The Adventures of Macho Caballo
Page 17
v^v^v^v^v^v
And Rest:
“It seems I have put my young gentleman to sleep,” says Abuelito.
“He stayed awake 'til the very, end, Grampa,” says Raimunda, then she, too, yawns. Cross at herself, she fights to hold her head up. “I'm not sleepy at all.”
“We'll just take you both in the house for a nap. I need to sit out here and listen to the birds, anyway.”
Thomas stirs. He lifts his head to say, “Do you really talk to birds, Grampa?”
Abuelito lifts him gently and points with his free hand.
“You see that hawk in the top of that sycamore? He's been telling me about you. He says you two are very good children. You even listen to your Mamá... most of the time.”
“But I want to hear more stories,” says Raimunda. She tags along with them, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
“There will be time for more stories, later, I promise.”
Abuelito places Thomas in bed, then covers both of them with a coverlet of bright blue with flowers and hummingbirds. And butterflies.
“With beautiful senoritas and handsome vaqueros,” says Raimunda.
Thomas keeps his eyes closed, but he says, “Did Ramon really have a sister?”
“Well...” The old man stands for a moment, chucking his chin as he thinks. “I can tell you this much—there was a turquoise pendant. It was hanging by a braided leather necklace from a lodge pole far, far to the north. Even as Ramón was talking to his Mamá, it was stirring in the breeze blowing down from the Superstition Mountains.”
“I knew it! Ramón is going after her!”
Thomas is still chuckling as he drifts off to sleep.
Abuelito looks down upon them, fondly, and then he looks about the room for invading pests, to be certain that his charges are safe. After all, the name 'Ramón' does mean wise protector.
Then he turns and makes his way back out to the bench for his interview with the hawk.
The End
Authors Afterword:
This is a work of fiction, and no person, place or thing mentioned in Macho Caballo is intended to represent an actual person, place or thing (except, perhaps, La Cabeza de Vaca and a couple of oblique references to other historical names). As fiction, the opinions and views expressed by characters are constructs for the purpose of telling a story, may vary wildly from the truth, and are not intended to represent views held by any real person, including this author. All other mistakes and errors are mine. Despite Thomas and Raimunda, I still don't think this is a likely bedtime story for younger children, primarily for the salty language and situations.
For the convenience of the writer, all Apaches speak Spanish (interpreted into English) during this story, except when noted. When possible, Spanish words or phrases are presented in italics. Even when I'm not certain of their meaning.
The Adventures of Macho Caballo (TaoMC) came to be written because of a newsgroup I frequented before the turn of the century: rec.arts.anime.creative, where fledgling authors tried their hand at writing stories to go along with their favorite Japanese anime or manga series. Macho Caballo was inspired by Takahashi Rumiko's Ranma ½.
This production would not be possible without unstinting support and encouragement from many people. Muchas gracias to Lyn Daniel for her artwork, suggestions, and belief in the story. She also provided the cover illustration. Gracias also to Senor Guerrero, who tried to teach me a little of the language, and for his excellent advice—which I didn't always heed, but always appreciated.
Also, prereaders Allen, Holeman, Harry, and Yvonne aided with their suggestions, sharp eyes and sharper tongues, not letting my laziness detract from the quality of the narrative. If this story rises above the commonplace, it is largely due to their efforts.
Faith, hope, and words of kindness from many more people kept me from giving up and pursuing some less strenuous form of recreation..
This story bears no resemblance to reality. Folks from Mexico would probably frown on it, the Apaches would disown it, and as for the Aztecs... I'm glad they gave up their pyramid scheme.
I made the whole story up. Oh, there was a lot of reading, and planning and studying to get stuff from real life but the story itself, the characters, most of the places, and the creatures depicted herein have never existed. Except in my mind. And now in yours. I hope they don't track mud on your floor, and I hope they leave your world a little brighter for having visited.
Vaya Con Dios.
James
P.S. Ramon and his friends find themselves looking for trouble in the next book, Looking for Lucha. Available now. (The word 'lucha' translates as 'strife, endeavor, struggle, or trouble,' so, you should look for trouble at your favorite ebook-seller.