by S L Dearing
Scott shifted on his horse.
"No one probably."
Sam looked at his best friend and shook his head.
"You're gonna tell me that not one girl has gotten to you? Are you sure you're not gay?"
Scott tried not to, but felt the smile cross his face and shook his head.
"Don't worry about it, Red."
Sam looked ahead. He realized that he had been so preoccupied with his own obsessions that he had never asked Scott about what he wanted.
"I'm sorry, Man."
Scott looked over at Sam.
"For what?"
Sam looked back.
"I haven't exactly been a best friend to you lately. You listen to me drone on and on about Sara, but I never listen to you about anything you might want to tell me."
Scott looked down at his horse. He thought to himself that he would love to tell Sam about the girl he wanted, but he didn't think it would go over well. So he raised his head and took off his hat, again wiping the sweat from his brow with his arm and putting the hat back on.
"Red, if I wanted to tell you something I would. But thanks for the apology, as unwarranted as it is."
They exchanged a knowing look that only best friends do. They were brought back to the train when they heard the sound of hooves approaching. Sam turned and saw his brother, Corey, riding towards them. He often marveled at how much they looked alike. Corey's hair was a bit shorter and he was thin, as opposed to Sam's larger build. But if Sam had not grown the van dyke he now sported, he would swear they were twins.
"Hey!" Corey shouted.
"What's up, Little Brother?"
"You guys ok?"
The two older boys looked at each other and smiled. The last few hours they had been asked that question so many times they had lost count, but they took it in stride.
"Yup, we’re fine,” Sam answered.
Corey looked at Scott, who was rubbing the back of his neck. Scott finally noticed that Corey and Sam were both looking at him.
"I'm fine, just a little headache, probably from the sun. I'm delicate you know."
Sam laughed. Corey smiled and shifted in his saddle.
"Can I ask you guys a question?"
"Sure."
"I like this girl…"
Scott groaned and Sam laughed. Corey looked around and stopped talking. Sam could see that Corey thought they were laughing at him.
"No, go on Corey. It's not you."
"No, Corey," Scott said. "It's not… go on."
"Oh, well, I like this girl, but I can't tell if she likes me."
Sam looked over at him, but said nothing, as he wasn't the one to give advice. Scott finally sighed.
"Alright, have you spoken to this girl?"
Scott said this to Corey, but looked directly at Sam, who managed to avoid Scott's stare.
"A few times, but she usually gets into a fight with her brother and it never really goes anywhere."
Sam looked over at Corey again.
"You like Rachel Levine?"
Corey's mouth dropped open and he tried to talk, but he felt his face go red. Sam shrugged.
"She's cute. She does like to fight with David though."
Scott nodded the turned back to Corey.
"Look, Corey, when the time feels right, go ask her to dance."
"But what if she says no?"
Scott shook his head.
"What if she does? Yeah, man, it sucks, but there are a lot of pretty girls at the Gathering. Besides, she might say yes."
Corey looked shocked and Sam laughed. He was again struck at how young Corey seemed at times. Corey and Chelsea were only a year apart, but she seemed so much older than he did. Sam's mother had often commented on how girls mature faster than boys do and Sam could see that when he looked at his brother and sister. Corey shook his head.
"Yeah, my other problem. What if she says yes?"
Scott dropped his face into his gloved hand and shook his head. Sam smiled.
"Then you dance with her."
Corey nodded his head as he thought about that.
"Yeah, yeah, I guess you're right."
Scott looked back over at Corey.
"Corey, why don't you ride back and make sure everything is ok."
Corey looked at him and nodded.
"Ok."
Scott and Sam watched him ride to the rear of the wagon train. Scott looked at Sam.
"I know I gave you crap about the chin fuzz, but considering how much the two of you look alike, I'm now reconsidering. Good move."
Sam again smiled and looked out towards the west. He hadn't told Scott, but when they were attacked, he hadn't thought about Sara. Instead, he saw a girl with black hair and dark eyes. He had begun to question whether or not his feelings for Sara were real.
14
The St. Paul's wagon train moved slowly towards the Fail and Grant Turner could now see the immense turrets of the castle. He saw the green and gold flag waving in the breeze, the grand bronze unicorn rising to the sun as it waved alongside the Stars and Stripes. He smiled, knowing that Alia made sure that the Stars and Stripes would always wave and that all children were taught the history of America and the other countries from before the War. Ellen Turner was now sitting with her husband and staring at the flag as well with a wistful look in her eye.
"It is beautiful."
Grant looked at his wife, her brown hair against her olive skin.
"Hmm, that it is."
She smiled for a moment then looked at Grant.
"I meant Lia Fail, Grant."
"Oh, did you?"
She smiled and turned, pulling herself back into the wagon as Grant laughed.
A rider came from the left of his wagon.
"Mr. President? There are wagons coming from the east of us."
"What is the flag they wave, Mr. Garrett?"
Reginald Garrett took binoculars from his saddlebag and raised them to look at the approaching convoy. He could see the blue and white flag with a giant Star of David blowing against the breeze.
Garrett lowered his binoculars.
"It looks like Bethel Israel, Sir."
Grant smiled and nodded.
"Thanks, Garrett. Please let everyone know that we'll be at the Gathering in about ten minutes."
Garrett smiled and nodded as he rode towards the rear of the train, yelling out their eminent arrival. Grant Turner looked over at his son, who was intently staring at the impending village.
"You alright, Son?"
Ian, startled, turned and looked at his father.
“Uh, yeah…I’m fine."
"You look nervous?"
"Me? Nah, I'm fine."
"Are you going to ask her?"
Ian Turner almost fell off his horse.
"Ask who what?"
"Ask Kaley Stark to marry you, of course?"
"I…wha…I…"
Grant eyed his son, who had turned a bright crimson, and smiled.
"Is that a yes or a no, Ian? We didn't drag Father McMahon all the way out here for nothing."
Ian started to get upset, but took a deep breath.
"I’m not even sure she feels that way about me, Dad. I mean we just danced and talked a little at the last Gathering. That hardly dictates undying love. Besides, I know for a fact that Father McMahon came for the beer."
Grant laughed and snapped the horses on towards the now visible gate and the vision of Alia Stark and Sean Lantry.
"Well, Son, you have a week to figure it out. Ellen, I can see Alia and Sean."
Ellen Turner popped her head back out from the wagon's cover. She strained to see and then raised her hand and waved excitedly.
Alia and Sean walked to the wagon as it stopped just outside the gates. Grant Turner jumped down and without thinking ran to Alia and picked her up in a giant bear hug. Laughing, he spun her around, until he remembered the protocol. He put her down and began to apologize. Alia shoved him.
"Oh, please, Grant."
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Ellen Turner again popped out of the cover and jumped to the ground, grabbing Alia and hugging her. When she was done she turned to Sean and grabbed him as well. From around the corner came Rebecca, who jumped up on the wagon just as Hannah popped out. The girls had been friends since they were five years old and relished their time together at the Gatherings. Their squeals made Ian cringe as he dismounted his horse and walked over to say hello to Alia and Sean. The squealing continued, causing Jerry and Liam to jump out of the wagon and run over to the group. Jerry walked up to Alia.
"I can't take it."
Alia laughed and leaned over, hugging Jerry and Liam, which made Liam blush. Alia watched Ian approach and marveled at the young man he had become.
"Oh, Ian, look at you."
Ian started to turn red as Alia swept him into a hug and he waited to shake hands with Sean. Grant moved forward.
"So where's my godson?"
Alia shook her head and shrugged. Then from behind her came Brian.
"Right here, Sir."
The boy held out his hand and Grant Turner took it and laughed, then pulled the boy into a hug.
"How are ya, Kid?"
"Good, Sir."
Ellen smiled and held out her arms for Brian to give her a hug.
Vivian had gotten all the Crystals settled into their areas and had now returned to retrieve the most recent guests.
"Your majesty, we must get the Paulists to their quarters so they can rest and set up."
Alia turned around and shrugged.
"I guess she's right. We'll catch up later."
Grant Turner leaned over and kissed Alia's cheek.
"Absolutely!"
He then turned to help Ellen back into the wagon and lifted himself up as well. Jerry and Liam were saying hello to Brian, but turned when they saw their uncle getting back into the wagon.
"Uncle Grant? We're gonna go with Brian, ok?"
The president of St. Paul's nodded and waved them off.
"Don't be late for dinner," Ellen called after them.
He turned to Alia and Sean.
"I'll keep this one," Grant Turner motioned to the back of the wagon and the continuous squeals from inside. "I don’t think we could pry them apart if we tried. And oh, yeah, Levine and his tribe are right behind us. You've got your work cut out for you Chancellor."
Vivian turned and sighed. She rested her chin on the tops of her fingers, deep in thought. She then clapped twice and in a flash, two young men stood by her side.
"Boys, wait here for the Israelites to arrive. I’m showing the Paulists to their quarters."
"Yes, Chancellor," replied the young men in unison.
Sean and Alia looked at the rigid young men and smiled. Within fifteen minutes of the Paulists entering Lia Fail's gates, they heard the next wagons approach. Sean walked out first with several of his soldiers, who had now arrived, and helped to calm the horses. The soldiers moved to the side of the wagon and placed steps alongside.
Aaron Levine stepped lightly down the steps and in a few giant strides was grasping Sean's hand in a firm shake, which became a hug.
"How are you, Aaron?"
The men back up and looked at each other.
"I'm great! You?"
Sean smiled and put his hand around Aaron Levine's face, and grasped it firmly with the connection of an old friend.
"Me, too!"
"And just in case you wondering, I'm fabulous, too!"
Sean looked around Aaron to see Lorraine Levine walking towards them.
Sean bellowed. "Hello, Gorgeous! Still married to this beach bum, I see."
Lorraine jumped into the arms of Sean as her husband watched, feigning a wounded ego.
"Someone has to be," Alia said as she walked towards her old friends and was grabbed into a warm embrace by Aaron.
David dismounted from his horse and walked over to greet Sean and Alia as Ian had. Alia looked at him. He might have only been seventeen, but he had grown into quite the young man in the last six months. It always struck her how much the children changed and how everyone else stayed the same.
"David, you're taller."
David smiled and shyly stepped forward to let Alia hug him, and he then stuck out his hand to shake Sean's hand. A defiant voice came from behind David Levine.
"I'm taller, too."
"Yes, you are, Rachel."
Rachel smiled and ran to Alia, as her mother looked on. Lorraine leaned into Sean and whispered.
"She's a bigger smart ass, too."
Sean laughed and stood cross-armed, watching. Joe Levine popped his head out of the wagon and everyone could see he had just woken up.
"Are we here?"
Lorraine shook her head.
"Yes, Sweetheart, we're here."
"Cool."
Joe jumped out of the wagon and ran towards the group.
"Hi, Mrs. Stark. Where's Brian?"
Sean nudged Joe.
"That way about fifteen minutes ago with Jerry and Liam Turner."
"Cool!"
Joe turned to his mother who merely waved him off and reminded him about dinner as Ellen Turner had reminded her nephews. Rachel asked about Rebecca. Alia touched Rachel's face and moved her hair aside.
"She just rode in with the Paulists and Hannah Turner. There's your best bet."
Rachel turned to her mother.
"Same rules for you, Girlie."
Rachel jumped back on her horse and trotted into the camp looking for the Paulist quarters.
"And don't neglect putting your horse up,” Lorraine yelled after her daughter.
The greetings continued until Vivian's assistants stepped forward and began to remind Alia that the guests needed time to rest.
"Well, it would appear as though everyone's being ushered to their quarters so they might rest and prepare for the evening festivities."
Aaron kissed Alia's hand.
"Then we'll follow these fine young men and get our people settled."
They walked back to the wagon and got in.
"See you at the bar, Sean," yelled out Aaron.
“Damn straight! Wait till you try my new ale!”
Sean laughed and waved as the wagon passed. He then leaned towards Alia.
"Did you know many rabbis before the War?"
"No."
“Me neither, but I get the feeling they weren't quite as…festive as he is."
Alia smiled and shook her head, as she watched the wagons role into the barren.
She turned to Sean.
"I’m going to go and get changed.”
Sean nodded and replied.
"I'm gonna check with Duncan and Janeen and make sure that everyone is getting settled and that they have everything."
She smiled at him and turned towards the castle. As she walked she looked up to the sky and there against the blue of the morning was another lone raven. It circled and hung above the city. Alia smiled and walked to the castle, grateful to see the bird.
The raven landed and watched until she entered the hall.
15
Slowly through the rest of the morning, wagons arrived at the Fail. The bustling energy was electric and everyone was busy helping one another. Alia was glad for all the kindness she was seeing from her meeting hall window.
"Your Highness?"
Alia turned around.
"Yes, Vivian?"
Vivian was shifting in her tightly laced shoes, obviously uncomfortable. Alia sighed.
"What's the problem, Vivian?"
"Well, President Merganser has requested an audience with you."
Vivian attempted to avoid the gaze she knew was now directed at her, but eventually she raised her eyes to meet the queen's and was immediately sorry.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness. I told him I would check your availability, but I didn't confirm anything."
Alia shook her head and crossed her arms.
"It's not that, Vivian. I told him just this morning that I wouldn't have tim
e for several days. Just tell him we'll try to fit him in later in the week. I don't think I can take his advances for the time being. He's such a jackass."
"Who's a jackass?"
Alia turned to see her daughter, Sara, walk into the room.
"Who else?"
Sara pondered briefly by looking at the ceiling and tapping her chin with her finger. She then snapped her fingers and pointed at her mother.
"This early in, I would have to say…a Crystal."
"You're so clever, Daughter."
Sara shrugged and smiled. She walked over to Alia and hugged her.
"Don't worry, Mom, they'll be gone soon enough."
Alia lifted Sara's face and looked at her seventeen-year-old. She had Paul's eyes, deep blue and thoughtful, always so gentle.
"Why aren't you outside shopping?"
Sara smiled.
"Coeli and I are going out later. Besides, they aren't really set up yet."
Sara stepped away from her mother and sat on the bench.
"I didn't mean to interrupt, so go ahead and finish what you were doing."
Alia looked over at Vivian, who was waiting patiently.
"Is there anything else, Vivian?"
Vivian realized that she did not have any more news, good or bad, to tell Alia, so she quietly shook her head and excused herself. Alia lifted her arms and turned to her daughter.
"There you go. You've got me all to yourself."
Sara smiled. Alia sat down on the bench next to Sara and they looked out the window.
"So tell me, Daughter, have you any favorites among the Squad for the evening festivities?"
Sara rolled her eyes.
"No, Mother."
The “Sara Squad”, as Chris had dubbed it, was a group of local boys ranging in age from fifteen to nineteen who followed Sara around, the majority of the time. It wasn't an official group, they all just happened to gather, trying to goad one another into asking Sara out. Although to most young girls it would be slightly frightening, Sara's brothers, Chris and Tanner, had made sure the Squad knew the rules. On occasion, a member of the Squad would work up the courage to ask Sara on a date. She usually declined, but on the rare occasion where she did accept, the date started very early, ended very early and there was never a second date.