ever it was sensed that I was no longer moving; and I could sense the person creeping around the stump, cautiously stalking his prey - which was me! Just as soon as his shadow loomed around the stump, I swung my stick; but it was instantly blocked by a massive sword swing, nearly cleaving the stick in two! A second after that my mind finally registered who it was I nearly hit, for it was Jake Forsythe at the other end of that sword; whom blocked the blow out of sheer instinct, and not out of malevolence! He saw me and I saw him, and we both gave off a sigh of relief; me asking him what had kept him, and he replied by saying that I shouldn’t have run off without him as he sheathed his sword! Then he said that the Arctus Listus would not keep them down for long, and said we had better get moving; and I commented that they would be pretty ticked off after they wake up, and would no doubt come gunning for us (Jake was unfamiliar with the terms, but agreed wholeheartedly anyway.). He took off at a run, and I tried to run after him; but he looked back and saw my withering condition and came back, bracing me onto him so I could move a little faster. We made our way down the road and through the deep woods, up and down rills and around bends and boulders within the forest; and that was when we came to the first crossroads in the distance, evident by the fact that a saurian driven cart passed through the intersection amid all the trees a tenth of a mile ahead of us! This brought new strength to me and my legs, and we both trotted toward the slowly moving vehicle; and we turned left toward the cart as we crossed the intersection, slowly gaining on it until we were abreast of the wheels of the contrivance covered with canvas like a covered wagon of the Old West. I trotted beside the driver seat and asked the smaller saurian sitting there and wearing an Oriental sun hat if we could please have a ride to the nearest settlement; and the saurian told us that of course he gives rides to strangers, then took off his hat and added especially if one of them was his employer! Ricky smiled at me, eyes twinkling in the joy of finding me; and I exclaimed his name as he stopped the cart to let us on, shaking his hand as I got up with some of Jake’s help. First I introduced Ricky to Jake and visa-versa, then said that it was an extreme pleasure to find him after all that happened; then at a bellow from the front I praised Flatbottom for his quick thinking in getting Ricky to rescue me, adding that he would get a big reunion out of me at the next stop! After shaking Jake’s hand Ricky began telling us about what happened directly after I was captured, for Flatbottom ran and ran until he made it to the town of Widdershins; then got a Postal Bird to tell them at Baz what happened to me, requesting that a search party be organized and suggesting sending in the saurian Guard. Once Flatbottom finally got back home Ricky and Sam Fossey set out with Slag and Flatbottom to the general area where the attack took place, but Nellie and Gavin wanted to come along too; so they are out and about too, looking for me because they were so worried! I scolded Ricky for letting children out doing such dangerous work, but Ricky told me not to worry about them; for they indeed got the assistance of the saurian guard, and a whole squad of them are with Gavin and Nellie right now as they search, then he winked and told me they are way to the south of here and well away from any of those dislikable pirates! At noises coming from the forest on either side of the cart, Ricky told us that all of them got Saurian Guard escorts; and just then two riders riding their steeds stepped out to either side of Flatbottom, each steed prancing until they calmed down somewhat. It was only then did the first guard raise his helmet visor, and I saw that it was my brother Peter; but the other guard that raised her visor had blondish hair, and I did not recognize her. I turned to Peter and asked how he was doing, saw the Corporal’s insignia on his uniform and commented that he was getting up in the world; then introduced him to Jake Forsythe who merely waved, and Peter stated that two mysteries were solved for the price of one. I explained that Jake was with the pirates for years, and the only way to survive with them was to join them so to speak; and told officer Smith that he was waiting for someone to create a diversion so the plan he was cooking up could be put into play, and that he was just as glad to get away as I was. The female guard whose name was Wilma Ajax (Her steed was named Pollux.) said that if he was not with the pirates, then why was he carrying a sword; so I told Jake to hand them over his sword, and Jake gladly began to comply. Both my brother and Damian watched as Jake began to undo his weapon, Wilma grasping her spear haft as Pollux eyed the whole situation carefully; Ricky and I looking on as Jake Forsythe disarmed himself in a most cheery way. He took the scabbard from his belt and presented it to Peter with a flourish, then undid his vest and drew out a bandolier sheath that housed a giant Bowie knife which he handed over daintily; then raised a finger as if to halt us as he reached for his right boot to pull out an eight inch stiletto, me gasping and whistling at each piece and how well armed the guy truly was! Peter led Damian around the cart to where Wilma and Pollux was to transfer some of Jake’s weapons to her, then came back to my side of the cart; then told everyone that since I was found at last, that they should tell the others to break off the search. He then went to his saddle bag as Wilma did the same, and Ricky reached for a wicker basket on his side of the cart; and out hopped three pairs of Postal Birds, bowing and asking for instructions. Ricky went to his birds and told them to find Nellie, Gavin, Sam Fossey and Slag; to tell them we had found Timothy Smith, and to meet us all back home in Baz - and these birds nodded and flapped off through the forest. Peter snapped his fingers and the other four went to perch on Damian in different spots, my brother telling them to find the other saurian guards and tell them to break off the search; and those not directly engaging the pirates are to fall back to Baz for debriefing, and those that are currently engaging pirates should fall back to Baz at their soonest convenience. These birds also bowed and flew off to every point of the compass, then Peter informed me and Jake that he had a whole battalion of guards at his disposal; and there was better than two hundred guards patrolling these woods, and I smiled because now Peter was making himself a name on Dinotopia at long last! With a nod to Ricky, Peter began leading Damien down the road, the rest following in his wake in relative silence; for the stress of the past few weeks (Which was how long I was with the pirates, I was later told.) had taken a lot out of me, as well as with the rest of this group. All of a sudden Wilma turned and suggested that since Jake had been around them for so long, that maybe he could give information on what scheme they were going to try next; but Jake told her that they did not talk much about what they were going to do or where they were going to go to do it until the evening before they do it, and he didn’t hear about anything they were going to do in the immediate future, then apologized for that fact. I said that I heard Jacques DeCirque say that he was planning to do bigger things to pull off just as soon as I train his men how to fight, and Peter nodded as he knew of my Kung-Fu; and I smiled and told them that this was my diversion, to keep them occupied so Jake could set his scheme to escape in motion. Peter asked nervously if I taught them anything; for pirates with such skills would no doubt cause bigger trouble, but I said that training in Kung-Fu takes many years and I only tried to train them for a couple of hours (Saying they were pretty dumb, and most of it went over most of their heads!). I said the only one that seemed to begin to get the hang of some of the moves was DeCirque, and even with what I taught him he was no match for me; a thing that everyone in the group gave a sigh of relief, and then Wilma asked what Jake’s plan was all about. Jake told us that it took him many years to obtain enough Arctus Listus to do what he had planned, and a lot longer to find places within the castle to hide it all; for he was relatively new there too, and he was never completely trusted there. His plan was to lace all the berry concoction they so loved and stored in barrels in the wine cellar in the bowels of the castle with the drug, then have them all drink it, and soon they would be too groggy to prevent their escape. Peter heard this and smiled, stating that Jake had spiked their punch; and I chuckled and said that he did indeed, and all of them joined in the laughter even though none of them understood Peter’s Outside World term! I finally ask Ricky about this new cart, and what became of Flatbottom’s old cart; and he said they went back to the scene of the attack and found it smashed to bits and partially burned, and that the remains were dragged back home awaiting repair - of which I promised flat bottom I’d get on that project right away as the cart belonged to him! As the sun began to set Wilma Ajax suggested that we make camp for the night, and as we were almost out of the realm controlled by the pirates and being so well protected; nobody could disagree to a little rest-bit, and we all pitched in making our camp for the night. The fire was made and our steeds and pullers were fed and made more comfortable by the side of the road, and we all stretched our legs a bit as we waited for Ricky to rustle us up some food from the covered cart; and almost immediately I went to Flatbottom and gave his snout a gigantic hug as I thanked him for saving my life and getting all the help he got, but he just endured the hug and modestly said that we were even for now. As Jake Forsythe helped tend the fire, Peter pulled me out of the firelight and asked me a question I really had no answer for at the moment, for he asked me that now that Jake was found, what was to become of the relationship between me and Anna? I fell silent for many long minutes, for I loved her dearly and didn’t want to lose her; but after all Jake WAS her husband and I had no right to interfere with that institution, so I turned to my brother and softly said that I would do the right thing in any case - and that there was a slim chance she would choose me over him after all. Jake heard us talking as we came near, but not the content of our talk; so he turned and asked if he was in trouble from the law, as he was made to do a lot of terrible things with the pirates. Peter looked at me and I looked at Peter, then I told Jake that I didn’t think he was going to be tried for those things, and peter told him that there may be suspicion placed on him as he was indeed with them for a time, but Peter told him not to worry about it too much. Presently the meager meal was served, and general talk ensued around the campfire for the rest of the night until it was prudent to go to bed; me asking Peter as I slid into my bedroll about Wilma Ajax, and the fact that she just might be his soul mate here. He shrugged as he laid down beside me, saying nothing as Wilma coughed to get my attention; and at her scowl I had to apologize as she had overheard my rather brash comment, only turning over in her bedroll after I did so! The moon illuminated our campsite most of the night, and it’s light made for uneasy sleeping for us all; but in the morning we broke camp and resumed our journey to Baz, me giving Ricky a break from handling Flatbottom by taking over the reigns, and Jake taking over for me a few hours later. During the trip Jake asked me how I met Anna, and I knew I had to be honest with him in this; so I started from the beginning, not holding anything back. I began when I first came to Baz, being taken in by the kindness of the Fergussons and returning in kind by helping them out in their old age; but then as old people do, they passed away one by one and Anna was among those that assisted death proceedings both times. I said that things were grim for me until the day I found the Fergussons had willed their property to me, but still I sought help from my first housemates in the form of Ricky and his family; but then tragedy struck a neighbor in the form of a barn fire, and the convoy they were housing all perished - all but Flatbottom who was severely hurt. I told him that healers and I nursed him back to health after his rescue, and Anna helped out many times; but as I ran out of supplies I went to the hatchery where I officially met her, and I told him I did not know whether it was her or the charming hatchlings for the reason why I kept returning. I told Jake that I soon realized that I was falling in love with her, and there were hints soon after that that the feeling was mutual within her; for both of us grew excited anticipating each of my visits, and the others there suspected something was going on between us. It was a pure joy to meet his children, both being pure angels; and as they grew used to me they truly began to think of me as their father. Then I told him that quite recently the mayor had changed the building codes for the town, and through an inspection condemned their house; but I could not stand by and watch his family be kicked out of their home, so I arranged contractors to renovate the house and bring it up to code. I also told him that they could not stay while the renovations were under way, so I offered my hospitality and let them move in at my home until repairs were finished and the inspector deemed the house satisfactory; and I added that I had to make a loan to pay the bill, but fortunately business was brisk enough that bill was paid back a while ago. He asked if Anna paid me back yet, and I said that it was not necessary for we were friends and friends don’t ask to be paid back; but I stated that he knew her and she would not have it, and told me she would get the money back as soon as she could. I told him with a smile that she was a wonderful woman, and I would do anything for her; and that he was a very lucky man to have had her, and that I loved his kids as if they were my own. He scowled but remained silent as I said that quite frankly we did not really think he was alive, and that if he were truly dead he would have wanted her to move on in life; but to me now it is apparent he is NOT dead, and I would be a cad if I stood in their way. I told him that even though the decision was ultimately hers on which of us she wants, I would adhere to what ever her decision was; but I would also stress to her that she and him stay together if only for the sake of their children, for their children deserve to have their real father around in their childhood - not a substitute like me. Jake said that was a noble sentiment as far as he was concerned, and that it was HE that was a cad for being away for the past six or so years; but I told him not to worry about that, for he was being held against his will and it was not his fault. I smiled because we were beginning to travel in familiar territory, then said that we were going to stop at my place first; then indicated my filthy and torn cloths, saying we both should get freshened up before the big reunion. He looked at my cut and bruised face (Which extended to nearly every inch of my body, the pain suggested to me!), and said I had better get my wounds treated too; so I assured him that I had some healer training, and could treat my wounds myself. Pretty soon our caravan was traveling down Rosepetal lane, and Jake whistled at my mansion as well as my barn; but laughed at the name of my shipping company, for the ‘Akin-Bak’ shipping company was a strange name here indeed! I saw that Sam Fossey and Slag was here already, and when we asked them they said that they got word that Nellie, Gavin and their guards would be arriving shortly; saying that the youngsters needed frequent rest stops for their shorter lags, which they both hung onto their uncle Tim when they arrived less than an hour later. I gathered everyone around, even Natalie and the rest of my staff; and told them all they could tell anyone they wanted that I was back, but not to say that Jake Forsythe was among us. When asked I told them I wanted Anna to be surprised he was alive when we went over there, and if anybody found out they were sure to tell her and the surprise would be lost; so everyone reluctantly agreed, most wanting to divulge the secret anyway! In the house I changed my clothes after taking extra care to bathe myself, and Jake did the same; asking to borrow my shaving paraphernalia so he could shave off his bushy beard, and came out later resembling the picture on his mantelpiece back home. By the time we were ready Flatbottom was well rested, and I hitched him back up to the covered cart as I told him we were going to Anna’s place; and he warned me that soon it would be time for me to face the music, as there was no telling what Anna would say or do at the knowledge her mate was alive and returning home. I quietly agreed as Jake came out to inspect the cart; climbing into the seat and waiting for me to drive them there, and I gave him a forlorn look as I mounted the cart and flicked the reigns… ----------------------------------------------------
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Post by thundertail on May 17, 2011 18:28:49 GMT -5
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TWENTY-SIX:
“VOUCHSAFING THE REDEMPTION OF A PIRATE.”
---------------------------------------------------- The covered cart pulled by my friend Flatbottom contained no cargo, just two passengers who did not know what the outcome would be when they reached their destination; for not only did Jake Forsythe not know what to expect from his wife Anna when she found out that he was still alive and right in front of her, but neither did I. One thing we both secretly knew was it would be one special reunion indeed, for she hadn’t seen her husband for going on to six years; and I suspected she knew that I had been abducted by the pirates weeks ago, and no doubt she would have missed me terribly as well. As I looked on Jake’s face staring straight ahead all the way, I could not tell what was running through his thoughts as he swayed with the rhythm of the ruts in the road; but I knew there were both terrors and hopes racing through my mind, but I shook them away as I steered Flatbottom onto the road leading to Anna’s house. As the house came into view I asked Jake to stay in the cart for now, telling him that she would no doubt be expecting me for the news of my recent rescue; but she would not in a hundred years be expecting him, someone who had gone missing all these years and rumored to be dead! He agreed that the shock would be extremely great, and I told him I would break the news about him gently; then dismounted the cart as I unhitched Flatbottom (Telling my friend he could fend for himself for food and water as it might take a while, and that I’d tell him about it later!) and waved to Jake, placing a finger to my lips to tell him to be quiet for now. I walked further down the lane and up to the house, knocking on the door as soon as I climbed up onto the front porch; and than a moment later Anna opened the door, quickly putting on a face of pleasant surprise. She rushed out and grasped me in a kissing embrace, whispering that when she heard I had been captured by pirates she feared the worst; and then drew me away and asked me how I got away from them, and I backed away from her grasp and began to explain. I said I was careless and took a shortcut, and it so happened that the pirates were working the road I was on; and when I realized who they were I fought back with everything I had, and before I knew it they brained me and took me to their stronghold. Their jailor took care of me and at least made sure I was fed, but their leader made a deal with me about my fighting ability; either train them all how to fight like I do, or I would be beaten to death. Anna’s face took on a look of horror, and I told her about my jailor; a man who had been there for some time, and the only way he found to survive among them was to join them. He wanted to leave the pirates too, but he was too well watched to make his escape; and asked me to provide a diversion to help him - and ultimately me - escape, and that he was a man she knew well. Finally she could not stand the suspense any more, and I yelled to the cart asking Jake’s name; and he stepped off the cart and out into the space between it and the house, both he and she ran to each other as soon as each saw who the other was. I stood there on the porch and watched this touching reunion, both not letting go of each other as they kissed and mouthed how much they missed each other; and neither let up for quite a long time, and they had been apart so long that I wasn’t about to rush them any! They did this for what seemed to be an eternity, me waiting there until I was almost growing impatient; but soon they held onto each other catching their breaths for a moment, then smiled as they began to walk back toward me. Both Jake and Anna put on a knowing smile as they climbed the porch steps, he shaking my hand and she hugging my neck as they drew near; then she said to me that this was better by far then when I helped fix the house, and as Jake nodded she said all in a dither to please come in! We entered, Jake looking about for the first time in a while; and she requested we both take a seat in the living area, then she hurriedly announced she would make tea and scurried into the kitchen. Jake looked around from where he sat, looking and listening; then asked the air where his children were, and Anna heard him from the kitchen saying that they were at school today, and wouldn’t be back until later. Clattering in the kitchen resumed, then Jake stated that she really seems to like me; a comment of which I simply gave a positive nod, saying she seemed extraordinarily happy to see the both of us. I simply smiled as Anna returned, saying that the water would be boiled in a moment; then sat next to her husband real close - almost on top of him; giving him a smooch and noticing the changed look to his features, where the past six or so years took two decades from him. She stroked his face and kissed him again, saying that she just couldn’t believe he was back; then blurted out to both of us saying that she wanted to hear all about how he was captured, and everything that happened in between. Jake sighed and tried to put his memory into words, telling of the ambush and massacre; then of the terrible dungeon sentence and the subsequent beatings, and all those pirates whose demeanor betrayed any vestige of civilized living. He said that one day he could no longer withstand the torture, as the pain sapped his strength as it tortured his mind; and in order to survive here he had to give in and join in their escapades. He was grim when he told of the raids he participated in, stealing from caravans and villages and pillaging homesteads, the fires he created to those who opposed them and all the mayhem at his hands that happened. He said they stole from him, so he had to steal from them; and they fought with him, so he had to fight back. Joining them in every caper until he was accepted in their ranks, feeling their defeats as well as sharing their booty; and he shed a tear as he admitted that after all this time with them, he had actually grown to enjoy being with them. Jake Forsythe then said that it was the fact that I had come along, and said that I knew Anna did it remind him his true mission; which was to somehow get away from these awful people that destroyed his life, so he gotten my help so we both could escape. Anna’s teary face gently kissed her husband’s tortured expression, saying that it was all over now; and those men will never harm him again, then asked how it was that we escaped. Between the both of us we told the story, I telling of how I tried to train those idiotic pirates and he saying how he laced their drink with Arctus Listus; then me ending with how I beat their leader up and opened the gate and ran for my life, and he saying how he escaped and followed him. I told her that during my attack, I told Flatbottom to run; and he must have told those in my household as well as the saurian Guard, because there were hundreds of people out looking for me (And subsequently Jake.), and we were escorted the rest of the way home. I said we had returned yesterday, but wanted to get freshened up before this encounter; and Jake added that if my hospitality to him was anything like what I showed her, she chose well having me as a friend. Anna confirmed wholeheartedly that I was her friend, and admitted that she loved me dearly; but what I did for her just now made her love me all the more, for now her husband was brought back from the dead! She said that she had always loved Jake, and would forever; and I had been one of the best friends one could ever ask for, and over time we would have been married. She stood because the water in the kitchen was boiling, then turned to the both of us and stated that she thought it was time to make a decision about this; but did not continue her statement, instead she went to tend to our tea, leaving the both of to silently speculate on what that decision was. She returned with a cup, walked over and handed it to me; then she came back with two more, returning to her seat beside Jake and handing him one. Anna Forsythe blew on her cup and sipped, then asked us both if there were any further thoughts about our experiences; and though our faces told all, we figured to tell her all that our faces expressed. Jake started out, saying that he could not blame her for hating him for joining the pirates; and that one such as he does not deserve such a fine lady as her, for he was a cad for being away so long. He said he had made the family he created a laughing stock, and he made everyone he knew lose face; and he should have been here to tend to business around the house instead of gallivanting around with the pirates, and that the house would not have been condemned if he were around to keep it fixed up. He told Anna that she had found a good man in me, and would not blame her a bit if she chose me over him; and that he had acted like a fool, and she deserved better than he. He shamefully placed his cup down and looked away, but she took his other hand and told him that one can’t be blamed for doing what one had to do to stay alive; and they can’t be blamed for how long one had to be away, so no real harm was done as far as she was concerned. She looked at me and I told her what was on my mind, beginning by saying that when we first met I was really taken by her; but the events happening in my life at the time prevented me from doing anything about it, but as things progressed my fondness for her grew. I told her that I loved her dearly and thought of her children like they were my own, and as time went on I would have been her husband before too much more time elapsed. However, the circumstances that brought about bringing Jake home to her made me see the truth about us; for our romance and future happiness together was never meant to be, and I was a fool for thinking so. I said that she loved Jake very much, for she had to have as they no doubt met and meant enough to be married a long time ago; and their romance must have been very great, and the family they created showed their devotion to each other. I said that they no doubt loved each other very much even today, and I was sure that little Sally and little Tom would love him also; but I had just recently arrived to this island and this town, and only recently met Anna, and she is indeed a wonderful woman. But with all they had going for them in their lives, I could not possibly be able to compete with all they had; and even though I loved her dearly and my heart was breaking as I spoke it, I have no right to come between Jake and his family. I said that her children deserved to have their REAL father with them as they grow up, not a substitute like I would have been; and if she disliked Jake for what he had become; she should stay with him anyway, if not for her feelings at least for her children. I told her that I guess the relationship we had, as well as the relationship that we would have achieved, is over; and I wished them both a long and happy life together, placing my cup down on the side table beside me. Anna Forsythe smiled at me and rose to my side, drawing me to stand as well; then she told me that our friendship should not end just because Jake was here, alive and well. She said that if anything, our friendship has increased a hundred fold for what I did; but she did agree that Tom and Sally needed their real father, and no matter what he did it should never effect her love for him. He got up and joined us, and she told us both that from now on we would never be apart; a life long friend and her one and only love, and two better people a girl like her could ever have! As she kissed us both, Jake getting the more passionate one; she let us go and sat, us following suit as she sighed. Pretty soon our conversation turned to more casual subjects, and I asked Jake what he was going to do next now that he was here; and he replied that he assumed he no longer had his job from six years ago, and would probably go out in search of a new one. He chuckled and said he would have to hit the bricks pretty soon if he was going to pay me for fixing the house, and I told him he could take his time; but then I smacked my head and rose, suddenly saying that I left Flatbottom out there all by himself, and he might be worried as we had been in here all this time. I rose and let myself out, suggesting they should talk in private a bit as they no doubt have a lot to work out; and rushed out to where the empty cart was parked, finding my friend as he meandered onto the road up the way a bit. Still chewing, Flatbottom asked how everything went; and I told him that Jake and Anna would stay married together, which was bad for me, and told him that Anna and he still wanted me for a friend, which was good. My friend told me not to worry too much about this, for he saw the semi-sad look on my face; then he told me that I would find another potential mate before long, and related how his affair with the female three horn he met at the party had flopped, and said he guessed we were both unlucky in love! I scratched his eye horn and thanked him for the thought, and was about to hitch him back up and go home; but little Tom and Sally was seen coming skipping down the lane and toward home, then broke into a run when they saw their uncle Flatbottom and me there. They both leapt into my arms and said they missed me, asking if the mean pirates hurt me and all; for they knew I was away for a long time and heard about my capture, and I said they did but I put one over on them and got away! As their hugs and kisses ebbed somewhat, I pulled them away and smiled; then I told them there was another surprise waiting for them in the house, so I scooted them along as I rose and walked to the house in their running wake. Sally and Tom rushed up to the house and flung open the door, me rushing up behind them to close the door; and both yelled that they were home before looking around the living area, then paused in their tracks when they saw the large dark skinned man talking with their mommy. Both parents looked up from their conversation and Anna rose slowly, saying in a cheerful and cautious way to them that this was their daddy, who came back home after a long time away. As the shock wore off the faces of the little ones, recognition streaked on the face of Sally; and she ran around to leap beside her father, hugging and kissing the man who responded after only a second. Little Tom didn’t recognize his father at first, and kept on looking from Jake to the picture on the mantle piece many times before slowly coming over; gradually drawing up and slowly hugging the strange man, who eagerly reciprocated the hug as he punctuated it with kisses. Anna came over and joined in the group hug, but I hung back a bit; taking my previous seat at the other side of the room, smiling at the family reunion going on right before my eyes. I said to them all that their daddy was prisoner of the pirates too, and needed my help to get away; and that he had been there a long, long time, and was waiting for someone to help him. Jake told them both that they were just little kids the last time he saw them, and Tom was just a little baby back then; and the boy said that he didn’t remember him very good he was so little, but he remembered his smell as he hugged him. Sally said she remembered her daddy very well, and that he used to help her play with her dollies; a comment that made us adults chuckle a bit, and as the brunt of the reunion ebbed somewhat the children disengaged. Sally and Tom looked at each other and then at me, then came over to stand before me; Sally saying that this means that I won’t be their daddy, and as I drew them into a hug a tear hung from my eye. I stated within their embrace that I guess not, and told them that I wanted to be their dad soooo badly; but I told them that I guess that was never meant to be, a thing that brought tears to their eyes too. I slowly pulled them away looking like I just ad an idea, saying to them that if their mom and dad said it was OK; maybe I could be their uncle or something, and they looked at each other and smiled as they looked toward their parents. Jake smiled and told me that for all I had done for his family, I could be any member of the family I wanted, a thing that both his children cheered! Anna chuckled and announced that she guessed she better get Eveningmeal started, and she would make an extra special one for the return of her husband as well as her best friend in the whole wide world; and as she retreated into the kitchen, Sally sat on my lap and Tom sat beside his father - excitement temporarily gone from them. As I straightened out Sally’s pigtails, I asked both kids what they were going to do now that they had their father back; and sally turned to me and said he could help her play dollies again, and Tom said they could go play kickball like he did with Zoie and Gavin. Jake turned and said to Tom as he straightened his collar that he had heard he liked the piano, and he said it makes pretty music; but he didn’t know how folks do it, all those keys to push and all. Jake chuckled and said he would arrange lessons if he wanted, and I suggested that little Zoie and I are taking lessons; and miss Matilda would not mind one more student, so Jake nodded at the suggestion and told them both that they would do lots of fun things. My interaction with Sally turned into a game of pat-a-cake and Tom and Jake took to kind of an arm wrestling game (Boy using all his strength and man simply flexing his arm.), and I said absently that it might be tough for him starting over like this and all that; and he said that he may have been away a long time, but he would spring back. He said he used to be very well liked in Baz, and everyone here knew him and his family as a budding asset; for they had moved in barely a dozen years before he went missing, and he still had friends here. I told him that these days people like to believe in rumor and hearsay, and the fact that he was with the pirates might cripple his chances here; for they may think he was still a pirate, and might not trust him too much. Having never thought of that possibility before, he said that he was glad to be away from the pirates and he hoped he never saw them again; and if the people here can’t see that he was a victim just like anybody else having dealings with pirates, then he would just have to prove those rumors wrong! Before I could commend his determination, Anna called from the kitchen saying everything was ready; and began to set places at their meager dining table near the kitchen door, just as we were seating the children and ourselves. Anna put down the last serving dish and took her place, and then began filling the children’s plates as she said it was all right for us to serve ourselves; and as the children were digging in without manners, us three adults looked at each other with smiles on our face. It was at this time I lifted my glass of cold Jinka and proposed a toast, to both of them and their family; may they all prosper now that this family was whole and live happily ever after, and before our glasses met Sally compared my toast to the ending of a fairy tale - which made the rest of us laugh!… ----------------------------------------------------
Each place I go only the lonely go Some little small café The songs I know only the lonely know Each melody recalls a love that used to be The dreams I dream only the lonely dream Of lips as warm as may That hopeless scheme only the lonely scheme That soon somewhere you'll find the one that used to care And you recall each fun time Those picnics at the beach when love was new It well could be the one time A hopeless little dream like that comes true If you find love hang on to each caress And never let love go For when it's gone you'll know the loneliness The heartbreak only the lonely know… ~ Unknown ~ ---------------------------------------------------- Fairly soon the day turned into evening, and I knew I had to be getting back home; however the family I had just put back together again felt a reluctance for me to leave that I found hard to resist, but still Flatbottom asked what took me so long when I went out to hitch him to the cart. I got home and tended to his needs before entering my house, Gavin and Zioe telling me the adventures the lad and Nellie had in finding me; but I asked them if it was past their nest-time (It was!), and had them both troop up to bed. Their parents chatted with me about how things went in my absence until the sun was long gone from the sky, he saying he had kept business thriving in my absence and she telling him not to bore him with details; and her concerns about my health conditions were great, so I followed her advice and trudged off up to bed. In the morning I felt rested enough to continue with my shipping company, going over the books even though my cuts and bruises were still healing; but I did not let on how hurting I was as I conducted business in a most ordinary way, and with each passing day this pain waned into nothingness along with the fading of my wounds. I even felt good enough to take a trip to the hatchery, for I had truly been away from there for a long time; but when I got there I found out the news of Jake Forsythe’s arrival was evident even there, for no one would even consult things with me and Anna’s name was seldom mentioned. Even healer Squibb had gotten word of this, and somehow knew of my aborted romance with Anna; for he pulled me aside to tell me not to worry about my broken heart, and he would assign me shifts where she would not be present. I promptly told him that even though our romance had been halted, she refused to let me go as a friend; and that it was OK to assign me shifts with her, for it may be the only time I would be able to see her! I worked one shift there anyway that day, and the next few days were spent with the shipping company again; tending to deliveries around town, but soon I hear there are criminals around. A pirate was reported sneaking about, and to be on the lookout and to be careful, and to watch your loved ones and lock your doors. It took no genius to figure out what all of these rumors were about, and who the subject these rumors were focused on; and I somehow knew who was the one that was spreading these rumors, so I went to the bakery and sought out the owner’s daughter - Elizabeth Kotch. At first she thought I was going to ask to court her, for she also knew that my affair with Anna was all but over; but after formalities and greetings were over with, I told her exactly what was on my mind, and she did not like any of it one bit! I told her first that she had no right to say things about people unless she knew the whole truth, and it was even more unfair that she would add her own speculation on the things she hears. I said that she should be ashamed of herself, saying things about Jake and Anna Forsythe that are just untrue; Elizabeth said that since I was there and know what really happened, to let her know and she would straighten everyone out. I knew I shouldn’t as she might just twist it about and make bigger rumors, but the first thing I told her was that even though Anna and I are no longer betrothed; she and I agreed to be casual friends from now on, and second I told her that Jake was NOT a pirate. I told her that he may have been in their company, but the things he did they made him do; and he hated himself for doing them, and couldn’t escape for many years because he was too well watched by them - and it was a case of dumb luck that we met like that. Elizabeth Kotch stood absorbing this information, then said she was sorry for making so much trouble; but complained that even if she went and told the truth, most of them would not believe her. As we left the store room of the bakery, she kissed me lightly; and her mother seemed to see, winking at me as I left. Not thinking anything about that incident, I went about my business for the day and took Flatbottom back home; but since there seemed to be a lot more business going on than usual, I was back there the very next day. I had just finished making my rounds from the mill to the bakery to a small curio shop in town when I was stopped by Frank Stratton who owns the fruit shop, but he didn’t come from his shop but rather from down the street; and he looked like he completed a mission of some sort as he came up to the cart and got my attention as I got down, asking me kindly if I would follow him. He said nothing as he led me through the streets, Flatbottom asking where I was going and I replying to stay there and I’d be back, wishing to find out what made Frank so insistent. I soon found myself being led up the stone steps of the town hall and ushered in through the main doors, to a room where a meeting was taking place; and a female voice addressing what seemed to be a full assembly, and found out a moment later it was Matriarch Maryanne Talbert herself with the mayor of Baz standing to one side. I caught the middle of her deposition, which she told that ‘the man was a victim just like anybody else who has ever dealt with pirates‘; and from that snippet I could tell that this meeting was about Jake Forsythe, but I sat down silently and listened to the rest of the meeting. Others in town got up to speak, one saying that he went into his shop and just stood around, probably looking around to find something to steal; saying he finally made him so nervous he had to ask him to leave, and the Matriarch asked the proprietor what he wanted and the Protoceratops said she never asked. Many said Jake had been into each of their shops, and it made them so nervous they were tempted to close for the day; but at each instance Maryanne asked if they asked what he was doing there, and none of them said they did. Maryanne Talbert said to them that if they had asked him what he wanted instead of sending him packing, they would have known that the man was simply looking for employment; for he had been ‘away’ for quite some time, and a person needs to earn a living - then she turned to me and asked me if this was correct. I stood and went to the front of the room, then greeted each of the esteemed members of this meeting; and welcomed the Matriarch to Baz and invited her to stay at my place after the meeting, but she graciously declined by saying she had a fine room at the hotel. I nodded and answered her question, and told the congregation that the Matriarch was most likely right; for he had been six years away from his last job, and I assumed that his former employer had already gotten a replacement by now. I told them all that Jake Forsythe was simply trying to rebuild his life, and it wasn’t his fault that he had a run of bad luck with the pirates; and then one of them asked me to give an account of his capture, and I told them all that his convoy was ambushed and the pirates began to kill all the people in the caravan. I said that one got away to tell the tale, but he did not know whether they killed Jake or not; but he was still alive when the survivor escaped, and did not know his fate after that. I said that Jake related the rest to me after I was captured by them, a tale of horror and torture that put rattled looks on all their faces; then I told them that finally he could not stand it any more, and decided to join them for the sake of simple survival on his part - for they would have truly killed him if he did not. I told them that even though it was true he participated in many escapades of pillaging and other mayhem, it insulted all of his Dinotopian sensibilities in the process, so much that he began to hate himself every time he was called upon to do these things. I told them that he admitted to me that he slowly grew to enjoy such a lifestyle, for being exposed to such uncivilized behavior can take it’s toll on any person’s morality; but the day I arrived and told him about Anna Forsythe and his children, it reminded him of the life he left behind in Baz - and thusly he had a change of heart. I said that he had laid plans to escape long ago, and needed someone to provide a diversion so he could bring it into play; that being performed by me, in the form of trying to train the pirates how to fight using Kung-Fu. I told everyone there that he had acquired a large supply of Arctus Listus in the time he was with them, and needed time away from their prying eyes to lace their drink with it; and the resulting sluggishness in the pirates would be sufficient to make our escape, and we were soon picked up by a search party headed by officer Peter Smith and a garrison of guards. I was about to relate more details, but the barrage of questions I had declined to answer would not wait; and I pointed to those who had been waiting the longest to ask, and some of them were quite difficult to answer indeed! The first one I answered was about where the pirates are located, and I told them I do not know the exact location; but I told them they occupy in a castle somewhere on Windy Point, somewhere between Aftercastle, Esplanade, Gnomon and the Crystal Caverns. I said they work an area near these places, and must have expanded their territory to include roads between more southern towns; then I suggested that Saurian Guards should be deployed to patrol the areas south of Windy point, as further raids on caravans were sure to happen there. Another nervously asked what I taught them, for their weapons were terrifying enough; and if they knew how to effectively fight, they would be unstoppable. I said that I was an expert in eight forms of Kung-Fu, then explained briefly the kind of style that was; and told them it takes years to master such an art, and that I only instructed them for a couple of hours. I told them that the pirates were dullards, and probably did not retain what little I showed them; but I said their leader seemed pretty smart, and he could have memorized a few moves - but little more. Then I was asked who the leader of the pirates was, and told them his name was Jacques DuCirque; a scrawny man with a boyish face; yet a person with goals and ambitions that are diabolical and horrendous, and wished me to train his men in order to fulfill his nefarious plans - now dashed for my escape. A Dromeosaur asked how badly was I treated, and if I thought Jake Forsythe was treated as badly; and I told them that they beat me to a pulp every day, and demeaned me at every turn. I told them that from how I was treated, I assumed that Jake was treated no different; and that if the torture went on for very much longer, I probably would have turned pirate myself! The mayor of Baz asked me if he was rehabilitated then, that he is back to normal and things should go on as if he never went there; and I told him that a traumatic experience like that never goes away over night, and that even I have bad dreams of it myself. I told them that if anything, he really wants the chance to change; and he loves his wife and children enough to want to make a fresh start, and all that he needed was the opportunity to do so. Then the most difficult question of all was asked of me, and that was whether or not I trusted Jake Forsythe; for if I didn’t trust him, it would be foolish for the town to trust him. I agreed with that as I thought desperately on how I would answer; and then I began by telling them the type of relationship I have with him and his family, how I loved Anna and their children and how Jake helped me to escape. I told them of the agreement I made with them, to break off any romantic concerns about Anna and my lessened rapport with the children; but they would always treat me like a part of the family, a distant uncle as the case may be. I told them that all that aside, I can only judge Jake by his general demeanor and the way he has acted since being released by the pirates, and of the way he treated me during my imprisonment. I said that he seemed to be a good and honest man, and seemed to be honest about making a new start in his life; but I said that I come from the Outside World, and being from there has taught me to not trust people as much as they want - nor as much as they may deserve. I told them that since I have been here I have observed total honesty and total trust, and this trust in people had been vindicated by the way others treat others; because everyone here generally wishes to do good for others, and would almost always give another a second chance if they err. I said that when I first came here I was a stranger, and yet they treated me with respect and hospitality; which was something I may not have deserved, but have tried to prove it in everything I have done. I felt that I did not deserve this second chance I was given, but I was given it anyway; and for this I was eternally grateful to everyone in Baz, as well as I am grateful to everyone on Dinotopia. I told them that Jake Forsythe had been in the worst possible situation of his life, and now that he was out he deserved a second chance; and he needed a way to redeem and re-establish himself, just like the chance all of them had given me. I told them that I would definitely give Jake another chance if I were them; but as far as trusting him is concerned, let’s just say the proof of that would appear over time. The group of townspeople listened, but they still seemed unmoved; so I sighed because they were still stubbornly believing in the rumors, then I told them something else. I told them that I realize that pirates are evil people, and to trust them is no easy task no matter how earnest they seem to be; and that I understood their fears of him because he was formerly with them, and that I was responsible for finding him where he was, so that made me further responsible for his actions in the future. I therefore told them all that, to dissipate their fears of what Jake Forsythe might do; I would make great efforts to keep an eye on him, and make sure he does not start trouble until the time they deem him trustworthy enough for this not to be necessary. Cara, the mayor’s Protoceratops friend, asked me how I was to go about it; and I told them that at this point I did not know, but I said I was sure something would present itself. The mayor asked a vote on the actions I proposed, to trust Jake Forsythe among them provided I would observe him in case he did anything wrong; and only two did not agree, as the Matriarch and I were excluded from voting. The results were announced and the decision was passed, then the mayor told the townspeople that they may go home; and everyone began to rise in a loose fashion, gradually filing out of the courthouse. The mayor and Cara stayed back to straighten up the chamber, and Matriarch Maryanne Talbert held me back behind the others; cheerfully saying how glad she was to see me after such a long time, and that she would love to hear how I was keeping myself. As we exit the courthouse, I relate to her briefly everything I had done; and after hearing all of it, she told me that I acted appropriately in every case. She was glad that I helped out Anna and her family, and that I had continued to do so all this time; and marveled at how well my shipping company was doing as well as the insights in hatchery procedures I both invented and learned. The matriarch looked on me and applauded my action for Jake Forsythe, saying that this was what she hoped from her chief assistant; and I asked her what she was talking about, a thing that she told me I had been doing ever since coming to Baz. She said that my service to her never ended when I was last in her service, and that I do her job well; a thing I jokingly apologized for putting her out of a job, and she joked back that hers is a job too large even if everyone on Dinotopia did it! We parted company at the Baz Hotel, and as I go back to Flatbottom and the cart; I see Jake Forsythe coming out of the mercantile, nearly being thrown out as the Ovaraptor proprietor shouted that he had no work for ‘his kind‘! As Jake got up from stumbling down the steps, he got up and started yelling sayings of his own; and that was when I rushed over to halt him, dusting him off and innocently asking him how his job search was going. Jake looked at me and said not so good as I evidentially saw, and then he said the rest of them went pretty much the same way; saying that he had tried every place in town as well as for miles around, and it was always the same result! I then walk him down the street, saying conversationally that there was one place he hadn’t tried yet; and when we got to the bulletin board near the mercantile I take down one of my own flyers and give it to him, and after reading a second he states that this is my shipping company - then asks what this was all about. I then tell him that I was thinking of expanding the ‘Akin-Bak’ shipping company, saying that I wanted to add more carts to the runs and get new cart pullers and drivers pretty soon; and I told him that it didn’t matter in which order I obtain these so long as I get them, and after a thought he told me that he could not accept a job from me, for he and his family had already gotten enough charity from me. I told him that it definitely would NOT be charity, for he would be worked very hard for his wages; and I told him that I had heard he had some shipping experience, and I needed people with experience who knows what they are doing so the business could be a success. His pride dissipated by my reasoning, Jake admits he has been having a hard time finding work lately; and told me that he guessed that the reason why the others were afraid of him because he was a former pirate, and perhaps he should take any opportunity that presents itself. I shook his hand after he agreed to work for me, telling him to be at my place at dawn and I would see what he could do for me; he saying that he would be there, and I wished him a good day as he began to head to his home… ----------------------------------------------------
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Post by thundertail on May 26, 2011 4:34:30 GMT -5
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TWENTY-SEVEN:
“A FRIEND IN NEED APPEARS IN SMALL PLACES.”
---------------------------------------------------- The sun had barely begun to rise the next day, and true to his agreement from the day before; Jake Forsythe crests the rise in the lane leading to my house and property, arriving at the entrance to my barn before anybody was even awake. He waited patiently for us all to stir, but barely moments later he saw Thoth and Tony Hertz arriving back from their nocturnal job as Town Lamplighter; and asked them if anybody was up yet after introducing himself, but instead of a reply Toby stated that he had heard of him in town. He told Jake not to hang around here, and told him that if he didn’t leave soon; he would call the Saurian Guards, but I had heard the exchange as I walked toward the barn, and ran to intercept any further terse comments! I told Toby and Thoth that mister Forsythe was our new employee, and he was here early to get a start on his employment; but Toby said that if he was going to work here, nothing good would come of it! I turned to Jake and smiled, explaining they would get used to this soon enough; then followed Thoth’s gargantuan form inside, Jake slowly following after me. As we walked amid the stalls, Flatbottom’s good eye blinked and scrutinized us; and little Nellie (Nearly half of Flatbottom’s size and weight by now!) stood instantly awake and said his ‘Hiya!’ greeting. Slag grunted tersely in his usual cheery manner, and as Toby ascended the stairs to the loft Sam Fossey descended them; eyeing Jake in passing as he went to tend to his friend, and presently the rest became awake in short order. Boris the Ovaraptor uncurled from his nest under the loft while his friend Willie the Ankylosaur yawned unfurling his tongue comically, a Miasaur names Petunia trumpeted the day as Rivers the female Styraccosaur next to her jumped awake at the sound; and their partners Ferris Maltese and Crystal Magimbo descended the stairs nearly as one, but all halted their activities as they saw the new dark skinned man currently in their midst. Everyone looked questioningly at me as I began to introduce Jake Forsythe all around, just as Ricky was entering the barn to start the morning chores; and even though he also had no idea why he was here, he greeted Jake cordially just the same. Now that all was present and accounted for, I told them all that Jake was to be our new employee, and to take it easy on him for a while; as he still needed to learn how things are run around here, but I said he had shipping experience and it probably wouldn’t be so hard for him. The rest gradually said hello to him, but most of them who were strangers to him looked upon him sidelong, Thoth commenting as he turned in that he had heard rumors about him; and Petunia scrutinizing him closely, stating she knew him from somewhere - then accused him of being there when a raid to a caravan near Wimple Springs last year. I hushed her as Ferris got her rigging on her, and Jake confirmed this; admitting he was with a band of pirates last year, but that was all over now - and asked if he could please be shown where he could start work! Ricky stepped in from the house and cordially tells Jake that he would show him what he was to do, and I gestured to the Troodont by motioning shoveling that I wished him to clean the barn after everyone was gone for the day; and Ricky ushered the man aside, where all the barn implements were stored. As Jake began sweeping the bare areas of the barn, Crystal Magimbo commented that she saw him near Raptor Flats and said there was a raid at the town’s warehouses. Ricky chuckled at her as he heard too, and told her that that part of his history was over; but she advised to not be so sure about that, and Ricky turned to see the ashamed look on his face - saurian telling him not to worry about that, and never mind what everybody said. I call everyone to the center of the barn and wait for them all to get there, then tell them all that Jake Forsythe was a reformed man; and he was here to try to make a second chance for himself and his family, and the reason he was working here rather than elsewhere was because the rest of the town believe the same things about him! I told them all that I wanted no untoward thoughts or actions against him, and if I heard of anything like it I would have a stern talking-to with the perpetrator; for even though nobody trusts him at this time, he deserves to have a second chance to prove our mistrust is wrong. They all reluctantly agree and I then dismissed them all after telling them of their assignments, Ms. Magimbo and Rivers taking construction hardware from Volcaneum to Spicer and Boris and Willie would go to pickup some Copro in Bonabba and deliver it to Widdershins; then Ferris Maltese and Petunia would go to Amberclimbe and get some iron ore to be delivered to Volcaneum, and lastly Flatbottom and I were to go to Waterfall City with books and paper goods the Baz library collected to be brought to the Waterfall City library. Ricky continues to coach Jake for the rest of my shipping trip, and told me all about the work he had done while I was away; but it never crossed my mind to doubt Jake’s skills, for he was a shipper prior to his capture! Jake proves he is a hard worker by cleaning the morning mess from the barn much quicker than any of us could; replacing the used bedding for fresh before any of them are ready for their morning assignments, and even takes to cleaning up in the loft by changing the linens. Jake also proves to be good at woodworking too, as he helps me reassemble Flatbottom’s cart which lay in pieces next to the workshop; reworking the pieces that were burnt or broken in two, and showing blacksmith skills by re-forging all the metal attachment hardware and other metal rigging - soon making the cart as travel worthy as when it was first made, much to Flatborttom’s delight! The rest of my crew was even seeing how hard Jake was working to prove he was trying to make good like he said he was, and even the most skeptical of the group slowly began to realize that Jake was a regular guy; even though he was falsely rumored to be a bad person, and gradually they began to apologize for thinking of him like that. Within a few days of this I ask him if he wanted to go on a run with me, down the western coast of the island to the upper channels of Hadro Swamp; for I had ordered some paint for the barn from there and I wanted to see his driving prowess along the way, much to Flatbottom’s dismay at not having mw guide him! Jake proved that his driving skills matched his expertise at the ‘shop’, and even Flatbottom told him that he led him so smoothly he barely hit any ruts in the road along the way; and as we loaded the paint (They made a mistake with the order, for I wanted enough to paint the barn red with green trip; but they gave me far too much green paint then red, so I would have to paint it green with red trim!) and turned around, telling him I would drive the rest of the way. When the trip was over, and I pull Jake aside and tell him back he is a true shipper; and I would soon be hiring a new puller for the covered cart I was going to talk to the owner about buying, and as soon as that happens I would send him out on his first runs. Jake Forsythe smiled and looked on the verge of cheering, but I held him back as I saw some of the others entering the barn; then to cover it up, I told him to clear out the first five paddocks. The next morning I went into town to do my rounds there, and to place a flyer on the bulletin board about hiring a new puller for the ‘Akin-Bak’ shipping company; but that wasn’t my only chore in town, for there were other places I had to go! One of my stops was the Hatchery, but when I asked where Anna Forsythe was nobody would answer me; or tell me something so vague that their directions were totally useless, getting things like she was not there to they WISHED she wasn’t there! This perplexed me terribly, for these people are usually so kind to one another as well as their clientele; and now they seemed to be giving Anna the cold shoulder all of a sudden, and I bet I knew the reason why! When I finally found her she was reduced to tending the hatchery laundry, and her saddened face told me that something terrible was going on, and I wasn’t expecting what she had to tell me was possible for normal Dinotopians. Anna said that the expectant mothers arriving wished she would not be present while they were there, and they wanted her absent all the way through the incubation and hatching process; and the request was made so adamantly and so frequently by them that healer Squibb had to mollify them, so now she was confined to performing the more menial chores around here - well away from any hatchling contact! She cried as she told me that the parents didn’t want their children being contaminated by the influence of the wife of a pirate, for they were afraid she would poison them or hurt them or any other unimaginable thing they feared she would do; and she said she was absolutely not like anything like that, and begged me to make them see this! I hugged her consolingly, telling her that this ridicule simply goes with the territory; for Jake was mistrusted because he is rumored to be a pirate, and thusly they would also mistrust his family. Anna Forsythe then told me that she would endure anything for the man she loved, and was grateful for the support of the other man she loved; and I told her they would all pull through eventually, and this stuff could not last forever. Then Anna told me that she married Jake for better as well as worse, then sighed with tears down her face; saying that she never imagined that things would be THIS bad, so I rubbed her back still in the embrace and promised her there would be light at the end of this tunnel - I was sure of it. I finished up at the hatchery by asking healer Squibb about what Anna told me was true, and unfortunately it was; he saying that even though miss Anna was a good person and very skilled, he had to keep the patients happy and there was little he could do but what he was forced to do about it. I nodded in understanding and asked for a shift tomorrow, then left the hatchery to continue my other rounds for the day; then left town for home, getting up to a cold and dreary morning. I did what I could for the day and was leaving town aboard Flatbottom’s newly fixed cart, this time taking a route that took us past the schoolhouse in town; and came across a shameful sight indeed, for there was a group of older boys there teasing and pushing some of the smaller ones around! I slowed the cart as I passed by and brought it to a halt as soon as I saw who the victims were, for little Sally Forsythe was backed against a wall being yelled at by one boy; and little Tom Forsythe had just been shoved to the ground by another as he tried to pull the former boy away from his sister, all around the group of others laughed and jeered! I immediately stopped Flatbottom in his tracks and shouted over their din, calling Tom and Sally by name; saying it loud enough to be heard over the other boys (They saying things like ‘You’re to scrawny to put up a fight’ and ‘Your sister’s getting too big a chest. Maybe it’s because she id proud her father’s a pirate.’, and other things much worse!), which halted any further activities on the boy’s part. Sally and Tom shouted my name (Uncle TIM!) and worked their way past the knot of boys, climbing their way up onto the driver‘s seat of the cart; then I told them that it was going to rain soon, and wouldn’t they like a ride home so they weren’t stuck in it. They said yes enthusiastically as I turned to the other boys; saying they better get home too before it rains, but one of them accuses me of protecting the pirates, so Flatbottom grunted loudly that they should SCOOT! The boys took off around the schoolhouse building in a panic for being yelled at from one so big, and I set Flatbottom moving again along the road, this time taking a route that would lead to their mom and dad’s place; and it was only then that I told them both that I didn’t pick them up because it was going to rain (I told them the Weathercaster said that won’t start until after dark.), but it was because of those bullies. I explained to them that ever since I was a little kid I always hated bullies, and that was because when I was a kid I used to get teased by them too; for one year my parents saw that I needed glasses, and when I went to school the next year everyone began to tease me about them, calling me ‘four-eyes’ and other things like that. I said that I was a small boy for my age, and couldn’t defend myself against the larger boys; so I had to put up with it all that time, and it made me very angry with them - and scared too. Ever since then I always felt sorry any time someone teased another, and when I saw them being treated bad, I just had to do something; so I told them I would take them home, and then we’ll let their mom and dad think of what to do. Little Sally snuggled into me and said that those mean kids must have found out about papa from their folks, and now they think he is still a pirate; but she pleaded with me that he was a good man and a great dad, and Tom nodded agreement from my other side. I told her that people say the strangest things, and unfortunately other people believe them; and I said that there were bad rumors going around about their papa, and almost the whole town believed them instead of the truth. I then ruffle Tom’s hair and say that he shouldn’t pick fights with those big boys, he saying they were teasing his sister and was making them stop; and I said I saw him getting shoved to the ground, and those boys were too big for him. I told him he shouldn’t pick fights in the first place, but to do so with the bigger boys was foolish; for they could beat him up real proper, and I took my hanky and daubed his slightly bloody nose. Sally was still crying when I looked at her, and I asked what was wrong; and she said through sniffles that those boys were right on one thing, for she said she WAS getting a big chest. And I looked there and saw tiny bulges there, and I instantly knew she was beginning to go through puberty; and I did not know whether she knew what that was nor how to explain that everything was going to be all right (For it was a subject best discussed by parents and not friends like me.), I told her a few things about it in the vaguest way I could. I told her that this may be true, but it was a sign that she was growing up; and changing from a pretty little girl into a beautiful young woman, that she was going through the most wonderful time in a girl’s life! I told her that her body would change, her chest would get bigger and she would grow in other ways as well; and she may feel strange inside and have weird emotional states for a while, but that just goes with growing up. I told her that it was nothing to be ashamed of, and said not to mind what those bullies say; for pretty soon they would go through the same thing, and I chuckled as Sally asked if they would get a big chest too! I told her there was a girl version of this and a boy version, and they would go through the boy version; and explained that boys grow larger and more muscular and their voice gets deeper, and as Tom asked if he would go through this too, I nodded and told him it would be a few years before he goes through it. I then added that after it all happens, boys start liking girls and girls start liking boys; and they would be kicking themselves for what they done to her, for she would grow up to be very pretty and desirable to them! I tell Sally to make sure she tells her mama all about this, because her mom went through it to and knows all about it; and I drew both into a hug that lasted all the way home. When we got home I let both kids down and hugged them, telling them to go inside and wash up for dinner; for they had been crying a little along the way, and they ran inside the house. I noticed sheets being drawn along a clothesline at one side of the house, and I snuck over there to see Anna there; doing laundry and thoroughly engrossed in the task, so much so she dropped the bag of clothespins she was using. I grabbed the sheet she was hanging as she stooped to retrieve them, but wondered why the sheet stayed up like it did (I was holding it from the other side, unseen!), then looked around it to see me standing there. Anna Forsythe jumped with surprise, me making a tiny wave; then she smiled and gave me a tiny smooch. Presently I told her what happened to Tom and Sally at school today, telling her that it really upset them; and telling her that I thought Sally was going through puberty besides, a thing that she suspected that was what was happening to her. She said that the teasing was bad, and I suggested they have a talk with the bullies’ parents as soon as they find out who they were; but I cautioned that the people of Baz would not take kindly to that, with Jake and those rumors and all. She told me they would figure out a way to remedy this bullying, and I told her that I suggested to Sally to speak to her about the puberty thing; saying that I told her that she would know all about that, and Anna grasped my hands before I left the side yard as I apologized for finding her a few more problems!… ----------------------------------------------------
They got a line on you, little bit of trouble too, You got some bets inside, silent lips and delirious eyes. You get in trouble, and it keeps you down, Double trouble, you get in trouble, And you come to town, double trouble, oh yea They better chain your hands, and you spread some evil, Pick and pan. Hey, you sure got some bets inside, But you got a little, with those empty eyes You get in trouble, and it keeps you down, Double trouble, you get in trouble And you come to town, double trouble, oh yea You've got, some bets inside, Baby, broken promises, broken pride You get in trouble and it keeps you down, Double trouble. you get in trouble, And you come to town, double trouble, oh yeah, You got some trouble, double trouble And it keeps you down, double trouble, You get in trouble, and you come to town Double trouble, that double trouble, oh yeah. ~ The Cars: ‘Double Trouble’. ~ ---------------------------------------------------- Things like these seem to be an everyday occurrence on the Outside World, but with Jake’s reputation around town; things go from this bad to much worse, for not only is he to deal with this he is also shunned from justice. He had asked for a day or two off so he could talk with others in town, and to get to the bottom of the teasing of his children; and went to the Hatchery to see about allowing his wife to be allowed more suitable tasks, but everywhere he went things did not go as planned. I found out in several ways, for he would tell me little of what was going on in his life; and I could not blame him as his affairs were his own business, but I swore to the town council I would indeed keep him in my sights. Instead of asking him outright or follow him around, I got the help of Elizabeth Kotch along with the others she hung out with in town; and asked them all to be on the lookout for him and watch his moves when they could, then report back to me and me ONLY (A hard thing to do as they seemed to live to spread gossip!) so I could do my job easier. It was unfortunate for me that I had to confide in Elizabeth that way, for she seemed to mistake this task as a way to become closer to me; and did it gladly - and often quite passionately - any time she would convey any news to me, even though she had many qualities that did not appeal to me! I learned that Healer Squibb was adamant that Anna stay away from prying eyes, even though the Ovaraptor sympathized with their dilemma; for it was for the comfort of the patients that was more important in this case, and if he had his way she would be present at nearly every prenatal procedure. Jake finally began to plead with the patients and parents that were there, saying that he wasn’t such a bad man as well as being a model citizen before he was captured; and all he really wished was to take up where he left off here, not to rampage and pillage the town like rumors he heard suggested he might. Even I went up before the parents of the hatchlings and expectant mothers, asking them what was so bad about Jake Forsythe; but they said that Jake had been exposed a long time to the pirates and may have picked up bad habits common to them, and that he would be a bad influence on the young ones - and Anna might have done so as well through him. Again and again he received much the same comments, that pirates were no good and he was just as bad as the rest of the pirates; and no type of punishment or ridicule was good enough for him, for once a pirate always a pirate! In town as well as the hatchery things seemed the same for poor Jake, for no matter how hard he tried or how adamantly he tried to reason with any of the townspeople; he always met with the same type of treatment, only the ones in town were healthy enough to impart insult on the more physical kind! Soon many of the shop owners began giving him a hard time as he attempted to purchase staples for his family, even though he had sufficient funds to pay! Many halted him and many insulted him to his face, calling him a ruffian and a sneak and a barbarian, and on certain occasions he was physically shoved aside or needed to fight just to walk down the street. And of course any misplaced item was automatically blamed on him, for only a pirate like him would steal those things; even though he was nowhere near the scene of the crime; and he was blamed anyway even though the lost item eventually showed up, and don’t get them started on any accident or other mishap - it was probably his fault too! This news I heard from my ‘spies’, and heard first hand through witnesses to these things; but as I observed what was happening to him and saw what he was going through, I vowed that this behavior from his own former friends and neighbors just HAD to stop! I was coming up the main street in town one day when I saw a rich looking lady on the wooden sidewalk, and when she stepped off her bag got stuck on a railing; ripping it slightly as something shiny fell out into the street, and it was an expensive looking pendant on a long silver chain. Jake Forsythe was walking up from the other end of the street, on his way to meet up with me for another delivery assignment and saw it too, so he picked it up and rushed after the lady as he tried to get her attention; but this burly guy saw only half of what happened, then stopped him and accused him of stealing it! The lady turned and started yelling ‘thief!’, and accused him of stealing her pendant as well; and several people passing by began to gather, hindering my advancement to the scene. An argument soon erupted right there in the street, causing more and more people to crowd around; and the lady bemoaned her loss and bid everyone to see who was currently holding it, and more people joined in with the accusing! Someone ran for the Saurian Guard at their post, and in the mean time I pushed my way through to the center of the fray and shouted the question of what was going on; and I got many saying that Jake had stolen that lady’s necklace, most of the crowd shouting confirmation. As the guards came I told them all that I saw the whole thing, saying the lady’s bag ripped and the jewelry spilled on the ground; and Jake was graciously trying to return it, but all of them were yelling so much about it they wouldn’t listen to me! As the guards came into the area, they cleared away most of the crowd until they came to Jake and I and his accusers; the female rider still wearing her helmet asked what was going on, and immediately she got a cacophony of voices each pleading or accusing their case! The male rider on the other Corythosaur had his steed bellow loudly to attain silence, then asked each person there to state their case one at a time; suggesting that I tell it first, but not before he took his own helmet off to reveal the stern face of my brother Peter, Damian chortling softly! I recounted what I had seen, demonstrating by going to the jagged sidewalk railing and showing how sharp; then grasping the lady’s bag and displaying the rip in the fabric, taking the pendant out of Jake’s accuser’s hands and slipping it inside the bag - where it slid all the way through onto the ground again as I made a ‘taa-daa!’ sound. Jake confirmed that this was just what happened, and he picked up the jewelry to return it as she obviously didn’t realize the torn bag nor the lost item; and that was when that man (He pointed and glared at the much larger human.), began causing an uproar. The man defended by saying he thought he saw him lift it from the bag and dropped it, then picked it back up; but saw he was being watched and tried to cover it back up, but I told him that I was watching the whole thing from down the street and saw it VERY clearly. Even though I told them all what I knew to be the truth, the man along with the lady still accused poor Jake; she saying never to trust a pirate, and the man saying that I was but a Dolphinback - and leave it to one of them to side with a pirate! Officer Smith suddenly turned Damian around, halting all the yelling as everyone got out of the wake of the creature’s tail; and snapped at us all saying that I was not like any Dolphinback they claimed to know, and he said I was resourceful and helpful and most of them there owed me plenty. He said that I saw something in Jake that told me he was a good and honest man, and that instinct should be trusted, for ever since Jake returned he had been nothing but an upstanding citizen. Furthermore, he told them all that they should be ashamed of themselves, allowing gossip and rumor to rule over the truth; a thing the worst barbarians would do, and certainly a thing that people of the Outside World would do! I turned to them and confirmed all of this, then added that I saw in this place people that I could count on and trust; and this was the reason why I chose to stay here in Baz in the first place, but with the demeanor they showed to one of their own appalled me. I told them that the pirates treated poor Jake far better than they, and trusted him far more than they did, those who was all but a part of his own family. I saw the shame build in many of their faces, lastly the large man and the older lady with the bag; and I told them all that it was I that was ashamed that I even came here, and this brought total silence to the crowd here, Jake Forsythe nodded in total anger as he came near me, and I thought he was going to shake my hand or something; but all he softly said was to thank me for sticking up for him, then turned to the rest of them and prepared himself to speak with the angriest look on his face! Just then Jake Forsythe spoke up, and what he had to say shocked even me; for he threw his hat to the ground and bellowed ‘all right!’, saying that if they were so afraid of him that he had no other choice! He told them all that he had tried and tried to convince them that he was NOT a pirate, but evidentially they would not be convinced; so he told us all that starting tomorrow he would pack up all of his and his family’s things, and make arrangements to move to another town. He said that he would rather move to a place where he was more appreciated, which he said was better than enduring all this Copro from all of them; whom he added were all his best friends and trusted neighbors before all this happened, and it was all due to the fact that he happened to run into bad luck by being attacked by pirates! Every person in the area fell silent, and before anyone could say another word; Jake Forsythe stormed off down the street, in the direction of his house. Jaws agape, the people around me began to murmur and whisper concerning comments to each other; and I was just about to rush off to comfort the poor man, but Peter dismounted and held me back by my arm - commenting to let him be for now. The other people walking down the street gave Jake a wide berth, none of them wishing his anger on them; but when he was almost to the hotel a little boy was peering down at him through one of the windows, and the young man leaned out too far and careened out and onto the slope of the roof. He tumbled down the slope and hit the wooden awning of the sidewalk overhang, and tumbled end over end as the crowd gasped; but Jake also saw it and ran as fast as he could, bracing himself as he stopped quickly under the approximate spot the lad was to fall on! The youngster yipped as he tumbled off the roof, and even though the fall was only a dozen yards; Jake was right there, and caught the lad in an unsteady stance. He let the boy down to his knees, then checked to see if he was hurt; and found little save skinned limbs and ripped sleeves, asking if he was OK. He was so intent on doing this he never noticed the people coming to surround him once more, this time to cheer him and not virtually lynch him; and he stared up from the boy to the crowd, the large man working his way to the lad. The man thanked Jake for saving his son, and the lad said he was sorry for teasing his children; and as all three realized who the other was, they all laughed young and old alike. Just then a lone woman worked her way into the crowd beside me, and she told all those around that if enemies can become friends through an act of bravery; then a town can come to terms with one former pirate, and I turned to see matriarch Maryanne Talbert there smiling when she turned my way. She went on to say that this town was in a sorry state if they could not trust one of their own, for she said it was a Dinotopian ethic to trust the earnestness of a person’s intent; and if they could not see that Jake Forsythe was true to his intentions, then they were indeed blind - and that therefore Jake was justified to leave if such a thing was true. The lady with the bag stated that she did not blame Jake for stealing her amulet, and many of the men in the crowd added they were sorry for shoving him around; and a former patron of the hatchery told the rest that she wished that Jake’s wife Anna could have helped with her hatchling for they were friends, and by ones and twos many admitted a wrong doing at Jake’s or his family’s expense. As soon as all was heard the Matriarch turned to Jake and asked if he accepted their apology, and after a pause he said that he guessed so; then she asked that would he therefore rethink his choice of moving away from them, and after another pause he told them that he may as well stay on a while longer - later whispering to me that he really had nowhere to go anyway! All of a sudden the crowd of people came in close, and Jake took a defensive stance as he thought he would be lynched for sure; but all he got was waves of people trying to shake his hand and pat him on the back - receiving many thoughts of encouragement along the way! Peter and the other guard (Wilma Ajax I would later find out.) tried to hold some of them back and try to disperse them, but all they could do is keep the ranks thin enough so even more could gain access to Jake so they could wish him well too; and as I retreated to the back of the crowd, the matriarch was at my side once more. There she told me what a wonderful job I did maintaining the peace in Baz during a most difficult time, and teaching them all the pitfalls of believing what they heard; and I simply told her that I was glad that my brother was assigned here to help me out, then blanched as she said it was she that made those arrangements - stating that she thought I might need his help. As the crowd began to slowly disperse, the Matriarch returned to the hotel where she had been staying; and when Jake Forsythe could finally get away from the crowds, he turned and sought me out. I was standing near Flatbottom, whom I had left near the bulletin board and told him to wait there; and as he drew near me, he asked me about that shipping assignment he heard I had for him… ----------------------------------------------------
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Post by thundertail on Jun 17, 2011 19:58:49 GMT -5
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TWENTY-EIGHT:
“LIFE RETURNS TO NORMAL AS I EXPAND THE BUSINESS.”
---------------------------------------------------- From that day on the people in the town of Baz began treating Jake Forsythe and his family in a much kinder way, and received no further harassment from people near or far either young or old; which was quite a relief for all of them after the many weeks they had been incriminated under false pretences, so life eventually got a lot easier for them. There were people that took it upon themselves to create a running joke about the whole affair, and Jake had to put up with jokingly being called ‘Pirate’ and such; but he took it as it was meant and joked right back at them, laughingly producing the typical ‘Harrr!’ and ‘ahoy!’ where appropriate! Pretty soon even this teasing ebbed into memory, and Jake became an upstanding citizen in the eyes of the people; being kind and helpful to all he encountered and earning his rightful place in Baz, and the stature of his family grew in the eyes of the people too. Of course, not having to worry about my ‘adopted’ family so much gave me more time on my hands; and I had more time to pursue affairs of my business, and I sought out shipping jobs nearly all over the island. I had correspondence to places in cities as far south as Chandara, and as far east as the Outer island; but still I had to take opportunities that were logistically possible for my company to handle, so I stuck with making deals primarily along the northern Plains. As months rolled by the business soared, and I along with everyone in my company was busier that a one-armed Ovaraptor with a case of the hives; so much so that I had to hire dozens of part-time drivers and pullers, and rent or buy a whole fleet of carts. On most occasions the barn was so full of persons it was stuffed to the rafters, but I needed not remember all their names; for Ricky was in charge of keeping them all paid, and we both saw that they had sufficient work to do. As my business grew, I began to do more and more for the community; funding such things as building repair downtown and road repair on nearly every street, and too many other projects for the town to count, and for this I was awarded the title of leader of the town planning board - putting my status in the community to an all time high! No, I did not let this new status go to my head; for I just did my work and performed my duty like the business it was meant to be, and I never forgot all those who made my life so important - for it was they who put me there in the first place, and it wasn’t necessarily because of any great achievements of my own. The passing months had been good for my adopted saurian friend Nellie as well, for his size grew at an accelerated rate and he was nearly equal in size to his adopted uncle Flatbottom; and all the time he seemed eager to help out in the shipping company, always begging to pull a cart for one of the caravans or suggesting he simply carry the convoy’s supplies - like a pack-dino or something! As his insistence grew I eventually had no choice but to give in, even though I really wished he would stay in school like where I enrolled him; but how do you refuse the pushy goings-on from a creature that was ten times your size, and weighed just over a ton?! I told him that he could finally pull a cart and be in one of the caravans, but he would have to choose his own driver; and that driver would have to agree that he could be his puller, or else the deal was off and he would have to stay in school. Nellie agreed to this, and before long I saw him talking to Jake Forsythe about this; for even though the other pullers agreed to pull the cart driven by Jake at my or Ricky’s insistence, they would never openly volunteer to do so for Jake’s past reputation. So a few days later both Jake and Nellie approached me, saying that they agreed to be driver and puller as long as they were with the company; human saying that Nellie was an agreeable young lad and was brave not to believe what others said about him, and Triceratops saying that Jake was good and kind just like his friends Sally and Tom said. I applauded them both, saying that they were now business partners; but made the comment about them being official Partners, of which they said they hadn’t discussed that pert yet - but just might some time in the future! Of course this news did not go over well for Ricky’s son Gavin, for the little Troodont was getting quite fond of Nellie; and I think he wanted to be the young Triceratops’s Partner, even though I thought the both of them were too young to make such an adult decision. His sister Zoie, though becoming quite accomplished as a pianist; chose to gain work in the clothing shop in town, taking the job after seamstress tutelage from her mother Natalie and after the successful completion of her Beginner’s class education. Even with my heavy workload at the Akin-Bak shipping company, I still took my usual shifts at the hatchery; and also achieved the status of assistant healer there, but usually to become master healer one would have to intern at the hatchery for at least ten years - a thing that, at the rate I was going there, could take the rest of my life! Not long after that I had gotten word from my inquiries around the Northern Plains, and what came to my attention was most surprising; for many of the shipping companies out there were not doing so good, at least not as good as what their workers claimed. I had been inquiring all over the Northern Plains about goods shipments in areas further than I would normally send my crew, and at long last a few shippers have work for the Akin-Bak shipping company; in places as far-reaching as Snickerton, Brumalia and Prosperine. Some companies had gone out of business, or were so badly in debt that they were forced to sell off most of their stock and liabilities; and being the junior entrepreneur that I was, I was not going to let such opportunities go to waste! I saw that not only would there be new shipping destinations open to the company, but I was now in a position to claim properties currently owned by other shipping companies; and with these companies as satellites of my original company, I would then have a far greater range across the island. I explained to Ricky and the rest of the crew about these ambitions, and said that this would soon make the Akin-Bak shipping company the most famous one on Dinotopia; and I told them all that I surely had the capitol now to undertake such things, so I made arrangements with Ricky to take care of our company and prepared to travel there to check things out as most would need a personal visit before anything concrete could be worked out with their owners. I procured plenty of provisions and asked Flatbottom if he wanted to help drum up some business, and agreed wholeheartedly as I festooned his cart with banners on all sides; big huge logos of the Akin-Bak shipping company done large so all could see, and a joke played on us by Sam Fossey in the form of a tailgate plaque - with the saying ‘Copro Happens!’ on it! So before we headed out I left the Akin-Bak shipping company in Ricky’s charge and headed out at last, saying good bye to Anna and everyone at the hatchery along the way; and did likewise with nearly everyone in Baz as I said I would probably be away for several months, even though they begged me not to go. The first town Flatbottom and I went through on my planned route was Doondawdle, where Ricky snuck several billets of iron for use in their forges (They specialize in making hinges in their forges.), and I had to work my proposal pitch on the two shipping companies stationed there as well; and even though they would not sell off their companies to me, they agreed to take funds for a small ownership share. In Redwick many days later the story was pretty much the same, for they were doing marginally better in the town’s only shipping company; and yet they agreed to affiliate theirs with ours, and promised to send any business overflow our way. After an overnight stay at prices that were very close to highway robbery, we set out again on a trip lasting nearly a week; taking routes that would circumvent some of the major towns in the area ahead, through deep and murky forests that reminded both Flatbottom and I of the day we were attacked by those pirates! But fortunately nothing of the sort happened, save for an odd caravan or Overlander that passed by us; and within a few days my Triceratops friend told me we were coming into territory that was very familiar to him, this as we passed places he remembered from his childhood. Pretty soon settlements could be seen through the trees, and finally a proper town was seen; but Flatbottom needed no direction from me, as the town of Bent Root was his home town! He led the cart down the main street, pointing out this or that landmark; and even greeting the few that still remained that he recognized, and some of them even recognized him as well. He led us down to the paddocks that housed the pullers for the shipping company he used to be employed at, saying he wished to poke his horn in and say hello; and of course I let him, after all how could I refuse someone so big! His old boss recognized him as well as his Ankylosaur partner equally festooned with an eye patch over the opposite eye - saying after they were properly reunited that they were now a matched set! His former boss talked to me about the fire and how old Flatbottom had fared, sympathizing with Flatbottom about the loss of his former partner Emily Freedom; and then presently telling him who he had hired to take his place, then yelled into the paddock for his brother Pincushion! The two Triceratops brothers ogled each other before nuzzling faces, Pincushion’s complexion was greener than his brother; and of course did not sport all the fire-scarred skin, and he wondered if Flatbottom was still in pain of which the reply was not much at all - the former looking at the eye patch with worry. At length (And with the boss saying we could not do business save for subletting deliveries that was in my company’s area.) Pincushion invited Flatbottom and I to his place, where he told of how their mother had passed on; and that he was severely missed around Bent Root, all of which while Pincushion’s female human Partner prepared our meals. Well, it turned out we stayed in Bent Root for a while, at Pincushion and his Partner Clementine McGregor’s place; even though they had to come and go on routine cargo runs to adjacent towns, we were always welcome to come and go as well. My friend and I visited all his childhood hangouts, a favorite mud wallow they frequented as well as many other places; and I got really acquainted with Clementine, finding out that she was only two mothers Scottish and her great grandfather served in World War II and washed ashore when his frigate ship was blown up by Japanese planes. She seemed constantly concerned with Flatbottom, and asked how I had treated his eye; me saying I did all I could but it was lost anyway, and said I wished I could do more for it. I mentioned to her as we walked along Deep Lake that I heard of people in the Outside World who had gotten a glass eye if they lost theirs, and wondered if such a thing was possible here; and Clementine told me of a glassmaker shop in town that made glassware and marbles out of spare glass for the children to play with, and I nodded at the suggestion because a glass eye was nothing but a gigantic marble anyway! So she led me to the glassmaker atop Pincushion (He telling his brother to stay at the house or else after hearing what we were going to do for him!), and I told the Dromeosaur artisan there what it was I required; and even though he never made anything like it, he took measurements and color details from Pincushion’s eyes as their color and size were identical. He said that he did not know how long such a special project would take, but if we stayed in town a while longer he would do his best; and it might take a week or longer, but I told him I would wait. So we stayed on for nearly five days before I got word to go back there, and Flatbottom could not fathom why we were stopping there when we got into town; not until the Dromeosaur artisan brought out a tray with two glass eyeballs on it, and needless to say that the poor Triceratops was appalled at first! I quickly explained what I did, and asked him if I could fit one in (Explaining that the other could be used as a spare.); and Flatbottom eventually agreed to it, but winced and groaned as I tried to work it in as his eye socket had shrunk somewhat from being vacant. When I finally got it in and adjusted it so the pupil was facing slightly forward like his good eye, I stepped back from the beast to take a look; then went around to his good eye and whistled, telling him that from a distance it looked just as good as the other! I told him he’d really get the girls now, and it made him look quite handsome; he saying that it felt scratchy and dry inside, but I apologetically told him I should have used some Carrotus Lavage first. I paid the glassmaker the amount asked plus an enormous gratuity as it was an odd order, and told the Dromeosaur he was a true artist (Even though the coloration was only slightly off.); and I thanked him profusely, and so did Flatbottom as we left town for his brother’s house. When Pincushion saw the new condition of his brother, he just couldn’t believe it; for despite the wrinkled condition of his skin; he said that Flatbottom looked back to normal, and as a reward Flatbottom nuzzled me into the ground! Pretty soon Flatbottom was in a lot better spirits, both visiting his family and finally looking like he hadn’t been through that fire at all; but as days wore on it reminded me of the mission we were really on, and I bid a teary good bye to our hosts before we both hitched up and moved on. After taking the ferry across Deep Lake, dense forests began to sprout up amid the farmsteads we passed by; and this time it was I that thought familiar the terrain after a week of wagon wheel turns, for we were coming onto some territory I had seen from a rise a long time ago. I was with Sir Simon of the Explorer’s guild and his plucky Ankylosaur buddy named Clubber, and we were working our way ultimately to Adelade where we met up with a mysterious problem; and so I told Flatbottom as we worked our way into their territory, saying that back then the place was run by a tyrannical leader bent on resurrecting the kingdom of Posiedos right in the town. He hoped that this situation was not the case these days, and I laughingly told him that negotiations went favorably and all were free there, mostly thanks to my suggestion on how to go about negotiating peace; a fact that Flatbottom turned his glass eye to me and regarded me with it in respect, then turned his good eye to the strange metallic dwellings making themselves known through the trees ahead. He spied the multicolored buildings freshly cleaned and painted, along with the shrubbery and topiary masterpieces as he pulled the cart by them, and also the throngs of people and dinosaurs acting in a most cheery way towards each other (Which seemed like a change between night and day compared to the last time I’d been there!); and pretty soon we were noticed as strangers as one kind gent led us to the center of town, right to a Dromeosaur in a gold sewn tunic directing many others in the tasks for the day. Once all this was done she noticed our cart as I jumped down off it, and smiled a scary grin as her nose worked the breeze my way; and then she swooped over and nuzzled my cheek, telling me that it had been an age since she saw me! I then introduced Flatbottom to her, and miss Aleta bowed regally and formally welcomed him to the town of Adelade; just as I looked around and commented the place has changed a lot, a thing she turned to me and agreed leading the way to the town hall. Aleta approached the town hall, scorpion Strutters and other Strutter parts it was made with had been smoothed by wooden moldings so it did not look as formidable as it once did; and the blue Sunstone on top shone brightly with the structure’s new white paint job, and the interior chamber bore no throne like it did - just a podium with rows of seating surrounding it. Aides and delegates sat in staggered patterns around the podium, whispering matters of the town among themselves; few of which were human and all of which seemed to tolerate the other species; and Aleta strode in after seating us closer to the pulpit before striding up to it, and patiently waited for the others to simmer down enough for her to speak. First Aleta greeted each and every person in the room and thanked them for their attendance, then she made special note at the progress everyone had shown these pair of years that the saurians of Adelade had regained their freedom from the tyranny of Posiedos; then she went to announce that the mitigater of that freedom was now in their midst, announcing my name and what I did to bring on peaceful negotiations before asking I stand and take a bow - and perhaps a speech if I was able! I bowed and greeted them all, saying that I had merely made the suggestion of how the delegates were to proceed; and it was their efforts that brought about their freedom, and not necessarily mine. I ended by saying how proud I was of their progress, and wished them the best and happiest time in the future; and made a comment that mayor Aleta had a wonderful voice and seemed much prettier now that she was not wearing her muzzle, which brought chuckles to the crowd - and from her too! Once all that was over, Aleta closed the meeting by announcing a great feast in my honor; a grand reward for helping to gain the freedom of every saurian in Adelade, and before I or Flatbottom had a chance to refuse we were led off to another grand hall made mostly of metallic Strutter parts. Here a great feast was to be prepared as music from many maestros wafted around the great chamber full of light from multicolored glass panes set high above in a conical arch structure high above, and the hall was set up for dance or light conversation as the guests had want to; but none was dancing at the moment at our regal entrance, and even Flatbottom got into this treatment by bowing politely and making serene noises of greeting to everyone he passed! As we milled about I got stopped by nearly everyone to give my account of my previous visit there, telling them of how I, sir Simon and Clubberwas received; and how the clandestine warning from Aleta of the dangers saurians faced there, and of our decision to slip out in the middle of the night and escape the environs of Adelade. I told many that we had to get as far away from town as possible so we wouldn’t be captured by the town guard, who were no doubt under the sway of the former leader who I didn’t mention his name; and then of my quick thinking to summon a Postal Bird, whom eventually summoned some Skybax pilots to discuss the atrocities that was going on here. I had them all enthralled with my story of suggesting how to handle negotiations here, and even Flatbottom marveled at the ingenuity of his friend at all these doings; but then Aleta announced that the feast would now commence, and food and merriment reigned the whole night long! We were afforded the best in the town’s accommodations for the night, and treated to their best Morningmeal fare when we awoke; then asked to attend several ceremonies for the town, applying our signatures to charters of us being honorary members of the town and then on to other honorariums; such as having out footprints in cement to honor a new park dedicated to my name and treated to all sorts of other types of honors, and to be honest even I was gradually beginning to forget the main reason why I went on this trip their hospitality was so grand! After several days of this royal treatment, Flatbottom knew that I was growing bored with it; so he sent word to Aleta and she gradually began to rescind any other activity on my behalf, and invited the both of us to a private farewell meal with her. She said that I had been their savior and they would be forever grateful, but my friend reminded her that there was another reason why I had come all this way; and that perhaps it would be prudent if I continue with it, so she said that it would be proper if I leave in the morning. The farewell was teary and full of promise to return, and Flatbottom and I had the whole town of Adelade come out to wish us fair travel to our next destination; and as we reached the very last outskirts of town, Flatbottom made the comment of them not seeming so bad - so how come they were so mean before. I simply said that the people would merely do what their leaders say to do; and it didn’t matter if it were right or wrong, for rulers like that rule with an iron fist. The many towns we passed through were bleak and far in between, but soon we crested a rise that brought a salty sea breeze to our nostrils; and the settlement we saw at the mouth of a tiny bay in the distance told us that we were at last nearing the seaport city of Prosperine. This town proved to be built much like Waterfall City with it’s stone edifices and buildings done up in rustic grandeur, dockside outbuildings shone with well-worn wealth from the sea; and as we descended the slowly twisting road into the city proper it was clear that Prosperine certainly lived up to it’s name, for the people we ended up among bore no traces of poverty to be seen. All were either rich or quickly on their way to becoming so, and each greeted us with our due courtesy though tinged with an air of snobbery; but even so they gave us directions through the labyrinthine streets to our proper destination, the dockside shipping companies and their more-wood-than-stone warehouses. But one thing told me that these shipping companies were not doing so well, and that was the proliferation of their personnel hanging around idle; each looking at Flatbottom and me like choice sides of meat, jeering at our cart with the sides brightly festooned with the logo of my shipping company! They grumbled as we rolled by, and soon we came upon the first shipping company on my list; which was the Magnolia Shipping company, and the ancient bearded fellow behind the dispatch desk nearly tipped off his stool at the sight of my new face! He stammered the question of my reason for being here, and I introduced myself in a very businesslike manner; telling Mr. Feedy that I had an offer to procure his shipping company if he thought the deal was right, but before I could get to the particulars of my deal he looked at me with an extremely agitated stare. He told me that the business hadn’t been doing well lately, and that the Skybax patrols were harassing convoys and fleets out to sea; and that none of his workers felt safe to go out on runs, and I asked him why the Skybax would wish to do that. He hadn’t a clue on that, but I vowed to talk to the Matriarch about it the next time I saw her; and then went on to tell Mr. Feedy the particulars of my business proposal. At length Mr. Feedy listened, and after about an hour we agreed on a sum equal to three quarters the value of his establishment; and in return I could use the magnolia shipping company as a weigh station for my own convoys, and his repayment would be over a span of a year. That being done, I went to my cart outside; and saw that my friend Flatbottom was talking to the workers of the shipping company, and they grumbled worriedly as I went into their midst. They complained that now I was the majority owner of their shipping company, they worried that they would soon be out of jobs; of which I told them that they could stay on as long as they wanted, for I simply provided financial support for their company - and not put them out of business like they feared! Flatbottom and I left that area amid their cheering, they eventually going to their places to see what their boss had to say; and we went to the next shipping company on our list, which was the Wanderer shipping company near the docks. This company mostly did business on the sea, and their schooners were all named ‘Wanderer’ and numbered accordingly (Presently the Wanderer 3 and 7 were currently moored at their dock.), and captain Shamus their owner listened to my pitch with interest; and we finally settled on a forty percent takeover, which was a real boost for his captains and crews! Three others we visited that day, and all of them agreed to a small percentage of help; but with my donations to them I knew I was in great standing with the shippers of Prosperine, for this was the biggest business maneuver of my life on Dinotopia! Within a few days I decided to leave the town for the next leg of our journey, and I led my friend on a more southerly direction than back the way we came; and Flatbottom wanted to know where we were going next; so I told him I had a very special destination in mind, for this direction was the shortest distance possible to Tentpole Of The Sky, and when the fact reached my friend’s ears, the poor creature blanched!… ----------------------------------------------------
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