Senecus Chronicles: Tales from the Fisher of Time by Smith Douglas P

Author:Smith, Douglas P.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kingfisher Press LLC
Published: 2023-11-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Vanderbilt I

In 1903, I found George Vanderbilt in the forest on his immense property in Asheville. He had been out riding on a warm day and had stopped by himself in a grove of trees near a spring. I had watched him and a few riders start from the stables earlier, but the others had already turned back with the heat. I had come there to kill him. But very likely not, or so I hoped. I needed to talk him into helping make something greater than both of us.

Since I was in hunting mode, he never saw or heard me until I wanted him to, just a step behind him. I startled him badly. It did not help that I was wearing my deerskin leather hunters and moccasins. He probably thought bear/Indian/robber all at the same time.

“Hello George,” I said.

He jumped back quickly. “Who the hell are you?” he asked.

“Well, that depends. I could be someone you don’t know who ends up killing you randomly. I could be the person to help you achieve great success here with your assets before I fade away quickly and quietly. I suppose which is really your choice.”

“You are mad. How did you get on the property? I can have you arrested.”

“Not necessary. I am part of a group that acts as stewards of the mountains in this area, for the benefit of the greater good. We would like to partner with you, if possible, but we’d be a decidedly silent partner, forever. And you would get quite a bit of a certain kind of profit from the endeavor.”

“Is that why you are dressed as an Indian? An escapee from the Asheville asylum, that’s what you are.”

“Now, George, I know this is difficult for you. But you need to save all this land that you can, or lose everything. I’m here today unofficially to warn you of what will happen if you don’t provide protection for the forests and people here. We will talk more in a few days when I arrive as your guest. Then you will understand more after our trip, and we can plot a course of action.”

“I don’t know what you are playing at, but if you show up here again, I will have you arrested. Get off the property or I’ll have the dogs after you,” he shouted.

I smiled and then sprang away faster than he could follow. Might as well give him something to think about.

A few days later, I arrived at the newly finished Biltmore House. I came riding in a carriage, wearing a suit and carrying a small bag. The servant took my bag as we arrived at the front of the house, and I stepped from the carriage. Another servant opened the door and escorted me into the grand foyer.

“Your room, sir, is upstairs and on the left hallway,” he said. “I will show you the way.”

“Thank you.” I followed him upstairs and eventually to the suite. This was a damn big house.

“After

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