The Dogs of Liberty (The Colter Saga Book 3), page 1
The Dogs of Liberty
The Colter Saga
Book 3
Joel K Baker
Prologue
This is the third in a series of novels entitled The Colter Saga.
The first novel entitled Friends of the Family followed the struggle of Jesse and Sarah Colter and their family as they face the overnight end of civilization. They are forced on a journey through a desolate and dangerous landscape, testing the courage and resolve of the family and the friends they meet along the way. As they reach Haven, Jesse’s childhood home, they struggle to fight evil and build a life of love and decency for their family.
The second novel entitled The Way of the Dogs begins some eighty years after the Colter family arrived at a place called Haven. Sarah and Jesse’s son Paul, now in his nineties, is the sole survivor of the family. The extended Colter family has prospered, unaware of the gathering storm of wickedness swirling around them. James Colter, the only grandson of Mark, is a loner, and very much like his great grandfather Jesse. Not comfortable with the progress around him, he could be the last best hope as evil descends on Haven.
This third novel The Dogs of Liberty begins with the Cherokees and Gypsies move north. James Colter was asked to lead the expedition with his wife Molly. While James ancestors settled Haven at the time of the Go Back, now with civilization returning, James is anxious to leave all that behind. Leading the wagon train north seemed an ideal solution.
Molly knew of James need for wide open spaces and there was nothing holding them to Haven. When their daughter had told them the Colter dogs were dying, she hoped the move north would enable the dogs to recover and remain friends of the family.
Chapter 1
The decision to send a wagon train north was a good one. Overcrowding of the Cherokee and Gypsy lands in the south had to be relieved. Unfortunately the wagons were stopped again. Molly turned to see what the holdup was this time.
She could see her husband James riding between Charley Oaks, the leader of the Cherokees, and Asher the head Gypsy. They’d left New Town three days ago and traveled only twenty seven miles north towards the Kentucky border.
It was after nine before they’d gotten underway this morning. It was the same every day. It was now close to noon and they were stopping again. James headed toward Molly at the head of the column of wagons.
“Looks like we’ll be stopping for lunch,” James said.
“Of course we will,” Molly said. “Seriously James, what’s the problem this time? If we don’t start making better time, we won’t make Ohio by Christmas.”
Molly tied the reins to the team of horses and climbed down from the driver seat. She looked at the sky and thought it would rain in the afternoon.
“We’re still figuring out what we’re doing,” James said. “These people aren’t used to jumping out of bed at the crack of dawn. It takes some time for them to get loaded and everything.”
“Here’s an idea,” Molly said. “You’re the leader of this little expedition. Why don’t you… I don’t know… lead! It’s no wonder these people ended up on reservations.”
Molly walked around to the back, climbed the steps onto the porch, and went into the small cabin on the bed of the wagon. Sheila sat on the bench rocking baby Matthew, under a window in the cramped quarters. She’d joined the Colter household seven years ago, after Molly gave birth to Shannon. She loved the babies and Molly more than life itself. Sheila looked up as Molly entered the back of the wagon.
“Give me the baby, Sheila,” Molly said. “It looks like we’re here for a while. I might as well feed the little guy.”
Molly looked down at the little baby who was vigorously kicking his legs and waving his arms in the air. All the while he had a huge grin on his face. She scooped the baby up and held him in the air over her head.
“Nobody is happier than a three month old baby about to eat,” Molly said as she disappeared into the back room.
“You know you’re going to have to kick these people in the butt?” Sheila asked through the door. “James won’t do it and we got to get to wherever we’re headed before snow. This is exactly why it took the Israelites forty years to get to the promise land.”
“You think Mrs. Moses should have spoken up?” Molly asked.
“Yes,” Sheila said, “and there wouldn’t have been all the nonsense with the golden calf either.” Laughter came from the back room.
“Ouch!” Molly said suddenly. “Son of a … The little guy just bit me!”
“I forgot to tell you,” Sheila said. “Matthew got an early baby tooth.”
***
James came into the wagon cabin just as Molly was closing her blouse and handing the baby back to Sheila.
“Let’s go outside,” Molly said.
James and Molly clambered out of the wagon.
“Looks like we’re going to be delayed getting started again,” James said. “I did what I could Molly. It’s like herding cats to get these people to move as a group. Now one of Asher’s people has a wheel coming loose on their wagon. They need to fix it, or they can’t keep up.”
“I understand, sweetheart,” Molly said. “Why don’t you go tell everyone we’ll be camping here for the night? Maybe we can get an early start tomorrow.”
James gave Molly a funny look. He expected Molly to let him have it with another delay like this. They’d argued about it a number of times.
“Okay,” James said. “Is there anything else?”
“Yes. I want the women to get together tonight after dinner. We’ll meet in that field over there,” Molly said pointing, “under that big oak tree.”
“What about the men?”
“What about them? They can come if they want, but it’s just going to be us girls, gossiping. Oh, and tell Shannon to come here. I need to talk to her.”
James left to tell everyone about the change in schedule, as Shannon came over by her mother.
“What’s it like going to school in a wagon?” Molly asked.
“It’s okay, I guess,” Shannon said. “I get woozy if I try to read a book while the wagon is moving. But other than that, everyone is real nice. Even the boys are behaving.”
“Listen, Shannon. I need you to go tell Samson that the dogs must hunt for fresh game to eat. Tell him we’ll be here the rest of day. Those puppies are due any day, and I’m worried about the mothers getting enough fresh meat to eat.”
“Samson and two of the other dogs are out hunting food now, Mother. Samson said they can catch up if necessary. He told me it doesn’t look like this wagon train is going anyplace in a hurry.”
“Wow, even the dogs are critics. Did Samson say anything else?”
“Only that they saw a buffalo,” Shannon said.
“The dogs saw a buffalo. That’s what Samson said?”
“He told me to stay close to the wagons because there are wolves too. He said the wolves are following the buffalo.”
“You stay close to the wagons, Shannon. I see the teacher has the class outside on the ground. Why don’t you go see what they’re doing? Tell Miss Clark we are going to get together under that oak tree after dinner,” Molly said pointing to the field.
Shannon ran off to join the others just as James returned. Molly told James about the buffalo and the wolves.
“I heard rumors about buffalo,” James said. The history books say when the first settlers came to America the range of the buffalo ran from Canada to Florida all along the Atlantic Ocean. It looks like the buff is back.”
“I’ll tell the women tonight about the wolves, and to keep the children close to their wagons,” Molly said. “Won’t Samson and the others get rid of the wolves?”
“I don’t know,” James said. “It depends on how many there are. The dogs seem to be doing better, but they’re still not up to full strength. Until then, I’ll warn the outriders to keep an eye out for buffalo or wolves.”
***
The women started to gather under the tree shortly after dusk. Willie lit a bonfire for them in the field next to the tree. Willie was an old friend of the family and drove the school wagon while the children were in class. The teacher, Susan Clark, had agreed to come on the trip because of the children and a certain lack of marital prospects. While preparing for the trip, Susan and Asher had developed a real attraction to each other. Now Asher was around Miss Clark’s wagon as often as possible.
Once the women gathered, there was a general buzz of conversation, with children running everywhere trying to get rid of their nervous energy. The women seemed well rested to Molly, since they’d spent most of the afternoon sitting around visiting. Molly called for quiet. Mother’s gathered their children around them or sent them to find their fathers. Molly had everyone’s attention.
“Thank you for coming this evening,” Molly said. I know each of you have plenty to do, so I’ll try to keep this short. As you know, we haven’t made much time on the trip north so far.”
There was laughter from several quarters. Molly waited for it to quiet.
“I think part of the problem seems to be we’re getting a late start, because of breakfast and the cleanup. I also think we may be unloading everything we own, every time we stop. Raise your hand if you’re driving your wagons, at least part of the time.” Almost all the hands went up.
“Good. That’s what I thought. It’s important for us to get north within the next four to six weeks. If we get there any l
Molly looked over the group of women and knew they were concerned now as they should be.
“I have some rules I suggest we all be prepared to follow. The first is the lead wagon pulls out at an hour after day break. Since that is my wagon, you should be prepared to leave as well. I suggest you serve a cold breakfast and unpack as little as possible the night before. Drive your own wagons. The men can relieve you when they’re able. We’ll stop for lunch at noon. You’ll have an hour and half to fix lunch, clean up, swap out horses, and do whatever else needs to be done. Are there any questions?”
Several hands went up and one woman at the back stood up.
“There’s a question in the back,” Molly said pointing at the standing woman.
“Yes, I was wondering what happens if our men don’t want to leave that early?”
“Leave them. They will catch up when they can.”
“But what if our wagon is broke down or one of our horses pulls up lame? Will you wait for us?”
“No. Again, you’ll have to catch up when you can,” Molly said.
A wave of murmurs ran through the women sitting on the ground as they turned to each other.
“I don’t want to sound like I don’t care,” Molly said. “I do care. But we don’t have a choice. This isn’t a sightseeing trip. If we don’t get up north in the next four to six weeks, some of us could die. Our children will be the first to die, because they’re the weakest. I’m not prepared to let that happen. Are you?”
No’s rang out all over the crowd.
“Alright, then,” Molly said. “The good news is that we are only twenty some miles from where we started. If you want to, you and your family can return home. Talk with your husbands and make sure they understand how serious we are. If you can’t get your husband to agree, see me. I know a couple of things you can do to get him to change his mind.”
There was wide spread laughter at this.
“I have one more thing to tell you before we leave. There are rumors that wolves may be in the area. We heard Buffalo may be around as well. Please make sure your children stick close to your wagons and don’t go wandering off till we find out for sure. I’ll see you at a little after daybreak.”
The women headed back to their wagons in two’s and three’s, talking among themselves.
Chapter 2
Daybreak was six the following morning. James noticed there was a significant amount of activity in the camp shortly thereafter. Molly pulled their wagon into the front of the line about a quarter to seven. She was followed by Willie driving the dog wagon, and Sheila with the reins of the school wagon.
One by one, the other wagons began to pull into line. James rode down the line of wagons, impressed by the orderly way they were maneuvering into position. The women driving the horse teams, each had a dogged look of determination as they snapped the reins, and yelled at their teams. James saw several men come stumbling out the back of their wagons, pulling on their pants wondering what the heck was going on.
At the stroke of seven, Molly headed their team of horses north at a steady pace. James rode back to check on the wagons that remained behind. Three of the wagons were Cherokee families still trying to stow their tents and cooking gear in the wagons.
“Is everything alright here?” James asked the families.
They assured James they would be ready shortly, and catch up as soon as possible.
The other two wagons belonged to Gypsies, and neither family was happy at being left behind. The one wagon had a broken leather trace and said they’d catch up once they had it repaired. The other people had overslept and were mad and embarrassed at the same time. They were not moving very quickly until James reminded them about the wolves.
By noon the wagon train had managed to cover seven miles and Molly called for an hour and half lunch stop. The women were smiling and congratulating each other on the progress they’d made. James went to check on the outriders. He’d assigned four men the job of riding on the perimeter of the wagon train. They met as planned about a mile ahead of the wagons.
Daniel Corbin was charged with coordinating the outriders. Daniel was Asher’s best friend and someone James also trusted. After they ate lunch and rested for a while, he stood when James rode up.
“How did it go this morning?” James asked.
“Really well,” Daniel said. “They’re making good time this morning. Looks like someone lit a fire under them.”
“I think we all know who that was,” James said.
“Yes we do,” Daniel said. “Maybe we’ll make Ohio before the snow flies.”
“We better make it in the next four weeks. Did the outriders see anything this morning?”
“No. Not really. I saw a small herd of deer about two hours ago. They were too far away to risk a shot.”
“Okay. Rumors are going around about buffalo and wolves. I heard it from someone reliable, so be alert when you’re out there.”
“I thought buffalo were out west someplace. Aren’t they extinct?” one of the other men asked.
“I suppose it’s like all the other wildlife around here,” Daniel said. “Since the Go Back, wildlife seems to be returning in numbers. I am glad to see it.”
“Listen!” Daniel said. “Do you hear that?”
Off in the distance the outriders could hear the creak of wagons and the squeak of leather.
“We better get back to work. That sounds like the wagon train has caught up with us,” James said.
***
After four days of pushing hard, the wagons were north of Knoxville and close to Kentucky. They’d managed seventy miles in four days and Molly knew everyone had done their best. Dinner was light that evening and the campfire by their wagon was banked low. Shannon stared at the glowing embers and seemed about to fall asleep.
“Mother, I almost forgot to tell you,” Shannon said.
“Tell me what sweetheart?”
“The puppies will be born soon. Samson wanted you to know.”
“Did he think the dogs needed our help?”
“No. He just wanted you to know.”
“Okay, Molly said. “Why don’t you go into bed? Are you going to sleep over at Susan’s wagon?” Molly asked.
Lately Shannon had been sleeping over in the school wagon with Susan and Sheila.
“I think I’ll sleep over there,” Shannon said. “Sheila reads me stories before I fall asleep.”
Shannon stood, kissed her parents goodnight and headed for the neighboring wagon.
“James, I think we should spend a day or two resting. We need to spend some time fixing our wagons and looking after the horses. I think we could all use a break. What do you think?” Molly asked.
“It’s an excellent idea. I know the other people will be glad, also,” James said. “There is plenty of water and firewood around here, so it seems like a good place to stop.”
“Can you let everyone know?” Molly asked.
“I’ll go tell them,” James said standing to walk away.
“Good, I’m going in to get ready for bed,” Molly said as she climbed the steps on the back of their wagon. “Why don’t you see if you can find some water and soap while you’re out there wandering around?”
“You think that might help?”
“It can’t hurt,” Molly said smiling as she turned and disappeared through the door at the rear of the wagon.
***
It was Willie who brought the news about the dogs having their puppies. Willie was a bit of a character. He’d helped James and Molly kill a bear that kept returning to the Colter homestead. He was a recluse until James befriended him.
When it came time to head north, James talked Willie into driving a spare wagon to shelter the Colter dogs. Willie didn’t trust the dogs. He also thought they were different somehow. He just couldn’t put his finger on why.
He came shuffling over to James and Molly with the news. Shannon was running over from the school wagon, her face flush with excitement.
“Those dogs had their pups last night,” Willie said. “I got up this morning and heard a commotion going on in the wagon. So I crawled out from under and peeked in the door. There were puppies everywhere.”
