THE TOCABAGA CHRONICLES: (BOX SET PART III - BOOKS #9-10)

by Thomas H. Ward

Mike gave him a bottle of water and asked him, “What’s going on here? Why’s everyone stopped?”

  The old man replied, “Some men are blocking the road a few miles up ahead. They’re taking everyone’s guns and food. So our convoy stopped for the night. We’re short on everything, food, water, and gas. Our people will clear the road block in the morning.”

  I asked, “Where are you from?” I already knew the answer by the license plate on his car.

  “We’re from New York State.”

  “Are you moving here because of the Arctic Vortex?”

  “Yeah, that’s right. It’s damn cold up there right now. I’ve never seen snow in July before.”

  Mike asked, “Are all these cars in your convoy?”

  “No. We have 45 vehicles in our group. I don’t know who the other people are. They just stopped for the night like we did. We’re all stuck here on the side of the road because of some damn bandits.”

  I pulled out a smoke and offered him one. He gladly took it and savored the taste as he took his first drag. Blowing out the smoke he asked, “Where you boys from?”

  Tommy said, “South of here.”

  “Oh, so you know your way around here.”

  “Yeah, a little bit.”

  I noticed there was a small crowd of people starting to gather around us. I didn’t like getting circled by group of strange people. Tommy and Mike turned to face the small group with their M4’s slung around chests. They were all asking the same questions. They wanted to know where they could obtain gas, food, and water.

  Tommy whispered in my ear, “We have about 100 pounds of meat left and 15 gallons of water. We might as well give it to them.”

  I nodded my head. “Bring the truck up here and unload it.”

  Mike and I stood there answering all kinds of questions from the small group of people who seemed friendly enough. I didn’t see anyone carrying a gun out in the open.

  As our trucks pulled up everyone stepped aside. Tommy and Ron dropped the tail gate on the F-350. I told the crowd that we had some fairly fresh beef and to line up behind the truck to get a share.

  The old man got pushed aside by the crowd. He didn’t have the strength to push and shove his way into line. It made me a little angry that some of the people didn’t show any respect for an old person.

  I jumped in front of the line with my M4 and Adolf. That stopped everyone in their tracks. I told the old guy to come to the front on the line.

  I handed him about five pounds of meat and said, “Come on, I’ll help you carry this to your kids.” Mike picked up a couple gallons of water and we followed him.

  We walked him to his old car to make sure no one took his food. Mike asked, “What’s your name?”

  He replied, “Just call me Grandpa Jack.”

  I gave him a surprised look. “That’s my name and I’m a Grandpa, also.”

  He nodded his head and said, “I know.”

  I attributed his comment to being an old man.

  “Sir, I’m Mike.” They shook hands and exchanged nods.

  “Well, it’s sure a pleasure to meet you two Army men. I was in the Army once.” We didn’t have the heart to tell him we weren’t really in the Army.

  We reached his car, about 300 feet away, which was an old beat up Chevy. Two kids, a boy and a little girl, were waiting for him. They ran up and gave him a hug. “Kids, this is Jack and Mike. They’re in the Army. God brought them here.” I could tell they loved their Grandpa.

  The kids both stuck out their hands. The boy said, “Hello Sir, my name is Adam.” For some reason I shook his hand without fear of getting Ebola. Adam held out his hand for Adolf to smell. The big dog wagged his tail showing he liked Adam.

  “My name is Emma. I’m eight years old,” the little girl told us in a high pitched voice.

  I picked her up and gave her a little hug. “It’s nice to meet you Emma.” She gave me a peck on the cheek. I put her down thinking what a cute kid. She had long curly brown hair and had on a sweatshirt that said New York.

  Adam said, “I’m twelve.” Adam was a big kid for his age. He was almost as tall as me. He held himself straight and tall. He had blond hair and wore the same type of sweatshirt.

  Grandpa directed Adam to start a fire. Mike and I helped him by finding some sticks and branches from nearby trees. Soon a fire was going. Grandpa cut up the meat like a real pro and soon beef steaks were on the fire cooking.

  Old man Jack asked, “Aren’t you boys gonna eat?”

  “No thanks, we already ate,” Mike said.

  I warned Grandpa, “Be sure to cook that meat well, because it’s been sitting a while.”

  He nodded his head while looking at me. “What do you mean a while?”

  “We made the kill yesterday about 5 pm.”

  “It’ll be fine.”

  While they were eating I asked, “Where are the kids’ parents?”

  “They passed on.” That’s all he said so I didn’t push the issue with the kids around.

  Looking at the eastern sky I could tell the sun would be coming up soon. Adam gave Adolf a small piece of meat which he swallowed without even chewing. The two children ate half a pound each. I could tell they were hungry. The kids finished eating and Grandpa told them to get some rest in the car. You could tell they were dead tired.

  None of us spoke for a few minutes. We just sat there peering at the camp fire. Out of the silence Grandpa said, “I think God sent you.”

  I looked at him and asked, “Sir, why do you think that?”

  “Because I’ve been praying for some time, ever since the kids’ Dad and Mom were killed. I’ve been praying for God to save them.”

  “They have you to protect them,” Mike said.

  “No, not really. I don’t have long. I should have been dead a month ago from the big ‘C’ but God has given me the strength to carry on for the kids.”

  “So tell me, why do you think God sent us?” I asked him again.

  “Believe me. God sent you, Mr. Gunn. Is that spelled with one ‘n’ or two?”

  “Two. How do you know my last name?”

  “I had a dream. God told me that a solider would come to help us. His name would be the same as the weapon he carried in his hands. I knew it was you that God sent … when I laid eyes on you. You might not know it but you’re one of God’s Warriors.”

  “I do believe in God and I do pray. But … I’m nothing special. God has never talked to me.”

  Grandpa Jack asked me for another smoke. I handed it to him and lit him up. He commented, “God don’t have to talk to you. He works his miracles through your actions.”

  I just sat there and couldn’t respond. It was amazing that he knew my last name.

  Finishing his smoke Grandpa Jack said, “I just want a normal safe life for my grandkids until they can fend for themselves.”

  “What do you mean a normal safe life? Nothing is normal anymore,” I said.

  “I’ll explain more tomorrow. I gotta rest now.” He went and laid down on the front seat of the car without saying another word.

  Mike softly commented, “Man that was spooky. How the hell did he know your name?”

  “I got no idea but maybe God did tell him. How else would he know?”

  There was a little meat left so I gave another piece to Adolf. I thought it was strange that Adolf let the old man and Adam pet him without even a growl. He never does that. He never lets strangers touch him or me. I glanced at Adolf who wandered over to the open car door and laid down as if guarding our new friends.

  Pointing to Adolf I said, “Mike, look at that.”

  “Yeah, he’s taken a liking to them,” he replied.

  “Adolf never does that. He’s always by my side. That’s very weird. Something isn’t right.”

  Tommy came over to the car and told us that all the meat had been handed out. The sun was just peeking over the horizon when Adolf let out a whimper. I looked over at him and he had his front paws on the seat near
Grandpa Jack.

  Then Adolf jumped inside the car. I went to check it out. As I approached, Adolf was whining, which I never heard him do before. He was looking at Grandpa. His big paws were on top of Jack’s chest.

  I leaned in the car looking at Grandpa. He didn’t look good. I felt for a pulse. The old man was gone. He passed away in his sleep. He told us he didn’t have long.

  I whispered to Tommy, “Get a couple of shovels and a body bag so we can give him a decent burial.”

  Tommy quickly returned and we placed Grandpa in the bag. I began digging a hole, in the soft sandy soil, off the side of the road near some wild flowers. The kids woke up when they heard the noise. Adam asked, “What happened. Where’s Grandpa at?”

  I bent down on one knee and gathered both kids in my arms. I said, “Grandpa has gone to Heaven.”

  Emma said, “He’s with Mommy and Daddy now.”

  Adam commented, “Grandpa won’t be sick anymore.”

  I couldn’t help but notice that neither of them cried. They didn’t shed one tear. Maybe they had seen too much death in their short lives and had no more tears left.

  “Here Adam, I found these on your Grandpa.” I gave Adam a gold cross which I found hanging on Jack’s neck. It wasn’t a normal cross. There was also a gold ring that was on his middle finger. They looked old and had some kind of writing on them, which I couldn’t read.

  “Thank you. My Grandfather wanted me to have these.”

  Tommy and Mike dug a deep grave and gently lowered the body in it. Then they proceeded to covered it up. By this time a number of people had gathered around to find out who died. As I advised each person it occurred to me I didn’t even know his last name. I asked Adam, “What’s your Grandpa’s last name?”

  “The same as mine … De Molay.”

  “What did your Grandpa do?”

  “He was a Minister for Christ. It’s a secret, but I guess I can tell you now. He was a Grand Master of the Knights Templar.”

  I looked at Adam and didn’t say another word. Everyone knows the Knights Templar don’t exist anymore. However, if my memory serves me right, Jacques de Molay was the last known Grand Master of the Knights. He was burned at the stake in France around thirteen hundred. I wondered if they were related.

  A stranger came forward with a two foot high white cross to place at the grave. He had a can of paint and I asked him to write on the cross, ‘Jack de Molay, Minister for God.’

  I estimated that about a hundred people gathered around while I said a few simple words. “God, please take the soul of Jack de Molay into Heaven to be with his family. He was your loyal servant and follower. Amen.” Adam and Emma placed wild flowers next to the cross and said their own silent prayers.

  Others were standing there praying out loud or in silence. Soon all the people left, returning to their vehicles, except for one man and woman. Adam and Emma were hanging on to me when this couple walked up to us. The man said, “Don’t worry, Mister. We’ll take Adam and Emma with us. Come along now children.”

  They reached for the children. Adolf let out a deep growl and the strange people pulled back a step. I eyeballed the couple and guessed they were about 50 years old. They looked stern and fairly fit.

  Emma and Adam didn’t move and held on to me tighter. I could tell they didn’t wanna go with these people. I said, “I don’t think they wanna go with you.”

  “They have no choice. We’re people of God and knew their Grandfather. We’ll take good care of them.”

  “I believe you would take good care of them, but it was Jack’s wish that the children stay with me. God told him that I would be their protector.”

  “You! Look at you. You’re just a hired gun. A killer no doubt. God wouldn’t want that. You’re not even part of our group.”

  Adam spoke up. “It’s true. Grandpa told me that this is the man God sent to watch over us. We have to stay with him. It’s God’s wish.” With that comment the couple stormed away in a fit of anger.

  What Adam said really set in and bothered me. It’s God’s wish that I watch over them. Why did God select me, of all people? The couple was right, I have killed many people over the years, but only those who deserved it. What’s so special about these two kids?

  I came to my senses. I had to stop thinking about how weird this whole thing was or it would drive me nuts. I said, “Ok, kids get your stuff out of the car and let’s go. Don’t worry, everything is going to be fine.”

  Adam asked, “What about the car?”

  “We’ll leave it; maybe someone else can use it.”

  The kids picked up their gear which consisted of four bags. Adam also carried a long case. I asked him, “What’s in the case?”

  “It’s my Grandpa’s sword.”

  I didn’t say another word as we walked to the trucks but it made me wonder what the sword was for. Arriving at our vehicles, I introduce them to Johnny and the rest of the crew. Maggie and Lisa were really happy to help them out because they loved kids, even if they had none of their own.

  Tommy stood up on the roof of the Hummer looking around. “Man, cars are backed up as far as I can see. We’re gonna have to drive in the median to get past this traffic jam.” He slipped back into the gun turret. We were ready to move out.

  Out of nowhere, a large group of people came running up and stood in front of our trucks. They blocked our exit. At the head of the group were the man and woman who wanted to take the kids.

  The man yelled, “You’re not going anywhere until you hand over those children.” I estimated there were possibly thirty people standing in our way. I scanned the group for weapons, but didn’t see any.

  I climbed out of the truck and approached him. “Sir, we already had this discussion. Grandpa Jack wanted the kids to go with me. Adam even told you that.”

  Then to my surprise Adam got out and climbed up on the hood so the crowd could see him. Adam shouted, “He’s right! It was my Grandfathers wish and a command from God!”

  “The man yelled, “How do we know that?”

  “Please listen to me. It’s God’s wish that we go with Mr. Gunn and start a new Templar Order. You need to select a new Grand Master. That’s all I have to say, so please let us pass in peace.”

  A new Templar Order? What the hell is the kid talking about?

  Someone yelled, “Go in peace, Adam. May God continue to bless you.”

  The entire crowd yelled, “God Bless you!”

  Another man said, “Sorry but you can’t leave yet. The men are still blocking the road and it’s too dangerous. Let the Knights clear the road before you leave. We’ll make the army ready and remove the heathens.”

  The crowd quickly dispersed. I was amazed at how well Adam spoke to the group. He was a natural leader and speaker. When he spoke people listened to him. He clearly had some power and respect of the people despite his young age.

  Adam said, “We should stay here until the Templar Army opens up the road block.”

  What army? What’s this kid talking about?

  “Ok, but where’s the army?” I asked.

  Adam smiled and replied, “Just watch.”

  We all dismounted. Maggie had her arm around Adam and Lisa had Emma on her knee. Johnny, while holding my hand, asked, “What’s going on, Grandpa?”

  “We’re waiting for the Templar Knights to clear the road block.”

  “What are the Templar Knights?”

  “It’s hard to explain, but look … there they are.” I lifted Johnny up on the hood of the Hummer so he could see them.

  What a spectacular sight it was. Row upon row of men dressed in snow white mantles with a Crimson Cross on the front marching to a drum beat. Some men were flying flags but all of them carried rifles. Many had big swords hanging from their belts. As they marched down the center of the highway, I jumped on the hood to see them better.

  “So the Knights are some kind of soldiers?” Johnny asked.

  “Yeah, that’s right,” I said.
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br />   I estimated there were about 100 men. I asked Adam, “Do they really know how to fight?”

  Adam replied, “The Templar Knights have been fighting a thousand years for God. They protect people from evil forces. This Order has seen a lot of combat over the last few years since the collapse of the government.”

  “I’ll be damned,” Tommy said. Everyone else in my crew was speechless.

  “Yeah, it’s amazing the Knights Templar still exist,” I stated.

  I had read a lot of stories about the Knights Templar. They were brave men fighting against evil. The Templar headquarters was located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. They were the ultimate warriors who were not afraid to die for their faith.

  An hour later we began to hear sporadic gunfire. It became more intense for about 15 minutes and then suddenly ceased. Sometime later a man wearing the white mantle with the Crimson Cross came running over to us.

  Out of breath, he reported to Adam. “The road block has been removed. You can proceed. Go in peace Adam de Molay.” The solider left and milled around telling everyone to get ready to move out.

  I said, “Ok, let’s mount up and go home.” I was relieved that we didn’t have to fight our way through the road block with kids along. Their safety was my primary concern.

  We drove down the median passing the long convoy. Reaching the road block we observed that a few Knights had been killed. The men who put up the road block were the same ones we had a run in with yesterday. We stopped to survey the situation.

  I pointed and said, “Look, there’s Sam Smith.” The Knights had all the prisoners lined up. They where cutting off their heads, one by one, using the big swords. We pulled away rather quickly so the children wouldn’t see the bloodshed. It was clear to me that the Templar Army was no one to fuck with. They didn’t take any prisoners or show mercy to those who opposed them. I was impressed to say the least.

  The kids were piled in the back of my Hummer along with Adolf. Adam asked, “Where are we going?”

  I replied, “We’re going home to Tocabaga.”

  “How far is it?”

  “Not far from here. We’ll be there in a couple of hours.”

  A half hour later Adam shouted. “Look! Over there, in the field. There’s two deer.” Our little convoy pulled over to the side of the road.