Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="orchid blossom" data-source="post: 2855521" data-attributes="member: 12815"><p><span style="font-size: 12px">“The Gunsmith”</span></p><p>Saturday, May 6, 1882 (Chester & Sonoma)</p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p>“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. </p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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.” </p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"That's good enough for me. Pierre, I bet you're itching to meet the master gunsmith himself."</p><p></p><p>Pierre laughs. "Of course. The man is a legend. His pieces are sought after by many people."</p><p></p><p>The four finish their lunch, talking about the best route to Bailey's home.</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>"That's good. Thanks. Umm, not Tucson. Mexico actually. The man's a hermit."</p><p></p><p>"Mexico? Well, you be careful down there Chet, that's a dangerous place for humans to be poking around."</p><p></p><p>“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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>"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?"</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>She pulls away and says, "Who's 'we'? Ruby and the others?"</p><p></p><p>"No, just me, Jeff, Sonoma, and Pierre Jacquet."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>She says, "You take care of yourself, Chester Martin," and goes inside. Chester heads for the office to start his shift.</p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p>Chester makes his way around town, checking out the various saloons and gambling establishments and other business still open such as the billiard hall. </p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>"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?"</p><p></p><p>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?" </p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>Chester does as instructed, finding a Ten of Diamonds playing card up the man's right sleeve.</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>“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.</p><p></p><p>How is the job going and the other deputy he is well too?</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>"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?"</p><p> </p><p>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." </p><p></p><p>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."</p><p> </p><p>"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."</p><p> </p><p>Pierre comments, "Yes, but your accuracy has proven that you deserve to wear that badge of yours." </p><p></p><p>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."</p><p> </p><p>"Thanks, Pierre. I just wish I was luckier with my guns. I’ve already broken two in the short time I've been here."</p><p></p><p>Pierre laughs. "That just means I have a regular customer."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>Jeff says, "Last I heard, they were in the Wyoming Territory, causing trouble."</p><p></p><p>"Good. Last thing I want is for them to be there and recognize us."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>"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?"</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>Chester raises his eyebrows. "Really? I guess being a gunsmith during the war paid well. Does he only make custom jobs?"</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>Chester snorts. "Yeah. I can see that happening. Must be nice to be able to pick and choose who you work for."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>Chester recovers from his surprise. "Yeah, it is. Nice of you to remember me. How have you been?"</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>Sunday, May 7th, 1882, 4:00 P.M.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>"OK, Jeff. But when it gets too dark, we'll make camp. The ground doesn't look like safe footing for the horses."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>Monday, May 8th, 1882, 5:30 A.M.</p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>"Why is tomorrow longer than the past few days? Are there bandits ahead? Or is it rough terrain?"</p><p></p><p>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." </p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"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?"</p><p></p><p>Jeff says, "Prospectors sounds good. Let's buy some picks, shovels and panning equipment while we are here in addition to the local clothing."</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>Jacques replies, "We don't have to know anything about prospecting, from what I've seen most amateur miners don't have a clue."</p><p></p><p>Chester laughs. "I was a miner at the Silverbell for a day. It didn't seem that hard. We should be fine."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>Tuesday, May 9th, 1882, 6:30 A.M.</p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>"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?"</p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>Chester chuckles, "Good point. I hope it won't come to that. Avoiding trouble is the watchword."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>The men do so, Jeff commenting "That's awful, I'd rather chew on horse manure."</p><p></p><p>Pierre says, "I have food in my pack."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>Chester starts to look around, but Sonoma grabs his arm. He says, "What? Where?"</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>"I must be slipping. I never saw them. Good catch, Sonoma. Who do you think they are? Bandits?"</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>Jeff comments, “That could work. If we catch them off guard long enough for us to get into the desert they may not follow.”</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"The horses are in the trees now. Are we riding through the forest?"</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"Sounds reasonable, Jeff. Me and Pierre will keep behind you while you talk to his sons. Anything else we should know about Bailey?"</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"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.</p><p></p><p>They ride a bit further and see the small coastal mansion in the distance.</p><p> </p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>He replies, "Well, they've probably known about us for a while now, but walking the horses can't hurt any."</p><p></p><p>"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?"</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>The spokesman says in broken English "If you would all please follow me."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="orchid blossom, post: 2855521, member: 12815"] [SIZE=3]“The Gunsmith”[/SIZE] 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." [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
Top