Yellowstone Run

EPILOGUE

Blade found him standing on a small hill in the southeast corner of the Home. “So here you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Achilles turned slowly, his red cloak billowing in the stiff westerly wind, his countenance downcast. “Oh?”

“I thought you’d like to hear the good news. The Elders have formally accepted you as a Warrior.”

“That’s nice.”

Blade studied the other man for a moment. “Don’t jump for joy or anything.”

“Sorry,” Achilles said, and gazed off into the distance. “I keep thinking about her. The more I do, the more I realize how little I knew about her.”

He paused. “And yet, I cared for her so much.”

“I know,” Blade responded softly.

“Have you had any word about Eagle Feather?”

“Star says he’s recovering slowly but surely. He suffered a tremendous loss, and he’ll never be the same man he was before his loved ones were killed. But he’s picking up the pieces.”

“That’s good,” Achilles commented, and took a deep breath. “I appreciate all the effort you went to on my behalf. The Elders must have given you a hard time.”

“Not at all, once Hickok and Geronimo reported on your performance during the mission.”

“They did that for me?”

“Yep. They gave a glowing report. Your competence was never in question.”

Achilles glanced at the giant. “Just my attitude.”

“They know you’ve changed considerably since we got back a week ago.

Everyone has noticed.”

“So I’m not the pain in the ass I once was.”

“You’re just not as high on yourself.”

The new Warrior pursed his lips and stared at the moat 40 yards away.

“So which Triad will I be in? Are you going to shuffle the Warriors around?”

“No,” Blade answered. “You’ll be in Zulu Triad with Samson and Sherry. Samson is the head of your Triad and he’ll be responsible for most of your training. He’s one of the best. You’ll be in good hands.”

“I know his reputation.”

Blade smiled. “And as if that’s not enough, Hickok has graciously offered to teach you the fast draw.”

“He what?”

“Apparently he saw you draw the Taurus during the battle with the Breed, and he described your draw as downright pitiful,” Blade mentioned. “So he’s taking it on himself to teach you how to pull a gun, as he put it, a mite faster than the speed of petrified molasses.”

“Was I that bad?” Achilles asked in disbelief.

“No, but you know Hickok.”

Achilles grinned. “Yeah. I’m beginning to think I do.”

“You can take the rest of the day off and report to Samson first thing in the morning,” Blade directed.

“Will do.”

“If you think you need more time to yourself, just let me know.”

“I’d only spend it moping,” Achilles said. “At least I can keep busy with my new duties.”

“I’ll tell Samson to be expecting you at his cabin at daybreak,” Blade said, and started to leave.

“Blade?”

The giant stopped. “Yeah?”

“Have you ever lost a woman you cared for deeply?”

“No, thank the Spirit. And I pray it doesn’t happen. If I ever lose Jenny, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

“I can imagine. I hope you never do.”

“Thanks,” Blade replied. “Did you know that Hickok lost a woman very dear to him about six years ago?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Her name was Joan and she served as a Warrior.”

“Was she killed in the line of duly?”

“Yep.”

“How did Hickok take it?”

“As I recall, he cried his brains out, then crawled inside a shell for about a month. When he finally rejoined the human race, he was a much harder man than before,” Blade related. “His marriage to Sherry was the best thing that ever happened to him. He’s mellowed out since.”

“Hickok cried? I thought he always has his emotions under control.”

“Some grief is too deep for words and impossible to control.”

“That reminds me,” Achilles stated. “I’m coming with you.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. I want to look up Plato. Maybe some of his wisdom will rub off on me.”

“The best teacher of wisdom is experience.”

“There you go again. You sound like a blasted philosopher.”

“And you’re sounding like Hickok.”

“I am?” Achilles replied, and his forehead creased. “Is that an insult or a compliment?”