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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3293645" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 219, “Off to the Last Ditch Mine“, Saturday, April 1st , 1882, 1:00 P.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>Chester and Nanuet reach the Marshall's Office. Berg is talking to Eduardo, making sure he's OK for duty. Chester says, "We're heading out now. You all should keep your eyes peeled for strange activity. I heard the Cowboys can hide almost in plain sight. If I don't make it back, let me say now that it's been an honor." Nanuet looks to Chester, "You about ready? You and I have some hunting to do." </p><p></p><p>Ruby finds Kate talking with Ginnie. Kate turned around and gave her a half smile, then filled her in on what Ginnie had just told her. Ruby nods with the information from the girl before tussling Ginnie's hair. "What an ingenious kid," she smiles. She turns to Kate, "I need some clothes. Preferably your leather getup so I have some movement."</p><p></p><p>"I might.... Ah, alright Ruby. I suppose that does make sense. Ringo probably knows what I'd wear when I might be expecting trouble. I suppose I could wear my old riding clothes, although they won't hide the spells effect." Kate took Ruby upstairs and pulled the leather clothing out of the closet. "It will be strange to be able to stare at myself. You'll have to watch the way you walk," she said, trying for light. "I could never get my hips going quite the way you do."</p><p></p><p>"As for you Kate, you don't need these clothes because unless you're going to insist on being completely foolish you're not coming." Ruby says while looking at the leathers. "Unless..." she ponders for a moment, "You can't be seen. You're invisible. That could work. As for the hips, well, you'll just have to watch and learn," Ruby laughs.</p><p></p><p>Kate says, "That's the only way I would consider going, Ruby. I would need to be invisible, and I couldn't do anything that would be an attack. But I think I can help. I can do the dispel, and there are some spells that can cause trouble without being physically harmful." Ruby replies, "Yes, you can help but even being invisible you can get hurt. Don't forget they have heat seeking bullets. I think you're crazy for even thinking about it." Kate replies, "I think I've been crazy for a long time now." </p><p></p><p>Ruby picks up the outfit. "I'm going to bring this upstairs. It's almost time to get going. I'll meet you downstairs" She drops the outfit off in Mr. Gonzales room then goes back to the main room, waiting for everyone to meet up so they can get going. After Ruby left Kate dressed in her old, eastern riding clothes and went back downstairs to wait for the others. Minerva rushes back to the Comstock House to pick up any weapons that she owns and returns to the El Parador. </p><p></p><p>Nanuet and Chester make their way back to the El Parador. "We're going to be off. Good hunting to all," Nanuet says. Minerva wraps her arms around Nanuet. "Be careful mi amor. May the gods watch over you" she says to Nanuet before he heads out the door with Chester. Ruby motions them outside. </p><p></p><p>Once out in the stables they check to make sure they are alone. Ruby kisses each of them on the cheek. "I don't need to tell both of you to be careful." Ruby starts her incantation as Chester quaffs his potion. Chester and Nanuet both fade at the same time. "Good luck," she says, not knowing if they are still there to hear her or not. </p><p></p><p>"You know us." Chester smiles reassuringly. The smile fades. "I don't need to tell you either, but I will. Be careful. This is a very risky deal. OK?" Before he drinks his potion, Chester checks to make sure his rifle has one normal round, the two hold person rounds, and then 4 normal rounds loaded. His Remington has the two magic bullets loaded as the second and third rounds in the cylinder along with 4 normal bullets. His Colt is fully loaded this time. Nanuet mentally calls to Maska to meet him outside town. The two men travel across the land as quickly as they can, using the best route given by the dwarves, towards the Mine. </p><p></p><p>Minerva says, "Senor Jake could you accompany me to the opening Ceremony? I promise it will be Very brief." "Let's go" Jake says tipping his hat and motioning to the door. The two head over to the stage where the Ceremony is to be held. Before Ruby could even speak to Jake he was out the door. "Where the hell is he going?" Ruby returns and says to Kate. Kate replies, "She has to make an appearance at the festival. Probably he's going with her to make sure she isn't alone. We can go as soon as they're back. </p><p></p><p>She sighs and looks around the room. "Ok, that candle is still going, good. It's getting crowded in here." She motions Kate closer anyway. "Mr. G. has one invisibility. Chester has a potion for himself. I can do two. That leaves you, Minerva, Nanuet and Jake, we're one short. Jake will be with me on the wagon, I guess. You should stay with Minerva. I'm not sure who should be invisible. We need to figure it out fast." Kate says, We're one invisibility short.... It would make the most sense to have Jake with "Katherine" but one of those special rounds is waiting for him. I think Minerva should get one and Nanuet, they are healers and we need them up." </p><p></p><p>The two dwarves who visited earlier arrive accompanied by six others - three humans and three more dwarves. They each have either a handgun or rifle. Bjorn says, "We're all set to help you." Kate says, "Glad to have you. We're going to need a lot of help. Nanuet and Deputy Martin have already set out." Ruby looks up, startled. "That's great. Have a seat, we'll tell you the plan." She describes how they are going to try to ambush their ambushers with the wagon as a distraction. "Perhaps our priestess can accompany you. You come a little after the wagon. The wagon is sure to be followed. If you could find out if anyone is following that would be great."</p><p></p><p>Kate smiled suddenly. "They are going to have plenty to worry about without trying to find me. I think it will be alright. I'll stay as out of the way as possible. As soon as Jake and Miss Florencia are back, we go."</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>As Minerva and Jake head towards the town stage a stagecoach pulls up alongside it. The driver opens up the door and four middle-aged male Priests of the Roman/Greek church step out accompanied by Mrs. Rebecca King. Based upon their attire it appears that one is an Arch-Bishop and another is a Bishop, the other two probably being an assistant to each of them. The men move towards the stage. "Meirde" Minerva hisses. She plasters a smile on her face and strides toward the stage. "Buenas Dias your Excellency’s" She says with a curtsy.</p><p></p><p>Mrs. King says, "Gentlemen, this is the Priestess Minerva Florencia who I've told you about." The one in the fanciest robe introduces himself as Arch-Bishop Dimitrios Tsaldaris of the Philadelphia Church. The other one introduces himself as Bishop Costas Papandraus, Deputy Administrator of the Church in the Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah Territories.</p><p></p><p>"Buenas Dias, Senora King." she nods and turns back to the Bishops. "I am honored that you are able to join us as we pay tribute to Dionysus your Excellency’s.. I would be honored to meet with you tomorrow." she smiles. But you must excuse me as we are running a bit late and I must begin the opening Ceremony. It would not do to anger the god." she says and moves toward the podium. As Minerva runs off Jake tips his hat to the two clergy, "Pleased to meet you. I used to listen to your sermons back home in Philadelphia as a youngster before I came west. Enjoy yourself." Jake follows after Minerva.</p><p></p><p>Minerva says to the assembled crowd, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of the gods and all good People of Promise City and guests who have joined us this day, I bid you WELCOME and much Prosperity. It is spring a time of new beginnings a time to celebrate the god Dionysus so that he may make our crops bountiful and make our livestock multiply. I will not require you to spend hours in prayer giving him praise, as Dionysus is a god of action who would much prefer that we show him our thanks. All that is required of you this day is to have a great time and give him thanks in doing so! Let the Festival Begin!" </p><p></p><p>The crowd cheers loudly and Minerva rushes into the crowd to find Jake. Once Minerva leaves the stage the priests climb up to it and begin to make speeches as well, praising the Gods and the town's devotion to them. "Minerva, over here." Jake says. "Let's go." </p><p></p><p>They arrive at El Parador and Jake finds Jeff Mills. "Be careful, but see if you can watch who follows us. Or maybe even stop them. These guys have loads of nasty special rounds, don't get shot at. I'll see you later." Ruby says, "Jake gets one, and you." She shakes her head. "I already told you what I think about you coming," Ruby says with an edge in her voice. "Minerva will have to be seen. You ride with her on her horse with the dwarves. Go get ready," she says in a bossy tone. "I'm going to get ready too. We can't be seen together and I need to leave first with the wagon." </p><p></p><p>Ruby heads upstairs to Mr. Gonzales room. Jake just catches a glimpse of Ruby running up the stairs. Once upstairs in Gonzales room Ruby takes care to take off her hair clip, and all her magical items and backpack. She asks, "What do I have to do?" He replies, "Just put on the ring and say the incantation, you'll become a perfect Kate. Then you'll have to change clothes." "Alright. I think they'll need you downstairs to make Kate invisible, after I leave." Ruby puts the ring on her finger and says, "I hate bourbon." </p><p></p><p>And Ruby becomes Kate's twin. Gonzales has spent so much time with Kate that the image placed upon the ring is perfect. She looks rather strange though wearing Ruby's clothing. After turning into Kate she quickly holds her own dress up so it doesn't fall off. "Ugh, I feel like a midget," she laughs. She trips as she makes her way over to Kate's leather outfit. She takes it into a private room and changes. </p><p></p><p>Emerging as Kate she quickly hurries over to her belongings. She tucks the scrolls into back of her pants and places the dagger in her boot. She carefully pins her hair up with her own 'hairclip'. "There." She sighs, "Wish me luck professor amie," and kisses his cheek before heading down the stairs. She sticks close to the wall and times her exit to the outside when the least amount of people are looking in her direction. She waits in the stables for Jake to show up.</p><p></p><p>Kate sighed. She hated the idea of Ruby thinking less of her, but there were no good choices here. Something told her it would be alright. She went upstairs and clipped her hair back with the jeweled clip that made her turn into Madeline. If the invisibility failed for some reason, she could change her identity. She made sure she had the scroll tucked in a book in her pocked, and Tom's pistol with twelve extra bullets. She also had the slim want of Magic Missiles in her hand. </p><p></p><p>Back downstairs she found Ricardo and asked him to take the bag of equipment and notes to Mrs. O'Hara. After he ran off, she stopped by where Conrad had sat down after he brought in the Dwarves. "I expect to see you at the Ball tonight, good luck with the fencing," she said quietly.</p><p></p><p>"Minerva," Jake calls and flips her a coin, "my first donation to your church." In her hand is a shiny silver dollar. "Wish me luck, Senorita, from the gods." "May Hermes continue to show you his favor Senor." Minerva says solemnly and tucks the coin in her pocket. When Jake and Minerva came in, Kate walked up to them and said, "I have to go back upstairs, we can't have two Kate's down here. I'll go with the dwarves. Come upstairs and get me when you're ready." "Good Luck Senorita, you and Katherine have the dwarven reserves. Not to close, not to far back. Godspeed, to you ladies." </p><p></p><p>Kate says, "Alright, I'm going to go disappear. I'll be back down in a minute. I'll touch your shoulder when I'm here and go with you." She went upstairs to see her teacher. "I need to be invisible, Professeur amie." Mr. Gonzales made quick work of the spell, Kate thanked him and went back downstairs to touch Miss Florencia's shoulder. "Ready whenever you are."</p><p></p><p>Minerva startles when invisible Kate touches her shoulder. "By the gods, Katherine, that’s some trick!" she whispers. Minerva leads the way and introduces herself to the dwarves, not mentioning that Katherine is with her. "Buenas Dias Senores, Your assistance is most appreciated. Please be careful these are dangerous men. It is almost time to be on our way." She tells them to get ready steps outside to pack her horse.</p><p></p><p>Jake tips his hat and takes the back way to the barn. Jake notices Cornelius Van Horne walking up to the porch of the El Parador. Ricardo heads out to pass him the note. Jake waits for him to read the note and then walks out to the street and glares at Van Horne. "Excuse me sir, I need a word with you." Jake then says, "You don't need to be a MIND READER to know how I feel about what you do at the saloons here in town. Do you understand me?" Jake points menacingly at his chest and waits for some reaction from him.</p><p></p><p>Van Horne nods and says in his Georgian accent "Sir, the owner of this establishment has made it clear that I am not welcome inside. I never go places where I am not welcome." "Just so we are clear," Jake says slowly and menacingly. Meanwhile Jake thinks all the details of what is happening as succinctly as he can. He ends by thinking “I don't have any more time. Luck be with you, friend. Wish me the same..” Jake then says aloud, "Well then, Enjoy the rest of your stay in Promise City, sir." </p><p></p><p>Van Horne replies, "And you too Mr. Cooke, and a lucky day to you. Perhaps our paths will cross again later this day. I will look for you in my travels. Oh, and could you do me one favor sir?" Jake asks, "What favor would that be sir?" </p><p></p><p>He replies, "I picked up a piece of jewelry for that young lady I had a drink with last time, Ruby West, I believe she works at your saloon. It may be a while until I can get by there so I would appreciate it if you would give this to her when you see her. Hold it carefully until then, it is rather valuable." He reaches behind his neck and unfastens a gold chain with a gold silver-dollar sized coin attached and in the center of the coin in a green stone that appears to be an emerald. </p><p>As he hands it to Jake he whispers "Say 'Thirsty' to turn it on, three charges left today." "You are mighty generous with the ladies, sir. I'm sure she'll appreciate the gesture." Jake nods to him and heads off quickly.</p><p></p><p>When Jake arrives at the barn he finds ‘Kate‘, biting her lip and pulling on her hair. "Even as Katherine you are Ruby." Jake laughs. "Ready?" "I am? I have no idea how that could be... I feel like stuffing some napkins in here," she says while adjusting the chest area of her leather bodice. "Anyway, are you ready to not be seen..." Jake closes his eyes and quickly touches all his weapons. "Yes. Your sure this change is temporary? I mean, I'd still love you but it would be a shame to do without all that talent."</p><p></p><p>"Don't worry, I still have all my talents..." she says and squeezes Jake's butt. "Yes, it's temporary. If not this will be one pissed off red head. "You know," Jakes voice sounds in front of her as Ruby feels some hands on her hips, "Katherine seems a lot more boney than my lovely Miss West." She feels the hands move up to her waist and ribs. "Definitely a lack of proper curves here..." </p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles and reaches her hands out, feeling for Jake, "I guess that's why you love me and not her then, huh?" Suddenly she pulls herself back. "Don't make me have to yell at you for feeling up Katherine Kale!" She no longer feels the hands on her Katherine form. The she hears Jake chuckling before he whispers, "I was just curious. Go ahead and tell me YOU didn't, ahem, feel for the differences." He chuckles some more. "I'll wait for my Ruby to come back..." </p><p></p><p>Ruby giggles. "Yes, I did. It's too weird. Katherine's pretty enough but...I happen to like my red hair and my long legs and my breasts and my curves." "I'm rather fond of them myself. I'll look forward to them returning." Ruby smiles again, "Well, I guess now would be a good time to get all your urges to kiss Kate out of your system..." He chuckles again. "I had no urges to kiss Katherine. I have to admit it feels strange kissing you with her lips." </p><p></p><p>Ruby giggles again. "Alright, that was your last chance. Come on, let's get going now..." Ruby casts the invisibility spell on Jake. "One more thing. I have a scroll from Mr. Gonzales. To make someone, you or I, be able to see things that can't be seen for almost an hour. I think better on you, what do you think?" Jake says, "Let's wait to the last minute to decide if we can. If shooting is required, then me. If other means are required then you. But you are right, we probably won't be able to decide that in the middle of shooting." Ruby replies, "I'll do it to you when we get closer. Don't resist it. Now get in that wagon and let's be off and get this over with."</p><p></p><p>Jake climbs up and says, "I'm on." Once there he puts on the chain that Red gave him and tucks it under his shirt. When they clear town he tells her he spoke to Red. "It was him, I can tell by looking at his eyes it was him. He gave me his medallion that allows him to detect thoughts." Jake is quiet for a minute. "I tried to get him to read my mind first, I think he did. I tried to tell him everything. I don't know what he can do but never underestimate him." </p><p></p><p>"Oh, and another thing before I forget. We should have a signal for when we see Ringo if he is in some disguise. Rub your little finger closest to the palm like you would if you had an itch under a ring. We should tell the others that too. One more thing, when we get closer I'll move to the back, but in the mean time sit in the middle of the bench like you are alone."</p><p></p><p>"But I am alone," she whispers, shifting into the middle of the seat. "Don't forget the potions are in my bag." She reaches down into her pack and keeps one of the potions of voice modulations near her feet. Ruby places the rod on the floor near her feet and she picks up the reins, riding slowly and surely out of town. "That's great about Red. I'm sure he'll try to do something to help. He looked out for you before. It's nice to have someone have your back."</p><p></p><p></p><p>Kate stuck close to Minerva, pulling herself up on the horses back. "I'm on," she whispered close to the Priestess' ear. "We'll leave a few minutes after Ruby and Jake." Before Minerva steps out of the saloon she pulls the hood of her cloak up in an attempt to conceal her identity. Kate and Minerva waited for ten excruciating minutes before they and the dwarves followed Jake and Ruby out of town toward the mine.</p><p></p><p>Ruby continues towards the mine at a quicker pace. Once she guesses she is about five minutes away she briefly stops the wagon and pulls out the scroll. She says loudly, "What were those directions again?" Jake comes up closer to the front with Ruby's words. Then in a much softer tone she recites the spell off the scroll, using some misdirection to 'pretend' to look for something in the back while touching him to pass the spell.</p><p></p><p>Jake looks at his own hand to see what his vision might be like. He lays down in the back of the wagon and just peers out with his head while they approach. He takes his shotgun of his back and keeps it in his hands. Ruby gives a good look around the area, looking for anything that may appear out of place as she continues her way to the mine.</p><p></p><p>"Psst, Ruby." Jake whispers. "Did you put the dynamite in the books?" "No." She whispers back through clenched lips. "Mierda." Jake says under his breath. He spends the next few minutes putting four sticks of dynamite that he brought into the containers of books. He quietly tells Ruby where the fuses are located.</p><p></p><p>Once Nanuet and Chester get near the area they slow, looking for signs of unusual tracks or noises. It takes Nanuet, Chester and Maska around a half-hour at a rather fast pace to reach the general vicinity where the mine is ahead. They have been following four sets of fresh horse tracks for most of the ride. They then reach a spot before the hills where the horses had stopped. From there three sets of footprints continue to the northwest while the four horse tracks turn and head off more to the north. Nanuet quietly whispers to Chester, "Let's follow the footprints first." They head in a northwest direction.</p><p></p><p>Chester nods, realizes that Nanuet can't see him and whispers back, "OK. So three on foot and probably one taking the horses to the mine. Let's look for a place where we would set up an ambush and look for them there." They follow for a while, realizing that the three on foot went towards the mine. When Nanuet and Chester are within 100 feet of the mine they can see that one of the doors to the two mine tunnels has been opened. The other appears to still be locked. The storage shed door is shut but the chain and padlock are hanging from the doorknob rather than fastening the door shut.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet whispers to Chester, "Lock them in or get them now?" He mentally commands Maska to track the other set of tracks if she can, and let him know where they are and how many. "Not yet. I want to know if anyone is still outside. We don't want anyone to see the door moving on its own. "The door is shut, let's lock them in then." Nanuet silently makes his way over to the door and locks the padlock over the door.</p><p></p><p>Maska approaches the mine. She sniffs all around the entrance and the shed area. She communicates to Nanuet that none of them men are still there. Chester says, "What's she saying?" Nanuet replies, "She doesn't smell anyone else in the area. Hopefully they're all inside now. I hope Ringo is there with them, but I doubt it. Let's take a look in the shed before locking that too."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet whispers to Chester, "Look, Maska doesn't think there are humans in this area. I say we lock the door to the cave, or jam it closed with something so that they can't get out. Let the dwarves deal with them if there is anybody inside, or at least keep them out of the fight for now. Then we go back to the area where the trail split and follow the horse tracks? Sound like a plan?" Chester states, "I'm with you. We better hurry. no telling when someone will come to that door." </p><p></p><p>Chester and Nanuet approach the tunnel. The door is opened and a lantern appears to have been lit further down the tunnel as there is light in the distance. The tracks head inside although Maska does not sense that anybody is there at all. Chester suggests, "Let's close the door. We can go in when everyone else gets here."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet listens carefully first. He does not hear anything and then looks for the lock for the door to the mines. Not seeing a lock he finds a rock that he can jam in it's place. He carefully tries to close the door as quietly as possible and then jam it. As soon as the door begins to move Nanuet and Chester both see a flash and spark from behind the door. They then hear a hissing sound of something burning in the immediate area. </p><p></p><p>Nanuet pushes Chester in the direction of the nearest source of cover and then runs as fast as possible in that direction as well. Chester looks for a large rock to duck behind. Seeing one, he moves towards it. A massive explosion follows, blowing the door to smithereens and causing the cave entrance to collapse. Rocks and wood fly in all directions as a huge cloud of dust, dirty and gravel cloud the area.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 3293645, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 219, “Off to the Last Ditch Mine“, Saturday, April 1st , 1882, 1:00 P.M.[/B] Chester and Nanuet reach the Marshall's Office. Berg is talking to Eduardo, making sure he's OK for duty. Chester says, "We're heading out now. You all should keep your eyes peeled for strange activity. I heard the Cowboys can hide almost in plain sight. If I don't make it back, let me say now that it's been an honor." Nanuet looks to Chester, "You about ready? You and I have some hunting to do." Ruby finds Kate talking with Ginnie. Kate turned around and gave her a half smile, then filled her in on what Ginnie had just told her. Ruby nods with the information from the girl before tussling Ginnie's hair. "What an ingenious kid," she smiles. She turns to Kate, "I need some clothes. Preferably your leather getup so I have some movement." "I might.... Ah, alright Ruby. I suppose that does make sense. Ringo probably knows what I'd wear when I might be expecting trouble. I suppose I could wear my old riding clothes, although they won't hide the spells effect." Kate took Ruby upstairs and pulled the leather clothing out of the closet. "It will be strange to be able to stare at myself. You'll have to watch the way you walk," she said, trying for light. "I could never get my hips going quite the way you do." "As for you Kate, you don't need these clothes because unless you're going to insist on being completely foolish you're not coming." Ruby says while looking at the leathers. "Unless..." she ponders for a moment, "You can't be seen. You're invisible. That could work. As for the hips, well, you'll just have to watch and learn," Ruby laughs. Kate says, "That's the only way I would consider going, Ruby. I would need to be invisible, and I couldn't do anything that would be an attack. But I think I can help. I can do the dispel, and there are some spells that can cause trouble without being physically harmful." Ruby replies, "Yes, you can help but even being invisible you can get hurt. Don't forget they have heat seeking bullets. I think you're crazy for even thinking about it." Kate replies, "I think I've been crazy for a long time now." Ruby picks up the outfit. "I'm going to bring this upstairs. It's almost time to get going. I'll meet you downstairs" She drops the outfit off in Mr. Gonzales room then goes back to the main room, waiting for everyone to meet up so they can get going. After Ruby left Kate dressed in her old, eastern riding clothes and went back downstairs to wait for the others. Minerva rushes back to the Comstock House to pick up any weapons that she owns and returns to the El Parador. Nanuet and Chester make their way back to the El Parador. "We're going to be off. Good hunting to all," Nanuet says. Minerva wraps her arms around Nanuet. "Be careful mi amor. May the gods watch over you" she says to Nanuet before he heads out the door with Chester. Ruby motions them outside. Once out in the stables they check to make sure they are alone. Ruby kisses each of them on the cheek. "I don't need to tell both of you to be careful." Ruby starts her incantation as Chester quaffs his potion. Chester and Nanuet both fade at the same time. "Good luck," she says, not knowing if they are still there to hear her or not. "You know us." Chester smiles reassuringly. The smile fades. "I don't need to tell you either, but I will. Be careful. This is a very risky deal. OK?" Before he drinks his potion, Chester checks to make sure his rifle has one normal round, the two hold person rounds, and then 4 normal rounds loaded. His Remington has the two magic bullets loaded as the second and third rounds in the cylinder along with 4 normal bullets. His Colt is fully loaded this time. Nanuet mentally calls to Maska to meet him outside town. The two men travel across the land as quickly as they can, using the best route given by the dwarves, towards the Mine. Minerva says, "Senor Jake could you accompany me to the opening Ceremony? I promise it will be Very brief." "Let's go" Jake says tipping his hat and motioning to the door. The two head over to the stage where the Ceremony is to be held. Before Ruby could even speak to Jake he was out the door. "Where the hell is he going?" Ruby returns and says to Kate. Kate replies, "She has to make an appearance at the festival. Probably he's going with her to make sure she isn't alone. We can go as soon as they're back. She sighs and looks around the room. "Ok, that candle is still going, good. It's getting crowded in here." She motions Kate closer anyway. "Mr. G. has one invisibility. Chester has a potion for himself. I can do two. That leaves you, Minerva, Nanuet and Jake, we're one short. Jake will be with me on the wagon, I guess. You should stay with Minerva. I'm not sure who should be invisible. We need to figure it out fast." Kate says, We're one invisibility short.... It would make the most sense to have Jake with "Katherine" but one of those special rounds is waiting for him. I think Minerva should get one and Nanuet, they are healers and we need them up." The two dwarves who visited earlier arrive accompanied by six others - three humans and three more dwarves. They each have either a handgun or rifle. Bjorn says, "We're all set to help you." Kate says, "Glad to have you. We're going to need a lot of help. Nanuet and Deputy Martin have already set out." Ruby looks up, startled. "That's great. Have a seat, we'll tell you the plan." She describes how they are going to try to ambush their ambushers with the wagon as a distraction. "Perhaps our priestess can accompany you. You come a little after the wagon. The wagon is sure to be followed. If you could find out if anyone is following that would be great." Kate smiled suddenly. "They are going to have plenty to worry about without trying to find me. I think it will be alright. I'll stay as out of the way as possible. As soon as Jake and Miss Florencia are back, we go." As Minerva and Jake head towards the town stage a stagecoach pulls up alongside it. The driver opens up the door and four middle-aged male Priests of the Roman/Greek church step out accompanied by Mrs. Rebecca King. Based upon their attire it appears that one is an Arch-Bishop and another is a Bishop, the other two probably being an assistant to each of them. The men move towards the stage. "Meirde" Minerva hisses. She plasters a smile on her face and strides toward the stage. "Buenas Dias your Excellency’s" She says with a curtsy. Mrs. King says, "Gentlemen, this is the Priestess Minerva Florencia who I've told you about." The one in the fanciest robe introduces himself as Arch-Bishop Dimitrios Tsaldaris of the Philadelphia Church. The other one introduces himself as Bishop Costas Papandraus, Deputy Administrator of the Church in the Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah Territories. "Buenas Dias, Senora King." she nods and turns back to the Bishops. "I am honored that you are able to join us as we pay tribute to Dionysus your Excellency’s.. I would be honored to meet with you tomorrow." she smiles. But you must excuse me as we are running a bit late and I must begin the opening Ceremony. It would not do to anger the god." she says and moves toward the podium. As Minerva runs off Jake tips his hat to the two clergy, "Pleased to meet you. I used to listen to your sermons back home in Philadelphia as a youngster before I came west. Enjoy yourself." Jake follows after Minerva. Minerva says to the assembled crowd, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of the gods and all good People of Promise City and guests who have joined us this day, I bid you WELCOME and much Prosperity. It is spring a time of new beginnings a time to celebrate the god Dionysus so that he may make our crops bountiful and make our livestock multiply. I will not require you to spend hours in prayer giving him praise, as Dionysus is a god of action who would much prefer that we show him our thanks. All that is required of you this day is to have a great time and give him thanks in doing so! Let the Festival Begin!" The crowd cheers loudly and Minerva rushes into the crowd to find Jake. Once Minerva leaves the stage the priests climb up to it and begin to make speeches as well, praising the Gods and the town's devotion to them. "Minerva, over here." Jake says. "Let's go." They arrive at El Parador and Jake finds Jeff Mills. "Be careful, but see if you can watch who follows us. Or maybe even stop them. These guys have loads of nasty special rounds, don't get shot at. I'll see you later." Ruby says, "Jake gets one, and you." She shakes her head. "I already told you what I think about you coming," Ruby says with an edge in her voice. "Minerva will have to be seen. You ride with her on her horse with the dwarves. Go get ready," she says in a bossy tone. "I'm going to get ready too. We can't be seen together and I need to leave first with the wagon." Ruby heads upstairs to Mr. Gonzales room. Jake just catches a glimpse of Ruby running up the stairs. Once upstairs in Gonzales room Ruby takes care to take off her hair clip, and all her magical items and backpack. She asks, "What do I have to do?" He replies, "Just put on the ring and say the incantation, you'll become a perfect Kate. Then you'll have to change clothes." "Alright. I think they'll need you downstairs to make Kate invisible, after I leave." Ruby puts the ring on her finger and says, "I hate bourbon." And Ruby becomes Kate's twin. Gonzales has spent so much time with Kate that the image placed upon the ring is perfect. She looks rather strange though wearing Ruby's clothing. After turning into Kate she quickly holds her own dress up so it doesn't fall off. "Ugh, I feel like a midget," she laughs. She trips as she makes her way over to Kate's leather outfit. She takes it into a private room and changes. Emerging as Kate she quickly hurries over to her belongings. She tucks the scrolls into back of her pants and places the dagger in her boot. She carefully pins her hair up with her own 'hairclip'. "There." She sighs, "Wish me luck professor amie," and kisses his cheek before heading down the stairs. She sticks close to the wall and times her exit to the outside when the least amount of people are looking in her direction. She waits in the stables for Jake to show up. Kate sighed. She hated the idea of Ruby thinking less of her, but there were no good choices here. Something told her it would be alright. She went upstairs and clipped her hair back with the jeweled clip that made her turn into Madeline. If the invisibility failed for some reason, she could change her identity. She made sure she had the scroll tucked in a book in her pocked, and Tom's pistol with twelve extra bullets. She also had the slim want of Magic Missiles in her hand. Back downstairs she found Ricardo and asked him to take the bag of equipment and notes to Mrs. O'Hara. After he ran off, she stopped by where Conrad had sat down after he brought in the Dwarves. "I expect to see you at the Ball tonight, good luck with the fencing," she said quietly. "Minerva," Jake calls and flips her a coin, "my first donation to your church." In her hand is a shiny silver dollar. "Wish me luck, Senorita, from the gods." "May Hermes continue to show you his favor Senor." Minerva says solemnly and tucks the coin in her pocket. When Jake and Minerva came in, Kate walked up to them and said, "I have to go back upstairs, we can't have two Kate's down here. I'll go with the dwarves. Come upstairs and get me when you're ready." "Good Luck Senorita, you and Katherine have the dwarven reserves. Not to close, not to far back. Godspeed, to you ladies." Kate says, "Alright, I'm going to go disappear. I'll be back down in a minute. I'll touch your shoulder when I'm here and go with you." She went upstairs to see her teacher. "I need to be invisible, Professeur amie." Mr. Gonzales made quick work of the spell, Kate thanked him and went back downstairs to touch Miss Florencia's shoulder. "Ready whenever you are." Minerva startles when invisible Kate touches her shoulder. "By the gods, Katherine, that’s some trick!" she whispers. Minerva leads the way and introduces herself to the dwarves, not mentioning that Katherine is with her. "Buenas Dias Senores, Your assistance is most appreciated. Please be careful these are dangerous men. It is almost time to be on our way." She tells them to get ready steps outside to pack her horse. Jake tips his hat and takes the back way to the barn. Jake notices Cornelius Van Horne walking up to the porch of the El Parador. Ricardo heads out to pass him the note. Jake waits for him to read the note and then walks out to the street and glares at Van Horne. "Excuse me sir, I need a word with you." Jake then says, "You don't need to be a MIND READER to know how I feel about what you do at the saloons here in town. Do you understand me?" Jake points menacingly at his chest and waits for some reaction from him. Van Horne nods and says in his Georgian accent "Sir, the owner of this establishment has made it clear that I am not welcome inside. I never go places where I am not welcome." "Just so we are clear," Jake says slowly and menacingly. Meanwhile Jake thinks all the details of what is happening as succinctly as he can. He ends by thinking “I don't have any more time. Luck be with you, friend. Wish me the same..” Jake then says aloud, "Well then, Enjoy the rest of your stay in Promise City, sir." Van Horne replies, "And you too Mr. Cooke, and a lucky day to you. Perhaps our paths will cross again later this day. I will look for you in my travels. Oh, and could you do me one favor sir?" Jake asks, "What favor would that be sir?" He replies, "I picked up a piece of jewelry for that young lady I had a drink with last time, Ruby West, I believe she works at your saloon. It may be a while until I can get by there so I would appreciate it if you would give this to her when you see her. Hold it carefully until then, it is rather valuable." He reaches behind his neck and unfastens a gold chain with a gold silver-dollar sized coin attached and in the center of the coin in a green stone that appears to be an emerald. As he hands it to Jake he whispers "Say 'Thirsty' to turn it on, three charges left today." "You are mighty generous with the ladies, sir. I'm sure she'll appreciate the gesture." Jake nods to him and heads off quickly. When Jake arrives at the barn he finds ‘Kate‘, biting her lip and pulling on her hair. "Even as Katherine you are Ruby." Jake laughs. "Ready?" "I am? I have no idea how that could be... I feel like stuffing some napkins in here," she says while adjusting the chest area of her leather bodice. "Anyway, are you ready to not be seen..." Jake closes his eyes and quickly touches all his weapons. "Yes. Your sure this change is temporary? I mean, I'd still love you but it would be a shame to do without all that talent." "Don't worry, I still have all my talents..." she says and squeezes Jake's butt. "Yes, it's temporary. If not this will be one pissed off red head. "You know," Jakes voice sounds in front of her as Ruby feels some hands on her hips, "Katherine seems a lot more boney than my lovely Miss West." She feels the hands move up to her waist and ribs. "Definitely a lack of proper curves here..." Ruby smiles and reaches her hands out, feeling for Jake, "I guess that's why you love me and not her then, huh?" Suddenly she pulls herself back. "Don't make me have to yell at you for feeling up Katherine Kale!" She no longer feels the hands on her Katherine form. The she hears Jake chuckling before he whispers, "I was just curious. Go ahead and tell me YOU didn't, ahem, feel for the differences." He chuckles some more. "I'll wait for my Ruby to come back..." Ruby giggles. "Yes, I did. It's too weird. Katherine's pretty enough but...I happen to like my red hair and my long legs and my breasts and my curves." "I'm rather fond of them myself. I'll look forward to them returning." Ruby smiles again, "Well, I guess now would be a good time to get all your urges to kiss Kate out of your system..." He chuckles again. "I had no urges to kiss Katherine. I have to admit it feels strange kissing you with her lips." Ruby giggles again. "Alright, that was your last chance. Come on, let's get going now..." Ruby casts the invisibility spell on Jake. "One more thing. I have a scroll from Mr. Gonzales. To make someone, you or I, be able to see things that can't be seen for almost an hour. I think better on you, what do you think?" Jake says, "Let's wait to the last minute to decide if we can. If shooting is required, then me. If other means are required then you. But you are right, we probably won't be able to decide that in the middle of shooting." Ruby replies, "I'll do it to you when we get closer. Don't resist it. Now get in that wagon and let's be off and get this over with." Jake climbs up and says, "I'm on." Once there he puts on the chain that Red gave him and tucks it under his shirt. When they clear town he tells her he spoke to Red. "It was him, I can tell by looking at his eyes it was him. He gave me his medallion that allows him to detect thoughts." Jake is quiet for a minute. "I tried to get him to read my mind first, I think he did. I tried to tell him everything. I don't know what he can do but never underestimate him." "Oh, and another thing before I forget. We should have a signal for when we see Ringo if he is in some disguise. Rub your little finger closest to the palm like you would if you had an itch under a ring. We should tell the others that too. One more thing, when we get closer I'll move to the back, but in the mean time sit in the middle of the bench like you are alone." "But I am alone," she whispers, shifting into the middle of the seat. "Don't forget the potions are in my bag." She reaches down into her pack and keeps one of the potions of voice modulations near her feet. Ruby places the rod on the floor near her feet and she picks up the reins, riding slowly and surely out of town. "That's great about Red. I'm sure he'll try to do something to help. He looked out for you before. It's nice to have someone have your back." Kate stuck close to Minerva, pulling herself up on the horses back. "I'm on," she whispered close to the Priestess' ear. "We'll leave a few minutes after Ruby and Jake." Before Minerva steps out of the saloon she pulls the hood of her cloak up in an attempt to conceal her identity. Kate and Minerva waited for ten excruciating minutes before they and the dwarves followed Jake and Ruby out of town toward the mine. Ruby continues towards the mine at a quicker pace. Once she guesses she is about five minutes away she briefly stops the wagon and pulls out the scroll. She says loudly, "What were those directions again?" Jake comes up closer to the front with Ruby's words. Then in a much softer tone she recites the spell off the scroll, using some misdirection to 'pretend' to look for something in the back while touching him to pass the spell. Jake looks at his own hand to see what his vision might be like. He lays down in the back of the wagon and just peers out with his head while they approach. He takes his shotgun of his back and keeps it in his hands. Ruby gives a good look around the area, looking for anything that may appear out of place as she continues her way to the mine. "Psst, Ruby." Jake whispers. "Did you put the dynamite in the books?" "No." She whispers back through clenched lips. "Mierda." Jake says under his breath. He spends the next few minutes putting four sticks of dynamite that he brought into the containers of books. He quietly tells Ruby where the fuses are located. Once Nanuet and Chester get near the area they slow, looking for signs of unusual tracks or noises. It takes Nanuet, Chester and Maska around a half-hour at a rather fast pace to reach the general vicinity where the mine is ahead. They have been following four sets of fresh horse tracks for most of the ride. They then reach a spot before the hills where the horses had stopped. From there three sets of footprints continue to the northwest while the four horse tracks turn and head off more to the north. Nanuet quietly whispers to Chester, "Let's follow the footprints first." They head in a northwest direction. Chester nods, realizes that Nanuet can't see him and whispers back, "OK. So three on foot and probably one taking the horses to the mine. Let's look for a place where we would set up an ambush and look for them there." They follow for a while, realizing that the three on foot went towards the mine. When Nanuet and Chester are within 100 feet of the mine they can see that one of the doors to the two mine tunnels has been opened. The other appears to still be locked. The storage shed door is shut but the chain and padlock are hanging from the doorknob rather than fastening the door shut. Nanuet whispers to Chester, "Lock them in or get them now?" He mentally commands Maska to track the other set of tracks if she can, and let him know where they are and how many. "Not yet. I want to know if anyone is still outside. We don't want anyone to see the door moving on its own. "The door is shut, let's lock them in then." Nanuet silently makes his way over to the door and locks the padlock over the door. Maska approaches the mine. She sniffs all around the entrance and the shed area. She communicates to Nanuet that none of them men are still there. Chester says, "What's she saying?" Nanuet replies, "She doesn't smell anyone else in the area. Hopefully they're all inside now. I hope Ringo is there with them, but I doubt it. Let's take a look in the shed before locking that too." Nanuet whispers to Chester, "Look, Maska doesn't think there are humans in this area. I say we lock the door to the cave, or jam it closed with something so that they can't get out. Let the dwarves deal with them if there is anybody inside, or at least keep them out of the fight for now. Then we go back to the area where the trail split and follow the horse tracks? Sound like a plan?" Chester states, "I'm with you. We better hurry. no telling when someone will come to that door." Chester and Nanuet approach the tunnel. The door is opened and a lantern appears to have been lit further down the tunnel as there is light in the distance. The tracks head inside although Maska does not sense that anybody is there at all. Chester suggests, "Let's close the door. We can go in when everyone else gets here." Nanuet listens carefully first. He does not hear anything and then looks for the lock for the door to the mines. Not seeing a lock he finds a rock that he can jam in it's place. He carefully tries to close the door as quietly as possible and then jam it. As soon as the door begins to move Nanuet and Chester both see a flash and spark from behind the door. They then hear a hissing sound of something burning in the immediate area. Nanuet pushes Chester in the direction of the nearest source of cover and then runs as fast as possible in that direction as well. Chester looks for a large rock to duck behind. Seeing one, he moves towards it. A massive explosion follows, blowing the door to smithereens and causing the cave entrance to collapse. Rocks and wood fly in all directions as a huge cloud of dust, dirty and gravel cloud the area. [/QUOTE]
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