Chapter 10-2

Pa looked them straight in the eye. “Did you mean what you said about becoming Indians for EJ? You weren't joking because it's real bad? His legs are swollen and he won't let anybody touch him and Ma needs to change and clean those wounds everyday? That means you have to sacrifice that little pride of yours sooner than you like.”

 

They looked at each other and swallow hard. “We know Pa, it’s not like Ma hasn't done it before,” they said as they looked down at ground. “But if we don't. EJ could get very sick and could... So what's a little embarrassment vs. that? You said we're brothers right, well brothers help each other,” Will said.

 

“Robert what do you say? You are older than Will. So would it be harder,” he said.

“Not really Pa, because all four of us would be in the same room together, going through the same thing. So we would be there for each other. Brother for our brothers,” he said.

 

Pa put his arm around his two boys. “For the first time, I do not know what to say. Except the Indians are coming to the Downing Farm; so after desert we deliver our little surprise to EJ. I need you two to come out to the barn and I'll help you make that tepee and those loincloths you boys are going to be wearing. I think I have enough dear skin and leather in the shop. Your Ma and sisters will think we've gone mad,” as he laughed. “Indians on the Downing Farm.”

 

“And where have you boys been?” Ma asked putting her hands on her hips standing in the doorway on the porch.

 

“Just working on something for EJ,” Pa said with grins on their faces.

“Martha it looks like it’s going to be a long night for me and the boys. So after we have our desert and give our little present to EJ the boys and I need to go out to the barn. We have some work to do, and it can't wait,” he said as he gave a wink to Grandma as she came out to join them.

“Wayne are you going to tell me?” She asked standing aside to let them in the house.

 

“Sorry Martha, it would spoil the surprise and it’s going to be a whopper. In fact it might even take your breath away. If I were you, I would prepare lots of soap and water. That much I can tell you.”

Ma still looked puzzled as she shrugged her shoulders. “Anyone for some cake?” She said. Not knowing what else say or do.

 

They quickly ate their cake. They could barely wait to give EJ his surprise. Pa grabbed the frame, which he had wrapped, tucked it carefully under his arm. They all headed to EJ's room. EJ, still sitting up seeing the entire family together, croaked, “Hi, what's going on?”

Danny jumped on the bed with EJ, put his arm around his neck and whispered. “They brought you something, but I am not supposed to tell.” Pa came around the other side of the bed and rubbed little Danny's hair.

“That’s right EJ, we did bring you something. We figured since you made us a promise that it was only fair that we would all make you one.” They placed the frame in EJ's hands. He unwrapped it and began to read it.

 

 

 

 

 

EJ and Downing Declaration of Promise

 

I EJ am not going to get out of this bed and I am going to mind his Grandma and Mrs. and Mr. Downing I promise.

 

 

The Downing Family Promise

 

Pa Promise

I promise that I would keep you safe son and that's what I intend to do. I won't let anyone lay one finger on you or anybody and will give you love, guidance and fathers caring heart son.

 

Ma Promise

I Promise to be the best, caring, understanding mother, I also promise to treat you with compassion, love, dignity as if you were my own child to me you already are my son.

 

 

Four Brothers promise

I Promise Robert, Will and Sam and Danny going to be his brother and his

Friend, you are my brother now and forever, brothers protect their brothers and love their brothers no mater what, we love you too.

 

 

 

Julies Promise

I Promise to be the best sister, to love, to care for you as my brother because you are my brother. To tease you, make you blush and squeeze the stuffing out of you because I already love you.

 

Anna Promise

I promise to work beside you brother with a sister love, as a sister should, to help you when you need it to be there when you need me, for that's what sisters do.

For you will always be my brother and I love you too.

 

 

EJ looked up from the frame bewildered. Tears formed in his eyes, he looked over at his grandmother. Tears welled in her eyes, she ran to his bedside and hugged him and whispered in his ear. “Yes son, they mean every word.” Then kissed his tear, drenched cheek, “its ok to cry son, just let it all go.” As he buried his face against her shoulder, she gently patted him on the back. Martha gave him a hug and a kiss on his head and Pa laid his hand on his shoulder as they left the room one by one.

 

Will and Robert each put a hand on his shoulder and whispered.” You are our brother now, it’s going to be ok,” and walked out of the room. Julie and Anna stroked his hair one at a time then bent down gave him a kiss one on each cheek. Danny and Sam gave him a hug as well. Martha wiped the tears from her eyes with the back of her right hand. She took the boys by their hands and lead them a way so he could be lone with his Grandma.

 

“Alright girls,” Ma said trying to regain her composure. “Let’s see if we can get things put away.” Noticing the boys where already heading towards the barn she mumbled “Indians. What’s that's so supposed to mean?”

“What was that Ma?” Julie asked coming on the other side of her placing the last dish into the cabinet.

“Oh just something your Pa said to me, something about Indians.” Then shrugged her shoulders as she watched them go out to the barn and sighed.

 

“Well Martha, EJ settled back down again,” she said walking back into the kitchen to help as she wiped the remaining tears from her eyes. “I sure hate leaving him like this, but I know I am leaving him in good hands. If I don't, it will only get harder for him and me and for little Danny. They both need to grow, and I do have other grandchildren that need me too. It's just so hard seeing him like this. It breaks my heart, but knowing he's here with you and this family. I can rest a little easier.

 

“I won't have to worry so much, I just hope this plan your boys are working on works for EJ’s sake. Or you won’t have a choice dear, but to drug him enough to sleep which is dangerous in itself.” Grandma added. “Hopefully he will allow you to remove those bandages everyday so you can check for infection. Lord knows that child is frightened enough already.”

 

“Grandma, do you have any idea what they’re planning?” Martha asked drying her hands on the kitchen towel.

“No not really, I think its going take a lot of courage for all your boys and EJ and that's what he needs, so let them do it. What harm could it do? I have sneaky inkling that your little farm is about to go little bit native,” she said and turned in for the night.

 

The boys worked through most of the night. Pa and the boys set up a tepee in the middle of the yard. Martha couldn't sleep so she went outside on the porch. Seeing the tepee being erected, she walked over to where Pa was standing. “Wayne what in tar nation are you doing?” She asked.

“What does is it look like I am doing?  I told you about the Indians,” He said tying ropes and tethers.

“Yes Wayne you did, and who are these Indians you keep referring to?”

 

“Oh, just our four boys that's all. They'll need a place to sleep and this is their tepee,” he said.

 

“Wayne our boys have bedrooms, they don't need a tepee,” she replied.

 

“I know that dear, but they’ll be Indians come morning and need a place to sleep.” He said smiling seeing her confused face.

 

“Hi Ma, I thought you where in bed.” Will said dressed in one of the loincloths. He looked over at his Ma then turned to Pa as if nothing was wrong, “Pa how's the tepee coming?” Pa smiled at Martha. She had a shocked look on her face seeing her son Will dressed in an Indian loincloth.

“Just about got it; just need to cinch the last rope up here and we’ll have a nice looking tepee,” he said.

 

“Well, Roberts almost done and I have EJ's and Danny's finished. Roberts is almost done and I have a start on Sam's Then we can start building one those stretcher thinger a bobber's to load him on and we can put a mattress in for EJ and sleeping bags for us. Then tomorrow we’ll set up camp. See ya Ma, still have lots to do,” Will said and turned around headed back to the barn.

 

“Wayne?” She said watching her son Will and eying him up and down with disbelief.

“Yes dear,” he replied as she watched her Indian son Will walk away.

“Please tell me that was not what I think I saw?”

“And what was that dear?” He asked grinning from ear to ear. “Hey they thought about it all on their own. I had nothing to do with it. I would suggest dear lots, and lots of hot soapy water. Now go back to bed,” he said as he pushed his wife towards the door of the house.

 

Martha took one more look back then shook her head and mumbled. “Indians” and walked back into the house and down the hall. She walked down the hall to EJ's room and checked to make sure he was Okay.

Grandma turned. “What's wrong Martha?”

“Oh my little farm has gone a little native that's all,” she said.

Grandma laughed. “Indians a’ well you'll be ok, see ya in the morning,” she said.

 

 

• * * *
  
  

That night EJ screamed as the cold sweat glistened on his body. He found himself running through a forest of evergreens. Large yellow eyes and creatures with long scaly necks like a dragon and part wolf with sharp claws and sharp long teeth chased him through the woods trying to kill him. His father angered voice yelling behind him with burning torch in one hand and long butcher knife in the other yelled. “Come back here you brat, it is time for your punishment. How dare you run from me and your mother? I am going too whip you to the inch of your life this time and peel the flash from your bones.” EJ ran faster as he leapt large logs nearly tripping over his feet and the broken chain tied around his ankles dragged behind him getting caught in the underbrush as he ran. It slowed him down having to pull it to get it lose as snagged around the debris as he tried to run and hide.

 

He screamed. “Grandma where are you? Save me.” only seeing darkness through the endless forest.  He turned his head seeing Mr. Downing joining the pursuing party of monsters as he transformed into a huge beast. Part bear and part man as it ran on two legs beside his father. His teeth gleamed white with strips of human flesh hung limp in his mouth as he tossed Danny’s half eaten leg over his large shoulders like was a finished chicken bone. He knew he was next if they caught him. Crimson blood smeared against his chest as the beast took the torch from his father not breaking a stride as he chased after him. The beast and monsters behind them howled when they came closer to its pry. There eyes glowed with hunger and larger teeth snapped with anticipation of raw flesh, his flesh that they soon would be dining on.

 

Deeper and deeper he ran as they seemed to be gaining on him getting, closer with ever step he takes, there large grotesque bodies leapt bondless as the wind as the howls got closer. EJ stumbled and fell and tries to get up before they reached him, but it was too late. The beast and his father hands reach out as he scrambles back just barely racking their nails down his back as he tries to crawl way further in the underbrush. The pain was burning as warm blood slid painfully down his back the poison in it clawed hands numbing his body making it harder to move and stay awake. The beast teeth snapped wildly with a low hungry growl trying to gain purpose. EJ screamed as his father’s knife plunges in to his left side burning as more blood spills upon the ground. The beast hissed. “You will never be safe boy, not here or anywhere. As I strip your flesh and grind your bones like I have done with your brother. We will use your head as candle and reminder to those that dare run or upset the balance of the light.”

 

His father’s hand pulling on the chain dragging him closer to his doom…Your grandmother can not help you now. And why would she help a worthless whelp like you? The words echoed in his mind. “Worthless, bad seed, garbage.” EJ crawls dragging his limp body further trying get way as they and the monsters dig after him pulling on the chain wrapped around his ankle. The ground shook around him as there feet and claws grew closer...

 

* * *

Grandma tries shaking EJ awake as he screamed crying out her name. “Why Grandma did you leave me? Why…? EJ eyes flashed open seeing grandma’s face as he buried his face against her begging her not to leave him. “Please don’t leave me.” He sobbed, his voice creaking in to gaps as she tries to comfort him. “They are going to kill me, Grandma please don’t leave me.”

“Shhh, it’s alright I am here now,” She said hugging him tight against her as she looked up seeing Martha coming into the room.

EJ griped her tight not letting go. Yelled. Grandma, don’t let the monster touch me Seeing Mrs. Downing eyes glow bright yellow and her hands long like bone like claws stained with fresh blood as they reached out for him. Hearing her growl with sharp white teeth. He shutters against grandmas chest. The darkness lessens as his thoughts bring him to wake as sees the light in the room.

He shook in his grandmas arms as his brother Danny took his hand. Pleading with him. “EJ it’s me and Grandma. The monsters are not here. Mr. Downing killed them all.”

 

EJ looked up over grandma’s shoulder as the room comes more into focuses and the nightmare leaves him. He hears sing almost angelic as a soft warm voice sung to him EJ relaxes against her.

 

“On the wings of doves you glide my son. Softly you slumber beneath them.”  May the angles guide you safely home and protect you on their wings. Rest my son and let them calm you….

 

EJ’s eyes closed as the words echoed in his mind.

 

Martha kept humming as she helped put Danny beside him and grandma turned off the light with a tired yawn.  She placed a kiss on both their cheeks watching Martha close the door.  And watched the sun from the windows as the roster crowed with the coming of the dawn and the shadows receded once more.

 

Pa walked in the front door yelled at the top of his lungs. “We are surrounded by Indians come quick! They are taking over the Downing Farm.” Everyone leapt out of bed as fast they could saw smoke rising outside around an erected tepee with two Indian boys running around. Hooping and hollering for all their worth as they danced around the teepee. Ma and the girls ran outside. They could not believe what their eyes were seeing. Will and Robert dressed in their Indian loincloths, Grandma laughing nearly busting a gut. Sam ran up to Will to join in the fun with little Danny right behind him.

 

Will and Robert grabbed the two boys as to kidnap them and took them inside the tepee. Martha ran to edge of the porch, Pa stopped her. “No Martha, this is between them,” he said.

She looked over at Grandma and she nodded her approval. “Its ok, I think I know what's he’s doing, I think,” as she looked over at Wayne. After a few minutes all four boys came out. Now there are four little Indian boys running around the tepee a hooping and hollering. They make a couple of circles.

 

Robert and Will grabbed the stretcher and started to head for the house. “Ma if I were you and the ladies, I would stand clear of the doorway. I think they mean business. They mean to take prisoners,” he said.

 

Martha turned to Wayne. “You wouldn't dare?” she said. Thinking her husband has gone insane.

 

“Actually Martha, I mean to help them. You wanted a problem fixed. Well there's your solution.”  Pa said as he opened the door and leaded the way for the Indians down the hallway and closed the door. The boys entered the room alone with EJ while he remained outside waiting to be called.

Will and Robert went over to EJ. “Good morning EJ.” EJ opened his eyes taken back as he looked at Will, Robert, Sam and his own little brother Danny all dressed like Indians.

 

“What are you guys doing dressed like that?” He croaked.

“What do mean? We were wondering why you are not dressed like us. You are our brother aren't you?” Will asked.

“EJ croaked. “I'm not really sure.”

“Well than I guess we better fix that,” Robert said.

”But I am hurt,” EJ replied.

“We know that stupid, we’ll be careful. Pa locked all the girls outside so we can get you dressed and bust you out of here,” Will said.

“And go where?” EJ asked.

“To our tepee silly, where else?” Robert asked.

“But I’m supposed to stay in this bed. I promised?” EJ said.

“Oh we took care of that, didn't we boys,” Robert replied as they all nod their heads,

“We're all in the same room now,” Will said.

 

Robert went over to EJ's bed. “Ok boys, let’s get these blankets off and start peeling this banana. Be careful we don't want to take off those bandages. Ma will have our hide. EJ hold still. Man you are a mess,” he said.

“Robert glad you made this a little bigger,” Will said as they lift it over his waist.

“Ouch that hurts,” EJ replied.

“Sorry,” Robert said.

Will said.  “EJ, say goodbye to those sheets,” EJ eyes go wide. “You are an Indian brother just like the rest of us.”

“But.” EJ tries to get a word in.

 

“No buts,” and they cover his mouth so he couldn’t say anything else and held down his head. All he could do was feel himself turn blushing red. “Ok Pa, were ready,” as Robert yelled through the room.

 

Pa came into the room and looked at his five little Indian boys and smiled, turned to EJ. “I hear you are bustin out son?” All EJ could do was nod with his mouth being covered “well it’s about time,” he laughed with a slight chuckle. “That bed was getting tired of you being it so let’s say we give it a rest.”

 

Then they picked him up and put him down on the stretcher. “Alright boys, I'll go check to make sure the coast is clear.” Pa ran down the hall and yelled. “Stand back, they are on the war path, the natives, are not too friendly, they have got they’re prisoner…! Alright boys, bring him through and watches his head now.”  Pa said helping on the sides as they carried EJ to their tepee.

 

Grandma slapping her knee busting a gut with a tear in her eye as she watched fives little Indian boys ran by. The look on Martha’s face not sure what to think. Wondering if everyone on the farm has lost their minds. The girls glanced at their Pa and new grandma, and then their new Indian brothers and burst out laughing.

 

After a few minutes, the shock wore off, Martha grinned and put a hand to her mouth trying to hide her giggling, but it was too much, she burst out laughing.

 

The flap closed and the boys set him down on the mattress and cover him back up. “Ok boys, it’s up to you now,” Pa said.

“Yes Pa we know. We will start slow so he can adjust; besides we need to set up camp and Ma needs to clean him up, what she can for now. Then we need to rest after chores of course,” Robert said.

 

Pa left through the flap of the tent as he wiped his brow and walked over to Martha.

“Martha,” he said as he kissed her on the forehead. “Don't push him, our sons will help you. It looks like you got your wish; go clean him up a little at a time. After all, you now have five Indian boys for sons.

 

Martha looked over at Grandma slapping her knee then looked at Wayne “I would never have believed it with my own eyes,” Grandma said.

“Oh that's nothing. The hard parts yet to come, Grandma for them and for EJ too,” he said.

Martha turned to Wayne. “Wayne what do you mean the hard part is yet come?”

“Martha they struck a deal between them. An honor code it was,” he said.

“Go on,” she implied.

Wayne swallowed. “It was not my idea Martha. They came up with it on their own and they mean it.” Wayne said as he started to turn red.

 

“Wayne you are blushing,” Martha said.

 

“Your boys, say you can't touch EJ without them being present and they have to be first that includes bathing them all before him. They'll never leave his side or the tepee without him. He goes wherever they go, they promised him. And they intend to honor that promise everyday and they mean it. You could say it’s their honor code for their brother.”

Martha gasped then looked at Wayne straight in the eye. “They would do that, Will and Robert?” She asked as she shook her head in bewilderment. “I can't see them doing this, but Sam and Danny they’re to young understand... But Wayne? Robert and Will?” She asked.

 

“Yes dear, they’re not joking, but for right now I would clean up what you can so they can setup they’re camp. It’s been a long night and they are tired and they have long day head of them.”

 

“Wayne?”

“Yes dear.”

“How long?”.

“They say until he recovers enough, most likely two weeks,” he replied.

“Two weeks?” Martha gasped.

“Look at this way dear, you will have the best tan boys around and less wash to do.” He replied laughing.

Grandma laughed to beat all. “And to think I' am going to miss it all, poor Danny he looked so cute in his little loincloth,” she said wiped the tears from her eyes. “Wayne you were right. That was quite a show, do you ever have a dull moment here on the farm?” Then stands up and slapped his back.

 

Wayne turned to her and rubbed his chin. “You know Grandma. I always hated the dull moments,” he said.

“Whys that?”
 

“Too much time waiting for the excitement to happen,” he said as they all laughed.

“Well Martha, let’s go see what's with those Indians in there want and I would like to take good look at EJ's legs while I can,” she said. Martha and Grandma headed into the tepee seeing EJ lying on the mattress in the loincloth surrounded by the boy's tribe trying to ignore the old musty smell of canvas sweating in the morning sun..

 

Reviews

[Lane Craver]

that was a fun little chapter,,, and what a nightmare of a dream

[Shep]

noticed that you stopped reading and wondered why. I have I done something that you. Don't like? Please let me know either way.

[SM Garcia]

Shep, where did I leave off on in the series?

[Shep]

According to the comments lane carver left off here. You sm have read everything that I have except for my new hidden chapter not posted yet. My book on staff fighting has arived and its going to sometime to dig through it.

[Lane Craver]

no... of course not, just got busy an all... kids starting back to school, daughter going camping, starting my divorce recovery class and family hiking/picnicing :) just a break that is all... I am going to finish this, it is very intreaging (however you spell that wrd :) well... i hope you are doing good, your friend, Lane

[Layla J Omorose]

Loved this chapter that's all I can say. And the dream was awesome. To show that something evil is going on and that there is some evil force hunting EJ. Great chapter and I thought the small boys dressing up as Indians was cute and added some light in a dark chapter. Great job.

[.quan.011.]

Okay I have a weird feeling EJ is not going to follow through that contact. He is going to break one of those rules. He going to have choose between Browning family and his actual. I just know it. Once again this was great chapter with a lot of development.