Walker finally made the
announcement all the men had been waiting for. “Supper’s ready!” He
watched as the men filed in, loaded up their plates and found places to sit
among the rocks and logs being used for seating. He smiled in appreciation at
the generous praise given to him and his kitchen helpers for the delicious meal
they had prepared from the boar Aiden had killed earlier.
Sometime later, after
everyone had eaten his fill, Walker spoke up. “We all know the council met
earlier today. Did you decide on a leader?”
“Aye, we’ve chosen Thomas to
act as our facilitator,” Aiden answered.
“That’s a great choice.
Congratulations, Thomas. Will we now direct our concerns to you, or can any
member of the council respond to them?” Walker inquired.
Thomas smiled at the men
gathered about. “You can approach any member of the council at any time. I was
persuaded to be a spokesman for the council, to guide things along. However, I
want it to be understood by all that I am not ‘in charge’. I am just helping to
lead this group.”
Walker nodded to show his
understanding, before asking Thomas what duties the other council members had.
He smiled when he overheard what Galen tried to quietly share with the three
young men sitting near him.
“Any b-bets Aiden is going to
be in charge of b-building stuff,” Galen whispered.
“Yeah, and I’d put money on
Troy teaching or something, if I had any!” Thad mumbled.
“You think they’re going to
start a school?” Galen under-toned with rather mixed feelings.
Jordan dropped his head on
his bent knees and groaned. “I hope not!”
“Well, you won’t find me in
no fuckin’ classroom!” Spyke muttered under this breath.
“I will be acting as
facilitator and leading the agriculture area. Larry West here,” Thomas said,
ignoring the hushed comments and indicating the young ex-military man, “will be
in charge of exploration.” Larry gave a wave to the crowd. “Troy Harris will
take care of education and handing out daily work assignments, while our
resident doctor, Lakota Evans, will naturally assume responsibility for all
medical issues.”
Levi smiled and nodded as if
to say, ‘Well, of course!’ while Lakota just nodded his acknowledgement of what
Thomas had announced.
Kelby held his tongue while
quietly taking in everything that was being said. He glanced around every now
and again to see what others were making of all this.
“Do you think exploration
includes hunting and fishing?” Brodie wondered aloud. He and Gille had
expressions of interest on their young faces as they waited for a response,
after which they turned back to watch the antics of a couple of the puppies
that had wandered into the tent several minutes earlier. They believed them to
be the little creatures belonging to Mitchell and Preston.
Larry looked over at Thomas
to see if it was alright to answer that and when Thomas nodded in the
affirmative, he chuckled. “Yes, exploration includes assigning both those
activities.”
“Last but not least, Aiden
Shea will be responsible for all construction matters.”
“Has the council had time to
decide what some of the rules to be voted on will be?” Quentin questioned.
“Yes, we have,” Thomas
stated. “Aiden has the list written down.”
Although Aiden disliked
public speaking, he was more than capable of keeping an audience enthralled. He
remained seated but straightened up enough to make his presence known. Holding
up the paper in his hand, he endeavoured to impress upon everyone the purpose
behind the list. “These are but basic rules to aid in the building of our new
community. If ’tis alright with ye all, we’ll discuss them one at a time
so all yer concerns will be addressed. The first ’tis as follows: respect
for others and their property. For example, there’s to be no lying, no bullying
or overly aggressive teasing, no fighting or brawling, no stealing or borrowing
without the owner’s permission. Do any of ye have a question or something to
add?”
Levi cleared his throat and
tentatively raised his hand.
“Yes, Levi. Did you have
something you’d like to ask?” Thomas asked kindly.
“Ummm, is the ‘no lying’ rule
truly necessary? I mean it is a basic issue of respect, but it’s sort of
personal.” He glanced at Troy before dropping his eyes and continuing, “I would
never lie to Troy. Well I hope I wouldn’t anyway. But if I did, I know he is
perfectly capable of dealing with it. I really wouldn’t want anyone else
involved.” Levi shrugged before looking up at the group. “It just seems like a
bit of an invasion of privacy to me, I guess.”
Thomas contemplated for a moment
before he responded. “To my way of thinking, the ‘no lying’ rule would apply to
things which affect our community, not to personal areas. For instance, if you
lied about completing a vital task that you had been assigned and people were
inconvenience or endangered by that lie, then it would affect the community.
However, if your lie was for instance, ‘I am twenty-five years old’ when in
fact you are twenty-one, then that would be your own personal business and not
that of the council.”
Levi bit his lip in thought
for a moment before finally nodding agreement. “That sounds reasonable to me.”
He was warmed by the reassuring smile Troy sent his way and smiled in return.
Thomas surveyed the group.
“The council is always open to hear questions, so please everyone, feel free to
ask what is on your minds.”
“The next rule ’tis
fairly a given,” Aiden announced when no one else seemed ready to speak.
“Everyone is expected to do their fair share. We as a council with yer best
interests at heart also insists there be no wandering, as the island is as yet
uncharted and there may be hidden dangers. This of course will change in time
as men are sent out in teams to get a lay of the land.”
Lakota sat silently observing
the men as they talked and discussed the rules the council had created. This
was going to be a very interesting growth of a new culture, he decided. ‘I am fortunate
indeed to be able to work with these men,’ he thought before raising his hand
to get Aiden’s attention. “I like to strongly advise that we all avoid eating
any fruit or plant matter until it has been identified.”
“Aye, ’tis verra good
advice ye have offered, Doctor,” Aiden wholeheartedly concurred. “The final
item on the list is that everyone answers to the council, who will be
responsible for overseeing assignments and handing out discipline as needed.”
“How will the council
determine who will be assigned what?” Thad wanted to know.
“Excellent question, Thad!”
Larry answered. “Last week we all shared bits and pieces of ourselves and this
information will hopefully aid us in selecting men with the abilities and
interests to fill various chores. Of course, each of you will have a say in
what you are or are not capable of doing. Although we are all, as individuals
and as a group, expected to pull our own weight, no one will be forced to do
something they are unable to do.”
“Thank you, Larry. That
sounds fair enough.” Thad sighed out his relief. He fully expected to do his
fair share, but he also knew his abilities and limitations, and just wanted to
make sure they would be respected.
Kelby waited a moment to see
if there would be any more questions concerning this last rule before slowly
raising his hand. He was shy about voicing his opinion but really wanted
clarification.
Thomas noticed the raised
hand. “Your name is Kelby, I believe. Did you have a question for us?”
Kelby nodded and blushed
before clearing his throat to speak. “Yes. I was wondering about the mentioned
discipline. Exactly what do you mean by that?” He shifted uncomfortably as the
warmth in his cheeks increased.
Aiden smiled and gently
answered in hopes of alleviating the young man’s fears. “The council has drawn
up a list of consequences, lad, and they read as follows: Apologies to
individuals or the group will be expected whene’er a wrong has been committed.
Punishments for not adhering to the rules could involve writing lines or
essays. Of course, stands to reason that anything involving pen and paper would
depend on one’s ability to read and write, in which case another sanction will
be decided upon if need be. Extra chores like kitchen duties, collecting
firewood, cleaning up after the livestock or laundry may be assigned over and
above one’s regular assignments. A loss of privileges such as participation in
firesides, communal gatherings or expeditions may be handed out. And if
necessary as a final resort, confinement or surveillance may be imposed.”
Dallas just winced slightly
when he heard this. Kevin made a silent note to himself and frowned when he
sensed a shudder go through the body of the man who was sitting next to him.
The council members waited to
see what effect Aiden’s words would have on the men in general. Each of them
opened for suggestions and more than willing to consider all feasible ideas.
Kelby nodded his
understanding. “It all seems adequately rational. Thank you for clearing that
up.”
“I guess we know what the
council is for; to make decisions and run our lives!” Wes muttered for Wayne’s
ears only.
Wayne dropped his voice to a
whisper. “Among other things, it seems like they get to set rules and impart discipline.
I am not sure I like the sound of that.”
“Hmm, me neither. We don’t do
too well with rules, do we?” Wes said with a crooked smile.
“Well, there’s not much we
can do about it right now, so I guess we just have to watch our steps and play
it by ear.”
Having overheard the exchange
between the twins, Nathan and Samuel glanced at each other, smiled and shook
their heads.
Lakota stood at this point
and asked if he could address the group. Everyone waited expectantly.
“Gentlemen, as I said when I
introduced myself, I am a physician and will offer my services to all. I feel
it is vital that we begin to perform medical examinations immediately. I think
that doing at least two a day should do well without interfering too much with
anyone’s work schedule. Would two of you be willing to give me your time
tomorrow? I can see one in the morning and another after lunch.”
“Not m-me!” Galen called out.
“Thomas had m-me see you already this m-morning!”
Lakota smiled at Galen. “You
will see me again in a couple of days for a check on how you are doing, as we
agreed I believe?”
“You and Thomas agreed, b-but
I didn’t really w-want to!” Galen retorted, having changed his mind on the
hastily made arrangements.
Thomas looked seriously at
Galen. “You promised me the doctor could care for you. I would be very
disappointed to know that you have backed down on that promise.”
“Yeah, b-but I didn’t think
it w-was to be so often!” Galen protested, earning a few chuckles from several
of the younger men.
The doctor tried to assist
his new friend, Thomas, with the recalcitrant young man. “Galen, I will
certainly not need to see you that often forever. However, I would like to see
you regularly until you have gained some weight and are feeling stronger. Is
that too much to ask of you?”
Looking into the caring eyes
of the doctor, Galen decided to co-operate and nodded his agreement somewhat
reluctantly.
“I’ll be in to see ye first
thing, Lakota,” Aiden promised.
“Thank you for stepping
forward, Aiden,” Lakota answered.
‘There is no way I am going
anywhere near the infirmary!’ Gille kept his thoughts to himself.
Troy wanted to help move
things along, so he spoke up. “I’ll volunteer myself and my partner to be
available whenever you wish, Lakota.”
The young man in question sat
up straight with horror and opened his mouth to protest. “But…” A quelling
glance from the narrowing eyes of his partner quieted him.
“Troy, I will set aside a
full day for you and Levi,” Lakota said giving a small smile to the tutor’s
distraught younger companion.
“Thank you, we will be sure
to be there. Isn’t that right, Levi?” This last was said firmly with another
glance at his partner, who looked both angered and mortified at having been put
on the spot.
Lakota turned to their new
council leader. “And you, Thomas?” he asked, knowing the question would be
understood.
Thomas had the grace to look
slightly embarrassed. “Oh, ummm of course, Doctor. You may put me down for
tomorrow afternoon.” He cringed at the impertinent smirk Galen gave him.
“And I’ll see to it!” Galen
snickered and moved closer to his mentor. Reaching over, he patted the older
man’s forearm and cheekily assured him. “It’ll be okay, Thomas. W-we can go
together.” Gales of laughter erupted when Thomas looked skyward as if praying
for strength.
“If it’s alright with
everyone else, I’d like a morning appointment,” Larry offered, with a dig at
his fellow council member. “It’s only right that we members of the council set
the example.”
Walker put his arm around
Thad and Jordan’s shoulders before lightly suggesting, “Guess we’ll have to
wait for ours, right guys?”
“I guess,” Jordan groaned his
hesitant acceptance.
“Oh, hell! And here I was
just hoping to get it over with,” Thad griped and scowled at the men nearest
him when they found humour at his expense.
“My sentiments exactly, Thad.
That’s why I opted for mine as soon as possible,” Larry laughed.
“Maybe it would work best if
a schedule was posted so the men would be able to plan their days around the
various appointment times,” Quentin helpfully suggested.
“Good idea, Quentin. If
Lakota is in agreement, I’ll draw one up,” Yancey volunteered. “Is it alright
if I put your name down for the afternoon the day after tomorrow?”
“Yes, that would be fine,
Yancey.” Quentin smiled at the Doctor’s assistant; fully aware he was being
coerced into having his medical near the top of the agenda.
Brock had been quietly
sitting back at a slight distance from the rest of the men. He had giving up
all attempts to keep his eyes off the beautiful, young half-breed who had also
remained silent throughout the informative supper hour. Men starting to leave
the mess hall briefly interrupted this studying of the object of his attention.
‘That young man is badly in
need of more friendship than that pup can provide,’ the big mountain man
thought as he watched Raythe gently caring for the small animal he had taken
under his wing. “You’re very good with that little fellow. At some point in
your life, someone must have been equally kind to you.” Brock spoke softly to
avoid startling the other man.
Raythe glared up from under
lowered brows and sneered. “What would you know about it?”
“I am merely commenting on my
own observations,” Brock coolly responded, his eyes narrowing at the
uncalled-for rudeness.
“Well, why are you observing
me in the first place? Have I done or said something that would cause you to
notice me?” Raythe was well aware of having done so by introducing himself in
such a provocative manner several nights ago.
“Yes, as a matter of fact you
have! You strike me as being someone very much in need of a friend. I too would
like to have a friend," Brock softly explained.
Raythe snorted. “A friend,
eh? Why do you think I need a friend?”
Brock could hear the
scepticism in the young man’s voice. He saw past the facade of bravado to the
fear and distrust of others. “Everyone needs a friend sooner or later. I was
merely offering, young man. I would never pressure anyone into accepting something
they did not want. However, neither of us is going anywhere, so I’ll be around
if and when you should decide my friendship is something you might want.” Brock
started to get to his feet.
Raythe, afraid he had pushed
too far and that the big man would walk away, cleared his throat and quietly
commented. “I’ve always trusted animals more than people. People hurt you.”
“It sounds like you’ve been
hurt a great deal in the past, Raythe,” Brock responded, sitting back down.
“But if one does not learn to trust, one could very easily lose out on
something that could prove to be very worthwhile.”
“Yeah, well I’ve tried it before,
and I always end up on the losing end!” the black-haired man retorted bitterly.
The slight tremor in his voice did not go unnoticed and Brock realised the
young man was on the verge of tears.
“I understand what you’re
telling me, Raythe,” Brock spoke slowly, all the while petting the puppy that
had scrambled over to him. “But I want to assure you that if you give me a
chance, you’ll end up on the winning side.”
Raythe silently thought over
what the big man was saying, then looked up and gave him a small, shaky smile.
It caused Brock to hope that he might be getting through to the captivating
creature in front of him.
In barely over a week since
their disembarking here, a rough order of things had settled over the men
and a feeling of calm acceptance had replaced most of their original horror and
despair. The leaders amongst the twenty-eight men were strong of body and soul
and through their determined actions, lent an example for the younger ones. There
was a definite gleam of purpose in many a pair of eyes and a community was
under development.
With the evening meal behind
them, most of the men dispersed to take care of a variety of chores that needed
doing. Walker automatically got up to start setting the kitchen area to rights
with Thad, Jordan, Mitchell and Preston offering to help out.
Aiden and Samuel volunteered
to gather wood and start the campfire. Unbidden, Nathan and Larry joined in and
the four men strode off in easy companionship.
Troy bent a stern eye on his
partner and silently raised an eyebrow.
Levi caught the look, sighed
dramatically, hung his head and grumbled, “well, I guess I will be joining them
too.”
Troy watched over his partner
as Levi diligently collected extra kindling according to the only sanction
placed on him for ignoring directives not to leave camp last weekend. The older man had
considered the punishment sufficient.
A few of the men chuckled and
shook their heads sympathetically. Already, they were beginning to feel a part
of one another’s lives.
Realising the water level in
their reserve was running low, Brock announced he would get it topped up and
Raythe immediately offered to assist. After their run-in a short time ago, the
young man suddenly seemed eager now to stick close to Brock. In truth, Raythe
had been feeling lost and insecure for a long time and was basically sick at
heart though he stoically never showed it. After weeks of uncertainty, Brock
appeared remarkably calm, strong and tough. The big mountain man seemed to
represent a lifeline to Raythe.
Neither man objected when
Hendrik started toward them, silently lending a hand by grabbing up the two
remaining buckets. As he straightened up, Hendrik’s eyes locked with
Brock’s for a brief spell. Each sized up the other, read the determination
etched in the other’s features and took comfort in the knowledge. Then with a
nod and a smile, Brock said, “thank you, my good man! Much obliged.”
In fact, most of the younger
men were equally eager to latch on to anyone who could provide them with the
security and leadership they so desperately needed, whether or not they
realised it. A helping hand or a kind word was all that was needed to warm a
heart and earn a smile of gratitude. Friendships were being easily forged and
bonds quickly formed in these early days; ties which for some of them would
last the better part of their lives.
As on the previous evening, a
bonfire was again lit. Those not engaged in any chores willingly started
gathering sticks and pieces of wood to throw onto the pile. People began to
slowly drift towards it, drawn as much by the warmth as by the promise of
companionship.
Seth settled down near the
fire, after providing a couple of dry twigs. He felt he had adequately
contributed his share and now absently fiddled with his deck of cards while he
watched Gille, Brodie and Spyke go for another round of wood. He glanced up
when Wayne and Wes sat down next to him and began to deal the deck.
Galen once again went to care
for the livestock. He was pleased to see each of the mother sows in the roomy
new pen with her offspring. After feeding all the animals and milking the
goats, he paid the mule a visit. “B-betcha like b-being on this longer lead, eh
Sadie? You got a lot m-more grazing space too!” he murmured as he brushed his
hand gently down the creature’s matted flank. This was where Thomas found him.
Thomas looked towards young
Galen and for a second hesitated on his next course of action. However,
thinking about how close he’d come to losing the lad this morning when that
boar was about to attack, spurred the older man to action. “Galen!” he called.
“Would you take a walk with me please?”
“Sure! W-where are w-we
going?” Galen happily accepted the invitation. “I have to p-put these in the
ocean,” he explained, pointing at the two buckets of milk sitting under a large
tree.
The two men slowly headed
towards the beach with Thomas listening with enjoyment to Galen’s enthusiasm
over the dinner and his ramblings about the decisions the council had made.
After placing the two covered pails in the water to keep cool, Thomas guided
Galen to take a seat with him on the sand so the two could watch the
resplendent sunset sparkling colourfully over the ocean.
“Wow, it’s so
b-beautiful here,” Galen softly murmured, a note of wonder in his voice. “Look
at the colours! And w-we sort of get to see them twice b-because of the
reflection in the w-water.”
“Yes, it is a splendid sight
alright. However, Galen, right now there is something I’d like to discuss with
you.” Thomas spoke seriously.
‘Oh-oh, he sounds rather
solemn,’ the young man thought and suddenly remembered the older man mentioning
them having a discussion a couple of times today. “W-what do you have in
m-mind, Thomas?” he asked apprehensively.
“In less than two days, you
have headed off into those woods exactly three times without considering the
danger you put yourself into. After we talked last evening about the fact that
you were inexperienced and could benefit from learning some things from those
who know more, you ran off to avoid seeing the doctor. And even after almost
being killed by that boar this morning, I found you had wandered off in search
of moss for the infirmary.”
Thomas drew a deep breath for
strength, looking at the wide-open beautiful eyes watching him oh so carefully.
“Now don’t get me wrong here, lad. I do understand your very legitimate fear of
medics and I commend the kind thoughts behind getting that moss to pad the
doctor’s examination table. However, that being said, you have taken very
unacceptable risks by endangering both yourself and the future of this
community. For it would not bode well for the moral and security of these men
to lose such a young and vital member due to his own careless behaviour.”
“I’m sorry for w-worrying
you, Thomas. I know I have a b-bad habit of w-wandering and that I don’t always
think things out first.”
“You listened this evening to
the decisions of the council and although they came after your wandering off,
you were aware of the dangers because we had discussed them before hand, but
you still decided to go. Is that not true?” he asked, watching Galen carefully
for his responses.
“Yes, sir, it’s true,” Galen
answered quietly as remorse for his actions began to overtake him.
“Galen, you are young and
also very special. I will not sit idly by and allow your ill-considered
ventures to bring you to harm. I want to help you, Galen. I believe you need
someone to guide you, someone who can help you learn to control your impulsive
behaviour. I also believe very strongly that discipline is the best way for
someone to learn to control his recklessness. Will you allow me to help you in
that way, to give you chastisement when you need it? To take care of you when
you need that too?”
“Hmm, w-what exactly w-will
that entail?” Galen was rather curious to find out what Thomas had in mind.
“You heard the thoughts from
the council. Those would apply with the addition of physical discipline as well. We
can work together to decide on some rules, which you can live by. If you break
those rules, depending on the severity, you could be given extra chores or
lines to write or if serious enough, spanked.”
“S-spanked?” Galen
stammered wide-eyed and swallowed. “You m-mean you w-would use a b-belt or
switch on m-me?” he asked in disbelief.
“No! I would only use my
hand. But it would still hurt, and you’d feel the sting on your bottom for some
time afterwards. But I would never do you any harm, you have my word on it.”
Galen continued to stare into
the face of this man, wondering how on earth Thomas had become so important to
him in so short a time, and chewed on his bottom lip. He read the concern and
sincerity both in the other man’s voice and expressions. Galen had no doubts he
could trust Thomas to be true to his word and with the impulsiveness of youth,
quickly made the decision to confide in him.
“M-my grandfather often told
m-my father to keep a firmer hold on m-me. I used to disappear for hours at a
time w-without telling anyone w-where I w-was going. An idea w-would come into
m-my head and I’d just have to check it out. I get curious and excited over new
things. It’s always b-been the ‘new’ that got m-me in trouble, and I guess it
still does. There is a lot of it here ‘cause it’s so different and there is so
m-much to see and do.” He paused and took a deep breath, realising the
importance behind the commitment he was about to make.
“I’ll let you help m-me do
b-better, Thomas. I know I need b-boundaries and I trust you to keep m-me
safe.” Galen paused as a look of confusion spread over his face. “Thomas,
you’re doing this for m-me, b-but w-what am I doing for you?”
A soft smile crossed Thomas’
face as he thought of how to answer Galen’s question. “Let me tell you something
that I believe very strongly. It is my conviction that when God creates a soul
in heaven, he gives each person talents and abilities to make that person
special and unique. Sadly, a lot of people go through life either not
recognising or not accepting the gifts God gave them. They instead fight to be
something they are not meant to be. Now most people will tell you, that if you
want something badly enough and work hard enough, you can achieve it, and in
many cases I consider this to be true. However, we all have our limitations.
Not everyone, for instance, has the ability to become a great singer. No matter
how hard they try, they do not have the voice or range for it.”
Thomas laughed at this. “My
mother once told me that it gave her great pleasure to hear her children
singing with joy. However, she thought I should be aware that I could not carry
a tune in a bucket and should not have any aspirations to join the opera.”
“Guess that explains w-why
you didn’t join in w-with the singing the other night,” Galen remarked with a
cheeky grin, but immediately turned serious again in order to listen carefully
to what was being said.
Thomas smiled and continued.
“Though I may not have talent for music, I do appreciate it. I saw you have a
guitar with you, so I’m thinking you have a talent for playing music. Am I
correct?”
Galen shyly nodded his head.
“I also believe that God
wants people to be together to form communities and families, so he made it
that people would need one another to be at their best. This is why you hear
the saying ‘opposites attract’. It means people with different strengths, form
partnerships in which together they become greater than the sum of their
individual parts. Now some people have the instinctive need to be leaders, to
guide others in the right path, to nurture and care for them. However, these
leaders and nurturers would be nothing without someone to lead; they would be
empty and without purpose. But when they find the right someone to care for,
they gain not only purpose, they also benefit from the talents and abilities of
that person, so together they are stronger.”
“In our case, Galen, we have
been thrust into a strange and sometimes frightening new place. We are all
strangers here, but we all have both this exile and the fact that we are
attracted to our own gender in common. Though we’ve only just met, I feel that
you and I can benefit from helping each other. I gain from fulfilling my need
to lead and care for someone as well I hope I gain your friendship and the joy
of knowing your special talents and abilities.” Thomas laughed at his own
pretentiousness. “Does that long-winded speech answer your question?”
Galen blinked and stared up
at the older man. “Yes,” he softly answered. “Kinda m-makes us equal, doesn’t
it?” he asked rhetorically. His contented sigh gave proof of his understanding
and acceptance of Thomas’ words. “Hmm, you and Quentin are on guard duty
tonight, right?”
“Yes, we are. Do you want to
stay up with us?” Thomas smiled; having a pretty good idea what query was
coming next.
“Huh-huh, ‘cause I don’t like
sleeping next to an empty p-pallet in the dark,” was the murmured response and
explanation before the younger man enthusiastically jumped to his feet, brushed
off the seat of his overalls and merrily suggested, “let’s go join the
others at the bonfire, okay?”
Galen contentedly skipped
ahead of the man who had just become his mentor in addition to being his very
best friend as they headed back towards the encampment.
No comments:
Post a Comment