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
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
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: 2813831" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 119, “Magical Bullets”, Monday, March 20th, 1882, 3:00 P.M. </strong> </p><p></p><p>Nanuet spurs his mount on gently trying to keep up with Minerva. "You ride well Senorita!" he says as he gallops up next to her. "Does your new mount meet your expectations?" Nanuet slows his mount to comply with Minerva's adjusted speed. He listens carefully and ponders for a moment before replying. </p><p></p><p>"Well we have already established that the man you saw in your dreams was an ancestor of mine. That pleases me to no end, my faith has been strengthened enormously by that revelation. All of my beliefs have been confirmed, my ancestors do watch over us! Not all my people believe that the worship of the ancestors is of importance, but that is always the way I have chosen." </p><p></p><p>"But it puzzles me that he has shown up in your dreams, that I have no understanding of. He obviously wanted you to make a choice, and your choice was between the easy trail and the difficult climb. Nothing about the journey or the destination were revealed, I think that is still to be determined." </p><p></p><p>She replies, "I have never been summoned through the veil by any other than a god of Olympus before. I am sure that the summons from your ancestor means that we are somehow meant to share the same path. Storm also mentioned that She was no longer needed here since I was now here. I know that I should leave it in the hands of the gods but it is so frustrating when their meaning is not made clear." </p><p></p><p>She spends the rest of the ride in silence thinking about what it could all possibly mean. When they reach town she thanks Nanuet for the escort and makes arrangements to meet him later for there chaperone duties. </p><p></p><p>Nanuet heads to the Lucky Lady and checks in to see how things are going and to see if anything needs attending to. Once that is taken care of he gathers together what money he has and heads over to Lacey's General Store. He enters timidly and begins heading towards the counter, then turns away and frantically begins looking for clothes. As soon as he spots some men’s clothing he heads in that direction and begins rifling through the items awkwardly. </p><p></p><p>Nanuet gathers some items of clothing together and heads to the counter. "Hello Mister Lacey" he says, in a wavering voice, "I uh need to buy some clothes" laying a wad of money on the counter he pushes the clothes a little closer to the storekeeper. Lacey picks up the items of clothing and looks quizzically at Nanuet. "I think we can do better" he says as he holds up the clothes "These will never fit you and would look quite comical as well. Lets see what we can do for you." </p><p></p><p>Judge Lacey picks out a pair of linen pants, a cotton shirt and a vest as well as a pair of shoes for Nanuet. He helps the elf sort out the money and gives him his change. "So, what is the occasion for the new clothes?" </p><p></p><p>"I am assisting the new preacher in her chaperone duties tonight, I wanted to look the part. Thanks for your help." Nanuet leaves a dollar on the counter for Judge Lacey and heads back to the Lucky Lady with his new clothing in hand. He washes up and combs out his hair and rebraids it. He fumbles with the simple braid and is unhappy with the results, undoing and redoing the braid several times until he is satisfied. He then bides the time until he is supposed to meet Minerva. </p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, Minerva fills her bag with an assortment of pleasant smelling toiletries and makes her way over to the bathhouse. Her hair curls around her face as the steam rises from the bath and she sinks lower into the water enjoying the luxury. As she begins to relax she finds her mind wandering back to the previous night and attempts to examine her feelings objectively. Well, there is only one way to be sure" she thinks and steps out of the tub with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. </p><p></p><p>Across town, Chester walks into the Great Western Boarding House. "Good afternoon. I'm looking for anyone who was here during the shooting." Bill Watkins, the owner, comes to the door. "Greetings, Deputy Martin. I'm Bill Watkins, the owner of the Great Western. How can I help you?" Chester says, "I wanted to find out who shot up the Marshall's office. I heard there were two gunmen. Pony Deal was most likely one of them. Do you have any idea who the other could be?" </p><p></p><p>Watkins replies, "Afraid not, nobody got a good look at him. We were meeting in here at the time so they must have snuck up the stairs nice and quiet. Managed to get both Earps rooms unlocked. With figure that they were trying to make a statement to the Earps, letting them know that they're not even safe in their own rooms. Terrible shame, all of Wyatt’s things getting burnt up like that, but at the time we could do was get the stuff tossed outside as quickly as possible.” Chester replies, "Yeah, I saw. That was quick work. Good thing someone is getting him back. Shame about his brother, though." </p><p></p><p>Watkins says, The only possible suspect I could think of was Hank Hill. He used to live here at the Great Western last year so knows his way around the place. Threw in with Arcade's Gang last summer and I kicked him out. He left town with them last November, but yesterday right after the shooting I saw him back in town and standing over the entrance El Parador. He kinda stood out, wearing just his long red underwear with his hat and gun belt. He saw me looking at him and went back into the El Parador afterwards." </p><p></p><p>Chester repeats, "Hank Hill. I'll find out what he has to say. Thank you, Mr. Watkins." Chester enters the Marshall's office. "Mr. Watkins at the Great Western didn't see anyone enter the Earps' rooms. But he thinks a Hank Hill might have been a part of this. Says he threw in with Arcade's Gang. Do you know anything about him?" Eduardo says, "No, I haven't been here long enough to know the names of too many townspeople. D you know where to find him?" Chester says, "Yeah. He's supposed to be stopping at the El Parador. I'll ask Dorita if she knows him well." </p><p></p><p>Chester arrives at the El Parador. It is between the lunch and dinner hours and the Cantina is empty on this Monday afternoon except for young Ricardo who is washing down the tables. Hearing the front door open Dorita pops her head out of the kitchen and with a bit of a laugh says "Ah, is Lawman Chester hungry? I make something up for him?" </p><p></p><p>Chester waves his hands. "No, no, Dorita. I'm fine, thanks. I'm looking into the shooting at the Great Western the other day. I heard that Hank Hill is stopping here. Do you know where I can find him? I want to ask him some questions." </p><p></p><p>Dorita replies, "He out right now. But he no do shooting yesterday. He and friends out all night Saturday with Mr. Gonzales. They not get back until noon on Sunday when they eat and then go to bed. The shooting wake Mr. Hill up so he come downstairs to see what happening. He then went back to room to sleep. He nice man, only kill outlaws. Now sit, I get you food." </p><p></p><p>Chester laughs. "OK. OK, Dorita. You don't have to tell me twice. I do need to talk to him myself, though. As far as only killing outlaws, Johnny Ringo fits the bill. If you see Mr. Hill before I do, ask him to come by the Marshall's office. Thanks Dorita." She says, "You don't believe me, Lawman Chester?" He answers, "It's not that. Of course I trust you. But someone almost killed Ruby and Jake trying to get Ringo. And I want to find out who." </p><p></p><p>She says, "All right, but Mr. Hill won't be happy coming to the Marshall's." He answers, "It's just a friendly talk. Nothing to worry about, since he wasn't involved." Dorita serves Chester a large bowl of chili. "Mmm. This is good." He starts fanning his face. "Umm. It's a bit spicy." </p><p></p><p>She says, "It's not too spicy. Just right. You need to eat more peppers if you stay around here. Enjoy flavor better." Chester gulps down his glass of water. He gasps, "More water, please?" Once he finishes the chili, Chester visits the gunsmith. Pierre is busy with another customer, so he waits, until the shop is empty. "Afternoon, Pierre. What can you tell me about the bullets." </p><p></p><p>"Good afternoon, Chester. Congratulations on becoming Deputy Marshall. Is it hot out? You're sweating." He says, "It's warm out. I just had some chili at the El Parador. It's very spicy. I don't know if Dorita puts gunpowder in there or what." </p><p></p><p>Pierre takes Chester further into the back room. He says, "Mr. Martin, when you asked me to examine your ammunition that was prior to you becoming a lawman. I am curious. What are your thoughts regarding items powered by wizard magic? Do you view the ownership of such things are being illegal?" </p><p></p><p>Chester states, "If you had asked me a year ago, I would have regarded sorceress items as evil. Since arriving here in Promise City, I realize that isn't true. Sorcery is no different than priestly miracles. I don't know if I'll ever be completely OK with it, but live and let live.” He replies, "That is a very enlightened view and I am happy to hear that you feel that way. As you probably know, I am originally from France, where magic is freely practiced. Some of my knowledge of magical ammunition comes first hand, in that I have the ability to do some minor enchantments as well as identify those done by others." </p><p></p><p>Chester says, "As far as owning sorcerous things, I'll look the other way. I mean, I still have that Bailey pistol and ammo. So, I'd have to turn myself in. Don't worry, there a quite a few people in town who own such items." Pierre asks, "Speaking of that pistol, have you done anything about getting it to Bailey to repair?" </p><p></p><p>Chester states, "You know, I plum forgot about it. Things were crazy at the time. I even forgot where he lived. Could you tell me again?" Pierre states, "In Mexico, between two and three hundred miles from here. But he might not be inclined to fix the gun for a lawman and former Union soldier. He may have even heard about you, since his great nephew Mongo Bailey was one of the robbers at the January bank robbery where you got shot." </p><p></p><p>Chester replies, "I see what you mean. He might even think I was hunting Mongo. Hmm. I could find someone else to bring it in. But then Bailey would recognize it as belonging to Curly Bill Bronchus." Pierre answers, "You might ask your friend Jeff Mills, I believe that he and Bailey are associated with one another." </p><p></p><p>"They are? I had no idea. I'll have to ask him about that." Chester looks behind him at the door. "What can you tell me about the ammunition?" Pierre says, "You have an interesting assortment here, all magical." Chester asks, "Do you know what spells are on them? They must be very powerful." </p><p></p><p>Pierre states, They very from weak to very powerful. The weakest are the result of a "Magic Weapon" spell. That turns non-magical ammunition into magical. Normally the effect is only temporary, but I've found that here in Eastern Cochise County the magic remains as long as it is not taken out of the region. I only know of two people around who know this spell and I'm one of them. Since I didn't create these they would have been made by Johnny Ringo." Chester states, "That figures, since they came a member of the Cowboy Gang. Do you do business with them?" </p><p></p><p>Pierre continues, evading Chester’s question, and stating "These revolver shells that you see here have pyrotechnic magics attached. They work similar to the red shells for your hand cannon, only with a lesser explosion. But these shells have one major difference to yours. The immediate fire created by them continues to burn hot around the bullet for nearly an hour, so if it finds itself lodged inside a body....well, it is painfully fatal." </p><p></p><p>Chester lets out a low whistle. "Good thing I wasn't hit with one of those. These revolver bullets can become magical and these burn. How about the rifle bullets?" Pierre replies, Those are rare, not sure who may have made them. Possibly Bailey, he has access to Mexican wizards. They have a spell effect associated with them. A person struck by one of those bullets becomes immobile, held in place just as the comparable wizard spell." </p><p></p><p>"That's interesting." Chester sweeps the bullets into his hand. "How much do I owe you?" He laughs and says, "As if I would charge the Lawman protecting me from the Cowboy Gang! Your continued silence about my special skills is all I ask." </p><p></p><p>"Thanks again. Your secret is safe with me. But I didn't know you had trouble with the cowboys, too. If they hassle you, come see me at the office or the Lucky Lady." Chester points to his Colt Peacemaker. "When I come into some money, I'm going to want to trade this in for another Remington '75. It's a nice piece, but I'd like to have matching weapons. Looks better that way. I'll see you later." Chester looks at his watch. "I have to get ready for my date tonight. I need a bath." </p><p></p><p>Back at the ranch, Kate spent a large part of the afternoon working with the horses, and checking on Ginnie who made sure to stay in sight of the people working the ranch. About mid-afternoon she set out in search of her mentor. She should have just enough time for a leisurely bath and to dress before Conrad would be at the El Parador for dinner. She could pay him for the house and have that all taken care of. </p><p></p><p>Kate found her teacher outside Sonoma's house. "Can you escort Ginnie and I back to the El Parador? Nanuet and Miss Florencia went back a little while ago, and it's not safe for us to go alone. And I need that new piece of jewelry." Gonzales replies, "Yes, the Lazy-S Ranchers are just about ready to leave too. There's safety in numbers so we might as well all ride together." </p><p></p><p>Kate replies, "That sounds good. You can ride your new horse. I ran her through her paces and she did very well. Just promise she'll get out of that stable now and then. I'll go get Ginnie and Meribel and we'll be right with you." </p><p></p><p>Kate found her charge with a big smile on her face and a bag stuffed full of components. Instead of making her ride alone, Kate got her settled in front of her on Meribel as the group made ready to ride to Promise City. Sonoma came out to say good-bye, and Kate noted the strain on her face. She would have to come back out and talk with Sonoma tomorrow. </p><p></p><p>Within a half hour, the party at the ranch were moving back toward Promise City. Kate rode with Ginnie nodding off to sleep in front of her. A day outdoors was making Kate a little tired herself. </p><p>They arrived at the El Parador in short order. "Mr. Shaw, the El Parador has wonderful food, and I'm sure they'd be happy to take care of you. Otherwise the Lucky Lady would welcome you as well, but Mr. Cook and Miss West have gone to Tombstone on business. </p><p></p><p>Shaw says "I'll see you later then." He and his men head inside to see about lodgings. Dorita explains apologetically that they only have one room available at the moment. She suggests that they might check with the Promise City Hotel, but that it only takes human guests. Shaw pays for the room for his two Elvan ranch hands. He tells the human ranchers "You guys go get yourself rooms at that other place, I'll probably bunk down where ever my daughter is." </p><p></p><p>"You should find your daughter in the Lucky Lady, Mr. Shaw. Thank you again for all your help. Work that would have taken us the better part of a week got done in one afternoon. It's a great relief." Kate turns to her mentor and says, “Mr. Gonzales, I'm going to have a bath, then I'll come back and we can take of our other business?" </p><p></p><p>Kate and Ginnie went inside and up to their room. Kate packed herself a small bag to take to the bathhouse. She received a warm welcome from Laurie Gilson and spent almost an hour soaking in the steaming tub, liberally sprinkled with several pleasant smelling bath oils. She felt ten times better with her hair washed and back in a proper dress. She indulged in a moment of vanity, admiring the yellow dress. </p><p></p><p>Kate's escort from the El Parador was outside when she emerged. They walked back and Kate looked for her teacher. She finds him inside his mansion, sitting in a chair and drinking a glass of wine. "Ah, my little Sandpiper. So good of you to join me. I'm afraid that I did not do well today. I wanted so hard to get on Minerva's good side that I overdid it. She is a smart lady and now she is suspicious of me. Oh Katherine, what are we to do. She is my last hope." </p><p></p><p>Kate sat on the floor at his feet. "She was suspicious from the moment she knew you were a wizard. And abominably rude as well. She almost had me fooled, I had almost forgotten what the servants of the gods can...." Kate stopped and shook her head. "What is she your last hope for? To do with your twin?" </p><p></p><p>Gonzales replies, "Why yes. You remember what I said before, of the need to locate Coronado's Sword. It is the only thing that can destroy that infernal mirror. My research has traced his route to this very location. The land that he and his troops camped upon was where Promise City now stands. </p><p></p><p>According to diaries made by some of his troops on the day that he and his guards went into the mountains to hide the sword and other treasures they returned the same evening. That means that the items are no more than a half day walk from here, in either the Chiricahua or Dos Cabezas Mountains. Coronado was a paranoid man. He feared the native elves of both here and Mexico. He also feared other explorers from England, France, Italy and Portugal. So he placed magical curses and wards on the location of the hidden treasure so that only a human Spaniard can reach them." </p><p></p><p>"And so Miss Florencia becomes very important." Kate sighed. "I don't know how you "overdid' it, but I'm sure it's not irretrievable. Miss Florencia is learning to trust wizards. She seems to trust Ruby and I, she has not turned anyone in for being a wizard. I think you'll have to be patient. Trust builds slowly. I know you believe in gods, especially if you had their help to put an island back under the sea. Let her see that you are not like the wizards she has known. It is her nature to make friends, and if you are open to her, she will. In time." </p><p></p><p>"I'm not sure I'll be much help," she added. "I have my own difficulties trusting servants of the Greek and Roman gods." Manuel Gonzales sits pensive for a while. He then bursts out in a loud belly laugh. He then smiles and says, "Thank you my little sandpiper. That is very good advice. Here you are, just a quarter-century old, telling a man who has lived for over eight centuries to learn to be patient. That is rich! Especially since it is also true. You have wisdom beyond your years." </p><p></p><p>"It's easier to counsel patience than to practice it," she laughed. "I've learned some wisdom, but sometimes I feel as if I am still a child. We humans don't have centuries to learn in, we have to hurry up and learn patience," she teased. "You have already been patient, but it is always harder when we see the goal in reach, isn't it?” He replies, "Hardly within reach, I have no idea where in the mountains this great treasure is hidden. But the pieces are at least starting to now fall into place." </p><p></p><p>She says, “At least for tonight I can distract you. I don't work on Monday's and I think it's time for more lessons. I just have to see Conrad this evening and pay for my school building, then we can study." "That would be very nice. I have been doing so much traveling during this last week-and-a-half that I desire a chance to just stay put. I do have one suggestion though, please bring Ginnie. For her own safety we need to show her this place as well as get her to help check those books. We'll coordinate it so that I can open the doorway to here before she enters my other room as I'm not ready yet to teach her how to get into here on her own." </p><p></p><p>"I understand. I'll stop up after dinner and warn you about the invasion," she laughed. "I should go down to dinner, I'm afraid I disappointed Conrad yesterday, and I don't want to do it again today." Kate kissed his cheek. "I'm glad you're back. I always feel a little lost without my proffeseur. I'll see you soon."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2813831, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 119, “Magical Bullets”, Monday, March 20th, 1882, 3:00 P.M. [/B] Nanuet spurs his mount on gently trying to keep up with Minerva. "You ride well Senorita!" he says as he gallops up next to her. "Does your new mount meet your expectations?" Nanuet slows his mount to comply with Minerva's adjusted speed. He listens carefully and ponders for a moment before replying. "Well we have already established that the man you saw in your dreams was an ancestor of mine. That pleases me to no end, my faith has been strengthened enormously by that revelation. All of my beliefs have been confirmed, my ancestors do watch over us! Not all my people believe that the worship of the ancestors is of importance, but that is always the way I have chosen." "But it puzzles me that he has shown up in your dreams, that I have no understanding of. He obviously wanted you to make a choice, and your choice was between the easy trail and the difficult climb. Nothing about the journey or the destination were revealed, I think that is still to be determined." She replies, "I have never been summoned through the veil by any other than a god of Olympus before. I am sure that the summons from your ancestor means that we are somehow meant to share the same path. Storm also mentioned that She was no longer needed here since I was now here. I know that I should leave it in the hands of the gods but it is so frustrating when their meaning is not made clear." She spends the rest of the ride in silence thinking about what it could all possibly mean. When they reach town she thanks Nanuet for the escort and makes arrangements to meet him later for there chaperone duties. Nanuet heads to the Lucky Lady and checks in to see how things are going and to see if anything needs attending to. Once that is taken care of he gathers together what money he has and heads over to Lacey's General Store. He enters timidly and begins heading towards the counter, then turns away and frantically begins looking for clothes. As soon as he spots some men’s clothing he heads in that direction and begins rifling through the items awkwardly. Nanuet gathers some items of clothing together and heads to the counter. "Hello Mister Lacey" he says, in a wavering voice, "I uh need to buy some clothes" laying a wad of money on the counter he pushes the clothes a little closer to the storekeeper. Lacey picks up the items of clothing and looks quizzically at Nanuet. "I think we can do better" he says as he holds up the clothes "These will never fit you and would look quite comical as well. Lets see what we can do for you." Judge Lacey picks out a pair of linen pants, a cotton shirt and a vest as well as a pair of shoes for Nanuet. He helps the elf sort out the money and gives him his change. "So, what is the occasion for the new clothes?" "I am assisting the new preacher in her chaperone duties tonight, I wanted to look the part. Thanks for your help." Nanuet leaves a dollar on the counter for Judge Lacey and heads back to the Lucky Lady with his new clothing in hand. He washes up and combs out his hair and rebraids it. He fumbles with the simple braid and is unhappy with the results, undoing and redoing the braid several times until he is satisfied. He then bides the time until he is supposed to meet Minerva. Meanwhile, Minerva fills her bag with an assortment of pleasant smelling toiletries and makes her way over to the bathhouse. Her hair curls around her face as the steam rises from the bath and she sinks lower into the water enjoying the luxury. As she begins to relax she finds her mind wandering back to the previous night and attempts to examine her feelings objectively. Well, there is only one way to be sure" she thinks and steps out of the tub with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Across town, Chester walks into the Great Western Boarding House. "Good afternoon. I'm looking for anyone who was here during the shooting." Bill Watkins, the owner, comes to the door. "Greetings, Deputy Martin. I'm Bill Watkins, the owner of the Great Western. How can I help you?" Chester says, "I wanted to find out who shot up the Marshall's office. I heard there were two gunmen. Pony Deal was most likely one of them. Do you have any idea who the other could be?" Watkins replies, "Afraid not, nobody got a good look at him. We were meeting in here at the time so they must have snuck up the stairs nice and quiet. Managed to get both Earps rooms unlocked. With figure that they were trying to make a statement to the Earps, letting them know that they're not even safe in their own rooms. Terrible shame, all of Wyatt’s things getting burnt up like that, but at the time we could do was get the stuff tossed outside as quickly as possible.” Chester replies, "Yeah, I saw. That was quick work. Good thing someone is getting him back. Shame about his brother, though." Watkins says, The only possible suspect I could think of was Hank Hill. He used to live here at the Great Western last year so knows his way around the place. Threw in with Arcade's Gang last summer and I kicked him out. He left town with them last November, but yesterday right after the shooting I saw him back in town and standing over the entrance El Parador. He kinda stood out, wearing just his long red underwear with his hat and gun belt. He saw me looking at him and went back into the El Parador afterwards." Chester repeats, "Hank Hill. I'll find out what he has to say. Thank you, Mr. Watkins." Chester enters the Marshall's office. "Mr. Watkins at the Great Western didn't see anyone enter the Earps' rooms. But he thinks a Hank Hill might have been a part of this. Says he threw in with Arcade's Gang. Do you know anything about him?" Eduardo says, "No, I haven't been here long enough to know the names of too many townspeople. D you know where to find him?" Chester says, "Yeah. He's supposed to be stopping at the El Parador. I'll ask Dorita if she knows him well." Chester arrives at the El Parador. It is between the lunch and dinner hours and the Cantina is empty on this Monday afternoon except for young Ricardo who is washing down the tables. Hearing the front door open Dorita pops her head out of the kitchen and with a bit of a laugh says "Ah, is Lawman Chester hungry? I make something up for him?" Chester waves his hands. "No, no, Dorita. I'm fine, thanks. I'm looking into the shooting at the Great Western the other day. I heard that Hank Hill is stopping here. Do you know where I can find him? I want to ask him some questions." Dorita replies, "He out right now. But he no do shooting yesterday. He and friends out all night Saturday with Mr. Gonzales. They not get back until noon on Sunday when they eat and then go to bed. The shooting wake Mr. Hill up so he come downstairs to see what happening. He then went back to room to sleep. He nice man, only kill outlaws. Now sit, I get you food." Chester laughs. "OK. OK, Dorita. You don't have to tell me twice. I do need to talk to him myself, though. As far as only killing outlaws, Johnny Ringo fits the bill. If you see Mr. Hill before I do, ask him to come by the Marshall's office. Thanks Dorita." She says, "You don't believe me, Lawman Chester?" He answers, "It's not that. Of course I trust you. But someone almost killed Ruby and Jake trying to get Ringo. And I want to find out who." She says, "All right, but Mr. Hill won't be happy coming to the Marshall's." He answers, "It's just a friendly talk. Nothing to worry about, since he wasn't involved." Dorita serves Chester a large bowl of chili. "Mmm. This is good." He starts fanning his face. "Umm. It's a bit spicy." She says, "It's not too spicy. Just right. You need to eat more peppers if you stay around here. Enjoy flavor better." Chester gulps down his glass of water. He gasps, "More water, please?" Once he finishes the chili, Chester visits the gunsmith. Pierre is busy with another customer, so he waits, until the shop is empty. "Afternoon, Pierre. What can you tell me about the bullets." "Good afternoon, Chester. Congratulations on becoming Deputy Marshall. Is it hot out? You're sweating." He says, "It's warm out. I just had some chili at the El Parador. It's very spicy. I don't know if Dorita puts gunpowder in there or what." Pierre takes Chester further into the back room. He says, "Mr. Martin, when you asked me to examine your ammunition that was prior to you becoming a lawman. I am curious. What are your thoughts regarding items powered by wizard magic? Do you view the ownership of such things are being illegal?" Chester states, "If you had asked me a year ago, I would have regarded sorceress items as evil. Since arriving here in Promise City, I realize that isn't true. Sorcery is no different than priestly miracles. I don't know if I'll ever be completely OK with it, but live and let live.” He replies, "That is a very enlightened view and I am happy to hear that you feel that way. As you probably know, I am originally from France, where magic is freely practiced. Some of my knowledge of magical ammunition comes first hand, in that I have the ability to do some minor enchantments as well as identify those done by others." Chester says, "As far as owning sorcerous things, I'll look the other way. I mean, I still have that Bailey pistol and ammo. So, I'd have to turn myself in. Don't worry, there a quite a few people in town who own such items." Pierre asks, "Speaking of that pistol, have you done anything about getting it to Bailey to repair?" Chester states, "You know, I plum forgot about it. Things were crazy at the time. I even forgot where he lived. Could you tell me again?" Pierre states, "In Mexico, between two and three hundred miles from here. But he might not be inclined to fix the gun for a lawman and former Union soldier. He may have even heard about you, since his great nephew Mongo Bailey was one of the robbers at the January bank robbery where you got shot." Chester replies, "I see what you mean. He might even think I was hunting Mongo. Hmm. I could find someone else to bring it in. But then Bailey would recognize it as belonging to Curly Bill Bronchus." Pierre answers, "You might ask your friend Jeff Mills, I believe that he and Bailey are associated with one another." "They are? I had no idea. I'll have to ask him about that." Chester looks behind him at the door. "What can you tell me about the ammunition?" Pierre says, "You have an interesting assortment here, all magical." Chester asks, "Do you know what spells are on them? They must be very powerful." Pierre states, They very from weak to very powerful. The weakest are the result of a "Magic Weapon" spell. That turns non-magical ammunition into magical. Normally the effect is only temporary, but I've found that here in Eastern Cochise County the magic remains as long as it is not taken out of the region. I only know of two people around who know this spell and I'm one of them. Since I didn't create these they would have been made by Johnny Ringo." Chester states, "That figures, since they came a member of the Cowboy Gang. Do you do business with them?" Pierre continues, evading Chester’s question, and stating "These revolver shells that you see here have pyrotechnic magics attached. They work similar to the red shells for your hand cannon, only with a lesser explosion. But these shells have one major difference to yours. The immediate fire created by them continues to burn hot around the bullet for nearly an hour, so if it finds itself lodged inside a body....well, it is painfully fatal." Chester lets out a low whistle. "Good thing I wasn't hit with one of those. These revolver bullets can become magical and these burn. How about the rifle bullets?" Pierre replies, Those are rare, not sure who may have made them. Possibly Bailey, he has access to Mexican wizards. They have a spell effect associated with them. A person struck by one of those bullets becomes immobile, held in place just as the comparable wizard spell." "That's interesting." Chester sweeps the bullets into his hand. "How much do I owe you?" He laughs and says, "As if I would charge the Lawman protecting me from the Cowboy Gang! Your continued silence about my special skills is all I ask." "Thanks again. Your secret is safe with me. But I didn't know you had trouble with the cowboys, too. If they hassle you, come see me at the office or the Lucky Lady." Chester points to his Colt Peacemaker. "When I come into some money, I'm going to want to trade this in for another Remington '75. It's a nice piece, but I'd like to have matching weapons. Looks better that way. I'll see you later." Chester looks at his watch. "I have to get ready for my date tonight. I need a bath." Back at the ranch, Kate spent a large part of the afternoon working with the horses, and checking on Ginnie who made sure to stay in sight of the people working the ranch. About mid-afternoon she set out in search of her mentor. She should have just enough time for a leisurely bath and to dress before Conrad would be at the El Parador for dinner. She could pay him for the house and have that all taken care of. Kate found her teacher outside Sonoma's house. "Can you escort Ginnie and I back to the El Parador? Nanuet and Miss Florencia went back a little while ago, and it's not safe for us to go alone. And I need that new piece of jewelry." Gonzales replies, "Yes, the Lazy-S Ranchers are just about ready to leave too. There's safety in numbers so we might as well all ride together." Kate replies, "That sounds good. You can ride your new horse. I ran her through her paces and she did very well. Just promise she'll get out of that stable now and then. I'll go get Ginnie and Meribel and we'll be right with you." Kate found her charge with a big smile on her face and a bag stuffed full of components. Instead of making her ride alone, Kate got her settled in front of her on Meribel as the group made ready to ride to Promise City. Sonoma came out to say good-bye, and Kate noted the strain on her face. She would have to come back out and talk with Sonoma tomorrow. Within a half hour, the party at the ranch were moving back toward Promise City. Kate rode with Ginnie nodding off to sleep in front of her. A day outdoors was making Kate a little tired herself. They arrived at the El Parador in short order. "Mr. Shaw, the El Parador has wonderful food, and I'm sure they'd be happy to take care of you. Otherwise the Lucky Lady would welcome you as well, but Mr. Cook and Miss West have gone to Tombstone on business. Shaw says "I'll see you later then." He and his men head inside to see about lodgings. Dorita explains apologetically that they only have one room available at the moment. She suggests that they might check with the Promise City Hotel, but that it only takes human guests. Shaw pays for the room for his two Elvan ranch hands. He tells the human ranchers "You guys go get yourself rooms at that other place, I'll probably bunk down where ever my daughter is." "You should find your daughter in the Lucky Lady, Mr. Shaw. Thank you again for all your help. Work that would have taken us the better part of a week got done in one afternoon. It's a great relief." Kate turns to her mentor and says, “Mr. Gonzales, I'm going to have a bath, then I'll come back and we can take of our other business?" Kate and Ginnie went inside and up to their room. Kate packed herself a small bag to take to the bathhouse. She received a warm welcome from Laurie Gilson and spent almost an hour soaking in the steaming tub, liberally sprinkled with several pleasant smelling bath oils. She felt ten times better with her hair washed and back in a proper dress. She indulged in a moment of vanity, admiring the yellow dress. Kate's escort from the El Parador was outside when she emerged. They walked back and Kate looked for her teacher. She finds him inside his mansion, sitting in a chair and drinking a glass of wine. "Ah, my little Sandpiper. So good of you to join me. I'm afraid that I did not do well today. I wanted so hard to get on Minerva's good side that I overdid it. She is a smart lady and now she is suspicious of me. Oh Katherine, what are we to do. She is my last hope." Kate sat on the floor at his feet. "She was suspicious from the moment she knew you were a wizard. And abominably rude as well. She almost had me fooled, I had almost forgotten what the servants of the gods can...." Kate stopped and shook her head. "What is she your last hope for? To do with your twin?" Gonzales replies, "Why yes. You remember what I said before, of the need to locate Coronado's Sword. It is the only thing that can destroy that infernal mirror. My research has traced his route to this very location. The land that he and his troops camped upon was where Promise City now stands. According to diaries made by some of his troops on the day that he and his guards went into the mountains to hide the sword and other treasures they returned the same evening. That means that the items are no more than a half day walk from here, in either the Chiricahua or Dos Cabezas Mountains. Coronado was a paranoid man. He feared the native elves of both here and Mexico. He also feared other explorers from England, France, Italy and Portugal. So he placed magical curses and wards on the location of the hidden treasure so that only a human Spaniard can reach them." "And so Miss Florencia becomes very important." Kate sighed. "I don't know how you "overdid' it, but I'm sure it's not irretrievable. Miss Florencia is learning to trust wizards. She seems to trust Ruby and I, she has not turned anyone in for being a wizard. I think you'll have to be patient. Trust builds slowly. I know you believe in gods, especially if you had their help to put an island back under the sea. Let her see that you are not like the wizards she has known. It is her nature to make friends, and if you are open to her, she will. In time." "I'm not sure I'll be much help," she added. "I have my own difficulties trusting servants of the Greek and Roman gods." Manuel Gonzales sits pensive for a while. He then bursts out in a loud belly laugh. He then smiles and says, "Thank you my little sandpiper. That is very good advice. Here you are, just a quarter-century old, telling a man who has lived for over eight centuries to learn to be patient. That is rich! Especially since it is also true. You have wisdom beyond your years." "It's easier to counsel patience than to practice it," she laughed. "I've learned some wisdom, but sometimes I feel as if I am still a child. We humans don't have centuries to learn in, we have to hurry up and learn patience," she teased. "You have already been patient, but it is always harder when we see the goal in reach, isn't it?” He replies, "Hardly within reach, I have no idea where in the mountains this great treasure is hidden. But the pieces are at least starting to now fall into place." She says, “At least for tonight I can distract you. I don't work on Monday's and I think it's time for more lessons. I just have to see Conrad this evening and pay for my school building, then we can study." "That would be very nice. I have been doing so much traveling during this last week-and-a-half that I desire a chance to just stay put. I do have one suggestion though, please bring Ginnie. For her own safety we need to show her this place as well as get her to help check those books. We'll coordinate it so that I can open the doorway to here before she enters my other room as I'm not ready yet to teach her how to get into here on her own." "I understand. I'll stop up after dinner and warn you about the invasion," she laughed. "I should go down to dinner, I'm afraid I disappointed Conrad yesterday, and I don't want to do it again today." Kate kissed his cheek. "I'm glad you're back. I always feel a little lost without my proffeseur. I'll see you soon." [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded
Top