Let's Ride! Elfwest is back

Here's the next piece of the Cutter and Skywise back story where we see where it all begin and how it all ended up.


Okay, here's another piece of the backstory for Cutter and Skywise. This is going to take several parts as I'm telling the story of Belles Ferry where Cutter gets promoted to Major and wins his medal for Heroism. This will get intense as its a battle in the war, but nothing over the top and bloody. There is a lot military jargon so if you need go ahead and ask questions.

Oh yeah...Cutter gets Nightrunner too.


The last stand of the army for free men of the Abode happened just outside of a town called Belles Ferry, in the hills and farm lands that surrounded it. Over four days two vast armies, a hundred thousand men and elves, traded fire with canon and rifle and bayonet and saber to determine the fate of a land. To fight for the outcome of loved ones and ones never met.

To keep freedom alive at the ultimate cost if need be.

Major Willits galloped hard on his horse Beau toward the spot called Dutton's Ridge, the end of the western flank of the Army of the Abode, which he had been ordered to help hold with the small contingent of 123rd, all regular infantry men. It was a race as the Fighting 7th had to get to there before the regulars were over run and the end of the line fell. If the end of the line collapsed then the Djun's forces would just circle and come at the back of the Army and destroy General Tecumseh's force. Earlier that morning the 7th was about to ride out to reconnoiter to the south to see where the Djun's main force was when the man's whole damn army showed up and began to spread out along the lines in rough formations. General Tecumseh looked on the map, and like the seasoned tactician he was, he spotted the first weakness all the way down the line, fifteen miles down to the west, and ordered Willits to ride there for all of he and his command was worth.

"If you arrive late and that ridge falls it means the end to this battle and an end to the war Major. The Army will fall, the Abode will fall, it will all burn, understand?"

Willits only nodded before snapping to attention, saluting, and then leaving the tent.

The day before Willits and the 7th, and the 11th and the 16th, had fought skirmishes with the Djun's advanced forces keeping the high ground for the Abode and its Army just outside the town of Belles Ferry. Two small artillery companies had rolled in to provide cannon fire while the Calvary attacked with quick strikes, darting in and out of lines of men. All day they fought small exchanges with canon balls flying overhead and bullets screaming by, as the front changed with each charge it seemed. At one point the 7th and the 11th dismounted and took up their repeaters in a staggered line ready to repel a rush by the Djun's Calvary. In a blaze of gun fire and billows of smoke the 7th and the 11th turned the attackers back keeping the precious high ground for at least the next few hours.

Captain Cutter Kinseeker, a field promotion he received due to the loss of the 7th's second in command the day before, rode just behind his commander on his new mount, Nightrunner. The big black Appaloosa with white spots had been the prize of the paddock as every officer had laid claim to him, from Commanders to Generals, using reputation and Army service like they were money. The last officer to lay claim was Second in Command General Joshua Lawrence, a man with an impeccable reputation and a military record that was only equaled by the commanding General of the Abode Army, one William Tecumseh.

The day before the skirmishes, a good fifteen miles away from Belles Ferry, Cutter was standing in the paddock waiting to be assigned his replacement for Dakota when he saw Nightrunner. It was an instant bond, more than a click, as the Calvary Officer and the horse touched. The captain rubbed the black face and neck of the App lovingly and Nightrunner responded with a whiny and nudge into his shoulder. The horse and Calvary Officer were so busy taking each other in neither saw the approach of General Lawrence as the heavy set man stopped by the gate.

"You can take your hands off my horse now Captain. I don't need to have him wanting any other rider but me."

Cutter nodded, with a look of dejection on his face as he reluctantly let go of Nightrunner's bridle, started to walk away. Almost at once the App followed Cutter refusing to leave his new friend. The new captain turned and took the bridle again whispering into the horse's ear.

"Go back, I can't ride you."

Nightrunner would have none of it though and whinnied pushing his nose into Cutter's shoulder and biting the shirt. The App had chosen his rider and it wasn't General Lawrence, who had seen the display and was not amused.

"Aw damn it! Now you've gone and ruined him! I'll have to break the beast." Lawrence screamed from the gate.

"No sir, you won't have to hurt him…I'll leave and when I'm gone he'll be okay." Cutter said pushing Nightrunner away again.

The pain in his heart was suddenly overwhelming, tearing at Cutter like a claw. He just wanted out of the damn paddock and back to 7th…with his new horse…with Nightrunner, but he knew the way of the Army. Rank has it privileges, and a horse like the black App was an honor to ride. The captain spun and started for the paddock wall trying to outrun the horses he knew was chasing him again when a gravelly voice called out.

"What the hell kind of a problem is that horse causing now?"

Everyone enlisted and officer came to attention as the Commanding General of the Abode Army walked up with a large silver flask in his hand and a snarl on his stubble filled face. General William Tecumseh was a great tactician, a natural born leader that any man would follow into battle screaming with blood lust, but he wasn't one to follow military bearing when it came to dress. He was a total contrast to General Lawrence who always had a clean crisp uniform, hair cleanly cut, and sideburns neatly trimmed. No sir, General Tecumseh looked like he just woke up with a wrinkled dirty shirt, a jacket that wasn't buttoned or held in place by a sash, and of course there was the flask conveniently filled with the best whiskey the Quartermaster could find.

General Lawrence didn't move to attention like the others, being second in command had its privileges. He smiled and motioned to the black App.

"My horse is just getting a little friendly with the captain there. I'll have it under control General before there's anymore trouble."

"I don't know Joshua," General Tecumseh said before shaking his head and taking a sip of whiskey, "it seems 'your' horse all ready picked who it wants as a rider."

"Then it's a good thing the horse doesn't get to pick." General Lawrence countered.

General Tecumseh only sneered at his second in command's arrogance before sipping from the flask and then calling out to Cutter.

"Captain Kinseeker, right?"

"Yes sir," Cutter answered smartly.

"You ride in the 7th under Major Willits?" The General asked.

"Yes sir," Cutter answered smartly again.

"You understand what's going to happen in the next few days son?" Tecumseh asked.

'We're gonna put the Djun in his grave before he can put us in ours, sir!" Cutter answered with a confident snap

"Your damn right Captain and your new horse there is gonna help us do that. Now get him under your saddle and ride back to Major Willits soldier."

It didn't take a second for the command to register in Cutter's brain. He smiled broadly called out. "Yes Sir!"

General Lawrence belched as he watched 'his' horse being led out of the paddock, very happily it looked like too, before turning to his commander.

"Sir...why did you give that beautiful animal to that horse soldier?"

"Aw hell Joshua, it was obvious that horse was in love with the Captain and I wasn't about to break the App's heart." General Tecumseh explained.

"But sir, the horse would have come to love me in time I'm sure." General Lawrence said with a growing smile.

"Now Josh," General Tecumseh said with a quick laugh clapping his second on the shoulder with a quick hand, "we all know the only one who loves you is your wife back home, and hell we aren't even sure of that!"

General Lawrence only laughed at the statement noting the horse was better off with the Captain then with him anyway. "Yes sir, that is true."

The two stood by the paddock talking some more, exchanging ideas on strategy. They decided to send off the 7th and 11th and 16th to hold the high ground in case the Djun showed up with an advanced force. General Lawrence secretly wished for the horse's safety. He hoped the best for the Captain too, just not as mush as the horse.

Now, two days later, Cutter's hand trembled as he felt the App run with ease not even straining to keep up with the other horses. He looked over to see his brother Skywise still riding Cotton as they put the spurs to their mounts to get to Dutton's Ridge.

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The layout of the ridge wasn't a ridge at all. There was no cliff, no mountain, just two hills that rose out of the flat wooded land. The trees were thick around both hills, each having its own distinctive feature, and the wood lines carried to the top of both. The first hill, the one farther west and just past the Army's front line was called Round Top, probably due to its squat but fat nature, and to its east was its smaller but taller brother Little Round Top, whose sharp rocky rise all around was easier to defend from a charge as any military man could see. Any one having to run up that hill into a full barrage of rifle fire was either a fool or a man of true conviction; it was just a matter of semantics really. The sharp rise was also a hindrance as it took men longer to move along the lines and get ready for the fight and it would be near impossible to get a battery of cannons up the hill to fire down. The effort to push and pull the cannon up the hill dodging rocks and holes would render the men in charge of firing it useless.

The Abode had seized Little Round Top letting the Djun have it's smaller and less valuable brother Round Top. The trees hid the Djun, as they did the men from the Abode, but the noise both Armies made carried easily on the wind. You could hear the enemy, you knew he was waiting to shoot you, you just couldn't see him.  

Cutter stood at the top of Little Round Top by Major Willits who was talking with Colonel Melcher, commander of the 123rd, looking down the rise of the hill noting the two lines of men, staggered and arranged to gain maximum effect, just about thirty yards down. The Djun;s men would have to run all the way up Little Round Top before hitting the line which gave the Abode an advantage. And from here it was easy to see the base of this hill, but after that the trees blocked everything. There was a road that ran along the south side the hills, wound through the woods of the hills like a snake, but across it was a large plot of farm land and open country, not a single thing for a man to take cover behind for a mile till the next set of woods. Cutter could see this spread of trees and knew the Djun was there too, waiting for the signal to attack. That signal was close, the sun would be setting soon, and the light would be low, a perfect time to make a rush. He was listening for such an attack when Cutter heard the words of the conversation and turned his attention to Major Willits and Colonel Melcher.

"Who has the road?" Willits asked.

"The 44th and the 83rd infantry have it flanked three lines deep with the 100th and the 32nd Artillery providing support. The whole ten miles is a run straight into a hail of musket balls and split shot Major. They'll hit it and get knocked back." Melcher responded.

"And the woods north of us sir?" Willits continued

"The 2nd Corp of Sharpshooters has it staked out. They decimated a Djun assault in Halifax, picked off six officers and high ranking NCO's before they could pull back and regroup. Those Djun's never came back looking for more and we made sure this bunch found out the Sharpshooters were out there. No Major, the Djun's gonna come right up this hill, right at us, and try to break the line." Melcher answered.

"How long do you think we have?" Willits asked one last question.

"Maybe a half-hour or less." Melcher said.

"Not much time to get my men in position." Willits said

"You don't need much Major. I want your men right alongside mine, down there on the hill. You'll buttress the line and hopefully keep the Djun from taking this hill." Melcher said with a swig from his canteen.

"Do you really think the Djun's Army will come up that hill sir?" Cutter was asking before his brain could stop his mouth.

"Captain, I don't know why the Djun would want this hill. It's got no real strategic advantage to taking Belles Ferry and its only importance is we're on it, but he's coming to take it that's for sure. And he'll throw a whole damn brigade at us to get it." Melcher said taking a swig of his canteen again only spitting out the water this time.

A whole brigade...for a piece of rock that wasn't important. What a waste Cutter thought.

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They settled in pretty quick falling into the staggered line of the infantry with as much ease as a horse solider could muster. Skywise didn't like it, the whole tactic felt they were waiting to get killed. The idea of being on horse back with the soldiers trying to shoot a moving target felt a lot better and a lot smarter, and after yesterday he didn't want to stand still and shoot it out again with the Djun's men. Yet, here he sat with his repeater in hand ready for the other side to rush in.

"Why aren't they using cannons on us?" Skywise heard his fellow Calvary soldier Gobbs ask.

"They can't see us so they can't fix us in their cannons sights. They could shoot up the whole hill side but then that's just a waste of perfectly good canon balls!" One of the men from the 123rd remarked that caused the others to laugh.

"Yeah, you know the old Djun ain't putting up with that bosh!" Another infantry man cried out making everyone laugh more.

Skywise looked to Gobbs with a shocked expression as his fellow 7th soldier just smiled and laughed with the infantry men. They're all crazy. Every damn last one of them he thought as he pulled his Dragoon out of its holster and put it beside his Spencer. His hands were sweaty and his mouth as dry as a bone. They were coming he told himself, a whole Army right up the hill at them. He was busy checking both weapons for the twentieth time when he heard Cutter drop down by his side.

"How are you doing?" Skywise heard his brother ask concerned.

"About what you'd expect a horse soldier to be what with having to stand on flat feet waiting for the enemy to come and pay a visit." He answered with a shake of his head.

Cutter reached out and patted his brother's shoulder and smiled. "We'll be okay, side by side like always."

"Yeah I know. So they'll be coming up today for sure?" Skywise asked, more to confirm his gut then anything.

Colonel Melcher said they would." Cutter answered.

"You scared there, sir? Afraid you might be making a stop in the bone orchard before this is over?" An old grizzled vet of the 123rd called out.

"I guess you've seen a lot of this kind of thing huh old timer?" Skywise asked back.

"From Amelia's to Halifax to here, yep I've seen everything this War can dish out, and I've survived. I tell ya' what sir, when this is over we'll find a saloon and get us a drink and drown all this out in our tears." The old Army man said.

"I'll bend an elbow with you friend as long as I get the first round." Skywise said with a laugh.

"You hear that boys! The Lieutenant's got the first round when we're out of here!" the old Vet yelled out.  

Almost at once the whole hillside lit up with screams of men stating if real whiskey was involved they'd be there in a flash. Skywise turned to Cutter and laughed while speaking.

"Aw damn, what'd I just do."

Cutter was about to answer him when the sounds of approaching feet stepping on branches and bushes stopped the laughter. Every soldier and experienced veteran knew exactly what that meant, what was coming, and they went quiet. Skywise turned his attention down the hill, down to the base where all the noise was coming from and seemed to be growing with each passing second.

This was it Skywise thought picking up his Spencer and getting ready.

"Easy sir, let em get in real close before you fire there Lieutenant." The old Vet whispered.

"How close?" Skywise asked back.

"Close enough to see which ones washed up for dinner before heading up the hill." The old Vet laughed.

Crazy, every last one of them.

Then Skywise saw them, at the base of the hill, their crimson uniforms breaking through the trees and brush. Those damn ugly red tops, matched with grey pants and black boots, made each one stand out like a lit lighthouse Skywise thought. It didn't matter much he guessed, it wasn't like they were trying to hide. The Djun's men formed up in a line, with another behind that, and another he saw before the trees blocked his view. All the trampling was still going on though and for the first time Skywise started to think about the number of men that might just come up that hill. How many men would the Djun use to get to the top and to them? How many men did he have down there?

"Are they gonna run at us or come up orderly?" Skywise asked the Vet.

"Depends..." the Vet replied


"On what?" Skywise asked quickly.

"If this is the real thing or just a tap," one of the others called out.

"It's the real thing," the Vet remarked before Skywise could ask just what the hell a 'tap,' was, "only they'll rush us. Probably stop and fire about thirty yards out then come in and try to knock us flat."

"Just a mad charge...I can deal with that." Skywise said with a shake of his head continuing to watch the base of the hill.

"Ready!" Colonel Melcher screamed out from behind everyone.

"It'll be okay Skywise, side by side." Cutter said getting his Spencer in position while trying to reassure his brother.

"Yeah, no need to worry about that." Skywise mumbled putting the Spencer's stock to his shoulder.

The Djun's men stopped moving below and the afternoon grew to a sudden deathly quiet as nothing seemed to stir around them. The insects of the hot afternoon were gone, the biting flies and mosquitoes just vanished. The trees even stopped swaying in the small breeze momentarily. It was like the whole world knew what was coming Skywise thought, could see what was about to happen.

Someone shifted to his left and another to his right. The cotton in Skywise's mouth that use to be his tongue was starting to get annoying when down at the bas of the hill the Djun commander issued his order. All at once the line of crimson red jackets started to move up the hill at a marching pace, two lines with each man walking shoulder to shoulder with the next. They were finally coming Skywise thought mercifully.

"Easy sir, we'll tell ya' when to shoot." The Vet said to him.

That wasn't going to be a problem Skywise thought as the crimson jackets kept walking up the hill. The well formed lines were breaking down now though, with some having to stop to go around trees and other slipping on the loose rocks of the hill. What started out as a well timed march into battle broke down into a ragged assault. Skywise figured the distance between the first lines of 123rd to the base of the hill was around 70 yards. It might be a long enough distance for a man to take a shot and then reload a musket like the Enfield the infantry men carried for a second ashot, but if that first shot was a miss and then there wasn't enough time to reload...

The ragged lines of crimson jackets reached just about halfway, maybe thirty or more yards, and stopped.

"Ready!" Colonel Melcher screamed out again.

Skywise then heard a thousand clicks all at once, all the hammers of the crimson jackets and the 123rd and 7th's rifles being drawn back and locked. He watched the Djun's men raise their muskets and take aim.

The afternoon went quiet again, still, and then it just exploded.

All at once the crimson jackets's disappeared in a cloud of smoke and yellow fire. Then the sensation of a thousand screaming insects suddenly surrounded Skywise and he knew it wasn't bugs but musket balls. There were screams up and down the line, men screaming out in pain, but no where near the number that there should have been from such a barrage of bullets. Then Colonel Melcher's voice was screaming above the din drawing his instant attention.

"Fire!"

And Skywise pulled the trigger on his Spencer knowing full well the first shot went high and wide slamming through the tree tops, but he got the rifle down and shooting straight as the rest of the 123rd and the 7th returned fire as commanded. He watched the crimson jackets disappear in a second cloud of smoke as the muskets roared and for second there was just that floating cloud. Then there were screams from The Djun's men and he could see a good number of them drop through the smoke from the return volley.

It went quiet again, but only for a second, before a roaoring scream sounded from the ones who were left and they charged the last thirty yards going right for the heart of the line. Cutter and Skywise fired the last of the rounds from their Spencer's into the mass of crimson jackets and the few that dropped didn't slow the others as they hit the first line and the battle turned to hand to hand. Fist, rifle butts, and whatever was at hand became a weapon to attack and repel with. Skywise picked up his Dragoon and started to fire again picking off at least one Djun soldier before it was impossible to take another shot without injuring one of your own. He didn't what to do now, rush down and grab a crimson jacket or hang out here until one of them made his way up. The fight went on for what seemed a life time, but then finally the crimson jackets had had enough and turned running back down the hill.

No one took a shot at the retreating men. This may have been war, but it was a gentlemen's fight and rules did apply. The men of the Abode simply screamed and yelled remarks about manhood and courage at the fleeing enemy.

Skywise sat down hard taking a deep breath and noting this may have been the first real breath he had taken during the whole battle. He felt a hand grab his shoulder and he looked up to see Cutter standing over him with a smile.

"Side by side," Skywise said with a nod.

"Side by side," Cutter said with his own nod.

"I told you...nothing but a tap!" One of the soldiers from the 123rd said.

"You saying this will get worse?" Skywise called out.

"Oh yes sir, they just wanted to see what we looked like up here. Now that they got their look tomorrow will be when they hit us with the real attack." The Vet said with a nod to Skywise and Cutter.

The two only sat in quiet contemplating just how bad tomorrow might be if this afternoon was just a 'tap'.

Great chapter as always, WiseShaman


Another image for ElfWest, Shenshen

She was a real challenge here. I did try my best to keep her hair original, but it was impossible. So in the end, I decided to let her have her hair loose just like in Final Quest. Hope you all like

Cleopatra wrote:

Great chapter as always, WiseShaman  


Another image for ElfWest, Shenshen

She was a real challenge here. I did try my best to keep her hair original, but it was impossible. So in the end, I decided to let her have her hair loose just like in Final Quest. Hope you all like

What a beautiful Shenshen!

Thank you for the kind words Cleo

And here's the next piece of the backstory for Cutter and Skywise. The Battle for Belles Ferry rages on!!




The night was cool with a soft gentle breeze blowing up the hill at them as they hunkered into their holes, rustling the leaves of the trees and giving some respite to the heat. Someone was playing a harmonica with a slow sorry song, much like old tune McCarthy played right before the raid that got him killed Skywise thought. He sat back resting after the company had spent the rest of the afternoon getting the wounded moved to the field hospital ten miles away, some school house the driver of the medical wagon had said as they loaded the men and elves onboard. A school house, how were the kids supposed to learn in that place after what was about to happen to it? Skywise had been in a field hospital before, when he was shot through the leg on an earlier raid, and what he saw stayed with him, so much so he swore never to see one again. When Cutter showed up an hour later to see him, after the doc had patched his leg, the First Lieutenant made his brother carry him out of that place never looking back. It was nothing but a constant flow of damaged bodies and screams of agony the whole time he laid in that tent. It was like a stain he couldn't wash off.

Hell, most of the men they loaded onto those wagons wouldn't make it to the hospital, and most of the ones that did survive the ride would leave the table missing a leg or arm if they were lucky. The poor souls the surgeon couldn't help were carried outside to die, with the others like them, because the docs had others to see. No, Skywise thought with a shiver, he wouldn't go back to one of those places ever again.

"You need to get some sleep." Cutter ordered his brother in all but blood while getting set and pulling his hat over his eyes ready to sleep

"I will...just need to get comfortable." Skywise replied.

"They'll come at us after breakfast, probably ten or so sir. Won't do no good thinking about it till nine or so." The old grizzled vet told Skywise.

The remark made others laugh and it lifted the First Lieutenant's spirits as he asked back what to expect. "Are they going to 'tap' us again old timer?"

"Hell no, they'll come at us with most everything they got." One of the men from the 123rd called out.

"Most of them, huh?" Cutter asked rhetorically not rally wanting to hear an answer.

"Yes sir, they know where we've dug in so it's just a matter of trying to knock us out of our holes." The grizzled vet said.

Skywise scoffed and looked up wishing he could see the stars. "Just knock us out of our holes, huh? Is that all their going to do?"

"Sir, my pa taught me to respectable and polite to everyone I meet in life, but if someone steps on my porch and kicks my dog then I better damn well hit him back." The old grizzled vet offered.

"And that's just what we'll do tomorrow morning." Cutter said leaning back and pulling his hat down over his eyes.

Skywise gave a small laugh again still looking up at the dark canopy of trees longing to see the stars. The small bright lights soothed him at times like these, those times when the answer seemed as far off as those twinkling lights. He was still looking up when the old vet asked him another question.

"You got a gal back home First Lieutenant?"

"No, he likes to 'spread the wealth' you might say." Cutter answered before Skywise could from beneath his hat.

"I can't help that I got the looks in our friendship and thus all the gals." Skywise shot back.  

"Well, it sure is nice to see the First Lieutenant isn't a prideful elf." The grizzled vet said with a laugh.

"Let's see how pretty the Djun's men think you look tomorrow." Another man down the line called out.

"He'll have plenty of them to ask that's for sure!" Another called out making everyone laugh

"You got a gal old timer?" Skywise asked the vet.

"Yep, and she was the only one I ever wanted really."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Skywise continued on.

"Oh I was like you, lying with any gal that came along, and then one day I saw Mary working behind the counter at this candy store. Ah Lieutenant, that Mary, she took my breath away and from that second on there was no one else for me. Auburn hair tied back into a pony tail with green eyes, there's no one to compare. When this is all over I'm gonna stay in bed with her for a solid month, just staying warm and feeling her soft skin again. It's been so damn long since I felt anything soft…too damn long." The vet said shifting into position to get some sleep.

Skywise didn't say another word as a still quiet fell over the line. Men slept sitting up, in fetal positions, or just flat on their backs, but not a one moved from their spots along the line. Rocks, fallen trees, and whatever you could get your hands on to make cover was the only protection from the hail of bullets that was surely to come. So the First Lieutenant leaned back and looked up wishing he could see the stars and wondering if 'Mary' would ever cross his path and take his breath away.

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They came up the hill in force, marching one behind the other, so many lines Skywise couldn't believe how many their were. It was like a never ending line of red jackets and rifles marching right up at them. Just like the day before the lines of the Djun's forces broke ranks to get around the trees, but the holes were filled quickly this time by another man from just behind. It was 'most everything they had' Skywise thought, and it was coming right for them in a steady march. The sound of limbs breaking and leaves crunching filled the air around the Abode's fortified positions. The cool breeze from the night before was gone and the heat was starting to rise and add to an all ready thick air making it hard to breath.

"Ready!" Colonel Melcher screamed out from behind everyone just like the day before.

Somewhere off in the distance the cannons of the 32nd Artillery unit echoed again as the Djun assaulted the line of men along the road into town. But all the noise from the canon fire didn't compare to the sudden loud click of all the hammers and locks on the guns and rifles being locked back. A second round followed as the Djun's army stopped thirty yards down the hill from them forming into their ranks again and setting their rifles to the ready.

"Steady!" Colonel Melcher ordered from behind everyone.

Skywise pulled his Spencer repeater into his shoulder ready to fire when the order was given, but he knew the Djun would fire first. Colonel Melcher would wait, conserve the ammo, and see what the Red Jackets were going to do.

"First line set!" A Djun commander screamed and all at once the front line dropped to one knee with their rifles coming up.

Damn, this is going to be bad! Skywise thought as the second line of Djun forces stepped up behind the first with their rifles leveled at the Abode soldiers.

"Steady!" Colonel Melcher ordered again from behind everyone.

"Ready Arms!" The Djun commander screamed so loud it drowned out everything to Skywise except the pounding of his own heart.

There was a second, maybe more, where it all slowed down to a crawl, the Djun's men, the Abode's men, and the world itself. There was a fly just off to Skywise's right that seemed to hang in mid-air and he could see its gossamer wings for the briefest of a moment.

Then the Djun commander screamed and the world started moving again, screaming by and erupting in a cacophony of rifle fire and screams.

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The morning sun was beaming down through what open spots in the dense canopy it could find when Skywise woke. He pushed his hat back onto his head and looked around at some of the men scurrying to get ready for the day. The smell of campfire smoke wafted down the hill and the First Lieutenant finally realized the men were hurrying to get a meal down before the fighting started. Most stayed in their small prepared spots, staying behind the cover just in case the Djun decided to start the fight a little early while the others went to the chow line. He was about to ask the grizzled vet where his partner, the newly promoted Captain Kinseeker, was when he heard the elf approach from the top of the hill.

Skywise turned and looked back just as Cutter stepped down into their little 'fort' handing over a mess plate full of ham and beans, the hearty breakfast of the regular infantry. Damn, the First Lieutenant thought, what he wouldn't give for three eggs sunny side up and some fried potatoes. The General was probably having eggs and juice…or whiskey.

"Eat up and you can get seconds." Cutter offered with a laugh.

"I thought you were supposed to watch my back." Skywise asked taking a bite.

"Trust me, getting you the ham and beans was watching your back. The other choice wasn't a nice one." The Captain laughed.  

"Now I know why I'm glad I joined the Calvary!" Skywise spoke after swallowing, pointing to the plate with his spoon.

They ate the first plate fast, devoured it really, so both decided to go back for seconds at the mess line and when Skywise saw the pot of corn mush he was grateful for the ham and beans. On the way back they ran into Major Willits who was coming back from a morning meeting with Colonel Melcher. Their commander fell in with them explaining what to expect this morning

"How are you boys?"

"We're ready to fight sir. Any information on how many we have to?" Cutter asked before putting a spoonful of beans into his mouth.

"We think it's four regiments, all setup and dug in on Round Top across the way. Colonel Melcher says to be ready to go at 10 AM sharp, that's when they'll hit us." Willits told them in a tone that was part friend part leader.

"That's a lot of men sir." Skywise noted with concern.

"Yes, it is Lieutenant, but we have the high ground and we're dug in now. It's going to take every one of them to knock us off that hill." Willits stated with determination.

"We'll be ready sir. Are you going to be on the line with us or back with Colonel Melcher?" Cutter asked this time.

"I'm going to fight with my men, until this thing's over Lieutenant." Willits replied with a tone this time that was all leader.

Cutter and Skywise just nodded as the Major turned and headed back to the mess line to get breakfast. The brothers ran back to their spot on the line finishing the beans and ham with three huge bites. They turned to get all set for the attack and soon the Major was beside them getting ready too. Time went by fast, too fast for Skywise, because just as he checked his watch the sounds of cannon fire started north of their position. He was about to ask the obvious question, ours or theirs, when the vet spoke up.

"Sounds like the Djun just started up with the 32nd."

"Their attacking the line, trying to beak it and cut us off and if that happens..." Willits responded.

The old vet patted the ground and smiled broadly. "They surround us and finish it. This place seems as good as any to get buried, eh First Lieutenant?"

Skywise only shook his head and smiled thinking they were crazy, every last one of them. The First Lieutenant looked at his watch and noted it was five minutes till 10, the party was starting early. He put his watch back into his pocket as Cutter spoke up from his side.

"Side by side again."

"Side by side brother." Skywise replied picking up his Spencer and cocking it.

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"Fire!" The Djun commander screamed and instantly he was lost in a cloud of smoke and yellow burst.

The thousand screaming insects, the same ones from yesterday's attack, came back with a vengeance as the musket balls whizzed by with a loud squeal hitting the ground then ricocheting off in some random direction while others hit home. One ripped through Cutter's loose shirt grazing his side and another just missed Willit's head. Screams rose up all along the line as men dropped from being struck, but again it wasn't the number that should have been. The high ground combined with the small fortifications saved most from that first barrage and allowed the men to return fire.

"First Rank Fire!" Colonel Melcher finally yelled and the Army of the Abode did exactly that.

Even though Skywise and Cutter were not on the first line they fired anyway with their Spencer's repeaters. Almost at once the white smoke cloud that had enveloped the front ranks of the Djun blinded the men of the Abode. Skywise fired two more rounds blindly down range then stopped reminding himself to breath.

"Reload!" Colonel Melcher yelled and his order sent the first rank into a flurry.

With no wind the smoke from the first volley betwen the Armies lingered, hung like a drape over the battlefield until it finally started to fade, showing just what Skywise had hoped for. The front and second line of the Djun's army was decimated as men lay dead or wounded all along the hill.  

And then the third line moved up with the fourth and a fifth behind that.

There wasn't going to be a second volley as the three ranks of Djun men lowered their rifles to their hips. Their commander, who sounded like he survived the volley of fire unscathed, bellowed out the order Skywise had hoped he would never hear or be on the opposite side of.

Ready...Charge!"

The scream that blasted across the field at the Army of the Abode was like a wave of pure primal energy sweeping into and through man and elf. Skywise felt his heart skip with fear and adrenaline as a wave of men, three times the size of yesterday's, rushed at them meaning to run every last one of them through with their bayonets. So shocked from the yell and oncoming charge that the order from Colonel Melcher almost went unheeded by the Lieutenant if not for Cutter reacting first.

"Close Ranks with bayonets!" Colonel Melcher screamed drawing his saber and pistol.

Cutter dropped his Spencer and drew his saber while screaming like a mad wolf at the massive charge, like he was challenging them all individually to a fight one on one.

"AYOOOOOOHAAAAAAAAA"

The soldiers yelled out with their Captain in a thunderous defiant challenge of their own as they ran into position forming up a wall of solid men two ranks deep, all rifles pointed at the oncoming enemy with 21 inch blades protruding from their rifles shining in the small amount of light from the morning sun. Skywise fired the last four rounds from his Spencer repeater taking down three more men and the second line of 123rd fired their rifles from between the openings in the first line just as the charge of the Djun reached ten yards. Again, the front line of the charging army was decimated as men fell to the ground wounded and dying, but it didn't stop the oncoming wall. The faces of the Djun's men all looked the same to the Lieutenant, all angry and blood thirsty.

The last ten yards between the two Armies passed by in a blink. Skywise tossed down his Spencer and went for his saber, drawing it just as the two armies finally smashed together in a turbulent crash. The sound of the two behemoths meeting, the bodies and rifles, slamming into each other was deafening to him as he screamed out with a guttural roar. Skywise watched again, just like the day before, as the charge was stopped at the first line, the fighting becoming a hand-to-hand struggle, bloody and fierce. The soldiers of the Abode fought hard, looked as if they were going to push the Djun back down the hill just like the day before and the Lieutenant smiled.

But then the line broke, right in front of Skywise and Cutter. All of the sudden the red jackets of the Djun were pouring through, pushing and mauling their way to the top of the hill. And behind the ones who had fought their way past the soldiers of the 7th and the 123rd were more of the red jackets. It was a wall of red threatening to crush them, break the Abode's hold on the hill, and overrun their position. It was the worst thing that could happen, was happening to them Skywise thought.

Cutter and Major Willits both screamed out in unison running down the hill with a handful of men, throwing themselves into the fray with an animalistic abandon. The Lieutenant didn't hesitate or wait; he followed his brother in all but blood right into the fight swinging his saber in his left hand and his Dragoon in his right. He watched Cutter drop on Red Jacket with a stab of his saber and shoot another before being swallowed up in the mass of men. Skywise ducked the hard swing of a rifle butt by one of the Djun's men then popped up and returned the favor with a backhand strike of his pistol. The Dragoon made a nice whip crack as it struck the man's face but Skywise was all ready moving on to the next Red Jacket. The man screamed and stabbed with his rifle and bayonet meaning to impale the Lieutenant like a pig on a skewer, but Skywise slapped rifle aside with his saber then brought his pistol up even with the man's chest and pulled the trigger. The blast, at point blank range, threw the man backwards tumbling down the hill and catching his red jacket on fire

Across the way, on the other side of the break Major Willits fought hard slashing and striking with his now empty pistol trying to drive the Djun's men back down the hill, but for everyone he felled another took his place. The numbers of Red Jackets were just too many to hold, to stop. One here and two there broke through running up the hill where Colonel Melcher stood his ground with the last few soldiers. The Colonel and his men fired into the charging enemy dropping them, but then another appeared and another, it was a futile effort. Yet Willits wouldn't give up, he couldn't give up. There was his family, his wife and child, so many he loved the Djun would hurt if they gave up. No, he wouldn't stop fighting. The Djun wouldn't hurt his family. He gave an animal scream and swung his saber with a new energy, a rage born of desperation and conviction. A red jacket stepped up trying to strike Willits with the butt of his Enfield, the musket drawn back to deliver a killing blow, but the Major struck first slashing with his saber across the man's exposed side. And as the Red Jacket bent over from the saber attack Willits finished him with a blow to the head from the empty pistol.

The line continued to break as more of the Djun's men forced their way into the breach, pushing the soldiers of the Abode back onto their heels. Four more ran up the hill toward Melcher, who fired at them with the small group he held back, dropping two of the Red Jackets at once. The other two stopped and fired back hitting one of the soldiers to the Colonel's right and Melcher himself. Willits watched as Melcher grabbed his leg before returning fire and killing the Djun soldier with his pistol.

The Major reacted at once screaming out and turning to run for the wounded man. "The Colonel's Down! Get to the Colo-"

A Djun soldier suddenly appeared to his left with his bayonet poised to stab at Willits but the Major blocked the attack with a quick downward cut of his saber. He finished the Red Jacket with a shoulder block the sent the man sprawling. Willits started to run for the Colonel again, intent on guarding his leader, but before he could take a step another of the Djun's men raised his musket. The Major saw the rifle come up, heard the click of the hammer, and felt the pain of the ball as it cut through his chest just before the smoke and fire of the shot. In an instant the thought of helping the colonel was over. Willits knew he was hurt, too badly for a surgeon to do anything, as he fell to the ground on his knees. He felt a wet sensation at his back and his chest at the same time. It was blood, his blood, pouring out of the two wounds the ball made as it passed completely through him. The Major gasped for breath as he felt his body grow cold and he looked up to see the Red Jacket raise his bayonet to finish the job.

The Djun who shot him moved it ready to stab the officer through the back, and he smiled cruelly as the Blue Belly looked up to see him coming. The last thing that damnable man would see would be his Red Jacket and the bayonet as it plunged in for the kill, only just as the soldier was ready to finish it a rifle crashed into his head with a loud crack knocking him unconscious to the ground in a lump.

Major Willits had just enough cognizance to see Gobbs, his Sergeant from the 7th give one last vicious swing with his Spencer finishing the job, finishing the Djunslander. The Calvary man didn't have time to help his commander as another Djunslander slashed at Gobbs with the bayonet cutting the Abode soldier's arm. Then one of the 123rd infantry felled the Red Jacket with a blast from a loaded musket killing him. Gobbs stumbled over to Willits and cradled the man's head while speaking words of encouragement.

"It'll be all right sir! We'll get you out of here!"

"Fight on...fight...on..." Willits mumbled with the remaining strength he had.

Then someone was screaming to fall back, to retreat, and it was someone in the 123rd.

"Fall Back! Fall Back! We've lost the Major! Fall Back! "

"No...no...fight...fight..." Willits mumbled feeling his life ebb away.

Another Red Jacket fired his musket and one of the men from the 123rd screamed grabbing his face falling to the ground from the shot as another Djunslander stepped up stabbed him with his bayonet in the chest.

"I'll get you out of here sir! We have to fall back!"

"No...fight..." Willits mumbled one last time.

Skywise heard the call to fall back, but he was alone with only a few familiar blue shirts in a sea of Red Jackets, cut off from the retreat. One of the Djunslanders stepped in trying to stab the Lieutenant low, right for the belly button. Skywise blocked the bayonet attack with his saber knocking the blade into the ground as his fellow soldier swung his rifle in an arc catching the cheek of the Red Jacket with a meaty whack. The Djunslander dropped on the spot but another took his spot.

This was it, they were done for Skywise thought, and then a howl went up that carried above the bedlam of the battle. A call to arms, an order to stand and deliver!

"HOOOOLLLLLLLDDDDD!!!"

The Lieutenant looked up to see Cutter standing on the top of a half buried boulder, the bloody saber pointed at the break in his right hand now, and the bent frame of his Dragoon in his left. A musket ball flew by the Captain, tufts of his white shirt flying where the ball hit it, but he didn't flinch as he called on his countrymen to fight to their last breath.

"FIIIIIIIGGGGGHHHHHTTTTT ONNNNNNNN!"

The sense of desperation that filled Skywise disappeared at the sight with a new sense of determination. A fierce fire erupted in his chest, his arms which were weak from swing the heavy saber and pistol suddenly felt renewed. His heart exploded with that same fire as he screamed just as Cutter gave out his last command to his fellow soldiers.

"FOR THE ABODE!!! FOR TWO-MOONS!!!!"

And then the Captain was gone, lost in the mass of fighting. Skywise, with the renewed energy, leapt into the Djunslanders with a huge sweep of his saber as the small pocket of men around him charged at his side with him.

And here's the next piece of the backstory for Cutter and Skywise. The Battle for Belles Ferry rages on!!

Cutter and Skywise - Band of Brothers Part Five

The Last stand at Belles Ferry - Part Three

Okay, here's another piece of the backstory for Cutter and Skywise. This is going to take several parts as I'm telling the story of Belles Ferry where Cutter gets promoted to Major and wins his medal for Heroism. This will get intense as its a battle in the war, but nothing over the top and bloody. There is a lot military words so if you need go ahead and ask questions.


One Djunslander screamed as the saber slashed him across the stomach.

Another didn't make a sound, but his head did as the Dragoon pistol smashed into it with a loud crack and he fell on the spot.

The Captain ceased to be a Calvary Soldier of the Abode.

Cutter ceased to be the elf with the natural leadership quality that every Officer above him saw the second they met.

The battle for Little Round Top, the very fight for survival, had changed him into a being of pure animal reaction. He didn't think about what to do or how to defend himself from the multitude of Djunslanders that surrounded the 7th and 123rd. He just did it on impulse, a second nature buried in his mind. One human swung his musket in a hard circle holding onto one end trying to strike Cutter with the butt end, yet the Captain stepped back letting the attack miss. The human kept the musket moving bringing it behind his head ready to bring it over hard for a strike from above, only the Captain was faster. Instincts, pure and unfettered, made Cutter leap forward stabbing with his saber so hard the blade went right through the man's chest.

The Captain didn't turn to look as the Djunslander dropped to the ground. He didn't command his arm to pull the saber free from the man's chest, it all just happened by some strange guidance. Cutter swept through the Red Jackets as unstoppable as a summer thunderstorm complete with lightening strikes from the pounding the pistol gave. Man and elf, the 7th and the 123rd, they all rallied around the screaming Captain as he fought to his last breath.

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He felled two of the Red Jackets with one swing, one slashed across the face and the other right along his chest and arms. Skywise watched the two men fall to the ground as two more took their place stabbing clumsily with their Enfield muskets and almost tripping over their wounded comrades. He blocked the first attack with his pistol, but the second stab grazed his side cutting into his shirt with a ripping noise. From behind one of the Abode soldiers, who was cornered with the Lieutenant in the enemy mass, stabbed the Djunslander in the chest driving him back into the other of Red Jackets that seemed to be everywhere.

Skywise let the bayonet fall away while taking a breath and moving forward, fighting to get free of the Red Jackets. Another dashed in from the right and met a quick blow from the butt of the Soldier to that side, a member of the 123rd Skywise recognized. Two more Djunslanders fell to the left and for a second there was an escape from the box the Lieutenant found himself in. And in that second, that flash, he took in what the situation was and decided on a plan.

"Fall in! Form up!" The Lieutenant screamed out, and as ordered the soldiers pulled into a tight single line formation.

The Red Jackets looked confused, lost, as the soldiers of the 123rd formed up by Skywise and the line grew just a little more. It had to be now the Lieutenant thought, now or never, now or get cut off and die alone. So Skywise yelled out the order he had never expected to say or hear for a second time.

"CHARGE!"

And all as one, with the Lieutenant in the lead, the small group slammed into the Red Jackets with a crash of bodies and muskets. The Djun's men were caught off guard and out flanked suddenly as Skywise and the contingent of 123rd infantry cut into the side of Djuns men who were trying to pour through the hole that broke in the Abode's line. A punch came out of the side so fast the Lieutenant had no time to react as the blow struck his cheek knocking him down to one knee. He looked up in time to see the owner of the fist, a Djun Officer, ready to slice into his body and whatever vital organ was in the way with his saber. Skywise locked eyes with the man not sure what to do, maybe grimace as the blade came for him. This wasn't the way Skywise had pictured dying. There were no soft arms and no sweet kiss from a pretty woman with dark hair. There was no chips in a pile on the table and no cards in his hand.  

As the Djun Officer screamed ready to hack this puny elf into a fat steak a shot rang out and his head suddenly snapped. The Djun Officer didn't see anything else but a bright white light. He didn't feel his body fall backwards down the hill. He was dead before he hit the ground, but it didn't matter as he felt his spirit lift skyward towards the clouds away from the savagery of the fight.  


Skywise turned around following the shot back and caught a glimpse of the old grizzled vet giving him a smile from a kneeling position. Then the soldier was up slamming the butt of his musket into the face of a Red Jacket knocking the human off his feet with the hard blow. The Lieutenant jumped back to his feet and right back into the fight with a stab of his saber to a Red Jacket's side.

The two sides fought to a standstill for the moment as the Djun's men couldn't advance up the hill again and the Abode couldn't push the Red Jacket's back down. The frenzy that took over Cutter, the pure instinct, never showed for Skywise. The Lieutenant kept his wits, thinking and acting to ensure his survival and the men's. The Captain just continued to wade through any and all who stepped in his way. The 123rd and the 7th fought valiantly, but after a minute the numbers for the Djun were too many to hold back and again the line of the Abode started to break. Skywise screamed for the men and elves on his side to press on and hold the Red Jackets back while the men on Cutter's followed their fearless leader and cut into the Djunslanders with abandon.

It looked over, done, a lost cause for the Abode.

The Red Jackets were about to break through again and this time there was no possible way to stop them from taking the hill. Cutter looked back trying to judge if a retreat would even be feasible and he saw the prettiest sight he had seen in a long time, and it wasn't wearing a frilly skirt.

"Break the line! Retreat to the right!" Cutter yelled spinning back out of the way of the Djunslanders in the center of the break.

The soldiers of the Abode didn't question the command, only broke off their positions falling back as ordered. The Djunslanders saw the hole they had fought to make widen to a gaping gorge in the line. They screamed loud seeing their hated Blue Bellies run away, yelled in joyous exultation watching the enemy run like the cowards they were. It was only after a second of looking up the hill, of seeing why the Blue Bellies broke the line, did they realize their awful mistake.

At the top of the hill stood three lines of Abode reserves, a contingent of men from the 83rd infantry who had arrived from the other front just in time, and each at the ready. The Red Jackets were suddenly looking up at 100 rifles, loaded, and all aimed right at them. They heard the officer who commanded them scream the order to fire and then it was over with the flash of gun powder. The first rank of soldiers fired followed by the second rank and then the third, staggered for maximum effect, for a mass kill. The hole in the front line, which had been filled with the Djun's men, was suddenly emptied as the barrage of musket balls cut them down like wheat before a scythe. Some men screamed and writhed in pain while others lay dead, but there was no time to stop and mourn. No time to stop and try to help. There was only time to fight and stay alive.

Before the smoke from the volley dissipated from the battle field the officer commanding the reserves ordered a reload of weapons. As hands scrambled to push a fresh wad of powder and a new ball down the barrel of an Enfield Cutter called on the men to take advantage of the break in the Djun's line. Skywise heard the command and yelled for his side to follow him as they all rushed into the Red Jackets again. This time the Soldiers buckled the Djunslanders formation, the long line beginning to crack. The superior numbers were now used up, lost in the upward assault, killed trying to take a hill that in the grand scheme meant very little.

Skywise brought his saber down hard and almost took the arm off a Djunslander while one of the Abode Soldiers next to him stabbed another in the stomach with his 21 inch bayonet. The Lieutenant could feel the tide change in the battle, the swing of the momentum as the Red Jackets fought to just hold their position now against the gathering aggression of the Abode. The front line started to slide, inching slowly back down the slope, as Cutter yelled out the order to back out of the way again.

"Break the line!"

Almost in unison, like a practiced move, the soldiers swung right and left away from the Red Jackets, exposing the Djun's men again. And just as the hole opened the officer of the reserves gave the order to fire and his men obliged sending another spray of musket balls down the hill into the enemy. This time it was done, the last strafe from the reserves hitting the Djunslanders hard. Their line broke, the formation falling apart instantly and breaking for safety at the bottom of the hill. Skywise watched the men run, letting them retreat down the hill, but keeping his arms and weapons at the ready, for some reason he expected the Djuns to form back up and try again in a few minutes.

He wasn't alone in his thinking as the reserves quickly scampered down the hill and Cutter was at his side covered with cuts breathing heavily.

"Form up!" The Captain ordered forcing his brain to take control again. He was trying to remember the orders to get everyone back in ranks in case the Djunslanders decided to run at them again, but the memories of the academy and his time at fort Mantricker just floated out of reach. He had no use for drill commands in the Calvary.

"Two Ranks, assume firing positions!" The officer with the reserves took over with a scream after watching Cutter stumble a bit.

"Thanks," Skywise said watching the 123rd scramble with the additions from the 83rd to form up the ranks as ordered.

After a minute they were set, rifles at the ready, staring down the hill waiting for another attack to commence. The cries of the wounded and dying filled the air, it was just like the field hospital Skywise thought as a shiver ran down his spine from the memory that slipped past the locks in his mind, but no one moved to help the injured men. They wanted to help, but they couldn't. They had to be ready for a counter attack.

But thankfully one didn't come.

The Red Jackets must be licking their wounds too Skywise thought as the officer from the 83rd talked with Cutter.

"We can break the lines and tend to the wounded. I don't think the Djuns are coming back up this morning." The officer, a Captain like Cutter, remarked.

"Maybe they'll just go home and we won't have to do this again." Skywise offered with a laugh.

"They'll be back up, by this afternoon too!" The old grizzled vet said sitting down on the ground to rest.

The Lieutenant smiled feeling happy for seeing the old timer. He didn't know the man's name, and for some reason didn't want to know it, maybe it would ruin the whole relationship if he heard a name Skywise thought.

"Are you okay? Did you get hit?" Cutter asked his brother quickly.

"No, a few cuts, but nothing worth writing home for. Are you good?" He inquired turning back to look at Cutter.

"I'm okay, just a little hoarse!" The Captain pointed out.

"With all that yelling you were doing I can see why!" Skywise remarked.

"We'll need a plan on how we're going to hold this hill against the Red Jackets." The Captain from the 83rd stated, cutting in, looking to Cutter as if he were in charge

"We'll get together after the wounded are taken care of. Let's tend to our own for now and get them some help." Cutter ordered with a nod before turning to look around.

Skywise watched his brother look away and for a second he felt as lonely as he did back in that house where he grew up, back to sitting in the chair by the window waiting for his parents to come home. It was deep that loneliness, like dropping into the cold waters of a lake, but then with his usual aplomb he shook off the feeling. This was the way it is he told himself, the way it's going to be. Cutter was a leader now, looked up to by people, and in the end he would be a great elf because of that. He was just…Skywise, a simple Lieutenant with simple needs and none of which were the Calvary or ordering soldiers around.

He sighed looking around too and the space left by the loneliness was quickly replaced by a sense of horror. There were bodies all along and down the hill, injured men yelling and reaching for help among the dead, some wearing the blue uniform of the Abode and some the Red Jacket of Djunsland. It was a mass of misery. For Skywise this image was worse then than the field hospital, this devastation that could never be reached or topped. And just to his side his brother stared in disbelief also, but not in horror. This was such a waste Cutter thought, a waste of life and all its possibilities.

"We need to get the wounded up the hill sir."

"Yeah, let's get the wounded to the wagons." Cutter whispered seeing for the first time what the old vet had witnessed so many times before.

"You did good this morning sir," The old vet offered sensing the young Lieutenant was having trouble while pointing with his bayonet toward a dead Djunslander, "be proud of that, and not this."

"Okay, I'll do that old timer." Skywise replied with a half smile.

"Major Willits!" Cutter exclaimed suddenly spotting the man lying on the ground. He trotted over to where Gobbs sat with the Major's head in his hands, Skywise a step behind him.

"He's dying sir...he's dying..." Gobbs whispered through tears.

Cutter knelt by his commander feeling a pull at his heart, a pain, that might have made him cry if not for the fact he couldn't. This wasn't the time. They were still fighting, still in a war for the freedom of the Abode. There would be enough time later when he was home to cry Cutter decided taking Willits hand in his.

"Sir, we need to get you out of here and to the hospital."

"Fight...fight Kinseeker...fight you hear me." Willits spoke so low Cutter could barely hear him.

"Yes sir, we'll fight on, but we have to get you to the hospital and the surgeons." Cutter whispered back.

"Fight...for...my wife...please." Willits said. It was the last words he spoke as his eyes closed and his chest gave a small shutter.

"We will sir...I promise." Cutter replied with a solemn nod.

There'd be no wagon to the field hospital, no lying on a bloody table for the Major Skywise thought. The spirit was on its way to wherever it would go.

"Let's put him under a tree at the top of the hill. Let him rest brother." Skywise said low with reverence

"Yeah, let's do that Gobbs. Let the Major have his peace." Cutter insisted calmly to the crying Calvary man.

Gobbs only nodded and put the Major's head down gently on the hill. The Captain and the Lieutenant took the Major's head and chest while the old vet and the captain from the 83rd took Willits legs. They moved him gently up the slope, Cutter holding his head against his chest, and over to small pine. They sat the Major down and leaned him up by the trunk. They put his Calvary on his head before stepping back and Skywise thought it looked too surreal, like the man was just sleeping, like Willits was napping.

Of course it was the farthest thing from the truth. No one was sure when he took his least breath or when the spirit finally made its journey only that Major Willits rested one last time and he had earned it.

The next hour or so took the last bit of Skywise's energy. He had given all that he could give as the Lieutenant helped those that could walk up the hill to the wagons. He helped carry the ones that couldn't walk up the hill. And he helped move the ones who didn't need to ride the wagons to the field hospital. It was a parade of carnage and when it was done he only wanted to lie down and forget it all. He found his 'hole' on the line and sat down almost falling asleep as soon as his butt hit the dirt.

Only the nap didn't help...it might have if he could have actually slept. Horrific scenes of the morning's battle played in his mind's eye and it kept Skywise from finding the needed sleep to rest his body…and soul. After a few minutes the sounds of someone approaching caught his attention and the Lieutenant used it as excuse to give up on the elusive sleep. He looked up to see the Captain from the 83rd standing over him.

"We need you at the strategy session."

"Let's go," Skywise agreed standing up as fast as his weary body would allow.

The pair moved through the camp that was active now, but not as much as it had been earlier that morning. Some had taken to their spots keeping watch down the hill for another attack, some had fallen asleep, and others were eating a hasty meal. It was like the events of the morning were the norm, the usual.

Crazy, every last one of them Skywise thought as he approached a small group of officers, juniors to the outside while the senior were inside. He noticed Cutter and another Captain, the one from the 123rd. The Colonel went to the field hospital and it was very doubtful he would return and Major Willits…well he was home now. So that only left the few officers gathered here, and no one above Captain it looked like.

"Do you have a plan Captain Kinseeker?" The Captain from the 123rd asked.

"Yeah, one I think we can use to hold this hill." Cutter responded looking around.

"All right then, show us." The Captain said taking a swig form a canteen.

Cutter squatted down causing the others to follow suit as the sounds of cannons and fighting drifted on the air. Someone else was giving it their all Skywise thought as he knelt down too. Everyone looked to a spot on the ground in the circle they made as Cutter started to draw with a stick. He drew two lines going east to west, the first one solid while the second was a series of broken dashes. He looked up holding the stick while pointing with it.

"Here we are, two ranks dug in and holding our ground. Now, I want to split the second rank and form a small wing to our west side, the end of the line, like a thumb sticking out."

"Split our ranks...I'm not liking this." The captain of the reserves from the 83rd spoke up

"We're not going to last the rest of the day if we try and slug it out with the Red Jackets, but we can if we hit them from two sides." Cutter explained strongly.

"I think it can work. It'll bend the Djun's line, force the middle into a funnel." The Captain from the 123rd remarked quickly backing Cutter.

"And if we swing the line around, in a counter charge, like closing a door, it'll take em by surprise." Cutter added while drawing on the layout in the dirt.

"Now that'll work. We can out flank them and hit em from behind, take out one side and maybe close in with the other." The Captain form the 83rd agreed with a nod of his head

"That's it exactly. The door will close from the West and then we'll squeeze them from the east. I'll need you to lead the East side with 75 men of your 83rd. I'll lead the center with most of the 7th and the 123rd and the end by the wing falls to the Captain from the 123rd with most of his men. The wing gets 35 soldiers, that's it, all we can afford." Cutter explained.

A smile played across Skywise's face as he realized what his brother was thinking. A junior officer, a Lieutenant, spoke up with a voice that almost cracked from fear.

"Sir, who's gonna lead that small 'wing'? There's no senior officers available."  

The group fell into silence as more cannon fire sounded from somewhere farther up the line. The task Cutter wanted to do was more dangerous then standing with the front line. If the Red Jackets turned abruptly and threw a force at the wing with only 35 men it would take nothing to crash right through, cut off the soldiers of the Abode from the main line. The fight would be over before it began, but if Djuns didn't try to hit the wing then it was a perfect strategy. In one swift move the Red Jackets would be surrounded themselves and be cut off. It wasn't a task for a junior officer, but there was no one left. Then a voice that was too familiar to Cutter sounded out and took the bull by the horns.

"I'll do it. I'll lead them."

Cutter looked up to see Skywise staring at the drawing in the dirt intently. He wasn't surprised; Cutter felt all along it would be his brother that would step up.

"Okay, Lieutenant Skywise leads the wing. Now get your men ready, I have a feeling this afternoon we find out if this works." Cutter stood up speaking.

Everyone nodded and then broke going to take care of business while Skywise stood still in his spot staring at the drawing and only moving when Cutter called to him.

"It was the charge you made this morning that gave me the idea."

"Yeah, I know, but that was this morning and I felt lucky as hell that worked." Skywise offered with a roguish smile.

"What do you feel now?" Cutter asked with concern. He wanted to know, needed to know, his brother believed in the plan.

"That this crazy scheme of yours will work…and you'll be hell to live with from this point on." Skywise answered with a shake of his head.

"Ohhh, that was low!" Cutter shot back feeling better that Skywise believed in this crazy idea.

"It's the only kind of shot you can respond too. If I really try its not a fair fight." Skywise said with a smile

The two laughed again before Cutter stepped in close and put his hand on his brother's shoulder. "We may not be side by side this time, but I'll be at your side in spirit. I promise you that."

"I know," Skywise said with a nod, "it's why I can do this."

The two hugged then, shared one last touch before they would have to face danger apart for the first time in the war. They rode on raids together, faced the enemy side by side, but now they would have to face the enemy apart. Cutter was strong enough, mentally tough enough to do this, and he was sure Skywise could lead a band of men. His brother was more than capable, but who would watch his brother's back? Who would watch his?

They separated and stood for a second more before moving off in silence. Cutter took his men and readied them for the task of holding the middle of the line. Skywise took his 35 men down to the west of the line, the very end of the Abode's stand against the Djun, and had them prepare their cover. They used tree limbs and rocks to create the walls they would hide behind. Skywise directed them along the bent line positioning each man individually and using the chance to meet each one personally. He had some of his men from the 7th Calvary, and that was welcomed, but the rest were new faces, and some were young and green. The Lieutenant shook their hands, looked them in the eye, and assured them they would get out of this alive if they listened to him.

It was shortly after Skywise was finished getting setup that the shooting started. The Djuns were at the base of the hill trying to shoot up the slope at the soldiers, pick off a few and thin the ranks even more.

It didn't work.

The soldiers of the Abode were too well dug in and every shot went high or struck the dirt yards down the slope from the target.

"Easy boys...here they come." Skywise ordered hunkered down behind a stack of rocks he put together for his cover.

Up the slope, in the middle of the line, Cutter looked over to the 'wing', a distance that seemed like a mile, taking a long last look before turning back to the front line. Down at the base of the hill he could see the Red Jackets forming into ranks.

They were coming up again...

And here's the next piece of the backstory for Cutter and Skywise. The Battle for Belles Ferry rages on!!







Okay, here's another piece of the backstory for Cutter and Skywise. This is going to take several parts as I'm telling the story of Belles Ferry where Cutter gets promoted to Major and wins his medal for Heroism. This will get intense as its a battle in the war, but nothing over the top and bloody. There is a lot military words so if you need go ahead and ask questions.

They were coming up...again.

Red Jackets all along a line, marching steadily upwards in step, and each seeming to look Cutter right in his eyes. The Captain just stared back returning the cold emotionless glares with his own as the Djunslanders came on. In his right hand was his saber, his left was the reloaded Dragoon, and to his side...

No one.

Cutter looked left, down to the end of the line, down to where Skywise his brother in all but blood was leading the now new formed 'wing' of the Abode's rank. Thirty-five men at an angle ready to slam the door shut when the Djun's men reached them, only if the Red Jackets didn't figure out what was going to happen. That 'wing' was small and if the Djunslanders decided to run at it they would crash right through.

Just thirty-five men...and his brother.

They had been side-by-side through the Academy, each duty station at each fort, and in the Calvary. There hadn't been a day apart it felt like, a fight they didn't stand side-by-side to face, but this time they were separated and probably in the worst battle of their Army lives. And for the first time Cutter felt fear for his brother, felt a small twinge of panic for Skywise, but he locked it away. It would only hamper him now, keep him from making timely decisions in the next few minutes that needed to be made. The Captain felt another new emotion, guilt, for having to put that worry aside. It felt like he was abandoning his brother, just like his parents had done, and no matter what he told himself Cutter couldn't shake that feeling of guilt. Even as the Red Jackets came at them, not stopping at thirty yards this time to fire into the ranks, and no waiting for the order to charge.

There was only the scream, guttural and raw, form the Djunslanders.

And a wall of red coming right for them.

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The men under Skywise were all old vets with only one or two green recruits and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. When the scream from the Red Jackets went up not a one of them flinched or moved, they held firm as the order to fire sounded from Cutter and the main line let loose their muskets into the Djuns dropping a good number of them. The Lieutenant watched as the Red Jackets never slowed and fired back while running, which caused their shots to go high or fly into the dirt just in front of the Abode soldiers. Then the Djunslanders hit them, in a point at the center right in front of Cutter, with a loud smash.

The Lieutenant watched intently while counting in his head, and just as he hit seven he let out his order.

"FIRE!"

The volley covered the battle field in the usual blinding white smoke followed by the roar of thirty-five muskets. The screams of the surprised Red Jackets echoed and it was a sound that would follow Skywise for the rest of his life. Instead of using Cutter's plan of firing into the side of the Djun's line, the Lieutenant broke the 'wing' into two units. The first group laid down a barrage right into the flank or side of the charging Djuns as Cutter had instructed, but the other group caught the very end of the Red Jackets line with a perfect hit. In an instant the end of the attacking Djuns line was gone and there was an opening for Skywise and his men to counter the charge.

Yet, before he was pulled full into the fight Skywise noticed the Djun's attack never wavered or shifted from its objective of trying to punch through the center point of the Abode defense in front of Cutter. The Red Jackets didn't know what the 'wing' was or what it was supposed to do. Not an officer on the Djun's line seemed to understand what Cutter's formation was going to do to their ranks. They didn't see it, like the Lieutenant did, that the Red Jacket ranks were all ready breaking because of the staggered attack from the side.

Then it all disappeared, Skywise was fighting now, his saber slashing from the right and his pistol firing from the left. His men, the 'wing', swept out of their position on his order, their commander, running at the end of the Djunlanders line and fighting hand to hand with the Red Jackets. The soldiers of the Abode started to circle the end of the line, wrapping around it, and attacking their enemy from in front and behind.  

And still the officers of the Djuns Army didn't see what was happening.

On cue the ranks of the Abode just east of the 'wing' began to push forward pressing the advantage Skywise and his group had forged. The Djuns were caught now, between an assault that was coming in three different directions and getting ready to cut them off from their own men. The Djuns began to slide back down the hill as their ranks began to buckle under the sudden change of tactics and force of the Abode soldiers.

Now the commanders of the Djuns Army realized what was happening and quickly moved to stop it. They called out, screamed out, an order to counter the crushing blow to the east flank of the line. The Djunslanders charge was all ready broken though and this change was nothing short of an attempt to just hold the ground where you could.

"Flank Right! Flank Right!"

Within a minute the Red Jackets were shifting, surging right toward the end of the line that was faltering. Men and elves stood their ground stabbing and clubbing and hammering at the other men who were fighting to take it from them. Men and elves battled to hold the hill while men from another country tried to kill them to take the same hill. For a second Skywise saw the Red Jackets change their attack and swing toward him and the end of the line.

It played right into Cutter's hands.

"Swing Left!" The Captain ordered with a bellowing howl.

And the east side of Abode line responded by squeezing in, wrapping around and pinching the Djuns line with a quick maneuver. The Red Jackets were caught now between two large claws that threatened to crush them. Cutter left the command of the line now letting the soldiers simply fight and drive into the enemy. He cut down a man with his saber and shot another then slashed a third. Skywise ordered his men to advance and push the Djuns off this damn hill while backhanding a Red Jacket with his pistol who missed him with a stab of a long bayonet. His arms felt like two chunks of lead and the feeling in his hands were long gone, but the Lieutenant fought on. Across the field of battle Cutter rallied the men around him pushing them on to hit even harder into the Red Jackets.

If the fight had lasted just a few minutes more who knows what might have happened, it might have been a complete rout. Yet the Djun officers took the only chance they had and took it at the right moment with a loud screaming order.

"RETREAT! FALL BACK!!"

All at once the Red Jackets started to run back away from the engaged enemy, turn and ran down the hill away from the fight as ordered. As they ran, with some falling and sprawling, the soldiers of the Abode let loose with a loud cheer. Men and elves screamed out, threw rocks at the backs of the Red Jackets, and jeered at they're hated enemy. Cutter didn't yell with them this time, he was to busy looking around for his brother, looking for that rakish grin.

But it wasn't there. Skywise was across the line at the other end.

It was a painful realization for Cutter, but like before he locked it away while yelling out an order to his men.

"Reload! Form up!"

The soldiers sprung, amazingly, to the order reloading their muskets and then forming up in a two column line as ordered. Several tense minutes passed and when it was evident there would be no second attack coming up the hill the Captain gave out the order to tend to the wounded. He watched as the men broke out and started the gruesome task of triaging the damaged bodies, and he let that fear out of its box in his heart.

Cutter looked west and hoped Skywise was okay as one of the junior officers ran up to him breathless but giving him a report.

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"Damn...we just whooped them boys didn't we sir!"

Skywise looked to the young human, maybe all of seventeen summers, and just shook his head. Crazy, as he had learned, every last one of them.

"That we did," the Lieutenant said with numb arms dangling and a rakish grin on his face, "but we have to see to the wounded. Let's get the ones we can save to the wagons then set up the fortifications."

"Yes sir!" The eager lad said running off.

Was I like that two years ago, three maybe, Skywise thought to himself, a boy with no concept of what 'war' meant?

Yeah, he was defending his country and loved ones, the few there were, but all this destruction couldn't be as easy to dismiss as Cutter and that old timer made it out to be, all this death and pain, to just shrug it off like it was a regular old business? No, it couldn't be that easy, but maybe they were made to dismiss this kind of work and he wasn't. Yeah, that had to be it he thought looking down at his hands and seeing the blood there. Cutter was the warrior, the leader and soldier, and he was what…a dreamer and lover? Maybe he thought still looking at his bloody hands and seeing them holding playing cards now at some poker table in some saloon with a glass of whiskey on one side and big brunette on the other while some human tried to stare him down.

He was a lover not a fighter, and this wasn't what he was about. It never would be, but because Cutter needed him it had to be for now.

So with that image of playing poker giving him strength Skywise started off helping to get his wounded men to the wagons. He took the ones who would make it, Abode and Red Jacket alike, and moved them off the field while the ones who didn't went to one side and the ones who wouldn't went the other. It was a despicable job, but one that had to be done, and after it was over Skywise gave orders for his men to dig in before heading back to see Cutter.

When he reached the center of the line where his brother was supposed to be one of the 123rd pointed to the top of the hill and said that the Captain was called away. Skywise tipped is hat to the soldier and walked up the hill to the top to see all the officers congregating around a central figure. A general and member of his staff it looked like.

Forgotten about again, how nice the Lieutenant thought with a smile as he approached quietly.

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The Second in Command for the Abode, General Joshua Lawrence, wasn't a fat man but he wasn't small any inkling of the imagination. His bulky figure was wrapped tight in his blue uniform tunic with the wide red sash around his waist pulled even tighter it seemed. He wore a wide brimmed blue Officer's hat with the full gold chord wrapped around the vent that barely covered his head or the 'mutton' chops on the sides of his cheeks. He was a third generation Army Officer Skywise had been told, and he looked every inch of it from the immaculately clean hat to the polished boots.

How the hell do you keep polished boots in a war the Lieutenant thought stopping at the out edge of the circle to listen.

"Who's in charge now Captain?"

"I am sir," Cutter spoke up as the others watched.

"What happened to Major Willits?" The General inquired looking around.

"He's dead sir. The Major took a ball trough the back and didn't live." Cutter answered flatly hiding his emotion.

"And Colonel Melcher?"

"He was shot in the leg sir and taken to the field hospital. He won't be returning." The captain from the 83rd said this time.

"All right, you're in charge then Captain, what's the plan to keep this hill?" General Lawrence asked eyeing Cutter with a raised eyebrow.

Cutter knelt down again as the General bent at the waist and put his hands on his knees to watch the young officer draw in the dirt and just like before the Captain laid out the plan for his 'wing' and how it worked. The General didn't seem as impressed as the officers were earlier.

"Only thirty-five men, the Djun'll break that with barely a loss."

"They didn't even notice it this afternoon sir. With Lieutenant Skywise leading the 'wing' it worked perfectly. The losses were minimal and we held the hill with two ranks." Cutter explained with a little enthusiasm kicked in.

"Well they know about it now. What's the plan for tomorrow if the Djuns men decide to attack this 'wing'?"

"We use a contingent of the 2nd Corp of Sharpshooters, up in the trees, to lay down a suppressing fire. It'll be enough to make them reconsider sir." Cutter pointed emphatically to the drawing in the dirt.

"I don't know Captain…it sounds like a ploy that's only going to work once." The Major on the General's staff offered with a sneer.

"It'll work again sir," Skywise shocked himself saying while walking forward to the center of the circle, "the Red jackets have no clue what happened today. All they know right now is their right flank broke, that somehow we got around on them."

The Lieutenant barely caught the smile from his brother as the Major spoke, his voice filled with incredulity. "And how do you know that Lieutenant?"

All the eyes turned to Skywise and amazingly he didn't feel one bit nervous, not a shiver, as if being the center of attention was his natural element. He walked over and knelt by the drawing adding his line, a strike right through the center on the 'wing', as he spoke.

"I broke the 'wing' into two units, the first firing into the flank of the Djuns as they rushed us and the second into the end of their line. The opening happened then, right after the volley, so all I did was slip around the end of the Red Jackets flank and pinched the line in. The others followed suit and in a blink we had the Djunslanders almost cut off."

The General was impressed by the look on his face now so Cutter picked up where Skywise stopped trying to drive home his plan.

"With the sharpshooters and the 'wing', we can hold this hill sir. The Djun won't stand a chance at taking Little Round Top, I promise that."

The General stared at Cutter for a minute testing the young officer's metal of course, before returning to a standing position. "Kinseeker, right? Officer in the 7th Cav.? "

"Yes sir, the same one." Cutter answered smartly.

"All right Major, it's you're 7th Calvary and you're hill now, defend it and keep the Army of the Abode in one piece. If we lose this battle, this hill, the Djun has a straight shot to the border and beyond with no resistance, understand?"

"We understand sir," The newly promoted Major said with a snap salute.

"Good, send back reports on the situation regularly Major." General Lawrence ordered while turning to walk away.

Even through the shock of being put in charge of keeping the hill, and the 7th Calvary, Cutter didn't stop from making a needed request. "Sir, I'll need a second in command for the 7th."

"Who do you have in mind?" General Lawrence asked quickly.

"Lieutenant Skywise sir," Cutter responded just as quick without a second's hesitation.

"Skywise," The General mumbled turning to the Major in his staff, "is he the one-"

"Yes sir, the same one." The Major replied with a grin.

"He's the best horse soldier on this hill sir, a damn good officer, and the only person I want at my back." Cutter added with a look that said he was more than serious about his feelings.

The General looked back with the same steely expression before turning and calling over his shoulder. "Then Captain Skywise is your second Major, of course only if he wants the appointment?"

"I'd be more than honored to serve under the Major Sir." Skywise spoke up with a smile.

"Good, now hold this hill gentlemen!"

All the officers saluted as the General rode off back to Head Quarters leaving them in charge of getting ready for the next day. Cutter gave out the orders to have each man dig in and get some rest for the night because at first light he wanted everyone up, fed, and ready to fight. It was a sure bet that the Red Jackets would be coming up the hill shortly there after. As the crew of officers nodded and broke to leave Skywise waited looking at his brother with that same smile he gave the General.

"So I'm the best horse man on this hill, huh?"

"Oh hell," Cutter laughed with a shake of his head, "you know I said that to keep the General from bringing up your colorful past and the job as my second."

"So it wasn't out of brotherly love and devotion? That hurts me deeply sir." Skywise shot back with a look of mock surprise and pain.

"You can stop batting you eyes at me Captain. It only works with the ladies." Cutter retorted.

"Now I know your lying!" Skywise grinned.

Cutter looked his brother up and down noting the bruises and small cuts from the fighting and that pang of guilt shot back. He patted the Captain's shoulder and spoke low with concern.

"How was it out there, really?"

Seeing the guilt in his brother's eyes and tone of his voice caused Skywise to only smile more, to make sure that Cutter didn't feel guilty over something that was out of his control like this battle. In the end, it had to be this way, the two of them separated because fate had deemed it to be. He wasn't sure how it would turn out tomorrow, but Skywise was sure he wasn't going to allow his brother to blame himself for it.

"We'll hold the hill Cutter, don't worry about that. Your plan'll work just fine."

"I know we will brother." The Major replied with his own smile.

The two walked off toward the line, each going to make sure their men were ready and set for the night. Cutter checked to make sure the soldiers were fed and dug in, that the watches were set, and that each man was capable of fighting. He spoke to each one, looked them in the eye, and said their names. He didn't allow the specter of fear or doubt to slip in and make a home in his men's hearts. There was only a calm strength and fierce determination that they would keep the Djun off this hill and that each one of them would walk off this hill when it was all said and done.

Later after the men had eaten and taken to bed rolls in hopes of getting some sleep Cutter and Skywise stayed up looking at the stars. The Major would pick one out while the newly promoted Captain would tell him its name and explain its purpose. Both knew the next morning they would have to face the Djun's Army again, apart again, and that anything could happen. Cutter sat back and listened to each and every word and Skywise was more than happy to talk.

If there was no more time together after this night Skywise thought, he felt better for the few minutes he talked with his brother.

If there was no tomorrow for the brothers then every minute of this night would be remembered Cutter told himself.

Every last second

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They started up just as the sounds of cannon fire and musket fire carried on the breeze from somewhere down the road, somewhere down the line. The two front ranks of Djunslanders marched faster this time, almost at a trot, while a third one moved at regular speed. The difference in the attack confused Cutter for a second, enough just to pause before he yelled out an order to his men.

"Ready!"

Some of the Red Jackets stumbled from the quick pace but they never slowed or stopped to form up at the usual thirty yards. They just kept coming on, closing the distance, and seeming to pick up speed. Cutter raised his saber ready to give the order to fire thinking a volley of musket ball would slow them down when the third rank suddenly broke left heading for the end of the line in a run, toward the 'wing' and Skywise. In an instant the Major recognized what the Djun commanders were doing, using the first two ranks to occupy the main lines while the third went for the weak link, the 'wing'.

"FIRE!" Cutter screamed pointing his saber at the oncoming Djuns.

The men responded and the muskets opened up with a blast of fire. The volley did slow the Djuns for a moment tearing into the enemy, but Cutter was looking down the line. He watched as a mass of Red Jackets swarmed toward Skywise intending to overrun the small group just as the first rank of Djuns finally hit his line. The Major looked right and bellowed out another order to the Captain there.

"Wheel Right!"

Cutter wasn't sure if the man heard the order, could only hope he had heard it. They had to close in and pinch off the Djun, force the commanders to pull back those going for the 'wing' to shore up the other flank. If he could get his men and those to his right to break the Djunslanders line and overrun them then maybe he could save Skywise.

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"Sir?"

The young boy from yesterday stammered, his question was full of fear, and for good reason because the one problem with Cutter's plan was about to come to a bloody fruition. Skywise stood n the center of his men and watched the rush of red coming for him with a detached calm, a somewhat steadfast resolution. For some reason he knew this was going to happen, that the Djuns might figure out a way to make a rush at them, and now it was up to him to hold the line. He took in a deep breath as the Red Jackets came on screaming like a bunch mad men.

"Ready!"

All thirty-five men raised their muskets as shots started to ring out from behind them, from the cover of the trees. The 2nd Corp of Sharpshooters picked off one, two, and then three of the Djuns in front. It didn't slow them that much Skywise thought as he called out another order to his men.

"FIRE!"

The thirty-five muskets came to life around the Captain, roaring and bellowing fire at the enemy. Skywise gripped his saber tight and his Dragoon tighter as the most of the Red Jackets fell, but more just kept coming.

"HOLD EM OFF BOYS!" Skywise ordered, his last one before the Red Jackets hit them like a ton of bricks.

Okay, here's the last piece of the backstory for Cutter and Skywise. This is going to take several parts as I'm telling the story of Belles Ferry where Cutter gets promoted to Major and wins his medal for Heroism. This will get intense as its a battle in the war, but nothing over the top and bloody. There is a lot military words so if you need go ahead and ask questions.

The Red Jackets were being picked off one by one, by the sharpshooters and the men from the 'wing' together, but it didn't slow the assault. Skywise was in trouble, it was the one thing the soldiers in his small squad couldn't survive. An all out rush right at them. There was only one option, stand and fight, but the Captain didn't settle on it because it was his only choice. He took it because it was what he had to do. To let the Djunslanders take the hill was to lose the battle, to lose the War, and that was death for the Abode. Skywise watched the humans come for him screaming as he took in one large breath and screamed out one last rallying cry for his 'wing'...for his men

"HOLD EM'!"

Then Skywise raised his Dragoon and fired at almost point blank killing the closest Red Jacket to him with a fiery burst. He saw the man drop and another face replace it, a mask of hatred, that he slashed at with his saber. In an instant he was overrun, the 'wing' was buried, and Skywise disappeared in a sea of red. His saber swung in a hard arc and he heard the screams of men and felt contact along the blade. A rifle butt crashed into his shoulder and a bayonet slashed at his chest but it just cut the thick material of his dungaree shirt and suspender strap. He fired off a round from the Dragoon and another Djunslader screamed grabbing his chest collapsing in the melee. Skywise didn't fall into the same battle lust as his brother, there was still something of 'him' left and it kept control. The Captain held his feet firm against the mass that was now trying to push and knock him down. He held the spot like a tree and yelled out again rallying his men.

"HOLD EM'!"

And the thirty-five men of the 'wing' responded. They became a wall of blue stopping the assault, bunching the Djunslanders in a tangled mass in the improvised corner, but the soldiers couldn't keep this up for long. It was like holding back the flood waters of a broken dam, and Skywise knew it too well. He had to have faith in Cutter, his brother, to break the assault. Then another rifle butt slammed into his shoulder again, only this time harder and the blow drove the captain down to one knee.

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"Wheel Right!"

Cutter yelled the command again trying to spur the east end of the line for the Abode to close in and start to circle around the Djunslanders. The Major watched in a mix of anger and horror as the third rank of Red Jackets slammed into the 'wing', right into Skywise like a twenty pound hammer. He knew the thirty-five men could only hold out for a minute or more, if that, before the Djuns would circle them on the west end and break the Abode.

And that's what the battle of Little Round Top would come down too…

Who could fight hard enough and get around the flank of the other.

Who could muster enough strength and grit and tenacity to drive the other off this damn forsaken hill?

At first the east end of the Abode's line didn't move, it was held fast by the Djun's men unable to press the attack. Cutter felt his anger rise, his desperation grow, as he lashed out at a Red Jacket smashing him with his pistol. The 'wing' was cut off probably, the whole line was going to be overrun, and his brother killed. The Major cut another Red Jacket with a swift stroke of his saber and poured all the desperation and fear for his brother into a single thought, a single invisible word.

SKYWISE!

It felt weird suddenly to Cutter, like his mind reached out and touched…his brother's. As if some 'magical' connection linked them suddenly.

And he felt something touch his mind back, words formed in his mind...from his brother.

Cutter...what's happening?

Skywise?

We're being overrun Cutter! We can't hold out!

Then the connection stopped, broke, and the last from his brother was like a slap to the Major, a hot strike to his cheek. All that desperation and fear that opened whatever the connection was to his brother turned to anger and malice. Cutter bellowed his order for his men, screamed it as he struck another Red Jacket with his pistol, which was a bloody piece of iron by now.

"WHEEL RIGHT!"

Before the command died out on the afternoon air, before the words had echoed over the battle field, the men on the east flank for the Abode answered back to the Major's command with a booming, piercing yell. In a reversal that would have amazed any General the men on the end of the line began to swing around, began to push the end of Djunslanders down the hill and encircle them. With each step forward the soldiers of the Abode pushed the Red Jackets back, and the move rippled down the line as the once stout Djuns were now crumbling. Continuing down the line just a few yards from Cutter stood the commanding officer of the Djun Army, watching as his Red Jackets tried to break this band of mismatched infantry and Calvary. For two days they had fought to push these Blue Bellies off this damn rock only to get tossed back down to the bottom, but not this afternoon. That 'wing' formation, that small squad, would be the end for these bastards from the Abode.

Only those bastard Blue Bellies held…

The 'wing' stalled the attack long enough for the left flank to start to fall. Those thirty five men kept an assault that numbered three times more than them from going around the end of the Abode's line. His try at taking the 'wing' at the angle was a disaster. His men were bunched now, defending in a mish mashed circle as the Abode crushed in on them from all sides except the rear.

There was no time to think, the attack was over. If the Djuns were encircled then it would be a rout...just like before. The commanding officer of the Red Jackets raised his saber and was ready to call out the order to retreat when his coat, right above the right breast pocket, exploded in a puff of red material…and blood. He didn't feel his body go weak as the sharpshooter's ball tore out most of his heart with the shot. The officer fell backward, dead before he knew it, rolling down the hill like a doll as his men fought on trying to take the hill.

Cutter saw the officer drop and knew the advantage was now the Abode's. He knew it was now time to make one final push to shove the Djunslanders off the hill.

"FORWARD!"

And with the order given each man that could marched forward for the Abode, took one and then two steps forward pushing and knocking the Djuns down the hill. The ranks of Red Jackets finally broke leaving no semblance of fighting unit. Some officer or maybe some sergeant with enough battlefield experience decided there was no chance to take Little Round Top now and the field was not theirs. The call to retreat sounded loud over the din of the combatants, carried on the air, and then the Djuns were running back down the hill.

And as before the soldiers of the Abode screamed and taunted their enemy as they ran, but unlike the last time they knew this was the one retreat they had waited for,  fought for sop hard. This stand was the one that broke the back of the Djunslanders. There might be another run up the hill at them, but no more all out attack or charge. No, those boys were whipped and now they realized it. The Abode had won Little Round Top and fate willing Bells Ferry.

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As they fled down the hill, running like a dog with its tail between its legs, the soldiers of the Abode all around yelled taunts and threw rocks, yet the only thing Cutter wanted was to see Skywise in one piece and breathing. The split second connection he shared with his brother, that 'magical' touch was gone and he didn't know how to bring it back. So the Major just ran down the line toward the end, to the 'wing'. He passed by men setting up positions to keep watch, some falling to the ground exhausted. The Major didn't acknowledge a single one of them. They were just blurs to him as he ran.

Then he saw Skywise, kneeling on the ground.

He's hurt! It was the first thought that came to Cutter. His brother was hurt, maybe shot or stabbed with a bayonet. The Major trotted up ready to scream for a medic…and then realized the order would have been in vain.

The Captain was kneeling by the side of a young human, a soldier in the 'wing', and the boy was dying. There was a large bloody and in it's middle was Skywise's hand pressing, trying to save the boy's life. It was over Cutter thought looking at a wound that was too much for the young life to fight. He walked up quietly as his brother talked to the boy, kept him company.

"Did we...hold em'...sir?"

"Yeah corporeal, we held em'" Skywise answered watching the human fight for each breath.

"Then...I did my job…we didn't-"

"Stop talking, save you're strength for the trip to the hospital." Skywise ordered as Cutter knelt on one knee by him.

"I ain't walkin'...off this hill sir...I ain't goin' home now." The human said with a cough.

"Yes you are going home...just not the one back in the Abode." Skywise offered.

"I broke...my mama's...heart." The boy spoke weakly with his eyes starting to fade.

Skywise looked up to Cutter with eyes filled full of hurt and pain as the boy spoke his last words.

"I...did...my job."

Then there was nothing but silence, even in the midst of the chaos after the battle there was nothing but a silent that clawed at you. Cutter reached down and closed the boy's eyes while whispering with reverence.

"You did more than that soldier...you did more than that."

"His name was James," Skywise whispered taking his hand off the human's chest, "he promised his mother he would come home and take care of the farm."

That silence gripped them again then Skywise stood up slowly, breathing deeply to keep himself under control. He refused to cry, there wasn't time. He looked down his bloody hands wondering if they would ever come clean before looking up to Cutter.

"I need to check on my men...get them ready for this afternoon."

"You do that Captain...then come to the meeting spot." Cutter said with a nod.

"I'll do that..." Skywise replied numbly while turning.

"Skywise!" Cutter called out abruptly.

"Cutter?"

"You did a damn good job today brother...better then me." Cutter admitted.

Skywise shook his head looking down at the boy then back to his friend, his leader. "I think I understand now what that old timer was saying. Be proud of what I did…not what I had to do."

The Major only nodded understanding there were no words that needed to be said. He watched the Captain nod back before turning and heading back to the top of the hill to meet with the other officers. He had a hill to hold, and as much as it hurt him to have to put that above his friendship, its what Cutter had to do. Skywise went about getting his bruised and battered men back into position. He lost four, including the boy James, in the assault, just four men.

It was amazing he thought, only four losses when he should have been wiped clean off the face of the world.

Later, after getting the men set back up and ready, the Captain walked up the hill and back to the spot by the trees where the officers all met. A couple of the junior officers whooped startling Skywise and wondered what the good news was. One of the young humans turned to him as he walked up with a smile.

"Damn, did you hear Captain?"

"No, what is it? No wait, let me guess. The Djun decided to marry a nice little girl and call this whole war off?" Skywise asked back.

"No sir," The junior officer said with a look of disbelief and a little confusion, "the Red Jackets marched right into a massacre this morning. Nine brigades, 13,000 of them tried to cross a mile of open field and we stopped them. We thrashed all nine brigades!"

"Thrashed...nine brigades?" Skywise mumbled feeling dizzy over the numbers.

"There wasn't a Djun left standing, except for the few hundred that retreated. This was it sir, Bells Ferry is ours!"

"Hold it Lieutenant," Cutter called out to the young officer, "don't go putting the word out this over. There's been no order from General Tecumseh this battle's done. We stay until the order to leave is given."

Skywise barely heard any of the exchange. 13,000 men...13,000...so many it was too staggering to think about. It was like losing a whole town, or a city. One minute there were people wandering the streets going form shop window to shop window, and then they were gone, just like that. In the span of a few minutes no more town...no more city.

"Yes sir," The young Lieutenant replied.

"Is it true Major? Nine brigades...gone?"

"Yeah, we just got word from the General's staff. This morning while we were fighting for this hill the Djun made a major attack on a spot in the main line. They attacked just outside of town at this ridge where our line breaks at an angle like our 'wing'. The spot's called Cemetery Ridge, name fits the field perfectly now. They're saying almost all of the Djuns men fell, were wiped out by the artillery and rifle fire. A small group made the break, but we captured them, took them in."

The group went silent and Skywise thought maybe they were all thinking about the number too, and then one of the officers spoke up. "We still run the same formation sir?"

"Yeah, the Captain has the 'wing' and we'll take the line. I want the lines at the ready just in case, ready for one last attack." Cutter ordered.

"Yes sir," the officer replied stiffly.

The officers dispersed with the last order, all except Skywise again. He stayed behind, having a plate full of ham and beans with the Major. He finished the last spoonful as Cutter asked a question.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, a few bruises and cuts, but I'm here." Skywise said putting the plate down.

"No, I mean about the soldier...about what happened this morning?"

Skywise turned and looked at his brother feeling a deep love for him, and then he remembered what had happened just as the Red Jackets were ready to crush the small wing. He remembered feeling Cutter's words form in his head, like his brother was there right in front of him.

"Did you feel-"

"Yeah, "Cutter stated putting his plate down and wiping his mouth with a bandana, "it happened. What I'm not sure of is how it happened, but I know why."

"Because you were worried about me, admit it Major, you felt just a little bit of fear for me there." Skywise jabbed.

"You're lucky as hell I can put up with you!" Cutter exclaimed with a laugh pointing his finger at Skywise.

"I know...I know that better than you think brother." Skywise said with a small voice, but one that was filled with love.

"When this ends we'll be side by side again brother that I swear. We'll ride with the 7th and won't look back."

"Until we hit the first saloon, where it's whiskey for the men and beer for the horses!" Skywise added with a laugh.

Cutter joined him and the two sat there for a few minutes more enjoying a laugh before turning to the duties at hand. Cutter checked the men along the main line while Skywise did the same with his 'wing'. The morning shifted into the afternoon with everyone waiting for the next attack.

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The Battle for Bells Ferry effectively, and for all purposes, ended that morning after the failed charge at Cemetery Ridge. The loss of so many swung the tide enough to make the Djuns Army concede the field and town to the Abode. General Tecumseh didn't pursue the retreating Djunslanders choosing to occupy the town and outlying areas to let his army rest and recoup. The last stand had taken its toll on the men and elves from the Abode, physically but not mentally. No, now they felt as if they could win this war, could stand with the Djuns Army.

Cutter Kinseeker, Major and commander of the 7th Calvary, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for Heroism for his actions and bravery at Little Round Top for the two days they fought. Captain Skywise was promoted to second in command of the 7th, but no award for his actions at the 'wing'. In the end he didn't want an award for anything he did those three days. The fact thirty one men walked off the hill that he commanded was enough of an award, better that anything any General would pin on him in some room somewhere.

The 7th Calvary would ride onto the other missions and raids along the border. They would be distinguished again and again riding for the Abode and General Tecumseh.

Those stories became the stuff of legend and history books...

And now on with the next piece written by me, WiseShaman...It's all about the love...and dodging the police!




Brownberry walked up the stairs to the apartment quietly undoing the buttons on the cuffs of the long sleeves of her shirt. She was ready to stop and rest…to be held. From the moment she had heard Longbranch had been shot she was sick with worry, but she wouldn't show it. She didn't show it. No, she had to be strong for her granddaughter, for Tyleet, because the little one had to see that a woman could be strong. So she worked through the dinner rush with the help of her daughter and her son, the thought of calling Redlance that making her smile, and the two new arrivals, Eyes High and Shale. The pair had stepped in and saved them, picking up the slack of a missing Rainsong. She had to go home due to Wing being sick, and to take care of her family. Shale ran the stove and Eyes High waited tables bucking up the staff.

She opened the door to her apartment noting how quiet everything was. Tyleet had gone up with her parents after they closed the restaurant. Brownberry knew the pair wanted to go see Rose, or Leetah, and she made them go with Foxfur who just had to see the Captain. She cleaned up with Eyes High and Shale, taking the chance to mention the idea of a bakery. It was like opening a flood gate. She laughed a little remembering how Shale had gotten excited and started to talk endlessly about how they could help. They had been bakers in Djunsland he said, helped run a large bakery with some friends before…losing it, and they had their own recipes they could add to hers, not that they wouldn't use hers because the bakery was hers.

Shale was so damn cute she couldn't help but smile as his mouth moved faster then his tongue. And there sat his wife, smiling, and not one bit embarrassed. She only sipped her coffee and gently rubbed his shoulder in total devotion.

The hall was dark to the back bed rooms where the door to Tyleet's was partially closed. Brownberry cracked it open just a bit more and looked in on her greatest treasure. There she was asleep under the covers. With the sight of that her heart warmed as she walked on back to her room where she saw the coal oil lamp on. She went in to see her husband sitting up in bed, propped up against the headboard with a bunch of pillows, a book in his hand and a pair of square wire rim glasses on his nose. He was still dressed in nothing but his skivvies and he still looked unbelievably handsome.

"How'd it go?" He asked closing the book.

"Fine, we managed to make it through the dinner rush in one piece. All the money is locked up downstairs in the safe. I didn't do the ledgers, didn't have the want." Brownberry answered with a shake of her head.

"I'll get them in the morning when I get up."

With a sigh she accepted the fact her husband wouldn't stay in that bed long enough tolet the wound heal. Brownberry walked over to check on his leg and felt her heart skip a beat as he looked at her with a hunger. She leaned over to see the wound and felt his hand touch her side lovingly. That skip in her heart happened again at the stroke. She looked over at him, into his eyes, and felt her own hunger grow.

"It doesn't look that bad."

"No...it doesn't." Longbranch agreed with a smile.

She took a quick step away from him, from his touch, walking over to the wash basin to steady herself. If she hadn't she might have fainted dead away by the side of the bed. She poured a good bit of water into the bowl and started to undress. She stepped out of her skirt, all her undergarments and shoes, and left her shirt and chemise on while she folded it all neatly on the chair. Then she took off her shirt stealing a glance back knowing before her eyes were focused he was still watching. He heart skipped yet again as she laid her shirt down.

"There has to be something in that book that's more fascinating than me." She remarked playfully while dipping a wash cloth into the bowl.

"There's nothing in this whole world that could capture my attention like you do my dear wife, not even if a star fell from the sky and landed right out there on the street."

"Oh," she said with a trembling hand while rubbing the cloth over her neck.

"A day without looking at you Brownberry isn't worth living unless it's to get a chance to see you one more time." He whispered.

The devotion in his voice, the love, slowly swept over her and Brownberry fought the tears that wanted to come. She finished washing off and dried off with the towel by the bowl. He was still looking at her, had never taken his eyes off of her. Brownberry slowly walked over and blew out the coal oil lamp. The room fell dark for a second, but then the moonlight coming in from the windows threw a silvery light on them. It was almost magical as she looked at him with every ounce of love she felt and whispered.  

"What would I do without you? I know life would go on but it'd be worth nothing without you next to me."

Longbranch leaned forward slowly, gently stroking her cheek as the first of the tears his wife had held back started to fall. "My beautiful Brownberry…you have been so much more to me than just a wife or friend or lover. As long as there is a beat in my heart, a breath in my lungs, and will in my mind I will be at your side. You're my soul mate Mrs. Brownberry…my one and everything."

"Do you promise that? Because when I heard you had been shot…" She started to say before giving up and settling into his arms crying.

He didn't say a word, just pulled her into him ignoring the pain in his leg, feeling her hot tears roll down his chest. He removed the three ornate hair combs that Brownberry's mother had given her so many years ago letting the tresses of curls fall down her back like a shower. He held her and whispered reassuring her.

"I'm all right my love. I'm going to be fine."

After a minute Brownberry was able to stop her crying and raised her head up to his, their foreheads touching. "Make love to me...so I can feel you next to my soul, a piece of me."

Longbranch only rubbed his forehead against hers and slowly removed the chemise top stopping long enough to see her naked body in the moonlight. The way the silvery glow enveloped her took his breath away. She had always been the most exquisite creature he had ever seen, but somehow in that light she was so much more. One of the fabled High Ones couldn't touch her beauty. They made love long and nourishing feeding the warmth of their devotion with their combined passion. When the fear and worry were driven back they fell asleep holding each other. She lay in the crook of his arm sleeping soundly with a hand lying across her stomach, as if protecting something newly created.


The night breeze felt cool on Cutter's hot skin, and it felt good to be out of the Hammer and Tongs finally as he stopped on the wood walkway. The saloon was packed tonight, shoulder to shoulder, and it looked to stay that way for a while. He felt Leetah walk up and rub his back with a free hand as she appeared on his right side with a warm smile. He leaned over and kissed her forehead which was salty with sweat and was the best taste that had ever graced his lips. He put his arm around her shoulders as Nightfall stepped out through the swinging doors holding her beau's hand with a large smile. She pulled Redlance to her, guided his hands around her waist as she leaned back against his chest with her own warm content smile. Finally Skywise walked out with Foxfur under his arm also smiling and enjoying the night breeze.

"That was a great show Rose." Nightfall murmured happily from her fiancées arms.

"Gracias mi hermana." She said with a smile.

"Yeah," The Major remarked with a smile looking down into Leetah's green eyes, "I promised someone to stand back and let her handle things."

"Gracias mi amor." She whispered hugging him.

"Well, I think we'll turn in for the night friends. Take me home and to bed my devoted tracker." Nightfall ordered with whimsy and a warm smile.

Redlance just smiled and scooped her up in his arms tucking her skirt in so it wouldn't drag the ground. She gave a small laugh and waved to the four standing on the walk before her love turned around.

"Good night everyone, see you in the morning for breakfast." Redlance offered with nod.

The four nodded back and he turned around as Nightfall put her head on his shoulder and stroked his face gently while whispering. "I love you Redlance, with all that I am."

"As I do you Little Bird." He whispered crossing the street.

Leetah sighed happily feeling joy for her friend as Foxfur spoke up, her voice far away floating on a dream. "I want to be loved like that."

"Like what?" Skywise inquired with a grin.

"A promise from the heart that will never be taken back." Leetah answered.

"A devotion so deep and strong it'll never break." Foxfur finished.

Skywise watched the pair slip inside the doors of the restaurant and the lights go out as Cutter spoke up. "He was damn near beat to death by his own tribe to save her. I don't think there's been a minute since he hasn't loved her."

"Well, she's never looked at another man, human or elf. There's never been anyone else for her but him. She hasn't even thought of anyone else." Foxfur added.

"And now you can add Crescent to their family." Leetah pointed out.

"Hell, she's been in love with Red ever since she saw him. Do you remember when Moonshade tried to get her interested in that hand on the Blue Mountain Ranch?" Cutter grinned.

"What happened to that?" Skywise laughed.

"Absolutely nothing cause he was only interested in riding…and I don't mean on a horse." Foxfur said with a shake of his head.

"I do not think Senor Strongbow would have liked that?" Leetah asked.

"Nope, he didn't," was all Cutter replied…still grinning.

"Yeah, and it wasn't Strongbow who knocked two of his teeth out." Foxfur added.

The four stopped talking listening instead to the ruckus sounds of the saloon as the doors swung open and Dart stepped out. He tipped his hat to them as Skywise spoke up.

"You're not staying up at the ranch tonight?"

"No," Dart said shaking his head and smiling, "Ma and Crescent have it all in hand. Truth be told, if you go within a step of Pa right now Ma will shoot you dead on sight."

Cutter laughed as did Foxfur while Leetah only smiled and Skywise spoke. "Well, if you need anything just yell."

"I will, you four have a good night." Dart tipped his hat again before walking off.

The four waved back then Foxfur put her hand on Skywise's stomach and whispered in his ear. "I'm ready to use my key."

"Really...you sure?" Skywise asked with a sparkle in his eye.

"I've never been more sure in my life." Foxfur assured him.

"Well then," Skywise said turning to Cutter with a tip of his hat, "I'll see you at breakfast in the morning brother."

"That early?" Cutter remarked with a little shock.

"I'll get him up and over to the restaurant." Foxfur winked

"Good night brother." Cutter smiled with a tip of his hat as the pair turned and walked toward the boarding house. The Major thought it was nice to see his brother like this, like it was supposed to be.

The two stood for a minute looking out over the empty street before Leetah spoke with her head on Cutter's shoulder. "There is a beautiful moon out tonight."

"Yes there is...a wolf's moon if I ever saw one."

The two were quiet again when Leetah whispered. "Would you think less of me Major if I wanted to go home with you instead of my room at Senora Savah's?"

The Major looked down at her with a surprised look. "I could never think anything of the like about you Leetah."

"Then you object to me asking-"Leetah started to say when he cut her off.

"No...but I thought you wanted to be courted. I haven't got a ring or met your folks or anything that courting requires." Cutter explained.

"So you do not want to take me to your bed?" Leetah asked flatly.

It suddenly felt like a calf roping contest was about to happen and Cutter was the prized beef trying to make a run for it, which is why he stammered and whispered. "Well yes, but that's not the point Leetah."

"And what is the point mi amor? Do you not love me as I love you? Have my eyes deceived me? Has my heart led me astray?"

"No, no, that's not it either. I love you with all my heart and soul Leetah. I never want to be apart from you, and that's why I want to do this right. It's because I feel the way for you that I have to do right by you." Cutter explained pulling her into his arms.

She smiled and kissed him letting her lips linger for moment before speaking. "I do not need a ring or some silly custom to know you are the one I want. I do not wish to wait to wake up next to you mi amor. I do not wish to wait any longer for us to share our love."

Cutter put his forehead to her's letting his old Calvary hat ride up as he spoke. "I'd rope the moon for you Leetah. If you want to come home with me then I won't say no and I won't think any less of you. I never could."

"Then I want to go to your bed mi amor." Leetah smiled and kissed him again.

The Major savored the kiss and felt as antsy as he did on his first day in the Army. He wasn't scared he thought as they started to walk to the livery to get their horses. No, he just wanted to make sure this was done right like he explained. There would be other chances to show her how much he loved her, but only one chance at courting. They passed the boarding house as she spoke.

"I do not think your horse Nightrunner likes me Major."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because he tried to bite me today on the ride to town."

"Well, I'll tell you how stop that." Cutter grinned.

"How?" she asked smiling.  

"You bite him back!"

"Oh mi amor!" Leetah laughed shaking her head.


The street was empty as she walked down it yet there was the sound of a second set of footsteps just a hair off of hers and behind. They sounded heavy, like a man's, and they had followed her all the way from her 'friend's' house. She was use to being followed. It was a normal everyday occurrence here in Menno, in all of Djunsland. Yet it still unnerved her to have it happen at night where the shadows hid everything. Irralee hated being out at night, but money was money and they, her family' needed every cent they could get. Her 'friend' paid well to visit, not a lot, but enough to buy food to survive. The Special Police had cut them off from any way to make a living; any contact with her family was dangerous for a Djunslander. They had stopped her and others from having any kind of a life here in her own home.

The footsteps that followed seemed to get closer and Irralee made a quick decision. She turned right at the corner and started off down the street faster. The houses at first were nice; one after the other in a row fashion, lived in by families, but after a block or two began to look abandoned. The white curtains in picture windows turned to boards and broken glass. The farther down the street she walked the worse the condition of the homes grew until there were just the husks of burned out buildings that were once the domiciles for a family. She pulled her grey shawl tighter over her head as the footsteps grew closer, seeming to pick up in speed. Irralee had a plan to lose the man, but she had to cross the street up ahead. She picked up her pace while stealing a glance over her shoulder.

There, just on the edge of the shadows, she saw a man dressed in all black with the exception of a blood red lapel pin, the image of a globe being encircled by a snake.

It was the insignia of the Special Police.

There was no choice now Irralee thought. She had to make a run for the tunnel or be locked away for the night and lose her money. They would make her tell where she got the money from…who gave it to her. They would do things to make her talk and when she did her friend would disappear, vanish like her other friends and Maquis, into thin air it seemed. Irralee saw the small sign painted on the abandoned house just ahead, the image acting as a sign post for those who knew it. It was the hiding spot for the tunnel, a get away from the footsteps that followed. She picked up her pace and the footsteps did like wise.

She went a little faster.

The footsteps picked up speed to match hers.

Finally Irralee just broke out in a dead run for the house and safety. The man following her didn't yell for her to stop, just took after her. She raced into an opening of the house dodging debris and trash as the man from the Special Police gave chase. In a flash he was at the opening and through into the destroyed house. The first floor was filled with dark shadows cast from the moonlight that danced as he walked through doorways and down halls looking for a sign of the Maquis he was following.

But there was nothing...no sign of her.

The Special Police man walked around for a minute more knowing, accepting, that the Wavedancer was gone, slipped right through his fingers.

"Damn!"



Aurek was busy in his small apartment above the Father Tree press eating a small dinner and writing in his daily journal. He was busy scribing down all the necessary information for the shoot out with the Miners, well the parts he had heard anyway. He would meet with StarShine tomorrow and try to visit the Major or the Captain to inquire what happened. Aurek took a bite of ham from the plate at the table while writing, never really stopping. He was considering the questions he needed to ask. He wanted to know about the plan, who came up with it? Where was everyone set? What was everyone's task? Say the tracker Redlance, what was his job?

The thought of the tracker made Aurek think about Marysville suddenly. So fast was the switch he actually stopped writing in the journal and even put the pen down. You see, he wanted to know about the shoot out, but what he really wanted was the story of the town and what happened to it. Was it as bad as his source had told him? Two hundred or more killed…but a hundred and twenty-five saved by a lone Sheridan Scout. It had to be Redlance. He was considered the very best among them, able to track someone over rock if need be, and as silent as the wind. He had to be the savior of Marysville, and Aurek wanted to write that story so bad it kept him up at night.  

A sudden knock at his door made him jump. Who would be calling this late at night he thought as he opened the door. When he did he was more than happy to see Dart standing there with his hat twirling in his hands. The look on the deputy's face though took all the happy feeling right out of Aurek's mood.

"Good evening Deputy! What may I do for you?"

"I was hoping to come in...stay until I have to relieve the Marshall."

"Oh, well yes, come in." Aurek offered letting Dart in then closing the door.

The deputy walked over to the table and took a seat by Aurek and waited as the writer came and sat down by him. "Would you like some ham or tea?"

"No thanks Aurek. I need something else tonight."

"Oh," Aurek said with raised eyebrows sitting back in the chair guessing what was bothering his…companion, "I heard your father was back. He had been kidnapped by Mrs. Winnowill, right?"

"Yeah...he says he doesn't remember much...but I think he's holding back."

"What did he say happened? Why did she kidnap him?" Aurek asked.

Dart shook his head letting all the pent up feelings in his soul come out as he out his hand on the table. "Something to do with the Ancient Powers, you know, all those fairy tales. I don't believe it for a second, a lady like Mrs. Winnowill believing in the Ancient Powers?"

"It does sound rather far fetched." Aurek admitted.

"I know!" Dart spat.

"You don't think your father and she were..."

"No! Pa's never loved anyone but Ma." Dart countered.

Aurek leaned forward and reached across the table putting his hand on Dart's. "Then what is wrong Dart? Why do you look so sullen?"

"Because...something's changed in him Aurek. Something ain't right." The deputy whispered.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean he's changed. I can see it, feel it, and it's not for the best." Dart explained.

"Strongbow has been through a lot Dart. Give him a few days and he'll start to show his old self again." Aurek smiled offering sympathy.

"You think so?" Dart asked with a grin.

"I think in a few days he'll be perfect. Your father is too strong to be held down for too long."

Dart nodded then looked over to the door that led to the bedroom before turning back with his grin. Aurek more than understood what the deputy was doing, waiting for him to move first, to say it was okay. Aurek knew the game and played it well with Dart. This was just a night to share love, to share each other and no more. It was a simple pleasure. The writer rose from his seat taking Dart's hand and leading him to the door. On there way out the room Dart blew out the oil coal lamp then let Aurek put an arm around him as they disappeared into the dark.


The velveteen shirt slid on with a small swish. Nightfall was rolling up the cuffs as she turned around and stopped when she saw Redlance. He was busy tying off a pair of sleep pants with no top and his back rippled slightly with muscles. She walked over and put her arms around him from behind kissing on his neck. She could feel him tense from the touch and it made her smile as she kissed the soft flesh.

"Are you okay now?" He asked with a whisper.

"I'll be better when we're in bed together." She murmured.

"I mean do you still miss Crescent?" Redlance laughed turning around in her arms.

She felt him take her in a hug as she spoke. "I miss her terribly, but soon we'll all be together for life, the sooner the better too."

"Why do you say that?"

"I don't like the way that house felt…something wasn't right." Nightfall whispered putting her face in the crook of his neck.

"I know, maybe we can ride up and see her tomorrow."

Nightfall leaned back and squinted at the tracker playfully. "You're worried about her too?"

"Oh yes, and if we need to we'll ride out of there with her, all right?" Redlance teased.

"Don't make me hold you to that my love." Nightfall shot back before kissing him.

They were still kissing when a small knock on the door caused them too break. They looked around to see Tyleet standing in the doorway wearing one of her father's velveteen shirts and rubbing her eyes.

"What's wrong Little Bird?" Redlance asked with worry.

"Did you have another bad dream?" Nightfall asked remembering how Brownberry told her Tyleet had a bad one when Dewshine slept over.

"No ma'am," Tyleet responded walking over and hugging her father, "I just wanted to say goodnight. I missed you both."

The tracker looked to his betrothed with a smile then down to his daughter. "Would you like to sleep in here with us Little Bird?"

Tyleet looked up with excited eyes and a smile. "Can I?"

"Only for tonight," Nightfall said trying to lay down the law. She knew though it probably wouldn't work.

"Yes ma'am!" Tyleet blabbed before jumping into the bed.

Redlance and Nightfall laughed before following their daughter in. Tyleet snuggled in between them putting her head down on Redlance's chest as he slid his arm under her head and Nightfall's. He felt his betrothed cuddle in close behind his daughter before reaching over and putting a hand on his chest. Soon all three were fast asleep as the night rolled on.

And now on with the next piece written by me, WiseShaman, it's the end of Day 7, a full walk in the Dream World. For each person the message is different...some see the days ahead, some seek a truth...and some see the darkness surround them.



Some say dreams are windows to one's soul. The illustrations to the book your soul is writing called your life, the paints of a great artist working on the canvas that is your world. Some see things in their dreams that may be…some see pictures of things that will never be…and some see the difference between the lie and the truth.

They say all men dream, but not equally. The ones who dream at night in the dark recesses of their minds wake in the day to find it vanity, but the dreamers of the day are the dangerous men. They may act on those dreams with open eyes.


Crescent breathed deep and easy under the blankets of her brass bed. Sleep didn't come easy, but after a hard fight it won out. The worry for her father, the want to be at Redlance and Nightfall's side couldn't hold out against the monster as it finally dragged her under. Dressed in one of the tracker's velveteen shirts which made her feel close to him Crescent was now lost in her dreams, waking in that world.

The sun was high and bright in a perfect blue sky. She was standing by a house, not her Ma or Pa's, but one on the land her fiancée owned, the plot with the pond on it. She wasn't sure how she knew this, she just did. There was a large barn and livery to her right, six or eight stables at least, painted brown with red trim. Crescent could hear horses whinny and after a small walk in that direction she saw a paddock around back with several horses running around. There was a Waler and a few Appaloosas and two beautiful Mustangs. They were here she realized, her loves, waiting for her. Crescent turned back and looked over to her left surveying the large house, two levels, with a sweeping wrap around porch. She smiled immediately recognizing the place, this home, as the same one she had dreamt of having since she was a young girl.

Crescent ran around the front in the thick grass knowing before her eyes could see that the porch went all the way from this side of the house to across the front, and she knew it wrapped around the other corner and went down the other side as well. She knew before she set foot on the steps going up the porch there were three rocking chairs, one for her and her Nightfall and her beloved Redlance. And she knew there were two more chairs as she stepped onto the wood floor of the porch, one for each daughter, a sweet brown haired one and a playful one with black hair.



The name seemed to float on the air, just glide past her ears, and she clutched at her chest with sudden warmth. The material of the velveteen shirt couldn't conceal the beat of heart. She was home, her home with her family. Crescent looked hard at the small chair, looked with the devotion of a mother, before heading in through the front door which was unlocked. The downstairs of the house was broken into three separate rooms and a small foyer she could see, but knew there was the fourth one, a mud room, in the back by the kitchen she couldn't see. To her left Crescent could see a beautiful dining room with a large table and five high back chairs. The kitchen was just off that with a large cast iron stove and a second large fireplace with a large iron pot. Then there was the large living room to the right with a couch and two old chairs by the large fireplace, one for Redlance and one for her Pa or Mr. Longbranch. She saw stairs just in ahead, and knew, that they led to the bedrooms on the upper floor for her family.

She went up the stairs quickly, eager to see the bedroom, the one that was hers with Redlance and Nightfall. At the top of the steps, just ahead, was the room for Tyleet and the one ext to it was for...her daughter. Crescent turned a half-circle and walked along side the banister for the stairs heading to her room. They were there by a large bed with an ornate headboard. She could feel it just like before. Redlance and Nightfall were there in the room, waiting for her. Crescent barely had the knob turned and the door opened before she was stepping through.

And then the house was gone...

She was standing in the paddock back at the ranch. The bright sunny day was gone replaced by grey dark and everything felt cold and lifeless. Crescent turned a complete circle looking, checking to make sure where she was even though she knew. Her feet could tell the instant they touched the dirt. The large barn and stable was open, the large doors standing wide. He Pa never left the barn this way, Strongbow liked the lower swingers closed at least to keep the varmints out. Crescent wasn't sure why but she started forward to close those doors…and every step was harder then the first.

The closer she drew to the barn the harder it seemed to take a step, and with about ten feet or so to go Crescent just stopped. This was wrong she thought, and it had nothing to do with walking. The inside the barn was dark, inky and murky, but it didn't venture out into the paddock. It was like the dark was a wall and it didn't go a foot past the entrance to the barn.

And the barn…it felt like…PW's. She had been in the funeral home a few times and it always made her skin crawl. She could almost feel death walking around that place, creeping along the halls threatening to touch your shoulder. The clean smell and quiet...it all added to her discomfort...her fear.

That same feeling she was having now.

Crescent looked over to the house and felt a shiver as her parents' home looked…abandoned. The roof had holes, the windows were broken, and she could hear the slap of the door slamming closed only to creak open. There was no one there. No Pa…Ma…Dart…Chitter...or WaveCatcher or Wavelet or the girls. There was no one at all.

Then something moved in the barn. It made a rasping sound, like nails on a slate, and the discomfort Crescent felt started to claw at her throat. It tore at her heart. She wanted to run but that feeling of not being able to, as if each foot were 40 pounds of lead, stopped her. The sound got closer and she could see a shadow approach in the ink black, a man it looked like, all dressed in same ink black with a bowler hat. Now Crescent really wanted to run and no lead feet could beat down the fear. She backed away from the shadow, shuffled back a step or two, while it came at her faster and faster. She fell back one more step when he popped out of the barn, the man in black stepping past that wall of darkness, his wild crazy eyes locking on her with a mean grin. His head jerked every few seconds, like a birds, and his nose…it was long and sharp, like a bird's beak.  

Her hand reached up and closed around the bone medallion that her betrothed had given her for a marriage present in a tight fist. Crescent wasn't sure why she did it. Only that something made her hold it and when she did the man in black stopped coming for her.

"The bear is strong for you. He protects you little one."

That voice, it made her tremble. The medallion, it felt warm in her hand and hummed with some force. Crescent wanted to scream but her voice was gone so she could only open her mouth and wheeze. The man in black didn't move. He didn't walk toward her and he didn't walk back to the darkness. He just sat and stared at her with those wild crazy eyes as a pair of invisible arms wrapped around Crescent and a voice she knew oh so well whispered in her ear.

Do not fear my love.

It was Redlance. He had come for her. And then she felt a small warm invisible hand take hers as another voice whispered giving her strength.

We are here my dear one. Take our strength.

Nightfall...she had come to. And the fear began to fade. She felt the medallion's hum slow, felt love encircle her and keep her safe. Her eyes started to close as her family spoke once more. The man in black never moved from his spot.




Crescent woke with a small start. She leaned up, just enough to look over the room, just enough to make sure she was alone, just enough to see if the man in black was real. He wasn't...she hoped. There was no one though and she breathed a sigh of relief before putting her head back on the pillow, but sleep didn't return, at least not enough to dream.


The usual warm breeze and crystal blue sky welcomed Savah to the dream world. She sat up from the grass looking around, looking for him, and there just a few feet away he sat watching her. He smiled and spoke gentle making Savah shiver just slightly with excitement.

"Oki Pretty Bird."

"Hello Black Feather." She said back.

The two looked at each other, like long past lovers, before Savah tucked her legs under her and spoke with earnest. "Black Feather, we need your help."

"The one who has the spirit in him now...he is in trouble." Black Feather spoke knowing all ready what she was going to ask.

"Yes, Mr. Strongbow, he is hurting. The power, what Winnowill unleashed, its hurting him Black Feather. We have to put it back."

The shaman slid over next to her, right in front to where his knee touched hers and Savah felt a warm shock run all through her body from the contact as he whispered. "The spirit cannot be put back Pretty Bird. The spirit once let out will not return to its cage."

Savah looked down at the grass in disbelief, shock. Her only chance, the horse whisperer's only chance was lost. His family, his poor wife, what would happen to them if he passed? She whispered low as the breeze slowly blew her long hair around. "Will he die Black Feather?"

"No Pretty Bird, we will not let him pass form this world. The Bear will come to him, but not yet. In three days he will seek help…the Bear will come to him then."

She looked up at the words, felt the despair from just a second ago leave her with a flash, and when her eyes met his…her heart fluttered. "You will save him?"

"Yes Pretty Bird, he will be ready then."

"The Bear will protect him?"

"Yes Pretty Bird, the Bear will protect him."

A small smile crossed her lips and she reached up to stoke his cheek. It was an impulsive move, something she would have never ever done back in Two-Moons. Yet, she couldn't help herself now, couldn't hold back the need to just touch him. The shaman smiled warmly before reaching up and taking her hand.

"All will be safe Pretty Bird."

"I know...you look after us Black Feather...the Seekers...when we walk here."

"Yes," he said shifting around to sit beside her while putting his arm around her, "my father and his father and his father have kept watch. All the shaman of the Siksika have kept our blood pledge to the Firstcomers."

"Blood Pledge, to the First Comers?" Savah whispered confused.

"Yes Pretty Bird, your father's father. The ones who came in the crystal bird from the sky, the ones I showed you. Those pointed ears were weak, and the magic that flows through all hurt them too, it took some of them from us. The Shaman's, the medicine men of the tribe, helped bind the spirit to save them. We loved the Pointed Ears so much we came when they called…will always come when we are called."

He held out his hand and in it a long crystal shard appeared. It glowed, emanated, a strange source of...magic that she had never felt. Even this close Savah could feel it as it seemed to pull at her body. It was home. It was where she was supposed to be.

"Where did we come from Black Feather?" She asked starring at the crystal.  

"You will learn Pretty Bird, I will teach you, but now is not the time. The story is long and cannot be told in one walk." Black Feather explained slowly guiding her back down to the grass.

He held her lying on his side, propping his head up on one elbow looking down at her with his gentle smile. She curled up against him, took one last look as his face before closing her eyes, and then drifting away.


Rayek went to bed feeling like the dream would come again. He had a few ideas he wanted to try, just a test when it did. And when he found himself back on that road again, with the storms to the west and the clear skies to the east, he felt a small sense of brass, just a touch of bravado. He liked it when he was right, and that was most of the time. The fields to the north and south were there too and that's where he decided to start. Rayek walked north, right off the road, and into the field without hesitation. He wasn't worried about being visited by some gruesome death like falling away into a bottomless pit to tumble end over end forever or getting attacked by a terrible beast. Rayek felt the dream was testing him, why he didn't know, but he was sure death was nothing to worry about yet. The dream wanted him to do something first.

Later on...well that was a possibility.

So he walked for a few minutes then stopped to look back and noted he had gone maybe twenty feet. Rayek turned and walked north again away from the road counting the time in his head, making it to twenty minutes and then stopping. He looked back again to the road.

It was still just twenty feet away.

He turned and walked north again. This time he counted off thirty minutes. He looked down at the ground making sure each foot went forward, that dirt and grass passed beneath each step both left and right. It did, with every step. He stopped and looked back at the road. It was still just twenty feet away.

Rayek turned...and walked...and walked...and the road never reached a greater distance then twenty feet.

Well, he thought walking back to the road and standing in its middle, that answered that question. Rayek assumed, no...knew, the south side would have the same result. The only way to get anywhere was the road. And it seemed the road only wanted him to go west, into the storms. Images from a memory flashed in Rayek's mind, of the time he and Ekuar were caught out on the open plain by a thunderstorm. Between the booming thunder that almost rattled his teeth right out of his head and the driving rain that felt like a hundred daggers stabbing him all at the same time there was the lightning. It flashed bright and all the hair on his head stood on end and this was from a good ways away. If the strike had hit closer it might have been worse. So there was no inclination to start walking west and dive into those thunderheads.

He looked down at the ground and drew an arrow like before, pointing east away from the bad weather out west. He looked up at the sun and yelled out for whoever, whatever, was out there watching him.

"Hermano, I will not walk west unless you tell me too. I will not risk it unless it unless you tell me, so show me which way to head!"

The sun was bright. There wasn't a cloud anywhere on this part of the road. Rayek waited for something to pop up, a sign or something, from the sky. Nothing happened and after a minute he looked back down to the ground, back to his arrow.

And it was still there, only now it pointed west. The dirt around it didn't look disturbed, no finger prints and no brush marks were anywhere. No evidence that would suggest someone had wiped away his mark pointing east. It was just like his mark never existed.

"Well amigo, you asked for a sign, just not the one you wanted."

Rayek took one long, last look back east, and then turned and started off west down the road, toward the storms. He adjusted his coat, pulled his hat down, and checked his double rig. There was trouble coming, he could feel it. The dream around him sped up as he walked west, like each step forward was worth ten as the fields flashed by. The air around him cooled, the bright sun disappeared behind the towering storm clouds the farther he went west. The wind, a gentle breeze at first, picked up with a howl whipping his frock coat around him making it snap and pop. Rayek pulled the lapels closed and held them with his left hand while keeping his hat in place with the right. He trudged along not knowing where he was going or what he was walking for, only that the dream wanted him to go this way and that was where he was going.

The rain started, fat hard drops that slammed into him like rocks. Rayek let go of a curse for the rain, the road, and this idiotic dream. He bent his head low to keep from losing an eye from the rain still clutching at his coat, which grew heavy from the water, and holding his hat, which was practically flat now. Yet the bounty hunter never once stopped or turned back, west was the way and it was his only choice. Not even when the lightning struck on the side of the road just a few feet from him did Rayek think about quitting.

He didn't see the strike, only felt the surge of energy as it pulsed through him making his hair spike. The ground suddenly shook causing him to lose his balance. He stumbled for a second before turning to see the scorched road and smell the ozone on the air. The sound of a crow calling rose above the storm and Rayek dared a look up to try and find the bird while wondering how it could fly in this maelstrom. There was nothing though, not a crow or anything. It was the storm Rayek told himself, or maybe it was the dream trying to tell him something again. He wasn't sure of anything except to keep going west, keep on moving down the road.

And that's what he did.

Another strike of lightning hit sending him stumbling again as the smell of ozone over powered the rain, which was now coming down in sheets. He wasn't sure how much longer he could keep moving. Rayek had every intention of going forward no matter what, but there was a limit to his strength. And this storm was sapping him of it with every step and every move. The rain was cold, the wind was colder, and the lightning was numbing his limbs. Yet he just lowered his head and kept stepping forward. The crow called again, its shrill voice echoing above the storm once more. Rayek stopped and looked up covering his eyes. Where was this damn bird he thought, but just as before there was no crow…just water. He looked back down and up the road.

Then he saw the house, an old style with a round tower on one side and sweeping roof lines just ahead off to the south side of the road. The house wasn't there just a second ago, or so he thought. It reminded him of the Blue Mountain Ranch, what Mrs. Winnowill called a home of sophistication. There was a large porch and picture windows all along all three levels. Rayek was so focused on the home, this new piece of the puzzle that he didn't see the last lightning strike. He couldn't have seen it with all the rain coming down anyway, but he felt it hit. The world went a harsh white, so bad it blinded him instantly, as the bolt hit just a foot in front of him. There was no sound, no ozone, just nothing...

He snapped awake in his bed. Rayek looked around the dark room for a second making sure it was his room before hissing in disgust. Now there just more questions, more things to think about, and with meeting Zhantee in just a few hours that was the last thing the bounty hunter wanted…more things to think about.


She tossed and turned under the sheets. Her body trembled and shook from the Nightmare. WhiteRaven gasped and with quick breaths as her mind raced with the dream world. She was running, down dark alleys away from him, running as fast as her legs could carry her. She was dressed in her nightshirt with no knife or tomahawk.Raven made a turn to the left here and a turn to the right there. How had he found her? She had to get a way...

There was a crash, a scream of anger from behind as he gave chase.

She couldn't let him get her. No, not again...not ever again.

Then he was there, standing between her and him. John Lee standing like a wall for her to hide behind as the beast came for her. He pulled the long shiny knife from the scabbard on his back as she yelled.

"We have to run John!! My father…he's coming for me!"

"No Raven, I'll keep him off you. Now go, get to your uncle and safety while I do this." John offered looking down into her eyes.

"John!" Raven cried.

"Go Raven...it has to be this way." John offered  

There was another crash, and then she saw him. A beast, part elf and part animal, full of hate and deceit. She stepped back so utterly afraid her mind started to shut down, her heart freezing until John Lee grabbed her.

"GO DAMN IT! GO NOW RAVEN!"

"John...please...don't do this"

"Just go darlin'. I'll be okay…in the end of it all I'll be okay." John said one last time before kissing her forehead.

And then he was gone, his black coat swirling as he ran at the beast…her father. He was being the guardian angel again...maybe for the last time.

"JOHN!!!"

WhiteRaven sat up in the bed with a start. She spun left, then right and back left again looking the room over from top to bottom. She even leaned over looking under her bed to make sure there was no one under there. No beast…no father. She didn't lie back down again, only brushed a stray piece of hair out of her face and wondered just where this 'curiosity' of John Lee Pettimore came from.


His tortured mind found no rest in sleep. The pain was still there, ebbing in and out in small wave's right behind his eyes. Strongbow had gone to bed shortly after dinner to rest at the insistence of his wife and daughter. He didn't really need them to prod him along to turn in for the night. He wanted to lie down. He wanted to rest…he wanted to escape this pain in his head. He wanted to get away from the images.

But there was no escape in sleep.

Sometime in the night he woke, not in the real word but in a dream. He knew Moonshade came to bed later, after cleaning the kitchen. He felt her warm body next to his; curled up against him as he held her, but now she was gone. Strongbow looked over to see her side of the bed empty, cold and void. He sat up and noticed the room. It wasn't they way it was before…he had gone to sleep. It was grey…lifeless. Strongbow started to tense, his instinct taking over and keeping the fear at bay. Was this part of what Winnowill did to him? Was this part…of her intrusion? He wasn't sure...couldn't be sure.

He slid his feet out of the bed and when his feet touched the floor it felt…strange to him all of the sudden. He had been walking across these floors for how long and this was the first time there was the feeling like this wasn't his house. Strongbow stood up, dressed only in his sleep pants, and walked toward the door to their bedroom opening it and stepping out into the small hallway that led back to the living room. That room was the same. His chair by the fireplace looked old and worn, but also like it hadn't seen a rump in a good bit. There was a layer of dust thick enough to drag your finger through on the seat cushion. The fireplace was empty, no ash and no hearth log. He turned and saw the dining room, furniture that had seen better days and the kitchen looked like no one had been in it for quite sometime.

Check on the children!

The words burned in his mind like balls of fire. He ran back to Chitter's room, but just pushed the door open enough to peer in. When he saw the empty bed, made up, he went ahead and opened the door the rest of the way hearing the rusty un-oiled hinges scream with a loud protest. Where was his Chitter? What the hell was going on? He ran to Crescent's room flinging the door wide all ready guessing it was just like the rest of the house. When the wooden portal swung in the dust flew up from the floor and the nightstand. The bed was made, just like Chitter's, and no one had slept in it for sometime...just like Chitter's.

Strongbow stepped away from the empty room. He shuffled through the house, his bare feet scraping on the foreign wood as his mind was numb. What…what as going on? Where was his Chitter? Where was Moonshade? Where was Crescent?

Where was his precious family?

He looked down by the door and there, perfectly formed in the dust, was a footprint. It was too big for Chitter…but it was a perfect size for Crescent or even Moonshade. His heart picked up with excitement as he followed the track to the next and the next, through the door and across the yard. He didn't even notice the outside was the same lifeless grey, that there was no breeze and no sun…it was all...lifeless.

He saw nothing but the footprints. Strongbow only followed the tracks right out to the paddock. He looked over the wooden gate into the open training area where the tracks kept going. The circle of the pen was empty, but just before the barn door he saw the one who made the tracks. He saw the back of Crescent, just caught sight of her in a blue velveteen shirt stepping through a wall of darkness at the barn's entrance. Then she was gone, lost from his sight. All at once a sense of dread so deep, like the world opening up beneath him, grabbed at his heart. He had to save Crescent. She was in danger!

"Cresc-"He started to scream before his voice gave out suddenly and he coughed.

The horse whisperer just jumped over the gate and ran all out for the barn, for his beloved daughter. He sprinted with all his might pumping his legs as hard as he could…but the barn never came close. It stayed out of reach, stayed just far enough away that he kept running all out for it, for his Crescent. Strongbow tried to scream for her, but his voice was gone, there wasn't even a squeak from his throat.

And then it was all gone, the barn…Crescent…everything. It all just disappeared as he fell through the dark trying to scream, but the only sound was a lone droning voice.

"The Bear does not protect you..."

The horse whisperer sat bolt up and turned instantly to Moonshade who sat up with him.

"What, what's wrong my love?" She cried.

He shook his head. He couldn't speak. He was too overwhelmed with just the fact she was alive to speak. Strongbow touched her face, rubbed it gently as she looked back in fear.

"What's wrong Strongbow?" She cried again taking one of his hands in hers.

Then he remembered Crescent...and Chitter. He spun leaping from the bed and running for the door on bare feet. Moonshade yelped and raced to keep up, but she wasn't able to match the power of her husband, or the fear that drove him. She found her husband by Chitter's door, just past Crescent's, both open. She trotted up and looked in on her sleeping children, both snuggled up under blankets. Moonshade closed both doors quietly as her husband staggered over to his chair by the fireplace. She could hear him, mumbling over and over.

"What's happening to me?"

Moonshade walked over on quiet feet and took him in her arms. She was tired of feeling helpless, of feeling like a leaf tossed in the wind. Her husband needed her, needed help, and from just one person she could think of.

And now on with the next piece written by me, WhiteGhost, Day 8 promises to be a busy day, but here's an Interlude to hold you over...



It was the distant rumble of thunder that awakened him, like the rumble of a thousand unseen hooves. He lingered in the space between waking and true sleep, pondering the fragments of the dream he just had.

He knew it was a dream in the way you just do, that strange sense of oddity, of being there-but-not, with the naggingly persistant notion that however real the things you saw were, you were really lying in a bed somewhere.

He knew his name was Moriarty Black- not his real name, but one picked up over the years, worn like a comforable coat, removed at will. He was standing in the early morning sunlight, his shadow streching dark before him, reaching to the infinte horizon, a line broken by the distant craggy shapes of high stone mesas, red as blood in the ruddy sunlight.

He glanced back over his left shoulder to see the sun, a perfect circle looming in the sky, huge- bigger then it should ever be- washing everything with a reddish-gold light.

He raised his hand- he was dressed he noiced, not in his bedclothes or stage finery but a simple servicable outfit. No hat, no gloves to protect his fagile skin. He remembered smiling: the strange light painted his hand and lent it a healthy glow. His shadow raised its hand, disapearing in the long grass.

The air was hot and still: no birds sang, no insects chirped or whirred nearby. That too was strange.

Then the wind came up, a dry rustle against that empty vast land, and in the distance, in the west a creeping darkness- not night, he knew though that too was close by, but stormclouds. And the wind did not sound like the wind should... not quite: there was a monosyllabic chant underlaying it, barely audible.

Huututuuu Huututuuu Huututuu.

It reminded him of a mournful owl. And then the thought: Owls were the sprits of the dead, roaming the earth in darkness. He wondered idly where that thought came from and dismissed it as from a book...

There was a sudden snort and breathing- quiet, but loud in the uncanny silence. He stepped back and turned: beside him, walking on the right was a white buffalo. One large eye rolled to look at him as it- she- passed, ruby red as his own. It made no other motion, no sign it sensed his presence and just kept walking, the dry bleached grass rubbing against the thick gnarled fur on belly and flanks. It was not an old buffalo- older then a calf, but not yet fully grown. He watched her diminish in the distance, heading toward the gathering storm in the west, walking a path only she saw...

The thunder rumbled again, the sound echoing through the empty house, making the window panes sing. Moriarty half rose, one elbow proping his weight upon the down pillows as he looked into the gloom that was his bedchamber. He mised the suble doggy presence of Greedy, but the old near-wolf was off with his neice and she needed him the more. He fingered the edge of the old buffalo robe laid out over the bedspread thoughtfully, pale fingers bright against the dark fur.

He'd spent a good many years traveling before settling to raise his neice and run the show, had seen enough buffalo to darken the prairie like a living inkblot- brown dark enough to be almost black, to bleached tan, even to a bright cinnamon... but never a white one.

He shivered and drew the robe up closer. It seemed he was always cold now, ever since that night and the fight in the parlour....

Moriarty glanced at the neatly folded telegram, laying on the end table in the latest book he was reading to mark the page.

He touched the cool binding.

"Come when the horse was broken, she sent." He murmured to himself. "Perhaps I should like to see the horse before it is tamed. The railway is built a good way now, and coaches run the rest- I could be there in a few days." He mused softly. "I would just have to pack and shut the house up."

He smiled then and curled on his side, coverlets up to his chin, white hair spilling over the pillows. "...Perhaps I will..."

it's time to start a new days kiddies, written by me, WiseShaman! Yes, it is now Day 8 and the small town of Two-Moons and its residents wake to a sunny morning...



The house was quiet this morning as the sun rose just above the Pines and Furs that surrounded the ranch. Joyleaf grimaced with each step down the staircase but smiled happily when she reached the bottom. Her rump was still sore and probably would be for the next few days limiting her riding and activity around the house. She didn't mind as Bearclaw was more than willing to help out, which should have made her happy but actually scared her. The old devil wasn't known for his patience, hell he almost shot the two tomcats that kept the rats out of the barn for howling one night. She could only imagine what would happen if something come up for the show, some unexpected little issue that needed special attention. The only thing going for the Pistoleer was the fact everyone knew about his temper and would probably send him a telegram instead of showing up them selves, poor Beans Joyleaf thought with a giggle.

She limped through the foyer dressed in her robe and to the back of the house and the kitchen intent on getting her hand on a glass of water. Joyleaf hobbled over to the cabinet and was about to reach for it when the door to the mud room opened and she heard her devil exclaiming.

"What are you doing up?"

"I'm not gonna lie around all day Bearclaw and let you take care of me. I have to make sure all the acts are set for the show this spring and make sure the tents in town are in shape. We have to make sure all the props are ready, the horses-"Joyleaf remarked with a shake of her head.

"All right," Bearclaw snapped with a growl, "I was just trying to make sure you don't hurt yourself worse. Here, drink this milk, its cold."

Joyleaf took the cold bottle from her husband feeling the wet glass and licking her lips in anticipation of the contents. "Is this one of the bottles from the well?"

"Yep, I replaced it with the one Neill got this morning from old Bessie!" Bearclaw winked.

The milk from the glass poured slow and smooth into her glass and it felt just the same as she drank it. Joyleaf sighed with satisfaction before speaking up at the mention of the ranch hands name. "Did you pay Neill and Chesney?"

The two ranch hands were more like caretakers for them Joyleaf thought. They tended the ranch, including the two milking cows and the small herd of horses they raised along with keeping the place up while they were out with the show. It was a full time job which didn't go unnoticed by them. They paid both men more than a fair wage and made sure they're families were taken care of.

"Yep, just got finished." Bearclaw said taking the glass out of her hand and drinking down the rest of the milk.

Joyleaf laughed and snatched the glass back pouring more of the milk into it while speaking. "You better wake up Cutter if you two are going to ride out and check out the fence in the north forty."

"Damn, I was hoping you forgot about that."

"So you want Neill and Chesney to look into it instead?"

Bearclaw leaned in close with that grin that made her legs weak. "I was thinking about staying in bed with you all morning."

She leaned back, her cheek brushing against his beard as she whispered into his ear. "The faster you fix that fence the more time you can spend with men...in bed."

With a sudden snap Bearclaw jumped back and clapped his hands together. "That old fence is as good as fixed! Hell, I might just put a new in!"

Joyleaf laughed as he trotted off heading for her son's room. The old devil just might put up a new fence for her. Cutter's room was on the main level of the house, an add-on when he wanted his own space…from his father so many years ago. They gladly let him build it, and he did a damn good job, if it kept the peace. They turned his old room upstairs into her new office while the downstairs study became a small library. Bearclaw moved down the hall quickly and stepped into his son's room without a knock ready to scream at the top of his lungs for the young man to get up.

Only the sight stopped him dead cold with lungs full of air...

Cutter was on his back with the bed sheet in lying between his legs covering his waist and nothing else. But there was also a brown leg wrapped around his leg on top of the sheet and the brown leg was attached to a shapely hip which was attached to a sleeping Leetah who lay in the crook of Cutter's arm. Bearclaw closed his mouth and stepped back out the room quickly leaving the two slumbering lovers alone…and mercifully still asleep. He walked as softly as his boots would allow back up the hall into the kitchen where his wife got a little concerned at the look on his face.

"What is it? Is something wrong with Cutter?"

Bearclaw put his finger to his lips and waved at her with his hand before speaking. "Quiet or you'll wake them!"

"Them?" Joyleaf answered back with eyes as big as silver dollars.

"Yes, 'them'. Cutter didn't come home alone last night." Bearclaw whispered taking her hand.

"Oh my," Joyleaf gasped being led out of the kitchen, "is it Rose?"

"No...it's Leetah." Bearclaw grinned.

"They're the same elf you old devil!" Joyleaf giggled slapping her husband's shoulder.

"Well all three are in the room asleep so let's just leave em' alone."

The pair crept back to the staircase where Bearclaw left her starting for the front door. Joyleaf wasn't ready to be alone though and yanked him back whispering. "Where are you going?"

The Pistoleer looked confused and frustrated as he whispered. "I'm gonna go fix the fence you said needed my attention!"

"Forget the fence and help me get up these stairs you old devil!" Joyleaf shot back with another giggle while wrapping her arms around her husband's neck.

"Damn woman! Make up your mind!" Bearclaw laughed picking her up in his arms causing her to wince a bit.

"You get me up these stairs without waking those two and we can worry about the fence another morning."

Bearclaw carried his wife as gently as possible while stepping as easily as he could, gliding over the fourth step which was loose and squeaked like hell. They laughed once at the top as he carried his wife into their bedroom, reveling in the feeling of love they felt for their son.


"Where's mother?"

The whispered question from Redlance made Longbranch smile a little as he stood at the top of the stairs in the small apartment. The Native had always been like a son to them, he and his wife, ever since he stumbled into the restaurant that morning and now with the wedding just around the corner it'd be official. The lawyer waited the stairs edge getting set for the pain of trying to walk down the steps with a hole in his leg, but then sighed gladly accepting the help from his son. The tracker put an arm around Longbranch's waist as the lawyer put his arm over Redlance's shoulder and both started down to the kitchen for the new day.

"She's still sleeping in bed. She needed the rest after worrying herself damn near to death because of me." The lawyer answered.

"Mother loves you very much and she's strong. To ask her not to worry would be a greater burden."

"Yeah," Longbranch said grimacing from a hit of pain, "but I don't need to scare her like that. Say, where's Nightfall?"

"Sleeping in just like Mother...she may have worried too much too!" Redlance laughed as they reached the floor finally.

The lawyer laughed a bit before giving his son a hug and then limping to the large island table in the center of the kitchen. He reached under the counter and pulled out three ledgers opening each to specific pages with the date for the past day. He took the paper Brownberry gave him and began to write in the ledgers amounts for the daily receipts and in the others what was taken out of inventory. Redlance took to starting up the fire in the two stoves and oven. As soon as the fire was going he tossed in the large logs to ensure a steady heat for cooking, but then a knock at the back door took the tracker by surprise.

"Who's that?"

"That would be Roff and Trof with the delivery of ice for the cold boxes." Longbranch answered writing an entry into the ledger.

"I'll get it." Redlance said walking over and unlocking the door.

Roff was probably the plumpest elf the tracker had ever seen. The one-half owner of the ice company was just a little shorter then he was and quite rounder as he stood on the stoop. "Morning, got your ice here."

"Morning," Trof offered with a small nod. He was thinner then Roff Redlance noted and bundled up for winter.

"All right, I'll give you a hand."  

"That'd be much appreciated." Roff smiled with big old dimples popping up in his chubby cheeks.

"Mightily appreciated" Trof added.

The three got the first large block in and set in the bottom of the first cold box just as Shale appeared on the stoop. "Glad I'm not the only one up early!"

"Morning Shale, what are you up to?" Longbranch asked looking up from the ledgers finally.

"I just wanted to see if you needed some more help…and it looks like you do."

Redlance only smiled thinking Roff and Trof were not the most agile of elves. With the four working together they got the last two blocks in and Redlance signed for the order. Just as he closed the back door he heard footsteps coming from the stairs and the tracker could tell Brownberry and Nightfall were up now. Redlance barely got the signed receipt for the ice to Longbranch before both were on them.

"Why'd you let me sleep in like that?" Brownberry exclaimed walking over and kissing her husband's cheek.

"You looked too peaceful to wake." Longbranch smiled

"Well it won't be peaceful if we're late opening the doors. Do we have biscuit dough ready? Are the eggs and cold milk out?" Brownberry asked, her voice sounding like a general directing a squad in battle.

"We got it all out Mama." Nightfall reassured her after giving Redlance a quick kiss.

"Are you here to help out again Shale?" Brownberry asked giving a quick wink to Longbranch.

"Yes ma'am!" He nodded enthusiastically.

"Well, where's Eyes High? We can use her too probably."

The bell on the front door ran signaling someone had just walked in and it caused Shale to smile a little wider. "I think she just came in with Foxfur and maybe Skywise."

And just like that the door to the dining room swung open and Eyes High appeared with Foxfur in tow. She spotted her husband and moved over to him quickly. "Don't slip off like that again...you scared me to death."

Shale felt a touch of guilt at the bit of fear in his wife's eyes. The harsh life they went through over in Djunsland wasn't so easily forgotten he realized taking her hand in his and whispering lovingly. "I'm sorry...it won't happen again."

"It's all right," she whispered back squeezing his hand before turning to Brownberry, "can we help out again?"

"Sure, if you can make the biscuits while Nightfall and I start getting the roasts ready for the dinner tonight that would be very helpful." Brownberry remarked tying on an apron.

"We can make some mean biscuits now Mrs. Brownberry!" Shale laughed putting on an apron.

"Where's the Captain Foxfur?" Nightfall asked reaching into one the three cold boxes and grabbing three large paper bundles.

"He's sleeping like a log...with a buzz saw snore!" Foxfur laughed while tying on her apron.

They all joined in on the laugh then turned to finishing up the work of getting ready for the breakfast crowd. Shale and Eyes High made a stack of biscuits while Brownberry and Nightfall put the roast in the oven to slow cook for the day. Longbranch finished up the books and turned to Redlance holding a large pouch.

"Can you run by the bank son and deposit last night's till?"

"I'll be the first in line." The tracker smiled tucking the pouch away before going back to work. The lawyer gave him a quick pat on the back then went to making the coffee.


Olbar had the horse saddled and ready before Winnowill stepped into the barn and it still wasn't enough to draw a 'Thank You' from her for him. She simply stepped into the stirrup and into the saddle ignoring the foreman. With a hard kick she sent her horse into a gallop right out of the stable leaving an agitated Olbar with the flying dust. He took off his hat, swatted his leg, and used a word usually reserved for lesser ladies of the prairie.

Out on the plains Winnowill pushed the Arabian on. Faster and faster she rode, as if she was fleeing some evil force, but that wasn't what the proprietress of The Blue Mountain Ranch was doing. She was shedding all the extraneous and unnecessary in her soul, flying away from what surrounded and crowded her. Worry about the horse whisperer's health…fear for the dreams that haunted her...confusion about her husband and his new 'attention'.

It all fell away under the thundering hoofs of the Arabian. All the emotion disappeared with each long gait of the horse. There was just her and the rising sun that painted the grass of the plains red gold. The Arabian raced as Winnowill felt the release and both rider and mount melded into one flying across the plains at breakneck speeds until finally they stopped. The proprietress guided the horse up a small hill and then pulled the Arabian to a hard stop at the top...a spot she frequented to think. Winnowill hopped down from the saddle dropping the reins while stepping away from her horse. Out in front, looking east into the sun rise was the open prairie spread out like an extravagant oil painting below her. It looked seductive, inviting, with the swaying grass in the morning wind...and she wanted none of it.

Just a single question echoed in her head that refused to go away.

What now? What now?

She closed her eyes concentrating on clearing her mind like the Mother of Memory taught her. She thought of nothing as the wind touched her face and blew her long black hair out in a shiny sheet. She was void of thought...nothing-  

"Was it what you thought it would be?"

Winnowill whirled and saw a tall thin man dressed in buckskins like a Native from the hills just outside of town a few feet away. He wore a large hat with a wilted brim that seemed to hang and flop around his head as he stood and looked at her.

"Who are you?" Winnowill demanded taking a step forward. If she were scared by the stranger's sudden appearance she didn't show it.

The man only smiled and stepped forward him self, forward toward the horse. The proprietress watched him move, his long graceful steps reminding her of a dancer from a show back east, toward her Arabian. He was in for a rude shock she thought, her horse didn't take to strangers. No, only Olbar and her husband could draw near the feisty stallion…and now some Native stranger. Winnowill's mouth fell open as the man reached out and took the Arabian's bridle in one hand while petting his nose with the other.

That's when she saw the burn scars on his hand...

That's when she saw the pointed ears tucked under the hat...

That's when she felt the presence of something older then she could imagine...

"Who are you?" She whispered, pleading with the stranger.

The elf only smiled and Winnowill saw the burn scars on the right side of his head, how it was void of the long white hair the flowed likes liquid silver down his back on the left side. "When you freed it, was it what you thought it would be?"

"No...it was...pain."

The elf shook his head while petting the Arabian and speaking in a tone that sounded like music on the morning wind. "Would you have opened the door still, knowing the pain it caused the poor soul? Would you have gone through with it still?"

"Yes...we were more...so much more..." Winnowill replied quickly.

"We were?" The elf stated with a confused look. He stopped petting the Arabian for a second and the horse nudged at his hand for him to continue. "I remember needing the help of the humans to live. I remember without the help of the shamans the elves would have succumbed to the Ancient Powers."

"What?" Winnowill gasped in shock stepping back. "Humans...were helping us...to survive?"

"Is it so hard to believe Winnowill that humans came to our aid?"

The question from the elf was tossed aside before it was finished as Winnowill suddenly realized who he was…or what he was. "Are you...a 'Firstcomer'?"

He smiled and she saw his eyes, really saw them now and the age that was there. She took a step forward wanting to touch him, wanting to make sure this was no dream or delusion, but Winnowill was to be denied.

"I am…special. I will see you and the others soon Winnowill. I wish to meet you, these 'Seekers'. You intrigue me."

"You can not leave! I have so ma-"

"No Winnowill, the time is not right to answer more questions...now wake!"

The command made her open her eyes with a start. She was still standing on the hill, the wind was still blowing over the high grass past her whipping her hair, and her horse was still just a step or two away eating on grass. It was just like it was before she closed her eyes…only the elf was gone now.

She looked around for him but Winnowill knew he had never really been there on the hill with her. She understood on some level he was just in her head. He simply stopped by…to see her for a minute.


The bucket of stoneware clay was heavy and Zhantee was extremely careful with every ounce of it as he stepped into his small workshop leaving the door open. He had just enough fixings to make the mix correct, perfect for the dinner mugs he was being asked to make. The sun was rising behind him, just over his shoulder and he felt a little vigor in his step this morning. He placed the bucket by his potter's wheel and turned to get a second bucket of water when he stopped.

There was a shadow in the door silhouetted by the sun. A shadow he recognized…and had not seen in a long time.

"Rayek?" He stammered in Spanish.

The shadow stepped in past the door, the sun now blocked by him. "Si amigo, it is I."

Zhantee laughed and smiled at the sight of his old friend. "Leetah was right…you have come home."

"No amigo...my home is not here anymore." Rayek countered sadly.

The air in the shop grew cold and crisp as Zhantee became confused. He had both wished and dreaded the day his dear friend would return to the Hidalgo. He knew Rayek would be changed, by everything. It only remained to see how much change had occurred. At the present moment it seemed quite a lot to Zhantee.

"Please Rayek...do not bring the past with you to this moment."

"I must Zhantee. I have no other choice in this now." Rayek spoke low stepping close to his old friend.

The potter lowered his head, whispered, feeling lost…confused. "Then you have come looking for Senor Sun Toucher?"

"No amigo," Rayek said resting his hand on his colt, "I have come to speak with you."

"Me?" Zhantee cried.

"Si...I need to know what part you played in my father's death."

The temperature dropped just a little farther. The air grew just a little crisper to the potter as he was seriously confused by his old friend now.

And now on with the next piece written by WhiteGhost, Day 8 promises to be a busy day!




Moriarty dressed quickly, rushing through breakfast and his morning routine. Shortly thereafter he was out the door hat perched jauntily on his head, his heavy cane- ebony with a silver wolf's head- swinging. He'd set out a list for the cook & the pretty young scullery maid, of things to be laid out, and others to be put away. He had already locked up the legers & accounting books for the show, in the small safe hidden in the bowels of the brownstone.

He visited the bank first then set about paying off and picking up debts owed and debts payed around town. Next he visited the theatre- their show wasnt performing anymore but it was rented out to another troupe. He used his key and slipped through the back, unseen. He moved into the small office and grinned, surprising Samuel the Strongman, a member of his show, big & brawny. He was able to bend a solid steel bar and lift a sitting girl with one hand. Other people might have thought him a brute but it was Samuel that had taken charge during Moriarty's long recovery.

The surprise at seeing him there wore off after a moment and the men exchanged pleasentries. Then the elf cut to the chase.

"I'm taking a trip, Sam, out west." He paused for a moment. "I need to get out of the city, a change of scenery- something different."

"Sure, I understand," Samuel grinned at the albino, an expression that lit up the burly man's face, lifting his elegantly curled & waxed mustachios. "We expected you would be going, once you were well enough. You stayed longer then we thought."

Moriarty knew his 'we' included the cast and crew of their show and smiled. "You know me too well old friend. I'm taking the afternoon train... I know, it is rather sudden but it seems like the right thing to do." He unhitched his ring of keys and slid a smaller ring from it, metal jangling, a sharp bright sound. "I don't really want to leave the house empty, nor lay off the servants. Your daughter is coming from boardingschool soon and with the two little ones you're running out of rooms." He looked down briefly and gave a small shrug. "I thought- had hoped- perhaps you could find a use for it while I was gone."

Sam tilted his head, watching the elf. "You're worried for her, aren't you."

Moriarty closed his red eyes. "Yes."

Sam stood, pushing his chair back, harsh on the worn floorboards.

"Everything will be waiting for you my friend. Good Journey." He held out his meaty hand.

The slender elf took it. "Thank you Sam. I appreciate all you've done for us- for me." He laid the larger ring on the paper strewn desk and tucked the smaller away. "I need your help though. I don't want to be seen leaving, not after everything thats happened. I have an idea."

Sam leaned close over the desk as the albino explained his plan. A minute later he sat back, chortling. "I can arrange everthing- just be waiting and ready."

The elf stood and turned to leave, smiling.

Samuel's voice caught him before he could step over the threshold into the darkened hall. "If you run into some of those fancy indian weapons, ship 'em back would you? We can always use more props!"

Moriarty chuckled. "I'll do that!"

The pale elf looked down at the items he had spread across his bed and grinned. He knew there was a chance -even after all this time- he could be watched and he didn't want to bring any more trouble down, not on his friends or on himself. He closed his door and shucked off his waistcoat then his shirt and picked up one of the pieces on the bed. "They won't be expecting this!" He murmured almost gleefully.

A little after noon a cab pulled up out front of the brownstone and burly Samuel and a slender lady dressed in black stepped out, trotted up the steps into the house and disapered inside.

"Wait for us," Sam told the driver, lingering behind a moment and slipped him a bit of coin. "We won't be long."

And they weren't. Not quite ten minutes passed before the big man and the lady returned. He helped her into the coach then looked up at the driver. "Trainyards please, my good man." He chuckled and rubbed meaty fingers along his mustache. "We had to deliver a gift to a friend."

"Of course, sir!" The driver said smartly and turned the horses into the street, ironshod hooves clatterng on the cobbles.  

Sam carefully led the black-clad lady to the conductor, his arm around hers. "Sir?"

"Yessir?" The conductor smiled and touched the rim of his hat. "Ma'am."

"This is my mother, sir, traveling west for her health- her doctors recomend the prairie air. Business prevents me from acompaning with her- I hate to impose on you but I would be most grateful if she didn't want for anything on the way."

"It would be my great pleasure!" The conductor exclaimed, still smiling. He stepped back a moment to let mother and son have a private farewell.

Sam bent close as if to kiss her chastely on the forehead. "Have a wonderful trip Mother- and don't forget what I said about the indians."

A lace edged fan came up. "Be well Son. And thank you." The 'old mother' winked.

Sam stepped back as the train whistle blew. The conductor moved closer and held out a gloved hand. "Madame- if you would come with me? I'll show you to your seat."

A moment later as the train chuffed and jerked, billowing clouds of sooty smoke the conductor looked back to the large man standing alone on the platform, wondering how such a slim woman had such a large son.

"Must have been a hellluva push." He muttered, grinning, then moved off on his rounds.

And now on with the next piece written by me, Wiseshaman, Rayek and Zhantee have a talk, John and Mr. Clayton as well, and someone is going to meet the parents...



The sound of the birds screeching through the trees woke him from his sleep. John Lee sat up from his bed roll to see Mr. Clayton adding twigs and small limbs to refuel the low camp fire. He saw the cast iron skillet sitting on the rocks heating beans, salt back, and one giant drop biscuit. The smell of the fire and the cooking salt back made John's stomach grumble and he wished again he had returned to town last night. Of course that wasn't the case. He had to meet with Mr. Clayton and decide on a path to take with Kaiya and her 'plans' for Djunsland. Her need for the gold, so she could take control of Djunsland, was something he and the man mountain had to keep in the front of their minds. She was a wild card, an impatient pain in the neck that could derail the whole plan.

And then there was Raven...

"Stiff?" A deep baritone of a voice spoke.

"I haven't spent a night on the ground in a while. I just remembered it's not as nice as a bed at a boarding house." John replied standing up and dusting off his pants.

The small camp went silent except for the crackle of the fire and the noises of the surrounding woods, birds and other animals waking with the morning sun. John walked over to his horse and took off his shirt and undershirt stripping to his bare white skin. He had a few minutes before the sun got too high and the opportunity to change into fresh clothes was lost to the fire ball. He didn't see Clayton behind him stare at his back, at the long crisscrosses of scar tissue left from the leather whip of his mother or the two round divots just an inch from dead center of his spine courtesy of a doctor who had no reservation with removing the slugs at a late hour and asked no questions where they came from.

John pulled on a fresh undershirt and looked to his left. He wondered if she left a visible trail, something a trained tracker could follow. Raven was good but she was no Native able to disappear into these hills. There were enough men out here in this country that would track a person, an elf, down for nothing more than a dollar, men who could be bought by an impatient lady to track down a certain white maiden who was seen as a 'distraction'. And then who knows what would happen.

"I think the pale lady was right." The deep voice boomed.

This time it was John's turn to be quiet. He tucked his shirt in getting the gig line straight with belt, just a small bit that was his attention to detail. The deep voice kept speaking as Mr. Clayton checked on his skillet.

"The Djun lady…she's gonna squeeze you until she gets what she wants."

John pulled on his suspenders checking the fit before grabbing his vest off the saddle and speaking. "And she doesn't hide what she wants very well."

"The pale one thinks the people in the town will get hurt if you don't give in."

The albino started to think of the elves in town as he buttoned his vest, Ahdri and Rainsong and the others. He thought of Raven and the one with the long dark hair in the restaurant. What if it came to bloodshed? What if it came to him using his 'talents'? Could he go against the men of the Railroad if it came to it?

"It won't come to that Mr. Clayton." John remarked after the last button snapped home.

The giant shrugged before he scooped a spoonful of beans out of the skillet and ate the steaming legumes with a large bite. He swallowed then spoke, small wisps of smoke escaping his mouth in puffs with each word.

"I don't like elves. They're too…pretty sometimes. I like the pale one though...she isn't like the others. She seems...like us."

"Really, and what made you come to this conclusion my enormous colleague?"  

Clayton picked up the large biscuit and took a bite of it ignoring the heat coming off it and swallowed before answering. "She left me peppermint."

"Do tell...you know she only does that for the men she likes...a lot!" John remarked with a wink sitting down by the fire and pulling a strip of salted beef from a pouch in his hand.

Clayton's eyebrows furrowed at the remark as he spoke. "She doesn't like me that way…does she?"

John laughed taking a bite of his beef jerky as Clayton shrugged off the comment and stuffed two large strips of smoking bacon into his mouth.

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The small workshop was a refuge for Zhantee. He could come in here, turn the clay on his wheel making anything he wanted, and lose all his thoughts in the task. This morning though, standing a few feet from his childhood friend who was now accusing him of some horrible part in a loved one's death, the shop was cold.

So very cold...

"Why do you think I had something to do with your Padre's death?" Zhantee asked in Spanish, the stammer gone.

"Because amigo," Rayek spoke calmly walking forward but keeping himself between his friend and the door, "you arrived at the barn the night my father died before I did. Because one morning you took a parcel of money to a man out on the prairie, the man who took those five white Arabians somewhere."

Zhantee was lost again. Parcel of money, to some human? A human who took the five white Arabians? He shook his head slowly trying to focus. "What are you speaking of Rayek? I have never taken money to a man on the prairie?"

"Si, you did amigo. The man is dead now, his body no more then ash floating across the prairie. He told someone close that he met with you, that he was given money to keep quiet about the horse thievery from you."

The potter just shook his head still confused and lost. He didn't remember delivering any money to a man out on the pr-. Zhantee's thought was cut short as Rayek suddenly stepped forward with quick strides and was towering over him. The move scared the potter causing Zhantee to collapse onto the chair by his wheel.

"Are you protecting the ones who killed my father?" Rayek snapped loud. He hoped the sudden confrontation would jar the potter into talking

"What? No...I am not protecting anyone Rayek, I promise!"

"Then tell me who gave you the money for Senor Dave? Who gave you the parcel to deliver?" Rayek snapped again, trying to force his old friend to talk.

Then a voice called from the door, a voice that Rayek hadn't heard in a long time and one he never wanted to hear again. He recognized it instantly and it set his all ready sour mood to sinking.

"He is not hiding anything from you…El Gato Negro."

The name was nothing short of a pure insult to Rayek. Years ago when they were young Toorah had an old black cat that hung around the main house with one eye and three legs. It couldn't do anything but sleep, eat, and use the bathroom…all in a very uncivil disposition. The cat wanted no love, no contact, and would claw anything coming close except for Toorah. Leetah had called Rayek the name for the cat once when he was in a dark mood, like the one this morning. Toorah loved that maimed animal…and Thiro knew Rayek hated being called its name. The Bounty Hunter turned slow, so much so his boot creaked on the wood floor, and his Right hand rested on the handle of his Colt. Zhantee had to remind himself to breath as the confrontation continued.

"I see you still have not caught Leetah…maybe if you stopped acting like her hermana and more like a gaucho she would have come to you by now." Rayek fired back coldly.

The potter almost fell off his chair at the remark. He remembered that hot afternoon long ago when Leetah had teased Thiro by saying he was just like Shenshen, always acting prim and proper and sweet. She even offered to do his hair. It was all Rayek needed to counter the cat's name. All he needed to draw Thiro's blood in a verbal fight. It was just like he woke up thirty years ago and the two boys were still fighting out behind the horse paddock over the hidalgo princess, only now there were guns involved, cause he just spotted the large revolver on Thiro's hip…and the gaucho's hand by it. Zhantee jumped to his feet and stumbled between the two trying to calm them…and also trying to stay out of the way if guns were drawn.

"PLEASE...do not shoot each other in my shop…I can not stand the sight of blood!"

Rayek turned slightly, enough to look at the Potter and keep Thiro in plain sight. "You still have not grown a stomach, eh amigo?"

"Some things never change," Thiro added with his hand still by the large revolver.

"No…they do not hermana." Rayek hissed stabbing at Thiro.

The shop was a cold box now as Zhantee wondered how he could get the two to go outside and shoot each other, but then Thiro made the decision easy.

"Zhantee is telling you the truth Rayek…he doesn't remember delivering a parcel."

"So I was lied to?"

"No," Thiro laughed coldly, "Zhantee really does not remember."

Then it hit the potter, one rare afternoon when he left the Hidalgo because Thiro had asked him too. Zhantee shook his head as the memory popped up, a miracle since he was so damn scared at the moment. He had ridden to the edge of the fields as the sun began to slip below the horizon, right up to where the Rancho met the open prairie, to a rendezvous with a single rider. A human who looked rather disgusting and smelled-

"Un puerco maloliente gordo (A fat smelly pig)."

The sudden memory and remark was enough to cool things down…just a bit as Rayek spoke. "That sounds like Senor Dave."  

"But I did not know I was giving him money." Zhantee confessed nervously.

"And you were not supposed to amigo…you never were." Thiro assured his friend.

"But why were you paying Senor Dave, the man who killed my father, any money at all Thiro? Why do you know about the money?" Rayek asked.

"That, El Gato Negro, is a question you should ask of the elf that paid Senor Dave."

Rayek gave a small nod then started for the door as Zhantee wailed. "Who paid what to who?"

"I will not let you hurt him Rayek. I will never allow that." Thiro demanded as the Bounty Hunter reached the door to the workshop.

"You are more than welcomed to try and stop me Thiro…but I will not be denied."

Then both stepped out the door with Zhantee running up from behind calling out. "Who are you going to talk too?"

"Senor Sun Toucher!"

Zhantee's chin practically hit the ground. Oh, now there was a tremendous chance someone was going to get shot. He ran after the pair closing the door to shop with a slam.

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"Irralee, it's time to get up."

She stirred under the worn blanket not wanting to get up but understanding that wasn't a choice. She had had to get up and get ready for the day…no matter how much she didn't want to. Irralee opened her eyes, one green and the other reddish-brown, to see her guardian standing over her, Foam's shoulder length red hair shaping a beautiful face. Even in the dim light of the room, a small space that barely had enough room for the bed let alone her or any possessions, she could tell the older elf was concerned.

"What is it?"

"Brom wants to see you as soon as possible…it's about what happened last night." Foam explained stepping away from the bed.


Irralee slid out from under the blanket and started getting dressed while speaking. "I guess he heard I had to use the tunnel last night."

"That and other things," Foam replied helping to brush Irralee's grey and red hair.

That meant the money, or more to the point how she got the money. Brom didn't approve of 'blankets' or the practice, but there wasn't much choice for the WaveDancer marked as a Maquis to make money so they did it without his permission. With Grohml Djun keeping the special police out and keeping tabs on them all there was no choice. It was do what had to be done or starve.

"How much did Larkin give you last night? Will it be enough to buy some things?" Foam asked with a sigh.

Irralee walked over and hidden under the small pillow she slept on was a bag. She handed it to Foam with a smile. She knew her elder hated asking for the money, the mere mention of it making her upset, but Foam also had to ask. There were others who needed the money and what it could buy for them.

"He gave me double what he offered."

"Irralee…did you?" Foam asked shocked and scared.

"No," the WaveDancer said shaking her head quickly, "Larkin just felt generous. We only talked Foam, nothing more…just talked and lay in his bed. I kept him warm is all, I promise."

The elder WaveDancer nodded feeling secure with Irralee's answer, trusting her. Foam counted the money, tucked it back into the bag, and handed it back. "You can give that to Burdekin. It may quiet Brom…some."

"Some." Irralee remarked with a large smile.

Foam gave her a pat and then left to get their things for the walk to the main house where they all met, the Maquis. When she left Irralee looked back at the bed with a little angst, and curiosity. She was in the middle of a strange dream before Foam woke her, the kind of strange that you find hard to forget. There was this road, a dirt one that she couldn't walk away from except to head east into a strong storm.

So she headed east…until she saw a tall Mansion by the side of the road…then Foam work her.

"Come on Irralee…we're leaving!" Puffer yelled up from downstairs.

She stuffed the bag on the inside of her shirt and headed out the room not eager to meet with Brom…or Jormak.

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The small buggy didn't bounce much and that was a definite blessing. The pillow Joyleaf sat on also helped a lot. She hadn't planned on leaving the house today, but Leetah was quite insistent that she and Bearclaw meet her parents along with Cutter. It was almost like there was no choice, and after her husband discovered them in bed there might not be one. Did it bother her that they didn't wait to get married? No, she knew things had changed after the War. Before there seemed to be time to follow the protocol of courting, to show respect to the parents and the family of a betrothed. But now with the War over most knew time was something granted and not given. Life was short and love too precious to wait to share…to experience. Yes, she waited with Bearclaw as did Moonshade with Strongbow and Brownberry with Longbranch...but now it seemed unnecessary. Nightfall had shared herself with Redlance, Skywise with any willing female, and now her son with Leetah. It was all in love, and in the end that is what counted.  

It was a different time…and a different approach to life.

Joyleaf looked up from under her hat and laughed as her son pulled at the wire tie once more, as if the small piece of cloth was a full noose. Her husband shook his head and yelled out.

"Stop pulling at it!"

"I'm sorry Leetah. I want to make a good impression with your folks, but this damn thing may choke me to death before we get where we're going." Cutter apologized ignoring his father's jest.

"It is fine mi amore. And you will impress mis padres, do not worry so." Leetah offered with a bright smile.

"Si, it will be fine." Shenshen offered also.

Cutter smiled back noting the dress Leetah wore, a solid green top and brown skirt, made her look unbelievably beautiful. He wore black suit pants and a frock coat over a white wingtip shirt and his old Calvary hat, the one thing he refused to update. Of course his mother wore a yellow and white dress and his father chose his usual attire or black pants and a waist coat with his sash. It would all be okay he thought.

"Yep, it'll be as fine as this morning...I can feel it."

Leetah and Shenshen just smiled more riding along as his father called out from the buggy. "We got our guns son so what's the worse that could happen."

There was that Cutter thought with a nod, but he wondered if they really needed them.

And now on with the next piece written by me, Wiseshaman, it's where it all goes down at the Rancho, Crescent goes to town, Redlance and Skywise get company, and Winnowill gets a present...



She rode in and left off her Arabian with Olbar in a hurry. Winnowill didn't offer a thank you to the foreman, just thrust the rains into this hands and headed for the door to the house. She didn't hear his mumbled curse as she walked off and she probably wouldn't have even if he yelled it out. Unbeknownst to Olbar the proprietress was occupied with the recent meeting with the old elf. He had slipped into her mind so easily, without intrusion or detection, and spoke so...true. There was no agenda to the old elf's words, nothing behind the curtain she had to worry about. No, there was just honesty...raw and beautiful.

Winnowill made the back step and walked in through the door to the mud room with her riding dress swishing loudly from her fast pace. She stopped long enough to remove her long riding gloves as her mid raced with the one thing the old elf had said to her, the one statement that made all of this…wrong. So lost in that thought was Winnowill that May the cook had to ask her twice about breakfast.

"What did you say May?" Winnowill retorted.

"Breakfast ma'am, will you be wanting some porridge as usual?"

Winnowill nodded putting her gloves on the shelf where they always went. "Yes, with some sugar, and coffee and tea."

"Yes ma'am, I'll have Tolla bring it to you in the library."

"Thank you May."

The cook turned to go back to her duties when she remembered something and turned back to Winnowill. "Oh ma'am, a package arrived for you while you were out riding so I had the maid put it in your bedroom."

A package? Now the encounter with the old elf was quickly forgotten as Winnowill's brow furrowed with curiosity. "Why did you have it brought to my bedroom?"

"The label on it said it came from dress maker back east. I assumed you'd like to open it there ma'am." May explained.

"Thank you May." Winnowill offered walking past the cook and toward the bedroom.

As she strutted down the long hall to her room Winnowill's mind was swamped with ideas and deductions. A package from back east…from a dress maker…what was going on now? She entered the quiet room with the large four poster bed made from Mahogany shipped from back east and spotted the large box laying on her side of the mattress. Winnowill approached it slowly, almost like she was afraid of it, gently untying the string that held the box together. Her fingers felt a jolt of mysterious energy, a shock from the box, as she opened it.

And her breath hung in her throat.

It was a dress, but one no other would possess. It was made by hand, made for her and her alone. Winnowill knew it form the first glance. The black material shined and shimmered in the small sunlight the room offered from the windows. She knew instantly it was made by a woman named Sigrid Almquist, a woman with such a talent for a needle and thread that the ladies of high society waited years to acquire one of her special 4creations. Winnowill picked the dress up with a soft touch, her fingers barely touching the expensive fabric as she feared tearing the precious dress. It unfurled from its folded state, slowly flowing outward, and she gasped as it was even more beautiful now. It was off the shoulder and low across her chest in the old style with a trim of fur that ran all along the top. The sleeves were long, al the way down past her wrist, and the bodice was ringed with small stones that set off the material even more.

"It is exquisite..." Winnowill whispered.

"When you wear it tonight at the dinner May is preparing, that's when its true beauty will show." She heard from the door behind her.  

Winnowill spun at the sound of her husband's voice with a look of shock and surprise. "How did you get this my husband? It's from the hand of Sigrid Almquist, isn't it?"

Voll stepped into the room, the tails of his frock blue frock coat swaying, as he smiled with the look of someone who had just fulfilled a special wish. "I paid a little extra to Mrs. Almquist…and I called in a favor. It was not all that difficult to have the dress made…and more than worth it now that I see it in your hands."

He continued to walk as Winnowill leaned over putting the dress carefully down on the bed making sure not to set a wrinkle to it. She straightened just as he reached her side and she felt his arm slip around her waist with a loving touch.

"My husband...I-"She started before he cut her off with a whisper that was part command.

"Am I just a 'husband' my precious Winnowill?"

She shook her head lost in confusion and emotion. "No...my love...you are so much more."

Voll only smiled as he pulled her into a warm hug. His one arm stayed on her waist while the other reached up and pressed high across her shoulders in a lovers embrace. Winnowill closed her eyes trying to think, but between the dress and the old elf she couldn't form a decent idea. And her husband acting…all loving…this was the strangest thing of all.

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"Luke, why are you getting the wagon hitched up?" Crescent asked walking into the barn.

The ranch hand turned to her and wiped his hands on his shirt. "Your Pa said to Miss Crescent. He's going into town with your mother to get some things and to talk with Mr. Longbranch I think. Mrs.Wavelet and Mr. Wavecatcher are going long too with the girls in tow."

"Oh...guess I get to stay back and make sure the ranch doesn't burn, huh?" Crescent remarked with sad dejection.

"No, you're going with us too so stop pouting." Strongbow called out walking into the barn. His worn voice echoing in the open stable,

Crescent started to smile, until she the look on her father's face. He looked…scared. And he acted it too looking up into the rafters as if something was going to jump down and get him. The smile disappeared as he walked up. "Are you okay Pa?"

Strongbow only smiled suddenly, like a child getting caught with a hand in the cookie jar, before speaking in his usual gravelly voice. "I'm good. Don't you want to see Red and Nightfall?"

"Yes sir...I'd pay a hundred dollars to see em'" Crescent smiled.

Strongbow only grinned, and pointed to the tack room, and then smiled as she hugged his neck hard.

She ran back to the tack room to get her bridle and then her saddle, but Crescent stopped long enough in the doorway to look at the note Rain had left her. Its edges were all ready worn from sleeping with it the night before and she was careful to open it. The sweeping cursive hand of Nightfall leapt out at her practically as she read the note.


Crescent sighed feeling her heat lift at the words, the same as the night before when Rain had given her the piece of paper from her family. She was at her lowest then, the world falling in on her from every side, and then the words pulled her up. She smiled contentedly and folded the note carefully back into its square before tucking it away in her chambray work shirt. Crescent grabbed the bridle and bit for her horse off the wall and ran out determined to be changed and ready to go to town in less than five minutes. Moonshade wouldn't let her wear her work clothes to town so she'd have to change. She was moving so fast she didn't see the look on her father's face, or how he searched the dark corners of the barn.

Strongbow wasn't sure if the dream from the night before was real, but he wasn't about to lower his guard and decide it wasn't. If what Winnowill did to him was the cause of the nightmare, that it might harm his family, then she would fix whatever she had done to him. He watched his precious Crescent run to get her horse ready and vowed that whatever was coming for them wasn't going to get her or anyone he loved.

He'd see to that personally.

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Toorah walked through the Hacienda humming a tune dressed in her bright red dress and lace. The song was one her mother sung to her and she sang to Leetah and Shenshen when they were just little girls. The thought of her little hijas stopped the tune, and her, in the hall. Toorah missed Leetah, the strong willed flower that brightened the Rancho, but if she had to admit it she missed Shenshen more. Her youngest was more like her, at home on the Rancho. Toorah had known at a young age this was her fated life, living on the Hidalgo and its slow pace, and she could sense the same in Shenshen. Where Leetah had suddenly grown a restless spirit and wanted to see the world her little Shenshen seemed content to follow her mother and stay at the Rancho.

Well, that was till her husband Sun Toucher sent them away.

Toorah started off toward the dining room again, humming her tune again. Why he sent Leetah and Shenshen was still a mystery and if her husband didn't tell her the reason for sending her precious daughters away soon he would learn where Leetah got her strong willed side from. She made the journey to the dining room with a happy step walking through the door to the space while speaking happily.

"Buenos días mi mari-"

The last part hung in her throat. He husband was sitting at his usual spot at the end of the table, the 'head' as he called it by the large double doors that led to the outdoors to the stone veranda. Behind to his right was Thiro, the foreman of the Rancho, and not an unusual sight in the dining room. To his left just a step or two away was Zhantee, and it was unusual to see the shy potter in the house. The elf preferred his shop and his clay over the rooms of the hacienda. No, the shock was the one standing two chairs down the table from her husband. His gold eyes, his dark look, it was all unmistakable.

"Rayek?" Toorah whispered in shock and disbelief.  

"Buenos días Senora Toorah." He responded with a calm demeanor.

Toorah froze for a second then shook off the surprise and walked over holding out her hands to him. Rayek didn't move or flinch as she hugged him, even stoic when she kissed his cheek. It was like hugging a wooden post she thought. The she felt the tension in the room, thick and restricting on her.

"I must confess I had lost any hope of seeing you again Rayek…but you look like a fine gaucho. Does he not look fine mi marido?" Toorah remarked nervously stepping back and walking over by her husband.

"Si...he looks like a fine gaucho." Sun Toucher added with a smile and a nod.

The tone, the pause, it all made Toorah more nervous. This was not her husband, the usually calm and sure ranch owner. She sat down by him taking his hand in hers feeling it clamminess at the touch.

"Will you join us for desayuno(breakfast) Rayek?" She asked with a forced smile.

"I am afraid Rayek is not here for pleasantries Senora Toorah." Thiro suddenly stated coldly.

"Oh," Toorah replied as a shiver ran down her back.

"I have come looking for answers from Senor Sun Toucher...answers about my father's death." Rayek said calmly.

His eyes tell me he is here for more though Toorah thought. There was a hardness, a purpose that would not be swayed in his gold eyes. She jumped a little as her husband spoke. "You know what happened to your father Rayek. There is nothing sinister about what occurred that night."

"Are you still claiming that Sun Toucher? Are you still saying my father was a part of the theft of the five stallions?" Rayek countered with his voice rising.

"Why else was Ingen in the stables that late at night, if not to aid the thieves Rayek? Why else would he be there?" Thiro spat stepping in.

"My father was in charge of the horses! He had every reason to be in the stables at night! Why has Senor Sun Toucher refused all this time to look for his killers?" Rayek shot back with a snap.

"Because he was part of the thieves and deserved no better then how he died." Thiro hissed.

The room went silent. The look in Rayek's eyes, the one that was a single minded purpose, went even harder. Toorah saw this and felt her heart stop as she pleaded "Please Rayek. There is no need for trouble."

"I did not come looking for trouble," Rayek replied to her while his eyes locked with Thiro's, "but if trouble wishes to find me I will not run from it."

"Rayek, this is not necessary. Will all of this bring Ingen, your father and my friend, back to us? I do not think it will soothe your broken soul my son" Sun Toucher suddenly remarked.

The bounty hunter's jaw locked as he spoke through a clinched teeth. "Where did Senor Dave take the horses?"

The question did little to settle the anger or bring about a calm to the room as Thiro spat out a retort. "Who the hell is Dave?"

Rayek ignored the question and the look of fear from Toorah. He only stared at Sun Toucher with those hard gold eyes waiting for another dodge or denial. He was waiting to pounce on it. What he heard and what he saw in the Rancho owner's eyes though, it was nothing short of genuine sorrow and pain.

"Ingen would not have wanted this Rayek. You, this dark rider…he wanted more for you…and I have ruined that."

The room went silent this time, the admission deflating some of the tension. Toorah looked to her husband with a shocked expression while Zhantee was catching flies with his open mouth. The only one who seemed unaffected was Thiro who growled unexpectedly and pointed at Rayek.

"You are still the selfish asno(donkey)! You will hurt anyone to find out what you think is the truth, even the ones who treated you best!"

"Why were you paying Senor Dave?" Rayek asked the Rancho owner with a low voice ignoring Thiro. He was still looking to Sun Toucher. The anger that fueled him, pushed him along this path of confrontation, went dry with a snap. He wasn't even sure why he asked the last question.

"Who is Senor Dave?" Toorah asked her husband.

"I think he is the man I gave the package to?" Zhantee answered absently.

"What package?" Toorah whined.

"It is time for you to leave El Gato Negro!" Thiro snapped suddenly moving toward the bounty hunter.

It was pure instinct that made Rayek move his hand. A gut-reaction built from facing down hardened criminals and men with no honor. Out on the frontier and the prairie, in all the saloons of towns small and large, of all the back rooms in far distant trading posts…anyone, be it man or elf, lived by the speed of their gun. Rayek was fast, a blur, as his hand went to the handle of his Colt. The leather thong holding it in the holster hung loose, the gun just a mere pull away from being used. Toorah and Zhantee gasped while Thiro stopped walking toward Rayek with the sudden move for the six gun. Sun Toucher was about to yell out for Rayek to stay his hand when the double doors behind him flew open wide.

The light of the morning sun poured in blinding everyone who turned to look in the direction. They could only hear the single voice of Fernando speak, exclaim.

"Qué pasa?"  

When Rayek's eyes finally adjusted to the sudden sun light he could see the cook standing in the open doorway. He could see a whole host of faces standing behind Fernando on the veranda, everyone of them he knew. The most prominent was Leetah's. Her eyes were full of fear and her face a mask of surprise while next to her the Major was glaring with his hand slowly sliding to his hip. There was Shenshen mimicking her sister and the blond lady who ran the Wild West Show with her own look of shock. He swept and measured them all with his hunter's eyes, looking for the first move.

"Leetah!" Toorah called out with worry.

"Madre!" Shenshen yelled.

Rayek was only concerned with the Major, the only real threat, when a voice spoke up from the corner. Someone he had missed…a very important someone.

"Honey, why don't you go stand over there with the young ones? I'd hate for you to get shot by accident."

Thiro knew who it was the second his eyes saw him. It was hard to miss the deadliest pistoleer, the living legend…Bearclaw. And it was even harder to miss his hands resting on the twin handles of his Dragoons. Off to the side Zhantee whispered a prayer…someone was most assuredly going to get shot now.

"Now, what's got you all riled up this morning son?"

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Skywise was half-way across the street when he saw Redlance walking at him with two young boys dressed in dirty overalls and barefoot, one elf and one human, walking behind him. "Hey Mister, are you a real injun?" The human asked.

Redlance stopped and turned to look at the two boys with a grin. He gave himself a quick pinch, yelped, and then shrugged his shoulders. "I feel real."

"Wow! A real injun elf!" The elf gasped.

"I've never seen an injun elf…can I get a pair of buckskin pants like yours?" The human boy asked with total adoration.

"I don't know...can you kill a deer and skin it and make buckskin out of it?" Redlance asked.

"Heck no, Davey can't even tie his shoes!" The elf laughed before tearing out.

"Come here Blair!" The human yelled giving chase.

Skywise just laughed as he walked up. "You know, I've never seen an injun elf either!"

"I saw one riding with the Wild West Show once." Red joked.

"Where ya headed?" The Captain smiled.

"To the bank to drop off last night's till."

"You know, I was gonna have some breakfast with Foxfur, but if you don't mind I'd like to chew on your ear a bit."

"Chew away Skywise." Redlance answered walking across the street.

The pair walked along casually, the Captain asking about the land in the hills and if there was a good parcel he could get. He wanted to lay down roots with Foxfur and to do that one needed a home and land to put a home on. The tracker told him there were a few places he could help him check, nice spots with views of the hills. After just a few minutes of walking and talking Skywise felt a tingle at the back his neck, the old tingle from his days in the Calvary, they were being hounded. He looked over his shoulder and pointed, like he was going to show something to Red when he saw them. Two humans, tailing them, were wearing guns hidden under their coats. One flapped open and the Captain could tell both were heeled, ready to fight. Skywise turned back slowly and whispered.

"We got company Red, picked them up after we crossed the street."

"I know, there's two from behind and two from the side. I think they're trying to pin us in."

The Captain looked over and saw the two men ambling across the dusty street, slowly closing in. They wore the same coats and probably had the same hidden guns. His own gun was back in the room and Red never carried a gun…this was bad news.

"What do we do?" Skywise asked walking along.

"We put the money in the bank. They'll try to stop us before we get there if that's what their after. Otherwise..."

"Otherwise what?"

Redlance gave a quick shrug of his shoulders indicating he didn't have a plan yet. Meanwhile the men kept closing in, cutting the off. Yep Skywise thought rubbing his hand on his hip where his gun usually sat...this was bad news.

And now on with the next piece written by me, Wiseshaman, it's the showdown between Bearclaw and Rayek. The unstoppable force against the immovable Object! Oh, and we can't forget the men after the Captain and Red...oh my!


Some men, and some elves, have no constraint when it comes to a showdown. They're nerves are not built for those long agonizing seconds when eyes are locked in hard stares and hands hover over the handles of six guns, when the slightest move or noise can set them in motion with fingers pulling on triggers loosing lead in a deadly spray. Most of the time these men, and elves, met in saloons or in the back rooms of trading posts with business girls or any other place you'd expect to see a gun fight. It was rare to see one happen in a lavish home.

Like the decorative dining room of a Hacienda.

Yet that's just what Cutter was looking at. The bounty hunter that Leetah knew, had known from her past, was standing just across an ornate cherry dining table that was shined to a high sheen. That reflection off the table was like a mirror and the Major could see the bounty hunter's hand just a hair off the handle of the right Colt. He spared a look at his father who stood as calm as the morning breeze staring into eyes of the bounty hunter, watching every twitch with a wild grin forming across his face. To Cutter's left Leetah slowly slid toward the two elves sitting down, probably her parents the Major thought, as her sister moved too fast for some in the room.

"Easy Shenshen!" Joyleaf hissed holding the girl by the arm.

The Major saw the bounty hunter look over for a flash, his gold eyes peering out form under the bent brim of a black hat, at Shenshen. He didn't move for his gun, didn't jerk for the smoke wagon as Shenshen reached her mother's side, putting her trembling hands on the older maiden's shoulders. The touch or just the proximity of being close to her mother emboldened Shenshen for a second as she berated the bounty hunter.

"What are you doing Rayek?"

"I was asking your father some questions before I was so rudely interrupted Senora." The bounty hunter explained.

"You were gong to shoot mi padre tu idiota (you idiot)!" Shenshen spat before her mother's hand grabbed hers in a sharp grip.

"Shenshen!" Toorah hissed getting her youngest daughter under control.

Rayek kept one eye on Bearclaw and the other everyone else as he answered Shenshen's accusation. "I had no intention of drawing my weapons Shenshen until Thiro decided to make this personal."

The rancho foreman huffed while speaking, as if he had the backing of everyone in the room. "It is time for you to leave El Gato Negro!"

Thiro wasn't prepared though for the sudden snap from Leetah and his face showed it as all the confidence on it disappeared. "Shut up tu asno! (you jackass)"

"Leetah!" Sun Toucher said with a little shock!

The rancho foreman looked to her like he had been betrayed then he turned to the Major who only growled still watching Rayek and his father. "If you reach for that gun on your hip I'm gonna take it away from you and beat you into this floor with it, understand?"

The huff this time was more surprise then bravado from Thiro as he stepped away. Rayek heard every word and it would have made him smile at any other time, but with his eyes staring into Bearclaw's it didn't at the moment. He raised one eyebrow and spoke as politely as if neither were armed and ready to shoot.

"I have no qualm with you Senor, and this business between Sun Toucher and myself is not of your concern."  

Bearclaw only grinned a little bigger and spoke as politely as he was capable of. "Hell son, you're right on both accounts."

"Then why are you reaching for your guns?"

"Because if you think for a second I'm the trusting sort you're sadly mistaken son." Bearclaw growled.

The grin was gone, lost in an obvious challenge. Rayek had faced off against bank robbers, murderers, and men willing to die before going back to jail. He had won out against those dangerous desperadoes, felt the cold grip of fear and not succumb, and he had never backed down from anyone. Yet, he had never met anyone like the pistoleer. He saw something in the elf's eyes, an unshakable confidence built from never being fronted by anyone. A will as strong as bedrock.

Now Rayek's mind started to click. How was he going to get out of this mess?

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The mid-morning sun was warm on Crescent's body as she rode, but it couldn't compare to the warm feeling in her heart. She was so excited about seeing her betrotheds she barely held her horse in check riding next to the wagon. Even the whining from Chitter about having to wear bloomers wasn't enough to bring her down. Wavelet helped her sister get comfortable as Wavecatcher held Brill. Krill sat up front between Moonshade and Strongbow, the dressmaker with one arm wrapped lovingly around the child. The wagon jumped one last time as the rough trail gave way to the smooth dirt of the street of town. The horse whisperer guided the wagon around back and up to his wife's shop giving a lighter then needed pull to stop the horses, as if the team knew he wanted them to stop right at that very spot.

Crescent tied off her horse and then helped the others out of the wagon. She bounced on happy feet waiting for everyone to break up and head off in their directions. Her mother was going into the shop to check on things while Wavelet was going to take the girls to the Mercantile for some candy. Wavecatcher was going to visit Spine and Snakeskin, see if they heard anything new from Djunsland. When everyone broke for where they were headed Crescent turned to run for the diner like some young girl when she felt him stare at her, felt him ask her to stop.

"Is something wrong Pa?" She asked turning back.

Strongbow only smiled and shook his head. Crescent smiled back and took his hand in hers understanding on their special level that he wanted to go to the restaurant too. The pair walked down the back of the buildings, hand in hand, until they reached the stoop that led to the backdoor of the restaurant. She went up first picking up the hem of her blue dress and then knocking on the door twice, hard, before opening it. Inside she saw the kitchen was in cleanup mode after breakfast and getting ready for lunch. Her eyes scanned the room and didn't see either of the ones she had come to see, had been so eager to hold. Crescent felt her heart drop for a brief second when the doors to the dining room swung in and Nightfall stepped through with her hands full of dishes and a sweaty brow from work. The moment the two saw each other they smiled and laughed.

"There you are!" Crescent exclaimed trotting to her lovemate and taking her into a hard hug.

"Oh, watch it...I'm all sweaty!" Nightfall laughed hugging then kissing Crescent.

"I don't give a dang about that! I missed you...and my soon to be husband."

"And we missed you!" Nightfall laughed again. She saw the horse whisperer standing just a few feet back, his hat in his hand as manners demanded, with a smile as big the sky on his face. Nightfall tried to remember when the last time she saw him smile like that and she couldn't.

"Papa's in the dining room behind the counter serving up coffee. You might get him to draw you a cup if you ask nicely Mr. Strongbow." Nightfall teased.

Strongbow gave a nod and headed out into the dining room leaving the two soon to be newlyweds alone. Crescent hugged her lovemate again while whispering in Nightfall's ear. "Where is Red? I need his arms around me right now!"

"He took the money over to the bank, but he should be back in a few."

"Oh good, I can surprise him!" Crescent winked.

"As boring as taking the nightly till to the bank is our tracker would probably drop dead from seeing you!" Nightfall laughed putting her forehead to Crescent's.

"Oh please, not before the wedding night...maybe even before then!"

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He wasn't sure who the four men were, only that they weren't too inconspicuous with their trailing technique. In fact, Skywise thought walking down the wooden walkway with Redlance at his side, if these boys got any worse in trailing them they might as well wear signs and do a dance in the street. The Captain walked along like nothing was the matter and whispered to the tracker trying not to attract attention as it became clear that the men had no inclination of robbing them.

"I don't think they're after the money so what do we do at the bank?"

"Deposit the till and then head out the back. Ed's got a door past the tellers we can use to go out." Redlance whispered back.

"All right, sounds like a plan I can follow." Skywise agreed as they kept moving.

The four men didn't rush them and only followed, or herded them along the Captain thought. It was almost like the men were driving him and Red down the street like a couple of steer, making sure the pair didn't run off. Skywise thought a second about offering up a scatter, he go one way and Red the other, but then decided against the plan. Two against four was better then one against four…if it came to that. Then the bank was on his right and the Captain entered with the tracker behind. They crossed the open space that was the interior of the bank lobby and straight up to the teller window. Redlance removed the bag that held the till from the night before from his belt and started to hand it over to the female human behind the small window with bars. Then he stopped abruptly and opened the bag pulling out the slip of paper that was the deposit marker. The rotund teller behind the bars suddenly perked up and called out to the pair as the tracker scribbled something on the slip.

"Good morning Redlance, how can I help you?"

"I'm doing fine Mrs. McKinney, how's your husband Ed?" Redlance asked with a smile before Skywise gave him a nudge.

The tracker looked up from his writing and turned to see two of the men waiting just outside the door while the other pair was ghosts. He squinted for a moment then shoved the deposit slip back into the bag and closed it. Redlance heard Mrs. McKinney laugh in her nasally whine as he looked to Skywise with a nod. "Oh he's doing well, a bit of a cold this morning, but nothing could keep him from opening his precious bank."

"That's our Ed." Skywise remarked half-heartedly wondering where the second pair of men went to.

The lady laughed shrilly causing the Captain to wince as the tracker asked a question interrupting the loud braying. "Do you mind if we head out back Mrs. McKinney? I need to stop by father's office."  

"Well, Ed don't normally allow regular folk behind the wall, but I'll you two by if you need." Mrs. McKinney winked.

"Thank you ma'am," Skywise quipped tipping his hat as Redlance handed over the till bag. The lady only smiled as they walked through the gate and headed for the rear of the bank and the back door. The banker's wife giggled and was about ready to open the bag when a customer walked up. She put the bag down on the desk by her side and asked the customer how she could help him this fine morning, the till bag from the restaurant wasn't forgotten all together...just for the moment.

Redlance and Skywise moved out the back of the bank walking calm and fast. The Captain stole a look over his shoulder and he quickly found the two men who disappeared from the front of the bank. They guessed about the back door Skywise thought, guessed on us taking it and waited. He was about to tell the tracker when Redlance nodded to his right down a slim alley between the bank and a shop. The other two men from the front were coming right for them and this time they passed on hiding their intentions.

"They got around us...maybe if we make a break for Snakeskin's or Spine's they'll back off?" Skywise whispered.

"I don't think so. They seem persistent...about as bad as those Miners?" Redlance offered picking up the pace.

"Right, the Miners...wouldn't want them hurting Spine or anyone else."

"Listen," Redlance coughed trying to hide shi words, "father has the space above the barbershop. The doorway's hidden in his office and we can hide out there."

"Good idea, lay low until they move off."

The tracker only nodded as they passed the back of a shop noting the lawyer's office was just a couple of doors down. Skywise looked up, as if her were inspecting the wall of the building they were passing, and whispered.

"Tell me you wrote a 'come-get-us-Marshall' message on that slip of paper?"

"Yep, in big red letters," Redlance smiled.

Skywise smiled and sighed...maybe this wasn't as bad as it seemed.

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Leetah watched her old friend, one time love, with fearful eyes as Rayek looked Bearclaw up and down. One night in the saloon after a performance she saw two men draw down on each other, one shot dead over a debt by the other. Picknose didn't have time to take their guns like Marshall Stump required. The images stayed with her, burned into her mind's eye forever. The first man had walked in and confronted the second, called him out one of the cowboys said. That second man reminded her of Rayek, like a cornered cat who only wanted to get out the door. The first man though wouldn't allow it, blocked the second man's escape, and in a flash their pistols came out. The roar of the guns, the flash of the gun powder scared her like only once before, but it was the smell that made her sick to her stomach. That burning smell as it floated in the white cloud across the saloon made Leetah cringe…much like she was doing now.

"Please Rayek...do not do this!" Leetah implored with a low hiss.

But the bounty hunter never took his eyes off of Bearclaw. Rayek breathed deep and easy keeping his arm and hand loose. He watched every inch of the pistoleer, ready to pounce on the slightest movement from Bearclaw. He ignored his old friend, and one time love, as he spoke calmly.

"You know better Senor to involve yourself in the business of another. It is not the wise thing to do."

"Yep," Bearclaw offered with his fingers draped lightly on the handle of his Dragoon, "but my mother always said I got the looks in the family. Whatever problem you and Mr. Sun Toucher here have can be settled between yourselves without my nose being between you both."

"Then take your hand off your gun." Rayek ordered all ready assuming it was for naught.

Bearclaw didn't disappoint him either, sliding his right foot forward and speaking calmly and coldly. "Killing is bad business son, and for some men it doesn't stop after the first shot. For some it doesn't stop until every chamber is empty and every one is dead. For some it's madness, a blood lust that can't be quenched."

"I am not like that!" Rayek spat.

"Yeah...maybe...but let's just say I'll keep an eye on ya' to make sure." Bearclaw finished.

The room went silent as Rayek kept thinking of a way to get out, and then it was presented by the one he didn't think would do it.

"Please Rayek...I will tell you what you wish to know, everything, if you will leave the house. Come walk with me and this business can be finished for us."

The words from Sun Toucher were like a cool drink. They eased the hands on the six guns. They eased the tense nerves that seemed ready to snap. Rayek looked away from Bearclaw for the first time and whispered.

"All of it, all that you know?"

Sun Toucher nodded as he spoke to Bearclaw. "Senor, please, take you hand off of your guns. We will be fine."

The pistoleer moved after a second hooking a thumb into the wide sash across his middle as Sun Toucher stood up from the table. The Rancho owner started to turn toward the open doors to the Veranda when his wife pulled on his hand, pulled him back. Sun Toucher leaned down and kissed her cheek lovingly as she whispered.

"Be careful my love."

"Si...I promise." Sun Toucher assured her while squeezing her hand.

Then he was gone, passing through the open doors to the outside world with Rayek following closely behind watching Bearclaw even closer. As the two passed they locked eyes once again and with that silent glare it was all set, all laid out. These Two fighters giving notice to the other that this wasn't over, not by a long shot, but sometime in the future it would need to be.  

Oh yes, it would have to be decided.

Then Rayek was gone leaving the group sitting around the table in a stunned fear filled silence that seemed to suck the life out of them all. The sun pouring in through the open doors didn't warm them. The sounds of birds feeding in the feeders among the ivy of the Arbor didn't drown out the sounds of their pounding hearts. And for one it was too much to just sit by and wait.

"We need to make sure Papa is safe." Shenshen whispered moving for the doors before she was stopped by a strong voice.

Leetah though only shook her head and took her father's chair by her mother taking Toorah's hand in hers reassuring her mother like her father had. "Rayek will not hurt Papa. He is too honorable to do such a thing."

"He was going to pull his gun on us Leetah!" Thiro wailed.

"Son, go back and grow your crops and stop trying to be a gun hand." Bearclaw growled moving over to the table.

"Que?" Thiro wailed again.

Cutter took pity on the foreman and tried to explain it to him. "Rayek had no intention to use his gun. He only wanted to scare you into talking."

"How are you so sure?" Zhantee whispered collapsing into a chair.

The Major only pointed to his eye and smiled while Bearclaw spoke. "His eyes said it all son. Rayek only wanted to get out of here in one piece and when Mr. Sun Toucher offered the chance he took it."

"Then we need to help Rayek?" Shenshen asked with concern.

"No mi hermana, this is a path our friend Rayek wants to walk alone and we must respect that choice. We can be there when he asks and that is all." Leetah explained.

The room went silent again as Cutter put a hand on Leetah's shoulder. Toorah looked up into his eyes and then began to shake off the numbness of the last few minutes. "Ay, where are my manners? I am sorry you had to see such a thing in my house."

"It's all right ma'am. We don't mind a bit." Joyleaf said with a wink moving over by her husband.

"Yep, this is just a Saturday night at our house." Bearclaw grinned.

"Gracias," Toorah remarked looking from the pair to Cutter then her daughter, "please Leetah, who are your friends that came with you to visit?"

The healer only smiled and told the truth knowing it would probably knock her mother senseless again.

"They are the parents of the Major…my betrothed."

Yep, senseless Leetah thought as she saw her mother's mouth fall open.

And now on with the next piece written by me, Wiseshaman, Goodtree is told a truth...Rayek learns of a lie...and the girls see the light about the wedding...



"How far is Two-Moons?"

Goodtree held onto the coach as she stepped down onto the walkway with Sefra and Orolin waiting on her. Sefra's long silver hair was pulled back into three long pony tails and those were held in place under a fashionable hat. Orolin was dressed in a slim dark brown suit with black shoes and tan hat. He looked over the street of the town the stage coach pulled into then back to his protege.

"We still have two maybe three days on the road before we see Two-Moons Goodtree."

"Oh," Goodtree remarked sadly. She hated the inside of the stage coach preferring the open outdoors to its cramped inside.

"We will be where we need to be soon enough Goodtree." Sefra offered.

"Yes ma'am,"

Orolin looked back to the Stage Coach driver and called out. "When is the stage supposed to leave again?"

"Just after lunch, around one or so," The old haggard man replied.

"Is there a place to eat?" Orolin continued.

"Yep, on the corner just up the street. Matty has a damn good ham steak and the ladies can freshen up."

"Thank you sir," Orolin replied then turned to follow Sefra and Goodtree.

The ladies walked cordially down the wooden sidewalk looking into shops aimlessly not really seeing anything they wanted. Sefra's dark blue dress seemed to absorb the light from the sun using it to shimmer while Goodtree's green top and darker green dress swayed with a life of it's own.

"Do you think Haken will be a problem Miss Sefra?"

"With Haken a problem would be welcomed." She replied looking out into the street.

"I think he'll be his usual self, maniacal and self-serving." Orolin added.

"If Haken is such a detriment why is he still a member of the Twelve?" Goodtree asked.  

Sefra stopped on the walkway and turned to her protégé with a small warm smile, like a mother gracing a child with knowledge while explaining the ways of the twelve. "One cannot leave the Twelve. We, each of us who form the circle were born to the circle, and we can only leave it with out last breath."

"At a certain age we of the Twelve were each told of the covenant to keep the Ancient Powers secret. We were given the covenant to uphold its need for secrecy, to protect it as the elves and humans and trolls continue to live here on this world." Orolin added as he always seemed to.

"Why do you protect the knowledge of the Ancient Powers so?" Goodtree asked.

"In the beginning," Sefra spoke moving down the walk again, "it was due to our safety, to keep the elves alive. Yet over time more and more of us have shown, exhibited the use of the old powers. It has been recorded, shaping powers where one bends the rock or plant to his or her will, healing wounds closed and saving life, and flight."

"Flying?" Goodtree gasped.

"Yes, levitation if you want the real term. Though that power seems very rare, almost lost it seems to us. Every year we see more and more of the powers, sending and such, as if this world is beginning to accept them." Orolin offered…as usual.

"Then why do we keep the powers secret still? I can understand before, to keep us safe, but why now if some can use the powers? Why not just let the secret out?"

"We cannot trust humans Goodtree, not of all them at least. The consequences are too great for a drastic step. Evil will always seek to control good, and keep it under thumb." Sefra replied squinting against the sun.

"And some humans will inevitably fear the powers, fear leads to capitulation and from that come despots. We would have another Djun," Orolin continued.

"We can't trust humans? But there are more good humans than bad ones Miss Sefra, surely we can trust the good ones! We can trust them to stand with us like they did in the war!" Goodtree exclaimed.

"And what if the Djun could call upon the powers too? What if we faced an army of elves from him, an army that could call upon the powers of treeshaping or rockshaping or flight? Can you imagine that Goodtree?" Sefra explained calmly.

"The powers could have changed the outcome of the war for us all Goodtree, an army of elves fighting an army of elves…all using the Ancient Powers against each other. It is an image I do not care for." Orolin whispered.

Goodtree walked along in quiet thinking about what was said, divulged to her. She looked up to see the small restaurant on the corner trying to shake the feeling of confusion from what she knew now, but it was useless. She stepped out into the street crossing and speaking.

"But the Djun hates elves, look at the WaveDancers and the Maquis."

Sefra only smiled her warm smile and explained. "He hates them because they have fought his rule. If they were more inline with his philosophies, more attuned to his way of thinking, would he hate them as much? I think not."

Her protege stopped in the street and looked at her with fear. "Are you saying we have to worry about our own race?"

"We're saying we have to think about problems that our eyes may not see at the moment Goodtree, implications only our caution can prevent." Orolin commented as he guided the stunned elf toward the restaurant just behind Sefra.

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Leila walked calmly behind them keeping just to her master's side. Instincts told her to keep quiet, senses that kept her on a constant vigilance telling her to simply follow. The two elves walked in an uneasy silence that made Leila apprehensive, edgy. Rayek had picked her up from a spot he tethered her to just down from Zhantee's shop and then walked on with Sun Toucher into the fruit trees he grew. The Hidalgo owner's black Granada hat kept the mid morning sun out of his eyes as he looked around calm while speaking.

"Are we far enough away now Rayek?"

"Si, we are far enough away Senor." The bounty hunter replied coldly.

Sun Toucher turned to Rayek and cocked his head to the side to block out the sun. "What do you wish to know amigo?"

"Why were you paying the man who killed my father…amigo?" Rayek asked spitting out the last like it was venom.

Sun Toucher sighed and shook his head speaking low. "I paid the man to keep the secret of the horses Rayek, not for what happened to your father."

"Then why have you kept the truth from me?"

"To protect you of course, to keep you from being killed like your father," Sun Toucher countered.

Rayek let go of Leila's reins letting the Arabian go to eat at the grass as he sptoke. "To protect me...or protect you?"

"Both of us, and Leetah."

The name, the mention of Leetah stopped Rayek's interrogation. Again, the anger that moved him along this track of confrontation died away. He looked deep into Sun Toucher's eyes, searched the pupils, and found only truth. For a moment he felt lost, like the ground beneath his feet opened up and Rayek fell in head first. Sun Toucher saw the expression on the bounty hunter's face and took pity. This wasn't what Rayek had come home for and he knew it. So the Hidalgo owner stepped closer and poured forth his soul, all that he had been involved with. Sun Toucher told Rayek about the Railroad and the plans to buy up all the land that was the town. He told Rayek about how he and Voll had tried at first to persuade these men of the Railroad to spare the town and they're ranches and families on a visit back East. He told Rayek how they pleaded, how they showed these men all the lives that would be ruined, destroyed by this senseless act.

It didn't work...

Sun Toucher waited for the first to sink in before letting Rayek hear the next part, the offer. He told the son of his friend how Voll had turned to threats when the pleading had failed and how the men just laughed. And that was it, no more debating or talking, he and Voll were dismissed like the regular workers. He was packing for a long trip back to the Hacienda, and a way to tell Toorah and Leetah and Shenshen that 'Home' was no longer that to them. It was all gone

But then the men of the Railroad sent for them just hours before they were to leave... and made them the offer.  

Five white stallions, Arabians like Leila, were in need of being delivered to a special buyer, a special friend of the Railroad. Sun Toucher laughed a little as he told Rayek how the men of the Railroad explained they could not be seen dealing with this buyer, but that he and Voll could. In exchange for doing this favor he and Voll could save Two-Moons…he could keep Leetah's home. It wasn't hard to make the choice, there was no real struggle of a moral conscious Sun Toucher said. They agreed and before he knew it the horses were on the farm and Ingen was in charge of their care.

"What was Senor Voll's part of the arrangement?" Rayek asked calmly. If he was shocked or surprised he didn't show it.

Sun Toucher noted the cold calm demeanor as he spoke. "He received the map that would show us where to take the horses…into Djunsland."

"Djunsland?"

"Si, and when Senor Voll learned that it changed our plans. He said it was no longer safe for us to take the stallions to the Railroad men's friend. We had to find someone to take them for us, someone with more experience in illicit affairs then either of us possessed."

"And who did you choose?"

Sun Toucher's expression became one of distaste as he spoke. "There was only one we could think of to do this…Guttlekraw."

"Guttlekraw?" Rayek hissed.

"Si, at the time he ran loosely with the darker elements of the area. He kept up a somewhat respectable appearance to the town and then did business with all sorts of thieves and desperados. He was the perfect choice and as any shrewd business man would he took advantage of the situation."

"What advantage?"

"Voll and I have sworn to leave him be, to not drive him out of the valley. In exchange for this oath he brought Senor Dave to us…and all the distasteful things that came with him." Sun Toucher spat.

"My father...his murder...distasteful?" Rayek said coldly.

"No amigo, that was...beyond words. I never would have considered this if I knew what we were getting into...the vile hole we had dug for ourselves. Do you think I would not trade anything to bring back Ingen, not for me but for you?" Sun Toucher pleaded, his voice wavering.

"All I know Senor is that when it came time for you to honor my father and his friendship that you cherished for so long...you turned on him. You turned your back on him."

"I did all to save you and Leetah, to save all of this." Sun Toucher said nodding his head to the fields.

"You drove me from the Hidalgo to save me?" Rayek cracked with incredulity.

"No amigo-"

"Stop calling me that. You lost the right to call me a friend." Rayek demanded cutting off the rancho owner.

Sun Toucher sighed hard and only nodded hiding the pain he was feeling. "Si Rayek, I will not call you that, but you still do not see. These men of the Railroad, they will not be denied or stopped. I had no choice but to hide the true details of your father's death or..."

"Or what?"

"Or you would have avenged Ingen...and I would have lost my only son."

The look on Sun Toucher's face, the depth in his eyes, it just added to the creeping feeling in Rayek's stomach. The anger for the loss of his father, for being driven from the ranch, for losing Leetah and his life was fading to the rising remorse. What he just heard, what he was told was all the truth. All those years of hating Sun Toucher, of despising him, was losing now to the feeling that Rayek had been wrong. That the elf he blamed for all the wrongs in his life was not the true one to hate.

And being wrong made Rayek very angry...

"I need to leave...I have to leave!" The bounty hunter huffed spinning and moving to get his horse.

"What will you do Rayek?"

"I will continue to seek my father's killer!" Rayek growled. He was confused, lost all of the sudden, and he just wanted to get the hell off the Hidalgo.

"I beg you Rayek, think twice!" Sun Toucher implored walking behind the bounty hunter.

"About what?"

"About seeking your justice against Guttlekraw."

Rayek reached Leila and jumped into the saddle with an acrobatic leap settling into the seat while speaking. "I will bring my father's killer to justice Senor, and if I have to go through Guttlekraw to do so I promise you I will."

Then Leila was off galloping hard across the field flying past trees and workers at a breakneck pace. Sun Toucher watched also lost in his own emotions. He knew there would come a day when Rayek would learn the truth and that it would come from his own voice. Yet no matter how hard he prepared, all those years of girding his soul for this moment, it wasn't enough. He whispered in earnest as he watched Rayek ride away.

"Please my son…do not die for this."

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Savah sat at the counter calmly sipping her cup of coffee waiting patiently. She had come over from the boarding house to ask a favor and found a surprise. There sitting at the counter was Mr. Strongbow talking to Mr. Longbranch, seemingly fine as a spring day. The same curiosity that came over her at the moment must have come over Rain as she sat close. It must have been too tempting to touch the horse whisperer's mind, to see what Winnowill had done to open the powers. Yet it was wrong to reach out to him, to send to him without his permission or acknowledgement. It was wrong after what he had been through, but Savah found herself doing just that. She sat quietly beginning the quiet process of sending to him when a voice stopped her cold.

"How is the cup of coffee Miss Savah?"

She looked up to see Foxfur standing there with the pot in her hand. Savah smiled and spoke with her usual motherly tone. "It is very good, after I swallow it a second time."

Foxfur gave a small hearty laugh and nodded. "Longbranch says its not good unless you have to knock it out first."

"Well this is an exceptional cup then." Savah remarked causing Foxfur to laugh again.

The noise made Strongbow and Longbranch turn and the lawyer to speak up. "Is she bothering you Miss Savah, cause I can have Strongbow here throw her out."

Everyone broke out laughing, even Strongbow smiled, as Foxfur threw her towel at the lawyer. "Oh you love me you old codger so don't try and hide it."

The doors to the backroom popped open and out poured the whole family it seemed to Savah. Tyleet preceded Nightfall who was hip to hip with Crescent it seemed and the last two were their mothers. Moonshade and Brownberry were discussing wedding dresses at the moment and both seemed very animated.

"They have to have ruffles, at the wrist and neck!" Brownberry exclaimed.

"I know, they would look so beautiful!" Moonshade agreed with a raised hand.

Nightfall and Crescent instantly sought refuge from their mothers with their fathers. Crescent walked over and took her father's hand shaking her head. "Pa, please tell Ma I don't want to wear ruffles."

"Yes Papa, protect us from them." Nightfall added with a sigh.

Longbranch looked to Strongbow who only shook his head before sipping from his cup of coffee. The lawyer winked at his daughter while speaking. "Sorry my darling daughter but its every mother's earned right, by birth and love, to have a say in her daughter's pending nuptials."

"Aw Papa!" Nightfall laughed.

"Ruffles Pa, can you see me in ruffles?" Crescent asked with a giggle and a raised eyebrow.

"You'll both look grand!" Moonshade gushed.

"You two will look so beautiful, and its not forever!" Brownberry pointed out.

"Pa!" Crescent pleaded.

The horse whisperer only shook his head and nodded to his wife. It was more than understood that Strongbow wasn't about to challenge his wife on anything to do with the upcoming wedding. He knew better, and like Longbranch, he knew Moonshade earned every minute she was going to get in making this wedding happen.

"What do you think Miss Savah?" Tyleet suddenly asked.

"Oh, I think every daughter should give her mother the joy of making the wedding dress. To see your most precious loved one in something you have made is a happiness you only feel once."

The words rang in everyone's ears, like music from a sacred harp. It was simple truth, not overly stated or surrounded by five dollar words. Nightfall looked at Brownberry while Crescent at Moonshade and they understood. It was what each mother had lived for, had patiently and sometimes guided them too.

But it was ruffles...

"That was sweet Miss Savah. Did you come by to visit?" Tyleet asked sitting on a stool by her.
"Well actually I came to see your father. I wanted to ask him a favor."

"A favor?" Tyleet asked back with surprise.

"He went with Skywise to deposit the nightly till." Foxfur spoke up.

"Yeah, but he should have been back by now." Brownberry commented.

"They probably went by Two-Edge's. I heard Redlance talk about getting a new knife for Iron Cloud." Nightfall said.

Everyone only nodded and accepted what she said. They started talking bout news around town and soon the Captain and Redlance were forgotten amid news about everyone else.

I can’t believe there’s a new chapter! So glad I checked back in. This is the best spaghetti western and any updates (with a side of meatballs) always brighten my day.

Hey look another chapter finally, right? This time Cutter meets the parents, Red and Skywise make it into hiding, and Thiro makes a move. And its all written by me, WiseShaman



The dining room broke out in a sudden happy laughter. It took Toorah five long minutes to recover from hearing the news her daughter was going to marry Cutter. The same pause wasn't needed for Sun Toucher though as he smiled happily upon hearing the words that his oldest daughter's was engaged. He shook Cutter's hand eagerly and even Bearclaw's, though carefully, commenting on how he liked the pearl handled Dragoons and all while still laughing happily. Then the two men started talking about the young days of the town as Toorah and Joyleaf sat talking about the house and its history. Shenshen disappeared to ask Fernando for something and Thiro just plain disappeared with Zhantee as the news of Leetah's engagement passed around the room. The only one who seemed to be bothered was Leetah herself as she looked out the open doors to the Veranda, searching for something someone.

Cutter knew that look too well.

"I don't think he's coming back."

Leetah turned to see her love standing just a foot away. "Si, I think he has left the Hidalgo for the day."

"Maybe forever?"

"Please, do not say that. As much as Rayek denies it the Hidalgo is his home. We are his family no matter how he acts toward us." Leetah said shaking her head.

"Do you still love him?" Cutter asked taking a step back.

"Only as a friend mi amor, you are the one I wish to be with." Leetah replied with a warm smile taking his hand in hers. She moved over to his side giving him the reassurance that he was the only one.

But the Major didn't need it as he leaned into her and looked down into her eyes with love. "That's good, because I have no plans on sleeping alone for the rest of my long life."

"You will not have to." Leetah purred.

Then suddenly Shenshen popped into the room with Fernando and three others, the kitchen staff helping with plates of food. They all sat at the long table and ate brunch as the conversation was light and amusing. Even Bearclaw managed to keep his elbows off the table as etiquette demanded. Leetah sat and enjoyed it all but she couldn't help to think of Rayek, of the road he was riding on now.

She hoped he didn't travel down that road so far he couldn't turn back.

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Zhantee stayed behind Thiro fearing to get in front of the gaucho. He was walking so fast the potter was sure to get crushed under foot if he slowed too much. It was like chasing after a horse, or burro as Leetah had called him, and Zhantee was about to ask Thiro to slow when he wasn't there anymore. The potter barely saw the gaucho turn and head for the barn still walking fast and determined.

"Amigo, what are you doing?" Zhantee called out running after Thiro.

"I need to see to something." Thiro remarked curtly.  

This wasn't good Zhantee thought, not good at all. "What do you need to 'see to'

"Something."

"Thiro, do not do anything rash!" The potter pleaded as they walked into the barn

"When have I ever been rash Zhantee!" Thiro snapped grabbing his saddle off the back rack where it was stored.

"Amigo, when you reached for that gun on your side against Rayek of all elves!" Zhantee wailed in shock.

The gaucho stopped just a foot away from his horse, the saddle still in his arms, with a look of betrayal. "You think Rayek can beat me?"

"Thiro please, Rayek is not a scarecrow. He can, and will, shoot back and he will hit what he shoots at." Zhantee tried to explain.

Thiro huffed and muttered something in Spanish under his breath. Zhantee stood for a minute watching his friend saddle the horse wondering if he should just let him go and do whatever he needed to do. But that wasn't Zhantee's style. The potter was just too caring to see someone hurt. He walked up carefully as Thiro cinched down the belly strap on the saddle.

"Please amigo. Do not do anything you will regret later."

"I all ready have regrets Zhantee, why should I worry to add to them?" Thiro said coldly jumping up into the saddle.

"Amigo," Zhantee sighed stepping back from the gaucho, "I was hurt by the news of Leetah marrying the Major also, but it is not the end of the world."

The gaucho only shook his head and gathered the reins of his horse in one hand. "I knew Leetah was only teasing us Zhantee. I never gave her my heart the way you did so the news does not hurt me."

"Then what are you doing?" Zhantee demanded.

Thiro started the horse for the barn doors calling back to his friend. "I have to warn the one who El Gato Negro will ride after."

Warn the one Rayek is going after? Zhantee walked forward in stunned silence as Thiro disappeared out of the barn into the bright sun light. How did Thiro know who Rayek was going after? It was so confusing the puzzle had too many pieces it seemed to him. The only thing the potter knew for sure was a boyhood rivalry for a Hidalgo girl had grown into an intense hatred. He turned walking back through the barn to his shop wondering what was too become of his friends.

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They made it to the lawyer's office just ahead of the four men trailing them closing the side door with a quick pop. Skywise moved to lock the knob but Redlance stopped him with a shake of his head. The Captain squinted wondering what the tracker was thinking, but he didn't get the chance to ask. Redlance stepped over to a bookcase and with a smooth but hard pull the whole thing slid back from the wall. Skywise smiled as he saw the concealed opening to a set of stairs going up to the second story of the building behind the bookcase. The tracker waved him on and the Captain trotted past silent heading up the stairs into the dark. Redlance stepped in and pulled the bookcase closed, the opening once again hidden just as the first man opened the door to the office.

The human looked around carefully, checked behind the door for anyone, and then stepped in. His partner followed him, both men's hands hovering on the handles of their guns, inside with the other two guarding the door and alleyway. The men looked around, searched each corner and possible hiding spot, and even looked under the desk. There was no sign of them, both elves had just vanished. The lead man took one look around then signaled with a nod to the door it was time to leave and check outside. His partner nodded and both walked out of the office letting the door shut behind them.

Up on the second story kneeling at the top of the stairs Skywise watched as Redlance listened to the men in the office. It felt like an eternity but soon enough the tracker turned away from the back of the bookcase and trotted up the stairs as silent as a mouse, his moccasins not even making a scraping sound. Redlance stopped by Skywise and knelt wiping his hands.

"They've gone, but not far probably."

"Yep, more than likely they're waiting in the alley or out front."

"Yeah," Redlance agreed with a smile and a nod.

Is this what it was like back in the war for you friend?

Skywise stared at Redlance with a little curiosity answering the question that ran in his mind. All this sneaking around, keeping one eye always peeled, was that what it was like all those years? Having to live with your guard always up because you were alone behind enemy lines? The Calvary wasn't much better but at least they were a band of brothers, a group who shared and protected each other. A Sheridan Scout was on his own, from the moment he left out. There was no one to watch they're backs. The thought died out quickly though as he started to think about the present.

The Captain looked around to see boxes stacked up in one corner neat and tidy while in the other by a set of windows with burlap shades was furniture and chests. There wasn't much else so the floor was wide open. Skywise turned back to Redlance and whispered.

"What does Longbranch keep up here?"

"Its mostly files and some things from the apartment to keep the space from getting cluttered." The tracker answered looking at the back of the bookcase still.

"Oh," Skywise remarked before continuing on, "you know, I don't think those fellas' were with the Miners?"

"Nope, the Miners would have come in with guns blazing, made a mess of things." Redlance replied with a whisper.

"Yeah...these boys were herding us along too much. I got a feeling this has to do with the map." Skywise offered.

"And the gold," Redlance winked.  

"If it is the map who would take a chance like this on getting it?" Skywise asked leaning back and sitting down.

The tracker followed the Captian's lead and sat back while whispering. "I don't know, maybe Aurek's friend back East let something slip."

"Then why would they be following us?" Skywise countered.

"Your right...but what about Jobra at the fort?" Redlance asked with sudden realization.

The Captain looked at the ground. It wasn't exactly a grand feeling being reminded pf his mistake of contacting his friend about the Henry. He pushed away the self-pity and looked back up. "Maybe it was the person who put the map in the barrel of the Henry?"

"Maybe," Redlance shrugged his shoulders thinking.

"How long do we wait?" Skywise asked after a few minutes.

Redlance was about to answer when the sound of someone entering the office stopped him short. Soft footfalls sounded like thunder to the hypersensitive ears of the two elves at the top of the hidden stairs. Then it stopped and quiet took over, a deep silence that seemed to even mute the activity out on the street. Skywise slowly rocked back up to a kneeling position as did Redlance and both got ready for a fight. The tracker pulled his bowie knife from its deerskin sheath while Skywise reached over and grabbed a scrap flat board.

A knife and a stick wasn't going to be much against four six guns but it'd have to do.

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"Oh no thank you sir, I am full to the gills."

The exclamation from Bearclaw to Fernando and the cooks offer of another four crepes was enough to send the table into laughter. Leetah giggled politely at the remark, nodded with the conversation when needed, and was overjoyed when it was time to leave. She was walking out next to Cutter listening to Shenshen ask again why they could not stay at the Hacienda.


"But why must we stay at Senora Savah's Papa?"

"Because my little flower, it is not safe here. This morning should prove that to you." Sun Toucher explained.

"We have nothing to fear from Rayek Papa!" Shenshen spat.

"Not from where I stood." Bearclaw spoke up.

"He would not have hurt anyone!" Shenshen countered.

"Yes, maybe, but what about the next time Rayek comes asking questions? What if he shows up next time and your father doesn't tell him what he wants to hear?" Joyleaf inquired.

"If Thiro had not goaded him Rayek would have been calm civil." Shenshen answered with a little frustration.

"That boy with the gun had nothing with what was going on in Rayek's head. He wants something bad, and he's willing to risk a whole lot to get it." Cutter joined in.

Shenshen stopped cold and set her jaw in a angry fashion. "Leetah, tell them how we have nothing to fear form Rayek!"

It wasn't Leetah who answered Shenshen though. He father put his arm around her shoulders and spoke with a loving fatherly tone. "It is not Rayek I worry about...now please go back to Senora Savah's and you will be safe."

The anger in Shenshen melted as her father guided her to paddock where the stable boys had all the horses and buggy ready. Cutter and Bearclaw both took note of Sun Toucher's comment as they walked along. The goodbyes were solemn, Shenshen hugging her mother for a long time before breaking the embrace. Sun Toucher took Leetah aside and smiled while looking into her eyes.

"You are such a lady my Spanish rose. I am so happy you finally found someone who can tame that heart of yours. He is a fine elf and a gentlemen."

"Gracias Papa, but tell me truthfully, are you and Mama all right?"

"Oh si, we are fine Leetah. I have Thiro in case something happens." Sun Toucher grinned.

His daughter wasn't amused at the joke and her face showed it. "That is not funny."

The Rancho owner sighed and took Leetah's hand in his. "Your mother and I will be fine, and with you at Savah's I have peace of mind. The gauchos will keep us safe."

Leetah only accepted her father's wish choosing for once to follow. She stood up on her toes and kissed his cheek before being led to her horse. She hugged him hard and then let Cutter help her into the saddle draping her leg over the side as a lady does. Cutter turned to Sun Toucher and held out his hand.

"It was a pleasure meeting you sir."

"Si, as it was to meet you Major. I hope to welcome a new son to the Family soon."  

Cutter just nodded then tipped his hat to Toorah before jumping into the saddle. Leetah and Shenshen both waved to their parents before disappearing down the road that led to town from the Rancho. Sun Toucher sighed heavily and wiped at his eyes.

"Are you all right?" Toorah asked squeezing his arm in hers.

"Si...I'm just thinking about Thiro."

"Thiro?" Toorah exclaimed.

"Si, we need to find him before he finds trouble!"

She only giggled and shook her head knowing full well her husband was right.

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The stream was cool and inviting as Black Feather stepped in. He was running his hand over the top of the water smiling as the fish that had gathered around his legs began to reach for his wiggling fingers. So lost was he that the shaman didn't see or hear the approach of his brother from the woods.

"Oki brother!" Kurah called out from under his floppy hat.

"Oki!" Black Feather called back with a wave.

The Firstcomer stopped at the bank's edge and smiled. "What do the fish tell you this morning brother?"

"They ask why my brother pointed ear would wear such an ugly hat!" Black Feather joked.

Kurah looked hurt for a moment before reaching up and adjusting the hat while laughing. "I like this hat. It covers my large ears quite well."

"Did you meet the one who freed the spirit?" Black Feather asked after laughing.

Kurah nodded and look over into the woods. "I did brother. She is...interesting. I see...something missing in her."

"Missing brother?" Black Feather asked.

"Yes," Kurah nodded before sitting down, "I do not know what, but she is missing...something. Has the Seeker come yet?"

"The pretty bird will be here soon."

The Firstcomer nodded again and then chose to let the silence speak. He looked into the woods wondering what his fellow Firstcomers would say about this world now, what they would think of how humans and elves lived now if they had lived.

They would have been happy he thought, very content.

Hey, guess what, another chapter and its written by me, Wisshaman



"Hey there Wavecatcher, it's been a while since you've been in!" Spine called out as the door to his barber shop closed, the ringing of the bell dying out.

"Yeah, Wavelet's been cutting my hair." The ranch hand responded taking off his hat and hanging it on the stand by the door.

"It shows!" Darshek laughed while reading the paper from a chair along the wall.

"Yeah, any closer on the sides and you'll end up looking like Spine here, five feet of hair and all in a straight line." Snakeskin added from the chair he was sitting in.

"Hey now," Spine yelped with mock pain like the last from Snakeskin hurt him, "you can't compare a handsome devil to a beat-up fencepost!"

"I know which is why Wavecatcher should be the one upset! I mean being compared to you!" Darshek laughed.

"I know I'd be downright mad if I were him! Being called a fencepost just isn't right!" Spine agreed as Wavecatcher stepped over by the barber's chair.

The four laughed heartily for a moment before Snakeskin spoke up. "So how are the little ones?"

"Krill and Brill are good, doing really good these days. They have a new friend that's been helping out." Wavecatcher answered.

"Who's that?" Spine quipped looking up at Wavecatcher.

"A tracker named Jonas."

"Is he safe?" Snakeskin asked with a little concern.

"Yeah, Jonas was a Sheridan Scout with Redlance. Strongbow even checked on him, rode out and had a talk with him."

"Really?" Darshek asked looking up from the paper.

"Oh yeah, he's taken to Krill and Brill like they were his own. Yeah, they were pretty low when he went missing..." Wavecatcher remarked letting the last trail off.

"What's the news on that?" Spine inquired.  

So Wavecatcher told his friends the whole story choosing not to leave anything out, even the strange headaches. The barbershop was quiet when he finished, each Wavedancer lost in his own thought until Darshek spoke up. "Is he gonna do something about what happened, about Mrs. Winnowill?"

Wacecatcher shook his head though and spoke quietly. "Not sure, he's talking with Mr. Longbranch at the restaurant."

"Well he should, can't let someone get away with that." Darshek spat.

"What he needs to do is think about his family before walking down that trail." Snakeskin countered.

"And why is that?" Spine spoke up.

"Voll has a lot of money and influence and he might not like someone trying to have his wife put into jail. Do you remember how the law worked Djunsland, the few times it was enforced?" Snakeskin explained.

The shop was quiet again, a deep silence brought on by memories of not so long ago when all four felt abandoned, demeaned by those who were suppose to protect them. The law in their homeland didn't exactly work like scales, but more like a club. A scar that deep doesn't heal anytime soon either. Darshek shook his head and spoke up moving the discussion to something else about home, something better.

"Has there been any word from that lady in Djunsland Spine?"

Spine shook his head. "Nope not a peep."

"What lady?" Wavecatcher asked feeling lost.

Darshek filled his friend in about Spine and how he helped Redlance with the request to contact someone form the Maquis. Wavecatcher wasn't a Maquis, even though he had been offered a spot, he never felt right being a resistance fighter while married to Wavelet. It wasn't fair he always told himself, it wasn't fair to her to sit around wondering if he was alive or dead or coming home. Still, he looked shock for a second before whispering. "Damn, Redlance worked with the Maquis?"

"Yep, and on a regular basis it seems." Darshek offered.

Wavecatcher turned to look at Spine, who had become sullen with the turn of the conversation in the shop, with a raised eyebrow. "Did he work with anyone you all knew?"

"No, I don't remember him or his name." Snakeskin interjected.

The Wavedancer looked like he was about to ask another question when through the front window of the shop they watched as four men came walking out of the alley, all dressed the same, all wearing guns under their coats, and all looking in every direction. The four elves stayed quiet and watched as the men huddled for a second on the walkway before breaking and heading off in pairs, one going south and the other north. After they left Darshek looked to Snakeskin with a surprised expression.

"I don't know those men, but I sure know what they're doing."

"What's that?" Wavecatcher asked quickly.

"They're looking for someone...someone who just gave them the slip." Spine whispered.

"How do you know that?"

"Because," Snakeskin answered Wavecatcher with a low voice, "the Special Police over in Djunsland used to do the same thing when they were after us."

Then, before Wavecatcher could ask another question, a single human taller then the other four walked down toward the back of the alley and out of sight. The large brim of his black hat blocked his face from the four who watched him pass by, like he was hiding his face from them. He walked with a steady gait neither in hurry nor dragging his feet and the simple coat he wore clung to his dark blue dungaree shirt and pants. The tips of a red bandana tie round his neck twirled from the breeze generated by his walk.

"Who's that?" Darshek asked.

"I don't know." Snakeskin answered.

"I don't know if I want to know." Spine offered.

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Mrs. McKinney's pudgy hand counted out the last of the coins for her customer, a small little lady named Margaret. The bank lady thanked Margaret for her patronage then went back to making sure all her money was neatly stacked in her till. Her large blue eyes spotted the bag that Redlance had dropped off, the nightly deposit from the restaurant, and she quickly chided herself for forgetting about it. Edna McKinney, she thought to herself, you know better than to do that! She picked up the pouch and carefully opened the strings that held the opening shut before emptying the contents across the green felt mat on the counter. She neatly piled the coins up by denomination, from smallest to largest, and stacked the paper money the same procedure. Edna was nothing if not a creature of habit.

She then counted the money, three times as always, marking the amount of each stack on a slip of paper by the mat. Edna then picked up the deposit slip and read the amounts written in the short neat hand of the lawyer Longbranch. She just loved his firm but elegant penmanship. She noted each line matched hers, as it always did when it came to Longbranch, and she was about the take it all back to the vault and hand the deposit slip notarized with her signature to her husband for the books when she noticed the writing on the back.

Large red block letters.

Edna turned over the slip of paper and read the words, twice. It took two times before the it all sunk into her brain.

Being followed by four men!

Get the Marshall!

Headed for the Office!

Then Edna McKinney felt the wind just drop from her lungs. The lobby of the bank spun in a tight circle and she might have collapsed flat if not for the wall catching her as she hit it. It took a brief second for her to get enough of her composure to let go with a wail loud enough to make a Train Conductor proud.

"EDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!"

Her husband, a man of similar girth, ran over huffing and puffing like he had just run across town instead of the lobby. "EDNA, What is it my love?"

She pushed the note into his hand with one of hers while the other clutched at her ample bosom as it heaved with her melodramatic fainting spell. Ed read the words as his wife slid down the wall crying for him to do something, anything.

Ed did do something.

He stood flabbergasted sputtering to his other teller waving the note like a flag of surrender.

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The door to the restaurant swung open and Clearbrook stepped through with Marshall Treestump right behind. The pair laughed a little looking very much in love as they walked in. Longbranch looked over from Strongbow and his coffee with a nod.

"Coming in for lunch Marshall?"

Stump shook his head and smiled. "No sir, I came for the coffee. I need to kill some rats in the jail."

Clearbrook giggled loudly hiding the small laugh behind her hand as Longbranch looked hurt. "Well, for that the Red Velvet Cake is off limits."

The Marshall's tone suddenly changed as he took of his hat. "Red Velvet...I'd like to offer my sincere apology at this time sir if I have impugned your honor!"

"Now Marshall, my cake's not that good!" Brownberry retorted.

"I think he'd face a whole gang of outlaws for a slice or two of your cake my dear." Clearbrook stated with another giggle.

"That I would," the Marshall exclaimed taking a cup of coffee from Longbranch.

Tyleet looked up and smiled at her teacher. "Guess what Mrs. Clearbrook?"

"What is that ma'am?"

"Mama is going to wear ruffles at the wedding!"

Clearbrook looked genuinely surprised and smiled as she spoke. "Really, she will look so beautiful!"

Moonshade and Brownberry turned to their respective daughters and announced in perfect unison. "See!"

Nightfall just shook her head while her lovemate turned and called to her father. "Pa!"

The men though only shook their heads and looked the other way with Longbranch whispering. "We better keep clear of this one boy's!"

"I'd rather face a bucking bronco!" Strongbow said with a shake of his head.

"A stampeding herd of buffalo wouldn't hurt that bad," the Marshall said with a small grin.

The ladies went back to discussing, forcibly, the wedding dress design when the door swung open again and Wavelet came back in with three little girls. Chitter yelled for her Pa excitedly and ran to Strongbow's side jumping into his arms. He sat her in the seat by him and Marshall Stump teased her about her dress as Krill and Brill followed Wavelet to the group of ladies. They were both busy licking on some stick candy while the adults talked.

And as they enjoyed the time together only one person noticed the horse whisperer grimace with pain every once in a while. Longbranch stared at his friend. The friend who had refused to come and see him for that entire week they thought Redlance was dead because he couldn't bear to hear the news he might be dead. His friend who kept them all at an arm's distance because he was just that way, but then melted like stick of butter when one of his little girls smiled at him

Just what did she do to you Strongbow the lawyer thought?

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They rode into town at a normal pace for the horses to walk and the buggy to scoot along gently. Much wasn't said between Cutter and Leetah right after they left the Hidalgo. He let her wander through her own thoughts giving her the space she wanted. It was only when Bearclaw started to talk about the Rancho that she came out of her own self-induced silence. He asked about everything, from what the Hidalgo grew to what all the workers jobs were. And with each question she perked up just a bit more.

"So that fella without a gun makes clay pots, and whatever else you need like that?"

"Si, Zhantee is a master potter. He would never think or say so, but he is very accomplished at the spinning wheel." Leetah answered.

"You know, I've always wanted to know how they keep all that clay on that spinning wheel. I mean it looks like the whole blob would just go flinging off!" Cutter remarked with a smile.

Leetah just laughed as they entered town. Bearclaw steered the buggy over to the Livery and parked it so the family could stop and have some coffee. There was no need for lunch even though the sun was high in the sky. All the food that Sun Toucher had brought out was still sitting like a sack of flour on their stomachs. After the horses were put up they walked toward the restaurant, slowly to stay along side Joyleaf so she didn't feel left out. The proprietress of the Wild West Show never complained once even though her hip hurt like the dickens. She just smiled, held her husband's arm with love, and smiled as they ambled down the walk toward the restaurant. Leetah did the same with Cutter and Shenshen walked just a step back to stay on the walk.

"Ho Cutter!"

The Major stopped, as did everyone, and turned to see Wavecatcher running up.

"Hey there Wavecatcher, how are you?"

The Wavedancer nodded and tipped his hat to the ladies before answering. "I'm good, are you all going to the restaurant?"

The group started walking again as Cutter nodded. "Yep, we're just stopping in to get a drink of coffee though. We had an excellent feast down at the Hidalgo."

"Gracias mi amor!" Leetah said with a smile at the compliment.

"The Rancho Del Sol you know I've always wanted to swing by there and see it." Wavecatcher confessed opening the door to the restaurant for the group.

They walked past him letting Shenshen speak. "We will have to take you there Senor Wavecatcher and show you our beautiful home one day!"

"That would be a grand gesture ma'am." Wavecatcher stated with a tip of his hat.

Once inside the group moved to the counter where they were greeted warmly in the impromptu gathering of friends. Bearclaw and Cutter stopped by the Marshall and Strongbow and Longbranch while Leetah and Joyleaf and Shenshen went down to the mass talking about the wedding dresses.

"Oh Rose, will you need a wedding dress made?" Moonshade asked.

"Si, but I was just going to just send for one from back east." She remarked with a small smile.

"Oh please don't. It would make me so happy to make one for you." The dressmaker insisted.

Leetah only smiled and nodded. She couldn't say no to the smile or eyes of Moonshade once she offered to make the dress. A second later when she heard about the ruffles though she started to regret making that decision. Foxfur came out from the back with two plates, both with large slices of cake on them that caught Bearclaw's eyes.

"Is that...Red Velvet?"

"Yep," Treestump smiled broadly taking a nice sized bite into his mouth.

"Sweetie, I'm gonna need a piece of that cake!" The pistoleer demanded suddenly.

"I thought you were full!" Joyleaf exclaimed from her seat with a raised eyebrow.

Her husband though just shook his head. "I'll make room for a piece of this cake!"

Everyone laughed as Eyes High brought out the large slice of cake and handed it over to Bearclaw. He took a bite and then smiled broadly as it melted in his mouth. Cutter just shook his head while calling out to Foxfur. "Where's Skywise?"

"Old Reb saw him tag along with Redlance. They were taking the nightly till to the bank for Longbranch."

Crescent looked up to the door then her father with a worried look. "They should have been back by now."

"We'll give em five more minutes and another slice of cake before we send out the search party!" Marshall Stump smiled eating another bite.

As the group laughed Brill tugged on Wavecatcher's hand. She spoke above the others as he leaned down. "Is the tracker okay Papa?"

"Oh yes," Wavecatcher remarked with a warm smile, "he's just running a bit late. Say, you didn't forget my piece of candy did you?"

Krill giggled and shook her head. "No!"

Wavelet opened her small purse and handed over a piece of candy making her husband smile. "They made sure you got your piece sweetheart."

He smiled, kissed his wife, and then winked while putting the candy in his mouth making Krill and Brill laugh. The group enjoyed themselves talking and sharing until the door swung open again and it all came to a grinding halt. Dart walked in with a winded Ed McKinney right behind trying to keep up. It didn't take much for the Marshall to see there was a problem.

"What is it son?"

Dart stopped by him as everyone grew quiet and still. The room was deadly silent as the Deputy handed over a slip of paper with large red writing. "We got a situation with Red and Skywise. Ed just came running over from the bank with this."

Almost as one the whole group, ladies and men, all moved in to hear what was going on with the paper. Nightfall and Crescent got up and ran around to Cutter's side, who was standing by Treestump's shoulder. The Marshall read the words aloud so everyone could hear and know what was happening.

"Being followed by four men. Get the Marshall. Headed for the office."

There was a collective gasp, a curse from Bearclaw, and a look of fear from Tyleet who grabbed her grandmother's hand tightly. Cutter looked to his father then to Strongbow and Longbranch before stopping on the Marshall.

"We have to find them."

"Aw hell..." Wavecatcher spat suddenly from the back.

Everyone turned to look at him but it was Nightfall who spoke up with a calm but concerned tone. "What is it?"

"I saw four men run out from the back of Spine's barbershop. They were heeled and they looked like they were after someone. I think they might have been the ones chasing Redlance and Skywise."

Not one eye moved off of him and Wavecatcher didn't like the sudden attention.

Hey, guess what, another chapter and its written by Rainflower

Now, what's Dewshine doing while all this is happening? Let's see...


Dewshine was happy, either if Scouter had no time for her at the moment she was happy. It couldn't help that he had a lot to do with her father. She owed him so. She had a feeling that Scouter looked at Marshal Treestump as a sort of, not replacement, but a temporarily father figure.

Temporarily.

What he had told her wasn't making sense to her. She couldn't possibly believe it, but he had been so serious that she hadn't had the heart to tell against him.

They had been at the smithy with their horses, Scouter's with two shoes missing and her Trollhammer with one missing. Waiting for Trollhammers shoe to be finished they had been catching up what they had talked about; One-Eye's disappearance.

"You know what you mentioned Dewshine, about my father?"

"Yes? What about that?" she said a little insecure and looked at him. He was playing with dust at the ground with his foot and looked like he tried to figure out how to say what he was going to say.

"It's true, it has affected me a lot. It's so long ago but I can't stop thinking of..."

Dewshine laid a hand on his chest. "Scouter, you don't have to explain. I understand."

"But there is more, Dewshine. I haven't told anyone about this' cause I knew everyone would tell me the opposite but I don't think my father is really dead." He looked up at her and his eyes were shining while he spoke. "I know deep inside that he's still out there somewhere; and he will come back someday!"

She hadn't answered at first but then she had said. "What makes you so sure about that? she said when the smithy suddenly called out:

"Hey kid, the shoe is ready. Come with you horse."

Leading her horse to him, they talked no more of the subject.

Dewshine didn't know what to believe. She knew Scouter could overreact sometimes, but that he would go as far as believing that his father would come back, that was a little too much for her.

Well, not time to figure that out now. Time would show if he was right or not.

After the horses had gotten new shoes, Scouter had to go back to her father's office, said he had some things he wanted to finish before school started tomorrow.

She had the whole day for herself and she knew just what to use them for.


Tyldak looked up from under his hat when she arrived. She couldn't tell if he smiled or not because she had the sun in her eyes, but he didn't seem angry at her showing up.

"Hello there. How're ya doin' little Dove?"  

She smiled at the nickname he had given her. "Everything's just great, Tyldak." She said while jumping off her Trollhammer. "It's all turned from thunderclouds till silverlight."

Tyldak raised one eyebrow and stared at her. "Whatever. Come and see." He walked over to the fence and laid his hand on the metal plates that was leaning on it. "I just got some new plates from Two-Edge. They will cover the body and the motor and then we can start working on the wings."

Dewshine felt flattered of the way he said 'we' and hoped that he wouldn't see her blushing cheeks. "That great!" Dewshine said folding her hands together. "What are we waiting for? Let's start."

Tyldak explained for her how to make holes with a hammer and tong and then screw them to the iron skeleton. He had already started making marks on where the different holes were supposed to be. Then he showed her how to carefully knock a little whole into the plates, not too much, or else the hole would be too big and the screws would make their way through it. Dewshine felt so proud that he trusted her in such a task.

While she continued with this task he continued working on the motor. He was connecting a lot of strange little wheels into a little metal box. Sometimes he swore when something didn't fit or if it fell out for him. Dewshine had figured out that it was best not to disturb him when he concentrated on something, and she wanted to keep peace with him, so she said nothing at first, instead concentrating on what she was doing herself.

Tyldak on the other hand noticed the difference.

When Dewshine wasn't looking he looked up and stared at her. He noticed how carefully she conducted her task and her soft and elegant movements when she did it. The annoying little girl who had interrupted his work had in his eyes changed into someone else over the last days. He couldn't help to notice how pretty she was. The golden curly locks, her blue eyes, innocent but full of life, and the tiny little body filled with so much energy.

She looked up suddenly and their eyes met in a moment; a strange feeling run through his body before he looked down again. Dewshine continued staring at him. She wondered if she should dare to say something, afraid that he would get mad again, but she was surprised when he suddenly was the one talking.

"How'bout a lunch break? You hungry?" he suddenly said.

Dewshine looked up and smiled at him, noticing that she actually was hungry. "Starving, mister."

He went inside and came back with some sandwiches with peanut butter. They sat beside each other at the bench leaned to the house wall and ate, not saying a word for a while.

"How are you doing with that thing?" she asked and pointed with her head at the box he had been working on.

He looked at is with a grimace. "Nah, not sure. Can't figure out how to make the cogwheels move without falling apart." He looked at her. "It's not easy ya'know."

"I see." Dewshine giggled.

"So how're ya doing in town? Thought there was a lot going on right now." He asked.

Dewshine smiled at him. "It was, but it's over now. You know my father sent out some folks to look for my cousin and his friends when they went to look for Mr. Strongbow? They came back yesterday and guess what? He's back!"

He raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

"Mr. Strongbow of course. Scouter, you know my friend at school and father's deputy in training, he told me that they found him when they returned to his ranch. They were just gonna say hello to his wife, Mrs. Moonshade, but then they found him right there in the living room with her." She had to stop and take a breath before continuing. "It's all so odd; he disappeared with absolutely no clue at all to follow him, like he had disappeared in the air or something."

Tyldak got interested and asked another question. "So what had happened to the guy?"

"That's the weirdest part; according to Scouter, Mr. Strongbow was kidnapped by one of the nobles in town. Don't remember her name though. Scouter said that she was trying to give him magical powers, so it's obvious that she's been running him hard. I mean, come on; magical powers? Though Scouter did mention something about one of the saloon girls had healed him from being shot, so I'm starting to wonder if he heard right or if he's just had too much of the trip."

Tyldak took another bite of the sandwich. "So the kidnapper was a lady?" he asked curiously.

"Yeah! The one from Blue Mountain Ranch." she looked up and wrinkled her brows. "Oh, I really wish I could remember her name. It was a long name, and really weird too."

Tyldak looked at the ground while Dewshine continued talking. He had gotten a serious look on his face. "The name on this lady isn't supposed to be Mrs. Winnowill, is it?" he asked slowly."

Dewshine almost jumped up from where she sat. "That's it! That's the name. Winnowill!" Then she started giggling. "Funny isn't it?"

Tyldak didn't respond her laughter and continued talking instead. "According to what I have heard she's got quite a lot influence."

"That might be."

Tyldak got a distant look, like he was dreaming. "Would be a shame to get her reputation ruined by somethin' like that; kidnapping."

"It probably would. Have you met her?"

"Enough talking, Dove. We've got work to do." Tyldak said and stood up and walked over to his tool box and looked for something. "Tell me when you're done making the holes and then we'll hang'em on the body."

"Alright." Dewshine answered noticing the sudden change in his voice and wondered if she had said something wrong. Tyldak could really be unstable sometimes. One moment he was all right and the next he was back to the grumpy guy she had met at first. She really couldn't understand him, but she decided to not even try. That's how he was, and she had comed to accept that with him.

Its that time again, another chapter and its written by me, Wisshaman

Okay, here's the next piece of Day 8. We find Rayek fighting himself, the Wavedancers gathering, and just who is chasing Skywise and Red!



He rode on over the hills with the swaying high grass not seeing a thing around him.

He rode on not feeling the warmth from the sun high above.

He rode on with one purpose...one desire.

To kill.

Rayek was guiding Leila toward Guttlekraw's and he wasn't even aware of it. He pushed the Arabian on with his jaw set hard and eyes locked onto some distant place and person only he could see, some path only part of Rayek wanted to follow because suddenly he reined Leila in hard. The horse skidded to a stop and reared back on its hind legs while kicking with the front ones at the air. In a single move he dropped out of the saddle and walked away from his horse gasping for air. Rayek's hand went for the Colt on his right hip as he still looked in the direction of Guttlekraw's ranch, still eyed that path, only now it seemed to fade from his second sight. The inner battle in Rayek's soul was playing out at the very moment.

The Hunter was slowly taking control again, slowly bring Rayek back to a rational point. The emotional side of the elf, the one that reacted without thought or consequence kept fighting though. It wanted blood, it wanted the life of Guttlekraw for all the pain that troll had heaped on him. Then the Hunter took control again, the solemn voice in his head telling Rayek that just a few hours ago he might have taken the life of Sun Toucher if the Hidalgo proprietor had taken the blame for his father's death. The Hunter asked him when it would stop, all this desire for blood, when would it end?

The raw emotions screamed back. He lost his father. He lost his life. He lost Leetah! He lost everything because of that troll!

No, the Hunter replied, that was because of you and these emotions. You let the emotions out and they destroyed your life amigo.

No! Blood for blood! That is the only thing you want the emotions wailed. It's the only thing you need!

Yet, like he had done so many times before, Rayek let the Hunter take over. He took his hand off his Colt and breathed deep letting the calm sweep over him. The scream of the emotions dulled as he opened his gold eyes and looked away from Guttlekraw's back to the direction of Blue Mountain. Another image came into his mind's eye, the one he needed to see. The warm eyes and soft smile of Ekuar soothed his soul instantly.

Why did you come home Brownskin?

"To be...anything but this." Rayek whispered.

Then be something else. Your father would have wanted that.

"Can I amigo, or have I gone too far down this path?" Rayek whispered looking skyward into the sun, letting the burning globe warm his face.

There was no answer but the breeze. Rayek looked down and out over the swaying grass of the prairie for the first time this day, felt the warmth of the sun on his back, and let go of the angst in his stomach. He walked over to Leila and took the reins in his hands and swung up in the saddle with a deft pull. The Arabian neighed and then jumped into a run across the hills away from Guttlekraw's and toward the Blue Mountain Ranch.

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Foam and Puffer walked easily along the street ignoring the glances that were thrown their way. There were the looks from the people who pitied the pair, the ones who knew they were marked as Maquis and as such were shunned. These were the eyes that kept Foam up at night, the ones she could barely stand to meet everyday. Then there were the looks of disdain and hate, the ones that bothered little Puffer. He couldn't understand why they loathed him, why they wouldn't let him and his mother just live. Yet they both refused to run and hide from those eyes. They both refused to slink or stay inside.

And so did Irralee, who walked next to Foam with her head held high. She knew the eyes were on her but she didn't acknowledge a one. She just kept her quiet dignity wrapped around her as the trio traveled down the walk in the small town ending up in front of a three story building that use to be a boarding house at one time. Now, due to the lack of visitors that created a lack of funds to enable its upkeep, the house looked run down and desolate. It didn't look like one that would be suitable for a family.

Yet just as Foam and Puffer climbed up the stoop the worn and dirty front door opened with a loud creek as a tall Wavedancer with long brown hair pulled back into a pony tail and an equally brown colored eyes and a warm smile.

"Good afternoon Foam."

"Hey Rhialdor!" Puffer called out.

"Hello there squirt!" Rhialdor called back.

"Good afternoon Rhialdor, how is Kirith today?" Foam asked stopping at the door.

"She's doing better, which is a long way from great, but I'll take it." The Wavedancer replied.

"Is ShoreSprout here?" Puffer questioned.

"Yep, she's inside with Inkbottom. I think they're waiting on you to start playing." Rhialdor winked.

The young Wavedancer gave a whoop and ran past Rhialdor heading inside the house calling out for his friends. Foam smiled happily that her son had playmates, someone his age who could take his mind off of what they were going through. She walked past her friend heading inside as Irralee stepped up.

"Good afternoon Rhialdor."

"Good afternoon Irralee, how are you?"

"I'm fine," she responded trying to step past.

Rhialdor though stopped her with a hand to her arm and whispered. "Brom knows about last night. It didn't help his disposition."

"He's never had a pleasant one." Irralee replied.

"And last night didn't help to lighten it." Rhialdor countered.

Irralee looked down to the ground whispering with a shake of her head. "I know I didn't mean for it to happen."

The Wavedancer took pity on his friend and put an arm around her shoulder guiding her inside the house as the front door closed. "It'll be all right, just be more careful please. The Special Police may let us enjoy our freedom for now but all that can change in the blink of an eye. You know how close we are to being taken away. A simple whim, someone somewhere can change their mind in an instant and we'll be gone."

"I know," Irralee whispered looking up.

"Good, now let's go have some lunch." Rhialdor smiled.

"All right, is Zadori here?" Irralee asked with a small smile.

"She's coming with Burdekin."

"And Shoseabee and Lazik and Kadva?" Irralee asked again with a little more enthusiasm.

"Yes, all of them too!" Rhialdor laughed.

The pair entered a kitchen that at one time might have fed a number of tenants but was now mostly quiet and empty. Foam sat at a table with another elf, a beautiful blond hair Wavedancer dressed in a ruby red top and brown skirt and whose eye lids remained closed as she spoke with Foam. It was Kirith, Rhialdor's wife. It was still amazing to see her up and moving so soon after going blind from some strange ailment. There was no warning, no onset like some disease. Kirith just woke one morning not a month ago and was blind, plunged into a world of darkness.

"Good afternoon Kirith!" Irralee said happily. Somewhere in the large house the sounds of the squirts playing echoed in the kitchen.

"Good afternoon Irralee, would you like some coffee?"

"Yes ma'am, I'll just get a cup and join you." She answered moving to the counter quickly. As Irralee poured the cup she was glad knowing everyone would be here to calm down Brom when he showed.

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Someone must have turned up the heat Skywise thought because the space above Longbranch's office was stifling now. He slowly wiped away a bead of sweat that was sliding down the side of his head while gripping the sawmill slat just a little tighter in his left hand. Only a few minutes before they heard sounds below in the lawyer's office, and it wasn't the four men who had chased them across town to the bank and then up here. No, those men were like Buffaloes making all kinds of noises and stomping around down there. This person was slow and methodical and quiet. Every step seemed muffled, almost undetectable if not for the floor boards rubbing against each other.  

Another minute passed...two more steps from below.

Whoever this was they were looking around, examining every little thing Skywise thought. The Captain wondered for a second if they were looking for them or something else. It was too coincidental that the four men chase them here then leave only to have someone else walk in and start to look around. Maybe it was someone after Longbranch? Maybe this was someone with less than honorable intentions toward the country lawyer?

One of the books on the bookcase suddenly moved, scraped as it was removed from the shelf.

Now Skywise was really starting to wonder just who the hell this was. He looked over to see Redlance peering with sharp eyes down the stairs while hiding behind the top banister of the steps. He wondered if the tracker was thinking the same thing, wondering just who was down there in the office.

The chair in the office suddenly creaked from below as the person sat down.

The Captain shook his head in disbelief. At this rate they might get out of this by supper...if they were lucky!

"Come on out Sergeant-Major. I know your still in here."

Skywise jumped a bit at the sudden sound of the voice in the space. It sounded distinguished, from the south, and it was one you'd have a hard time forgetting. He watched Redlance lower the Bowie knife and sigh before standing and heading down the steps to the bookcase. He didn't do the same with the board in his hand, but Skywise did follow the tracker down the steps to the back of the bookcase that hid the upper space.

"Who is it?" The Captain asked just as Redlance pushed on the bookcase.

The tracker didn't answer, only the swish of the opening portal did. The office was full of sunlight from the open door illuminating the man sitting in the chair easily, and he sure wasn't trying to hide. The law book sat in his lap, which the legs were crossed, and he looked as calm as an old cat. The large brimmed black hat with snakeskin band didn't hide a face that looked young or eyes that looked experienced. He wore a thick blond horse shoe moustache that ran over the corners of his mouth stopped right at his chin. A coat seemed to cling to his lean frame, even with him sitting down in the chair.

"It's Colonel Sheridan." Redlance said with a smile.

"Colonel Sheridan?" Skywise sputtered.

The man in the chair didn't move, only smiled slightly and nodded. "Good afternoon Sergeant-Major, I see you haven't forgotten your training."

"Training?" The Captain exclaimed stepping out into the office behind Redlance.

"No sir, I haven't forgotten what you taught me."

"Well that's go-"

"Whoa," Skywise yelled stopping Redlance and the Colonel in mid-conversation, "whoa, what the hell is going on here?"

Just then the door to the office opened and the four men who had followed them came back in. When they saw the two elves they suddenly smiled and the second one slapped his leg. "I told you they were still in here!"

"You said they crawled out a window!" The first one shot back.

"There's a set of stairs behind the bookcase gentlemen." Colonel Sheridan offered.

"Damn!" all four muttered.

"Father had it put in when he built the office." Redlance grinned.

Skywise sighed in frustration trying to get some kind of explanation of what just happened. He started to speak when Snakeskin and Darshek popped in behind the other four men cutting him off.

"What are all of you doing back here? Oh, hey there Redlance!" Darshek yelled with a wave and a smile.

"Afternoon fella's" Redlance waved.

"I guess everything's okay then?" Snakeskin asked eyeing everyone suspiciously.

"Oh yeah, we're just having a picnic! Come on in and join us!" Skywise spat throwing up his hands.

Colonel Sheridan laughed with a deep sound. "They all said you were a pistol Captain and I have to agree!"

"Oh he's a pistol all right!" Darshek laughed hearing about the Captain's reputation.

"Listen; just tell me why those four men were following us, all right?" Skywise demanded.

Colonel Sheridan put the book on the desk and nodded. "These four men are the new 'Sheridan Scouts'. I wanted to see if the Sergeant-Major still had the 'Scout' in him so I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone. I had my best new students try and capture the best one I have ever had the pleasure of training. You Captain, you just happened to be in the wrong spot at the wrong time."  

The room went quiet. Redlance looked down at the floor with the words from Sheridan, like he was embarrassed by the compliment. One of the four men at the door nodded to Skywise, as if all was forgiven. Colonel Sheridan rose from the chair and spoke with that distinguished voice.

"I need to speak with the Sergeant-Major alone for a bit Captain, if you don't mind?"

Skywise's eyes went wide as this all was just too much. He had been chased by four strange men into a hidden room behind a bookcase on the order of a Colonel who just dismissed him. Yeah, it was just a little much.

"Sure, anyone want a cup of coffee?" The Captain spat sarcastically heading for the door to the office.

"I'd like one Captain, and maybe we could talk." The first man remarked with a nod.

"Yeah, we can talk!" Skywise shot back.

"We're sorry if we scared you Captain." The second one said with a smile that pure contempt.

The rabbit punch from the Captain was fast and hit the man right above his belt buckle driving into his stomach. The blow knocked the wind from him doubling the man over instantly as a gurgle sound escaped his mouth.

"Owwwwww..."

"Nah you didn't scare me," Skywise added continuing on to the door while looking at Darshek,"you coming or not?"

"Well that depends Skywise?" The Wavedancer responded.

"On what?"

"If we can keep our teeth!" Snakeskin answered as Skywise walked past.

As much as he tried Skywise couldn't help but laugh at the joke and waved the leather worker on. The huge group started off toward the restaurant leaving Sheridan and Redlance alone in the office. A solemn silence fell over the two before Sheridan spoke.

"It's good to see you again Sergeant-Major."

"It's good to see you too Colonel."

"You know why I'm here?"

"I have a feeling." Redlance whispered.

The Colonel grinned and offered a hand to the door. "Then why don't we go to the local watering hole and talk."

Redlance nodded and walked out with Colonel Sheridan right behind. The door to the office closed and locked with an audible click.

Its that time again, another chapter and its written by our own, WhiteGhost

Lookit What I found!!




"There was... Blood on the saddle and ...blood all around... and a great big puddle... of blood on the ground."

The albino elf was singing as she rode a long, a morbidly catchy ditty she couldn't remember where she picked up. The two canines followed her horse, grumbling in the sunshine.

"A cowboy lay in it... all covered with gore-"

There was a sudden shrill yelp and the coyote bounced off to the side, growling at the near wolf.

"Stop it." WhiteRaven stopped mid-note and turned in her saddle to scold the 'dogs'. Greedy & Yellow Eyes had been scrapping ever since she'd turned the horse for Two moons. She wasn't sure if it was something one had rolled in, if one had nabbed a snack from the other or if they were plain irritable. But whatever the cause the near-wolf & the coyote had been nipping at each other, rolling in the dust: snapping, growling & carrying on. She was rather tired of it.

"Greedy! Yellow Eyes! BAD!" She shook her gloved fist at them, scowling. The movement made the thick leather fringe on the garment shimmy and shake.

She had spent the morning up and around the claim, measuring off places that might be suitable to build, making notes and even scouting out the source of the small creek. She was no geologist but it looked like there was a natural aquifer up in the hills. She wondered if it was possible to lay a pipe into it: it would be some of the purest water in the area. It was another thing on a long list of things to discuss with her uncle when he came.

But now she was hot, and tired and her arm hurt where she'd stumbled and sliced it on a stone outcropping. She was in no mood for cainine bickering.

And then, without warning the elf was spun half off the paint, her foot awkwardly caught in the stirrup, as the horse, frightened, reared and bucked. It was only a few seconds- but for the startled elf it seemed almost an eternity.

And then WhiteRaven was in the worn grass of the roadside, laying stunned- the sun full on her face- watching with a strange detachment as the paint galloped off.

"Yellow Eyes?" She muttered, wavng in the horse's general direction. "Get her!"

The coyote yiped once and took off after the horse in a ground eating lope. It was a version of 'Fetch' she'd taught the coyote. He loved that game, would chase the horse a ways, catch a dangling rein and then lead the paint back...

There was a sound, half blurred by distance and the wind, the sharp SNAP of a riffle.

It took a moment for the sound, her fall and the reason her shoulder hurt to solidify in her muddled mind: she'd been shot.

It took another moment more before what that implied sunk in. Sure, she knew that a rifle bullet could travel a fair piece- but that it wasnt accurate and lost its force the farther it went. That a rifle properly had to be used within a few hundred meters- usually less.

And since she on horseback didn't much resemble a buffalo or a pronghorn or any of the other prairie critters it meant she'd been hit deliberately. She bit one finger of her glove and pulled it off- her other arm didnt seem to be working now. The albino elf frowned and probed the neat hole in her coat and shirt. There was less blood then she had expected. Then- almost an afterthought- she reached around to her back, searching.

But she didnt find any blood or a hole there: the bullet was still inside.

A shadow fell over her: Greedy, standing guard.  

She shrugged out of her coat, biting her lower lip as she moved- it hurt, a bone deep ache. She wasn't expecting that either, not really. She slid out a buck knife and chopped at a seam- the shirt was ruined anyway. She managed to rip off her sleeve and wad it up, tucking it against her skin- the hole was small, the edges crusting with blood, already starting to swell & bruise.

"We gotta get to town old boy." She told the near-wolf. Footsteps: she looked up to see Yellow Eyes leading the paint, meek as a nun now. The albino slid her coat back on and stuck her useless arm in the deep pocket. She wasn't wearing her hat or dark glasses, sne noticed belatedly, and glancing around didn't see them.

She frowned. "...I liked that hat."

The slight elf climbed roughly onto the paint, crouched low over the back and dug her heels in the horse's flanks. "Haw! Haw!" she cried and took off down the long empty road, Greedy and Yellow Eyes following close behind, hopeing to outdistance the hidden shootist. She heard another distant report then nothing.

Its time again friends, another chapter posted and its written by me, Wiseshaman

Here's the next piece of Day 8. The worried loved ones in the restaurant learn the truth and so does Guttlekraw...




"Four men, heeled, by Longbranch's office?"

The question from Cutter was pretty straightforward, to the point, and yet Wavecatcher had a hard time forming a word. All he could see was he and the others standing by the window watching the four men run by looking for someone. Yeah, he didn't know Redlance and Skywise were in trouble or being chased and that did very little to stop the sudden guilt that he felt. Those two could be hurt, bleeding somewhere, and he could have done something to have stopped it. The Wavedancer was busy chiding himself as Nightfall spoke up?

"Wavecatcher?"

"Yeah, it was in back of Spine's..." He answered letting his voice die off.

Cutter and the others turned back starting to devise a plan, a way to approach the office without drawing attention. Longbranch stood up with a wobble while speaking. "Do you think it's the Miners?"

The Major shook his head and mumbled. "No, it's not the Miners."

"They'd have just rode in and shot the place up. This sounds setup, like a plan." Bearclaw stated putting a hand on his gun.

"Yep," Dart said looking to his father, "I don't see the Miners trying to take Red and the Captain. This sounds like a robbery."

"A robbery?" Shale exclaimed. He stood behind a Eyes High, who was scared for her son, on the same side of the counter as Longbranch.

"It makes sense, but then these boys would have taken them before the bank if they were after the money at all. You know what this might be..." Treestump stopped looking at Bearclaw.

"What? This might be what?" Brownberry exclaimed angry that the Marshall was making them wait.

The Marshall didn't answer the restaurant owner, it was her husband. "Bounty Hunters."

The room fell silent at the words. It made perfect sense to Bearclaw and Cutter now, why four men, heeled, were trailing after Red and Skywise with no thought for the money that they were carrying. Everyone turned to Cutter, waiting to hear what plan the Major would come up with to save his two best friends. In the back of the group though, out of everyone's thoughts, Wavecatcher was thinking about the other player, the man who walked back down the alley, the one who hid his face.

"What are you thinking Cutter?" Nightfall whispered.

"We get a circle formed up...slowly move in around Spine's. My guess, they're both hidden over there somewhere and 'ill come when we show up."

"Well...let's go!" Strongbow demanded slamming his fist on the counter.  

"We have to go slow horse whisperer. We have no clue what's going on. We could walk right into a trap!" Bearclaw spat.

"They probably got em' both all ready, tied up and beaten and drug clean out of town!" Ed the banker wailed.

"ED!" All the women yelled making the banker cower.

"No one's got Skywise. The Captain's too wily to get caught by a bunch of tinhorn's." Cutter snapped.

"And there's no way Redlance would have been caught...he's too damn smart for that!" Crescent added with just as much anger.

"Crescent!" Moonshade exclaimed about her daughter's anger. She didn't like the word, but she understood the anxiety and reached over rubbing Crescent's shoulder.

The room fell silent again as Treestump sighed staring at his coffee for a second before turning to Cutter and speaking. "Okay, I'll take Dart and Strongbow and work our way north before doubling back behind the buildings."

Cutter nodded tossing his thumb at Bearclaw. "Okay, I'll take Bearclaw and we'll swing south doing the same thing."

"I need a gun!" Strongbow pointed out pulling his hat on.

"Here you go!" Longbranch said handing over his Spencer from under the counter.

The horse whisperer checked the rifle as Crescent leaned in. "Please be careful Pa."

"I'll bring Red back safe."

"I was talking about you." Crescent remarked kissing his cheek.

He smiled before kissing her cheek back as Bearclaw spoke up. "It's only four fellas, don't need to worry much."

"We need to worry about the people in town!" Joyleaf popped.

Before the pistoleer could reply though Wavecatcher broke in. "It's not just those four!"

Cutter spun back looking at the Wavedancer with a squint. "There's more? How many more?"

"It's just one!" Wavecatcher answered holding up a finger.

"What makes you think he's involved?" Clearbrook asked.

The Wavedancer walked over to Cutter and Strongbow still holding up his finger. "It's just a hunch...the way he was "

"Damn man! Speak so I can understand ya!" Bearclaw yelled shaking his head.

Wavecatcher looked at the floor from the retort, like he was embarrassed, and may have stopped talking if it wasn't for a hand form Cutter on his shoulder. "Don't worry about him. He's all mouth sometimes. What did this man look like?"

"That's just it," the Wavedancer admitted shaking his head with a low voice, "he hid his face from us as he walked by. And he walked...like Red."

"Like Redlance?" Nightfall suddenly asked.

"Yeah, quiet and unassuming as he moved on by. I mean, you wouldn't know you were in the same room with Red until he sneezed. This man was just like that."

Cutter nodded his head while Foxfur gasped for breath. Eyes High put an arm around her shoulders as everyone waited for the Major to speak. He didn't get the opportunity as the bell rang out on the door and everyone either jumped or twitched at the sound. The silver hair of the Captain popped in, but the usual smile wasn't there.

"I need a cup of coffee...and a gun!"

He barely got another step before Foxfur had ducked under the counter and was hugging him as hard as she could. Eyes High and Shale followed and for a second it was quiet as they let the group hug, but then Cutter and Nightfall moved over breaking them up.

"Where's Redlance?" She asked quickly with concern.

"He's all right, no need to worry." Skywise said with a smile that eased Nightfall's fear. She felt a hand take hers and turned to see Crescent right next to her.

"Thank the High Ones." She whispered.

"What's going on?" Cutter spoke as he saw the four humans walk in.

"I don't know. Why don't you ask these four who chased us around town?" Skywise nodded to the four men.

The Major stepped past his friend right up to the human who looked to be the leader of the four humans. He squinted as the man put his hand out expecting a shake. "Good morning to you major, it's a real pleasure to meet the hero of Belles Ferry."

He didn't get one.

"Why the hell are you chasing people around town?"

The human pulled his hand back and nodded while taking off his hat and speaking. "I'm sorry for scaring the Captain-"

"I wasn't scared!" Skywise yelled.

The second human followed the play of his leader and only nodded, while rubbing his stomach. "No sir, you were not scared and we all saw it."

"You see sir," the lead human said looking down to Cutter as the major was a few inches shorter, "we were told by the Colonel to follow the Sergeant-Major and test him, see if he was still the best there's ever been."

"He said he wanted a repeat of Morgan's Creek sir." The third human, a smaller version of the first two said.

"What Colonel?" Longbranch asked angrily.

"Colonel Sheridan, sir" The lead human remarked looking to Longbranch.

"Sheridan?" Cutter whispered turning to Skywise.

"Yep, in the flesh. He went off with Redlance to talk about something."

"What are they talking about?" Tyleet spoke up.

No one spoke up, though most had an idea as to what the Colonel would want with their tracker not one elf wanted to speak it.

!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!##!!

The troll stared at Thiro with hard eyes as it mulled over the information. Guttlekraw didn't like elves, unless they were stabbing each other in the back. You could always trust an honorable man to make the wrong choice and a disreputable one to only think of himself someone had told him once. That's why you follow the disreputable one, he's only thinking of bettering his situation and that's always a good thing. He looked up at the dark skinned elf and wondered just what Rayek had done to make this one stab him in the back so quick

"You say Rayek's coming after me?"

"Si, it may be a day or two but trust me, he will come for you Senor." Thiro answered sitting on the back of his horse. He wasn't stupid and he wasn't about to give the troll the chance to come at him.

"Why's he coming for you uncle?" Itchback said scratching the side of his rather large head with a pair of tongs.

Guttlekraw spit a blob of brown liquid from his mouth, the enormous wad of tobacco sitting in a lump in his cheek partially visible. It made Thiro's stomach churn just a little as the troll spoke.

"I guess Sun Toucher was the one who gave me up, eh?"

Thiro only nodded as Itchback repeated his question a little louder. "Why's...um...Rayek...right...yeah him, why's he coming for you uncle?"

"Did Rayek have to twist his arm?" Guttlekraw asked Thiro ignoring his nephew.

The gaucho only sat on his horse with a cold stare wondering why the troll was so curious about why and how the Hidalgo owner told Rayek the news. "Senor, he threatened us all with his guns. I am sure Senor Sun Toucher had no choice but to tell Rayek the truth."

Guttlekraw looked away from the elf, over to his forge for a second, and then back to the elf. He spit another brown blob on the ground before speaking again. "Did Rayek ride in with anyone?"

"El Gato Negro is always alone Senor."

"Who?" Guttlekraw and Itchback yelped at the same time.

Thiro shook his head while mumbling in Spanish. He was cursing the need to talk with trolls more than chastising himself, yet the gaucho recovered and spoke politely to the pair. "That is an old name we called Rayek...long ago."

"Now how the hell was I supposed to know that?" Guttlekraw exclaimed in frustration while tossing his hand sin the air.  

"Hey, maybe they should wear name tags, like how you write my name in my clothes uncle?" Itchback happily confessed.

Thiro and Guttlekraw didn't answer the suggestion. They could only stare back at the troll, who wore a hopeful smile, dumbstruck. After a second Guttlekraw turned away from his nephew and spit, "What do you want for giving me...this warning?"

The elf steadied his horse, the leather of his saddle creaking as he answered. "You leave Sun Toucher and his family alone from this day forward."

The town mayor and horse thief whistled loudly. "I don't know son. You're asking a lot..."

"Think amigo, it is not a lot if you have to face Rayek alone...by yourself."

The clearing went silent as Guttlekraw thought about what the elf was saying. Yeah, it would have been real nasty if he had to face the bounty hunter alone. He was a thinker, a schemer, and violence was so...violent. Hell, he'd rather pay someone to get their hands dirty. So maybe this elf was right, maybe this news was worth a steep price.

Of course, Guttlekraw smiled, he was a liar too.

"All right, you drive a hard bargain son, but I promise not to show a wrathful hand toward Sun Toucher or his family."

The gaucho looked at the troll with a sideways glare, like some silly attempt to measure or gauges the truthfulness of the pledge. Guttlekraw smiled a little bigger, the tobacco in his cheek stuck out a little father, and he put out his hand for the elf to take.

"Hell, I'll even shake on it."

Thiro sat for another minute before finally accepting the deal. There was no real choice he thought, he got what he came for. He sealed Rayek's fate and protected Leetah and her family with one move. He had done this, not El Gato Negro. The gaucho took the large hand giving it a quick shake, and then snatched his hand back as if the touch of the troll burned him.

The troll only gave a deep laugh that made his ample belly giggle. "I like you son! You make me laugh!"

"Gracias...I will hold you to our bargain Senor. I will not think twice of using my gun if it comes to a second meeting."

Guttlekraw threw up his hands, as did Itchback who dropped his tongs on the ground, acting all shocked and scared. "Oh no son, I wouldn't dare want to face you or your six gun. I made you a promise and I aim to keep it!"

"Good," was all Thiro said before turning his horse around and riding off away from the two trolls.

"Damn elf...didn't even give me a tip of his hat!" Guttlekraw remarked while spitting.

Itchback watched the gaucho ride away shading his eyes from his eyes from the sun then spoke with a curious tone. "Are you gonna keep your promise to him uncle?"

"What do you think?" Guttlekraw snapped heading back to the forge.

"Hell No! You ain't never kept a promise uncle!" Itchback exalted happily with a wink.

The remark stopped Guttlekraw cold and as he turned back the expression on his face confused Itchback. His uncle looked...hurt.

"Now that was a damn, low-down, mean thing to say!"

"What," Itchback replied turning around in circles confused like he was looking for someone, "I didn't say anything. Who said that?"

"Aw hell...let's just get to work!" Guttlekraw demanded shaking his head.

"Okay...wait...where's my tongs?" Itchback asked slapping his chest, and legs, and waist searching for the metal holders.

"On the ground where you dropped them ya' dummy!" Guttlekraw hissed spitting out another brown blob on the ground as he walked away from his nephew.

"Oh yeah...let's go to work!"

The mayor of Two-Moons, and horse thief, just palmed his face as his nephew raced past him holding the tongs with both hands.

Its that time again, another chapter and its written by our own, WhiteGhost

Raven's adventure continues...



Moriarty was pleased with his disguise. He was clad in shirtwaist and stiff corset in an older style, and a long skirt complete with bum roll. A lace edged poke bonnet hid his ears and his white hair, coiffed and curled up, seemed appropreate to a 'woman of his age'. He wore dark glasses, kid gloves and carried a matching parasol, to hide from the bright flatlands sun. He'd hidden his uncanny paleness with makeup, just enough so he seemed wan with age or illness.

The only problem he discovered was that it had been some years since he'd last worn the skirts and between them, his fashionably heeled shoes and the jolting rattle of the train he was hard pressed not to stagger like a drunk!

The miles rolled on, passing quickly, leaving the straight tracks ahead and a lingering smut behind. The terrain changed quickly, leaving the low almost swampy Eastern seaboard, up into low hills then out, breaking free of the last stands of trees, into the wide flat emptyness of the prairies. Overall it was quite uneventful- save the afternoon not long before they reached the border: the sky had clouded in strange colours, green and purple, like a bruise, in a strange formation that reminded the disquised elf of an upside down bowl

"Twister weather Madame. You should return to your seat: the engineer is adding extra wood." The conductor had approached unnoticed, glancing up at the sky.

But nothing happened and the train rolled on.


The WhiteRaven was standing in the foyer of the boardinghouse with no memory of getting there. She looked around the empty sitting room, out the door to see Yellow Eyes once more leading the horse, waiting in the street. Closer in stood Greedy, watching her warily, not quite daring the threshold.

"'Raven?"

Someone said her name and she turned at the sound, to find herself staring at John Lee's collarbone. She blinked and traced the pattern of his brocade vest. It was a very pretty fabric...

John looked down at the elf in some confusion. Her hat was gone, her coat smeared with road dust and fresh grass-stains, with dry bits of grass and seeds caught up in her long white hair. There was a smear of dried blood on her cheek. Her lips and the tips of her long ears were grayish.

"John?" She looked up at him in confusion. " I... I fell off the horse, John. My arm doesnt work." She turned towards the open door. "I lost my hat--"

It was instinct alone, he told himself, as he reached out and caught her as she fainted. It was simply what you did when someone keeled over in front of you.

There was a low whine from the doorway: the near-wolf.

"You stay there," He told the dog as he adjusted his grasp on the unconsious elf. "Stay by the horse."

"Oh! What a big dog!" Came the voice of Ahdri from behind him. "Is everything all right, Mister Pettimore?"

"No." From this angle he could see the hole in the coat and the torn bloody shirt below.

"You need to start boiling some water and send someone for the doctor." He scooped 'Raven up in both arms, her head lolling against his chest. It was an oddly comfortable feeling, holding her close. She was lighter then he expected. "This elf's been shot."  

John heard Ahdri gasp and dash into the back rooms, skirts rustling, calling for her grandmother, for the stove to be stoked up. Carefully but quickly he took the stairs, opened the albino elf's room and laid her out on the bed. He slipped her boots off, then her dirty coat laying it neatly over her saddlebags.

"You're going to be fine, 'Raven. Just fine. Once the doctor gets here I'll put your horse away- and your two furry friends as well... if they'll let me." He unfastened the top three buttons of her ruined shirt then hesitated and drew his gloved hand back.

John unhitched the beaded and fringed sheath of the tomahawk from the elf's belt and slipped the hanging thong over the bedpost: out of sight but still in easy reach. Then he stripped her of her collection of knives- her disquise might be of little use now but the townspeople didnt have to find everything... and probably better they didnt know she was walking around with a small arsenal of sharp and pointed objects.

Footsteps sounded on the stairs.

He hurried and tumbled everything into one of the bottom drawers, pulling 'Raven's spare trousers over top. He nudged that drawer closed with the toe of his boot even as he opened another pulling out a rather plain nightshirt.

The footsteps got closer: the tap-taping of a woman's heeled shoes on the floorboards.

The tall albino took his hankerchief from his pocket and wet it a little from the pitcher on the dresser, settling in the solitairy chair to dab at the dirt and the shallow cut on her cheek.

From the far side of the bed he heard Greedy growl low.

"Oh hush. If you want to stay you'll be good." John informed the dog. Greedy chuffed at him and sank out of sight.

Savah pushed the door open with her shoulder and entered, carrying a small tray with a steaming pot of water and several neatly folded towels. It was not the first time one of her guests had this sort of problem, and it wouldn't be the last. She set the tray on the dresser and shook a towel open.

"How is he?" She asked the albino.

John rolled 'Raven a little to the side, enough so the proprietress could lay the cloth down and protect the sheets from any further damage. The pale elf whimpered slightly at the movement but didnt wake.

"Asleep at the moment." He stood and gestured at the bed. "I found a nightshirt in the drawer there but I'd think it best if you..." He trailed off and nodded at the elf.

Savah, not quite understanding, moved closer. Her gray eyes widened. "He is a she!" She exclaimed, her manicured hand coming up, touching her lips in surprise. "Of course- I see why you waited!" She sat on the edge of the bed and ran her long dark fingers down the shirt, working the buttons. "Best to do it before the doctor arrives." She nodded toward the door.

John Lee took the hint, smiled and left the room.

Its time again friends, another chapter posted and its written by me, Wiseshaman


We find Red making an easy decision, John too, and Tyleet stealing a heart...


There should have been noise, even at noon time there should have been a bunch of people in the Hammer and Tongs raising some kind of a ruckus. Hoykar should have been playing the piano and singing some melancholy dirge that would send Picknose into a screaming fit. Maleen andVurda and Name should have been at the end of the bar trying to lure some cowboy upstairs with their womanly charms and secretive whispers promising a good time in the sheets. There should have been some noise, something from someone.

Yet, it was so quiet Redlance could hear his own thoughts bounce around in his head as he stared down into the whiskey glass. The amber liquid threw back his reflection, a face filled with questions surrounded by red hair and two long braids. His eyes looked troubled he thought as he wandered back to just a few minutes ago. As he walked beside Colonel Sheridan he was dead sure his commanding officer from the war had come to town wanting to know about the Henry...and the map. That's what it had to be he was thinking while walking next to the Colonel. It had to be the map.

But it wasn't,

The Colonel had come to Two-Moons looking for him all right, but for other reasons...ones he would have never thought of.

"And you're going to marry both? Woo, you do like walking the hard trail don't you Sergeant-Major." Sheridan whistled before sipping his whiskey.

"Its easy loving them both...easier than breathing sometimes, sir." Redlance replied with an absent smile but never looking up from the whiskey in his glass.

Sheridan shifted in his seat and rubbed the edges of his horseshoe moustache with thumb and forefinger. "So, is it the pending nuptials that have you thinking of a way to say no to my offer or is it the offer?"

Redlance looked up from the whiskey glass finally. "How long would I have to be gone?"

"A year, probably a lot more,"

"You want me to cross into Djunsland...to be a spy with the Maquis and you, sir?"

"Yes, and to train the four young men I brought with me."

The tracker looked back down at his whiskey. If there was any thing else he could have said he would have. If there were any other choice, another path to walk, but there was nothing to say but what was in his heart.

"I can't go with you sir."

Sheridan didn't reply to Red's answer for a minute. He only smiled and rubbed his moustache again before speaking. "I guess those two pretty elves do deserve a good husband like your self Sergeant-Major."

"It's not them sir, I mean it is but it isn't. The peace sir, you and the Army could start the war allover if you get caught sir. We could be back to fighting before you know it."

"The Djun won't start the war again if he catches us, and I do mean if. That's why I need you Sergeant-Major, to train the four I have here and some others. I need you to make sure they don't end up like Sergeant Matthews. I need the savior of Marysville." Sheridan responded still leaning back in his chair.

The mention of Marysville, the very sound of the name made Redlance jump a bit. "The war is over sir, for me at least. I want to start a family, take care of my loved ones, and live in what peace there is. Matty wanted the same sir, it's why he joined, remember?"

The Colonel's eyes squinted just a bit and the tracker understood his former commander was upset. Obviously, Redlance thought, he had expected an easier go of this. After a long two or three minutes Sheridan answered the question.

"Sergeant Matthews would understand the need to keep an eye on the Djun, to ensure the safety of the Abode Sergeant-Major. He would understand that the Maquis need help to stay alive over there."

Now it was Redlance who squirmed a little in his chair. "Sir, the Maquis will find a way to defeat the Djun without me. They will find a way to stop him without you or those four you have now. Why does the Army want to risk the treaty for something like this anyway?"

"The Djun is still dangerous, even with all his attention focused on just keeping his hold on the country. Do you think we should just trust him and look the other way? What if one of his generals gets the notion to try and attack along the border, like the one where you're Uncle was captured?"

He was going for the throat Redlance thought. The Colonel was holding nothing back crossing onto sacred ground with those same confident strides he used everyday to get around. This was typical for Sheridan, a bold man who was so self-assured he could never accept a 'no' or that he was wrong. It was that self-assurance that kept the Scouts alive when the generals wanted it decommissioned so it did have a place just not right here.

"My uncle knew better than anyone that you fight only when someone threatens you or your family. I'm sorry sir but I can't follow you this time." Redlance offered one last time before drinking his whiskey in one gulp.

The Colonel stared at his former student, soldier, and friend. He had very few friends in this world Sheridan thought, probably because he was such a damn jackass, so it amazed him how such a quiet elf had chosen to stick with him. The Sergeant-Major was entitled to his belief that this peace would hold. He had earned that right for all those years across the 'blue line' as they used to say, crossing into Djunsland by going over the 'blue line'. The colonel leaned forward with a smile and picked up his hat from the table.

"Well then, I'll get my boys and head out. I am sorry for scaring the captain and you Sergeant-Major."

"Will I see you again sir?" Redlance asked.

"Oh I don't know Sergeant-Major, tomorrow is tomorrow. If one day I feel it I may ride through again and see you and this family your making." Sheridan replied with a wink and a smile while standing from the table before turning and heading out of the saloon.

Redlance didn't follow Sheridan. He just sat in the chair and watched the Colonel walk out of the saloon as his stomach felt as hollow as an old tree. The tracker wasn't sorry for not joining the Colonel. It was pure foolishness spying on the Djun still with the peace treaty and all. It would only make things worse if something went wrong, and it probably would. Then the fighting would start again and it would only get worse from there.


John stood quiet and stoic in the hall as Savah worked on Raven. He leaned up against the wall, one hand in his pocket flipping a coin end on end, while a single thought ran through his head. Kaiya...she had made good on her threat. She had someone bushwhack Raven on the ride in back to town. He had told her, more than once, that Raven was nothing to worry about but that didn't matter to her highness. All she wanted was that damn gold so she could get her damn country.

Anger, that's what he should have been feeling right now, anger bright and red and burning like acid in his mouth.

But it wasn't...

There was no anger. There was no seething or boiling or even tepid heat. There was just John letting his thoughts ramble on one side of his brain while the other put everything down he knew in a list, like a smart wife would do before going to the mercantile.

Kaiya has spies in town...but they were watching the four elves just like he was. No one cared to know where Raven came and went.

She had threatened Raven earlier but it wasn't a real threat, more like feeling out an opponent.

Kaiya was impulsive and jealous but she wasn't stupid. Attacking someone would draw attention if the job wasn't finished.

Someone shot Raven with a 30/30 from a distance, Kaiya preferred to use her shotgun up close to end things.

A moan came from the room but John kept his attention focused inward ignoring it all together. Though every thought screamed it was her, it was Kaiya, John's better 'half' knew just that better. Raven had been riding up in the hills north of town when it went down so the best place to look for clues would be out there, but first he had to make sure she was okay and that Miss Savah 'understood' the situation.

The door to Raven's room opened and the owner of the Boarding House stepped out quickly shutting the door again. She looked up to see the albino waiting patiently and an eye brow rose as she looked closer at him. John stepped away from the door and took his hand out of his pocket while matching her gaze.

"Is she going to be all right?" John asked.

"Miss Raven, I assume she's not married, will be fine Mr. Pettimore. The bullet only broke her shoulder I think. We will need to have Doctor Rain come and take a look, ensure there is nothing else that will need attention."

"All right, but if possible may I ask we use some discretion. She was hiding for a reason Miss Savah and she needs to stay that way."

She nodded once and began to walk away before stopping and turning back. "You know Mr. Pettimore, I understand why Miss Raven hid her identity the way she has. What I do not understand is you sir, why you're standing here at her door."

John didn't answer for a minute, only stared back through his red glasses from under the brim of his hat before speaking. "We're friends from back east Miss Savah. I'm just worried about her is all."

Savah only smiled at the answer and replied. "Mr. Pettimore, men such as you do not allow themselves to worry for anyone as emotions cloud one's judgment. And yet here you are worried for Miss Raven. Maybe my granddaughter was right about you."

"Maybe she is Miss Savah, but then again I don't allow myself to entertain emotions. It clouds my judgment."

"I see." Savah smiled before turning and heading off down the hall.  


"What's your name son?" Treestump asked.

The restaurant was quiet as all the eyes turned to the four humans. The leader looked at the Marshall and spoke with the air of a military officer. "I'm Captain Aaron Edwards sir, assigned to Colonel Sheridan."

"All right Aaron, what's a 'Morgan's Creek'?"

Moonshade and Brownberry closed in on Strongbow to hear better as Tyleet walked over and slipped in between Nightfall and Crescent. Skywise pulled Foxfur, who dragged Eyes High and Shale, closer as the Captain Edwards spoke.

"The Sergeant-Major doesn't talk about the War does he?"

"No, and we don't push him to talk about it so whatever you know, please tell us." Crescent pleaded squeezing Nightfall's hand.

Captain Edwards took a sip of his coffee and began. "Morgan's Creek is a town in Djunsland, probably a few miles square between Menno and Crest Point. The Sergeant-Major was following a large column of Red Jackets as they marched. He spent maybe a good two or three days just keeping up and counting how many men and in what divisions. It rained on him and one night a patrol almost stepped on him as he hid, but the Sergeant-Major just kept following that column. When it came time to call in though, well that's when he ran into trouble."

"What kind of trouble?" Cutter asked absorbing every word.

"His handset for the telegraph broke Major, without it he had no way of contacting anyone. That's when he went into Morgan's Creek and appropriated theirs, sir."

Moonshade and Brownberry looked at each other in confusion, then turned and looked at Clearbrook who was just as lost as they were. The only ones who seemed to understand what Captain Edwards was saying was Cutter and Skywise. The two laughed loudly until Nightfall reached over and grabbed the Major's arm upset.

"What's so funny? What's he saying?"

"Red stole the telegraph machine from the Telegraph Office." Cutter laughed again.
"He stole the whole machine?" Nightfall giggled turning to see Crescent starting to laugh.

"Yes ma'am," Edwards answered with a broad smile, "right in the middle of the day with the town filled to the brim with people."

"How did he do it?" Clearbrook asked astonished.

"Well, that's the real story " Edwards began telling what he knew of the run in.

The unit was a lot heavier then his hand held one, but it would do after he hooked up the lines to the wires on the poles. Redlance tucked the big brass key and magnet into his pouch and then walked for the door. The man who ran the office had stepped out and the tracker took advantage of the chance to steal the telegraph unit even though he wasn't sure if there was enough time to do it. Redlance was sure the man was going to walk in as he was unhooking the unit and then stowing it away. He was sure he was going to get caught just as he got to the door. Yet he walked out the door and onto the street as silent as a wolf and as calm as the other side of the pillow.

"Sir, you need to send a message?" The man who ran the Telegraph office suddenly called out as the tracker walked away.

Redlance only shook his head while keeping his eyes forward and waving over his back shoulder. The less the man knew of him, facial features and all, was for the best. The tracker kept walking calmly away from the Telegraph Office until he reached what looked like the dress shop in town. He saw some men's things inside and turned quickly through the door. If he guessed right he was bout to get found out.

The owner of the Telegraph Office only shrugged his shoulders walking through the door to his office. If the man who was waiting on him decided to hold off sending a telegram then that was fine with him. He was busy enou-

His thoughts came to a skidding stop when his eyes saw his desk. The sockets opened so far his eyeballs almost fell out at the sight of the jumbled mess of wires where his Key and Magnet use to be. The whole unit, I mean the whole damn unit was GONE! It took a blink of an eye for him to spin and run back out into the street hollering the whole way that he'd just been robbed.

The tracker could hear the man from the Telegraph screaming now and he saw everyone running over to him out the large plate glass window of the dress shop. He scanned the wall of things for men, everything was human sized which was just what he needed. Redlance grabbed a tan at with a large brim that was as loose as a goose. He pulled the hat over his head covering his ears and tucked in the braids from his face hoping it was enough to hide who he was. Redlance walked up to the front ready to pay the lady when she ran out the front to see what was going on. She stopped at the side of a man already waiting and began to talk as the tracker approached.

"What's going on John?"

"Old Buck just got robbed; sounds like someone took his Telegraph machine."

Redlance kept his eyes forward as he crossed the street and listened to the gang forming up around the owner of the Telegraph. Of course he tossed down two bits for the hat before leaving the shop. He breathed a small sigh of relief when either the lady or 'John' looked over to see him crossing the street.

"Who stole your Telegraph machine Buck?" A large stout man with wild blond hair and a long dirty beard asked.

"It was some fella who just walked away Amos. I thought he was just waiting for me to come back to the office, but I'll be damned if he didn't steal from me!" Buck yelped.

"Now wait, why would someone steal a telegraph machine?" Someone yelled out.

"Because he's a spy from the Abode!" Another voice yelled.

"Yeah, he's gonna use it to call down the other Blue Bellies!" Another yelled.

Well that was all it took for Amos to call out the posse. "All right then, we got ourselves a spy in town! What's he look like Buck so we can hang the no good son-of-a-"

"You watch you language Amos Barlow! We got kids running round here!"

Everyone laughed as the big man waved the old lady who scolded him off with a ham hock sized fist. Redlance made it to the other side of the street without being noticed as Amos sent people running to and fro to cover all the ways out of town. Buck the Telegraph operator told everyone to look for long red hair, really red, but the tracker saw the mercantile just two doors down and decided it would be a good place to hide for a minute and get a plan together. He started for it when a hand wrapped around his arm stopping him form moving.

"Hey fella, you new around here?"

Redlance never took his eyes off the man's chest as he turned letting the large brim of the hat cover and hide his face. He lowered his voice and hoped that if he had to run he could get a step or two on the human.

"I just got in last night...from the War. I was wounded...looking for work."

"Damn, sorry to hear that but I'm damn proud of you fighting for us son!"

"Yes sir, damn proud to do it."

"Too many of you boys coming home because those Blue Bellied cowards from the Abode. I tell you what, if this spy is one of those Scouts, we're gonna hang 'em high from a tall tree on a short piece of rope."

"Yes sir," Redlance exclaimed taking a small unnoticed step backwards.

"Say, did you see anything last night when you got in?"

"Did I see anything?" Redlance asked back trying to come up with a plan now.

"Yep, did you see anything?"

"Um," the tracker mumbled as his brain raced to say something and when it did it even shocked Redlance. "I saw that man over there by the alley, the one with the red vest, talking with two men dressed in blue."

The man followed Redlance's arm which pointed to a rather dirty looking fellow dressed in a tight red vest, parts of his ample stomach protruding out form under the waist coat but held back by his white shirt. The man didn't turn back to the tracker, just kept his glare on the man while he growled.

"You sure about that?"

"Yep, it was him...and those two men dressed in blue looked like the same men I was fightin' two months ago." Redlance answered pouring it on thick.

"All right son, I'll take it from here."

"You go get him sir!"

"That I will." The man replied heading off toward Amos.

Redlance waited just long enough for the man to take another step before turning and walking to the general store. The man walked over to Amos, whispered something into the large human's ear, and Amos smiled with pure evil.

"Hey Johnny!" Amos called out to the man in the red vest.

"Yeah Amos!"

"I got a quick question for you son."

"Uh-huh."

From just inside the door the tracker watched as the large man asked the rotund one in the vest something. The large man, the one called Amos, must have heard something he didn't like because with a sudden move he grabbed the one in the vest and lifted him right off the ground. The one in the vest started screaming and wailing like a big old calf.

"Do you need something sir?"

The voice was distinctly female and it made Redlance long suddenly for Nightfall. He turned to see a human with pretty green eyes and high cheek bones smiling at him wearing a yellow summer dress.

"Um...I...was just looking thank you."

"I know...you do seem a little lost?"

The tracker smiled a little before speaking. "I could use some flour, beef jerky, beans, hard tack, and coffee."

"I think I know where that's at. Why don't you come over by the counter while I fill it out."

Redlance nodded and took one last look out into the street where the man in the vest was pleading for his life.

"AHHHHH! I AIN'T NO SPY AMOS!"

"WHERE THE HELL WAS YOU LAST NIGHT THEN JOHNNY, HUH? WHERE WERE YOU?" Amos yelled while shaking the Johnny like a sack of potatoes.

"I WAS AT HOME DRUNK! YOU CAN ASK MY WIFE!"

"He was Amos, dead stinking drunk." A lady wearing a worn blue dress pointed out.

"Really?" Amos asked suddenly calming down.

"Yeah, his damn snoring kept me up all night."

"Really?" Amos asked again.

"Yes sir, I ain't no spy! I didn't even finish school!" Johnny cried.

"I think someone lied to you Amos." Johnny's wife huffed walking off.

The large man dropped Johnny, actually flung him away, before turning to the man who whispered in his ear. "Who told you Johnny was the spy?"

"It was that new feller' up on-," The man started to say before doing a double take at the empty spot on the other side of the street. He spun back to Amos about to explain that there was this new fella, wounded in the War, who saw Johnny talking to two men dressed in blue just like the Abode.

Only Amos hit him square in the face with one of those ham hock sized fist knocking him out before a word was uttered. No one caught the man as he fell into the mud of the street and no one in the Mercantile saw the punch. Redlance was busy filling his pouch with the supplies making sure to keep the Telegraph key hidden. He finished and held out the money needed to pay for the supplies.

The lady though stared at him and smiled. "I know you didn't get into town last night."

"Yeah...I did...I rode in last night." Redlance stammered while thinking about running.

"I know you stole the Telegraph and I think I know why." She replied reaching below the counter into what the tracker assumed was the till.

He could have run then, just taken off, but Redlance didn't. Something told him to just stay put as she pulled out a small coin, one he was all ready familiar with. She held it up and nodded as she spoke.

"If you're who I think you are then the backdoor is open. Take it because those fools out there in the street will surely hang you if they catch you."

Redlance stared at her for a minute speechless. She was risking everything for him because if that rabble found out she helped him escape. The tracker only blinked once, nodded as he put his pouch over his shoulder, and then went out the back. He never saw the lady again or the town. When he was done with the Telegraph Keya month later he hung it from a tree limb.

The restaurant was quiet as Edwards finished telling the story, or what the official report was, but it was silent for long. Tyleet turned to her grandmother and smiled proudly. "My Papa did all that?"

"Yes ma'am," a deep voice called from the door as a human walked in with a handsome smile draped by a horseshoe moustache, "your Papa did that and then some."

"Good afternoon Colonel Sheridan." Nightfall offered recognizing the human from her betrothed's description.

"Good afternoon," Crescent followed.

"Ma'am and Ma'am...it's easy to see why the Sergeant-Major says breathing is particularly hard around you two. I feel my breath becoming ragged all ready."

The compliment had a quick affect as Crescent blushed and Nightfall smiled a little bigger before nodding to him. The Colonel smiled and turned Cutter holding out his hand in a peace offering. "Major Kinseeker, it's an honor to meet the hero of Belles Ferry."

"It's an honor to meet the man who created the Scouts." Cutter replied taking the Colonel's hand in a hard shake.

"Are you going to take my Papa away?" Tyleet suddenly asked. The question was on everyone's mind but it seemed only a child had the courage to ask.

The Colonel smiled but didn't answer. It was like he was waiting for someone else to Cutter thought as Redlance's voice sounded from the door. "No Little Bird, I'm not going with the Colonel."

The tracker walked over and took his daughter's hand in his before turning back to Sheridan. "This is Tyleet...my daughter."

When his eyes met the child's Sheridan knew, beyond any doubt, that this was the reason the Sergeant-Major would never leave Two-Moons again. It would take a case of dynamite and a herd of wild horses to get him to leave those eyes. And add the two ladies on top of that, oh the Sergeant-Major now had everything to live for right here.

Sheridan held out his hand and bowed slightly. "It is twice the honor to meet such a beautiful lady."

"Thank you," Tyleet whispered suddenly aware everyone was looking at her and the Colonel was quite handsome. She blushed a bright red as he kissed her hand.  

"If you and your men come by for dinner tonight I'll talk with them some, if they want to." Redlance offered as Sheridan returned to a standing position.

"We'd be grateful Sergeant-Major," Sheridan said with a nod before turning to walk for the door, "we'll be back for dinner."

Captain Edwards walked up, past his commander, and held out his hand to Redlance. The tracker took the hand while the young officer spoke. "It is a pleasure and an honor Sergeant-Major to finally meet you. I've read all the reports you sent in from the field, every single one."

"Every one Captain? Even the boring ones?" Skywise asked, each word dripping with sarcasm.

The Captain though just shrugged the comment off. "Yes sir, even the boring ones. But what I really wanted was to give you this."

Redlance took a large piece of paper from the officer's hand and gasped when he saw what it was. Nightfall and Crescent leaned over to look and gasped as well while Longbranch squirmed in his seat. "What is it?"

"It's a picture of the Scouts." Crescent answered.

"I found it in a stack of old papers. The Colonel said it was the last time you were all together as a unit, the day before you crossed over into Djunsland." Edwards added.

"Thank you Captain." Redlance said with a crooked smile.

"Your welcome Sergeant-Major, we'll be back later." The captain stated heading for the door to catch up with his group. No one had noticed that the Colonel had all ready left the restaurant and was waiting on his horse in the street.

The tracker was lost in the picture, in old memories of friends. He was so engrossed Tyleet had to yank his hand twice to get his attention. Redlance put the picture on the counter where Strongbow and Longbranch picked it up to examine the faces that stared back at them.

"Guess what Papa?"

"What Little Bird?"

"Grandmother made a Red Velvet cake?" Tyleet giggled.

He looked up from his daughter to his fianc e's with a hurt expression and crying. "Mother made Red Velvet cake and you didn't tell me?"

"Well you weren't here for us to tell you!" Nightfall laughed reaching over and taking a plate from Eyes High with a nice sized piece of cake.

Redlance smiled ready to take a giant bite of pure bliss when Crescent put her hand on his shoulder and an arm around his wait. "Thank you beloved."

"For what?" He asked her.

"For staying with us." Nightfall finished rubbing his cheek with her hand.

This time the tracker blushed just before taking that giant bite of bliss. There never really was a choice he wanted to say looking down into Tyleet's eyes.

No choice at all.