Chapter 14 - The Last Debt of Caleb Voss
Silas Crane blamed Asa and Sahale for Voss’s downfall.
He arrived looking for revenge.
But the Red Bluff he found was different.
People knew Sahale.
Trusted her.
Greyhawk’s people traded more regularly.
Settlers were less willing to believe convenient rumors.
Crane attempted to revive old hatred.
It failed.
So he targeted Rich House.
One night windows were smashed.
Tools disappeared.
A message was painted across the door.
GO HOME.
Sahale stared at it the following morning.
Asa waited for her reaction.
She picked up a bucket.
“What are you doing?”
“Cleaning.”
“That’s all?”
“No.”
She handed him another bucket.
“You are helping.”
By noon, half of Red Bluff had arrived.
They repaired the windows.
Replaced tools.
Scrubbed the door.
Greyhawk brought lumber.
Margaret sent money.
Eli brought nails.
Crane had expected fear.
Instead he created solidarity.
When authorities arrested him days later after witnesses identified him, Sahale did not attend.
She was too busy teaching.
That evening Asa found her sitting on the porch.
“Still think this place was a mistake?” she asked.
“I never did.”
“You looked terrified the first day.”
“I was.”
“Of me?”
“Of caring.”
Sahale rested her head on his shoulder.
“You are still frightened.”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
“Why is that always good?”
“Because you stay anyway.”
Asa kissed her forehead.
And then Sahale placed his hand against her stomach.
His expression changed.
May you like
She smiled.
Their family was about to grow.
