The Mockingbird's Ballad

"Well, farrier, your father told you right. Guess we'll have to see if he taught you anything to go with those good words. Won't we Major?" he said to his chief of staff, humor in his expression.

"Yes, General, we surely will," was Major Stevenson's answer.

"Bugler, you think you can learn to play a brass horn?" Wheeler's soft Georgian accent flavored his inquiry.

Alex's face smiled broadly, "Well, Sir, if I must, but Sir, this horn carries a mighty long way and can sing three dozen different calls."

Wheeler threw his head back laughing, "Very well, bugler. Major, see to it they get sworn in and they'll ride with you and my escort. Better keep them close to make sure they do a good job. I'd really like to hear if that bullhorn can call charge and reform. But not now, Son, not now." He chuckled and turned full to the major. "Charlie still chief farrier?"

"Yes, sir, he keeps finding us no matter how far ahead of him and his section we move."

"Well …..? What's your name again smithy?"

"Lou, Louis Fields - Lou - General Wheeler."

"Bugler?"

"Alexander, Sir."

"You, sharpshooter. You're a Fields, too?"

"A cousin, sir - Mayberry - J. N. Mayberry."

"Corporal, I guess you need to stay close to these two green hands?"

"Yes, Sir, I'd like that."

"O.K., Major, the corporal here is assigned to you. He can watch your sides and back. You're too reckless. The unconventional bugler, major, you see that he gets with some of our more traditional ones for a bit of instruction." Wheeler's face was relaxed and gave off a fine glow.

"Thank you, Sir." Lou smiled and relaxed a little for the first time.

"Yes Sir, General," Alex joined his sister's appreciation.

"Much obliged General, Sir," Lou said as color filled her swarthy cheeks.

J. N. took up the thank yous; "We'll be fine, Sir, and I'll watch out for the major good."