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Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2769787" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 80, “Choosing Sides”, Friday, March 17th </strong> </p><p></p><p>Jake tells Minerva about Flint's partner Pete, whose murder leads them to the rustlers cave. He tells her about the adventure there. "That is why we were surprised to learn that Johnny Ringo was there invisible. So he, Billy Clairbourne and some guy named Dell all knew we were there. All knew we were part of the group responsible for what happened there. Many of the Cowboy gang met their end that day, not the least of which were the McLaury brothers and Curly Bill Brocious who folks sitting at this table put to rest." </p><p></p><p>Jake then tells her all about the trip to the mine and the attack by outlaws. "We have yet to prove it, but only Hamilton Fisk could have substantially gained by having the miners and myself not come back alive. Many of the men involved that day had ties to the Cowboy gang." </p><p></p><p>Finally Jake tells her about Katherine's husband Tom. He leaves out many of the painful details about Katherine's life. "Katherine believes that Morgan Earp is responsible for her husband's death. There is enough evidence to indicate that is likely true, including the Earp brothers covering up the details and threatening those who might bring those details to light. That is why I was in jail when you came into town, Wyatt Earp was framing me to blackmail Katherine into giving up a witness." He looks at Katherine and Ruby, "Did I miss something important?"</p><p></p><p>"I think that's everything relevant," Kate said quietly. "When I met Johnny Ringo in Tombstone, he was in jail on charges from the Earps, but he was being held in the county jail for some reason. Sheriff Behan seemed annoyed, at the very least by that. When Ringo wanted to talk to me, I said the sheriff probably wouldn't allow it, hoping he would help me. But he just said he didn't care. </p><p></p><p>I don't know if that's relevant, but it seemed strange to me. That's when Ringo suggested it might have been Frank Leslie who killed Tom. Which also seems strange to me, considering we're fairly certain Leslie is part of the gang too."</p><p></p><p>Ruby drinks down her whiskey. "Cowboys, Earps.. I don't really care about any of them and I'm not willing to risk my life for either. I want Nanuet and Chester back. I want to live at the Lucky Lady in peace. So far both of those groups have threatened the people I love and to disrupt my life. But even if we stay out I bet we'll end up having to choose no matter what. Jake is right, while the Earps have blackmailed us, the Cowboys have openly come after us. At least the Earps have been at our side occasionally." Ruby looks at Kate, "But I don't see how you could want to work with or help any of the Earps after what they took from you."</p><p></p><p>Kate ran her hand through her hair. "I would prefer to stay out of this, but I don't think it's possible. It's tempting to let Johnny Ringo bring me Morgan Earp, but what happens after that? The Cowboy's get rid of any semblance of law. Living here becomes dangerous for anyone who isn't with him or her. Yes, we might have the protection of having helped them, but who knows what strings they might attach to us. </p><p></p><p>You're right Ruby. I want nothing to do with helping the Earps. But I would far rather live under the Earp's rule than the Cowboy's. Although I'll admit, I'm taking some pleasure in the thought of making the Earp's beholden to me." “What does that mean?" Ruby looks at her curiously.</p><p></p><p>Kate shook her head "Maybe nothing. From what we know the Earp's don't know Ringo is ready to make his move. And there are only the four of them, five if James joins in to help them. The Cowboy's will have them greatly outnumbered. Our help would be very important for them. And if any of them are capable of the least amount of feeling, I rather like the idea of them feeling guilt and remorse over the fact that I'm willing to help them despite everything they've done to me. They killed my husband, blackmailed his widow, and terrorized my friends. To owe those same people their lives would smart a great deal, I think. And I like the idea of their discomfort."</p><p></p><p>"Oh I see..." Ruby replies shaking her head. "Smart thinking Kate. Well, no matter what side we choose, I can't see sitting here while our friends are held hostage. We need to decide if we should go and save them or try to work a deal with Ringo, even though he is not to be trusted at all. I mean, I have this ability that can, uh, make people well, see me in a more favorable light, and make them be more willing to do what I want them to do. He might have the same kind of thing and try to use it on us." Ruby pauses. "I do like Deputy Marshall Rodriquez, he seems nice enough. He's going to wish he never came here though."</p><p></p><p>"Oh yes, my research. You're right Ruby, he has that same skill you do, and more. He's not as powerful as our teacher, but he's not far behind. Definitely beyond you and I." "Crap." Ruby starts biting her lip as she thinks. "Who knows how many Cowboys have those same skills. I mean, I'm sure not to that extent or Ringo wouldn't be in charge." Ruby glances around the room. "You know, this might not be the best place to be talking about this, plus I am getting tired, it's been a really long day. Coming back from the dead is tiring work," she gave a little smile. </p><p></p><p>Ruby says, "I don't think Maska will be here until morning, she is far away, which means if and when we go it will be a long trip. Kate, did you say Ringo was going to give you a sign or something tomorrow? I mean, if you're not here for it then he'll know we are up to something."</p><p></p><p>Kate says, "I'm supposed to get instructions on where to take the books in the morning. I don't know how they're coming. And he expects and answer from Jake in the morning, so he must be planning on coming back here for that. I can trade the books for Nanuet and Chester. If we join up with the Earps after that, I might just get them back in a day or two. Hopefully before our teacher knows they're gone."</p><p></p><p>Ruby replies, "Well, they don't really belong to him anyway. I'm sure he won't be mad knowing that they went to save Nanuet and Chester." Kate states, "It's not important, I'm just being optimistic thinking I'll be in a position for it to matter if he is. Do we have any other ideas for tonight? If not I should get the ransom ready. At least Ringo is clear about it when he's blackmailing you."</p><p></p><p>Jake has been quiet letting Ruby and Katherine speak for a while. Finally he says, "That all depends on whether or not we are going to join Mr. Ringo's war and on which side. If we are going to wait until we get Nanuet and Chester back to take any action or even make a decision, then I guess we have nothing else to do. Frankly I can't really imagine Ringo trusting me to be on his side. Plus all he has done is threaten me to convince me to help him. I don't like giving in to blackmail, those kind never stop once they know you will comply." </p><p></p><p>Jake takes a long slow breath in and lets it out with a sigh. "If we decide to actively oppose the Cowboy gang we should tell Isby and the marshals at least some of what is going on in the morning. That and there is a Mr. Gifford in jail that may prove to be useful. I wonder who Maska is going to come to and should we be waiting where the wolf can get to us?"</p><p></p><p>Kate says, "You know my thoughts. Standing aside is preferable but likely impossible. This is what I would do, which means there will probably be at least ten things wrong in it. I would make the exchange in the morning, the books for our friends. Then I would give Ringo his answer, which would be that we will not be joining him. Then we find Warren Earp and warn him, and find out what to do next. Judge Isby isn't in town, so we can't tell him, and Wyatt Earp is in Tombstone at the moment. After that those who are inclined to pray can do so. Since we'll probably spend the next week or more being shot at, we'll need all the help we can get."</p><p></p><p>Jake states, "What's really wrong is we are at the whims of Johnny Ringo and the Cowboy gang. I agree we really don't want to be on either side, but if we tell him we don't choose a side regardless of his bluster and threats is he really willing to force us over to Earps side? I'm on my side, and if he wants war with us, then we'll work with who ever is against him until it's done. Better yet, tell him nothing and let him worry and wonder." Jake runs his hand through his hair and scratches the back of his head. "Since I can't figure out exactly what else to do tonight, I suppose I wait."</p><p></p><p>Minerva is overwhelmed by all the new information that Jake has just told her. she mulls it all over while listening to the group weighs the pros and cons of the situation. She says, "I do not think it is wise to trust our friends safety to this Johnny Ringo's word. A wolf in sheep clothing is no less of a wolf. He strikes me as a ruthless man of convenience, not a man of honor and he has already proven himself a liar. I do not advise we should wait overly long to begin our search for Senor Nanuet and Senor Chester for although they may be alive presently, I am sure that being in the hands of such disreputable men places them in harms way. When Maska arrives, I will speak to him and then I think we should set out in search of our friends. But What ever decision is agreed upon, it would be prudent for everyone to get some sleep and we can take turns watching for his arrival."</p><p></p><p>Kate interjects, "Intolerable as it is, it will be quicker in the end to wait for Maska. We won't waste time wandering without a clue. I still hold out hope Ringo will keep his word, but I'm prepared for him not to. Jake, whatever you decide I will go with, as long as it's not joining the Cowboy's. Since you don't want any of us going out alone, we can either meet up here or someone can come get me to bring me wherever you want to meet. Since everything seems to rest on what happens in the morning, I'm going to go collect the books and pretend to sleep."</p><p></p><p>Minerva says, "Cowering down to blackmail leaves a sour taste upon my tongue! Do not let his promises cloud your vision, Senora Katherine. These books of which you speak sound quite dangerous in unscrupulous hands and from what you say, Senor Ringo sounds like a powerful wizard. Giving him those books could be our own undoing. I am certain he would not hesitate to use the knowledge in those books to harm us. Would it not be preferable to free our friends before he is able to act and keep such dangerous weapons from him as well? I don't think we should tell him that we are not joining him. He will figure it out soon enough. What is the purpose of angering him in such a fashion? It would only endanger our friends further.”</p><p></p><p>Kate says, "Whatever we do, it won't be until morning. Of course I would rather not give him what he wants, but it may be the only option. If it can be done your way, Senorita, I would be thrilled. I'll see all of you in the morning, or when there's news. Maska is intelligent, she'll find a way to one of us when she gets here. I don't have anything more to add, or any skill with this sort of thing anyway. I'll go with whatever you decide. Good night." </p><p></p><p>Minerva states, “Let us hope that it is the will of the gods, to end this thing quickly and to get our friends home safely. I agree there is no more that we can do this night until we hear from the wolf. Minerva turns to Jake and Ruby. "Luna and I would like to stay here this night and wait for his arrival if that is amenable. I will go back to the Comstock House and get what we will need for the night and for our journey. " Buenos Nochas Senora Kate. Hasta Manana." With that Kate went back upstairs to Mr. Gonzales rooms to pile up books and try to discover a way to read a language she didn't know, or copy them somehow. Ruby and Jake retire to their room and Minerva returns with Luna to make her comfortable in the saloon and await the arrival of the wolf.</p><p></p><p>Mid-way through the night Luna alerts Minerva that a wolf is approaching the Lucky Lady. Maska lets off a low howl. Upstairs in Jake and Ruby's room the puppies awaken to the sound of the howl and begin barking. Minerva goes upstairs and awakens Jake and Ruby with the news and then heads back downstairs. She gives the wolf some water and a bite to eat from the kitchen and checks him over for wounds while speaking soothingly to him. </p><p></p><p>Ruby had used her magic to dry her leather outfit earlier so now put it back on. She and Jake gather their substantial pile of weapons, gear and traveling clothes and head down the stairs to Minerva and Nanuet's wolf. The clock shows that it is now 1:45 A.M. At Gonzales library Kate is sound asleep at the desk, having barely gotten a few pages copied when exhaustion overcame her.</p><p></p><p>Once Minerva has fed Maska and looked her over for injuries she prays for a moment and then begins speaking to Maska. "We have been expecting you my friend. Tell us where Nanuet is" Maska indicates that Nanuet is being held prisoner in a farmhouse near the mountains in the direction of the sunset. </p><p></p><p>Minerva asks, "How far away are they?." Maska indicates that she has been walking and running for 5 hours. Minerva asks, "Are you able to lead us back to them?." Maska indicates that she can but if the group is leaving now she would prefer to ride on something as she is exhausted. "What landmarks did you pass on the way?" She describes the mountain range and the farmhouse being near the upper corner on the Promise City rather than Tombstone side of the range. </p><p></p><p>The Priestess then asks, "How many men did you see at the farmhouse?" Maska communicates that she has detected the scents of eighteen different people although all may not have been there. Minvera tells her owl, "Luna, When we get there fly to a safe spot and stay hidden. If you see men Hoot once for each man you see. Remember our trick. If I do this," She raises her arm and points upward. "Fly high and screech as loud as you can. Try and stay out of sight." </p><p></p><p>She turns back to the wolf, "Maska, Our time to speak is running short. When we can no longer speak. Growl low to warn us of trouble." "May the goddess keep you safe from harm." Minerva hugs the wolf tightly. "You have a brave and true heart my friend. I am honored to make your acquaintance and Senor Nanuet is doubly blessed that you have chosen to befriend him" She reassures her "Together we shall rescue your companion and see him And Senor Chester safely home." Maska places her paw in Minerva's hand as if to shake on it and the spell ends.</p><p></p><p>Jake comments to Ruby, "Katherine still trusts Ringo, but I still don't. I just don't understand what kind of power he has, or how to fight his magic. That book he just got back, can he use it right away or does it take time? Ruby you also said he was protected from my bullets with magic, is there anyway around that? Does it run out or can we make it go away? Or is there a way to make my bullets go through his protection?" </p><p></p><p>Jake is scratching his beard and thinking hard. "I don't know if we should rush off or rescue them now or not. My heart tells me we should. If we put Maska on a litter it would still take us nearly six hours to get there, including the time to get ready to leave. That would be past sunrise and we wouldn't have the surprise of darkness. I wonder where Ringo will be? He may or may not show to meet Katherine. Should we leave Katherine to meet with Ringo or who he sends? Would she want to come with us if we were going on a rescue? The three of us and Maska are not a lot against up to eighteen Cowboy gang members. I'll bet Flint would come with us. I wonder if that Apache woman could get us some kind of help. If we get the marshal or Isby involved now we will have decided whose side we are on in Ringo's war...." </p><p></p><p>Ruby touches Jake's shoulder and interrupts his rambling. "Slow down lover, give us a chance to answer." After Jake stops speaking Ruby starts pacing back in forth, furrowing her brow and tapping her lip, finally she sighs. “We have a lot of decisions to make and not a lot of time to make them. Look, my instincts also tell me to go ourselves and bring Nanuet and Chester back. But I’m just not sure that is the right thing to do. Maybe we should wait for the book deal to go down and find out if Ringo is telling the truth or not about our friends. I mean, let’s say he does intend to follow through. Kate gives him the books, we get our friends.”</p><p></p><p>She pauses, :”After Jake stops speaking Ruby starts pacing back in forth, furrowing her brow and tapping her lip, finally she sighs. “We have a lot of decisions to make and not a lot of time to make them.” </p><p></p><p>“Look, my instincts also tell me to go ourselves and bring Nanuet and Chester back. But I’m just not sure that is the right thing to do. Maybe we should wait for the book deal to go down and find out if Ringo is telling the truth or not about our friends. I mean, let’s say he does intend to follow through. Kate gives him the books, we get our friends. Well, maybe Ringo already has them on their way here so he can do that. I’ll never trust what Ringo says but that doesn’t mean he IS lying.” </p><p></p><p>“And yes, we would be greatly outnumbered and need a good plan of action to succeed being so outnumbered.” Ruby stops to think. “But… if Kate were to not show up that would probably be big trouble so I really think we need her to meet him again, so we would be down at least her. I’m not sure she would agree to stay behind.” </p><p></p><p>“I wouldn’t have given him the book, although I’m sure that’s not the only one he has for his spells.” Ruby runs her hand through her messy hair. “Jake, you and I are going to have a private talk one of these days about the way things are in the world. I’ve seen many things on my travels, good and bad and you are at a disadvantage not knowing. Some people have a gift like me and don’t need books. Other people need to study those books to be able to do what I do, so yes it would take time. There is a way to cancel the effects of magic but that is not a skill that I know or am powerful enough for. I’m sure there is also a way to make your bullets get through spells like that but again that is not something I know. Perhaps some of those books Ringo wants back has some of those answers. But you know me,” she smiles, “I’m not big on reading OR studying.” As she says this she looks Jake right in the eyes and raises her eyebrows. </p><p></p><p>She looks toward Minerva. “Can you think of any spell that would let you communicate with Nanuet or Chester? If we do wait until tomorrow I can also read his mind again while the deal goes down to find out what he is really thinking and if he is trying to scam us.”</p><p></p><p>Ruby continues, “One thing is clear to me though. If we want to live in this town and stay in business we're going to have to side with the Earps. Even if we just pretend to be on their side. Otherwise they will make our lives a living hell, and they do have the power to do that, look at what they have done already. Unless we can find a way to make the Cowboys and the Earps both think we're on their side. I don't see another option." She stops pacing in front of Jake and looks right at him. "I'm sorry but I can't stand to see you in jail again."</p><p></p><p>She pauses, “Well, maybe Ringo already has them on their way here so he can do that. I’ll never trust what Ringo says but that doesn’t mean he IS lying. And yes, we would be greatly outnumbered and need a good plan of action to succeed being so outnumbered.” Ruby stops to think. “But… if Kate were to not show up that would probably be big trouble so I really think we need her to meet him again, so we would be down at least her. I’m not sure she would agree to stay behind.” </p><p></p><p>She then defiantly states, “I wouldn’t have given him the book, although I’m sure that’s not the only one he has for his spells.” Ruby runs her hand through her messy hair. “Jake, you and I are going to have a private talk one of these days about the way things are in the world. I’ve seen many things on my travels, good and bad and you are at a disadvantage not knowing. Some people have a gift like me and don’t need books. Other people need to study those books to be able to do what I do, so yes it would take time. There is a way to cancel the effects of magic but that is not a skill that I know or am powerful enough for. I’m sure there is also a way to make your bullets get through spells like that but again that is not something I know. Perhaps some of those books Ringo wants back has some of those answers. But you know me,” she smiles, “I’m not big on reading OR studying.” As she says this she looks Jake right in the eyes and raises her eyebrows. </p><p></p><p>Minerva states, “I question why Senor Ringo is so anxious to have these books. I fear that they could present a danger to us and others if he should acquire them. Also, once the books are no longer in our hands we are no longer able to use them as leverage to insure our friends return. She looks at everyone darkly, I do not trust his intent. He has already lied about the function of the one book that Senora Katherine gave him by saying it had no value other than a sentimental one. </p><p></p><p>There is no cause to believe that he would not lie again. I am hesitant to leave Senora Katherine here to deal with such a ruthless man. He is by your own admission, a wizard who possesses greater power than your own and cannot be trusted not to harm her in our absence. I would like to see us stay together for safety's sake and we really could use her help in freeing our friends. As I told Katherine earlier, I am uneasy about delaying our departure. </p><p></p><p>I can speak to the animals again after dawn but Maska is to tired to travel. I could tell Luna the location that Maska has relayed to us and send her with a message tied to her leg but she does not know of this farmhouse and there is no guarantee that she would recognize the location from the description alone. The longer Senor Chester and Senor Nanuet are held captive the graver their danger. I think that we should also consider the possibility that Nanuet and Chester will not wait overly long for our arrival. When Maska does not return they will assume that she did not arrive here safely If they do not realize the great number of men holding them captive they could be making an escape attempt on their own.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2769787, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 80, “Choosing Sides”, Friday, March 17th [/B] Jake tells Minerva about Flint's partner Pete, whose murder leads them to the rustlers cave. He tells her about the adventure there. "That is why we were surprised to learn that Johnny Ringo was there invisible. So he, Billy Clairbourne and some guy named Dell all knew we were there. All knew we were part of the group responsible for what happened there. Many of the Cowboy gang met their end that day, not the least of which were the McLaury brothers and Curly Bill Brocious who folks sitting at this table put to rest." Jake then tells her all about the trip to the mine and the attack by outlaws. "We have yet to prove it, but only Hamilton Fisk could have substantially gained by having the miners and myself not come back alive. Many of the men involved that day had ties to the Cowboy gang." Finally Jake tells her about Katherine's husband Tom. He leaves out many of the painful details about Katherine's life. "Katherine believes that Morgan Earp is responsible for her husband's death. There is enough evidence to indicate that is likely true, including the Earp brothers covering up the details and threatening those who might bring those details to light. That is why I was in jail when you came into town, Wyatt Earp was framing me to blackmail Katherine into giving up a witness." He looks at Katherine and Ruby, "Did I miss something important?" "I think that's everything relevant," Kate said quietly. "When I met Johnny Ringo in Tombstone, he was in jail on charges from the Earps, but he was being held in the county jail for some reason. Sheriff Behan seemed annoyed, at the very least by that. When Ringo wanted to talk to me, I said the sheriff probably wouldn't allow it, hoping he would help me. But he just said he didn't care. I don't know if that's relevant, but it seemed strange to me. That's when Ringo suggested it might have been Frank Leslie who killed Tom. Which also seems strange to me, considering we're fairly certain Leslie is part of the gang too." Ruby drinks down her whiskey. "Cowboys, Earps.. I don't really care about any of them and I'm not willing to risk my life for either. I want Nanuet and Chester back. I want to live at the Lucky Lady in peace. So far both of those groups have threatened the people I love and to disrupt my life. But even if we stay out I bet we'll end up having to choose no matter what. Jake is right, while the Earps have blackmailed us, the Cowboys have openly come after us. At least the Earps have been at our side occasionally." Ruby looks at Kate, "But I don't see how you could want to work with or help any of the Earps after what they took from you." Kate ran her hand through her hair. "I would prefer to stay out of this, but I don't think it's possible. It's tempting to let Johnny Ringo bring me Morgan Earp, but what happens after that? The Cowboy's get rid of any semblance of law. Living here becomes dangerous for anyone who isn't with him or her. Yes, we might have the protection of having helped them, but who knows what strings they might attach to us. You're right Ruby. I want nothing to do with helping the Earps. But I would far rather live under the Earp's rule than the Cowboy's. Although I'll admit, I'm taking some pleasure in the thought of making the Earp's beholden to me." “What does that mean?" Ruby looks at her curiously. Kate shook her head "Maybe nothing. From what we know the Earp's don't know Ringo is ready to make his move. And there are only the four of them, five if James joins in to help them. The Cowboy's will have them greatly outnumbered. Our help would be very important for them. And if any of them are capable of the least amount of feeling, I rather like the idea of them feeling guilt and remorse over the fact that I'm willing to help them despite everything they've done to me. They killed my husband, blackmailed his widow, and terrorized my friends. To owe those same people their lives would smart a great deal, I think. And I like the idea of their discomfort." "Oh I see..." Ruby replies shaking her head. "Smart thinking Kate. Well, no matter what side we choose, I can't see sitting here while our friends are held hostage. We need to decide if we should go and save them or try to work a deal with Ringo, even though he is not to be trusted at all. I mean, I have this ability that can, uh, make people well, see me in a more favorable light, and make them be more willing to do what I want them to do. He might have the same kind of thing and try to use it on us." Ruby pauses. "I do like Deputy Marshall Rodriquez, he seems nice enough. He's going to wish he never came here though." "Oh yes, my research. You're right Ruby, he has that same skill you do, and more. He's not as powerful as our teacher, but he's not far behind. Definitely beyond you and I." "Crap." Ruby starts biting her lip as she thinks. "Who knows how many Cowboys have those same skills. I mean, I'm sure not to that extent or Ringo wouldn't be in charge." Ruby glances around the room. "You know, this might not be the best place to be talking about this, plus I am getting tired, it's been a really long day. Coming back from the dead is tiring work," she gave a little smile. Ruby says, "I don't think Maska will be here until morning, she is far away, which means if and when we go it will be a long trip. Kate, did you say Ringo was going to give you a sign or something tomorrow? I mean, if you're not here for it then he'll know we are up to something." Kate says, "I'm supposed to get instructions on where to take the books in the morning. I don't know how they're coming. And he expects and answer from Jake in the morning, so he must be planning on coming back here for that. I can trade the books for Nanuet and Chester. If we join up with the Earps after that, I might just get them back in a day or two. Hopefully before our teacher knows they're gone." Ruby replies, "Well, they don't really belong to him anyway. I'm sure he won't be mad knowing that they went to save Nanuet and Chester." Kate states, "It's not important, I'm just being optimistic thinking I'll be in a position for it to matter if he is. Do we have any other ideas for tonight? If not I should get the ransom ready. At least Ringo is clear about it when he's blackmailing you." Jake has been quiet letting Ruby and Katherine speak for a while. Finally he says, "That all depends on whether or not we are going to join Mr. Ringo's war and on which side. If we are going to wait until we get Nanuet and Chester back to take any action or even make a decision, then I guess we have nothing else to do. Frankly I can't really imagine Ringo trusting me to be on his side. Plus all he has done is threaten me to convince me to help him. I don't like giving in to blackmail, those kind never stop once they know you will comply." Jake takes a long slow breath in and lets it out with a sigh. "If we decide to actively oppose the Cowboy gang we should tell Isby and the marshals at least some of what is going on in the morning. That and there is a Mr. Gifford in jail that may prove to be useful. I wonder who Maska is going to come to and should we be waiting where the wolf can get to us?" Kate says, "You know my thoughts. Standing aside is preferable but likely impossible. This is what I would do, which means there will probably be at least ten things wrong in it. I would make the exchange in the morning, the books for our friends. Then I would give Ringo his answer, which would be that we will not be joining him. Then we find Warren Earp and warn him, and find out what to do next. Judge Isby isn't in town, so we can't tell him, and Wyatt Earp is in Tombstone at the moment. After that those who are inclined to pray can do so. Since we'll probably spend the next week or more being shot at, we'll need all the help we can get." Jake states, "What's really wrong is we are at the whims of Johnny Ringo and the Cowboy gang. I agree we really don't want to be on either side, but if we tell him we don't choose a side regardless of his bluster and threats is he really willing to force us over to Earps side? I'm on my side, and if he wants war with us, then we'll work with who ever is against him until it's done. Better yet, tell him nothing and let him worry and wonder." Jake runs his hand through his hair and scratches the back of his head. "Since I can't figure out exactly what else to do tonight, I suppose I wait." Minerva is overwhelmed by all the new information that Jake has just told her. she mulls it all over while listening to the group weighs the pros and cons of the situation. She says, "I do not think it is wise to trust our friends safety to this Johnny Ringo's word. A wolf in sheep clothing is no less of a wolf. He strikes me as a ruthless man of convenience, not a man of honor and he has already proven himself a liar. I do not advise we should wait overly long to begin our search for Senor Nanuet and Senor Chester for although they may be alive presently, I am sure that being in the hands of such disreputable men places them in harms way. When Maska arrives, I will speak to him and then I think we should set out in search of our friends. But What ever decision is agreed upon, it would be prudent for everyone to get some sleep and we can take turns watching for his arrival." Kate interjects, "Intolerable as it is, it will be quicker in the end to wait for Maska. We won't waste time wandering without a clue. I still hold out hope Ringo will keep his word, but I'm prepared for him not to. Jake, whatever you decide I will go with, as long as it's not joining the Cowboy's. Since you don't want any of us going out alone, we can either meet up here or someone can come get me to bring me wherever you want to meet. Since everything seems to rest on what happens in the morning, I'm going to go collect the books and pretend to sleep." Minerva says, "Cowering down to blackmail leaves a sour taste upon my tongue! Do not let his promises cloud your vision, Senora Katherine. These books of which you speak sound quite dangerous in unscrupulous hands and from what you say, Senor Ringo sounds like a powerful wizard. Giving him those books could be our own undoing. I am certain he would not hesitate to use the knowledge in those books to harm us. Would it not be preferable to free our friends before he is able to act and keep such dangerous weapons from him as well? I don't think we should tell him that we are not joining him. He will figure it out soon enough. What is the purpose of angering him in such a fashion? It would only endanger our friends further.” Kate says, "Whatever we do, it won't be until morning. Of course I would rather not give him what he wants, but it may be the only option. If it can be done your way, Senorita, I would be thrilled. I'll see all of you in the morning, or when there's news. Maska is intelligent, she'll find a way to one of us when she gets here. I don't have anything more to add, or any skill with this sort of thing anyway. I'll go with whatever you decide. Good night." Minerva states, “Let us hope that it is the will of the gods, to end this thing quickly and to get our friends home safely. I agree there is no more that we can do this night until we hear from the wolf. Minerva turns to Jake and Ruby. "Luna and I would like to stay here this night and wait for his arrival if that is amenable. I will go back to the Comstock House and get what we will need for the night and for our journey. " Buenos Nochas Senora Kate. Hasta Manana." With that Kate went back upstairs to Mr. Gonzales rooms to pile up books and try to discover a way to read a language she didn't know, or copy them somehow. Ruby and Jake retire to their room and Minerva returns with Luna to make her comfortable in the saloon and await the arrival of the wolf. Mid-way through the night Luna alerts Minerva that a wolf is approaching the Lucky Lady. Maska lets off a low howl. Upstairs in Jake and Ruby's room the puppies awaken to the sound of the howl and begin barking. Minerva goes upstairs and awakens Jake and Ruby with the news and then heads back downstairs. She gives the wolf some water and a bite to eat from the kitchen and checks him over for wounds while speaking soothingly to him. Ruby had used her magic to dry her leather outfit earlier so now put it back on. She and Jake gather their substantial pile of weapons, gear and traveling clothes and head down the stairs to Minerva and Nanuet's wolf. The clock shows that it is now 1:45 A.M. At Gonzales library Kate is sound asleep at the desk, having barely gotten a few pages copied when exhaustion overcame her. Once Minerva has fed Maska and looked her over for injuries she prays for a moment and then begins speaking to Maska. "We have been expecting you my friend. Tell us where Nanuet is" Maska indicates that Nanuet is being held prisoner in a farmhouse near the mountains in the direction of the sunset. Minerva asks, "How far away are they?." Maska indicates that she has been walking and running for 5 hours. Minerva asks, "Are you able to lead us back to them?." Maska indicates that she can but if the group is leaving now she would prefer to ride on something as she is exhausted. "What landmarks did you pass on the way?" She describes the mountain range and the farmhouse being near the upper corner on the Promise City rather than Tombstone side of the range. The Priestess then asks, "How many men did you see at the farmhouse?" Maska communicates that she has detected the scents of eighteen different people although all may not have been there. Minvera tells her owl, "Luna, When we get there fly to a safe spot and stay hidden. If you see men Hoot once for each man you see. Remember our trick. If I do this," She raises her arm and points upward. "Fly high and screech as loud as you can. Try and stay out of sight." She turns back to the wolf, "Maska, Our time to speak is running short. When we can no longer speak. Growl low to warn us of trouble." "May the goddess keep you safe from harm." Minerva hugs the wolf tightly. "You have a brave and true heart my friend. I am honored to make your acquaintance and Senor Nanuet is doubly blessed that you have chosen to befriend him" She reassures her "Together we shall rescue your companion and see him And Senor Chester safely home." Maska places her paw in Minerva's hand as if to shake on it and the spell ends. Jake comments to Ruby, "Katherine still trusts Ringo, but I still don't. I just don't understand what kind of power he has, or how to fight his magic. That book he just got back, can he use it right away or does it take time? Ruby you also said he was protected from my bullets with magic, is there anyway around that? Does it run out or can we make it go away? Or is there a way to make my bullets go through his protection?" Jake is scratching his beard and thinking hard. "I don't know if we should rush off or rescue them now or not. My heart tells me we should. If we put Maska on a litter it would still take us nearly six hours to get there, including the time to get ready to leave. That would be past sunrise and we wouldn't have the surprise of darkness. I wonder where Ringo will be? He may or may not show to meet Katherine. Should we leave Katherine to meet with Ringo or who he sends? Would she want to come with us if we were going on a rescue? The three of us and Maska are not a lot against up to eighteen Cowboy gang members. I'll bet Flint would come with us. I wonder if that Apache woman could get us some kind of help. If we get the marshal or Isby involved now we will have decided whose side we are on in Ringo's war...." Ruby touches Jake's shoulder and interrupts his rambling. "Slow down lover, give us a chance to answer." After Jake stops speaking Ruby starts pacing back in forth, furrowing her brow and tapping her lip, finally she sighs. “We have a lot of decisions to make and not a lot of time to make them. Look, my instincts also tell me to go ourselves and bring Nanuet and Chester back. But I’m just not sure that is the right thing to do. Maybe we should wait for the book deal to go down and find out if Ringo is telling the truth or not about our friends. I mean, let’s say he does intend to follow through. Kate gives him the books, we get our friends.” She pauses, :”After Jake stops speaking Ruby starts pacing back in forth, furrowing her brow and tapping her lip, finally she sighs. “We have a lot of decisions to make and not a lot of time to make them.” “Look, my instincts also tell me to go ourselves and bring Nanuet and Chester back. But I’m just not sure that is the right thing to do. Maybe we should wait for the book deal to go down and find out if Ringo is telling the truth or not about our friends. I mean, let’s say he does intend to follow through. Kate gives him the books, we get our friends. Well, maybe Ringo already has them on their way here so he can do that. I’ll never trust what Ringo says but that doesn’t mean he IS lying.” “And yes, we would be greatly outnumbered and need a good plan of action to succeed being so outnumbered.” Ruby stops to think. “But… if Kate were to not show up that would probably be big trouble so I really think we need her to meet him again, so we would be down at least her. I’m not sure she would agree to stay behind.” “I wouldn’t have given him the book, although I’m sure that’s not the only one he has for his spells.” Ruby runs her hand through her messy hair. “Jake, you and I are going to have a private talk one of these days about the way things are in the world. I’ve seen many things on my travels, good and bad and you are at a disadvantage not knowing. Some people have a gift like me and don’t need books. Other people need to study those books to be able to do what I do, so yes it would take time. There is a way to cancel the effects of magic but that is not a skill that I know or am powerful enough for. I’m sure there is also a way to make your bullets get through spells like that but again that is not something I know. Perhaps some of those books Ringo wants back has some of those answers. But you know me,” she smiles, “I’m not big on reading OR studying.” As she says this she looks Jake right in the eyes and raises her eyebrows. She looks toward Minerva. “Can you think of any spell that would let you communicate with Nanuet or Chester? If we do wait until tomorrow I can also read his mind again while the deal goes down to find out what he is really thinking and if he is trying to scam us.” Ruby continues, “One thing is clear to me though. If we want to live in this town and stay in business we're going to have to side with the Earps. Even if we just pretend to be on their side. Otherwise they will make our lives a living hell, and they do have the power to do that, look at what they have done already. Unless we can find a way to make the Cowboys and the Earps both think we're on their side. I don't see another option." She stops pacing in front of Jake and looks right at him. "I'm sorry but I can't stand to see you in jail again." She pauses, “Well, maybe Ringo already has them on their way here so he can do that. I’ll never trust what Ringo says but that doesn’t mean he IS lying. And yes, we would be greatly outnumbered and need a good plan of action to succeed being so outnumbered.” Ruby stops to think. “But… if Kate were to not show up that would probably be big trouble so I really think we need her to meet him again, so we would be down at least her. I’m not sure she would agree to stay behind.” She then defiantly states, “I wouldn’t have given him the book, although I’m sure that’s not the only one he has for his spells.” Ruby runs her hand through her messy hair. “Jake, you and I are going to have a private talk one of these days about the way things are in the world. I’ve seen many things on my travels, good and bad and you are at a disadvantage not knowing. Some people have a gift like me and don’t need books. Other people need to study those books to be able to do what I do, so yes it would take time. There is a way to cancel the effects of magic but that is not a skill that I know or am powerful enough for. I’m sure there is also a way to make your bullets get through spells like that but again that is not something I know. Perhaps some of those books Ringo wants back has some of those answers. But you know me,” she smiles, “I’m not big on reading OR studying.” As she says this she looks Jake right in the eyes and raises her eyebrows. Minerva states, “I question why Senor Ringo is so anxious to have these books. I fear that they could present a danger to us and others if he should acquire them. Also, once the books are no longer in our hands we are no longer able to use them as leverage to insure our friends return. She looks at everyone darkly, I do not trust his intent. He has already lied about the function of the one book that Senora Katherine gave him by saying it had no value other than a sentimental one. There is no cause to believe that he would not lie again. I am hesitant to leave Senora Katherine here to deal with such a ruthless man. He is by your own admission, a wizard who possesses greater power than your own and cannot be trusted not to harm her in our absence. I would like to see us stay together for safety's sake and we really could use her help in freeing our friends. As I told Katherine earlier, I am uneasy about delaying our departure. I can speak to the animals again after dawn but Maska is to tired to travel. I could tell Luna the location that Maska has relayed to us and send her with a message tied to her leg but she does not know of this farmhouse and there is no guarantee that she would recognize the location from the description alone. The longer Senor Chester and Senor Nanuet are held captive the graver their danger. I think that we should also consider the possibility that Nanuet and Chester will not wait overly long for our arrival. When Maska does not return they will assume that she did not arrive here safely If they do not realize the great number of men holding them captive they could be making an escape attempt on their own.” [/QUOTE]
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