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Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2809959" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p>Chapter 87, “Chumbley’s Surprise”, Saturday, March 18th , 1882, 9:45 A.M.</p><p></p><p>Chuck Nevers bursts out laughing. He says, "Wish we could do that on all of the runs, I swear, he scares away our customers with his chatter." Nevers then adds, "Too bad he won't stay that way for the trip. We could really give the rig a good run, although I doubt your horses would be able to keep up."</p><p></p><p>Ruby laughs. "Poor guy, we can't leave him like that! We're the only ones on the coach for today anyway, let me help him. You guys can get going if you'd like." Ruby kneels on the floor and leans over Chumbley, her long hair brushing his face. She gently shakes him and says softly, "Chumbley, come on Chumbley wake up..." She runs her fingers over his cheek as she speaks, trying to get him to wake up.</p><p></p><p>Ruby bounds into the stagecoach before Jake can even say a word. "Sure Ruby," He says to himself, "that is a good idea." He shakes his head and dismounts. He quickly ties the horses to the back of the stage, grabs their rifles and shotgun off the horse and climbs inside just in time to see Ruby leaning over the prone halfing. </p><p></p><p>"Maybe you should let him rest for a bit, it might be the only sleep you get." Jake says to Ruby as he closes the door and pounds on the side of the stage twice. "All set here Chuck. Thanks again, and don't forget to wake us in the unlikely event we manage to get any sleep back here." Ruby looks up from her position over the halfling. "Oh sure... I get it." She smiles at Jake as she gets up off the floor and takes a seat on the bench, patting the seat next to her.</p><p></p><p>"You get it, huh." Jake leans back on the seat and closes his eyes. "Explain it to me someday. I wonder how half pint's paper sales will be?" Ruby furrows her brows. "Oh you mean you really want to get some sleep?" Ruby starts to put on her pout but stops. "I guess I am still really tired." </p><p></p><p>She snuggles up next to Jake, putting her head on his shoulder and pulling her feet up. "I do want to talk to him though, about the other newspaper," she says with a yawn. She leans forward and grabs a paper, "Maybe I should read about my murder, might be an interesting story." She holds the paper up and starts reading.</p><p></p><p>A while later the Wells Fargo Stage reaches the turn in the road that heads south a few miles to the Shaw's Ranch. Taking the turn jostles all three sleeping individuals inside the coach awake. Chumbley stands up on the coach floor and stares in awe at Ruby exclaiming "You're Alive!" Once she blinks her eyes open he pounces on her and gives her a big hug exclaiming "I though...oh....You're Alive!"</p><p></p><p>Ruby had started to wake up in her usual way, slowly opening her eyes and making soft moaning 'do I really have to wake up' noises when she was suddenly pounced upon by the enthusiastic halfing. </p><p></p><p>Ruby giggles and wraps her arms around the halfling, returning his hug, although a bit sleepily. "Yes, I'm alive. It was all a big misunderstanding," Ruby smiles. "And I'm glad to know that you were so concerned!" Ruby fakes a frown as she lets Chumbley go, "Although I'm afraid your newspaper got the story wrong, I hope you won't get in any sort of trouble." He says, "Oh, that, yes I guess I'll have to take this stage back to Tombstone on the round trip to print up a new front page and head back to Promise City tomorrow with the revised copies." </p><p></p><p>She asks, "Did you distribute any of these in Tombstone? I wouldn't think anyone there would care to hear of news of my premature death anyway." He replies, "Oh no, this is the Promise City Edition. The only stories that would hit both town's papers would be things of mutual interest. Say, what's been happening in Promise City since I left yesterday morning? Anything of interest that I could use for a new front-page story? And tell me about your supposed death! Oh, I'm so glad that you are alive. I would have missed you terribly. Indeed I would have."</p><p></p><p>Ruby pats the little halfling on the head. "Thanks Chumbley, I really mean it." Ruby proceeds to tell him of her "death", her side of it anyway. She laughs as she tells it but notices Jake doesn't think it's so funny. "Jake can tell you the other part of the story, like what happened while I slept the night away at Laurie's." Again, Jake doesn't look too happy with Ruby. </p><p></p><p>"Er, um, hum... what else has been going on?" Ruby starts changing the subject, "Well, Johnny Ringo is in town. I'm sure that'll get people stirred up." He says, “"Ringo. In Promise City? He's never gone there before. What's he doing there?" She replies, "Why Chumbley, what makes you think I would know that?" She watches the halfling's face turn dejected. "Course, if I had to guess, it might be because a certain friend of his is in the jail, a man by the name of Gifford perhaps?"</p><p></p><p>He states, "Lane Gifford! I've heard about him. He was partner to Pinto Joe Weams, probably had a hand in Weams escape from jail in January. Does that mean that Deadeye Douglas is back too? I heard he was up in Wyoming." Ruby's eyes widen. "I haven't seen Deadeye and I haven't heard that he was around. I HOPE he's not around, you know he shot Jake the last time he was here." Ruby looks at Jake nervously. </p><p></p><p>She shakes her head, shaking off the thought. "Listen, I do want to hear the news from you, what's going on in Tombstone and stuff, but I also have some business I want to talk to you about. A business opportunity for you to think about. Interested?"</p><p></p><p>Jake is careful not to interrupt the conversation between Ruby and Chumbley. He is perfectly happy letting Ruby do all the talking to the diminutive newspaperman. He's really not a bad sort, thinks Jake, so why can I clearly see my hands around his throat? Jake shakes his head and continues to listening without giving any indication he is going to answer.</p><p></p><p>Chumbley states, "Business? What type of business? I might be interested, but I already have a job that I enjoy. What's happening in Tombstone you say, lots going on there. They have a new acting company that just came to town. Putting on shows starting tonight in Schieffelin Hall. The headliner of the acting troupe is Miss Josephine Sarah Marcus of California, you may have heard of her. All the prominent folks in town are going to the big premiere tonight. So I guess my having to go back to Tombstone to reprint the front page is actually a good thing, since I'll get to see the show."</p><p></p><p>Ruby exclaims, "An acting company? Oh I wish I could go too! I have heard of Miss Josephine. I'll be very jealous of you Mr. Chumbley, getting to see her act. As a matter of fact, if you can keep a secret," Ruby looks around like she is watching for people spying, "You can't tell anyone, no one knows yet. I want to do a play at the Lucky Lady. I'm going to do a play, Jake said it was ok. You'll come and see me, won't you?" </p><p></p><p>"As for the business, it has to do with your newspaper. You once mentioned opening an office in Promise City. I know of someone who you absolutely HAVE to hire! But now is not the time for talk of this business. I want to save some time when you're at the Lucky Lady so we can speak of it."</p><p></p><p>He states, "Oh, of course I'll go to the play. I'll also spend all the time you want me too at the Lucky Lady. I really enjoyed that room you let me stay in a week ago. You should turn it into a regular hotel, it's far nicer than the Promise City Hotel. And your entertainment is top notch. The acting company will be in town for a week or two so there will be other opportunities for you to see them if you come to Tombstone at some point. As for the Promise City Office, I would like that as all this traveling gets old after a while. But that's not my decision, it would be up to my boss John Clum, and he isn't likely to want to make the investment in a building, printing press and all of the equipment. One reason we have this set up is it makes better use of what he already owns."</p><p></p><p>"Ask Mr. Clum," Jake says suddenly, "what kind of investment it would be worth to see Baxter out of business." Ruby adds, "Oh yeah, that is what I meant to get at but you distracted me with all this talk of fun! We, Jake and I, have been on a little mission, you know, to help you out. And we decided that it would be in everyone's best interest if you, and your boss, bought out Baxter's newspaper," Ruby states matter of fact.</p><p></p><p>Chumbley exclaims, "BAXTER! Oh, that's a whole new issue altogether. He'd love to drive that guy out of business. You should probably talk to him the next time you're in Tombstone. He's no longer Tombstone's Mayor so has more time on his hands these days so might be interested in more business ventures." Jake comments, “I must have missed that story in your paper, who's mayor now?" Chumbley replies, "That would be John S. Carr, who is also the town's main blacksmith."</p><p></p><p>"Oh Jake, can we go to Tombstone to see the show, can we? I really want to..." Ruby grabs on to Jake's arm and squeezes. "It would be so much fun!" "We have a few odd jobs to take care of before we could go," Jake says pleasantly but with a serious look on his face. "I would enjoy it. I'd be happy to take you after we handle our business." Ruby giggles and claps her hands together. "It's been a long time since we went out on a real date, it would be so wonderful..." Ruby's voice trails off and her eyes go unfocused as she starts daydreaming.</p><p></p><p>"Jake you can find a way to turn anything into business can't you?" Ruby says, snapping out of her daydream. "Well, we can make a visit to Clum while we are in Tombstone." </p><p></p><p>She turns back to the halfling, “Chumbley, thanks for the compliments. We thought about possibly turning the Lucky Lady into a hotel in the future. We just don't know much about the hotel business and would need to find someone who did to help us out. So, anything else interesting going on in Tombstone? Better tell us quickly, we're almost at the Shaws."</p><p></p><p>Chumbley states, "No, things have been quiet. Almost peaceful like. Look's like Tombstone's wild and lawless days are now behind us." She says, "Oh yeah? And why do you think that is? The Earps?" Chumbley replies, "Of course the Earps. They've driven the Cowboy Gang out of business. I'll bet that's the last we've ever heard of those cattle rustlers."</p><p></p><p>"Really?" Ruby replies with an edge to her voice, "I don't think that's the last we've heard of them by far... As a matter of fact I think..." her voice trails off before she finishes her thought. "Hmmm....You'll bet, huh." Jake smiles at Chumbley. "That probably explains why I'm the gambler and you are the newspaper man."</p><p></p><p>Ruby and Jake have been gone for two hours, during which time the other six manage to finally coax, prod and maneuver the twenty-nine cattle to the main road. They feel proud of the accomplishment, although in truth the wolf and owl did far more of the wrangling than the humans and elf. </p><p></p><p>Chester is turning red due to the sun. He explains once again, "Er. Um. Miss Florencia. You sort of yell at the cows and try to guide them with your horse. You're definitely a better preacher than the previous one." Not understanding what the connection could be between preaching and cattle herding, Minerva opens her eyes and glances in the men's direction. </p><p></p><p>She is startled by their red coloring and begins to scold. "By the god's Senors you will get the sun stroke! You must drink more water in this heat! You are both getting quite overheated!" She digs in her saddlebag and rides over to Chester and hands him her water skin. "Yes, cold water would be good. Thank you miss." Chester awkwardly avoids Minerva's gaze. After taking a long drink, he hands the water-skin to Nanuet. "You heard what she said. Drink up."</p><p></p><p>"Oh, uh sure Chester." Nanuet replies, unable to take his eyes off Minerva. "I could use some water, sure." Finally snapping out of his "trance" Nanuet exclaims. "Hey look, we made it to the road. Hopefully it will be a little easier now."</p><p></p><p>Katherine finally got her laughter under control and slipped down off the horse, intending to switch to another. At this rate, she'd have the chance to try most of these new animals. Nanuet and Chester were still fascinated by Minerva. Kate laughed again. With those reactions, you'd think they hadn't seen a woman in months. She stopped near Jeff's horse. "Thank you, Jeff. You did well back there, and you're very patient to help us move these animals."</p><p></p><p>He replies, "Not a problem, but that's not my real concern. It's been four hours since we attacked the farmhouse and we're now only two or three miles from there. How long will it be until some of the Cowboy gang arrive and find what we've done. We're a bit safer now that we're on the main road as far as having all of the animal tracks behind us, but we're still far from safe. Do you really think heading east is the best idea? Promise City is still thirty miles away, Tombstone is only eight miles west from this point."</p><p></p><p>She says, "I don't know, Jeff. I didn't expect these animals to slow us down this much. Honestly, I wouldn't mind abandoning the cows to their own devices, but Flint might object to that. If we switch routes now, Jake and Ruby won't be able to find us when they come back, and there are some people in Promise City I need to get back to. Still, if we get attacked on the way back and never get there.... What do you think?"</p><p></p><p>Jeff answers, "I don't know what to think. You're right about Flint, he seems a little...single focused. Let's see what Chester, Nanuet and Minerva think. It's their lives on the line too." Kate nodded and walked next to Jeff's horse as they went over where the others were sharing a drink. She waved Flint over. "Jeff and I have been talking, and I think we need to reconsider our strategy." Kate quickly sketched out what Jeff had mentioned. "We're not going anywhere fast, we're going to be easy to find if any Cowboys go to that house. If we abandon the cows we can move a lot faster. We could head for Tombstone, or move faster toward Promise City."</p><p></p><p>Chester states, "You don't need the cattle for your ranch? If we leave them here, they might just stay where they are. Then we can pick them up later. But we should head for the Lazy S Ranch. It's on the way to Promise City. We don't want to miss Jake and Ruby. If any surviving cowboys find them..."</p><p></p><p>Kate states, "We could use the cattle out at the ranch, but cattle are no good to the dead. Which we very well could be if we stay out here in the open. Flint, Nanuet, it's your ranch too. Minerva?" </p><p></p><p>Minerva listens to Katherine’s arguments. She states, “I think it's to soon to consider changing the plan. There is no reason to think that anything has happened to Senor Jake and Senorita Ruby. They know where we are and they are expecting us to be on this route. If we head in another direction they won't know where to find us. I vote that we continue heading toward the ranch.” "I'm hesitant to change direction myself. What about abandoning the cows? Flint?" Flint just nods.</p><p></p><p>Jeff agrees but adds, "I think we need to be a little better organized about this cattle driving, we might be able to get much better speed. Let's group them closer together, using the road itself to help herd them. Nanuet, your wolf seems to keep them moving, why don't you and her take up the rear to keep the stragglers headed forward. </p><p></p><p>Kate, you seem to do best with the horses and these horses seem willing to take some direction. Get these new horses lined up and keep them moving on one side of the road next to the cattle, that'll keep the cattle from heading off to that side. Chester and I can ride on the other side to keep them going. Flint, you take the lead but your job isn't the cattle, it's to watch out for trouble and be the first line of defense. Actually, take point, a few hundred feet out ahead. Minerva, I don't know you and your skills as well. How do you think you and your owl can best help this operation?" </p><p></p><p>Minerva replies, "Well Jeff, I’m going to send Luna aloft to warn us of trouble coming down the road. I do have some skill handling animals and so I'll just keep flanking the cows and help keep them moving unless Katherine needs help with the horses." Jeff says, "Good.” Minerva instructs Luna to fly ahead in search of riders and continues to "Ya! Ya!" in an attempt to get the cattle moving again. sure wish I cold still talk to the animals she thinks.</p><p> </p><p>Kate listened closely as Jeff outlined his idea, then moved to round up the horses. She pulled herself up on a different horse than she'd been riding before. The horses responded well to verbal instructions, and she got them into the line with only a little trouble. She placed herself near the front of the line and waited for the others to be ready.</p><p></p><p>Chester gets into position opposite Kate. He checks his rifle and pistol to make sure they're loaded. "I'm ready." Jeff says, "Okay, everybody has their assignments. Flint, fall out and take point. Let's ride troops." Chester calls back to Jeff, "Spent some time in the service, too? I didn't know that." </p><p></p><p>Jeff actually blushes and says, "Well..err...yeah, I guess you could say that. I'd rather not talk about it." Chester replies, "Oh. OK, then. I know what that's like. But I figured I couldn't hide from it for long. Where'd you learn to handle cattle?" </p><p></p><p>Jeff replies, "I've never handled cattle until today. But I've learned over time how to organize and take charge of a disorganized mob. Doesn't really matter the setting, the Army, construction of the Lone Star-Lucky Lady, or organizing this cattle drive. It's all the same, figure out the objective, organize everyone's strengths and tackle the problem. Hell, even that arrogant William Whipple took orders from me." Kate adds, “"He needed to take them from somebody. I'm not sorry to have seen the last of that man." Chester adds, "That was a sight to see. He must have been surprised that someone stood up to him like that." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet falls to the back of the small herd and does his best with Maska's help to keep the stragglers from falling to far behind. "We must look like a bunch of fools... especially myself and Chester and the owl and wolf." he says out loud but to no one in particular. Chester says, "We do, but we're out of the cowboys' grasp. I'll make that trade any day. Before I forget, thank Maska for me. We'd probably still be in that house if it wasn't for her."</p><p></p><p>Kate turned her head and smiled at Nanuet. "I'm sure I look just as foolish as you do. Well, not quite as foolish, I have more clothes than you. You're going to have a harsh sunburn." He replies, "You're going to have a harsh sunburn. I may, but I have spent my entire life out in the sun, in hardly more clothing than this. " Nanuet turns for a moment "Ooops, let me get that one over there, Maska seems otherwise occupied."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2809959, member: 8530"] Chapter 87, “Chumbley’s Surprise”, Saturday, March 18th , 1882, 9:45 A.M. Chuck Nevers bursts out laughing. He says, "Wish we could do that on all of the runs, I swear, he scares away our customers with his chatter." Nevers then adds, "Too bad he won't stay that way for the trip. We could really give the rig a good run, although I doubt your horses would be able to keep up." Ruby laughs. "Poor guy, we can't leave him like that! We're the only ones on the coach for today anyway, let me help him. You guys can get going if you'd like." Ruby kneels on the floor and leans over Chumbley, her long hair brushing his face. She gently shakes him and says softly, "Chumbley, come on Chumbley wake up..." She runs her fingers over his cheek as she speaks, trying to get him to wake up. Ruby bounds into the stagecoach before Jake can even say a word. "Sure Ruby," He says to himself, "that is a good idea." He shakes his head and dismounts. He quickly ties the horses to the back of the stage, grabs their rifles and shotgun off the horse and climbs inside just in time to see Ruby leaning over the prone halfing. "Maybe you should let him rest for a bit, it might be the only sleep you get." Jake says to Ruby as he closes the door and pounds on the side of the stage twice. "All set here Chuck. Thanks again, and don't forget to wake us in the unlikely event we manage to get any sleep back here." Ruby looks up from her position over the halfling. "Oh sure... I get it." She smiles at Jake as she gets up off the floor and takes a seat on the bench, patting the seat next to her. "You get it, huh." Jake leans back on the seat and closes his eyes. "Explain it to me someday. I wonder how half pint's paper sales will be?" Ruby furrows her brows. "Oh you mean you really want to get some sleep?" Ruby starts to put on her pout but stops. "I guess I am still really tired." She snuggles up next to Jake, putting her head on his shoulder and pulling her feet up. "I do want to talk to him though, about the other newspaper," she says with a yawn. She leans forward and grabs a paper, "Maybe I should read about my murder, might be an interesting story." She holds the paper up and starts reading. A while later the Wells Fargo Stage reaches the turn in the road that heads south a few miles to the Shaw's Ranch. Taking the turn jostles all three sleeping individuals inside the coach awake. Chumbley stands up on the coach floor and stares in awe at Ruby exclaiming "You're Alive!" Once she blinks her eyes open he pounces on her and gives her a big hug exclaiming "I though...oh....You're Alive!" Ruby had started to wake up in her usual way, slowly opening her eyes and making soft moaning 'do I really have to wake up' noises when she was suddenly pounced upon by the enthusiastic halfing. Ruby giggles and wraps her arms around the halfling, returning his hug, although a bit sleepily. "Yes, I'm alive. It was all a big misunderstanding," Ruby smiles. "And I'm glad to know that you were so concerned!" Ruby fakes a frown as she lets Chumbley go, "Although I'm afraid your newspaper got the story wrong, I hope you won't get in any sort of trouble." He says, "Oh, that, yes I guess I'll have to take this stage back to Tombstone on the round trip to print up a new front page and head back to Promise City tomorrow with the revised copies." She asks, "Did you distribute any of these in Tombstone? I wouldn't think anyone there would care to hear of news of my premature death anyway." He replies, "Oh no, this is the Promise City Edition. The only stories that would hit both town's papers would be things of mutual interest. Say, what's been happening in Promise City since I left yesterday morning? Anything of interest that I could use for a new front-page story? And tell me about your supposed death! Oh, I'm so glad that you are alive. I would have missed you terribly. Indeed I would have." Ruby pats the little halfling on the head. "Thanks Chumbley, I really mean it." Ruby proceeds to tell him of her "death", her side of it anyway. She laughs as she tells it but notices Jake doesn't think it's so funny. "Jake can tell you the other part of the story, like what happened while I slept the night away at Laurie's." Again, Jake doesn't look too happy with Ruby. "Er, um, hum... what else has been going on?" Ruby starts changing the subject, "Well, Johnny Ringo is in town. I'm sure that'll get people stirred up." He says, “"Ringo. In Promise City? He's never gone there before. What's he doing there?" She replies, "Why Chumbley, what makes you think I would know that?" She watches the halfling's face turn dejected. "Course, if I had to guess, it might be because a certain friend of his is in the jail, a man by the name of Gifford perhaps?" He states, "Lane Gifford! I've heard about him. He was partner to Pinto Joe Weams, probably had a hand in Weams escape from jail in January. Does that mean that Deadeye Douglas is back too? I heard he was up in Wyoming." Ruby's eyes widen. "I haven't seen Deadeye and I haven't heard that he was around. I HOPE he's not around, you know he shot Jake the last time he was here." Ruby looks at Jake nervously. She shakes her head, shaking off the thought. "Listen, I do want to hear the news from you, what's going on in Tombstone and stuff, but I also have some business I want to talk to you about. A business opportunity for you to think about. Interested?" Jake is careful not to interrupt the conversation between Ruby and Chumbley. He is perfectly happy letting Ruby do all the talking to the diminutive newspaperman. He's really not a bad sort, thinks Jake, so why can I clearly see my hands around his throat? Jake shakes his head and continues to listening without giving any indication he is going to answer. Chumbley states, "Business? What type of business? I might be interested, but I already have a job that I enjoy. What's happening in Tombstone you say, lots going on there. They have a new acting company that just came to town. Putting on shows starting tonight in Schieffelin Hall. The headliner of the acting troupe is Miss Josephine Sarah Marcus of California, you may have heard of her. All the prominent folks in town are going to the big premiere tonight. So I guess my having to go back to Tombstone to reprint the front page is actually a good thing, since I'll get to see the show." Ruby exclaims, "An acting company? Oh I wish I could go too! I have heard of Miss Josephine. I'll be very jealous of you Mr. Chumbley, getting to see her act. As a matter of fact, if you can keep a secret," Ruby looks around like she is watching for people spying, "You can't tell anyone, no one knows yet. I want to do a play at the Lucky Lady. I'm going to do a play, Jake said it was ok. You'll come and see me, won't you?" "As for the business, it has to do with your newspaper. You once mentioned opening an office in Promise City. I know of someone who you absolutely HAVE to hire! But now is not the time for talk of this business. I want to save some time when you're at the Lucky Lady so we can speak of it." He states, "Oh, of course I'll go to the play. I'll also spend all the time you want me too at the Lucky Lady. I really enjoyed that room you let me stay in a week ago. You should turn it into a regular hotel, it's far nicer than the Promise City Hotel. And your entertainment is top notch. The acting company will be in town for a week or two so there will be other opportunities for you to see them if you come to Tombstone at some point. As for the Promise City Office, I would like that as all this traveling gets old after a while. But that's not my decision, it would be up to my boss John Clum, and he isn't likely to want to make the investment in a building, printing press and all of the equipment. One reason we have this set up is it makes better use of what he already owns." "Ask Mr. Clum," Jake says suddenly, "what kind of investment it would be worth to see Baxter out of business." Ruby adds, "Oh yeah, that is what I meant to get at but you distracted me with all this talk of fun! We, Jake and I, have been on a little mission, you know, to help you out. And we decided that it would be in everyone's best interest if you, and your boss, bought out Baxter's newspaper," Ruby states matter of fact. Chumbley exclaims, "BAXTER! Oh, that's a whole new issue altogether. He'd love to drive that guy out of business. You should probably talk to him the next time you're in Tombstone. He's no longer Tombstone's Mayor so has more time on his hands these days so might be interested in more business ventures." Jake comments, “I must have missed that story in your paper, who's mayor now?" Chumbley replies, "That would be John S. Carr, who is also the town's main blacksmith." "Oh Jake, can we go to Tombstone to see the show, can we? I really want to..." Ruby grabs on to Jake's arm and squeezes. "It would be so much fun!" "We have a few odd jobs to take care of before we could go," Jake says pleasantly but with a serious look on his face. "I would enjoy it. I'd be happy to take you after we handle our business." Ruby giggles and claps her hands together. "It's been a long time since we went out on a real date, it would be so wonderful..." Ruby's voice trails off and her eyes go unfocused as she starts daydreaming. "Jake you can find a way to turn anything into business can't you?" Ruby says, snapping out of her daydream. "Well, we can make a visit to Clum while we are in Tombstone." She turns back to the halfling, “Chumbley, thanks for the compliments. We thought about possibly turning the Lucky Lady into a hotel in the future. We just don't know much about the hotel business and would need to find someone who did to help us out. So, anything else interesting going on in Tombstone? Better tell us quickly, we're almost at the Shaws." Chumbley states, "No, things have been quiet. Almost peaceful like. Look's like Tombstone's wild and lawless days are now behind us." She says, "Oh yeah? And why do you think that is? The Earps?" Chumbley replies, "Of course the Earps. They've driven the Cowboy Gang out of business. I'll bet that's the last we've ever heard of those cattle rustlers." "Really?" Ruby replies with an edge to her voice, "I don't think that's the last we've heard of them by far... As a matter of fact I think..." her voice trails off before she finishes her thought. "Hmmm....You'll bet, huh." Jake smiles at Chumbley. "That probably explains why I'm the gambler and you are the newspaper man." Ruby and Jake have been gone for two hours, during which time the other six manage to finally coax, prod and maneuver the twenty-nine cattle to the main road. They feel proud of the accomplishment, although in truth the wolf and owl did far more of the wrangling than the humans and elf. Chester is turning red due to the sun. He explains once again, "Er. Um. Miss Florencia. You sort of yell at the cows and try to guide them with your horse. You're definitely a better preacher than the previous one." Not understanding what the connection could be between preaching and cattle herding, Minerva opens her eyes and glances in the men's direction. She is startled by their red coloring and begins to scold. "By the god's Senors you will get the sun stroke! You must drink more water in this heat! You are both getting quite overheated!" She digs in her saddlebag and rides over to Chester and hands him her water skin. "Yes, cold water would be good. Thank you miss." Chester awkwardly avoids Minerva's gaze. After taking a long drink, he hands the water-skin to Nanuet. "You heard what she said. Drink up." "Oh, uh sure Chester." Nanuet replies, unable to take his eyes off Minerva. "I could use some water, sure." Finally snapping out of his "trance" Nanuet exclaims. "Hey look, we made it to the road. Hopefully it will be a little easier now." Katherine finally got her laughter under control and slipped down off the horse, intending to switch to another. At this rate, she'd have the chance to try most of these new animals. Nanuet and Chester were still fascinated by Minerva. Kate laughed again. With those reactions, you'd think they hadn't seen a woman in months. She stopped near Jeff's horse. "Thank you, Jeff. You did well back there, and you're very patient to help us move these animals." He replies, "Not a problem, but that's not my real concern. It's been four hours since we attacked the farmhouse and we're now only two or three miles from there. How long will it be until some of the Cowboy gang arrive and find what we've done. We're a bit safer now that we're on the main road as far as having all of the animal tracks behind us, but we're still far from safe. Do you really think heading east is the best idea? Promise City is still thirty miles away, Tombstone is only eight miles west from this point." She says, "I don't know, Jeff. I didn't expect these animals to slow us down this much. Honestly, I wouldn't mind abandoning the cows to their own devices, but Flint might object to that. If we switch routes now, Jake and Ruby won't be able to find us when they come back, and there are some people in Promise City I need to get back to. Still, if we get attacked on the way back and never get there.... What do you think?" Jeff answers, "I don't know what to think. You're right about Flint, he seems a little...single focused. Let's see what Chester, Nanuet and Minerva think. It's their lives on the line too." Kate nodded and walked next to Jeff's horse as they went over where the others were sharing a drink. She waved Flint over. "Jeff and I have been talking, and I think we need to reconsider our strategy." Kate quickly sketched out what Jeff had mentioned. "We're not going anywhere fast, we're going to be easy to find if any Cowboys go to that house. If we abandon the cows we can move a lot faster. We could head for Tombstone, or move faster toward Promise City." Chester states, "You don't need the cattle for your ranch? If we leave them here, they might just stay where they are. Then we can pick them up later. But we should head for the Lazy S Ranch. It's on the way to Promise City. We don't want to miss Jake and Ruby. If any surviving cowboys find them..." Kate states, "We could use the cattle out at the ranch, but cattle are no good to the dead. Which we very well could be if we stay out here in the open. Flint, Nanuet, it's your ranch too. Minerva?" Minerva listens to Katherine’s arguments. She states, “I think it's to soon to consider changing the plan. There is no reason to think that anything has happened to Senor Jake and Senorita Ruby. They know where we are and they are expecting us to be on this route. If we head in another direction they won't know where to find us. I vote that we continue heading toward the ranch.” "I'm hesitant to change direction myself. What about abandoning the cows? Flint?" Flint just nods. Jeff agrees but adds, "I think we need to be a little better organized about this cattle driving, we might be able to get much better speed. Let's group them closer together, using the road itself to help herd them. Nanuet, your wolf seems to keep them moving, why don't you and her take up the rear to keep the stragglers headed forward. Kate, you seem to do best with the horses and these horses seem willing to take some direction. Get these new horses lined up and keep them moving on one side of the road next to the cattle, that'll keep the cattle from heading off to that side. Chester and I can ride on the other side to keep them going. Flint, you take the lead but your job isn't the cattle, it's to watch out for trouble and be the first line of defense. Actually, take point, a few hundred feet out ahead. Minerva, I don't know you and your skills as well. How do you think you and your owl can best help this operation?" Minerva replies, "Well Jeff, I’m going to send Luna aloft to warn us of trouble coming down the road. I do have some skill handling animals and so I'll just keep flanking the cows and help keep them moving unless Katherine needs help with the horses." Jeff says, "Good.” Minerva instructs Luna to fly ahead in search of riders and continues to "Ya! Ya!" in an attempt to get the cattle moving again. sure wish I cold still talk to the animals she thinks. Kate listened closely as Jeff outlined his idea, then moved to round up the horses. She pulled herself up on a different horse than she'd been riding before. The horses responded well to verbal instructions, and she got them into the line with only a little trouble. She placed herself near the front of the line and waited for the others to be ready. Chester gets into position opposite Kate. He checks his rifle and pistol to make sure they're loaded. "I'm ready." Jeff says, "Okay, everybody has their assignments. Flint, fall out and take point. Let's ride troops." Chester calls back to Jeff, "Spent some time in the service, too? I didn't know that." Jeff actually blushes and says, "Well..err...yeah, I guess you could say that. I'd rather not talk about it." Chester replies, "Oh. OK, then. I know what that's like. But I figured I couldn't hide from it for long. Where'd you learn to handle cattle?" Jeff replies, "I've never handled cattle until today. But I've learned over time how to organize and take charge of a disorganized mob. Doesn't really matter the setting, the Army, construction of the Lone Star-Lucky Lady, or organizing this cattle drive. It's all the same, figure out the objective, organize everyone's strengths and tackle the problem. Hell, even that arrogant William Whipple took orders from me." Kate adds, “"He needed to take them from somebody. I'm not sorry to have seen the last of that man." Chester adds, "That was a sight to see. He must have been surprised that someone stood up to him like that." Nanuet falls to the back of the small herd and does his best with Maska's help to keep the stragglers from falling to far behind. "We must look like a bunch of fools... especially myself and Chester and the owl and wolf." he says out loud but to no one in particular. Chester says, "We do, but we're out of the cowboys' grasp. I'll make that trade any day. Before I forget, thank Maska for me. We'd probably still be in that house if it wasn't for her." Kate turned her head and smiled at Nanuet. "I'm sure I look just as foolish as you do. Well, not quite as foolish, I have more clothes than you. You're going to have a harsh sunburn." He replies, "You're going to have a harsh sunburn. I may, but I have spent my entire life out in the sun, in hardly more clothing than this. " Nanuet turns for a moment "Ooops, let me get that one over there, Maska seems otherwise occupied." [/QUOTE]
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