Chapter 4
4 Martin studies a
flower Trevor gives him and drops it into a leather pouch. The name slips his
mind, but the petals can help with a stomachache. The coyotetaur sticks a
handful of moss into another pouch. He already knows the plant can stop
bleeding. It's one of several things his friend taught him the first summer
they worked on the farm. Martin follows Trevor and sticks a couple of flowers
into his pouch. The job isn't like working on the farm, but it'll do. One of
the doctors at the clinic promises to pay him ten dinars a week if he brings
back a decent amount of flowers, leaves, roots and other items. Plus it gives
him a chance to be with Trevor. The animaltaur
studies his friend. Trevor seems to be handling the extra work just fine.
Martin shakes his head. It's been well over a week since the human told everything,
and it still bothers him an animaltaur had to tell him about his dad's duties.
He thought Trevor's parents didn't hide anything from their son, but that
doesn't seem to be the case, unless his dad wanted to avoid burdening Trevor
with more work. Martin doubts he'll ever know the exact reason. They drop off what
they have at dusk. Martin bites his tongue as one of the doctors give Trevor a
hard time for not finding what they need. The coyotetaur wants to encourage his
friend to quit and tell the staff they can find their own crap, but knows it's
one thing the human would never do. He doubts the doctors even pay Trevor a
damn thing. Martin leads his friend out of the building. He's hurt, but he'll
never admit to it. Martin leads his
friend into his room, shows him where to sit and hands him a book. Trevor's
more than ready to read a short story. The coyotetaur lies beside the human and
helps him whenever he needs it. He tells Trevor he's came a long way, and
mentions it's only a matter of time until they move onto something more
difficult. The coyotetaur hands the human a piece of plywood and charcoal, and
asks them to write their names. He twitches his ears. His dad must be home.
Martin tells Trevor to stay put and leaves. "You're home kind of
late, pa." "I realize that. Mr.
Grey had us stay late so we could butcher a couple of cows. Mr. Durant needs
the meat to sale. I also suggest you and Trevor go on another hunting trip, and
soon. Is he here?" "Yep. He's in my
room. He's come a long way." "And it shows at
work. He's doing a bit more, which is good." "I'd hope so," Martin
said. "Where's ma?" "She has to stay
late. I guess a small number of employees quit and left town. Can't say I blame
them," Zues said. "How was your day?" "Not bad. The only
thing that ruined it was when one of the doctors gave Trev a hard time for not
finding what they need." "You boys may not
find everything they need, not with how dry it is. They should realize that by
now. How'd he handle it?" "It's hard to say,"
Martin looks towards his bedroom. "He never admits to anything. With him nearly
crying when he told ma about those books is the closest I've seen him cry." "I've noticed. Why
don't you send him home so we can make dinner? It should be done by the time
your mom arrives." "Yes, pa." Martin steps into his
room, and informs Trevor his lessons will resume at another day. The coyotetaur
studies what his friend written. The spelling and handwriting is far from
perfect, but that too should improve with more practice. Martin closes the
front door once his friend leaves and joins his father in the kitchen. "Is there more, pa?"
Martin grabs three pans. "Yes, and I didn't
want Trevor to overhear. It's why I had him leave," Zues places three pieces of
venison on a plate. "Now you know I never had much love for his kind." "I'm aware." "Don't interrupt me,
please," Zues brushes sauce on the meat. "I still don't have much love for
Trevor, but I've grown some respect for him. He's a hard worker, and I have yet
to hear him complain. It's one reason why I feel Mr. Watson should tell him the
bad news, and not have him hear it from me. He deserves that much." "Is he?" "Being let go? Not
yet, but his days are about to be cut. Mr. Watson wants him, and to some extent
you, to go on more hunting trips. The store needs more meat." "But how are we to
pay for it, pa? The clinic doesn't pay Trev, and I only receive ten dinars if
I'm lucky. That isn't enough for what we need, and I doubt he'll make a deal." "It's something we'll
figure out, and I'm sure it'll be brought up at the next meeting. I don't
expect him to allow humans to be in his store when our kind are still looking
around." "Thanks, but don't
bother pa. You know Mr. Durant won't agree to it," Martin said. "I know I
shouldn't worry, but what is the human population to do?" "I don't know, but
I'm sure Mr. Watson will say something." "Pa, I have to ask:
Why do our kind treat humans so bad?" "I can't answer that,
I'm afraid, but things are slowly changing. I noticed more of our kind spending
more time together with them. Look how often your friends play games with
Trevor and his friends." "It's too bad they
all left, pa." "You're right, I'm
sorry." "Did it upset you
when I became friends with Trevor?" "I'll be honest, it did
at first, but me and your mother grew use to it. There's worse things you can
do," Zues shakes his head. "You can blame your granddad for my dislike towards
humans." "So why not change,
pa? He's no longer around." "You should know the
answer to that. I'm stubborn. Plus I'm afraid of what'll happen to us if we
change our opinion. Do I wish things were better? Yes, but I'm in no hurry to
ask for change. I'm sure there are humans who have it worse elsewhere." "Things can't get any
worse here," Martin said. "Will Trev have to work tomorrow? I'd like to discuss
where we should go and when." "That's up to him,
but I don't expect him to leave early. He never has," Zues places the venison
into the pans and puts them in the oven. "I suppose we don't have any bread?" "No we don't." "Here. Head to the
store and buy a loaf of bread, and some cheese as well," Zues hands Martin a
twenty dinar. "Your mom should be back by the time you return." Martin ties a coin
purse around his diaphragm and leaves. Hearing his dad express his opinions
regarding the human population is nothing, and he's not upset over his honesty.
At least he admits to having some respect for Trevor. The coyotetaur sniffs the
air and studies the sky. It looks like rain. Martin enters the general store
and holds his breath as Mr. Durant glares at him. "So nice of your ass
of upliftin' your part of the deal," the wolftaur said. "Look, Trevor and I
had no idea, okay? So drop it already," Martin said. "You'll get everything we
kill on our next trip." "I had better, or I
may pay a certain bastard a visit." "You know the law,
Mr. Durant. Is going to prison worth it?" "Worthless law if you
ask me. Damn, good for nothin' humans don't deserve protection." "You done? I'm only
here to buy stuff, not hear your crap." "You'd say that,
furless lover. Be grateful I don't give the likes of you the same damned
treatment." "And be happy there
isn't another store." Mr. Durant holds back
a growl. "Pay for what you need and get out. What you need?" "A loaf of bread and
cheese." "Here," Mr. Durant
places the items in a small sack. "Fifteen dinars." "Include these,"
Martin places a couple of apples and three bananas in the box. "Twenty even. Lemme
guess, them for the bastard?" "None of your damned
business," the coyotetaur tosses the coin on the counter and grabs his things. Martin leaves the
store in disgust. Mr. Durant has always been nasty towards him, but today he
was downright awful. The coyotetaur looks over his shoulder, and spots the
sheriff strolling down a side road. He sprints up to the animaltaur and informs
him the threat Mr. Durant made. The sheriff promises to keep a close eye on the
wolftaur, but can't arrest him until he does something illegal. Martin returns
home just as it's about to rain, and sees his mom checking on dinner. "You and your father
done an excellent job, thanks honey." "Don't mention it,
ma," Martin sets the box on the table. "I bought more than what pa wanted." "That's fine,
sweetie. He's out back setting up the tub. Catch all the rain we can," Martha
said. "Something the matter?" "It's Mr. Durant.
He's always said something mean regarding me and Trevor, but today he was
worse. He even made a threat." "Not much I can say
but ignore his words." "I know ma, but
there's times I just want to drive him out of the store," Martin said. "I did
inform one of the sheriffs, however." "That's good, honey." Martin's dad sprints
into the house and looks outside. "It's coming down all right. Hope it lasts." "Shame we don't have
additional pans. We could use the extra water," Martha said. "That we can," Zues
looks at his son and holds out his hand. "Well?" "I, uh, I bought a
couple of other things." "That's fine." "Pa, what'll it take
to kick Mr. Durant out of the store?" "A lot. Why?" "You know why, pa." "You're right, I do,"
Zues said. "Not much we can do, honestly. Too many of our kind has the same way
of thinking as him. Tell me what he said this time around." Martin explains the
conversation, and notices his father's expression darken. "I'll bring all of
that up at our next town meeting. Threatening somebody, even if they are lesser
than us, should be a crime," Mr. Patton said. "And he shouldn't have the right
to talk down somebody because of who they're friends with." "I did tell him he
should be happy there isn't another store." "And he should, or he
wouldn't be in business." A flash of lightning
and a loud clap of thunder cause everybody to look outside. "Knowing one thing,
we're done being outside for the day," Zues stands at the window. "The wind is
starting to pick up." Martin bites his
lower lip. "Don't worry about a
thing, dear," Martha kisses her son on the cheek. "I'm sure Trevor's house will
be fine." "It's not just his
house I'm worried about." "You can head over to
that side of Cauldron tomorrow morning. The weather's too intense to do
anything now," Zues sits at the table. "Let's see how well we cooked tonight's
meal." Martin stares out his
window. What a difference. Last night things were blustery, and now the skies
are clear. There's a good amount of debris in the road and on houses, but no
down trees that he can see from his room. The coyotetaur stands and stretches
his legs. The wind kept him awake for most of the night. Martin sniffs the air.
It seems his mom decided to make pancakes. The coyotetaur shrugs and leaves his
bedroom. It wouldn't hurt to clean around the house before breakfast. The coyotetaur places
the last of the branches in a pile, and checks the tub. There's a quite bit of
pine needles and leaves in the water, but nothing serious, although it'll take
them a while to get everything out. A chore he'll work on after breakfast.
Martin washes up and sits at the table. Shame Trevor isn't present. They can
have him check and repair the roof. The coyotetaur explains to his dad his
plans, and nods when he tells him don't bother. What's in the tub might be
drinkable, but isn't worth the work. Martin surveys the
damage as he strolls through the village. A couple of houses are missing
shingles, but other than that nothing serious. Martin heads to where the humans
live, and finds Trevor on top of his roof. "Fancy seeing you up
there. Thought you'd be at the farm by now." "I was there long
enough to tell Mr. Watson I have to replace my roof. This alone will take all
day," Trevor looks at Martin. "Do you have a saw and/or ax with you?" "I knew I forgot a
couple of things. Why?" "Look in the back and
you'll see." Martin walks to the
other side of Trevor's house and freezes. The top of a large tree rests a
couple of feet away from the building. "Don't worry. If it
had hit, it would've been quick," the human takes off a shingle and tosses to
the ground. "Mr. Watson will send his workers here to help take care of it." "I'm happy it did
miss. Did it hit anybody else's?" Martin asks "One. Thankfully the
family who lived there already left. You'll see what's left if you walk hundred
or so steps down the tree." "I'll take your word
for it. You know if anything else has damage? How does the inside of yours
look?" "There's a good
amount of repair work to be done, if that answers the first question. Nothing
serious. Mainly just have to replace roves," Trevor tosses another shingle to
the ground. "As for the second, not so good. The mats has to be replaced, our
cupboard is soaked and may have to be replaced. I'm not sure how long it'll
take for the ground to dry." "Has Mr. Watson been
down?" "Not yet, but he may
have a small number of us sleep in his barn." "I'm certain he
will," Martin looks around. "I'm just happy we didn't have any casualties." "Don't say anything
yet. I haven't seen everybody yet. By the way, thanks for coming down." "Don't mention it.
Listen, I'll be back. I'm going to grab our cart and a couple of tools." Martin runs back to
his house, and finds his parents dumping water from the tub. "I thought you'd be
at work by now, ma." "I'm off for the day.
A branch fell on the hotel. Nothing big, but it'll take a day or so to make
repairs," Martha looks at her son. "So how's it like it over there?" "Trev got lucky. A
tree came close of falling on his house." "Oh, my." "Is that the only
reason why you ran back here?" Zues covers the tub. "Yeah it is. I'm
going to help chop it up. Trev says those who work at the farm will be there by
noon, maybe sooner." "You know where the
tools are, and you know to put them back when you're done." "Yes, pa," Martin
looks at his mom. "You know if the hotel has any old mats and cupboards? Trev
and his ma might need them." "No I don't, honey,
but I can go ask. What was he doing when you left?" "Repairing the roof,
and he already told Mr. Watson it'll take him all day." "It might be longer.
Others may need his assistance," Zues said. "I presume Mr. Watson didn't tell
Trevor the bad news?" "If he did, Trev didn't
tell me," Martin places a saw and an ax into the cart. "How much firewood you
want me to bring back?" "Not a lot," Zues
scratches his chin. "I'll come with." "Thanks, pa." "I'll head to the
hotel and see what they have," Martha said. "How long will you boys be gone?" "This shouldn't take
long if the entire village pitches in," Mr. Patton kisses his wife. "See you
later in the day." Martin and Zues make
it to the down tree just in time to see Mr. Watson and a few others arrive. "Slow day at the farm,
Mr. Watson?" Martin asks. "No more than usual,"
the wolftaur studies the tree. "This came too close." "You're telling me,"
Martin looks around. "Where's Trev?" "I'm here. I was
putting away the shingles Willson brought," the human walks out of his house.
"It'll be a while before I put them up, though. Give everything a chance to
dry." "What about your
mats? Think you still need new ones?" Zues asks. "Yes, sir, but the
cupboard still looks to be in decent condition." "You know you and
your mother are welcome to stay at the barn," Mr. Watson said. "Trevor, there's
something else I need to tell you. With the extra duties you have, I've decided
to cut your days. You're only needed for a couple of days." "I was hoping you'd
say that, sir. I know there's a strong chance I'll-" "We'll," Martin said. "We'll have to travel
more in order to find game." "As I'm aware, and
I'll be sure to prevent Mr. Durant from hoarding everything from you and the
other humans. It's one thing I plan to bring up at the next town meeting," Mr.
Watson said. "When is it, sir?"
Trevor asks. "Three days from now
providing the storm hasn't damaged town hall too badly," Zues said. "It hasn't," a
cougartaur said, "it still be on." "Well, there you go.
Any reason why?" Zues looks at Trevor. "I'd like to attend,
sir." "I've been to one,
Trev," Martin said. "Those things are boring." "I don't care. I want
to attend." "It wouldn't hurt. He
has the right to know what's going on," Mr. Watson looks at the tree. "Well,
let's get to it. This tree won't cut itself." Martin hands his dad
the saw, pulls out the ax and looks around. Only twenty residents are present;
nine animaltaurs and eleven humans. Chopping up the tree may take longer than
what his dad expected. The coyotetaur helps Trevor and a couple of others
remove the branches, and watches a small number of humans put them into a pile.
By noon they're busy putting logs into carts and hauling them to the farm. Mr.
Watson will have the rest of his staff chop everything into smaller pieces
tomorrow afternoon. Martin stretches his
upper back and shoulders, and asks Trevor to massage them. Tonight he'll stay
in the barn with his friend. The human finished repairing his house shortly
before dusk, and has plans to help wherever he can the next couple of days. Trevor
and his mom will receive a couple of old mats and additional blankets from Mr.
Watson once they're able to return home. Things in Cauldron should return to
normal two to three days from now. Martin lies down and wags his tail as Trevor
lies beside him. Just like old times.*** Every settlement has
a group of leaders that create laws and take care of other issues. Villages
with a population of less than two thousand usually have one mayor, a deputy
mayor, a couple of judges and several sheriffs. Larger towns have two mayors.
The second mayor gives the residents an extra person to turn to whenever things
become hectic. Every year all of the mayors are to meet at the capital of
Bantam, and give a report to the government regarding the progress they've made
in the town they run. The governor has the power to throw a mayor out of office
if he, or she, thinks they're not doing a proper job. There has only been
one human judge in Cauldron's two hundred fifty year history, and he only
lasted one term. Since then the animaltaurs have made it clear the village
belongs to them. Two hundred years later and close to a third of the population
still think like their parents and grandparents. The current mayor and deputy
mayor have shown interest in wanting to improve things for humans, but they've
been slow to act on their promises. Trevor looks around
as he follows Martin and his parents into town hall. He's been by the building
multiple times, but never inside. He always thoughts humans weren't allowed to
attend meetings until Mr. Watson told him otherwise. There appears to be over
two hundred residents in attendance. Some smile and either wave and/or wag
their tails when they see him, but others ignore him and/or fix their eyes on
him. Trevor nods when Mr. Patton tells him to sit on Martin's back. The
coyotetaurs claim a spot close to the front and sit. The human wraps his arms
around his friend's chest, and tightens his legs so he doesn't slide off. It takes over a half
hour for everybody to situate themselves. An official opens the windows and
decides to keep the doors open. The more air they receive the better. Everybody
stands when the mayor, a tigertaur named Mr. Hudson, the deputy mayor, a spotted
hyenataur named Mrs. Dew, and two judges, a liontaur named Mr. Dura and a wolftaur
named Mr. Lowell, take their spot. They all notice Trevor's presence, but only
Mrs. Dew acknowledges him. For the first half
hour they discuss the dangers some trees pose to the village. Majority of the
residents agree close to three dozen trees should be removed out of fear they
could fall on several houses, but a small number insists they help keep
Cauldron cool. In the end they agree to cut down twenty trees. Mr. Hudson and
Mrs. Dew will mark which ones to remove tomorrow afternoon. The next order of
business: water restrictions. Mr. Durant starts things off."I propose we increase the
restrictions of water on those who don't need it the most," Mr. Durant points
aggressively towards Trevor. "Put it simply: our kind needs comes before his.""That's a rather bold statement to
make, Mr. Durant," Mrs. Dew writes some notes. "Care to explain why you feel
that way?""As I've already said: we're the
superior species. Plus we needs more water than they do. In all honesty, I'm
surprised we haven't rid Cauldron of those... pests," Mr. Durant glares at
Trevor. "Especially those who ignore deals that was made.""May I say something regarding what
Mr. Durant said, Mayor Hudson?" Mr. Watson raises his hand."He's done speaking, so yes," the
mayor said."Mr. Durant, do I have to remind
you that them pests, as you call them, are vital to Cauldron? Who do you think
picks the produce you sell? The meat? Sure, our kind helps in that area, but
most of the hard work fell onto humans," Mr. Watson said. "Also, if we rid
Cauldron of all humans, who will we get to work the fulleries?""We're well aware of other methods
of washing towels and sheets, Mr. Watson," Mr. Dura said."Then what's stopping us from
switching over? The conditions humans work in are disgusting.""They have no room to complain,"
Mr. Durant smirks. "If it weren't for their bosses, they wouldn't have a shack
to live in. They also don't have a voice-""Then I'll be their voice. Besides,
I would give them a house on my land, and not degrade them like they are.
They're hard workers, and they deserve better treatment," Mr. Watson points at
Trevor. "Take Trevor for example. Out of all the humans that worked on my farm,
he worked the hardest. He even worked harder than some of our own." "It's a pity he can't
read and write," Mr. Durant said heartily. "That's not his
fault, and you know it. The blame falls onto those who decided to take their
school and then refused to teach them." "Are you insinuating
we're to blame, Mr. Watson?" Mr. Lowell asks. "Those who sat in
those spots prior to who's there now, yes," Mr. Watson looks at the judge.
"Although to be fair, your honor, you could do more to make sure everybody receives
a proper education." "Who in god's name
should have to waste their time teachin' those fools?" Mr. Durant points at
Trevor. "It's their job to
teach, and they should be required to do so, animaltaur and/or human," Mrs. Dew
said loudly. "I propose we hire teachers that don't have a problem teaching
humans how to read, starting next school year." "But who would bother
wastin' their time teachin' them?" Mr. Durant asks. "I would," Martin
said. "Pardon?" Mr. Dura
looks at Martin. "You've got words to speak?" "I said I would teach
them if I could." "Of course you would,
furless lover," Mr. Durant said. "Your petty insults end
now, Mr. Durant," Mrs. Dew fixes her eyes on the wolftaur. "Anymore insults from
you and you'll be asked to leave. And let this be a warning to the rest of you." "Yes, ma'am." "Good," the deputy
mayor looks at Martin. "It's nice of you to offer, but we'll have to find
somebody who's more qualified." "I'm aware, ma'am." "Current teachers
will be given two options: teach humans and keep their jobs, or refuse to do so
and lose their job," Mr. Lowell said. "Humans deserve to have a proper
education, and it is required in Bantam everybody has one." "What about those who
are no longer fifteen?" Mr. Watson asks. "It'll be put into consideration,
but right now we ought to return to the original topic," Mr. Hudson said.
"What's your take on Durant's proposed water restrictions, Watson?" "I think it's preposterous,"
the wolftaur shakes his head. "Humans need as much water as we do, and shouldn't
have to deal with stricter restrictions." "And you know I think
those beings don't need as much," Mr. Durant said. "We are all well
aware of what you said," Mrs. Dew said. "The restrictions on
water doesn't change. Mr. Durant has a point when he says humans don't need as
much, but Watson has a point when he says they're vital to our village.
However, they're to only get water from their well," Mr. Hudson looks at
Trevor. "Don't think I didn't spot you take water from our well." "He was filling a tub
for my bath, Mr. Hudson. Be mad at me," Zues said. "I see. Then I take
back what I said," the tigertaur said. "What's our next proposal?" "With the storm we
had recently, and the recent vacant houses, I suggest we allow them to move
in," Mr. Watson nods his head towards Trevor. "No. No way I'm
livin' next to such filthy beings," Mr. Durant said, "Humans can stay where
they belong. Besides, what if those who left come back?" "Durant has a strong
point, Watson," Mr. Hudson said. "Humans are to stay where they're at, but
we'll do our best to give them supplies for repairs and other things for
warmth." "And they will
receive such supplies," Mrs. Dew said. "Shouldn't ours have
top priorities?" Mr. Durant asks. "Top priority of
what? Repairs are done, Mr. Durant, and most of the work was done thanks to the
one you despise the most," Mr. Dura nods his head towards Trevor. "It's high
time we do them a favor and make improvements to their homes." "Wasteful. Shouldn't
that-" "Enough!" Mrs. Dew
points to the door. "You're dismissed, Mr. Durant. Leave now or we'll throw you
out, or worse. I've heard enough." Mr. Durant flattens
his ears and heads towards the door. He watches Trevor from the corner of his
eye and holds backs a growl as he exits the building. Things returns to
normal and the residents discuss the issue of segregation. The mayor comes to
several conclusions. Humans no longer have to sit outside, but they still have
to sit in their own section and are to give up their table if there isn't
enough room for animaltaurs. Mrs. Dew adds she'll inform Mr. Durant he's to
allow humans to shop at all times or he'll lose ownership. The deputy mayor
takes a deep breath, and apologizes to Trevor for taking so long to make
certain changes. The meeting comes to an end. Martin strolls out of
town hall with Trevor still on his back, and informs his dad they're going into
the woods. There are a lot of things he wants to say to his friend, and knows
it'll be best if they're alone. The coyotetaur enters the outskirts of the
forest and wags his tail. It's been too damn long since they had the time to do
this sort of thing. Martin looks over his shoulder. "What do you think of
the changes, Trev?" "I'm doubtful they'll
last," Trevor shakes his head. "As for school, it's a little too late. I'm the
youngest one here. All the others left with their parents." "You know I'll still
tutor you," Martin said. "Why do you think the changes won't last?" "Those who are left
are likely to replace the current mayor and deputy mayor, and they'll put the
rules back to how they were, or worse." "I hope you're wrong,
Trev." "I hope so too." "Do you think Mr.
Durant will allow you in his store?" "He might, but it
doesn't mean I have to. I get what I need from Mr. Watson." "Lucky you," Martin
said. "Listen, Trev, if things don't improve around here, would you be
interested in leaving with me?" "I thought about that
ever since we came back from our trip, and I'm ready to leave now. Only thing
that's stopping me is my mom. Who's going to take care of her?" "You know Mr. Watson
will. He may even allow her to stay on his farm." "I know, but I'm also
scared to ask. He's already done plenty for us." "Just explain what's
going on, Trev. You know he's good at listening," the coyotetaur said. "Plus he
has a lot of respect for you." "I'm aware." Martin nods, "Well?" "I don't know. How
long do I have?" "As long as you need.
Hey, do me a favor. While you're back there, see if you can pull off some loose
clumps of fur." "That can wait until
later. I'd rather use a brush." "That'll work,"
Martin stretches his arms. "When do you want to leave for our next hunting
trip, Trev?" "Three days from now,
and this time we kill whatever we come across." "No, Trev. We kill
what we need. I don't want to burden myself on the trip back. Do we drop off
our catch at Mr. Durant's store or take it to Mr. Watson's farm?" "Mr. Watson. We have
to prepare it for Mr. Durant. I don't want to, but I have no choice." "I hear ya, Trev.
What about the clinic?" "I'm to drop off what
I collect at the front desk and leave," Trevor shakes his head. "That's the
main reason why I want to leave. Sorry for saying this, but I want to go
somewhere that will appreciate my hard work." "Don't be apologetic
for talking about yourself, and I don't blame you," Martin licks his lips.
"Hang on, I feel like running." Trevor grabs the
coyotetaur's diaphragm and tightens his legs. Riding on Martin's back has
always been his favorite thing to do. He loves having the wind rush across his
face and through his hair. The young man tightens his grip the faster the
coyotetaur runs. Martin must have a lot of pent up energy he wants to burn off.
Shame the wind couldn't be a couple of degrees cooler. They return by dusk,
and head straight to Martin's house. The human walks into the backyard and
waits for his friend to bring him a brush. Trevor examines a couple of bruises
on his arms. They had a couple of good frolics after the coyotetaur's run. The
human won the first match, but lost the second and had no choice but to
pleasure the coyotetaur. Martin hands him a brush and lies down. Trevor removes
a good amount of loose fur, and does the same thing for Mr. and Mrs. Patton.
The human places what he can in a couple of sacks, asks Mr. Patton to keep him
inform on when the next meeting will be and leaves.