Apocalyptic Fears II: Select Bestsellers: A Multi-Author Box Set

by Greg Dragon

  Austin was growing impatient and began to move on again, but Timmons stepped in front of Ginger. The ranger’s hand automatically dropped to the butt of his pistol. Timmons sensing the danger in the air held up his hand and smiled easily. “Bar’s down the street to your left, ranger. We’ll talk more later.” He stepped aside and went back to gazing south down the road.

  Austin really didn’t need directions...he could smell the fermentation. He saw various stills set up at the front of a building near a sign showing a cup. As good a sign as any thought Austin since none of these folks could likely read. He trotted Ginger over to the railing near a water trough and dismounted. He tied her off as she began to lap up water. Austin reached under his saddle and pulled out his rifle from its leather scabbard. The horse and saddle were incredibly valuable, but the rifle was irreplaceable.

  The inside of the old structure was large and deserted. People were surely gardening or scavenging this time of day. Austin saw a bar along one wall and numerous tables and chairs. This building obviously served a number of purposes for large gatherings. Austin walked to the deserted bar and knocked loudly on the worn wooden counter. Austin heard a snort from an adjacent room and then quiet cursing. A portly man walked from around the corner his hair disheveled and sleep in his eyes. He had an angry retort on his lips, but froze when he saw Austin. The two stared at each other silently for long seconds.

  “You’re the ranger,” said the man finally.

  “Reckon I am,” answered Austin. “You got any beer?”

  The man seemed to recover himself and gain a practiced smile and gracious nature. “We do indeed sir. Best in the whole north counties. Made from barley and wheat and the purest water from our very own well.” The barkeep stared at Austin with his grin expecting some sort of reply. Austin stared back coldly. “Right,” said the man as he reached down and pulled up a trapdoor under the bar. He descended a series of stairs and Austin felt cool air float up from below. After a few minutes the man climbed slowly and heavily back up with an earthen jug in one hand. He placed the jug in front of Austin with a rough pottery cup and then removed the plug from the bottle. He started to pour, but Austin waved him away pouring it himself. He noticed with surprise that there was a good deal of carbonation and that the smell was rich and flavorful. Austin took a sip and was pleased with the wonderful flavor of the cool ale.

  He set the cup down and nodded appreciatively at the barkeep. “It is good.”

  The man smiled and seemed to relax some, “Thank you, sir, make it myself. Best in the northern counties!” He continued to stare at Austin as the ranger slowly savored the beer and ignored him.

  “Uh…Sir,” began the barkeep hesitantly, “that will be a dollar please.”

  Austin looked up and saw the man smile nervously. The ranger reached into his shirt pocket and brought out a leather envelope containing a folded parchment packet. The man’s eyes got wide at the sight of paper. Austin broke the governor’s wax seal and opened the paper. He turned it around so the barkeep could see the writing.

  “This is a declaration on behalf of Governor Johnson. It says the town of New Hope has to supply all my needs and wants at no cost for the duration of my time here.” The man looked at the letter closely, but Austin could tell he couldn’t read. After a few moments, he folded the letter and placed it back in the leather envelope for safe keeping.

  The barkeep looked flustered and uncertain of what to do, “Sir, this is highly unusual. I’ll have to talk to the mayor about this.”

  “That’s a good idea,” said Austin. “Why don’t you go get him now while I wait here.”

  The man stared at him for a few seconds more, clearly uncertain. He finally made up his mind and started towards the front swinging doors. He was almost gone when Austin stopped him in his tracks.

  “Oh yeah, you better brew more of this beer. I’m going to be drinking a lot of it while I’m here,” the ranger said with a smile. “This might be the best beer in all of New Texas.”

  The man smiled at the compliment and then regained his concerned look before departing in a hurry.

  ***

  Austin was almost finished with the beer when the barkeep returned. Instead of being accompanied by the obligatory grey beard, possibly with some pitiful retinue, there was a strikingly beautiful woman. She was tall and had black hair in a simple, but flattering dark brown dress. Her dark almond-shaped eyes regarded Austin with intellect and without intimidation.

  The barkeep seemed a little embarrassed, “Sir, the uh…mayor’s…uh…”

  She broke the awkwardness with a good-natured smile and a slight bow, “My name is Antonia. I am the mayor’s secretary among other duties. He regrets that he cannot come to you at this time, but invites you to dine with him tonight at his house. Until then, he asks that I give you any service you require.”

  Austin wasn’t sure whether to be angry or amused, but he invited her to sit beside him. The woman was beautiful, the most beautiful woman he’d seen in a long time. And in this place no less. “And what service could you provide?” Austin asked and then realized how brazen this might sound.

  Antonia did not seem to take offense. “My talents are many Sir. Might I suggest we start with your written charter from the governor you showed Mister Elder earlier?” She referred to the barkeep who was nervously hanging on every word. Austin felt confident that everything spoken here would be blabbed all over the bar that evening, but maybe that was a good thing.

  The ranger pulled the parchment out again and opened it carefully preparing to read it to the woman, but she held out her hand.

  “If you do not mind, Sir,” she said courteously, “might I review the document myself?”

  Austin was amused in spite of himself. She’d likely stare at it with the same incomprehension as the barkeep. Keeping his face neutral he passed the document over.

  She started by examining the broken seal closely. The woman next felt the paper carefully and then smelled it in several portions. Austin was about to end the lady’s embarrassment, but she surprised him.

  “This is good paper if I may say so. We produce our own parchment when needed, but nothing this fine,” she said appreciatively.

  Austin held his hand out for the letter. “Would you like me to read it to you?”

  Antonia smiled, “There is no need, sir.” She held the letter at arm’s length and read in a clear and unhesitant voice. “Hearye All Good Citizens of New Hope of the New Texas Republic which sends you greetings. On behalf of Governor Johnson, Texas Ranger Captain Austin Reynolds is authorized to provide all due assistance in regard to the matter of illegal raids from the north. He is also authorized to enforce and uphold all laws of the New Texas Republic as he sees fit and pass judgment on any case involving said law. The duration of his mission is at the discretion of Captain Reynolds, but is not to exceed three months time. The Citizens of New Hope are directed to provide Captain Reynolds all needed support including room and board free of charge. You are also directed to obey his directions and cooperate in any other way he directs. God bless the New Texas Republic and the town of New Hope. Signed Zachery Jones, Grand Commander of the Texas Rangers.” Antonia folded the parchment back up carefully and handed it to Austin calmly.

  Austin was taken aback. She read better than he did and a woman no less here in the middle of nowhere!

  “Sir,” she said breaking the silence, “the mayor I’m sure will talk to you this evening, but in the meantime what are your needs that this town can accommodate?”

  Austin smiled, this woman seemed incapable of being ruffled. “For now they are simple: stable and fodder for my horse and the same for me. Doesn’t have to be fancy, but it must be clean.”

  “Certainly,” she replied, “I had anticipated as much and prepared Sheriff Taylor’s place which also has a small shed behind it for stabling animals. Fresh hay and water has already been laid in for several days as well as the larder of the house stocked. If you do not feel comfor
table preparing your own meals, you are welcome to dine at the mayor’s house.”

  I anticipated, she had said. Just who was this woman who seemed to wield such power? “Thank you kindly. I’ll have another beer here and ask someone to show me the way.”

  She smiled and nodded, “As you will, sir.”

  “Just one more thing,” Austin said cautiously. “How did you learn to read so well?”

  Her face showed no expression. “Like I said Captain Reynolds, I am a woman of many talents.”

  “And what else do you do for the mayor?” asked Austin. He knew this was impolite, but he wanted to see if he could throw this woman off her game a least for a second.

  Antonia smiled easily. “Whatever is required of me.”

  Austin pried harder. “Your accent is odd. Where are you from?”

  She stood purposefully, but in no hurry. “That is a story for another day…if we all live to see it. I will inform the mayor that you will see him at dinner tonight. It is typically served at sunset.” Antonia bowed slightly again, “It was good to meet you, captain. If you require anything further, ask for me at the mayor’s house. Until then good day and be welcome here,” she said before bowing and walking out the door.

  Austin turned back to the bar and saw the barkeep peeking out from the next room with a frightened look on his face as if he’d thought the ranger would have murdered the woman in the bar. Austin broke the man’s trance with a loud and gruff, “Take my horse over to the Sheriff’s house and get him bedded down, but before you do that get me another beer!”

  ***

  The mayor’s house was not difficult to find. It was the largest and nicest in town and located near the crossroads. He’d learned from others that the house was not a private residence, but where the mayor, who was elected for life, lived. Mayor Tel Collins had served for fifteen years and was expected to serve at least another twenty as he was filled with vigor and of good health.

  Austin had learned other things in the bar. He’d continued to drink steadily, but not to the point of feeling tipsy. He knew bars were the greatest of gossip spots and men talked more easily around someone else who was drinking. None dared approach the ranger, but he could pick up pieces of conversation.

  “…the Horde might be in a foul mood after last time, best we tread lightly…”

  “…as long as they leave us enough to get through the winter we’ll be okay with what we’ve hidden away…”

  “…that there’s the ranger, he’ll talk tough to them, show them whose boss, make um deal with us straight…”

  And more of the same. Austin gathered what the general mood was. This job was going to be tough, but weren’t they all? He finally left and walked over to check on Ginger who was lazing away in the shade. Satisfied that she was fine, Austin went into the old sheriff’s house. The little dwelling was furnished, but had been cleaned out of any old personal affects. Austin found the water pump in back which must connect to the main well. He cleaned himself up and put on a fresh shirt. He next looked through every nook and cranny of the house until he found what he was looking for, a suitable place to hide his rifle and all the spare ammo. It wouldn’t stop a determined thief, but hopefully there wouldn’t be any of those.

  Austin walked through the town and saw people going about their business, giving him a wide berth. Despite the outward appearance of normalcy, there was a turbulent undercurrent of fear and uncertainty. Most of that was due to the eminent arrival of the wild raiders from the north, but some was also likely due to the presence of Austin himself.

  The sun was just beginning to set as Austin came near the mayor’s house and the well at the crossroads. He was relieved to see no sign of Reverend Timmons. He’d learned that the townsfolk took turns taking care of the blind man each night, feeding, revering, and caring for him like some sort of holy relic. Austin had to admit that even if the blind man was crazy, at least he wasn’t afraid. In fact, Austin suspected he was one of those rare individuals who would welcome death. It was hard not to respect such an outlook even if it wasn’t sensible.

  Oil lamps were lit throughout the lower floor of the mayor’s house and Austin’s mouth began to water as he smelled roasted goat and lamb. He’d last eaten that morning, cold rabbit left over from the previous evening. A huge surly man stood at the bottom of the steps holding a giant club, not quite blocking the way. He eyed Austin pointedly, almost challengingly and the ranger stopped in front of him and smiled easily.

  “I will damn well kill you,” said Austin evenly. He was pleased to see the arrogant and defiant look leave the man’s face and be replaced by uncertainly and the barest glimmer of fear. He stepped back out of the path and Austin walked past the man into the house without slowing or noticing him further.

  Antonia must have been watching through the window because she opened the door before he could knock. She was now dressed in a deep blue gown with her hair pulled back and she was even more strikingly beautiful than before.

  “You sure dress up nice,” said Austin.

  She smiled courteously and nodded her head. “So do you, sir. Allow me to show you into the den and introduce you to the mayor.”

  Austin followed her through brightly-lit and vibrant rooms filled with color and cleanliness, totally out of place in this frontier town.

  “Nice accommodations for a mayor,” said Austin. “This is almost as luxurious as the Governor’s mansion.”

  “Yes, the residence dates from the olden times and has remained in remarkable condition; even some of the furnishings are original. In addition the New Hope Mayoral position comes with certain rights and privileges such as taxes and tolls on trade along the east-west road which helps with the upkeep.” Here Antonia stopped and looked hesitant, almost nervous. She gazed at him a moment and then continued on, “I also manage a number of profitable enterprises for Mayor Collins as his obayol.”

  Austin frowned. “Obayol? What the hell is that? I thought you said you were his secretary?”

  “The mayor’s secretary is one of my duties in addition to many others as his obayol.” She saw his frustrated retort forming and headed it off. “It is a fairly obscure term even here, more a practice of the east from which Mayor Collins originated. My father and I came to this town from the east many years ago and it was only natural that the two of them came to an arrangement regarding me.”

  “He arranged for you to marry him?” asked Austin.

  Antonia laughed, a beautiful and clear sound. “Oh no, the mayor already has a wife. I perform all other necessary duties.”

  “What in the hell is that supposed to mean? Are you his mistress or an employee or what?”

  “An obayol is a position of respect and honor. It is my duty and pleasure to serve the one I am bound to,” she said with the faintest trace of annoyance.

  “Bound to?” asked Austin with growing unease. “Are you saying you are some sort of slave to this man?”

  Antonia turned pale at his words and turned away. She walked further into the house and Austin followed. They entered a room that was obviously an office and a lean handsome man rose from behind an ancient and lovingly polished wooden desk.

  “Captain Reynolds, may I introduce Mayor Tel Collins,” said Antonia with graciousness, her composure regained.

  The mayor moved from around the desk and grasped the ranger’s hand firmly in both of his. “It is a great honor, sir to have you among us! A Texas Ranger, here in New Hope! No one would have ever imagined it.”

  “Well,” explained Austin, “the Governor is concerned about the raiding along the northern border and would like to do what he can to help.”

  Mayor Collins nodded with a large fixed smile, “Splendid, just splendid. The Governor! Met him myself several years ago after he put down the Coastal Rebellion. New Hope and the northern counties remained loyal and I bet he hasn’t forgotten it!”

  Austin smiled back slightly. “The Governor, like the Rangers, never forgets a friend...or a foe.”
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  The mayor’s smile slipped just a bit. “Yes, I see. Well then, let us serve dinner. I’m confident you’ll find our roasted lamb as good as any you’ve had before.” He held his hand out indicating Austin should move into the adjacent room.

  Austin entered the dining room and was surprised to see only three chairs at a small oval table. The room was originally designed to entertain a great number of people, but a larger dining table and chairs had been moved against a far wall. He noticed that the places at the table were only set for two. Austin moved to the seat proffered by his host who sat at the other place setting. Antonia sat between them at the vacant space as a short servant began filling glasses and serving food. Rich and savory aromas filled the room and Austin’s stomach growled loudly, but neither the mayor nor Antonia seemed to notice.

  “So, how do you want to handle this situation?” began the mayor without preamble. “We’re currently between sheriffs, so you can go through me as far as representing the town in our dealings with the raiders.”

  “Actually,” said Austin around a mouthful of food, “I’d like to address the town’s people directly, the sooner the better.”

  Mayor Collins looked taken aback. “Why certainly, but you’re a busy man, that really isn’t necessary. If you let me know what you need from the town and its people, I’ll make sure it happens.”

  The silence spread out awkwardly as Austin chewed another large mouthful of food and waited to swallow it and then take a drink of a delicious fruit wine before speaking. “No disrespect to you or your position, mayor, but whenever a ranger is called in it is customary to address the people. They need to hear from me what to expect. They need to know what the consequences are and they most definitely need to hear my plan and their parts in it.”

  “Your plan?” asked the surprised mayor who turned to Antonia questioningly. She looked back impassive but shook her head in the negative ever so slightly. “What is your plan Captain Reynolds?”