On the Mountain Read Free

Strangely, he actually agreed with his brother.  It must have been on the account of their sister’s expectant return to the ranch, but the day felt full of excitement.  Almost as if his world was about to be altered forever.
    “Then let’s make the best of it.”
     
    * * *
     
    The woman stayed close to the earth, crouched low beneath the large oak tree near the water’s edge.  She was shivering but didn’t notice.  Her eyes strained straight ahead without blinking.  She didn’t dare move or make a sound.  The sun was up entirely now and shone bright over the earth, not a cloud could be seen in the sky.  The cloak of the night was no longer her sanctuary.  She knew she had to find shelter and soon.
    From her vantage point the home looked deserted.  There was no life moving about or fire burning from the several chimneys on the roof.  Further down the property was another set of buildings, which from her distance looked like barns.  She decided to head in that direction and get a better look.  Crouching down on all fours she slipped through the tall grass and made her way slowly toward the compound. 
    A small flat building was situated closest to where she crouched, while two larger barns sat to the far side of the property.  Out behind them were three holding pens, a corral, and two paddocks where she saw a lone bull sleeping leisurely in the morning sun.  But there was no other sign of life.
    She moved forward and only paused when she heard a sound.  It took a moment before she recognized the squawk of a chicken.  Moving closer, she saw them appear in a large pen sandwiched between the first and second building.  There must have been fifty or more.
    Her eyes widened automatically as she realized how terribly hungry she was and felt the first cold shudder ripple across her half-naked form.  She turned her head toward the house to ensure there was still no one about.  The fact there was livestock on the property indicated the place wasn’t abandoned as she initially assumed.  Since the chimney showed no sign of smoke, she guessed the owners were not home, however knew someone was sure to be around to tend the animals.
    A chicken squawked loudly, startling her and letting her know she had been spotted.  Drawing her attention to the area surrounding the pen, she noticed a door slightly ajar in the barn closest to the coop.  She made her way toward the entrance, stopping every so often to listen for movement.
    When she felt it safe to continue, she moved forward and slid quietly out of sight and into the sanctuary of the barn.  There was no sound from within, leaving her to wonder if she had been heard and someone was waiting to spring on her.  But a greater fear forced her onward.  She needed to find a place to hide away unnoticed.
    It was dim inside so she allowed the few minutes needed to allow her pupils to dilate.  There was a strong musty smell in the barn as she entered an area used to store horse equipment.  Against the one wall were large storage bins piled high, while overhead an assortment of leather straps and halters hung on wooden pegs.
    A chill unexpectedly ran down her back and the woman looked around for a blanket to warm herself.  She found one easily enough folded on a nearby crate.  Lying next to it was a knife.  Without hesitation, she snatched it up, holding it defensively against her chest while her eyes darted about the room.  There was evil nearby.  She could feel it.
    Shooting into a corner furthest from the door, she curled up into a ball and stared hard at the entrance, the knife clutched between her breasts.  Silence filled the barn.  She waited in that position at length until at last she began to relax.
    Next to her she spotted a large bag of potatoes, which the knife was obviously meant to peel.  She snatched one up and ate it vigorously.  She had never thought she had ever tasted anything so wonderful in her life.  Except perhaps chicken.
    They had so