Einherjar Warriors

By Cecil Cory

In Norse mythology, the Einherjar (Old Norse "lone fighters") are those that have died in battle and they are brought to Valhalla by Valkyries. In Valhalla, the Einherjar eat their fill of the nightly resurrecting beast Sæhrímnir, and they are brought their fill of mead (from the udder of the goat Heiðrún) by Valkyrie. The Einherjar prepare daily for the events of Ragnarök, when they will advance for an immense battle at the field of Vígríðr.
Raymond Sellers was contacted by the Valkyrie and offered a chance to survive a fatal accident. Without his permission, he was taken to the future to become an Einherjar Warrior. This is his struggle to return to his time and to change the timeline to save himself along with other men trapped in the future. His goal is to return to his time and to stop the man who created the future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 9, 2013
• ISBN: 9781304021687

Book preview

Einherjar Warriors

Einherjar Warriors

By

Cecil Ian Cory

Copyright

Version 1.3

Copyright © 2013 Cecil I Cory / Lulu Press

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-304-02168-7

This work is licensed under the Creative

Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

License. To view a copy of this license, visit

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/

or send a letter to:

Creative Commons

171 Second Street, Suite 300

San Francisco, California 94105

USA

http://www.lulu.com

Acknowledgments

I wish to thank several people for their help and understanding.

First, to Eugene Fitzgerald for his help in proof reading this story for me. It has been a great help in completing it.

Next to my Mom and Dad for their support and belief that I could do almost anything I wanted to do.

Last, but not least to my wife Karen who has kept me going when I felt I could not go any longer.

Prologue

The story is fiction and not base on fact. Any references to names of living individuals or individuals who have given their lives in Vietnam or other conflicts are purely coincidental and are not intended to discredit them in any way. Unit designation and dates in Vietnam are based on records obtained and are not the only units to take action in combat within that region.

In Norse mythology, the Einherjar (Old Norse lone fighters) are those that have died in battle and they are brought to Valhalla by Valkyries. In Valhalla, the Einherjar eat their fill of the nightly resurrecting beast Sæhrímnir, and they are brought their fill of mead (from the udder of the goat Heiðrún) by Valkyrie. The Einherjar prepare daily for the events of Ragnarök, when they will advance for an immense battle at the field of Vígríðr.

Chapter One

Parker sat back in his large overstuffed chair and stared out the window. He could see in the distance smoke rising up from several buildings that were under attack that morning.

You said you had this under control through your negotiations. Look at that! Two more warehouses are going up in flames. Another million credits lost. He spun his chair around and glared at the man standing in front of the desk. The man’s mouth opened and as he wrung his hands together.

Sir this was caused by a small group of dissidents. They are not the ones in charge. I have been told by their leaders that they are nothing, but a small splinter group. I have been guaranteed that they are being taken care of.

A small splinter group? Look out there! Does that look like a small splinter group to you?

Sir let me reassure you that…

Let me tell you, if you do not get this under control, I will get someone in here who can.

Yes Sir, I will contact their leaders and see what they are doing about this.

No, you will tell them if they don’t get their people under control, I will get some people who can. Got it?

Yes sir. The man replied and quickly turned and left the room.

Parker leaned back in his chair and turned back towards the window. He could see three more pillars of smoke rising up from another section of his facility.

Dissidents my ass.

He spun back around and pushed the button on the screen for his secretary.

Yes Mister Parker.

Contact Baker and tell him I want a meeting with his people.

Yes Mister Parker.

Parker pushed the button again. I’ll teach those assholes not to fuck with me.

The doors opened to Parker’s office. Two wimpy looking people walked in dressed in black suits with their Nehru shirts buttoned up to their necks. They stopped in front of Parker’s desk and looked at him through their dark glasses.

Mister Parker, what can we do for you? The taller of the two asked.

Parker turned around from the window and looked at the two skinny people before him.

Gentlemen, I understand you have a way to put an end to them burning me out.

We have ways. The shorter one said.

My stock holders will not put up with another bad report this quarter. I need this resolved as quickly and quietly as possible.

That can be arranged for a price. The taller one said.

If you remember, we tried to offer our services to you before. You told us that you did not need them. The shorter one said.

I have a board of directors who thought it could be handled in house through a diplomatic solution. As you can see, a diplomatic solution has not come through as I was told it would. I am willing to pay a reasonable amount to remove the problem.

We do not deal with boards of directors. The tall one replied.

As much as I would like that, that is not what I want dealt with.

Just how far do you want us to remove your problem? The shorter one replied.

I want it gone and buried so that it cannot cause any problems in the future. However, I don’t want it traced back to the company. I don’t want them just removed and dumped on some other planet. I want them gone. I don’t want them showing up again in a few years claiming that they had been removed without their consent. I want them exterminated. I want their descendants removed from the face of this planet never to be seen again do you get my drift.

We are not mercenaries Mister Parker. However, we have access to some technology that might be used. The tall one said.

No, none of that fancy time transfer bull shit. I heard about you doing that and how it back fired with them showing back up a few years later with ten times as many claims.

We no longer do that Mister Parker. We bring the proper people from the past that can take care of the situation.

Hmm, I know something about time travel. You can’t go around screwing with the past or it changes the future. Why the hell do you think they restrict that technology? Parker said leaning back in his seat.

We have access to certain data bases that show certain people who disappeared or died unexpectedly. The tall one replied.

In most cases their bodies were never found or were so badly damaged that they were not able to be recognized. So if they die here nobody knows the difference. The short one said.

Just leave it to us Mister Parker. The tall one said.

That depends on the price. I still have to deal with the board of directors.

We will take ten percent of your profits for the next two years pulse expense. The short one said.

That is outrageous. My board of director would not stand for that.

Will your board stand for a fifty to seventy-five percent loss from the continuation of your facility being destroyed? Because that is what is projected if they continue to hit your facilities at the rate they are. The tall one replied.

Have your contract people bring the contract around for me to look at. Parker replied glaring at the pair of them.

The tall one reached into his coat and pulled out a thin tablet. He set it on the desk and slid it towards Parker.

Parker picked up the tablet and looked at the contract written on it.

Do you always carry one of these with you? Parker asked as he read down the page.

Yes. The shorter one said.

Yes Mister Parker, I do when we know that our services are going to be required. As you can see everything we have discussed is on the tablet.

I have never seen a tablet like this one before. Parker said as he reached the bottom of the contract. He looked up at the two men standing there. Neither man replied they just looked at him through their dark glasses. My legal’s will have to read this over.

This offer is for your eyes only Mister Parker. If you show this to anybody we will deny any knowledge of it. The short one said.

Just where do you plan on getting these men you are going to use?

From Earth in the late twentieth century. The shorter one replied.

Do not worry Mister Parker. None of them will be traceable to you or your company. The tall one said.

Parker put his thumb to the bottom of the tablet and his thumbprint appeared at the bottom of the page. He tossed the tablet back across the desk.

How long before you can take care of the problem? He asked.

Not long. The short one replied and started to reach for the tablet. Parke slammed his hand on it and stopped him from taking it.

We will have the people we require for the job in two days and it should be resolved within a few weeks. The taller one said.

You have sixty days before I have to report to the board again. If I do not see some results before then I will…

Do not threaten us Mister Parker. You wouldn’t like what happens if you do. The taller one said.

Just have the working capital in our account by tomorrow. The shorter one said.

Working capital?

Yes, paragraph ten, line six. One million credits to be provided as working capital and to be deposited in our account. You will find our account number in the next paragraph. We will not proceed until the credits are deposited. The taller one said and picked up the contract. He pushed a symbol on the screen and a small chip slid out of one side. He handed the chip to Parker.

There will be no need to contact us until we have finished Mister Parker. At that time we expect to receive our first payment. The shorter one said.

The two of them turned and walked out of the office. Parker looked at the small chip in his hand and pushed the button on his screen.

Yes Mister Parker.

Get Bridesdale from legal in here.

Yes Mister Parker.

Ray walked out on the front porch of the old house. He looked at the tall weeds that had covered the front yard. Sitting in the middle, with weeds growing up all around it, was his 1968 Datsun pickup truck up on blocks with the for sale sign on the windshield. He looked off towards the old barn and could see the stack of old whisky barrels stacked outside along the side. He took a sip from the bottle of beer and continued to the steps leading down to the dirt drive. He started down then stopped and looked down at the broken bottom step held up by two bricks.

Dad never did fix that. I guess I’m going to have to someday. He mumbled.

He took another sip of beer and looked out across the yard towards a cloud of dust that was headed down the dirt road. It slowed and turned at the opening in the fence into the driveway then raced up the dirt road towards the front of the house. He stood there on the bottom step and watched as a Dodge Charger skidded to a stop. The cloud of dust blew over the car and drifted slowly towards the house.

Ray waved the dust out of his face as the driver’s door opened and a large man dressed in the tan Polk County Deputy Sheriff uniform stepped out. The Deputy Sheriff closed the door to the car and waved to Ray.

Hay Hoss. I heard you got back.

What is going on Bubba?

Not a whole lot.

When did you become one of them? We spent most of our time as kids trying to outrun them.

Ain’t that the truth. I got hired right after they tried to draft me. I ended up 4F for flat feet. You don’t need your feet when you’re driving one of them. Bubba replied pointing over his shoulder at the car. What’s wrong with the pickup?

I told Dad to see if he could sell it while I was gone. It wasn’t what I expected when I bought it.

It’s not that old is it?

It’s a sixty-eight. I got it just before I went in. It only has ten thousand miles on it.

"What do you want for it?

Eighteen hundred.

Shit, I can by a new one for that.

Where did you get that thing?

It was impounded. The guy who was driving it is doing a nickel for running shine. I had it set up with new suspension and added the radio and lights. She’ll keep up with anything out there now. Speaking of shine, where is your dad?

The baying sound of several dogs drifted back towards the house from the woods. Ray turned towards the woods behind the house and looked in that direction.

He is out there some place.

That has got to be Red. He’s got the scent now. Bubba said. I take it your dads out doing a little hunting.

Yeah, some pigs have been rooting up his garden. He spotted them this morning and took the dogs out to see if they could track them down. Want a cold one?

I could sure use one. That damned thing doesn’t have any air conditioning and I am dryer than this county today.

Sit and I’ll get you one.

Ray headed back into the house as Bubba followed him up on the porch then sat down in the swing on the front porch. A few minutes later Ray returned with two beers and handed him one.

What do you need pop for? Ray asked as he sat down on the porch rail.

Oh this is good. Bubba said after downing half of the bottle. Some men showed up at the station this morning looking for him. They were government types. I just thought I would warn him.

Why are they looking for him?

They didn’t say. They just looked like federal men. You know in suits and all.

As far as I know dad hasn’t done anything since I went away. After mom died he just lost the will.

I know. Too bad, you couldn’t get home for the funeral.

I didn’t even hear about it until a month afterwards. I was so far in the bush that nobody knew where we were. By the time I got out of the hospital, I only had a few more months to go. Shit, the first time they grabbed me up as soon as we landed and stuck me on the freedom bird and sent me state side still in my boonies suit. This time I left from Japan.

Billy Joe didn’t make it back. He got killed in some place called Dong Ap Bia or something like that. Jim Bob was with him. He got shot up some too. He told us about it when he got home.

I know the place. It was a piece of shit mountain in the A Shau Valley in the south. It’s kind of southwest of Hue near the Laotian border. They turned everybody and everything into hamburger on it. Then when it was over, they just gave it back to them. Just like everyplace else. I did get to see Billy Joe and Jim Bob in Saigon once.

What were you doing?

"I was trying to stay alive mostly. I spent most of my time up north for most of my first tour along the Cambodia border in Gia Li. There is nothing, but stinking jungles and rice paddies up there. I was on a search and destroy team. They would drop us off and tell us to go find charily and kill him. We would go shoot up the countryside and radio in some bogus numbers for the kills. Then they would chopper us out of there and back to our hooches.

You know for the year and ten days I was over there that time I never met anybody by the name of Charlie. Lots of Nguyen and Pham’s and Tie’s the only Charlie I met over there was the medic who patched me up the first time I got shot."

You get shot?

Yeah twice, once in the arm and then once in the side. Hurt like hell too. My second tour was a real hell. They would dump us in the jungle and we had to find and bring out downed pilots or others. Sometimes we would be sent in to set up ambushes for the VC along the trail and blow them to hell. I was on one of those types of patrols when mom died.

The radio in the car started blaring and Bubba turned towards it and listened to the dispatcher. He finished the beer and stood up.

Well I had better get back to work.

The radio asked for him by name and wanted to know where he was. Bubba walked down the steps and over to the car.

What is it Magee?

The boss says for you to get your ass over to the interstate pronto. The radio in the car replied.

All right I’m on my way. Got a go Hoss. Don’t forget to tell your dad about the feds looking for him.

I will. See yah later Bubba.

Later. Bubba replied and climbed back into the car.

He fired up the engine and Ray could hear the horsepower waiting to be unleashed. He stood on the front porch and watched as Bubba raced out of the yard and down the dirt road. He continued to watch as the dust blew down the road. Then an old stake side truck moved down the road in front of the house. He looked at the familiar looking truck and the driver who hid his face from him. He watched it until it was out of sight.

Who was that? Ray’s dad asked from the front door.

Just Bubba. He stopped by to tell you that the feds were back in town looking for you.

Hell, they are always looking for me. They just can’t catch me and that makes them mad. I made your momma a promise that I would stop after your brother was arrested and I have kept that promise. How long will it take to get that thing running? I can’t get that old truck started.

I just need to put the tires on it and fill it up, but the distributer is cracked.

Does it run or not?

It did when I parked it there before I left.

You’ll find some gas in the barn along with the tires for it. I need you to help me move that thing back here. It should dress out at about two hundred and fifty pounds.

You found it then.

No not yet. I ran across some others. Red has its sent and should be closing in soon. Hurry up and get that thing working. Then meet me out by the old still.

Yes sir. Ray replied.

Ray finished pouring in the last of the gas into the tank. He heard several shots echoing from the woods and the dogs quit howling. He walked into the house and through the kitchen. Lying on the table was a piece of folded ruled school paper. He saw his name on it, picked it up, and unfolded it. Inside he saw a handwritten note and he quickly read the note.

Tell them no credit that you only take gold.

He folded the note up and stuffed it into his pants. He continued to his room and found the keys to the truck right where he had left them four years before. He grabbed them and quickly hurried back out to the truck. He climbed into the cab and tossed the empty beer bottles out the door. He stuck the key into the lock, pumped the gas pedal a few times then turned the key on and listened to the engine as it slowly turned over. He pushed the pedal a few more times and the engine tried to start. It coughed a few times then stopped. He got out and opened the hood. Then went around to the side, popped the distributer off. He looked at the crack that ran down the side as he pulled the rag out of his pocket and wiped the dirt and spiders webs out of the inside of distributer. When he had finished he put the distributer back on then pulled the air cleaner off and tossed it down on the ground. Then he looked down the throat of the carburetor and wiped the rag around it. He grabbed the can of gas, poured some down the carburetor, and went back to the cab. He turned the key on again and stepped on the gas pedal. The engine coughed and backfired several times then started to run. He gunned it several times and listened to it come back to life. He got out and closed the hood. He ran into the house and grabbed his thirty ought six from the gun rack then grabbed two beers from the refrigerator and headed back out to the truck.

Ray stopped the truck at the barn and climbed out. He walked into the barn and grabbed the rope falls that was hanging on the wall along with more rope. He tossed the falls and the rope into the back of the truck. Climbed back into the cab and headed down the dirt road towards the woods behind the barn. He followed the old dirt road back into the woods until he could hear the dogs baying. As he neared, where the old still had been, he slowed. He could see the old copper boiler still sitting there cold and turning green from lack of use.

He slowed and pulled up in front of the old still looking all around for a movement then shut off the truck. As he got out of the cab he grabbed the thirty ought six off the seat and looked all around the trees for movement again. He could see two small piglets hanging from the limb of a tree. Their throats had been cut and the blood was oozing from the gashes. He continued to look all around and heard a twig break he turned bringing the rifle around and aiming it in the direction of the noise then pulling it up as he saw his dad headed in his direction carrying one of the dogs.

What happened?

He got too close to that big son of a bitch. She grazed his ribs. He’ll be all right. Come on and bring that thing with you. He said as he set the injured dog in the cab. He saw the beer on the seat and grabbed one of them then opened it on the door handle. He tilted it back and drained the bottle then headed back in the same direction he had come from.

Ray climbed back into the cab with the injured dog. The dog tried to sit up and lick his face. He pushed the dog out of the way and started the truck. He slipped it into low gear and slowly headed down the path after his dad. His dad turned and headed down another path he heard several cracks from a rifle as he steered the truck around the trees until he saw his dad stop next to a huge hog. He slowed the truck and stopped next to the hog. He grabbed the rifle and stepped out of the truck. The dog tried to follow him and he had to push him back so he could close the door.

Big son of a bitch isn’t he? He said as he looked at the hog.

Yeah and he isn’t the one I was after. This is one of her babies. She took off down that way. This is the one that attacked Red.

Where are the other dogs?

Around. They could hear some baying off in the woods. It sounds like they found her again. I had better go before they get hurt.

Do you want me to come along?

No I can handle it. Dress this one and hang it up to bleed.

Okay.

Ray had just finished hoisting up the pig when he heard his father yelling and scream. He grabbed the rifle and ran towards the shouting. As he rounded a tree this huge sow turned towards him and sniffed then snorted. He could see the large tusks reaching up over her snout.

Watch out she almost got me. His dad yelled from half way up a tree.

Ray aimed the rifle and quickly fired striking the pig between the eyes. The pig dropped to the ground. Ray walked around the animal still pointing the rifle at it. He could see that it was still breathing and fired once more into the side of the head. The pig lay there still.

Damn that is a big pig.

She should dress out to about eight to nine hundred pounds. His dad said as he limped over to where one of the dogs lay. He knelt next to the dead dog and shook his head. Dumb dog. I told you to stay away.

What happened?

She tried to take that thing on by herself after it got me treed.

What is wrong with the leg?

She nicked me. I’ll be all right. Go get that thing of yours and let’s get this out of here before someone shows up.

How bad is the leg?

I have been hurt worse. It probably needs a stitch or two. Go on and get that thing of yours. I have a feeling we are being watched. His dad said looking around.

Ray hurried back to where he had parked the truck and tossed the rope falls in the back. The dog was hanging half out of the truck and he pushed him back inside as he opened the door.

Get back Red. Get out of the way. He climbed into the truck and started the engine.

Ray tossed the last of the two piglets on top of the two dead pigs in the back of the truck. He climbed into the cab as his dad grabbed Red and set him in the back with the other dogs. He climbed into the truck and closed the door. Ray turned the key and nothing happened. He tried it again and still nothing happened. He got out and lifted up the hood. His dad climbed out and grabbed Red from the back of the bed.

When you get this thing running, take them to Mats and tell him cut them up and to smoke the hams right this time. Find out what he will give you for that sow and the piglets.

Yes Sir.

His dad slammed the truck door and started limping back carrying the injured dog.

Ray pulled into drive leading to the house. He could see the black Galaxy 500 with out of state plates parked in front of the house. He continued past the house to the barn before he stopped. He shut the engine off and opened the door. As he climbed out, he could see the two men in black suits as they walked back to the car and climb back into it. The engine started and the car slowly moved down the driveway headed for the road. Ray grabbed the ropes and rope falls out of the back of the truck and carried them back into the barn. When he returned he grabbed the rifle off the front seat and headed back to the house. He opened the backdoor to the house and found his dad standing over the stove cooking dinner.

What’d they what? Ray asked as he walked by.

Go wash up. Supper will be on the table soon.

Ray put the rifle back into the gun case then headed for the bathroom. He scrubbed the dried and dirty blood off his hands and arms then walked back out to the kitchen.

So who were they and what did they want?

They didn’t want me. They wanted you. I told them you weren’t here and told them to get off on my land.

Mister Benjamin said that the hams will be ready in six months. The rest of the meat will be ready in forty-five days. The big one will dress out at around nine hundred the smaller one at two fifty. The piglets are both around seventy-five each. He also says that he will buy all of the piglets and that big one from you for seventy-five bucks and throw in the butchering and curing at no extra charge.

He is a highway robber. His pappy would have given me ten cents a pound for those pigs and throne in the curing and the butchering. What did you tell him?

I told him no. That it wasn’t enough and I would let the meat rot before I let it go for that. I told him I would take it over to Carlson’s over in Rockmart. I got twenty-five cents a pound for the piglets and twenty for the old sow and the butchering tossed in. Ray tossed the money on the table and sat down. I spent seven for a new rotor cap for the truck. It runs like new now.

Seven! Shit, it never cost me more than a couple of bucks for the old truck.

Speaking of the old truck, I thought I saw the old stake side truck going down the road this morning.

Couldn’t have. It hasn’t been it running since your mother died. I just left it where it quit out in them woods. His dad said as he put the food on the table.

Ray got up and grabbed a pitcher of milk out of the refrigerator. He poured himself a glass and put it on the table. His dad poured himself a cup of steaming hot coffee then sat down. He bowed his head and asked for god’s blessing for the food they were about to eat. Ray sat there and waited until he finished then grabbed one of the bowls.

What did the Doc say about the leg? Ray asked.

I haven’t gone yet. I had to patch up that old hound first. It’s all right. I put a poultice on it and I will go see the Doc tomorrow. He replied.

Ray reached into his back pocket and pulled out a letter. I picked up the mail on my way in. Here is the check from the farm bureau.

Give it to me. He took the check and opened the envelope. He pulled the check out and looked at the amount. Well that should pay the taxes this year and some on the mortgage. He handed the check to Ray.

That should more than pay the taxes. That is more than you were getting before I left.

Can I help it if those damn yanks will pay me not to grow crops that I don’t grow anyways. Hell, that’s less than I got last year. They paid me not to grow three crops then. This year they only would pay me not to grow two crops. You know Jud down the road. They are not only paying him not to grow crops, but not to cut the trees he doesn’t own. Ray just laughed and handed the check back to his dad. Now that you are back I am going to start again.

You promised mom…

Yeah I know, but Tom’s lawyers took all I had saved up. I figure if I can get one, maybe two batches out I can get us back on our feet. With you here to make the runs, hell we might be able to get enough to fix the place up. Your mother always wanted it fixed up.

We had better buy the supplies from someplace else. If either of us show up and pick it up, they’re going to know you’re back in business.

Good idea. Go on up to Taylorsville and then over to Cedartown and see what you can come up with. That two hundred should buy what we need. I’ll make out a list of what I need.

How much work is it going to get the pot fixed?

There is nothing wrong with the still.

That old pot I saw up there is shot.

That old thing! That was my pappy’s still. I haven’t used it in years. I leave it there so those revenuers can watch it. It keeps them occupied and out of my hair.

Where is the new one?

You just get the stuff and don’t worry about where I have it hid. They will never find it.

Yes sir.

"Look son, I told your momma that I wasn’t going to get her children put into prison for running shine. I spent my time there when you were little and I am not going to let you do the same thing. I have never let you or your brother around what I do because of her. Tom got caught because of that idiot Reynolds. He hasn’t any idea how to move his stock. He told the boy that he would pay him good money and all it did was land him in jail. There is other ways besides fast cars to deliver the goods. Believe me I have tried it all sorts of ways. I have got it figured out now.

I’m going to start making that barrel furniture again. I hear it is selling good up north. Now, in the morning you are to go up to see your uncle Clevis. He has some things from where he works that I need. Pick them up and get back here. You can drop me off at the doctors on the way. This leg hurts something fierce."

Ray pulled into the yard of his uncle Clevis in Rome. Several dogs ran from behind the house and began to bark as he opened the door to the truck. His Aunt Rebecca opened the front door and held her hand above her eyes to shade them so she could see who had arrived. She smiled and walked halfway down the steps to greet Ray as he walked up to her.

Aunt Rebecca.

Ray boy how are you. I haven’t seen you in what two years.

About that, I just got out a few weeks ago.

I was sorry about your mother passing. It is a shame they wouldn’t let you come home to see her.

Yeah I wish I could have. Is Uncle Clevis home?

He is around back in the barn working on that old truck of his.

I need to go talk to him.

You are going to be here for dinner?

I wouldn’t miss it. Ray replied and started around the house. As he walked into the barn, he yelled out for his uncle. Uncle Clevis. He shouted as he looked into the darkness.

Who is it? Clevis replied from under an old truck.

It’s me Ray.

Ray? A man a little older than Ray’s dad slid out from under the truck. Ray boy, when did you get back?

I was discharged a few weeks ago.

So how are you doing? I heard you got shot or something.

Yeah I got hit in the arm and my side. So what’s wrong with the truck?

Just changing the oil and greasing her up. She’ll be good for another hundred thousand.

Dad sent me over to pick up some things from you.

I got some of them right over here. Clevis walked over to a canvas and pulled it back. There were boxes of glass whisky bottles with their labels still on them inside of the boxes. Tell him that the rest of the bottles will be ready and he can pick them up in a few days.

What the…what is he going to do with these?

That same thing he did with those old barrels he got. Speaking of which, I do have some of other things ready for him. They are over here. He said.

Clevis walked over to an old wooden cabinet and opened it. He reached inside, pulled out a cigar box then opened it and handed Ray the box filled with whiskey tax stamps.

Where the hell did you get these. You know it is a federal offence to print these.

That is only if you are forging them. Those are the real things right off the bottles. The lodges have been collecting them for over a year for me. Some of them are a bit torn, but I don’t think that will matter once they are on the bottles. Go get your car and bring it in here. It wouldn’t look to good for the neighbors to see us loading empty bottles into it out front. They might get the wrong impression.

Yeah, especially with you being the deacon of your church. Ray replied and headed out for his truck.

They finished loading the last box into the bed of the truck. Ray looked at the boxes and shook his head. He tossed the old canvas over the load and began to tie it down. He had just finished when he heard a girl’s voice yell out for them to come to dinner.

Clevis crawled out from under the truck and wiped his greasy hands off on an old rag. He walked towards the barn door with Ray following him. They stopped at the back porch and washed up before they entered the house.

Ray followed Clevis to the kitchen and waited to be seated. A teenage girl pushed passed him and sat down in a chair followed by several other children.

Mary Lou, what were you doing in my things. Another older teenager asked as she pushed passed Ray. She stopped when she passed Ray and sat down.

I wasn’t in your things besides it is my room too. Mary Lou said.

Mom.

Hush the two of you. Sit down Ray boy. Aunt Rebecca said.

Ray sat down next to the older girl. He looked at her. You can’t be Sue Ellen. You were only this high and with pig tails and freckles the last time I saw you." Ray said to the girl next to him.

She still has the freckles. Mary Lou said.

Hush now. Father. Aunt Rebecca said as she sat down.

Clevis looked at the people sitting at the table. He bowed his head and gave thanks for the food. When he was finished, he grabbed one of the bowls and took some then passed it to Ray.

I thought you were in the army? Sue Ellen asked.

I was. I got out a few weeks ago.

Did you kill any of those commies? A young boy asked from across the table.

Bobby Joe. Aunt Rebecca said. He has been watching too much TV.

I killed some, most of the time I was just trying to keep from being killed. Ray replied looking at the boy.

I want to be a soldier and kill commies when I get big. Bang bang bang.

That is enough at the dinner table. Clevis said.

Ray walked out to his truck with Clevis following him.

You tell your pappy that I should have more bottles in a few weeks.

I will.

When does he plan on running the first shipment?

He hasn’t said.

All right we’ll see yea in a few weeks then.

Ray boy. Aunt Rebecca yelled from the porch then walked over to the truck with a bag in her arms. Take these with you. I baked them fresh yesterday.

Ray opened the bag and saw the donuts and cookies. Thanks Aunt Rebecca. He started the truck and drove down the driveway.

Ray drove straight to the barn. He stopped in front of the large barn door then got out to open the doors. He looked back towards the house and could see the black Galaxy 500 parked across the road from the farm. He heaved open the barns doors then walked back to the truck and climbed back inside, and then pulled it into the barn. He shut it off and got out then walked back to the barn doors and pulled them shut. He unloaded the boxes and covered them with the canvas. When he had finished he grabbed the bag out of the trucks front seat and headed for the house. He walked inside and set the bag down on the kitchen counter.

Dad, I’m back. He yelled. Dad?

In here boy. His dad replied.

Ray walked into the sitting room and saw his dad standing by the front window with a shotgun in his hands. He walked over to him and looked out the window.

When did they show up? I saw them when I pulled in.

They showed up right after you dropped me off. I have been watching them ever since. Were you able to get the things from Clevis?

Yeah, what are you going to do with those bottles and the tax stamps?

That is how I am going to fool them. I am going to fill the bottles up with my shine and put the stamps on them. Then when I deliver them, they will look like the real thing. It is not against the law to have bottles of alcohol if they have stamps on them.

But dad, they are going to know as soon as they open it that it isn’t the real thing.

Get your gun we are going hutting. Ray’s dad said and headed for the back door.

Now?

Come on boy.

Ray followed him out the back door with his thirty ought six to the old truck. He tossed in a box of shell and started to get in the truck. His dad sat inside trying to get it started.

Come on you old son of a bitch start. He cussed as the engine turned over. Ray stood by the passenger’s door and looked into the old truck. His dad hit the steering wheel and cussed at the truck some more. Where is that thing of yours?

In the barn.

Go get it. Is it unloaded?

Yes sir I unloaded it and the bottles are in the barn. Ray said as he walked off.

Ray drove slowly down the dirt road towards the forest behind the house. He turned where his father told him. As he drove, he noticed that the undergrowth was higher than he had remembered it. He looked closely and saw the outline of barrels under the vines. His dad kept looking back in the side mirror until they reached a stand of trees.

Pull it off over there. Ray’s dad said.

Ray pulled the truck over under the trees where his dad had said.

Turn it off we are here. Ray’s dad said as he opened the door. He reached into the back of the truck and grabbed his shotgun. Ray climbed out and grabbed his gun then followed him.

The two of them walked through the woods until they reached the road. They could see the black Galaxy 500 parked and the two guys looking at their house. They quickly crossed the road behind the car and headed into the woods. They made their way through the trees until they reached the car.

The driver adjusted what looked like a thin box he was looking through and spoke to the passenger. Ray could see the black suits and black rimmed glasses they wore as the passenger replied. Ray started out and his dad grabbed his arm to stop him. Ray shook his hand off and waved for him to stay there then continued out. He moved quickly up behind the car and looked from around the back towards the mirror on the passenger side. He could see the man sitting on the passenger side looking towards the driver side. He stood up and walked up along the side of the car until her reached the passenger’s window. He stopped and tapped the window with the barrel of the rifle. The passenger head snapped around and faced him. Ray smiled at him and kept the barrel aimed at the passenger with his figure next to the trigger. The man inside reached over and pushed the man in the driver’s seat. He turned and faced Ray. Ray just smiled at the two of them and motioned for them to lower the window. The passenger pushed the button and the window lowered into the door.

What can I do for y’all? Ray asked.

Are you Ray Sellers?

I could be, then again I might not be, who wants to know?

We represent an organization…

You got some identification? Badges something showing who you are?

Badges? No badges. The passenger said and started to reach into his coat.

Take it easy boys. Rays dad said from the driver’s side. He tapped on the window with the shotgun and motioned for him to roll the window down. The man inside rolled it down.

Two fingers and bring it out slowly. Ray said and shoved the barrel into the side of the man’s face.

The man pulled out his wallet and slowly opened it. He pulled out a card and handed it to Ray.

We represent and organization that thinks it can use someone like you mister Sellers.

A person like me? Ray asked looking at the name on the card. I have never heard of them. He said and handed the card back to the man.

We have heard about you Mister Sellers. The driver said. If you will just let us talk to you, I think we can…

Quiet boy. Ray’s dad said and shoved his shotgun through the window and into the car. What did the card say? He asked.

It says they are from Federal Security Agency.

I have never heard of them, but a Fed is a Fed. He replied. I think you boys had better be going and if I see you around here again there might just be an accident.

Mister Sellers, we need to speak with you in private. The passenger said to Ray.

I think you had better be going before my dad’s finger’s cramp up and you lose your heads. Ray replied.

Tell Reynolds that the land is not for sale and if I see his men snooping around here again, I’ll fill their backsides with buck shot.

The drive looked at the two barrels of the shotgun and started the car engine. He put it into gear then moved away.

Have a nice day. Ray’s dad said as the car drove off.

That should be the last we see of them for a while. Ray said.

Do you think they were Feds?

Naw, they’re just some big city boys from up north. They aren’t dressed right for Feds. I don’t know for sure what they are, but they’re not Feds. So what was all of the covered barrels doing in the woods?

That is where I have been hiding my stuff. I promised your mother that I would not make any more and I have kept my promise. You see some of the boys got caught and Feds found their stills a few years ago. However, I found where they were storing it. You’re Uncle Floyd your mother’s brother works for one of those big distilleries up north. You know him. We got talking a while back and he told me how they aged their alcohol in barrels. I asked him what they did with the old barrels and you know he told me that they just broke them up and tossed them out or sold some of them to some of those fancy distilleries up in Canada. Well I told him I might be able to make something out of them. He told me who to talk to. You remember how the times were hard there for a while when I got out with the feds here all the time checking on me. Well, I called the fellow and was able to pick up several of those barrels. I turned some of them into tables and chairs, but they didn’t sell to good then.

I remember them. They all smelled like they still had the alcohol in them. I remember Tom trying to walk on them while they were on their side.

I remember. I thought that maybe I could use them for the same thing that them big boys did up north. I found some shine them revenuers hadn’t dumped. I hid it back in the woods and when I got enough, I started to fill them with the shine that I found and hid them in the woods. Well I kept getting more barrels and then I found I was out of shine so I had to locate more to fill what I had left. One thing led to another and I ended up with a bunch of them. Your momma made me stop making it when you and your brother got into high school. It has been out here ageing ever since.

How does it taste?

Come on and I will let you tell me. Ray’s dad said and climbed back into the truck.

Chapter Two

Ray put the tax stamp over the top of the bottle and set it in the box as his dad finished filling the amber colored liquid into another bottle. He put the top back on and handed the bottle to Ray. Ray glued the old tax stamp over the cap and put it in the box. He grabbed the case, walked over to his truck, and put the case in the back.

Now you know who you ought to see?

Yes sir.

If you are pulled over?

I will simply tell them that I have started a delivery business and I am taking the whisky barrels planters to the nursery in Atlanta.

"If they find the alcohol?

I tell them that I am delivering it to one of the clubs and that I picked it up at the warehouse in Atlanta.

Do you have the receipt?

Right here along with the rest of the papers.

You show them that receipt. Don’t go acting up with them. As long as you have that, they cannot do anything to you. It is not illegal to transport bonded bottles in this state.

Yes sir.

I expect you back before dark.

Yes sir. Ray replied. Dad I have made ten trips so far and nothing has happened. Don’t worry nothing is going to happen this time.

I know son. Just be careful.

Ray handed the last case to the man and he set it down on the back step of the club. The man pulled out a wad of money and started counting it out. He stopped and looked at Ray.

I am a little short. The man said. You wouldn’t let me have the rest and I will pay you when you bring the next load.

No credit, this is cash only deal. Ray said and started putting the cases back into the truck.

Hold on now. The man said. Ray stopped and looked at him. Your pappy would spot me for a week.

It is my pappy who told me to make sure you paid cash. When you get money I’ll bring them back. Ray said and started to close up the tailgate.

Just hold on now boy. The man said and pulled another wad of money out of his pocket. He counted off the amount remaining and handed it to Ray. Ray took the money, counted it, and then shoved it into his pocket. He lifted the last case out of the truck and stacked it on the loading dock.

I will see you next week. Ray said.

He walked back to the cab and climbed in. He started the truck and headed out from behind the club. He turned on the road and headed back towards the farm. He looked in the rear view mirror and saw the green Chevy Impala pull out and start following him. He increased his speed and the Chevy easily kept pace. He remembered what his dad had said and slowed down. The Chevy pulled up close to him then rammed his rear bumper. The little Datsun skidded across the road then off into the ditch on the side road. Ray slammed on the brakes and skidded to a stop. He watched as the Chevy sped off down the road.

If I see you again I’ll kill you, you son of a bitch. Ray yelled out of the window.

He put the Datsun in reverse and back out of the ditch then put it in gear and pulled back out on to the road and took out after the car. The Chevy soon left him behind and Ray slowed his little truck back down. He turned up the radio and tuned it to a local station. He kept his speed down and watched several state troopers as they raced by him after some of the bigger cars with out of state plates.

Ray heard the siren behind him and looked in his rearview mirror. He could see the flashing lights as the fire truck slowly gained on him. He slowed down and pulled over to the side as the fire truck past him with its siren blaring. A few second later an ambulance then another fire truck raced by with their sirens blaring.

There must be a big accident up ahead. He thought. Probably that green Chevy.

He pulled back out on the road and continued. After as short distance he could see smoke rising up over the trees ahead. He pulled over one more time as another fire truck sped past him. He slowed as two sheriff cars raced by behind the fire truck. By the time he reached the turn on to the dirt road leading to the farm, he could see the flames leaping up into the sky. He turned into the driveway and a sheriff recognized him and waved him through. He could see the barn fully engulfed by the fire as he pulled in front of the house. He could see the firemen doing their best to put out the fire. He jumped out of the truck and started running towards the barn. Bubba saw him coming, grabbed him, and hung on to him keeping him for going any further.

It is too late Hoss. Bubba said holding on to him.

Where is my dad?

He was inside. There was some sort of explosion and it looks like his still caught fire and exploded.

He doesn’t have a still.

Well something exploded. I heard it. Hoss I was the first one here and called in the fire trucks. It was all ready burning too much for me to get inside.

He didn’t have a still here.

Okay, but I could still smell alcohol when I drove up.

He was making furniture out of old whisky barrels again.

Ray shook his way out of Bubbas hands and walked away. He stood there watching as the barn started to collapse to the ground. The fire crews backed away as the front fell outwards towards them.

Listen Hoss, it was already burning when I got here and I know the difference between whisky and the smell of shine when I smell it.

What were you doing out here? Ray asked.

I came to warn you.

We already took care of those Feds.

It wasn’t about the Feds. I was coming out to warn you when I heard the explosion. When I got close to your place, I saw this Chevy pass me going like a bat out of hell. I was going to chase it when I saw the fire.

Probably the same ones who ran me off the road. Ray said.

When? Bubba asked.

Just a few minutes ago.

Bubba grabbed Ray’s arm and pulled him towards the house. Ray, the words out about you and your dad. It isn’t just the Feds looking for you now. You stepped on some of the big boys toes and they are pissed.

What do you know about this Bubba?

Just what I have heard around. Hoss, we have been friends all are lives. I don’t know what you are into, but listen to me. You’ve got to get out of here. They are going to make an example out of you.

Who?

Who do you think? You can’t steal their stuff and not think they aren’t going to do something about it.

Let them try.

Ray they are going to kill you next. Believe me there is nothing I can do about it.

Let them try. Ray replied.

You had better get out of here before they find you. Head up north for a while until this blows over then come back and I will help you get them.

Do you know who did this Bubba?

I have a good idea.

Who was it?

Reynolds and his bunch. They say that you and your dad have been stealing their stuff and they want it back. When you started deliveries again they knew it had to be their stuff.

I have been getting my alcohol from the warehouse up in Atlanta. I have the receipts for it.

Let me see it. The sheriff said as he walked up to them. Bubba don’t you have some place you are suppose to be.

Yes sir. I’ll see you later Ray.

Where is the receipt for the alcohol you have been transporting?

It is in my truck.  

Get it. The Sheriff said and followed him back to the truck.

Ray walked up to the cab and grabbed the receipt off the sun visor as the sheriff lifted up the tarp. He pulled one of the bottles out of the almost empty case and looked at it.

Here it is. Ray said and handed it to him. As you can see they are all bonded bottles.

Yup they are. Where is your license to transport alcohol? The Sheriff said.

Right here. I have a temporary license issued by the department of transportation along with this permit to transport alcoholic beverages to licensed establishments within the surrounding counties. Ray said holding out the papers to the Sheriff. I also have my license to transport the whisky barrels over the state line.

Hmm. The Sheriff said and opened the bottle he held. He sniffed the top then took a taste. Not bad not bad at all. It’s not old granddad, but not bad. Boy I would take your friend’s advice and head north for a while. Let it cool off down here before you get yourself kilt. Let me handle this. Your pappy was a friend of mine too. I’ll make sure whoever did this pays for it.

Ray just looked at the barn as it burnt.

Ray stood next to the grave as the rain fell listening to the pastor as he spoke. His sister and her husband stood next to him with their new child. His brother Tom stood on the other side of him. When the pastor finished the people started walking by and saying how sorry they were. He acknowledged them and thanked them for coming. Bubba stood behind and off to one side by Ray’s brother Tom. Bubba walked up as soon as the last ones left the graveside. Ray kissed his sister on the cheek before they walked back towards