Chapter 7 part A
Mr. Hudson and Mrs. Dew lose the election, and on the following
day a liontaur and cheetahtaur are sworn in as the new mayor and deputy mayor.
The felinetaurs promise to return things to how they were, and they fulfill it
in less than a week. The remaining humans are to eat their meals outside,
doctors and law enforcements no longer have to offer them their service, and
teachers don't have to educate non-animaltaurs. A couple of doctors and the
sheriff mention they'll continue to treat everybody the same regardless of the laws.
Mr. Durant has permission to do what he wants, and uses his new freedom to
charge furless lovers at least five extra dinars. A small number of animaltaurs
don't like the direction the mayor and deputy mayor is taking Cauldron. Close to a hundred
residents left a month after the liontaur and cheetahtaur took office. As of
now the population stands at around five hundred. There are ten humans left.
The lack of employees and costumers forced several businesses to cut their
hours, lay off a portion of their staff and/or close their store. Those who
remain doubt the new mayor an deputy mayor have what it takes to save Cauldron,
and some even regret voting for them. Mr. Watson and Mr.
Grey continue to provide what they can for the remaining humans. They have
permission to keep a third of the meat that's brought in, which they give an
eighth to the humans. The extra hands are all temporary, and it'll stay that
way until things improve. Both caninetaurs agree to try and wait another year
before leaving, and they plan to bring the remaining humans with. Martin stares out the
window. Winter is almost over, and he has yet to hear from his dad. The
coyotetaur isn't sure how long he can wait. It's been a long time since his mom
had a full week at work, and things are dead when it comes to hunting. Nobody
can remember the last time hunters returned with anything worthwhile, and finding
what the hospital needs is even worse. The coyotetaur hasn't had the urge to do
anything since his dad left, and that includes tutoring Trevor. He doubts the
human remembers much. Martin sets the
table. Today his mom used some money she puts away for emergencies to purchase
food, and tonight they're about to have a decent meal after two days of hardly
anything. The coyotetaur wants to say something about not waiting anymore, but
knows his mom would never leave. Believing her husband will return is all she
has to look forward too. Martin studies frost forming around the windows. This
could be the last cold snap they witness in Cauldron. The coyotetaur holds back
a growl when somebody knocks on the door. He does his best to ignore it, but
the person never leaves. Martin opens it and finds Trevor holding a coin purse. "Trev, can't this
wait? Me and ma are about to eat." "I promise this won't
last long." "Very well," Martin
opens the door. "Come in." "Thanks," the human
looks at his friend. "When will you be ready to leave?" "I can't say, Trev.
I've never really thought about it much. Not with it being just me and ma.
Why?" "I'm ready to go now.
My mom's at the farm, and Mr. Watson said she can stay there." "I see." "And if you want to
stay, I understand. Just let me know so I don't have to stay." "Now hold on Trev.
This is all sudden. I have to tell my ma and make sure she'll be fine on her
own. You know things are tough for us all. How long are you willing to wait?" "Tomorrow morning. I
just can't stay here anymore." "I'll give you my
answer tonight. Where can I find you?" "At my house. Here,"
Trevor holds up the small leather pouch. "I found this while I was going
through my things, and thought you and your mom can use it. I've got no use for
it." "Thanks," Martin accepts
the gift. "You got anything to eat?" "I'm fine. You need
to spend some time alone with your mom. Sorry-" "Don't worry about
it, Trev, and I'll see you later tonight." Martin closes the
door and sees his mom standing in the entrance to the kitchen. "How much did you
overhear, ma?" "Enough. I won't be
upset if you and Trevor leave, honey, and don't you worry about me. I'll be
fine." "But I can't just
leave you, ma. Not when we're unsure of when pa will return." "The last night we
were together we talked about that. I promised not to hold you back, and I'm
keeping it. It was only a matter of time before you were to leave." "How are we to find
each other, ma?" "I'm sure there's
ways, dear. I doubt your father gone far. Trevor should remember which
direction he went," Martha hugs her son. "Go. Things won't get any better here
for you or for him." "Yes, ma," Martin
returns the hug. "Now, what's that
there Trevor gave you?" "Dinars. Here-" "You need it," Mrs.
Patton throws up her hands. "You'll need it more than I." Martin nods, dumps
the coins on the table and counts a total of forty-eight dinars. He places
everything back in the purse and sets it on a shelf in his room. Those will
become useful when they come across a town. "Martin, honey, go
get Trevor. I want our last meal together to be pleasant, and I want him
present." "Yes, ma." Martin returns with
his friend in time to see his mom place two pans of roast beef on the counter.
The coyotetaur puts a chair by the table, and helps his mom dish everything up.
He watches Trevor from the corner of his eye. There's something on his mind,
and chances are it has to deal with his mom. Martin will ask what's wrong next
time it's on his mind. The coyotetaur hands the human a plate and grabs his
own. They discuss how far they should travel each day and what they should
bring. Martin promises his mom he'll write to her when he finds his dad, or until
he knows for sure they're in the same town. Martin ties a coin
purse around his neck, places a couple of things into a knapsack and looks
around. He decides to leave his rifle behind. The last thing he wants to do is
lose it, or worse, have somebody steal it. Trevor has his knives if they need
to protect themselves from anything. The coyotetaur sits at the table and
closes his watery eyes. He wants to take his time, but knows it'll become
harder to leave the longer he thinks about it. Martin sniffs the air. He'll
miss his mother's banana-nut pancakes. The coyotetaur wants to tell Trevor he's
on his own, but he too is more than ready to leave. Cauldron's history. Mr. Durant, a doctor
and a couple of nurses are the only residents to demand to know where they're
going. Martin agrees with Trevor's answer. They don't have to explain anything
to anybody other than family and friends. The animaltaurs do their best to
order Trevor to stay put, but nothing they say has an effect. Martin knows the
confrontation would've gone on if the sheriff didn't order everybody to leave
them alone. Martin follows Trevor
in the direction his dad went. The coyotetaur looks over his shoulder. He'll
miss spending time at the farm and hanging out in the woods, but not the
segregation and the crap some of the residents gave him for being friends with
humans. Martin suggests they stop at every village they come across and asks
around. The young man adds it wouldn't hurt to stay the night if possible. Martin reads
'Acheron' on a sign. The coyotetaur remembers visiting the village a couple of
years ago with his dad to see how he handles business. The place is bigger and
completely different than Cauldron. For one Acheron doesn't have segregation.
It'll be interesting to see how Trevor reacts to a place that isn't like what
he grew up in. Martin studies what his friend has on and chews on his tongue.
He would purchase Trevor some new clothes if he had the dinars to spend. The coyotetaur points
out the lumber mill and several other places that build furniture, boxes and
adds Cauldron receives all of their carts from Acheron along with the amount of
business the villages gave each other. The coyotetaur looks around. It's been
close to two years since his last visit, and he can see Acheron isn't doing
well. Martin wishes Trevor saw the village when things were vibrant. He's
unsure of how long they'll stay. It's barely past noon. He places his foreleg
in front of Trevor, points at a liontaur standing in the middle of an
intersection and explains it's his job to direct traffic. It's one thing Martin
wishes Cauldron had. The liontaur gives them permission to cross. The
coyotetaur leads his friend towards the general goods store and pushes him
inside. He senses Trevor tensing up. Martin spots a pure white foxtaur behind
the counter and remembers her as Miss Bates. "Excuse me, ma'am,
but you got a map we can look over?" Miss Bates looks up
and wags her tail. "Oh my lord, Martin. It's a good to see ya again." "Likewise, Miss
Bates, and this here is Trevor." "Ya don't need ta
explain. I's a know what Cauldron's like and his kind they treat. He'll come
around, but it's nice ta meet ya," the foxtaur smiles at Trevor. "Ya welcomed
in my store at all times I'm open." "A quick heads up, he
tends not to talk when he's nervous, but he's polite once he overcomes it." "It's a all right.
How's ya mum, Martin?" "My ma is doing fine,
considering." "No need ta explain.
Both villages is in the pits. Acheron's population is less then ten hundred." "It's more than
Cauldron. It's shy being over five hundred." "I's aware," Miss
Bates nods. "Is ya here on business or personal?" "Personal. We've actually
left our home not too long ago." "I's a see. Things
are a bit better here, but not a whole lot. Ya say ya want a map? Didn't ya use
one before ya left?" "Sadly, no. Those who
might've had one either left, or used it for something else. All I know is my
pa went in this direction, or it's what he says," Martin points his thumb at
Trevor. "Have you seen my pa?" "He'd stop by just so
ya know, but it was long ago. Ya have ta stop at the motel ta ask about. Ya
might ask there." "I will. Thanks." "Anything ya want
while ya here?" "Afraid not. We have
to save what we have." Trevor tugs on Martin's
fur. "We can work it off." "I've told you not to
do that," the coyotetaur lightly shoves his friend." "I's a afraid I's a
got nothing for ya ta do, but ask one of the mills or a resident. They may have
needs for ya for a day or two. Come by when ya ready ta leave and I'll give ya
what ya need." "We'll take you up on
that offer, thanks. It was nice to see you again Miss Bates." "It's a nice to see
ya as well, Martin, and ya friend." Martin exits the
store and sees Trevor is right behind him. The coyotetaur doubts he has to
worry about his friend wondering off in an unfamiliar location, but it doesn't
hurt to keep a close eye on him. He strolls down the road and spots the motel
on the other side of an intersection. "Martin, what's a
map?" "So you can talk. I
wish you would've said something back at the store. Miss Bates is nothing like
Mr. Durant," Martin said heartily. "Don't make fun of
me. I don't know her, or this place, like you," Trevor said angrily. "Not every place is
like Cauldron. I'll show you what a map looks like when I find one. It'll be
easier that way." "Well, all right,"
Trevor looks around. "I don't know how long I want to stay here." "We won't. We'll stay
for the night, maybe two, and leave. Give me a chance to see where we're going,
and how far it is from here. Acheron is in the same condition as Cauldron,"
Martin stops at another intersection. "Stop, Trev." Trevor stands beside
his friend, and takes in the sights. He notices several animaltaurs and humans
working and eating together, and overall having a good time, but wonders if
that's how things truly are in Acheron. He studies a couple of roves. There's a
good chance somebody will try and force him to clean and fix those. Different
village, same duties. The young man blinks when Martin pokes his head, and
follows him to the other side of the intersection. He places a hand on the
coyotetaur's torso. Martin studies
Trevor. His actions shouldn't surprise him. It's his first time being in a
village that doesn't have segregation. He'll grow use to it in time. The
coyotetaur leads Trevor into motel and rings a bell on the front desk. A
slightly pudgy black and white tigertaur walks out of the back office. Martin
senses Trevor tensing up again. "You lads want
something from Mr. Merlin?" "A couple, yes.
First, how much are your rooms?" "Ten dinars a night.
Mr. Merlin has one free. Want?" "Uh, sure," Martin
hands over a coin and accepts a key. "Do not misplace or
Mr. Merlin charges more," the tigertaur said. "What else?" "Do you happen to
have a map? I'd like to figure out where we should go from here." "Yes, Mr. Merlin has
a map," the tigertaur twitches his nose and looks at Trevor. "Easy, lad." "Please forgive him.
We're from Cauldron." Mr. Merlin nods.
"What else Mr. Merlin can do for you lads?" "I'd like some
information. Did a coyotetaur named Zues Patton come by?" "I believe one with
that name did so," a female tigertaur steps out of the office. "I happen to
recall him saying he wants to head where there's work, and that's when he said
it's Cea when he looked at our map." "Wh... what's Cea?"
Trevor asks. "Come see, I'll show
you two. Follow me," the tigertaur opens the counter-top door. "Feel free to
call me Mrs. Merlin." "Yes, ma'am." "You happen to know
who this Zues is?" Mrs. Merlin unrolls a map on a table and places paperweights
on each corner. "I should. I'm his
son," Martin pulls up a chair. "Come here, Trev." The human stands on
the furniture and studies the piece of paper. "Is this a map?" "Yep. It shows where
everything's at," Martin points. "Here's Cauldron and here's where we're at
now." "We could've this for
our hunting trips." "I agree." "I hear you two from
Cauldron. Lemme guess, looking for work?" "We are, ma'am,"
Martin said. "With how nervous he is should've told you." "We all could smell
it. It's understandable," Mrs. Merlin points at Cea. "This here is where your
pop went, and I suggest this where you two go. Port towns are always busy, or
it's what travelers say so." "Thanks," Martin
studies the distance. "Looks like it's about two hundred miles south from here.
Maybe slightly west. Shouldn't take long." "Salem's at the
halfway," Mrs. Merlin points. "I suggest you stay there for a night, unless you
wanna sleep outdoors." "We may have too. We
don't have a lot of money to spend." "You two stay a night
or two, and lemme see if I can find you work for the time being. Maybe do some
around here. Work off your charge." "That's our plan.
Listen, did my pa say anything about me and my ma?" "He said to me he'll
be back by when he has a place and extra dinars. Couldn't wait I see?" "I could've, but he
couldn't," Martin nods at Trevor. "Things are becoming worse for his kind." "I do believe that. A
lot of former Cauldron's population came by while heading elsewhere. You may
find a few even at Cea." "Now that'll be nice.
It'll be good to see how they're doing," Martin nudges Trevor. "Right, Trev?" "Depends on who." "True." "You two done your
thing with the map?" Mrs. Merlin asks. "I'm done looking at
it, and thanks for everything," Martin said. "Don't you thank me
so. You've got to go and make the journey," the female tigertaur puts the map
away and points to the door. "Lemme know when you're willing to help. We've got
needs for you so." "You lads ready for Mr.
Merlin to show you your room?" the male tigertaur looks at Trevor. "The lad's
calm." "He'll be fine once
he's use to this place," Martin said. "We're ready." "Follow Mr. Merlin
down the hall, and re-call what I said. Lose the key and you'll pay." "We're aware." "Who... who clean the
roves?" Trevor asks nervously. "Pardon, lad? Mr.
Merlin's ears aren't like they should. Speak up," the tigertaur said. "Take a
deep breath or two, lad. Mr. Merlin don't like nervous costumers talking." "Yes, sir," the human
takes a deep breath. "Who cleans the roves?" "Mr. Merlin knows of
several. Not a lot a few can do. Does the lad care to lend a hand?" "If I have to, sir.
Mrs. Merlin said working here for a day or two will pay for our stay and food,
but she said nothing about the roves." "Mr. Merlin heard,
and I say you work here first. Another person can handle the roves." "I can do that, sir." "Mr. Merlin hopes
so," the tigertaur points at a door. "And there's the room. Mr. Merlin hopes
you lads enjoy your stay. Come find me and the wife once you've had a small
rest." Martin steps in and
looks around. It's rather simple. There are two mats, and judging by the sizes,
one's for animaltaurs and the other is for humans. There's a small stove in the
far left corner, a couple of pictures and a table with a large black bowl and
pitcher. Beside the bowl is a towel rack. That must be for when costumers want
to freshen up. The coyotetaur looks out the window and studies the sun. It's
early, but at least they don't have to sleep outside. "Hey Trev, how long
you want to stay?" Martin walks away from the window and sits on a mat. "However long it
takes for me to do what they expect me to do." "They're not forcing
us to work, and you're not required to do anything." "Are you sure?" "Damn right I'm
certain. Look out the window, Trev, and tell me what you see. Do you not notice
our kind getting along? Did you not notice my kind and your kind getting along?
Did you not notice it while we were out there?" the coyotetaur said.
"Considering you're allowed to be in the store and the motel should be enough
to show you this place isn't like what you grew up in." "I want to believe
you, but I can't. It's my first time here." "You're right, and
hopefully you'll get used to it. So, how long do you want to stay?" "For how long we
agreed to stay." "That'll work. Work
off our room and some food. I may use some dinars and buy you something. I see
you didn't even bring a blanket." "What I had wouldn't
last the trip. You saw how bad it looked." "Then I guess it's
something I'll have to buy, and don't say no. You need something to lie on, and
I'm not going to have you sleep on my back." "All right," Trevor
sits beside the coyotetaur. "When do you want to head out and work?" "Once you're done
examining my paws. I think I stepped on something," Martin lies down. "Just
check them all." "Maybe you should buy
booties," Trevor digs his fingers between Martin's toes. "Why when I can have
you do this?" the coyotetaur grins. "If I were to get booties, I'd still have
you check my paws. Face it, Trev, this is something I'll have you do whenever I
need it." "And be happy I have
no problems doing it." "Then what's this crap
about me wearing booties?" "They'll offer some
protection." "Good point, but I'll
pass." "I may have to see if
this place has any trimmers. Your claws are getting long." "Do that tonight,"
Martin winces. "Easy." "Sorry. You've got a
stone lodged in here. Hold your breath." The coyotetaur looks
at the ceiling and cringes as his friend pulls out the object. "I see no blood,
which is good," Trevor massages Martin's paw. "Think you'll have anything in
your hind paws?" "I said to check them
all," the canintetaur rolls onto his side. "Now that we know where we're going,
how far should we travel each day?" "Whenever we come
across another village, or until it's no longer high noon. The same as when we
went on those hunting trips," Trevor said. "It also depends on how fast you
want to travel to Cea." "I'd like to get
there as soon as possible, but we can't exhaust ourselves in the process." "You think your dad's
still there?" "I hope so, although
I'm not sure how he'll react when he sees us and not my ma." "I'm sure he'll
understand," Trevor finishes checking between Martin's toes. "I'm certain he
will," Martin stands and shakes his body. "Say, Trev, there's one other thing
you can do." "No, not here." "You don't even know
what I was going to say." "I don't need too." "Okay. What makes you
think I'd have you do that?" "Just the way you
said there's another thing I can do," Trevor said. "It's what you usually say
whenever you want pleasure." "That wasn't even on
my mind, but now that you've brought it up, now it is. You only have yourself
to blame, Trev," Martin stands and faces his friend. "I was going to have you
massage my forelegs before we left, but not anymore." "Then-" "Shush. Next time
have me finish what I'm going to request, and not blurt something silly," the
coyotetaur shoves the human with his left forepaw. "Brace yourself, Trev." Martin lunges forward
and knocks his friend down. Catching Trevor off guard is the only way he can
receive the upper hand, and if he wants to end things quickly. The coyotetaur lies
on top of the human and licks his lips. He has him right where he wants. Martin
scoots forward until his friend's head presses against his belly and sits. He
shifts his body around so he doesn't run the risk of crushing the human, and to
prevent him from escaping. Martin grins sexually at Trevor. "This is also for
tugging on my fur." Martin stares at the
wall. It's strange falling asleep and waking up in a room that isn't his. He
stretches his entire body and wakes up Trevor. Yesterday their duties consisted
of minor repair work and moving things around. Today Mr. and Mrs. Merlin want
them to white wash the fence and maybe re-paint the exterior of the motel. The
tigertaurs gave him his money last night, and told him not to be afraid to ask
for more than just a couple of free nights. An offer Martin won't pass up. A waitress leads
Martin and Trevor to a table and hands them both a menu. She mentions all of
their meals are paid for by the motel. The coyotetaur reads through the options
and decides to have the all-round breakfast that consists of bacon, sausage,
eggs and pancakes. He reads everything to Trevor, and explains what each dish
has to offer. Martin wrinkles his nose. Once again his friend is tense, and may
not have the courage to speak. The coyotetaur orders for Trevor, and explains
where they're from and heading. Martin and Trevor
finish white washing the fence by high noon, enjoy a heart lunch and go
straight to work preparing the building few a new paint job. They learn Mr. and
Mrs. Merlin will find somebody else to paint the motel. The pair finishes
scraping off the old paint by dusk and head straight to their room to wash up
before eating dinner. Martin asks the tigertaurs if they have any old blankets
and explains why. They promise to show him what they have after he and Trevor
finish their meal. Martin thinks about
the future. Tomorrow after breakfast they begin their journey to Cea, and there
are two, maybe three, things he needs to do once they arrive: find work and his
dad. The third involves finding a place to stay if he has too. The coyotetaur
isn't sure when he should return to Cauldron. Something he'll figure out when
the time comes. Martin studies Trevor and wags his tail. He's happy at the
progress his friend made. He's no longer nervous whenever they step into a
business ran by animaltaurs. Martin places his chin between his paws. It'll be
interesting to know what his dad has been up too.