Act
Nine
Scene
One
Sub-Scene
One
Visigoths
on the plain truth
Alain
sported a think frame, but over the years of lumbering and later at the mill,
his body frame was all power in strength. He also held a good mind about war
strategies and the occasional need for diplomatic moves. He stood there on the
forest edge, half naked from waist up, and the bandanna was wrapped around his
neck. He looked more like a cowboy than a miller.
The
Visigoths controlled the back roads that the bootleggers used to transport the
booze. They will arrange safe passage for them from the coppers or the agents
for a cut on the profit. The landlines were an alternative to the sea lines,
but you still need the landlines to get the booze from the unprotected areas to
the wharfs. That includes the river, namely the Mississippi River, or by the
Dakota people, it was named 'Haha Wakpa,' which means 'river of the falls' and
Wakpa Tanka, Great River.
Like
the forefathers on his grandmother's side, Alain loved the river. He grew up
with it and soon sailed it. He praised it with his voice.
‘Mississ-Ippi
River is so long, deep, and wide.
I
can see my good girl.
Standin'
on that other side.
I
cried and called; I could not make my baby hear.
Lord,
I'm 'on get me a boat, woman, paddle on away from here.’
(Mississippi
River Blues by Big Bill Broonzy).
“I
am here, Alain.” Mark approached the leader of the Visigoths. He had met the
other several times, but it was hardly personal, for it was always with the
bosses at the helm. He saw Alain had on his waist belt the Peacemaker 45
revolver that once was his father’s.
“We
agree to be unarmed.” Mark indicated the revolver.
“Yes,
we agreed. This one is without any bullets. The bullets are in my pocket.”
Alain smiled. “Out here in the wild country, it is not the gunmen we are
concerned with but the predators on four legs or the ones slithering over the
grass. For later, I could pick up the wood here and dance it to death.”
There
was a pile of cut wood there on the ground, and next to it was the Winchester
rifle laid on the side.
“That
is with the bullets, but I would not use it on you. I much prefer to do it in
the Roman Arena of Death style. Though it will be just you and me.” Alain
looked at Mark. “Bear is my cousin from my mother’s side; more brawn than
brain, but still a relative.”
“I
am sorry about Bear. It was...”
“An
execution, Mark? Or was it a massacre like the ancient Romans did to the
Christians?” Alain smiled. “Their action of massacring the Christians filled up
Heaven with deserving souls, so that when we lined up to go there, we were
rejected to Hell.”
“Alain,
I was not...”
“Yes,
Mark. You were a lowly boy of the Romans. You do what was told. Crassus was the
one who got my cousin killed.” Alain sighed. “It was always the leaders who
decided.”
“Are
you one now, Mark Antony?” Alain looked at Mark.
“Yes,
I am now a lieutenant, but I report to Caesar.”
“Admirable
there. I heard you did a good job with the Sicilians. I congratulate you there.
Now, do one with me?”
“Alain,
there is no reason for us to battle each other. This is the work of...”
“Some
madmen are in Rome. I believe it is so. They would not battle it alone but call
on the others. After that, they will pick us all up and destroy us. Such a
strategy is ancient.”
“I
appreciate you seeing this way, Alain. We know who they are...”
“No
names, Mark. I am not keen to know who your traitors are. For the ones who shot
you when you were with Ashraf, I had them removed. They will never be found.”
Alain smiled. “We loved the wild. It is our home, and we feed the predators
well.”
“You
could...”
“Tell
you, Mark? That will kill your efforts to complete the tasks. All I can say is
that when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Send them all to the arena. The victor
wins it all.”
“I
take it you are not involved.” Mark wanted reassurance.
“I
am a free man. I want to remain that way. I am not a caged animal among the
others.”
“What
can you tell me of Egypt?” Mark asked.
“Scandalous.
I feared they were a lot like the Romans. Probably that is why they brought
Caesar there. The viper pit needed a new head.”
“Thanks,
Alain.” Mark took leave.
“It
was Pompey, Junior, who met me.” Alain spoke out.
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