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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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<blockquote data-quote="orchid blossom" data-source="post: 2858681" data-attributes="member: 12815"><p><span style="font-size: 12px">Bailey</span></p><p></p><p>Jeff interjects "Everybody, calm down. Mr. Bailey, that is not why these men are here." </p><p></p><p>Bailey replies, "Or rather not what they told you Mr. Mills. I believe that you have been duped."</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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?</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>Bailey says, "All six of us will, otherwise the link will not work."</p><p></p><p>The priest makes a gesture and says, "It is time," in Spanish.</p><p></p><p>"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.</p><p></p><p>Bailey then says, "All right now Mr. Martin, what exactly is your story."</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>"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.</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>Bailey glances towards Chester and Sonoma and asks, "And what became of the bullets bearing your names?"</p><p></p><p>Sonoma says, "The unfired ones for myself and Ginnie Flaherty are safely locked away where no one can get them."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>Bailey turns to Jeff and asks, "Mr. Mills, you claim that you are not here under orders from your Colonel Sherod Hunter?"</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>Bailey says, "I tend to agree with you. Has he approached you with his current plan?"</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>Chester interrupts, "Can't your wizards make him forget about you? Or can you tell the authorities and have him arrested?"</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>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." </p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>“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.</p><p></p><p>Bailey states, "You show great wisdom for one so young."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>Bailey replies, "Ah, then that definitely would not work, especially since this particular weapon uses stolen United States military ordinance for its ammunition."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>“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."</p><p> </p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"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?"</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>Bailey replies, "That is no surprise, Hunter gave me the impression that you were diligently looking to get him the gold."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>Bailey states, "I believe that can be arranged, an extra pair of hands can always help."</p><p></p><p>Chester says, "Does that change things, now that you know the truth? And thank you for doing this for us."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>“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.</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>"You speak the truth, Sonoma. I'm also glad you came along."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>I will do what I can to offer you safety while you are here. A good host could do no less."</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"I have some small skill swinging a hammer and saw. I'd be glad to. When should I get started?"</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="orchid blossom, post: 2858681, member: 12815"] [SIZE=3]Bailey[/SIZE] 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." [/QUOTE]
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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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