Memories of Life

26. Doubt.

26. Doubt.

Robert guzzled some water from his canteen as another grueling session with Al came to an end, feeling satisfied he could now combat eight of the experts attacking maneuvers. In recent weeks, Al had taken more time to show him subtle techniques of how to stand, and position his body to avoid blows, then counter with his own. Though the combat with weapons remained a painful exercise, as Al jabbed and struck him remorselessly, with the long, and short axe handle. The treatment though now hardened Roberts' ever strengthening body, and his weight was now nearly what it had been prior to starvation. And he also felt as fit as he could ever remember, even when playing football.

The weapons training had remained fairly much the same, with Al making Robert focus more on producing his pistol from its holster, with ever increasing speed, and steadiness. And how to hold the assault rifle when entering buildings, or firing on the run. The lack of ammunition though, which they were saving for the coming battle, still made Robert doubt his ability to fire accurately. Though Al reassured him that the training had benefits of invoking his muscle memory. Because pulling a trigger on a live gun was the easiest of all concepts to learn, when it was done without hesitation.

Robert folded up the tarp ready to join the brothers for a meal, when the sound of breaking dry bush at the edge of the clearing, alerted him to the presence of the horses. It was the third time in the last week they had frequented the clearing around the house to graze on the dry winters grass, and the steel grey mare was with them each time. Robert had studied them for a while noting two of the mob in foal, though it was the grey mare he was interested in most. When he'd previously attempted to approach them most were startled, though the grey had raised her head and stood her ground, inspecting him as closely as Robert had her, before eventually retreating with the others.

Reaching down he pulled some tufts of grass from the ground, giving a few "click's" with his tongue to gain their attention. Then cautiously walked up to to them grazing at the edge of the clearing. As he came closer the mob raised their heads as one to look at him, and their shoulders quivered, preparing to take-off back into the bush. Noticing it Robert stopped, offering a few more gentle clicks, which the mob responded to by slowly walking back to the safety of the bush. Though, the steel grey mare remained behind to eyeball him. Smiling to himself Robert stole another few steps closer to her, making the mare snort a warning to him. Undeterred he continued to approach until he was less than a dozen meters away where he stopped, and crouched down on his haunches holding out the dry grass in his hand to tempt her. The mare straightened her neck, then turned her head to get a better view of what he offered. "It's for you big girl." Robert said in a soothing voice, waiting for a response. Tentatively the horse lifted a hoof before dropping it back on the ground. "Come on you know you'd like it." Robert offered again waving the grass slowly in front of him. Standing for a moment the mare then sniffed the air and slowly began to advance towards him, in smooth even strides. When she was only meters away Robert slowly stood, offering the grass, giving a few more gentle clicks to settle her remaining hesitance. She then stopped and leant her long sleek neck forward to sniff the grass in his hand, nibbling at it with her lips. Extending his arm a little farther, Robert opened his hand offering her the grass sitting on his palm, which the mare took. "That's it." He said softly, taking one more step forward placing his hand on the side of her cheek which she didn't seem to mind.

Knowing she was calm, Robert leant down pulling some more grass for her to feed on. Then slowly ran his hand down along her neck to her wither, seeing the brand on her rump that identified her heritage. "You're a beautiful girl." Robert whispered to her noticing her legs were in fine condition, with no swelling or deformity, not even a split in her hoofs which only needed a good filing. Staying with the mare a while longer, feeding her more grass and talking to her softly, she then decided to join her friends again in the bush, while he joined his for lunch.