The next morning, Robert walked into the barn. He noticed how quiet the livestock were. There was a sense of fear in the air.
John walked up to him. "We need to talk."
The two of them walked out to their favorite tree.
"Did you hear the news?" Robert asked.
John nodded. "Something doesn't feel right though. I don't think that it was humans."
"Why do you say that?" Robert asked.
"There is a prophecy, of sorts," said John. "It speaks of a feral, trapped between the loyalty of multiple herds, yet having none, crippled yet whole, enslaved, yet free, shall sound the drums of war, calling all to arms."
At that moment, there was the sound of a drum, a few miles away, banging.
"What is that?" Robert asked.
"Rushing Falls herd, asking if there is indeed war having been declared upon vampires and werewolves," said John. "Usually herds use messengers to learn about such things, saving the drums for emergencies."
"This might be one!" exclaimed Robert.
"Get your family to set James' bass drum up on the roof of the barn," said John. "Time for someone to learn that now isn't the time to declare Herd War."
An hour later, John stood on the roof of the barn, looking at the drum. Even now, he could hear yet another herd asking if war was declared.
"Time to start this orchestra," he said, as he picked up the mallet. He began to beat upon the drum.
"What are you saying?" Julia asked.
"Introducing myself," said John. "I'll even sing it for you."
 I am John Wrangler, once of the Wrangler Herd. Now is not the time for a Herd War!
There was the beating of another drum, one that sent a chill down his spine.
Who are you to make that declaration? Give me proof, or I will kill you!
He banged again. Daffodils on a hill overlooking the river.
There was a pause. What do you advise, my love?
The War is a Lie, Bella. We're being framed. Stay hidden. Stay safe. Do not get dragged into this trouble.
Then, there was another set of drums, one that sent yet another chill down John's spine.
"Who made that one?" Robert asked.
Again, John translated.
This is Jovar of the Blood Skulls. I say you're a coward. Tell me where you are, so I may add your skull to my collection.
"Doesn't he have a bounty on his head for raiding small farms and killing folks on them, werewolf, vampire, and human?" Julia asked.
"He's been trying to take over other herd's territories too," said John. "Sounds like he hasn't succeeded in taking over the Wrangler's though."
That was when Bella made out her response. You could never beat my John in a fight, Jovar. You've lost every battle with my herd!
Then Jovar said something, that made John angry.
"He's going to pay for that one," he growled. He began pounding upon the drum again, rather forcefully.
"What was that one about?" Hanna asked.
"He threatened to rape Bella," said John. "But, not only her, he plans to make my daughter one of his mates. Thing is, aside from those here, I've only ever had a son with her, and I've been here ten years. That is, unless, maybe, she might have been pregnant."
"So, what was your response?" Billy asked, concerned.
"I think it was the same one I'd give, if someone threatened any of my cubs," said Robert, as he looked at John. "You challenged him to a fight."
John nodded. "Told him, and everyone listening, where I am, and to be armed with walking-club and knife. Duel to the death - winner takes the loser's herd, while the loser, becomes your supper."
There was Jovar's response.
"And he's saying that he'll kill my werewolf masters while he's at it," said John. "Here's my response to that!" He pounded on the drums.
"And that was?" Jeffrey asked, cautiously.
"Told him that he was about to get his ass kicked by a cripple with only one good leg," said John.  indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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