Well shit. I really hate this asshole. I mean, my mama told me not to hate anyone, and the Lord has a pretty "turn the cheek" understandin' o' the world that I try to follow, but this guy is really pushin' me to the limit o' that. He's just so damn …
When QuePasa gives me that look, I move closer to her and whisper: "Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep." She'll understand. The Lord said that when one sheep goes running off, you risk the others to find the one. In the same way, the Lo…
I look around at the folk with us. Got their blood up. I get it. But August ain't wrong. Talkin' is always a first recourse.
Quietly, I say to her "I believe all folks can be brought back from the brink. Question is do they want to come back. Some …
I nod to August. "We're just here to help, friend. Well, that and some o' the forest folk seem to want us very, very, dead, so if we happen to get to the bottom o' that, I ain't complain'. Mostly, though, we help."
Armin' ourselves is always a bit of a... conundrum. The family tend not to carry weapons, to be honest. Just a few little things fer self defense. But we do have some weapons. Just like not to use 'em. So a few folks have a pistol or two they got fr…
"Okay, everyone... gather what you need. I ain't lookin' fer a fight, but with the way things are you never know, and my mama taught me to expect the best and prepare fer the worst. Be quick about it, though. We'll meet back here and go soon my eyes…
I begin to sing, lowly. I know a few hymns, and my voice ain't terrible, iff'n a bit withered with my age. Amazin' Grace, of course. Go ahead and get through a verse to try n' draw some focus away from August. Then I speak.
"August's dancin... it's…
Hmmm. Don't much look like August's way is workin' here. Well, let's see if I can make things work my way.
I roll up my sleeves and begin to pray. Lord, Riesling is out there, and my friend August here is lookin' fer her. Iff'n you can find it in y…
I chuckle again. "Stage? Never thought o' it that way, but I guess you ain't wrong, August. You got a way with words. And yeah, that works fer me. Just let me know what you need. I do hope I can help you out."
Oh... OH... Well... huh.
This is... oh...
Well... Huh...
I stammer a little bit, probably clearly uncomfortably.
Finally I get out "August, I don't think yer gauche at all. I tend to be an 'each to their own' sort o' fella. Judgement is fer th…
I burst out laughing at that one. That's a new one.
"Well, I know a few 2 buck words and iff'n I remember correctly, that one there means carnal knowledge. I'm afraid I can't answer that one with an affirmation of eros, or whatever, because none o…
I laugh at August's comment.
"Well, friend, yes I have seen such things. Often. I call it The Lord. I know lots o' folks have lots o' different names fer it, but I do like mine. And yes, of course I'll help, August." I hold up the book. "Not only …
"Of course," I say, and take a swig of the rainshine. Good stuff, frankly. My mama used to make somethin' that had this sort o' quality to it. Nice little feelin', havin' a drink of it.
It can't be...
My hands tremble as I reach out to take it.
I slowly open it, turning the pages, studying the words...
I ain't seen one of these since I was a kid, and that was before I could fully appreciate it.
"August, I don't... I don't know …
I'm lost in the drumming when I notice what's in August's hands.
"Is that... August... where did you get that? Do you mind if I take a look at it? You can say no, of course, but I ain't seen somethin' like that in a minute or three."
"The pain and beauty o' this life, my friends, is in its endin'. The Lord knows this, and that's why He does it. You know how when you remember back to past times, they always seem a little sweeter n' they did when you were havin' 'em? Like, in yer …
Hey Vignette- just realized I rolled over with you. Here's my question: you've moved up in the world. What kind o' long term plans do you have fer Pike? What's yer vision o' this place?
I smile, politely I suppose, at HM. "Well, Boeing said you had some gifts for the family, which I do appreciate, so he's going to come back to present them. Got a few folks who can really use them."
I shrug.
"Well, enjoy isn't the right word, but you ain't wrong about the family. And thanks, Vin. I'm happy to have the ride. I'm, uh, well... I'm itchy to get back to the family and hopefully get things taken care of. This whole thing with Rain h…