Hollow Blood by Austin Dragon

Author:Austin Dragon [Dragon, Austin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-09-05T23:47:49+00:00

The two men broke camp and rode out at sunrise. The early morning was colder than the previous night. Everything green around them had touches of dew as they rode north with the Hudson a quarter mile to their right flank. Julian wondered why they didn't ride close along the riverbank.

"Why does your horse have two names like it was a human being?" Marshal asked.

"Caleb Williams is a human being," Julian joked as he stroked his horse's mane. "What's the name of yours?"

"Body Snatcher."

The small talk between the men was light, and the ride was easy and uneventful as they made their way to town. The Battle of Stony Point under Mad General Anthony Wayne happened near this town of Waynesburg. Everywhere they rode or walked was some part of the new nation's history.

As they neared the town, Julian noticed the presence, in significant numbers, of Negroes. However, none of them seemed to be there on their own accord. He realized that he hadn't seen one in the Tarry Town area. Most of the slaves filled wagons either moving into town or out. Despite key abolitionist leaders from the Governor on down and active abolitionist societies, African slave labor had been increasing in the States.

"Quite the impressive place, a paragon of the principles of our new nation. All men are created equal," Julian said.

The sarcasm wasn't lost on Marshal, who gave him a disapproving look.

Other than the slave activity in and around town, it looked like every other New England town to Julian. They reached the sheriff's station and dismounted in unison. It was a solid brick block building that could double as a miniaturized fort if it had to. Julian tied up Caleb Williams to the post and stroked the horse's mane. He saw more than a few wagons of slaves passing by. The Marshal was suddenly right next to him.

"I know that I don't have to tell a fellow lawman that we avoid and defuse confrontations. We don't instigate them."

"You didn't like my commentary?" Julian was about to step away. The Marshal grabbed his arm.

"If you want to be the Patrick Henry of the abolitionist movement, then do so after we've concluded our business and you and your uncle are off on your way away from me. I got to work with these people every day. You're just passing through. There's a time to fight and a time to keep quiet. Keep your opinions to yourself. Understand? You don't piss in another man's bed. Do you understand, Marshal Crane?"

"I understand."

Marshal let his arm go, and he took the lead to the town sheriff's building.

"Marshal-Marshal!" The man behind a desk jumped up with a smile. "Back so soon." He shook Marshal's hand and patted him on the shoulder.

"Had a change of plans."

"You're welcome anytime, Marshal. Who's your friend?"

"Sheriff, this is my colleague Marshal Julian Crane."

"Hi, sonny." He shook his hand, too. "You're kinda young for a marshal."

"I started when I was two years old," Julian joked. He glanced at the Marshal.

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