"Ballots & Bullets" (TSR Module BH3) Concluded!

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-thirty-nine “Monday Night Debate”, Monday June 12th, 1882, 6:45 P.M.

After leaving the party rally Jake headed home. There he quickly goes about strapping on his second pistol and putting packets of extra bullets in his duster. He then prepares his Spencer rifle for travel and wraps a couple sticks of dynamite in a saddle bag. He leaves these on his bed for later. He takes the pocket mirror from his night stand and drops it in the outside pocket of his duster.

Though he has not carried it since he acquired the magical dagger that rides in his boot, Jake locates his old hunting knife. He ties it up to the inside back of his duster so he can draw it over the shoulder unnoticed. He smiles to himself as he does so, it has been a few years since he hooked it up this way. He slips his arms into the leather duster and looks in the mirror.

"Well Mr. Cook, I think you wear it much finer than that Ringo character did." He test draws the knife a few times, making the necessary adjustments. A short glance in the mirror to adjust his collar and then his hand is holding the knife, but only for a fraction of a second as it flies across the room and sinks point first into the closet door frame. "What are you doing Jacob Alistair Cooke?" he says to his reflection.

"Why I am preparing for a little of everything." Hands on his hips he asks, "Why would that be?" After a scratching his chin a little he answers, "I am not quite sure what the future holds and I may desire to leave unexpectedly. If I do, I will help to set things in order here in Promise City for my friends. Silver Jake Cook pays his debts and stands by his friends."

The sounds of chatter floated out into the street from the brightly lit Town Hall diagonally across the street from where Jake was. Inside it would be a trick to find a seat for anyone who got there much later. Kate slipped inside and looked for any familiar faces to sit with. Minerva and Nakomo enter the hall and stand by the backdoor with the wall against their backs. They subtly survey the room looking for any suspicious characters or activity. Minerva pulls out her mirror, concealing it within the flowing sleeve of her blouse and directs it at people as they enter the room.

Judge Isby and Kevin Tomlinson enter the room just before 7:00 and head to the front of the room. Judge Isby goes to the podium and says, “Welcome to the second debate for Town Council. I have a few announcements to make first. The Integrity Party has now officially dissolved. Elihu Upton will remain a candidate for the Town Council position as an independent candidate. Judge Lacey and Joseph Riser will remain as candidates for Town Council for the Unity Party, replacing Helen Barker and Patrick Seawell. Vidkan Gerhardsohn has withdrawn his candidacy for mayor and is now a candidate for Town Council for the Unity Party, replacing Cole Rixton.

Ike and Jesse Sherman have withdrawn as candidates for the Liberty Party and Bob Skull has had his name withdrawn from the Freedom Party. Paperwork for replacements for those candidates must by filed in advance of tomorrow night’s debate for new candidates to be included in the debates. To provide a sufficient number of spaces for replacement candidates one scheduled independent candidate has agreed to participate in tonight’s debate instead.”

Kate was glad the Unity and Integrity parties had already reorganized so they didn't have to worry about a deadline. She wondered which independent would join tonight’s debate. It would make a volatile night even more interesting. Eight candidates come out onto the stage.

The Judge states, “The Candidates for tonight’s debate are alphabetically from left to right Vera Blake who co-owns Drover’s Hotel and Drover’s Livery and is a candidate for the Unity Party, Estaban Fuente who is employed by the El Parador Cantina and is an independent candidate, Vidkan Gerhardsohn who co-owns the Last Ditch Mine and is a candidate for the Unity Party, Kate Higgins who owns the Long Branch Saloon and is a candidate for the Freedom Party, Porter Norris who is employed by Hamilton Fisk and is a candidate for the Liberty Party, Jeremiah Peck who is employed by the Gunsight Brickyard and is an independent candidate, William Watkins who owns the Great Western Boarding House and is a candidate for the Law and Order Party, and Dennis Winston who is the Deputy County Recorder and is a candidate for the Law and Order Party.

As stated before, all questions from the audience are to be submitted in writing. Audience members are to refrain from speaking directly to the candidates or will be subject to the same $ 100 fine issued last night. If another candidate or party are directly referenced in a candidate’s response that person or party member may respond afterwards and debate will continue until the moderator feels the subject is exhausted.”

Meanwhile, Jake Cook stares at his reflection for a long moment before shaking his head, "Damn fool, that you do." With a shrug he releases his reflection and pries the knife from the wood. Once the razor sharp hunting knife is back in its sheath behind his neck, Jake makes his way to the debate. He arrives late and takes a seat in the back, deciding he will hold his tongue because he has better things to do with one hundred dollars.

Chester takes a seat at the debates next to Jake. "Hey, Jake. How are you doing? Let's hope the merger will help our chances in the election." "I am well, Deputy. No resting on hope, it will help your chances. We need to do more though, and we will." Jake says cryptically. Chester whispers back, "Are you talking about the masked riders or something else?" Jake smiles, "Chet, if you want to be top lawman here you got to clean up all the problems. Those masked guys are just one. See me after the debates." Chester nods, "I was just thinking about which to take care of first. Running from fire to fire is getting us nowhere."

Judge Isby looks down at the stack of cards and states, “The first question is for Bill Watkins. Two weeks ago you made a statement that only human male property owners should be allowed the right to vote. Do you still believe that?” Watkins replies, “I do. I have great respect for women but they need to also learn their place. The inferior races also have a role to play in society but the key decisions should be left for human men.” Kate cannot believe her ears, Women needed to learn their place? If she'd had the $100 to waste, Kate would have gladly paid a fine to tell Wakins just what she thought of him and the place he thought women belonged in.

Candidates Kate, Vera, Estaban and Vidkan all raise their hands to respond. Ibsy however says, “Please put your hands down, I think his response speaks for itself and needs no further clarifications.”

Judge Isby checks the cards and says, "The next question is also for Mr. Watkins. "At the organizational meeting where voter registration was decided you came close to a physical confrontation with you party's candidate for Mayor. How unified is the Law and Order party if they have difficulty maintaining order among themselves in public?" Watkins gives a brief answer of "That was an emotionally charged morning and Mr. Condon and I have put that incident behind us."

Dennis Winston raises his hand and says, "The question asks about Law and Order Party unity, as a Party member may I speak to that?" Isby grants permission. Winston says, "The Law and Order Party is not as united as it needs to be. The published platform was made prior to my joining and so I was not able to provide input, although I feel that getting the preliminary ideas out for discussion was important and wish that the other party's had done the same. Following these debates I will recommend that the platform be revised based upon public input from these sessions. By election day you can count on seeing from us a truly united party with a solid platform."

Isby sorts through the pile of questions, softly muttering “Watkins, Watkins, Watkins, Watkins, ah” he then looks up. “The next question is for Estaban Fuente. What makes a saloon singer qualified to run for Town Council?” Estaban’s reply is in perfect English with barely a hint of an accent.

“I have great love for this town. I visited my friends the Escobar family on this site before there ever was a town. I have respect for all races, feeling that no race is inferior to another. As to my fairness and equal perspective on race I encourage you to ask the various humans, halflings and dwarves of the town who know me to confirm that fact. And my involvement and interest in the town goes far beyond singing and playing music at the El Parador. I actively participated in many events at the town Festival in March as well my participation in the upcoming theatrical production of Romeo and Juliet.

As for the council itself, I have prior experience of having served for sixteen years as a member of the Town Council of what is now the City of Los Angeles, California. I served from the years 1822 to 1838, the years immediately following the Spanish rule. After the Spaniards left the town needed to establish its own government and laws, not unlike the task facing Promise City today. And that community has prospered greatly in the last sixty years just as I hope to help this one do during the next sixty years.”

Kate had not known that Estaban had been involved in politics before. She realized that she had never really understood the long lives of her elvan friends. Without thinking, she had felt their experience would match whatever appearance of youth or age they presented to her human eyes. That shift in thought was going to take some getting used to.

It is easy for Nanuet to follow the sounds of people to Town Hall once he returns to town, where he does his best to slip amongst the crowd and next to Minerva without being too noticeable to others. Minerva wordlessly smiles up at him and affectionately squeezes his hand. She continues to listen to the debates while using her mirror to discreetly scan the room for absent reflections.

The next half-hour is dominated by a series of questions regarding the oldest profession as Kate Higgins is asked her opinion of the Law and Order Party's position on ending prostitution, which she defends as a viable means for a woman to make money. This is countered by Bill Watkins who uses very blunt terminology to condemn the practice.

Estaban Fuente then states his opinion, discussing how various races view the act of making love differently and who Watkins human-centric view should not be applied to all, adding that a significant number of humans in town don't agree with the Law and Order Party's view either, otherwise those businesses would have gone out of business.

Dennis Winston then enters the dialogue, restating what Bill Watkins said in a more diplomatic manner and citing Drover's Hotel as a saloon in town that agrees that the profession is vile. Vera Blake states that while she personally is opposed to prostitution, and would never offer it under her roof, she recognizes that in a community with hundreds of single men that there is a demand for those services and they are best provided in safe and regulated locations that the town physicians can regularly visit.

Kate followed closely as the candidates debated prostitution. There were no surprises to her in what was said, but she was pleased to hear the back and forth with little sniping. This was how a debate should run.

Vidkan is asked his opinion of the Law and Order Platform's decision to have saloons close on Sundays. Through his translator her replies that he finds the idea ridiculous, that most of his supporters follow the Norse pantheon which does not observe that day. His religion has specific times of year as high holy days, and during those congregating in places to celebrate is encouraged.

Watkins responds by telling Vidkan that the majority of the people in town follow the Greek/Roman Pantheon and if he doesn't like that he can pack up and leave. Dennis Wilson then speaks up to apologize for Watkin's prior remark and says that opinion is Watkin's personal opinion and not representative of the Law and Order Party. He cites the friendship between Mayoral Candidate Frank Condon and his friends the Escobar family, who follow the Native Elvan Pantheons.

Estaban Fuente corrects him stating that the Escobar Family follow the Central American Wood Elvan Pantheon, not the one of North America, although the confusion is understandable as both are worshipped at Father Vadlez's church. Watkins is going to reply but is cut off by Judge Isby who asks Vera Blake a question about town services. Vera talks of the need to expand the Fire Department, pointing out that other fires might not occur on Sunday Morning when most of the firefighters happened to have been in town. Mr. Wilson was beginning to worry Kate. They weren't really hearing much of what his own thoughts were, rather he was spending his time keeping Watkins from sinking the Law and Order ticket.

Jeremiah Peck is asked a question about what his Indian wife's influence will be on his decision making for the town if elected. He states that he and Cornflower have a wonderful marriage based upon mutual respect and that he values her input, but it is he and not her who is running for office so the final decision will be his. Bill Watkin's face is one of pure disgust as Peck speaks.

Watkin's get the next question asking about his sponsorship of the Promise City School of Moral Values and if the town really needs two separate schools. Watkins says, "The gods-fearing human children of this school need to be brought up right. As the name of the school states, we instill moral values in the pupils. The school employs an educated and qualified teaching staff who will see to it that the children of this town are the leaders of tomorrow." Kate was actually rather surprised Watkins' comments stopped where they did. He was certainly indicating she and her staff weren't qualified, but he could have said much worse things.

Chester listens intently. He wonders if having Watkins on the Law & Order ticket hurts them or helps. No doubt there are many in town who feel the same way Watkins does, but keep it to themselves. Hopefully there aren't enough to decide the election or Watkins way of putting things will embarrass them into not coming out for the vote.

Porter Norris has remained quiet until now and the next question is for him. It asks, "Could you please explain to those assembled what the Liberty Party stands for?" He replies, "I certainly can, we stand for Liberty for all peoples. We will impose no rigid rules and restrictions on the people, allowing them to live and worship as they see fit. This town is growing rapidly with new businesses opening every day, the town council needs to be able to adapt and go with the flow, to encourage this growth. If you put shackles on this community it will die."

Dennis Winston gets the next question, which asks his opinion of the Liberty Party. He states "I find them dangerous. They are comprised of many people who the town does not really know, and I would be concerned about turning over matters to those who may not have the best interests of the town at heart." Norris counters, reminding Winston that he managed the former Indian Head Saloon for over a year and knows many of those in town. Winston counters by pointing out that the Indian Head was closed down by its landlord for giving haven to criminals, specifically Johnny Ringo and his friends.

Watkins is asked another question regarding the linkage between the Law and Order Party and the Greek/Roman Church. He replies, "All of us on the party are very religious people and it plays a part in our daily lives. However, that does not mean that we whole-heartedly support this untamed spitfire of a Priestess who has wormed her way into our midst. Her current dalliance with that wild savage who loiters in town is an abomination to our faith. She herself obviously knows that, since she sent him away for several days while her church leaders were visiting." Chester reflexively looks around the audience for Minerva. Who knows how she'd react.

Kate bristled at the insult against her friends but clamped her lips shut. Dignifying that would a response would only serve to make others think it could be taken seriously. Before Minerva says something to incur a fine candidate Jeremiah Peck raises his hand and says, "May I provide clarification? I have worked with the man who was just referenced." Isby allows it.

Peck states, "Mr. Watkins, the Priestess's friend is named Nanuet. He is not a loiterer, but rather one of the hardest working men that I know of in this town. He not only co-owns a livestock ranch a mile from town but also works for both the Lucky Lady Dance Hall and Saloon and the Gunsight Brickyard. He is a personal friend of myself and my wife Cornflower. His recent departure from town had nothing to do with the Priestess, he was meeting with the Territorial Governor in Prescott as a representative of his tribe."

Watkins replies, "Figures you'd try defending him, since you cohabitate with a savage yourself." Isby pounds the gavel as a red-faced Peck yells back, "Cornflower and I are lawfully wed." Watkins yells back, "Bull Excrement, the true Gods recognize no such union." Chester starts at Peck's outburst. He looks at Judge Isby to see if the judge wants him to step in.

Kevin Tomlinson bounds up onto the stage and steps in front of Watkins. His sudden movement causes Watkins and Peck to both stop talking. Isby pounds the gavel again and says, "Mr. Watkins, Mr. Peck, I will have you both removed if you cannot conduct yourselves in a civil manner." Tomlinson is handed a chair and takes a seat on the stage near Watkins. Chester relaxes when Tomlinson jumps up on stage. He settles back in his chair and waits for the next question.

The debate resumes, with a lengthy exchange between Estaban Fuente and Dennis Winston about the Law and Order Party's plan to limit the hours of the town's saloons. Vera Blake gets an opportunity to make the suggestion of not closing saloon but instead having rules for curtailing noise at later hours. Estaban indicates that is reasonable and Winston says it will need to be considered but has merit. Both Porter Norris and Kate Higgins strongly disagree, saying that the saloons are important businesses in town and should not be restricted. Chester finds himself agreeing with Vera Blake. Of course that could just be because he lives in a saloon. In fact a general noise law would work too.

The next question is for Vidkin Gerhardsohn which asks how he will be able to effectively serve when he cannot speak either English or Spanish. He replies through his interpreter "I have been able to communicate tonight with the help of my friend and I do plan to learn the local languages. I presently know three languages so learning another one or two should not be difficult."

The next question is for Kate Higgins and asks why she has decided to run for office. She uses the question to launch into a scathing attack on the Law and Order Party's platform, calling them a group of closed-minded bigoted fools who feel themselves superior to all others." Isby ignores Bill Watkin's raised hand and calls on Dennis Winston who calmly and politely states "The opinion of a single candidate is not necessarily that of the entire party, in fact, it is possible that some candidates may be changed on our ticket upon further reflection. Our party stands for what the name states, Law and Order, if you wish for those for Promise City then we are the party you should vote for.

The final question in the debate is for Estaban Fuente, which asks why he has not tried to join any of the political parties in town and will he vote for the candidates on them. He eloquently replies, "Obviously my race alone would preclude me from the so-called Freedom Party, as its mayoral candidate has a strong bias against non-humans. My positions on saloons puts me in conflict with the Law and Order Party. From past experience I personally do not trust Attorney Fisk and his friends, so that rules out the Liberty Party. And while I respect many people on the Unity Party they might find some of my own ideas too radical, so I would not want to reflect negatively on them.

As to who I will vote for, myself and Mr. Peck will be two of them, probably a few Unity Party Candidates for the other Council Positions as well as Town Marshall. I am undecided yet as to Mayor, as I have great respect for Emery Shaw but Frank Condon I consider a personal friend." Kate smiled to herself at this answer. She had chosen to work within the party system out of a fear that most people would vote for an entire party. But like Estaban, she planned to pick and choose her candidates and hoped his statement would remind people they could vote individually.

The debate comes to a close and Judge Isby invites people to return on Tuesday night for the final Town Council debate. Watkins and Winston leave together along with Zeb Cook, the three getting into an argument on the way out regarding Winston's final comment. Others begin to depart.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-forty “Tired of Waiting”, Monday June 12th, 1882, 8:30 P.M.

Minerva is unruffled by the comments made by candidates whose beliefs oppose the message that she had been preaching. She smiles, satisfied that Watkins had shot himself in the foot by making his hatred for other races and his distain for women so obvious. "At least we know where we stand with him." she says to Nanuet. "I am more worried about those who hide their beliefs behind their parties banners and pretty words. Although I must say it was difficult to contain my wrath when he made those derogatory comments about our relationship, but I was not about to dignify his remarks by responding to such drivel. That does not mean however, that we should not show people that we are bonded." she kisses him lightly on the cheek and takes his hand before leading him off to seek out their friends.

Nanuet is also upset by the comments made by the boorish man, but allows his wisdom to take hold and watches the situation. He keeps a close eye on Minerva and is pleased to see her reaction. Only a short time ago she would have lashed out in a fury rather than let things unfold a bit before making a move. "I do not think that it is patience that I am learning, although I am trying to be more patient. It is more of a sense of recognizing the most effective tactic to eliminating the enemy." she chuckles. "Sr. Watkin's is doing a fine job of digging his own grave. To draw attention away from him would just slow down that process. Each time he opens his mouth he digs a little deeper." she grins impishly. "It is almost as satisfying as telling him what I think of him."

Kate made her way forward as the candidate came down. "You did very well," Kate said to Mrs. Blake. "I would have liked to have seen a few more questions thrown your way. That's one of the problems with not being extreme. I think the party will want to consider a few ads to get the message out." The women spent a few minutes talking.

Chester walks up to Tomlinson. "That was quick work there, Kevin. They could have come to blows." "Not on my watch Deputy," the tall Englishman replies. He then gestures for Chester to join him on the far end of the stage and says, "Harker and Harbrace think they have wind of a strong lead. There is a farmhouse and barn near the Dragoon Mountains that the Cowboy Gang had used for a hideout which the Earps burnt to the ground last March. Apparently the house had an earthen root cellar and both bats and dogs have been spotted in that area. They've gone to investigate it now. Jeff Mills went with them, apparently he knows where the place is."

Chester replies, "That's good. We've looked at most of the abandoned mines near town and haven't found anything. The three of them should be able to take care of it. But I'd like to ride out there anyway." Tomlinson says, "It's already dark out Deputy, and quite a ways off. They left a few hours ago. By the time we got there the investigation would probably be over. I know waiting is difficult but we should probably let them do their job." Tomlinson gestures for Jake to come join them.

Chester sighs, "You're right, but I hate waiting. Oh, here comes Jake and Kate." Kate went over to where Chester was talking with Mr. Tomlinson. She nodded to both and said, "Interesting night. I'm sorry to interrupt, but I believe Jake had some information to pass along to both of you." As Jake approaches he repeats to Kate and Jake what he told Chester about where Harker, Harbrace and Mills have gone to. We're familiar with the property," Kate said dryly. "It would be a good place to hide. Have you had any luck discovering who the local, uh, undesirables might be?"

Tomlinson says, "Two men matching the descriptions of who we are looking for, Mortimer Turner and the one with the beard, were both spotted together in the town of Dos Cabezas on Saturday night. Two Dos Cabezas townspeople, a human prospector and a half-elf farmer, both went missing that night as well. Dos Cabezas is not far from that farmhouse, closer than Promise City in fact." Kate states, "So we either have two more victims or two more night creatures to deal with. I'm starting to think it's a good idea to keep mirrors everywhere. I hope the others haven't bitten off more than they can chew. They're had time to swell their ranks by quite a bit. Enough to overwhelm three men, anyway." Kate couldn't remember seeing Bronco Madsen here tonight, but she looked around the room again, just to make sure.

Tomlinson says, "That's why the men went now instead of waiting, if these were unwilling victims, which is most likely, then it will take three days for them to rise which will therefore be tomorrow night." Chester exclaims, "Damn. This means a trip to Dos Cabezas. They're marshaling their strength before they come back here, I bet." Tomlinson says, "The others will be back before morning, I'm optimistic that they might find all four and rid the world of them, then our problems will be solved."

Kate was quiet for a minute, trying to think of a way to pass on what she knew without giving away how she knew it. "Did anyone else notice that no one from the Liberty Party was here tonight? We've long suspected Hamilton Fisk of financing the Cowboy Gang, and we've had some reason to think the creatures may be tied to them as well. And I heard some rumors in the Lady about Bronco Madsen, that someone thought it was strange he was up and walking around, as if he shouldn't be."

Tomlinson says, "They're over at the party headquarters building with the Sheriff Deputies protecting them. A bit too dangerous for them to just be walking about given Snavely and Allman's accusations which haven't been disproved yet. They don't want to end up like Avery."
Tomlinson chats for a few more minutes with the trio then heads off with Judge Isby.

Chester says, "So Kate, what say we throw some garlic and holy water into their headquarters?" "Tempting, but no," she smiled. "But them being all together seems to good an opportunity to pass up. I wish I could get in there with a mirror." Chester replies, "It was just a thought. The Sheriff's deputies probably won't let us in anyway. If they only knew what they were guarding." Kate replies, "That doesn't mean we should forget they're there. We've waited too long to act already, let things go on as they are for too long. I wish I could do more than just search for information." She sighed softly, then found a smile. Chester flexes his hands. "You and me both. I could scout out the Liberty party's HQ and follow someone we suspect of being a creature of the night. That will lead us directly to where they're hiding out."

"Where are we all headed now? Do you still want to go out to the mine tonight or wait to find out what Mr. Harker and the others discover?" Chester scratches his chin. "Depends on how long you think the Liberty Party's shindig will last. If it lasts into the night, we can go to the mine now. We can wait until morning to hear what Mr. Harker has to say." Kate says, "I imagine the Liberty Party candidates will be with the deputies until they're cleared. Whether or not you go tonight is entirely up to you. I can't go with you, you know that." Chester replies, "I know. You need to take care of yourself. I'm going to seek out the Liberty Party men. I can't miss this chance."

Minerva, Nanuet and Nakomo approach and overhear the tail end of Katherine's conversation. "And where are you going that Katherine cannot follow, Deputy? You were not going to run off and have fun without us, where you?" she says smiling lightly for the benefit of intruding eyes and ears. Chester states, "Hey there. I was just going to follow a Liberty Party man to see if I can find where our local, ahem, monsters are hiding. Kate was wondering if we should go to the mine or wait for Mr. Harker and his group to come back from the mountains."

Minerva states, "I do not want to wait another night before we act but I think that it is too dangerous for any one of us to run off on our own. If you want to visit the Liberty party meeting. Nakomo and I will join you. "It's not really a meeting. They're holed up with the Sheriff’s Deputies. After the accusations that were made today they apparently felt it was safer to be in protective custody. It would be interesting to see what Mr. Madsen will do when the sun comes up, though."

Kate dropped her voice and said, "Mr. Harker, Father Harbrace, and Jeff Mills went out earlier this afternoon to follow a lead at the farmhouse that burned. You remember that, I'm sure. My thought was you might want to wait to hear what's found there before moving further. But it's up to those who could go." Chester states, "He'll be very antsy in a few hours, I'm sure. If it's late enough, he won't be too careful about checking to see if he's being followed. That's why I want to follow him. Minerva, you and Nakomo are welcome to join me. Kate, whatever they have to say to us can wait. I need to do something."

Kate answers, "Whatever you like, Chester. I'm going to take this unusual opportunity to go home, get some schoolwork done, and go to bed early. Good night and be careful. Let me know how things turn out." Chester says, "I'm sorry, but we have to act. The more we wait, the more they have a chance to regroup. We're just going to follow them to find their base. The hunt can wait until daylight." Kate walked back through the room, stopping to talk here and there, but was good to her word and on her way home within a few minutes.

A hint of exasperation flashes through Minerva's eyes, but she continues to smile as though she is discussing nothing more important than the weather. "Meirde!" she hisses. "Once again we are hindered by our lack of communication! These hunters should not be so arrogant and foolish as to run off on their own. None of us is strong enough to defeat these creatures on our own. The goddess has indicated that our strength lies in the combined talents of each of us."

She looks to Chester meaningfully. "It is neither safe nor effective to act independently. She glances at Nakomo out of the corner of her eye and looks away. "It is past time that we begin working together. Each night that passes makes our task more impossible and if we continue this way we will surely be killed. But" she relents, "I suppose that they would not have run off to investigate without a solid reason." "I see you have learned some patience in the short time we were parted. I am glad for that." Nanuet squeezes her hand gently as they depart.

She turns to Chester, "I am inclined to wait for their return, but if you insist on following this creature. We will come with you." Chester says, "OK, but we can't let them know we're trailing them. Otherwise we could fall into a trap." Nanuet exclaims, "What exactly is going on here? I saw the use of a mirror at the debates and now this talk. Is this more trouble like we found in Thomaswell?"

Jake leans in closer and answers Nanuet, "Yes. Just like in Thomaswell." Chester nods. "There's even a Turner mixed up in it. Jeff and a couple others went to the Dos Cabezos mountains looking for them. But one of the Liberty Party candidates might be one, too. That's who we're after tonight."

Then to the Deputy Marshall Jake says, "I am tired of waiting on them, I want to do something. Let us do it, Chet. I am not much of a tracker but I will cover your back. I was going to suggest a little visit to the Beatrice mine but we can always do that afterwards or even in the morning and visit the farm house ruin somewhere in between." They all give him a glance as if he were loco, "Hey, I am accustomed to stay up late without sleep. I will get my gear and meet you in a few minutes." "Chester says, "Hurry back. Who knows when they'll return to their homes. Tonight, just following the monster back to his lair will be enough.. The rest can wait until we hear from Jeff and the others." Minerva states, "Nakomo and I are prepared for an encounter if it should come to that."

Jake hustles off to gather the items he left on the bed. On the way he makes a side trip to get himself the approximation of a wooden stake and a hammer. At the house he pauses in front of his safe and scratches at his beard for a moment before opening it and removing the belt buckle. "That may come in handy." Dynamite in an outer pocket and Spencer over his shoulder he heads back out in the night to meet with his friends. This time instead of walking down the center of the dark streets he moves in the shadows, hidden and quiet. The task before them is unpleasant, but wandering through a town in the dark this way always gives him a little bit of a thrill.

As she left the others talking, Kate remembered that in all the excitement after Wyatt Earp's visit that she had never delivered his message to Miss Marcus. She headed for the Comique, remembering that she was singing there until they found a replacement for Clarisse Townsend.
The saloon was bright and busy as Kate walked inside and looked for Miss Marcus. Kate has a seat and sits through a set of music with Warren Watkins playing for Josephine Marcus. When they finish he heads back to the bar, relieving Pierre Jaquet. Josie heads down from the stage and sits alone at a far table, where Pierre brings her a glass of wine and praises her singing before moving on to another table.

When Pierre had been gone a few moments, Kate walked over to the actresses table and said, "May I keep you company for a few minutes? I was on my home when I heard the singing and couldn't resist coming in for just a moment." Josie welcomes Kate to join her and says, "Sandra Wainwright has been suggesting that you help with the play but things have been too hectic for me to talk to you about it. Conrad Booth is turning into an excellent Romeo, and has been very helpful to teach Estaban the part as well, as he is the understudy and may be playing the party on Saturday night instead."

Kate replies, "Yes, Conrad wants to play in the poker tournament Saturday night. It's unfortunate they coincide with one another. Although the extra people in town might attend the Friday or Sunday shows. Sandra is a lovely woman, which I'm sure you've discovered. I'll be glad to help in any way I can after school is out. I already agreed to make sure the venues were ready for the shows, which I have not done yet. Any advice you have on what must be done I'd appreciate. The production has made Conrad very happy; I wish I could see him such more often."

he says, "From the way he speaks about you I would say that Conrad will see you as often as time permits." Kate felt a blush slide down her face and into her neck. "I'm not sure that's true right now. We argued the other day, the first time we've argued seriously. I was married five years, I know arguments are bound to happen and they aren't the end of the world, but I'm not certain he knows it. What I meant though was that gambling doesn't make him happy. Acting does, and I wish he could follow a profession that gives him so much satisfaction."

Kate looked around them, making sure there was no one near enough to hear her whispers. "I have seen one that you might wish to see more often as well. He says the countryside is too dangerous these days; that you should not seek him out." Josie says, "I....I have to agree. The newspaper story said those Sheriff Deputies.....bah those men are not fit to wear badges, well, the paper said they were after him. Leslie is a skilled tracker, they'll find him. He needs to leave, it is too dangerous for him to stay."

She wipes her eyes and says, "But enough of me and him, what was it that you and Mr. Booth argued about? The school? The election? His plans to have the girls race their buggies?" "About the visitor whose message I just delivered. Conrad was concerned for my safety, and those of the others at my ranch. I tried to explain my reasons and the truth of things, but he did not understand. Or more truthfully, we didn't understand each other." Kate sighed. "I think you understand what I refer to."

She says, "I do.....he is both right and wrong. My friend would never harm you but the men who are hunting him would, they would not hesitate to do whatever is necessary to you or anybody else to find him. So you are angry at Conrad for worrying about your safety? Kate smiled and shook her head. "No. I'm angry because he treated me like a child. His argument was predicated on the idea that I did not understand the dangers involved. I may not see everything the way he did, but there were many dangers and I was willing to trade one for another. Protection from a known, current danger traded for a possible, future one. And sorely needed information."

She rubbed the back of her neck and sighed. "And then of course there was his course of action. Which I would have agreed to had he asked. Only he didn't. He just informed me it was going to happen and left. Mind you, I was hardly reasonable myself. I have worried daily over these choices, wondering if my partners and I had made the right ones. It made me defensive to have them challenged from the outside."

Josie replies, "Well, I'll leave the two of you to work these problems out for themselves. You are both good people and I think you would make a good couple, but you both have minds of your own. Remember this Kate, Conrad is a man of action, that is who he is. Twice now he has come to my rescue, and from what I heard of what occurred at the festival, has done the same for you. So maybe you should ask yourself if you are wanting him to be something more than who he is."

"I hope I am not." Kate was quiet for a moment. "Although perhaps some of what I see in him exists only in my imagination. I'm not unhappy with his motives, and in the heat of anger and fear no one thinks straight. I certainly didn't. And I know he didn't intend to hurt my feelings. We just need to talk it out, but when that will happen I don't know. Tomorrow, I hope since he is working tonight." Kate says, "I suppose I should be on my way, you'll need to be singing again before long. Did Mrs. Wainwright have anything specific she wanted me to help with for the play?"

She paused but the uncertain yet vain young woman in her won out. "Conrad talks about me?" Josie laughs and says, "Of course he talks about you. We're doing a production of one of the most romantic stories ever written, he naturally talks about the love of his life." Kate smiled, obviously pleased. "I'll talk to Sandra tomorrow and see if there's anything she needs for the show. Thank you for the company, Miss Marcus. I'm sure the patrons are waiting for you to come back on. I'll see you again soon."

After her talk with Miss Marcus Kate did go home and settled into some schoolwork. The school had been operating long enough now for the children to be producing work that needed checking, and there was always preparation. Ginnie got in earlier than usual and they were both in bed at a decent hour.

Keeping an eye on the Liberty Party Headquarters building proves to be quite easy for the group, given that it is situated directly across the street from Minerva's house. The two-story clapboard building appears quiet, with a few lights on the second floor. Between those keeping watch from Minerva's house and others hiding on the hill behind it near the Breakheart Mine they are able to keep the house under surveillance for the entire night. During the evening nobody arrives and the only one to leave is Hamilton Fisk who heads next door to his own house for around an hour, returning with a small satchel. Until midnight the front and back doors are guarded by the two Sheriff Deputies who then head inside.

Nobody else comes or goes until the sun starts to come over the horizon at 6:00 A.M. on Tuesday morning. A very tired Nakomo busies himself in the kitchen preparing food. The Rich aroma of coffee and bacon waft into the living room beckoning the group to breakfast. Minerva enters followed by Nanuet. "My, Nakomo that smells delicious!" Minerva compliments as she seats herself at the table. She motions for Nanuet to do the same as Nakomo pours coffee all around and begins serving the meal. "Where are the others?" He asks. Minerva shrugs her shoulders. "I imagine they have gone to their beds to rest, as I shall right after breakfast."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-forty-one “A Departure, a border and a package”, Tuesday June 13th, 1882, 6:00 A.M.

Keeping an eye on the Liberty Party Headquarters building proves to be quite easy for the group, given that it is situated directly across the street from Minerva's house. The two-story clapboard building appears quiet, with a few lights on the second floor. Between those keeping watch from Minerva's house and others hiding on the hill behind it near the Breakheart Mine they are able to keep the house under surveillance for the entire night. During the evening nobody arrives and the only one to leave is Hamilton Fisk who heads next door to his own house for around an hour, returning with a small satchel. Until midnight the front and back doors are guarded by the two Sheriff Deputies who then head inside.

Nobody else comes or goes until the sun starts to come over the horizon at 6:00 A.M. "Maybe better luck next time, Chet." Jake wishes him good night and heads home to get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. Jake had not kept watch the whole night, but dozing on the hill side was not the most restful environment.

Chester goes back to the Lucky Lady disappointed. They must have been given a line about how it's not safe out here in the daytime. Blast! I guess this means we look at the mine. He tromps up the stairs to his room. Chester sits at his desk for a few minutes before taking off his gun belt and clothes. Once that's done, he drops onto his bed for a few hours sleep.

A very tired Nakomo busies himself in the kitchen preparing food. The Rich aroma of coffee and bacon waft into the living room beckoning the group to breakfast. Minerva enters followed by Nanuet. "My, Nakomo that smells delicious!" Minerva compliments as she seats herself at the table. She motions for Nanuet to do the same as Nakomo pours coffee all around and begins serving the meal. "Where are the others?" He asks. Minerva shrugs her shoulders. "I imagine they have gone to their beds to rest, as I shall right after breakfast." Nakomo cleans the kitchen and rests for a while before heading off to school in search of an education and the hopes that perhaps the new girl, Emily will be there.

After a quick breakfast Kate and Ginnie were both in the schoolroom for what was quickly becoming the most pleasant part of the day. While Kate, Meghan and Mollie are chatting and preparing for the day's lessons the very pregnant Angela Young comes by selling the morning's edition of the Promise City Mirror. Kate notes that the baby's position has shifted even lower and would not be surprised if it is born on this day.

Kate gave the young woman a nickel and thanked her. "I don't imagine we'll be seeing you many more days. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that your new baby has arrived by the end of the day." Angela smiles and says, "Yes, I was beginning to wonder if we might share a birthday, I turn sixteen on Thursday."

Meghan asks, "Have you and your husband decided on a name yet?" Angela smiles and says, "Yes, we have decided to name him after the men who saved my life in Tombstone. He will be named Conrad Henry Young." Mollie interjects "And if it is a girl?" Angela smiles and says, "Then we will use female variations of the same, she will be called Henrietta Constance Young." “Oh, that's lovely," Kate said and impulsively embraced the younger woman. "I'll have to write my brother; he'll be so pleased."

Angela replies, "Oh, it is the least we can do, they both earned it." She then hurries off as quickly as she can waddle in her present condition. "I'm not looking forward to that," Kate chuckled just loud enough for Mollie to hear as she opened up the papers to skim it's contents. "I wonder who will be delivering the papers and reporting while she recovers." Meghan laughs and says, "I think that halfling editor has enough energy to do both jobs."

The top story on page one has the headline "Prisoners Escape from Jail" It states that Clifford Allman, Bob Skull and Jason Snavely apparently used magical means to escape from incarceration from the town jail. It references the related story on page three that explains why they were jailed. That interior story has the headline "Avery murdered by Bob Skull". It details the previous day's trial. The story makes a very clear case that Bob Skull was proven to be the murder of Derek Avery, although also has a quote from Evan Adair implying that his friend was framed by Cole Rixton, who had both motive and opportunity for the crime. The story details the other trial and mentions that both Snavely and Allman's accusations against the Liberty Party members but also emphasizes Judge Isby's feeling that those charges were without merit.

Another front page story has the headline "Integrity Party Dissolves" The story details the events of the previous night's debate, beginning with the announcements about the candidates. The story continues on two interior pages going into detail as to what the candidates said. Kate notes that all of Bill Watkins quotes are stated verbatim and in quotation marks rather than being paraphrased as many of the other comments are.

The remaining front page story has the headline "More of the New Douglas Gang Caught". It details how Pamela Yeats and Mongo Bailey were captured on Saturday, June 10th in the town of Dillon, Colorado. They had sought sanctuary from a former co-worker of Bailey's whose wife had then alerted the authorities for the reward money. It says that only $ 16,000 of the still missing million dollars was found with them and that the pair claim to have no knowledge of the present whereabouts of gang leader Deadeye Douglas and safecracker Mae Clark. The article states that they will be incarcerated at the Colorado State Prison along with previously captured gang members Pinto Joe Weems and Shotgun Sally Fox.

Kate says, "Mr. Chumbley must agree with me. Mr. Watkins does more damage to his party than anyone else could. I'm sure you'll find his comments about schooling interesting. I'm not sure how I feel about Pamela Yeats being captured. She lived here when I first came and she and her husband lost their business, then he was killed in the bank robbery after the joined up with the Douglas Gang. I don't think she was a bad person, just desperate and misguided."

Mollie says, "I'm just discouraged about the whole election process. Those damned hooded riders seem to be getting exactly what they want. They told that dwarf Vidkin to drop out of the Mayor's race and he did. Then they delivered the same message to others Sunday morning with the use of dynamite, and look at the result. They blew up the Seawells' business and both of them drop out, they blew up the Sherman's store and both of them drop out, they blew up Fly's photo studio and he drops out!

And they pinned the blame on the Liberty Party and then skipped town. I don't care for those Liberty Party folks but if Judge Isby thinks they're innocent then I'm inclined to believe him, but I'm sure not everybody will believe that. It just riles me Kate, down south there are a group of hooded riders, they wear white hoods instead of black, who terrorize the former slaves with the same tactics. And that group does it mostly for election intimidate too, to keep those of Ogrish blood from voting."

"They didn't get everything they wanted. They threw dynamite into this building and we're still here. And even if it had been destroyed I'd hold class in a field. But I know what you mean. I hadn't thought about how what happened yesterday looks. The Unity and Integrity party were already considering merging to keep from splitting the vote. After what happened to Mr. Avery it seemed like the right time to discuss it.

Mr. Fly dropped out because he and his wife will be leaving. She's very embarrassed by what happened during the debate and I don't think he feels he can deny her. I have to remember to go visit them. I don't think I can convince them to chance their minds, but at least they'll know I want them to stay. I'm not exactly sure what those hooded riders want." Meghan says, "Well, if you want to talk to the Flys you had better do it in the next hour. According to a conversation I had will Coolie Fagan last night at Drover's they are leaving today on the 9:00 A.M. stagecoach."

"Already? Oh, damn. I'll be back in a few minutes, everything is getting past me. I really want my own faculties back." She hurried past Mollie and a confused looking Meghan over to Fly's Boarding house and knocked on the door. The door is answered by Roger's brother Buck who asks, "May I help you?" She replies, "I'm Mrs. Kale. I was hoping Roger and Janet might still be here?"

He says, "They are in the dining room but Ma'am, they aren't expecting any visitors." She states, "I don't imagine they're expecting me, but I'm their neighbor at the school there. I hoped they'd see me before they left. They've been lovely neighbors I'd hate to miss saying goodbye." uck says, "Wait here, I'll check." He returns and says, "Roger says to go in." Kate enters the room. Suitcases are by the door. Roger Fly is wearing a suit. Janet is over in the corner wearing traveling clothes. She looks like she has been crying.

Roger stands to greet her and says, "Hello Katherine, I can assure you that I have met with Neil and there will be no interruption to the funding of your school due to my departure." "That's not why I'm here," Kate said offering her hand. "My friends are leaving today, how could I not stop to say goodbye? Of course, I'd far rather hear you'd changed your minds and are staying. I will miss you both very much." She looked over to Janet and said, trying to be light, "Who will help me get along with Beth Eaton?"

Janet Fly bursts into tears and says "I...I could never face her again. You're a strong woman Mrs. Kale, you will persevere. I...I'm sorry that I won't be able to continue our riding lessons." Roger says, "We need a fresh start Katherine, somewhere new, you understand that don't you? My brother Buck and his wife Mollie will take over things here in Promise City."

Kate squeezed his hand and nodded, then went over and softly embraced Janet Fly. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you." She leaned back but kept hold of Janet's hands. "You don't think you're a strong woman too? How are you any less the woman you were a week ago? No one's opinion matters more than your own; that's the bit of wisdom I've learned that keeps me together. That's what will get me through when everyone thinks I got my baby out of wedlock. I know I've lived my life right, and that's enough. And you know you've lived right, and that's enough too.

You promise me this. Wherever you go you continue your lessons and you wear whatever you want doing it. Pants or skirt or dress. You do it for yourself." She looked back over to Roger and said, "I'm not sure I do understand. But I don't know your personal business, nor am I entitled to. Neither is anyone else. If you feel your happiness will be better served somewhere else, you should go. But the town will be much the lesser for your leaving."

He replies, "My marriage will be better served by our going elsewhere. Right now that is all that matters. If Janet wants us to have a fresh start then we will. So we're going west for that start, I have a friend, mentor actually, named Timothy O'Sullivan. He taught Buck and myself about photography. He apprenticed with Matthew Brady and traveled out west here with the Army Corp of Engineers and photographed the west. Last year he took ill and the physicians back in Washington D.C. said it was non-curable, but he remembered a man he had met, a wood elvan physician who relied on native cures.

He is with that healer now in Los Angeles and Mr. O'Sullivan is recovering nicely. He is relocating his studio there from Washington D.C. although most of his present workers do not want to move, so there will be work for me with a man I respect. Janet should be able to find social opportunities within that growing city that do not exist here."

Kate nodded and considered an idea. "I can't tell you everything about it, but Maggie Whipple is in Los Angeles. I don't have her permission to give out her address, but if you like I could let her know you are coming. If I had a way to contact you, then I could tell you where to find her if both sides wish it. A familiar face might be nice to see. He says, "I really didn't know her but you can tell her that I will be at the O'Sullivan Photography Studio."

Janet interjects "Roger, you are not going to get involved with another saloon!" Kate says, "She's not running a saloon. She's running an upscale restaurant that employs women like myself, who find themselves suddenly alone and in need of employment in order to support themselves." Roger looks over at his wife and says, "Perhaps you should meet with her Janet, you may have more in common than you realize."

Kate then asks, “Can I ask one bit of advice before you go?" "Yes, please," he states. She says, "I have news that I must tell the Committee sooner or later, and that everyone will know eventually. I hope it won't affect the school, but it might." She looked at Janet, uncertain how much more to say. "The circumstances are personal, but I find myself in a position to be the mother of a baby in December.” ." Janet's face takes on a shocked expression and she mutters, "Beth will never understand."

Kate continues, “I am uncertain when or how much they need to know. And perhaps what kind of reactions I should expect.” Roger thinks for a minute and says, "You should talk to Neil about that, I know that they will be meeting later this week to add the new members. We had mentioned before that Kris Wagner of Wells Fargo was interested in joining, but needed permission from his District Manager. Mr. Williams agreed in principle but was concerned about alienating potential customers who might bring their business instead to the other stagecoach company, Morand Cartage. With my departure that becomes moot, as Zackary Morand will be taking my place making Mr. Wagner now able to take Nile's place on the Committee."

Kate nodded. "Thank you. It's not imperative that I start telling people now, there's still time but I'll feel better knowing how to deal with it." She turned back to Janet and asked, "Mrs. Eaton won't understand what? She already knows this, and the particulars, as do you. This may be the one thing she and I won't argue about." Janet burst into tears and says, "She won't understand any of this, my leaving now....she, she said that she would need me to help you with the transition, that I should consider moving next door to your house to help with your pregnancy. I'm abandoning you...and the gods."

Kate hugged her again. "Diana didn't lay any tasks at your door, Janet. What transition is there to make beside the usual one that every mother makes? It sounds to me to Mrs. Eaton doesn't quite know how to deal with me and was looking for someone to help bridge the distance. She and I will just have to work out our differences on our own. The gods are everywhere, you aren't abandoning them."

Roger says, "No...but perhaps that is a solution. I could go on alone to Los Angeles, spend a short while working for O'Sullivan and establishing a new home for us there. Then you could join me Janet, or alternately, Buck and Mollie could go there then and make it their home and I could return to you here. Janet, if people think you forced me out that would salvage your reputation and either way we would no longer have to cohabitate with my brother and his wife, which Katherine, is the other half of the current problem."

Kate nodded. "In-laws can be difficult, especially when they are with you for a long period. Much as you may like them, the disruption of your life and routine and being crowded together can make things unpleasant quickly. I'd be glad to see you stay Janet, I'd be glad of any chance that you'd both stay here in the long run. But I'm not sure I understand where you would stay in the time being, Janet. Surely you'd not want to stay with your in-laws. You mentioned moving?" Janet says, "It's just that Mollie and Buck are very assertive people...since their arrival they've taken over. I couldn't live here with them. Would you have a room? I could do cleaning and cooking for you."

Kate paused, a bit shocked. But how would she be able to refuse after all her talk about keeping them here? "I wouldn't ask you to work for your board, but I know if the situation were reversed I wouldn't be comfortable unless I were contributing somehow. I have a room, it will be the baby's once he comes. But you should know Ginnie and I keep rather odd schedules. There will be children downstairs all day, and I go back and forth between the ranch often and am often home late. Also, you should remember those riders tried to destroy the school was well. I'm not trying to scare you off, but I wouldn't want there to be surprises later."

Janet says, "You have a house at the ranch too, I could help there as well, I could spend weeknights here and weekends there. Odd hours are fine, I'm used to that. Our tenants here worked for Cassidy Lumber and Wells Fargo, they had to keep odd hours as well. And I'm a very good cook." "We'll work something out," Kate said, unable to resist the woman's obvious desire to stay. Thankfully they didn't keep anything magical in the house in town anyway. "I'm sure everything will be fine, but you'll find the state of our pantry something terrible. We tend to let Dorita feed us. How long do you think you'll stay in Los Angeles, Mr. Fly?"

He replies, "That depends largely on Janet, but a few weeks at least to set up a home for either myself or my brother. It's settled then. Could you give us some time alone Katherine? I'll need to be on the stage in a half-hour and would like to spend some the remaining time with Janet since we'll be apart." Kate replies, "Of course, the students will be arriving and I need to be there. Have a pleasant trip, Mr. Fly. I'll see you in a little while, Janet." Kate let herself out quietly and hurried back toward the school.

"Couldn't just mind your own business," she muttered to herself. She wished for a little of Jake's silver-tongued glibness, just a bit that would have thought of another solution. Not that she was really sorry to help Janet, but it was going to be more difficult to keep the more important secrets.
Meghan and Mollie were getting the day started. "I'll be having a houseguest," she said simply.

Kate explained very briefly that Janet Fly was going to stay with her for a while, then got down to teaching. Emery Shaw's niece was back again, several of her classmates chattering and laughing around her. There was something just a little magnetic about the girl with the bright-hair. She had scored well enough in Ginnie's exams, in line with someone who had prayed good attention in a standard school. They got Emily into her first grouping and got the day started.

Jake Cook manages to get to sleep only to have it interrupted after what appears to be just moments by a loud rapping on the front door below. He glances at his pocket watch to see that it now the ungodly hour of 9:00 A.M., indicating that he has only been asleep for a few hours. A haggard looking Silver Jake Cook appears in the doorway wearing nothing but a pair of trousers he hastily pulled on. Rubbing his bleary eyes he manages so say, "What?"

Postmaster Eddie Palmer is standing at the doorway, barely hiding his amusement at having woken Jake up at such an early hour, and says, "Package for you Mr. Cook." He has in his hand a cheaply-made pine box around six-inches square with "Jacob Cook, Fremont Street, Promise City, Arizona Territory" written on the cover in black ink although he does not recognize the handwriting. He notes that the postmark by the stamps reads "New York City".

"Since there is niether rain, nor snow here in Arizona I see you have settled for blasted ungodly hour of the morning as the obstacle to avoid delaying your rounds." Jake shakes his head and sighs. "Alright, thank you Mr. Palmer, you may go wake others from their slumber." He watches the postmaster walk away, obviously still enjoying himself. After closing the door he walks to the kitchen and places the box on the table. He eyes it with some trepidation before finally opening it.

Packed inside the box is another box, this one elaborately carved on some type of dark wood with the inscription “DA MI BASIA MILLE” on the top of the lid. There are no hinges, the lid carved to sit atop the matching box below. Folded up beside the box is a letter. Even before he unfolds it he recognizes from the ink bleeding through the paper that the note is in Ruby West's handwriting. He slowly unfolds the note to read it.

Ruby wrote:
Dear Jake,

Something very interesting and mysterious happened while I was here. Yesterday while shopping we wandered into this neighborhood I’d never been in before. As we walked the streets something made me look down this narrow alleyway and I saw a little old woman standing there. She was hunched over, and short to boot, a very odd looking woman. She smiled at me and waved me over. It was dark and looked kind of dirty but my curiosity got the best of me. I pulled Jane and Richard down the alleyway and when we got to the end the lady had disappeared.

But not really. She was inside this tiny little shop, you had to bow your head and walk down some narrow, crooked stairs to get to it. Inside was dark and dank and cramped. The air was heavy with some kind of incense, but it smelled kind of like Mr. Li’s, if you get my drift.

Anyway, she had musty books piled high and really cool looking jewelry, odd paintings and even weird looking instruments strewn everywhere. The lady came up to us and said in some peculiar accent, “Look around, you never know what treasure is meant for you to find here.” Jane and I looked at each other and giggled, then wandered off into our own corners to look for “our” treasure. Richard stood stoically by the door, pretty much what he tried to do for this whole trip so far (We attempted to get him drunk with us but haven’t succeeded yet. He’s a tough nut to crack!).

So as I was searching through a particularly dark corner something caught my eye, this old very worn box. I picked it up and on the top was inscribed “DA MI BASIA MILLE”. There seemed to be something very special about this box and as I ran my fingers across the letters I shivered. And it was really odd, because even in that smelly room I swear, as I did that, I could smell you. My most favorite scent in the world, I could never mistake it. I turned around and the little old lady was standing next to me, grinning. And ewww, she was missing some teeth and had horrible breath, let me tell you.

She said, “Hair of flame, I read your future.” And at that point I was thinking I should get the Hades out of there but that damn curiosity of mine took over and I let her pull me to the back room. The only thing in the room was a small table with one lit candle on it. So I sat down and she took my hand in hers. I felt silly while she ran her finger over my palm and concentrated. She was taking this very seriously. She stayed like that for a long while, running her gnarly finger over my hand.

Finally she looked up at me and said, “You and him are worthy of the magic of the box.” What the heck did that mean? So I asked her and she just pushed the box toward me. I asked what the inscription meant and she said, “Give me a thousand kisses.” While I looked through the inside she explained that the box was very very old and told me the story of the original lovers, one who made the box for the other. I wanted to ask her more questions but when I looked up she was gone. And I mean, gone gone. We don’t know where she went.

So I left some of Red’s money, took the box and we left. And last night Jane and I had a bit too much to drink and we got silly (Is that a surprise?). After Jane went to bed I snuck up to the roof with the box and sat under the stars for a while. I had been wondering why you didn’t try to contact me in Tucson. I guess in a way I was hoping you would. But that wasn’t very fair to you I suppose. Anyway, I sat under the stars and thought of you. And then I did something even sillier. I opened the box and put a thousand kisses in it. Well, maybe not a thousand, but a lot! And now I’m sending it to you and those kisses will have to do until we’re together again. I hope you have a thousand kisses saved up for me!

I don’t want to ruin the mood but I find myself thinking about something else, and I need to not keep it from you. So you aren’t surprised and can be prepared although I think you already are, more than me for certain. I do not believe Colin Turner to be dead. I know that we were hoping he was dead and I really did think he was in Thomasville, and was very pleased about that. But now that time has gone by that odd feeling, that connection, isn’t totally gone. I will not be shocked to see him again. But this time we will be ready for him, right?

I want you to know, I am no longer afraid Jake, no longer frightened of all the things that could happen. Time away from Promise City has done some good for me, and talking with Jane, and Red, and my grandmother, and even this silly little box, it all has meaning. And I’m finally learning to deal with it. And realize that as many times as I have said it, I can truly say now that I mean it with all my heart.

Please tell Kate and Chester and Minerva I said hello and miss them terribly. Most especially Kate. Tell her she is the best friend I ever had and I miss being able to talk to her. And tell her I said I hope things are going well with the baby. I am sending something to her for the baby, I hope she likes it. I wonder if Nanuet has returned? But I miss all of them and feel bad for leaving when I did. Also Job, Harry and anyone else I missed.

But mostly you of course. I miss your warmth, your kisses, your arms around me. I miss wrapping myself around you as we sleep. I hate sleeping alone now. Sleeping next to Jane is just not the same!

Always Yours,
XOXO Ruby XOXO


Jake places the note back on the table and folds it over to hide the writing. He quietly stares at the box, his lips a thin straight line. An unknown amount of time passes before he finally reaches a tentative hand to the box to remove the lid. Inside the box is an old worn and faded piece of parchment. Written on it are the words:

VIVAMUS, atque amemus,
rumoresque senum seueriorum
omnes unius aestimemus assis!
soles occidere et redire possunt:
nobis cum semel occidit breuis lux,
nox est perpetua una dormienda.
da mi basia mille, deinde centum,
dein mille altera, dein secunda centum,
deinde usque altera mille, deinde centum.
dein, cum milia multa fecerimus,
conturbabimus illa, ne sciamus,
aut ne quis malus inuidere possit,
cum tantum sciat esse basiorum.

Jake grimaces and the word come unbidden to his lips, "Latin." Memories flood back from home, working in his fathers business. He could not really read Latin, but he knew some words. Enough to think it was Latin. With his finger under the word mille he says, "Thousand. Yes, must be the thousand kisses." Jake shakes his head and returns the note to the box and closes the lid. Another man would have been thrilled to receive such a letter. Jake wrestled with mixed emotions and finally decided to go back to bed. After another hour of fitful sleep, he rises, dresses and decides to head over to the Lucky Lady.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-forty-three “The Hunters’ Tale”, Tuesday June 13th, 1882, 9:00 A.M.

Chester wakes up slowly. He blearily washes his face and puts on some fresh clothes. He walks over to the Double Eagle to take Clarisse for breakfast at the El Parador. "Good morning, my dear. Did you sleep well?" Clarisse replies, "Actually yes, but I'm not altogether surprised as I slept poorly the previous night." They arrive and Dorita fills their mugs.

Chester sips some coffee. "Really? What happened the other night? I'm sorry I haven't seen you in a while. With the elections and the various goings-on, we've been very busy." She replies, "Sunday was the night after those hooded riders attacked. I was worried about you getting hurt and couldn't sleep." Chester kisses Clarisse. "Thanks, dear. I try to be careful out there. It's just that once we're looking at one problem, another crops up that we have to look into immediately."

Minerva had fallen asleep but gets little rest as visions of monsters and death march through her dreams threatening and destroying everyone that she loves. As a pale monster with dripping red fangs sinks his teeth into Nakomo, a cry escapes her lips forcing her out of the nightmare. She huddles in the center of the bed and grabs the blankets around her to still the shivers caused by the cold sweat of terror that beads her skin.

Shaking off the dream, she throws off the covers and lights the twelve candles on her dresser. She prays desperately for courage, wisdom and if it should become necessary, divine intervention, in the destruction of these monsters. "The gods help those who help themselves." she mutters and quickly dressing goes in search of her friends, determined to come up with a plan of action. Minerva is east on South Street when she spots the vampire hunters Father Harbrace along with Kevin Tomlinson and Jonathan Harker heading into the El Parador.

While Chester and Clarisse are dining Jonathan Harker, Kevin Tomlinson and Father John Harbrace come inside and sit down together at one of the tables. Chester looks over at their table. Well at least they're OK. Hopefully Jeff's back at the Lucky Lady. He then turns back to Clarisse and holds back a yawn. "I didn't get much sleep last night."

She replies, You work too much Chet, I know how driven you are what with all the lawbreakers of late, but you need to get your rest too. Marshall Berg shouldn't work you so hard." Chester replies, "With all the crime that's happening around here, we have our hands full. With Deputy Sheriff Hunter on Boot Hill, we can't expect much help from the county. once the election craziness is over, then things should quiet down. People will just have to accept the results."

Clarisse replies, "Oh, I hope so. I'm sure that you'll win Chet. The only other one people might have voted for is Mr. Seawell, but he's dropped out so that Julia would agree to marry him." Chester replies, "I wish I had your confidence. The way things are going around town, it's anyone's game."

Clarisse replies, "But Chet, there really isn't any other choice. The folks in town don't even know this Charlie Villars or Moss Johnson who are running, Prosper McCoy works at a whorehouse and Hank Hill is part of Arcade's Gang. That just leaves you and Ashley as the legitimate candidates." He replies, "That's a big deal, though. Ashley's family is very well-known. That'll boost him up some. You're right about the others, though. They don't have much to stand on."

Determined not to waste anymore time Minerva quickens her pace and follows the vampire hunters into the El Parador. "Buenos Dias, Senors. I have been looking for you." She says as she takes a seat at their table. "Do you have any news?" Harker says, "We do indeed, have a seat Priestess." As she sits Tomlinson lights the candle, adds the powder and says the incantation in Latin to activate the Privacy spell. At the other table Chester notices that as well. Minerva motions for Chester to come over. Chester tries to ignore her for a second, but then sighs. "Clarisse. I have to see to this. I'm very sorry. I'll make it quick."

Once Chester arrives Tomlinson begins "Mills led us to the farmhouse. It took us a while to locate the entrance to the root cellar. Mortimer Turner and his partner had indeed been there and hid the entrance to it well. We found two caskets down in the earthen cellar, each with the dead bodies of the two missing men from Dos Cabezas. They had been killed and drained two nights earlier, tonight is when they would have risen." Harker says, "Now they won't." Minerva states, “By the gods, those poor souls! May they rest in Olympus for eternity. " she says, grasping the olive branch holy symbol that hung about her neck. "Did you destroy the caskets?"

Harker says, "Yes, we were very thorough. We then freed the human boy they had left behind for the new vampires to feed upon." Harbrace explains, "When a vampire first awakens it needs fresh blood. There weren't any other people within a dozen miles of that farmhouse so the undead probably would not have found what they needed. Turner knew that, so left behind their first meal for them." Tomlinson adds, "Which also told us they we're not planning to come back there until at least tomorrow, after the others had risen."

She recalls her earlier nightmare and her face grows pale against her dark hair at the horrific thought of the young boy being left as an offering for such evil. "Why do you say that they are planning to return?" Harker says, "We don't know that they are, but we're assuming they will want to join up with the vampires who they sire, more soldiers for their army of undead."

Minerva states, "I suppose that would make sense. If we are to have a chance at destroying them, we must be waiting for them when they arrive." she pauses to think. "Of course they will know that their plans have gone awry when they enter the basement and find the caskets have been destroyed." Tomlinson says, "Unfortunately they'll soon be more. The boy who they left was one of five mineworkers that Turner and his friend attacked on Sunday night. They drained two then as well, and we don't know the fate of the other two."

Minerva's eyes glitter angrily, "We cannot lose anymore time. They are multiplying quicker than rabbits. Even now they wander among us. There is a rumor that Bronco Madsen is one of their minion also." Chester states, "They're going to find out about this soon. I wonder if they'd come back to the house to check on their new friends or if Turner expects them to find him." Tomlinson says, "That is unlikely. I saw him two nights ago and I usually have a sixth sense for that. If one of the undead legion is present I should have noticed." Minerva states, "hmmm," I do not mean to question your senses senor, but I was told differently. Either way, Perhaps it would be wise to stay on our guard ."

Jake arrived at the Lucky Lady at mid-morning and there were very few people inside. Stanley Barker and Harry Rote were sitting together on the piano bench with Stanley explained some new music for him, Jake catches enough to deduce that it is a piece for the upcoming play.

An unknown dwarven prospector and his half-orc companion are seated at the bar, each with a half-tankard of ale in front of them. In the far corner at the large table that Job Kane usually plays at are Jeff Mills and a young human in his late teens. The boy has a mug of coffee in front of him, a blanket draped over his shoulders. Jake sees dark circles under the boy's bloodshot eyes. Jake walks over and takes a seat next to Jeff. "Is everything well?" he asks in a quiet voice.

Jeff replies, "It is now, we had quite a night. We rescued poor Simon here from a fate worse than death." Jake raises an eyebrow. "Literally I assume you mean." Then, "Who is the boy?" Jeff says, "Simon Cunningham, I'd met him before. Those monsters had him all shacked up." The boy looks up and says, "Hello Mr. Cook, I've been here before....I spent a night here last March, I met Mr. Mills then." Jake says, "I do not recall. No matter. Are you the miner's son?"

"Yes sir, Raymond Cunningham is my father. He and Mr. Hoover owned a mine together." Jeff says, "Hoover's trust is now co-owner. Simon spent a night here when Shaw's daughter Tricia was here, they were acquainted." The boy mutters, "And now my Pa is dead." Jeff puts his arm over the boy and says, "We don't know that Simon, they kept you alive, they may have done the same with him."

Recognition appears on Jake's face but he does not further question the boy. Not much younger than I in years, Jake muses, but younger in other ways this one. I suppose he aged quite a bit recently. "So I take it there was a rescue, but not an end to any problems?" Jeff says, "No problems last night but the vampires had gone. They had left the boy shackled and gagged in the basement for the new vampires to feed upon when they rose. But we got there in time, those dead men will no longer become monsters."

Jake nods in understanding, not just that but the next implication as well. "Simon, how long ago did they take you away?" Simon replies, "They attacked us on Sunday, right after Sunset. They killed Joey and Socrates, drained their blood. They then split the rest of us up, we thought they would kill us too. They put a bag over my head and tied me up, put me over a horse and rode for miles. When they pulled it off I was in the basement with those dead men. The vampires left me. I don't know what happened to Pa or Copernicus."

Jake asks, "Simon, did you ever feel strange? Like someone else was telling you what to do inside your head?" Jake carefully watches his expression. Jeff says, "You don't have to worry about that Mr. Cook. We checked and he didn't have any marks on him. Tomlinson gave him an elixir and then cast some type of incantation to dispel any influence they might have had on him. It would have been too dangerous to bring the boy with us back to the Cunningham Mine otherwise." Jake asks, "You have been to the Cunningham mine too?"

Jeff says, "Yeah, it seemed the next logical place to look. But they weren't there and there wasn't any indication that they'd been there since their attack on Sunday. We just got back around forty-five minutes ago. I offered to bring Simon back here, the others were going over to get a bit of breakfast from Dorita." Jake replies, "I suppose I should go get some breakfast there myself. Anything else I should know Jeff?" Jeff replies, "That's it for now. I figure once I get Simon fed and calmed down I'll let him bunk down in my room upstairs if that's alright with you." "Yes, of course. I will talk with you later." With that Jake walks over to the El Parador Cantina.

"Hola Dorita! Coffee por favor?" Jake waves at her and smiles. He then scans the room, finds the others and joins them. Once Jake is present the combined group share their information already discussed at the two saloons. Jake asks, "So, do you have any other leads on where they might be hiding out?" Tomlinson says, "No, probably not in town, too visible. We've already checked all of the caves and abandoned mines and that farmhouse was the only abandoned farm or ranch in the area."

Jake asks, "How about the Beatrice mine? The owner rubs me the wrong way, and was allegedly seen with that Palmer guy. The one with multiple identities who was part of the cowboy gang and reputed to be a wizard. He was seen up with Thayer in that cave where we found the other vampires." Harker says, "That's a possibility, we haven't checked out the occupied mines yet. But if they went after the Cunningham Mine they might have gone to another."

Tomlinson takes out a notebook and checks, "Hmmm....Beatrice Mine is to the northwest around nine miles. That's only a few miles from the Cunningham mine and also in the same general direction of that farmhouse. According to this the only workers are the two primary owners, Dudley Jobin and a M. P. Messier. The minority owner was Niles Hoover." Jake says, "Since I am a member of the Hoover Trust, no reason that I could not check up on my own mine."

Tomlinson gestures to Harbrace and Harker and says, "The problem is we've been up all night and just got back. I know from past experience that it's best to not take on vampires when you're exhausted, gives them too much of an unfair advantage." Chester says, "Well, we could take a look at it ourselves and let you get some shut-eye. It's daytime." Minerva tries to contain her impatience but is betrayed by her tapping foot. “We were going to check out the mine last night but thought that it would be best if we all acted together. Is there anymore that we should know about before we head out there? I think we should go now and scout it out in the light of day."

Harbrace says, "Remember what the goddess instructed Priestess. If I am not with you the boy should be, so that her arrows are available." Jake makes his 'I am about to risk my life again for the greater good of mankind' grimace as they are speaking. He says, "If we are going to do this we had better be about it. That is before I come to my senses and start drinking instead."

Minerva says, "Si, I remember. I will go and get him from the school. He is already prepared." She stands and gives a slight bow to the two hunters. "Sweet dreams gentlemen. We will seek you out when we return." She turns to Jake and Chester. "Nakomo and I will get our horses and meet you in fifteen minutes in front of the Lady." Jake states, “Fine." With a swish of her skirts Minerva rushes out and over to the school.

"Dang. I was hoping to spend some time with Clarisse today." Chester looks over at her and waves. Clarisse waves back. "Ugh. I hate this. I can't tell her the truth and she wouldn't believe it anyway. She's going to be so mad. But this can't wait."

Chester gets up from his chair and walks back to the table. He looks at Clarisse, who knows that something's up. "What is it Chet? Are you going to look for trouble with your friends? Why can't you let them do this on their own? The Marshall has you running all over creation and your friends are no better." Chester puts his hands on her shoulders. "Please, Clarisse. this is my job. If I'm not there with them, it could make the difference. I don't want to see any of them get hurt. I'll see you later, I promise."

Minerva enters quietly and motions for Katherine and Nakomo to meet her outside. Kate nodded toward the young half-elf, then stepped outside. "What's going on? Did you get news from Mr. Tomlinson?" "Si, They rescued a boy at the farmhouse." she shudders with revulsion. "The vampires had been keeping him around to snack on. There were two others that they had been draining as well. ..To turn into vampires. Harkins and Tomlinson took care of them, but there are still two missing. They may be at the Beatrice mine. We are going there now to scout it out." she hesitates "Katherine I hate to ask this of you, and I will understand if you refuse, but there are only four of us going out there..."

Kate replies, "I'll be ready in a minute. You'll need my skills, and no one else can fill in for me when it comes to that. It's daylight, it'll be safer than any other time. Go collect your things and I'll meet you. Where are you gathering?" They tell her.

Once she knows to meet them at the Lady, Kate went back into the schoolroom and explained briefly to Meghan that she was needed and might not be back before the end of the school day. The other woman looked confused but didn't ask questions, just nodding her understanding. She asked if they could let Janet Fly into the house as well and explain she would be back. After a word with Ginnie about Mrs. Fly and where she was going now, she ran upstairs, changed into pants and a shirt, got Meribel, and went to meet the others at the Lady.

Nakomo looks disapprovingly at Minerva. "Do you really think that was necessary?" "Si, Nakomo. As I told you we all have our parts to play. Senora Kale is not a foolish woman. She will be careful and Diana will continue to guard her child. Now come we are wasting time."
They hurry back to the house to get their gear. Minerva explains to Luna what they are doing. While she packs. She throws extra vials of holy water into the bag she packed the previous night for a total of eight vials including the ones she had given Nakomo. Minerva, Luna and Nakomo meet the others at the Lady.

Jake finishes up his coffee. He asks them to make his horse ready for him before he leaves the cantina. Outside he mumbles, "Mierde," and heads home to gather his gear. He outfits himself the same as the previous night, except he brings along the Swiss rifle too, since it is daylight. He stows some extra rope in the saddle bags along with some wooden stakes, hammer and torches.
When they have gathered back together at the Lucky Lady they find him astride his horse, with his black flat brimmed hat tilted forward against the morning sun.

When Kate arrived at the Lady, Jake was outside waiting. "Lovely morning for a ride," she said, trying to be light. "Do we know where we're going?" Jake shrugs. "Not me. How is that unusual?"

Minerva states, "I want everyone to have a couple of these before we travel." she pulls the vials out and gives everyone two. She turns to Jake. "Didn't you say you owned the mine?" Kate tucked the vials away in the pocket of her duster, opposite the one holding her pistol and the wand borrowed from her teacher. "Jake says he doesn't know how to get to the mine? Does anyone, or do I need to go looking for Jeff?"

Jake states, "I inherited a share of the Hoover Trust. Niles owned part of the mine. I have never seen a single hole in the ground that belongs to the trust. Dirty work mining you know." He rubs the side of his unshaven face. "I suppose someone should ask for directions." "I'll take care of it." Kate handed Meribel's reins to Jake and ran inside to ask Jeff Mills where exactly the Beatrice Mine was. Jeff says that he doesn't know exactly and suggests that they check with Mr. Winston at the County Claims Office. "Thanks Jeff, we'll do that."

Kate went back out and passed that on. "I suppose we can tell him we're checking up on Niles' investments." Jake nods, and they ride to the claims office. "Good morning Mr. Winston. I need some directions to the Beatrice mine. The Hoover trust wants to continue its inspections of the mine properties it owns. I drew the short straw today. Do you have a map we could use and some good directions?"

Winston is able to locate them a map showing the central range of he Dos Cabezas Mountains, with the Cunningham, Beatrice and Sharpaxe mines all listed, all partially owned by the Hoover Mining Trust. Jake asks, "I do not recall, who owns the other part of the Sharpaxe mine?" Winston checks and says, "The other owner is Eric Sharpaxe, I recall that he is a dwarf from Minnesota." "Thanks." Jake leaves and shows the map to the others. He states, "Chet, you are the tracker here. Show us the way."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-forty-four “Be Verwy Qwiet, We’re Hunting Wampires”, Tuesday June 13th, 1882, 10:30 A.M.

It takes around two hours for the five riders to reach the general vacinity of the mines. Luna flys ahead to scout out the area. They look around for the mine head, buildings or any other notable landmarks. Jake keeps an eye out for anyone watching them. Despite her nerves about what they were doing, Kate felt more in place than she had in a long time. Instead of being separated from her friends, she was with them.

She says, "We need information if we can get it, as well as taking down any of these creatures we can," she said. "Do we have any plan when we get to the mine? It's not likely to be deserted. Then again, if these creatures have settled in there, maybe it will be." They arrive.

They find there have actually been four separate mineheads, one of which is covered over by a rockslide, another of which has a large wooden gate blocking it, the other two are open into the hillside. One of these has fresh wheelbarrow and boot tracks in and out, the other doesn't appear to have been worked for a while. Chester dismounts and ties his horse. "All right, folks. Don't forget to look at the ceilings, these monsters are tricky. Who's got light?"

Chester gestures at the fresh tracks. "Looks like the front door is open. Think it's a trick or just over-confidence, not hiding their trail like that." The lawman shoulders his rifle. "I'd say we want to try this one," Kate said, indicating the less well-used opening. "They'd have to stay out of the active part of the mine." A very unpleasant thought occurred to her. "If they've clouded the miner's minds, they could be hiding in the active part."

Jake interjects, "I would bet on the one with the gate. I do not like leaving loose ends around, so we should check on the owners before we do so. Perhaps those boot tracks." Looking back to Katherine, "I do not have a plan as yet. We have the goddesses arrows the boy carries, Chet is handy with a stake, and I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Best not to split up is my first suggestion." Minerva states, "Hopefully they are not awake this time of day."

Chester says, "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. let's try the unused opening first. Then if we have no luck, we'll hit the gated one. Sound good?" Jake says, "Uh, ok. We will go with your thought Chet. Let us take care of this." Kate says, "Well, Jake and Chester are in favor of the active opening and I don't object. Once we're inside and out of sight I'll want to give myself a bit of protection, but otherwise I'm ready." "Let's go see if anyone is home then." Nakomo says moving toward the opening.

Jake shoulders his Spencer after loading a pyrotechnics round in the chamber. He settles his pistols, puts the two sticks of dynamite in an outer duster pocket and shoves a stake in his belt. Holding an unlit torch he says, "I feel ridiculous. Let us go. Lead on Chet, I have your back." Chester nods to Jake. He carries his Spencer at the ready and ducks into the opening without tracks.

They make their way through the unused opening and investigate the inner corridors, both of which lead to shafts going down deep. Holding the torch over the first they see water around 150 feet below. The other shaft doesn't go down as far, and they appear to be some corridors further down. There is no mechanism for descending the shaft although there is evidence that braces, pulleys and winches had been present at one point in time. Jake says, "I have rope on the horse. Do you want to go down?" Chester says, "Yeah, better make sure this tunnel is clear before we move on. I don't want to leave any stone unturned. Going after these monsters more than once is getting on my nerves."

Luna glides silently down into the shaft. Assisted by her keen hearing and large light absorbing eyes, see is alert for danger and reports what she sees and hears back to Minerva. Kate nodded and cast the protective armor spell on herself. Then she wondered how she was going to climb up and down a rope. Luna finds the lower corridors filled with spiders, rats and a small number of bats but no people either dead or undead and no caskets. Using her sharp talons she grabs a rat and swoops back up the shaft.

Minerva says, "Luna says there's nothing down there.. Lets go check out the other shaft." Jake states, "Let us try the mine head with the foot prints." "Let's be careful. We don't want to shoot any of your employees." Chester smiles. They cautiously make their way into the shaft with the tracks. The corridor forks after fifteen feet, with the wheelbarrow tracks continuing on to the left while the boot tracks go to and from both directions. Minerva walks over to the hungry bird. "Come Luna, Save your snack for later. We may need you to check out the other mine head." Jake points to the left.

The corridor with the wheelbarrow tracks goes another fifteen feet and forks both left and right with another shaft going down at this point. The right corridor goes straight for twenty-five feet ending at another downward shaft. The left corridor curves after thirty feet. Chester makes his way down the tunnel as quietly as he can. He pauses every few yards to try to hear any noises. Luna flies up and perches on the Priestess' shoulder. Minerva walks silently her pistol at the ready, Nakomo trails close behind .

Both of the shafts down have metal winches and pulleys by them as well as rope ladders going down. Jake starts to indicate left again but waits for Chet to finish listening. Luna flutters over to the shaft and listens also. Chester hears nothing unusual and turns back to Jake. He points to the left and sees Jake agree. He whispers to Jake, "We're going down the ladder?"

They follow the remaining corridor which goes for another fifty feet until it also ends at a downward shaft with winches, pulleys and rope ladders down. The space is wider here, with two empty wheelbarrows and various picks and shovels are leaning against the wall. Kate followed quietly behind the others, her hand in the pocket of her duster with the wand. She kept her ears open for any sounds, including any sounds indicating that anyone was actually working this mine.

At the end of the left corridor Jake replies to Chet, "Down it is. I will go first this time." Jake moves as silently as he can climbing down the rope ladder. Chester nervously checks his rifle. He can feel the rock above him pressing down. "I'll follow you." he slings the weapon over his shoulder and climbs down the ladder. Once Chester was clear of the top Kate followed. Jake had given the best advice of the day, no splitting up.

Jake is around twenty feet down the ladder, Chet ten feet down and Kate just starting down when Nakomo hears the sound of somebody approaching from the corridor behind. "Someone is here!' he hisses to Minerva. "Kate, Someone is coming!" Minerva whispers and swings her gun around toward the noise. "Chester, Minerva says someone's coming," Kate passed on the message. She looked up and down, unsure if she should continue or get back up. Finally she decided she could not leave Minerva and Nakomo alone up there and jumped back up.

A man comes running around the bend. He is wearing denim overalls over a dirty work shirt. He has leather boots and a later belt. His beard is unkempt. But what really stands out is the double-barreled shotgun in his hands. Minerva recognizes him as a man who she saw playing cards with Jake at the Lucky Lady a week-and-a-half earlier. Kate sees the man as she scrambles back up the ladder and recognizes him from both that night at the Lucky Lady as well as the meeting where the ranches, farms and mines indicated their willingness to join the new town. He is Dudley Jobin, one of the owners, and from the look on his face he is less than thrilled with trespassers in his silver mine.

"There you are!" Minerva calls out to him, lowering her gun slightly. "Thank the gods you are alright. We were worried about you! " Jobin comes to a halt twenty-feet before her while still leveling the shotgun towards Minerva, Kate and Nakomo. He exclaims, "Who in Hades are you people and what are you doing here!" Minerva confidently steps forward "I am the Priestess Minerva Garcia Florencia for the Church of Olympus and this is my acolyte, Nakomo. This here'" She motions to Katherine "is Senora Kale." There has been some trouble of late and we are concerned for your safety. Where are the others?

Jake hears the commotion up above, strains for only a second to hear what is being said before he continues to climb down more quickly than before. Chester is torn between helping Minerva and Kate and following Jake. So much for not splitting the group up. Chester climbs down the ladder after the gambler.

“There was some trouble at a nearby mine," Kate added, her hands palm up in front of her. "We thought Niles would have wanted someone to check up on the people he was supporting to make sure they were alright. We are among the people he left shares of his mining trust to. We had expected to meet someone much earlier on." Still uncertain about this odd trio before him Jobin says, "What are you doing here? I was sleeping in the bunkroom, you could have woken me? What sort of trouble at another mine? Which mine?" At no point does he lower the shotgun.

Kate says, "Over at the Cunningham mine. Some people are missing; someone brought young Simon back into town and he was very shaken up. If we had any idea where your bunkroom was we would have woken you rather than blundered about. But as I'm sure you've guessed, we don't have much experience with mines.” Jobin asks, "The three of you come here alone?"

Minerva states, "No, As Senora Kale said, there are people missing. It wound not be prudent for 2 women and a young man to be here alone now would it? One of the other mine owners came along with the Deputy in case there was trouble. They are around here somewhere making sure that it is safe. Have you seen any strangers about? or heard any odd noises?" Jobin says, "No, 'fraid not. This isn't a safe place for folks to be wandering around, let's head back to the bunkroom and wait for the others to find us." He gestures his head to the side back the way he came.

Below, Jake reaches a corridor around fifty feet down going off in two directions. The shaft and rope ladder also continue down for another forty feet to a lower corridor. Jake looks about for any clues to what goes on in these corridors and keeps an ear open up above. Jake sees wheelbarrow tracks and footprints at this level. He thinks he hears some faint sounds from the corridor further below but the noise is drown out by the conversations between Jobin and the women up above.

Minerva states, "Perhaps we should at least step outside. That way we will hear them if they should call for us. I would not want to worry them by wandering too far. They will worry if they cannot find us.” "Yes, I would prefer to go outside. The caves make me a little nervous," Kate said with a sheepish look. Minerva asks, “re you here alone Senor... I am sorry what is your name?"

Minerva communicates silently with Luna . "Follow Chester and Jake. If you think there might be trouble contact me." He says, "Fine, go, I was working all night and am going back to bed. My name's Jobin and I own this place. Exit and bunkroom are both this way. " He turns around leaving his back to them and starts to walk away. Kate quietly slipped a mirror out of her pocket and into her hand, then directed it, trying to see if this man cast a reflection.

Minerva states, "Wait, Senor Jobin. You did not answer my question. are you here alone?" He turns back towards them, Kate quickly hiding the mirror in her hand and says, "Just me and Messier, he's probably off working somewhere. Are you coming or not? Exit's this way." As he is talking he swings the shotgun back in their direction but still pointed downward.

Minerva asks, "Do you and Senor Messier often work all night?" Minerva is looking for marks on his neck or other exposed areas as she talks. Jobin replies, "We work day and night, how in Hades are you ever going to make it rich otherwise! You obviously know nothing about mining." Minerva lowers her lashes managing to look contrite. "No senor, I am a priestess not a miner. We will wait here for our friends."

Jobin is beginning to show signs of impatience. Minerva is still a bit too far away to make out any distinctive markings other than grime and dirt, this man obviously not having bathed in a while. Jobin exclaims, "MOVE IT, I didn't invite you here." He gestures for them to move using his shotgun as a pointer. "Come Minerva, let's go," Kate said obediently. "The gentlemen has been disturbed from his rest." She moved ahead toward the exit.

Without warning Minerva steps in close to see his neck more clearly and in her most intimidating voice declares "We did not intend to wait in here, Senor Jobin. You should show more respect when addressing a Priestess of Olympus." Before he can respond she puts her nose in the air and marches past him into the sunlight. He lets the women and boy leave and retreats back inside while watching the entrance and still holding the shotgun in that general direction.

Jake waits another few seconds before deciding to continue his climb down. He is startled when the white owl silently flutters between he and Chester, and nearly slips into the tunnel going down. He grabs the rope ladder extra firmly for a moment, shakes his head and starts climbing down. Jake struggles to make some connection of what is going on. Turner, Messier, Palmer, Jobin; but nothing clicks. Messier named his mine after his first love, Beatrice. What was Job's girl's name? Could Messier be Mortimer Turner? No, the woman's name was Bernice. Damn, what is the connection? Maybe none you fool, perhaps the mine is just a convenient location.

Jake taps Chet's shoulder, points down the shaft and then taps his ear. Jake soon reaches the bottom corridor. It branches off in three directions. He thinks he hears some noise coming from the one going off in a northeasterly direction. Jake leaves the torch leaning against the wall for Chester who is still in the tunnel climbing. He moves off into the shadows as quietly as he can in the direction of the noise. He continues as long as he can still see in the shadowy light of the distant torch.

Jake continues onward with Chester following up a short distance behind him. The corridor itself has many alcoves where it appears that dirt and rock have been removed. He hears a sound ahead that sounds like liquid being splattered around. Jake attempts to stay ahead of the torch light at corners. He pauses only a moment at the sound of the liquid, puzzled. He continues forward.

Kate hurried out into the sunlight, certain that Jobin wouldn't follow them. She walked further away from the minehead than was really necessary to be sure she couldn't be heard from inside the opening. "He has no reflection," she whispered to Minerva. "Can Luna alert the men somehow?" Minerva's eyes widen. "May the gods save us! She closes her eyes. "LUNA! Jobin is a vampire! Do not let Jake and Chester come up the ladder!"

The sounds get louder as he heads further into the tunnels. He sees a dimly lit room ahead where the sounds are coming from. Peering carefully around the bend he sees two people inside. One is a large man using a large scooped shovel to scoop up mud from a large mud pool in one corner.

He is depositing it into a bathtub-like basin with a wire screen on the bottom, the liquid flowing though into another tub below. Once the tub is filled the large man then places a wooden slab over the top and cranks a press above, pushing the mud through the screen, not unlike the way an apple press makes cider. He then uncracks the top and removes it, revealing only rocks left on the screen. He lifts up the screen and pours the rocks into a large wooden crate.

The second man in the room is M. Paul Messier, attired in the same neat but worn suit that he had worn to the Lucky Lady ten days earlier. He is steated in a chair reading a book while the other man works. On a small folding table beside him are the candle illuminating the room, a handgun and a metal wand.

Jake hides himself quickly and motions for Chester to stop moving. Removes the mirror from his pocket and attempts to get a glimpse of the man from around the corner. He is careful not to let the mirror reflect the candle light back into the room. The large man shoveling the mud has no reflection. Jake is unable to do the same check on Messier without risking a reflection from the candle.

Minerva whispers to Nakomo. "Have your arrows at the ready." When Jobin disappears from sight she cautiously makes her way back to the entrance. "Minerva, what are you doing?" Kate whispered and stuck her hand in her pocket to grab the wand. Minerva replies, "I am trying to see what direction he went in. We can not let Chester and Jake get trapped in the hole! If Jobin is a vampire then Messier is probably one also! Jobin said that Messier was wandering around somewhere.”

Kate replies, "I know. But getting past Jobin will be difficult. He'll be listening for us now. We will either have to be exceptionally silent or be prepared to destroy him. Are we? Without help?" Minerva answers, “If Nakomo's arrow is true. It will destroy him."

Minerva communicates to her animal companion, "Luna, what is going on down there?" Luna communicates back that Chester and Jake are in a dark corridor and Jake is peering ahead behind a wall into a larger candle lit room. Luna also communicates that there are a number of rhodents around, many of which look very tasty.

Jake removes the two sticks of dynamite from his duster. He cuts the fuses short, estimating only about ten seconds. He inserts them, walks quickly to Chester and lights them whispering urgently to the Deputy, "Run!" He turns, tosses the dynamite into the cavern towards Messier and the large man. He then runs after Chester while drawing his long barreled Colt. The corridor shakes with the sound of the explosion in the room behind where Jake and Chester have run. Dirt and dust erupt from behind filling the hallway and making it hard to see.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-forty-five “Jobin’s Attack”, Tuesday June 13th, 1882, 12:00 P.M.

Coughing and wheezing from the smoke and dust, Jake and Chester reach the shaft with the rope ladder. There is no movement from behind. The ground trembles "What in Hades is that!" Minerva yells just as Luna communicates what has happened, the owl letting her know “Jake threw a stick into the room, I can not see. We are running away from it.” Hearing the explosion, Kate openly pulled the wand out of her jacket. "No choice now," she said. "Before we kill it, try to get it to talk. We need information. Tell it we know what it is, whatever we can do without risking our lives."

Luna is fluttering around wildly, obviously upset. Jake holds out his left arm for her to land on. He presses himself to the side wall giving as much cover as he can from the hallway. With his pistol pointed down the hallway he listens very carefully and watches for any unusual vapors that may indicate vampires as he has seen them before. Minerva stops to pray for the gods blessing upon herself and her companions before motioning to Kate and Nakomo to follow her into the mine. Kate followed with the wand in hand and ready, although she would use her own spells first, considering they did more damage to the creature than the wand.

A nervous but determined Nakomo draws his bow and follows behind Kate. The three reenter the cave, cautiously make their way forward. The corridor forks after fifteen feet, with the left corridor being the one heading towards the shafts downward and the right corridor being the one they have not explored yet. Kate looked to Minerva. "Toward Jake or Chester, or looking for Jobin?" she whispered, barely audible. Minerva looks down the corridor that Jobin came from to be sure that he is not hiding in the shadows and then moves toward the shaft.

Chester exclaims, "Jake, what did you do now?" "There were two of them in there. Messier and another big man. The big man had no reflection. Figured since Messier was in there and not working he must have been controlling him." Jake shrugs. "I could have gone in but you know what they say." Chet looks at him questioningly, "What?" Jake replies, "Never smack a man who is chewing tobacco," as if that explains everything.

Kate and Minerva reach the final shaft at the end of the corridor, dust and smoke filtering through the air above. "This isn't a good place to be, we have no where to go if Jobin comes up behind us," Kate whispered. "We should go back to where the tunnel splits and watch for him." Minerva peers down the shaft. "Luna where are you?" Luna indicates that she is down at the bottom of the shaft with Chester and Jake. Minerva whispers. "I think they are unharmed." She follows Kate back to the fork while pulling a bottle of holy water from her pocket and loosening the stopper before putting it back in.

The dust is settling but the smoke persists. Their vision is still limited but Jake has heard no sounds since the blast. "Chet, start climbing. I will follow you up. I told you I would cover your back. Just check on me now and again. As Chet takes to the ropes Jake reverses his Spencer so the barrel is point down while it hangs off his shoulder.

A hand falls upon Kate's shoulder and she smells a putrid odor. Where the hand is the fingers dig in and she then feels a sharp pain followed by complete numbness then light-headedness and the desire to fall asleep. Kate screamed as the disturbingly familiar feel of a vampire on her flesh. She tried to fight the numbness and fire the wand toward the monster that must be upon her. Kate's scream alerts both Minerva and Nakomo to the presence of the creature. They see Jobin literally walking out of the wall beside Kate, his hand on her shoulder and draining the life force from her.
In the lower shaft Chester and Jake hear what is unmistakably Katherine Kale's scream.

Minerva throws the holy water at him. Nakomo looks for a place to aim is arrow. The holy water strikes the creatures arm and it releases Kate. Jobin retreats back into the wall as Nakomo's arrow flies. The illusionary section of wall is immediately dispelled as the arrow strikes it, revealing a five-foot wide passageway. The arrow strikes true, hitting Jobin in the chest. Red flames rapidly radiate out from the arrow and envelope his entire body as it then glows as bright as the sun before imploding into smoking ash, leaving only a charred spot on the floor. Kate collapses. Minerva rushes to her side and grasping the necklace that Diana gave her, prays for the power to heal her friend. "Diana, Your favored child needs your strength. Heal her through me."

Deputy Marshall Martin gasps and climbs the rope ladder as a man possessed, from the fear for Kate and buoyed by the confidence in the ring that Jake had given him. Jake merely mutters, "Mierde," realizing whatever it is he will not be there in time to offer any assistance and continues his steady climb up the rope. He continues to watch and listen carefully on the way up. As Jake and Chester arrive on the scene they see Minerva on the ground beside an unconscious Katherine Kale. A golden glow surrounds the Priestess whose necklace is also glowing brightly, illuminating the corridor.

The golden glow flows from the Priestess over Katherine's body, finding rest upon her shoulder where the marks of black oily fingers are visible. An unnatural black gaseous-type smoke flows from the shoulder and dissipates into the air above, as the shoulder then takes on a bright glow and the fingerprints disappear. The light the begins to fade from the priestess, although the necklace continues to glow and the shoulder continues to shine as though a lantern were upon it. Katherine remains unconscious and Minerva notices that one of the three-inch stones from the necklace is gone.

Minerva feels the panic begin to crawl up her throat when Katherine fails to wake. She grasps the necklace once more and continues to pray, pouring all of her energy into the prayer. Jake stands quietly, not wishing to interrupt whatever is happening knowing with certainty that there is nothing he can do to help. He peers around nervously and keeps glancing down the smoky shaft. Katherine regains consciousness as one of the two-inch stones from the necklace also vanishes.

Kate's eyes opened slowly, as if she were waking from a nap in a bright room. She looked from one concerned face to the next and tried to push herself up. Minerva exclaims, "Thank the Goddess. Katherine, How do you feel?" She replies, "Like I was trampled by a bull." She turned the protective ring on her finger, looking at it. "If I'm alright the baby is too, yes?" Minerva states, "I do not think that the child has been harmed. I cannot believe that Diana would allow it."
"It's my responsibility to keep him safe," Kate began, but then let it go. She could berate herself later. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I can't help anymore. Are there any more creatures? Did you find their coffins?"

Minerva states, "We shall have to search behind the illusion door." as she says this she is overcome by her exhaustion and sits on the ground. It is not safe to stay here and I no longer have the strength to move. We need to get to Dos Cabezas and find the Bishop. He will heal you and then we can return here and search for the coffins. Jake describes what happened in the tunnels below. "It seems foolish to have risked all this and leave their coffins intact. Let Chet and I go in there and look for them, you two go out in the sun light."

Nakomo realizes that Minerva is unable to pull herself up and so helps her out into the light. When he has her settled in the sun. He goes back in and lends his support to Katherine. Chester helps Kate up. "Are you alright? We heard you scream then Minerva was kneeling over you. Hades. I should have been here. We need to look for the coffins now. If we don't they'll move them before we get back here. Stay out in the light." Chester looks at Jake. "Let's go. Next time show me the dynamite before you light it. OK?"

Kate replies, "I'm alright, Chester. Just weak." She leaned on Nakomo, wondering how she was going to ride to Dos Cabezas. The sunlight felt good, as if it were trying to return to her what was lost. There was an empty feeling inside her. She didn't even want to imagine what might happen if she tried to use her skills; she couldn't feel the strength within her to make them work.

The passageway that had been covered by the illusion is narrow and curvy, criss-crossing through the upper level of the cave with exits in three other locations that are also converged by illusionary walls. Jake notes the similarity of this illusion to the one that the Cowboy Gang also had in Johnny Ringo's cave that they visited in January. They find nothing in these narrow caves, their purpose apparently being for secret transit rather than storage.

They do not see any coffins, but do find the bunkhouse room, which has two double bunks, where three of the four beds which have mattresses on them and the fourth is piled high with five stacks of books. The books appear to be primarily popular fiction. A coat rack is near the door with three rubber slickers and rain hats on it.

That room has a stove with a stovepipe venting to the outside. The stove has a frying pan and tea kettle on it. The stove is currently cold, although there is an ample wood pile beside it. Four metal trucks are also in the room, which are filled with grain, corn, jerky and dried fruit. No coffins are found anywhere on the upper level.

Frustrated Jake says, "Chet, perhaps we need to come back to this after we take the women to Dos Cabezas. It is taking too long. Blast." He taps at his holster while thinking. "I Will guard then on the journey, will you come with us, or do you think it is better for you to go back to Promise City to inform the hunters? Remember if we meet anyone to keep this as secret as possible. We can tell folks we did not find anyone alive and there are no dead bodies. We can conveniently leave out the other parts without lying."

Chester agrees to ride the nine miles back to town to inform the hunters. They all mount up and the other four ride west for four miles until they reach the mountainside town beneath the twin peaks that the town is named for, Dos Cabezas. The town has a population of around 300 which is comparable to Promise City but with far less commercial development, the majority of the population being farmers of wood Elvan descent who are largely self-sufficient and requiring a minimum of additional comforts.

The "down town" is comprised of a single street with a dozen businesses on it, those being a barber shop, a brewery, a pair of cantina/saloons, a general store, a brick yard, a hotel/restaurant, a blacksmith shop, a sawmill, a Morand Cartage stagecoach/livery shop, a Morand-Seawell mining headquarters, and a dance/meeting hall.

"Is there a church here?" Kate asked. "Where do we find the Bishop?" Nerves were beginning to settle in about seeing the churchman. Despite the fact that she knew him and he had helped her before it still unsettled her to think of putting herself in a cleric's hands. Minerva points out that the church hasn't been established yet, that is the reason why the Bishop is here with Father Barnes.
"Well, let's try Morand's livery and ask them where we might find the Bishop. Since they came on the stage they might know where they were going to stay." Kate nudged Meribel on toward the livery, hoping the search wouldn't take too long.

They arrive at the livery where a male wood elf. inquires as to whether they need their horses to be boarded. When they mention Promise City he says that the Wilcox stagecoach returning to Promise City left a half-hour ago and the next one won't be until tomorrow between 1:30 and 2:00 P.M. When asked about the Bishop he says he doesn't know and suggests checking the hotel, or maybe check with Mr. Pleasants over at the Morand-Seawell Mining Office as he might have met him.

Kate thanked the wood elf for his help. "I think we'll ride on ourselves, but if we decide to stay the night we'll be sure to bring our horses back here." She was thankful it was a small town as they rode toward Seawell's offices, and also thankful it would be a friend she would find there. They ride a short distance up the street to a simple stone structure in the side of a hill with a roughly made sign reading "Seawell-Morand Mining". The building itself has just glass-less openings for windows with canvas pull shades that are currently open to allow in the light.

Henry Pleasants is inside, sitting at a table covered with maps and papers. He sees them ride up and when he also sees who it is a smile comes to his face and he stands to greet them at the doorway. Kate slid off Meribel's back, grabbing onto the saddle when her feet hit the ground and her knees threatened to buckle. Once she was certain she was steady she went to the doorway. "General... sorry, Henry. It's good to see you again. You look well," she said offering her hand.

"And you do not," he states and he moves forward to help Kate on her unsteady feet. He nods to the others and says, "Priestess Florencia, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Nakomo, what brings the four of you to Dos Cabezas?" "Things you would never believe, or maybe you will," Kate said, holding on to his arm with both hands. "We're looking for the Bishop, the gentleman at the livery suggested you might know where to find him."

Henry replies, "He arrived on the stagecoach around three hours ago. I had breakfast this morning with Father Barnes who told me about their church ideas. I believe you'll find both Priests over at the Town Hall building where they will be holding a worship service this evening in conjunction with the Mexican priest that the wood elves worship with." Kate says, "Thank you. We need to see him right away, but we'll come back down and visit with you afterward." A bit embarrassed she added, "If you'll just give me a boost up, we'll be on our way."

Pleasants gives Kate a hand. The group then rides toward the opposite end of the long street, to the large barn-like building with the sign "Town Dance Hall" above in both Spanish and English.
The quartet tie up their horses and enter. Inside are Bishop Costas Papandraius, Father Barnes and a middle-aged wood elf. The room itself is sparsely furnished, with around three dozen rickety wooden chairs and ten crude benches. The walls however are brightly decorated with a combination of colorful Mexican rugs and several of the tapestries that Minerva had put up for sale at Lacey's General Store.

The men turn to greet the new arrivals. Kate came in leaning on Jake's arm. "Your Eminence," she said respectfully. "We have news and need of your help." She then quieted. This was Minerva's place of influence, and it would probably be better to let her do the talking. Minerva is aware that the two Greek/Roman priests are aware of the menace from the undead but is not certain about speaking in front of the Elvan priest. She whispers, "This concerns the monsters." Bishop Costas Papandraus tells her, "You may speak in front of Father Tomas Herrera, one of his parishioners is among the missing."

Minerva spends the next half hour summarizing what has transpired, as well as the news of the other vampire hunters destroying the two monsters at the farmhouse, one of whom was Father Herrera's friend. They explain what happened with Kate and Bishop Papandraus asks to see the shoulder. As they unwrap the clothing they see that the finger marks have eaten through the cloth of her shirt on onto her skin, and they continue to glow with a golden light.

The Bishop has Kate lie down on one of the benches and he casts a spell allowing him to read her physical condition. This takes longer than the comparable spell that he had cast on the pugilist Finnegan two days earlier. He says to her "You baby is safe and unharmed. It took some time for even my clerical magics to detect that as he appears to have a protective barrier of earth-magics around him. You however, are not.

That creature began to drain your life from you. The faith of the Priestess and the magical stones helped to stabilize your condition but not cure it. That is why it still glows, it has been held in check by the Goddess until you could reach me for a more permanent solution. The spell that I must cast will take some time to prepare and you will need to rest afterwards. Perhaps we should relocate to the hotel and get you a room to stay in for the night."

The worry left her eyes after hearing that her baby was unharmed by her foolishness. "I understand," she said after he had finished, "but, my daughter... and Mrs. Fly is coming to stay with us. They will wonder where I am and what's happened. And I was to meet Mr. Blake and give him a tour of the ranch this afternoon. And someone will have to let Meghan and Mollie know that I won't be there to teach in the morning." She looked to her friends and said, "I know you can't all stay. I can take the stage home tomorrow and perhaps you can deliver my messages for me. And don't let Conrad worry overmuch. Is there another way to send a message to Promise City?"

Jake points out that Chester knows they were going to Dos Cabezas and would of course think to tell Ginnie or the other teachers. Minerva says that she could sent Luna to Nanuet with a message. Kate states, "Thank you, Minerva. It would ease my mind. And if someone could send some clothes on the stage tomorrow I would appreciate it." She took a deep breath and sat up. "We'll go to the hotel and make arrangements. If someone could stop by the General store and get me a nightgown that would be nice. Minerva should stay as well, the healing is exhausting."

Minerva composes the note and sends it off with Luna. The Bishop agrees that Minerva should stay as well and Nakomo refuses to leave her. Since Jake doesn't deal poker on Tuesday nights there is no reason for him to head off either, so they get four rooms at the hotel for the night. At around 3:30 P.M. the Bishop has completed his preparations for the spell and in the privacy of the hotel room casts it upon Kate. Both Priestess Minerva and Father Barnes are present to assist if needed but the others are made to leave the room.

Kate watches in awe as the priest manages to physically pull what looks like a glob of gold putty from her shoulder when he then places into a glass jar as the Greek incantation continues. As he does so she feels immediately weaker and if she hadn't been lying down already would have collapsed. She watches as the gold color fades and the putty changes to a liquid, leaving a substance resembling dark oil in the jar which then begins to evaporate simultaneous to her feeling even weaker. When around half of the container's contents have evaporated it changes color to a deep reddish-maroon that lets off a faint glow.

The Bishop's incantation now changes it's tone, becoming more of a fast-paced song. As this happens the remaining fluid rapidly changes color, becoming lighter, until it stops in a shade between white and gold and becoming more solid. The Bishop reaches his hand back into the container and removes the putty. He then places it back on her shoulder and it fades into her body, simultaneous to her feeling stronger again and more like her old self. The incantation now slows and she hears a Latin phrases intermingled with the Greek. The incantation finally ends. Kate feels like her old self again but in desperate need of sleep. Bishop Papandraus also looks to be physically exhausted.

Kate took her first real, deep breath, feeling as if she'd returned to her body from far away. A prayer came to her lips. It was a child's prayer, the only ones she remembered, and with it was remembered a very old feeling. As grateful as she was to Diana, deep down she still suspected her motives. But other motives did not mean there was a lack of love. It was that love that she hadn't felt since a child's soul sang with it that she felt now.

She reached out her hand and fumbled until she found the Bishop's. "Thank you," she said simply. "Thank you." Silence stretched on for a moment. “You should rest yourself, usually I'd be the nurse but I'm afraid I'm not quite up to it yet." She smiled and squeezed his hand. "I am well, but I'd like to sleep now." The Bishop's room is down the hall. He suggests to Minerva that she go and get some rest as well, as she is still reconverting from the ordeal at the cave. Father Barnes heads back to the Town Hall to prepare for the service. This leaves Jake and Nakomo on their own to explore Dos Cabezas.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-forty-six “Moria Enion‘s Past”, Tuesday June 13th, 1882, 12:00 P.M.

Chester had told Jake "I better get back to town. Harker and the others need to know we've found the place." He puts his hand on Jake's shoulder. "Hermes grant you safe passage. I'll see you all later." The lawman mounts Lookout and gallops back to Promise City.

Chester arrives back in town at around 3:45 P.M. He heads to the Territorial Offices where he finds Kevin Tomlinson. They then head over to the Promise City Hotel to get Father Harbrace and then to Boston Harker's house at the northwestern end of town where Jonathan Harker is staying. Boston Harker is still at work, giving the men ample privacy to hear what Chester has to say.

At the conclusion of the meeting the hunters borrow Chester's map and agree to head back out there to investigate further. Chester thanks them and then goes to the Marshall's Office to inform Marshall Berg that he is back. Berg reminds Chester that he and Eddie are leaving in the morning for the balloon ride to Mexico, and to be sure to get a good night's sleep. Chester says, "Sure thing, boss. This guy had better be worth the trouble. The Mexicans aren't going to like a couple of gringo lawmen coming into their country." Berg laughs and says, "Somehow I don't think that Eduardo will be mistaken for a gringo."

Chester then heads over to the O'Hara house to let Meghan know that Kate has been delayed and may not be back until some time on Wednesday. She asks, "What happened, Deputy?" Chester replies, "Oh, something came up that she has to take care of in Dos Cabezas. It's nothing to worry about." He gives her a reassuring smile. "Are you going to be OK here?" "Yes, I think so. Thank you for telling me." Chester tips his hat. "You're welcome, miss."

This brings him to supper time, where he goes and collects Clarisse for a relaxing dinner at the Silver Dollar Restaurant. She says, "So, Chet. What have you been up to today? I've missed you." He says, "I've missed you too. All these investigations are taking up so much time. Even with the four of us, it's hard work." She says, “You work too hard Chet. After you're elected Marshall be sure to hire enough deputies so that you will get some time off."

Chester takes her hand in his. "You bet I will. Heck, if I play my cards right I won't even have to go into the office." He smiles slyly. "I don't believe the town council would go for that idea. But we do need a couple more deputies at least." They finish dinner and go out to a field to watch the stars. Later Chester takes Clarisse to her home and he heads for his.

Earlier that day at the school, Emily had watched with surprise as Nakomo and Mrs. Kale had both left school that morning. She smelled an adventure of some kind and it was tempting to follow them out. But Mrs. O'Hara and Mrs. Caudell would have stopped her anyway, and it was too soon to be making Uncle upset by running off and leaving school. While her mind was wandering Ginnie had stepped into Mrs. Kale's spot and was keeping her group of students going. She watched the younger girl curiously until Mrs. Caudell called her attention back to geography.

The school day ended and Nakomo and Mrs. Kale hadn't returned yet. Emily had tried not to be distracted by her curiosity, but it had been hard. Something was happening and she wanted to know what it was. Uncle Emery had wanted her in school, and she had to admit it wasn't so bad. But Shannon O'Hara and Angela Young weren't that much older and they didn't have to be in school, they were adults. Of course, being an adult came with other things that she was just as happy to leave for now. For now she just wanted to know what was happening.

She ran outside into the bright sunshine, not sure if Uncle was going to come get her again today, but she knew the way back to the boarding house if he was not. Emery Shaw arrives and says, "Hello Emily, I have a surprise for you. Tonight you won't have to stay at The Comstock House, you'll be in your own bed in your own room! I had some of the hands from the ranch in town today to clean and repaint our new house.

We also purchased and had delivered some new furnishings from the furniture maker in town. Most of what the Sherman's left was in good shape, but I thought that you deserved a brand new bedroom set. All that's left is for us to head over to Kelly's Dry Goods to pick out the material for the curtains and drapes."

In a rare moment of absolute seriousness she said, "You're spoiling me something terrible, Uncle. I've never had so many things, never mind just for me. I'm happy just to be here." The saucy smile returned to her face. "But I do like the idea of a room just for me. What color is it? Mrs. Kale and Nakomo left school this morning. Did something happen in town?"

Shaw says, "Oh, they probably had to just go out to her ranch for something. That's part of the Cattleman's Association. I'll have some of the hands drop by and check on their way back to the Lazy-S." They start to head west down Sierra Street and he says, "Right now the walls are just a fresh coat of white, but we can paint whatever color over that you would like. Same with the furniture, it's just bare wood for now but we can stain or paint it whatever shade you wish."

Emily replies, "I never had to choose colors, I don't have any idea what I'll like, although I can't imagine there's that many colors of paint in Promise City to choose from," she laughed. "Guess I'll just have to pick pretty curtains and match the paint to that." She paused for a moment as they continued walking. "I never thought I'd be excited about curtains and paint! I guess I am a girl."

Shaw laughs and says, "Of course you're a girl! And as for spoiling you, my children are all grown, I don't have any grandchildren yet, and unlike my friend Colonel Morand I don't plan to start chasing after saloon-hall girls half my age, so who else do I have to spoil"?" They arrive at the house for her to drop off her school things and look at what the Lazy-S workers have done with the place. She sees that her new bedroom set is made of solid maple wood and consists of a full-sized bed, a new mattress stuffed with a combination of wool, cotton and feathers, two dresses, a night table and a full-length mirror mounted to the back of the door.

They then head over to Kelley's Dry Goods, where Mary Kelley and her schoolmate Ginnie show her what they have in stock for fabric selection. Next he brings her to the opposite side of town, to a house along the southeastern hill around 100 feet east of the Great Western Boarding House. He explains that it is the home of the Enion family, and that Patrick Enion's part-time occupation is painting signs for the businesses in town. He therefore should have a large selection of paints.

They knock and a woman answers the door. She invites them in and says that Patrick hasn't come home from his other job yet. Shaw asks about paints and she produces a color wheel that shows ninety-two different color shades that are possible with the dyes that her husband has available. He asks Emily to pick out what she wants, and he will order a gallon of it to paint her room.

While Emily is looking at it he says to Mrs. Enion, "So Moria, I've heard a rumor that you are seriously considering playing in this poker tournament this weekend. Are you sure that you and Patrick can afford to undertake such a gamble?" She laughs and says, "Certainly I'll be playing, but I'm not planning to use our own money for the entrance fee. One of the gamblers coming owes me a favor from way back and will be paying that for me, he just doesn't know it yet. I'll pay him back after I win."

Shaw laughs and says, "Well, if you play anything like your father did I'd say that will be a good investment on that gambler's part. If there are any side bets being taken I'll be sure to put at least $ 25 on you." She says smiles and says "Yes, but you may want to keep that information to yourself. Most people in town just think of me as a quiet housewife." He replies, "I'm sure they'll think otherwise by Sunday night."

Emily looked up from the paint samples where she had been keeping one ear on the conversation. With a smile more knowing than one would expect to see on a young face she said, "You like the idea of surprising them, don't you? Just as much as the thought of winning." She smiles and replies, "No dear, winning is everything. Surprise is just helpful for getting them to underestimate you." She looks up at Shaw and the petite woman in her mid-twenties says, "You will keep my background secret won't you Emery?"

He replies, "Well, there isn't any reason for me to share it as long as you were truthful about turning over a new leaf. The owners of the Lucky Lady are friends of mine and I would hate to see anything improper to take place during their tournament." She smiles and says, "Emery, you know that since I met Patrick I've stayed on the straight-and-narrow."

He says, "I do, and optimistically hope to see that continue." He turns back to Emily and says, "Have you decided upon a shade dear?" Emily pointed out the light green color she favored, then said, "If we stain the furniture dark, dark brown it will be almost like staying in a tree. Well, maybe not but I'd like to pretend it all the same." He replies, "Very well, Moria, have Patrick mix up a gallon of that. If he wants to earn some extra money he can do the painting as well."

Next they head over to Cole Rixton's furniture shop for her to pick out the specific shade of dye for the furniture and make arrangements for Rixton to come by on Wednesday and Thursday during the day to stain the furniture. They finish at a table at the Promise City Hotel and Restaurant, which is directly across the street from the Comstock House where they had taken most of their meals until now.

While waiting for their food Emery says, "So my dear, what was your impression of Mrs. Enion?" She thought for a minute before answering. "Like a lot of people here, there's much more to her than she shows. I don't think being a quiet housewife will satisfy her for long; just like it wouldn't satisfy me. And I don't think I was wrong when I said the surprise is part of what's fun. She'll break out in some way, probably a good way, but she'll want to be more. I think she told you the truth about being good. I guess she must have been a pretty wild girl for a while."

Shaw says, "That's an understatement. You may recall hearing that during the Civil War and the year following, when my family was staying with yours in Chicago, I was with the Army down south. We were an army of occupation until the surrender and an army of reconstruction afterwards, in both roles more of a police capacity than soldiering. Well, during that time Moria Stone was the youngest person I ever arrested, I believe she was seven at the time. She's the daughter of Michael "Mickey" Stone, a British con man and gambler.

Like a number of Europeans they had the misfortune of visiting down south when hostilities broke out, and due to the blockades on southern ports became stranded there for the duration of the war. Of course, that didn't stop the pair of them from trying to make a living going from state-to-state playing cons where they could. Having a young daughter with him help to make Stone appear more genuine. Anyway, I first ran into them in Texas in '65 and arrested them doing another con the following year in Memphis. He served a short prison stint and she became a Ward of the State.

I didn't see her again until last year when she and her husband Patrick arrived here. She was very surprised that I recognized her after all these years. I believed that she is genuine about wanting to take up an honest life, which is why I was troubled to hear her joining in the tournament. My visit just now was to warn her that I'll be keeping a close eye on her for potential trouble. I don't plan to warn the owners of the Lucky Lady directly, but it might be prudent for some school children to have an informal chat on the playground, as I believe some of your classmates bus tables there on weekends."

Emily states, "So you don't want to hurt her reputation since she's living a different life now, but just in case you want someone's eyes to be open. I suppose I could mention it to Ginnie, but wouldn't she just tell her employers? Well, not if I asked her not to, I guess. I like Mrs. Enion, I hope we're both right. We could have asked Ginnie where Mrs. Kale had gone." Emily laughed. "See how nosy I am? I can't stand to think someone is having an adventure without me."

Shaw laughs and says, "I'm sure that your teacher is fine, she has good friends to look after her, she just leads a very busy life." They finish the main part of the meal and then have a choice of desserts between blueberry pie, cherry pie, or apple strudel. Emily ate the cherry pie slowly, savoring each bit of the rare treat. "I guess I'm having all the adventure I can handle for now, anyway. What do we do tonight, Uncle? I'm sure there's more politics. And... I know maybe it's not as safe as you'd like, but when will it be okay for me to go around by myself. She smiled and added, "I like going 'round with you, but I don't think you want to climb trees."

Shaw becomes serious and says, "Young lady, you are correct, it is not safe. Those people who rode into town on Sunday tossing dynamite were after the candidates and I am a candidate. If you want an opportunity to play in the out-of-doors I can make arrangements for somebody to take you tomorrow after school, but going off alone at night is out of the question."

He sighs and says, "And yes, I will be busy tonight with politics. The final Town Council debate is this evening. I'll give you three choices, you can join me for that, you can spend this evening at the Kelley's helping Mary Kelley, Ginnie Flaherty and Shannon O'Brien finish the costumes for the play, or you can spend the evening in the company of Cornflower Peck. She's a Navaho woman whose husband works at the brickyard behind our house. He's a candidate for Town Council so will be at the debate, but she hasn't been joining him for those. They live around a block east of our house."

She replies, "I'd like to be able to go for a ride tomorrow. It's much easier to be in this town than Chicago, but I'd still like to get in the open space. I guess I'll go to Mrs. Kelley's, but I won't be much help. I'm not a very good sewer. At least I know Ginnie and Shannon though." Following the meal Shaw takes his niece over to the Kelleys, where the three women are working diligently on the costumes. Shaw says he will return for her after the debate is over.

Mary is a stern taskmaster, as they still have a few hours of work ahead of them given that the first dress rehearsal is the next afternoon. Emily is surprised by the quality of the material for the costumes, far better than she would expect for garments to be worn just a few times.

Shannon talks about her new job at the First National Bank of Promise City and how she got it. Mary comments about how she was very resourceful, finding an opportunity and going for it. Ginnie asks, "So you're the only teller at the moment with the other two gone?" Shannon replies, "Yes, Mr. Stevens has been doing a lot himself. He's also had the part-time cleaning and maintenance man Chandler Wells helping out more too. As his last name implies Wells also works for Wells Fargo, as the back-up driver. He is a relative of that company's founders, Henry Wells, who began the company thirty years ago."

Emily listened as she tried to be patient with the stitching. It never seemed to go quite where she wanted it to. She ripped out a couple stitches and tried again. "So you work here and you work at the bank. You must be awfully busy, don't you ever have time just to do what you want to do?" She replies, "I also work part time at the Cochise Boarding House, where I live. What I want to do? I've haven't thought about that much lately. My hobby is painting but I no longer have any equipment for that. I suppose that I should start putting aside some money to see about purchasing some paints, brushes and canvases."

Emily’s states, "When you're getting started taking care of yourself I guess there's not a lot of time for hobbies. It's so strange to be here with Uncle Emery and have so much time to myself. At home I always helped Ma with my sisters and brothers and helped keep the house up beside going to school. But I always got to work in my garden. Working so much probably lets you feel nice and independent."

She replies, "It does, especially the bank job. I enjoy my other two jobs too but neither of them pay very well. I've made sure that Mr. Stevens pays me at least as well as he did Mr. Snavely. I'm so glad I had gotten my math tutor at Belfast University to write me that letter of recommendation, and that I had been smart enough to make sure he left it undated. I was actually only eight to ten when I studied with that man, I'm sure Mr. Stevens assumed that my instruction from that Professor was more recent."

Emily laughed. "I wonder what the Professor would think if he saw you now. He must have realized how clever you were when he wrote the letter. Do you both like living here?" she asked. Ginnie indicates that she does. Shannon says, "I do as well, there is great opportunity here. Mother enjoys her job as a teacher, never having thought it possible to have a job that pays as well as that which also allows her to bring six of her children with her. I like it here too, although I'm finding the attentions from some of the other boarders at the Cochise Boarding House are becoming tiresome."

Mary Kelley looks concerned and asks "Which ones?" Shannon replies, "Oh, some of them, like Billy Glass, Rolf Larsen and Governor Pike have been complete gentlemen. But others, like Mike Moore, Porter Norris and Tony Lucky leer at me and throw innuendo into their every comment. Uncle Shamus and my brother Patrick makes sure that I am adequately protected, and I'm not without my own resources either, but those men still make me nervous."

Emily looked at Shannon sympathetically. "The last couple years in Chicago some of the boys started getting like that. I'm glad to be away from that. No one's bothered me at the Comstock House, although I suppose you wouldn't want to move away from your brother and uncle. And maybe it's just Uncle being there that keeps them gentlemen. When boys got bothersome with me I usually just smacked them, but I guess you can't really do that."

Shannon says, "Actually, I'm thinking about the Comstock House. The other tenants there all work for Elton Hubbard's Silverbell Mining, and Hubbard's clerk Earl Hogan lives there too and makes sure the men are all on their best behavior. Patrick and Uncle Shamus both work for Silverbell too. When Shamus first came here there were no vacancies, which is why he went to the Cochise instead. Maybe I should let them know the problems I've been having and see if they would consider moving."

Emily states, "Uncle and I just moved out today. He bought Mr. Sherman's house and we're going to stay there starting tonight. So that's two rooms available at least. Mrs. Russell's awful nice, although I think she's a bit nosy," Emily laughed. "That's not quite right. Curious if things are going good for you is closer. I'm kinda sorry to leave, I like her. So what resources of your own do you have to keep those men away?"

She smiles and says, "My father taught me how to defend myself, more than that in fact, he taught me the proper way to fight, using the Marquees of Queensbury Rules of '67, which superseded the London Prize Ring Rules that he fought under as a boy. I've been very tempted to show up at the amateur boxing over at the Palace some Saturday night and knock somebody down for a ten-count. But I'm out of practice though and some of the fighters are out-of-my-league, so that wouldn't be without its own risk. Plus I'm certain that Mother, Uncle and older brother would never approve. Plus the town might get suspicious if I tried, given how many people were snookered out of bets on my kid sisters during the horserace at the Festival."

"It's hardly their fault if adults underestimated them because they're young. Horses go faster with lighter riders. But I know what you mean." Emily was quiet for a second. "Maybe you could teach me a little of that fighting? Uncle's a candidate, and he said earlier that puts us at risk. I knew that anyway, but it would be good to know how to defend myself a little. And of course I'm half-elf. That's two strikes against me."

Mary Kelley interjects, "Don't underestimate yourself Miss. Emily, one thing that this election is trying to establish is that race doesn't matter, people are people. And your talking here to a trio of Irish women, we've each experienced prejudices as well. I'm third generation American and have all but lost the accent, but my husband Kevin came over here directly from County Cork just a decade back. Back east he kept running into the 'No Irish Need Apply' signs, which is why we headed west."

Emily answers, "That's one of the reasons Uncle invited me to come here too, although I didn't have too many problems in Chicago. Most people in my neighborhood remember my Pa and left me alone. There's things I'm good at and things I'm not so good at," Emily said, holding up the sewing she was trying hard at. "I like being part elf, but just because some people here are trying to change things doesn't mean everyone here agrees. It's those people I'd like to be able to give a bloody nose if I have to."

Shannon says, "Well, you and your Uncle now have your own house, so I suppose that Patrick and I could drop by some time and give you some pointers on self-defense in the privacy of your own home without anybody having to know what we are up to."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-forty-seven, “Dos Cabezas”, Tuesday June 13th, 1882, 4:00 P.M.

Leaving the women back at the hotel, Jake and Nakomo headed off on their own to explore the town of Dos Cabezas. Jake looks at Nakomo who is looking at Jake expectantly. "Yes, well, I suppose you should come with me." Jake looks up and down the street and sighs. He moves towards the two cantinas. He quickly judges which one might offer better food and they enter that one.

Nakomo walks a pace behind Jake and watches how he saunters through the dusty, dung covered streets of the town as though he owns it. By the time they step through the swinging doors of the saloon the lanky young Indian has adopted Jakes confident swagger and is mimicking his easy demeanor. His gaze sweeps covertly around the room in search of possible trouble as he follows Jake to a table at the rear of the room.

When Jake pulls up a chair keeping his back to the wall, Nakomo follows suit. He casually leans the chair back on it's two hind legs and crossing his legs at the ankles strikes a pose of relaxed boredom. Jake makes note of which cantina might give him the opportunity of an interesting poker game later. To the bartender Jake says, "Hola, mi amigo! A double whiskey for me and whatever the boy wants."

Jake selects a seat with his back to the wall and a good view of the place, being in an unfamiliar location old habits return. "I wouldn't mind one of those as well." The boy says, pointing to the glass of amber liquid making it's way to Jake's lips. I used to drink Pakesso's and Naumkeag's after they'd pass out. Took the sting out of the bruises." He said off-handedly. "But I suppose Miss Minerva wouldn't approve. She does not yet fully see me for the man that I am." He smiles conspiritually and sighs as though he his sharing a great truth that only men are privy to. "It's not easy living under a woman's roof."

Jake hides a smirk from the boy and indicates to the bartender to bring what Jake is drinking to Nakomo. Jake says, "It is the truth, it is not easy living under anyone's roof, worse if it is a woman. Minerva is a head strong woman, I would be careful not to cross her. If you ask me, what she does not know cannot bother her."

The boy says, "I wouldn't want to do anything that would make her mad, but if you think that it's o.k. then... thanks," he reaches for the offered glass, takes a large gulp and sits quietly savoring the familiar feeling of the fiery liquid as it slides down his throat and begins to melt the icy ball of fear that had lodged itself in his stomach when the vampire grabbed Mrs. Kale.

Speaking more to himself than to Nakomo Jake rants quietly, "That could have gone better. All that trouble and we did not destroy the coffins. It may be that the goddesses arrow destroyed the one, but I am not confident that the other two were done in by the dynamite. Those blasted creatures are tough to eliminate. If someone does not destroy their coffins before they can reform we will have to do that all over again. Just my luck too if Tomlinson and Harker come to clean up after us and get what valuables that may be lying about." He has a sip of the whiskey before he finishes with, "Blast. Katherine had better come out of this well enough."

While Jake is speaking he scans the cantina and its occupants, learning what he can. After a time they order some food, Jake chats with the server in his charming way and attempts to get the best food they have available. He is able to quickly ascertain that a small community has been located here for centuries, founded by a group of the Mexican elves and half-elves who had escaped from the Spanish Conquistador Coronado. They've lived mostly as sheep and goat farmers with a small number of crops. It's only during the past five years since silver was discovered in Tombstone that several dozen human and dwarven prospectors have moved in, adding to the local economy.

He also finds out that none of the local mines have been very successful, that it is only the local Morand-Seawell mine that any ore of any quantity was recently found and that one they are only starting to draw ore from. But it looks like it will be a successful one, and the town has already started to grow as a result, with the population shifting from approximately 200 to nearly 300 in just two months. The Morand-Seawell Mining Company has gone to great lengths to become good neighbors, hiring on the locals as workers with agreements for profit-sharing. Arrangements such as that are almost unheard of, and even rarer to have humans extend such an offer to those of other races.

After learning all about the history and economics of Dos Cabezas, he gets down to more important matters of drinking, asking after a poker game and keeping his eye open for attractive ladies. Jake is able to find three wood elves named Paco Ramiro, Damian Flores and Marco Ruiz who are willing to play a hand at poker. They are soon joined by Henry Pleasants and Father Silas Oraibi Barnes, both of whom are happy to play as well. As the night passes, Jake orders young Nakomo a whiskey whenever the boy's glass is empty. Time passes quickly and Jake's game breaks up.

Once the whiskey had begun to work its magic Nakomo became more animated. “I really like Miss Minerva. I wouldn't do anything to cross her and not just cause she's stubborn and bullheaded. Its not that I'm afraid of her. I'm not afraid of anyone but She's done a lot for me, getting me out of jail and taking me in and all and I'm real grateful to her for all that." He takes another, much smaller sip and continues. "and she’s really smart and brave too, but still, she is a woman and can't be expected to understand what it means to be a man. After all, what a man does on his own time is his own business. Right Mr. Jake?" he says raising his glass again.

Nakomo spends the evening sipping his drink, and watching Jake watch the eyes of the other card players. He is mindful not to drink enough to get sloppy, but enough that he feels that Jake will see him as a man. Jake states, "Come, Nakomo, time to get some rest. There does not appear to be much else to do in this town at night." When the evening ends Nakomo, still imitating Jake, swaggers back to the hotel to check on Minerva and get some rest. "G'night Mr. Jake. Thanks."


On Wednesday June 14th, 1882, Kate wakened after the sun had slipped below the horizon. She was still very tired, but her body was demanding a few things before it would let her rest. There was a tray next to her bed holding some bits of fruit, cheese, and bread. She gratefully ate the food that had been left, and after stretching her legs a bit and taking care of a few other little things she crawled back into the bed and went back to sleep.

9:30 A.M. Jake Cook, Minerva Florencia and Nakomo are sitting down in the Dos Cabezas Restaurant for a breakfast of fried eggs, goats milk pancakes, hashed-brown potatoes and sausages. They are soon joined by Katherine Kale who is helped to the table by Bishop Costas Papandraus. The Greek priest tells them, “She is capable of getting around on her own but I insisted on helping. She is still a little weak. The Bishop mentions that the Morand-Cartage Stagecoach will be stopping here in town on its way back to Promise City from Wilcox some time between 1:00 and 1:30 P.M. if they want to take that back rather than individual riding.

They are almost finished the meal when a trio of men enter who they recognize as the team of vampire hunters comprised of Kevin Tomlinson, Jonathan Harker and Father John Harbrace. The men’s clothing are a bit disheveled and Harker has ripped pants and is walking with a limp but they otherwise look to be healthy. The men notice the others and slide a second table over adjacent to it. Tomlinson then places a candle in the center followed by a sprinkling of powder and a Latin incantation to establish a Privacy Spell.

"Good morning gentlemen, I take it," Jake briefly points to the candle, "that you have news?" Harbrace says "Indeed we do." Harker begins by saying, “Two more of those monstrosities are now gone, including the large one who you tossed the dynamite at Mr. Cook. He was the same one we fought in Wilcox, Mortimer Turner’s companion. But we were not able to find Mr. Turner and neither of the slain vampires were forthcoming with information prior to their demise.”

Kate asks, "Did you find coffins in the mine anywhere? We were concerned they would just retreat and reform later." Tomlinson says, "They would not have needed coffins. The purpose of the coffin is to transport the dirt from their home when they became vampires, which a vampire must rest upon. Coffins work well for vampires as the dirt transport containers since they shield all sunlight and also are not uncommon to be transported by train or ship. But if these prospectors were in the homes already from when they were sired they could have just slept right there."

Jake shakes his head. "That is all too blasted confusing for me. So which ones are destroyed? Did the goddesses arrow do the job?" Harbrace says, "I used an arrow on the dwarf, Harker and Tomlinson worked together to stake the tall human." Kate says, "Nakomo used an arrow on one yesterday, Minerva said it was impressive. I wasn't aware of anything at the time. There was a dwarf there as well? My understanding was there was Jobin, who Nakomo killed. A man we've seen as Mr. Messier who we know uses magic, and a large man who was doing the mining."

Tomlinson adds, “The second vampire who we dispatched was the dwarven miner who went by the name Erik Sharpaxe. They were both in a chamber behind what appeared to be a blocked off former mine entrance, but was in reality just another illusion. We assaulted it three hours ago. I regret to inform you that Mr. M. Paul Messier escaped and he is apparently as human as we are, as he fled the cave on horseback after the sun had already risen.”

Harbrace says, Yeah, that took us totally by surprise. With only limited manpower we left that exit unguarded, thinking them all to be vampires so the sun alone would have not allowed that as an avenue of escape. Unfortunately by the time we finished with his two companions he was long gone, and his trail had been obscured by magic.”

Kate states, "I'm not sure that's so unfortunate. It's hard to get information from a vampire; there's a tendency to have to kill them before you can get anything out of them. The magic is a barrier, of course, but one we might be able to do more about. The trick is to get hold of the man." Jake describes what he saw. "Not only was Messier relaxing while the large vampire did all the work, he survived the dynamite I threw in there. I assumed that he was a controlling vampire. Why else would the other willingly work for him?"

"This is why," Tomlinson says as he reaches his hand across the table and drops a pile of crushed rock with a grey metal mixed in. Very lovely." Jake says with a touch of annoyance. "Do you mind explaining to those who have not spent a lifetime becoming experts in this matter?" Tomlinson says "It is called Wolfram, also known by the name Tungsten. It is the most valuable and highly sought metal in the world. It is used by Wizards to create magical rings and wands. It has the highest melting point of any known metal and works as a perfect conduit for electricity to travel, which is a component property to a large variety of wizard magics."

Harbrace says, "I've worked as a prospector myself for the last seven years. This metal is one of the rarest ones you'll ever find. They located this on the lowest level of the Beatrice mine and were trying to extract it." Harker adds, "Vampires have much greater strength than humans, that is why the large one was doing much of the physical work, with Messier having used magic to transform the dirt into mud for easier sifting." Jake asks, "Why would a vampire care about that? I can see Messier's interest, but not a vampires."

Tomlinson says, "Wealth is a means to an end, it is important to both the living and the undead. Why steal what you can buy. And we don't yet know what the connection is between these vampires, cowboys and wizards. Let's try to figure out what we do know, maybe brainstorming will help." Kate states, "It looks like Niles made at least one valuable investment."

Kate turned to Jake and said, "We've seen evidence that the Vampires are mixed up with the Cowboy gang, at least we suspect it. And they've been using magic. And money is money, alive or undead it's still good to have." Her inability to openly acknowledge her own knowledge and resources was getting more and more bothersome. She looked at the Bishop and Father Harbrace, trying to gauge what their reactions might be. She didn't plan to tell them, but it was looking more like she was going to have to tell someone if she wanted to help.

Kate states, "Remember Chester saying something about a note? Buckley was the man who killed Marshall Hollister, according to the note-writer. And the man who arranged that is now running for office. Could be Fisk, although the killing so close to his house is sloppy, not like him. We know that Buckley's and Thayer's men were working together, they threatened Chester and Mr. Berg together. It's possible Palmer and Messier are the same person."

Tomlinson says, "I've been focused primarily on the vampires. We know that there were originally four of them who had been sired by Colin Turner. Mortimer Turner and his friend were left in Wilcox while Philemon Grove and Dooley Wilson were in Promise City, each pair with a casket of the other pair. Wilson and Grove were dispatched and there is no evidence that they drained anybody to death until Deputy Sheriff Hunter, who we have made sure will not rise.

Turner and his friend fled Wilcox after we destroyed their caskets and came to Promise City. It appears that Jobin and Sharpaxe were their first victims, which makes sense as their mines only had one or two people in them, so would have been easy targets. The Messier connection is also unclear, although I believe that he and Palmer are two different people, perhaps a student and his teacher although it is uncertain which is in what role. We do know that Palmer is also a sharpshooter, as he finished second in the rifle competition during the festival. That was during the day, so he wasn't a vampire, at least at that time. The vampires next fed on Saturday night on the two victims from this town, Dos Cabezas, who they left in the farmhouse to rise yesterday although we prevented that from occurring.

On Sunday night they attacked the Cunningham mine, which consisted of owner Raymond Cunningham, his son and three workers. One worker was a human named Joseph Simak and the other two were orges named Socrates and Copernicus. They drained and killed both Simak and Socrates, who will rise tonight unless we find them first. The Cunningham boy was left has a meal for those at the farmhouse, we can probably assume that a similar fate awaits one or both of the remaining two missing miners. So as far as we know, of the actual six vampires created to date, five are now deceased, with only Mortimer Turner still in the area, although he will have new allies by this evening." "What in Hades do we do with all that?" Jake shakes his head.

Kate says, "So if we can discover where they are before tonight, we might be able to catch them all together. How far could the vampires have gotten away from the farmhouse before the sun rose? What are the good places for a vampire to hole up in the area?" Jake interjects, "You say you have checked all the caves and abandoned farms. Does that only leave the Sharpaxe mine?"

Harker says, "The Sharpaxe Mine will be where we go next, beyond that we're not sure." Harbrace says, "We decide to come here first for a good meal and a few hours rest before heading out again." Anger simmers in Minerva's eyes, her words drip with sarcasm. "It was thoughtful of you gentlemen to take the time to fill us in, in between grabbing a good meal and getting some rest."

Tomlinson says, "Ma'am, we've spent the better part of this last week doing nothing but hunting these monsters. We just now dispatched two of them, during which Jonathan here was almost killed. Father Harbrace used up every spell he had make him functional again. So yes, we are going to take a short break so that we'll be back up to fighting strength for our next hunt." Minerva states, “Si, That is my point. Running off on your own will only get you killed, or worse. We are stronger together.”

Jake asks, "So if Turner or the Ogres are in the Sharpaxe mine, then they need coffins there?" Harker answers, "Turner would need a coffin anywhere in the area. The others would anywhere except for back in the Cunningham mine, but we checked that out two days ago and there was no evidence that anybody had been back there." Jake states, "Fine. I will go with you then if you want me. I am not worth a damn trying to drive a stick in one of those things black hearts, but I can hit them other ways and then look for their boxes."

Minerva turns to Jake. "You will go with them if they want you?!" Is everyone here gone loco? These are vampires we are dealing with. vampires with a capital V! She turns on Harbrace and Tomlinson. "We must work together! You can not just continue to run off wily nilly and fill us in when it suits you. All of our talents are required. The Goddess made it clear that we must work together to destroy this evil!"

Kate turned to Minerva and said, "I understand your frustration, our groups haven't been the best at keeping each other informed. But I also know that working together doesn't always mean doing everything together. For example, I'm fairly certain the Bishop will object very strongly if I should suggest coming with you this afternoon." Bishop Costas replies, "Actually no, as I will be accompanying you as well. Those monsters could be anywhere in this area and have reached this town before. I consider you safer with me than not with me. We should be able to keep you safe this time." Kate looked at the Bishop, surprised. "I hope so. I don't want to go through this again. I'd best get plenty of breakfast then." And figure out how to help without exposing myself.

Bishop Costas says, "Gentlemen, I know of a spell that will enable each of you to get the equivalent of eight-hours rest in just one-hour. I can go and pray for three of them while you eat and when I return cast them upon you. We could all leave an hour after that to check out these caverns." "Fine. I have a couple of things to do. I will meet you at the horses." Minerva states, "I understand that it does not mean doing everything together, but as you said we are not doing our best to keep one another informed and I do not like being kept in the dark. The dark is a dangerous place to be right now."

Jake makes his way to Seawell's place and attempts to purchase a lantern and a half dozen sticks of dynamite and fuse. Afterwards he gathers up his gear and makes his horse ready. He wastes time by throwing his hunting knife into a make shift target. Nakomo, having learned that it is best to stay out of the Priestess way when her temper is up, wordlessly follows her back to the hotel to gather up their weapons and supplies.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-forty-eight, “The Informant“, Wednesday June 14th, 1882, 7:45 A.M.

Emery Shaw walked his niece Emily to school and then headed off to meet with some of his party’s candidates to discuss some candidate changes that had been announced the previous night before the debate. The class begins with Mollie Caudell saying that Mrs. Kale is currently detained on an errand in the neighboring town of Dos Cabezas so will not be with them this morning. Emily notes that Nakomo is also still absent. Meghan O’Hara introduces the class to their new classmates, Matthew Santos, whose family has just moved into the area from Houston, Texas. She sees that the boy is a handsome young man who is the human equivalent of twelve or thirteen.

Approximately one-and-one-quarter miles to the southwest Nanuet is meeting the Jadito, a Yavapai Tribal Elder, on the top of a hill. The hill overlooks the ranch that Nanuet owns with Katherine Kale, Sonoma and Flint to the east as well as a ranch owned by the Perez family to the west. Jadito had lived in this area many centuries before and this hill is his favorite place to go for meditation. This is third consecutive day that the two Indians have met at this location.

Back in Promise City, Deputies Eduardo Rodriguez and Chester Martin accompany Hans Schmidt, Hank Hill and Father Thomas Valdez a short distance from town where the Zeppelin dirigible owned by Arcade’s Gang is waiting to transport them sixty miles south. Hank is the Gang member in charge of the vehicle while Hans is the pilot. Hank assures Chester that they’ll be back before the 7:00 P.M. Town Marshall debate that they will both be participating in. Father Valdez is coming along since the person who the deputies are seeking is his second cousin, so the priest’s presence might help gaining the man’s cooperation.

As they walk to the airship, Chester says to Hank, "Me and the Marshall really appreciate this, Hank. This will save us a load of time over us riding to Mexico. Hopefully this elf can help us figure out who killed Buckley." They reach the airship and enter. Four of the five have ridden on it before but Thomas Valdez is apprehensive and takes some convincing before he boards.

The craft takes to the air, flying a low wide circle around the mountains so as not to be visible in town. They continue due south, staying clear of the town of Webb, before changing to a southwesterly direction. It only takes another forty-five minutes until they pass above the road that runs between the towns of Tombstone and Bisbee. In the distance they can see the northernmost structures of Bisbee. They go a few miles further, seeing the mountain ahead of them where the successful Queen Mine has been flourishing. They then land on the far side of that mountain.

Hans Schmidt is looking at his maps and points to the south. "Around a mile, just over those hills, is the town of Naco, Arizona Territory, United States. Just beyond it is the border, and the town of Naco, Sonora, Mexico." "That's where we will find the Priest's cousin," Eddie says. They leave Hans to watch the balloon, giving him a set of flares to send up if there is any trouble with Hank adding, "And don't hesitate to take to the air. We don't want the Mexican Government getting their hands on this." The four men then head off south.

Chester asks, "If he takes off, then what do we do? I don't like the idea of walking home. Anyway, let's get going. See you late, Hans." As they walk, he says, "Father, how well do you know your cousin?" Thomas Valdez replies, "Federico Valdez Luca has always been a loner. He spent most of his life catching and training wild horses, which he would sell to the other wood elves and half-elves of the area. After the Bar-W, Circle-R and Lazy-S ranches popped up around where he lived he sold to them. In time though the number of wild mustangs declined due to the fences, corrals and ranches, so he basically just does that part time. I'm not sure exactly what he does the rest of the time, odd jobs from what I hear."

Chester nods. "I wonder why he sent us that note. It doesn't sound like he'd be the kind of guy who'd do something like that. Let's hope he won't shoot first, talk later." "We'll have to ask him," is Valdez's reply. They reach the first Naco, which consists of six streets and around forty buildings. The population is a mix of human, wood elves and half-elves. As they walk down the Main Street people stop and stare, with nobody approaching. They pass by a stone building with iron bars on the window, apparently the town jail. A mean-looking dwarf wearing a lawman's badge stands in the doorway and says with a southern accent, "Keep going y'all, we don't want no trouble in this here town."

Chester feels a little self-conscious being stared at. He says to the dwarf, "You won't get any from us, Sheriff. We're just looking for the father's cousin. Do you know a Federico Luca?" The Dwarf says, "I don't know his name, but an elf rode through last week. He was all battered and bruised, kept going on to our sister town across the border." Chester tips his hat. "Thank you kindly. We'll be out of your hair shortly."

They continue on seeing a small steam marking the border with a crude wooden bridge. They cross and head on to a community comprised of nearly one-hundred adobe structures set about in no real since or order or organization. They approach what appears to be a farmer's market in the center of town, where seventy-to-eight wood elven women are bartering with the two-dozen or so merchants who are at tables or pushcarts beneath makeshift tarps. Chester says, "OK, let's split into pairs. We'll look less suspicious that way. I can't speak Elvish or Spanish. So Father Valdez, would you come with me? Eddie, you stick with Hank."

Chester and Valdez walk up to one of the shopkeepers. "Afternoon. Do you know a Federico Luca? The padre here is a cousin of his and he's trying to find him." The people are a bit suspitious until they see Valdez's holy symbols with representations of deities worshipped in Mexico. They speak to him in Spanish. Thomas says, "She knows where he is and will take us there."

They get Eddie and Hank and the four follow the women to a medium-sized adobe building. Valdez tells the others to wait outside and heads in with the woman. They hears Spanish inside and then Thomas comes out and says, "He's there. Wyatt Earp beat the crap out of him last week, that's why he ran. He says he thought he could watch his back against one danger but two from opposite sides was too much for him. He's willing to talk to us, but only if we promise that we won't try to take him back with us."

Chester consults with Eddie. "I don't have a problem with that. Do you? Far as I can tell, he wrote us a note, that's all." Eddie agrees. "If we do find out that he's involved, we can always come back here." They rejoin the others. Chester says, "Eddie and I are OK with not bringing him back. Can we come inside?" They go inside. The wood elf who they came to see is sitting in a chair. His left arm is in a splint, his lip is split, his face and arms show bruises, he has two black eyes and is missing three teeth. He gestures to the bed in the room for the others to have a seat.
"You won't try to bring me back?" he asks.

Chester says, "Mr. Luca, you know who we are. We're not here to bring you back to the US. We just want some answers. Wyatt Earp did this to you? Do you know why?" Luca says "He wanted information about Buckley's killer, I wouldn't tell him. I told him I didn't know but somehow he knew I was lying. Kept beating me. Told me he'd be back, so I took off, made sure I wasn't going to be there when he returned. Earp won't cross the boarder into Mexico, he'd stick out like a sore thumb and the locals would overpower him and bring him back for the reward money."

Chester says, "That's good for you then. Is that why you wrote that note? What will it take for you to tell us about Buckley's murder?" He replies, "I wrote the note because Berg deserved to know. I wouldn't tell Earp because I figured keeping my mouth shut was the only thing to keep me alive." Chester asks, "Who's this other killer you wrote about in your note? Is he a candidate, too? Who killed Buckley? Was it Hamilton Fisk? Evan Adair?"

Luca says, "You really don't have a clue do you? It ain't either of those guys. Buckley's Crazy-8 has always done whatever dirty work was needed for the King family. That kept them squeaky clean, untouchable by the law, but Ashley messed up. He lost his temper last year and killed his wife himself. So he paid off Marshal Bret Hollister to rule it a suicide, then had Buckley take care of that loose end for him, since dead men tell no tales.

When Ashley decided to run for Marshall old Buckley decided to blackmail him, threatened to tell either Berg or that halfling reporter. And Buckley figured Fisk would be able to protect him from King until the payoff, but it didn't work out that way did it? Ashley still managed to get him in broad daylight just a stone's throw from town. King doesn't know that I know though. It wouldn't have been smart for me to start shooting off my mouth to the law and make myself his next victim. Plus I've worked for Buckley so I'm not exactly clean myself. I haven't done any killings but I've helped him get horses and cattle before. So I figured leaving the note would do the trick.

But the Marshal who first figured out who the note came from me was former Marshal Earp, so he came after me for the details. I heard what Earp did last March to Indian Charlie up in Tombstone, after he got all the info from the guy Earp killed Charlie. No way was I going to talk, I knew he wouldn't kill me as long as the information was in my head." Chester shakes his head. "Ashley King. Hades. With the power his family has, we'd need iron-clad proof to catch him. Do you know how Ashley killed Buckley like that? If it was magic, then we have something to hang him with."

Luca says, "No, from what I heard he did it the good old fashioned way, a knife across the throat. Quick, efficient, and if you do it from behind you don't get any blood splatter on you." "As for evidence, one thing you might be able to get King for is rustling. Up until the blackmail threat against him he had hired Buckley and his Crazy-8 ranch boys to steal some horses for him. A few of the boys who worked for both Buckley and Thayer were doing that, scouting out a few ranches that looked like easy marks. You might get one of those guys to talk."

Chester states, "OK, Luca. We'll see what we can wrangle up. Considering what happened the first time I went out to the Crazy-8, none of them will be happy to see me. But I don't really care. If they can lead us to Ashley, then good. What are you getting out of this?" Luca says, "Justice Sir. I considered Buckley a friend, he did not deserve to die like that. I would not want him to become the Marshall of that town, it would not be safe for the other elves of the community, including my cousin Thomas," as he gestures to Father Valdez.

Chester considers that for a moment. "That works for me. Something tells me you won't testify in court, right? I hope then that these horse rustlers will be easier to convince." Luca replies to Chester, "Well, good luck. If you need me again for anything I'll probably still be here in Naco. But make sure that you keep that quiet, I don't want Earp or King trying to come after me. I don't think either of them will, but you can't be too careful." Chester shakes the elf's hand. "Thanks. We didn't hear any of this from you. You've been a big help. If we need you, we'll be back. Get better." Before they leave Valdez cast some healing spells onto his cousin to improve his physical condition.

Chester says, "I guess we're done here. Take care of yourself, Mr. Luca." Chester leads the others back to the zeppelin. They make their way through both Naco towns. In the one on the American side people appear even more apprehensive than before. They notice that the Jail looks to be locked up tight, with the dwarven Marshal nowhere around.

As so as they reach the top of the hill they see that the airship is no longer there. At the base of the hill over near where it had been parked they see a quartet of men and a hearse wagon. One is the dwarven Marshal, two are humans who also appear to be wearing badges, the fourth has on dark clothing and looks to probably be the undertaker. Between the four of them lying on the ground is a human body.

Chester hurries toward the men. He says to no one in particular, "I knew this was going too well." When he gets near the group, he calls out, "What's going here? We were supposed to meet someone." Chester tries to see if he can recognize the body. "Who exactly are you people?" the Marshall asked. Thomas Valdez speaks up first, showing his holy symbols and says, "I am a priest of the gods worshipped in this region and these three are lawmen." Eddie shows his badge, followed by Chester. Valdez points to the two and says, "They are both Deputy Marshals in Promise City and Mr. Hill", gesturing to Hank, "Plans to be the next Town Marshal of Promise City. We are investigating the murder of our former Marshal, Bret Hollister."

Seeing that he is talking to fellow lawmen the Dwarf introduces himself as Naco Town Marshal Blackrock, and the two humans nearest him as Deputies Kornbluth and Nelson. He then says, "We heard shooting and saw a bright light, this man was lying here dead. He's a Frenchman who has been in Naco for a few days and the nearby town of Bisbee before that." Hank asks, "Did he have anything on him?" Marshal Blackrock takes a few things out of his pocket says, "This wallet, looks to have mostly French Money plus this small book and a metal stick." Valdez asks to examine them, saying that he can read French.

He looks at them and says, "The inscription on the book says it is a gift to a Major LaSalle. This book may contain magic spells and the stick is definitely magical in nature too. This man was a wizard, that light you saw would have been a spell he was casting." Blackrock says, "Well, he wasn't alone, somebody shot him and it looks like it was done with a revolver and not a rifle, so from short range."

Hank Hill says, "This is probably an army matter. They've had problems recently with French military incursions over the Mexican border in Texas and New Mexico. You should get some folks down here from Fort Huachuca as soon as possible and turn those items over to them." Blackrock says, "I'll do that." He turns to the undertaker and says, "Cover the body over but leave it here until the soldiers arrive." He turns to one of his deputies and says, "Joe, ride up there as quick as you can."

He then turns back to the others and says, "Who did you say you were meeting here?" Eduardo says, "Just our ride back to Bisbee, he was to meet us here right about now but would have stayed away though if he saw there was any trouble. We need to get back there right away." Blackrock turns to his other Deputy and says, "Roy, go get a buckboard and give these men a ride over to Bisbee." That man does too.

Once they are alone he asks Hank, "You know anything more about this wizard guy?" Hank says, "No sir, just that the French have been guests of the Mexicans. Best to leave it to our Army to sort out." Blackrock then asks "And specifically what was it you folks were doing across the border in the other Naco?" Valdez says, "We were visiting my cousin. I hadn't seen him in a while, and I heard he was in the area. So my companions and I went out to see him. Mexico can be dangerous for the unprepared, so I asked the deputies to come with me."

Chester adds, "We were just coming back when we saw you here. Do you think it was bandits, Sheriff? And why would a French major be out here by himself?" Blackrock replies, "He may not have been by himself, he had two other guys with him in town although he looked to be the leader. We don't know where those other two are right now."

Chester says, "If this guy was a wizard, then the others might be too. They can become invisible for a time, so you need to be careful, in case they were here to stir up trouble for you." He says to Hank, "Is Hans coming back here, or will he go back to Promise City? I wonder if the major here saw our ride and went to capture it." Valdez notices Marshal Blackrock taking a renewed interest in this situation upon hearing Chester's question. The dwarf says, "Maybe you should all come back to town with me for more questions about this."

Valdez says, "That really isn't necessary, our ride wasn't supposed to be here until now, so I doubt he would have seen what happened." Blackrock says, "I'm not so sure, your Deputy here seems to think he might have had something to do with this shooting. We should probably discuss this further." Chester says to the others, "We might as well get this over with now. Lead on Sheriff. I don't know what information we can give you. We've been in Mexico." Blackstone looks at Chester and says, "Fine, then tell me more about this man who was going to be giving you a ride and why you think he might have been involved with this killing."

Chester looks at Hank, who shrugs. He says, "Our friend is a pilot. He flies an airship belonging to Mr. Hill here. Hans was parked here while he waited for us to come back from Naco. He's from the German Empire which doesn't have such a good relationship with France. My guess is that the French would like to get their hands on an airship so they can start building their own for the army."

Hank Hill says, "The Army knows about the airship. We're now working with the original manufacturer to produce more under contract with the United States Military. Marshal Blackstone, we honestly don't know what happened here. You need Fort Huachuca for that, in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they take over this investigation. And we're telling the truth when we say we have to get back to Promise City as soon as we can. Without the airship that means trying to catch a stagecoach from Bisbee."

They see that the Deputy with the buckboard is on his way back. Marshall Blackstone says "Okay, you guys better get going. I'm going to need my deputy here, just leave the buckboard with the folks at Wells Fargo, we'll collect it later." Chester and the others shake Blackstone's hand. "Thanks, Marshall. We'll tell them we got it from you. Good luck with your case. Just keep an eye out for the French guys. They might want to cause trouble." The group boards the wagon.

Due to a combination of the rocky terrain it takes almost two hours for Chester, Hank, Thomas and Eduardo to reach Bisbee. They arrive at the Wells Fargo office shortly before noon and approach the office manager Jack Loughridge, a tall man in fairly worn cotton and wool clothing with a red bow tie that looks out-of-place with the remainder of his attire. Chester says, "Morning, sir. Marshal Blackstone in Naco let us borrow his buckboard here and he said we can leave it here. He'll send someone to pick it up later. Is that OK? And by the way, when is the next stage to Promise City? We'd like to get tickets to the next one out of town." He says, "It left a few hours ago, the next one North won't be until tomorrow morning." Hank says to Chester, “That won’t exactly get us to tonight’s debate will it?” They can see that there are two more stagecoaches in the livery stable as well as horses in the corral. Chester asks, "Do you rent out those stagecoaches over there? We don't want to stay overnight." He replies, "Generally no, where is it that you boys want to go?" Eduardo shows his badge and says, "We're lawmen from Promise City and need to get back there as soon as possible." Hank Hill then pulls out a $ 100 bill and says, "Any chance you could get us to Tombstone in time for the afternoon Promise City stagecoach? I wouldn't need change if we make it there on time."

That prompts the man into action and he starts barking out orders to a number to folks who get a horse team together and hook up to one of the stages while other folks quickly grease the wheels and oil the tack and harness. Two drivers get on and the four are told to hop on board. The well traveled road goes directly between the two locations and the drivers push the team onward, covering the twenty-four miles in record time and reaching Tombstone by 1:45 P.M., which is fifteen minutes before the scheduled departure of the Promise City stagecoach. Eduardo waves to Chuck Nevers and Newton Gilly as they prepare the vehicle for departure.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-forty-nine, “The Silver Star”, Wednesday June 14th, 1882, 11:45 A.M.

At a quarter-to-noon the combined group of Costas, Jake, John, Jonathan, Kate, Kevin, Minerva and Nakomo are all saddled up and ready to ride. They travel the five miles to the Sharpaxe Mine. They spend an hour checking it out, finding evidence that indicates that several creatures had been there as well as indentations in the dirt that were made by a quartet of casket-shaped objects that have since been removed. Harker does a quick look and says that he believes the caskets were removed within the last day.

Kate says, "Four caskets. Turner's. The two they made last night, and who else's?" Costas says, "I don't know. Where would you suggest we check next?" Jake suggests, "Perhaps they hauled them with wagons. We should look for tracks." Nakomo walks slowly around the area searching for tracks. Minerva walks over to the area where Costa say's that the caskets were and examines the area more closely. "Perhaps they are still here somewhere."

Kate says, "I don't know, we've already been over the mine for an hour. Unless there are illusory walls like there were at the other mine. We should probably walk though with our hands along the walls just to make sure." Kate turned to the Bishop. "I'm not sure what other places are in the area where they could hide. There must me something." Costas casts a spell to detect magic and investigates the walls, caverns and single shaft downward. He concludes that there is nothing magical in the mine. Nakomo and Harker detect no tracks fresher than a day old.

They look at the map, which Tomlinson cross-references to his notes. He sees that the only mines in the immediate area are the Sharpaxe Mine which has been owned by Eric Sharpaxe and the Hoover Mining Trust; the Cunningham Mine which is owned by the Raymond Cunningham and the Hoover Mining Trust; and the Beatrice Mine which is owned by Dudley Jobin, M. Paul Messier and the Hoover Mining Trust. Several miles further away in different directions are the Kort mine owned by the ogre Kort, the Kurtz Mine owned by Jaxon Kurtz and the Silver Star Mine owned by Gary Miller, Stephen Wicks, Slim Decker and the Hoover Mining Trust.

Kate looked at the others. "I know Niles had a penchant for helping others out, but doesn't it seem odd that all the places we've found these creatures so far are part of the trust? I say we try the Silver Star." Jake says, "It is a good a guess as any. Lead on I will follow."

They ride on for another six miles, the terrain being rougher and rockier than where they had been. Of the eight, six are riding their own horses and Harker is a skilled equestrian but Costas has some difficulty and slows the group down a little. They approach the Silver Star from the southeast, seeing the single minehead at a distance with a pitched roof of cabin one-hundred feet away. Next to the cabin is a corral with three horses in it. There are also two large wood and adobe storage sheds, one near the minehead the other near the corral.

Jake asks, "Any reason not to knock on the door? They can see us coming from quite a distance anyway." Kate states, "We do represent the Hoover Mining Trust these days. And I'd rather be sure these buildings are empty before we go into any mineshafts." The eight ride down to the cabin and corral. They see a slight plume of smoke rising from the cabin's chimney. Two of the windows to the cabin are open and the curtains are not drawn. As they near Tomlinson gestures to the corral and softly says, "One of those horses, the chestnut colored, resembles the one that Messier rode off on."

Jake states, "Let us do it then. Keep your eyes open. Some of you watch those sheds as well." They ride up nice and steady and dismount the horses a good twenty feet from the cabin. Jake leaves his rifles on his horse but loosens his duster to give easy access to his pistols. He walks up to the door of the cabin and knocks, keeping his right side slightly away from the door so it is not obvious that his holster is kept clear. Minerva dismounts and follows. She reaches her hand in her pocket and loosen the top of the vial that she has tucked away. Nakomo stays mounted his bow close at hand.

A man comes to the door. He has blonde hair, brown eyes, a short barely visible beard due to the light color and a scar on his chin. He is wearing denim overalls and a red-and-blue plaid cotton shirt. The other man is over by the woodstove cooking up what looks to be beef-and-bean stew. He has long black shoulder-length hair and is wearing blue jeans and a tan cotton shirt. Neither man is armed, although the one by the wood stove has a rifle against the wall within reach. The man at the door says, "Yeah? Who are you? What do you want?"

"My name is Cook, Jake Cook. Several of us are part of the Hoover mining trust. There has been some trouble at the other mines and wanted to make sure there was not trouble here. Some of those here are concerned citizens, others looking out for their investments. We would appreciate if you could come out and speak with us."

While Jake spoke Kate hung back as much as she could while holding the small mirror she'd taken to carrying in her hand. She was careful not to flash sunlight at the door but tried to see if there was a reflection. She sees that both men cast reflections. Kate slipped the mirror into her pants pocket and kept her eyes open, focusing on the other outbuildings

The blonde man moves forward to block the doorway. He says, "I don't give a damn who you are. I'm Gary Miller and this here is Steve Wicks, between the two of us we own three-quarters of this mine. If you really are the minority owners and don't like the way we run things here we'll buy you out, otherwise leave us the Hades alone!"

While he is saying this Wicks turns and reaches for the rifle against the wall. Jake flashes his pistol out of the holster, hammer back and points it at Wicks. "Touch that rifle wizard and you will be dead before your body hits the ground. Mr. Miller I suggest you come out of there now and speak to the nice folks out here like I politely asked." Kate's eyes went wide and she involuntarily stepped back. Gunplay wasn't something she wanted to be in the way of today. But her eyes were drawn inside to Wicks as her mind tried to recall if they knew this man was a wizard or not.

Tomlinson and Harker also now have guns drawn. Miller puts up his arms and silently walks outside. Inside the room Wicks looks at Jake and says, "Wizard, I’m no wizard, just a poor working man. Don't shoot me mister, all I'm doin' is cooking my lunch." Minerva steps up but stays slightly behind Jake. She smiles to ease the man's mind "Now Senor Wicks no one wants to hurt you. Por Favor come outside so that we can talk."

"Just cooking lunch." Jake chuckles. "What can a Frenchmen stomach at a mining camp to keep his identity a secret, eh? Keep those hands straight up in the air, your mouth shut and walk slowly towards me until you get outside." Wicks raises his hands and begins to walk towards the door. Jake now notices a slight bulge in the right arm of the man's shirt sleeve although he is unsure what might be there.

Kate moved back further, then stepped behind Meribel keeping the horse between herself and the rest of the group. She pretended to play with the saddlebag as she muttered the detect magic cantrip. Then she pulled Tom's pistol out to cover why she had been fiddling back there and concentrated on the two miners. Minerva reaches for the pistol in her gown and steps back out of reach to allow the man to walk through the door.

Jake watches the man closely, keeping his pistol pointed dead center of the man's chest. Jake keeps focus on his eyes and hands. Once he is outside, Jake takes his neckerchief in hand and says, "Open your mouth." Seeing himself greatly outnumbered and with several guns on him Wicks does as instructed. Nakomo stays astride his horse and looks about to be sure that no one will sneak up on them. Jake stuffs the neckerchief in the man's open mouth. "Hold that a moment. Nakomo, bring some rope over hear and tie the mans hands behind his back."

"Now, Mr. Messier, let us see what you have in that sleeve of yours. Please be careful not to move suddenly, Pierre has recently oiled my gun rather well...." Jake removes from the shirt sleeve the same magical wand that he had seen the previous evening on the table beside Messier in the mine. Nakomo continues to be aware of his surroundings as he dismounts and pulling rope from his saddlebag he hurries over to do as Jake instructed.

"Katherine," Jake says over his shoulder, "do you have an educated guess on what item might hold his disguise? His belt buckle perhaps?" "Wouldn't be the first time we've seen a belt buckle used." Kate looked him over carefully with the enhanced vision of the detect magic spell. "Rings are common as well. Give me a moment to see if anything jumps out." She continued to look him over and said, "Those boots are looking a little odd. But I don't think he has anything special changing his face today. He's doing it under his own power. We'll just have to wait for the spell to wear off. The other one doesn't seem to have anything special about him."

Minerva steps forward and feigns outrage. “Senor Cook what are you doing to these men? There is no reason to be so harsh.” She turns to Wick and Miller. “Senors, Por favor, tell us what you know. I would not have them harm you, but you must co-operate if I am to convince them otherwise. Please, We need answers Senors. It will go easier on you if you give us some.” Miller exclaims "What I know? I know that my partner and I are here on our land minding our own business when you lunatics charge in unannounced and force us outside at gunpoint. If you're here to rob us then rob us and be off."

Kate says, “Jake, would you please remove our friends boots? And you'll want to empty his pockets as well, down to the last piece of lint." Kate then turns and asks, “Mr. Miller, was it? Mr. Miller, why don't you tell us when you first saw your friend today." Miller replies, "He rode back early this morning. Look lady, why don't you have your friends with the guns lower them before somebody gets nervous." Harker says, "Nobody is nervous Mr. Miller, we just want some answers." The now restrained Wicks starts to shake his head and muffled sounds come from his gagged mouth.

"Bishop," Kate said as she turned to look at Papandraus, "Would you be able to do the spell that tells us if good Mr. Wicks is telling the truth? Once his pockets are empty and his hands immobile we can let him have his say. And don't think of trying to use a spell to escape, we've all dealt with this kind of thing before." The Bishop says, "I only have one of those spells today. Let's hear what he has to say first and then we can have him repeat it."

Once stripped of his boots and all small items removed they prepare to release Wick's gag. Harker, Harbrace, Minerva and Jake all still have weapons leveled towards him when Tomlinson removes the gag. Wick's gestures his head towards Miller and says, "He doesn't know anything, I'm the one with all of the information. But I'm not talking to you until I get a written pardon from Judge Isby."

"Well now that's a shame." Kate folded her arms across her chest and settled her weight onto one hip. "Judge Isby is a fair man, but tough. What do you think Kevin? Will the Judge be willing to give a pardon without any information given in good faith?" Kevin says, "No, not likely. And we already know that you are using magic Mr. Wicks, the Judge has a very poor opinion of wizards and wizardry."

"This is a tough situation sir, a particularly vexing problem." Jake stares at the man who looks like Wicks and rubs his beard with his free left hand; Jake's right hand holding his Peacemaker never wavers. "How do we move forward here? These good folks are not likely to recommend an amnesty to the Judge if they suspect that you were actively involved in harming the good citizens of Promise City. They might overlook some complicity if you provided the critical information needed to clean up the, ahem, problems that are plaguing the community. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Wicks/Messier says, "I say that you folks need to prioritize what's most important to you, eliminating those vampires or arresting me. In the last day or so you've managed to kill three of the six monsters. I know where you can find the other three. And by my calculations four new ones will join the world in around six or seven hours from now, I know where those are too. If I were you I'd start working on that pardon. I also want all of my possessions back, including those cufflinks Cook."

"You are a shrewd negotiator, Mr. Messier." Jake rubs his beard a couple of times. "Now that I think about it, I really do not know if that is your name." Jake nonchalantly moves his duster open enough so that Messier could see his belt buckle. "I suppose you could say the same about me. Ah, but I digress.... As I was saying, it is very shrewd of you to use time against us. Time marches forward and all you have to do is hold out, putting all the pressure on us. Yes, very shrewd to make us desperate to cut a deal."

Jake allows the slightest of smiles to creep onto his face. "On the other hand, time waits for no man as they say Mr. Messier. Your negotiating position is partly based on your knowledge of where the existing vampires are located. As time marches on, that information becomes less reliable, less valuable. Even more so for the new ones. We must convince the Judge that it is in the best interests of the community not to hang you, no easy task, and then get back here to get the information from you, and then still make it to where the new creatures are before they rise and destroy them. Difficult at best, I think you would agree.

It would seem to me that we are now in a desperate situation. We would have to take you to town and let you plead your case directly with the Judge, assuming that would leave us with enough time to stop the new creatures. A very risky thing for you, as the Judge may not feel you are repentant enough and haul out the rope. Or maybe the others feel desperate and are thinking that wastes valuable time, time we should be using to hunt them down ourselves with what we know. That every minute we are speaking to you makes it more difficult for us to keep our objective.

Of course if we decide that you become a liability to us, an anchor that slows us down and creates a risk for us completing our mission in the little time we have left. There might be some here who would argue that we provide the Judge’s justice right here and now. I am certain the priestess would say some kind of prayer over your soon to be departed remains." Jake goes back to stroking his beard. "That WOULD be rash, but still...."

Jake pauses for a brief moment, "Now if you kept the location of the three existing vampires as a bargaining chip but told the location of the new creatures to show your good faith, that you were repentant, I am sure that would easily sway those feeling desperate right now. With the extra time we could feel satisfied that keeping you whole places no extra burden on us. We can make arrangements to contact the Judge without actually bringing you into town, something I suspect you would like to avoid. As I said, Mr. Messier, time cares not who feels the pressure of its inexorable march forward."

Messier/Wicks switches his accent back to the speaking voice he used during his visit to the Lucky Lady two weeks earlier. He says, "If it is a show of good faith I can give you details about the location of two of the three still-living vampires. They are in Promise City among the 200 buildings there. One of them was the real Mr. Wicks, the other is named Mortimer Turner. After I receive the pardon from the Judge I will provide you with further details about where they are and what they now look like, as well as the location of the other vampires plus those who are soon to become them. You can try looking for them on your own but based upon your last two attempts I sincerely doubt you will find them, they will be far more difficult to locate than the three who you killed.

And I will not be joining whoever you send on the visit to town. Doing so would be the same as a death sentence for me, as that is also where the wizard by the name of Vaughn Palmer now is as well. He was Johnny Ringo's second-in-command and now runs the Cowboy Gang. Mr. Palmer has the ability to turn himself invisible as well as the talent with a rifle to shoot accurately up to a mile away. So unless you are capable of simultaneously detecting invisibility from every hilltop and rooftop in or near the town there is no way that you could protect me from him. And I assure you, if he sees me being brought to town he will do what he can to keep me from talking further."

Kate stepped back a bit and pulled Kevin with her. She whispered, "Mr. Tomlinson, I'm guessing the Judge doesn't know anything about these creatures. Is there any way he would even consider doing what this man wants? It may not be my area of expertise, but I don't think he's going to speak freely without at the least believing he has a pardon."

Tomlinson replies, "He knows nothing of these creatures and I intend to keep it that way. But getting him to write a pardon shouldn't be that much of a problem if this man is also willing to tell us how to catch the current leader of the Cowboy Gang. Catching that man would be far more important to the Judge than somebody lower on that Gang's food chain. The thing the Judge will want to know though is what he is giving this man a pardon for. He wouldn't pardon a murder committed within the area that he is a Judge for, that would set a bad precedent."

Kate nodded and turned back. "That's a good start, Mr. Messier. But I'm sure you realize that the Judge isn't just going to hand out a blanket pardon for whatever crimes you might have committed when he doesn't know what they are. He needs to know if he has bigger fish to fry.
What would this pardon be for?" Messier says, "Primarily for using wizardry, word is that Isby considers wizardry to be a great evil. I've also consorted with criminals although I haven't personally committed any crimes." Glancing over at Jake he adds, "...okay, one crime, cheating at poker."

Jake states, "Although cheating at poker is a heinous crime, I have already allowed that to pass." Jake looks at the man with some disgust. "Mrs. Kale's question is rather important," if somewhat premature to in my negotiations thinks Jake, "Isby is likely to only write a pardon for very specific crimes. If not specifically pardoned, it will not be a solution for you. For myself, I would not be charging you with using wizardry. I see no reason to call attention to that if you provide the necessary assistance. I am a practical man, sir. If you quickly provide the information we need to resolve this problem, then I will in good faith provide what you need. However, if you do not assist us in good faith, then you will discover that I am an intractable opponent not constrained by the gentle conventions that govern the others. Do you understand my meaning sir?"

Wicks/Messier states, "Sir, my motivation in this is thus, I wish to live in peace and to work my mine. It is my future. I own the vast majority of it myself now as Mr. Jobin has gone on to his final resting place and I was the beneficiary of his last will and testament. I have been employed by Mr. Palmer as his magic teacher, not as part of his gang of rustlers. I have done as he asked, modified the magic that he sought, cast illusionary walls as instructed and disguises upon some of his comrades.

In return he promised to obtain for me the portion of my mine that had been owned by Mr. Hoover. I do not know how he was going to do this, nor did I ask, although I imagine that the magical disguises which you found in the Ordway Mine were part of his plan for that. The fact that you are here now, and have with you the Cook and Kane disguise magical items, tells me that Palmer's promise is now unlikely. I've no further reason to continue to work for Palmer, although I fear that he may harm me. As for the creatures, while Jobin was among them I continued to cooperate as he was my only friend. Now he is gone as well. So I would not be saddened to see those other creatures gone. But if I am to be imprisoned, if the Judge is to strip me of my rightful property as he as done with other criminals, then there is no incentive for me to cooperate with you."

Jake replies, "Sir, you are under estimating your situation. Being stripped of you worldly goods is the least of your worries. You should worry more about dangling from the hangman’s noose. If you are being truthful about not causing harm, and there are some among us that will know that with certainty, then there is hope for you not only for avoiding the noose but perhaps keeping your investment." Jake gives him a grin. "I can certainly put indiscretions behind me and work towards some common goal that helps the local community and improves our standing."

Wicks/Messier says, "Sir, you underestimate me if you think that I will quake in fear over your threats of death. I have learned to live with the constant fear of death. I have been forced to work alongside these creatures that seek human blood to survive. Every night when I have gone to sleep I have feared that I would not awaken, that one or more of those monsters would decide to make me his next meal. You have already stated that Bishop Papandraius knows a spell to detect truthfulness, and I will be willing to repeat what I said. I have admitted my cooperation with Palmer and his gang, although you could make a valid argument to Judge Isby that my cooperation was coerced. Even my visit to your saloon two weeks back was forced by them, as I needed to get the visuals necessary to modify the magical items for Palmer so that his associates could appear as you and your partner."

"I know something of living each day with fear," Kate said. "The thing you want most is to be relieved of that fear. We have the knowledge and the means to destroy the creatures that have haunted you, and there's no reason the Judge needs to know anything about those. You've been reasonable cooperative so far, I can understand looking out for your best interests. We must do the same. If, and I say if as I am not the final arbiter here, we were to send someone to talk to the Judge, would you be willing to give us the information about the creatures while that person travels and hold the information on the Cowboy Gang as your surety?"

Jake says, "Well then, we agree that there some things worse than what we would have normally considered death." Jake looks at the man in a new light, though not convinced of his sincerity. "We have no more time Messier. I am not completely altruistic, and I sense that neither are you." Jake holsters his weapon. "I will give you my word that to aid you, if you commit yourself to aid this cause. I am a practical man, though not a naive one. There is little time. If I simply wished you dead, I would have shot you by now. I let you go in Promise City when I could have created more of a fuss. There is much more at stake than a few dollars. I respect that you do not quake in fear. I have no need to have the honorable bishop prove your carefully selected words are truthful. Throw your lot in with us and we have some improved chance of eliminating this menace."

Wicks/Messier replies, "I have already given you a considerable amount of information, enough to show that I am bargaining in good faith. Judge Isby's clerk is standing right here with a gun on me. It is reasonable for me to expect that everything I have said, including my cooperation with the rustlers, will find its way back to the Judge through him. Without a pardon what assurances are there that I will not be imprisoned or worse? You do not need to answer, the question was rhetorical, the answer is none. I've been here long enough to know that in the end Isby and Isby alone is the actual law in these parts. Without his assurance your promises are meaningless."

Kate stayed quite for a minute, mostly because the man wasn't wrong. His situation was as he described it as far as she could see. Of course, considering she had committed many of the same "crimes" as he had, she was probably biased. "Jake is right about one thing, time is getting short." To Wicks/Messier she states "I believe he is offering you the chance to improve your standing with Judge Isby by helping us destroy the creatures. Mr. Tomlinson would also be able to report your willingness to help undo what you helped create."

Wicks/Messier states, "And I agree to those terms. You can have Isby's pardon written contingent upon my cooperation with you." Tomlinson says, "Or rather your cooperation with me, none of these others represent the law." Bishop Papandraus says, "No, but you can invoke my name as well with that, I have authority in this area as well as the senior representative of my church." Kate let out a long breath. "That leaves the details. Who goes to Promise City, who stays here? Mr. Tomlinson obviously must go, but none of us should be going about alone."

Jonathan Harker has spent the last few years in the vampire hunting business, and during that time he had read as much as he could on police and detective work as he could to help this profession. One thing that all of the books stated was the need to separate the witnesses during questioning, so when Wicks stated that Miller knew nothing and wanted to talk Harker and Harbrace had moved Miller further away so that the man was slightly out of earshot of his companion

Tomlinson gestures for them to return and they do so. He says, "We're leaving this men here for the time being, but should continue to keep them separated. I'm going to town along with Bishop Papandraus. One of you should stay here and the other join us as a second gun, this trip is not without risk." Harker volunteers to join the two of them. Harbrace and Nakomo then move Miller back over to far tree.

Kate asks, "How long is the trip back to Promise City? I admit, I've gotten a bit turned around. And I hate to ask it of you, but if I can get my hands on some paper could you take a note back with you?" Tomlinson says, "From here the ride would be around an hour each way. Bishop Costas says, "Why don't you ride with us too. You appear to be in better spirits and with word that at least one of those vampires is still around here I'd feel safer with you with me."

Kate looked at her friends, not really wanting to be separated but also knowing the Bishop was probably right. And a chance to get home for a moment and see her teacher might give them more help later. "Alright. I will be able to get a few things that may be helpful while we're there and let my daughter know I'm well before we come back out." Kate mounts up along with Tomlinson, Harker and Bishop Papandraius and they ride away.