"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour

[orchid blossom]

General Pleasants

Kate kept up the small talk on the way to the train station, answering his questions about her family and her father's life over the years. They arrived at the station in short order, and Conrad went to buy the tickets while the carriage was unloaded.

"Mr. Whitman, please thank your brother again for his kindness. And my thanks to you for the ride here." She held out her hand. "We will see you on Friday."

Whitman says, "Yes, the others and I are looking forward to it. There will be five of us in total, are you certain that your home has enough room for that many visitors? I wouldn't want to impose, we could always book hotel rooms."

"It will be getting a bit crowded," she laughed. "But I think we can find room for everyone. Have no worries, if it turns out a bit too tight we can make arrangements then. It's always more pleasant when you can have your guests stay with you."

Conrad adds, "And I'll have to check with my traveling companions but I believe that we were thinking about leaving on Friday, so the rooms that we are staying in now will be available by the times your friends arrive."

Kate nodded. "Yes, we've been away for quite a while and the trip back is long. The rest of our business should be finished by Friday and I have a ranch and a school that need looking after. I will be sorry to miss your visit, but I will continue to hope that you will arrive before we leave.

Any trouble getting the tickets?" she asked Conrad.

"None," he states and the three of them board the train. They take seats on two benches facing each other with a small table in between. Kate and Conrad sit on one bench and Pleasants sits across from them. The train soon starts up.

"It feels like we just arrived, it seems strange to be going back already. I hope to return for a longer visit someday, perhaps to go to the theater or a concert.

General, I know my father served with you, when was that? I don't believe he was at the Battle of the Crater."

"You're right, I met him much earlier than that. It was at the Battle of Antietam just outside of Sharpsburg, Maryland. September 16th, 1862, that battle was historic for being the bloodiest single day of the entire war. It should have been a great Union victory, probably would have ended the war right then, if we started the fight a day earlier when the armies met. We were prepared, they weren't. But old General McClellan hesitated and waited a day, by which time Stonewall Jackson had brought his forces up, doubling those of Robert E. Lee.

My Pennsylvania 48th helped to hold the line at the little stone bridge over Antietam Creek. That was General Burnside's folly, we should have forded the creek elsewhere. It wouldn't have taken long to engineer other bridges given the vast amount of trees in the area. The Confederates held their ground. They finally broke and ran but McClellan chose not to pursue them. Lee's army then regrouped, turned, and attacked the Union flank placing fresh troops in the front. Both armies fought until nightfall and then withdrew. Lee moved his army back across the Potomac and out of Maryland. The dead and wounded from that day were numbered over 12,000 for the Union to the Confederate's 10,000."

Kate closed her eyes and shuddered. "There were so many chances to end the war that were missed. I can't imagine being on those battlefields, and I don't think Papa likes to remember it. But sometimes he talks about it, usually about the good men he met, like you,' she smiled.

"Papa was discharged after Gettysburg. He was on Cemetery Ridge during Pickett's Charge. That's where he took the shot that cost him his arm. He's never mentioned taking any other wound there, but I remember how Maman looked after she heard. I still suspect he was hurt worse then he's ever told us."

"I suspect you're right. I don't mind saying that I wasn't anywhere near that awful place, in fact, 1863 was a rather quiet year for the Pennsylvanian 48th. We were stationed in Kentucky and Tennessee for most of that year, part of the seige of Knoxville. Holding that point kept the Confederacy divided, allowing the north to keep Lee at bay while good old U.S. Grant kept things hot further south. This will be the first time I've seen your father since the war, I sort of got lost down south and never quite found my way back."

"How could you stay down there after what happened?" Kate asked. "I would have thought the moment you were freed you'd want to get out of the South as fast as you possibly could."

"Well yes, Andersonville Prison was hell on earth. Due to my rank I was treated better than most. I still had some meat on my bones when we were released. How I wound up staying down there is a funny story. The train carrying us prisoners stopped to take on water and coal at Rocky Mount in Nash County, North Carolina. The train wasn't the only one that was thirsty and while we'd been warned to stay on the train I chose to ignore that advice and find myself a tavern during the layover.

Next thing you know I ran into another soldier, a Confederate Sergeant by the name of Nate Caudell who had just gotten off of a train heading back from Appomattox. I smiled at him and said, "Hello Johnny Reb, how goes it?" He smiled back and asked where they'd caught me. Before you know it we were sitting in the tavern together drinking up a storm and swapping stories.

When I went to get back on the train I found I'd stayed too long, it had left without me. So Nate suggested I stick around, said that the south had need of people with my engineering talents. From what I'd seen of the railroads bringing me to that point I concluded that he was correct.

I was hired on at a good salary to the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. Only kept the job for a year though, was fired for treating the Ogre workers like men rather than something less than that. Didn't take kindly to the idea of being forced out though and Nate Caudell talked me into moving over to where he was at.

Bought me up some farm land and hired me some good hands. Found most of the local human boys were too lazy, both not the ogres and human immigrants. They were willing to put in an honest day's work. I treated them all fairly and honestly and soon had the most productive farm in the county. Stayed that way ever since, with me buying up adjacent land whenever I could.

Four years back I decided it was time to take things a little bit easier. I gave all seven of my long-time workers each a seven-percent share in the farm, still keeping the fifty-one percent majority for myself. They were grateful and thrilled to become landowners, but I assured them that they had earned it. That's freed me up to do some traveling and figure out what to do next in life."

"At least you could do some good there. I met an ogre in Promise City a few months ago, and he was still with the man who'd been his Master before the war. Sometimes I wonder if the war really changed anything, or if all those former slaves are only free on paper," she sighed.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be maudlin. It sounds like things worked out well for you and those you helped. I hope there are many more stories like yours in the south.

What do you think you'll do now? Do you plan to stay north of the Mason-Dixon line for a while?"

Pleasants says, "Actually, that is the reason why I requested to join the two of you. I have been offered employment within the Arizona Territory. I am intrigued with the possibility, it would be a good job working for a man I respect, another retired Union Army officer. But I also have reservations, given how the press has been describing the events in the southeastern corner of that region. George Whitman mentioned that the two of you are from there so I hoped to hear a first hand account of what it is like."

"I think the press exaggerates, but it is rough. It would help to know where the job offer is, and with whom?"

Pleasants says, "It's in Cochise County. I'd be working for a Colonel Michael Seawell, he was the Army's Chief Geologist when he retired. His son Patrick co-owns a rapidly growing mining company with the Colonel as his General Manager. I've been offered the job of Director of Operations."

"Ah," Kate smiled. "As it happens, I sold young Mr. Seawell the building he is setting up for his offices in Promise City. Most of the people I've met have been very kind. I find life in Cochise County is very much what you make it.

It's a young town, surrounded by mines, but with quite a few families and children. There are a great many saloons, and the miners are a rough lot. There are merchants who just want to get on with their business and keep things peaceful. And there are your people overly concerned with everyone else's business. In other words, a typical small town.

The trouble you've been hearing about would be with the Cowboy Gang, I think. But the Gang has been broken and shouldn't be causing much more trouble. It is true that traveling alone isn't the best of ideas, most men go heeled. I'll be honest and admit that I keep my late husband's pistol with me at most times. There are those there to take advantage, but as long as your eyes are open you'd do alright.

Civilization is creeping in, though. A church has been completed, and I will be running a school when we return. There's a freedom of spirit there I like, everyone working toward their own future. Not like in society where so many have nothing to do but fritter away time."

"Ah, that is very helpful," Pleasants states. Conrad spends the next ten minutes adding to what Kate has said, with his own observations of the town.

Pleasants says, "Thank you, that is very helpful indeed. I figured that the newspapers were exaggerating, making it sound like gunfights in the street were the norm. Part of why I'm asking is that my best friend, Nate Caudell is looking to relocate as well along with his wife Mollie and son Melvin. His eldest, Nate Junior, is now away at the Augusta Military Academy in Virginia and without his older brother around to watch after him Melvin has been getting into trouble. But they want to find a place that will work for a fresh start and with opportunities for Nate to find good employment."

"There's always mining work to be found, but I'm not sure what else. My own work I've created for myself. I bought shares in a ranch, and I'm starting the school as a business. Ranch hands usually find ready employment.

What does Mr. Caudell do now?"

"With the exception of the war years he's always worked as a school teacher. But part of their wanting to start over is his desire to try something new. A teacher's pay has never allowed him or his family to have much in the line of opportunities. They couldn't even afford to send Nate Junior to the military academy, I've covered those expenses. Nate appreciates it, but would also like to pay me back."

"Of course. I'm afraid I'm not the best person to ask about employment, but I can't imagine someone willing to work being unable to find any. I'm certain your friend would find work to please him.

And of course, it would be a pleasure to have you as a neighbor."

"Why thank you. I still haven't fully decided but the job sounds like a good challenge. Colonel Seawell's expertise is in finding the silver, that's what he did for the military. Once it is found he has little to no interest in managing the extraction, which is why he now needs a Director of Operations. Apparently they are just beginning to get silver from their first mine but he expects another three or four to be producing before the year is done, so needs somebody on board soon. I suppose I would have the freedom to hire on Nate as a clerk until he found something else that tickled his fancy.

So, you say that you run the school in the town. What is it like? I'm certain that Nate will be asking me all sorts of questions about it before considering sending Melvin there. Melvin is now thirteen and unlike his older brother is rather sensitive and quiet. The other boys in school have been picking on him something awful and unfortunately that's not likely to change anytime soon."

"Unfortunately, children can be cruel, and it's difficult for a sensitive nature to bear.

I haven't quite started teaching yet and there are some ideas that still need finalizing. But I expect to start up about a week after we get back.

I bought a house from a man who was leaving town, and the front room will be set up as the schoolroom. My ward Ginnie I will use the rest of the building as our home in town. I'll teach the basics, of course; reading, writing, arithmetic, history, geography, some sciences, probably agriculture once I've educated myself enough. Tuition will be twenty cents a week.

I was also thinking of offering other subjects as extras, either expanding the school day an hour for those wanting them, or adding an extra week to the end of the term. There I'd offer things like French, music, chemistry, some of the things I have studied in particular. For students who wanted those subjects I would add a few cents a week to tuition.

If your friend wanted to observe he'd be welcome to sit in for a day or two. There is also a tutor nearby, although I don't know his name. But the town doctor uses him, so it would be easy to find out. And Megan O'Hara and her two oldest children are beautifully educated as well and could probably tutor his boy if he would prefer."

"That's interesting. I'll contact Nate right away about it. He might be willing to help you out for your first week or two to get things off on the right foot. As I said, it's not what he's planning to do going forward but it is what he has decades of experience in and would have a vested interest if Melvin were to be going there for an education."

Pleasants asks, "So, what can you tell me about the area, not the people but the geography and geology. If I take on this job I'll need to learn what I can about the logistics." Conrad jumps in with that question and spends the next hour of the train ride telling everything he knows about the rocks, trees and terrain of southeastern Arizona.

Kate was grateful for the chance to be quiet, although she listened with interest and added a few questions of her own about the flora and fauna. When Conrad finally ran out of steam Kate said, "As you can see, Mr. Booth has made a study of the area around Promise City." She smiled, remembering why he had done so. "I'd wager there aren't many who know more."

Pleasants says, "Okay, you've convinced me. Sounds like an opportunity worth taking. When we reach Boston I'll telegraph the Colonel that I accept the job and also send a wire off to Nate. I should have answers back before you leave for Arizona. This should be a busy weekend, I'm glad I'll be in the company of skilled engineers since my skills in that area are almost two decades out of date. I suppose while I am in Boston I could stop by both Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to pick up the latest texts on the subject in order to get better prepared."

"That sounds like a good idea, sir. I'll be doing much the same myself, gathering the things I need for the school that are difficult to get out West.

When do you think you'd leave for Arizona?"

He states, "That will depend in part on when the Colonel wishes me to start, but I suspect that will be sooner rather than later. I'm planning to spend the next several days with my army friends and then I guess I'll head back to my family home in Pennsylvania to gather up some belongings. Then I'll go back to my farm in North Carolina to get other things. If I manage to convince the Caudell family to join me I'll take the train out with them. Figure a few weeks at the latest."

Kate nodded, relieved that his plans wouldn't risk exposing how she planned to travel back to Promise City. "The school will be well started by the time you arrive, then. I'm sorry to lose the chance to have help getting started.

You're going to have a very busy few weeks, with packing and travel. I did that last fall; I don't envy you."

He says, "It shouldn't take me that long. I'm not selling the family homestead in Pennsylvania, just putting together a trunk of stuff. Same with the farm, most of what's there my partners will still need. The Caudell's learned to travel light back in the war and have never accumulated too many possessions, so that shouldn't take too long either. Only thing that might take a while is selling their house, but I could leave that for my partners at the farm to handle for them."

Kate nodded. "Well, I wish them good luck in getting a good price for their house should they decide to come. A bit of money to get started with is always helpful.

Is there anything we can do in Promise City to make things easier for your arrival?"

He replies, "Well, you could help me find a place to stay. I won't be needing more than a room, so a good boarding house would probably work best. If the Caudells decide to come too they'd be needing to find a house. Don't make a commitment to that though until you hear from me."

"There are several boarding houses. I'll keep my eyes open for a house, although when I bought the house to use for the school it was the only building available. But if worse comes to worse, they could stay in my house on the ranch until we can find them something.

My father is coming to visit me at the end of month. It's quite likely you'll meet there as well. What a small world it is," she said, shaking her head.

Pleasants excuses himself to go get himself something from the dinner car. He is gone for a while, giving Conrad and Kate some time by themselves.

Kate sighed and leaned back against the seat. "The thing about strangers, no matter how pleasant, is that they're strangers and you eventually run out of things to say," she said. "I'll have to start watching my behavior, there'll be someone else to report back to Papa what I'm up to.

You really did learn all about the area around Promise City, didn't you?"

He replies, "Well yes, it was the best way that I knew to assist you. It was also very interesting. The geology stuff I learned mostly from miners at my gambling table. The more I get them talking about their jobs the less attention they pay to the cards."

"You'll have to teach me what you've learned. I think those lessons would be very pleasant, especially if we were to go driving so I can see what you're talking about," she discreetly squeezed his hand.

"I'm actually relieved to hear the school will be started before the General's friend arrives. I'm sure he'd be helpful, but I just.... I'm not comfortable with the idea."

Conrad asks, "Don't want somebody telling you how to do your idea? Or are you afraid the Vigilance Committee will hire him to be the town's schoolmaster instead?"

"No, and no, truthfully. It will be a private school, and if it gets the town moving on starting a free school so much the better. I would still have the ranch, and I hope there are some parents who would value me enough to keep their children with me.

And to be honest, I'm nervous about starting the school. I know I have the education, but I've never taught before nor had to discipline a room full of children. Experienced help would make my mind easier.

It's just.... " she stopped for a moment and looked over at Conrad while her face turned crimson. "He was a Confederate soldier. From what the General said he sounds like a good man, but every time I see him I'll see that uniform. Papa would be so disappointed. It's the thing that took my Papa away, the thing that gave those people the chance to try and take us from Maman...." She reached for her handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes. "I'm sorry. It's silly of me."

Conrad is thoughtful for a minute, apparently choosing the proper words. He then says, "I wouldn't exactly say silly, but I'd say that you might be blaming the wrong person. It's not like most of the Southern boys were really given a choice about enlisting.

From the sound of it Pleasants and Caudell have both managed to put the war behind them. Hell, they sound like they are bosom buddies and they met while both in uniform after Pleasants had just gotten out of the worst hell hole in the south and Caudell had just returned from his army's crushing defeat. Either one of them would have had sound reason for hatred, but instead they found friendship. If the example set in that story isn't one to teach to children I don't know what is."

"You're perfectly right. I know that in my mind, but all I can feel is that fear I felt when I was four years old and Papa left and I couldn't really understand why except to fight the men in that uniform. And the horror when he came home his hug wasn't the same hug I remembered and then I realized why.

It's not blame; I realize this man did what he had to, and considering his friendship with the General he must have some greatness of spirit. It's my spirit that's small. When he arrives, I'll do the best I can to help him and his family and try not to let my lesser instincts get the better of me."

She stopped and wiped her eyes again. "Those were hard years, I don't like to think about them. At least I know once I get to know this man it will be alright. Just don't ask me to trust a cleric."

Conrad says, "I understand. Let's change the subject. What should we do with Ginnie? I think the girl can use some more challenges and it would probably be better if we thought some up for her before she comes up with some on her own."

It took Kate a moment to say anything, a bit thrown by the abrupt change in the conversation. She was grateful for it, though. A public train wasn't the place for falling apart.

"I'd be thrilled to hear any ideas you might have. I don't know what to do, sometimes. And I have been pulled in so many directions with the Cowboy situation that I haven't spent the kind of time with her I should.

I can tell you she hates to ride, so lessons in that are out. Once she's competent I'll let her stop those. Mr. Gonzales is tutoring her in his specialty. Once school starts, she won't be able to do her lunch run anymore. She's interested in so many things it's hard to find one thing to focus on, and she has so much energy there's no wearing her out. At least with the O'Hara girls around now there are some girls her age she can be friends with.

Perhaps some botany lessons?"

He exclaims, "You think that I have the patience to teach a twelve-year-old girl? No, I was thinking more along the idea of buggy riding. She may warm more to horses if she's not atop the back of one. And by buggy I don't mean a carriage, I mean the two-wheel kind used for mostly racing, otherwise she'll just feel like she's being forced to be a wagon driver. Once she's proficient she could use that to get back and forth from the town to the ranch and you could certainly spare a horse for her to use."

"I don't suppose it's any more dangerous than riding, and I would be glad if she were at least more comfortable around horses. They can pick up her discomfort, which is half the problem she has when riding.

She's got a good head on her shoulder's so I can't see her getting into too much trouble with it, and it would certainly be a challenge for her. The problem with the idea is that I don't have that kind of buggy and I don't remember seeing any in town. Nevermind the expense of buying one."

"Don't worry about the expense, I'll pay for it. Better yet, I'll buy two. The second will be for those O'Hara twins. Ginnie will take to learning it far more willingly if they're learning simultaneously. Those girls also know horses and will help teach Ginnie, she may listen to them better than she does to you.

As for my cash outlay, I consider it an investment. Based upon how well those O'Hara girls did in the festival riding competition I should be able to get back what I spent and then some once I get them onto the harness racing circuit. And harness racing is actually much safer than saddle racing is."

"Harness racing? Are there even races in the area? I don't know if I'm comfortable putting Ginnie in such a thing, even if it is safer. How would you make your money back, betting? Is it a decent thing for a young girl to be doing?" She stopped and laughed at herself. "Listen to me, society seems to have gotten back into me."

"It was just an idea," Conrad says with a smile. "Tell you what, we'll wait to see what Meagan O'Hara has to say before I finalize the purchase."

"It's a good idea, Conrad. Active and probably exciting for her, and it would get her used to horses to boot. I respect Megan O'Hara. If she doesn't mind, there can't be anything wrong in it," she said lightly.

"I certainly wouldn't mind having something to drive, myself. Especially once I'm too cumbersome to ride.

I don't suppose you can think of anything else to go along with that?"

"Well, I suppose I could buy you a carriage. I believe that Drover's has a rather fancy one that is now slightly used and was once partially damaged. I could probably talk him into a good price if you are interested."

Kate laughed. "How about you negotiate, and I'll pay. You've already spent quite enough money on me this trip. And if you insist on buying it, then you must consider it partially yours."

"A gift to you is a gift my dear," Conrad says, "once given I surrender all rights to it. Purchasing buggies for girls is another matter altogether, in that arrangement I would be their race manager. And in response to your earlier question on harness racing, it hasn't spread into Arizona yet but is quite popular in California. And don't worry about what I have spent, rumor has it that I am a wealthy gambler."

"I've heard that one. Thank you," she said, surrendering. "I only wish I could do as much for you as you do for me. Perhaps I could come sit at your table again, if it helped you at all. What I really meant was anything else for Ginnie to do. Of course, we could just ask her what she might like to do. At least then I have a yes or no vote."

"Given how she and Gonzales are captivated by your father's books I'd suggest a shopping spree for the both of them. Seeing as how he arranged for my transportation from Arizona and Boston and I presume the return I would like to pay him the equivalent amount that it would have cost me had we taken the train under the condition that the money be spent on books for him and his apprentices."

"You would be their hero, although I think Mr. Gonzales might argue with you a bit before he agrees. And you could spend some more time getting to know Ginnie.

I worry a little about her spending too much time in study, but if you get the buggies that would get her out of doors."

Kate stopped and thought for a moment. The plan had an advantage for everyone. The girls get exercise and eventually money from winning races, if they won at least. Conrad would probably share the purses and bet. She had no problem with gambling at cards, why should racing be any different? Why should Conrad not gain something as well as the girls? He had been honest about the advantage to him.

She took both his hands in hers. "We're lucky to have you looking out for us."

He smiles and replies, "And I am lucky for having you fall into my life."

"Fall is the word, isn't it? Who would have thought we would owe anything to Curly Bill Brocious and Irby Cole? Or would you have introduced yourself eventually?"

He replies, "I dare say that our meeting was only a matter of time given that I dine at the El Parador twice a day."

The conversation remains light for the next hour. As they are nearing the west suburbs of Boston Mr. Pleasants returns and takes his seat across from them. He comments, "Boston is one place I've always wanted to visit but never found an opportunity to. Could you recommend a good hotel? It doesn't have to be fancy, just clean and safe."

"You know you'll be welcome at my father's house, it's really not necessary to get a hotel room. But if you insist there are several places. If you want to stay close to our house your choices will be fancier." Kate went on to name several places she knew near Beacon Hill, and then a few a bit further out. "I'm afraid I don't know too much about the hotels here, I never needed to use them."

He replies, "I plan to stay there with the other officers beginning on Friday, but wouldn't wish to impose prior to that, especially if you already have many guests. I'll see what is over at Beacon Hill and let you know where I'm staying."

"Of course, whatever makes you comfortable. I hope you'll be coming to the house today though, I'm sure Papa will be anxious to see you."

 

[orchid blossom]

A Walk in the Garden

"Alright." He gets the address. The train pulls into the station at 5:15 P.M.. The three gather up their luggage and depart. Mathias is waiting for Kate and Conrad with the carriage and driver to return to the house. He tells them that their father has made an appointment to tour the Perkins School for the Blind at 10:00 A.M. the next morning.

"He waited for me? Well, I suppose I haven't been gone very long. I'm glad I'll get to go along, I'm sure he'll be impressed.

And how are you feeling, Mathias? It was very kind of you to come along to fetch us, you didn't have to."

Kate talked quietly with Mathias for the ride back, detailing some of their trip for him and assuring him that they had experienced no trouble while there. Their fortunate meeting with Mr. Whitman had made things much easier.

They arrived back at the house just in time for dinner, and Kate spent the first few minutes back greeting Ginnie and her teacher. Her brothers were both there for dinner as well, and much of the talk was of their meeting with the Misters Whitman and the visitors who would be arriving on Friday. They also talked of the school for the blind and the visit they would be paying the next day.

After dinner, Kate spoke to her brother Henry for a few moments, saying she would like to spend some time with him in a bit. Then she invited her teacher to go for a short walk in the garden in the fading light.

Gonzales takes a walk with Kate outside. He says, "Ginnie is really enjoying the visit here. She's indicated that she would never want to live in Boston again, but these short trips have helped. Yesterday I went with her to visit her parents' graves. It was very personal for her and I was honored that she would have me accompany her. She spoke to them in private and I stood far enough away so as to not eavesdrop."

"The last time we were here she went there alone while we were busy getting the evidence of Mr. Tucker's trip to Europe. She must trust you very much, indeed. As I do," Kate said and smiled, squeezing his arm affectionately. "I think she needs to make some good memories of this city, and these visits can do that.

You've been a tremendous help with Ginnie, and I am lucky to have such a family to lean on. I feel perhaps, in trying not to crowd her with my presence that I have stayed too far back. I don't know. Conrad has an idea about getting her a little two-wheeled carriage and teaching her to drive and race it. What do you think?"

"I think that you'd better talk to her about it. Any decision you make for her without consulting her will probably be a bad one. She's gotten more independent this last month or two, which isn't necessarily a bad thing as long as she doesn't withdraw into herself again."

He smiles and says, "And I'm not sure exactly why, but she's really looking forward to this visit to the blind school tomorrow."

"I'm glad. I wonder what about the school has her curious....of course, school of any kind excites Ginnie," she laughed. "She and Miss Sullivan have similar stories, I'm happy they'll have a chance to meet.

I won't make the decision about the buggy for her, I just wanted to know what you think. Hoping you could make me feel better about it, I suppose. I just worry over nothing, the true mark of a mother, perhaps?"

Gonzales doesn't immediately answer. He eventually says with a hint of sadness and melancholy in his voice, "A parent should worry about his or her children. That's a parent's job."

Kate squeezed his hand and walked in silent comfort with him for a few minutes. She tried several times to speak, but nothing seemed right so she only tried to make him feel that she loved him.

"I have missed my lessons with you while we're here. I miss being called 'Sandpiper.'

I have some ideas about how we will fit my lessons into my schedule when I start school. I thought I would have them on the nights when I don't play at the Lady, and then during the day on Sundays."

He has a distracted look on his face and after a minute or two says, "Oh, I'm sorry. I was...well....whenever you want time for lessons that would be fine."

He places his arm over her shoulder and gives her a bit of a hug. "You are like a daughter to me Katherine, I hope you know that."

Kate turned, making his half hug into a whole one and kissing his cheek. "I wouldn't have presumed to think so, but it makes me happy to hear you say it. You are part of my family now too, Grandpapa and Papa and Uncle all rolled into one. And I'm afraid I've given you cause to worry over the past few months."

She let go and took his arm again to resume their walk. "Whenever you're ready to tell about what took you so far away just a minute ago, I'm ready to listen."

He holds her hand tightly as they walk through the gardens. "Next week is the anniversary...twenty nine years since......since my counterpart killed my son and daughter. I imagine when next October rolls around you'll go through a melancholy similar to this too.

That day is always hardest on me because my other daugher and her family, as well as my son's family, will all get together with Dorita and Pedro for a remembrance ceremony. Of all of my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren Dorita, Pedro and Sonoma are the only ones.....the only ones who have spoken a single word to me since that awful day. The others all hold me responsible."

"As you do yourself. There are no words I can say to change that. But the blame game is a dangerous one. If you go back far enough you can blame the gods because they created the world it happened in.

I'm sorry, it isn't fair of them to hold you responsible. The blame belongs to your counterpart. He created the situation, he caused the deaths, but he is far away and such a distant target of anger isn't very satisfying.

I will dare to say your children would not want you to blame yourself. If you could ask them, they would probably say they came willingly and knowing the risks. And they would thank you for the life and love you gave them.

It must be very painful to be separated from your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. What a shame they do not know the love of their grandfather, who has so much of it to give."

"Well, that is one advantage to elves having such a long life, most of them have had the opportunity to know that. Twenty-nine years is a relatively small part of our lives, but it is hard while we are living in it."

"You are right about my children. Those two would have followed me to Hades and I guess you could say that they did. I should have died that day as well but he wouldn't allow it. He knew how much my family meant to me, how could he not? I could go on, but you need not hear the gory details.

He represents a far greater evil than I never thought possible to which my only comfort is the knowledge that I am his opposite. But he would never have existed if not for me and my recklessness. Twenty-nine years....the same year of the Gadsden Purchase. No coincidence in those dates. I was the one who encouraged Santa Ana to finalize the purchase, largely to put the resting place of Coronado's Sword out of my counterpart's grasp. He knew what I knew, that the great sword was the only way to destroy that evil artifact, the mirror that created him.

Dorita, Pedro and Sonoma crossed into the new land given to the United States shortly thereafter to begin the search for the sword. They traveled throughout Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and the Indian Territory, retracing Coronado's route. That led them eight years ago to where they are now, the site of Coronado's encampment. They excivated pottery, daggers, human bones and other evidence that Coronado had been there.

That was before Promise City existed. At that point there were only three structures in town. The Figures family lived in a simple three room structure that the Cantina was later built on to, namely the three front rooms where Estaban, Angelica and Pepita now live. The other house was the Escobar place. Back then Manuel Escobar and his son Enrico worked half-a-year for Forest Morand's Rocking-H Ranch, just as they still do today. Otherwise there was only Father Valdez's church.

The town has been good for the family but has distracted us from our mission of finding the sword. I have this feeling now that time is running out, that we need to find the sword soon or it will be too late. I have no basis for that feeling, just a nagging intuition. Does that make any sense?"

"It does. There is far more in the world than we can ever hope to understand, and our intuition may be one of them. Perhaps it is just Miss Florencia's arrival, or this anniversary, or something in the air and the earth telling you something is coming. And living with so many humans cannot help but change the way you see time at least a little bit.

Perhaps you're just worried because you haven't been focusing on the search, and so feel you're wasting time. Whatever the reason, renewing your focus wouldn't be a bad thing."

"Well, I wouldn't exactly call it a waste of time. I've befriended Arcade's Gang and helped to better develop them as a force to be reckoned with. When I return to Mexico to oppose my counterpart I will need them at my side. He won't expect that at all, thinking that my only support is my family and knowing that he has driven a wedge between them and me.

I have also made other new friends, whose help will be needed to finally locate this long lost artifact. Between my little birds and their friends we should be able to solve this mystery."

He hugs her again and kisses her forehead. "And most of all, I have found myself a daughter to replace the one that I have lost. I don't mean to say that you are like her, Ruby's personality is by far a much closer match, but you have helped to take that special place within my heart that had been missing for these past three decades."

Kate's eyes blurred with tears and she hugged him back fiercely. "Thank you," she said simply. "I couldn't ask for higher praise." She held on quietly for several long moments, then looked up. "Like Ruby, hmm? She must have been a handful."

He laughs, "That she was. Part of why Dorita has such an odd ongoing relationship with Ruby, I'm not the only one who has made that comparison. You should ask Dorita about her someday, but not this month."

He steers them back toward the house and says, "So, tell me what transpired between Conrad and his father."

"It went quite well, far better than I'd expected. We met Walt Whitman in the restaurant where we stopped for lunch...." Kate began and went on to describe the Player's Club and their meeting with Edwin Booth in some detail. "Conrad is very happy with the results, and I didn't expect half so much.

I was a little distressed by... well... Mr. Booth took me aside and suggested I should be wary of Conrad. That if he is a con man, my family's fortune could be at risk. He described how the kindnesses Conrad has done me might have just been a skilled actor gaining my trust. He even suggested Conrad might have been working with Johnny Ringo.

As quickly as I dismissed those thoughts, I hate that they were ever in my mind. I trust him, as foolish as others may think that is."

"There is something to be said for caution, I wouldn't fault the man for it. You and I both know better of Conrad, you from seeing what is in his heart and me from the fact that Mother Jaminez took him on as her apprentice. If he were less than genuine she would have known and had nothing to do with him."

"I can't say I would have known, my judgement isn't always the best. But everything in me tells me his is genuine, and I don't want to live life suspicious of everyone.

I understand Mr. Booth's caution. He explained how things looked from his side, and he has his daughter to consider. Conrad hopes to convince him someday.

And speaking of apprentices.... Conrad did ask me if I thought you might be willing to teach him a few bits and bobs of your specialty. I seem to remember you suggesting once that you might teach him how to make a conversation private."

"Hmmm, I'll have to give that one some serious thought. I stopped apprenticing men over a century ago. They don't have the same level of patience as women and aren't as pleasant to look at."

"Well, who is pleasant to look at is a matter of who you ask. I find him quite pleasant to look at," she laughed. "I don't think he wants to be apprenticed, Grand-père, only to learn a few simple things. The privacy, the armor I use, things like that. It's up to you, of course. I suppose I could teach him those things myself after I learn them, but if he's going to learn them he might as well have the best teacher available."

"Well I might do with him as I do with Madge, just some basic instruction in a few specific things. Don't expect me to ever teach him anything that will let him cheat at cards though."

"Of course not," Kate answered a bit stiffly. "You should know better than to think I would."

They head back inside. Conrad and Gonzales are invited to join Mr. Seagram, Professor Pickering and Colby Tucker for a men's only lecture over at Harvard that they head off too, leaving Kate, Ginnie and Mrs. Seagram to themselves.

Kate paced the parlor restlessly after the men left. Finally she blurted out, "It was like that at the Player's Club too. No women, as if we had no minds to think with or hearts to feel with. Are they so afraid of us?"

Kate's mother replies, "Well dear, the world is not all like the Utah Territory. Out there women have been given the right to vote."

"As they will in Arizona if I have anything to say about it. I can sit on the Merchant's Committee, I can run a school and a ranch, I can contribute just as much as any man but still be denied the right to vote. It's ridiculous."

"This never used to bother you, Jacqueline," her mother said quietly.

"Perhaps not as much. I would have liked to have gone to college; I want Ginnie to be able to if she wants," she said and looked over at her girl. "Maybe I didn't realize what a disadvantage it puts us at. Decisions will be made that change our lives and we have no control over it.

I just.... I don't like being treated as a lesser person because I'm not a man." She sighed and sat down next to Ginnie. "I'm sorry. What shall we do to pass our time until the gentlemen come back?"

Kate's mother suggests that they just sit and talk. She has one of the maids prepare a fire in the parlor fireplace and bring in a bottle of wine, and juice for Ginnie, before dismissing the young woman for the night.

Once they are alone she says, "So, tell me what is so great about this Arizona Territory that you would leave your loving family once again? I understand that this Mr. Booth has a great attraction for you, but I imagine that he might be willing to move given the incentive to do so. And you Ginnie would have much better opportunities here in Boston than out west."

"It's a very different place than Boston, Maman. I admit there is much I miss about living in here. Concerts, plays, parties. I miss green grass and gardens, and time for relaxing and even snow. And I do miss having a large house and beautiful clothes. Mostly I miss all of you and the friends I had here.

After Tom died, I had to change Maman. I couldn't stay the woman who was his wife or I would keep living in the past forever. So I stayed in Arizona and learned a different way of living. And I like it. I like working, and knowing what I have I got because I was determined to earn it. I have something to occupy my time instead of sitting through idle hours.

And it's freer there, Maman. Not that there aren't still busybodies worried about our moral fiber, but people are more themselves. And there's a feeling to the town like we all know we depend on everyone else. I like it."

"I think that I understand. I guess I just miss you terribly."

Kate went over and sat on the floor next to her mother. "I miss you too, and I expect I'll make this long trip more often than I really should. And think, Maman, it might not be good for you to have me here the next few months. The baby would start all sorts of talk."

Kate's mother immediately changes the subject and Kate realizes this isn't something that the older woman is ready to discuss yet.

The women continue to chat for the next few hours until the men return. The Seagrams head off to bed and Gonzales takes Ginnie back into the library to look a few things up, leaving Conrad and Kate alone together.

Conrad says, "Well, that lecture was interesting. It was about the stars, something I've never taken the time to really learn. Most star constellations have been named for the gods, although how they guess those points make the pictures they've drawn strikes me as somebody having too much imagination."

"I'm sure it was fascinating," Kate said without much enthusiasm. "One does rather have to look to find pictures in the stars, but imagination is a good thing. I just wouldn't name them after the gods.

Handy for navigation though, the constellations. If you were interested, I'm sure you could go with Professor Pickering's students stargazing when they come to Arizona."

He replies, "Well yes, that reminds me of an old joke. The young son asks his mother, "Mama, what makes a steamship sail?" She replies, "Dear, why don't you ask your father that. He was a ship's engineer in the Navy." The boy replies, "I don't what to know that much about it."

Kate laughed in spite of herself. "There are better ways to stargaze. Sitting quiet outside on a warm night, away from the city and all it's bright lights and painting your own pictures in the night sky. No lecturer can deny me the right to ponder the stars on my own, at least.

So what did they tell you about the stars that you didn't know before?"

He points to one specific one and says, "See that one, with the slight twinkling light to it. That isn't a star at all, it's the planet Saturn. I don't quite understand it but apparently the Earth's atmosphere makes viewing the planets different than viewing stars. When you see the twinkle that's really a planet close enough to be seen with the human eye."

Kate looked out the window, following Conrad's guidance. "Strange how you can't see as many stars here as in Arizona. Other planets are so far away. It's amazing we can see any at all."

They were standing close together in the window as Kate pointed out Orion. "It's the only one I can ever find, the belt is always so bright. I should have liked to have heard more about the stars."

"Then you should spend some time with Pickering and his students. The eclipse will not be until the first of June but they are tentatively planning to venture out West the week prior to that. Apparently there are other things in the cosmos worth watching as well at that time of year."

"Oh, I intend to. I'm hoping he will give a lecture to my students as well. I'd like to see Mrs. King's tutor bring such people in to lecture her grandson," Kate said, just a tad smug.

"Conrad, you wouldn't ever want to move here, would you?"

He is taken by surprise by her question. He replies, "Err, no, not really. If I were to ever live in a city again I would probably want it to be San Francisco. Beyond that, maybe Los Angeles or some other community along the California coast. But for now I am very happy with Promise City. Why do you ask? Are you thinking of moving back here?"

"No, I'm not," Kate said simply and with some surprise. "I couldn't live here again. I find... some of the conventions of society offend me now. I've grown used to the independence I have, and the acceptance. I guess I just wanted to know if you liked it."

He smiles and says, "I will always be happy to accompany you on visits to your family."

Kate peeked over her shoulder at the door, then leaned back against Conrad. "I'm glad. But this isn't the place for me anymore, not the place to live. I want more than this now. You understand, don't you?"

"I understand perfectly. Part of why I had to leave San Francisco was to put some distance between myself and my mother. She's a wonderful woman but while I was there I would always only be her little boy regardless of my age. I do enjoy this city, Boston, but honestly think that I would also tire of it rather quickly."

"This will always be home and I will always love it, but so much has changed. I've changed. We will have to indulge in our tastes for the big city with visits and then go home to our little exciting town. I suppose you're about ready to be heading back."

He replies with a smile, "Well, I still have some errands to take care of tomorrow, but yes by Friday I will be ready to head back. That and the fact that if I'm not back by Friday night Kate Higgins will probably fire me. That's the busiest night of the week at the Long Branch and you know how temperamental these women named Kate can be."

Kate turned to face him and took his hands. "And just what are you implying, Sir?" she laughed. "I, temperamental? I am the soul of reason," she managed to finish with an almost straight face.

"Sure, and I'll have ample opportunity to remind you of that in the upcoming months. Well, tomorrow looks like a busy day. I suppose we should round up our two companions and usher everybody off to bed."

"I suppose we should. This," she said, wiggling the finger with Mr. Gonzales' ring, "keeps me feeling strong and well, but I don't think it can do anything for my emotions. Maybe I should apologize in advance."

Kate got up on her toes and kissed his cheek, staying for just a moment there with her cheek laid against his. "Let's go get the others," she said and took his arm to lead him to the library, then off to their respective rooms.

 

[orchid blossom]

The Last Day

Thursday, May 4th, 1882, 8:30 A.M.

The Seagram family and guests gather for breakfast.

As wonderful of the hotel had been the night before, it was good to sleep in a familiar bed again. Kate ate her breakfast with a good appetite, listening to the light conversation going on around the table.

"So we have the tour of the school this morning, and then Ginnie and I have some shopping to do for our school. Is there anything else today?"

"The dressmaker will be here for you late this afternoon, so make sure you are here for that," her mother said.

"Maman, you didn't have to do that. My dresses will fine for quite a while yet."

"Yes, but summer is coming and you will need lighter dresses where it is so hot. Then we will have Henry and Elaine for dinner tonight, since you will be leaving tomorrow."

Kate was going to argue again, but her mother had that set look on her face that told her resistance would be fruitless.

Her father spoke up and said, "We sent on the clothes you wanted to donate on Tuesday, so you needn't worry about bringing those with you today."

"Good," Kate smiled. "Now, who is expected on our tour?"

Mr. Seagram replies, "Well obviously the two of us, plus Ginnie and Mr. Gonzales have asked to come along. Mr. Booth is welcome to join us as well."

Conrad replies, "I'll pass. I have some business arrangements to take care of today."

"Just the four of us then. I'm interested in seeing how this school is run."

Kate looked up at the clock on the mantel and said, "It's getting late. We should be going or we'll be too." She excused herself to fetch her hat and shawl, said goodbye to those staying behind, then met the others outside where the carriage was waiting.
Before they leave Conrad takes Gonzales aside. From a distance it appears that they are arguing about something. Gonzales's body language indicates that he eventually surrenders. Conrad then takes out his money clip and peels off a few bills which he hands to the elf.

Gonzales gets ready to go, coming up to Kate and saying, "That gentleman friend of yours is persistent. Looks like we may be doing some book shopping afterwards."

"He didn't listen when I protested about how much he was spending on my behalf either. I think he enjoys having someone to spend it on. And I'm sure there are many volumes we can get here that wouldn't be found anywhere else."

Shortly thereafter the carriage departs the Seagram home bringing Kate, Gonzales, Ginnie and Mr. Seagram to the southern part of the city where the Perkins School for the Blind is situated.

During the carriage ride, Kate described in more detail her conversation with Miss Sullivan and the Director of the school. "I hope at least you might find a better position for Miss Sullivan this summer, Papa. She is too smart a girl to be cleaning for a living."

They reached the school and exited the carriage, walking up the main steps and ringing the bell.

The school is situated inside of what had been a former hotel. They enter the building and soon find themselves in the office of Director Michael Angagnos. He gives then a short history of the institution, explaining "The school's original 1832 location had been in the home of the school's founder Samuel Gridley Howe. The second location was in the larger home owned by Trustee Thomas Perkins. It outgrew that location within six years, when the school grew to 65 students. That was when Perkins purchased this hotel and converted it into the school."

"That had to be an enormous undertaking. Setting up a building for the blind has to require a lot of special touches. Ways to help the students find their way, know which room is theirs and so on?"

He replies, "Oh, it's even a bigger operation than that. We also have a separate printing department in the school to produce embossed books for the students here as well as blind children throughout the world."

"So you teach the children to read raised letters as well as braille? Do you produce the books as people request titles, or do you have a listing you offer?"

"Well, the biggest problem is getting permission from the authors and publishers to reproduce their works. Doing so would normally require paying enormous royalties as most publishing companies would produce tens of thousands of any text, not a mere one or two hundred as we need to do. Thankfully Charles Dickens visited the school in its earlier years and was so impressed that he helped get that started. We now have close to 150 titles that we are allowed to reproduce, enough for a full curriculum."

"A stroke of luck for the school. I'd certainly like to see the classrooms if we might."

Mr. Seagram speaks up and says, "The tuition you collect from your students can't be enough to keep the school running. Do have grants or endowments of some kind?"

"Endowments from a dozen or so patrons, the aforementioned Misters Perkins and Dickens being just two. Actually, most of the students here are from well-to-do families who support the majority of their tuition. We do take on a few charity cases, including the young lady that your daughter met."

He takes the four of them on a full tour of the school. Being a weekday most of the students are in class. The Director keeps the narration about the school going while they are in the corridors but requires complete silence within each of the classes that they visit given how critical sound is to the education of the blind.

Kate observed the instructors of the classes closely. Soon she would be doing something nearly the same. Although her students would be sighted most of the skills she would need would be the same.

In the corridor she asked, "Tell me more about Miss Sullivan. She seemed an extraordinary girl from our short meeting. What kind of work do you think she could do during the summer months?"

He replies, "Well, last summer I found her a job as a maid. That didn't work out very well, the place was loud and had foul odors, which being blind she was more sensitive to than a normal person would be. It was difficult finding a place that would take a young blind girl where she would also be safe from the patrons. I haven't found her placement yet. One problem is that she is scheduled for another operation, which will take part of the summer and therefore interfere with her potential employment."

Mr. Seagram says, "Sir, I assume your students also learn to write in the traditional manner as well as with a stylus in braille. Our butler, Mathias would never admit it, but he is getting older and a bit of help in the hot summer months wouldn't go amiss.

Also, I do a great deal of my work from our home these days. If the young lady can transcribe for me and help me for some other secretarial tasks, we'd be grateful for her help when she's available and since her help would be supplemental the time away for her surgery would be no trouble."

He replies, "Well sir, that is a very generous offer. We will have to ask Miss. Sullivan to see what she has to say. She is in class now but should be on her lunch break in around a half-hour. We can ask then if that is acceptable to you."

"Certainly. In the time between perhaps you can tell me what some of your needs are."

Ginnie listens quietly to what is being said looking at the raised wall board that borders the corridors at each turn there is a slight decorative change in the wood that she realizes is actually a tactile map to allow the students to know which corridor they are in at any time.
Quietly she pulls Kate aside "Ma’am Kate didn't you just return from a visit in New York where there was a club of writers and others that met? Wouldn't that be somewhere that you might be able to convince the artists to allow copies of their work to be translated? And if the students here are from wealthy families wouldn't the fact that the authors had allowed their books to be used make it more likely that the families would purchase regular copies so that they would be able to talk with their children about what they both had read? Perhaps if they offered to start a book club with both types of volumes available for sale that would increase the interest from the authors and interest in new authors.

Kate also kept her voice down. "I'm not sure how much pull I can have there yet, but Mr. Booth seems concerned about people sharing the arts with each other. Plus, Mr. Walt Whitman's brother will be visiting with Papa on Friday. I'll mention the idea to the Director and ask Papa to follow up. I can write to Mr. Booth personally."

She turned toward the Director. "My ward has just reminded me of something that I think could be helpful to you," Kate said, and explained Ginnie's idea. "If the parents also purchased the same books to discuss with their children when they talk over the wires, it would be beneficial to all involved."

They talk for another twenty minutes and then go to the classroom that Annie Sullivan is in as it is being dismissed. The Director asks her to stay as the other students and the teacher depart. He then introduces her to Mr. Seagram, Ginnie, Mr. Gonzales and Kate. "Yes, I met you the other day Mrs. Kale," she replies.

"Yes, and I'm very glad to met you again."

Mr. Seagram says, "Young lady, my daughter tells me you'll be looking for employment over the summer. I work from my home most days now, and I could certainly use someone who can take dictation and do some other secretarial work for me.

When I didn't have any tasks for you, our butler Mathias would be sure to find ample tasks to keep you busy. There are any number of projects he's wanted to get to the last few years he just hasn't had time for. The time you'll need off would be no trouble for us, if such a position would be acceptable to you."

Miss Sullivan indicates that the summer job appeals to her. She thanks Mr. Seagram for his generosity.

“Miss Sullivan, do think that you might be willing to teach me braile? I think it would be something wonderful to know. I would be willing to practice by translating some texts that have not been done yet, there must be some volumes where the authors are dead or are in the public domain that can be copied. or for that matter even just stories from out west it would be interesting to make a book of tales and have a companion book in braile when it was published and there is nothing if not a wealth of stories that are happening in the western territories.

Would that be ok Ma’am Kate?” Quietly she whispers to Kate, "I can think of a lot of um... unorthodox uses for braille that might be helpful in the way our lives seem to go."

Kate nodded to Ginnie. "Of course it would be alright," she said in a normal tone of voice. "If Miss Sullivan has some time today to teach you the basics. Perhaps the Director can tell us what we might need as far as equipment goes to write braille. You and Miss Sullivan could write one another if you liked, as well."

Mr. Seagram adds, "And Ginnie could also come for a visit this summer when Miss. Sullivan is staying at the house." The adults leave the two young women to spend some time together, first getting lunch and then in study together. The adults return to the office and discuss details of how Seagram can use his connections and influence to better help the school.

It is late afternoon by the time they conclude their visit at the school and return to the Seagram home for Kate's final night there.

"We'll have to do our shopping tomorrow before we leave," Kate said as they stood in the front hall taking off shawls and jackets. "I didn't expect to spend so much time in the school. Fascinating though."

The four retired to the parlor where her mother was sitting with her brother Henry. "How was the day?" she asked, kissing each in turn.

They summarize their day. Dinner is soon served. Henry and Phillip are both present for the meal and afterwards retire into the parlor with Conrad to hear his stories about life out west.

Kate sat quietly in the parlor listening to Conrad spin stories and watching as her brothers soaked in his words. Even Henry looked like a little boy who'd like to run off on an adventure. Every now and then one of her brothers would sneak a look over at her, seeming to have a hard time reconciling the same girl they had known with the woman who now lived in those stories.

Sitting at a table with Katherine were her parents and her teacher, playing a card game and chatting. She listened to the conversation with half an ear, as she was listening to Conrad. Inside herself she was thinking of leaving her home again. She loved these people, her family, and leaving them again held no appeal. But returning to Arizona did. She found herself anxious to be there and busy again.

Before Henry left for the night, she made sure he would be there for lunch the next day, so they could spend some time together before she left. They all stayed up later than usual, but one by one the family dropped off to bed. Kate took her time getting ready, then snuggled into the familiar bed for her last night.

Friday, May 5th, 8:00 A.M.

Kate sits down for breakfast with her parents, Ginnie and Mr. Gonzales. She notes that neither Phillip nor Conrad are present. Mathias comments that, "I imagine that those two are sleeping in. They and Mr. Henry were up past midnight talking."

"Well, Mr. Booth will be back on Arizona time before we get there," Kate laughed, glad to hear the three seemed to be getting along with each other.

"We'll have to do our shopping this morning, and then we'll be on our way this afternoon. I wish we could stay longer, but we can visit again and perhaps we'll see all of you in Arizona soon. I know we'll see Papa."

At one point when her mother was distracted talking with Ginnie, Kate leaned over to her father and said, "How are we going to manage leaving without being sent to the train station in a carriage?"

He whispers back, "Mr. Gonzales and I have that all worked out."

"A mystery? Well, since I trust the both of you I won't worry about it any more. I wish I could tell everyone but I don't want to ask them to keep that secret. I already put one burden on them, they don't need another."

The group finishes their breakfast. Mr. Seagram offers to take Kate, Ginnie and Gonzales shopping, starting with the book merchant who had assisted them during their visit the previous month.

The ride to lower Beacon Street is fairly short, and they arrive at Robert Brothers books shortly after it is open for business. The storefront is narrow, but the space inside goes far back. The space in the front is open with several large, comfortable chairs and a counter behind which a few rare volumes are displayed in locked cases.

Beyond the front area row of after row of dark, polished wood shelves march down the long room. Step ladders were scattered around the rows for access to the highest shelves. The place almost had the air of a library, especially in these early hours where no one yet sat in the front arguing over the last thing they'd read.

Mr. John Roberts hurried forward from the stacks, smiling. "Mr. Seagram, what a pleasure to see you here. I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Emerson's passing. I'm grateful to have had the chance to meet him."

"It was my pleasure to make that happen. He enjoyed your conversation, I know. We've come with a purpose today. My daughter is starting a school in Arizona, and we'll need some help finding appropriate texts. I'm not sure what my granddaughter and her friend would like to look at, but I'm sure they won't be shy."

They spend the next hour looking for books. Most of what Kate picks out she gets only one or two volumes of but there are a few primers where she will need one for each student in that age group. He doesn't have all of these in stock so makes a list of what will need to be ordered and shipped out to Arizona.

Gonzales and Ginnie spend the time finding various texts for themselves, choosing to spend all of the money that Conrad Booth had given to them.

Kate directed that most of the volumes should be shipped to her, but chose a few to take back and read over herself so she could be prepared to teach from them. Once they'd chosen the schoolbooks, Kate followed the others examples and searched for books for herself.

The pile of volumes at the end of their trip was embarrassingly large. When Kate tried to pay her father interrupted and said, "Just charge it to my account Mr. Roberts."

"Papa, I can take care of it."

"And so you are, my dear," he agreed. "You haven't asked for it, but you know you have a trust here that will more than amply cover these costs. If you want to work, then work, but don't make things harder than they need to be."

Kate bit back her next argument, realizing this wasn't a conversation to be had in front of strangers. And her father was not wrong; she did have all the money she could need. "All right, Papa," she gave in.

As they all climbed back in the carriage Kate said, "We need to go to the seamstress and pick up the things Maman had made for us and then I'd like to see a saddle-maker. Then we need some nice things to decorate the house with."

The errands are completed in time to make it back home for lunch. By then Phillip and Conrad are both up and dressed, with Conrad's suitcase already packed and waiting near the front door. "Did shopping go well?" he asks.

"I think so. I ordered birthday gifts and they should arrive before Ruby's party. We got more books than we could possibly know what to do with, new clothes, and some nice things to make the new house homier. Did you finish all your business yesterday?"

He replies, "Yes, I met with the Boston sales representative for the Concord Coach company to make arrangements for purchasing the racing buggies. I won't finalize anything until after we have spoken to Ginnie and to Mrs. O'Hara, but I wanted to see what was available. Since the safety of the girls is my primary concern I wanted to get the best quality available, which by all accounts would be one of Concord's top-of-the-line models, the same type they race at the parks in Rockingham and Saratoga."

"Excellent. I definitely want to make sure the girls are safe above all else. Promise City is going to be getting a great many deliveries in the next few weeks. Our postmaster won't know what to do with himself."

The family and their guests retired to the dining room for a light lunch, during which Henry arrives and joins them. After lunch, Kate went for a last walk in the garden with her brother, wishing she had more time to spend with him.

Although Kate and her family tended to linger, she could feel the others growing anxious to be on their way and she finally suggested it was time to go.

Mr. Seagram says, "Well, I am sorry to see you go, but look forward to seeing you all again in around three weeks. And I'll be busy enough in the short term, General Pleasants will be along at any minute now, and our Union Army friends will be arriving in the middle of the afternoon."

"Don't forget to talk to Mr. Whitman about the braille books," Kate said and hugged her father. Her voice suddenly choked up. "I'll miss you, Papa."

"We'll miss you," he whispered back. "But I'll see you soon."

Kate stayed there for a minute, then finally let go and went to her mother where the two women spoke in rapid French for several minutes. She had already said what needed saying to Henry so she simply embraced and kissed him again, then moved on to Phillip to say goodbye.

Finally she looked at the others and said, "Alright, I'm ready."

They wave goodbye as they head out to the carriage. Mr. Seagram tell the driver, "Thank you for getting the rig ready. It's a nice day for a drive so I'll take it from here. You can take the rest of the day off." The surprised driver does not argue.

Gonzales, Ginnie, Conrad and Kate wave goodbye to the others and get inside the carriage. Gonzales says, "Okay, four invisibility spells coming up. You father will wait until we've all exited from the doors on the opposite side before he rides off to supposedly drive us to the train."

"Very clever," Kate smiled. Mr. Gonzales quickly cast the spells and they all got down the other side, being careful not to jostle the carriage too much. They went around the back of the carriage house to the old, unused room where the brazier waited for them.

"Why don't we go to the ranch house instead of the townhouse, Grandpere? Then we can walk into town with no one thinking it odd that we just reappeared. We will have to be visible again before we travel, won't we? It's hard to take hands when you can't see them."

"That would work. You certainly have enough horses there for us to borrow some to ride into town."

As all four are invisible Kate cannot see the perspiration that has broken out on Conrad's forehead although she feels the sweat of his hands. Gonzales begins the incantation and in a matter of minutes they materialize inside of the barn that has been constructed out at the ranch.

Despite their being invisible their arrival is still noted by the chickens, geese and ducks who began to react wildly. Sonoma charges into the barn holding a pitchfork, suspecting a wild dog or coyote. Gonzales immediately cancels the spell upon seeing his Great Granddaughter, so that they don't get accidentally skewered.

As Gonzales, Ginnie, Conrad and Kate appear most of the birds calm down except for the goose flock's leader that decides to attack Conrad.

Kate laughed and dropped her bag. She quickly cast a small incantation, causing a flash of light to appear before the bird and hopefully temporarily confuse it.

Conrad backs off as the goose takes a swipe at him. It is then distracted by the spell. He says, "Serves me right for traveling without a sword. Let me know when this goose is boiling in a roasting pot, I'll take the first bite of it instead of the other way around."

Kate raised her eyebrow. "Traveling with a sword? You have one? And what in the world would that have to do with a goose?"

Conrad says, "Judge Lacey has let me hang onto the one that I used at the festival. And if I'd had it a minute ago I'd have taught that goose how to better behave itself.:

"And we'd have all had a good dinner," she laughed. "Let's get out of the barn and get all of you back to town."

She walked over and hugged Sonoma. "I'll come back out later today and give you a hand. I'll need to bring the horses we ride into town back anyway. I want to tell you all about the books we got in Boston."

Kate led them over to the corral and chose the horses. While the others were distracted, she took Conrad aside, her eyes still laughing about the goose. "We won't be able to say goodbye properly in town," she explained before she quickly kissed him. "And I wouldn't want you to forget me too soon."

He kisses her warmly back and hugs her deeply. "Thank you Kate for asking me along on this trip. It was far more than I could have imagined. Your parents, your brothers, they are wonderful people. And meeting my father again....well, the whole trip was the best thing that has ever happened to me."

"It only gets better from here," she said softly. "I'm glad you were with me. It made the difficult parts easier, and the easy parts much more enjoyable. And you gave me the chance to go to New York again. Thank you for that."

"No need to thank me, as I said, it was the best time of my life. I do suppose we should be getting back to town though, Kate Higgins will be wondering if I'm coming to work tonight."

They get the farm's wagon to pile their luggage into, which Ginnie and Conrad decide to steer back together while he speaks to her about the buggy. Gonzales get his own horse to ride back, the one he acquired in New Mexico while with Arcade's Gang, which he normally keeps stabled at the ranch rather than the El Parador so that Kate can help to better train it. Meribel is also currently at the ranch, Dorita having had Grant bring it out there since she was going to be out-of-town with her Grandfather.
Kate managed to get herself up on Meribel even with her skirts. They were hiked up almost to her knees, but it wasn't the first time she'd ridden such. She kept on eye on Ginnie on Conrad, looking to see how the girl would react to the idea.

Because of the time difference between Arizona and Massachusetts it is still mid-morning when they reach Promise City. Conrad indicates that Ginnie is receptive to the idea of the racing carriage.

"Perhaps we should talk to Mrs. O'Hara today then and get it all taken care of." She smiled past Conrad at Ginnie. "We wouldn't want you to have to wait too long."

It wasn't long before they arrived at the El Parador. Kate sighed, realizing that she felt she was home now more than she had in Boston. It was a bittersweet feeling, but a happy one as well. This was her place now.

"Thank you for taking us, Grandpere," Kate said to her teacher, kissing his cheek. "You don't know how important it was to me."

 

[orchid blossom]

“The Gunsmith”
Saturday, May 6, 1882 (Chester & Sonoma)

Deputy Marshall Chester Martin stops off at the Lucky Lady Dance Hall and Saloon for his Saturday afternoon lunch. He is waved over to join three friends of his for lunch, namely Jeff Mills who works at the Lucky Lady and has been supervising the addition being built onto it, Pierre Jaquet who manages the town’s Gun Shop two doors down, and Sonoma Figures who operates a ranch a mile west.

“How’s it going?” Chester asks as the Lucky Lady’s cook Maria Fuente places a plate with lamb stew, steamed carrots and freshly baked bread in front of the deputy along with a tankard of beer.

Jeff replies, “Slow at the moment, we are well nearly finished the exterior walls and ceilings but yesterday we ran out of building materials and according to both Travis Calhoun and Neil Cassidy it will be several days until they have enough lumber and bricks for us to finish.”

Pierre says, “So, Jeff has some time on his hands now. We were wondering, is there any chance that Marshall Berg might be able to give you some time off? The three of us were thinking about taking a trip down to Mexico to visit that gunsmith friend of Jeff’s and I know you wanted to see the man too. Sonoma has agreed to loan us some horses for the ride and to come along as our Spanish translator.”

Jeff adds, “If we’re going we’d have to leave tomorrow morning, as Deputy Sheriff Colin Hunter attends Sunday services so we’d be able to get several hours head start before he discovers that I’m gone.”

Chester says, "I'll have to ask the Marshall, but I don't see how it'd be a problem. So, Jeff, how well do you know the guy?"

Jeff says, "Well enough that I can show up at his doorstep out of the blue and not get shot. It'll be nice to get out of town without Hunter trailing me. He must not have a lot to do, if he can keep tabs on me like this."

"That's good enough for me. Pierre, I bet you're itching to meet the master gunsmith himself."

Pierre laughs. "Of course. The man is a legend. His pieces are sought after by many people."

The four finish their lunch, talking about the best route to Bailey's home.

Chester visits Berg at the Marshall's office. "Hey Mitch. Can I have a few days off starting tomorrow? I need to see a man about a gun."

Mitchell Berg replies, "Sure, no problem Chester. Things have been rather quiet the last few weeks. No reason why Eddie, Helen, and I can't handle things without you for a while. You can have duty tonight and then take several days off if you'd like. Where are you going off to? Tucson?"

"That's good. Thanks. Umm, not Tucson. Mexico actually. The man's a hermit."

"Mexico? Well, you be careful down there Chet, that's a dangerous place for humans to be poking around."

“I'm going with some other people, so I won't be alone. One of us speaks Elvish and Spanish, so we don't have to worry about that. So, I'll see you in a few days, then."

Chester goes to see Clarisse at her home. He gives her a big kiss and says, "Let's have a picnic by the stream. I'm working tonight."

Chester and Clarisse find themselves a peaceful post along Pine Creek around a quarter mile from town where they sit down for their picnic. She comments "My cousin Julia and Colonel Seawell appear to be quite an item these days. What do you think of him?"

"I've only met him once. He seems like a nice man. But don't you think he's too old for her?" He pauses and continues, "Then again, who am I to talk? How is she enjoying his company?"

She replies, "Well, as a saloon girl she's always been one for fast and heated relationships. This is something new for her. She says that the Colonel has been a perfect gentleman and has been courting her as one would a proper young lady, which she is really enjoying. I don't think anybody has ever treated her like that before.

One good thing about my coming to this town is how she and I have been influencing each other, we started out as opposites but are now much closer."

Chester takes a bite of his sandwich and swallows. "That's good to hear about Julia and the Colonel. They should be happy together. And I'm happy that you and her are getting along so well. It's nice having family in town."

They enjoy each other's company for a couple hours. Chester then says, "I have to go to Mexico for a few days. There's someone I need to see down there. It's too dangerous for you to come with me. Bandits are all over the place and we're riding there."

She pulls away and says, "Who's 'we'? Ruby and the others?"

"No, just me, Jeff, Sonoma, and Pierre Jacquet."

Clairesse replies, "Sonoma? Because she's an elf? How do you know she's not in league with the Mexican bandits? She could be leading you into an ambush."

"We need someone who can speak the language. I've known her for months. She isn't working with bandits. Don't worry. This should just be a short trip."

Clairesse acts unhappy for the rest of the picnic. Chester brings her back to town in time for her to get ready to sing at the Comique and for him to take Saturday night duty around town.

Chester walks Clarisse to her door. "I'm sorry I won't be able to see you sing. But, I'll see you in a few days. Please don't be mad. I'll make it up to you. OK? Have a good time on stage, Clarisse." He leans in to kiss her and she kisses him back reluctantly.

She says, "You take care of yourself, Chester Martin," and goes inside. Chester heads for the office to start his shift.

The night proves to be rather quiet at first. There are still the Saturday night boxing matches at the Palace, but they do not have nearly the same drawing power as they did prior to the Festival.

Chester makes his way around town, checking out the various saloons and gambling establishments and other business still open such as the billiard hall.

He is at the Long Branch Saloon when he hears a shotgun blast sound from somewhere across Main Street. His initial thought is that it was from the Lucky Lady, but he then hears shouting that is closer so concludes that the disturbance is coming from either the Gay Lady Variety Hall and Saloon or Peacock's Saloon.

"So much for a quiet night." Chester draws his pistol and runs to the front door of the Gay Lady. He shouts into the saloon, "I heard a shotgun. Is everything alright in there?"

Burton Lumley, owner of the Gay Lady and current President of the Promise City Merchant's Association is at the door with a revolver, "Yeah heard it on the other side of the wall. It came from next door at Peacock's. Want me go with you Deputy Martin?"

Peacock's Saloon is a single-story long and narrow wood-frame building fifteen feet wide by thirty feet long sandwiched between the Gay Lady and Cook's General Store. It is co-owned by bartender Michael George who acts as bartender in the 15x20 foot front room and Darla Peacock who deals Faro in the 15x10 foot back room.

As Chester cautiously enters the building he sees the bar and both tables in the front room are currently vacant, with Michael George standing in the doorway to the back room and pointing a shotgun and somebody who Chester can't see yet inside that room.

Chester holds up a hand to Lumley. "Hold on a minute. Michael George is pointing his shotgun at someone in there." He shouts, "It's Deputy Martin, Mr. George. What's going on in there?"

Michael says, "Threatening customer, he's all yours Marshall." Darla Peacock points to a man at her Faro table. A Derringer is sitting on the table. She says, "I caught him cheating. He drew the gun on me. I called out and Michael got him to put the gun down.”

Chester holsters his Remington. He calls back to Lumley, "Thanks, Mr. Lumley. I can handle it from here." Lumley goes back to the Gay Lady. Chester takes the Derringer from the table and pockets it. "Is that true, sir? Are you a cheater?"

The man says, "No sir, she's lying. You can't cheat at Faro." Darla laughs and says, "Lots of ways to try, including touching the cards when you aren't supposed to. Check his sleeves Marshall."

Chester does as instructed, finding a Ten of Diamonds playing card up the man's right sleeve.

Chester pockets the card. "That settles it. You're going to spend some time in the hoosegow. Come with me." Chester takes the man's arm and leads him to jail, locking into a cell. "Judge Isby doesn't like cheaters. You picked the wrong town to try that."

Darla and Michael both thank Chester as he carts the man off to the Marshall's Office and Jail. Eduardo is on duty when Chet arrives and comments, "Heard a single shotgun blast earlier, this the guy who shot it?"

"Nope. It was Michael George over at the Peacock. Darla caught this guy cheating and he pulled a Derringer on her. So Michael fired a warning shot. It have the gun and one of the cards in my pocket. Let me put him in the cell." Once the guy is in jail, Chester puts the Derringer and the card on the table. He unloads the weapon. "Lock those in the drawer for me, please. Judge Isby will want to see them, no doubt."

The crooked gambler at Peacock's turns out to be the only eventful thing of the night. The man does not bring up the name of any lawyers and neither lawman is inclined to offer a suggestion or bother to look for one this evening. Eduardo and Chester alternate patrolling the town and watching the prisoner until 1:00 AM, after which Eduardo dismisses Chet and sets up the cot for himself to rest on in the Marshall's Office.

Chester drags himself home and falls asleep quickly. When morning comes, he dresses and grabs the gun case containing the hand cannon. He checks and cleans his rifle and pistol. No telling if he'll need protection, so best to keep them in good order. He packs a couple things into his saddlebags and leads his horse to the back of the gunshop. Chester knocks on the back door. Pierre Jacquet lets him in. "Morning, Pierre. Are you ready to go? My horse is out back."

Pierre says, "Yes, Jeff and I both helped bring chairs over to the Town Hall for the worship service. It'll be the last one held there, the new Church will be ready next week. Colin Hunter saw him bringing them in and watched Jeff go back to the Lucky Lady before he headed into the service. We're all ready to go, Sonoma has our horses all packed and set down at the west end of town."

"Then let's get going. How are we on food? I packed some trail rations and I figure we can do some hunting too. We better leave here separately, so as not to draw attention." The group meets at the edge of town where Sonoma is waiting. "Morning Sonoma. I sure am glad you're helping us out with this. This will go a lot easier with you talking to the Mexicans. How's the ranch working out? It must be keeping you busy."

“I am pleased to be of help Chester. The ranch is going quite well and because of "careful management" we have had a huge population explosion in the animals in my care. We should be able to make a tidy profit from it. I believe once I have the money set aside I will consider buying Nanuet's portion from him. His "interests" have gone to other areas and the ranch is not truly what he wishes from life. We must be careful however I believe that the traveling should be fairly safe.

How is the job going and the other deputy he is well too?

"That's good to hear about the ranch. You should be proud to have it running well so quickly. The job is going well. The town's been fairly quiet since we took out Ringo. Last night I arrested a cheater at Peacock's, but he went in peacefully. Eduardo's doing better. He's fully healed from the stabbing."

Jeff and Pierre are both ready. The quartet ride out of town and head to Sonoma's ranch, so that if Colin Hunter does attempt to follow that's where he will wind up and Flint can then misdirect him from there.

At the ranch they make sure that their tracks get well mixed in with others on the ranch, and they then ride south through the shallow side of Pine Creek for close to half-a-mile before exiting the creek and riding southeast. Jeff suggests that for the first part of the journey they mirror the same path that Chester and Nanuet rode to Fort Huachuca in January, but that when they eventually reach the river to ride south instead of crossing and riding on to the fort.

"Good idea, Jeff,” Chester says. “What kind of payment do you think Bailey will want? And will he have questions about how we got it?"

Jeff says, "Of course he'll have questions, he custom made the gun for the previous owner. Be he also knew what type of man Curly Bill was. Just tell him the truth."

Pierre interjects, "And don't worry about payment, I will take care of that for all of us. Best to have just one person to negotiate with Bailey rather than three of four, plus we're both gunsmiths, we speak the same professional language. You can pay me back at a later time."

"Good advice, both of you. Pierre, you can do the talking. You know better than me about what's wrong with the gun. I just know how to shoot them."

Pierre comments, "Yes, but your accuracy has proven that you deserve to wear that badge of yours."

Jeff Mills comments, "Speaking of which, you might want to put that thing away. I don't know who, if anyone, we might run into on the trail but there's no point in advertising the fact that you are a lawman, especially since we'll be outside of your legal jurisdiction."

"Thanks, Pierre. I just wish I was luckier with my guns. I’ve already broken two in the short time I've been here."

Pierre laughs. "That just means I have a regular customer."

Chester says, "You're right. Since Bailey made the gun for Mongo, I doubt he wants to see a tin star showing up at his door." He puts the badge in his pocket. "I sometimes forget I'm wearing that. Guess it means I'm getting comfortable. I never would have thought when I got drummed out of the Army that I'd be a deputy marshall today."

Jeff says, "Don't worry about Bailey. You weren't with the others when Curley Bill got killed and since Deadeye Douglas took the credit for that killing there's no reason for you to tell him otherwise. We can just say that the gun came into your possession right around the time that Deadeye robbed the bank and shot you. No reason to bring up your current profession, we'll just mention that you were the bank's guard at the time of the robbery. Bailey will understand the concept of the spoils of war."

Chester nods. "That'll work. Maybe one of the robbers dropped it or something. By the way, has anyone seen or heard from the Douglas Gang?"

Jeff says, "Last I heard, they were in the Wyoming Territory, causing trouble."

"Good. Last thing I want is for them to be there and recognize us."

Pierre says, "Not much chance of that happening. Isby had sentenced both Pinto Joe and Pammy Yeats to hang, and the warrant for that is still outstanding. If they're smart they'll never set foot in the Arizona Territory again."

"If they were smart, they wouldn't be robbing banks. But, it's good to here there won't be any surprise visits from Mongo. It's been a while since I've had a chance to relax."

Jeff says, "Well, then enjoy today. By tomorrow we'll be in Mexico. You have to be on your toes there. They may claim to have a central government but the truth is that in most places regional warlords still rule.”

"This is my first trip out of the Union. So let's avoid those warlords. Chances are they'll have many more guns than us. Where is Bailey living exactly? Some small out-of-the-way place?"

Jeff says, "No, actually he has a rather nice estate right on the sea, along the Gulf of California. He's married to a Mexican elvan woman who has given him more children than he has fingers to count."

Chester raises his eyebrows. "Really? I guess being a gunsmith during the war paid well. Does he only make custom jobs?"

Jeff says, "More a case that nice places in Mexico are easier to come by. Bailey is the best there is, he works on what he wants to work on and for who he wishes to work for. He has had some trouble with the local warlord but that man has learned the hard way not to oppose a firearms expert."

Chester snorts. "Yeah. I can see that happening. Must be nice to be able to pick and choose who you work for."

After a few hours they reach the village of Webb, a small community of around four dozen people around ten miles southeast of Tombstone. Chester knows from his previous trip to Fort Huachua that this will be the last place to purchase any supplies. From here they will be riding off the beaten track and between the towns of Tombstone and Bisbee, going across open land until they reach the river some six hours later. Webb has just a single General Store, which mostly stocks seed and supplies for the few farmers and ranchers of the area. The store is owned by Elisha Webb.

"OK. This will be the last piece of civilization we'll see until we get to Bailey. Better make sure we have everything we need. We should get feed for the horses in case there isn't much grass on the way there." Chester enters the general store. Mr. Webb is behind the counter. "Afternoon, sir. I'd like to get some horse feed."

"Certainly...Mr. Martin wasn't it?" Chester is a bit surprised at the recognition until Webb adds. "We don't get that many visitors around these parts, my town is a bit off the beaten path."

Chester recovers from his surprise. "Yeah, it is. Nice of you to remember me. How have you been?"

"Oh, pretty well, all in all these past few months, some good, some bad. My wife gave me another kid, a boy this time, we named him Daniel Stephen Webb. My eldest daughter, Petunia, she eloped with a miner name Idaho Joe, never did catch his last name. My brother Clem got himself hoodwinked, bought what he thought was a silver mine, but turns out it was a worthless shaft that had been seeded. Oh, and I shot and killed me a mountain lion. Guess that's about it."

"And what about you, last time you rode through you and your Army buddies were out to stop Geronimo from scalping every white man within a hundred miles of here. Since we're both still standing here I guess you succeeded in that."

"Congratulations on your new son. As far as the Indians go, we were able to settle things peaceably. Got myself a new job as town marshall for Promise City. Since the Earps left town, the place needed new lawmen. It's nice being able to help keep law and order."

Webb replies, "A lawman huh? Makes me wish that Petunia had waited a little longer, would have been nice to have a lawman in the family. Anything else I can get for you Marshall?"

Chester laughs, "Sorry Mr. Webb, I have a girl back home. She's the most beautiful woman I know. And a voice that's a gift from the Muses. Anyway, I think the feed should be enough. Do you know if there have been any bandits on the way south of here?"

Sunday, May 7th, 1882, 4:00 P.M.

Webb tells Chet that as far as he knows nobody is to the south other than down-on-their-luck miners. Chester, Jeff, Pierre and Sonoma complete their purchases and ride on from the town of Webb continuing to the southwest in the direction of Sierra Vista. They reach the San Pedro River flowing north to south just as the sun is beginning to set. Jeff suggests that they continue to follow the river while there is still some light in the sky, as he would like to put some more distance between himself and the soldiers at Fort Huachuca to the west of them.

"OK, Jeff. But when it gets too dark, we'll make camp. The ground doesn't look like safe footing for the horses."

Darkness falls and the party settles in for the night. They start a campfire and Sonoma cooks a stew. Chester puts a pot of coffee on and leans back against a boulder. He lights a cigarette and puffs away.

Jeff says, "We should probably think of a cover story in case anybody comes along. There's a town five ten miles down river from here and several mining towns along the river around ten fifteen miles north." Pierre says, "That's a good point. One of those mining towns, Convention City, even has telephone service into Tombstone. I don't think we want the County Sheriff knowing Jeff is out and about in these parts any more than the Army."

"We don't have enough stuff to be settlers, so how about miners looking for a strike? Avoiding the towns shouldn't be a problem. Between the four of us, we can find enough food to see us through."

Monday, May 8th, 1882, 5:30 A.M.

The night passes uneventfully and Sonoma gets everybody up before dawn. They ride south along the river, crossing it once the first light of dawn shines over the horizon to the east. They ride away from the river southwest to avoid the twin community of Naco, Arizona, United States and Naco, Sonora, Mexico that marks the border. They soon pick up a tributary to the San Pedro River and follow alongside it, circumnavigating around the towns of Jose Maria and San Rafa.

They turn due two hours later in order to avoid the mining camps near the Mexican city of Cananea. They then turn south to avoid the Sierra El Peseo mountains further west. They are then forced to take the main road southwest as it is the only road on the pass between the mountain ranges. They soon join up with a group of twenty Mexican merchant heading towards the large community of Magdalina. These people are friendly enough and Sonoma handles the conversations. They decide to try to blend in with this group for the next part of the journey.

They reach Magdalina by nightfall, with the quartet assisting the merchants in setting up their wares. The merchants are very appreciative of Jeff Mill's strength as he takes on the heaviest of the setup chores. They then get lodgings for themselves at the same inn as the merchants. They spend a nice relaxing night dining with their new friends at the Inn's Cantina. Sonoma comments about the atmosphere being comparable to that of the El Parador. Jeff suggests that they all get a good night's rest, as they have a very long day ahead of them.

"Why is tomorrow longer than the past few days? Are there bandits ahead? Or is it rough terrain?"

Jeff says, "Not so much bandits but rather enforcers for the local Warlord, and with three humans in our band we'll stick out like sore thumbs."

Pierre says, "I anticipated that and have brought along some 'tribute' for them if we are stopped. The problem is they might be greedy and want more."

Jeff adds, "Plus if they ask where we're going telling them Bailey's name would probably do more harm than good, given the bad blood between him and the local warlord."

"Can we get clothes like the locals? That way we can pass as Mexicans from far away. It could give us a couple minutes time. As far as answers, does the prospector angle still fit?"

Jeff says, "Prospectors sounds good. Let's buy some picks, shovels and panning equipment while we are here in addition to the local clothing."

Chester says, "Let's do that first thing tomorrow morning. Hmm. Does anyone know anything about prospecting? I don't know that much about it. Can't be any harder than swirling dirt in a pan of water, right?" He asks one of the merchant they rode with. "Are you folks staying here or are you headed elsewhere?"

Jacques replies, "We don't have to know anything about prospecting, from what I've seen most amateur miners don't have a clue."

Chester laughs. "I was a miner at the Silverbell for a day. It didn't seem that hard. We should be fine."

They talk to the merchants and are able to acquire suitable local clothing from them. While none of the miners have any prospecting equipment they know of a merchant who does and will make arrangements for them to see him first thing in the morning.

"Thanks. We're new to this." When the group is alone, Chester checks his pocket watch. He says, "It's getting late. We better turn in. Goodnight."

Tuesday, May 9th, 1882, 6:30 A.M.

They rise early and have a quick breakfast prepared by one of their merchant friends. Sonoma and Chester then go to obtain the prospecting equipment while Jeff and Jacques get the horses ready to depart.

Sonoma conducts the negotiation entirely in Spanish after which she instructs Chester to hand the man $ 10 in American money. For that price she has managed to purchase four shovels, four pick axes, 2 chisel-like objects, 2 metal buckets, and six mining pans. The buckets are very dented and before leaving she insists on testing them to ensure that they can hold water without any leaks. Most of the tools have a fair amount of rust on them but all still appear to be solid.

"So Sonoma. Is that a good price? I couldn't follow the haggling since you were talking in Spanish. The tools don't look so good, but they just have to fool anyone we come across. Thanks for doing this. What else do we need?"

She replies, "This price is a little high but we're not in a position to look for alternatives if we want to leave soon. And we want tools that don't look good. We want to give the appearance that we're poor, so that any bandits will decide that we aren't worth bothering with.

But all of these tools appear to be solid, so they'll hold up if we find ourselves in a situation where we might actually need to use them. If I have to smash a shovel across some bandit's head I want to know that their head will break before the shovel will."

Chester chuckles, "Good point. I hope it won't come to that. Avoiding trouble is the watchword."

They return with the purchases which are all fastened onto the animals to be clearly visible, including the pans which are evenly divided between the four of them rather than just nesting them together.

They leave the city, traveling westward. The first hour is through lightly populated areas with smaller towns and villages. After that they are in barren land, with harsh landscape comprised mostly of rocks and sand, with a minimum of plant and animal life. The hot sun beats down on them and the animals. Shortly before noon they reach a river.

Chester squints up at the sun. "If this heat keeps up, we'd better start traveling at night when it's cool." He takes a swallow of water from his canteen. "I reckon we cross this river, not follow it, right? Does this mark someone's border?"

Jeff says, "Yes, and on the other side is the warlord we wish to avoid. But we might as well cross here, it will only be worse later on." They manage to cross the river.

They continue westward across the rough and rocky terrain, the mountains to the west now blocking the setting sun. Jeff says, "We're near the mining town of Minos, at the northern end of that mountain. We should go around to the south at this point.

At one point they see some light vegetation, the first other than scraggly trees in the last two hours. Sonoma climbs down from her horse and pulls up some weeds. She hands them to the three men and says, "Chew on this."

The men do so, Jeff commenting "That's awful, I'd rather chew on horse manure."

Pierre says, "I have food in my pack."

Sonoma replies, "I know, and taking it out will signal the group of people who have been watching us for the last hour that we have it too. This tells them that we're poor and without any food."

Chester starts to look around, but Sonoma grabs his arm. He says, "What? Where?"

She whispers, "Don't do that. You'll tip them off that we know they're watching us. The group is back there." She moves her eyes in that direction.

"I must be slipping. I never saw them. Good catch, Sonoma. Who do you think they are? Bandits?"

Sonoma replies, “I believe they are wood elves but can’t say beyond that.” Jeff says, “They probably men working for the local Warlord. He maintains a large hacienda in the town of El Desamboque, which is along the Gulf of California around fifty miles northwest of our present location.”

Pierre comments, “What type of reception can we expect from these guys?” Jeff says, “Not sure, we should each keep our weapons handy and visible so that they see us as a potential thread. Sonoma interjects, “Well, I’m hoping they think we’re too poor to bother with and will just leave us alone.” Jeff says, “You’re probably correct. But we may want to try to get away from them just the same.” “And how exactly do we do that?” Pierre asks.

Jeff replies, “Well, for one, we should head away from El Desamboque rather than towards it. That alone will make us seem less of a threat. We’ve been going west but our end destination is actually to the southwest so we should turn more southward. Most of the territory ahead between where we are now and Bailey’s is barren desert, which would be easier for us to cross at night.

Sonoma suggests, “I see a stream up ahead, with some trees and shrubbery around it. Why don’t we stop there and make camp to allow the horses a chance to rest. If we put out bedrolls and gather up a large amount of firewood we can make it appear that we’re stopping for the night. We could then maybe slip away once it gets dark.”

Jeff comments, “That could work. If we catch them off guard long enough for us to get into the desert they may not follow.”

"Sounds like a good plan. I don't want to get on the bad side of any warlord. We have to come back this way." Chester starts gathering branches. "Are they going to watch us all the time? I don't know about you, but I hate being watched. That's why I was a scout, so I could do the watching."

They reach the stream, finding the area fairly wooded. While Sonoma cares for the horses the three men gather up large handfuls of firewood. Sonoma then has them gather stones for a fire-ring, explaining, "I want this out of sight from the horses so that it doesn't illuminate our exit. We need to contain the fire. We will leave this lit when we depart, which will throw off their night vision but I also don't want the trees to catch."

"The horses are in the trees now. Are we riding through the forest?"

She replies, "Yes, and I will go last as I can communicate with the animals to keep them quiet. I'd suggest we leave as soon after it gets dark. We should set out bedrolls now and perhaps fabricate a pair of dummies to fill two of them to make it appear that some people are sleeping by the fire. We'll have to leave the bedrolls behind, but should be able to acquire more at our destination, which according to Pierre we will reach before we sleep again. With luck they won't realize we're gone until morning."

"OK. Let's gather some brush to fill the bedrolls. That should make a reasonable copy of a person. How good is elven eyesight, Sonoma? How are we going to make our way in the dark? We can't carry any lights."

She replies, "Elvan eyesight is quite good at night, we can detect patterns of heat which help to differentiate the terrain. I will lead once we are clear of this area. As for the dummies, that is why I want them placed near the fire the fire's heat should radiate enough to obscure the vision of the elves watching us from noticing that they don't radiate any heat."

The group manages to slip out of camp as planned around an hour after it has gotten dark. They cautiously make their way through the light forest and hills and into the desert. About a mile into the desert they reach the largest hill in the region, which they ride two-thirds of the way up, tie the horses, and continue on the rockier terrain on foot. From the top they can see back the way that they came and confirm that nobody is following them.

Jeff points to the barren land to the west and comments, “We’ll ride straight through the night until we get out of the desert, I wouldn’t want to still be out here when the heat of morning sun arrives.”

"Yep. That heat would kill us quick. Does everyone have full waterskins? I don't imagine there are any streams between us and Bailey." Chester asks Sonoma, "Did we lose our trailers? Hopefully it was a few hours before they noticed us missing."

She replies, "Maybe even longer than that. Let's get a move on." The moonlit sky helps to illuminate the barren land ahead and they ride on in silence through the night.

The crescent moon overhead provides a little light to see by. As they ride, Chester keeps scanning the horizon for more scouts. He doesn't want to get caught unawares again. The next group may not be so peaceful.

Before dawn they see ahead a main road going north to south. Jeff comments, "This is good, this road runs the hundred mile stretch between the towns of Santa Rosa and Puerto Libertad. We should cover our tracks to prevent anyone from riding the road from noticing. We may have gone too far south, we should head northwest from here."

They walk their horses single file to and across the road, Sonoma and Jeff covering the path behind. They then ride northwest as the sun begins to rise in the east.

They soon perceive the smell of the sea and seagulls flying in the air ahead. Jeff points to a hill to the north and says, "That way. The hill is near the port town of Puerto Lobos. We should avoid the town to not announce our presence to the locals. Bailey's home is along the coast twelve miles north of that town."

"So we should be there by tomorrow. Let's find a place to sleep for the day. It wouldn't be good to show up on Bailey's doorstep half asleep."

Jeff suggests the ride toward the hill to the northeast of Puerto Lobos as a place that should provide both cover and high ground for to guard from.

"Good. That'll make it harder for anyone to sneak up on us. We should set up watches, so we have some warning if anyone gets too curious. I'll take first watch, you'll be next, then Sonoma, and finally Pierre. This deep in the warlord's territory, the more frequent patrols will be."

Jeff says, "Yes, except that due to the desert Puerto Lobos is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, so a bit off the beaten path. The Warlord's men mostly travel on that north to south road we crossed earlier, seldom detouring all the way to the coastal fishing town. It will hopefully be rather quiet."

"Hermes keep us hidden. Good thing that they don't do as good a job patrolling as they should. If we avoid the road, then reaching Bailey shouldn't be too hard. Does he have guards and patrols? We don't want to get on their bad side."

Jeff replies, "He has over a dozen children, at least three of whom are always scanning the horizons. We will approach in the open, with our weapons stowed out of our immediate reach. Sonoma and I should act as spokes-people while you two remain behind but within sight."

"Sounds reasonable, Jeff. Me and Pierre will keep behind you while you talk to his sons. Anything else we should know about Bailey?"

"Bailey is a quiet and thoughtful man. He considers himself to be a true craftsman and gets great pride in customizing weapons for each individual. He generally does not pass moral judgement upon others but does expect them to take pride and care in the use of their weapons."

"Sounds like a man untouched by politics. Tricky balancing act, that is. I wonder how he keeps people from trying to sway him in one direction or another. I hope I can pass muster in his eyes."

Jeff states, "Oh, I wouldn't say that he avoids politics, he was a loyal follower of the Confederacy. But he's put the war behind him. He wants no part of Sherod Hunter's New Confederacy."

Chester says, "That's good to hear. As long as Bailey stays neutral, I don't have a problem with him. A man like that would be very useful to Hunter. Rebs armed with Bailey's guns would make things interesting for the government."

Jeff says, "Yes, a little too interesting." Pierre interjects, "From what I've heard, Bailey has little to no interest in making weapons for groups, only individuals. It's personalizing a weapon that he enjoys. There's nothing personal about an army."

Rotating watches are posted and they spend the remainder of Wednesday resting. The day and night prove uneventful. Sonoma has taken the final watch and wakes everybody on Thursday at around 4:00 A.M. "We should be going now. We need to be out of sight of this road and town before any of the locals arise. We can cover the remaining trek across the desert before the sun rises and be at Bailey's at dawn."

"I wonder if he'll adjust the hand cannon to me, while he's fixing it. I'll have to ask." Chester stretches and yawns. "It's still dark out. Let's saddle up, then. Sneaking around hostile territory is not a time to dilly-dally."

They travel for several miles to the northwest, soon reaching the coast of the Gulf of California. They then turn north, following the coastline. After a few miles Jeff comments "We're close. We should split into pairs now, with Sonoma and I in the lead."

"Right. Hands in plain sight. Me and Pierre are supposed to hang back and let you do the talking. Let's hope his guards aren't trigger happy." Chester gives a weak smile. The group rides closer to Bailey's home.

They ride a bit further and see the small coastal mansion in the distance.

"Jeff, should we dismount and walk the horses in? Just so we don't look threatening. We didn't come all this way to get shot at."

He replies, "Well, they've probably known about us for a while now, but walking the horses can't hurt any."

"I guess he's had every way in scouted out in detail. Well, should we wave or something? Or just make it seem like we don't know we've been spotted?"

They approach the estate. It is comprised of a multi-room two-level main house made of wood stucco, a barn and stable off to the side, and a few smaller buildings. The house is set back just from the beach.

When they are about 150 feet from the structure a male wood elf of human equivalent of mid-twenties rides out to greet them. He and Sonoma exchange conversation in Spanish for around five minutes.

He then escorts the group onward, heading towards the stables to secure the horses. Two other wood elvan hands, equivalent in age to late teens, are working the barn and take charge of the animals.

The spokesman says in broken English "If you would all please follow me."

Chester tries to follow the conversation, but knowing little Spanish, can't. He looks at Jeff, who nods. The group follows the spokesman to the house.

Seated in a comfortable leather sofa in the main room is a tall thin man with very intense eyes. He has a shoulder holster over his cotton shirt with a Colt Thunderer inside of it. All of the other furniture is made of solid oak, with Mexican patterned cushions on them. Woven wall hangs affixed to the walls. Glass, metal and wood gun racks are situated near the doors inside of which are a variety of different types of rifles.

He does not invite any of them to be seated. He directs his eyes towards Jeff and says, "Mr. Mills, what is it that brings you to my home today? If Mr. Hunter has sent you to inquire about the repeaters the answer is still no."

Jeff says, "I no longer have contact with the Colonel. Like you, he and I no longer see eye to eye. I am here on behalf of my two friends here," gesturing to Pierre and Chester.

Pierre speaks first, "It is an honor to meet you sir. My name is Pierre Jacquet. I am the gunsmith in the town of Promise City, Arizona."

Chester then speaks, "I've heard a lot about you, sir. I'm Chester Martin. I'm a... bouncer at a saloon in Promise City. It's my weapon that we came here to see you about."

Chester feels a gun barrel push into the back of his head followed by a click. Bailey states, "I am well aware of who you are Mr. Martin, how could I not be after customizing a bullet especially for you. If you have come here to my home seeking revenge against me for that then you have made a very grave error."

He shifts his gaze slightly and Chester hears another click. Bailey states, "The same is true of you too Mr. Jaquet. I had no advanced knowledge that Mr. Ringo would be robbing your shop. You are wrong to consider me an accomplice in that action."

 

[orchid blossom]

Bailey

Jeff interjects "Everybody, calm down. Mr. Bailey, that is not why these men are here."

Bailey replies, "Or rather not what they told you Mr. Mills. I believe that you have been duped."

Chester narrows his eyes and takes a deep breath. He slowly sets the case containing the hand cannon on the floor. "No. I'm not. It's just like Jeff told you, Mr. Bailey. I just want to get this fixed. Now, I didn't know you'd made those bullets. Can't say I'm happy to hear that, but what can you do?"

Bailey replies, "What can I do? Well, right now I find myself in a position to permanently rid myself of a potential problem in the future."

Jacquet says, "Sir, I came here because I respect your work and wanted an opportunity to meet you. In no way would I ever hold you responsible for the actions of Ringo and his Cowboy Gang. As far as the robbery is concerned, I blame myself for not having better protected my magical ammunition against theft."

Chester says, "Would you accept a promise from me to not try to kill you now and in the future? I understand you had a job and you did it. If you kill us, our friends are going to come looking for us."

Sonoma looks at the man sitting with the intensity of a burning flame. She states, "There are many things people do, however, there are only few things that someone as yourself would truly regret. Not trusting these men would be one of them. Also you must know that if there was truly an intent to kill you we would not be alone but my teacher would be with us. Those who are skilled in the ARTS must realize that things happen, both because of what we do and the powers that make us who we are. Am I pleased that you chose to place my name on a bullet? No. However, the bullet has failed and we all stand before you."

Sonoma gestures to Chester and says, "Isn't it better to practice your craft with someone who seeks you out than to do the church's dirty-work and squash a lawman who is willing to see the benefits that magic can make? You choose to create individual pieces of power."

Sonoma gestures to Jacquet and says, "Isn't this man as much an individually crafted weapon for the support of magic as any you create?

Do you choose to destroy those with similar magical beliefs as you because of nothing more than fear of competition or a misguided belief that they will kill you? We walked into your holding unhidden, dismounted and with guns holstered. That is not the tactic of a group planning to mount an attack. You don't knock on a door if you’re planning on a shootout, and we are not foolish enough to attempt to kill a craftsman who places our names on death even if we did defeat it this time once again."

Bailey gestures to his dining table and suggests to the four that they each take a seat until the matter is resolved. He gestures for one of the two wood elves remain present with his gun on them. Bailey tells the other "Jose, please take one of the horses and ride over to the home of Father Hernandez. Let him know that we need to see him, and ask him to bring a bottle of the dark wine." He then calls for "Angel", and an elvan woman soon arrives. He says, "Could you please get six of the good crystal glasses dear."

Chester gestures toward his waist. "Do you want our gunbelts, Mr. Bailey? I'm not sure how we can convince you of our bona fides."

He replies, "You can sit still and wait until the priest arrives. Just keep your hands above the table and don't attempt to put them anywhere near your belts."

Chester and the others do as Bailey asks. Before long, Angel returns carrying a silver tray bearing six glasses. She sets the tray down and leaves.

A half-hour of near silence follows until the elf returns accompanied by a wood elf in brightly colored cotton robes accessorized with various carved wooden blocks on a gold chain. The carvings are in the shape of odd creatures, presumably either Incan or Aztec deities.

Bailey asks the Mexican Priest to come join them at the table, the priest sitting on one end with Bailey on the other. The two male wood elves remain in the room, their guns at the ready. The priest says a prayer in Spanish and then uncorks the wine bottle that he has brought with him. The color of the wine is a deep burgundy. He pours an equal amount, approximately four ounces of liquid, into the six glasses. He recorks the bottle and puts the bottle back in his satchel.

The Priest then holds his hands above the glasses and states an incantation. The color of the wine in each glass begins to change. It first turns to a deep crimson red, a lighter red, a shade of pink, and finally becoming clear. He states another incantation and it now begins to darken again the reverse of the prior color change, now stopping at that point where it is a deep crimson red.

Chester looks on in wonder. Why is the wine changing colors? Is it some sort of truth serum now? He looks at the others, but it seems like they don't know what is happening either.

Bailey says, "The wine is mixed with an Elixir of Truthfulness which is now prepared for activation. When Father Herndadez motions for us to do so we will each consume the liquid. We will then join hands as he states a final command, after which for the next hour or until the link of hands is broken we will all be under obligation to speak the truth. Should any of us say something that is untrue all of us will know that to be the case."

Chester folds his arms. "I'm game. I was telling the truth earlier and this'll make it easier. What are we waiting for? You're going to drink, too?"

Bailey says, "All six of us will, otherwise the link will not work."

The priest makes a gesture and says, "It is time," in Spanish.

"Drink," Bailey states as they all pick up their glasses. They then join hands and the Priest states a final incantation, this time in Latin.

Bailey then says, "All right now Mr. Martin, what exactly is your story."

Chester begins, "I'm a deputy town Marshall for Promise City. Me and my friends were at war with the Cowboy Gang, especially Johnny Ringo. We tracked down to his hideout where he ambushed us. Ringo only got to shoot a couple of those named bullets before we killed him. Up until now, I had no idea you had made them for Ringo. Like I said before, I came to have you take a look at this weapon here. It had gotten dropped in a gunfight and the barrel's bent. Pierre wasn't able to fix it, but he recognized as one of your pieces. Jeff knew where you lived and Sonoma is here because we needed someone who could speak Spanish. Anything else you want to know?"

"Exactly how did you come to be in possession of a weapon made for Curly Bill? And what happened to Johnny Ringo? I heard that both had been killed but would like to hear the details of who and how. I am not seeking revenge, and have no great love for either men, I just want the information about my former customers."

"I heard Curly Bill was killed by the Earps. How his gun ended up in Jake's hands, I don't know. He gave it to me a couple months ago because I was the only one strong enough to use it without getting knocked on my backside. As far as Johnny Ringo, he wanted some books of his that we had. The others got them before I came to Arizona, so I don't know why they had them. Anyway, we didn't like the idea of helping a leader of the Cowboys, so we refused. He tried everything to get his hands on those books, but he couldn't get them. So he orders those bullets from you as a threat to Kate to get her to give up the books.

"We decide to put an end to the gang. We hit their hideout hard. Ringo comes after us in disguise. He shoots Ruby with a named bullet. Next he shoots at Nanuet, but misses. Jake and I then empty our revolvers into him."

Bailey glances towards Chester and Sonoma and asks, "And what became of the bullets bearing your names?"

Sonoma says, "The unfired ones for myself and Ginnie Flaherty are safely locked away where no one can get them."

Bailey says, "I hope that you understand I was doing a job for a client. I was not taking sides in your war. I am sorry to hear that your friend Ruby perished before Ringo could be brought down but am glad to hear the rest of you survived.

Know this though, I would never willingly participate in harming a child. I have many children of my own and the loss of one to a bullet is something a parent should never endure. The bullet customized for Ginnie Flaherty would not have struck her, the magic on that shell was reversed so that even if fired at point blank range it would have deflected harmlessly away from her."

Chester says, "I'm wearing it around my neck. I'll show it to you when we can get our hands free. I figure, if there's going to be a bullet with my name on it, I want to know where it is. You misunderstood me. Ruby's still alive. She was hit, but through the grace of the gods, she was healed. So none of your bullets did its job, Mr. Bailey. You must be disappointed.

Let's not put that to the test, though. Did you know beforehand that one of the bullets was for a child? If you did, then why do a job for someone willing to kill a child?"

"I merely make tools for my customers to use. How they use them is not of my concern. Of course I knew that it was for a child, my wizards needed to pull the image of each recipient from Ringo's mind. That was why I reversed the spell on the bullet for the child."

Bailey's eyes grow cold and with anger in his voice he states, "As for my willingness to work for Mr. John Peters Ringo I would suggest that you get off of your moral high horse Deputy Martin, it does not bear up to the facts. Before I made those bullets for him Mr. Ringo sat right here with Father Hernandez and myself and explained the situation after we had consumed some of the very same wine.

He did not want to actually harm any of the recipients of those bullets, but he needed to have his possessions back for the war that Wyatt Earp was initiating. Your friends had broken into Ringo's home and stolen those items from him. He even presented the keeper of those items with a receipt showing that he had gotten them legally and was still refused. He offered to let your friend keep the majority of the items and she still refused. He did not know what else to do. He saw his last resort was to threaten her friends.

But I for one have no sympathy for any woman who puts worldly possessions, stolen possessions no less, above the life of her own child. You sir may be a friend of this woman but to me her actions are repugnant."

Chester tenses and his eyes narrow. "As far as Ringo not wanting to harm anyone, Ruby would have to disagree. I don't know anything about how they got those books or what sort of proof he offered. Kate must have had good reasons for wanting to keep those books out of his hands."

"But she is not here to express those and it appears that you were only told part of the story. You may want to take that into consideration the next time you start shooting off your mouth and making accusations about people who have invited you into their homes."

Sonoma states, "I believe that many people here have only portions of truth and each has needs that the other may fill. I have seen the books that were the topic of this issue with Mr. Ringo. Although those books may have been purchased by Ringo at one point they were never truly his for he purchased stolen property. They were stolen from their original owner whom was found because of some of the personal items that were also there. She personally gave them not to Ringo but to Mrs. Kale.

The reason that the stolen books were not returned to Ringo when he demanded them was because the ones he wanted would have been dangerous in his hands. He had no trouble with the idea of placing innocents, including children, in danger as a means to an end and would not have thought twice about using the knowledge in them to control and destroy the town if necessary. He chose a public forum which included the children in town to threaten the group at and I doubt that there would have been little regret from him if a child had taken a bullet in the crossfire.

Mrs. Kale had decided that it would be better to destroy the knowledge that those books contained; a difficult thing for a teacher to do, than to put a child in danger and was overruled. The "child" is a force in her own right and removed herself from the safest place her guardian could have put her because she believed that she may have been needed if a fight broke out.

The work you have produced sits in front of you. It is in the good hands of an honest open-minded lawman who does not see what you do as and evil thing. He seeks to have it repaired so that he can protect the children of a growing city from those who wish to cause it harm. He counts among his friends not only whites but the Indian. You created a bullet for myself and my family and many others. I do not believe I have ever met a person who is so race blind as Chester and that is something I am happy to have in the law on my side.

You have need of information on metals and samples that may be useful in your work. The people this man calls friends who you provided bullets to kill own much land in Cochise county including mines. They count among their friends proficient dwarven miners who have access to ores from one of the most magical places in the area.

Now you boys can continue to fight, stay angry, suspicious and play with your guns, or you can stop threatening each other and think about what you can each do to make things work for both of you."

Bailey turns to Jeff and asks, "Mr. Mills, you claim that you are not here under orders from your Colonel Sherod Hunter?"

Jeff replies, "Absolutely, I want nothing more to do with the man. His idea for a New Confederacy once made sense but that time has now long gone by. He needs to accept the fact that the South lost the war and the United States will forever remain a united country. Inciting another war would just rain down death upon him and those foolish enough to follow him."

Bailey says, "I tend to agree with you. Has he approached you with his current plan?"

Jeff states, "Of course he has, his Lieutenant Colonel Markus Jackson approached me just last month. His new scheme is founded upon my finding and giving to him Jefferson Davis's hidden gold. I have told him no, but he appears unwilling to take no for an answer."

Bailey responds, "I can sympathize. He needs your cooperation to make his plan occur and then mine to implement it. He wishes for me to mass-produce for his army the repeating rifle prototype that was offered to the Confederacy towards the end of the war. He wishes to use the awe-inspiring weapons to suppress the thousands of high elven Indians, wood elven Mexican and human Texans that he expects will object to being displaced to make way for his New Confederacy. I too have refused him, but he continues to persist in bothering me about it."

Chester interrupts, "Can't your wizards make him forget about you? Or can you tell the authorities and have him arrested?"

"Deputy Martin, Colonel Sherod and I served together during the war. While I may disagree with his current plans and choose to not participate in them, I still consider him a close personal friend. I would neither commit a magical attack against him or seek his arrest. As for the authorities, he resides in Mexico and has befriended the Mexican President, I would say that he does not have to worry about arrests."

Pierre Jaquet interjects, "Mr. Bailey, that rifle which you spoke of, would that be the same one that my mentor Gerard Bonet LaPointe worked with you to make special magical ammunition for? He had with me consulted me on that for my expertise. I admit that I was thoroughly baffled."

Bailey replies, "Yes it is the one. It took the two of us well over a decade of working together to make ammunition that would reproduce the effects that Lee and Davis had both witnessed. And it was only last year that I was able to finally duplicate the rifle barrel, after a Spanish chemist created an alloy durable enough to withstand the continuous firepower, although our new metal is still weaker than that contained in the prototype."

Chester whistles. "He has friends in his places, indeed. I see where that's a problem. Can you talk him out of this New Confederacy? I guess you've already tried. Isn't there anything the US government can do to settle with him?"

Bailey replies, "The United States Government is already involved. His plan involves a land swap, much of which has already been secretly negotiated with members of President Arthur's Cabinet. His New Confederacy will include parts of western Texas, eastern New Mexico and the Indian Territory. In return the United States will receive from Mexico the Baha Penninsula, sections of the Sonora Province south of Arizona, and land along the Gulf of Mexico below the current border of Texas."

"Interesting. Hunter gets his new country. The US regains the land area it's losing to the New Confederacy. What does Mexico get out of this? It's losing a big part of its area. It doesn't even get any part of Texas back. Is there going to be a peace treaty, too? I can't imagine the President agreeing to this without one."

"Yes, a Peace treaty would be part of it. What the Mexican President gets out of it is Jefferson Davis's gold, valued today at somewhere between three and four million dollars. The deal is also dependent upon a demand from the Mexican President that some eighty-five reputed Mexican prisoners and fugitives now living within the United States be extradited back to Mexico to stand trial. I've seen the list of names. You may find it interesting that the names include the Figures family of Pedro, Dorita and Sonoma."

Chester tries to keep his tone light. "What did they do that Mexico wants them back? They own a saloon. How they could have done anything that would make them important to Mexico?"

“As with many of my people we have long lives and can acquire many enemies in that time. During his lifetime my great-grandfather has had many adventures. In some ways he has become powerful because of them. The Mexican president fears him and those of his blood because of the threat he perceives in us. To stand the two men side by side you would see a strong visual relation to each other, they are a mirror of each other, however the president looks to be a younger version of my Great grandfather. During the time where the president was coming into power my family opposed his rule. My grandmother and great uncle died in one of the battles they were involved with. With power often comes fear and corruption; that fear drove my family from Mexico and the corruption placed us on a list of criminals. I do not remember much about what happened as it was kept from me but I do remember running and finding a new home in Promise City. If the president finds an old man, a cook, a guitar player and a shepardess a threat that is his right, but I will not return to Mexico to be killed nor will my parents. I will not speak for my great grandfather as his will is his own and he will create the destiny for himself that he wishes. That is a lesson I have learned well over the years.

Bailey states, "You show great wisdom for one so young."

He then comments, "I merely brought that up as a point of information. As I said before, I have no interest in joining this New Confederacy. As incentive for me to do so he has offered to make this location where I reside now be in the country of my choosing, as the proposed border to Mexico, the United States and the New Confederacy would be somewhere in this immediate region. I told him I do not care what country I am in as long as I am left alone."

Chester says, "Wow, Sonoma. I had no idea. If I'd known that we would have found someone else to translate for us. You took a big risk coming here." He turns to Bailey. "So now what are you going to do? We didn't come here to kill you. Pierre wanted to meet you and I just wanted to get the gun fixed."

Bailey says, "Ah yes. Curly Bill's gun. So Mr. Martin, you say that of your group you were the only one with the strength to use Mr. Brocius' weapon. I believe that Mr. Mills has sufficient strength for it."

Jeff says, "Sir, first of all, I wasn't with them when they had need to use it. Secondly, I would not wish to have anything to do with such a weapon. The United States Army has been looking for a reason, any reason, to arrest me. If I were seen carrying a unique weapon they would that as their excuse."

Bailey replies, "Ah, then that definitely would not work, especially since this particular weapon uses stolen United States military ordinance for its ammunition."

Chester laughs. "Yeah, but they're from the Navy, so that's fine by me. I doubt the squids miss them. I guess there's no way to get more ammo legally, then."

Bailey turns back to Chester and says, "Not really, it was Curly Bill who had the connection, some Naval Officer in the Quartermaster service stationed in Galveston. He originally had three cases of the ordinance so there may still be some hidden somewhere. I could also make my own shells for it, although they don't work quite the same as that of the Navy.”

“Mr. Martin, I appreciate the candor that you and your associates have expressed and apologize for my suspicions about you. You must admit however that I had just cause for my initial thoughts, given that two of the people I made targeted bullets for suddenly arrived unannounced on my doorstep."

"Not a problem, Mr. Bailey. Lucky for us, you have a cooler head than me. I might've taken shots at us if I were in your position. Thank you for being on the up-and-up with us about the bullets. You didn't have to tell us. You were doing a job, nothing personal. I won't tell my friends about this."

Thank you sir, I appreciate it. Now Mr. Martin, You are a much smaller man than Curly Bill was. Using the weapon in its current form must be somewhat problematic for you. I believe I can construct some necessary modification to make the hand cannon your weapon instead of his. It would probably take me a day or two to do so, during which you and your associates are welcome to stay here as my guests."

"I still have a few shells left. If you can make more, I'd appreciate it. I'm a bit uneasy about having the stolen shells, actually. When I fired the gun without bracing, it knocked me on my backside. Having you adjust it for me is more than I hoped for. Thanks for offering. Sonoma, Jeff, Pierre, do you mind if we stay for the extra time?"

Chester's companions indicate that they are willing to stay a short while. Bailey says, "Knocked you on your backside, no surprise there. Curly Bill was a mountain of a man. Couldn't shoot worth a damn either, which is why he needed such an overwhelming weapon that it was near impossible to miss."

He says, "I'll have Angel cook your friends up some food while you and I get started on the weapon. Before we do, is there anything further that any of you wish to discuss while we are still linked?"

Jeff says, "I think you covered most of it. I was curious how you fit into Colonel Hunter's scheme, his man Marcus Jackson implied that you were fully on board."

Bailey replies, "That is no surprise, Hunter gave me the impression that you were diligently looking to get him the gold."

Pierre says, "Sir, I would it be possible for me work directly with you while I am here. I....have some minor skill in the manufacturing of special ammunition."

Bailey states, "I believe that can be arranged, an extra pair of hands can always help."

Chester says, "Does that change things, now that you know the truth? And thank you for doing this for us."

Bailey says, "Yes, it changes things all right. I'm now willing to help you folks, if this was part of that New Confederacy I wouldn't."

“Would you know what type of reward the Mexican President has put on my head? Or those of my family?” Sonoma asks. “If I end up dead I'd like to know what kind of money my friends might be able to collect once the deed is done. Also I would ask if you know of anymore of the bullets that might be floating around with our names on it. Or if you know of any bounty hunters that may have already picked up the challange of tracking us down.

And Chester who else would you have been able to trust not only to translate for you but with your secrets as well? I really had little choice about coming but came gladly just the same.”

"You speak the truth, Sonoma. I'm also glad you came along."

Bailey says, "I have no idea, nor any interest in knowing. Death is an ugly business and not one I'd care to get directly involved in. But since I saw your name on that list, and those of I presume your parents, I felt that you had a right to know. You would be wise to avoid what passes for the Authorities of this country.

I am under the impression that this was a matter strictly with Mr. Ringo. The bullets were for the two of you, the aforementioned West, Nanuet and Ginnie, and a man named Conrad Booth.

I will do what I can to offer you safety while you are here. A good host could do no less."

Sonoma adds, “We also have not spoken of payment for services that are to be rendered I have see that you have some livestock. I have some slight gifts with them if you would like to take advantage of that as part of the payment.”

"That would be welcomed. The flock is mostly goats, but we have a few sheep and one cow. My family is growing; Angel and I now have fourteen children. What can I say? The nights get cold down here."

Chester says, "Seeing as how Ringo’s dead now, I guess that's at an end. Can you give us your word that you won't take any more jobs against us again?"

"I will not do any similar jobs in regards to the four of you present. Should somebody ask me to I will tell them that you were guests in my home and that I count you as among my friends. I also will take no job targeting a child. Your other associates I do not know. They have previously made trouble against dangerous men who may seek out my services, and may be inclined to act similarly again. In regards to them I will make no such assurances."

Chester sighs. "I guess that's the best I could hope for. Thank you for that. Is there anything I can do while we're waiting. I'm not a gunsmith, though, but I'm pretty good with horses."

Bailey replies, "Angel has been after me to fix the fence posts around the goat pen and also to string her up a new clothes drying rack. I prefer to work with a forge than carpentry. Maybe you could take care of those things for her."

"I have some small skill swinging a hammer and saw. I'd be glad to. When should I get started?"

Bailey replies, "We can get started this afternoon. First I will need to get some clay impressions of your hands to make the proper grips for the weapon. Then I'll give you to Angel to put you to work. We probably should end this spell now unless you have any more questions."

Chester looks at his companions. "Anyone else have any more to say? I have the answers I wanted." Jeff, Pierre, and Sonoma say no. He faces Bailey. "We're OK, Mr. Bailey. If you don't have anything more, We're done."

"Then we're finished here." Bailey nods to the priest and releases his hands from the others. "Let's have some lunch before we get to work."

 

[orchid blossom]

New Toys

The remainder of Thursday and all day Friday go rather quickly. Angel indeed has a considerable amount of carpentry work for Chester and Jeff to do during that time. Sonoma works with the animals and livestock as well as time playing with the fourteen-or-so Bailey children. Pierre and Bailey are inseparable. On the second day they are joined by a pair of wood elvan wizards who assist with the creation of the work in progress.

At dinner Friday night Bailey says that he will be finished with the projects for all of them. "All?" Jeff asks.

Bailey replies, "Yes, you each should be rewarded for you assistance, friendship and loyalty.

For Sonoma I am modifying a revolver originally made for my wife Angel designed for a female elf of their height and frame. She should find it easy to use.

For Pierre my wizard friends have helped make replacements for some of the special ammunition that the Cowboys took from him.

For you Mr. Mills I have also made some special ammunition, for that old cap-and-ball revolver that you seem so fond of. I dare say any foes you raise it too will have greatly underestimated you.

And for you Mr. Martin, the hand cannon will now be your own. Tomorrow after dawn we can ride out along the coast a short ways and try it out.

You should plan on resting for most of tomorrow and departing tomorrow before sunset, to cross back along the desert at night. I have asked my wizard friends to return and they will mask you with magical protections to help keep you safe."

Saturday, May 13th, 1882.

The Bailey household awakens at dawn. Bailey's two male wood elf associates get ready to accompany the gunsmith. Jeff and Pierre have also decided to go with Chester and Sonoma on this trip.

Bailey and the two elves each have on a gunbelt with a pair of revolvers. Bailey also has a third revolver in a shoulder holster. More interestingly however are the three identical rifles that they each place over their shoulders with a shoulder strap.

The rifles are of carbine length, with a shorter barrel than most rifles commonly used. The entire weapon was made of metal, even the stock. The most peculiar aspect was a curved metal compartment protruding forward from beneath the weapon. Jacques asks, "Is that the repeater I've heard so much about?"

Bailey replies, "Yes, the one I'm holding is the original prototype, the others are my reproductions. We used these against the local warlord's troops a few years back and they've kept him away since. So I wouldn't venture far from my home without them."

A burro with filled saddlebags is taken from the corral and Bailey leads it as they walk until they reach a spot on the beach around a mile south of the house where a half-dozen old and slightly waterlogged rafts are anchored at distances ranging for 100 to 2000 feet from the shore.

One of the wood elves, a young man named Julian, hands his rifle to Bailey. He then strips down to a pair of shorts, fastens a sack from the burro’s bag onto his belt, and then dives into the ocean. At each raft he sets up a wooden frame. From the bag he takes out three-foot square red cloths, which he fastens onto the frames. The cloths are initially saturated with seawater but quickly dry in the breeze, pulling tight inside each of the frames. The elf swims back, dresses and takes back the rifle.

Bailey begins with Sonoma, teaching her how to hold the unique double-action revolver and fire at the closest target. They do this for the next hour until she can manage to get all six rounds from a filled barrel to successfully hit the target.

They then spend another half-hour firing at the next target, with him not satisfied until she manages to get half of the bullets from a barrel to hit it. He tells her that she will need to continue to practice but is at least now proficient enough to defend herself and protect her ranch.

After a short break for a mid-morning meal he says that he is now ready for Deputy Martin. From the burro’s saddlebag are retrieved a pair of metal rods, each 42 inches in length and two-inches in diameter. The top of each appears hollow at a glance. Closer inspection show a quarter-inch of metal all around the tube-like shape which only goes down for three inches followed by another three inches of narrowing triangular indentation ending in a point. The bottom of both rods shows a three-inch triangular spike atop a three-inch long and one-and-a-half inch part of the rod. The bottom of one therefore sits easily within the other making a single six-and-a-half foot long rod.

Another piece of metal is taken from the saddlebag, this consisting of an eight-inch diameter metal plate mounted atop a similar six-inch long base and triangular spike. He explains how this sits atop either piece for use in driving it into the ground using a hammer, rock or other improvised tool.

The other elf, an older man named Rialto, hands a sledgehammer to Chester who drives the rod down into the sand enough that the plate would be parallel his outstretched hands. The plate and spike is then removed and replaced with a fourth and final piece, an iron frame designed to support the Hand Cannon from the weapon’s center. He shows Chester how to attach the gun and tighten the bolts to hold the frame in place atop the stand.

The frame is made somewhat like a ship’s compass, designed to swivel both around as well as pivot up and down, with pins to then lock it into a fixed position. Bailey says, “Setting this up will allow you to fire the weapon with the rod taking the brunt of the recoil rather than you. It will also help hold the weapon steady and allow you to sight for better accuracy.”

With the gun still unloaded he has Chester practice on sighting the weapon at the various targets. Bailey then retrieves from the burro’s pack a massive shotgun similar to the one that Chester had previously saw the hunter Big Jim carry, which Bailey calls a ‘Safari Elephant Gun’. He then has Chester resight for the shortest target as he holds the massive shotgun parallel to Chester’s final firing solution and empties the first barrel. He allows Chester to make adjustments and fires off the second barrel.

They continue this for all six targets. Once the furthest target is accurately sighted to the best of Chester’s ability and the shotgun strikes the target he then has Chester load up the Hand Cannon with two live rounds. Chester fires the weapon, finding to his surprise that the frame absorbs almost all of the recoil and commenting to Bailey about that. The shot misses the target by a few feet to the left and slightly lower and continues onward a short while and then explodes when it strikes the water.

Bailey replies, “As to the recoil, you’ll feel it even less when grounded in solid dirt or rock rather than sand. That shot was very good, the variance to the target was due to the specific differences between our two guns. Based upon the accuracy of that shot please make what you feel are the necessary adjustments and try again.” Chester does so, the shot hitting right on target as the entire raft is blow to bits.

Bailey now carefully removes the upper rod from the lower one and hands the upper one to Chester. He then has the elf place the spiked plate on the lower one. It is driven another six inches into the ground, after which the spiked plate is then removed.

Bailey tells Chester, “You will not always have the luxury of standing, so you need to also practice using the weapon while lying down. Keep it unloaded but move the gun and frame down and we’ll repeat the exercise with you lying down and aiming at the remaining five targets. This time account for the fact that my weapon will be slightly lower and to the left of yours as you did with your last shot.”

They do this for all five targets, with Bailey’s shotgun blasts now striking low and to the left, hitting the raft on the three shortest targets. Once the fifth is sighted he has Chester reload the weapon with two shells and fire. The first is dead center, with the target and raft reduced to splinters. Bailey says, “No need to waste the final shell, you appear to have mastered it. Please unload the remaining armament.” Chester does so. The elf Julian then swims back out to collect the tattered targets from the four remaining rafts.

Chester is given the frame, spiked plate and both rods to carry back to the burro. He finds them surprisingly lighter in weight than expected, a combined eight-to-ten pounds rather than twice that. “What metal is this?” he asks.

Bailey replies, “The triangular spikes are iron, and therefore easily replaceable, but the remainder of the stand and frame are made from the same alloy I’ve created to make the repeating rifles. It is stronger and lighter than steel and able to take more punishment.”

They return to the house where he has Angel mix up a special tea to allow them to all better sleep during the remainder of the day, to set off in the evening across the desert.

Once they are nearly ready to leave they join Bailey for a final meal after which he meets privately with each of the four. With Sonoma he gives her four boxes, each with twenty regular rounds for her gun. He then hands her a smaller box containing a dozen magical shells, explaining how they are designed to induce immediate unconsciousness to whomever they strike even if it is just a grazing wound.

When he meets with Chester he hands him a box containing a dozen of the triangular iron spikes saying, “Driving the rods into rocks will eventually wear down the spike points. These should keep you in good stead as replacements. You will need Pierre’s help to change the spikes as that requires a special magical incantation that I have taught him.”

He then hands Chester a metal flask explaining that, “You may not always have the extravagance of time to set up the stand and frame. This flask contains an Elixir of Strength. It will temporarily allow you to use the weapon two-handed. The flask contains enough for four usages so be sure to only drink a quarter of it each time.”

They set off before sunset on Saturday the 13th. Bailey has provided them with a better map across the desert, which will have them exiting the desert near a lightly forested hilly region around ten miles further north than where they had entered the desert.

They travel throughout the night and are still crossing the sands when the sun rises. They initially think they may have missed a landmark and wandered off the planned route but soon see the hills ahead. It is 8:00 A.M. by the time they reach that territory and the couple of hours in the direct sun after a long night of travel leaves them and the mounts exhausted.

Thankfully the thin forests provide both shade and water, with cool steams flowing through. The group rests there for the majority of the Sunday, alternating watch to make sure that none of the Warlord's men are anywhere about.

They decide to set off mid-way through the night, to circumnavigate around the town of Minos. They approach the city of Magdalina by mid-morning on Monday, May 15th. The merchant friends who they traveled with are still at the city so the group decides to stay there for this day and evening. They have a fun night singing, drinking and dancing with their friends at one of the city's livelier Cantinas.

There is much excitement as people in the Cantina spin yarns and tall tales. The most exciting of these is about a recent sightings of earth monsters who rise up to the surface and eat livestock. Nobody present has actually seen these creatures but most claim to know of farmers who have lost sheep, goats and even some cows.

On Tuesday the 16th they leave Magdalina heading north to the Sierra El Peseo Mountains. They avoid the towns along the way as they had on the way south. By nightfall they see the lights from border towns of Naco in the distance, and stop to make camp.
The border is crossed shortly before dawn on Wednesday the 17th. They take a slow wide circle to avoid Fort Huachuca, the mines along the river, and Tombstone. As it gets close to evening the horses are beginning to show fatigue so they opt not to press on to Promise City, stopping in the village of Webb. Elisha Webb is happy to let they camp out near his store, as it allows him to sell them food for both dinner and breakfast.

They leave Webb at 8:00 A.M. on the morning of Wednesday, May 17th, arriving back at Sonoma's ranch a few hours later. Flint is happy to see them and helps them tend to the horses while they take a short break. Sonoma opts to stay at the ranch as they three men head off on the final mile of their trip. They arrive back in Promise City at noon.

 

[orchid blossom]

“The Flagstaff Church”
Saturday, May 13, 1882
(Minerva & Nanuet)

The new church building is finally completed and Minerva is preparing to hold her first worship service in the building. Arriving in town on the previous night’s stagecoach was the Greek/Roman Priest Demitrius Theopopulos, who is the chief aide to Bishop Costas Papandraus, the Deputy Administrator of the Greek/Roman Church in the Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah Territories. He has come to attend the service and also help with the dedication and consecration of the new building.

Minerva and her friends have spent the day moving her belongings into the little yellow house that sits beside the grand new ‘Church Of Olympus’. It is a cozy house, cheerful and inviting in appearance with its simple clean lines and wide porch that beckons the weary to sit for a spell and take cover from the blistering Arizona sun. Minerva stands before her new home dreaming of the days to come. “I will place white wicker rockers on the porch and a little table that will hold a perpetually full pitcher of ice-cold lemonade straight out of my new ice-box. She grins. “That will surely lure them in and make them feel at ease. Oh, it’s such a perfect spot to perch and keep an eye on my flock.” She pictures her new love, Nanuet, and herself sitting on it in the pretty rockers where he will patiently assist her in carding yarn while together they greet their neighbors who stroll by as they go about their evening business.

Minerva is confident that they accept and respect her now as their spiritual leader and that they will come to her seeking advice and answers. One of her parishioners had even presented her with a lovely carved plaque, which hung beside the gate announcing in flowery letters that the Pastor, Minerva Garcia Florencia abided here. A burst of happiness erupted from her once more as she imagined her parishioners rushing through the gate of her little white picket fence, causing it to squeak on it’s hinges and slam shut with a satisfying slap as they hurried up the cobblestone walkway to share the news of their upcoming marriages or to excitedly announce the birth of their newest child. They would seek her blessing on such occasions and her wise council and words of comfort on others. She is ready for them and is divinely confident that she will serve them and her gods well.

She climbs the steps of the newly white washed porch and enters the parlor. ‘Her parlor’ she thrills at the thought. It is by far the largest room of the house and is dominated by an enormous stone fireplace, which takes up the entire back wall. Upon its mantel sits her treasured statues of the Goddess Minerva and the God, Jupiter.

The room is well lit with 2 windows made of precious glass, another gift from a caring neighbor, she thinks. Luna sits beside one of these, perched upon her cage enjoying the evening breeze as she preens her feathers in contentment. An enormous throw rug covers the wooden plank floor and in the corner opposite Luna’s cage, is nestled a small piano, which one of the more well too do residents of Promise City has donated. Of course Minerva didn’t actually play the piano but it added a nice touch to the room. She could see families gathered around it in camaraderie, caroling and sharing stories during the holidays and after services on Sunday. She was sure that when her friends came to call that maybe Kate or Jake would enjoy tickling its keys.

She wanders over to the piano and picks up one of several small tin types in oval frames that sits upon it. She treasures these most of all as they are all that she has left of her family. She sadly remembers the day that she grabbed them from the mantel of her room in Spain before she fled to America.

In the portrait she is standing beside a tall imposing man of dark olive complexion. He stands somber and stiff, as was the custom of the time when a portrait was commissioned but she knew that this was not his normal demeanor. And although his lips were unsmiling as he stood for the portrait, he was unable to keep the spark of humor from his eyes. She looks into those dark twinkling eyes that she loved so much and notes that her own eyes hold the same mischievous look much of the time. “Oh ,Papa," she says aloud. "I wish you could be here. You would have loved Nanuet and all of my new friends." She brushes her fingers over the face in the picture. "We could have been free together, you and I, if you only would have listened to me and left with me before it was too late.” She brushes the melancholy away along with the tear in her eye and continues to examine the room.

It is a room meant for gatherings and meetings and so is brimming with furniture. Everyone had been so helpful, donating chairs, and couches and bric-a-brac, and although it was more furniture than she needed and gave the room a rather over-crowded appearance, she appreciated the symbolism of it.

She slowly walks around the room straightening items here and there and stops to finger one of the pretty little lace doilies, which Ginny had presented to her with such pride. She marvels at the patience and talent in one so young. "There is so much more to the girl than she lets on."

She moves to the kitchen where Nanuet finds her lost in thought, gazing out the window into the little yard beyond. “I will plant an herb garden by the steps. Perhaps Kate will be able to help me identify some of the local flora and Nanuet can tell me which plants are medicinal. And I will hang a swing under the sheltering branches of that big mesquite tree over there.” She smiles softly as she imagines the children, her own and others, laughing and screeching in delight as they push themselves higher and higher in an effort to touch the sky as she herself did as a child.

Nanuet watches the flicker of emotion cross her lovely face and quietly walks across the floor to wrap his arms around her tiny waist. He nuzzles her neck, taking in the perfume of her, before placing his chin upon the top of her head. “What are you dreaming about my Spanish Flower? You are glowing brighter than the bear star in the heavens tonight.”

She sighs in contentment and leans her back into his sturdy frame. “Flowers, I was thinking that I must plant flowers along with the medicinal herbs.” She turns into his embrace her face shining with love and happiness.” Oh, Nanuet, I have never owned a home before, I have this incredible urge to dig and to plant, to shape this land and leave my mark upon it. For the first time in my life I dare to dream and risk putting down roots of my own. It is such a powerful feeling... to belong and to be loved and needed." She says wrapping her arms around his neck and brushing her hands through his hair. “I was picturing our life together. Our friends... our babies... sitting together in our rockers. It could not be more perfect. The gods have truly blessed us Mi Amor.”

Nanuet laughs a good natured chuckle before answering. "Well I am not sure about sitting in rockers, I doubt you could sit still for too long, but it all does sound nice. I too spent my entire life moving from one place to another, first in my role with the tribe, then on the hunt. It is nice to have a place to call home and I think we have found our corner of the world, a spot where we can call home." Nanuet takes Minerva's arms in his own and lowers them until only one is by his waist, he then turns to stand next to her placing his arm around her back and gazes out the window with her. "Yes, I think our future is here."

They stand together watching the sky grow dim as they dream of the possibilities. As the room grows dark Nanuet's stomach begins to growl in hunger. Minerva laughs and gives him a little poke to the belly. "You are always hungry like a bear. Well we have an ice box full of food. We shall have a feast and an early bed time. I must get up early tomorrow for the church dedication and to meet with the bishop."

Nanuet smiles at Minerva's light hearted jest. He rubs his noisy stomach as he replies. "Feast and early bed it is. Early bed for you anyways, I will find something to occupy my time until my reverie. I will stay in your company until you are asleep though, that much I promise."

Minerva instructs Nanuet to set a fire in her new fireplace while she puts together a picnic from the bounty of food that her neighbors have left in her new ice box. She returns to the parlor with a large tray of food and a bottle of wine. The contented couple spends a quiet evening stretched out on the floor in front of the cozy fire dreaming of their future together and making small talk while they drink wine and feed one another tidbits of food.

"Would you like to have children someday? Mi Amor"

Nanuet stares blankly for a few moments and then cocks his head. "To be honest with you, I had never stopped to think about it. I can not see a reason why I would not, but I have worries about my ability to be a parent."

Minerva looks at him in surprise. "Why would you worry about being a parent? You are a good, honest man with a kind and gentle soul. You will make a wonderful papa."

"Well, I guess I just never took time to think about it. I don't know how to teach someone values or... or even right from wrong. I... I just... well it just made me think for a moment is all. Sure, I would like to have kids someday, who knows, getting settled down and all, the time might be right in the not so distant future" Nanuet says with a wink and a smile.

Minerva smiles at him in contentment. I do love children, and making them is not so bad either." she teases. "Perhaps we could practice a bit?" Just as she says this there is a knock on the door. "Now who could that be at this hour?"

She stands and attempts to fix her hair and straighten her gown, which is quite wrinkled from lying in front of the fire in Nanuet's embrace all evening. As she crosses to the door she glances in a mirror, where she notes she still looks quite rumpled. She attempts to smooth her unruly hair a bit more but is unsuccessful. She shrugs her shoulders, plasters a polite smile on her face and opens the door to find the Bishop standing on the other side. She exclaims loud enough for Nanuet to hear "Padre! This is a surprise. I did not expect you until the morning."

She attempts to block his view of the parlor where her recent activities are quite evident. Nanuet, knowing that the white man would not approve, stands and quickly attempts to straighten his own clothing while hiding the evidence of their picnic. He scurries around the room and hides plates and glasses under cushions and behind the furniture.

The Priest Demitrius Theopopulos, who has asked Minerva to call him Trius, stops by to see how she is doing and her opinions on the new church building.

Trius says, "I had something I needed to talk to you about prior to the service. I can come back tomorrow morning if that would be preferable."

"No that won't be necessary," she says hiding her discomfort and praying that Nanuet has managed to clean the room. "Por favor, come in." she leads him into the parlor. "This is Senor Nanuet, he has been quite helpful today. Can I offer you any refreshment? I have an ice box full of food courtesy of the townspeople. They have all been so supportive," she says as she makes her way to the kitchen and returns with cheese and bread and 3 glasses of wine. She takes a seat on the couch beside Nanuet and opposite the bishop's aide. "Now tell me how I can be of service.”

"Well, first of all Bishop Papandraus apologizes for not being able to be here himself for the dedication of the Church, he had a previous commitment at a Church in Utah. But he is coming to the Arizona Territory right afterwards and asked that you meet him in Flagstaff. I am to volunteer my services here in Promise City until you return."

"Si, I can do that. Should I pack a bag? Will it be an overnight visit?" she inquires and offers him the plate of cheese.

He replies, "I would suspect so. To get to Flagstaff you'd have to take a stagecoach from either Tombstone or Wilcox."

"I will leave on Monday's stage then. Is there anything else that I should know?"

"Not that I know of. I believe he wants to spend some time to further train you in clerical skills so you may want to give some thought as to what you might wish to learn."

"That is wonderful. Si, I will give it some thought. Gracias Padre. Do you think that the bishop will mind if Senor Nanuet travel's with me? He is a cleric also and it would be safer not to travel alone."

He replies, "It probably would be safer for you to have a traveling companion."

Minerva stands. "Well, I will see you in the morning then." She escorts him to the door. Burenas Noches." After letting him out she turns to Nanuet and laughs. What did you do with all of the dishes?" He grins and points to the couch. "Well it is a good thing he didn't sit there!" she says as she lifts the cushion and begins to gather up the mess. "Will you come to Flagstaff with me?”

"If you wish me to then I will be there. Is this part of normal church protocol?" Nanuet helps Minerva clean up the mess left by their "picnic".

"I do not know. I have never been part of a church long enough to find out," she says thinking of her experiences in the north.

"I am so happy that you are coming with me," she says as she pulls the wine bottle and glasses out from under the couch. They move to the kitchen where Minerva stacks the plates. "It is late," she says as she wraps her arms around him. "Let us go sleep in the grove."

"The grove? Well it is a nice night outside and I always sleep best out of doors. Will the priest come back looking for you? I don't want to be the cause of any trouble; I mean you just got this position recently."

Minerva kisses him lightly on the lips. "I do not think that he will be back this evening. It is quite late." Minerva and Nanuet walk under the brilliant night sky to the grove. She is lulled to sleep by the mournful cries of the coyotes in the hills and the soft rustling of the night creatures scampering about in the bushes and trees.

Nanuet has a restless night; unable to enter reverie easily. He is concerned that his relationship with Minerva might cause problems with her job as priestess. ‘She is a wise woman and knows what she is getting into,’ he thinks. But I can't help but think that there might be problems.

The night passes quietly and he spends most of the time watching Minerva sleep. As soon as dawn comes Nanuet is up and about tending to the grove. He sees Minerva wake and asks if there is anything he can do to help prepare for her sermon.

Minerva wakes excited about the day to come and does not notice the weary look or the dark circles about Nanuet's eyes. "No Mi amor, there is nothing to be done. The people have taken care of everything and have not even permitted me entrance to the church yet. I cannot wait to see what they have done. I must go home and prepare myself for services now but I will see you at the church at 7." She kisses him gently and makes her way home in the dim morning light humming 'Nanuet's Song' as she watches Aurora put out the stars one by one.

Bong… bong… bong... bong… bong…. bong. Minerva looks out her window at the tall white steeple of her church. She quickens her pace and slips her new green vestment over her head along with the olive leaf pendant and, with deft hands, sits the Olive leaf laurel perfectly on her brow. She turns to the mirror and checks her reflection one last time before, with an enthusiastic bounce in her step; she closes the door to her new home and makes her way to her new church.

The large bell strikes for the sixth time, finishing its slow, resonant call to the town just as she reaches the enormous, ornately carved wooden doors of the 'Promise City Church of Olympus'. Luna seems to appear out of nowhere and lands softly on the young priestess’ shoulder. "Good morning my friend." Minerva smiles and taking a deep breath she squares her shoulders and together they enter the back of the church where they are greeted on either side of the door by the towering, oversized vases with ceramic depictions of Jupiter and Minerva which were graciously donated by Senor Gonzales.

Dwarfed by the scene before her, she stands in awe, momentarily feeling tiny and insignificant. The sight takes her breath away, and much like a fist connecting with an unsuspecting belly, with a whoosh, the air is forced from her lungs. Her soft “ahhhhhh” echoes around the chamber as she stands with her hands pressed to her stomach, taking in her surroundings. Tears spring unbidden to her eyes as she contemplates the enormity of the accomplishment and what it means to her and the people whom the gods have placed in her charge.

This church is truly a work fit for the gods with its high post and beam ceiling, polished, gleaming pews and brightly stained glass windows. The glass is magnificent, depicting the various gods reaching down from the Mount to either reprimand or reward their mortal children for various deeds. The images are brought to life as the sun’s powerful rays cause them to shimmer and glow with a heavenly aura.

Humbly, she walks up the isle taking in the splendor of the room. She stops in front of the beautiful mosaic that Senor Jake had commissioned to honor Hermes. She admires the talent of the artist as she examines the lithe muscular form of the god. "This is a work of art. I am sure that it must have taken quite a bit of time to shape and place all those little tiles." She reaches out and traces the winged sandals with her finger as her thoughts turn to the man who would go to such trouble and expense to have such a thing created. She knew what it had cost him to do such a thing. Oh, not in gold and silver, although she suspected that it must have cost him a pretty penny, but spiritually and emotionally it had cost him much, much more... and she smiled as she thought of it and of the man and who he was becoming even though he himself did not yet realize it. It was no coincidence that he was born on the Feast Day of Hermes.

Minerva continues to walk silently toward the front of the church absorbing the presence of her gods, her soft slippers gliding gracefully across the polished wooden floor making no sound to disrupt the spirits that now abide here. She reaches the alter, stops and looks up to where the townspeople have hung her tapestry of the ‘12 Powers of Olympus’ in a place of honor behind the altar. She stands proudly and perhaps a bit arrogantly before it and breaks the silence. “I have done as you have commanded.” She says to the figures in the tapestry. “Your will is done. I hope that you are pleased. It was not a simple task to get them to set aside their differences and acknowledge one another as brother and sister. They have worked hard to build you a place of worship worthy of your greatness. Bless them and reward them well for their faithfulness.”

She turns from the tapestry and taking up her flute where she has set it upon the alter, sits upon her pillow and softly plays a tune to appease the gods while she waits for the bell to strike 7, calling the town to worship.

Nanuet heads to the Lucky Lady and retrieves his best clothes. He washes and then rebraids his long hair, taking extra time to make sure it was done properly. He had a light meal and then headed over to the church just before 7:00.

Minerva sits quietly, no longer finding her vestal virgin mantra appropriate, and watches the awed reactions of the congregation as they enter the church. Their reverence is evident in their hushed tones as they whisper to one another, unlike the light easy banter that went on when services were held in the town hall. She notices that Nanuet and most of the rest of her friends have arrived and it is obvious by their expressions that the building is far more impressive than they suspected it would be also. Minerva stands and greets the congregation warmly, thanking them for all of their hard work and calling on the gods to bless their future endeavors before turning the podium over The Bishops aid, Padre Demitrius Theopopulosto.

The Priest praises the town for all of their hard work in constructing such a fine structure in a very short period of time. He says that the gods will reward the town for their efforts. He thanks the deities for bringing Minerva to Promise City and says that the people of the town should not attempt to second guess the god's wisdom in doing so.

He then launches into Sermon, beginning by referencing the previous month's Festival to Dionysus. He says that the town should continue to honor the gods such. He then speaks of the gods, specifically the Roman deity Saturn, god of the harvest.

He tells of how Saturn brought about the Golden Age to Italy and the ancient world, which became a time of peace and happiness among everyone. He then speaks of the great celebration called Saturnalia was held every winter to remember the Golden Age. The theme of the celebration was equality and that no being is better than another. While the celebration was going on, prisoners and slaves were released and wars were postponed. And everyone gave and received gifts.

He then makes an analogy to the world of 1882, saying how within the lifetimes of most present the country was torn asunder by war brought about through inequality. The fourteenth amendment to the United States constitution declared equality for those of Ogrish blood. He then says, "But equality to one race has not flowed over to that of other races, where fear and mistrust still exist. I see but one elf sitting here this morning, where there should be many, as they are plentiful in your community. There are also those of the Orcish race who are considered full citizens of this town yet are unwelcomed by many. I urge you to extend the hand of friendship to those who wish to be here with you in this fine community."

There is a fair amount of silence during his sermon. He concludes by asking the congregation to stand and sing a song to the gods. While he is doing so several people walk out of the service with looks of disgust on their faces, among them Rebecca King, Bill and Peg Watkins and Derek Avery. Doctor James Eaton also looks annoyed, but remains and sings the song along with his wife Beth and their two sons.

The priest then turns the service over to Minerva.

Minerva notices Mrs. King, the Watkins and Avery storm out of the church and smirks to herself. ‘The air smells much fresher in here all of a sudden.’

"Thank you Padre for those most eloquent words. May the gods will be done." She says closing prayers and commands her flock, in the name of the gods, to go forth and treat their neighbors regardless of race or occupation as family and encourages them to invite the rest of the community to next weeks services. Assuring them that the gods will reward them for doing 'Their' work. She closes the service by sitting on her pillow and softly playing her flute. When all have filed out she meets with the priest and Nanuet. She gets instructions from the priest as to when they should leave, when they should meet with the Bishop and where they should stay when they arrive in Flagstaff.

Nanuet's cheeks redden at the priest's mention of him. He smiles shyly and sits up straight, his eyes wandering to Minerva. He thinks about the things that she has shown him and how she has opened his mind and heart to her Gods.

When the service concludes he takes a moment to shake hands with several people as they leave, trying not to say much but to greet everyone who wishes it.

He then joins Minerva in a discussion with the Bishop's aid to get further instructions on their journey.

The Bishop tells them to travel to either Tombstone or Wilcox and from there to take the train to Flagstaff by way of Scottsdale and Phoenix. He says for them to lock up Minerva's house tight, that he will continue to stay at his room at the Promise City Hotel while he looks after the church.

Nanuet walks Minerva home to assist her in packing. Minerva chats about what is to come and what must be done as they walk. "I do not think that we will be gone long and I would rather not sit in a stuffy stage coach. Why don't we ride our own horses to Tombstone. I haven't ridden Shadow recently and I'm sure he would enjoy the exercise."

"Sounds good to me. I think things have been quiet enough lately that it should be safe. Just means you have to pack light is all," Nanuet finishes with a chuckle. "We should have no trouble finding stabling for them there. They will probably enjoy the ride as much as us."

Minerva and Nanuet finish packing. Nanuet waits while Minerva changes out of her robes and into her riding skirt. She places her hat upon her head and they leave, locking the house up tight. She mounts her horse and turns to Nanuet, "It will be good to get away where we are not known," she says smiling mischievously. She eagerly spurs her horse out of town with Nanuet close on her heels.

 

[orchid blossom]

Old Acquaintences

The ride between Promise City and Tombstone is a familiar one for both of them and today's journey proves to be less problem filled than some of those trips before. About half-way there they cross paths with the Wells Fargo Stage, returning to Promise City, with Chuck Nevers tipping his hat towards the couple.

Nanuet cringes as they reach the spot where he had Chester had been ambushed and captured two months earlier but today there are no problems at that section of roadway. They arrive in Tombstone at approximately 4:30 P.M.

Nanuet and Minerva make their way over to the train station and purchase tickets to Flagstaff before securing a hotel room for the night. As they make their way to the hotel Luna glides down and lands on Minerva shoulder. "Buenas Tardes, Luna." she says scratching her affectionately between the shoulder blades. "Where have you left Maska?"

Nanuet concentrates to see if he can sense Maska's presence. He can sense that she is nearby but most likely hunting. "Maska's around, she is trying to locate her supper I believe."

"Let us find the hotel that we stayed at during our previous visit. I have some rather fond memories of their tub," she laughs.

Nanuet and Minerva stop at the O.K. Corral to board their horses for the next several days. They then make their way up to the Grand Hotel which is part of and adjacent to Big Nose Kate's Restaurant, the finest eating establishment in town. The clerk waits on them and gives them a key to an available room, which turns out to be the same room that they stayed in during their previous trip in April.

"Well at least we know the tub doesn't leak," Nanuet says with a wink and some mild blushing.

They enjoy a nice meal at the restaurant, both consuming a bit too much alcohol and retire to the room to enjoy each other's company.

Minerva stops and turns Nanuet to face her before they enter the room. She wraps her arms around him and kisses him passionately; she pulls back and plays with the tie of his vest. "Do you remember what you said the last time that we were here, Mi Amor?"

He opens the door to the room and it is a repeat of the scene from their last visit to Big Nose Kate’s. Flower petals are strewn about the room on the bed and in the fragrant steaming bath.

Nanuet's face cracks with a wide grin as he sees the room decorated as it had been not so long ago. He thinks back to what he said the last time the room was decked out in the same fashion and blushes. "I know this will probably get me in trouble but I admit I do not remember what I said exactly, although I can assure you I meant what I said." he says stumbling over the words trying to avoid Minerva’s gaze.

Minerva laughs at his discomfort. "You told me that the 'next time' I could take care of everything! Do you not remember charging by me like a crazed bull to get to the desk clerk the last time we visited? Now it is my turn and I shall take care of everything," she says pushing him into the room with her body and kicking the door closed behind her with her foot while she works on removing his vest.

The awkwardness he was feeling at not being able to remember vanishes as quickly as it had come. He slips out of the vest with Minerva's help and returns the passionate kiss she had given him earlier. He nuzzled her gently and then lifted her easily off her feet.

Minerva laughs. "I am the one who is supposed to take care of everything," she says wiggling out of his arms. She quickly removes her garments and effortlessly picks up Nanuet and slips him into the tub. She quickly climbs in after him.

Nanuet is shocked for a moment as Minerva scoops him off his feet. He doesn't struggle, but laughs as she slips him into the tub and smiles as she joins him. "Minerva you never cease to amaze me. Your beauty, your strength, your brilliance. I love you Miss Florencia, more and more each day."

"As I do you. Now you just relax." She says picking up the cloth and soaping it up. "I shall take care of everything."

Nanuet had never been in a situation quite like the one he was in now, but then again he had learned that Minerva would introduce him to many new experiences. He did his best to relax and allowed Minerva to take care of him.

The following morning Minerva places Luna in her cage and makes her way to the train station with Nanuet.

Monday, May 15th, 1882, 10:30 A.M.

Purchasing tickets for the train to Flagstaff proves to be easy but boarding the trains becomes more difficult as the train’s conductor insists that the wire cage housing Luna must be placed in the baggage car. Minerva adamantly refuses and both the Tombstone Depot Manager and train’s engineer become involved in the discussion.

Concessions are only made due to Minerva being a priestess on official church business, so the end result is that Luna is allowed to travel with them and only provided that she does not annoy any of the other passengers. Minerva assures them that the owl will not be any trouble.

At 12:45 P.M. the train they are riding on stops at its destination at the train depot, which services the adjacent communities of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. Nanuet and Minerva have a little more than a two-hour before the northbound train to Prescott and Flagstaff departs.

"Well it seems like we have a couple hours before we leave again, shall we check out this town, perhaps get something to eat? Maybe you can let Luna stretch her wings if she need to."

"Si, that is a fine idea. Let us get you some lunch!" she says looking around for a likely spot to procure a meal.

They travel a short distance from the train depot to the Cactus Flower restaurant. The specialty of the day is barbequed beef ribs, roast corn on the cob and a wheat bread with strawberry jam.

Nanuet and Minerva eat their fill, and Nanuet procures some extra food to bring with them. After that they wander around a little bit keeping fairly close to the train station so that they are not late for their departure.

At around 2:15 P.M. they are still waiting for the outbound train north to pull into the station for the departure at five minutes before 3:00. Nanuet and Minerva are just sitting around minding their own business when Nanuet spots trouble.

A group of six male Indians are approaching from down the street. All six are attired in standard western garb, leather boots, wool/cotton blend pants, cotton work shirts and leather vests or coats. Rather than cowboy hats they are all wearing patterned cotton bandanas across their heads, the pattern being a common one worn by the Western Apache.

That these men are trouble isn't just a guess, Nanuet knows it for a fact, as he recognizes four of them. One universal commonality of nearly all races is that there are bullies who prey upon the weak. That was the case with Nanuet's people as well. As a teenager he and other loners were always picked on by this older pair of Yavapai brothers, Naumkeag and Nesenkeag. The problem was exacerbated when the white men combined the tribe with the Western Apache and those boys found kindred spirits with a pair of Apache bullies named Kokokehas and Pakesso, with Pakesso becoming the leader of the pack.

Nanuet reflects back on the quartet. At least none of them are related to him, so Kajika's spell will prevent them from remembering him. Nanuet had always tried to avoid them, but stood up to them whenever they picked on his cousin Nakomo. Nakomo was a skinny little half-elf, the result of a union between Nanuet's aunt and a human tracker. Last he heard these men were still living on the reservation near San Carlos, approximately ninety miles east of where they are now. Obviously that was no longer the case.

Minerva can sense that Nanuet is unsettled when the group of elves comes into view. He glares at them but doesn't move, just keeping an eye on them as they approach.

The six approach and glare at Nanuet and Minerva. Pakesso gives Minerva a lecherous look and then whispers something to the Indian beside him, who Nanuet doesn't know. They continue past for around thirty feet and then stop at another bench at the train depot, with Pakesso continuing to glare at Minerva.

Nanuet stands and paces then stares right back at Pakesso.

Pakesso stops staring. After around ten minutes one of the Indians takes out a pocketwatch and says something to the others. Naumkeag says in the Apache language loud enough for Nanuet to hear, "He better hurry up or we'll miss the train. I'll see what's keeping him."

Naumkeag walks back the way they had come, walking by Nanuet and Minerva, and starts to head down the street. He apparently then sees who he is looking for as he stops and yells in the Yavapai language, "Hurry up you slow-witted fool, you're about to made us late."

Nanuet glances down the street and sees an Indian boy in Yavapai clothing pushing an overloaded handcart filled with well-worn luggage and horse saddlebags. As he gets closer Nanuet recognizes the boy as being his half-elf cousin Nakomo.

Nanuet turns to Minerva and says, "I'll be right back, please stay here."

Nanuet walks quickly forward happy to see his cousin and at the same time irate to see that he was still the target of these ruffians.

Minerva, although she cannot speak the language, recognizes the posturing of bullies. She keeps an eye on them and her hand on her parasol, while Nanuet walks over to speak with the boy.

Naumkeag yells again in the native tongue, "Hurry it up stupid," as turns back towards his friends and walks by Nanuet.

Nanuet sees that one of the two wheels on the handcart is partially broken and lopsided, causing Nakomo considerable difficulty in pushing it. Because of all the luggage stacked immediately before him the boy still doesn't see Nanuet, who is now only ten feet away.

Nanuet stops and glares at Naumkeag as he walks past him. He knows that Nakomo will not remember him but he decides to take a chance and call out to him. He yells out the Yavapi word for 'cousin' as he starts walking towards him again.

Nakomo stops and looks up. He says, "Cousin? You look very familiar, have we met before?"

"I cannot explain Nakomo, but I truly am your cousin Nanuet. I know you don't remember me, and at some point I can explain. I never realized you might have escaped the slaughter of our people before I left. Why are you here with those hooligans?"

"Nanuet? I was away with my human father when the other members of my elvan family were killed. I do not remember you but I was very young then. My father is now gone away. I am with these men because without family they have been named by the tribal elders as my protectors."

Nanuet's face drops at young Nakomo's declaration that these men have become anyone's protectors. "I am very pleased to know you are safe Nakomo. Here, let me help you with your cart while we walk. I see that it is broken and you are struggling with your burden."

Nanuet takes one side of the cart and they walk towards the train platform as he continues to talk.

"Do the elders realize that your 'protectors' treat you so poorly, use you as their slave?"

The boy says, "The Elders had to do something with me and these boys were the only ones around at all close to my age. They are really not so bad now, they treated me much worse when I was younger they....." He stops and stares at Nanuet and says, "I remember you now. You used to protect me from them."

Nanuet smiles at the young elf's recognition of him. "Come, let’s drop these off with the others and then I have someone I would like you to meet."

Nanuet continues to help him with the luggage and brings it over to the other 4 as they wait by the train tracks.

"Where are you headed now?" Nanuet asked his young cousin.

The six Indians eye Nanuet suspiciously as he assists the young half-elf get the luggage cart over to where they are standing. They don't say anything when the boys walks slightly away with Nanuet.

Nakomo says, "We're taking the train to Prescott. We're meeting with the Territorial Governor and a Government representative from the Office of Indian Affairs to discuss our grievances regarding the San Carlos Reservation."

Nanuet looks puzzled for a moment. "None of the elders are going on such an important trip? You should be honored to have been chosen for such an important task."

Nanuet brings Nakomo over to Minerva. "Nakomo I would like you to meet my uh... my companion Minerva Florencia. Minerva, this is my cousin Nakomo. He is traveling to Prescott."

He smiles and says, "A pleasure to meet you Ma'am."

"None of us were chosen, the letter came addressed to the elders. But Kemo works at the General Store and sorts the incoming mail. He brought the letter to Pakesso instead. Pakesso decided that he would make a better spokesman for the tribe."

An anger wells within Nanuet, but only Minerva can tell, anyone else looking at him would not see the emotion. He steadies himself before speaking.

"These fools have no idea what they are doing. Nakomo, if I confront them will you stand by what you have just told me?"

He replies, "They....they will beat me. I should not have told you."

As they are speaking the northbound train pulls into the station. Passengers begin to exit and porters open the baggage cars to unload.

Minerva smiles brightly and begins to extend her hand to express her pleasure at making his acquaintance, But it is obvious that Nakomo is quite distressed, fear evident in every tense muscle of his body as he continued to address Nanuet.

Pakesso yells over to Nakomo, "Hey half-wit, stop bothering that Indian and help get that luggage on board."

Minerva does not know what they are discussing but recognizes the cold anger coiled tightly within Nanuet, ready to spring out and strike at any moment. She places her hand on her lovers shoulder in a calming gesture and replies evenly to the Indian boy. "Nakomo, do not be afraid. We will not allow you to come to harm."

As she says this one of the apache men yells, to the boy in a derogatory manner. The young priestess stiffens and stops talking she stands tall and marches over to the bully with a cold fire burning in her eyes she demands. "I am the Priestess Minerva Garcia Florencia and I would like to know who you are that you should presume to speak to another in such a manner."

As they are speaking the northbound train pulls into the station. Passengers begin to exit and porters open the baggage cars to unload.

"Nakomo, you don't need to be afraid of them, I will not let them treat you like that." Nanuet stands with Nokoma remaining away from the other Indians. He watches the situation with Minerva carefully.

Pakesso orders Naumkeag and Nesenkeag to, "Go get the kid." The two brothers walk over towards Nanuet, Minerva, and Nakomo. Naumkeag is surprisingly polite, as he addresses Minerva and Nanuet in English, "Sir, Ma'am, I apologize for the youngster's intruding upon your company." Nesenkeag adds to Nanuet, "And thank you sir for your assistance with the cart, we will help the boy from here."

Nanuet wears a shocked expression on his face as Naumkeag speaks in polite, flawless English. "Oh, he is no trouble, no trouble at all. I am glad to be of assistance, but curious to know why you or none of your companions were helping since he is obviously carrying all of your luggage. Also, why do your friends refer to him as a half-wit? He seems like quite a remarkable young man to me. I mean he must be if he has been sent by the elders to meet with the territorial governor at his young age!"

The expressions on the faces of both Indian brothers immediately change to anger. Naumkeag grabs Nakomo harshly by the arm and exclaims in the Yavapai language "Stupid fool, what have you been telling this stranger?" Nesenkeag tells Nanuet in English, "The boy is my responsibility you just mind your own business. This is a tribal matter."

Nanuet responds in Yavapi, "I understand it is a tribal matter, but I don't understand how you were chosen to represent the tribe. Take your hand off my cousin, he is not property and should be treated better!" Nanuet's voice rises in anger towards the end of his statement.

"Cousin?" Nesenkeag replies in the native tounge. "All of his elvan family were killed, how could you be his cousin?"

Nakomo declares, "He is, I remember him. He went away a long time ago and was not with the family when they were attacked."

Naumkeag gestures towards Minerva and states in the Yavapi tongue, "And you associate with the stinking humans instead of your own people, no wonder you stand up for this half-blood. You are not fit to call yourself one of our tribe."

The angry posturing has caught the attention of the other four elves who start to walk in that direction.

Nanuet speaks in English so that Minerva can understand. "You will regret that you said that. I am more fit to be a Yavapi than you will ever be. What did you tell the elders you were doing when you left for your little journey here? Don't you think the territorial governor will expect more than a few ruffians showing up at his doorstep?"

Pakesso arrives and walks directly between Nanuet and Nasenkeag, stating in English "What transpires here?"

Nasenkeag gestures to Nakomo and says, "The boy claims this is his cousin. The boy also told him about our planned visit to Prescott."

Pakesso walks directly up to Nanuet's face, getting within inches of him. He states, "I am not sure what lies the child told you, but my advice to you is that you mind your own business. There are six of us and but one of you."

"You can try and bully me all you want Pakesso, I remember you even if you don't remember me. What you are about to do is wrong, you put our tribe in jeopardy. And the way you treat this boy is wrong. He should not be punished by you because of his parent's decisions. He chooses the way of the elf, you should embrace him and protect him, not bully him."

Pakesso replies, "We do protect him, in fact the elders have named us as his protectors. You are sticking you nose into matters that are none of your concern."

Naumkeag points out to Pakesso that the northbound train is now boarding. Pakesso tells him companions, "Each of you grab your own luggage and get on the train. We can waste no further time with these people. Naumkeag still has his hand gripped around Nakomo's arm as he reaches for a saddlebag with the other arm.

"Let him go." Nanuet says calmly. "Just because the elders have named you his protectors does not mean that you are doing the task. If they knew how you were treating him you would regret it!"

"You are quite mistaken," Minerva says, the fury evident in her expression. "There are two of us... and Nakomo is coming with us." Minerva says blocking his path.

Naumkeag says, "Out of my way woman I have a train to catch". He continues to walk forward, his hand still gripped on Nakomo, despite Minerva being in his path. She continues to hold her ground and he swings up his saddlebag at her to knock her out of his way.

Minerva steps back to avoid being hit with the bag. Furious at being assaulted she says a quick prayer before plowing her fist into the man's face.

"Oh no!" Nanuet exclaims, concerned with Minerva's display of violence. He takes his place beside her waiting to react.

Naumkeag is struck squarely in the face by Minerva. He just stands there, shocked by her assault, while still holding onto his saddlebag with one hand and the boy with the other.

The confrontation has attracted the attention of a man fifty feet away who is wearing a badge. The man starts to hurrying in their direction. Pakesso says the Apache phrase for "White Man's Law" while gesturing in the direction of the approaching Deputy Sheriff.

A pained look comes over Nanuet's face as he moves to get between Minerva and Naumkeag. "Minerva, you must stop! I am angry too but violence will solve nothing. Now the law will be involved."

"Sheriff! Sheriff! Por Favor, Help me!" Minerva yells as she points accusingly at Naumkeag. "This heathen had the audacity to attack me with his saddle bag!"

Naumkeag had remained motionless and speechless, almost like a statue, from the moment that Minerva had struck him. She sees his eyes cross and he then collapses downward onto the train platform, also knocking Nakomo to the ground and falling atop of the boy. The boy attempts to push the unconscious Indian off of him as the Deputy Sheriff approaches.

"What is the problem?" the human with the badge exclaims.

Pakesso steps forward and states, "No problem Sir, other than my friend," gesturing to Naumkeag, "...not being able to hold his alcohol. We will be boarding the train now and leaving your county. You will have no further difficulties from us."

Nanuet wears an expression of shock on his face as he looks back and forth at Minerva's fist and Naumkeag lying on the ground. He leans over and helps Pakesso to his feet and nods to what he is saying to the sheriff.

Nasenkeag helps carry his brother onto the train while the others gather up all of their luggage. The Deputy continues to closely watch then all. Pakesso helps up Nakomo and then hands him over to one of the Western Apaches in the group who Nanuet does not know.

When Pakesso sees that Nanuet and Minvera are also planning to board the same train he softly states to Nanuet, "You should go to the other passenger car. It is best that my friend not see her when he wakes up. That could lead to more trouble."

Minerva looks at Nanuet and sees him scowling his disapproval at her action. She momentarily lowers her head and hides her hands behind her back to rub her sore knuckles.

She takes the Indian’s cue and does not dispute his story, but she is unable to disguise the feeling of satisfaction or the smug look on her face as she boards the train. She looks back when she hears Pakessos warning, "Perhaps, when your friend awakens he will show more respect in the presence of a lady of the Cloth," she says with a haughty air.

"Nakomo, you can come with us. You don't need to stay with them. What they are doing is wrong. Once they are discovered the elders will be very displeased with what they have done. Come with us."

Nakomo says, "Go with you? I barely know you. And if I leave the reservation how will my father know where to find me when he gets out of prison."

"We can sort all of that out. I will not make the decision for you, but I will give you an option. Those others are nothing but trouble. You can do better than that, make your elders proud."

Nakomo walks away with Nanuet until he is a bit away from the others. He stands firm and states loud enough for the others to hear. "I will make the elders proud. I am on a mission for the elders of great importance to our tribe. He then lowers his voice to a whisper and adds, "That's why I have to go with these men now, otherwise it could be the ruin of all Yavapai."

Nanuet nods and says in a return whisper, "Then go and make me proud cousin. If you ever need my help I am now living in Promise City. Please come for a visit, I will be very interested to hear how this trip goes for you and our people."

"Thank you," Nakomo states. He then returns to the other Indians, two of whom are busy helping their unconscious friend into a seat on the train while the other three help stow away their luggage in the baggage car.

Nanuet turns to Minerva. "Well I'd preach to you about patience, but I'm afraid you'd punch my lights out too! That was one heck of a punch, you pack a wallop!"

Minerva turns to Nanuet looking rather indignant about his remark, "I certainly hope that you are not condoning his abhorrent behavior! He is naught more than a bully, and there is only one way to handle a bully. Had you behaved in a like manner I would have treated you with equal distain, but you would never have behaved so abominably, You are a good and kind man and it is not in your nature behave so. That is why I love you so much!" she says placing her hand on his cheek and tenderly kissing him.

Minerva and Nanuet settle into their seats in their passenger car while the other Indians are in the second car. The journey northward is uneventful, with stops at most of the smaller towns along the way.

 

[orchid blossom]

Lessons

The train then pulls into Prescott, the capital of the Arizona Territory and one of the larger cities. Most of the passengers disembark at this point, including the group of Indians who head to the baggage car for their possessions. There is an hour long layover before the train continues northward, the next stop being the small logging town of Flagstaff.

Minerva and Nanuet disembark to stretch their legs before continuing their journey. Minerva looks around hoping to catch a glimpse of Nakomo and reassure herself that he is alright.

She sees that Nakomo has run into the train depot, but rather than going alone one of the Western Apache Indians has accompanied him. She gets close enough to hear them asking a porter about borrowing another cart to put their luggage on.

The Indians head off into the town of Prescott. Nanuet and Minerva stay near the train depot. A new group of northbound passengers arrive, including a group of twenty-nine United States Army soldiers. They soldiers load several wood and metal trunks that appear to be quite heavy into the baggage car. Four armed soldiers go into the baggage car and the doors to that car are then closed and locked with padlocks.

The conductor calls for all to get aboard. Nanuet decides it best to avoid the passenger car with the soldiers and sit in the other one instead. The train heads off to the northeast. It travels for an hour and then begins to slow down shortly after passing through the small depot town of Clarkdale.

Looking out the window Nanuet and Minerva see the reason for the delay, as they are approaching the bridge that crosses the Big Chino River. A fallen tree has washed down the river and is lodged against the bridge. Some of its limbs are sticking up through the bridge rails and is partially blocking the track ahead. The train comes to a complete halt prior to the bridge.

The Lieutenant leading the soldiers assumes the worst, yelling to his men that that the tree barricade was possibly put there to stop the train. He orders all of the passengers to either lie down in their seats or onto the floor. He then orders six men to remain in each of the two passenger cars, spacing them three per side on the front, middle and end of each car, and sends four more to take positions up on the roof of the baggage car.

The Lieutenant then exits with train with his remaining eight troops and they approach the bridge. The officer and the two men flanking him have their revolvers out while the remaining five men are holding their rifles and watching the surrounding terrain.

"Now what?" Minerva whispers to Nanuet while they crouch down in their seat as instructed. She opens Luna's cage, takes her out and cradles her in her arm while gripping her pistol with her other arm. She peeks out the window to try and see what is going on.

The soldiers manage to dislodge the tree limbs from the bridge and return to the train without incident. The conductor in the passenger car wipes some sweat off of his brow and comments out loud, “Whew…looks like it was just a stuck tree all along.” The train starts up again and crosses the bridge.

As they travel through the monotonous land Minerva stares listlessly out of the window, no longer seeing the stunted scrub pine, dying sagebrush or the colorless rocks slide by. The train rounds yet another bend of what Minerva assumes will only be more flat, lifeless landscape, when they suddenly find themselves in the town of Sedona. Its stark contrast to the barren land hits her like a splash of icy water causing her to inhale sharply as she is jarred from her bored reverie. A soft hiss escapes her lips as her breath is stolen away by the awe inspiring sight of the blood red cliffs rising out of the ground around her. The colors are so full of life and vitality that she is sure that this tapestry could only have been woven by the hand of a great god. Momentarily speechless, she fumbles behind her in search of Nanuet's arm and gently shakes him awake without taking her eyes from the glorious view. "Look, Mi Amor, Have you ever beheld such unearthly beauty? What god is it, I wonder, that thinks so highly of man that he would bestow such a wondrous gift?" she whispers.

They disembark from the train to say a prayer of thanksgiving to whatever god or gods that would create such splendor upon the earth before continuing on their journey to Flagstaff.

The train travels another twenty-five miles northeast, with a short stop at the town of Sedona. It then goes north for another twenty-five miles to the town of Flagstaff. Minerva and Nanuet exit the train.

They discover that there isn’t much of a town as of yet, Flagstaff being a logging town. Most of the train depot consists of platforms with recently cut timber waiting to be loaded upon a freight train at some point in the near future.

The center of the town square features a huge flagpole flying an American flag. A wooden plaque beside it states that the flagstaff was erected on that spot on July 4, 1876 to celebrate the nation’s Centennial.

The town square consists of only a dozen buildings, namely: Two sawmills, three large barracks/bunkhouses for the loggers, two logging company offices, one fancy residence belonging to the owner of a logging company, a combination General Store/Post Office, a barn/corral/stable, a saloon, and a newly constructed Greek/Roman church.

They finally arrive in Flagstaff, sweaty and tired. A feeling of relief washes over Minerva as they step off the train. "Thank the gods we have arrived unmolested," she prays.

The priestess looks around the infant town and immediately spots the church among the few buildings. She turns to Nanuet and takes his hand. "Let us go and make our presence known to the Bishop and then we shall find a place to refresh ourselves and relax over a warm meal. We can pick up our bags at the station later."

She opens the door to Luna's cage releasing her from her confinement before strolling over to the church on Nanuet's arm.

They enter the building to see Bishop Costas Papandraus, the Deputy Administrator of the Greek/Roman Church in the Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah Territories. He is seated in the front pew of the church talking to a female dwarf who is the equivalent of age thirty and a male human of around eighteen.

Minerva walks toward them and waits patiently until they have finished their conversation before addressing the bishop.

"Buena Dias your Excellency." She Curtseys. "I am the Priestess Minerva Garcia Florencia, representative of the Church of Olympus in Promise City and this is my escort Senor Nanuet who is also learning the ways of the gods."

Nanuet bows awkwardly in respect and keeps himself a step behind Minerva, feeling out of place among the church officials.

"Your Excellency? Relax Minerva, you're among friends. Please address me as Costas. And Nanuet, it is good to see you again as well. Come over here and I'll introduce you to the others."

He gestures to the dwarf. She is wearing priest’s robes, her hair tied back in a long braid and her beard neatly combed and cropped. Bishop Papandraus states, "This is Hilldi Argyle MacTavish. Like yourself, she is new to the clergy. She will be running a church in the town of Kingman, around one hundred miles west of here."

He then gestures to the man and says, "This is Silas Oraibi Barnes. He has been named the priest of this church. I consecrated this structure on Sunday, simultaneous to Trisus doing the same at your own church Minerva. I am sorry that I could not be there but I find that my duties have me spread rather thin, supervising four Territories.

I must say, you made very good time getting here, we weren't expecting you until tomorrow."

Minerva shakes hands all around and congratulates the priests on their posts, wishing them well. "May the gods be merciful," she says and turns her attention to the Bishop. "Si, Costas. Things appear quiet in Promise City at the moment and I was quite curious to know why you would send for me so we left almost immediately after receiving your message.

He replies, "I brought you here for a few days of training. My schedule is so tight that I thought it best to train the three of you simultaneously while I was here in the territory."

He then glances towards Nanuet and says, "If memory serves you are also a novice priest. I realize that you are not a follower of the same deities, but some of what I will be teaching these three is universal to most religions. You are welcome to participate with us if you wish."

Nanuet meekly steps forward. "Yes, I am a novice priest and have had discussions with Minerva about broadening my horizons and learning about your religion. I am honored you would allow me to participate."

"Oh, this is wonderful!" Minerva beams. "When shall we begin? Nanuet and I just arrived a few minutes ago and need to eat and freshened up first. We should collect our luggage from the train station and settle in first also. Is there a hotel that would be suitable?"

Priest Barnes says, "A room has been built in the back of this structure for myself to live in, which I have given to you and Hilldi to stay in during this week. I had secured lodgings for myself and Costas at one of the boarding houses in town. I can get you a room there as well Nanuet."

Nanuet looks to Minerva, a little unsure of how he should handle the situation. He then looks back to Priest Barnes and nods, "That would be perfect, thank you."

Minerva turns to Costas and smiles. "Costas if you would be so kind as to spare me a moment, I have a private matter that I must discuss with you."

"Certainly, why don't we go into the back room while the other get to know one another better."

Once the Bishop and Priestess leave Priest Barnes turns to Nanuet and says, "Hello Nanuet....that is a Yavapai name is it not?"

Nanuet is a little surprised at the Priest's knowledge of his own tribe, but it is a pleasant surprise.

"Yes, it is a Yavapai name, how are you familiar with that may I ask?"

He reaches his hands up to the sides of his head and pulls his dark hair back, revealing slight points on the top of both of his ears. "My maternal grandparents were both half-elves, my grandfather being of the Pawnee people and my grandmother from the Hopi people. They were raised by the Hopi, as was my mother. She was raised at the Oraibi Pueblo, around fifty miles northeast of here, which is the origin of my middle name. I am familiar with all of our people in this region."

Minerva smiles encouragingly at Nanuet and follows the Bishop into the back room. She is a bit nervous about what his reaction will be to her declaration but hides it well behind her noble stance. “Costas, there is something that you must know.” She says matter-of-factly.

“Shortly after my arrival in Promise City, I was introduced to Senor Nanuet. I am not a fanciful woman Costas, but when we met, I felt connected somehow… as though the gods had ordained our meeting. I did not understand why the gods would wish this, but I chose to trust in the divine wisdom of the gods. Senor Nanuet, not being a particularly trusting fellow, was at first quite leery of my sudden presence in his life,” she smirks as she recalls his anger on the day of her arrival in Promise City. “But despite his initial resistance, we came to trust and respect one another in an extraordinarily brief span of time.”

“There was some trouble,” she says frowning in remembrance. “Senor Nanuet was critically injured and I prayed fervently to the gods not to take him from me. I have never felt that kind of fear before,” she says pressing her clenched fist to her heart.

The gods granted me a great boon…not just our gods, but Nanuet’s gods as well. They bound our magics together in an amulet that a Shaman of Nanuet’s faith had bestowed on him, allowing me to heal Nanuet’s grievous wound and save his life.

Not long after this, the gods summoned me through the veil of dreams. I found myself in a wood before a fork in a path. Now, I know that it is not unusual for the gods to ask us to choose a path,” she says stopping before him. “But this was quite unusual, as the gods had also brought the spirit of an ancient Yavapi warrior through the Veil also. He stood before the path, the path that would lead me to Nanuet, and smiling his approval of our spiritual bonding, told me the choice was mine to make. He stepped aside allowing me to find my way to Nanuet. Costas, I believe that the gods of both our pantheons desire that Nanuet and I travel the path together.”

She hesitates for a moment, screwing up her courage before continuing. She looks directly at the Bishop and stands tall, a joyous light shines in her eyes as she says, “On the eve of the Festival of Dionysus, Nanuet and I, according to the will of the gods, completed our bonding by performing the sacred ceremony of Venus. We are now joined spiritually, magically and physically, Costas. I just thought that you should know, as there are some in Promise City who would not see honor in the worship of Venus and I have no intention of hiding what the gods have ordained.

He nods and says, "Then it is appropriate that you have brought him here. That is an unusual situation, and I appreciate your candor. I would caution you about making such declarations to others though. I am not sure how my senior Bishop would react to such knowledge and I have no doubt that Mrs. King would write him of it if she were to discover this.

This training period should be helpful to both of you. While I can personally teach the two of you various spells and clerical magics, it is through your two fellow students that you may learn even more. Both have had considerable experience with bridging two different worlds and races.

Racial and religious prejudices have been part of both of their lives. Hilldi preaches to both a human and dwarven community, but many of the dwarves have shunned her for taking on a human-worshipped deity as her primary god, although she still respects and acknowledges the dwarven and norse deities as well. Silas Oraibi Barnes may look human to you, but he is one-quarter elvan. His maternal grandmother was from the Hopi tribe. He doesn't flaunt the fact but neither does he hide it, using his middle name which is Hopi."

Minerva answers, “I have no intentions of making any unnecessary declarations to satisfy the curiosity of others, but neither will I skulk around and give credence to the beliefs of such misguided souls as Mrs. King. My behavior is deemed appropriate in the eyes of the gods and is in accordance with Their will. I will not be cowed by those who cannot accept it. Thank you for your understanding Costa." Minerva say's hugging him in relief. “If you have no objections, I would prefer to share my room with Nanuet during our stay here."

"Senor Nanuet will be quite pleased. He also has had to live in a world fraught with bigotry and is learning to overcome his misgivings. His Shaman Kajika has promised to teach me the ways of the Yavapi also."

"Well, that would be problematic, as you will be sharing the same room with Hilldi. And it would not be safe for either of you women to stay at the boarding house. With the exception of the lumber company owner's wife the two of you are the only females in town. It is far safer that both stay here in the safety of the church."

"Si, I understand. I will stay with Hilldi. I will go now and find Nanuet. After we have eaten and I have claimed my bags from the train station, I will return. Grasias Costas. I appreciate your understanding," she says and takes her leave.

The Bishop and Priestess return to the others. Costas asks Hilldi to show Minerva to their room and asks Priest Barnes to take Nanuet over to the boarding house and get him a room there. Costas says, "While you are getting settled in I'll get some supper going for us all."

"That is much appreciated, it will not take me long to settle in as I travel with few belongings. Perhaps then I could help you with the preparation of the evening meal?"

Costas welcomes Nanuet's assistance. They have a collection of vegitables as well as two freshly skinned rabbits. Costas tells Nanuet "The congregation primarily pays their priest in food."

"That sounds very practical, although I am not sure what they are paying you for. What services do you provide to the people that earn payments?"

"What services will Priest Barnes provide? Why healing of course. This is a logging town. Saws are dangerous tools, as are using block and tackle when swinging about large trees and logs. The richest loggers are the fastest loggers, but working fast also leads to more accidents. Having a priest right here in town rather than a railroad stop away could mean the difference between life and death, or possibly loss of limb which for a logger would be permanent unemployment."

"Well, I never figured the clergy would provide those services, but it does make sense. It is good that those services are available and that Priest Barnes is flexible with the payment arrangements. Here, I think that should do it," Nanuet says holding up two perfectly skinned rabbits.

Minerva gathers her belongings and settles in, She claims the bed near the window and opens it to let what breeze there is waft into the room and Places Luna's cage beside it so that her feathered companion can come and go as she pleases.

As she is unpacking she chats with Hilldi. "Costas tells me that you that you have chosen to serve a mixed community. How are you faring Hilldi? Are they treating you well?"

The dwarf replies, "The humans treat me better than my own race. Dwarven communities here in the United States tend to be male dominated. Just becoming a priest is independence enough, but to also take on the deities of other races is too much for many of my race to adapt to. But as the only Priest around, and given the number of on-the-job accidents that occur, it will only be a matter of time until they all seek my services of one form or another."

Minerva and Hilldi are soon finished her unpacking and they return to the others. The five priests sit down for dinner together. Costas says, "I suppose that one of us should say a blessing....seems to me like we are all well qualified for that task."

“Even the poorest man is qualified to speak with the gods, but it is true that the gods have shown us special favor, Costa," she says discreetly squeezing Nanuet's hand. Let us link our hands in a circle a give thanks in unison.

During the meal Costas outlines the tentative schedule for the next three days. Barring any interruptions from the town's congregation, he plans for ten to fourteen hour days of intense study and training. For the training the students will learn, both individually and collectively, various skills, feats and spells by which to better serve their congregations. He states that since some of them are at differing levels of instruction they may need some future instruction to better master some of these but that the initial exposure to these things will make that future training go quicker.

After the meal has ended Nanuet and Minerva stroll through the town arm in arm. They chat excitedly about the prospect of further training that will enable them to more effectively serve their gods.

Minerva sighs as Nanuet walks her back to the church. "I do regret that we are unable to room together during our stay here, but Costas feels that it would be safer if the women board together. I told him of our relationship and that I would prefer to stay with you but, although he took it well he still insists that I should stay with Hilldie. I suppose it would be safer for Hilldie if she did not stay alone." Minerva shrugs her shoulders in resignation. "I hope that you are not angry." she says looking up at him with concern in her eyes.

Nanuet notes the concerned look in her eye and runs his fingers through her thick black hair as he reassures her. "First of all, we will not be able to stay with each other every night, I understand that. Then there is the matter of this not being your fault at all. I have no right to be mad at you, for you did nothing wrong. We will spend our time together when the moment is right. Here we should focus on the message of the Gods and the teachings of the priests."

"Gracias, Mi Amor. I am glad that you understand and are not offended. You are a wonderful man. A true gift from the gods." She pulls him into the shadow of the church and leaning up kisses him passionately before entering her room. "Dream of me. Mi Amore." she whispers.

"I always do," he says softly as she enters her room and leaves him in the street. Even though Nanuet did not need sleep he figured it would be best to rest and be prepared for the intense days ahead.

The new day dawns, bringing with it new challenges that tax their stamina and strength. Their time in Flagstaff flies by... Up at dawn, prayers, exercises, lectures, practice... leaving little time or desire to think about food or rest or more carnal desires.

At the close of each day Minerva falls into her bed too tired to do much more than strip off her clothing, too weary to even dream of her lover, before the sun rises again for another grueling day devoted to the gods. But although the work is arduous and she is bone tired each night, each morning she awakens strangely energized and full of anticipation of what the day will bring.

Minerva jokingly, comments to Nanuet and Hilldi that Costa is running an Olympian bootcamp of the faithful.

After three days of intense study the five priests gather for their final breakfast together on the morning of Friday, May 19th. The train to the southwest is expected to arrive at 9:30 AM. Hilldi has prepared a fine breakfast of ham steaks, flapjacks with whipped butter, toasted bread and baked cinnamon apples. Costas says a prayer before they all begin to partake of the meal.

Once the prayer is done Nanuet stands for a moment and thanks his hosts for all they have done. "I want to extend my thanks. You have been great hosts and I have learned much in my short stay here. You have opened your minds and your hearts more than most people dare to and looked past my heritage and were willing to share your beliefs with me and train me in your ways. I hope you were able to learn something from me and the ways of my people as well and I hope our religions can find a happy marriage. May the Sun shine brightly into the dark corners of your life and give you hope when it would otherwise be lost."

Hilldi thanks Nanuet for the toast and says that she deeply believes that the Territory will indeed learn to accept a polytheistic attitude towards the various gods given the mixture of races that now comprise the population.

Costas makes the next toast, saying how proud he is of all four priests and that it is an honor for him to have gotten a chance to work with them. He says that he will also be taking the train west, going back with Hilldi to her church. From there he will then go north up to the Utah Territory and then back to Wyoming.

He states that at the end of the month and into June he will be working in the New Mexico Territory adding, "I anticipate finishing up there in early June near the southern part of the Territory. From there it would only be a short trip over to the community of Promise City." He glances at Hilldi and Father Barnes and says, "Once you complete your worship services on Sunday June 4th why don't the both of you plan on heading down to Promise City and I can work with the four of you again that week."

"That would be most wonderful, I look forward to your continued tutelage... although perhaps we can dispense with the grueling exercise routine at the crack of dawn?" She says with an impish smile. She turns to Hildi, "And you can stay in my new home. I have plenty of room and I would be honored if you would accept my invitation!" she smiles warmly at the dwarven girl. And father Barnes we have plenty of room for you also, unless you would prefer the out of doors as does Nanuet. He prefers the natural serenity of the grove, as do I.” She thinks as a vision of herself wrapped in her lovers arms, under the vast night sky flashes in her mind. She smiles at Nanuet and says, "It will be good to get home."

The priests say their goodbyes to the Flagstaff priest and board the west bound train. The ride is without incident, with Hilldi pointing out various geographic features to the Bishop, Nanuet and Minerva.

The train reaches Prescott shortly before 10:30 A.M., where Nanuet and Minerva disembark to change trains while Costas and Hilldi will remain on the westbound train as it continues on to western Arizona. Nanuet and Minerva do not have long to wait for the southbound train from Prescott heading to Tombstone by way of Tempe and Tucson.

That train ride proves to be long and rather boring, with Minerva napping through much of it. Nanuet is attentive to the scenery while the train travels though the lands that once belonged to the Yavapai tribe but looses interest afterwards. It is 4:00 P.M. on this Friday afternoon when the train eventually reaches its destination of Tombstone.

Nanuet gently shakes Minerva awake. "We have arrived in Tombstone, my Spanish Flower. It is time wake up."

Minerva stretches and smiles at the sound of Nanuet's pet name for her. "I feel more like a desert weed that has been trampled by a stampede of wild buffalo," she says as she stands and tries to loosen her knotted muscles.

They disembark and Minerva releases Luna from her cage. She instructs her to stretch her wings and find herself a meal somewhere while they tend to the business of finding their luggage.

"Let us check on the horses before we find ourselves a meal I have missed Shadow and I am sure that he is impatient for my return as well."

"As I am sure Shadow has missed you. It will be good to get home and digest all that we have learned. You seem that you had a good nap on the train, perhaps we can celebrate our homecoming late into the evening tonight," Nanuet says as he leads Minerva towards the stables.

The horses have been well tended to at the O.K. Corral. Nanuet and Minerva get saddled up and ready for the ride home. Nanuet senses Maska nearby, and she joins up with them once they are away from the town.

Nanuet is thrilled to see his loyal companion and that she is well. He asks Minerva to call for Luna so that the two animals can see one another again. He then says a prayer requesting a safe journey and continues the ride towards Promise City.

The first two hours pass rather uneventfully, with the only person they pass on the road being a lone gentleman riding to the Bar-W Ranch. They have seen him around town before and assume him to be the private tutor that Rebecca King has hired to educate her grandson.

Minerva hails the gentleman. "Buenas Dias, Senor! What news do you have of Promise City?"

He does not introduce himself by name. Instead he gives Minerva a venomous look and in answer to her question says, "Promise City? Nothing new to report other than the place continues on its downward path towards Hades. But what else would you expect from a place where an unqualified drunkard is sought to teach school and where the town's spiritual leader cavorts with savages."

"Savages you say? And just what might this savage look like? Do you happen to know his appearance?" Nanuet says in a sarcastic tone.

The man turns his attention back to Minerva and states, "You may have taught it to speak our language but I will not lower myself to interact with such a creature. Good day madam. May the gods teach you the folly of your foolishness." He begins to ride away.

Minerva does not respond to the petty remarks. She realizes that it would be like preaching to the deaf in the dark, but neither does she bid the man a, "good day" as he rides off.

She turns to Nanuet with an apologetic look and sighs at the man's ignorance. "He was surely sent this way by the gods as a reminder to us that we have our work cut out for us. The gods' work is never easy," she smiles.

"But I have learned much from our companions these past few days and can feel the power of the gods' Will coursing through my veins. In the days ahead, we shall train those whose hearts are open to do the gods work, and pry open and liberate the hearts of those who are held captive by their own fear and ignorance. Come now. I am anxious to lay eyes upon our home, Nanuet." With that, she spurs her mount on to town.

Nanuet's blood boils at the man's unfounded and prejudiced comments. His anger is stilled by Minerva's words, which is an unusual role reversal for the two. Nanuet hesitates for just a moment watching the man ride away and then gallops after Minerva.

The man responsible for the education of the King and Eaton children disappears from sight. The two ride on. As the sun begins to set on the horizon they reach the part of the road where it branches off to the south to the Shaw family's Lazy-S ranch.

"Minerva, it will be dark soon. That is the way to the Shaw ranch, we can either go on or see if we can hole up there. I can see in the dark, and should be able to lead your mount if we need to. I know you want to get home, just thinking of all the options."

"You know me well! Si, I want to go home. I will follow you."

They ride on. Before the last glimmers of light depart from the sky they reach the intersection where the road branches north and south. The familiar sign has an arrow pointing northwest that reads, “Dos Cabezas 6 Miles,” and another arrow pointing southeast that reads, “Promise City 14 Miles,” and below that, “Galeyville 26 Miles.” They turn south and continue onward. Nanuet estimates from the sky that it is shortly after 9:00 P.M. when they reach the wooden bridge over a Pine Creek. They then turn south, and soon see the lights from the town of Promise City visible in the distance little more than a mile away.

Minerva turns to Nanuet and grins. "Finally! It will be sooo good to be home again. This week has gone on forever! I have missed our friends and our bed! ... and NOT necessarily in that order," she says with a twinkle in her eye as she picks up the pace to a trot.

Nanuet watches Minerva ride away, his backside sore from a day in the saddle, scratches his head and says with a chuckle, "Where do you find the energy Senorita?" as he spurs his mount forward to catch up with her.

At 9:30 P.M. they arrive in town. They arrive at the El Parador's stables where they board their horses. The centaur Qualtaqa greets them, him having appropriated one of the horse stalls as his own Promise City Home. Handyman Grant Keebler soon arrives and offers to feed and water the mounts.

Being a Friday evening they hear a festive crowd over in the El Parador. Hearing that they are there Dorita quickly hurries out to the stable and orders the pair to go inside and get something to eat.

Nanuet knows better than to argue although Minerva had initially had other thoughts centering on a more private diner. Nanuet takes Minerva's arm and promptly escorts her inside and looks for a place to sit.

The place is crowded but Minerva finds them a small table near the far corner. They are barley seated when Dorita puts plates of food before them. Estaban begins to play a Spanish love ballad.

Nanuet begins to dig into the food but Minerva pulls him away to an open area and wraps her arms around Nanuet. "The food will still be there mi amore, dance with my now!" Nanuet complies, and the two dance to the lovely ballad.

 

[orchid blossom]

Birthdays

Late in the evening Jake and Ruby come into the cantina. They stand in the doorway a moment scanning the room until the spot the Indian and the Spanish Priestess. Immediately they stride to their table.

"Welcome back you two! We just heard you were back in town. We just finished up at the saloon and wanted to make sure you knew about tomorrow night." Minerva and Nanuet look to each other and before they can ask Jake says, "The party at the Lucky Lady for those of us who are having a birthday in the last few days." Jake grins rather widely. "Yes, I know we really do not need a reason, but why not. We will start later in the evening, after most of the poker and singing is done, but feel free to come earlier. We have already invited Chester and Clarisse, Katherine and Conrad, and now you two. While we are here we will invite our El Parador friends, if they care to join us."

"OH! a fiesta! I would love to come, and I have been working on your gift for weeks!" Minerva says excitedly. "Gracias, Senor Jake," she says jumping up and hugging him. "I have never been invited to another's celebration before and I am sure it will be a regular fandango... but... I do not think it is a good idea to celebrate my birthday at the same time. Ruby was quite clear that she did not want you to share your special day."

Ruby cuts in, "That is true I said that and I especially don't like it when people invite themselves to other people's parties," she teases. "But Jake and I already celebrated privately and now I think it will be best to have one huge party for both of you, especially since your birthday past already. Happy birthday, by the way," Ruby chirps, then hugs Minerva. "So anyway the party is already for you tomorrow night. And we or at least I invited more that just the people Jake mentioned. So it will be a biiiggggg party."

"Ah, yes, I had quite an enjoyable birthday. Just an old fashioned quiet little evening," Jake says cryptically but looks pleased. "So it is settled then, we will expect you tomorrow night."

Minerva smiles broadly, "I have never had a party before! Gracias Ruby! You are a dear friend." she says hugging Ruby tightly. "I must go home soon and put the finishing touches on your gift, Senor Jake, but first let us sit and relax for a while. It has been a long week and it is good to be home among friends!"

Ruby glances sideways at Jake. "We will be happy to join you for a drink; we want to hear all about your trip. But we can't stay too long, we have a previous engagement," she smiles mischievously. "So how was it?"

"It was very educational. Besides spending some intense time in study we ran into some people from my tribe at the train station. We can discuss details at another time, we don't want to hold you up," Nanuet says, eyeing his food that is still sitting at the table.

Ruby notices Nanuet eyeballing his plate. "Oh don't let us keep you from eating." Jake and Ruby's whiskeys arrive and they waste no time working on them. "From your tribe, huh? Hasn't it been a very long time since you've seen them?"

"Yes, it has been quite some time. Also some of them didn't remember me because of a spell Kajika used some time ago. My cousin was there though and he had a vague recollection of who I was." Nanuet leads Minerva over to the table inviting Ruby and Jake to follow them, "at least while you enjoy your drinks."

"Ah you know...” Ruby hesitates, "Maybe you two want to be alone, that's ok. You can tell us the story tomorrow." Ruby drinks her whiskey down while scrunching her nose and gives Jake a look to do the same.

At first, Jake wonders why Ruby wants him to scrunch his nose and then says, "Ah," and downs his whiskey. "Story telling last time we had a party was fun. Tell me a good one and I am sure I will have one to share back. Good night you two!"

"Yes, perhaps tomorrow. Although I am not sure it is the kind of lighthearted story you save for parties. If you need any help getting things ready for tomorrow night just let me know." Nanuet turns to Minerva before continuing. "Well, we had better get some good rest tonight if we are going to be good company tomorrow" and winks lightheartedly.

Ruby grabs Jake’s hand. "Night!" she calls out over her shoulder before looking back to Jake. "Darling, I plan on being too drunk at your party to tell stories," she giggles. "I hope you won't be too disappointed."

Jake just laughs in response and they head back home.

Nanuet and Minerva exit from the El Parador and head down to the street to the Church and little house beside it. They see lantern light in the house is on and the Priest Demitrius Theopopulos is sitting in a chair and reading."

Nanuet stops when he notices the light through the window and gives Minerva's hand a squeeze. "Oh, I forgot all about the visiting priest. Perhaps I should go my own way now? Wouldn't want to get you in trouble."

Minerva smiles as her little yellow house with the picket fence comes into view. "It is so good to be home!" She turns to Nanuet. "I told you that I spoke to the Bishop about us. I will not hide my love for you any longer. Come with me," she says taking his hand. She pulls him up the steps with her and knocks on the door.

"Very well, I do much rather prefer this way." he says and follows her to the door.

The Priest opens the door, "Oh, you're back. I wasn't expecting you until some time tomorrow. Please come in, this is after all your home. I've had an interesting week. I trust that you have as well."

"Si, Very interesting and very productive. I trust that all is well here?" she says stepping into the room.

Nanuet stretches out his hand for the man to shake. "A most inspiring and fulfilling week if I may say so. I feel enriched and enlightened after our visit. What events occurred here that made it so interesting?"

The Priest says, "Well, I had a pair of very interesting conversations. One on Tuesday with Mrs. Rebecca King and another this morning with a Mr. Icabod Shackleton. It is safe to say that neither of them are your biggest supporters, really more the opposite."

"Well, we're on your side as far as those two go. I hope they weren't too much trouble for you."

"Senora King has never hidden her feelings and Senor Shackeleton has also made his beliefs known to me," she shrugs as though it is of no consequence. "What did they say to you?"

"Actually, Mrs. King spoke mostly of trying to our friend and my superior Costas fired for appointing you. She hoped to enlist my support, trying to point out how I would be promoted if he were removed. What an odd woman, to think I would go along with such things.

Shackelton seems obsessed over the notion of human superiority and sees your relationship with Mr. Nanuet to be an abomination. He wanted me to reprimand you. Thankfully that man only teaches two families in this county instead of all of the children given his warped way of looking at things."

"Yes, Senora King believes that she can rule the world, but even she and all her money are no match for the gods. It is lucky for Costas and me that you answer to a higher power," she chuckles.

There are those who are guided by their fear. Senora King and Senor Shackleton are not the only ones. We shall pray that the gods will intervene and show us the key that will release their fear and open their hearts. If it is the gods, we will find it, but in the meantime we certainly have our work cut out for us. I am grateful that you have given me warning," she says ands hugs him. "Is their anything else that I should be aware of?"

"No, I think that is about it. I provided advice and council to two more of your parishioners as well. One was a shy young woman named Petunia Webb. She's having some problems with her new boyfriend. She told her father they were eloping but once they got here he's hesitated to marry her. The other parishioner is an Italian named Joseppi Franjoluppi. He's been hesitant to speak to you, as all of the Priests back in Italy were male. I think I've convinced him that it is safe to speak to you."

He stands and heads over to his opened suitcase saying, "I'll pack up and be out of here in a few minutes. You should have your place back now that you're here."

"Gracias, I appreciate you watching over my flock while I was away." She says hugging him one last time and walking him to the door.

The next day Ruby spends most of her time preparing for the party. She makes sure Maria has enough help in the kitchen for all the food and also double checks that Estaban and his boys would play at the Lucky Lady later in the evening.

When it gets close to dinner time Ruby chooses to wear Jake's favorite green dress, seeing as it didn't get much wearing time on his actual birthday. Jake is lazing around while she starts getting dressed.

"Are you excited about your party baby?" she asks, holding up her black corset in front of her chest and turning her back to Jake, waiting for him to do up her laces.

He obliges her with the laces. "Sure I am. One cannot have too much music, dancing and drinking."

"That's good," she comments, holding the corset tighter against her skin. "Make it tighter Jake," she says in a bossy tone. "I didn't think you would get excited about a party, so that is great."

He pulls harder on the laces, "How is that? You will have to let me know when I get it right, all my practice was in removing them."

Ruby giggles. "It's right when I can't breathe." She spins around, her breasts swelling over the corset. "Perfect."

She continues to don her dress and fix her hair. "What are you going to wear? Have you thought about it?"

"Heh, no. What ever is clean I suppose."

"Jacob Alistair Cook," she says sternly, shaking her head as she walks towards the closet, "You need to look nice for your party, like you care that all these people showed up for you." She pulls out one of his newer outfits and looks it over. She throws it on the bed, "What would you DO without me?"

"I imagine I would be forced to walk to the closet on my own, bemoaning every inch of the way." He gives her a smirk, "I can dress myself you know. It is all the other wonders you bring to my life, Ruby dear, that I hold in esteem."

He goes about donning his outfit that featured the vest with the dusty colored woven roses and the reddish brown tie over the white linen shirt. Once he is altogether he adds his dagger and derringer, and pats them in a comforting way. "Ready to escort you downstairs, my beauty."

"Don't you look handsome, birthday boy," she says, pushing some hair off his face. "Don't forget your lucky hat." She takes his arm and they head downstairs.

They both begin their work night, Ruby singing and Jake running a poker table. As the night goes by more and more of their friends show up for the party. There is a light and festive atmosphere in the air and Ruby's singing seems even more inspired this evening. Maria has a special menu of food which all enjoy.

Ruby starts her drinking early but takes it easy at first so she can make it though three sets.

Jake plays jovially, though he does not lose money, he does not go for the throat either. Among the players there are big winners and losers earlier than usual, and the game breaks early for lack of players. The winners do no seem troubled by that. Soon Jake is free from the game and goes about enjoying the evening.

Jake pushes his way to the piano for one song, playing along with Ruby before heading to the bar for a bourbon. After that he engages in as many dances as he can find partners, dancing with Ruby when she is not singing.

Ruby dedicates her last song of the evening to Mr. Jacob Cook and she sings "his song" something she hadn't done in a very long time. She skips off the stage with a silly grin and heads to Jake. "How did I do?" she says, leaning up against him.

"Superb. Exquisite." He hands her a drink. "Time to continue the fun."

"Excellent." She holds up her glass, "Happy birthday baby!" and clinks their glasses together, keeping her eyes locked on his as she drinks whatever Jake handed her.

The night of the party, Kate dressed in the red gown she'd brought from Mrs. Kelley. The square neckline sat lower than she was used to, low enough that the pendant that hung just above her breasts was clearly visible. It was Saturday night in the Lucky Lady so it was busy, but it was a cheerful kind of busy and the regular crowd had learned to keep their hands to themselves. Or perhaps they had just gotten to know her as someone other than a barmaid and didn't think it proper anymore. Either way, her backside was thankful for it.

Kate played for Ruby's sets and a few songs in between, still staying away from classical pieces. She was looking forward to when the crowd would clear out and they could all relax and be themselves. Conrad would be coming once he was done with his table at the Long Branch, probably after most of the others would already be here. Ruby said she'd invited people outside their usual circle, and Kate was curious to find out who they were.

Once the saloon started to clear out and Kate wasn't kept so busy she joined Ruby and Jake at the bar. "So who else is coming tonight?" she asked.

Ruby smiles. "Look around Kate, lots of people are here. Besides for us and our respective and unrespectable others," Ruby stumbles over the words, "Laurie Gilson is here," she says waving to the woman, "And uh," Ruby looks at the table full of Jake's business associates, "Those guys from the mine, Seawell is it? I forget the rest of them. And Flint... and a bunch of people from the El Parador are coming when they are done for the night. And look! There is Mr. Austin," Ruby beams proudly. Then she whispers in a giggle, "Although he may be here more for Minerva than Jake." She takes another sip of her drink, "And Dorita and Pedro will come if they can make it. And Al and Pierre when they are done at the Comique. It's a big party Kate!" she giggles again. "I don't even remember who else I invited."

"But Jake is having a good time, aren't you honey?" Ruby throws one arm around Jake and one around Kate's shoulders. "As long as we are here, that is all that matters."

Jake practically beams. "It just does not seem right to be advocating carousing, gambling and staying up to indecent hours of the night dancing to boisterous music. However, it always works wonders for me."

'It seems to do wonders for both of you. And you even forgot drinking, Jake, which makes it a night I can enjoy too," she teased.

He chuckles and mumbles something about "... not likely..."

Kate adds, "We may even get to dance tonight, Jake. Usually one of us is at the piano. Is there anything I can do for either of you before I change from staff to guest?"

"You can have a dance Kate, but you can't monopolize my baby's time, he needs to dance with meee," Ruby laughs. "He has to spend his time lavishing me with praise and adoration, among other things." Another giggle escapes her lips, "Ok, so I may have drunk a little more than I thought I did."

"As for you," she faces her friend, "Drinking is bad for you. But you can get me another one and then you'll be done for the night. Done working I mean. When is Conrad going to be here?"

"When he's done running his table at the Long Branch. After our trip to Boston I don't think he wanted to run out early." Kate reached over the bar and poured Ruby a whiskey, this one night keeping to herself her thoughts on just how much she consumed.

"It'll be nice to have all our friends around us. Mrs. King would be horrified if she looked in here. She'd probably start praying for a fire to get all us heathens at once."

"Thank you Kate!" Ruby chirps, taking her whiskey.

Ruby furrows her brows, or gets as close to furrowing her brows as she can. "Stupid Mrs. King, she'd better leave us all alone. If she doesn't I'll have to lock her in a room and make her listen to naughty songs." Ruby ponders for a moment before cracking up. "That would be funny."

"Nope, no one allowed here tonight who would cause us any trouble." Suddenly Ruby waves towards the door and yells out, "Hi Al and Pierre! Come and get a drink!"

Ruby twists her face back towards Jake and Kate, her hair swinging over her shoulder, "Oh, isn't this fun?"

Kate laughed lightly. "You never know who may be causing trouble, at least of the fun kind. I hope someone stays sober to see all these people home."

"Katherine, you worry entirely too much," Jake says and seizes her arms dragging her to the open floor where he engages her in a rambunctious dance.

Ruby is suddenly left standing alone at the bar. "Hhhhhheeeeeeeeeyyy," she whines, "I didn't mean have that dance now!" she calls out. She shrugs, then finds the next closest partner willing to dance with her, which is not an issue. Dancing gracefully, even when tipsy, is not a problem for Ruby as she has many many hours of practice.

She swirls and twirls extravagantly around the floor, momentarily losing herself in the merriment.

Surprisingly, Kate has little trouble keeping up, although she's not always sure quite where Jake is going. Her laughter is clear and light as Jake spins her until she's almost dizzy. "Slow down, slow down," she finally managed through her laughter. "How old are you now, Jake?"

Jake does slow down as requested but keeps her moving along as the music plays. "I have managed to attain the ripe old age of twenty-one years. Who would have thought, eh?"

"I would have. You have extraordinarily good luck. I would have guessed your age near correct if I only had your face to go by, but you act a good deal older. Or maybe now that I won't see you in dangerous situations every day that will change."

"You make me laugh. Now that I am not in danger I can go back to being a derelict youngster?" He does laugh, though it seems a good natured one. "A good deal older, hmmm, I would prefer someday to be a good old dealer. I will not deny luck, but I find the more diligent you are, the more your luck improves."

The song ends and Jake steers her back to where they were standing. "Regardless, I will drink to that. And since you are not drinking tonight I will have yours too. What toast comes true that is not consumed all around?" He grabs another glass and puts some bourbon in it. "To being younger and to luck. May there be enough for all those here we care about." He takes her hand and makes her hold a glass, taps it with a clink and drinks the first glass. Then, before she can protest, he hands her the empty and takes the other from her and drinks that too.

"Ruby's been talking to you about not letting me have anything to drink, hasn't she?" Kate laughed. "She never believed me when I said it wasn't good for me before, but I suppose I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.

I think you will live to a ripe old age, sitting on a front porch wherever you happen to have landed, shuffling a deck of cards and telling inappropriate stories to the neighbor children."

"Now, who is to say they are inappropriate. Even if they are, how are they going to know the difference if someone does not enlighten them?" Followed by another smirk.