(eng) Patrick Tilley - Amtrak Wars 05 by Death Bringer

Author:Death Bringer [Bringer, Death]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

Five days after the M'Call Bears staggered back from Iron Mountain, dragging their share of the plunder on tracking poles, the sentinels posted to watch the northeastern approaches to the the settlement, sighted the returning trade delegation. It included a horseman but the group itself was barely half its original size.

Cadillac was one of a large and extremely anxious posse who ran out to meet them and it was clear from the muted response of the returnees to their shouted greetings that something dreadful had happened.

As the two groups met and merged, Cadillac exchanged a perfunctory greeting with Steve then searched in vain for the familiar, much-loved face. Filled with a sudden dread, he pushed his way through the milling throng and seized Awesome-Wells by the shoulders. 'Where is the Old One?!" His cry caused everyone to fall silent.

The elder exchanged a glance with Boston-Bruin, hesitated for a moment then said: 'He has passed over."

Cadillac looked stunned. 'Dead? I' The rest of the welcoming posse wailed and beat their heads and chests. 'Oyy-yehhh... I' Cadillac shook his head incredulously and turned to Steve as he appeared at his shoulder. 'How did--?

When--? W-Where is he?"

Steve grimaced awkwardly but didn't reply. The two elders and those around them averted their eyes and stepped back, clearing a path to the covered palanquin on which Mr Snow's inert body lay with the head exposed beneath a layer of skins.

The shock generated as the unbearable truth sank in made Cadillac go weak at the knees. He gasped as if hit by a series of body-blows.

Awesome-Wells and Boston-Bruin both laid a comforting hand on his shoulders.

Moving like a sleep-walker, he allowed himself to led towards the palanquin by the two elders then fell to his knees beside it. Lifting the furs, he took hold of Mr Snow's right hand. It was cold and stiff; the arm, bent across his chest, was locked at the elbow and shoulder.

Death now held him in its unyielding grip.

Cadillac placed a hand tenderly on the disfigured forehead.

He had been the cause of many of the worry lines which had accumulated there over the years, but now death had smoothed the wrinkles away. He leant over and kissed the untroubled brow. The lifeless flesh chilled his lips. Faced with this final proof that his beloved teacher had left him forever, Cadillac howled with grief and collapsed over the body. As he tried to draw the old wordsmith into his arms, Boston-Bruin broke his grip pulled him away.

'Let him rest, young one. He died to save the Plainfolk."

Cadillac sat slumped on his heels for a long moment then drew his hands down his face and got slowly to his feet, eyes brimming with tears.

'Save your story for the camp-fire when we are all gathered together."

His voice was choked with emotion. 'If I share my sorrow with our clanfolk, it willbe easier to bear."

Torn McFadden, Deputy-Director of AMEXICO broke the news to Ben Karlstrom when they met to review the agenda before going into the Daily Plans Conference for departmental heads of the organization.

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