THE TRIALS OF AN ANGEL Part 10: Fire power

Following the death of Zak and Drew from injuries caused by a particularly aggressive hog, the next moot didn’t go well.

‘We can’t carry on like this.’

‘It doesn’t make sense not using the guns.’

‘My son’s lost his father. How many more?’

A selection of the comments coming my way the minute I arrived at the moot house. I stayed calm and attempted a counter.

‘How many fathers might be killed when a gun we know nothing about blows up in their face? Wouldn’t it be better to look for another way to scare off these animals?’

Jess, a strong and assertive young man who had been showing signs of self-appointing himself a group leader forced his way to the front of the group.

‘Madam I saw with my own eyes just how dangerous these pigs are. It tossed Zak over its shoulder. Its tusks went right through his stomach. When we tried to help the thing charged and butted Drew in the head. He was killed instantly.’

He turned to face the group and punched the air.

‘We need those guns or we’ll all starve.’

The crowd responded with a collective, ‘Yeess!’

I could see Jess was a clever one. He knew how to work a crowd. I had to respond before he caused trouble. I waited until all the discussion calmed down. I used a quiet woeful tone.

‘I saw their injuries, Jess. As soon as I heard I went to them. Two of our beautiful boys gone. I cried, Jess as no doubt you did. But I don’t want to be crying over strong young men blown apart by a faulty gun or killed by a misaimed shot.’

Everyone went silent. Jess had tears in his eyes, but I wondered if they were from exhilaration rather than grief. Jess’d found his voice. I glanced at Alan and Junior standing by the door. Junior returned a slight nod. I was sure he’d guessed what was on my mind. I could no longer resist, but it had to be on my terms.

‘Junior found those weapons. Weapons! They are not toys for boys. They are every bit as deadly as a raging hog. More deadly. They are machines for killing. Hogs defend themselves.’

I stepped forward and pointed a finger close to Jess’s face.

‘Just remember those words, Jess when you hear what I am about to say.

Junior and Alan will go with you to the library in the big house. There are books on gun maintenance, and safe use. Together you must study about ammunition and guns. I guess at least a couple of days. I’ve seen the books they are easy to understand.

When you’ve finished reading the manuals go to the gun shed and select four guns. Inspect them, oil and clean them as instructed in the books. Take them outside and load them. Figure out a way to fire them from a distance. Use a string or something. Repeat the tests several times. When – and only when – you are sure they are useable the three of you need learn how to shoot. Then you can use a gun against invading animals, especially hogs.

If it works out well, you, Jess will for issue up to six guns to people you choose and teach them how to shoot and maintain the guns. You will be responsible for when they are to be used and for the safety of a shoot. Any injuries will be on your head.

However, only Junior and Alan will have access to the gun shed and all of the ammunition within. I hope you agree, Jess, ‘cos it’s that or nothing.’

Jess understood. He also understood if the guns were used unnecessarily ammunition would be withdrawn.