Hello guys! Sorry for not posting yesterday I've had some urgent papers I needed to get done, so here's yesterday's chapter and I'm announcing that I won't be available from 7th till the 15th of November, Again, sorry for the inconvenience everyone🙏🙏
I was up to the rooster crowing before dawn, its voice echoing throughout the farm. I sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep off my eyes, and reached for my watch. 5:10 AM. Right on time. Ghost was already awake, standing by the door, tail stiff, ears pricked toward the tree line, same as always. "Easy, boy," I muttered, pulling my jacket. "We've got a job to do."
The sky was still in the color of ash when we were moving down the dirt road. Two days ago, when I was heading towards the city for a scavenging run, I stumbled across an old farm, the kind that used to belong on post cards. It was there that I'd found six horses, nervous but alive, left in an old-looking but sturdy barn. The owners choose to leave on their own terms, something I respected, as not a lot of people had the guts to do that.
I took the corpses of the old couple and gave them proper burial under a willow tree, marking their graves with their wedding rings strung on a wire post. That was the least I could do for taking the horses. Giving them a final prayer, I turned my attention to the barn. The horses watched me warily as I approached with calm, slow movements: two chestnuts, a gray mare, a dappled brown stallion, and a pair of black ones. Strong stock, nervous but not wild. "Easy now," I said softly, offering one a handful of oats. You're coming with me, I thought to myself.
An hour later, I had them saddled with rope and some feed packs. The bulk of feed packs and hay rolls I'd tossed inside my Inventory for a later date. The gray mare, steady and calm, took the lead beside me while Ghost trotted alongside, tail wagging, eyes scanning the woods like a sentry.
By the time the farmstead came to view, the group had already gathered by the fence, drawn by the sound of hoofs. Dale squinted, hand shielding his eyes. "Well I'll be damned," he said. "You brought the cavalry."
I guided the horses through the gate, nodding towards the stable area beside the barn. "I found them two days ago when I was on my way to scavenging the city. They were alone. Figured we could give them purpose again."
Andrea grinned slightly. "You're planning on starting a ranch now?"
"Transportation, labor, maybe plowing the fields someday," I said, patting the neck of the lead mare. "And if things go south, they'll outrun any walker alive."
Dr. Gale stepped forward, brushing a hand across one horse's flank. "They're a bit underfed but healthy. You did right bringing them back."
Morgan approached with Duane, who stared wide-eyed at the animals. "Can I ride one, Mr. Zephyr?"
"Not yet," I said with a faint smirk. "They're still skittish. You learn how to care for them first—feeding, cleaning, calming them. Then maybe, Dad." Duane said, grinning ear to ear.
We spent the rest of the afternoon converting the old barn's side stalls into proper pens. Jim fixed the broken gates. Dale and Morgan and I reinforced the fences with scrap metal and wire. Andrea and Amy cleared the troughs. Jenny was preparing lunch while Dr. Gale was tending to Rick.
When work was done, I walked the perimeter with Ghost. The sun was dipping low. "You did good today," I scratched his ear. His tail wagged, tongue rolling in approval.
In the evening, we gathered around the campfire. Everyone was tired but content, a quiet satisfaction after a day's hard work. Dale stirred the fire with a stick. "Never thought I'd see this place look like a real homestead."
Gale nodded. "With these horses we can scout farther, more easily and quietly. And for transportation, as fuel won't last past a certain point."
"Maybe even start cultivating fields if the soil holds."
"Already checked," I said. "It'll hold. We just need the right tools, plow, seed stock, maybe a tiller if I can find one."
For a moment, the only sound was the crackle of the fire. Then Duane broke it with a laugh as Ghost rolled into his back for belly rubs. Laughter, short, genuine, followed.
I leaned back, eyes on the stars, just starting to show through the smoke. The weight in my chest eased just a little. We had walls, we had food, we had horses, and now, maybe a chance at something better.
Tomorrow, I'd head out, scouting the area. There's bound to be survivors, and considering this being rural Georgia, I'd bet there are still farmers still holding up, waiting for rescue. With the horses, turning this place into a food source is no longer a dream, I murmured to myself, watching the fire die down. Ghost gave a short bark as if in agreement.
I returned to my room, lighting a lantern in hand. I fetched my note pad and began writing down what's in plan for tomorrow: Recon around the area, farms and houses, survivors. I underlined the last. Pausing for a bit. The Greene family farm is not far from here. I'll check it out, I thought to myself as I scribbled Greene farmers. We'll need tools and seeds. I have some in my Inventory, but it won't nearly be enough. I write and underline tools, seeds. If I could find some cattle and dairy, even better. It'll be a great addition into turning this place self sufficient. I noted cattle, dairy, poultry. Satisfied, I tossed my note pad in my Inventory, did a brief maintenance on my gear and weapons, and went to rest.
(To be continued...)