Chapter 31
Kate heard some small rocks slide down the hill just above her. She pulled her knife out in preparation and stared intently up the hill.
“Kate. Humphrey,” she heard Hunter whispering.
“We’re right here,” Kate whispered back. She looked over to Humphrey who was crouched low, ready for attack, clutching the big knife in his right hand.
Hunter clamored down the last few meters and sat down midway between Kate and Humphrey. He motioned with both arms for them to come close. They scooted over close.
“I didn’t see any guards up there,” Hunter started. “The fire has burnt down a lot and no one is tending it. While I was watchin’ a petite woman, hair coiled up on her head, came out of the small hut with a little boy and took him to the restroom.”
“That sounds like Maude!” Humphrey whispered excitedly. “Was her hair light brown hair?”
“The light wasn’t good enough for that,” Hunter answered. “All I can really say is she was a small, delicate woman.”
“That has to be her,” Humphrey responded. “I don’t remember any of the other women being as small as she.”
“Did you see anything of the Twins?” Kate quietly demanded.
“No,” Hunter answered. “I only saw the one woman and little boy. No one else. But they did come out of the small hut like Humphrey expected. There were tents scattered about but no one else was up.”
“Well?” Humphrey asked.
“We go now,” Kate answered instantly. “They are not expecting anyone and we’ll catch them totally by surprise.”
“Okay,” Humphrey answered.
“Great,” enjoined Hunter.
“You saw the layout,” Kate said to Hunter. “How do we approach it?”
“Well, we should go up together on this,” Hunter explained. “That’ll have the small shack close to our left, the big house straight across from us and some tents nearest us with the fire in the middle.”
Hunter took a deep breath continuing, “Kate, you can work around the outside of the camp to the small shack. I’ll sneak in to the fire and get a couple of fire brands and bring them back to where Humphrey waits.”
“We have this torch ready,” Humphrey interrupter and handed Hunter the long wood branch with Kate’s old clothes wrapped around its end they had fashioned earlier.
This is great,” Hunter stated taking the torch. “I’ll get this burning and bring it back to Humphrey. He can use it to set fire to the tents while I slip around with another torch from the fire to light up the big building.
While we’re doing that, Kate you slip into the small hut and get the Twins up. When Humphrey and I start shouting ‘Fire!’ bring your sisters out and head back down here.”
“What about Maude?” Humphrey demanded.
“Well,” Hunter continued, “after you’ve lit up the tents head to the small hut and get Maude. Lead her back down here.”
“And you?” Kate asked.
“I’m goin’ to add to the confusion,” Hunter smiled. “After Humphrey and I have the fires goin’ I plan on steppin’ into the middle of the camp and shouting ‘There they are!’ and point everyone in the wrong direction.”
Hunter paused to look at both Kate and Humphrey. “Well, what do you think?”
“A good plan now is better than a great plan later,” Kate answered.
Humphrey nodded agreement.
“I’m not stopping here on the way back,” Kate stated. “I’m going to keep the Twins moving and head back down our trail to the tunnel entrance. We know what’s out in that direction,” she concluded.
“Okay,” Humphrey stated. “Maude and I will be right behind you.”
“And I’ll bring up the rear,” Hunter added. “If we have any luck, the fire and the misdirection will give us maybe an hour head start. We all must keep moving. No stopping. Okay?”
“Right,” Kate agreed.
“Right,” Humphrey added.
“Well, let’s go then,” Kate ordered and they all stood up.
“I’ll take the backpack and water,” Hunter said lifting it up onto his shoulders. “You two don’t need anything slowing you down.”
Kate and Humphrey, with their knifes out, followed Hunter up the hill. Off to their right the moon was touching the horizon. Kate heard a few early birds calling. It was a good hour for a surprise raid.
The ground under foot was firm and gravely. Scattered clumps of grass hung onto the hill trying to survive. Ashe juniper bushes added their scent to the air.
The climb kept Kate warm against the cool morning air. To the east she thought she saw the beginning of sunrise. She started to pick up her speed when suddenly Hunter stopped and pointed up a little and to his right. There was the camp.
The layout was smaller and more cramped than Kate at envisioned. The small hut was almost next to the larger one. There were four tents in an arc around the fire with the first and last tents within two meters of the buildings. The open fire in the center was burnt down low and gave off very little light. Kate did not see anyone moving.
Hunter motioned Kate off to the left. She carefully skirted around the camp until she was near the corner of the small shack. She had a two-meter path between the nearest tent and the building.
Crouching low she eased out of the scrub and into the camp clearing. She stayed close to the side of the building and made her way to the door. Kate looked over at Hunter and Humphrey watching her progress. They needed to make their move. Kate waved her right arm and them opened the door and stepped inside the hut.
It was pitch black inside. Kate stood still waiting for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. She could hear light breathing from several spots in the room. Where were the Twins?
Kate heard some sounds from outside, Humphrey and Hunter moving into place. Suddenly the door of hut the swung open and the light of a bright lantern blinded Kate.
“Can I help you?” a strong voice asked.
Kate stared into the light. “Larson?” she asked.
“Yes, Kate,” the Wolf answered.
Kate was trapped.
Chapter 32
There were waking voices behind Kate. One of them, a little girl’s, asked, “Sissy?”
Kate turned around. The light from the lantern fell on the back of the room and Kate saw Kayla and Kaylie, side by side, sitting up on bed pallets laid out on the floor.
“Yes, girls. Sissy is here,” Larson stated in a soft, almost whispery voice. “Go give them a hug, Kate. They’ve missed you.”
Kate turned back around and stared into the lantern light.
In a strong, full voice Larson added, “Don’t think about it child. You won’t get past me. And your friends can’t help. Hump is tied up and Hunter is helping me.”
- Betrayed! -
“Humphrey is here?” a small voice asked from the back of the room.
Kate turned back around to the Twins who were standing by this time. Next to them sat a small woman with long brown hair gathered up on top of her head.
“Hump is back,” Larson answered. “Yes Maude, our little family is back together, with an addition.”
Kate rushed over to the Twins and pulled them tight to her, squeezing them so hard they could barely breath.
“I’ll let you three get reacquainted,” Larson laughed. “Sun’ll be up shortly and there’ll be work to do,” Larson warned and then he shut the door plunging the interior of the hut back into darkness. Kate heard what sounded like a bar being placed across the door.
“Where’s Mom?”
“Where’s Dad?” the Twins asked.
Kate hugged them tightly in the dark room. She answered, “They’re back at home. They sent me to get you.” The Twins could not see her tears.
“Can we go home now, Sissy?” Kayla asked.
“Not right now, Kayla. But soon,” Kate answered. Changing the subject she asked, “Have you two been eating and brushing your teeth?”
“Yes,” both girls answered in unison. Kaylie explained, “We forgot our tooth brushes but Ms. Maude showed us how to use our fingers.”
“Have you both behaved?” Kate asked.
In the dark Kate could feel both girls nodding their heads.
The small voice of Maude said, “They’ve both been wonderful help.” Then there was a pause and in a halting voice she asked, “Is Humphrey really out there?”
Kate turned toward the voice, “Yes, Ma’am, he’s here. I wouldn’t have got here without his help.”
Kate heard Maude sobbing.
“I told him to get away,” Maude cried, “And to stay away.”
“He loves you very much,” Kate responded. “He wants to save you.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Maude sobbed. “Larson uses me to control Humphrey. And uses Humphrey to control me. You don’t know all the terrible things Larson has done to us! Humphrey was finally safe,” Maude finished in deep sobs.
Kate held the Twins tightly and said to Maude, “He couldn’t leave you here,” It was the only thing left she could say.
Maude and Kate sat quietly in the dark. Kate could hear the soft breathing of several other children around her.
She heard people talking outside but could not make out what they were saying. Then she heard someone unblocking the door. The door swung open and Kate saw the campground in the morning twilight. Men were moving about. It looked like they were breaking camp.
An average height man stepped into Kate’s view. Nothing appeared special about him. Maybe he was a little heavier built than average, maybe. His hair was close cropped and his head a squarish shape with a strong chin. He smiled and showed a healthy set of white teeth.
“Maude. Kate. Get the kids up,” the man ordered. It was the same voice from earlier, Larson. There was no refusing his voice. Kate could tell he demanded compliance. Refusal was dangerous.
Maude stood up at the order. There was not much light in the hut but Kate saw that Maude was several inches shorter than her. Her clothes had once been nice but were now dirty and tattered. She was small boned with a fragile look about her. But Kate saw the look in Maude’s eyes as she looked at Larson. As much power as Larson had in his voice the look in Maude’s eyes equaled it. She just did not have the physical build to battle him.
“If you two haven’t introduced yourselves,” Larson laughed, “Maude, Kate. Kate, Maude.” Then he continued, “No breakfast, no playing around. Get the kids out and to the toilet. We break camp in ten minutes.”
Then looking at Kate he smiled and winked, “Nice to see you, Kate. Sorry I missed you a few days ago. Stick your knife in the wall when you get outside. I don’t want you hurting yourself.” Larson turned and strode away.
“Monster,” Kate said under her breath, watching Larson leave.
“He’s worse than that,” Maude stated. “He’s evil. He has no heart, no remorse.”
There are a lot of possible missions in everyone’s life. Some people can’t decide between the missions they have available to them, so they float along following no single path. But even that’s a decision. You pick your mission every single day.
- That man will not harm me or my family ever again. He will not ever own me. -
“Get your sisters on outside,” Maude instructed. “I’ll get the other kids up and outside. The toilet is around back. Hurry!”
Shortly Kate, the Twins, and Maude stood outside the hut along with a half dozen, poorly dressed children, all girls except one. The little boy looked to be three, the girls ranged from that age up to the one that was maybe eight.
“Dorothy, are we ready?” Maude asked the older girl.
“Yes, Ma’am,” Dorothy answered. “Can I walk with the Twins again today?” she asked.
Maude looked over at Kate and explained, “Dorothy and your sisters have been enjoying each others company the past few days. They make a game out of herding the other children along. It keeps them busy,” she added.
Kate looked at her sisters and could see what they wanted. “Sure Dorothy. You and the Twins can walk together, but you have to help with the others. Okay? No playing around.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Dorothy answered. She and the Twins squealed in delight and the three little girls took hold of each others hands.
Kate looked across the campsite, the sun nearly up behind her. She saw several women moving hurriedly, making up bundles and a few older children, mostly boys helping. Near the fire she saw several men standing, looking at her. She stared back. A couple of men grinned.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“Don’t antagonize them,” Maude told her quietly. “Larson won’t let them touch you, for now. As a grown, young woman you have a lot of value to him.”
Kate looked at Maude, “And you accept that?”
“It’s not about whether I accept it or not,” Maude answered. “That’s how it is.”
Kate looked back at the leering men. She pulled the knife from its sheath and walked to the hut and stabbed the blade viciously into the building. Then she went over to the Twins and Dorothy, squatted beside them and asked, “Do you know how many children we have? Can you count them?”
All three girls started counting, then they got in an argument about including themselves in the count.
“Include yourselves, girls,” Maude counseled.
The girls got all excited counting.
Kate heard someone walk over. She stood up and turned around. It was Hunter.
“Traitor,” she said looking him in the eyes.
“It had to be done,” he replied. “You would have never gotten away.”
“And we’ll get away now?” she demanded.
Hunter did not answer. He stepped over to the hut and worked the knife free. Slipping it inside his shirt he headed to the fire.
Chapter 33
Kate watched Larson move around the small camp like a circus animal trainer, commanding, demanding obedience. A couple of men began to strike a tent. Another man began to picks goods.
He circled back to Kate and Maude. “Maude, you and Kate take the kids and head out,” he ordered roughly. “We’ll follow you.”
“We haven’t gathered up the covers yet,” Maude explained.
“Don’t need ‘em,” he retorted. “We’ll be back tomorrow. There’s a Raider pow-wow to the west, not far from here.” Motioning at the kids with his right arm he said, “We should be able to sell some of these girls. Maybe some of the bigger boys.”
He looked at Kate, “If your sisters were a little older I could get a small fortune for them, redheaded twins.” He grinned and added, “I might split them up but it’ll pay best to keep ‘em for another year or too and train ‘em. What do you think?”
“I think you’re a monster,” Kate spat back. She did not ask what they would be ‘trained up’ to do.
Larson’s grin widened. “Keep in mind you’re up for sale also.”
Larson dropped the grin and added, “You and Maude take the lead. And if you try to run… remember Maude, and Hump, and Dorothy. They will pay for your mistake. Do you understand?”
Kate glared at Larson but did not answer him.
“What about Humphrey?” Maude asked quietly. “I haven’t seen him.”
Larson turned and grinned for her benefit, “Hump is fine. He’ll be along. As soon as you both get going.”
“Dorothy, kids,” Maude called out. “Follow me! We going on a picnic.”
“Twins,” Kate added. “Let’s walk with Maude and Dorothy.”
The small group turned their backs on the rising sun, the brilliant reds and whites of the clouds, and started off to the west.
Kate had thought before that watching over the Twins was a chore. Now all the kids she and Maude were trying to manage were like herding cats. Some child was always going off on their own. Finally, using the Twins and Dorothy as herd dogs, they were able to make towards a generally west direction.
Then the kids started asking for water. There was none. They asked for food. There was none. Everyone became fussy.
Kate was leaned over a little girl, about three years old, when she felt someone walk up and stop beside her.
“Are you okay?” Hunter asked.
Kate straightened up and looked him in the eye. “You’re worse than Larson!”
Hunter did not show any emotion as he answered, “There was no way we were going to be able to free your sisters and Maude and escape. They would have caught us in fifteen minutes.”
“So you just made a deal for yourself!” Kate snapped back.
“No,” Hunter replied. “I made a deal so that everyone is safe for now. Now we watch for a good time to escape.”
“Right!” Kate responded. “We have until tonight! And if we run, Larson will take it out on someone else. Did you think of that?” she demanded.
“I knew it was a possibility,” Hunter answered. “Do you need anything?”
“These kids need water,” Kate snapped at him.
“And some food,” Maude added.
Hunter pulled the water bag off his shoulder and handed it to Kate. “I’ll go check with Humphrey and see if he still has any of the jerky.”
“Is Humphrey okay?” Maude asked.
“He’s fine,” Hunter answered. “They have him carrying some stuff. When I get you some food I’ll help him,” Hunter said and headed back to the advancing group of Raiders.
“Can we trust him?” Maude asked.
“You can see what trusting him got me,” Kate answered as she started letting the children drink from the bag.
Kate walked for hours. The sun was high above her head. The adults and bigger children had all passed her, Maude and the children. Hunter had dropped off some food for them and Maude had been able to see Humphrey from a distance, Larson would not let her and Humphrey get close though.
The little children were already too tired to even complain. They just marched onward. Soon, some of them would have to be carried.
Maude and Kate walked close to each other. “What’s a pow-wow?” Kate asked.
Maude was a little short of breath as she answered, “It was a big gathering of Native Americans,” she explained. “They lived in a bunch of small groups and would come together at a great gathering, usually yearly, to get together, talk, trade, and find mates,” she added glancing over at Kate.
Kate did not comment except to say, “So that’s where we’re heading.”
Maude stumbled. Kate reached out a hand to steady her and asked, “You okay?”
“Just a long walk,” Maude replied. “And twice as long for these little ones,” she added.
“We should take a break,” Kate suggested.
“Larson will kill someone if we do,” Maude answered.
“Well, if these kids don’t rest, the walk will kill them,” Kate stated. “If he kills us, we won’t have to walk anymore.”
Kate looked up ahead. Hunter was two hundred meters ahead and the others were another hundred meters. Kate raised her little fingers to her mouth and whistled a loud, piercing note. Hunter stopped and turned around.
Kate stopped walking. “We’ll rest here kids,” she told everyone. “Sit down and I’ll give you all a drink of water.”
Kate heard Hunter calling something but she could not make it out.
“He’s calling up to the front,” Maude said, “and heading back here.”
Kate worked getting all the children seated then she started helping them drink.
Hunter reached them and said, “Larson is on his way back.”
“Larson looks angry,” Maude added.
Kate gave the children her attention.
When he was in shouting range Larson started with, “Who told you to stop?” And getting louder as he got closer. “What are you doing?”
Kate stood up and turned around to face Larson.
He looked crazy. His face was bright red from exertion and sweat was streaming off him as he shouted. He glared at Maude as he stomped up. She lowered her face. Larson turned on Kate.
“You did this!” Larson shouted, spittle flying from his mouth like a dog gone mad as he stomped up to her. He stopped almost toe to toe with her, glaring down at her. He raised his right fist to strike her.
“You’ve been force marching these kids for days now,” Kate stated. “If you kill them, what good are they to you? Who much will you get for their corpses at the pow-wow?”
Larson breathed heavily through his mouth, staring down at Kate, who did not flinch before him.
“Their corpses are worth about the same as yours,” Larson roared.
“To the tanner,” Kate answered.
“Yes, to the tanner,” Larson answered, “for purses and pocketbooks.”
“Wallets must be cheap then,” Kate replied.
Larson started laughing. He lowered his fist. “You are a feisty one, Kate. Make sure YOU stay hydrated,” he told her and turned to Hunter.
“Come with me. We’ll go up and get some people to carry these kids. You’ll be in charge of them. It’s not too much farther. We can’t have anyone dying on us.” Larson walked briskly away.
Hunter looked at Kate, then followed Larson.
Maude flew over beside Kate and gave her a huge hug. “I can’t believe you just did that!” she cried.
Kate shook her head a little and answered, “I can’t believe it either.”
Chapter 34
Kate was heading up a small rise carrying a small, three year old girl. Maude and the other four women from Larson’s group were following each carrying a child. Behind them were three men carrying the Twins and Dorothy.
Maude veered away from the group towards her right. Kate looked ahead following Maude’s direction. She saw Humphrey reach the top of the rise and look back down to Maude. He adjusted a large bundle he carried and waved quickly to Maude.
Maude climbed a little faster. She sang a soft lullaby to the boy in her arms as she toiled up the hill.
Larson appeared beside Humphrey and spoke to him. Humphrey answered and Larson swung his fist, striking Humphrey above the ear. Humphrey fell to the ground.
Maude gasped and called out, “Stop!” She broke into a slow run, stumbling up the hill.
Larson looked down at Maude. He waved and smiled to her then he helped Humphrey back to his feet and they both disappeared over the crest of the hill.
Maude slow and stopped. She stood crying. Kate angled her way over and stopped beside her.
“See what kind of monster Larson is,” Maude sobbed. “Humphrey should have stayed away. That was the only way he was safe!”
“Humphrey couldn’t leave you here with Larson,” Kate said trying to soothe Maude. “He loves you too much to allow that.”
“And what can we do now?” Maude wailed. “Larson owns us both!”
“We’ll get you away from here,” Kate answered reassuringly.
“And how are you going to do that?” Maude shouted angrily. “How are you going to do that?”
Kate looked at Maude and answered, “I don’t know now. But I will do it.”
“You’re just a girl,” Maude responded. “You don’t know what it’s like to see your husband beaten and humiliated in front of you. You don’t know what it’s like to have someone like Larson touch you! You’re just a girl!” Maude finished and walked off, following after Humphrey and Larson.
Kate watched Maude struggle up the hill. The other people walked past her on their way up the hill. They kept their heads down and did not even look towards Kate. The three men with the Twins and Dorothy came up even with her.
“Sissy!” all three girls called out to Kate, Dorothy the loudest.
Kate smiled and rocked the little girl in her arms.
“We’re almost at the pow-pow,” Kaylie called out.
“Just over the hill,” Kayla added.
“That’s great,” Kate answered.
The man nearest Kate carried Kayla. He spoke up, “Need to get moving girl. Larson don’t like to be held up. And you don’t want him looking for you.”
Kate nodded and started up the hill.
When Kate reached the crest she stopped. Below her the terrain was transformed. A small ribbon of water snaked along the bottom of the hill and meandered off into the distance leaving the surrounding area green with grass. Nearer the stream were large clumps of reeds and a scattering of willow trees. Along both sides of the stream there were campsite after campsite of tents and people, children playing. There looked to be more people here than Kate had seen in any of the towns she had past through. It was a city in the middle of nowhere and after marching through the dry wilderness, it looked like heaven. She hurried down the hill after Maude and the others.
Hunter intercepted the women and children at the bottom of the hill. He motioned the men to move in close with them.
“Larson is going up ahead to find us a camp spot.” he stated. “He told me to lead you along the creek so you could relax. The air is fresher there. You can put the kids down and let them walk. It won’t be very far,” he added.
Everyone immediately set their burdens down. It had been a long, hot trip and the children were long past being heavy.
Kate set the little boy she carried down and helped him steady on his feet. The Twins and Dorothy ran up, all talking at the same time.
“Sissy! Sissy! Look at the water. Isn’t it pretty. Do you hear the birds? Look at all the people. There are some kids over there. Can we play with them? Can we swim in the water? I can’t swim. Can you swim?” It was all a jumble.
“Hush, hush,” Kate ordered softly. “We can’t stop right now. We have to find our camping spot. Then maybe we can talk about playing. Okay?”
“Okay,” the three little girls answered.
Maude walked over to Kate, “I am so sorry about what I said back there,” she said.
Kate reached over and hugged Maude, “That’s all right. Don’t think about it.”
Maude hugged Kate tightly.
Hunter raised his voice, “Come on follow me,” he ordered. He turned and headed to the creek leading them right through two campsites. Everyone followed bringing the small children along.
The men, women and children in the two camps stopped and stared at the line of people cutting through their camps. The men and children continued to stare long after the women went back to their work.
At the edge of the stream Hunter turned left and followed it south. The ground was soft underneath Kate’s feet. The grass was a relief to walk on after all the sand and rocks over the past two days. Near the edge of the stream Kate found there was a layer of topsoil.
- A great place for farming. Mom and Dad would have loved this spot. -
Kate looked at the stream. It was only a meter wide but the water moved fast and it looked deep. The air was fresh and clean.
Hunter led them along the stream, following its contours past each and every campsite. Both sides of the creek, people, especially the men, quietly watched them pass.
Maude moved up next to Kate. “Larson is advertising us,” she whispered.
“What do you mean?” Kate asked.
“Having us walk along the creek allows every man in every camp to see us,” Maude answered. “They get to see what ware’s he has to sell.”
“You mean us?” Kate asked.
“Us, the kids, the other women. And especially you,” Maude replied. “You’re the young pretty one. You’re the one they’re staring at?”
Kate looked around her. The men were staring at her.
Chapter 35
Larson was standing with several of his men near the stream when Hunter led the women and children past the last campsite. He shouted at Hunter, “It’s good here.” Hunter headed to Larson.
As they neared Kate saw Humphrey seated on the ground, breathing heavily. Humphrey had his eyes on the ground in front of him.
Hunter stopped in front of Larson.
“This is a good spot,” Larson stated. “Have Hump put up my tent here. Maude and I will sleep in it tonight. The rest of you can sleep under the stars. The fresh air will do you good. Any questions?” he asked harshly turning and looking at each man in the group for his reaction. Everyone just nodded and mumble incomprehensible sounds.
Larson looked up at the sun. “It’ll be getting dark soon. You should get busy. Fix something to eat. I’ve got some people to talk to in camp. Don’t know when I’ll get back. But everything better be set up and quiet when I get back!” he ordered and included everyone in his gaze, stopping on Hunter.
“Any questions?” he demanded.
“No questions,” Hunter answered.
“Good,” Larson laughed. “I hate questions.” Then he walked over to Kate and Maude standing near each other and stopped in front of them.
“Man does not make opportunity,” he said quietly and civilly. “When it comes, you have to be ready. I have spent my life being always ready.”
He looked at Maude and told her, “Have the tent ready and be in it when I get back.”
Larson’s eyes moved over to Kate, “Enjoy the evening, Kate.” Larson walked past and into the pow-wow encampment.
Kate turned to ask Maude what Larson meant by that comment but Maude was gone, running to Humphrey.
Hunter raised his voice, “All right, you heard the man. Let’s make camp.”
Larson’s men ignored Hunter. They stood and talked or sat on the ground, enjoying the rest.
“Let’s make camp,” Hunter repeated.
A small, thin man lying back on the grass rose up onto one elbow and asked, “Who put you in charge, mate?”
“It appears Larson did,” Hunter answered.
“Oh, it ‘appears,’” the man mocked and several others laughed.
Hunter was no longer the silly young man Kate had first met. Suddenly he was a big, strong man.
“You’re Thomas, right?” Hunter asked.
“Thomas? I, that’s me,” the man answered, a dark look spreading across his face.
“Why don’t you stand up, Thomas?” Hunter asked.
“I’ll stand for ye, lad,” Thomas answered slowly rising to his feet. There was a glint of steel in his right hand.
In a strong, even voice Hunter ordered, “Put the knife down, Thomas.”
Thomas grinned thinly and answered, “Take your voice off me, lad. You’re no Gesserit witch.” He dropped down into a crouch and moved his knife into view.
Hunter moved rapidly forward closing the space between him and Thomas. Thomas lunged forward with the knife. Hunter sidestepped Thomas, grabbed the wrist of the knife hand and pulled it forward throwing Thomas off balance. As Thomas stumble forward Hunter swung his left forearm and drove it against Thomas’ forehead. Thomas flipped backward and down to the ground. Hunter still held onto the wrist. Hunter twisted the wrist and the knife dropped to the ground.
“I could break your wrist, your arm, or your neck, Thomas,” Hunter said to the other men watching. Hunter released Thomas’ wrist.
“Anyone else want to discuss it?” Hunter asked. There was a lot of head shaking among the men as they quickly began making camp. Hunter bent down and retrieved Thomas’ knife. He slipped it inside his shirt, under his belt, alongside Kate’s dagger. Eventually Thomas got up off the ground and got busy helping set up the camp.
Maude and Humphrey were kneeling together in a tight embrace. Maude was in tears as Humphrey tried to console her.
“I’m fine, dear. I’m fine,” he soothed her. “That man can’t hurt me as much as it hurts to be away from you. Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.”
Maude pulled away from Humphrey and looked at him with tear filled eyes. “Don’t say such things. Larson will kill you before this is all done. Then what will I do? What hope will I have if you’re gone?” she asked.
Humphrey tenderly brushed aside the wet hair from Maude’s eyes so he could look into them. “We’re just going to have to have faith sweetheart.”
Maude shook her head, “Faith, I’d rather have a gun or least a knife,” Maude stated. “Then I could put an end to that monster!”
“Don’t talk like that,” Humphrey said pulling Maude close to him. “Don’t even think like that,” he admonished.
Sobbing onto Humphrey’s shoulder Maude told him, “I’d do anything to stop this horrible life.”
“Shhh… It’ll be okay, Sweetheart. It’ll be fine,” Humphrey whispered quietly holding Maude tightly.
Kate was standing in the middle of the crowd of children trying to keep them together. When Maude left, the other women moved back to their men and started helping with the camp. There was just one tent to erect but everyone needed a place to sleep and something to eat.
Hunter had everyone busy. He walked over to Kate, “Do you need any help?”
“These kids need some supper,” Kate answered.
“There’ll be some ready soon,” Hunter replied. Then quietly he asked, “What did Larson say to you when he left?”
Kate looked up at Hunter. “He told me you have to take advantage of opportunities when they happen as you have no control over them.”
“I would agree with that,” Hunter stated.
“And he told me to enjoy the evening,” Kate added. Kate bent down and picked up a small girl.
Hunter quietly watched Kate with the child before he spoke again, “Larson doesn’t talk just to hear himself. He’s up to something, taking advantage of an opportunity. And it surrounds you.”
“And what am I supposed to do about it?” Kate asked. “Someone thought it was a good idea to join up with him.”
“It was a good idea to put off the confrontation as long as we could. I still want to do that,” Hunter stated. “But we may also have to take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself.”
Hunter reached inside his shirt and pulled out Kate’s dagger, hiding it from view inside his palm and along his forearm. “Let me take the child,” he said and reached out for the little girl and as he and Kate transferred the girl they also exchanged the knife.
Kate quickly hid the knife inside her shirt, under her belt just as Hunter had carried it. Kate looked up at Hunter holding the little girl and said to him, “You’ve changed. Ever since Luke attacked, you’ve been different. You’re not a silly, young man anymore.”
Hunter winked and said, “I never was.” Then quietly and very seriously he said, “If you need to use that thing and there is the opportunity, use it. Don’t hesitate. ‘The woman that deliberates is lost.’”
Hunter looked down at the little girl in his arms. “Are you hungry, sweetie?”
She looked up at him with big, unblinking brown eyes.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” Hunter smiled. He turned away from Kate and headed to the cooking fire, which was now leaping about. He started humming to the little girl.
Kate watched him for a minute then she called out, “Katie, Kayla, Dorothy! Help me get everyone over there for some supper.”