'Samson' Chapter 18 'Akecheta'

Chapter 18 ‘Akecheta’

 

The Mexican had spotted a movement in the corner of his eye; his attention was now turned from the one remaining wounded wolf, for he had a new battle now!  The wounded wolf was yelping louder as the Mexican stood above it, its face snarling at the demon and the evil within the human body it possessed.  The Mexican walked away from the wolf, he stepped to the middle of the clearing, then he fiercely ripped the t-shirt from his body, his face contorted into rage and anger, his voice loud and deep boomed around the clearing.

‘You show up again…..you and the old man, who thinks he can aid you from up above’ he laughed loudly ‘I hope you have enjoyed your life Indian man, because today is the last day you will ever feel the clean air that surrounds you!’ The Mexican held the gun in his hand, feeling the steel trigger ‘you come with your ancient weapons to a twenty first century fight, you come to die!’

Akecheta shook his head ‘today is a good day and whatever the outcome, tomorrow will also be a good day, I do not fear the death that you bring only the life that you give!’

The Mexican raised the pistol and pointed it directly at Akecheta’s head, he laughed loudly as he pulled the trigger ‘fuckin fool.’

Samson held his breath as he watched the slow pull of the Mexican as he squeezed the trigger oh God noooooo but no sound came, no shot, just the empty click, click, click as the Mexican squeezed again and again.  Samson squeezed the stick he was holding tighter, he was afraid but he was determined to help these wounded animals and the Indian man named Akecheta, his allies.

Akecheta pulled his vest from over his head and threw it to the ground next he pulled out the large Bowie knife ‘your guns do not work, here, evil one’ he looked around the clearing.  He could see hundreds of Indian braves, his people all lined around the perimeter watching, he was not alone in his fight Wakatanka was with him ‘now you will have to fight the old way!’

The Mexican fired off two more clicks, two more empty shots then slung the useless gun toward the injured wolf, and it connected with the wolf’s head side on, hitting it on the side of the head sending a loud yelp around the clearing.   Samson winced with pain at the thought of the injured wolf, he immediately ran over to the beast which had now stopped moving as it lay helpless on its side.  The wolf’s chest rose and fell in soft steady rasps as Samson crouched down and began gently stroking its soft fur.  It whimpered softly as Samson continued stroking its head where the pistol had just connected ‘its ok boy’ he whispered softly as he watched the Mexican and Akecheta circle around the clearing, both of them holding knives outstretched at the ready.  Both of them waiting to see who would make the first move?

Akecheta pounced his knife which he held in his right hand slashed out towards the Mexican’s midriff, slicing across his taught muscle, just another scar to go with the many he already possessed, voices could be heard coming from the Mexican’s mouth, different voices and in many forms and sounds.  Akecheta glanced at the silent army of Lakota Sioux warriors who stood armed and watching around the clearing, like the Chinese army of the dead???? Each and every one of them carrying no emotion as they stared at the battle now being waged in the clearing in front of them.  The Mexican stepped to the side as Akecheta pounced once more, in one fluid movement the Mexican swung out with his right foot, connected with Akecheta’s knee.  Akecheta fell instantly to the floor, and rolled away as the Mexican followed through with a downward stabbing movement, the voices inside him giggled and taunted.  Akecheta was now back onto his feet swinging his knife around just as the Mexicans arm swiped downward, the two knives blocking each other with a loud clink.

The Mexican again swung out with his left fist and it caught Akecheta on the side of the head, the Mexicans face was contorting around; his features, bubbling and raging like a pool of lava ‘come on Indian boy, is that the best you’ve got?’

It was Akecheta now who swung out with his right hand, the movement of his arm just missed the Mexicans stomach, Akecheta tried to pull his arm away but now it was between the Mexicans side and his forearm, the Mexican pulled his arm into his side trapping Akecheta’s arm instantly.  The force of strength that the Mexican used to hold Akecheta trapped was unlike any strength Akecheta had ever felt in his life, he tried to pull his arm away but it held firmly stuck, the Mexican head-butted Akecheta, their heads were close to one another.  Akecheta could smell the Mexican’s breath, a stale, deathly, fleshy smell almost rotten ‘fuckin Indian boy’ he head-butted Akecheta again.  It would have been so easy for the Mexican to end it, but Akecheta knew he was toying with him let him play the longer he plays the more chance I have!

Akecheta felt his eyebrow explode open, blood shot over the Mexicans face I’ve got to do something before he ends it and stabs me with his free arm? He tried once again to pull his arm away, but it was no use, next using his left hand he punched the Mexican twice in the solar plexus, then again harder this time, he heard the wind coming out of the Mexicans stomach come on.  He punched again, then followed this up by head-butting the Mexican, his forehead caught the Mexican directly on his nose, Akecheta felt buoyed as he saw the split appear across the bridge of the Mexicans nose.

*          *          *          *          *

 

The Killdeer Mountains, North Dakota:  

Annawan, danced around the fire, his aged old body doused in sweat, he sang quietly an old Lakota Sioux battle song, all the time he stared into the fire as it raged bluer and bluer in colour.  He could see the battle through the eyes of the hawk, he could see his ancestors all stood around the clearing, he could see the boy gently stroking the wolf as it took its last breaths, slow gentle breaths its helpless chest rising and falling in an almost rhythmic pattern.  Annawan summoned the spirits in the song, to give the power of the wolf to the losing Akecheta; his eyes were glazed and pained as part of his mind thought about Akecheta. The man his daughter was destined to marry, the man who was like a son to him and the man who would die in the clearing if he could not find some way to help him!  Again he sang to the spirits as he saw the wolf’s chest stop moving! 

*          *          *          *          *

 

The Rocky Mountains: 

Samson was gently stroking the wounded wolf as its breathing slowed; each breath it took lasted longer as though its lungs could no longer take any more air.  Samson knew that any moment the wolf would take its last breath, so it came as no surprise when eventually the wolf’s chest moved no more.  Samson had tears in his eyes, they burned his cheeks as they rolled down his cheek onto his neck so much death, so much cruelty, it’s all so hopeless, so needless, why God, why do you allow this evil to thrive? 

Suddenly Samson felt the wolf’s body stiffen, then he felt a kind of vibration as though the spirit of the wolf had passed through Samson in some strange kind of way Samson felt hope rise inside him, hope and fight.  He could see the clearing surrounded by Indian warriors and then as the spirit of the wolf passed through him, they disappeared from his view.  Samson knew he had seen them but now they were gone, he blinked several times, sometimes he saw them and sometimes he didn’t, but still he found heart and hope, he saw Akecheta suddenly stiffen, his arm which was trapped between the Mexicans side and forearm suddenly turned into a claw! 

Akecheta felt unusual as though some thing, some kind of force had entered his body, he felt liberated, he felt….strange but most of all he felt strength, a strength he had never felt before in his life.   His muscles rippled like they had never done before, his arm was still trapped by the side of the demon.  His hand felt different….his fingers felt like claws, as they dug into the demons side, the demon let go slightly with his grip, enabling Akecheta to withdraw his arm instantly.  As his arm pulled free Akecheta could make out that it was covered in fur what the….The demon turned its face contorted with pain as its eyes looked down to its side, where the claw hand of Akecheta had sliced through his skin.  The painful expression turned to anger as it lunged forward at Akecheta, who immediately dodged to his right.  As the demon drew level the left hand of Akecheta lashed out, hitting the demon on the temple, sending the creature rolling to its side, Akecheta made to dive, but the demon was already up on its feet.

Akecheta’s body had already left the floor and was now landing at the spot where the demon had previously lain, as he hit the floor the demon pounced on top of his back.  With the last attack the demon had dropped the knife but now the demons hands clamped around Akecheta’s throat, starving his windpipe of the vital air needed to keep him alive, the demon pulled his hands together tighter and tighter ‘come then little Indian man’ his voice was a loud rasp.

 

Samson had now left the wolf and reaching down he picked up the large stick he had carried earlier, he was heading to where the demon was battling Samson’s one hope of survival.  As he approached Samson could feel his heartbeat getting stronger, he was stood next to the grappling pair with fear that his heart would pound out of his chest.  The Mexican demon was atop of Akecheta his hands tightening more and more around the Indian man’s windpipe he’s going to kill him without any hesitation and with his heart pounding like a jackhammer Samson raised the thick stick high above his head, then with all the strength he could muster he brought the stick down to bare.  It connected with a loud thud on the back of the demons head, instantly drawing blood as it spurted through the air just missing Samson who had now stepped sideways on, bringing the stick back he swung it like a baseball bat.  As he swung his mind thought back to his old P.E teacher at school “always focus on the ball, picture its route and swing” and that’s exactly what he did he swung with all his might, his eyes totally focussed on the head of the demon.  Then he watched and felt the connection as his stick hit the demon on its right hand ear.  The demon was instantly forced to let go of its grip on Akecheta as it was knocked sideways off its foe, Samson swung the stick again hitting the demon on its back, then once more.  He was aware of Akecheta who had rolled onto his side gasping desperately for oxygen, and then Samson swung again.

The stick came down with speed but the demon had already rolled to the side and swept its foot around sweeping both Samson’s legs from under him.  It all happened in slow motion as Samson felt himself swept up in the air then he fell to earth with a loud thud.  As soon as he landed he felt the air leave his stomach and chest and pain shot through every muscle, just as time returned to normal again…..then he felt the weight of the demon on top him, he knew then that he was about to die please God.

There was a loud deep laugh ‘does he hear you boy….does he help?’ his hands closed around Samson’s throat.

 Samson’s mind replayed his whole life in seconds as he felt the life being crushed from him, and he thought he could see a light like the opening of the cave he had hidden in, but not dark, bright.  Samson looked toward the light his mind thought he could see his father and mother and Candice and in the distance he could hear the hearty laugh of the devil.

*          *          *          *          *

 

The Killdeer Mountains, North Dakota:  

Annawan watched as Akecheta started to get the upper hand, then as soon as he had felt hope, the demon had bettered him once again.  He had to do something….then he saw the boy go to the aid of Akecheta, saw the boy hitting the demon.  In slow motion it happened, all so slow the demon was now atop of the boy named Samson, the boy was about to die we must do something to help, oh great Wakatanka we cannot let evil prevail.

*          *          *          *          *

 

The Rocky Mountains: 

Samson caught a movement out the corner of his eye as he felt the last breath leave his body, but instantly he thought his eyes must be deceiving him?  An Indian brave ran through the clearing and entered the body of the demon, who instantly released its grip on Samson’s throat and was then flung backwards to the floor.  The demon rolled around arms flailing, and then suddenly Samson saw the shape of the Indian brave exit the demons body and then slump to the floor at its feet.

The demon let out a laugh as it stamped its boot into the spirit at its feet, then it roared as it looked around the clearing seeing the Indian spirits that had come to defeat him ‘this is it, you send these’ he stamped his foot into the spirit at its feet once again.

Akecheta had regained his breath and now rose to his feet once more, he saw the demon stamp onto the spirit and threw the bowie knife, it spun through the air, connecting with the demons thigh, where it entered right to the hilt.

The demon screamed and spun around to face Akecheta ‘enough of these silly games Indian it is time you die’ he pulled the bowie knife from his leg and licked his tongue down the blade ‘you think these spirits can help you defeat me!’  Then in an almost speed of sound movement he threw the bowie knife at Akecheta, then followed by charging right at him.

Akecheta did not see the knife leave the demons hand, his attention had been drawn to the spirits of his ancestors, then suddenly he felt the knife enter his right shoulder, he was flung back and onto his knees.  He turned his head just in time to register the demon as it launched its attack, Akecheta rolled to the side and at the same time sprang to his feet, his feet sweeping round high in the air in an arc it connected with the demons head, knocking it sideways.  With his left hand Akecheta pulled the tomahawk free from his belt as the demon moved in toward him once again, he stepped to the side and dropped to his knee swinging the tomahawk low along the ground it connected with the demon at the back of its knee joint on its right leg.  Akecheta felt the tomahawk enter the leg, cutting through its cruciate ligament, stopping as it hit bone.  He yanked with all his strength as he pulled the weapon free.  The demon had dropped to one knee and Akecheta had risen in a spin, still clutching the tomahawk he swung it high in an arc and downward to the demons neck.

The demon saw the tomahawk sweep down toward it and at the same time reached its arm upwards to the Indians shoulder, grabbing the bowie knife he pulled it free and drove it toward the Indians stomach, but before he connected he felt a pain rip through his body.  It was a pain unlike any he had ever felt before; his arm stopped its outward thrust toward the Indian as he looked down at the cause of his pain.  He blinked as he saw the tip burst through his chest, then he felt the tomahawk connect with his neck, he coughed blood as he dropped to his other knee, still looking down at the spear that had skewered him.  

Samson pushed harder and harder until his hand-made spear exited the demons chest; his teeth were clenched tight as he made one last final push, at the same time Akecheta connected with the tomahawk sending plumes of blood spurting high into the air.  Samson wasn’t bothered about the blood he was more concerned about Akecheta who had now let go of the tomahawk and stood swaying on the spot as he looked down at the Mexican demon.  Akecheta blinked twice and then he began falling backward, with instincts like an animal Samson dived to where Akecheta was falling throwing himself to the ground to help cushion the blow.  Akecheta landed atop of Samson forcing the air out of Samson’s lungs, Samson lay under him until he could breathe again and then he slowly slid from under his ally.  Samson then rose onto his knees, he glanced over to the Mexican demon that was still kneeling his eyes white, he rocked back and forth, his breathing slow and hoarse, blood pouring from his neck, chest and leg.

Voices came from his mouth, they seemed distant and quiet, but Samson did not care about that he had to get Akecheta’s wound under control.  He leapt to his feet and pulled the t-shirt from over his head, he folded it into a tight wad and pushed it into Akecheta’s shoulder wound, then he untied his boots and using the laces he tied the t-shirt into place, securing it tight into Akecheta’s shoulder.  He heard a noise and turned to see the Mexican devil roll onto his side, the body hit the floor and began to spasm, Samson watched, movement caught his eye and his sight was instantly drawn to the Indian braves surrounding the clearing.  As one they began walking towards Samson and Akecheta, where once they arrived the turned and formed a perimeter wall two, three maybe four braves thick around the two living souls.

The body of the Mexican demon convulsed several times and then slowly a black shape exited through his mouth, the shape rose into the air and began circling above Samson and Akecheta, it swooped downwards several times.  On each ascent the Indian braves fought the shadow away until eventually it gave up and soared into the sky and then turning it sped away.

*          *          *          *          *

 

            The Killdeer Mountains, North Dakota: 

            Annawan stood looking into the fire, his body drained of energy and soaked in sweat, his skin looked more haggard than it had previously, he could find no voice.  Turning he faced northwards where he stood staring.  After some time he could make out a shape, travelling at exceptional speed, he nodded and spread his arms open wide, closing his eyes Wakatanka the one true spirit aid me in my hour of need!

   The dark shape sped toward the Killdeer Mountains, towards Annawan where as soon as it reached it entered the waiting Sioux warrior.  Annawan stood upright and felt the spirit enter him, his body battled within itself like a person having an epileptic fit.  Eventually Annawan brought his hands upto his head; his palms either side of his scull he squeezed tightly then he sprinted forward, with seconds he reached the two hundred metre drop and he leapt from the side!  A smile played his face as he fell ground ward!

*          *          *          *          *

 

            The Calcone Residence, Kansas City: 

            Marco Calcone rose from his chair and walked toward the French doors leading to the garden, he had a strange feeling, the kind of feeling that he was being watched.  He reached the doors and looked out upon the grounds; he was unaware of the shadows as they began closing in upon him!  Slowly they crept down the room toward him, from under the pictures that hung from the walls, from under the table that spread the length of the room, from the chairs that lined the table.  The shadows began to descend upon their prey!

*          *          *          *          *

 

            The Rocky Mountains: 

            Samson sat and watched as Akecheta opened his eyes ‘hi’ Samson whispered.

            Akecheta blinked ‘is it over?’

            Nodding Samson spoke ‘yes’ tears began forming in the corners of his eyes ‘what will happen now, what will happen to me?’

            Akecheta slowly rolled onto his side and then onto all fours and lastly up onto his feet, he looked at his shoulder and nodded ‘we have to get to civilisation and then tell the authorities what has happened here, about your parents and the evil that came upon us!’

            ‘Will they believe us?’

            ‘Maybe, we won’t quite tell them everything……..we have a long walk and that gives us plenty of time to sort out our story!’

            Samson looked to Akecheta ‘but you haven’t answered my question!’

            ‘I know, and that is because I do not know the answer……..someone sent those creatures after you and your family, they were sent to kill you all but one of you is still alive………will they give up knowing that?  Or will they try to eliminate all loose ends?’

            ‘Can we not go to the authorities, can I not stay with you, I feel……. I’ll be safer with you, safer until I’m ready!’

            Akecheta looked at Samson ‘ready for what?’

            Samson looked at him like the answer was obvious ‘to go after whoever sent them, the person or persons that had my family killed!’

            Akecheta shook his head ‘whoever that person may be, he or she has friends in very bad places……sometimes it pays to let things be my little friend!’

            Samson looked at him and swallowed ‘I will get vengeance for my family…….if it’s the last thing I do!’ 

 

The End

I hope you enjoyed the final chapter of Samson and I hope you enjoyed his adventures through the Rocky Mountains........a place I have not ever been but would one day like to attend!!  If you enjoyed Samson why not download 'The Semiotic Networks' to your kindle its free on some sites :-) happy reading folks.......

Dean Horton

'Samson' Chapter 17 'The battle'

Chapter 17 ‘The battle’

 

Samson stood on the edge of the ledge, the cougar had been gone for twenty minutes, the fire had died away; it was getting time that he began moving again.  Below, the forest was beckoning him to head into it, to get himself back into cover; he realised that where he was its just to open he let out a sigh and then jumped the two metres from the ledge onto the path below.  Samson trudged on heavily, still holding the two large sticks he had made earlier during his confrontation with the cougar.

*          *          *          *          * 

Akecheta felt more energetic as he jogged through the forest, there was evil in the air, his senses told him that evil was close, his only weapons now were his tomahawk and the large bowie knife which both hung from his waist.  He jogged past some elderberry bushes, stopping; he turned back and pulled a bunch free from one of the branches, he breathed in deeply through his nose as he put several of the small berries into his mouth ‘little warrior wherever you are, I hope you are making the most of your environment!’ Akecheta knew the boy was still alive, and while the boy was alive there was hope, all he needed to do was to find him before the Mexican devil did easier said than done!

From where Akecheta was now stood he could see the tree-line break at the foot of the mountain; the mountain he had told the white boy to head toward.  On his morning trek through the forest he had passed several trees that had been tore in two from the ferocious storm that had engulfed the mountains the previous night.  The path he was now walking merged onto another; Akecheta stopped motionless footprints he crouched down and traced the print with his index finger, it was large, too large for it to be the boy.  The footprints were heavier on the right foot; Akecheta was deep in thought that is the gun the Mexican devil and his modern weapons!  ‘Looks like two hours old’ he whispered to himself’ still crouched down he placed his hands on the floor and stooped his face down low.  His eyes searched the contour of the ground, he could see the Mexicans trail as it walked toward the base of the mountain, and then he caught sight of a smaller footprint, an older print.  He scrambled to this smaller print, once he was level with the print he gently wiped his palm along where the boy had previously walked twelve hours? ‘Maybe……maybe more?’ Akecheta rose to his feet, he stared down at the trail which the boy and the Mexican had left behind, he rubbed his palm around his chin, stopping at his bottom lip, where he used his thumb and his index finger to pinch his bottom lip.  ‘Well little warrior, you’re being tracked….let’s hope you didn’t linger around too long this morning, cause you’ve got the dogs of hell on your tail my friend!’

Twenty minutes later and Akecheta was beginning to move up the gradual incline at the base of the mountain, still following in the footsteps of those who had gone before, the boy named Samson and the evil that should never be named!  Akecheta figured he was about two hours behind the Mexicans trail, but he slowed his pace; it paid to be cautious, his eyes scanned everywhere around him.  Evil was around and he did not want to meet it, even though his heart told him that before this day was over he would come face to face with death.  ‘I do not fear the living and I do not fear death, Wakatanka is the one true god and he will always be with me’ Akecheta spoke to the mountain as he walked ‘if death takes me I shall be re-united with my ancestors.’    

Akecheta arrived at a rocky overhang, crouching down he had found the place where the white boy had laid the previous night, from his current vantage point Akecheta could see nothing but forest, the greenery of trees spread like a blanket across the landscape.  In the distance there were more mountains; his mind drifted to the place where he had grown up, North Dakota and the killdeer mountains where he had been taught the ways of his ancestors.  His mind saw the woman he had wanted since an early age...Winona, she was the daughter of Annawan, his chief, his elder, from childhood the two had been destined to become one, a sense of sadness swelled his heart as a tear ran down his cheek ‘Winona’ he whispered.  As Akecheta walked solemnly along the shale path he visualised his childhood sweetheart, he could see her now, her shoulder length black hair blowing in the cool breeze.  He was stood in the street down the main town, she was stepping out of the 24/7, she turned to face him; their eyes locked onto each other…..love is what they both saw in each other’s eyes, a love that would bind them together for eternity!  Now they were lying on a blue checked picnic blanket, it was the last time he had ever seen her.  The heat of the day was disappearing; it was dusk the time of day when the nocturnal animals begin to wake.  They were lying on their backs looking up into the sky, when Winona rolled over onto her elbow, Akecheta could feel her eyes on him, and he could feel her piercing gaze as she stared at his features.  His heart felt like it would beat out of his chest, he wanted to pull her into him, to kiss her passionately, to tell her his thoughts, to ask; ask her the question could they be one.  His name meant fighter but now he was scared, scared of rejection; even though his heart told him that she felt exactly the same feelings for him as he felt for her.

‘I love this time of day’ Winona whispered, as she tucked several stray hairs behind her ear.  ‘This and the morning they are both the opposite, the birds come to life, then now they go to sleep, soon the chorus closes down and a new chorus begins.’

‘Tomorrow I have to go to your father; he has summoned me to do an errand.’

‘What kind of errand?  He has not said anything to me, but then he has been acting strange of late’ she spoke quietly her mind deep in thought.

‘I do not know what he wants, but my heart tells me something is wrong….he has gone to the sacred place, why I do not know, but tomorrow maybe the truth will be told’ Akecheta turned his head to stare at his love, he felt as though a shadow had passed over his soul.  A sudden shiver went down his spine ‘I have a fear in my heart and I do not know why!’

‘You have nothing to fear my……’ she paused.

Akecheta waited his heart had stopped mid beat what, what will she say? He so wanted to hold her to pull her into him to kiss her, then his mouth spoke words ‘I love you, my Winona’ he reached his arm up and slipping it around her neck he pulled her into him.  Into his mouth their lips made contact, wet and wanting they kissed…………. 

Akecheta was brought back to the present, it had all been so real, the last time he would ever see his love you don’t know that ‘no, I do not know that’ but the evil one…..a shiver shot down his spine, never in his life, had he ever had negative thoughts, but now!  Akecheta swallowed nervously ‘stop these thoughts’ he spotted something about one hundred metres in front of him, a charred pile of ash and charcoal.  Once he reached the remains of the fire he surveyed the land around him, the tracks moved off to his left, back to the forest and the undergrowth, then for the first time that day he saw the hawk off in the distance.  The bird was circling high above the forest canopy, Akecheta knew instantly that the devil was near the boy….there was no time now for negative thoughts, the time was nearly upon him; judgement day was fast approaching.

Without a second thought Akecheta began his two mile sprint to the spot where the hawk circled, judgement day………

*                *          *          *          *   

   Killdeer Mountain; North Dakota 14.20pm local time:

 

Annawan sat motionless leaning with his back against the warm stone rock, he was not in the present, he was in the presence of the elders, the time would soon be upon them. The training and the preparation would soon come to the fore, he did not know if his strength would hold out, but what he did know was that the spirit of the Sioux nation would be with him, it would be with him and Akecheta.  The spirit of their people would be with them both before this day is out we shall know Annawan opened his eyes, his features were tired, his body weary ‘soon; very soon, we will know!’

*          *          *          *          * 

The Rocky Mountains, 14.55pm Local time: 

Samson was thoroughly exhausted, every muscle in his body ached, his walk had now become a stumble, several times he walked into a tree or branch, his entire body was beaten and battered, his mind was oblivious to everything around him.  He was totally unaware of the silence that had now descended on his surroundings; he was unaware of the man who was now walking forty paces behind him.  Ahead he could see a clearing, and slowly he changed course and began walking toward the clearing, this was going to be his new route.  After twenty more steps he emerged into the clearing and began to walk further into the open grass land.  The grass was around two hundred millimetres in length, a slight breeze blew across the small meadow that dipped away two hundred metres further on, and the breeze cooled Samson as he took another step.  Then his ears caught something?  A twig had snapped behind him, Samson swung around just as the Mexican entered the clearing, his heart stopped, it was over and in one way his brain was glad that the end was here.

‘You’re a hard boy to find’ there was no accent almost no tone at all ‘caused me a whole lotta trouble; you and your family…..you understand don’t you that I can’t let you leave, your end is here’ the Mexican motioned with his hand around the clearing.  ‘Quite a beautiful place to die don’t you think?’

Samson swallowed hard ‘yeah’ that was all he could say. There were no more words, nothing else could escape his mouth, soon he would be re-united with his family sympathy for the devil, how ironic.  His whole body had now lost the energy to fight, to run; it was over, Samson fell to his knees ‘please God!’

The Mexican laughed ‘your God doesn’t listen, never has done, never will, please God!  It’s what they all say and he hasn’t helped anybody yet’ he chuckled once more.

Samson caught a movement off to his left on the edge of the clearing, then another, then a third; whatever it was it was just inside the forest, then they entered…..three wolves, one by one they circled the perimeter of the field.  The Mexican was walking slowly toward Samson, Samson had now risen back to his feet and was in turn slowly backing away, and the Mexican had also spotted the wolves as they circled the field.  Samson couldn’t help but think that all his nightmares had come at once if being killed isn’t bad enough I’m going to get eaten as well?  One by one the wolves began to move in different directions, two circled and the third began to move inwards toward the two prey.

‘Well little boy it looks like you’ve got a little help!’ his voice was louder and raspier, deep yet high if that’s possible, it sounded to Samson like no voice he had ever heard.

Samson looked at the Mexicans face, it was contorting, his features bubbling and moving around ‘they are with me?’ Samson whispered under his breath.  The wolf who had moved inwards was snarling, but it was not paying any attention at all to Samson, who was now clutching his stick even tighter.

The first attack came quickly, the wolf pounced at the Mexican who had now, turned into some fiercely possessed demon, the wolf flew toward his throat as the second and third wolves began to make their move.  The Mexican was focussed only on the attacking wolf; he was totally unaware of the other two attacks.  One wolf landed on his back, its fangs ripped into his shoulder blade.  With his right fist the Mexican punched the pouncing wolf in mid-air sending it sprawling sideways on away from him, his other hand had already moved behind his head and grabbed the biting wolf by the scruff of the neck, the Mexican had brute strength and pulled the wolf free.  The third wolf was now attached to the Mexicans leg, he pulled the second wolf over his shoulder swung it around his head, letting go the wolf sailed through the air for several feet, landing cleanly it turned to pounce again.  The Mexican now focussed his attention on the third wolf who has attached to his right thigh, with almighty strength his fist smashed in to the wolf’s head; the force sent the wolf crashing to the floor with a mouthful of the Mexicans flesh.  But the force was that severe the third wolf was dead in an instant!

Samson watched as the wolf who had been thrown through the air spun back round to face its deadly foe, the first wolf the one which the Mexican had punched, was bleeding from its ear, its grey fur was slightly blood-stained, but now they were both focussed on one thing!  The two wolfs one grey and one black now advanced as one, snarling and snapping, the Mexican, his face still contorting with rage, let out a deathly laugh then with lightning speed he withdrew the Gloch which was holstered on his right leg.  With the pistol gripped tightly he brought it round to bare on the now pouncing black wolf, the shot was deafening as it echoed around the small meadow.  The wolf let out a yelp as it fell to the floor mid-flight.  The second wolf had begun its attack, low and fast it attacked with purpose its mouth was just about to close on the Mexican’s leg when the blast from the second shot from the Gloch hit just above its right hind leg.  The bullet went straight through the wolf exiting halfway down its left leg, shattering its cruciate ligament instantly. It fell to the floor yelping with pain, the Mexican laughed hoarsely and aimed a massive boot into the wolfs stomach, the wolf only managed a soft grunt.

Samson watched helplessly as the wounded wolf tried to pull itself onto its front legs, it tried desperately to drag itself away from the demonic beast that was standing above it, it whimpered again as it moved away.  The Mexican watched the grey as it tried its hardest to escape what was to come!  The Mexican holstered the Gloch and aimed another almighty kick, the wolf was lifted half a metre from the floor, just as it landed again the Mexican kicked it once, then twice more, all the fight had now disappeared from the grey beast as it lay bleeding out, its chest rising and falling in time with its soft, last breaths.  Samson could feel the tears burning his cheeks, his hands clutching the stick even tighter, he could feel his temper rising why, why take the life of something so beautiful Samson wanted to help the dying creature.  The black wolf had been lucky, the bullet from the Gloch had only gone through the flabby bit in its neck, it still rolled around yelping, but the bullet wound was not going to kill it.  The Mexican glanced over and knew instantly that his shot had not been true enough to kill the animal; he ignored the grey dying wolf at his feet and began walking toward the black yelping creature, withdrawing his knife as he walked.

*          *          *          *          * 

 

Akecheta had left the mountain and was now travelling through the endless forest, his pace had quickened, his hopes were high from the tracks he was following they are close now he ran quicker.  There was also a feeling of dread rising…..he glanced up through the gaps in the canopy overhead; the hawk was circling high above the ground.  Akecheta felt dread in his heart, a great danger lay ahead waiting; waiting for him, soon his fate would lie in the hands of his ancestors, soon he would pay them a visit.

*          *          *          *          * 

 

The Killdeer Mountains, North Dakota:

         Annawan’s heart filled with dread, his eyes were closed tight as he watched through the eyes of the hawk, he watched the play of battle in the clearing below, he watched helpless from above as one by one the wolves fell to the powers of evil.  Annawan watched the Mexican as he dealt with the three wolves with ease, the evil that the man possessed seemed to surround his frame like an haze and Annawan realised this is how the animals see the evil within mankind.  He looked off into the forest and could make out a slight glow of light through the breaks in the trees, he knew instantly that the glow of light was the goodness that flowed through Akecheta, light and dark, good and evil, the way the animals saw it and the battle that had raged for millennia, for all time since the creation of the earth.  Akecheta, run my son; the boy is in grave danger as though his thought had travelled through time and space he watched as the glow of light began moving quickly toward the small meadow clearing.  

          Back on the mountain, Annawan threw more wood onto the fire as the heat from the sun burned down upon him, sweat rolled from every pore.  And Annawan knew the reason why, the time for battle was approaching, he began to chant, a rhythmic sound that brought with it years of hope and history.  Putting his hand into one of the pouches around his waist he withdrew a handful of the yellow powder and threw it onto the fire, his eyes were still closed as he continued to watch the events unfold in the meadow clearing.  Annawan was at one with the hawk as it flew in the skies high above the small meadow clearing, his eyes pained as he watched the demise of the wolves he had sent to aid the young white boy; he had watched first the bear and now the wolves fall one by one, now, any second Akecheta would be in the clearing.  He would watch helplessly from above as the young man he classed as his own son would come face to face with evil, for the first time in his whole life Annawan was afraid I am sorry my son for what I have sent you to do, please be brave, but most of all be true; true to yourself and the temptation to turn from the path of our ancestors.  The time was fast approaching; he knew he would have to aid the last hope they had of defeating this pure evil being that attacked the goodness that dwelled below him.  But I am afraid……Wakatanka; please give me strength, strength to see out this last day; for this will be my last day, in this life.

*          *          *          *          *

 

 The Rocky Mountains: 

Akecheta heard commotion ahead, he was close, he could make out a gap in the tree-line about one hundred metres further ahead, there was a clearing, he could make out the outline of two people, one was smaller than the other, the smaller of the two was several metres away from the bigger.  The bigger person wore a red baseball cap, a fear rose inside him, it shot through his bloodstream, bubbling through his veins run, run away, there is nothing to be embarrassed about.  

His mind drifted off, he was back in Dakota, he was sitting on a park bench next to his one love Winona, they held hands, and his grip was tight, tight with the love that pulsed through his every pore.  “Winona I am afraid of this evil that I have to confront.”

She smiled at her Akecheta ‘do not be afraid my love, you are brave, you are the fighter of the Lakota, you are the fighter of our people, you are the fighter the ancestors have sent and the blood of our ancestors flows through you, they are with you always, be brave my love!’

‘But I may not see your face again, the life that was destined for me and you may never happen?’

Winona moved her free hand up to Akecheta’s face ‘what will be will be my love, my heart, my soul will always belong to you, do not fear death as you should never fear life, you are true….you are Akecheta, you are “The Fighter” you will go and do battle for me, for my father, for our people and for that little boy.  You will not fear anything so long as your heart is true!’

Akecheta was back in the forest, his face tensed as he walked toward the tree-line. Akecheta shook his head as he gritted his teeth ‘Please be with me Wakatanka, I will not deviate from the path of which I walk.  I will fight for the powers of goodness and all that I hold dear and I will fight for the white boy’ he whispered to himself as he reached the edge of the clearing.  Akecheta swallowed nervously as he stepped into the clearing............

 

 

   Next week get ready for the last chapter of Samson, I hope you enjoy this instalment in his fight for survival?

  If you like Samson then why not check out 'The Semiotic Networks' available in paperback, e-book and I-tunes!!! All the best........my avid readers!!

  Dean Horton

 

 

'Samson' Chapter 16 'Cats'

Chapter 16 ‘Cats’ 

 

The going was tough on his legs, one minute it was flat then the next he had to climb over boulders and stony steps; twice he came to a sheer drop and on each occasion he toyed with the idea of going back the way he had come.  But he did not give up, he refused to let the terrain defeat him I’ve come way too far to turn back now on each occasion that Samson happened on some kind of obstacle the little voice in his head told him that if the man in the baseball cap followed his track he too would struggle with the terrain.  He was succeeding and on each occasion he negotiated the dangerous drop with caution and both times the outcome was successful; Samson was making good progress, he had been walking for around two hours; the heat of the morning sun was burning his head; he could feel it magnifying through his clothes!  As he walked he remembered a boy in his class at school, he remembered how the boy used to use his magnifying glass to kill insects when it was a really sunny day.  Samson had never done it but he had seen the boy do it and more often than not he was with him when he did it, there were others there as well, other friends watching the boy.  He shook his head at the thought, at the thought of watching the boy as he tortured the tiny insects, watching him and all the time he had done nothing to stop the boy, even though at the time he had found it quite disturbing.  He wasn’t on his own, nobody else stopped the boy either; but that didn’t matter Samson should have stopped him and the reason he had not said anything to the boy, not said anything at all to stop him was because he was afraid of him.  Samson was afraid of the bully just like all his friends were afraid of him too.  He tried to remember the boys name but it would not come to him, he could see him now calling out to him and even now Samson realised he was still scared of the boy what was his name?  He could see him now, standing in front of him holding his magnifying glass in his hand, then it came…the class bully “Benjy Jackson” holding his magnifying glass ‘come on Sambo…lets fry some legs’ Samson felt sick at the thought; the insects must have felt like him; like what Samson felt now.  The heat was almost unbearable, his slightly damp clothes were now completely dry; just about the same way his throat felt what I wouldn’t give for water ‘no Cola; I’d kill for a Cola!’  Still he soldiered on with the feeling that someone was high up above holding a giant magnifying glass over him, he had his own Benjy Jackson torturing him, someone had to be; he felt like he was the only thing in the wilderness that was steaming!  

A sound brought him back from his thoughts what was that? He was unsure of the noise, his mind had been elsewhere but he was one hundred percent certain that he had heard a noise!  Samson had stopped….he was dead still, motionless, as he listened to the mountain and the forest below, he could hear the birds and a slight breeze came towards him; he closed his eyes tight as he felt it wisp through his hair.  Whatever the sound was that he had just heard it was now quiet again just the same as before, he could hear nothing that seemed out of the ordinary; Samson began walking again.  The terrain was a little better where he now walked; his pace was quickened as he took complete advantage of his new fortune!  If only Benjy Jackson would let up with that damn magnifying glass…..what I wouldn’t give to stick that magnifying glass up his ass!  Samson chuckled at the thought ‘yeah I should’ve stopped ya Benjy, but I didn’t have the balls and now your torturing me instead of those ants!’ 

He walked and walked and then he walked further, losing all track of time, his mind had wandered to parts of the world he had never seen and probably never would see; his thoughts had gone through his entire life, he remembered good things…but each time his mind returned to the bad things!  My poor family; why would they do that?  How could they do that, how can people be so cruel to have to take peoples lives; to rape and to torture, to murder!  There comes a point when no matter what you have been through tears no longer flow, Samson was at that point now, he could see the white man, the one with the English accent; he was on top of Candice; raping her ‘you bastards’ Samson had no more tears inside him anymore, he was totally cried out.  Suddenly there was that sound again!  Samson halted instantly then listened intently to the mountainside; this time he had heard it and it wasn’t his mind playing tricks…it was shale, falling; no, sliding down the slope somewhere behind him?  Samson was being followed; all his thoughts were now gone as he carried on walking in the direction he was already going, he began walking quicker, constantly looking over his shoulder as he walked forward!

With his heart-rate setting his pace Samson now walked like the hounds of hell were on his heels and for all he knew they probably were?  All the time as he walked his head would turn on his shoulders making sure that there was nothing or no-one close by if something was behind me I should have seen it by now!  Then he caught a glimpse of some falling shale off to his left, it came from behind him; the source was higher up the mountain than what Samson’s current position  was whatever caused the small slide is up there somewhere?  Samson was stationary as his eyes took in everything on the slope, then another sound carried toward him, this time his mind realised that it was the sound of an animal, a big animal; it was like the snarl of a cat!  Then Samson saw the paw of a cat on the edge of a rock some hundred metres behind and twenty metres higher up than where he was standing….then he saw the head come into view, as it looked directly at Samson oh God it’s a cougar ‘I’ve got to get the hell outta here’ he whispered to himself as he carefully backed away.

Samson was cautious as he walked away from his new nemesis; his first thoughts had been to turn and run but now he had no intention what-so-ever of turning his back on the huge cat that was clearly tracking him.  ‘It has to be him, he can use the animals….how in gods name do I ever get away from this man?’  The Cougar jumped onto a large rock, it too was cautious as it used stealth to track its prey, the prey in mind being Samson! Samson had seen enough wildlife programmes to realise that the giant cat was intent on one thing, using him as its next meal.  His pace was quickening again; that was until his foot slipped and he slid down several feet of slope; the grit and stone tore through his trousers and then did the same to his skin; the pain shooting up his limbs into his spine and up to his head.  But still no tears came, there were no more tears to come, his body had become oblivious to crying; there would be no more tears from Samson Baker, over the days since his nightmare began he had cried and cried but now….he was resilient and most of all he was alive.  How he had survived Samson had no idea, but if determination and perseverance were to be a sport in the Olympics Samson would clearly win the gold.

A trickle of blood began to roll down his calf oh for God’s sake…I’m being tracked by a massive dangerous cat and now I’m bleeding, like I need to give the thing even more encouragement.  A shale fall sounded, some way behind as Samson quickened his pace, his eyes ever scanning the ground around him for a weapon.  There were no branches and although there were trees he did not want to stop to find a stick; that would take too much time; time he didn’t have.  There were stones everywhere that he could use in an emergency but he needed something bigger ‘come on Samson, find something’ he happened on a two fist sized rocks which he stooped and grabbed in one fluent movement as he kept his focus on his current track.

They may not be much, but they may just be enough to scare the thing off if it gets too close? With a quick glance behind he saw the large cat round the bend ‘oh shit!’  Samson stopped; the cat stopped…..both watching the other they were one hundred metres apart as they anticipated the others move.  What do I do?  If I run the thing will catch me in seconds, if I stay here it’ll catch me in minutes!  With desperation he searched all around him, then he noticed a clump of mountain spray shrubs about one hundred and fifty metres on his current path but then he would have to slide down several metres they were on a large ledge.  From where he stood Samson could see they were fully grown, around three metres tall, he could make out the white flower clusters; he could also make out lots of fallen twigs and small branches.  I could start a fire, there’s no way the cougar will come near me if I’ve got a fire going, and I’ve got some matches left.  He looked back in the direction of the cougar that had stealthily moved forward several more metres before stopping as Samson turned.  But how do I deal with you?  I need to buy myself a little time to make the fire?

‘Think damn it; think’ he whispered as his mind began working overtime trying to conjure up some sort of diversion that would lure the massive cougar away.  With his eyes looking everywhere Samson began to think of a plan……The cougar was still stationary as it watched for Samson’s next move.  Samson glanced up to his right as he faced in the direction of the large cat, there was a short shelf than ran for some twenty metres, and where the shelf finished there was a lone spruce tree.  From where Samson now stood it looked like if he could make it across the shelf he could just step into the tree?  The Cougar won’t want to follow me into the spruce; those needles are as sharp as hell ‘yeah they’re as sharp as hell for me too, only I’m more desperate than the cat!’  I can climb onto the shelf before the cat reaches me; if I throw my rocks onto the shelf first I can then throw them at him before he comes up the shelf after me?  ‘Right then it’s a plan?

Samson threw the two rocks up on to the shelf, then he picked up a handful of stones and without any further hesitation he launched the handful of stones in the direction of the cougar.  As soon as the stones left his hand he pounced two, three, four paces, then he was up the slope, he shimmied two paces then leapt two metres to his left.  His arms landing on top of the ledge as his legs dangled below ‘aaaarggghhh’ he screamed as he pulled himself up onto the shelf; the skin scraped from his already bloodied shins as he pulled himself into a standing position.  Once he was standing he crouched down and picked up the two rocks one in each hand, then turning he saw that the cougar was starting to ascend the tight slope.  Samson felt the weight of the rock in his right hand, then pulling his arm back he launched the rock.  The rock left his arm and flew forcefully toward its target.  Everything was happening so quickly, the rock missed the cougar by inches, the cougar pulled back slightly then looking up and across at Samson it snarled.  Samson watched as the rock missed its target and sighed with exasperation as he tossed the rock from his left hand into his right steady now, don’t aim for his head, the target is too small, aim for his body once again he pulled his right arm back, but this time he didn’t rush, he pulled it back and aimed.  ‘Think baseball, Samson’ he closed his eyes and breathed gently in and out, several breaths then he opened them just as the cougar was preparing to leap toward the rock that would bring him level with the ledge.  With one final slow exhale he threw the rock.  The rock left his hand and sailed cleanly through the air, Samson could see that this time his aim was good, the rock hit the just above his front leg as the large cat let out a loud wail. 

Without a second thought Samson spun around and sprinted across the shelf toward the spruce tree and its sharp prickly spines!  Samson reached the end of the ledge, he was aware of movement further back along the ledge, but ignored it as he stepped out into the spruce tree.  The spines tore at his face and arms, Samson closed his eyes as a branch sliced across his forehead, he reached out his arm and grabbed out at a thick branch and pulled himself toward the trunk.  As he grabbed hold of the trunk he turned to see the cougar had reached the beginning of the ledge, it was limping, only slightly but enough for Samson to know he had hurt the large cat.  Next Samson held the trunk with his right hand and stepping out and across a large branch, he reached out with his left hand and grabbing hold tightly, he held onto a thinner branch halfway down.  The spines tore into his palm but Samson did exactly what he had become accustomed too, he blocked out the pain.  Then still holding the thinner branch he stepped back toward the trunk, pulling the branch with him, he could feel the spines as they buried into his palm, but still he held it tight as he waited for the right moment.

The Cougar had now reached the end of the ledge, Samson was now only two metres away, the large cat was hesitant, clearly aware that the spines of the spruce tree, could be quite painful, something Samson too was now clearly aware of!  The cougar was trying to determine the safest route into the tree, its large paw was trying to reach toward a branch; Samson saw the opening and released the branch he was holding.  It left his hand in an instant and catapulted out, hitting the cougar on the side of its head, the force was quite shear, knocking the large cat off balance; once again the cougar let out a loud wail.  Samson was thinking quickly now, before the branch had even hit the large cat, he had stepped out and reached out with his left hand once again.  As the branch recoiled from its impact, returning back into the shape of the tree, Samson grabbed hold of it again as before he stepped back into the safety of the trunk pulling the smaller branch inside with him.  As the cougar fell to the floor, it caught the movement of Samson inside the tree then instantly it rolled back onto its four legs and prepared to pounce as the tree opened up.  Just as the cougar began to make its move Samson let go of the branch again, once out of Samson’s grasp it flew toward the large cat, this time the impact caught the cat right smack in the centre of its head.  The blow was heavy and seemed to knock the senses out of the large cat, its movement became slow and unsure, it hobbled away from the spruce, back along the ledge.

Samson was already starting his descent down the inside of the spruce, he was now at the bottom, his t-shirt and combat trousers were torn to shreds as he jumped the last two metres, he scrambled under the remaining branches and sprinted along the small path until he reached the point where he needed to slide down to the clump of mountain spray heathers.  Once he reached the ledge where the heathers were, he used his foot to drag a pile of wood and twigs together into a large mound.  The safety matches were out in an instant as he lit one and cupping it he held it to the base of the dry mound.  The pile caught fire easily as he now began to snap off bigger branches and piled them up making the fire larger.  Samson ignored the heat from the baking sun as it blazed down upon him, his only focus now was to get the fire alight; with a glance along the path he saw that the cougar had regained some of its composure and was beginning to come back at him.

Samson had a good fire going now, he snapped off a couple of larger branches they’ll come in handy later for weapons!  The cougar was back, it snarled loudly, clearly Samson had caused the beast a great deal of discomfort and probably embarrassment!  The large cat was again two metres away, Samson held onto one of the large pieces of wood and placed it into the edge of the fire he flicked a clump of burning embers in the direction of the large cat.  The cougar backed off several paces as Samson continued flicking hot embers toward it; there were also a couple of stones and hand sized pieces of rock.  Samson swapped the piece of wood into his left hand, the hand which was as sore as hell from the pine needles; it felt like there may have been some remains under his skin?  With his free right hand he reached down to a handful of stones and threw them instantly at the large cougar, several of the stones peppered the cougar.  Samson followed this action with three rocks, two missed but one caught the cougar head on, Samson grabbed a piece of wood and screamed maniacal ‘come on…….’ as he swung the wood around his head!

The cougar had had enough, it turned and began to walk away, the animal was beaten, beaten by a boy, beaten by Samson, beaten by Samson Baker, 14 from Kansas.  Samson had never in his life been violent, in fact if he thought about it he had never had a fight; and now here he was fighting nature, fighting big cats, fighting demons, fighting evil……Samson was fighting for his life and slowly he was winning!

 

I hope you're enjoying Samson.......if you are tell your friends so they too can share in his fight for survival!!!

All the best
Dean