Feeling shaken by the response I continued to ease the mare forward at an easier pace. I really hadn't had my question answered, but questioning further seemed wrong.
As I rode the enormity of my situation became more and more heavy to bear. I didn't know where I was. I didn't really know where I was headed other than north. And I didn't have a clue as to what to do to care for a baby.
The baby had started to cry and feeling distraught at the noise I whispered, "Creator help me!"
"Trust and patience. I will keep you."
*****
Hours went by during which I looked back many times, but there were no signs of pursuit. The baby was crying incessantly now and it was destroying what little calm I'd been able to instill in myself during the past two hours.
It was getting dark when I topped another rise and saw more smoke, but this time the source was from a chimney. A tidy looking homestead lay in a cul-de-sac of the prairie. Studying it closely I felt peace upon seeing the orderliness of its upkeep.
By the time I reached the buildings heavy shadows had fallen over the land and the air had turned chill. The baby needed care and the old mare was on the verge of collapse.
I wasn't doing too well either, but I could have gone on. In fact I could ride for days on end if it meant never encountering creatures such as the Lion Men ever again. Somehow the world was a dirtier and more decrepit place for knowing that they existed.
I walked the old mare through the barnyard and up to the house. I stopped and waited as I sensed my arrival had not gone unnoticed. It was hard waiting because the baby only continued to wail piteously, its voice hoarse with its need for milk.
A man separated away from the dark shadows at the barn and came closer. He had a large bow in his hand and I watched as he tucked an arrow into his belt. He was a capable looking sort and I had no doubt as to how proficient he might be at putting an arrow where he wanted it.
A tall boy stepped away from the corner of the house toting a wicked looking pitchfork. As aware of danger as these people were I couldn't help but wonder how they hoped to stand up to a pack of lion hybrids.
The man came to a stop beside the house and laid his bow against the wall. "You best be getting down off that horse lad. Yuh look about done in."