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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2813791" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 110, “The Veil of Dreams”, Sunday, March 19th , 1882, 5:45 P.M. </strong> </p><p></p><p>Nanuet stirred from his rest, his wound was healed, only the scar remained and he felt alright. He sat up slowly and swung his feet off the bed. He adjusted the ill-fitting clothes that belonged to Jake and made his way out of the room. He had no trouble finding the room where Minerva was taking her rest and he quietly entered. He found her still sleeping peacefully so he found a chair and pulled it over to her bedside. He swept the hair from her face so he could see all the features and muttered a single word. "Nea'eše." </p><p></p><p>Minerva hears the familiar voice as if at a great distance. She sighs softly, a ghost of a smile fluttering across her red lips as she continues dreaming. Nanuet sits by her bedside struggling to stay awake. He watches the even steady breaths coming from Minerva and nods off a few times. He begins quietly humming to keep himself awake and when he finds himself nodding off he paces the floor before settling back by Minerva's bedside. </p><p></p><p>Minerva crossed through the Veil of Dreams to find herself upon a wooded path deep in the forest. She looks around in awe as a dreamy smile dances across her face and into her eyes. Sunlight shimmers through treetops kissing her brow with its soft, warm touch. Wild flowers are scattered in all directions beyond the path, their colors soft and varied, yet so vivid and rich it is like some fabulous tapestry woven by the gods. The air, thick with the scent of flowers and ancient earth embraces her with its sensuous musky scents. </p><p></p><p>She cocks her head and listens but the forest sounds, like the ground she treads upon, are dampened by fallen leaves, and a moss so soft and green it invites her to stay and rest upon it. Yet she is compelled forward, drawn to a strangely beautiful humming in the distance. </p><p></p><p>As she slowly walks down the path she is reminded of the soft drone of bumble bees’ wings on a sultry summer afternoon, but it is a sweeter sound than this, full of emotion and promise, she thinks. “Perhaps fairies inhabit these woods.” She says aloud, but the thick forest air muffles her words. Looking ahead she spies a fork in the path and quickens her pace. Before it stands a dark figure. He has a fierce male beauty, a warrior's body, tough and tight and carrying the marks of battle. His eyes… She can feel the power of them as she approaches without fear. </p><p></p><p>“Why have you brought me here?” she asks. “It is time for you to choose.” He responds in a deep, yet gentle voice. She gazes beyond him to the right. There lies a well-trod path trampled smooth by the passage of many who have come before. She turns and studies the path to her left. It is much more treacherous, not much more than an empty stream-bed it is strewn with rocks and brambles and yet not so overgrown that it is impossible to navigate, She musses. Minerva raises her eyes and questioningly meets the steady gaze of the ancient Elven warrior. </p><p></p><p>“It is for you to choose.” He says. She stands unmoving, a deer on alert, her body tense with the strain of listening while her dark doe colored eyes scan the distance …. and she hears it softy floating up the left path toward her...The faint musical humming. She turns back and smiles up at the warrior. “Gracias,” she says as she curtseys gracefully. In one fluid movement she raises her skirts to protect them from the brambles, turns and lightly bounds down the un-trodden path. </p><p></p><p>Minerva slowley awakens from her dream. She has no idea where she is or how she got there. The last thing she remembers is begging for Nanuet's life, but rather than feeling panic upon awakening, she feels rested and at peace. She turns her head and is not surprised to see the Indian's dark eyes watching her, his brow furrowed in worry. She reaches up and cups his face gently in her hand. "Do not look so sad. Senor. All is well." she says softly and smiles. </p><p></p><p>"Sorrow is not how I would describe how I feel now." Nanuet replies timidly taking Minerva's hands in his own. "Concerned, awed, amazed, befuddled, nervous, excited... those words all come to mind, but not sad." he says, a light smile cracking his lips. "I do not know how or what you did, and I am not sure how I can thank you but... well, you saved my life." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet waits for Minerva to respond, looking deeply into her eyes for as long as he can bear before turning his head away ever so slightly. “Oh my, You must have been have been sitting in that chair quite a while“, She teases. She takes his hands. “Senor, have you ever heard of the Veil of Dreams? I was there this day. I believe that I was summoned by one of your ancestors. I do not know why he would choose to do so but, it appears that we have much to discuss. Minerva rises from the bed and gently kisses the blushing Indian. "Thank you for guarding my dreams. Now let us find some food. I am absolutley ravenous!" She laughs and taking his hand leads him to the door. </p><p></p><p>Nanuet had barely a moment to comprehend the kiss from Minerva before she took his hand and began leading him out the door. "What is this veil of dreams she speaks of? he wondered. "Yes, food sounds like a great idea!" Nanuet said with much enthusiasm. He stepped forward and opened the door for her not letting go of her with the other hand. He couldn't get the thoughts out of his head, this woman that he originally met with indifference not so long ago was now captivating. Yes, much to talk about, but where to start? "So what is this veil of dreams you mentioned?" he says as he walks with her out to the common room of the Lucky Lady. </p><p></p><p>As Nanuet escorts Minerva to the dining room she explains, "There are two Veils, or curtains that separate our world from that of the gods. The Veil of Power which crosses into the realm of the gods. They do not suffer the presence of Mortals there, Except, perhaps for those such as Hercules." she chuckles "The gods use this doorway to observe and manipulate events in our realm as pleases them. The second veil, the Veil of Dreams is a sort of middle ground. Since the gods are not allowed to directly manipulate mortals." Nanuet looks at Minerva quizically, </p><p></p><p>She answers, "Si, Senor even the gods must follow the rules, They, under special circumstances, will bring a mortal into this middle relm so that they may attempt to influence them by imparting knowledge of importance to them . But whatever decision is made it must be the Mortal's choice. The gods can only hope that the mortal will choose the path that the god desires. I crossed the Veil of Dreams this very day as you stood guard over me." She smiles at the look of disbelief on his face. "I know that it is difficult to comprehend. It does not happen often. " </p><p></p><p>"It is unwise to allow the spirit to leave the body as you know, other darker forces can interfere and the spirit may be lost. But you were there to guard me and the gods must have deemed you worthy of such guardianship. It was no dream, Senor. I heard you humming. You led me back. Muchas Gracias" She says and squeezes his arm. Shestopes and faces him. Looking him solemnly in the eye she asks, "It is of paramount importance that you understand what happened this day. Do you believe I speak the truth, Senor?" </p><p></p><p>"I would prefer to share the details of my journey with you later when whe have the time and privacy to discuss it as it concerns you also." she smiles up at him. "But I am surprised that you are not aware of the Veils, as the Warrior who summoned me, although older than you, bore you a striking resemblance." </p><p></p><p>“The Veils, are not something I am familiar with." He replies. "I have never studied any formal religion. I have always just believed to be watched over by my ancestors and since I was young I have always looked to them for support and talked to them. I always believed they could hear me if I could not hear them. Kajika has shown me how to focus some spiritual energy and work some prayers, which reminds me I need to go and see him again soon." </p><p></p><p>Minerva listens intently but decides not to persue the converstation at this time. She asks, "By the way what does Nea ese mean?" Nanuet Responds, "It means Thank you“ “Your Thanks is not necessary." Minerva says. "I could not have let you die." She says warmly. </p><p></p><p>The two then enter the common room as the others gather and take seats. Nanuet pulls out Minerva's chair for her and then drags one over next to her and sits down. The main room quickly fills up with their friends. Gathered around the tables are Katherine, Ginnie, Ruby, Jake, Nanuet and, Minerva. </p><p></p><p>Jake says, "I have lot's of news, but first let me just say the town appointed a new Deputy Marshall today. So when Chester arrives congratulate him. Dinner will be here shortly, it has already been ordered." "Chester? Our Chester Martin? That must have been an interesting meeting..." Ruby says with raised eyebrows while reaching for another cookie. </p><p></p><p>Amid the buzz of conversation and questions Jake waves Katherine over, "When the food arrives and Chet's here can you keep our conversation private?" She says, "I don't have a candle, I'll need you to get one. But...." Kate tucked her hand into a hidden pocket in her skirt, feeling the different components she now discreetly carried. The little paper packet was under her fingers. "Yes, I can handle that." "Excellent." Jake gives her a smile and retrieves a candle. They drink and chat amicably waiting for the guest of honor. </p><p></p><p>A block away, Chester says to himself “I better get home. They're waiting for me." Chester soon pushes open the swinging doors to the Lucky Lady. Jeff is the first to see him. "Evening, Chester. I heard what happened. Congratulations." Jeff slaps him on the back. Chester laughs and pats Jeff on the shoulder. "Thanks, Jeff. I gotta turn over a new leaf now." He makes his way to the table where his friends sit. Chester gives a big smile. "How's everyone doing tonight?" </p><p></p><p>"Chester," Kate smiled and stood up to kiss his cheek. "From the smile I'd guess you're pleased with your new job. Come sit with us." Jake exclaims, "Come on everyone, gather round, rather round. Grab a glass and something to drink, it is only fitting we toast soldier boy here." Jake grabs his drink and says, "Excuse me, deputy marshall soldier boy." </p><p></p><p>Everyone crowds in with their glasses in hand and Jake clears his throat, "To the town of Promise City's new deputy marshall. Our own Chester Martin makes good. I'm glad they finally recognized you for the fine upstanding citizen that you are, nobody deserves this more than you. May your courage never fail you, may your gun shoot straight, and don't forget to duck. Salud Chet!" Voices chuckle and several 'to Chet' affirmations are heard before glasses clink together. </p><p></p><p>There is more laughter and chatting for a few minutes before the food arrives. It is quickly distributed and Jake asks everyone to take their place. He nods to Katherine and continues keeping the attention of the group, "I have quite a bit to share so I'll go first while you eat." </p><p>As Jake begins to speak, Katherine makes sure her back is to the room and lights the candle, sprinkling the powder into the flame just after the flame springs up. She spoke the words softly, and once she felt the magic take took her seat. </p><p></p><p>Jake continues not waiting for Katherine to finish and keeping attention on himself. "The merchant association meeting was called to discuss what to do about the violence and lack of the Earps. The association is sending a group of three members to Tombstone to fetch the Earps back. Since Ruby and I were going tomorrow anyway, I volunteered to be one of them. It was also quickly decided that another deputy was in order. You might be interested to know Chet, that Cole Rixton suggested you for the job. He was impressed by the fact that you stopped the shootout." </p><p></p><p>Jake relates the other details of the meeting to everyone before he talks specifically about the Cowboy gang. "The association is afraid that having Gifford here is going to cause more trouble, so they want to ship him off to Tombstone. Davis of the Billiard place said he overheard some folks from Galeyville talking about a power struggle in the Cowboy gang. Says he heard that Pony Deal, Johnny Ringo, Billy Claibourne and Frank Stilwell all wanted the top job. Seems like you narrowed the field of contenders Chet, the man you killed was Pony Deal. Since we know that Claibourne is also out of the running it seems like it is between Ringo and Stilwell if the rumor is true. I wonder if Stilwell was one of the Cowboys we left in the desert?" Jake looks around from face to face before he continues, "So there is one thing that bothers me, if Deal was one of the men that shot at Ringo from the boarding house, and if it wasn't some trick," Jake stops and looks to Ruby. "No, the blood stain looked real." She says. </p><p></p><p>He continues, "then why would Deal shoot at Ringo and then shoot at Nanuet to protect Ringo. Unless he wasn't shooting at Nanuet for Ringo's protection." Jake says that last sentance like he was thinking out loud. "Before I let others share what each of you know so we can all be prepared, remember this. Until we finish this disagreement with the gang, be smart. Don't go places alone, or in obviously dangerous places. They are liable to kidnapped or murder without any notice." Jake glances at Katherine and then back to the rest of the group. "Lastly, Ringo must not be allowed any more of those books. We all need to help make sure that does not happen." Jake picks up his glass and nods indicating he is finished speaking. </p><p></p><p>Nanuet listens intently as Jake speaks. Unconciously his hand moves to the new scar that he bears on his torso. He waits until he is finished speaking then he talks. "Yes, we do need to share what little we actually know. I never got a chance to tell you all what Chester and I heard when we were guests at the farmhouse. There was an arguement outside our door. Fisk's name was mentioned. Something about him not being happy and thinking that we were going to tell the Earps something. Not sure if it means anything or not." </p><p></p><p>Chester says, "The cowboys also thought me and Nanuet were delivering a message to the Earps in Tombstone. I don't know if they were planning on killing Morgan Earp then or what. But we've chosen a side in this war between the two groups. So we're all targets." </p><p></p><p>Ginnie interjects, “Johnny Ringo tipped his hand and believes that I would be an easy mark for kidnapping. He even convinced Ma'am Kate of that, although she should have known better, and that is about as far from the truth as he can get. He also believes that I'm an empty headed little girl who isn't bright enough to follow a conversation or keep my mind on a subject and that I can be tempted with sweets. Well the sweets part he has right. </p><p></p><p>The reason he wanted thoses books is that one of them is litteraly an encylopedia of local spell componets. With the view most people have of magic it is invaluable to us and as a magic user to him although I'm not sure if he realizes how extensive it actually is. It isn't a problem for a young girl to go picking flowers and collecting strange things and I have talked to my friend from the cantina and he's willing to go with me on my collecting "adventures" so I won't be alone ever. This book does mean that I really need to work on my advanced Latin more, and we're going to need a safe space to test the componets once I'm pretty sure that I have collected the right ones so we don't have any surprises in the middle of a battle.” </p><p></p><p>Kate says, "I wasn't convinced he had you, Ginnie. In fact, Miss Florencia was going to go check for you at Mrs. Kelley's before I took those books out. Then the shooting started and it became a moot point. And so you're aware, there are at least a hundred or more books that Ringo wants. That's a lot of reading ahead. He asked me for all the books in Greek, Latin, and Atlantean. I pulled those particular books just because they were small, I had nothing else to go by so I hoped at least shorter books held less information than larger ones." </p><p></p><p>Ginnie says, “I think I better invest in a bunch of cookies, a cow and a comfy chair. My latin is good my greek is passible and I'm still struggling with Atlantian. Do we actually want to ear mark some of the books as "useable for emergency blackmail" status? The stuff that I can read and copy as lessons but really isn't going to give him anything that would be worthwhile or dangerous to us?” </p><p></p><p>Kate replies, "It certainly won't hurt. Let's hope we won't have to give him anything. It won't take him long to figure out we're keeping certain volumes out of his hands. They used to be his books, after all. He knows what's in that library." Ginnie interjects, “But right now he doesn't think any of us can read the languages that are in them and so we just hand him a mixed group of books in a language if we absulotly have to hand him something. And we make it look like we're obllivious to the information we've gotten from them. It works as a backup if we have no other recourse.” </p><p></p><p>Kate nodded to Ginnie, then looked over at Nanuet. "Hamilton Fisk was mentioned? We knew he was a snake, but I can't say I'm surprised to hear his name linked with the Cowboy Gang. I don't think there's anything I know that the rest of you don't. When I spoke with Ringo the first time he tried to play friends. He offered me Morgan Earp, to bring him somewhere so I could talk to him, with the understanding he wouldn't be allowed to return to his brothers. I turned him down. </p><p></p><p>He talked about Tom," she says with a disturbed look. "Said he thought he was a good man. I'm not sure why he wanted us with him so badly. Maybe it has to do with the power struggle inside the gang." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet states, "I am really confused though over the days events. Why would somebody shoot at Ringo, then shoot at me for shooting Ringo like Jake was saying. I really have no idea. How many Cowboys are there? Seeems like there numbers have been thinned significantly lately. Do you think they will stop to regroup or will this war that has been declared keep up? It sounds like they don't even have a leader, a leaderless army can't be a very effective one. Sorry, I'm just rambling here." </p><p></p><p>Chester says, "Rambling can lead to unexpected answers. It seems like they have an unlimited number of cowboys, don't they? A leaderless army may not be as good, but they can be more dangerous. With a leader, you can figure out his strategy. A mob can go in any direction all at once. Especially now that we've hit them hard."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2813791, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 110, “The Veil of Dreams”, Sunday, March 19th , 1882, 5:45 P.M. [/B] Nanuet stirred from his rest, his wound was healed, only the scar remained and he felt alright. He sat up slowly and swung his feet off the bed. He adjusted the ill-fitting clothes that belonged to Jake and made his way out of the room. He had no trouble finding the room where Minerva was taking her rest and he quietly entered. He found her still sleeping peacefully so he found a chair and pulled it over to her bedside. He swept the hair from her face so he could see all the features and muttered a single word. "Nea'eše." Minerva hears the familiar voice as if at a great distance. She sighs softly, a ghost of a smile fluttering across her red lips as she continues dreaming. Nanuet sits by her bedside struggling to stay awake. He watches the even steady breaths coming from Minerva and nods off a few times. He begins quietly humming to keep himself awake and when he finds himself nodding off he paces the floor before settling back by Minerva's bedside. Minerva crossed through the Veil of Dreams to find herself upon a wooded path deep in the forest. She looks around in awe as a dreamy smile dances across her face and into her eyes. Sunlight shimmers through treetops kissing her brow with its soft, warm touch. Wild flowers are scattered in all directions beyond the path, their colors soft and varied, yet so vivid and rich it is like some fabulous tapestry woven by the gods. The air, thick with the scent of flowers and ancient earth embraces her with its sensuous musky scents. She cocks her head and listens but the forest sounds, like the ground she treads upon, are dampened by fallen leaves, and a moss so soft and green it invites her to stay and rest upon it. Yet she is compelled forward, drawn to a strangely beautiful humming in the distance. As she slowly walks down the path she is reminded of the soft drone of bumble bees’ wings on a sultry summer afternoon, but it is a sweeter sound than this, full of emotion and promise, she thinks. “Perhaps fairies inhabit these woods.” She says aloud, but the thick forest air muffles her words. Looking ahead she spies a fork in the path and quickens her pace. Before it stands a dark figure. He has a fierce male beauty, a warrior's body, tough and tight and carrying the marks of battle. His eyes… She can feel the power of them as she approaches without fear. “Why have you brought me here?” she asks. “It is time for you to choose.” He responds in a deep, yet gentle voice. She gazes beyond him to the right. There lies a well-trod path trampled smooth by the passage of many who have come before. She turns and studies the path to her left. It is much more treacherous, not much more than an empty stream-bed it is strewn with rocks and brambles and yet not so overgrown that it is impossible to navigate, She musses. Minerva raises her eyes and questioningly meets the steady gaze of the ancient Elven warrior. “It is for you to choose.” He says. She stands unmoving, a deer on alert, her body tense with the strain of listening while her dark doe colored eyes scan the distance …. and she hears it softy floating up the left path toward her...The faint musical humming. She turns back and smiles up at the warrior. “Gracias,” she says as she curtseys gracefully. In one fluid movement she raises her skirts to protect them from the brambles, turns and lightly bounds down the un-trodden path. Minerva slowley awakens from her dream. She has no idea where she is or how she got there. The last thing she remembers is begging for Nanuet's life, but rather than feeling panic upon awakening, she feels rested and at peace. She turns her head and is not surprised to see the Indian's dark eyes watching her, his brow furrowed in worry. She reaches up and cups his face gently in her hand. "Do not look so sad. Senor. All is well." she says softly and smiles. "Sorrow is not how I would describe how I feel now." Nanuet replies timidly taking Minerva's hands in his own. "Concerned, awed, amazed, befuddled, nervous, excited... those words all come to mind, but not sad." he says, a light smile cracking his lips. "I do not know how or what you did, and I am not sure how I can thank you but... well, you saved my life." Nanuet waits for Minerva to respond, looking deeply into her eyes for as long as he can bear before turning his head away ever so slightly. “Oh my, You must have been have been sitting in that chair quite a while“, She teases. She takes his hands. “Senor, have you ever heard of the Veil of Dreams? I was there this day. I believe that I was summoned by one of your ancestors. I do not know why he would choose to do so but, it appears that we have much to discuss. Minerva rises from the bed and gently kisses the blushing Indian. "Thank you for guarding my dreams. Now let us find some food. I am absolutley ravenous!" She laughs and taking his hand leads him to the door. Nanuet had barely a moment to comprehend the kiss from Minerva before she took his hand and began leading him out the door. "What is this veil of dreams she speaks of? he wondered. "Yes, food sounds like a great idea!" Nanuet said with much enthusiasm. He stepped forward and opened the door for her not letting go of her with the other hand. He couldn't get the thoughts out of his head, this woman that he originally met with indifference not so long ago was now captivating. Yes, much to talk about, but where to start? "So what is this veil of dreams you mentioned?" he says as he walks with her out to the common room of the Lucky Lady. As Nanuet escorts Minerva to the dining room she explains, "There are two Veils, or curtains that separate our world from that of the gods. The Veil of Power which crosses into the realm of the gods. They do not suffer the presence of Mortals there, Except, perhaps for those such as Hercules." she chuckles "The gods use this doorway to observe and manipulate events in our realm as pleases them. The second veil, the Veil of Dreams is a sort of middle ground. Since the gods are not allowed to directly manipulate mortals." Nanuet looks at Minerva quizically, She answers, "Si, Senor even the gods must follow the rules, They, under special circumstances, will bring a mortal into this middle relm so that they may attempt to influence them by imparting knowledge of importance to them . But whatever decision is made it must be the Mortal's choice. The gods can only hope that the mortal will choose the path that the god desires. I crossed the Veil of Dreams this very day as you stood guard over me." She smiles at the look of disbelief on his face. "I know that it is difficult to comprehend. It does not happen often. " "It is unwise to allow the spirit to leave the body as you know, other darker forces can interfere and the spirit may be lost. But you were there to guard me and the gods must have deemed you worthy of such guardianship. It was no dream, Senor. I heard you humming. You led me back. Muchas Gracias" She says and squeezes his arm. Shestopes and faces him. Looking him solemnly in the eye she asks, "It is of paramount importance that you understand what happened this day. Do you believe I speak the truth, Senor?" "I would prefer to share the details of my journey with you later when whe have the time and privacy to discuss it as it concerns you also." she smiles up at him. "But I am surprised that you are not aware of the Veils, as the Warrior who summoned me, although older than you, bore you a striking resemblance." “The Veils, are not something I am familiar with." He replies. "I have never studied any formal religion. I have always just believed to be watched over by my ancestors and since I was young I have always looked to them for support and talked to them. I always believed they could hear me if I could not hear them. Kajika has shown me how to focus some spiritual energy and work some prayers, which reminds me I need to go and see him again soon." Minerva listens intently but decides not to persue the converstation at this time. She asks, "By the way what does Nea ese mean?" Nanuet Responds, "It means Thank you“ “Your Thanks is not necessary." Minerva says. "I could not have let you die." She says warmly. The two then enter the common room as the others gather and take seats. Nanuet pulls out Minerva's chair for her and then drags one over next to her and sits down. The main room quickly fills up with their friends. Gathered around the tables are Katherine, Ginnie, Ruby, Jake, Nanuet and, Minerva. Jake says, "I have lot's of news, but first let me just say the town appointed a new Deputy Marshall today. So when Chester arrives congratulate him. Dinner will be here shortly, it has already been ordered." "Chester? Our Chester Martin? That must have been an interesting meeting..." Ruby says with raised eyebrows while reaching for another cookie. Amid the buzz of conversation and questions Jake waves Katherine over, "When the food arrives and Chet's here can you keep our conversation private?" She says, "I don't have a candle, I'll need you to get one. But...." Kate tucked her hand into a hidden pocket in her skirt, feeling the different components she now discreetly carried. The little paper packet was under her fingers. "Yes, I can handle that." "Excellent." Jake gives her a smile and retrieves a candle. They drink and chat amicably waiting for the guest of honor. A block away, Chester says to himself “I better get home. They're waiting for me." Chester soon pushes open the swinging doors to the Lucky Lady. Jeff is the first to see him. "Evening, Chester. I heard what happened. Congratulations." Jeff slaps him on the back. Chester laughs and pats Jeff on the shoulder. "Thanks, Jeff. I gotta turn over a new leaf now." He makes his way to the table where his friends sit. Chester gives a big smile. "How's everyone doing tonight?" "Chester," Kate smiled and stood up to kiss his cheek. "From the smile I'd guess you're pleased with your new job. Come sit with us." Jake exclaims, "Come on everyone, gather round, rather round. Grab a glass and something to drink, it is only fitting we toast soldier boy here." Jake grabs his drink and says, "Excuse me, deputy marshall soldier boy." Everyone crowds in with their glasses in hand and Jake clears his throat, "To the town of Promise City's new deputy marshall. Our own Chester Martin makes good. I'm glad they finally recognized you for the fine upstanding citizen that you are, nobody deserves this more than you. May your courage never fail you, may your gun shoot straight, and don't forget to duck. Salud Chet!" Voices chuckle and several 'to Chet' affirmations are heard before glasses clink together. There is more laughter and chatting for a few minutes before the food arrives. It is quickly distributed and Jake asks everyone to take their place. He nods to Katherine and continues keeping the attention of the group, "I have quite a bit to share so I'll go first while you eat." As Jake begins to speak, Katherine makes sure her back is to the room and lights the candle, sprinkling the powder into the flame just after the flame springs up. She spoke the words softly, and once she felt the magic take took her seat. Jake continues not waiting for Katherine to finish and keeping attention on himself. "The merchant association meeting was called to discuss what to do about the violence and lack of the Earps. The association is sending a group of three members to Tombstone to fetch the Earps back. Since Ruby and I were going tomorrow anyway, I volunteered to be one of them. It was also quickly decided that another deputy was in order. You might be interested to know Chet, that Cole Rixton suggested you for the job. He was impressed by the fact that you stopped the shootout." Jake relates the other details of the meeting to everyone before he talks specifically about the Cowboy gang. "The association is afraid that having Gifford here is going to cause more trouble, so they want to ship him off to Tombstone. Davis of the Billiard place said he overheard some folks from Galeyville talking about a power struggle in the Cowboy gang. Says he heard that Pony Deal, Johnny Ringo, Billy Claibourne and Frank Stilwell all wanted the top job. Seems like you narrowed the field of contenders Chet, the man you killed was Pony Deal. Since we know that Claibourne is also out of the running it seems like it is between Ringo and Stilwell if the rumor is true. I wonder if Stilwell was one of the Cowboys we left in the desert?" Jake looks around from face to face before he continues, "So there is one thing that bothers me, if Deal was one of the men that shot at Ringo from the boarding house, and if it wasn't some trick," Jake stops and looks to Ruby. "No, the blood stain looked real." She says. He continues, "then why would Deal shoot at Ringo and then shoot at Nanuet to protect Ringo. Unless he wasn't shooting at Nanuet for Ringo's protection." Jake says that last sentance like he was thinking out loud. "Before I let others share what each of you know so we can all be prepared, remember this. Until we finish this disagreement with the gang, be smart. Don't go places alone, or in obviously dangerous places. They are liable to kidnapped or murder without any notice." Jake glances at Katherine and then back to the rest of the group. "Lastly, Ringo must not be allowed any more of those books. We all need to help make sure that does not happen." Jake picks up his glass and nods indicating he is finished speaking. Nanuet listens intently as Jake speaks. Unconciously his hand moves to the new scar that he bears on his torso. He waits until he is finished speaking then he talks. "Yes, we do need to share what little we actually know. I never got a chance to tell you all what Chester and I heard when we were guests at the farmhouse. There was an arguement outside our door. Fisk's name was mentioned. Something about him not being happy and thinking that we were going to tell the Earps something. Not sure if it means anything or not." Chester says, "The cowboys also thought me and Nanuet were delivering a message to the Earps in Tombstone. I don't know if they were planning on killing Morgan Earp then or what. But we've chosen a side in this war between the two groups. So we're all targets." Ginnie interjects, “Johnny Ringo tipped his hand and believes that I would be an easy mark for kidnapping. He even convinced Ma'am Kate of that, although she should have known better, and that is about as far from the truth as he can get. He also believes that I'm an empty headed little girl who isn't bright enough to follow a conversation or keep my mind on a subject and that I can be tempted with sweets. Well the sweets part he has right. The reason he wanted thoses books is that one of them is litteraly an encylopedia of local spell componets. With the view most people have of magic it is invaluable to us and as a magic user to him although I'm not sure if he realizes how extensive it actually is. It isn't a problem for a young girl to go picking flowers and collecting strange things and I have talked to my friend from the cantina and he's willing to go with me on my collecting "adventures" so I won't be alone ever. This book does mean that I really need to work on my advanced Latin more, and we're going to need a safe space to test the componets once I'm pretty sure that I have collected the right ones so we don't have any surprises in the middle of a battle.” Kate says, "I wasn't convinced he had you, Ginnie. In fact, Miss Florencia was going to go check for you at Mrs. Kelley's before I took those books out. Then the shooting started and it became a moot point. And so you're aware, there are at least a hundred or more books that Ringo wants. That's a lot of reading ahead. He asked me for all the books in Greek, Latin, and Atlantean. I pulled those particular books just because they were small, I had nothing else to go by so I hoped at least shorter books held less information than larger ones." Ginnie says, “I think I better invest in a bunch of cookies, a cow and a comfy chair. My latin is good my greek is passible and I'm still struggling with Atlantian. Do we actually want to ear mark some of the books as "useable for emergency blackmail" status? The stuff that I can read and copy as lessons but really isn't going to give him anything that would be worthwhile or dangerous to us?” Kate replies, "It certainly won't hurt. Let's hope we won't have to give him anything. It won't take him long to figure out we're keeping certain volumes out of his hands. They used to be his books, after all. He knows what's in that library." Ginnie interjects, “But right now he doesn't think any of us can read the languages that are in them and so we just hand him a mixed group of books in a language if we absulotly have to hand him something. And we make it look like we're obllivious to the information we've gotten from them. It works as a backup if we have no other recourse.” Kate nodded to Ginnie, then looked over at Nanuet. "Hamilton Fisk was mentioned? We knew he was a snake, but I can't say I'm surprised to hear his name linked with the Cowboy Gang. I don't think there's anything I know that the rest of you don't. When I spoke with Ringo the first time he tried to play friends. He offered me Morgan Earp, to bring him somewhere so I could talk to him, with the understanding he wouldn't be allowed to return to his brothers. I turned him down. He talked about Tom," she says with a disturbed look. "Said he thought he was a good man. I'm not sure why he wanted us with him so badly. Maybe it has to do with the power struggle inside the gang." Nanuet states, "I am really confused though over the days events. Why would somebody shoot at Ringo, then shoot at me for shooting Ringo like Jake was saying. I really have no idea. How many Cowboys are there? Seeems like there numbers have been thinned significantly lately. Do you think they will stop to regroup or will this war that has been declared keep up? It sounds like they don't even have a leader, a leaderless army can't be a very effective one. Sorry, I'm just rambling here." Chester says, "Rambling can lead to unexpected answers. It seems like they have an unlimited number of cowboys, don't they? A leaderless army may not be as good, but they can be more dangerous. With a leader, you can figure out his strategy. A mob can go in any direction all at once. Especially now that we've hit them hard." [/QUOTE]
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