The Beast runs Free

part 4

It was around 10 o'clock, in the morning. Since the family was larger and more united last night, the children had more fun than normal. Thus, being the reason for them waking up, later than usual.
Caleb, the boy who likes waking up early, especially when he hasn't got school, woke up and was happy to realise that, his parents hadn't gone, yet.

"You cannot stay, can you Mom?" Asked little Caleb.

"You know I have to get back at work my baby," answered Caleb's mother, "it's not like you, to worry about me not being here, especially when it's summer time anyways."

Caleb's father had already turned on the car, "Darling, didn't you tell me yourself that you are going to be late?"

"I am on my way, did you already say goodbye to your son?"

"I didn't want to wake him up," said his father while hugging Caleb that had run to him.

After his parents left and Caleb finished his breakfast, he headed out to know the news about what had started the day before. Out on the porch, young Caleb heard the back gate open and saw his uncle come in. The young boy wanted to wave at his uncle but was surprised to see that, his grandfather was also in the backyard.

Caleb's uncle had a serious look on his face and called out to his father as if to say, they needed to have a talk, in private.

"Only it's head was intact, you say?"

"Yes Father, smaller footprints than those of a wolf were surrounding the corpse all over. Or at least what was left of it."

"So you mean to say, a wolf was the one who left it dead and then later on, some jackals, lured in by the blood, came in to finish the job?"

"I don't believe that no jackals would ever dare to attack such a large dog, Father."

"This is getting more serious by the day." Said Caleb's grandfather with a concerned expression.

As they were, still in the midst of their conversation, Caleb approached the two. Not wanting to share such gruesome details with the young boy, Caleb's uncle picked him up and hugged him.

"Uncle, let me down... I am no longer a toddler, Uncle," screamed out Caleb whilst being tickled by his uncle, "hahah stop it!"

"Goodmorning my Caleb, did you sleep well my boy?" Asked his grandfather.

"Goodmorning, Grandpa. I did yes, how did you sleep? What about you, Uncle? Are you going to continue hunting today?"

"Most likely, yeah."

"You should go and see Adam," suggested Caleb's grandfather, "take the boy with you aswell."

Caleb followed his uncle as they went to see the old man, Adam. This one, was famous for breeding the livestock guardians, starting from the local breeds, to the great Kangal race. Caleb's grandfather had suggested that they met with Adam due to his experience with shepherd dogs and their encounters with wild beasts. Although it was unlikely, that news of the attacks hadn't reached Adam yet, Caleb's grandfather wanted his son to take in some knowledge, personally.

Upon approaching their backyard, Caleb's uncle called out to Adam, to know if it was appropriate to enter in and to make sure that, none of the dogs were roaming free, unchained.
Adam welcomed them in, embraced both of them and invited them to some freshly cut watermelon.

"This was a good year for harvesting such beauties, wasn't it?" Asked Caleb's uncle while admiring the rich colours of the watermelon, bested only by it's refreshing taste.

"Thank God, firstly we had enough rain, from which our reservoir was filled and even though such hot weather is upon us, the water hasn't dried out." Said Adam while cutting a slice for young Caleb. "Take it Son, don't be shy."