Chapter 5
5 The population
continues to dwindle throughout summer, and by autumn it falls below seven
hundred. Only twenty humans are left. The mayor and deputy mayor know there
isn't much they can do to convince the remaining residents to stay. The owners
of the fulleries place the extra burden on those who remain due to not having
enough humans, and for close to a month their employees had to work twenty
hours a day without a break. They would still have long shifts if Mr. Watson
hadn't said anything. Since then the humans only have to work twelve hours and
they're to receive two days off every fortnight. It rains for two
weeks straight and during that time the residents thought things were on the
verge of changing for the better, but their dreams come to an end by the
following week. The temperatures shot up once the last storm passes through,
and everything dries up within a couple of days. The rain did little to ease
the water restrictions, but the residents found ways to collect what they
could. Two thirds of the population predicts Cauldron will turn into a ghost
town in less than three years, and some hope they're wrong. Those who still work
at the farm would have nothing to do if Martin and Trevor didn't go on several
hunting trips. The pair knows they've been lucky at bringing home a decent
amount of game, and most kills consists of deer, birds, rabbits and other
creatures. The biggest and toughest was a cave bear. Martin and Trevor help Mr.
Watson and Mr. Grey gut, clean and package the meat, and load everything into a
cart for somebody to deliver to the store. The wolftaur keeps a small portion and
gives it to the humans. Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Grey turn the hides into straps,
pouches, blankets and clothes. It's still their duty
to provide the clinic with medicine. Martin and Trevor do what they can to fill
multiple pouches with leaves, flowers and roots, but on most trips they're lucky
to fill one. The coyotetaur drops off what they have knowing he won't receive
any lip from staff. Martin uses what the clinic gives him to purchase what
Trevor needs from the store, and saves the rest. Martin and Trevor
travel southwest of Cauldron for three nights and four days. The pair avoid
going to the same spot multiple times knowing their scent could prevent game
from returning. Once they agree they're in a good spot, Trevor builds a fire
pit and shelter while Martin gathers firewood, branches and leaves. The human
and coyotetaur spend the rest of the day going over a plan, and decide it'll be
best if they don't split up. The hunters grab what
they need and head out at dawn. Martin adjusts the strap on his rifle and
studies the bow on Trevor's back. Someday he'll ask his friend to make him one
and to teach him how to use it, and to see if he has an interest in firing his
gun. It wouldn't hurt to learn how to use other weapons. Martin sniffs the air
and points to where the scent came from. Trevor drops to his
knees and examines a couple of tracks. The creature they're hunting has hooves,
and judging by how fresh the prints look, it came through the area no too long
ago. The human stands and grabs his bow, and watches Martin sniff the air.
They're close. The pair proceeds with caution. They hear leaves rustle in a
nearby bush. Trevor pulls out an arrow and waits for Martin to load his gun
before stepping forward. A creature with tusks jumps out. Trevor fires his
arrow but misses. He jumps out of the way. The creature turns around and
charges the coyotetaur. Martin readies his rifle but doesn't have a clear shot.
He too jumps out of the way. The coyotetaur recognizes the thing as a pig, but
he's never seen one with tusks before. Martin aims for a second time but the creature
is too fast. Martin stumbles on a couple of loose rocks, and yells as the
creature attacks his front leg. Trevor lunges forward
and stabs the pig. The wound doesn't have an effect. The pig turns its
attention on him. The human dodges the charge, and catches a glimpse of
Martin's injury. It looks bad. He notices the creature running towards him for
a second time, but is unable to react in time. The pig digs its tusk into his
upper thigh and knocks him to the ground. The human cries and stabs the
creature multiple times. Martin aims his gun and fires. The pig staggers away
from Trevor and collapses. The attack is over, but they're still in danger. The
coyotetaur limps over to Trevor. The human uses his shirt to cover their
wounds. "This has to do,"
Trevor winces as he stands. "I guess I owe you." "Don't say that,
Trev. You don't owe me nothing. Is there anything at camp you can use?" "There's moss and
additional bandages." "Think you can walk?" "Slowly." "That answers my
question," Martin lies down. "On my back." "No. You're hurt
too." "I'm more capable of
walking." "Carrying me will
drain your strength." "I don't care. Your
limping will slow us down even more; now get on my damn back. This isn't open
for discussion." Trevor opens his
mouth to protest, but the glare from Martin tells him not too. The human grits
his teeth as he climbs onto his friend's back, and braces himself as the
coyotetaur stands. He uncovers their wounds at camp and doesn't like what he
sees. They're still bleeding. The human places moss on the gashes, and wraps
bandages around it. He doubts that'll stop the bleeding, but it should slow it
down. They have to return to Cauldron before infection sets in. Trevor and Martin
eat a small dinner and leave. They can always come back for the cart. It takes them four
and a half days to return to Cauldron. Martin stumbles onto the farm, and
nearly collapses when Mr. Watson and his dad run up to them. The loss of blood,
lack of food and rest and overall pain has drained every ounce of energy.
Trevor's condition isn't much better. The coyotetaur barely has the strength to
enter the clinic, let alone walk into an empty room. A doctor cleans his wound,
and tells him he's to stay for the night. Martin doubts the doctor would've
said the same to Trevor if the deputy mayor wasn't present. The coyotetaur asks
the spotted hyenataur to inform his friend's mom the situation. Martin lies down and
shifts his body around on a mat and studies the bandages on his leg. The doctor
stopped the bleeding, and the medicine he gave him numbed the pain. The
coyotetaur stretches his arms and yawns. He'd like to catch some shut eye, but
he also wants Trevor by his side. Martin twitches his ears. He hears his
friend's mom in the other room. At least the deputy mayor doesn't allow the
clinic to segregate their patients and/or prevent humans from visiting their family.
The coyotetaur looks over his shoulder and smiles weakly as his dad enters the
room. "How's Trev?" "He's fine," Zues
shakes his head. "You recall the talk we had?" "Please don't go
there. Not after what we went through, and you know he's my friend. I'm not
going to let a friend die because majority of the village doesn't like him, and
that includes you," Martin looks away. "If that's the only reason why you came
in, then leave, please." "It was one reason.
The other is to see how you're doing." "I'm fine. Just
tired." "I'm sure. The doctor
said you've lost a good amount of blood, plus traveling like you did with the
extra weight on your back." "Yeah, I know pa." "Care to explain what
attacked you without being cross?" "It smelt like a pig,
but I never seen one with tusks before." "That would be a wild
boar. Travelers who come from there would run into those creatures, and they're
known to be rather aggressive," Mr. Patton said. "I do hope you won't be going
back, right?" "Every trip we take
there's a risk of us getting hurt, pa," Martin said. "Maybe if the village
didn't rely on just me and Trev to bring them meat we wouldn't have to go on so
many trips." "You know it's
Trevor's job to provide for us. You don't even have to go, but you do have a
point." "I'm sorry, but
that's a stupid reason. There are several of us that are more than-" "I understand where
you're going from there," Zues raises his hand. "I'll be sure to bring it to
the mayor's attention before I come and get you." "Thanks," Martin
hears the door open. "Is it all right for
me to come in, sir?" Trevor knocks. "It's too late to say
no, Trevor. I was about to leave," Zues looks at the human. "Is Mr. Watson
still here?" "Yes, sir. He's
paying off my bill," the human closes his eyes. "We had to leave-" "Don't worry about
that, Trevor. Saving my son's life was more important than some cart. No more
of this, okay?" "Yes, sir." "Good," the
coyotetaur walks towards the door. "I'll see you two in the afternoon." Mr. Patton heads down
the hall and spots Mr. Watson leaving the clinic. The coyotetaur quickens his
pace. There are a couple of things he'd like to say to the wolftaur. "Mr. Watson, wait,"
Zues said. "I appreciate you sticking around." "It's only right I
do. Your son worked at the farm for quite a while, and someone has to make sure
Trevor is being taken care of," Mr. Watson faces the coyotetaur. "How are
they?" "Fine, considering." "They're lucky to be
alive. They say what attacked them?" "I told Martin it was
a wild boar after he described what it was," Zues shakes his head. "Trevor
shouldn't worry too much about leaving behind that cart." "I agree with your
point, but look at it from his. He and his mom don't have much of anything." "I'm aware, or he
wouldn't have broke down when he told my wife what came of those books she bought
him." "How are his lessons
coming along?" "You'd have to ask
Martin that, but it seems to be going fine. He's a lot farther than where he
was a year ago." "He has. Shame things
are slow at the farm, or I'd have him do more. Anything else you say to Martin
regarding the incident?" "I did. I told him
he's no longer to go so far south on those trips. Tomorrow I'll be sure to say
something to the mayor. Hunting deer shouldn't just fall onto my son and
Trevor." "You know, that's an
issue I've been meaning to tell Mr. Hudson, but I never got around to it. Wish
it didn't come to this point." "Don't feel too
guilty. They were bound to get injured. We should be grateful they weren't
attacked by that cave bear." "I agree," Mr. Watson
notices Mr. Durant walking towards them and mumbles. "We're bound to have
unwanted company." Zues rolls his eyes
and turns around. "When I'm to expect
more product?" Mr. Durant looks at the two caninetaurs. "Store's runnin' low." "I gather you haven't
heard the news yet," Mr. Watson said. "It might be some time before you get
more, not with Martin and Trevor injured." "These ears heard,"
Mr. Durant looks at Zues. "Despite his ways, I'm sorry he's hurt. However, I
do-" "His ways? What's so
wrong with him being friends with Trevor?" Mr. Patton said. "An animaltaur should
never consider those things as friends." "And you're just too
damned stubborn to move forward," Mr. Watson said. "And don't you dare expect
Trevor to go on more trips. Not with the injury he has." "Tough. Deal's a
deal, and he's human." "So?" "And as human, I
expect his sorry ass to stay true to his duties." "What would you have
done if Trevor didn't come back, Mr. Durant?" Mr. Watson crosses his arms. "Then I'd demand that
lousy whore to take over." "Unbelievable. My son
and his friend could've died. The last thing I want to hear is your crap," Mr.
Patton fixes his eyes on the wolftaur. "Pfft. Ain't my fault
your son's wastin' time with that thing. Your son ought a smarten-" Zues punches the side
of Mr. Durant's face and shakes his hand. "Shut your mouth or this'll get
worse. Now get the hell out of my face." The wolftaur growls
as he rubs his jaw and leaves. He'd ban all human lovers if he still had full
control over his store. "Come," Mr. Watson places
a firm hand on Zues' shoulder. "Allow me to buy you a couple of drinks." "I'm fine, Mr.
Watson. I need to tell my wife-" "You'll do that after
you've calmed down." Mr. Patton nods.
There's no point in arguing. The coyotetaur follows the wolftaur to the tavern.
It wouldn't hurt to put a couple of drinks in him now that he thinks about it.*** Martin struggles to
fall asleep. There's just too much noise going on outside their room. He can
hear everything they say and do even with the door closed, and some of the crap
the staff says leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. It sounds like they may
charge his friend more just for sleeping in his room, among other stupid
reasons. On top of that they have a thing of checking on them multiple times.
Martin knows it's part of their job, but it would nice if they'd wait a couple
of hours between each checkup. The coyotetaur stares
outside. The sun's peaking over the horizon. He did sleep for a little bit, but
not enough to say he had a good night. In fact it was downright rotten. For
once he can't wait to sleep in his own room. Martin grins sexually and wags his
tail. He may even kidnap his friend for the day. The coyotetaur growls quietly
when somebody pops their head into their room and closes the door. What's the
point of checking up on them if they're not going to come in and ask? Martin
looks outside. The afternoon can't come fast enough. A nurse brings him
breakfast, and orders Trevor to leave. Martin wants his friend to stay put, but
realizes the clinic isn't the best place to cause a scene. The coyotetaur
stares outside while he eats his meal. It'll be interesting to see how the
village will cope now if he and Trevor has to take easy for the next couple of
weeks. Martin holds back a chuckle. Chances are some will starve. Things may
become worse when they leave. The coyotetaur closes his eyes. He has yet to
tell his parents. Martin hands his dishes to a nurse, and follows another one
outside. A coyotetaur places
his paw on a stool, winces as a doctor takes off the bandage and studies the
wound. It looks better. The doctor cleans and rubs more medicine on it, and
tells him he's to take it easy for the next couple of weeks, and to change the
bandages before going to bed and when he wakes up. He doubts the doctor told
Trevor the same thing. The coyotetaur joins
Trevor in the recreation room, tells him the news, and listens to what he has
to say. Martin nods. It seems the human has to take things easy as well. It
seems there are a small number of doctors and nurses that don't have a problem
treating humans. They're in the middle of playing Nice Man's Morris when the
coyotetaur notices his dad and Mr. Watson walking towards them. "You boys just about
done?" Zues studies the board. "Who's about to win?" "It's pretty much a
draw, right Trev?" "I'm done. I'm ready
to leave." "Same here," Martin
places everything in the box and pushes it to the side. "Did you go see the
mayor?" "We did, and you'll
be happy to hear you two no longer have to be the main supplier of meat. The
mayor and deputy mayor plans to post signs this afternoon," Mr. Watson said. "That won't mean
much," Trevor said. "Care to explain
yourself?" Mr. Patton looks at the human. "I overheard a couple
of nurses mention some sort of election, and how they'll support anybody who
put things back to what they were." "Is what he said
true?" Martin looks at his dad and former boss. "Is it, but that's
not for another couple of months," Mr. Watson shakes his head. "The outcome for
Cauldron won't be good if we take two steps back." "Nothing we can do
about it," Zues looks at Martin. "You look tired." "I couldn't get to
sleep last night. Hearing nurses and doctors talk to patients, and having
somebody pop their head into the room wasn't easy to ignore. Some of which
involves Trev, and them wanting to charge him more for a couple of stupid
reasons." "I caught the
additional charges, and told them to drop it or I'll inform the mayor what
they're not supposed to do," the wolftaur looks at Trevor. "You'll stay at my
place so I know you won't be harassed." "Yes, sir. My mom?" "She's there." "Come. You can get
some shut eye at home," Zues places a hand on Martin's shoulder. "There's more
that needs to be mentioned, but I'd rather talk about it at home." "Yes, pa." Martin wakes up after
a couple of hours and stretches his upper back and arms. The coyotetaur shakes
head after he yawns. He'd like to catch more shut eye, but he doesn't want to
be wide awake for a second night in a row. Martin checks his bandages. They're
fine. He hears his parents, and figures it wouldn't hurt to see what they have
to say. The coyotetaur joins them in the dining room. "You weren't asleep
for long," Zues said. "How's the leg?" "I know. I'll get
more tonight," Martin said. "Leg's fine, pa." "That's nice to hear,
honey," Martha said. "What's going on? I
heard part of your conversation as I was coming out." "It has to deal with
the farm. Mr. Watson had to let more go, and my hours are about to be cut. I'm
not upset. I'd be a fool to think I didn't see it coming." "I'm sorry, pa." "No need. It's out of
your control." Martin nods. "Who did
Mr. Watson let go?" "Willson, Terk and a
few others. I don't expect Max to be around for too much longer," Mr. Patton
shakes his head. "Willson already has plans on leaving, Terk will stay
providing game is plentiful. He may even join you and him on a couple of
trips." "That'll be nice." "It would've been
nicer if somebody went along with you boys sooner," Zues said. "Will Mr. Watson give
us anymore carts?" "Can't say." "Well now that others
are to help supply food, maybe you and Trevor won't have to go out as often,"
Martha said. "Yeah we will. I
doubt the clinic will gather anything," Martin shakes his head. "Maybe forcing
others to hunt isn't a good idea. How is everybody to pay for it?" "That's one thing
we'll discuss at the next meeting." "Does Trev know?" "I'm certain he does,
dear," Mrs. Patton said. "You know Mr. Watson keeps him inform on things." "I don't know if I
want you boys there. Not in your condition," Zues said. "I have no problem
not going, but I'm certain Trev wants to go. I find meetings to be boring." "You know, it
wouldn't hurt for you to attend more, but I also don't blame you. Who knows how
long Cauldron will be around," Zues said. "Ma, pa, there's
something I need to tell you, and I've already told Trev," Martin takes a deep
breath. "We may leave if things continue to go downhill." "A year ago I
would've been upset, but not now, and I don't blame you. What did he have to
say?" Zues asks. "He's ready to leave
now. Trev knows he has no future here. He's worried about his mom, but I did
tell him Mr. Watson would take care of her." "That's a reasonable
reason why not to go," Martha nods. "Although I ask you wait another year,
honey. Maybe things will return to how they were." "I doubt it, ma. They
might improve for us, but not for the remaining humans," Martin said.
"Regarding this election, can I vote if it happens?" "It'll happen, and
yes, you're of age, but I'm not sure if he can. I don't thing humans are longer
allowed to," Zues said. "Well that's stupid.
They're a part of this village," Martin said. "It's a damn shame Trev's too
submissive. I know he'd have something to say about that." "What'd I tell you
about swearing at the table?" Mr. Patton said. "Mr. Watson is his voice, but
you also have a point." "Where do you plan on
going to?" Martha asks. "We haven't decided
yet, honestly. Just somewhere that isn't having the same kind of problems as
here." "I'll see if my work
has an extra map you can look over," Mrs. Patton said. "Give you and Trevor an
idea where to travel." "Thanks ma. Give me a
chance to show Trev what Bantam looks like." "You still don't plan
on teaching him, do you?" Zues asks. "I do, pa. Give me
something to do. I know I'm hurt, but that won't stop me from teaching Trev." "Very well, but I'm
not sure if Mr. Watson will want him to walk." "Then I'll go to him.
The distance from here to the farm isn't far." "You'll think
differently after you make the trip." "It won't be
impossible, pa," Martin said. "And I won't do it for a couple of days." "I would hope not,"
Zues stands. "Why don't you head back to your room? We'll inform you when
dinner's ready." "You can use the time
to go over lessons, dear," Martha grabs a couple of pans. Martin keeps the door
ajar, lights a couple of candles and grabs a piece of plywood and some
charcoal. The coyotetaur jolts down a couple of short stories Trevor can read.
He chews on his tongue. He'll see if his mom has any of his old books. It also
wouldn't hurt to see what Mr. Watson has available. Martin adds more titles,
grabs another piece of plywood and creates another list of lessons he'll go
over with Trevor. One is to work on his penmanship. The coyotetaur browses
through everything and nods. He'll include more at a later date. The coyotetaur takes
off the bandage, places his paw on a stool and washes the wound. It looks a lot
better. His mom applies more medicine and re-bandages it. Martin winces as he
tries to walk on it. It'll be a while before he can use all four legs. Now if
only he could go and visit Trevor. Something he'll do tomorrow afternoon. The
coyotetaur closes his bedroom door and lies on his mat. He's more than ready
for a good night's sleep, and tonight he doesn't have to worry about any doctor
and/or nurse checking up on him multiple times.