The Tale of the Bear-by buckaroo

All three brothers sat around the fire trying to stay warm. It was late October and the temperature dropped quickly once the sun set, so they gathered close as the talked over a hot meal. They were making the final trip to the lodge to close it up for the winter and were taking the opportunity to spend some time together. Jarrod didn’t normally spend his nights out but even he had to admit that despite the cold he was enjoying the time with his brothers. With All Hallows Eve just around the corner they were trying to outdo each other with scary stories and Jarrod couldn’t resist teasing Nick.

“Oh come on Nick, there was a time when you were terrified of going out alone.”

“Only because you went on and on about a giant bear for weeks.”

Heath winked at Jarrod, playing along, “You was afraid of a bear, Nick?”

His hackles raised, Nick defended himself indignantly, “I was only six years old and big brother here thought it would be funny to scare me with a story.” Nick recalled the time and suddenly smiled. Looking at Jarrod he smirked, “As I recall Jarrod here had to apologize. Wasn’t none too happy about either.”

Jarrod’s hand dropped to his backside and cringed, “I remembered that one for a long time. I thought I was too old to be punished with the strap, but Father made sure I understood the seriousness of scaring your younger brother to nightmares.”

Nick slapped at Heath and howled with laughter, “You shoulda seen him, he couldn’t sit for days.” Heath laughed at the sight of Jarrod holding his backside, finding it hard to imagine the lawyer ever being so mischievous. He raised an eyebrow and asked curiously, “So tell me the story. I’m wonderin’ how bad it could be if ya had Nick believin’ in a giant bear.”

“It wasn’t a giant bear,” sneered Nick.

“It was a very, very big bear,” corrected Jarrod, flashing Nick a cheeky grin in the process.

Passing around cigars, they all lit up and listened to Jarrod tell the tale of the bear. “Let’s see if I can remember the details of the giant bear.”

Nick chimed in, “Big bear.”

Jarrod and Heath chuckled at Nick’s persistence, and Jarrod conceded, “Fine, big bear. Anyway, this bear supposedly stood over fourteen feet when he got up on his hind legs. They estimated him to weigh over fifteen hundred pounds. His paws were as wide as a man’s chest and if you were standing next to him you could look him in the eye when he was on all fours.”

Heath was trying to hold back his laugh but it finally burst out, and he was looked at Nick as he held his sides. Between gasps for air and laughing he teased his older brother, “I think you was right, that was a giant bear! You musta been pretty gullible to fall for that. Ain’t never seen no bear that big.”

Laughing along with Heath, Jarrod corrected him, “Big bear, brother Heath. It was only a BIG bear.”

Nick glared at both of them, but the mirth showed at the corner of his mouth despite his best efforts. Finally he gave in and joined the fun, “I was six. Hell anything bigger’n me was giant. And the size wasn’t what had me spooked. Tell him the rest of it, Jarrod.”

With an effort, they quit laughing and Jarrod continued, “Okay so we know it’s a BIG bear. What is spooky is how hard this beast is to kill. Rumor at the time was that he’d eaten several unfortunate hunters. They found one man with an empty rifle and half his leg eaten away. Just before he died he insisted he hit the bear at least four times, but never even phased him. Said he had a friend with him, but they never found him.”

“Oh come on, yer tellin’ me that a bear was shot four times and he didn’t die? Musta been a pretty lousy shot.”

Jarrod shook his head, “From what I heard at the time, and remember I was only ten so I wasn’t any less gullible than Nick here, they said the guy claimed they was head shots.”

Nick frowned then grinned, “What’d they do, bounce off his skull?”

They all laughed at the thought, but the idea of a bear being big enough to take four shots without dying was unnerving, even if it were just a tall tale. The laughter died away and Heath speculated on something that size, “Can you imagine runnin’ in ta something like that out huntin’? What you gonna do when yer gun is empty and you got fifteen hundred pounds of riled bear after ya?”

“Run!” teased Nick. Tilting his head, he added with a quirky grin, “You ain’t believin’ in BIG bears are ya, little brother?”

Taking a drag on his cigar, Jarrod sat back pleased with himself. It didn’t take much to get the two of them started on their bantering and he listened to them verbally taunt each other over his little tale. Letting them have their fun, he decided it was time to retire for the night. They still had a couple hours of travel in the morning and they’d need an early start if they planned on getting anything done once they got to the lodge. “You can stay up all night talkin’ bears, but I’m going to bed.”

Nick and Heath both sighed at the suggestion, knowing Jarrod was right. It was getting late and they needed to sleep. As they all bedded down next to the fire, Jarrod’s couldn’t resist one last jab at Nick, “You don’t need someone to lay with you do you Nick?”

Lifting up, Nick looked puzzled, “Huh?”

Jarrod winked at Heath and grinned, “I don’t want ya having nightmares about bears.”

Heath cracked up and Nick glared at both of them, “Ha ha...very funny.” He buried his head and growled, “I hope you both dream about the damn bears.”

******************

By the next evening the bear tale was forgotten and they lounged around the fire, much warmer than the night before. Jarrod was reading while Nick and Heath played checkers, when Nick raised his head and listened intently for a moment, “Did you hear that?”

“Hear what?” asked Heath

“I thought I heard something outside.”

Jarrod looked over his book, “Maybe it was bear.”

Heath snickered and getting an evil look from Nick, dropped his head to keep from laughing out loud. Jarrod wisely went back to reading, hiding his own smile behind his book. Nick got up and headed for the front door. Heath looked up and asked, “Where you going?”

Grabbing his pistol, Nick motioned outside, “I’m just gonna go take a look.”

“You want me to go with you?” inquired Heath, suddenly more serious. Nick shook his head and Heath watched him go. Heath couldn’t stop the laughter when Jarrod called after Nick on his way out, “Watch out for bears!”

Both men were startled when Nick burst through the front door minutes later sweating and out of breath. What was more startling was the fear in his eyes. Both Jarrod and Heath jumped from their seats to question him when Nick leaned against the door at his back, “Bear...biggest damn bear...I ever seen.”

Jarrod and Heath stopped in their tracks and looked at him in disgust. Heath rolled his eyes and turned back into the room. Jarrod eyed Nick angrily, “Oh that’s funny Nick.” Just as he turned, the front door gave an ominous crack before the whole thing was pulled off the hinges sending Nick sprawling into the room. As soon as he hit the ground he was up and moving, yelling at his brothers, “RUN!”

Nick was scrambling towards the loft, while Jarrod and Heath stood motionless for a fraction of a second, their eyes pinned to the beast in the doorway. His head was so large it barely fit in the doorway and his massive shoulders were the only thing keeping him outside. The bear tossed his head back and forth, struggling to get in. Cracking timbers spurred Heath and Jarrod into action and they followed hot on Nick’s heals, all three vying for space on the ladder to the loft. Nick was up first, holding out a hand to Heath as he cleared the top. Jarrod started to climb when the bear broke through the front door. He shook splintered wood off his back and looked around the room. When the bear’s eyes found Jarrod, Nick and Heath both screamed at their older brother, “MOVE! FASTER JARROD!”

Jarrod felt the heat on his back and as he topped the ladder his foot snagged up and he only kept from falling back by Nick and Heath’s firm hold on him. Glancing down, Jarrod saw his boot disappear in the bear’s mouth and his eyes widened in fear and panic. Using his free foot, he slammed it down on the bears nose, shocked that his foot didn’t even cover the bear’s sensitive muzzle. The added leverage was all he needed and he slipped his foot free of trapped boot and scrambled into the loft with his brothers. They all scurried away from the bears jaws as he tried to reach them. At only eight feet off the ground the loft was easy pickings for a bear that barely had to lift his head to reach that height. His head came through the open air of the loft, snarling and snapping for his prey. Heath was standing at the back wall trying to pry the small window open. When it refused to budge, he grabbed a towel off the nightstand and quickly wrapping his hand, slammed it through the glass. Nick and Jarrod watched nervously, their adrenalin levels peaking when the bear began ripping away the floor to get to them. Heath cleared the window of glass and hollered above the snarling, “GO!”

Nick gave Jarrod a leg up and literally pushed him out the window, then did the same with Heath. Jarrod and Heath reached back through the small window and pulled Nick through just as the bear tore away the remaining floor. They helped each other get clear of the window, finding the highest point on the roof to finally stop and catch their breaths. Collapsing in a heap and heaving for air, their eyes darted all around them for any sign of the enormous bear. As their breathing eased and the adrenalin wore off, they began to take stock of the situation. Nick leaned across Jarrod’s leg and pulled the torn material away. The moon was full but it was hard to make out the damage, “How bad is it, Jarrod?”

“I don’t know Nick. I didn’t even know I was hurt ‘til now.” He tried to lighten the mood by adding, “I had my mind on other things.”

Very gingerly, Jarrod reached down and tried to access the damage to his calf muscle. He could feel the blood trickling down his leg. The skin was tore away and the muscle ripped for several inches, he only hoped it wasn’t too deep. His hand came back bloody and Heath quickly unwrapped the towel he still wore and handed it to Nick. “Tear that up. If nothing else, we need ta stop the bleeding.”

Nick nodded and managed to do a fair job of bandaging Jarrod’s injury. In light of their close call, it seemed too minor to dwell on. Even Jarrod, despite the pain was able to ignore it, asking instead, “You figure we’re safe up here?”

Heath shrugged as he looked over the edge of the roof, “I’d hate to see that son of bitch stand up. He’d probably be looking down on us. Even up here.”

Joining Heath, Nick leaned out over the edge when suddenly both men jerked back and landing on their butts, made a mad scramble back to higher ground. Jarrod was about to ask what, when he saw the bear lumber into the yard. They held their breaths, afraid to even move lest they give away their position. Three pairs of eyes followed the bear’s path as he headed straight for the coral. Heath jumped up, but was forcibly pulled back down by Nick. Keeping a firm hold on his younger brother, Nick shook his head sadly and sighed “Ya can’t save ‘em.”

Hissing quietly, Heath tried to pull from Nick’s grasp, “We can’t just let him kill ‘em.”

“Nick’s right Heath. Look at the size of him. How you gonna stop something like that?” insisted Jarrod, and they all stared in disbelief at the size of the huge creature below. Even from a distance he appeared almost mythical in proportion. As the bear neared the coral fence he didn’t even stop. Crashing through the rails like they were matchsticks, he rushed the screaming horses and with a swipe of his massive paw he downed one and then the other. The horses lay twitching in the throes of death and were put out of their misery with one powerful bite to each of their heads. Even from a distance the sound of snapping bone was disconcerting. Circling the carcasses, the bear surveyed his prey then suddenly lifted his nose high in the air, snorting and sniffing loudly for any other threatening presence. His eyes scanned the yard and he looked up, finding what he was looking for. Without hesitating, he left the meat of the horses behind and took a step closer to the house. Dropping his head, he pushed off on his front feet and rose up on his back legs. With his front paws stretched above him, he lay his head back and let go an ear splitting growl of defiance. The three men on the roof were already finding a way down the backside of the house by the time the bear dropped back down on all fours.

Nick offered to help Jarrod as they hurried from the lodge, but was turned down. With fear racing through his veins, Jarrod had no doubt that he’d be able to keep up on his own. Despite Nick’s protest, Heath rushed into the house and grabbed two loaded rifles, then caught up with his brothers as they ran from the terrifying beast behind them. After an hour at an unrelenting pace, they finally found a cluster of boulders that would at least slow the bear down if he was still on their trail. They sat together, rifles trained on the darkness and tried to rest. The strain of running was wearing Jarrod down, but he kept up, never once slowing them down. Heath scooted nearer and dropped his hand on Jarrod’s shoulder. Sitting with his head on his knees, Jarrod looked up at his younger brother. Even in the limited light, his paleness was evident and Heath asked worriedly, “How’s the leg?”

Jarrod tried to brush off the concern. There was nothing that could be done, and the condition of his leg wouldn’t matter all that much if the bear caught up with them. “It’s a little sore.”

Raising an eyebrow, Heath flashed him an understanding smile, “A little sore? That’s probably an understatement.”

About to answer, Jarrod was stilled by Nick’s warning, “Shhh! I hear somethin’.” At the distant sound of rustling brush, Nick and Heath braced their rifles on the rocks and waited. As soon as the beast was in range, Heath took a breath and held it, then slowly squeezed the trigger. The bear jerked his head like he was stung but kept coming at them. Heath pulled Nick away from the rocks anxiously, “Time to go Nick. I shot him right between the eyes and he hardly flinched.”

Nick pulled from his grasp, protesting, “Let me try.”

Heath was by the far the better marksmen and remained adamant, “Damn it Nick, we ain’t got time. You can’t shoot him in the head and kill him. And I’m afraid these guns ain’t got enough shells to take him down with a body shot. We gotta go...NOW!” Frustrated at their helplessness, Nick nodded and the two of them quickly helped Jarrod to his feet and they were running from the threat once more.

For more than three hours they struggled to stay ahead of their pursuer, stopping only long enough to refresh their lungs. They were all exhausted, but Jarrod was taking it the hardest of them all. He refused their help and only in the last hour did he begin lagging behind. Nick and Heath both slowed their pace to stay with him, knowing that even with help they wouldn’t travel any faster than they were. Another hour and Nick finally called a halt near the river where they all drank their fill of water. Using his bandana, Nick cooled his face with the cold water and thought out loud, “We gotta find someplace to hole up. We can’t keep this pace up.”

Jarrod sat close to the water’s edge and he looked at his brother’s guiltily, “Just gimme a few minutes to rest and we can go again.” He was very pale and his voice wavered with the pain he was feeling but he refused to give up.

Nick waved him off, “Aw hell, it ain’t yer fault Jarrod. We’re all tired. We need ta rest or he’s gonna run us into the ground.”

“He’s right Jarrod, we need ta break up our trail and find someplace ta rest.”

“How ‘bout using this stream ta lose him and we just climb a tree on the other side. Preferably downstream a ways.”

They all nodded at Jarrod’s suggestion, willing to do try the stationary approach for a while. Helping him to his feet, Nick grew concerned when Jarrod swayed a bit, “You gonna make it across? Might get deep out there in the middle.”

Jarrod was a proud man, but this was no time for heroics and he admitted reluctantly, “Stay close.”

Heath stepped forward and he and Nick each took an arm and all three began crossing the wide river together. They would make it together or not at all. It did get deeper the farther in they went and Nick and Heath raised the rifles over their heads, keeping a firm grip on Jarrod as well. By the time they reached the other side they were shivering from the cold water but they were several hundred feet downstream. Too tired to care, they picked the closest tree that looked sturdy and began climbing. Heath went up first, holding out a hand for Jarrod. Nick stayed close to his brother, pushing and guiding him up the tree until they were all safely above the reach of the nightmare that followed. As they settled in the branches, Nick motioned to Heath to look at Jarrod. He was wedged up against the main trunk, his arms hanging limply at his sides, all but asleep and Nick was worried for him. Heath moved as close as he could and spoke quietly, “Jarrod, I need ta look at yer leg.”

Shaking his head, Jarrod protested weakly, “Nothing you can do for me. Not up here.”

“Let me just look, alright?” Heath was worried at Jarrod’s paleness, thinking maybe the injury was worse than he let on. Receiving no argument, he reached down and lifted Jarrod’s leg towards his lap. When Jarrod cried out and jerked at the unexpected pain, only Nick’s quick reflexes kept him from falling out of the tree. “Whoa there big brother!” Keeping his hand firmly planted on his back, Nick worked his way closer until he was sitting behind Jarrod on the branch just a few inches lower. Supporting him now, Nick nodded for Heath to look at the leg. When Heath sucked in a breath at the sight, Nick knew it wasn’t good.

“Why didn’t ya say somethin’ Jarrod?” The bandage was soaked with blood and Jarrod’s foot was covered in cuts and scrapes from traveling without a boot. The wrap they’d put on hours ago was shredded and bloody and hung uselessly around his leg and foot. Heath gently removed what was left and Nick took off his own shirt for a new bandage. Jarrod’s leg was warm to the touch, no doubt from infection, but there was so little they could do. Nick handed Heath his shirt and said, “Hold on to him for a bit. I’m gonna shimmy down and wet my bandana so we can clean it out some. Maybe I can use my hat to get some water back up here.”

Heath nodded and added with caution, “Be careful. Keep yer eyes open.”

Nick hurried back down the tree, a much easier chore without having to help Jarrod and he was back in no time at all, his hat sloshing with water and a smile of satisfaction on his face. Handing it off to Heath, he settled into his previous spot and wrapping an arm around Jarrod, took the water filled hat back and let Heath clean out the leg that rested in his lap. Heath did the best he could to clean the nasty tear in Jarrod’s leg, and watched helplessly as it oozed blood. Jarrod tried to remain still, his hands clenched tightly to the branches above him as Heath worked. Only when it was rebandaged in Nick’s shirt, did he relax his grip. His body shivered from the cold and the sweat that soaked him and he muttered, “Thanks.”

Dumping the water, Heath handed Nick back his hat. “Take off his belt and strap his good leg to the branch, then do yourself.”

Heath undid his own belt and wrapping it around the branch he was sitting on, pulled the leather tight to hold him in the tree. He and Nick would most likely wake if they started to tilt out of the branches, but Jarrod would probably never even realize he was falling until he hit the ground. Nick sat lower than Jarrod and wrapped a free arm around his waist then leaned into the branch he was sitting on, effectively pinning him to the main trunk. Heath was situated opposite Nick on Jarrod’s other side and wedged himself into Jarrod’s legs, dropping his head on his lap to sleep. Jarrod shook his head at their protectiveness, “Umm...you think I’m safe now? I wouldn’t want to fall out in my sleep.”

“Shut up and go to sleep,” grumbled Nick, tightening the hold he had on his older brother.

Jarrod gently squeezed the arm around his middle and drifted off. “Night, Nick.”

Exhausted and worn, battered and bruised the three men slept high above the ground, locked in a protective embrace. The sun was already warming the morning air when they were suddenly jarred from their sleep. Jerked awake, Nick sat up dazed and confused when he was suddenly slammed into Jarrod’s back. Heath and Jarrod where both pushed hard into the tree trunk and all eyes dropped to the ground in alarm. The damn bear was ramming the tree and they were in real danger of falling out if it weren’t for the belts strapping them down. Heath was the first to react and reaching behind him, grabbed for the rifle he’d wedged in the branches the night before. Nick did the same and they both twisted around until they had a clear shot of the bear below. Taking aim, they each fired off a round. Their aim was true, but the bear continued to charge the tree with a renewed vengeance. His claws ripped away lower branches in his attempt to get to them and he grabbed the trunk in his paws, shaking it violently.

It was difficult to hold on and Nick hollered above the racket, “Now what? He’s gonna knock us outta here eventually.”

“Just hang on. Hope we can outlast him,” replied Heath

Jarrod was hanging on tightly, biting his lip to keep from crying out at the pain shooting up his leg. Heath was trying to help him, but he was fighting his own battle to hang on and still fire off an occasional shot. Chambering another round, he waited for a lull in the bear’s ferocious tree shaking to get a shot off. Hitting him in the head, the metal projectile tore through hair and flesh but couldn’t penetrate the thick-skulled animal. The bear flinched but nothing more and they were tossed about the branches by the now very angry bear. Any strength they’d gained from a few hours sleep was lost in the next hour as their muscles were pushed to the limit of their endurance. They’d hit the bear several times and even though his fur was matted and his head dripping with blood, he refused to give up on the men he considered the enemy. Standing at his full height, the bear reached upward grabbing at the thinning branches and ripped them out of his way. At twenty feet up, they cringed at the smell of the bear’s rancid breath and the heat on their skin as he roared with frustration. He viciously tore at the tree trunk, tearing away chunks of bark and wood with each swipe of his mighty claws.

Barely conscious, Jarrod was held aloft with Nick and Heath’s help, and he no longer thought of anything but the unrelenting pain. His leg had been slammed into the tree so many times that the blood dripped off his foot, the metallic smell further enraging the beast beneath them. The bear was not giving up and he tried several tactics to get to them but they remained safely out of his reach. Their optimism was fading, and they were none too sure they were going to make it out of this one. The bear stood with his paws against the tree pushing his fifteen hundred pounds of power into the trunk and the occupants worried about this latest tactic. The tree was a strong one, but twenty feet off the ground the trunk thinned considerably and when the ominous cracking filled their ears, Heath shouted a warning, “Get out of them belts or you’ll go down with the tree.”

Nick worked the buckle and shouted back, “We’re going down with the tree whether we like it or not.”

Motioning to the water, Heath tried to sound positive, “Yeah but if you’re free at least ya won’t drown.” Nick and Heath worked frantically to free themselves. Jarrod fumbled with the buckle, having heard Heath’s alarm, but his brain wasn’t processing his demands as clearly as they should have and it was Nick that finally freed him. Both brothers held on to him, and Heath offered last minute instructions, “When it goes, try and jump free of the branches so ya don’t get pulled under.” Jarrod scooted away from the trunk with his brother’s help, but unlike them he couldn’t stand for any sort of leverage. He lacked the strength and there was no way his leg would support any weight. Nick reached down with a free hand and grabbed Jarrod’s arm in a tight grip. Seeing his intentions, Heath did the same. When the tree snapped they were going together or not at all.

It was only seconds later and the bear’s efforts paid off. The tree top was snapped off, falling twenty feet into the water below. As soon as they were over the water, Heath and Nick tightened their hold on Jarrod and jumped. As hard as they tried to stay together they lost the hold on each other when they hit the water. The tree crashed down on top of them and each had to fight their own battle to get back to the surface. Nick opened his eyes underwater and kicking his way clear of the branches, headed for the light. He needed air and was about to hit the surface when he spotted Jarrod struggling amidst the branches and with a quick reach, snagged his shirt and pulled him along. They both broke the surface gasping for air and Nick held him tight, frantically searching the water for some sign of Heath. Jarrod was trying to stay afloat, and Nick kept dragging him back whenever he went under. Heath finally popped up several yards away, sputtering and coughing to clear his water logged lungs.

Nick hollered towards his brother, his heart pounding in relief. “Heath!”

Heath looked around for the source of Nick’s voice and his eyes widened in fear. “NICK! BEHIND YOU!” Nick jerked his head around and saw the bear trying to scramble through the tree to get to him. Adrenalin surged through his veins and grabbing Jarrod, he hollered, “Take a breath.” Hoping Jarrod was listening he pushed him under the water and swam as far as his breath would take him. They popped up next to Heath and they all looked back to see where the bear was. He was pacing the banks, following the trio as they were carried downstream. Debris from the tree drifted by and snatching at a large branch, Nick swung Jarrod’s arms over it and both he and Heath hitched a ride. Not having to swim or tread water was a wonderful relief to their sore and aching muscles. The water was cold, but not frigid and they’d have to get out soon. Picking up speed as the river narrowed, their makeshift raft began pulling away from the bear that trailed them along the shore. He lengthened his stride to keep up and the faster they went, the faster he went. As long as he followed they were forced to stay in the water, but at least for now he was content to follow from the shore. Bears weren’t afraid of water and it was just a matter of time before he took the plunge and hastened their timetable. Nick was watching the bear as he tracked them and concentrated on keeping Jarrod’s head above water. Heath was watching the water ahead of them and his voice echoed off the canyon walls, “Nick!”

Nick answered in a weary voice, “Yeah?”

“Nick?” Heath was tapping his back, his eyes staring straight ahead.

Frustrated, Nick snapped at him, “What?”

“Listen.”

Nick tilted his head and listened intently, his eyes widening when he realized it was the sound of rushing water that he was hearing. He looked at the bear behind them and then at Heath, “What do ya wanna do?”

“Hang on tight. If we get out now, this was all for nothing.”

The water carried them faster and faster and suddenly the canyon walls narrowed ahead and they both tightened their hold on the branch and their brother. Jarrod was barely hanging on, but his eyes widened when they hit the rapids and they were tossed about in the fast churning water. Nick and Heath used their hands and legs to keep the branch from the huge rocks that jutted above the water. They were successful for the most part until they slammed into a submerged boulder. Heath cried out and started to slip from the branch.

Nick yelled at Jarrod and grabbed for Heath, “Hang on, Jarrod! I gotta get Heath.” Heath sputtered to the surface looking peaked and Nick hollered above the roar of water, “What’s wrong?”

Draping one arm over the branch, Heath gasped, “My...arm! Broke ...it!”

Reaching across Jarrod’s back Nick held him to the branch with his arm, while holding Heath’s shirt in a tight grip. “Hang on. Both of ya! It’s widening up ahead. We’re almost out of it.” Both men nodded, knowing Nick wouldn’t let anything happen to them. The river did indeed tame down and after another mile they were drifting languidly again. Shivering from the cold water, Nick stuttered, “Pa...pa....pad...dle... to... to...to... sh...sh..shore.” The cold water served to numb Heath’s pain and he was able to help with the job of getting them on land again. As the branch neared the shore, all three men crawled forward and collapsed. Heath lay on his back, clenching his arm to his chest. Jarrod lay just out of the water, shivering uncontrollably, having used all his reserves. Nick needed to get moving but his own body was cold and worn. Although he wasn’t injured to the degree his brothers were, he wasn’t in much better shape. They’d gone all day without food and their bodies had literally taken a beating. He nervously looked back from where they’d come through the canyon, sighing with relief to see the sheer walls filling his view. No way that bear was coming out unless he went over the top and Nick wasn’t planning on sticking around that long. Moving first to Jarrod, he stripped off the bandages, rinsed them out and wringing out as much water as he could, rewrapped the wound. Jarrod didn’t even budge and Nick began to wonder how they were gonna get home with two injured and no horses.

Scooting to Heath, he nudged him awake and asked, “Let me take a look at it.”

Heath nodded and removed his other hand, giving Nick access to the injured limb. Reaching in his pocket Nick found his knife and carefully split Heath’s shirtsleeve from wrist to shoulder. Laying open the material, the break was obvious. The broken bone hadn’t pierced the skin but it poked outward stretching it to the limit. Looking around, Nick gathered a couple sticks and laid them next to Heath. His own shirt sacrificed for Jarrod, Nick leaned over Heath as he teased, “Sorry, but I need yer other sleeve.”

“Help yourself.” Heath smiled weakly, wanting the limb set and splint. The loose bone grated every time he breathed and anything was better than the agony shooting up and down his arm. Nick tore up the sleeve into several strips and took a deep breath. Positioning himself next to Heath, he gently lifted the arm and planted his foot in Heath’s armpit. Straightening the limb at the elbow he looked at Heath, his own reluctance mirrored in the blue eyes, “You ready?”

Nodding, Heath closed his eyes, and waited. Nick was quick but the pain was too much and Heath let the darkness claim him. Waking up some time later, his arm was splinted and Nick had fashioned his sleeve into a makeshift sling. A fire was going and Nick was staring absently at the flames, feeding it small twigs without thought.

“What ya thinkin’?”

“How the devil we’re gonna get out of here.” Nick stood and started pacing, picking up a stick now and then to throw on the fire. Heath managed to sit up, grateful that the pain in his arm was at least manageable now. It throbbed unmercifully, but he could live with that. He glanced to where Jarrod lay and shook his head, “How’s he doin’?”

“I think he’s just sleepin’ but his leg is infected and he’s got a fever goin’. He ain’t gonna be walkin’ outta here.”

“So we carry him. I ain’t staying here overnight.”

Heath was adamant in that regard and Nick nodded in agreement, “I wasn’t lookin’ forward to that myself.” Looking down at Heath’s bound arm he asked worriedly, “You think we can do it. I reckon we still got a couple hours before making the ranch. We come a fair piece on the river, so it’s not as bad as it coulda been.”

“If it means staying here overnight or carryin’ him out, I’m all for carryin’.”

Nick chuckled, “You ain’t afraid of a BIG bear are ya?”

“Damn right I am, and I challenge any man not to have that bear put the fear of God in ‘em.”

“Amen, Little Brother!”

No more was said about the bear. They both hoped that if they didn’t talk about it they wouldn’t have to admit that the thought of him coming after them again was terrifying.

************************

A week later on All Hallows Eve, all three brothers were once more settled around the fire, only this time they were safely inside the solid walls of home, enjoying a quiet solitude. Heath lounged in the chair closest to the fire, his forearm covered in plaster. Jarrod was stretched out the settee his lower leg supported by several pillows. For three days upon their return, he’d fought a fever and only yesterday had he been allowed to leave his room. Nick stood at the hearth, staring into the flames. There were all thinking back to the previous week and this was the first time they’d had any time to reflect on their harrowing experience. Nick walked to the bar and grabbing Jarrod’s best bourbon, poured them all a drink. Handing them each a glass, they savored the hard liquor as it burned a path to their stomachs.

Nick raised his glass and smiled at his brothers, “So what’s it gonna be...big bear...giant bear?”

Heath and Jarrod both laughed and conceded to Nick as they said in unison, “Giant bear!”

Looking very pleased with himself, Nick teased, “So Jarrod got any scary stories to tell this time around?”

Jarrod chuckled, “Well I have this tale of the bear...”

THE END

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