A New World Evolves

By Emmy Ayarza

We got your back, and Marss too. She is alive, folks, and dont forget that. Our Earth would be alive today if we hadnt forgotten to respect her life, Lew Bead told the people of New Life Public.

The Bead family opened their rural ranch to their family and neighbors when their ordinary world suddenly stopped functioning. A fortunate discovery leads them to spaceships prepared to take mass populations to Mars. Harrowing experiences and old and new forged relationships send them where a new world evolves.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 17, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514476277

Emmy Ayarza

Emmy Ayarza is a true American of Scottish Irish, German Bohemian, pioneer-immigrant ancestry. She traveled to Europe several times and sought out higher education and learning. Emmy was born and raised on a farm-and-ranch combination and still lives on a ranch with her husband of forty eight years. The middle child of loving parents of a large family of seven children and her rural background sheltered her yet exposed her to a unique life and background of independent, rugged, musical, and yet tolerant family and friends. Both of her parents were small-airplane pilots, and her mother’s love of progress and inventions spurred her own fondness of science fiction and futuristic possibility.

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Copyright © 2016 by Emmy Ayarza.

ISBN:   Softcover   978-1-5144-7628-4

   eBook   978-1-5144-7627-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 03/16/2016

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Contents

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Dedication

This story is dedicated to my grandson Weston who taught me to take my own advice.

Chapter One

It didn't happen instantly nor was the reason for the loss of power and supplies disclosed but gradually there was an increase in earthquakes, volcanoes erupting, tidal waves, flash floods, and weather changes. It appeared to be everywhere but where they were at first, then it started affecting everyone even them as more people were killed. Fewer supplies were available and then there were no available hospitals, doctors, nurses, law, or help. People in the cities were stranded as there wasn't any gas or electricity and communities began building barricades and isolated communities gathered and built fortresses.

No one knew where the leaders went. There were no radio broadcasts to hear even if you used generators or batteries which everyone did at first. Internet chatter was the only means of communication but everyone was scared to say who they were or where they were. News of happenings were being told and recorded by web cam and broadcast over the internet by individuals. They told how martial law had been declared and everyone in towns and cities were barricaded inside or out of the communities and any fuel or supplies were confiscated and rationed at rationing centers. One morning the internet fell silent. Many people tried to flee some believing they should go south where it was warm and some believed they should go north to Canada and Alaska where it was cold. Most did not have enough gas to get where they wanted to go and were left stranded miles from anywhere without chance of rescue and little to survive on.

The Bead family owned a small ranch and lived close to the river. When things looked bleak and the electricity went out their family living in the city about three hours from their mountain ranch came immediately. They had been discussing for the last couple of years what they would do if things got worse and something happened, and something happened and things got worse.

At first their isolated country community of neighbor's feared people from the towns would try and come out in the country. Some neighbors began moving together and back against the mountains so they could protect their livestock. Without water in the ditches they moved to the rivers which had once again started flowing freely and filling the once shallow depths flooding many homes and areas which had built too close depending on the uncontrolled water releases. The Bead family dropped buckets with ropes into their more shallow wells. They immediately went to all the empty and abandoned houses close around and pulled all the insulation and materials they found and pulled wagons with their horses loaded with materials and supplies to their ranch. They were making their big metal shops and outbuildings into insulated shelters for all their families and friends. They planned to make one gathering area for cooking, eating, and relaxing together and make sleeping quarters in all the other buildings.

Two families of neighbors joined them as their ranch was easier to protect being against the mountain with two shallow ground wells close to the buildings. That first day they all joined in the shop that had enough room they could all gather as their family of five had grown to thirty quickly when their families arrived and then to fifty when the two neighbors joined them. The women with children crying took them to the house and the others brought benches and chairs and they all sat around the shop in a circle. Rayne looked at her brothers Price and Colby and they sat each side of her and put their arms around her. Lew watched his children and nodded to the boys. Dawn came in and sat by Colby and reached and patted her children. Foster Bead, Gary Pike, and Dorlan Webb got up and went and stood by Lew.

You are welcome family and friends. We are doing our best to figure out what to do. We have acted fast to take our harnesses and make single trees and hook them to the wagons to be pulled by our horses. We have already made a couple trips to houses we knew had been empty and abandoned even before all this affected all of us on a wide scale, Lew said, to the group.

Men, our neighbors around us are doing what we are doing. We are talking with them and we will continue to help them when we can they will do the same for us. We are off the main road a way so that is helping us not to have to drive any strangers away. One of our neighbors said they saw the neighbors, the other side of the road, shoot at some people walking towards their place. We know everyone that has survived this far will have to make plans for long term survival. We will need to do that for all of us. We need to secure shelter, water, food, and safety. Safety includes medical and we are lucky to have a couple medical people EMT II and a Nurse. Towns will not have food in their stores for long and we know it, Foster said.

Most people in this country have livestock they will quickly learn to utilize if they can keep them safe, Gary Pike said.

***

One thing we know is our ancestors survived here without electricity and fuel so we know we can do it as well. Heat will be a big problem for people as the weather turns. We used wood heat so our stores are in for a few years if we are careful. We have the forest above us but if everyone starts cutting the trees down for wood they will not last long. We must burn everything we can and conserve heat and wood all we can. That means using wood stoves not fireplaces to keep warm. We can heat and cook at the same time. We will not keep big fires so we will not heat sleeping areas only as we are forced to. We are going to make this shop into the living area with this big wood stove that we can also cook on and this big wood cook stove with a cistern for hot water. We have secured our wells and we know we can use them with buckets but my nephew Seth has an idea for a bicycle driven cable system for the well. It will have many little cups on it that will bring water up and pour into a catch tank that will turn on from the tap gravity driven tank to feed the houses.

So far we have a plan for shelter and water. Our livestock are drinking from creeks that run to the river. The government had diverted them into the big irrigation channels and we diverted them back to their natural flow that was my dad's idea, Price said.

We are lucky to have Lew and Dawn to help us as they remember things that have already helped us. We will be moving some buildings here for barns. We want buildings that can house all our livestock if necessary to keep them safe. We have found a place with old horse drawn equipment and we intend to bring them all here so we can cut hay and stack it and plow for a garden and plant wheat and oats as long as we have seed. We will keep a field just for seed for the next year, Foster said.

We will coordinate what crops we grow with our neighbors and trade each other for what we each need. We did not have any milk cows any of us but dad told us how to pick the best cows from our herds for that and how to gentle them to milk. We have chickens and geese and some turkeys and there are wild turkeys around here we can hunt and as the deer will not be hunted like before we expect their numbers to grow, Gary said.

We do have some predator animals around men, if you kill a coyote or any other predatory animals we need to skin them and tan their hides.

We will need to start making furs for clothing and blankets as supplies start to dwindle. What do you have about sanitation and health for us, Foster? Lew asked.

We are lucky you have outhouses. Those are available for use. There are two toilets in the house we can use with creek or river water to flush it with a bucket. We have five commode chairs we need to empty daily into the septic or outhouses. The septic and sewer do work and Lew wisely separated his drain water system from his septic system. That should work okay but if water starts to become short we will dig another trench for another outhouse and use commode chairs with buckets and chamber pots under the beds just like they used to use. Everyone needs to wash their hands and we do have a good supply of bleach. We will use a little bleach in the wash basin that everyone washes up in, Dorlan told the group.

No one cooks or touches the food without washing. None of us can afford to get sick as there is no medicine other than what we have brought here or will find, Esther added.

We are lucky ranchers keep medicine for their cattle which will now be rationed for human use only. We must use the creek as a cooler and use a root cellar for food storage. We have an old camper and motor home we are cleaning out and getting ready for use as isolation areas. We will also use one of the neighbor's abandoned houses if we need to for that. Anyone gets sick will have to go into isolation until they are better. We cannot afford even a cold to spread through us. We know that keeping things clean and washing our hands often will help with that. We do have recipes for soap and candles and the women will be doing that, Foster told them.

We have bee hives not far from here and some say they know how to harvest them so we will do that for honey. We also have some neighbors growing sugar beets and we will keep some for seed and grow some of our own for sugar. Cattle feed and gardens will be essential as well as using the smokers in the fruit trees so the birds and insects don't get the fruit before we can harvest them. Any berry bushes or strawberries we find we will dig up and transplant here to our gardens, Gary said.

Staying warm in the winter will be easier than staying cool in the summer. The nights here usually cool down and we are going to make lots of hammocks for summer sleep outside or sleep in the basement as that will be cooler in the summer. Don't hide it if you get sick we must isolate you but we will take good care of you. We are keeping the motor home close to the house for that, Foster said, watching the group for reaction.

Now everyone take care of the children and grandma and grandpa. They must not be allowed to get a chill or not eat. We will have plenty of milk, eggs, and flour as we can make wheat or potato flour with the grinders and we can make butter so we can have potato bread and there are hops for yeast we can grow and we will grow some for our own yeast for bread and yes men, beer. We all need to keep warm and not get a chill and stay cool when it is hot out.

Do not take chances out in the sun without covering and don't take chances with the cold, Dorlan Webb said.

Thank you Foster, Gary, Dorlan, and Esther. We will not be having baths every day I don't care who you are. If you get vain in these conditions you will have to leave. There are places that have been abandoned that we will exile you to if you violate our rules here for survival. We must have rules to survive. The women have written up the rules and made a list of disciplines for breaking the rules. Esther, would you read the rules and disciplines? Lew asked.

Rule one don't jeopardize our survival so ask if you are not sure. Rule two conserve everything don't waste anything. Rule three get along no fighting. Rule four do your duty you are assigned, as failure to do so breaks rule number one. Rule number five is telling no one where we are. Don't bring others here without a full vote from everyone to do so. The disciplines can be public whipping, withholding your rations, or exile time to be determined by Lew and Dawn. We have made a list of chores that need to be done. Everyone must sign up for something only the children under five are not scheduled chores. If you do not sign up you will be given your chores some chores have already been assign as those need special skills to perform so those people with those skills have been assigned those chores. We eat three times a day always at the same times, seven in the morning for breakfast, noon for lunch and six for supper. Snack will be allowed when we have available supplies, Esther told them.

We will be okay we do have weapons and those of you assigned to security that is your job. Remain armed at all times. Those of you assigned to building we need you to get on insulating these buildings as best you can. We need that basement or bunker whichever you want to call it dug back into the mountain behind this building and a tunnel to it from each of our buildings. Those of you assigned to procurement and supplies will have security assigned to accompany you. We all need to work as a team those assigned to building and repair will need to keep the equipment repaired so we may do what is needed. Livestock care will make sure the animals are fed, milked, groomed, and taken care of. If you need more help than we have assigned please let us know. You will see there is a lead for each area of need. The women are assigned to household and garden with exception to those assigned to security, Lew said.

Security must also keep weapons and ammunition secured and accounted for. Get us whatever you can, Rayne, you are the lead for security. We know you are the best shot and safety minded. Get your people assigned and you see to the procurement yourself and assign one of your people to the houses and where you know we will need them. We have given you all the teenagers and young people for security. See they are armed and scheduled so everyone rests and still covers our need, Lew said nodding to Rayne.

Rayne looked at her father surprised and her mother patted her and her brothers hugged her.

***

I need area managers. Colby you and Price need to help me with that. We need Case to do grounds and buildings and get one of the cousins to help him with that. Make sure we work in pairs and one is available at all times in every area, Rayne said immediately.

The other cousins and neighbor teens came to Rayne, Price and Colby.

I volunteer to help you anyway I can, Rayne, Case said and smiled at Rayne.

Yes I knew you would, we will need you and Rylis to help us manage security. You start with the grounds and building security. Price, you and Brenda help me with the schedule and make sure we always keep someone available to go with procurement. Brenda, you write the schedule and keep the list. I want you to be with the women at all times armed and pack an extra weapon you can give one of the women if needed.

Rayne looked at Brenda and she nodded and was handed a tablet and pen.

Keep me available for procurement at all times, I want to be assigned the same as you, Rayne, we know how to back each other, Price said.

Okay, you or Colby and you cover each other.

That will work.

Colby smiled and nodded.

Kathy, you will do the building and grounds security management with Kenny and Seth Webb. Rylis, you are on procurement with Colby, Price, Case, me, Abe and Mason. Colby you, Abe, and Mason get some rest. Price, Rylis, and I will be first shift. We need those weapons handed out, Case. You Kenny, Seth, and Kathy get them gathered and all the ammunition you can find and see any the men can shoot have access to them so pack extra always for those around you. If you find a place where the weapons will be secure and available to any and all safely tell everyone and place them. We need to arm them if we have the need and we all must be armed at all times. The others have duties to attend.

Rayne looked around and the others all nodded.

Anyone goes out away from the buildings need security to go with them. If we have needs tell procurement they will be keeping lists of our needs. We will always be looking for weapons and ammunition when we are out. Rayne wrote on a small tablet as she spoke.

We will have those weapons shortly. I will consult with Lew.

Case left and his gathering team went with him.

The rest of you see the managers and Brenda for your times to guard and where. All of you look for weapons and ammunition, if you have ideas, don't keep them to yourself. We will need all the help you can give us.

Rayne looked up and the others assigned to security nodded and smiled.

Rayne, Uncle Foster's procurement needs your team. I hope you have lined up already to go with them. They are going out right away to bring more materials they can find. Take supplies, Rayne, make packs and rolls and take a couple horses. See Gary for those horses he is managing livestock. The procurement team will take supplies as well, Lew said, looking at his notes.

We got our teams assigned and Ryder and Price will be going with me. We need to get our weapons and supplies and go to the barn for the horses. Brenda has our schedules and Case will do management here while we are gone, Dad.

The others are getting ready too, so hurry.

Lew hugged Rayne and Price and shook hands with Rylis.

Don't worry Price and I got her back, Lew.

Rylis smiled at Lew and Lew nodded. Rylis caught up with Rayne and Price and they went to Foster.

Aw my sweetie security niece, what can I do for you, Rayne? Foster asked.

We need three rolls, supplies for the rolls, saddle bags, tack, and we will need horses too but we will go and see the Gary for that.

Rayne smiled at Foster and he smiled at her.

I know for sure Gary is expecting you as Lew said you would need horses for security. I will have your supplies ready for you on the wagon, one or two blankets? Foster asked.

Two please and double one of the rolls we will put them on the back of the saddles, Uncle.

Will you need some scabbards then, Rayne? Foster asked.

Yes Uncle, three scabbards and one rifle case or will we have those with the weapons? Rayne asked.

You will have those with the weapons. We should give you the scabbards too shouldn't we? Foster asked, and smiled at Rayne.

Do I need to get our food from the women? Rayne asked.

Yes dear and I heard your father telling you to get ready so I made you food packs. Dawn kissed Rayne, Price, and Rylis and handed them packs.

All of you security be careful. Here are your eight food packs, Foster.

Dawn smiled at Foster.

Thank you, Dawn.

Foster took the food packs from Dawn and put them on the wagon.

Rylis took their packs and they went to the barn.

There you are I have been expecting you. We will keep six horses for security use. I am giving you big tall horses for when you go out with procurement. You should take three each time and I have picked big ones for you in case the teams should have any problems you could pitch them in.

Gary handed them ropes.

Thank you, Gary that is great.

Rayne hugged him and he smiled.

With three horses and something happens you will have big enough horses to pack two of you if needed. I got their tack from supplies for you. I knew you would need them and I heard you had taken Rylis with you as first shift. I would suggest you request Foster to leave your six saddles and tack with your horses as security protocol, Rayne.

Gary smiled and nodded to them.

I will do that thank you, Gary. We got some organizing to do but looks like we all are aware of that.

Rayne nodded to Gary and he smiled at her.

I have two men and the preteens assigned to me. They will do the chores and help with the feeding. I think this is going to work fine. It is organization basics we will improve it as we go, Rayne.

We can all help each other if it is needed. Rayne smiled, and Gary got their horses and they all smiled.

I thought you would like these strong horses.

Gary smiled at Rylis.

Thanks, Dad.

Rylis and Gary hugged.

I got some extra ropes here and your lassos. If you find any animals out there bring them. We can use all we can get.

We will keep our eyes open.

Rayne handed him a holster with pistol and bullet pouches.

All the managers need to be armed. You are clear out here and should be armed just in case, Gary.

Rayne smiled at Gary, and Gary smiled and nodded.

Are we staying out all night then? Rayne asked.

That is what we heard. You are doing a long sweep and I think Lew is going to ask you to do some scouting about.

We can do that, we will see procurement settled and leave one guard with the wagon if possible.

Foster and I put a canvas and pup tent in with your rolls.

Gary smiled and the three security guards laughed as they saddle their horses.

Be careful out there, Gary called, as they left with their horses.

The three security team led the horses to the wagon and put the rolls, saddle bags, and scabbards on. Colby came to them and nodded.

We got the weapons, what are you going to need we will bring them? Colby asked.

We need seven pistols, four rifles and, Foster, we need you to give the scabbards to Colby to keep with the weapons. Gary suggested we keep six saddles and tack with our security horses so we can get them in a hurry. Give all the managers pistols with holsters, Case.

Good Idea all that, we can do it, Foster said.

We will need two holsters and pistols with full ammunition belts double holsters, a box of bullets with each weapon, one full ammunition belt, and a box of ammunition for under the wagon seat. One rife needs to be in a case under the wagon seat with a box of ammunition. We will put the other three in our scabbards and the extra ammunition in the saddle bags, said Rayne.

Foster, can I have my night gear and a pair for Rayne and Price as well? Rylis asked.

I got several I will give you each one.

Foster nodded to Rylis as Lew came to them.

I see you are almost ready. I have an extra assignment for you, Rayne. Once you have found a camp see if you can scout out who is where and what is going on. Here is a map of the area so you can put the houses you see and if there is evidence of other people. Letter them as you find them starting from here, start at number one so N1 would be north first building.

Okay we got it, Dad.

Don't take any chances you three and don't leave the wagon undefended for more than two hours or Foster will come looking for you, security.

You want us to scout the town and see what is going on? Rayne asked.

That's my girl we kind of need to know what is happening out there close to us anyway.

We will do it and stay hid.

That's the idea we don't need any following you back here or you getting hurt.

We won't bring them here if we do get spotted, Dad.

You be careful and don't take any chances.

Lew smiled at Rayne and patter her arm. The security team nodded and a young girl came and handed them tablets and pencils.

Here you are three tablets and six pencils and three sharpeners attached to the tablets.

Thanks, Uncle.

Rayne smiled and everyone got on the wagon and Colby, Case, and Barbara brought the weapons. They put the pistols on and tied the holsters to their legs. They put the rifles in their scabbards and Rayne took the pistol and Rifle in the case with the ammunition and put them under the driver's seat on the wagon.

Thanks, Rayne, I am happy for the weapon.

Foster smiled handing them the night vision binoculars.

Thanks Uncle."

Rayne tied her hat on and kissed Lew on the cheek.

Dad, you need to make sure all the windows are blacked out after dark and no fires can be seen at night.

We will Rayne, I didn't think of that but we don't want to advertise we are here.

The three security guards got on their horses and followed the wagon down the lane past their houses.

Uncle, if you are planning on cooking over a fire, you better do it before it gets dark, Rayne called.

I understand, Rayne, we are not sure who is out here. We will do that window block too.

Foster opened the case under the seat.

You will find knifes in that sack for each of your people, Uncle.

Thank you, Rayne, that makes me feel better we do have axes, hatchets, and chainsaw while we still have gas.

Foster held up the chainsaw, and smiled.

My night goggles have heat sensors so will yours. We will be able to tell if there is life around us for about three miles, Rylis told Rayne and Price.

I thought so and we will need that when we go scout the town, Rayne said, as she documented the houses around them.

You do east and I will do west, Price. Rylis, you ride ahead no more than ten minutes and scout.

Very good, Rayne, you are good at this.

Rylis smiled at her and rode off ahead. Rayne and Price watched around them and documented the buildings they traveled past.

We are going out about six miles. We will not go out onto the highway and will camp at one of the houses we pull to before the highway to camp tonight. Six miles is all we are doing today. We will spread out to the south first this trip on our way back if we find an abandoned house that is.

Foster told them as he drove the wagon and Rayne nodded. Ten minutes past and then twenty and Rylis rode back.

***

All is clear for ten minutes ahead, Foster, Rylis called to the wagon.

There are four houses close to this road in that time frame and when we get that far I will ride ahead again.

That girl of ours surprises me, Rylis.

She did me too, Foster, she is very smart and has grown up and is looking good too.

Rylis smiled and nodded to Foster. Foster laughed and nodded back. When they got where Rylis scouted he went to Rayne.

I will need to go and scout to the highway now.

Rylis looked at Rayne and smiled.

They are not going out on the highway at all, Rylis. There is a house not far from the highway on the right. I am sure you remember that, just scout to there and check that place out and come back.

Rylis nodded to Rayne.

We will be only two and a half miles from town from there. We can easily scout that. I am sure Lew knew that and had that in mind, Rayne.

Price and Rayne nodded and Rylis rode off ahead to scout.

He should be gone about half an hour, more than that we ride to find him.

Rayne looked at Price and he nodded to her.

Yup, you are good at this Rayne. That search and rescue training sure did prepare you for this, Sis.

Don't wait on me I need your help so help me if I forget anything, Price.

This is only our first excursion this far out. I wonder why we haven't seen anyone out this way that stayed.

Price waved around at the few houses they noted.

I heard the Webb family talking to dad and they said most out this way came back in to the mountains and have joined together with others close to the mountains with their livestock. Not too many ranches this side mostly farmers.

I know and some that worked in town but just seems kind of spooky. It is kind of science fiction spooky.

Price looked around and looked at Rayne. They both laughed.

This makes you realize what has happened, Price. Not what people were expecting but still life changing.

They traveled along with the wagon for another half hour and then five minutes more. Rayne was going to ride after Rylis when they saw him riding to them. Rylis waved to Foster and rode to Rayne and Price and slowed so the wagon pulled away from them.

Hoe oh, what is it, Rylis? Rayne asked.

That family were all dead, Rayne. I found them all in the house beat to death.

No, who would do that? Rayne asked. We better tell Foster.

I didn't move them, Rayne, as whoever did it might come back and if they were moved they would know someone is out here.

They haven't been dead for long then.

Rylis shook his head.

So the scary stories the survivalist used to talk about are happening.

Price looked at Rayne and Rylis concerned.

Something similar it appears.

Rayne nodded to Price and Rylis and they rode to the wagon and waved to Foster.

Uncle Foster, you need to know there is a security issue ahead. That last house on the right has been attacked and the family there was beaten to death. Rylis said not long ago and we cannot let you go there as planned.

Oh no, that means there are bandits able to travel somehow. Rylis, how about that brick house on the left with the white fence? Foster asked.

It has been abandoned and was empty. I saw animals in that family's barn. We could get you fixed for camp tonight at the brick house, Foster. I am sure whoever found that family checked the brick house as it has been ransacked. We could go and get those animals once you are set. You need to pull the wagon in the barn and I think you should do material gathering as much as you can tonight.

I agree, we will get them settled and go and get the animals and bring them then eat and go do our scouting, Uncle.

Foster nodded and they trotted the team along knowing the brick house was only about eight minutes down the road. They went down the drive to the house and Foster ran and opened the barn door and drove the wagon inside.

We will cover the windows and then tear the house walls down, pile them up, and load them all at once at the back of the house to stay hidden as much as possible.

We are going to that barn, you get that rifle and pistol out.

Rayne looked at the men and Foster nodded. Rayne, Rylis, and Price rode to the last house and went directly to the barn. They went inside and closed the barn door behind them.

Milk cows, two horses, and darn it chickens and geese.

No problem, Rayne. They got sacks and grain. We will put these two sacks of grain on with you as you are the lightest. We will put the chickens and geese in the sacks and tie them and I will pack those with me.

Rylis smiled at Rayne.

We can lead the cows and horses, Sis.

The three security guards got the sacks and caught the chickens and geese and put them in sacks and Rayne put the eggs in her saddle bags in a towel. They put ropes on the cows and saddled the horses with tack they found and Rayne laughed.

We can put all the sacks on these two horses.

Rayne and Price got on their horses leading the two horses and milk cows, and Rylis opened the door and checked, then opened them so they could go out and he closed the door behind them. The three of them rode as quickly as the cows would let them with their full udders. They kept looking behind them the whole way and rode off on the side of the rode so they wouldn't leave evidence they had been on the road. They took the animals in the barn and Foster went out to them with a bucket.

Looks like those cows need milked, Rayne.

I would say they do. We got chickens and geese in the sacks too, Uncle.

We can use the animals I am sure and Gary will like that.

I got eggs in my saddle bags as well. We can use the milk and eggs for supper that will save on our supplies.

We found the cellar and it hadn't been touched it was full of supplies and they are getting it all ready to pack, Rayne.

Foster found a wooden box in the barn and made holes in it and put the chickens and geese with some feed and water and put the grain sacks on the wagon. Rayne took the eggs into the house and the women had built a fire in the fireplace and were making pancakes and smiled.

First milk now eggs, you are great hunters, Rayne, Esther said, smiling at her.

Thank you Auntie.

Rayne and Esther hugged.

You three can eat as we know you have a scouting trip to make. I hope you get done before dark.

We kind of hope it will get dark, Auntie, we are letting our horses rest and eat. We know there are some bad people out there who kill families. They didn't shoot them but that doesn't mean they didn't have guns but it could mean they don't have a lot of ammunition. Most people took their guns and ammunition with them. I am sure if they are ransacking houses they are finding some stuff they can use.

I don't know Rayne, if they are killing people and ransacking houses like they did this one, they appear to be looking for booze, drugs, and cigarettes that type of thing and very little food or supplies. It means they are traveling and don't believe they need most of this stuff. They must feel they can use as they go and stay where they want.

Bad gangs or bandits whichever, they are dangerous, Sis.

Yes worst kind of enemy. I bet they don't even care about each other all that much but for convenience, Rylis added.

We won't bring them to you if we get caught or seen. We will circle back on Market Road and go around until we lose them in the river. If we are not back by two in the morning I think you should pack up and go back for safety sake, Auntie.

I heard that and I don't like it. We don't leave our own out here when we know there is trouble out there, Rayne.

Okay, if we don't come we will be circling back on Market Road so two of you could take those horses and come find us with your weapons but then your wagon will not be secured.

I will come looking for you on one of those horses and the others will take the rifle and go back.

Okay Uncle, but don't get caught out there alone, that will worry the heck out of me if we have to change our plans for some reason.

Okay, Rayne, you made your point I will take them home and if you haven't come we will come looking for you with a posse.

Foster nodded and laughed and they all laughed and nodded.

I bet this gang, as we are calling them, are headed for the town, Rylis said as they took their plates.

I am not happy with this at all and I don't want to just waltz in on crazies. It is almost dark and that is good for us with this night equipment, guys.

Esther gave them all coats and they smiled at her and took the coats and put them on and went to the barn and saddled their horses. Foster gave them three feed bags with oats in them and hugged them.

Be careful Rayne, and you men.

If you hear shots, Uncle, get the heck out of here.

That means we better load up tonight before we go to sleep.

Foster followed them to get their horses.

"Keep a guard posted,