Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2812159" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 88, “Help from the Lazy-S”, Saturday, March 18th , 1882, 11:30 A.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>Nanuet wheels his mount and gallops back to round up another slow moving bovine before returning to his conversation with Kate. "Well, if this works out it should be a nice addition to the ranch. It will definitely change the schedule of things around there, I mean with this many heads of cattle we may be able to start earning some money soon."</p><p></p><p>Kate answers, "I hope so. Sonoma thinks we should be able to do well in the birthing department. I never imagined we'd have so much stock so soon. Of course, that depends on how many of these head of cattle we can find proper owners for and how many we actually keep. I need to get the word out about horses soon. With these and the ones the Apache brought us, we're going to have over two dozen. I want our ranch to be known for well-trained horses, but the ones that were already trained I'm almost ready to call acceptably trained to sell."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet comments, "Sounds like you have been working hard then. Sorry, I haven't been around the ranch much, Jake and Ruby seem to keep me pretty busy around the Lucky Lady. I am sure we will have little trouble selling horses that have already been trained, especially well trained. Did we ever name our ranch? We're going to need a name if we are going to start doing business."</p><p></p><p>"Flint named his twenty original acres Pete's Ranch in honor of his partner. It might upset him if we changed that. But maybe a second, more public name? I don't know... It's something to think about. And don't worry about not being around much. It's been quiet enough so far that we've been able to handle it. Now, when planting time comes we expect to see you out there sweating like the rest of us!" Kate finished with a laugh. </p><p></p><p>He answers, “"Sweating is something I can do, never hid from work. I will be around more often I promise, and Pete's Ranch sounds good to me, just figured we needed a name." Kate replies, "I know you'll be there when we need you. I'd like to be able to work something into the name in honor of Tom as well. I wish I could move his resting place from Tombstone to the ranch," she finished quietly. </p><p></p><p>Nanuet says, "Sounds like a grand idea Miss Kate, the name that is. Not that I am an expert, but if you need an extra hand with moving your late husband, I would be honored if you consider me." She states, "I'm not sure it's even possible. And imagine what the Earp's would do if I wanted to move him. But if it does look possible, I'd be glad of your help." Chester adds, ""Am I welcome, too? It'll do me good to do some outdoors work." She states, "Of course you're welcome. We can always use an extra hand."</p><p></p><p>The events of the last few days begin to catch up to Minerva as she plods along listening to the friendly banter of her comrades. She occasionally looks to the sky in search of Luna as she drowsily hums a tune that she heard recently. Something about deer and antelope playing.</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, fifteen miles to the east the stagecoach pulls into the Lazy-S ranch. Ranch hand Tim Kilpin meets the stage. Ruby steps off the coach and greets Tim. "Good morning. Is Mr. Shaw around? Can you tell him Miss Ruby West would like to speak with him?"</p><p></p><p>It takes very little time from when Tim heads into the main house with the message until Emery Shaw arrives. His son Humphrey and daughter Tricia follow him outside. Nevers and Gilly help start unhitching Jake and Ruby's horses from the stage. Chumbley says goodbye to Ruby. The stage gets ready to head back to the main road for the remainder of their trip to Promise City.</p><p></p><p>Jake gathers the weapons and takes the horses from the back of the stage that was just untied. He puts the rifles on the horses, and leads the horses following Ruby. "Thanks again Chuck. We'll see you soon in Promise City." </p><p></p><p>Ruby extends her hand to Shaw. "Mr. Shaw, how are you? We have a little problem and we are hoping you can help us, you've been so generous with your help in the past." He smiles and says, "Why certainly Miss. West. What seems to be the problem?" She replies, "Maybe we should go inside or somewhere more private? What we have to talk about is a, uh, sensitive subject."</p><p></p><p>He answers, "Why certainly. Humphrey, make sure that the hands feed and water their horses. Miss West, Mr. Cook, if you would please follow me." Tricia wasn't invited but follows along. Shaw leads them back into the main dining room where they had met before. He heads over to a liquor cabinet and takes out a bottle of good whiskey and three glasses. Tricia stays further back by the doorway to the room.</p><p></p><p>Jake takes the glass and says, "Sir you are a gentleman and a life saver." Jake smiles and takes the whiskey from Shaw. "To your health and your family." Shaw says, "Well speaking of family, if you're going to stand there listening you might as well come in Tricia." She says, "Don't mind if I do." She helps herself to a glass from the cabinet and pours herself some of the whiskey.</p><p></p><p>Ruby takes a sip of whiskey before beginning her tale. "Mr. Shaw, what we have to tell you is sensitive information and could put us at risk." She looks up at him from under her eyelashes, "But I feel like we can trust you. You've been so generous with your help to us, to me." </p><p></p><p>"We've been thrust into a war, a war in which we want no part of. A war between the Earps and the Cowboy Gang. Johnny Ringo had some of our friends kidnapped as a way of blackmailing us into helping him. We decided to take matters into our own hands. We rode out early this morning and rescued our friends, killing many Cowboys in the process. I believe Johnny Ringo was or is waiting for us back in Promise City." Ruby stops to casually run her hand through her hair. </p><p></p><p>"We believe we left none alive back at their farmhouse. We didn't want to leave the animals with no one to take care of them. We want to take their cattle and horses as payment for trouble they have put us through. The problem is, we don't know how to move a herd of cattle. That is where we would like your help. In return, we'd be happy to give you some of the stock for your help."</p><p></p><p>He replies, "I've had four cattle rustled from my ranch last weekend, so some of that stock might be mine already. Honestly, I think we'd need to get the law to help find the rightful owners of the animals, to keep them would make us no worse than the Cowboys. How far away is this farmhouse that the cattle are at?"</p><p></p><p>"I have no problem with getting the law involved. To tell you the truth, I could care less about the cattle. I'm more worried about the Cowboy Gang right now." Ruby describes how far away the farmhouse is and the route the rest were supposed to take.</p><p></p><p>Jake savors the whiskey before responding. "I have no personal interest in the cattle, and I agree with you but I'll let you work that out with Katherine Kale. I just don't want the Cowboy gang to keep them to fund their foul activities."</p><p></p><p>Shaw exclaims, "I agree. You started something, I'll help you finish it. Tricia, go tell Humphrey, Tim, Jude, Jeff and Abner to get their gear. Full coats, side arms and rifles for this one, just tell 'em cowboy gang. Just show us where to go Mr. Cook and we'll help you out. Tricia will help to keep Miss West safe here."</p><p></p><p>Jake says, "Thank you Mr. Shaw. Don't underestimate Miss West sir, she is more than capable." Jake turns to Ruby, "Do you want to rest here or come back along. Don't forget we need to get to Promise City after this." "I'm not staying behind!" Ruby says forcefully. "I'm coming with you."</p><p></p><p>Tricia follows up Ruby's exclamation with "I am too, Ellen and the other hands can handle things around here until we're back." Shaw starts to protest but his daughter is defiant. He looks to Jake and says "Do you want to help me with this discussion?"</p><p></p><p>Jake laughs, "I imagine that your daughter inherits her spunk from her mother, and you probably never won an argument with her either." Jake turns to Tricia, "We'd welcome your company if you can follow directions if there is trouble." Jake looks her hard in the eye. "If you promise me." Tricia stares back, a slight smile coming to her lips. She lowers her voice an octave and replies, "I'll promise you whatever you'd like Mr. Cook."</p><p></p><p>Ruby raises an eyebrow. "I think she should STAY. We don't have time to be babysitting." "Babysitting! I'm older than you are Miss West!" Tricia exclaims. Jake interjects, "No, Ruby, I think she should come along." Jake turns to Emery and his daughter. "The only promise I want from you Miss Shaw is that you'll listen to your father or myself it there is a problem. Fair enough? I think we should refresh ourselves for just a few minutes before we head out."</p><p></p><p>"What?" Ruby says is disbelief. She narrows her eyes at Jake, staring at him for a moment before stomping outside. The Shaws both head off to get ready and organize the men. Jake chuckles to himself and downs the rest of his whiskey. He helps himself to another drink from Shaws bottle and says out loud, "Damn wildcat that woman." He chuckles again. Jake located the outhouse, then finds some clean water to refill his water skins and washes his face before returning to his horse. He passes the time by drawing and twirling his Colt in and out of the holster until the others are ready to go.</p><p></p><p>The Shaws are soon ready to go. Emery reintroduces the hands to Jake and Ruby by name, not remembering which ones they have met before. The men are Tim Kiplin, Jude Gleeson, Jeff Hummel and Abner Mingle. Adding Ruby and Jake and along with Emery, Humphrey and Tricia Shaw that makes nine. Ruby smiles and nods to each hand. She doesn't speak to Jake. She turns up her nose then trots her horse up near Mr. Shaw.</p><p></p><p>They head out, covering the three miles to the main road rather quickly and then turning west. During the ride out, Jake manages to get his horse along side Emery Shaw's for a short time so they can talk. Jake says, "I know you have been a bastion against the Cowboy gang for some time out here. Being involved with us on this one may be far more dangerous than you first imagine. Back when you hosted the Cartwrights everyone believed that they raided the Cowboy's rustler cave. Well the truth of the matter is we were there and were every bit as involved as the Cartwrights were, maybe even more. I kept it quiet to keep the women safe. It wasn't the Cartwrights that killed the McLaury brothers and Curly Bill." </p><p></p><p>Jake is quiet for a moment. "Anyway, believe what you like. Just know the truth of the danger and keep your family safe." Jake looks over at Ruby. "I intend to remove any threat to those I care about."</p><p></p><p>Shaw replies, "We're of the same mind there Mr. Cook. In case you haven't noticed, I happen raise cattle for a living. I'd be doing everything in my power to rid the world of those rustlers even if your and my paths had never crossed. As for what you've accomplished, that's nothing to be ashamed of. I'm proud to ride by your side." Jake just nods and says to Emery Shaw, "I'm long overdue to come out to your ranch for a night of poker." </p><p></p><p>He smiles and then rides over to Ruby. "What do you think?" He says to Ruby who is looking away from him. "Seems like that Tricia Shaw likes me." Jake looks straight ahead and tries not to laugh. "I'll bet she is mighty jealous though, the word is that Jake Cook's girl is the prettiest on the continent."</p><p></p><p>Ruby keeps her nose in the air. "There is NO good reason why she had to come, Mr. Cook. We don't need to be worrying about her boy crazy ways on this trip. And you had to disagree with me in front of everyone..." Ruby keeps her face turned away from Jake but doesn't ride away from him.</p><p></p><p>"Boy crazy?" Jake laughs out loud. "Yessem, this po' boy is just shua confounded over all this attention." He laughs some more. "That Jake Cook is some pain in the behind, ain't he? You just never know what he's likely to do. I just don't understand what you see in him. Why don't you ditch that boy and come with me behind the barn? How about it?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby looks down and tries not to crack a smile. "I don't know what I see in him either sometimes." Ruby flips her hair from one side to the other and finally looks at Jake. "And just what exactly would we do behind the barn sir? I'm not sure I'm that type of girl." Ruby's full lips start to show the sign of a smile forming.</p><p></p><p>Dark storm clouds begin to form on the western horizon but appear to still be an hour or two away, although the smell of rain is in the air again. Dark storm clouds begin to form on the western horizon but appear to still be an hour or two away, although the smell of rain is in the air again. Jake eyes the storm clouds as he talks to Ruby, "I don't mean to sulley your honor fair maiden, but I would sorely like to get you out of those leathers."</p><p></p><p>"Oh." Ruby replies. "Then I'm exactly that type of girl," as she bites her lip. "And you must be my knight in shining armor." Finally she lets a small laugh escape her lips. She looks up at Jake and stares him in the eyes, "You know I hate when you do that."</p><p></p><p>“I really like it when you smile like that," Jake pushes his horse right along side Ruby's. "and I especially like it that you hate it when I do that." He leans quickly across and kisses her and then puts his horse in a gallop towards the head of their group.</p><p></p><p>Ruby shakes her head as she watches Jake ride away. That boy is going to be the death of me, she thinks. She watches as the angry rain clouds gather and says out loud to no one, "Glad I wanted these pants tight." She laughs. As they ride on she makes sure her guns are all ready and easily reachable.</p><p></p><p>Another hour has now gone by for both groups, with it now nearing 1:00 P.M. The Shaw group has covered ten miles west along the main road while the cattle wranglers have now gone three miles east on the road. Five miles now separates the two groups. </p><p></p><p>Nanuet, Minerva and Kate all notice when Luna flies back down from her higher elevation. Nanuet says, "Hey Minerva, there is your friend. Any news?" As Minerva scans skies in search of Luna she notices the ominous clouds moving in. she continues to sing in an effort to keep the cows calm knowing that a thunderstorm would almost surely cause a stampede. </p><p></p><p><em>As I was a-walking one morning for pleasure </em></p><p><em>I spied a cowpuncher a-riding along, </em></p><p><em>His hat was throwed back and his spurs was a-jingling, </em></p><p><em>As he approach'd me was a-singing this song. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>"Whoopee ti-yi-yo, git along, little dogies, </em></p><p><em>It's your misfortune and none of my own. </em></p><p><em>Whoopee ti-yi-yo, git along, little dogies, </em></p><p><em>For you know Wyoming will be your new home. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Early in the spring we round up the dogies, </em></p><p><em>Mark and brand them and bob off their tails, </em></p><p><em>Round up our horses, load up the chuck-wagon, </em></p><p><em>Then throw the dogies upon the North trail." </em></p><p></p><p>Luna descends on her shoulder. "Hola Luna, did you see anything out there?" After a minute she announces, "Si, Senor Nanuet, Luna says there are two separate groups of riders heading towards us. One group of nine riders is five to six miles ahead riding west towards us and another group of seven riders is two to three miles behind them also riding towards us. They are all too far away for her to tell if Jake and Ruby are part of either group."</p><p></p><p>Chester looks up at the sky. "Hmm. Looks like rain. I hope cows don't mind getting wet." Minerva says, “Sound like we're in for some pretty dark weather! A good thunderstorm could cause this beef to stampede. We should find ourselves a place to hide in the event that the riders coming toward us aren't friendly." Nanuet suggests, "Let me send Maska to do some scouting. She should be able to get close enough to see if our companions are with either group." </p><p></p><p>Minerva states, "Sending Maska is a good idea. I would send Luna up but there is no place for her to hide and I would not want her to get too close. The wind is picking up but we should have at least another hour before the storm arrives. I do not see a place where we can readily hide twenty-nine cattle and a pack of horses. I will have Luna scout it out so that we can move the cattle off the road. Chester states, "If the cowboys are coming, then I'll be ready to pay back their hospitality. Once they find out what we've done, there will be no quarter given." </p><p></p><p>Minerva smiles and suggests, “In the meantime perhaps we should keep singing." Chester says, “I don't know many songs. Maybe you can teach us some." She says, “Well, Senor Chester, I don't know may cowboy songs either but I find that when I sing it helps my English. Perhaps music would soothe the beasts. I know that Luna love it when I play." Minerva reaches into her saddlebag and takes out her flute." Please, everyone, sing if you are familiar with the words." and she begins playing The Yellow Rose of Texas</p><p></p><p>Kate says, "I doubt my singing would soothe anything, Miss Florencia. It's not among my talents. Luckily for us it is among yours." Kate wiped her forehead and put her hat back on. That coming storm was trouble, but at least it would cool them off. Hopefully the first group of riders was their friends. They were going to need the extra help. She was low on any kind of spells and they were all tired.</p><p></p><p>Minerva laughs lightheartedly, "I am sure that you can sing at least as well as most cowboys, Senora Katherine. Besides I don't think that the cows are very critical. It's not talent that soothes them, it's the heart of the singer and you have plenty of that!" She smiles affectionately at Kate. </p><p></p><p>Minerva looks up as Luna flies toward her. She holds out her arm as Luna lands on it. Minerva appears to be listening and the look of wonder reappears on her face. Nanuet tells Maska to scout ahead to see if Ruby and Jake are with the nearest group of riders. Either way she is to return after she spots the first group. He will keep in contact with her for as long as he can.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2812159, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 88, “Help from the Lazy-S”, Saturday, March 18th , 1882, 11:30 A.M.[/B] Nanuet wheels his mount and gallops back to round up another slow moving bovine before returning to his conversation with Kate. "Well, if this works out it should be a nice addition to the ranch. It will definitely change the schedule of things around there, I mean with this many heads of cattle we may be able to start earning some money soon." Kate answers, "I hope so. Sonoma thinks we should be able to do well in the birthing department. I never imagined we'd have so much stock so soon. Of course, that depends on how many of these head of cattle we can find proper owners for and how many we actually keep. I need to get the word out about horses soon. With these and the ones the Apache brought us, we're going to have over two dozen. I want our ranch to be known for well-trained horses, but the ones that were already trained I'm almost ready to call acceptably trained to sell." Nanuet comments, "Sounds like you have been working hard then. Sorry, I haven't been around the ranch much, Jake and Ruby seem to keep me pretty busy around the Lucky Lady. I am sure we will have little trouble selling horses that have already been trained, especially well trained. Did we ever name our ranch? We're going to need a name if we are going to start doing business." "Flint named his twenty original acres Pete's Ranch in honor of his partner. It might upset him if we changed that. But maybe a second, more public name? I don't know... It's something to think about. And don't worry about not being around much. It's been quiet enough so far that we've been able to handle it. Now, when planting time comes we expect to see you out there sweating like the rest of us!" Kate finished with a laugh. He answers, “"Sweating is something I can do, never hid from work. I will be around more often I promise, and Pete's Ranch sounds good to me, just figured we needed a name." Kate replies, "I know you'll be there when we need you. I'd like to be able to work something into the name in honor of Tom as well. I wish I could move his resting place from Tombstone to the ranch," she finished quietly. Nanuet says, "Sounds like a grand idea Miss Kate, the name that is. Not that I am an expert, but if you need an extra hand with moving your late husband, I would be honored if you consider me." She states, "I'm not sure it's even possible. And imagine what the Earp's would do if I wanted to move him. But if it does look possible, I'd be glad of your help." Chester adds, ""Am I welcome, too? It'll do me good to do some outdoors work." She states, "Of course you're welcome. We can always use an extra hand." The events of the last few days begin to catch up to Minerva as she plods along listening to the friendly banter of her comrades. She occasionally looks to the sky in search of Luna as she drowsily hums a tune that she heard recently. Something about deer and antelope playing. Meanwhile, fifteen miles to the east the stagecoach pulls into the Lazy-S ranch. Ranch hand Tim Kilpin meets the stage. Ruby steps off the coach and greets Tim. "Good morning. Is Mr. Shaw around? Can you tell him Miss Ruby West would like to speak with him?" It takes very little time from when Tim heads into the main house with the message until Emery Shaw arrives. His son Humphrey and daughter Tricia follow him outside. Nevers and Gilly help start unhitching Jake and Ruby's horses from the stage. Chumbley says goodbye to Ruby. The stage gets ready to head back to the main road for the remainder of their trip to Promise City. Jake gathers the weapons and takes the horses from the back of the stage that was just untied. He puts the rifles on the horses, and leads the horses following Ruby. "Thanks again Chuck. We'll see you soon in Promise City." Ruby extends her hand to Shaw. "Mr. Shaw, how are you? We have a little problem and we are hoping you can help us, you've been so generous with your help in the past." He smiles and says, "Why certainly Miss. West. What seems to be the problem?" She replies, "Maybe we should go inside or somewhere more private? What we have to talk about is a, uh, sensitive subject." He answers, "Why certainly. Humphrey, make sure that the hands feed and water their horses. Miss West, Mr. Cook, if you would please follow me." Tricia wasn't invited but follows along. Shaw leads them back into the main dining room where they had met before. He heads over to a liquor cabinet and takes out a bottle of good whiskey and three glasses. Tricia stays further back by the doorway to the room. Jake takes the glass and says, "Sir you are a gentleman and a life saver." Jake smiles and takes the whiskey from Shaw. "To your health and your family." Shaw says, "Well speaking of family, if you're going to stand there listening you might as well come in Tricia." She says, "Don't mind if I do." She helps herself to a glass from the cabinet and pours herself some of the whiskey. Ruby takes a sip of whiskey before beginning her tale. "Mr. Shaw, what we have to tell you is sensitive information and could put us at risk." She looks up at him from under her eyelashes, "But I feel like we can trust you. You've been so generous with your help to us, to me." "We've been thrust into a war, a war in which we want no part of. A war between the Earps and the Cowboy Gang. Johnny Ringo had some of our friends kidnapped as a way of blackmailing us into helping him. We decided to take matters into our own hands. We rode out early this morning and rescued our friends, killing many Cowboys in the process. I believe Johnny Ringo was or is waiting for us back in Promise City." Ruby stops to casually run her hand through her hair. "We believe we left none alive back at their farmhouse. We didn't want to leave the animals with no one to take care of them. We want to take their cattle and horses as payment for trouble they have put us through. The problem is, we don't know how to move a herd of cattle. That is where we would like your help. In return, we'd be happy to give you some of the stock for your help." He replies, "I've had four cattle rustled from my ranch last weekend, so some of that stock might be mine already. Honestly, I think we'd need to get the law to help find the rightful owners of the animals, to keep them would make us no worse than the Cowboys. How far away is this farmhouse that the cattle are at?" "I have no problem with getting the law involved. To tell you the truth, I could care less about the cattle. I'm more worried about the Cowboy Gang right now." Ruby describes how far away the farmhouse is and the route the rest were supposed to take. Jake savors the whiskey before responding. "I have no personal interest in the cattle, and I agree with you but I'll let you work that out with Katherine Kale. I just don't want the Cowboy gang to keep them to fund their foul activities." Shaw exclaims, "I agree. You started something, I'll help you finish it. Tricia, go tell Humphrey, Tim, Jude, Jeff and Abner to get their gear. Full coats, side arms and rifles for this one, just tell 'em cowboy gang. Just show us where to go Mr. Cook and we'll help you out. Tricia will help to keep Miss West safe here." Jake says, "Thank you Mr. Shaw. Don't underestimate Miss West sir, she is more than capable." Jake turns to Ruby, "Do you want to rest here or come back along. Don't forget we need to get to Promise City after this." "I'm not staying behind!" Ruby says forcefully. "I'm coming with you." Tricia follows up Ruby's exclamation with "I am too, Ellen and the other hands can handle things around here until we're back." Shaw starts to protest but his daughter is defiant. He looks to Jake and says "Do you want to help me with this discussion?" Jake laughs, "I imagine that your daughter inherits her spunk from her mother, and you probably never won an argument with her either." Jake turns to Tricia, "We'd welcome your company if you can follow directions if there is trouble." Jake looks her hard in the eye. "If you promise me." Tricia stares back, a slight smile coming to her lips. She lowers her voice an octave and replies, "I'll promise you whatever you'd like Mr. Cook." Ruby raises an eyebrow. "I think she should STAY. We don't have time to be babysitting." "Babysitting! I'm older than you are Miss West!" Tricia exclaims. Jake interjects, "No, Ruby, I think she should come along." Jake turns to Emery and his daughter. "The only promise I want from you Miss Shaw is that you'll listen to your father or myself it there is a problem. Fair enough? I think we should refresh ourselves for just a few minutes before we head out." "What?" Ruby says is disbelief. She narrows her eyes at Jake, staring at him for a moment before stomping outside. The Shaws both head off to get ready and organize the men. Jake chuckles to himself and downs the rest of his whiskey. He helps himself to another drink from Shaws bottle and says out loud, "Damn wildcat that woman." He chuckles again. Jake located the outhouse, then finds some clean water to refill his water skins and washes his face before returning to his horse. He passes the time by drawing and twirling his Colt in and out of the holster until the others are ready to go. The Shaws are soon ready to go. Emery reintroduces the hands to Jake and Ruby by name, not remembering which ones they have met before. The men are Tim Kiplin, Jude Gleeson, Jeff Hummel and Abner Mingle. Adding Ruby and Jake and along with Emery, Humphrey and Tricia Shaw that makes nine. Ruby smiles and nods to each hand. She doesn't speak to Jake. She turns up her nose then trots her horse up near Mr. Shaw. They head out, covering the three miles to the main road rather quickly and then turning west. During the ride out, Jake manages to get his horse along side Emery Shaw's for a short time so they can talk. Jake says, "I know you have been a bastion against the Cowboy gang for some time out here. Being involved with us on this one may be far more dangerous than you first imagine. Back when you hosted the Cartwrights everyone believed that they raided the Cowboy's rustler cave. Well the truth of the matter is we were there and were every bit as involved as the Cartwrights were, maybe even more. I kept it quiet to keep the women safe. It wasn't the Cartwrights that killed the McLaury brothers and Curly Bill." Jake is quiet for a moment. "Anyway, believe what you like. Just know the truth of the danger and keep your family safe." Jake looks over at Ruby. "I intend to remove any threat to those I care about." Shaw replies, "We're of the same mind there Mr. Cook. In case you haven't noticed, I happen raise cattle for a living. I'd be doing everything in my power to rid the world of those rustlers even if your and my paths had never crossed. As for what you've accomplished, that's nothing to be ashamed of. I'm proud to ride by your side." Jake just nods and says to Emery Shaw, "I'm long overdue to come out to your ranch for a night of poker." He smiles and then rides over to Ruby. "What do you think?" He says to Ruby who is looking away from him. "Seems like that Tricia Shaw likes me." Jake looks straight ahead and tries not to laugh. "I'll bet she is mighty jealous though, the word is that Jake Cook's girl is the prettiest on the continent." Ruby keeps her nose in the air. "There is NO good reason why she had to come, Mr. Cook. We don't need to be worrying about her boy crazy ways on this trip. And you had to disagree with me in front of everyone..." Ruby keeps her face turned away from Jake but doesn't ride away from him. "Boy crazy?" Jake laughs out loud. "Yessem, this po' boy is just shua confounded over all this attention." He laughs some more. "That Jake Cook is some pain in the behind, ain't he? You just never know what he's likely to do. I just don't understand what you see in him. Why don't you ditch that boy and come with me behind the barn? How about it?" Ruby looks down and tries not to crack a smile. "I don't know what I see in him either sometimes." Ruby flips her hair from one side to the other and finally looks at Jake. "And just what exactly would we do behind the barn sir? I'm not sure I'm that type of girl." Ruby's full lips start to show the sign of a smile forming. Dark storm clouds begin to form on the western horizon but appear to still be an hour or two away, although the smell of rain is in the air again. Dark storm clouds begin to form on the western horizon but appear to still be an hour or two away, although the smell of rain is in the air again. Jake eyes the storm clouds as he talks to Ruby, "I don't mean to sulley your honor fair maiden, but I would sorely like to get you out of those leathers." "Oh." Ruby replies. "Then I'm exactly that type of girl," as she bites her lip. "And you must be my knight in shining armor." Finally she lets a small laugh escape her lips. She looks up at Jake and stares him in the eyes, "You know I hate when you do that." “I really like it when you smile like that," Jake pushes his horse right along side Ruby's. "and I especially like it that you hate it when I do that." He leans quickly across and kisses her and then puts his horse in a gallop towards the head of their group. Ruby shakes her head as she watches Jake ride away. That boy is going to be the death of me, she thinks. She watches as the angry rain clouds gather and says out loud to no one, "Glad I wanted these pants tight." She laughs. As they ride on she makes sure her guns are all ready and easily reachable. Another hour has now gone by for both groups, with it now nearing 1:00 P.M. The Shaw group has covered ten miles west along the main road while the cattle wranglers have now gone three miles east on the road. Five miles now separates the two groups. Nanuet, Minerva and Kate all notice when Luna flies back down from her higher elevation. Nanuet says, "Hey Minerva, there is your friend. Any news?" As Minerva scans skies in search of Luna she notices the ominous clouds moving in. she continues to sing in an effort to keep the cows calm knowing that a thunderstorm would almost surely cause a stampede. [I]As I was a-walking one morning for pleasure I spied a cowpuncher a-riding along, His hat was throwed back and his spurs was a-jingling, As he approach'd me was a-singing this song. "Whoopee ti-yi-yo, git along, little dogies, It's your misfortune and none of my own. Whoopee ti-yi-yo, git along, little dogies, For you know Wyoming will be your new home. Early in the spring we round up the dogies, Mark and brand them and bob off their tails, Round up our horses, load up the chuck-wagon, Then throw the dogies upon the North trail." [/I] Luna descends on her shoulder. "Hola Luna, did you see anything out there?" After a minute she announces, "Si, Senor Nanuet, Luna says there are two separate groups of riders heading towards us. One group of nine riders is five to six miles ahead riding west towards us and another group of seven riders is two to three miles behind them also riding towards us. They are all too far away for her to tell if Jake and Ruby are part of either group." Chester looks up at the sky. "Hmm. Looks like rain. I hope cows don't mind getting wet." Minerva says, “Sound like we're in for some pretty dark weather! A good thunderstorm could cause this beef to stampede. We should find ourselves a place to hide in the event that the riders coming toward us aren't friendly." Nanuet suggests, "Let me send Maska to do some scouting. She should be able to get close enough to see if our companions are with either group." Minerva states, "Sending Maska is a good idea. I would send Luna up but there is no place for her to hide and I would not want her to get too close. The wind is picking up but we should have at least another hour before the storm arrives. I do not see a place where we can readily hide twenty-nine cattle and a pack of horses. I will have Luna scout it out so that we can move the cattle off the road. Chester states, "If the cowboys are coming, then I'll be ready to pay back their hospitality. Once they find out what we've done, there will be no quarter given." Minerva smiles and suggests, “In the meantime perhaps we should keep singing." Chester says, “I don't know many songs. Maybe you can teach us some." She says, “Well, Senor Chester, I don't know may cowboy songs either but I find that when I sing it helps my English. Perhaps music would soothe the beasts. I know that Luna love it when I play." Minerva reaches into her saddlebag and takes out her flute." Please, everyone, sing if you are familiar with the words." and she begins playing The Yellow Rose of Texas Kate says, "I doubt my singing would soothe anything, Miss Florencia. It's not among my talents. Luckily for us it is among yours." Kate wiped her forehead and put her hat back on. That coming storm was trouble, but at least it would cool them off. Hopefully the first group of riders was their friends. They were going to need the extra help. She was low on any kind of spells and they were all tired. Minerva laughs lightheartedly, "I am sure that you can sing at least as well as most cowboys, Senora Katherine. Besides I don't think that the cows are very critical. It's not talent that soothes them, it's the heart of the singer and you have plenty of that!" She smiles affectionately at Kate. Minerva looks up as Luna flies toward her. She holds out her arm as Luna lands on it. Minerva appears to be listening and the look of wonder reappears on her face. Nanuet tells Maska to scout ahead to see if Ruby and Jake are with the nearest group of riders. Either way she is to return after she spots the first group. He will keep in contact with her for as long as he can. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded
Top