Seek Him What Made Them Seven Stars
By Waddie
Greywolf
Chapter 72
“Being a Humanist means trying to behave decently without
expectation of rewards or punishment after you are dead.” ~
Kurt Vonnegut
Pete and Leon were looking forward to a long weekend. The owner of
the stockyard planned to be out of town for the holiday and let
everyone off at noon on Friday, but he paid them for the whole day
since the holiday fell on the weekend. He was one of the better
business men in the area who was tight with a buck, but good to
his employees. He was fair and honest, but he wouldn't put up with
shit from nobody. He and his family were members of the Methodist
Church in town but didn't accept the Daniels invitation for the
Fourth. They were going to visit relatives in Brownsville for the
holiday. He knew Pete and Leon planned to spend the day at the
Daniels Ranch and told them to have a good time. They assured him
they would. Pete looked at Leon and saw the same look: if he only
knew what a good time they planned to have.
Leon's dad, Carl, was invited, but he decided he didn't want to
go. Leon drove home Friday noon to clean up, pack a small bag, get
in his truck, and drive to Pete's place. His dad was in good
spirits and was pretty much self-sufficient. He could cook
something for himself without burning down the house, and along
with his team of watchers there came a Daddy Long-leg named
'Junior' who worked for them and helped take care of his old man
when Leon wanted to be away for a while. The old man wasn't naive.
He knew Leon and Pete were developing a relationship and needed
some time to themselves, but it wasn't discussed much. He liked
Pete a lot and began to look upon him as another son. “Dad, if you
change your mind and wanna' come on over to the Daniels Ranch
tomorrow, have Junior drive you over. You're both invited and
certainly welcome,” Leon said.
“Too many people. I'll be fine here, Son. You go on and have a
good time. Tell Pete I said 'hello' and not to be a stranger. He's
welcome here anytime,” he said, “Oh, yes, remember me to the
Daniels family and bring me back a couple a them Hosanna Cakes
if'n they got any,” he added.
“I will, Dad. Take care of him guys,” Leon said, and they assured
him they would. “Ya'on't me to tell Billy we wanna' take him up on
his Grange offer?” Leon asked.
“Yeah, I don't see why not. The sooner we get things underway, the
quicker we'll become more independent. You take care of the
details and paperwork. I never was very good at that sort of
thing. The place is in both our names with you as right of
survivor,” the old man replied.
“Okay, see you sometime Sunday, Dad,” Leon said and walked out the
door to his truck.
It didn't take Leon long to drive to Pete's trailer. He got out of
his truck, grabbed his bag, and went inside. They were taking
Pete's old truck to the Daniels Ranch. The back of his truck was
already filled with bags of carrots for the Guard Cattle. Pete was
dressed to the nines in his best cowboy clothes. He looked really
hot and handsome. Leon talked him into keeping his scruffy look he
took on while trying to hide his more youthful appearance after
Billy Daniels regressed his age, and it almost became a trademark
look with the big cowboy. Pete looked like one bad-ass hombre, an
old-time gunslinger out of a bygone era, with whom, you did not
want to fuck; which, proposed a dichotomy for Leon because it was
exactly what he wanted from Pete. He couldn't wait to get that big
piece of grade-A, prime, Breedlove cowboy-beef as far up his
buckaroo-butt as he could get it and jump up and down on it like a
jackhammer breaking up solid concrete.
At that moment, the big cowboy suddenly experienced a sympathy
pang, and he winced as he sucked in air through his teeth from the
sight of the cowboy of his dreams; he felt deeply but sincerely
sorry for Janice Breedlove and her loss. Leon wondered if Janice
ever really knew or appreciated the cowboy she married. Leon
wondered if Pete would let him send Janice a 'Thank You' card for
having driven her husband away and into his arms. Probably not,
but he was willing to bet the ranch, Pete was cowboy enough, he
would get a good laugh out of Leon's hyperbolic metaphorical
nonsense.
Pete hollered at Leon to drop his things, he would only be a
minute. Leon turned, set his stuff down, and looked out the screen
door down the road he just drove up. Pete finished what he was
doing and walked quietly up behind the big cowboy, slipped his
arms around him, and pulled him back against his chest. Leon
didn't resist and melted into Pete's strong arms. Pete lightly
moved his face to Leon's neck, gently rubbed his rough growth of
beard stubble on Leon's neck, and stole a kiss behind his cowboy's
ear. Pete ran his right hand down to the front of Leon's Wranglers
and felt him growing strong inside. “Is that for yore' daddy,
Son?” Pete whispered, grabbed a handful, and stole another kiss.
“Sweet Jesus, Pete, if you don't want to be decked and dicked
rye-cheer in yore' trailer this very minute, you better stop that,
Hoss!” Leon exclaimed, “I done had to look at chu' all damn
morning get'n me hotter by the minute think'n on sharing a bed
with you this e'nin for our first time. I was afraid the rubber I
rolled onto my cock this morning before leaving the house would
fill up with pecker-drool and spill over into ma' Wranglers and
gimme' away,” Leon said in his best cowboy hyperbole. Pete weren't
real sure it was hyperbole and broke up laughing.
“That bad, Cowboy?” Pete asked and laughed again. He got Leon
laughing, too.
“Pert-damn bad, Buckaroo!” Leon replied firmly.
Pete didn't let him go. He locked his arms around Leon's front,
stole another kiss, and spoke quietly in his ear, “And don't you
think I weren't craving a taste of yore' sweet cowboy ass deep
down in my cowboy gut this morning? I had it so bad I couldn't
look on you 'cause when I did my old hoss acted like he was in a
corral with a herd of fresh fillies,” Pete said.
Leon turned in Pete's arms and threw his arms around the rough
looking cowboy. They looked deep into each other's eyes and kissed
the sweetest kiss. “Was that a promise kiss?” Pete asked.
“It was that and much more, Cowboy,” Leon replied.
“Is it too early to tell you I'm head over boot-heels in love with
you, Son?” Pete asked.
“Naw, 'cause you know I feel the same damn way, Pete,” Leon
replied, “You been around livestock as long as I have; you can
tell what heifers got the eye for a certain bull, and she'll go
after him. It's the same wiff' people. We been doing this
circling-dance with each other for a couple of weeks now, but we
ain't got that much longer to wait. Let's turn down the fire and
let it simmer on the back-burner until we meet in that room in the
castle later this e'nin and make the beast wiff' two backs,” Leon
added.
“We got us a busy schedule today. We don't wanna' be late for
lunch. I suppose we should get going, but first, gimme' another
one a them sweet buckaroo promise kisses, Son,” Pete said almost
like he was begging for candy.
“All right, but just one,” Leon said and grinned. They kissed
again and Pete seemed satisfied.
“C'moan, Pod'na', let's saddle up old rusty-bucket and ride,” Pete
said, and he held the door for his mate.
* * * * * * *
Folks were already arriving. Pete and Leon decided it wouldn't be
a good time to distribute the eight huge sacks of carrots to the
Guard Cattle at the moment and hold up traffic. They would get
some of the other members of the family to help them get them down
there and distribute the goodies to the cattle later. They drove
up into the main compound and there were Irin cowboys wearing
bright blue cowboy shirts, with red bandannas tied around their
necks. They were wearing large old-time six-pointed tin stars
pinned on their right pockets what read: Sheriff's Posse. Each
wore an expensive looking white cowboy hat with a gold lone star
on the front. They were directing traffic, waving folks toward the
well laid out parking area and showed them where to park so's no
one was blocked in and could easily get out if they needed to
leave early or because they were called away on an emergency.
They seemed to know everyone and told them if they needed any
help, got lost, or a needed a question answered, they could ask
any one of the Daniels Sheriff's Posse, and they would do their
best to help them. Pete and Leon were impressed, “Ah, Mr. Peter
Breedlove and Mr. Leon Tollefson, we been expecting you. If you
leave your bags in your truck and lock it, they will be safe until
you need them. We will be guarding the parking areas. We're
expecting the rest of the family soon. The Daniels family will be
returning from rehearsal with the Houston Philharmonic any minute
now, so if you'll walk down to the big house you'll be greeted by
Mistress Kate's staff. We're only out here today to get in some
practice for the big day tomorrow. Welcome to the Daniels ranch,
and we hope you enjoy your visit,” the young good looking member
of the Daniels Sheriff's Posse said.
“My God would you look at Billy's Cowboy-Slave family. They're
decked out to look like advertisements for Western Wear magazines
or catalogs. Is it my imagination or is there more than I ever
remembered seeing before?” Leon asked.
“Yes, they's a lot more, and there will even be more tomorrow. Dad
done told me Billy declared this weekend would be homecoming for
his slaves what are out working at other ranches for the Grange.
Only a handful are left at the various ranches in case of
emergencies, but they will be sent food and get to enjoy the
concert on huge three-D screens by closed circuit broadcasts from
Highland Shire Central with the best stereophonic surround-sound
systems money can buy. Only close family got invited for this
afternoon,” Pete explained.
“That's nice. It makes me feel included,” Leon said.
“Of course you're included. You's one of Master Billy's enhanced
Cowboy-Angels. I'm only a common cowboy, but I'm right proud and
honored to be my Angel's escort for the weekend, sir,” Pete said.
“Does it bother you I got enhanced and you didn't?” Leon asked.
“Lord no, Son! Don't chu' never think that!” Pete exclaimed, “Why
would I need to become an Angel when I got me the best looking one
on my arm, what keeps on assuring me he's in love with me? Me, old
Pete Breedlove, what was a failure at life and going down hill
faster than a turd flushed down a Walmart automatic toilet until
he met another cowboy up to his knees in cow-shit with a heart of
gold what became his guiding star to which he hitched his wagon,”
Pete said, smiled, and patted Leon's arm linked in his. “Besides,
you above all them others most deserve your wings with ever' thing
you been through from the death of your first husband to having to
take care of your dad, working day in and day out at that shitty
cow-lot just to make ends meet and keep your head above water. You
got a solid-gold track record, Leon, but what have I got to show
for five years hard dirty work? I'm still trying to learn how to
live a good, honest, and clean life. I'm still an unknown factor
to my family and Master Billy, but I been given a second chance,
and I plan to work hard ever' damn day to change my record,” Pete
said.
“How, Pete?” Leon asked.
“With my love for you, Cowboy. They'll be watching me pretty dang
close to see how I treat you and how we work together as a team.
Mark my words, though, I ain't doing it to impress nobody nor gain
me a set of them purdy wings. I'm doing it for you and me,
Buckaroo, because we deserve better,” Pete said firmly, “Beside,
my sweet buckaroo, they's only room for one Angel in our bed, and
that Angel done told me, if'n I's to play my cards right, he will
give his'self to this old cowboy and belong to me,” Pete
added.
“I'll be your Cowboy-Angel as long as you need me, Pete,” Leon
said.
“Forever and a day?” Pete asked and grinned.
“Until the twelfth of never,” Leon replied.
* * * * * * *
Billy and his men were busy with everything they had to get done
before the following day, but they took their time and didn't let
anything get to them. After supper that evening, the men retired
to the tubs and there was a party atmosphere looking forward to
the holiday. Everyone was in a great mood. There were a lot more
men there than usual. Sheriff Robert Andreeson came through a gate
with Little Willie Whistlepie. Pard Andreeson and his grandmother
were thrilled the Sheriff made the effort to come spend some time
with them. The Sheriff was impressed how well integrated his
grandmother and his young son were with the Daniels family. Billy
gave them their choice of where they wanted to stay. Willie kept
in touch with his giant friend and wanted to stay with Billy Gog
Groats in his apartment on Captain Nick's ship. Gog invited Willie
to share his bed for the weekend. The Sheriff wanted to stay with
his family in the big house. Billy accommodated both men, but got
the distinct feeling the heriff was a little disappointed Willie
didn't want to stay with him. Willie didn't seem any the wiser.
Billy made sure Leon and Pete connected with their grooms for the
evening. He gave them a secluded room in the tower three floors up
from the other residents, but on the same floor he established his
grooms' workrooms for prepping their clients. By the holiday,
Billy trained a larger staff of grooms to make sure anyone who
wanted to avail themselves of their services would be served.
Becoming a groom in the castle became a prestige position on
Captain Nick's ship and his four original grooms under the
direction of Hank and Buck were thoroughly trained and highly
skilled. They were also well paid and generously tipped for their
services. Hank and Buck gave introductory talks with new trainees
to tell them the good and the bad of becoming a professional
groom. They didn't pull any punches nor did they try to whitewash
the bad parts. They kept coming back to the analogy of their
clients becoming their children to care for before they went out
to play.
Pete wasn't thrilled about the idea of having two men work on him
to clean him. He was somewhat embarrassed and uneasy about it, but
after he drank enough Texas Tea, and had more of the tea which
caused mild but potent sexual enhancements reserved for the grooms
to share with their clients, he could have cared less. Pete became
close buddies with Mace and Picard – very close. On the other
hand, Leon, thought the experience was wonderful and only
heightened his anticipation for spending his first night in his
chosen cowboy's arms. When the two large buckaroos finally got
together, it was like something out of a 'PG-13' to 'R' rated
story book. Neither Pete nor Leon experienced sex with anyone in
the five years they were working together. They relied on
masturbation to keep themselves from soiling their bedclothes from
nocturnal emissions, but to achieve relief most people usually
have some mental fantasies to help row the boat. Cowboys are no
different, but the bad rumor they dream of bedding their faithful
steed is nonsense – or at the most, pure speculation – okay, to be
totally honest, maybe a few, but we're pretty sure they were in
the minority.
Pete would try to remember the better times with his ex-wife,
Janice, but would lose his erection every damn time. He would
chastise himself; why would he want to keep masturbating to a
dream what turned into a nightmare just slightly less horrible
than the Texas Chainsaw Massacre? It finally came to him, Janice
was the only women with whom he ever had successful sexual
relations. When they parted, Pete tried several other women, but
they were mostly barflies who smelled of booze, cheap perfume, and
stale cigarettes. Out of eight women he went home with, and the
three he took to his trailer, he never reached a climax; not once.
Pete gave up. Once he sobered up, he didn't care to do the bar
scene or be tempted anymore by that lifestyle. It was too great an
investment for so little reward. It was a dead-end street. He came
to see the routine as a non-stop 'X-rated' carnival ride, and he
wanted off. He barely managed to land a job at the cow-lot and
knew at his age he could no longer carouse half the night, get up
the next morning bright and early, and put in a full day's work at
a hard job without proper food and rest.
That's when he started dating Rosie Palm, and began to fantasize
about his good times with his old buddy Snuffy Ragweed, riding
high in old Snuffy's saddle with his cowboy buddy begging Pete to
give him more – fuck him harder – fill him full of Pete's baby
batter. It was like the ghost of his old friend came to him to
help him find his way; until one night, Pete allowed himself to do
the unthinkable; his thoughts and fantasies turned to his
work-buddy, Leon. He heard rumors about Leon being a man's man,
but he never let it bother him. They became friends and
work-buddies the first week Pete was there. Pete admired Leon's
inner strength and quiet, unassuming manner. He was the very image
of the strong, stoic Texas cowboy, but he gave Pete just enough to
let him know he needed a friend as much as Pete did.
The first night he thought about holding Leon in his arms and
making love to him was enough to bring him to a climax. In his
fantasy world, Pete never got to first base with the big cowboy
until halfway through their second year working together when he
finally fantasized he was a raging Butt-Pirate and slipped his big
Breedlove cock into his dream man and blew his wad like a
cast-iron cannon broadsiding a ship flying the Jolly Roger. He lay
immobilized for fifteen minutes afterward to recover from the
sweet small death of a fully draining ejaculation. It only grew
from there as his own private, sacrosanct secret was ready for him
to review when he came home from a particularly trying day or when
his cup of raging male hormones runneth over; until, that fateful
day Janice accused him of having a love affair with Leon. Janice
had no way of knowing other than pure speculation. She was
fishing, not with a baited hook, but a harpoon. It was like she
was playing 'battleship' with him and just sunk his biggest ship.
Something clicked in Pete's head he probably never would have
admitted to himself if he didn't hear the hate-filled vindictive
voice of his ex-wife accusing him of carrying on a love affair
with the big cowboy from Kooksville, Texas whom she heard was one
of them god-awful, damned-to-hell, queer, butt-fuck'n cocksuckers.
All the pieces began to fall into place and Pete was neither
ashamed nor embarrassed of his growing attraction or affection for
his workmate. He lied to Janice and told her he planned to ask
Leon to marry him. At the moment, Pete never even talked with Leon
about anything besides work. Her words broke something inside him
and Pete gushed forth his reply with the power and fury of the
Johnstown flood from the catastrophic failure of the South Fork
dam. From that moment on, come Hell or high water, Pete was
resolved to make Leon Tollefson his mate for life, if the big
handsome cowboy would have him. Now here he was in bed with the
cowboy he'd been actively courting for three months and making
love to him like it was the most natural thing in the world for
them to do; and so it was. Neither held back anything from the
other, but they both knew without discussion, Pete would be the
dominant husband between them. Leon wouldn't have wanted it any
other way and subtly let Pete know he would be pleased and proud
to become the big cowboy's catcher. After some tender foreplay and
whispered passion, they mutually found themselves in a bit of
cowboy heaven in each other's arms. Pete reached down to play with
Leon's ass only to find it plugged tightly with a rather large
butt plug. Pete was somewhat naïve about sex toys and didn't quite
know what to make of it. He looked surprised and puzzled. Leon
laughed.
“It ain't to keep you out, Cowboy. It's to facilitate your entry.
There's no stretching or going slow to relax my ass muscle. Just
pop it out, gently replace it with your cock, pull up on the
reins, slap some leather, and we ride off together into the
sunset,” Leon said and smiled, “But first lemme' lube your old
hoss with some of this udder-balm them grooms gimme' so's you'll
have an easy time,” he added grabbing the big jar and slathered
Pete's handsome cock with it.
“Damn, they think of ever' thing, don't they?” Pete said as Leon
handed him a small hand towel.
“It's their job, and they's damn good at it. Pop my plug out,
saddle-up, and take me, Cowboy,” Leon said firmly.
Pete didn't waste any time, and upon removing the plug, setting it
aside; he placed the head of his huge cock at the rosebud of
Leon's ass, pulled his foreskin back, and readily sunk it all the
way into his cowboy buddy. He immediately regretted skinning his
foreskin back. The minute he bottomed out within Leon's ass, Pete
shot his load. Leon felt his partner's flow deep within his gut
and responded in kind; he shot his load at the same time, and Pete
felt Leon's sphincter trying to bite his cock off. It was quick
but it was just the glimpse of heaven what made their guts churn
for a bigger slice of the pie. “Shit! I'll bet that was the
fastest fuck on record in the universe,” Pete said and Leon
laughed.
“Have you always been so quick on the trigger with your gun?” Leon
asked.
“Never before, but to be honest, I ain't never been so stoved-up
for a romp in the hay with nobody like I done with you, Leon,”
Pete said sincerely, “I cain't tell you how many times I
jacked-off fantasizing about this moment,” he added.
“You and me both. I think we were ripe for it. No problem. The
second load is always better, and the third can be downright
spectacular,” Leon said.
“Hell, you'll kill this old cowboy, Son. I don't know how it could
be much better. That was pert-damn good, Pod'na, but I'll agree, I
was more'n ripe for it. Damn, Son, you feel so fine wrapped good'n
tight around my old cayuse,” Pete said and leaned over to kiss
Leon. They kissed a passionate kiss. When they broke it off, Leon
cleaned his gizz off himself and his partner with another small
towel. Leon didn't lose his erection and neither did Pete as he
gently continued to fuck his mate. And so, the two men set out on
a journey of discovery together which lasted half the night and
into the wee hours of the morning. Perhaps it was the Texas Tea,
but more likely their hunger for physical contact which they both
sublimated for several years; they were trying to make up for
unfulfilled histories. Neither could give enough to the other fast
enough until they found each other's timely rhythm and psychic
rhymes which made their sex flow more readily between them like a
great epic tome of heroes penned by some forgotten bard etched in
stone.
It was a new beginning, a new birth for Leon and Pete, and for
lack of any sacred psalms to bind them, there were none stronger
than the unspoken words which passed between them within the
pinnacle of passion they reached together several times during the
night; they drank deeply from each other; the only passengers on a
midnight train heading due east, racing full speed toward the
first light of morning and the beginning of a beautiful new day.
It was, after all, the Fourth of July; a holiday filled with
sublimated homo-eroticism. A day devoted to the memory and
glorification of national pride, patriotism, military might,
strength, male conquests, heroism, with stirring marches and
phallic symbols rushing into the sky to explode and ejaculate
their showy works – each payload bigger than the last. Metaphor du
jour: my skyrocket shoots bigger payloads than your small
hand-held Roman candle.
* * * * * * *
The big cowboys never let each other go even when they drifted off
to sleep exhausted from their marathon sexual rodeo. Leon woke up
from a deep, peace filled sleep, the likes of which, he hadn't
experienced since his first husband was killed. He felt Pete
nuzzling him, stealing kisses, and insinuating his desire with his
rock hard penis between them slowly rubbing against the object of
his affection. Leon began to grow strong himself, but he looked at
the clock. “Don't even think about it, Cowboy,” Leon said softly,
“It's already six and you know they only serve breakfast from six
to seven-thirty on the ship. We got an invitation to the big
house, but we done screwed the pooch for that. They's already
sitting down to eat. I don't know about you, but I need me some
grub if I'm gonna' keep up the pace with you,” Leon said and
laughed, “It's gonna' be a long day and you know we always get
caught up in some last minute project what needs attending to,” he
added.
“It's so much better waking up sober next to you, Cowboy. After
last night, you can ask our master to put that big bull ring
through my nose. We'll buy you a leash and you can lead me around
to do your bidding. I never want to be further away from you again
than the end of my leash. Now I know why my daddy got his'self
ringed. I know 'love' is a hard word for cowboys to use, Leon, but
I ain't afraid of it. I don't care what we do or where we go or
when we do it, as long as I'm your Bull and can follow you around
like a new-born calf,” Pete said.
“I love you, too, Daddy Bull, now lets do a quick clean up number
and get our butts down to breakfast,” Leon said.
“I'm serious about the ring, Cowboy,” Pete said.
Leon didn't reply, but his wicked grin spoke volumes.
The cowboys got up, gave themselves a quick cleanup job, pulled on
their clothes, and were walking down the backstairs to the dining
hall when they met the giant contingency including the host of
newer Angels and their guests Brent and Bart. When they walked
into the great hall, Pete and Leon were surprised to find the
entire Daniels family including the Breedloves with David, Cletus,
Mick Flynn and Perry Reed; along with Bubba, Jack, and Grover
Parsnip, standing around drinking coffee waiting for them. Billy
explained the staff on the ship invited everyone in the big house
to have breakfast in the great hall, so the ladies wouldn't have
such a rough day. Kate, Zelma, Roz, Dorcas, Evangeline Andreeson,
her grandson Sheriff Bob, and Great-grandson, Pard, were with
them. Cowboy Andy, Clyde, Balthazar, and Bossman Randy was with
them, along with the McMartin family, and the Tate family.
Everyone was in a great mood looking forward to the day.
Billy, Elmer, and Oatie were grinning like three possums caught in
the headlights of a truck. “We didn't expect you men for breakfast
this morning,” Billy said to Pete, “You just cost me a ten spot,
Cowboy,” he added, slapped Pete on the back, and shook his hand.
“We dang near didn't. If'n h'it t'weren't for my partner waking up
and looking at the clock, we wouldn't a made it on time,” Pete
declared.
“Glad you decided to join us. How do you feel this morning,
Cowboy?” Billy asked Pete.
“Like I's born again, sir,” Pete replied, “I know them
fundamentalist talk about being born again, but I ain't never
experience nothing like 'at until last night. Now I know what it
means. Being born again ain't got nothing to do with religion.
It's got everything to do wiff' finding your personal bliss,
realizing it's what you've always wanted, and it's where you
should be in the universe. Sometimes it takes a lifetime of trial
and error for a man to find his bliss; unfortunately, some never
do. I'm one of the lucky few. Last night, I was born again to a
new life in the arms of the cowboy I come to love, and I don't
care who knows it,” Pete replied firmly.
“Hosanna!” Billy shouted, and everyone echoed him.
“Hosanna, in the highest!” they replied, and everyone applauded
for the two men.
“And you, Cowboy?” Billy asked Leon.
“I feel the same as my partner, Master Billy. We're both very
fortunate,” Leon said.
Everyone sat down and the augmented staff of serving dwarfs and
halflings got busy bringing out platters and bowls of good food.
It was excellent and the ladies were lavish with their praise and
compliments to the help and the main cooks. Of course, many of
them would be helping the ladies and their staff with the
preparation of the huge feed for dinner on the ranch. Hank, Buck,
and their staff were up well before dawn getting fires going in
the eight fifty-five gallon smoking drums for barbecue brisket and
chicken. They were taking breaks in shifts to come to the ship for
breakfast. As soon as they finished the rest of their crew would
come for their breakfast. Everything was organized like clockwork.
Billy didn't seem the least bit anxious. He trusted his people and
they respected him enough to work their asses off for him.
Besides, they knew the rest of the universe was watching their
actions.
The fears of Bart Langstrom and Brent Sparks walking around in
their wings was not a problem. While they were still in their
junior birdman phase, they wore their wings for enough time they
could park them and be helped to retrieve them later in the
evening. It worked out well for everyone. Sheriff Andresson never
spent much time on Captain Nick's ship, and he was astounded it
was like another world for him. His boy, Pard, seemed so
knowledgeable and mature, and could answer almost any question he
asked. The Sheriff didn't seem to be upset with his boy's new
cognomen and began to call him, Pard, like the rest. He could tell
his boy loved his new name and the big man was happy for him. Bob
Andreeson realized, even though Bobby (Pard) was physically only
seven years old it was the right place for him and his
great-grandmother at the ranch. They seemed to be flourishing and
in great spirits. The best part was, they didn't hold anything
back from the Sheriff. They shared their love and enthusiasm with
him.
Little Willie Whistle Pie was in heaven on the arm of Gog the
giant. They spent a wonderful night in each other's arms and were
obviously very much taken with each other. So it was with the rest
of the newer folks, Human and Angels together, interrelating and
having a good time anticipating the arrival of their guests. Billy
stood after breakfast and made a brief speech about how proud he
was of everyone from his family on the ship, his ranch family, old
and new, and how readily they seemed to adapt. He was grateful for
their efforts and was looking forward to a great day.
“Just remember, those new to our ranch, you represent not just
yourself, but the Daniels family as well. I know I can count on
you to step up when you can to help anyone or if it's a bigger
problem than you can handle and you need backup, contact me or one
of my posse so's we can quickly locate you and provide the help
you need. You will be asked a lot of question by the newcomers.
Answer them honestly as you can, but you don't have to give them
the ranch,” Billy said and got a laugh from his family, “You Angels
be proud of who you are, and if someone puts two-and-two together
– in the name of some unknown god, stand tall and explain as best
you can. I trust you to use your own judgment. They're gonna' find
out sooner or later, and we might as well break them in early.
After today, our next big project will be the rescuing and
gathering the rest of your brothers as soon as all plans and
considerations can be made,” Billy said and everyone
applauded.
* * * * * * *
In earlier planning meetings and conversations, Kate, Zelma, Aunt
Helen, and Eve Andreeson suggested several considerations. Aunt
Helen's staff was sending out official identification cards to the
families from the community who responded by calling the ranch to
accept the Daniels invitation for the fourth. They were really
neat with the seal of the Highland Shire Project with the Daniels
Ranch emblem embossed on the bottom right of the card with a
special tool Aunt Helen ordered. They included in bright red at
the bottom of the invitation, no one would be admitted without
showing the guards at the front gate their official invitation.
The ladies also decided they wanted a crew of six large cowboys,
Daniels posse, with white hats and tin stars at the front gate to
keep the guard cattle off the road. At a moments notice, the
cattle could be alerted to block the road if necessary. Kate
wanted to keep down as much sensationalism as possible and talking
cattle might be a bit unnerving the first time. Billy agreed and
the gate posse was instructed to assume their positions as soon as
they finished breakfast. After everyone was checked off their
list, they could join the rest of the family and the Guard Cattle
could block the entry again. If anyone arrived late, someone would
go down, clear them for entry, or turn them away, and they did
have several who just decided to show up without an invitation.
Janice Breedlove and her oldest daughter drove out to the ranch to
join the festivities. Elmer put the kibosh on that pretty damn
quick. He told them not to allow her on the ranch, and she was
forced to turnaround and head out the gate. Janice was not a happy
camper. She tried to use the excuse she heard her son, whom she
hadn't seen in several years, was going to be there, and she
wanted to see him. The cowboys at the gate were polite but firm
with her, unless she had a certified invitation, she would not be
allowed. It was a private affair and not open to the general
public.
A TV truck with a satellite disk pulled into the gate. They
explained they were there to film the Fourth of July celebration.
The woman, Elaine Parson, who interviewed Billy and the Rutherford
family in Houston at the Whataburger was with them. Billy's posse
instructed them wait outside the gate while they contacted their
boss to see if he was interested in having the day televised.
Billy and his posse walked down to the gate to talk with the four
uninvited persons; Miss Parson, a cameraman, a director, and
driver. Billy told them, since they drove all the way from
Houston, they would be welcome to leave their truck within the
gate and walk up to the ranch, but he would allow no filming
because he held exclusive rights to any filming going on that day.
If they wanted a record of the day they could purchase a DVD
on-line.
The three men were all for it. Hell yes, a day at a large ranch in
the Hill Country for the Fourth of July with good food and
entertainment? Who wouldn't? Parson wouldn't. She turned only a
little lighter shade of green than the Wicked Witch of the West.
She got a crooked smiled on her face. Her heavily painted lips
looked like she just popped two sour gummy bears in her mouth.
Elaine Parson tried to use what feminine charm she could muster
like it was Kryptonite with which she planned to weaken and
bamboozle Billy to get her way, but our hero was wearing his
lead-lined jockstrap and was impervious to her attempts to
overcome him. Billy was gracious to a fault but firm in his
resolve. Parson wasn't much for a high-strutting, two-stepping
time while shit-kicking her way up to the ranch in a pair of
stiletto-heels, and decided they would drive back to Houston.
Billy apologized, but added a zinger she might have saved herself
the trouble if she showed the courtesy to contact him first.
“If me and my cameraman stayed, do you have someone who could
drive us into Fredericksburg or Kerrville where we could catch a
bus to Houston, Mr. Daniels?” the director asked for him and his
partner. They were the same men who talked with Billy and Randy
before and after Elaine Parsons made an ass of herself at the
Whataburger in Houston. It was her Manager/Director, Douglas
Quilty, and his cameraman, Wes Taylor.
“No problem. You men are welcome to join us, and we'll see you get
back,” Billy said.
“Brett, drive Missy Priss back to Houston, and you take the rest
of the weekend and Monday off,” Doug Quilty told his driver as he
and his man were getting out of the truck, “Oh, yes, and try your
best not to backhand Parsons for stupidity,” Quilty added and the
driver laughed.
“Well, I guess I could stay,” Parson's said.
“No, you can't! You already made your choice, and you're going
back; besides we ain't filming anyway. We ain't got no use for
you. Adiós, Sweetheart. See you back at the grind on Monday,”
Quilty said firmly and winked at his driver.
“God, I'd give anything to stay with you men,” the driver said.
“Do you live alone, sir?” Billy asked.
“Brett Bison, sir. Just me and my six year old son, Brett Junior,
Mr. Daniels. His momma died giving birth to ma' boy. His grandma
lives next door and looks after him when I need to be gone,” the
man replied.
“Here, Mr. Bison!” Billy said and whipped-out a business card from
his shirt pocket, “When you and young Brett get home, gimme' a
call on your cell phone. I'll make arrangements for you men to
join us at the ranch, and you won't have to drive,” Billy said
like a promise.
“I wouldn't wanna' put you to no trouble, Mr. Daniels,” Brett
Bison said.
“I know. That's why I offered, Mr. Bison,” Billy said.
“It will take me about five hours, sir,” Brett said, “We live in
The Woodlands just above Houston,” he added.
“Perfect. That's fine, just call me when you're ready,” Billy
said.
“Thanks, Mr. Daniels, I will,” Brett Bison assured him, “and
thanks for the invitation, sir,” he added.
“My pleasure, Mr. Bison,” Billy replied.
Brett Bison got back into the truck and wasted no time getting out
of there. The men watched him go.
“It's gonna' be almost ten hours by the time they get back to
Houston and are picked up by your people, Mr. Daniels,” Doug
Quilty said.
“No, not at all. When we get ready to go get him and his boy,
we'll take you gentlemen along and you can see for yourselves,”
Billy said mysteriously. Doug looked at his partner, Wes Taylor,
and shrugged his shoulders.
The men walked back up to the ranch. The cowboy and cowgirl slaves
were busy arranging tables and getting large umbrellas set up so
there would be shade to sit under to enjoy dinner. The close
friends of the Daniels who didn't stay the night began arriving in
a constant flow. Doug Quilty and his partner were welcomed by two
enormous dogs, with two pure white male Great Pyrenees dogs, two
small beautiful dogs, a mother Aussie Shepherd with wings and her
six flying pups, and two Border Collies. They were laughing and
joking with each other and shouting 'Welcome! Welcome to the
Daniels ranch, folks!” as they ran and flew to Master Billy.
Billy gave Poly and Cass permission to morph into their Great
Pyrenees form for the morning, but he wanted them back in humanoid
form after a couple of hours to help and play with the orchestra.
After much happy dancing, sloppy doggie kisses, and general
outpouring of affection, Billy spoke, “Okay, Gang, these men are
from Houston, make them feel at home and answer any questions they
got,” Billy announced to the dogs.
“We will, Master Billy,” Chloe spoke for the group, “Hello,
Gentlemen, my name is Chloe and this other big handsome lout next
to me is my mate Daffy,” Chloe went down the line introducing the
rest of the dogs, and they each said 'hello' and welcome to the
ranch.
The men looked at each other and their mouths fell open, “Parsons
has no idea what she passed up, Brother,” Doug Quilty told his
partner and doubled up laughing.
About that time Bubba and Lima Bean arrived with their family
followed closely by Mrs. Starks, the Sheriff's secretary and her
husband; Deputy Andy, his family; and Deputy Stan and his family.
They were equally stunned by the talking and flying dogs. It was
the first time Lima or the sheriff's secretary saw Miranda's pups.
“No wonder you ain't let me see these pups until now,” Lima Bean
said as Molly ran to her and allowed Lima to pick her up and make
over her. “You look wonderful, Sweetheart. Ranch life must agree
with you. I'm glad to see they ain't in any rush to find a home
for you,” she said.
“I'm so glad to see you, Mrs. Bean. Master Billy told me you might
be coming to the ranch today, and I been looking forward to seeing
you to thank you for taking me to Doctor Oatie. He brought me out
here. The Daniels have been very good to me, but alas, I'm not a
ranch dog. I know it, but I'm not worried. The right person will
come along. In fact, I think they already have. They just don't
realize it yet, but they will soon enough,” Molly said.
“And how did you learn to speak, Dear?” Lima Bean asked.
“Why, Master Billy, gave us the gift of speech, and we're most
grateful to be able to converse with humans. It makes life between
us a lot sweeter,” Molly said and Lima Bean gave her another hug.
The Breedloves and Tates walked up to greet the new folks to the
ranch. “I could take a switch to you, Will Tate, for keeping this
from me,” Mrs. Bean said to the Sheriff.
Will laughed at her, “I didn't want to scare you, none, Darlin'”
he said winking at her husband, Bubba Bean.
“It's the greatest thing I've experienced in a long time. You know
how much I love animals,” Lima said.
“I do, and that's why you, your old man, and family are here
today. You won't have any problems with the rest of the menagerie
we got around here from a Stomping of Bigfoot to tiny Sun Bears,
to a pair of sentient butterflies what are very probably the most
beautiful and intelligent of the critters,” Will explained.
“To say nothing of the Angels, Daddy Long-legs, several giants,
two of 'um blue, a Dragon-man, a Panther man, and a Lion-man; plus
many halflings, and dwarfs,” Buster said and grinned from ear to
ear.
“Are there Tin-men, Scare-crows, and Cowardly lions?” Bubba Bean
asked.
“No but we got their analogs,” Buster replied and laughed.
Billy walked up with Ludo carrying Randy in his huge arms,
accompanied by Bubba and Jack with Brute on one side and Boomer on
the other. Billy introduced the group to them and announced Boomer
as his husband and the father of their son, Billy Augustus
Daniels, who is still in his mother's womb. There was such a flood
of information the visitors were having difficult time processing.
“Can you believe this?” Doug Quilty asked Wes Taylor, his
cameraman.
“Are we still on Earth?” Wes asked in reply.
“To be honest, I ain't real sure, Brother, but what a delight to
experience. No wonder Mr. Daniels don't want this filmed. I
wouldn't either. I'd want to keep this to myself and my family as
long as possible. People would be breaking down his front gate to
get inside to see these wonders. Just the sight of real Bigfoot
monsters living with humans is unbelievable,” Quilty said.
Mary Rutherford, her Mother-in-law, and youngest daughter drove
up. Ruth let Evelyn out with little Clara, and she was going to
drive on to park their SUV. Evelyn sat little Clara down and
turned to get her purse. Clara was still learning to walk, but
once free of her Grandmother she zeroed in on Boomer and Ludo. She
was aiming for Boomer, but Ludo would do nicely. Ludo sat Randy
down and got down on his haunches. Clara ran as fast as her little
legs would carry her to the great ugly beast with a big smile on
her face. Ludo caught her in his arms and pulled her to his
breast. Clara zeroed in on Ludo's left teat and forgot about the
rest of the world.
“She must know the giant beast. Did you see the smile on her face?
Why is she sucking his tit?” Wes Taylor asked in awe.
“Oh, that's Ludo. The Rutherford's family Watcher-protector and
Bossman Randy Rutherford's slave. She's been drinking his milk for
a month or more now. I drink some of my husband's milk almost
every day. Some consider Watcher milk the most nutritious in the
universe, and it's certainly the most tasty,” Billy explained.
“Look over there, Boss,” Wes Taylor pointed to a group of women,
“Ain't that Zelma Redbone?” he asked.
“I think you might be right, Brother. The last I heard, she was
dying of cancer, but she don't look bad to me. She even looks
younger,” Doug Quilty replied, “But take a look over to them men
setting up them tables and umbrellas. See that big'un with the set
of horns on his head. What the Hell is that?” Quilty asked.
“Oh, that's just our big brother Harley-Buck Johnson. He was a
hero, and for his reward he asked for them horns. Master Billy
give 'um to him and he's proud of them,” Chloe said, “He's one of
Master Billy's punishment slaves, but he's really a nice man. You
will like him. Would you like to meet him?” she asked
“Maybe later, Pretty Lady, we're still trying to piece all this
together,” Quilty replied.
Billy allowed his punishment slaves to wear only their cock cages
for the holiday. They were dressed like all the other cowboys in
new Wranglers, handsome western shirts, and nice new pair of
boots. They weren't made to wear their plugs; however, later that
morning when the three of them sat down for a break and
refreshments, Earl looked at his fellow slaves, “Am I the only one
here what's uncomfortable without my plug,” he asked and grinned.
“No, I miss my pacifier as much as you do, Brother,” Harley-Buck
replied, and they got Orville laughing.
“Didn't I tell you men, you'd come to enjoy it. I miss mine, too,”
he admitted, and they shared a laugh.
* * * * * * *
“Brother we got to go to the barn. The Griffin family is ready to
come from Hearne, Texas, and I got to open a gate for them,” Randy
reminded Billy.
“Would you men care to join us and see how we'll get Brett Bison
and his boy here as soon as he calls?” Billy asked.
“Sure,” they replied in unison.
Billy and his posse went with them. Doris Griffin always brought a
couple of boxes of food and several Derby pies with her. The men
got to the barn and gathered around Randy and Billy.
“Go ahead-on, little Brother, and do yore' thing,” Billy said, and
Randy waved his hand. A gate of blue free-electrons sprang up, and
it looked like the surface of water. Randy walked through and
disappeared.
“Where'd he go, Mr. Daniels?” Quilty asked.
“To a garage in Hearne, Texas to gather his buddy, his buddy's
parents, and two uncles,” Billy said. He no sooner got the words
out when the Griffin family followed Randy and a handsome young
cowboy walked through the gate. The cowboys behind his parents
held two enormous boxes. There was much hugging, pats on the back,
and stolen kisses from the Griffins. Everyone could tell they were
thrilled to be there.
“We just passed the land of Oz, Wes. This is into the realm of
good Science-fiction. This is mind-blowing shit! They can open
gates to anywhere and be there in the blink of an eye? Sweet
Jesus, there's people who would kill for technology like that. Why
would they show two men associated with the news something like
this? Are you getting the same vibes I'm getting?” Doug Quilty
asked Wes Taylor.
“You think they're showing us these things for a reason?” he
asked.
“Exactly,” Doug Quilty replied, “I think it's an invitation,” he
added.
“I ain't thought about it that way, but I'll keep an open mind. I
think it's too soon to tell, Boss,” Wes said.
* * * * * * *
As the morning progressed, the two men from the TV station in
Houston found plenty of time to talk with Randy and his
relationship with his big brother and the Daniels family. They
talked with Ruth Rutherford and her mother-in-law about how they
came to think on the Daniels as their family. They talked with the
three punishment slaves and found them neither angry nor
embittered. They seemed pretty well adjusted and certainly looked
healthy. Their weight training was beginning to show. They were
adamant they didn't think on themselves as convicts or prisoners.
They swore they were treated as equal members of their master's
greater family with a few less privileges than their brother and
sister slaves.
They listened to Harley-Buck talk about how he came by his horns,
but he assured them he could morph them away when his master
thought they might not be appropriate. He proved it by taking them
into the barn and making them disappear and return. They were
stunned, the people around the ranch seemed to take extraordinary
feats as everyday occurrences, and they were nothing to get upset
about. The impact of cold-turkey, complete-immersion, into the
Daniels experience, while unnerving to the uninitiated, had a way
of becoming easily accepted as common-place rather than
unexpected. Rather than ask the question, why? The news men found
themselves asking each other, why not? It made sense, and while it
might seem outrageously new and unique to them, it was a new way
of thinking about everything, and it was contagious.
Daffy, Chloe, and several of the dogs were with them at all times
to chaperon them around, and their inputs and observations were
really helpful. They did their best to explain things to the men,
but didn't get into the how or why everything was coming together
like it was. They watched as more and more people came through the
gate into the barn. Many were carrying cases with musical
instruments with them. Doug and Wes asked their chaperone's about
them.
“Oh, they's members of the Houston Philharmonic Orchestra. They're
going to play a concert for us this afternoon. They're coming
through the gate early to relax and have dinner with the extended
Daniels family,” Chloe explained, “One of our masters is playing
Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with them. We'll introduce you to him
and our other master who is Harley-Buck's dad,” she said
nonchalantly.
“Wait! Wait! All these folks seem to be closely interwoven with
each other. They have a number of things in common. Is there one
binding force? Billy Daniels?” Wes Taylor asked.
“No, Master Billy's more like a figure head of an easy-going,
laid-back systemic love which seems to flow from the whole-being
of people and critters. Master Billy is always here for us, and
he's easily approachable. He makes time for the least of us as
well as his most important family members. My mate, Daffy, was
getting old and Master Billy took his time to heal and refurbish
both of us. Music and love of the arts, including the art of
living and growing together, no matter how small a contribution,
is probably the most binding elements. We can't do the things
humans can do, but we have talents they don't; we make willing
guides for those new to the Daniels experience,” Chloe said.
“Indeed you do, Ms. Chloe, and your honest comments and
observations are greatly appreciated,” Doug Quilty said.
While the men were watching folks come though the gate, Clara Mae
Bastiaen walked through and there was a bit of a commotion from
the little red and white King Charles Spaniel as Molly went to
greet her friend. Clara sat down her bag and three instrument
cases to take Molly into her arms. While Clara shed a few tears of
joy, Molly licked them away telling her how glad she was to see
her friend again. Clara saw there were other new members of the
family of dogs and took her time to meet and greet each one. She
was particularly impressed by the two Great Pyrenees dogs; the
morphed Poly and Cass.
“Did they say they were morphed humans?” Wes asked Chloe.
“Oh, yes, they're originally halflings. They're the only two of
their species left in the universe and sought protection and a
home with the Daniels family. They're remarkably talented young
men and play matched Stradivarius violins in our family orchestra.
Cass, would you mind morphing to your regular self for these men?”
Chloe asked.
“Not at all, Pretty Lady,” Cass replied and morphed to a perfectly
handsome, buffed to the max, small human form. Cass was naked as a
baby jay, but he was in the barn where only a few could see him.
The men were flabbergasted and laughed at their own nervous
reaction at seeing the impossible made possible right before their
eyes.
“Amazing!” said Wes Taylor.
“Unbelievable!” agreed Doug Quilty.
Cass quickly morphed back to his Great Pyrenees form and joined
the rest of their group. The ranch was coming alive with unusual
and lively people. The news men almost became overwhelmed when
they met real Angels, more Watchers, Giants, and the other unusual
sentient creatures from Captain Nick's ship. They fell in love
with the village people and the Sun Bears. They were dressed in
their finest native costumes. Billy worked with them and the
ladies of his house to purchase any materials they wanted to
create their native costumes, and they were wonderful; not too
showy, but tasteful and colorful to the max. They would be
performing several of their dances for the audience later on.
Billy gave them a recording of Stravinsky's Petrushka, and they
choreographed a wonderful dance to it, and several other pieces
they shared the melodies with Billy and he expanded them.
It was getting late in the morning, just before time to drive the
team of horses with the buckboard filled with good food and treats
for the Watchers and Daddy Long-legs. Today, Billy Bob Bane, would
be helping instead of being on the outside looking in. Billy was
about to round up a group when his cell phone rang.
“You got Billy Daniels,” he answered.
“Mr. Daniels, this is Brett Bison. I'm at home,” Brett said.
“Damn, you must a really pushed that old truck,” Billy said and
laughed.
“We got anti-radar and select-band CB for watching out for County
Mounties and the like. I liked to have scared Miss Parsons to
death. I may not have a job come Monday, but I don't care,” Brett
said, and they shared a laugh.
“Do you know where the McMartin Industrial Park is, Brett?” Billy
asked.
“Yes, Sir, we live right around the corner from it. I can see it
out my kitchen window. Mr. McMartin wanted to buy our small ranch,
but we didn't want to sell. He's been a good neighbor though. Do
you know him, sir?” Brett asked.
“Yes, him and his grandmother, Zelma Jean Redbone, are on my board
of directors. Anyway, here's what you gotta' do. Either drive or
walk over to his place and give your name to the guards at front
gate. They'll tell you were to go. When you get inside, another
guard will direct you to a big warehouse what's empty except for
an old piano and some music stands. Call me when you get there,
and we'll come get you and Brett Junior,” Billy explained.
“I ain't sure I understand, sir. How are you gonna' come all the
way from the Hill Country to here in the time it takes us to drive
around there and go inside?” he asked.
“Will you trust me, Mr. Bison?” Billy asked.
“I trusted you the minute I first laid eyes on you, Mr. Daniels.
I'd trust you with me and my boy's life, sir,” Brett replied.
“Then do as I tell you, and we'll see you right after you call me
again,” Billy said.
“I feel ashamed, Mr. Daniels, like I's trying to take advantage of
you, sir,” Brett said.
“Why's that, Brett? Because your boy is deaf, suffers from an
outbreak of the polio virus because he never got the vaccine, and
walks with the aid of two arm braces?” Billy asked.
“Yes, sir. How did you know? Did my boss tell you?” he asked.
“No, he's too damn busy meeting the people here, and I don't think
Douglas Quilty would betray anybody; neither would his cameraman,
Wes Taylor,” Billy said, “I'll tell you later. Just be sure you
bring Brett Junior with you,” Billy said.
“I will for sure, Mr. Daniels, and thanks for your understanding,
sir,” Brett said.
They said their goodbyes, and Billy went to find Doug and Wes.
Brett Bison got his boy and himself dressed up in their finest
cowboy clothes. Brett Junior loved to wear his cowboy clothes. His
daddy worked hard and learned to communicate with him using
sign-language and told him he was taking him to a big ranch to see
real cowboys. It was a beautiful day, and it didn't take them long
to drive around to the McMartin Industrial Buildings. The guard
asked for Brett's driver's license as proof he was who he said he
was, and allowed him to drive in. He told him where to park to be
as close to the entrance as possible. He directed him to go to a
side door and another guard would be waiting for him. There was
another small car pulled in behind him and followed Brett to the
parking area. Out of the small car, two large men got out and
lifted two baritones from the back. They acted like they were in a
hurry. “Howdy, Son! Howdy, Young Man!” big Wilbur Byrd said.
“Howdy, sir. My boy is deaf,” Brett said.
“Sorry. You men been invited to the Daniels ranch for the day?”
Wilbur asked.
“Yes, sir, but I don't know how we're gonna' get there from here,”
Brett said.
“Come with us. We'll show you the ropes. Ain't nothing to it. It's
so damn simple you won't believe,” Poppa Byrd said, “The rest of
our family got here early, but me and my boy had a gig to play
this morning and just finished. We don't want to be late for the
Daniels feed. Best damn food in the west, Son, bar-none!” Mr. Byrd
exclaimed enthusiastically. The Byrd men were so well-met they
were infectious. Brett picked up his boy and each of the Byrd men
carried one of Brett Junior's arm braces. They walked inside and
hailed the guard by name. “Hey, Oscar, how's by you, Brother?”
Wilbur Junior asked.
“Tolerable! Downright tolerable! Thanks for asking. You men are
late. You looking forward to a good time at the ranch?” he asked.
“Are we? We just played an awful gig this morning, and we're
looking forward to some good food and playing some great music,”
Daddy Byrd said.
“And you must be, Mr. Bison, and Junior Bison,” the guard spoke to
Brett.
“Yes, sir, do you need to see my I.D.?” Brett asked.
“No, you wouldn't got this far if you weren't expected, Son. You
men gonna' show Mr. Bison and his boy how to walk down the yellow
brick road to the Hill Country?” Oscar asked.
“Yeah, c'moan, son, follow us! We're off to see the Wizard
and the Maestro of the Hill Country,” Daddy Byrd said cheerfully,
and they started walking to the other end of the building. “See
that door with the shimmering blue water-like surface over there?”
Wilbur asked.
“Yes, sir, it looks like something out of a Sci-fi movie. Don't
tell me...” Brett said and stopped.
“It's a gate to the ranch. Just step through and we're there,”
Junior Byrd said.
“I was suppose to call Mr. Daniels. He said he and his men would
come get us,” Brett objected.
“Ain't no need. Come with us, and we'll probably meet him in the
barn getting ready to come get you. It will save him some time,
and I know he's busy as a cat covering up shit right about now,”
Daddy Byrd urged him. “You go though first, Son, so's he won't be
afraid and we'll follow,” he told Junior Byrd.
“It tickles a bit, but it's like falling off a log,” Junior Byrd
allowed, turned, and walked through the wall of free-electrons.
“Go on, Son, the first time is scary, but afterward you'll wonder
why,” Daddy Byrd encouraged.
“Daniels ranch, here we come!” said Brett Bison, and walked
through the gate with his boy in his arms. Daddy Bird was right
behind him. He was right about meeting Billy Daniels and his posse
in the barn. They were standing around waiting for Brett's call.
“Ah, I'm glad to see I taught them men to do more that just toot
them big horns like Angels,” Billy said, and everyone laughed.
“Welcome, Brett and Brett Junior to the Daniels Ranch. Make
yourself to home,” Billy greeted them.
“I must admit, I had some doubts, sir, but I promise, I will never
doubt you again,” Brett said.
“No problem,” Billy said squatting on his haunches as Brett
lowered his boy to stand until he could get his braces. Billy
tickled his mind. << Welcome to our ranch, Son, I'm
Billy Daniels, and you must Brett Junior, >> he sent.
<< Can you hear me, Mr. Daniels? >> Brett
Junior asked.
<< Loud and clear, Cowboy! >>
Everyone was stunned as the boy lunged for Billy's arms and
started sobbing his heart out. Billy held him and stood kissing
and licking his tears away. << There, there,
Cowboy. Ain't no need for tears. You ain't alone no more. They's
several folks around this ranch what can speak mind to mind with
you. Even our dogs can hear you, >> Billy sent.
Big Brett was amazed little Brett immediately took to Billy. He
had no idea they were carrying on a conversation. “Come, we have
time. With the amount of gathered power I have at my disposal
today, we will make Brett Junior whole again so he can hear and
enjoy our music. Music is food for our souls and without it we are
less than we were originally meant to become,” Billy said to his
posse, and he took Brett Junior to the slave prep room followed by
the two news men and Brett Senior. After Billy winged-up and
spread his beautiful wings, Billy laid the boy down and mentally
explained what he planned to do for him, but he must have a taste
of his blood. Brett Junior agreed. He had many needles stuck in
him during his six years. Almost every man there, other than their
guests, removed their shirts, disappeared and returned with their
beautiful and some very colorful wings. Their guests gasped. They
were not prepared, and stood nervously looking at each other.
Billy's men carefully removed Brett Junior's clothes but placed a
towel over his private parts. Billy tasted the boy's blood,
gathered his DNA, and began to work on him. There was nothing but
silence as the bright blue light emanated from Billy hands as he
moved them over the boy's body like a fine orchestral conductor,
only he was directing a symphony of renewal for the young small
body which lay before him. It didn't take him thirty minutes to
complete his mission. He leaned over Brett Junior and kissed him
on his forehead. “Can you hear me, Cowboy?” he whispered.
“Loud and clear, Master Billy,” Brett Junior spoke his first
words.
“Hosanna!” said Oatie Breedlove and the other men followed.
“Hosanna, in the highest!” everyone replied.
“Did you hear that, Cowboy? It was the voices of many Angels, real
and evolved what spread their wings to gather the ether of life
and health from the cosmos of the universe to share with you the
healing rays. Never forget, Brett, you have been blessed by the Angels,
and you must live your life accordingly, Son. Your dad will teach
you what you need to know, and you will grow into a great and
powerful man who will write his name among the stars,” Billy
said.
Billy and his men de-winged almost immediately. They were running
late and still had the Watchers and Daddy Long-legs to care for.
There wasn't time for a lot of tears and Billy invited Brett and
his boy to go with them to feed their Stomping of Bigfoot and
their running companions, the Daddy Long-legs. He also invited
Doug and Wes and his new family members, Brent Sparks and Bart
Langstrom to go with them. They readily accepted his invitation.
After what they witnessed, they would follow Billy and his men
anywhere. Brett Bison couldn't believe his boy could walk without
his arm braces, and he no longer had to drag his feet one after
the other to walk. Brett Junior could hear, and he could speak. He
was also given several other enhancements he would discover later.
Dover Clemson, his wife Mary Nell, and his boys, Cotton, and Grant
got to the ranch before Brett Bison and his boy. Dover and his
boys were present when Billy healed young Brett Bison Junior. They
were accompanied by their family watcher the boys named Bronc.
Bronc rode in the back of their pickup and only appeared after
they arrived at the ranch. The big handsome watcher was glad he
didn't have to stay hidden the whole time he was at the ranch and
had one or both boys in his arms at all times. Dover commented to
Billy how easily Bronc moved into their hearts, and they now
considered him one of their family. Billy invited Dover and his
boys to join them when they took food to their local Watchers and
Daddy Long-legs. They eagerly accepted his invitation.
The men who loaded the wagon were waiting for Billy and the rest
of his family. Billy put Randy on one side of him and Brett Junior
and his dad on the other side as he took the reins and called to
his team to begin their journey down to the river. Billy Bob Bane
was leading the other men down to the river as one of Master
Billy's family. He was no longer a victim, a forgotten warrior of
a needless misbegotten war. He now belonged to a larger family
than he could ever imagine, and his big heart was at peace. He
proudly walked along beside the big wagon next to his nephew
holding Randy's hand. Leather-face was no more. In his place was a
tall, fine looking, Cowboy-Slave who was proud of his bearing and
his belonging to two wonderful families.
Billy and his family were amazed at the number of Watchers and
Daddy Long-legs. There was well over fifty watchers and about
thirty-five or forty Daddy Long-legs. The new men were amazed
there was no shoving or pushing or anyone more aggressive than the
others. Everyone of them were perfect gentlemen and graciously
thanked their host and those who served them. Billy made sure
there were extra treats and fresh fruits for them to enjoy during
the concert. They walked away with their arms full with big smiles
on their faces. Some of the last Watchers and two Daddy Long-legs
in particular brought a smile the the faces of Pete Breedlove and
Leon Tollefson. Leon's Watchers and Leon's dad, Carl, with his
Daddy Long-leg keeper, Junior, were in line naked as the day they
were born only wearing comfortable old western boots to protect
their feet. (Without his boots, a cowboy's just plumb naked.)
“Dad! I done told you, you's welcome to come with us,” Leon said
quietly to his dad.
“I know, Son. Now don't go git'n yore' panties in a bunch. I just
didn't wanna' disturb you and Pete none. I planned to stay home,
but this morning my keepers got sad, pitiful looks on their faces
like they weren't gonna' get no goodies nor get to hear no music.
Them big monsters made me feel like Cinderella's wicked
step-mother what kept them home from the ball, so I told them if
they got up off their dead, mournful asses, we could walk the
fifteen miles before noon. Besides, I decided I needed the
exercise. I give Junior a pair of my old boots, I pulled on the
ones I use to muck out the barn, and here we are,” Carl said and
grinned, “I hope we ain't overdressed for the party,” Carl added
and chuckled. The men laughed at his humor.
“I'm glad you came, Pa,” Leon said. He hadn't called his dad 'pa'
in years, and it touched the old man to his core. “You gonna' sit
on them cold limestone blocks on the cliff?” Leon asked.
“Naw! I'm gonna' sit in Tuffy's lap and Junior's gonna' sit in
Fussbudget's,” Carl replied and grinned. The men broke-up
laughing.
“Sounds like a good plan to me, Pa,” Leon said and smiled at his
dad as he handed him another sack of goodies.
* * * * * * *
The men finished and drove the team back up to the barn where
several of Billy's cowboy slaves took the horses to feed and rub
them down. They followed their keepers like puppy dogs. They knew
they were going to be rewarded for their hard work. Billy trained
his helpers well and the work animals on the ranch were treated as
honored members of their family. By the time they got back, the
compound was full of people standing around chatting sociably with
each other. It was amazing to everyone the varied group of
orchestra people, cowboy and cowgirl slaves dressed to the nines
in their best western clothes, and about fifty families of the
town folk responded and came. They, too, were in awe of the
variety of people and critters.
Not all of the three hundred Essengurda attended. When Billy found
out about two hundred would be left on Captain Nick's ship, he had
gigantic closed-circuit holographic video screens installed on the
ship and opened them for necessary staff remaining on board. Only
the leaders, the elite and their families attended for the day,
but the others would rotate. Another hundred would attend the next
concert and so on until everyone got to experience the ranch for
themselves. The hundred who did attend added an old world charm to
the day like a Renaissance Fair and they complemented the village
people's colorful costumes to make it even more exotic and
wonderful.
The Daniels' neighbors couldn't help be overwhelmed and pleasantly
surprised by the crowd. Around every corner they met someone new
and fascinating. The guests went through the serving lines first,
Billy's family and Billy's guests from the ship, and finally the
cowboy and cowgirl slaves went through the line. They were not
strict, as Billy's Cowboy Sheriff's Posse needed to be fed first
for them to get to their jobs as ushers at the concert. Everything
worked like a finely made watch and Billy was proud of his family.
The new and visiting Angels were impressed by Billy's staff's
organizational abilities. Billy had concerns about people
gathering in groups according to their own kind, but it didn't
happen that way. Everyone seemed to be more interested in meeting
new folks, their curiosity overcame their apprehensions, and set
aside their territorial inhibitions.
During dinner, the Byrd family were sitting near the Daniels
family, and the Byrd men told them they received no less than
twenty offers from major symphony orchestras around the country to
play Maestro Billy's Tuba Concerto. They were considering several,
but had firm dates to play the piece with the Dallas Symphony and
Hollywood Bowl Symphony if Billy would allow them to perform his
work. The orchestras agreed to pay royalties, and they would be in
touch with his staff.
They wanted Billy to come and conduct, but the Byrds assured them
he was probably too busy to get away from the ranch.
“Of course you have my permission. Any royalties should be donated
to local homeless shelters in their area, but my staff will direct
them. I don't have the time right now. There are several projects
which must be completed before I can consider anything else,”
Billy said.
* * * * * * *
The day was going smoothly and Billy was proud of his Sheriff's Posse.
They were doing a wonderful job helping to make their guests feel
comfortable. There seemed to be no rush and everyone slowly began
to move to the concert area. There were no reserved seats except
for Billy's immediate family down front. There really were no bad
seats in the place since it was so open and spread out in a
semicircle. Estimates of the total crowd was judged at
approximately six hundred bodies of various humans and critters.
Another three hundred were viewing remotely from Captain Nick's
ship, and those who remained behind to take care of the ranches.
Billy made sure the new folks, from the Clemson family, the
Griffins; the news men, Doug Quilty, Wes Taylor, Brett Bison and
his son, Brett Junior; Brent Sparks and Bart Langstrom were
sitting up front with his family.
The orchestra gathered and began to tune their instruments. There
was an excitement in the air in anticipation of a wonderful
afternoon of good music. It was a warm day but not unbearably hot.
The sun was past its zenith and a goodly portion of the seating
area was shaded by the high cliffs on the Western side of the
natural amphitheater. Several family members were proud to see
their young family members sitting in the orchestra with the rest
of the musicians. Pard Andreeson was proudly sitting with Randy,
Aeron, Poly, and Cass, along with the McMartin boys, Rory and
Calhoun, as well as Tommy Griffin, and Kayla Rutherford. There
were older musicians as well: Roz, Aunt Helen, Clarice Wombat,
Clyde, Mack, Cloog, and Zeke. Billy Bob Groats almost dwarfed his
enormous double bass, but he could get sounds out of it like no
one else could, and Billy was looking forward to hearing him when
his giant slave shined the brightest during the the final piece
they would play, Copland's “Hoedown” from his ballet “Rodeo.” The
double basses had a strong part to play and Billy wanted it loud.
Gog never disappointed.
Sheriff Bob Andreeson and his Grandmother, Evangeline, were
sitting with the Daniels family and the Sheriff couldn't have been
more proud of his boy sitting in with the orchestra. He attended
the rehearsals the morning before with his Grandmother, but he
just couldn't believe his boy was playing with a symphony
orchestra. He kept wiping away tears he was so moved to see how
happy and how well his Pard was progressing with the Daniels
family. Evangeline took his hand to soothe his emotions.
When Billy walked onto the stage he was wearing his usual cowboy
dress including his big Stetson hat pushed back casually on his
head. The audience went crazy giving him a standing ovation,
welcoming him back to the podium. He bowed several times, walked
to the microphone, and motioned for everyone to sit. “Thank you
for that wonderful vote of confidence,” he said and everyone
laughed. “I hope we don't let you down. The orchestra is like a
team of fresh horses. They're primed and ready to run, but first
I'd like to thank our behind-the-scene staff of our Sheriff's Posse
who have done a remarkable job today and my management staff
without whom this concert would not be possible. This huge screen
over my head is a visual effect for your enjoyment along with the
music. I'm told the scenes you will see are directly connected
with the music we will be playing and give you an added picture to
go with the beautiful sounds our orchestra can make. I will give a
short announcement for each piece we play. Are your ready to hear
some wonderful music?” Billy yelled.
“Yes!” came a resounding shout from the audience.
“Good! Then lets get underway! Let's go to work!” Billy exclaimed.
One of the percussion players started a snare drum roll, building
in sound like an introduction. Billy took off his big cowboy hat
and sailed it high into the air over the orchestra's heads. With
his finger he controlled its flight by going up, up, to the top of
the barn, flipped several times in the air on it's way to the back
of the stage while the snare drum built to an even greater roll of
excitement. It finally came to rest on one of the huge kettle
drums and the bass drum player accentuated the landing with a big
bang and cymbal player gave a big crash sound. The tympani
player's timing was perfect as he hit his kettle drum with a huge
soft mallet near where the hat landed, and as it bounced high into
the air again, the tympanist stomped his glissando pedal to make a
rising 'boing' sound from its lowest to its highest pitch. Once
again, with his finger controlling the levitation, Billy flew his
big Stetson onto a hat rack standing behind the percussionists.
The snare drum gave a final roll and a snap when it landed on the
hat rack. The audience went nuts laughing and applauding for
Billy's nonsense.
“Thank you, the music comes easy. You'll never know how long it
took me to get that right,” he said to his audience and they
laughed, “To get things started we plan to get your blood of
patriotism, real or imagined, running through your veins. And what
better way than to celebrate the independence of our country than
to play a piece of music dedicated to all of us – you and me –
from the largest to the smallest of us common folks; the unsung
heroes and heroines who make up the larger body of everyday
workers? Those who go about their lives and work hard doing the
best they can to live a good and comfortable life for themselves
and their families. We will play for you Aaron Copland's “Fanfare
for the Common Man for Brass and Percussion,” Billy said as
pictures of Mr. Copland and his name appeared on the giant screen
over the barn.
Billy turned, picked up his baton, motioned for the brass players
to stand, and gave a downbeat. The percussionist began to play and
the trumpets began the main call of the fanfare. It wasn't a long
piece, but it did exactly what Billy hoped it would by starting
the program with an exquisite eyeopener of stellar proportions.
The sound was like announcing the birth of a new star or the
beginning of a universe. The audience responded in kind and the
brass players and percussionist took bow after bow. Billy was glad
for his people beefing up the brass section. They gave the piece
an extra full sound he wanted. Cloog and old Zeke were no slouches
when it came to playing brass instruments.
After the applause died, everyone sat down, and Billy spoke again.
“Now that we've heard the fanfare we move on to an overture. An
overture is usually a summery of the music you will be hearing,
but in this case, it will be a metaphor for what's to come. We
will play for you an overture by Leonard Bernstein which he wrote
for his brilliant operetta 'Candide.' Here now, is his Overture to
Candide,” Billy said.
Without hesitation, Billy picked up his baton, and they were off.
Billy never heard the orchestra play better. They were becoming a
phenomena to behold. They played the overture at a breathtaking
speed with perfect accuracy to the last note. It was the right
piece for a beginning and brought the crowd to their feet. Many
never heard a professional symphony orchestra before. The
Essengurda had no idea such perfect sounds from so many
instruments of varied tonal colors was possible. It opened a new
world for them. They were beside themselves with awe for their
young master and his musicians. They felt they truly found a home
where they could be happy and appreciated. Hearing Billy and his
family play in their chapel was one thing, but the orchestra
before them was extremely impressive to them. It fired the blood
in their bodies and stirred their souls. Likewise, it affected
everyone the same way. It brought everyone to their feet cheering,
applauding, much tossing of cowboy hats, general mayhem with
stomping of boots and whistles. They were not a polite audience,
but Billy wouldn't trade them for the snootiest audience on the
planet. They were his people, and he wallowed in their excessive
show of pleasured emotions and gratitude.
Everyone quieted down and took their seats again. Billy stood and
a picture of Charles Ives came upon the screen over his head with
various pictures of New England. “Next, we will play a piece by
another American composer from the turn of the last century. He
was one of the first composers to begin writing in a new style to
separate himself from the late romantic school of music. This
piece is probably the most dramatic we will play this afternoon.
It is called “The Unanswered Question.” It is as dramatic for what
it doesn't say as much as for what it does have to say. The
strings play a slow muted plodding chordal progression which the
composer himself said is to mark the slow progression of time
while the lone solo trumpet asks the same question six times and
after each time a choir of woodwind instruments try to find an
answer. They become increasingly agitated and angry, and rather
than answer the question, they begin to mock it until they become
so frustrated they finally end on a strident discord. As the
strings continue to play, time fades into infinity, and the
trumpet asks the question one final time.
“Our trumpet soloist will be our very own ex-archangel in
residence, Ezekiel, or as we know him, Zeke Mildew, who will be
playing his brother Gabriel's seven foot silver trumpet. Gabriel
just recently joined our family and was gracious and generous
enough to loan his sacred trumpet to Zeke for this performance.
The woodwind choir will consist of members of our family as well
as the orchestra,” Billy said.
While Billy was talking, the six woodwind players left the stage
for a minute and return in a line dressed in monk's capes with
hoods covering their faces and walked slowly to the right of the
stage where they congregated together. Zeke disappeared and
returned from the cloak room with Gabriel's trumpet. The bright Angel
was fully fledged in his brilliant gold wings wearing a handsome
short white tunic which showed off his well preserved body. He was
also wearing a pair of golden sandals strapped up to just below
his knees. He simply appeared on Billy's left, and as the slow
chords of the piece began, Zeke levitated to the height of about
fifteen feet into the air and spread his handsome wings. There
were audible gasps from the audience. Zelma Redbone leaned into
Kate's ear and spoke quietly, “Jesus H. Christ! Can our boy stage
a number or what?” she asked and broke Kate up laughing.
“How's he gonna' explain this one, Sweetheart?” Kate asked.
“Don't chu' worry none. I got full faith in that boy. He'll think
of something,” Zelma replied.
Zeke raised the seven foot trumpet at just the right moment and
began to play the first question. He was flawless and there was
never a more beautiful sound than came from Gabriel's trumpet that
afternoon. The audience was mesmerized. The woodwind choir began
to search for an answer to the question. The were serious but
clumsy at first, then question after question they became frenetic
and mocking until they had nothing left to say and ended on a
flight of hysteria. Zeke asked the final question for the seventh
time and the music faded away into eternity. The audience was
stunned, but the Daniels family knew the piece and started to
applaud. The audience went crazy and demanded to hear it again.
Billy promised they would do the piece at another concert and
reminded them they would have the DVD to listen to it again. He
and the orchestra had so much more for them to hear. They finally
settled down and gave Billy their full attention. By that time, he
had them in the palm of his hand.
Billy explained the next piece would be Anton Dvorák's “Symphony
Number Nine from the New World,” and while Dvorák was not an
American, he wrote the symphony while visiting in the United
States. It was his musical impression of our country. “It seems to
capture much of the grandeur of our national pride in our
beautiful country with wide open spaces. The symphony is filled
with melodies which may or may not have been taken from old native
tunes. Dvorák himself wrote: I have not actually used any of the
Native American melodies. I have simply written original themes
embodying the peculiarities of the Indian music, and using these
themes as subjects, have developed them with all the resources of
modern rhythms, counterpoint, and orchestral color. He was also
highly influenced by the music of black people.
“And please pay particular attention to the slow movement which we
played a portion for you before when our talented first chair
oboist, Miss Clara Mae Bastiaen, played her English Horn for us.
Now you will get to hear the complete movement,” Billy said, and
without further ado began the symphony. Billy couldn't watch the
video and the scenes of grandeur and majesty of a land which was,
at one time, some of the most beautiful in the world, but within
the last fifty years the mega-corporations ruined and scared the
Earth in a never ending grab for money and power. Nevertheless,
there was enough archival video footage from earlier times which
were breathtakingly
beautiful.
Most of Billy's cowboy and cowgirl slaves spent evenings checking
out the music links his staff posted on their private cloud-site
on the Internet. They were interested enough to familiarize
themselves with the works Billy planned to play, but there were
many others who were hearing these pieces for the first time. They
were almost overwhelmed and shocked by the beauty and precision of
the music the orchestra was making. The Dvorák symphony is one of
the most all encompassing, easily assimilated pieces of music
written in the latter part of the Nineteenth Century.
Billy smiled at his players when they began the slow movement and
there were audible sighs of comfort when Clara Mae began her
English Horn solo. It was so lovely, she brought tears to the eyes
of the biggest of the beasties sitting on the limestone cliffs
across the river. Carl Tollefson found himself leaning back and
allowing his big beast to act as a great comfortable lounge chair
to enfold him in his giant arms and hold him against his huge soft
furry chest. He was glad he made the effort to come to the Daniels
ranch, and he was even more glad to be alive, in good health, and
sharing the wonderful moment with critters he came to appreciate
and admire. They taught him no man stands alone forever. There
comes a time when we all need each other and Carl considered
himself fortunate. He was more in tune with his world than ever
before and his relationship with his son was taking on new meaning
for both. It was at that very moment, Carl decided, for all its
trials, life was good.
The slow movement particularly impressed the visiting Essengurda.
The melodies reminded them of folks tunes they held sacred within
their community. In their earlier days, they traded with many Northern
tribes from across the continent and onto the large isle off the
mainland to the west known in those days as Angleland, and found
the folks of the Scottish Highlands were particularly talented
with their music and adopted many of their tunes to suit their own
purposes. Their own dress of male kilts and hose were copied from
the Scots. It brought tears to the eyes of a number of large,
fierce looking blue skinned warriors and filled their hearts with
pride.
The audience went crazy after the last note of the piece. Billy
motioned for Clara Mae to take a bow. They cheered and whistled
for her. Billy had the complete orchestra stand and take a bow. He
couldn't imagine playing for a more responsive and grateful crowd
of people. It was like he and his musicians were feeding them the
life-bread for their souls and they couldn't get enough. Billy
decided to move on to the next large orchestral piece with Ferde
Grofé's “Grand Canyon Suite.”
“We will now play for you a lighter piece of music, but
nonetheless beautiful, by another American composer, Ferde Grofé's
“Grand Canyon Suite.” Our concert master, Mr. Herbert Winston,
will play the violin cadenza for the opening of the second
movement, “On The Trail.” It is meant to sound like the call of a
small burro; also known as a jackass. The males are called Jacks
and the females are called Jennetts; or Jacks and Jennys.
Nevertheless, regardless of their sex, they all make the same loud
grating he-hawing sound if they're unhappy, hungry, or afraid.
Actually, I have known several cowboys who make the same sound
every time they open their mouths,” Billy allowed as a side
comment and got a laugh from his crowd. The cadenza captures its
sound perfectly and is a great piece of solo writing,” Billy said
and they began.
Once again Aunt Helen and her staff cobbled together some of the
most beautiful footage of the Grand Canyon in all its beauty,
glory, and mystery. They even had videos of people riding the
surefooted small four legged burros down into the canyon. It fit
the music perfectly and was a tour-de-force of perfect integration
with the music. Even to the untrained ear, Grofé's music is a
crowd pleaser and with the extra added beauty of the video was
spectacular. Disney couldn't have done better. It was the perfect
balance to the more austere and formal setting of the Dvorák
symphony, and Billy's crowd loved it.
The next piece was highly anticipated as Billy's family at the
ranch were looking forward to hearing their pianist, as they came
to refer to Jessie Jones. As Billy's stage hands rolled in the
huge Yamaha concert grand there was much chatter and speculation.
When they were finished, Billy stepped up to the microphone again.
“All right! All right! Will you people please calm down!” Billy
said firmly and laughed at them. “Yes, he's here with us today;
our very own Jessie Jones! Come on out Jessie!” Billy hollered and
the crowd jumped to their feet applauding. Jessie was overwhelmed
and got the biggest grin on his face. Billy shook Jessie's hand
and pulled him into a hug as they stole kisses from each other.
The crowd went nuts cheering for their heroes. “And now, what
you've all been waiting for, Mr. Jones will join the orchestra to
play George Gershwin's “Rhapsody In Blue. Are you ready, Maestro
Jones?” Billy asked.
“I'm ready, Maestro Daniels. Let's do it!” Jessie said and walked
over to the piano. When he sat down, Jessie looked around and
under the piano like he was looking for something. Then he let out
a whistle and two enormous dogs bounded onto the stage to take
their places on either side of Jessie. He took a moment to pet
Daffy and Chloe as the crowd went crazy laughing and applauding.
They lay down and Billy took up his baton. Jessie and the
orchestra were even better than they were the previous morning at
practice. It was truly an inspired performance of the Gershwin
piece. When they finished, the audience wouldn't let Jessie get
away. They wanted to hear more from him. Billy gave him the stage.
Jessie announced he would play three Gershwin Preludes. He played
them flawlessly and with great bravado. Jessie had a natural feel
or empathy for Gershwin's music, and it came through in his
playing. He brought down the ranch on top of him. He became the
musical hero for the afternoon.
Billy called for an intermission after Jessie's wonderful
performance and announced they would resume the concert in thirty
minutes. It was just enough time for everyone to stand, walk
around, or relieve themselves. Jessie was mobbed by the younger
crowd and many of the Essengurda were anxious to meet him to
express their appreciation for his performance. Jessie was in his
cups and his close associate, Harlen Johnson, couldn't have been
happier for him. Zelma Redbone told him she would see to it he
played in Houston the next season. By that time, the prospects of
playing in Houston was dimmed by his enthusiasm and attention he
was getting at the ranch and from the DVD's which featured him
with the Highland Shire Orchestra.
* * * * * * *
The second half of the program started off with five Sousa
marches. The orchestral arrangements were excellent and gave
Sousa's band-like sound a more symphonic quality which raised it
just a notch above the average winds and percussion military
bands. It certainly got the people and critters' blood flowing.
They saved the 'Stars and Stripes' for last and about halfway into
the march Billy's staff launched the dozen winged Sun Bears
wearing red, white, and blue capes, lemniscated with matching
ribbons. In each hand they held a lighted sparkler as they flew in
perfect formation over the heads of the audience. Everyone went
crazy applauding for them and the music.
Finally, Billy announced they would play one final piece which
would take them into the last portion of their program and the
orchestra would retire for the afternoon. They played the rousing
“Hoedown” by Aaron Copland from his ballet “Rodeo.” It was the
perfect segue piece into the less formal country and western part
of the program and the orchestra pulled out all the stops for the
final piece. They played brilliantly, and when it came time for
Billy Gog Groats to do his thing with his double bass he didn't
let his master down; it sent chills up Billy's back. They were
rewarded with a standing ovation. Billy had Gog and the other bass
players take a bow by themselves and the audience went crazy
applauding for them. It certainly got the people and critters
primed for the rest of the program.
* * * * * * *
After another intermission, they started off the more folksy part
of the concert with native dances with the village folks from
Captain Nick's ship and ending with the ever popular Sun Bears
doing several of their dances. Both groups received ample
enthusiastic applause for their participation in the program.
Finally, the stage was taken over by cowboys and Cajun musicians.
The Boudreaux family were pleased Billy incorporated any number of
the Cajun players in their family band. Coo-zone Cleet, Da'veed,
and Etienne did several numbers and received great applause for
their efforts. They never sounded better, and the Boudreaux's and
Breedloves were very proud of their kin.
* * * * * * *
The crowd kept wanting more, and they played and sang until the
sun went down. Finally Billy called a halt to the music and
announced they would start the fireworks. He explained for those
who never witness a Fourth of July celebration, there is always
fireworks to end the day's celebration. They are harmless
explosions to light up the night sky with some beautiful colors.
No one would be harmed, and they were not under attack from
anyone. Billy's cowboys would be handling the show. After the
first couple of explosions and exclamations of awe, everyone got
into the mood of the fireworks show, and for an amateur
production, it was remarkably beautiful. It was the perfect period
at the end of a sentence. The Essengurda were greatly impressed
and stood looking at the beauty of the rockets exploding in air.
It was done in such a professional manner Billy became suspicious.
He was sitting on the edge of the stage with Archie and Edith on
either side of him. “How much of this display do we have to thank
you for, my friends,” he asked.
“We created small ignition engines for each rocket, Master Billy,
so everything could be controlled by a computer pad. It was
simple, but we hoped it would prove to be exciting and might
please you,” Archie said.
“Are you kidding? Of course it pleased me. For all their talents,
I couldn't imagine them cowboys could have pulled off such a
professional job by themselves. Thank you, Archie. Thank you,
Edith. I'm very pleased,” Billy said and put his arm around them
to pull them closer.
“We have some other ideas about a few things we need to discuss
with you and your staff when you have time for us, sir,” Edith
said.
“We will make time,” Billy assured them.
* * * * * *
The day came to an end after the fireworks display, and after the
folks came around to thank the Daniels family for their
hospitality, people began to leave. Most had few words to say.
They were still in culture shock at everything they witnessed, but
they couldn't help be drawn to the idea the Daniels family
discovered answers to life they wanted to know about and
experience for themselves. If Dover Clemson and his family ever
held any doubts about Billy Daniels and his men, they didn't
anymore. They felt like they were standing on the brink of a new
beginning of a great new movement in the world, and they found it
much to their liking. Billy Daniels seemed to be bringing great
joy and hope to everyone he met, and they wanted to become a part
of it. The Clemsons in particular didn't have anymore family than
themselves, and they longed to have more.
Billy saw Brett Bison, his boy, Doug Quilty, and Wes Taylor
through a gate back to The Woodlands. Brett agreed to drive his
boss and Wes Taylor to their places in Houston. It was a moving
moment for the men to say goodbye to a man they came to regard as
the most compassionate and gifted human they ever met. Brett
Junior didn't want to leave the ranch, but Billy promised him, he
and his dad would become regular visitors. Without prompting or
request, Doug and Wes told Billy his secret was safe with them
until he decided he needed them, then they hoped he would give
them first chance to introduce him to the world, but not to worry
about Missy Priss. Doug Quilty, himself, would do an interview and
the reporting. Billy thanked them for their
understanding.
Captain Hunk of the Essengurda, his wife, and several of their
main families said their goodbyes to return to Captain Nick's ship
and their small but growing community. They had nothing but good
things to say about the day and were impressed beyond words. They
swore they never before experienced such a wonderful display of
unbridled joy and the creation of such great beauty with their
music. They could only look forward to more.
The orchestra members were leaving and went through the lines to
say goodbye and thanked the Daniels family for a wonderful day.
Several told Billy their lives were never so good since they met
him and his family. The Byrd family, in particular, lingered until
the very last to say their heartfelt goodbyes. Kate invited Clara
Mae to stay the night with them. She couldn't pass up the chance
to have a little more time with her new friend Molly. Molly was
thrilled she could stay a while longer with her.
Lima and Bubba Bean and their boys didn't want to leave. They
found a second home at the Daniels ranch, and they knew they would
spend a great deal more time with them. Lima gently chastised Will
Tate, Billy, and Oatie for keeping the secrets of their talking
dogs to themselves for so long, but she was thrilled to know about
them.
After everyone left, only those staying the weekend were left, and
Billy's staff, with the added help of the smaller folks from
Captain Nick's ship set out leftovers for supper. They were down
to just family and a few from the ship. It was a lovely evening
and everyone was coming down from the high of the day. Even Randy
and his posse were damn near exhausted from the day's activities.
Billy was still going strong and was lavish with his praise for
his family orchestra members, especially the younger members. The
Rutherford family were staying the night and wouldn't return to
their ranch until Sunday afternoon. There wasn't much cleanup
after supper, and it was all taken care of by Hank, Buck, and
their staff.
The great Bull of the Hill Country mentioned some Texas Tea and a
nice hot soak might round-out the day nicely. Billy agreed and the
men-folk gated to the dungeon on Captain Nick's ship. They spent a
wonderfully relaxed evening. Sheriff Andreeson was a bit unsure
about going with the men to the tubs. He didn't know why, but he
felt uneasy about it; however, his boy's enthusiasm convinced him
he should join the men, if for no other reason than to be
sociable. Billy and several of his close family knew why. The
Sheriff felt uncomfortable seeing Little Willie Whistlepie and
their Giant Billy Gog Groats together. Their close friendship and
growing relationship didn't go unnoticed by anyone. They weren't
overly overt, but their admiration for each other was palpable.
Talk was gentle around the pool. The men seemed to be enjoying the
company and camaraderie but for the most part were introspective
of their day and the passing of a mark. There was an unspoken pall
which seemed to be over them; after the freedom and the unbridled
joy of the weekend, they would be heading into uncharted waters,
and their lives would never be the same again. It was like they
were saying goodbye to their age of innocence and would soon be
facing the mature reality of their flawed world. Beneath it all,
was the drone of a ground-bass signifying a great strength,
sounding together, they could accomplish great things and bring
light to the darkest night.
End of Chapter 72 ~ Seek Him What Made Them Seven Stars
Copyright ~ © ~ 2014 ~ 2017 ~ Waddie Greywolf ~ All Rights
Reserved
Mail to: Waddie Greywolf <[email protected]>
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04/13/2014
01/10/2017