Embalmer v. Embriologist

The Embalmer tags along as the Grave Digger prepares the burial of the Electrician. The two men, possibly by some unspoken occupational connection, develop a quick camaraderie.

At least he went quickly, the Embalmer says.

The Grave Digger, flipping through the Electrician's overstuffed wallet, looks up. Never seen one linger, he realizes.

The schnauzer lies nearby, gnawing on a stick he found by the edge of the forest.

They talk. At some point during the course of conversation the Embalmer mentions the shortage of bullets. The Grave Digger walks to the oak and inspects the guns. Three cartridges are chambered in each pistol. A few empty casings litter the area around the table. He looks in the forest dweller's dusty satchel and sees more empties of the same caliber.

We can't go on without ammunition, states the Embalmer. It's not like we can change weapons; it's duel by pistol; it's part of the unspoken rules.

None up in the cabin either, murmurs the Grave Digger.

The Embrilogist arrives on time the following morning. Dark clouds hang over the sky. She walks to the oak. The schnauzer gallops up to meet her, sniffing her hand, before walking off. She meets the Embalmer.