Look at him now. He's the one everybody wants to do their cabinets and special projects.
Woody grabbed a hammer and placed a chisel up against the oak stump. "So, what are we sculpting today?"
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
The Judge
Mercy's Cabin
Saturday ~ August 29, 2093 ~ 7:30 pm
The evening before the funerals of the fallen villagers, Mercy, with lots of help from her fervent archery student, cleared the last of the dishes from the table.
She looked at Caru. "There, we're done. Let's sit down and relax with the others."
Immersed in a deep discussion of differing versions of the battle, their families sat with the Texans at the dining room table.
The mood lacked the usual cheer at most gatherings; but everybody seemed to be trying — except Caru. Still heartbroken, she sat in a corner away from the others.
Mercy knew full well what to expect after a huge meal with turkey and ham, but she ventured an offer anyway. "Anybody ready for dessert?"
A resounding "NO" echoed throughout the cabin — all but Teli. Mercy chuckled inside.
That boy sure loves his sweets! How does he stay so darn skinny?
She sat next to Drew and glanced at Thoruk. "You ready for the story about the voice from the drone?"
He perked up and smiled. "You bet!"
By now everybody in the room heard about the mysterious flying machine.
Thoruk stroked his cinnamon-red beard. "Who is 'The Judge' and how did you know him?"
Mercy tilted her head toward Salty, who replied. "You remember Amelia, the Defender who helped you in the last battle? Well, Dr. Raymond Pensack was her flight instructor from way back.
"When he retired from the Aviation Academy, he became a district judge, hence his nickname. He was a shrewd man and made his fortune over the years."
Salty took a little nip of Queasy's secret brew of moonshine before continuing.
The commander coughed. "That stuff will curl your toes if it doesn't kill you first!"
Speedy laughed. "You're such a lightweight!"
Salty pounded his chest a couple of times. "Now, where was I?"
He lifted a finger. "Oh, yeah. The Judge began collecting unique artifacts — some of the oddest things most people would throw away. I guess it was his innate love of flying, but he eventually started hoarding drones — every imaginable form known to man.
"The Judge keeps thousands in a gigantic warehouse near Austin — in some greater metropolis called 'Pflugerville.' I hear at one time it used to be a quiet, little town."
Pausing, the commander swigged another touch of moonshine. His whole body shook.
Thoruk shrugged. "Yeah, but that doesn't explain how Mercy knew him."
"Hold on a sec; I'm getting there. The Judge, you see, is one of the smartest and fittest 72-year-old men I know. He and Intellulka were inseparable for months before your friend died.
"Even though he suffered from dementia, Intellulka spent hours playing cribbage and talking about his childhood — bits and pieces he remembered. He always carried on about how great life 'used to be' before the World Annihilation Period.
"Not to be outdone, The Judge would share his trials and tribulations growing up as a kid when the world began its transformation. Mind you, exaggeration and bluster were at their peak when those two yacked through the night."
Salty peered at Mercy. "As you can guess, whenever Intellulka came calling at The Judge's place, Mercy had to get him there. She and I spent a lot of time together while those old goats played cribbage."
He paused and smiled at the host. "That's until Drew entered the picture. Then I rarely saw her lovely, blue eyes again."
As Proto stared at Mercy, she pulled her collar up to hide her warming neck. I don't know why I'm blushing. We never did anything but kiss, with the old men in the next room.
Thoruk scratched his head and frowned. "Okay? But I still don't see how The Judge ended up helping us in the battle."
Colonel Sultenfuss drew a deep breath. "He'd hate me for saying it, but The Judge is a billionaire with some very powerful drones. That green beam that shot from the clouds was just a little taste of what some of his flying fortresses can do."
He glanced at Thoruk. "I already told you how much I loved going up in Amelia's planes. She was the best aunt, ever! Well, before Amelia came to Ukkiville, she made The Judge promise to watch out for me."
Mesmerized by his every word, Teli sat at the edge of his chair as Salty continued.
"I didn't know it at the time, but a few years later I was almost killed by an army of Florids from the east. We were outnumbered that day, and I was certain to be worms' meal by sunset.
"Just as they were about to charge, several green beams shot from the sky and killed most of the attackers. A few were left for us to clean up.
"I had no idea where the deadly streams came from and even included the bizarre nature of it in my report. I'm a believer in miracles, but I was certain those particular rays didn't come from heaven."
Subdued chuckles broke out while he spun his tale.
"One day, when I was playing cribbage with them, The Judge made some crack about the Florid skirmish and winked at Intellulka. I never imagined he'd been using his drones for anything but fun."
Caru wondered aloud. "But how can that contraption move around without him in it?"
Teli snickered. "That's way too technical for you."
Salty smiled. "Well, let me try. The Judge sits in this lavish, glass-enclosed lab in front of his computers for a good part of every day, when he's not partying or playing cards.
"From there he communicates with satellites which feed signals to the drone — that mysterious flying machine in the battle everybody's talking about. In fact, he had a lot to do with getting the new satellites funded and up in orbit."
Teli laughed out loud. "Now you're way over her head." Thoruk shot a stern glare at his son.
Caru barely looked up. "Oh, pipe down. You can fill me in later. Let the gentleman continue."
The commander didn't miss a beat. "The Judge is very keen on causes like Ukkiville's. He thrives on helping people fight to protect themselves and their freedom.
"Within his lab, he directs his solar-powered drones in confrontations across many territories of Old North America. He's got a few that are much more powerful than what you saw the other day."
Salty grinned. "When I get back home, The Judge will drag me to his lab every spare moment I have and teach me about his latest models."
Speedy excitedly waved his arms. "Aw, he's just being modest. I've seen him and The Judge on the practice field. They're amazing together. Judge calls him 'Wingman.' Ole Wingman here should have brought a drone instead of Slayer."
"Nah, don't listen to him. I'm just a rookie. Besides, Slayer and Terminator have a larger variety of weapons and are more effective — for now — but not for long. The new designs we're working on are a huge step forward. In a few years, Slayer and Terminator will be obsolete."
Thoruk chuckled. "Well, when that day comes, just leave them parked up here in Ukkiville. We'll give them a good home."
Everybody laughed except Caru.
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
The Protector
Sunday ~ August 30, 2093 ~ Late Afternoon
Thoruk stood next to something covered with a white sheet and almost as tall as a grizzly on its hind paws. "Come on everybody — a little closer."
He glanced at Wolfuk on the other side of the cloaked surprise. Blazes, he looks worn out. He spent so much time training Fox and Fist; it must be hard.
The master of arms' bloodshot eyes bore witness to his apparent lack of sleep.
As the conversations of the crowd grew louder, neighbors from within and outside of Ukkiville filled the spacious schoolyard. Thoruk raised his arms, and the onlookers stilled.
Glad to see Storm, given the circumstances, he nodded at his buddy and his family in the front row.
Thoruk studied the audience. Somber, sometimes blank faces stared back at him.
"Before the procession heads down to the lake, Wolfuk has something to share." Thoruk smiled and pointed at Ukkiville's most trusted warrior.
The sculptor stood silent for a long time before clearing his throat. "Like many of you these past few days, I've been heartbroken. Even though we defeated our enemy one more time, we've suffered some very painful losses."
Wolfuk stood firmer, more upright, and his voice grew stronger. "But we will never forget those who gave their lives protecting us!"
Wiping a tear from his eye, he lifted a corner of the shroud. "To honor the loved ones we've lost, some of our neighbors helped me create this special memorial."
He motioned Woody and two young women toward him. "Go ahead and grab the sheet from the other side."
Wolfuk looked at the crowd. "Today and forever more, this tribute stands with the one from our previous battle as a testament to Ukkiville's courage."
He nodded to his helpers, and they all tugged. The cover slowly drifted to the ground, revealing the magnificent sculpture.
As the throng clapped to "oohs" and "ahs," Thoruk stared at the oaken statue. A lump formed in his throat. Wow! It's beautiful!
An intricately carved effigy portrayed Fox with his hands outstretched protecting the likeness of his sister who looked up to him from behind with fear in her eyes. Protruding through his chest and out of his back was the actual arrow that took his life.
Thoruk walked closer for a better look. Along the base, were the busts of three other villagers who had been killed, including Fist.
An inscription burnt into the wood read. "To the heroes who gave their lives defending Ukkiville on the 27th of August, 2093: you will never be forgotten!"
Hoot joined Thoruk. With her face moist with sadness, she touched Fox's leg. "I miss you, Big Brother."
Her words pricked Thoruk's heart. He glanced at his buddy. Storm and his wife quietly sobbed with close friends.
Thoruk gently held Hoot's hand as he escorted her back toward her family. On the way, he spotted his children. Caru appeared to be crying on a rooftop in the distance with Teli by her side.
Near Dusk
After a long procession wound its way to the Lake of Dreams, Caru stood at the foot of a small hill. I hope Fox is watching this.
People from Ukkiville and neighboring villages clung to their lit candles while Thoruk led a salute to the fallen near the shore.
A gentle breeze cooled her neck as she closed her eyes. I'm glad Storm chose a Viking funeral.
She remembered how Fox's eyes glistened whenever he heard his pa's stories of Protuk's funeral after the previous battle.
It's what he always wanted. I just wish it was over with.
Exhausted from all the crying and lack of sleep, she struggled to get through her buddy's farewell. She drew a deep breath.
Thoruk stood, surrounded by other warriors. They raised their swords high as her father paid tribute to Ukkiville's heroes.
"To those who gave their lives to protect Ukkiville, we honor you today and forever more."
Caru felt guilty for not being with her family and other villagers, but each caring question about Fox the last couple of days tore another painful chunk from her heart. Besides, there was something she had to do.
I'm glad Father understood. Her eyes flooded for the hundredth time.
Proto walked over and put his arm around her.
She peered into his moist eyes. "This is so hard." Her voice trembled.
He kissed the side of Caru's head and softly squeezed her. "I know. It'll be over soon."
"Maybe; but the hurt won't." She sniffled and faced him. "Walk up the hill with me."
She put a quiver over her shoulder and grabbed her bow from a branch of an elm. "Help me do something for Fox."
As they slowly strolled up the slope, Hoot's voice split the air. "Caru! Wait for me!"
Before the youngster made it halfway up the hill, her father called out. "Hoot! Come back here!"
Charilulka bit her lip and shook her head. "Let her go. She'll be fine."
The little girl dashed to Caru's side and grabbed her palm.
Caru smiled at Storm. "I'll watch her."
When they reached the crest, Caru retrieved an arrow and lowered it to Hoot. "See this."
She pointed to an inscription on the extra-long shaft, "May my reaper guide you along your journey. With love. Your dearest cousin."
The child gently rubbed her fingers across the grooved words. "What does it mean?"
"My arrow will help lead your brother along the right path to heaven."
"That's nice. Will you do the same for me one day?"
"You'll outlive me, Sweetie."
"Okay, then I'll do it for you." She hopped up and down.
Although heartbroken, Caru shook her head with a thin smile.
Wanting her buddy to feel part of her plan, she turned toward Proto. "Help me with this."
His face lit up. "Sure, what do you need?"
She handed him a long, narrow strip of a tattered, purple cloth. "Here, tie this tightly around the shaft."
"What is it?"
"It's just a piece of that ratty, old shirt Foxy always wore. You'd think it was the only one in his closet. I didn't want to send him off without his favorite shirt."
A hint of a laugh cracked Proto's solemn expression. "Sometimes I think you're as crazy as he is."
He paused for a split second. "I mean 'was.'" Tears welled in his eyes.
Standing in the water near the shore, Thoruk and Storm pushed an old boat towards the center of the lake. Fox's body lay inside its hull, shrouded with colorful wildflowers, dry branches, and straw.
A burning torch at the bow brightened its final trek through the water.
Hoot peered up toward Caru and smiled. "You think Fox is looking at us from heaven?"
A tear formed in Caru's eye. "No doubt about it, Sweetie. He'll watch over you as he always has." A drop rolled down her cheek.
Hoot reached up and wiped Caru's chin. "I knew it. He's my guardian angel."
Caru loved Hoot with all her heart, but if she kept mentioning Fox, Caru would break down right then and there. She kissed the top of the young girl's head.
"Come on Sweetie, let's stop talking and just think about all the wonderful things your brother did for us. Now watch."
As the brilliant glow of the massive moon rose on the horizon, Caru knelt down on one knee, nocked her gift against the string, and raised Blue Reaper. She drew back until the arrowhead touched the bow and let go.
Her offering flew high in the air and struck Fox's resting place near his head.
She stood and grabbed her friends' hands. As she lifted them high overhead, Caru yelled as loud as she could.
"We love you, Fox!"
From the beach near the others below, Tradulka's flaming arrow traced its searing arc across the darkening sky and struck the kindling. Within a minute, a roaring fire engulfed her friend.
Caru, Proto, and Hoot looked at each other and cried as they continued to hold their arms high and point their fingers toward heaven.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
Field of Blood
More than a Year Later
Sunday ~ September 26, 2094 ~ 1:30 pm
After church, Caru, her friends, and their families enjoyed the cool afternoon under a large willow on the shore of the Lake of Dreams. Hand-in-hand, Proto was joined by his girlfriend, Teerha.
With the closeness all three households had shared even before the Blue Moon Generation's birth, they gathered to celebrate Hoot's eighth birthday.
The grownups chatted on blankets near the water's edge after cleaning up the remains of a hearty lunch. Storm's arms were wrapped around Blessivil as she rubbed her expanded belly.
Near the woods, Caru and her buddies competed in a round of mind games.
Proto watched intently as he coaxed a pair of squi
rrels to chase Teli around a maple grove.
None too pleased, her brother kicked and screamed as he ran for his life.
Distracted for a moment, Caru absorbed the beauty of Wolverine Forest, cloaked in autumn's magnificent paint-strokes. She looked out over the lake.
I love it out here in the fall. There's no place I'd rather be.
She drew a deep breath.
Proto hollered. "Now!"
Startled, Caru jumped as Teerha clicked the stopwatch and yelled. "Thirty-three seconds!"
Proto's grin widened as he stuck his face in front of Teli's. "I beat you by five seconds!"
Her brother frowned. "You were just lucky. Besides, your girlfriend's finger was just slow with the timer."
While they fussed, a twinge nudged Caru's heart.
I miss not having Foxy Boy to fawn over me like a sad puppy. It's just not the same.
Closing her eyes, she pictured her dear cousin.
The way his radiant, amber eyes would gaze at her from behind his long, jet-black hair was as clear as if he stood before her — but his other features failed Caru.
It's getting hard to remember what he looked like. She sighed.
Hoot tapped her arm. "My turn." For an instant, her loving smile reminded Caru of Fox.
She squinted and peered at the birthday girl. "What's it going to be today?"
The youngster's mouth widened, exposing her beautiful teeth. "I heard Proto talking to Teli about needing to chop wood for the winter. I thought I'd help."
Mmm, I wonder what she's up to? Eager to find out, Caru retrieved the timer from Teerha and reset it.
"Alright, let's see what you've got. Who do you want as a partner?"
Hoot shook her head. "I don't need anybody for this one."
"Okay. Let me know when you're in position."
The thrilled contestant marched 20 yards closer to the forest and nodded.
Caru held up the stopwatch. "Ready, set, go!" She pressed the button as Hoot stood firm with her hands to her side.
Hoot appeared to be staring at a grove of trees at the clearing's edge.
Moments later, jarring snaps and pops pierced the air.
The New World: Blue Moon Generatoin Page 23
