The Path One Follows

Needing To Move

It was night time again. The warmth of Grant's body had surprised him. Surely, that had been the end. That rookie mistake of not noticing their leader still lived was a costly one. At least he'd saved the boy. Now, he was somewhere soft. A bed? Possibly. He had to piss so bad his eyes were floatin'. His dad used to say that all the time. You expect that kind of back woods jargon from farm families. Simple roots had grown him into a mighty oak. He heard an old crow outside. That was a good sign at least. He was alive for sure. Trying to sit up seemed a chore. It felt like he hadn't moved in a week. Where the hell were they now?

"Look who's finally awake!"

Jolie's voice sounded through the tent flaps as if a herald of her arrival.

"You had us scared for a minute, but once you started grumbling under your breath about wanting beans, I figured you were out of the woods. "

"How long have I been out?"

"Only about six days. It seemed infection might get you, but we found some supplies in the Hunter's wagons. I'm glad they were prepared. "

"Have we started moving yet?"

"Are you serious? You were dancing with the reaper for two of those six days. We couldn't move you. "

"Better to have left me behind than risk anyone else..."

"No!", that anger flashed in her eyes again.

"I'd fill my garters with ants and honey before I'd ever leave you behind. You protected everything that I've lived for. You saved my son. You're out of your damn mind if you think I'd repay that with abandonment!!"

They both went quiet for a minute.

"I'm sorry, Jolie. Thank you for patching up my hurt. I've lived a life where I've been expendable since my family was killed. They were my life. I only learned the craft of killing to protect and provide for them. I really do appreciate you. "

The change was disarming. Jolie almost fell to tears. Here she was bragging about her family being alive when he'd lost his own.

"I'm just glad you're ok. And I'm sorry. I wasn't sure what happened to your family or I'd not have gloated like a three-legged cat that just caught a mouse. If you feel up to it, I'll get you something to eat. "

"Those are the exact words I needed to hear. I am more than a touch hungry. I think I could use a bedpan also. It would add insult to injury if the "mighty hero" pissed himself"

That bright a soft laugh.

"Ok. I'll bring you some soup. You should avoid solids until you can hold yourself up without pain."

"Once I've eaten, we are going to need to have a meeting. Don't look at me like that, we can have it here. I just need Tad and a few of the other men. We aren't going to make it by winter if we don't get on with it."

Another noise drifted into the tent. It was the sound of hysterical crying.

"Who is that??? Are we being attacked???"

"Let's just get you fed. I'll let Tad explain that. I think you'll be as disgusted as he was, but food first."

At that, she walked out. It had been a long time since he'd been doctored back to health. Years even. It was easy to forget how heartwarming the feeling could be when you could rely on another human being. Jolie was a damn good woman.

The camp was all talking about Grant being awake. They knew who had pulled them out of the fire. A few ducked in to pay their respects. Frank and Junior even stopped by. Junior hugged him as if he was a long lost uncle.

"Thank you, Grant. For bringing my mom back. For keeping me alive. "

"Anytime, kid. I prefer to avoid the bullets if there's a next time. Deal?"

"I think we can manage that. "

Junior smiled at him while Frank shook his hand.

"Jolie told me how you rescued her. It's a rare individual that'll risk their life for a stranger. We're in your debt."

"I was only doing my job. I'm glad you're all safe. "

"Jolie was vague about the guy that took her. What exactly did he do to her?"

"Frank. That's between you and your wife. I'm sure that she won't keep anything from you. I will say, if he hadn't punched her, I don't think that woman would've needed to be rescued. Be there for her and be glad at what you've got. This world can take it all away in the flash of a gun barrel. "

"Ok, you two. Let's let the man eat."

Jolie walked in with a bowl of soup and some bread. Frank turned and kissed her on the cheek. Junior waved bye and they were gone. After Grant was settled in she started to leave as well. There was hesitation at the entrance.

"Thank you, Grant. For not telling him everything. I can't hide the bruises, but Frank is a stubborn man. Even after that, if he knew how close I came to........I don't think he could take it. I'd hate to think we survived only for him to see me as a harlot."

"Jolie, I didn't know, but I do know that you have your reasons. No one but me and you will ever know about that cave. You tell if you want, but I'll take it to my grave. "

She half turned toward him and he noticed a tear streaking down her cheek.

"I wish every man was as understanding as you, Grant"

Jolie left without another word. Grant stared after her. He knew some still believed that way. It was a sad truth. He'd not jeopardize her happiness so he'd keep his promise. Tad came in after a few more minutes.

"Glad to see you're done napping. I knew it would take an awful lot of beauty sleep to fix that mug, but damn you went the extra mile. "

"Glad you're up and about, Tad. You already know what we need to talk about."

"I do for sure. I tried to talk everyone into moving, but Jolie looked at me with murderous intent at the merest of suggestions to do so. I think you've made a new friend for life. "

"I'm awake now. It's time to figure out what we do next. "