Chapter 11- A Free Ride

Ohio Territory -April 1864

Even though Erik had a soft bed to lie in, his restless mind did not keep quiet. He could only imagine what was going on with his contact who was overseas. He now knew that he was being held up on purpose. This was becoming quite a mess. Around each turn, there was another obstacle. What was so important about this contact overseas? Why did The Order choose him to intercept instead of someone else? He did have a close friendship with Joseph Robert Lowery, but others did as well. There were plenty in The Order with much higher rankings, and better connections than Erik ever could have hoped to make. He had been off the grid, sometimes with no communication with The Order for twenty years at a time. All of a sudden he was finding himself racing into society, to New York City, to intercept one of the elite. Just as he thought he could feel his eyelids droop, a knock came at his door.

“I feel your tossing and turning, like I am.” A deep jolly voice said. “Why don’t you join me for a cup of tea.” Lars said, the lantern illuminating his face.

“You read my mind. I can’t sleep and I need to. I need to try and get some rest somehow. I will take you up on that offer,” Erik said gratefully. He climbed out of the soft bed. Erik walked down the stairs to hear the teapot slowly simmering on the wood stove.

Lars pointed to two rockers by the dim fire near the stairs. Lars could tell Erik's eye caught something near the bottom.

“It’s an old carving,” Lars said as he handed Erik his tea. Lars made himself comfortable in the old rocking chair. “It was done even before the house was built, from was I was told. You can see the wood is a bit different from the rest of the stairs. I thought it must be from a part of the Wagon my great great grandfather came on. I honestly don’t know. Family stories get jumbled as time passes.”

“It’s a carving of protection, like the ones all of you have painted on your barns. To receive blessings as well or am I wrong?” Erik chuckled.

“You are right. Tell me sir, do you have anything like that over in Scotland?” Lars asked sipping on the tea.

“I don’t remember, being honest with you sir. What I do remember is if I didn’t do my chores my mother would yell so loud, anything approaching would be scared off anyways. My Pa didn’t worry about much. That lady had some pipes, I am almost positive that’s why we had no wolves!” Erik said. Both men had a good chuckle, trying not to wake the rest of the house.

“We have always been blessed, with our livestock and harvest. No famine either. The winters seem to be mild here, but just in this one spot. I have traveled to town and other farms. They seem to be have been hit harder. I have a feeling you can answer that question for me.” Lars said, his face a bit sad. Erik did look a bit troubled as well.

“I am sure you have noticed the troops have left you alone. Runaways can come onto your property almost unnoticed. I have a hunch, but I don’t know if you’re ready, or its ready to be discovered yet. I am thinking you plant extra crops to help others in town?” Erik said.

“We do each year. We have been doing it for several years now, especially now with the war.” Lars raised an eyebrow.

“I have a dreaded question to ask, but its needed.” Erik put his head in his hands. “If the town were to burn down to ash how many could you protect? Good souls I mean. You know the towns folk who should be there. Not the trash that’s there now causing so much chaos.” Erik grimaced.

“We have plenty of room for them to set up camp here. Room for livestock, grazing what’s needed. There seems to be a darkness that has come over the town.” Lars said rubbing his long beard.

“I have to get to New York; it seems that certain things have been getting in our way. We are so thankful for your help. However, I have a feeling we were meant to stumble on your path. Were you able to get any letters or journals from your father or any of your old relatives to read?”

“Yes, I brought them down from the attic. A few of them are in other languages, unfortunately I cannot be of help with those. I am hopeful that you can shine some light on this. I never heard tales of our family leaving other than to come to the colonies. Yet here it is, trinkets from all over. I don’t understand any of it.” Lars looked very shaken.

“I believe more than ever that we were meant to cross paths.” Erik took a deep breath and sighed. “Did the term ‘Poortwachter’ come up at all? I am not sure if the English translation will make sense to you.” Lars face fell a little bit.

“Yes, a few times, but we all are. The Lord has made us all shepherds of our people. To watch over and guide the flock…” he started to trail off.

“Eh, not quite.” Erik had to think carefully. It was so different with each culture. This was not like speaking with Tom or Buck who were more flexible. He had to articulate his next line very carefully. After a few moments deep in thought, he finally replied.

“Think of more the zealots, Samson, even Matthew mentioned it his scripture. There will be a time to take up the sword, but for right now the word will tame the hearts of men. What I am going up against is not of this world of men.” Erik swallowed hard.

“You keep looking at that carving as if something is there?” Lars croaked. Erik took the last sip of his tea.

“I am not sure. I have a few hunches.” Erik took the old box with dozens of letters and handwritten journals. “We are not going anywhere until I can get on that train. I promise you I will give you an answer before we leave. What I can’t promise you, is that you will like the answer I give you.” Erik sighed.

“Well at least your being fair with me,” Lars said. “I appreciate that.” He emptied his cup and motioned for Erik’s cup as well. “Thank you for putting my mind a little more at ease, at least. Why do I have a funny feeling tomorrow is going to be a bit harsh on the body?”

“Because it is.” Erik laughed. “Think about your old grandma beating yer arse with a bag of potatoes morning.”

“Oh, that kind of morning?” Sounds like fun.” Lars put the two cups in the kitchen and started to go up the stairs to his room. “Get some sleep. I will tell the wife she needs to make some home fries. Better get to the potatoes before they get to us!” He took his candle and went into the bedroom and closed the door.

Erik could not sleep. He decided to get his horse and Running Brooks ready for the morning, giving them a good brush down. Once he was done, his mind was still uneasy. He decided to just walk. He walked around the farm wondering where the runaways were actually being housed.

“What are you doing awake Sir?” he heard a young voice toward the end of the barn.

“Jacob, right?” Erik nodded.

“Yes sir. We are all so busy working on the farm and we take shifts in case. Well, if something like this happens.” He smiled. Jacob must have been no more than 14 years old. Yet, he was a tall as full-grown man. Strong as an ox by the way he looked. His eyes showed wisdom beyond his age. Erik could plainly see he was thirsty for more than what was on this plot of land. It clicked in Erik’s head that Lars was not the one ready for this. He felt that most of his sons were not ready for this type of life either. This land would be guarded and protected. Erik could come back when the time was right.

“How are the runaways?” Erik asked.

“Oh boy, well Big Jim is very nice. He has been coming out and helping me in the stables. Only when he thinks it is safe. Most of them are just glad to be out of there and free. There is one though, Miss Rose. She is driving all of us down right nuts.” He leaned against his shotgun.

“Pretty sure there is a bet going on, unofficially, between my brothers, who she is going to drive crazy first.” He laughed.

“Do they know about what is going to happen in the morning?” Erik asked.

“Yeah, they are resting now. Why don’t you lie down on that bed of hay. It will be dawn in a few hours.” Jacob said.

Erik lay down in the hay, closed his eyes and waited for the morning dawn to wake him. It felt like as soon as he closed his eyes, he felt the warm sun come on his face. He knew this was not the case. He had at least got about three hours of sleep in, he thought to himself. He heard the clicking in the distance of wagon wheels. His body was a little stiff from laying on the hay, but he was surprisingly not as tired as he thought he would be. He could smell another wonderful meal being cooked in the kitchen. He brushed himself off, stretched and headed into the warm house.

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Ms. Tilly was in a huff in the kitchen. It looked like a whirlwind, she was stuffing biscuits with ham into everyone's hands. The kitchen was full this morning. Erik walked in the door and he was handed a cheese cloth, a hot ham bun with a cup of coffee, then was almost shoved out onto the porch steps.

“Take it we are not late for some of ‘Ms. Tilly’s famous ham buns’ I guess,” A big chuckle came from behind Erik.

“You almost made me spill my coffee now, and that sir, is a huge sin.” Erik laughed. “You wouldn’t want a cranky Scott with you during the day.”

“No Sir!” Buck laughed. “You should see Ol’ Tom without his morning cup, he’s more disagreeable than an ol tomcat with no supper for a few days.” Both men tipped their hats and entered the kitchen where they were greeted very warmly. Lars came out on the front porch for some peace from all the commotion.

“Big day today.” Lars said with a sigh.

“I just hope everything goes smoothly.” Erik bit his lip. He honestly had no idea how the runaway slaves would take it. He knew very little about their background. The collaboration of the two cultures was also an opportunity for him. Since The Order had yet to really venture into Africa, he was very eager to learn as much as he could. They may have heard stories about their native land. He was pretty sure that none of them were born there. If they had been in Africa, they were taken at a very young age. This was stitching the tower of Babel back together, once again. He gritted his teeth. Every single time The Order thought they had a grip on things, one of them sent a general out to mess with world affairs. Then havoc like this had to be cleaned up. He had no idea how long the civil war was going to take to resolve. All it took was for one of them to be in the right place at the right time and huge conflicts would occur. The French and Indian war was a perfect example of War’s meddling. Erik thought gratefully to himself that reports confirmed that there was no red rider in any of the battles. War' seal was still intact, the French and Indian war was the meddling of War's low class generals.

“You seem to have a lot on your mind. Anything I can help with?” Lars asked as his put his bear paw hand on Erik’s shoulder.

“I can’t thank you enough for your hospitality. Your family has helped us more than I ever could imagine.” Erik took a large drink of his coffee. Tom and Buck came out onto the porch happily chewing away on the giant bun and slurping coffee.

“We have walked everyone through what’s going to kind of happen today. At least the basics. You’re dealing with the rest of the mumbo jumbo. We are going to be outside. I didn’t bring any puke buckets. You’re on your own explaining that mess. Once was enough.” Tom shuttered.

“Sorry to disappoint you gentlemen, but I have no idea what we will come across. What I am hoping for, is just a bunch of outlaws. Simple minded men, REGULAR flesh and blood men who have just been misguided. If that is the case, our day will be pretty easy. We can repair the track and telegraph wire, then be off.”

“Yeah, last night was not on my top favorites.” Buck shook.

“I can’t say I blame you.” Erik half smiled. This was not even the worst he had encountered on his journeys. India had to be one of the worst infestations he had ever seen. If the Army he had been fighting with actually knew what they were up against, they would be running in the other direction. He hated being in The Order at times. The manipulation of the world. There were so many working parts, it was overwhelming at times to think about. Then there was the running into regular folk, like Lars and his family, who were possibly sitting right on top of a relic, mishandled from The Order. It made his mind spin a bit.

“I took some funds out of the town budget and bought new clothes for all of them. I don’t know if Big Jim will fit. He looks like he has tree trunks as arms. Will be nice to have him around. He looks like he can throw a man outside the dank saloon and clear him right in a water trough.” Tom said smiling. “That’s from us. No extra needed. I need the manpower. Turns out we do have a few legit prospectors here. Copper mines are popping up, some tin but no gold. I do expect there will be some mining companies here soon. We have got to get this place cleaned up.” Tom huffed.

“We have some training to do. I will say a day and a half to get them ready. I have no idea if any of them have even ridden. My guess is that most of them have been around a wagon. Say, either of you boys know how to lasso? It's not something this ol' scott has found the time to learn and I think it will really come in handy.” Erik rubbed his face which was now growing full of black stubble.

“I can show them.” Buck grinned from ear to ear. Erik raised an eyebrow. “Oh don't you worry. I will just have a little fun. Besides, with just the two of us in town, how do you think we control bandits riding away? I will gather every one up in the wagon. I know an open spot a mile away we can start.”

“Get everyone on a horse that can ride.” Tom said sternly. “If they really can't ride, then they go in the wagon. Carlson, from what I am gathering, is going to be the hardest to work with. I understand he worked in his masters house for most of his enslavement. He's a free man now and if he wants to be paid, he has to do an honest days work, just like the rest of us. He will have to get his hands dirty sometimes.” Buck said. He walked off and started to gather everyone up, shouting directions.

Erik took a deep breath in, he felt the amulet under his shirt begin to radiate. What now he thought. He looked up at the bright blue sky. The sun was warm, and the breeze was dancing on the long grass in the distance. He could not have asked for a better day. He said a silent prayer, hopped on his saddled Indian pony then headed into the tall grasses to the rendezvous.

Erik swore that there was a glow coming off Big Jim's face as he rode up to meet everyone. Tom was able to find a draft horse mix to hold the large man. He sat a little lopsided on the horse, being a first time rider. The pride he showed was extremely contagious.

“She's the most beautiful thing I have laid my eye's upon sir!” He said trying to trot up to Erik. “I thinks I am gonna name her Bluebell like the flower, because she has blue eyes that match.” He was trying to hold back tears. “Well I will call her that for a little while, at least until we run farther north.” Erik motioned his horse to get as close as possible to the gentle giant.

“Your not going anywhere.” He put his hand on Big Jim's shoulder. “She's yours Jim. Your a free man. We all have a bit of a surprise for all of you. I do need all of your help, if your willing. I can only ask though. It's your choice to say no. You keep the horse either way.” Erik was suddenly lifted off his pony in shock, squeezed with a giant bear hug. Big Jim was dangling him with his feet in the air. Everyone looking began to start hooting and laughing at the sight. Erik had lost his hat and his composure. He wasn't exactly sure what was being mumbled from Big Jim. All he knew was the top of his head was getting wet and he needed to be put down.

“Jim your going to crush him!” Rose came over laughing. She helped Erik balance from the hanging jump. She just shook her head. “You a crying fool is what you is.”

“I sorry Ms. Rose. I am just so happy right now.” His face was lit up. It was transparent, every part of him was at peace.

“What exactly did you say to him?” Rose looked at Erik narrowing her eyes. She came over to grab his pony, planning to tie it to the wagon with the rest of the horses.

“The same thing we are going to tell the rest of you. Have a bit of faith.” Erik said catching his breath. Rose huffed, leading Erik's horse away. “Just leave Big Jim on Bluebell.” Erik chuckled. “He will dismount when he's ready.”

Tom, once again began to shout orders to set up equipment, leaving Big Jim to bask in glory on Bluebell. After about an hour, Carlson began to complain. His hands were getting chapped and red from the work. Rose took great amusement to this, as she always outside and used to hard labor.

“You are a house nigga Carlson, with those pretty little hands,” Rose laughed at him.

“ENOUGH!” Buck screamed. Everyone's head turned in shock. “Ms. Rose do you have any idea what we are doing here today?” The blood drained from her face.

“No....I don't.” She stammered. “Hey, why is Big Jim still sitting on that horse while the rest of us are breaking our backs.”

“Well if I must be frank, while I was giving everyone out the new clothing today, I got to see Jim's back. How that man is alive I am still in shock. We are going to tell you why you are here today. Mr. Cullen approached us with an offer. It's a mighty fine one. Right now we are all equals. You hear me? You are in free land. You got that? This war has left this country in shambles. We have all lost someone on both sides. I wonder if in a hundred years if this kind of talk and nonsense is going to be still thrown around. I sure hope not. Why you call each other the same thing your masters called you? I have no idea. My family came to the America's to avoid oppression, just to find out that we still have ignorant fools here doing the same damn thing to others.” Buck shook his head. “They will write guys like Tom and I out of the history books, because we stand up for whats right.” He tipped his hat to Running Brook and to Ms. Anna. “Come on, works almost done.” He started unloading the last of the rope.

“Buck's right. So here is the deal. Fresh start for all of you. Each and every single one of you will have full protection under me.” Tom bellowed. It became so quiet that Tom's spurs could be heard as he stepped through the high grass. “We want you to settle down here. No more running. If that's something that tickles your fancy, it does come with a price. You will all be part of the town of Meltonville. We know that slave hunters come up this way, we get them all the time. I don't think any of them will cross with a lawman or woman, even if they are of color. That's what we are offering you, that is if you stay.” Tom took off his old leather hat, then ran his fingers through his red tinted hair. “I am not going to lie to you, the job can be tough sometimes. If you don't want it, the horses are still yours to take. We will not stop you from going into Canada. All we are trying to do is offer a good home and a well paying job.” He sat down on the wagon, looking at each and every one of the runaways. “Change is never easy. It's an open invitation for something better.”

Without a word, Carlson got up, untied the reigns of a horse and left. The rest of the group just watched as he galloped directly into the mountains. He had nothing but his new horse and the clothes that were on his back.

“We will know in a few days if he makes it or not.” Buck said. He dug his spur into the fresh earth. “The horse will always find its way home without a proper rider.”

“Let him go.” Anna said softly. “We have found us a new home. Mr. Buck? Sir, I think I speak for everyone when I say can we get started now? I am sure you have a lot to teach us!” They all nodded in agreement. Buck's face turned as red as a wild strawberry as he smiled.

“Miss Anna, it's just Buck. Yes, lets get started. We all have a lot to learn from each other.”

“So let me get this straight,” Rose said. “We are going to be deputies, first we have to find a downed line and help clean up a town. We get food, clothes, a horse, pay and no slave catchers will mess with us?”

“Yep.” said Tom.

“Erik, you should've gotten lost a long time ago,” Rose laughed. Erik just half smiled. He was glad they were taking it well. He had to get out of this area and reach New York. At least there he knew The Order had a massive stronghold at St. Vincent de Paul church. It protected most of the city. He hoped it would protect him and Joseph's heir upon his arrival to America.