Relief hit Marcus in a wave as the calf stumbled free, legs wobbling but holding, the mother lowing in a rough, grateful huff as Taco finally let her give ground. He sheathed his knife with hands that trembled faintly from the duration of his magic, then swung back into the saddle, giving Taco a pat on her neck. He smiled broadly at the praises he received, even though his eyes dipped slightly and his ears turned red, the coiling pride within him braced down by the Olson humility.
They fell back into formation as Colt called them on, the herd knitting together in a slow, living tide of muscle and hide. Marcus kept his place near the trees at first, but the cattle moved steadily, their initial agitation smoothing into a workable flow. The hours stretched long and hot. Dust clung to sweat and turned every inch of his clothing muted shades of brown and gold. Marcus’ thighs burned, his lower back ached, and his mouth tasted constantly of grit, but the rhythm of it all carried him through. He watched for stragglers, nudged Taco into gentle arcs to keep the line even, and felt a quiet satisfaction each time a wandering cow chose the right direction.
Marcus gets back in formation and keeps on keepin on!
They fell back into formation as Colt called them on, the herd knitting together in a slow, living tide of muscle and hide. Marcus kept his place near the trees at first, but the cattle moved steadily, their initial agitation smoothing into a workable flow. The hours stretched long and hot. Dust clung to sweat and turned every inch of his clothing muted shades of brown and gold. Marcus’ thighs burned, his lower back ached, and his mouth tasted constantly of grit, but the rhythm of it all carried him through. He watched for stragglers, nudged Taco into gentle arcs to keep the line even, and felt a quiet satisfaction each time a wandering cow chose the right direction.
Marcus gets back in formation and keeps on keepin on!
marcus
a song for a scribbled out name
