Art and Dave rode out of town. There were a few more gunshots, and a few outbursts of cheering from the town behind them, but nothing more.
Dave was still sour at Art for his outburst. Art himself was feeling angry, but not much better. He hadn't meant to explode ... but he was glad he had given Dave a piece of his mind.
After several minutes of driving, getting more than halfway back to the camp, Art finally spoke up. "Look, kid ... Dave ... I didn't want to shout."
Dave rolled his eyes - this sounded like how his father might start an "apology."
Art didn't notice. "I just ... with Charger being injured, and now getting chased off by that mob ... I've traveled with Charger longer than you have, and I don't think you've noticed, but--"
"He's sort of the leader," Dave finished. "That's always been my understanding."
Art nodded. "Yeah. And now he's gone, and someone needs to shoulder the weight. Charger is the link holding all of us together. I don't know what to do about all this."
Dave was silent. He didn't really believe that Art felt bad about what he'd said. And he was right: Art just didn't want to have any bad feelings between the two of them.
They continued in silence.
---
Streak shook her head. "Okay, Pseok. Okay. But remember what you said about Fisher? He looks human, but I'd bet my freedom that he isn't."
Blaze was nodding. "And what if it was a were ... something? If it doesn't attack us again, we'll leave it alone."
Streak gave Blaze a look. "And if it does?"
Blaze thought for a moment. "Then we fight back. Maybe Art has some silver bullets."
|