by Joel Baker
That was when she saw Samson.
It seemed to Molly as if Samson was walking much too slowly. Maybe he’s hurt, she thought. Then she realized the dog was stalking George Fisk. She turned her face back towards her attacker and smiled at him.
“Decided to relax and enjoy it did we?” George asked.
“No,” Molly said. “It’s just that you’re about to die and I get to watch.”
George turned suddenly and stared into the eyes of Samson who stood directly over him.
“Hell, it’s only a dog…” were the last words George Fisk ever spoke.
Samson took George by the neck and dragged him a few feet from Molly. The snap of his neck sounded like a rifle shot. Samson waited for the quivering of muscles to stop before he let go. Molly sat up and arranged her clothes as best she could. The effects of the punch were wearing off slowly and she was surprised when Samson came and stood over her, watchful for any further threats.
Molly looked around the area in front of her. The battle was over. Not a single live member of the militia remained in the compound. Men were helping women and women were helping men to stand up. People were still running over to see if they could help. Many were bandaging wounds or helping those they could.
When she stood, Molly got dizzy, but her head cleared. She began looking for James. Samson ran to where the bodies lay in a large pile and began pulling one attackers body away from the pile. Other defenders joined in and soon James was pulled free from the stack. He was a mess.
“Oh James,” Molly said. “Look what they’ve done to you.”
She began wiping blood from his head and face. Samson ran over and laid down watching Molly closely.
“Give me some air,” James finally said trying to sit up. “I thought I was going to suffocate. I hit the big guy with my tomahawk and he fell right on top of me. He had to weigh at least three hundred pounds. Talk about dead weight!”
Molly hugged him tightly until a woman with a bucket of water and some rags came over.
“There now missy,” the woman said. “Let me wash some of the blood off.”
The old woman began to sponge James face and arms.
“See, it’s not so bad, the woman said. “We just need to stop a few of these cuts and he’ll be fine.”
Molly saw her father going from group to group occasionally leading the group in prayer. Once they took James to the main house to patch him up, Molly joined some of the groups tending to the injured or grieving the dead. She stopped by each of the dead dogs lying in the dirt, somehow forgotten. Each time she sat by the dog and took its head into her lap and petted the head of the dog gently. Samson followed her and sat by her side each time Molly paid tribute to the fallen friend. It seemed to Molly as if Samson paid them tribute too.
Chapter 16
Seven people of Haven died at the wall including Jimmy Kimble and his mother. Three dogs were killed in the final onslaught. To the best of anyone’s knowledge none of the militia who participated in or led the attack on Haven survived. It took the dogs several weeks to avenge their dead by hunting down the surviving attackers one by one. People in the vicinity of Haven found the occasional body in the woods for weeks after the attack. They even found the detached arm of an albino. It was said it looked as if he died poorly.
James had a number of cuts and abrasions. Three required stitches, but compared to some of the others, he got off lightly. They washed him off as best they could once they carried him to the big house. It was two days before he was up to walking around. He asked Molly about the bruise on her jaw and she told him about the men who had attacked her and how Samson had come to her defense.
Paul Colter, the last surviving son of Jesse and Sarah Colter, died a week after the attack on Haven. He was found sitting in his chair in the back room of the big house with a half empty cup of coffee on the night stand and a pipe in his hand. There was a smile on his face.
They read the story of the Friends of the Family at the wake. Everybody got a kick hearing about Paul as a twelve year old, racing into the house in Ohio to get his rifle to accompany his father Jesse on the perimeter walk around the town of Liberty all those years ago.
They laid Paul to rest in the small plot on the limestone ledge at the south end of the valley, above where Colter Creek springs from the ground. They laid him between his loving wife Julie and his beloved sister Lily. Over by the side of his mother Sarah and father Jesse was a very small head stone. It read ‘Here lays Baby Jessica. She lives with the Angels’.
All seven of the people killed in the battle called the Temple War, were laid to rest over the following week. Charley Oaks and Luther’s son Asher came to visit James as he recuperated from his wounds. They told James and Molly about how the militia column had melted away before they even reached New Town.
Luther and Waya took their warriors out to meet what was left of Pastor John and his army. It turned out to be little more than target practice for the men. Some of the younger braves were able to count coup on the enemy before they were finished off. Both Charley and Asher remarked on how fortunate it was so few Haven people were killed by the attackers. James explained how the dogs intervened and saved many lives as a result. Waya thought James was telling a story, but Charley swore to the truth of it.
Just before they left, Charley told James he and Waya had finally decided how to resolve the Little Flower issue. They played a game called platter with the winner taking permanent possession. James asked what the rules were. Charley told him there were many variations of the game with many elaborate rules. They decided on dice with two sides of different colors are tossed up into the air. If all of the dice came down showing the same color the player throwing the dice won.
They sat with a large crowd and threw the dice for many hours before the dice came down all the same.
“I won,” Charley said. “Waya was a good sport about it”.
“So Little Flower is now living with you Charley?” James asked.
“No,” Charley said. “We forgot to tell Little Flower and she went to live with a man in a different tribe”.
****
Two months went by and everyone in the community was busy preparing the ground and planting crops. It was a hot Sunday afternoon the end of April and a gentle breeze caused the lace curtains over the bed to flutter. The smell of lilacs drifted through the open window and Molly couldn’t remember a better way to spend an afternoon.
“James, are you awake?” Molly asked as she rolled over and pressed herself against James naked back.
“Yes I am,” James said. “We should probably get up and dress before people wonder where we are.”
“That is brilliant,” Molly said. “Nobody has a clue what’s going on between us. We just disappear for hours on end and then suddenly reappear famished for something to eat. Who could guess?”
“Okay. I’m pretty sure that was sarcasm, right?” James asked.
“Roll over and look at me James,” Molly said.
James rolled on his side looking at Molly.
“That a boy... No, my eyes are up here,” Molly said grinning at James. “It’s time that we got married and got our own place. I like it here in the big house, but it’s kind of a museum dedicated to your family. We need a place of our own.”
“So you think it’s time to start a family?” James asked.
“You’re too late,” Molly said. “I’ve already started. You have to make an honest woman out of me.”
“Now that I’m a war hero and a pillar of the community,” James said. “Molly Gentry, will you marry me?”
“You’re a war hero?” Molly asked. “That’s new. I can just hear us telling our children all about it. Yes children your father fought in the famous battle for Haven. He was stuck under some fat man and was nearly suffocated.”
“...and yes we are getting married and very soon,” Molly said.
Chapter 17
James hurried toward the church knowing he was late. His ho
rse had picked up a stone in his shoe and it had taken some time to dislodge it. He and Molly were to meet with the Pastor today and here he was running late again. There were only three days left to the wedding. The day after James had proposed and she accepted, Molly packed all her belongings and moved into Eagle Rock with her father. It was three weeks ago, but it seemed forever to James.
James ran up the steps of the church, through the large front doors that stood open and into the main sanctuary. James was always a little awed when he stood silent and alone under the high vaulted ceiling, sunlight streaming thru the stain glassed windows. He walked quietly towards the church altar as dust motes floated in the still air. His footsteps echoed on the wood floor.
“Well, look who finally showed up,” Charley Oaks said stepping out of the shadows.
“Hey, Charley, I’m running late,” James said as he headed for the office door next to sanctuary.
Charley followed James into the office. Reverend Carter sat behind his enormous desk. Reverend Gentry in the chair next to it. Molly sat on a sofa over along the wall next to Janice Scroggins who was going to be her maid of honor. Molly stood when James and Charley came into the room.
“Sorry I’m late,” James said as he kissed Molly on the cheek. “My horse pulled up on the way here from Haven.”
“A poor way to start out young man,” Reverend Carter said.
The Reverend had taken over the pulpit about forty years ago. A small frail man to begin with, the Reverend had shrunk over the years. He needed a box to stand on when he preached to see over the top of the pulpit.
“Now who is… your friend?” Reverend Carter asked.
James didn’t care for Reverend Carter all that much, but agreed to let him perform the ceremony anyway.
“My ‘Friend’ is Charley Oaks and he’s going to stand up for me,” James said.
“I see,” Reverend Carter said in a way that James knew he didn’t see at all. “Does your friend know the duties of a best man?”
“What duties?” Charley asked. “You didn’t tell me I had duties.”
“Easy Charley,” James said. “If I turn to you and say give me the ring. What would you do?”
“Give you the ring?” Charley said.
“See, he knows his duties,” James said.
Molly laughed out loud.
“James, you forgot to tell him he has to pick you up if you faint,” Molly said.
“Oh, yeah, Charley, you have to pick me up if I faint,” James said.
James joined Molly on the sofa and Charley stood off to one side looking uncomfortable. Reverend Carter began to lecture everyone on the solemn nature of holy matrimony, and how it should not be entered into lightly. When he got to the part about two becoming one, Molly elbowed James in the side. This went on for some time and finally concluded with a prayer by the Reverend that lasted about fifteen minutes. Molly dozed on James’s shoulder.
The wedding took place at noon three days later and was a small affair. Reverend Gentry walked Molly down the aisle. The ceremony went smoothly. James was mystified by where Molly and Janice had found a wedding dress for Molly to wear. Seth Colter and his family came, along with the Boyd’s and many of the other regular members of the church.
There was a carry in dinner in the basement of the church after the service. Charley left right after the service because, as he said, “All those white people and one Indian makes me nervous.”
Janice Scroggins baked a beautiful wedding cake and it was served after dinner. About four in the afternoon, William Boyd brought a buggy around to the front of the church. It was decorated with ribbons and such, and had tin cans tied to the back axle.
James drove the buggy about an hour outside of Eagle Rock to the secluded glade. It was in the woods next to a small creek meandering through a grassy area. James had set up a large tent, stored provisions, and had a fire pit ready to light.
Just before sunset, they lay in the tent entrance and watch the fire slowly burn to embers.
“This was some day,” Molly said.
“Is this place alright?” James asked. “I wasn’t sure if this was something you would like.”
“It’s perfect,” Molly said. “Listen to the frogs and crickets. I think this beats a rented room any day. Plus, you brought plenty of food and putting furs on the floor of the tent was a nice touch too.”
“I have to put more wood on the fire,” James said as he climbed out of the tent.
“Shouldn’t you put some clothes on?” Molly asked.
“You’re the only one who’s going to see me,” James said.
“Well in that case,” Molly said coming out of the tent and walking toward the creek, “I think I’ll go for a little dip.”
Jesse smiled as he watched his bride walk towards the water in all her glory.
“The water is a little nippy,” James said as Molly waded into the water up to her waist.
The look of shock on Molly’s face made James laugh. Molly ducked under water and came up running for the tent and a warm towel. James ran for the creek, splashed around, and ran just as fast for the tent and Molly.
****
The morning of the third day they broke camp and headed for Eagle Rock. James had rented a small house Molly thought would work in the short run. They were given some of Uncle Paul’s furnishings and were able to add a few of their own. Molly had brought very little with her from Ridge, so it was really starting over for both of them.
The clop of the horse hooves, the gentle sway of the buggy, and the warm May morning made Molly sleepy. She was content as she had ever been, and aside from a brief bout of morning sickness, was looking forward to getting back to civilization.
“What do think you’ll do for work, James?” Molly asked. “In fact, I’m not really clear on what you did before we met.”
“Well, mostly I helped people find things,” James said. “In return, they’d give me food and stuff. It wouldn’t be much, but enough for me to get by. I hunted a lot.”
“Seriously, James, what did you do to make money?” Molly asked.
James could tell Molly was starting to get a little concerned. Unfortunately, it was the truth.
“I know it sounds like I was some sort of bum,” James said. “But I really did a lot of good. I was kind of a law man too. Only no one gave me a badge. I brought bad guys back to face punishment. People liked me.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Molly asked. “Tell me you’re kidding. You weren’t a law man. You were a poorly paid bounty hunter for God’s sake!”
Molly was laughing by now.
“Okay,” James said. “There is something I probably should have mentioned before you climbed in the tent with me.”
“Oh this had better be good,” Molly said.
“I’m rich,” James said. “Wait. Not rich, very rich.”
“What are you talking about?” Molly asked.
“We have gold,” James said. “Not just some gold, we have a lot of gold.”
“Okay,” Molly said. “Now I’m confused. Who is ‘We’?”
“Well, you and me for starters,” James said. “Technically anyone who is directly related to a Colter and Haven. But mostly anyone sitting on the Directors Board for Haven.”
“You’re related to a board member?” Molly asked.
“I am a board member,” James said. “I didn’t tell you because I thought you might be marrying me for my money.”
Molly punched James in the arm.
“Where did the gold come from?” Molly asked.
“Ever since our family got to Haven,” James said. “Everyone has worked and saved. We were more than successful. Early on great grandma Sarah insisted that a community fund be set up for the entire family. Each direct descendant board member receives a share, and after all this time, we’re talking a boat load of gold. This is a secret of the family Molly, and it’s important we not talk about it and certainly not tell outsiders.”
“Like my fath
er?” Molly asked.
“Sorry, but yes, like your father,” James said.
“Can I see it?” Molly asked.
“See what?” James asked.
“The gold, silly,” Molly said.
“See I knew it,” James said. It’s all you can think about now isn’t it?”
“No,” Molly said quietly. “All I can think about is the baby.”
****
The month of June, then July came and went. Molly no longer got morning sickness and generally had an easy time of it. She was beginning to show and draw comment about her condition. She and James invited her father over for Sunday dinner after church.
“As you can tell, Father, you’re going to be a grandpa,” Molly said
She began to clear the table.
“I knew that some time ago,” Jacob said. “At first I was disappointed. I thought it a poor way to start a marriage. But then I thought about it some more and I came to a conclusion.”
“What was that?” Molly asked.
“Life is short, too short really.” Jacob said. “I believe down deep, God really doesn’t care about calendars and dates all that much. It’s just something we humans came up with so we can judge others harshly. No offense James, but I think Molly could have done better. She could have married someone with some income or other means of support, that sort of thing.”
“I understand, Reverend Gentry,” James said. “I probably would have felt the same way.”
“That said, James,” Reverend Gentry said. “I think you love my daughter dearly, and it’s all I can ask. Your father died some time ago as I understand, so I would appreciate it if, at some point in the future, you would be comfortable calling me father.”
“Thank you sir, I would be honored to call you father,” James said.
“I’m not all that comfortable anymore with people calling me Reverend. I’ve lost my wife and my congregation. I’m not feeling especially close to God anymore. They’ve ask me to help out at the church, and I will if I can put up with that pompous little twit Reverend Carter.”