The Rougarou War: A Wild-Eyed Southern Boyz Prequel by Richard R. Rose

Author:Richard R. Rose [Rose, Richard R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-04-29T17:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Stillwater, TN

May 1, 1901

The evening light grew dimmer as the sun began to set. Michael stood just outside the wooden gates to Stillwater’s main entrance. He stared vigilantly at the surrounding forest with the wooden sword his father had made for him to begin his training. The young ape longed to become a strong and brave Knight of the Red Tunic like his father. He wanted to make his father proud and protect his community from anyone or anything that would dare threaten his people. Word had traveled quickly around town about the potential Rougarou threat, so Michael took his post, daring anything to try and get past him.

“What are you doing, son?” Robert asked his brave little warrior.

“I’m guarding the entrance, Daddy. They’ll think twice about attacking our town with me standing here,” Michael replied with calm, cold confidence.

Robert smiled and said, “I have no doubt you would strike fear into the heart of any enemy, but we are about to close the gate. Our archers will keep watch and call for me if they show up.”

Michael turned to his father and asked, “Don’t you mean call for us? I can’t just let you fight them alone. I’ll have your back, Daddy.”

Robert shook his head before saying, “You’ll get your chance to fight, but not until you are older and adequately trained. War is not something we knights long for. It’s something we prepare for but pray never comes. I will be fine, son. Between the archers and me, these nasty creatures won’t stand a chance.”

“But Daddy, I…” Michael retorted before his father interrupted.

“No more arguing, Michael,” Robert ordered sternly. “Go home and watch after your mother. Do as I say.”

Michael lowered his head and pouted as he stomped back into the cavern. Robert was proud that his son was already demonstrating the courage to protect his people. Still, he was unhappy about his behavior after not getting his way. That is his mother in him, he thought silently to himself.

“Close the gates,” Robert ordered. “Archers, take your positions!”

He watched as the archers ascended the ladders that led to the scaffolding at the top of the gates. Ten archers lined side-by-side along the length of the gates with the mayor’s son, Gary, standing in command at the line’s center. Robert had had enough time and silver to construct 50 arrowheads, leaving only five arrows for each archer. It wasn’t an ideal arsenal, but it would have to do. Robert decided to see if he could get some additional support from Arthur, but he didn’t have high hopes. The gates closed as Robert walked toward the saloon, but no one noticed a young child slipping out the exit before the entrance was sealed.

Michael had circled back toward the gates instead of doing as his father had told him. He had decided his mother would be fine safe in her home and that he would sneak past the gates to patrol outside in the dark forest. The dark moonless night made it easy for him to slip into the thick foliage unseen by the archers.

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