Page 44 of Captured on Film
“I might have beenverydrunk,” Caleb offered lamely.
“No, I think you’re onto something. I mean … he’s smarterthan your average dog—no offense Nessie, darling—and there’s more clans thanbear. Hesper says those giant squirrel tracks I spotted were from some localboys.”
“There are others living out here?”
Josheb listed, “Squirrel, deer, pheasant—sound familiar?”
Caleb looked to Sasquatch and asked, “Is there a dog clan?”
Copper eyes held laughter as he offered a paw.
“Maybe he’s not allowed to say? It could be a secret,”suggested Caleb.
“I got Hesper to show me. She’s a shifter.” Josheb’s browslifted. “That giant bear we saw? It was Andor.”
Caleb admitted, “I wasn’t sure.”
“Honestly, I think it’s great. Shifters are trendy.” Josheb pickedup one of the camp cups and jiggled it toward the flask. “Great hook for anepic story, if we ever get around to telling it.”
With less ceremony than the wine probably deserved, Caleb tippeda little into his own cup, then filled Josheb’s to the brim. “I already hadsome. This is your share.”
“Not gonna argue, not gonna complain.” Josheb clinked theircups together and took a small sip, then a whole mouthful. His eyes slid shutas he gave the wine his full attention.
Meanwhile, Sasquatch sidled closer and snuffled hopefully atCaleb’s cup. Without really thinking about it, Caleb flicked his nose.
The dog’s rump hit the ground, and they stared at each otherfor several moments.
Clearing his throat, Caleb said, “Please tell me I didn’tjust biff the King of Dogs.”
“Could be.” Josheb sounded supremely unconcerned. And dulyimpressed. “Kind of sweet, like dessert wine. And there’s some fizz. At least,it tingles against my tongue. Wish I could see it in a flute. Does it have acolor? Hey, if there’sstarin the name, does it shine?”
“Not sure.” Caleb peered into the enamel cup. “Guess this islacking in presentation. Since when are you into wine?”
“Learned some stuff from a friend of a friend.” He tugged athis beard and smiled lopsidedly. “I usually just grab a beer, though.”
Caleb admitted, “I’m a little hooked on this stuff.”
“Wonder if Hesper’s honey mead is just as good?”
Sasquatch huffed.
Was he offering an opinion?
But then Hesper’s voice carried from close at hand. “Hereyou are! Oaken, they’re over here!”
“Tattle tale,” accused Josheb, who raised his cup. “Come tocrash our party?”
She eyed their impromptu picnic without much enthusiasm. “You’rebeing summoned. And you’re in luck. Andor’s about to open a fresh cask of hisfinest. Shares for all.”
“What’s the occasion?” asked Josheb.
“Guests.” With a long look at Sasquatch, she added, “High-rankingguests.”
The dog paused long enough to lick Caleb’s cheek beforesprinting away.
Josheb snickered. “Thirsty boy?”
Hesper hauled him to his feet and helped him balance while Oakenand Caleb collected their things.
