Beyond These Hills

by Sandra Robbins

  When no one said anything, he nodded. “Then let’s get to work.”

  The men spread out across the area Mr. Ferguson had indicated. Andrew took up a place on the line and nodded to the man beside him and then to Jimmy, the next man down. Jimmy jerked his head in the man’s direction. “Hey, Brady. This is Glenn Carter. He works for Little River, but he grew up in the Cove. His folks sold out and moved a few months back.”

  Andrew stuck out his hand. “Glad to meet you, Carter.”

  He nodded and shook Andrew’s hand. “You too.”

  Without further conversation they set to work. For a while the sound of picks and shovels striking ground echoed across the mountainside. Andrew glanced up from his work from time to time to watch as the fire crept closer. It had now reached the trees in the middle of the neighboring ridge and appeared to be spreading unchecked closer to their location.

  After about an hour of digging, Mr. Ferguson signaled for everybody to take a short break. Andrew, Glenn, and Jimmy walked about ten yards uphill from their work position and dropped to the ground. They each pulled their canteens from their belts and took a drink before anyone spoke.

  Jimmy held his canteen and motioned toward the fire. Its tongues were licking at the sky. “It looks like it’s playing leapfrog the way it jumps from one tree to the next. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  Just then swirls of dust and debris kicked up all around them as a huge gust of wind ripped across the mountain. Andrew closed his eyes and ducked his head as dirt peppered his face. “It’s this wind,” he yelled. “If this keeps up, that fire’s gonna be on top of us.”

  A loud explosion split the air, and Andrew jumped to his feet and stared in the direction of the sound. He stood wide-eyed and unable to move as the whole mountainside facing them lit up like a fireworks display. Huge sparks propelled by the wind rocketed across the sky and spewed a trail of fire in every direction. Within seconds the whole area fanned into one huge inferno.

  Jimmy and Glenn hopped to their feet, and the three watched in spellbound horror as deadly flames whizzed through the air and landed in the tree-stripped area they had climbed to reach this elevation. As the missiles hit the dry debris left by the loggers, the sparks ignited and raced across the ground.

  Mr. Ferguson and the work detail were already running toward the spreading flames. His voice could be heard yelling at the men. “Hurry! Shovel dirt on this fire!”

  Jimmy rushed down the mountainside with Andrew right behind him. As he ran, Andrew glanced over his shoulder and spotted Glenn Carter sprawled face-down not far from where they’d sat minutes ago. He skidded to a stop and ran back to Glenn. The man was clawing at the ground in an effort to push himself into a sitting position.

  Andrew sucked in a breath at the sight of Glenn’s leg. Halfway between the knee and ankle the lower half of Glenn’s shin jutted outward at a forty-five degree angle from the upper half. His foot lay wedged underneath the loop of a tree root that protruded from the ground. Andrew dropped down beside him. “What happened?”

  Pain contorted Glenn’s face, and he groaned. “I snagged my foot on a tree root. I think my leg’s broken.”

  “I’ll cut you free.” Within seconds Andrew had cut the tree root away. Andrew glanced over his shoulder at the spreading fire behind him and then back to Glenn. “Your leg’s broken all right. Don’t move. It’ll only make the pain worse. I’ll go help put out the fire, but I’ll be back for you.”

  Glenn’s face turned pale, and he raised his head enough to dart a glance at the men below them frantically shoveling dirt. “Okay.”

  Andrew whirled and ran to join the men in what appeared to be a futile effort. He chopped at the earth with his Pulaski and scooped the loose dirt onto flames that seemed to be spreading faster than they could contain it. A sudden wind rushed across the ridge and fanned the flames higher.

  From where he worked further down the mountain Mr. Ferguson stopped, cupped his hands around his mouth, and yelled. “Men, this fire’s about to get out of our control. We need to get out of here before we’re trapped.”

  More projectiles of fire sailed through the air and landed inches away from Andrew. Searing pain shot through his body as his shirt sleeve blazed. He dropped to the ground and rolled until the flames died. Strong hands grabbed him and pulled him to his feet. He stared up into the face of Jimmy Ferguson.

  “We gotta get outta here, Brady. The wind’s blowing the fire this way,” Jimmy yelled.

  The fire now crackled and blazed all across the lower part of the mountain. Smoke billowed up all around them as the wind transported new missiles of fire that crashed to the ground.

  Andrew pointed up the ridge and yelled to be heard over the hissing flames. “Carter’s up there with a broken leg. I’ll get him and be right behind you.”

  Jimmy shot a terrified glance up the mountain and took a step in that direction. “I’ll help.”

  He gave Jimmy a shove. “No! Get out of here!”

  Andrew turned and scampered up the mountain to Glenn. Terror lined his face. “We’re gonna be trapped!” he cried.

  “Not if I can help it!” Andrew yelled. “Now I’m going to get you up, but this is going to hurt.”

  Andrew knelt with his back to Glenn, grabbed his arm with one hand and his good leg with the other, and draped him across his back. Then, with all the strength he could muster he pushed to his feet. With Glenn’s full weight on his back, Andrew started down the incline.

  His gaze swept across the area they’d been digging earlier. The fire had jumped the line and now swept across everything in its path. One opening still remained in the wall of fire that climbed toward him, and in that small window Andrew saw Jimmy still beating at the flames. He glanced up and saw Andrew. “Come on!” he yelled. “I’m keeping this open for you.”

  At that moment a violent wind swept across the mountain. It was as if fire rained from the heavens. Behind him trees that had been left by the logging company exploded in flames. Andrew could barely make out Jimmy’s image as he beat at the fire bombs that landed all around him.

  Then, with a great roaring sound, a wall of fire rose in front of Andrew, cutting off his escape route. He thought he heard Jimmy’s agonized voice calling his name on the other side, but he couldn’t be sure.

  He slid to a stop and stared into the approaching wall of fire that now raced up the mountain toward him. He looked over his shoulder and swallowed the fear rising in his throat as the trees toward the peak exploded like Roman candles.

  Glenn moaned, and Andrew darted a glance at him. He appeared to have passed out. It was just as well. There was no need for him to know that the fire was about to cover this entire mountain, and they stood in the middle of the inferno with no escape route.

  Chapter 19

  Andrew stood transfixed as he stared at the blazing trees on the mountain peak being devoured by the red and orange flames that reached toward the sky. It was as if the swaying branches beckoned for all to join them in the spine-chilling dance of death they promised.

  Andrew tore his gaze away from the sight and glanced to his right and left. The fire had now cut off both escape routes. A quick look over his shoulder told him the flames below were almost upon them.

  He closed his eyes for a moment and shook his head. His life couldn’t end like this. Not on a mountaintop with his remains devoured by fire. He didn’t want to leave Laurel that way.

  But what could he do? There was nowhere to go. Should he drop Glenn to the ground and sit beside him until the flames overtook them?

  Fear gripped him like he’d never known. Then he remembered Granny’s words about being able to face whatever came his way. He tilted his head back and stared up into the smoke-filled sky. “God, be with us. Help me know what to do.”

  The fear he’d felt moments ago vanished, and peace rolled through his body. Suddenly the words he’d read from the Bible on his return trip from Virginia flashed in his head. I will lift up mine eyes unto
the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

  He hadn’t memorized those words when he read them, but they rang in his mind as clearly as if he’d known them all his life. But why was he remembering them now?

  A gust of wind blew across the mountain, and for a moment the smoke lifted. To the right of the peak Andrew saw trees that weren’t burning. Maybe if he could reach that spot he’d have an escape down the back side of the mountain.

  He tightened his grip on Glenn, summoned every ounce of strength he had, and stumbled toward the summit. The smoke descended again and blocked his view, but he knew the direction to go. As he climbed, he kept a wary eye on the fire that approached from behind.

  The added burden of Glenn’s weight sucked the breath from him and left him panting. When he felt he couldn’t take another step, the words would flash in his head again, and he would continue his ascent.

  He had no idea how long he climbed, but he knew his body was nearing the breaking point. Suddenly more explosions shattered the air as the wind carried blazing shards of fire to the remaining trees at the top of the peak. The sky lit up, and Andrew’s heart sank.

  His legs collapsed beneath him, and he sank to the ground in defeat. Smoke swirled around him, and his lungs burned. This was the end. There was no way out of the fire that was quickly closing in on them. He closed his eyes for a moment and thought of Laurel. “God,” he prayed, “help Laurel to have a good life.”

  It was if a voice in his head responded. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

  Confused, he opened his eyes and glanced around at the spot where he had fallen. Less than three feet away a rock formation with a round hole in the center jutted out from the side of the mountain. He shook his head in disbelief. A cave? Probably used by the black bears who inhabited this area, but there would be no bears in there today. Any of them who’d returned after the logging company abandoned this mountain would have fled the approaching fire.

  Before he had time to question his decision, he grabbed the unconscious Glenn and dragged him to the opening. He had no idea how far back into the mountain the cave went, but it was worth a try. He wiggled through the hole with room to spare, reached back for Glenn, and pulled him inside.

  When they were both safely in, he ran his hands down the side of the rocks. The cave appeared to run straight back into the mountain. He scooted along the ground and pulled Glenn with him until the tunnel widened, and he sensed they had entered a large area.

  Smoke from the fire outside blew into the cave, and Andrew covered his mouth as a new thought hit him. They could still die from the smoke. Working quickly, he turned Glenn on his stomach and positioned him with his face pressed down into the cave floor. Then he lay down beside him and did the same. His body ached from exertion. All he wanted was to go to sleep, but if he did, he might not wake up again.

  As the smoke swirled through the cave he fought the urge to give in to sleep. Just as he thought he could stay awake no longer, more words from the Psalm he’d read flashed in his mind. He that keepeth thee will not slumber.

  The words calmed him and his breathing slowed. There was nothing more he could do to keep himself and Glenn safe. All he could do at this point was trust God for whatever might come. He smiled, closed his eyes, and sank into a deep sleep.

  Although the sky was still dark with smoke from the fire, the sun had managed to poke a few rays through from time to time during the afternoon. But now it was setting in the west. Soon darkness would cover the mountains and bring with it the fear that the fire would turn toward Tremont during the night. Laurel let her gaze drift over the pots, pans, and every container they had been able to find scattered across the hotel’s front yard. If the fire came, they would be used to bring water from the river. But for now, all they could do was wait.

  The firefighters had begun to trickle into Tremont about fifteen minutes ago. Laurel and Josie had watched the returning men from their spot on the hotel’s front porch. So far there was no sign of Ted, Jimmy, or Andrew.

  Laurel put her hand on Josie’s arm. “Do you want me to go check on those pots you left on the stove? I’d hate for your supper to burn.”

  Josie shook her head. “It’s all right. Mama’s in there. She can take care of it.” She turned to Laurel. “Why don’t they come? Some of the men they work with have already made it down. Why not Ted and Jimmy?”

  Or Andrew, Laurel thought, but she swallowed back her fear and slipped her arm around Josie’s waist. “They’ll be here soon. That man who came by a few minutes ago said all the men had to leave the mountain. I’m sure he would have said something if anyone had been injured.”

  “I suppose you’re right,” Josie murmured, “but I’m so scared.”

  Laurel didn’t say anything, but she couldn’t help wondering about Josie’s state of mind ever since they’d first found out about the fire. According to a conversation Laurel had overheard between her parents several years ago, Josie wasn’t happy in her marriage and was considering moving back to Cades Cove to live with her parents. When she’d asked her mother about it later, she said some people never had the happiness that comes from loving a man the way she did Laurel’s father.

  In the end, though, Josie’s parents had sold their farm and moved to Tremont to live with their daughter. Maybe that had helped keep the Fergusons’ marriage together. Whatever had happened, she was happy for Jimmy. She knew how much he loved both his parents.

  At that moment another group of men appeared down the road. They were covered in soot and ash from their heads to their feet, and Laurel couldn’t distinguish one’s features from another. Their shoulders drooped, and they shuffled along as if each step would be their last.

  Josie squinted at the men for a moment before she gasped and ran down the steps with Laurel right behind. As she ran, Josie stretched out her arms. She didn’t take her eyes off the approaching men.

  Ted Ferguson, his eyes wide and his mouth open, stopped in his tracks as Josie hurled herself at him and threw her arms around him. “Ted! Ted!” she cried. “I was so afraid something had happened to you.”

  Laurel stopped a few feet away from them and smiled at the surprised look that flashed across Ted’s face for a moment before his arms closed around Josie and pulled her close. “It’s okay, honey,” he said. “I’m all right.”

  She pulled back and studied him a moment before she ran her fingers over his soot-streaked face. “Are you sure? You’re not burned anywhere?”

  He shook his head. “No. Really I’m fine.”

  She put her arms around his neck and pulled him close again. “I was so afraid you’d die in that fire and I’d never get to tell you.”

  He patted his wife’s back and smiled. “Tell me what?”

  “How much I love you.” Her voice cracked on the last words.

  Ted’s hand stilled on his wife’s back and he tightened his grip. His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed. After a moment he cleared his throat and spoke in a soft voice. “I’ve always loved you, Josie,” he whispered.

  As if speechless, Jimmy stared at his parents in disbelief and glanced at Laurel before he turned back to his mother. “What about me? Were you worried for me too?”

  She laughed and pulled away from Ted and reached for Jimmy. “Of course I was.” She kissed him on the cheek, then stepped between them and looped her arms through theirs. “I’ve never been so relieved in all my life to have my men home safely.”

  Ted smiled down at his wife. “Well, if I’m going to get a reception like this every time I go fight a fire, I may just sign up for that kind of work full-time.”

  “You’ll do nothing of the sort,” Josie said. “I’m keeping you both close to home where I can keep an eye on you.”

  Laurel glanced down the road and then back to Jimmy. “Did you see Andrew while you were up there? He went up on the train with the CCC camp boys from the Cove.”

>   Jimmy’s face clouded, and he shot a pleading look to his father. Ted slipped his arm from Josie’s, stepped in front of Laurel, and reached for her hand. “Laurel, Andrew was on the mountain with us. When the fire overtook us, he ran back up the ridge to get Glenn Carter, who’d fallen and gotten hurt. He was bringing him back down when a wall of fire cut him off.”

  A violent tremor started at the top of her head and radiated through her body. “No!” she screamed. “It’s not true.”

  She stumbled backward, looking at Jimmy as if pleading for him to say it wasn’t true. The young man’s eyes sparkled with moisture. “I stayed and tried to beat a path through the fire for them, Laurel, but it didn’t do no good. That fire was just vicious, and the wind just spread it everywhere. I caught one glimpse of Andrew with Glenn on his back right before the escape hole through the flames closed.”

  She gasped for breath and shook her head. “He was caught behind the fire?”

  Jimmy nodded. “I tried to get to him, but there wasn’t anything I could do.”

  She backed away and shook her head. “But he’s not dead, Jimmy. I know he’s not.”

  Jimmy glanced at his father again, and he inched closer to her. “Laurel, I know it’s hard, but you have to face facts. That fire just exploded all around us. Even the trees at the top of the mountain were blazing when I looked back. There’s no way he could have gotten out.”

  Wild-eyed, she darted quick glances from Ted to Jimmy. “But he shouldn’t even have been up there. He’s been scared of fire ever since he was a child. Why didn’t he run down the mountain with the rest of you?”

  “Because he wouldn’t leave Glenn behind,” Jimmy said. “I told him I’d go help, and he shoved me back and told me to get out of there while I could. He saved my life, Laurel.”