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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2816661" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Twenty-two, “Indian Troubles”, Friday, May 26th, 1882, 7:30 P.M. Nanuet spends the rest of his day catching up on work around the Lucky Lady, showing Thom where things went and how to stock the shelves properly. He continues to work with the puppies whenever time allowed and also checked in on Ruby and Jake's house morning and evening. When Chester gets back to Promise City he drops off his horse at the stable and visits Clarisse. She gives him a big hug when she sees him. "Oh, Chester. I was so worried about you. I couldn't sleep." He replies, "I missed you too. We just got in. Tombstone's a mess. It'll take them a while to rebuild. Was the ride back OK for you?" She says, "The driver had to take it slow because of darkness, so the trip took longer. It was hard to rest because the coach was full. But we made it back just fine." The pair rest in the Double Eagle's sitting room for a while, before Clarisse falls asleep. Chester leaves for the Lucky Lady. Chester gets a hold of Jeff Mills there. "Hey there Jeff. How are you?" Jeff replies, "Good, Deputy. Glad to see you made it out of Tombstone alright. I heard the fire was really bad. About half the town, right?" Chester nods, "I've heard even more. But yeah, it was bad. Lucky for them our fire wagon was at the train station waiting to be delivered. Their wagon caught fire and burned so they used ours. Marshall Williams said to tell you thanks for the loan." Chester asks, "Do they still need it?" "They don't need it anymore. No one can deliver the wagon here, so you'll have to send some men out there to pick it up." Jeff says, "Well, with Nanuet back now and Thom around too I should be able to get away to head over there this weekend to get it, there's enough stagecoaches running the trip. Figure I'll get some advice from the Tombstone guys while I'm at it, since they're now experienced in fire fighting. Guess I'll leave tomorrow morning." Chester says goodbye to Jeff and heads for the table. Five men enter the Lucky Lady. Chester recognizes four of them as ranchers Emery Shaw, Ashley King, Forest Morand and his son Tempel Morand. He does not recognize the fifth. They have a seat at one of the larger six-person tables. Shaw gestures for Chester to come join them. He takes the offered seat in a cloud of soot. He says, "How are you gentlemen? Sorry. I'm still sooty from Tombstone. A damn shame. What's this about?" Nanuet sees the five men enter the Lucky Lady and recognizes most of them. When they call Chester over Nanuet's interest in piqued. He helps Harry with their drink order and makes sure his "work" keeps him close enough to their table that he can hear most of what they are saying. Shaw introduces Chester to the other man at the table as Calvin Oldfield, owner of the Circle-T Ranch situated around six miles west of town alongside Five Mile Creek. Forest Morand says, "We just talked Calvin here into joining our new Cattleman's Association and also to add his ranch to the new town." Shaw interjects, "It only makes sense," gesturing to the Morands and King and stating, "since his ranch is located between our three." King calls Harry Rote over to the table and orders a round for his friends and adds, "And whatever the good Deputy would like as well." Shaw introduces Chester to the other man at the table as Calvin Oldfield, owner of the Circle-T Ranch situated around six miles west of town alongside Five Mile Creek. Forest Morand says, "We just talked Calvin here into joining our new Cattleman's Association and also to add his ranch to the new town." Morand says, "We intend for the Sulphur Spring Valley Cattleman's Association to be a very powerful voice, not only here in Promise City but in communities of Tombstone and Dos Cabezas as well. After the mines play out we're going to be the economic strength of the region." Shaw says, "Which brings us to you Mr. Martin. I must say, I was mighty impressed with both of our first meeting. Not once but twice you had the backbone to take on those awful Cowboy rustlers, and that was even before you wore that badge." Ashley King adds, "And my mother has heard very good things about you too from that young woman you are courting." Chester laughs, "Well, thank you. That's good to hear Mrs. King approves of me." Morand says, "Once we get our slate of candidates elected we hope that you'll be willing to stay on as Deputy and give your full support to our new Town Marshall." Shaw interjects, "It only makes sense," gesturing to the Morands and King and stating, "since his ranch is located between our three." King calls Harry Rote over to the table and orders a round for his friends and adds, "And whatever the good Deputy would like as well." Chester says, "I'd be glad to stay on as Deputy. Who are you running in the elections?" Morand says, "It would be premature to pick candidates right now, the qualifications haven't even been decided yet. Plus we hope to enlist a few more members in the Association before we decide so would want their input too. As of now we have our four ranches, which are four of the five largest in the region. We figure we have four smaller ranches to ask about joining." Emery Shaw says, "Actually five. Back when I was helping put up fencing I heard that Pete's Ranch and Mrs. Kale's are adjacent but are independently owned." Chester says, "I guess it is too early. We don't even have an election day yet. Pete's Ranch is owned by Flint Greymountain and Mrs. Kale's is owned by her, Sonoma Figures, and Nanuet. Did you speak to the smaller ranches yet?" Shaw says, "Not yet, I figured we would start here. Will Mrs. Kale be coming in later on?" Chester says, "Yes, but I don't know when. Her family's in town, so she'll show them around a bit. They'll want to see where she spent most of her time." Minerva hears news of her friends return to town and hurries over to the Lucky Lady to see with her own eyes that they are all safe. She hurries in the door and sees a tired, sooty Chester, deep in conversation with King and Shaw. She rushes across the room and surprises him with a tight hug. She steps back and looks at him questioningly "You are not hurt? and the others? are they safe? Where is Nanuet?" Ashley King points Minerva to the opposite side of the table and a short distance away and says, "I believe that your friend Nanuet is over there." Minerva sighs in relief when Ashley point out Nanuet. "Senor King! It is a pleasure to see you again. Por Favor, Forgive my rudeness, my worry for my friends safety has obscured my manners. Perhaps we can chat later?" she smiles brightly before turning back to Chester. "Do you have news of Senora Katherine? Ruby? Senor Jake? Are they safe?" Ashley says, "We can talk later when you have time, Priestess." Chester replies, "Kate and her family are OK for the most part. Her brother was hurt, but a priest got to him in time. We came back this morning, so she's probably getting them settled. Ruby and Jake were lucky. Their train left before the fire reached the station. Nanuet found me in Tombstone." Emery Shaw says, "It sounds like you've got your Indian sidekick well trained. I apologize for not understanding your relationship with him when we met out on the trail, you and the Priestess here seem to have trained him well." Before Chester can reply Oldfield interjects, "But an Indian? I can see how the elf's tracking skills would be helpful to you Deputy, but how can he ever be trusted?" Minerva exclaims, "It is apparent that your Maman's were unsuccessful in training their sons to speak respectfully of others. I can assure you that Senor Nanuet is far more trust worthy and well mannered , than those who would dare put their own petty feelings before the Will of the gods, Senors. " Minerva walks off, before she can give in to the temptation to run them through with her rapier. Chester replies, "Mr. Oldfield, I trust him with my life. He's saved my life before and he's my friend. I'm a veteran of the Indian Wars, so I don't say that lightly." Once she is out of earshot Ashley King says, "It's just a phase...she's attracted to the exotic quality of elves. Once she finds out how differently our races really are she'll start looking to humans again." Tempel Morand elbows his friend and says, "Yeah, sure she will Ash, and where do you suppose half-elves come from? You might as well give it up and start looking for another gal." Chester smiles. He asks Ashley, "You have your eye on the priestess? She's a fiery one. If you want my advice, you better start watching what you say around her if you want her to even look your way." Chester thinks, Not that even that will help, since you can't change your mother. Interesting bit of information, though. Temple Morand turns to Chester and interjects, "You have to cut Calvin some slack, he's been having his own Indian troubles the past week or so." Oldfield says, "Yes, but not as bad as the Stu Greene, they've been stealing from him for a couple of weeks now." Shaw says, "See, I told you those Apache wouldn't keep to the treaty." Chester states, "How do you know they're Apaches? It could just be bandits or even Cowboys who won't stay down. I could ask around to find out if the Apaches are on the warpath. Nanuet sees Minerva and can tell her mood. He walks over and puts a hand on her shoulder for just a moment before approaching the table where Chester sits with the ranch hands. "I couldn't help but hear my name gentlemen, but I don't believe we have met sir." he says extending his hand to the stranger. "I heard you are having trouble with the Apache. I helped negotiate the treaty, perhaps there is something I can do to help?" Minerva breaths deeply and masters her anger. She smiles When Nanuet walks over, but stays alert for any trouble. Calvin Oldfield has a shocked look on his face at being addressed by an elf. A few seconds of silence follows until Ashley King says, "Sure Nanuet, pull up a chair." He then yells across the room to Harry, "Mr. Rote, please bring Nanuet a mug of his favorite beverage." Chester lets go of the breath he'd been holding when Oldfield reacted to Nanuet. "Evening Nanuet. This is Mr. Oldfield. He has a ranch near town." Emery Shaw tells Oldfield, "Nanuet is the one who helped negotiate that treaty last January between the Army and the Apache." "Which they've now broken," Oldfield interjects. Forest Morand says, "Actually I don't think it's the Apache. I have a few of them working part-time on my ranch, and they say that Geronimo is sticking to the Chiricahua Mountains. Your ranch and the Green Valley Farm are by those hills in the southwest Dos Cabezas Mountains." Nanuet states, "I am a tracker. I could take a look around if you like, perhaps I could come to the bottom of things." Morand says, "That sounds like a good idea. Why don't you and Deputy Martin head out there tomorrow and take a look. Cal, tell them what's been going on." Oldfield says, "Around five days ago I started loosing chickens, one or two a night. We figured it was a wolf or coyote and started posting guards at night. They took a calf that night instead, the guard said it was a pair of elves. I then talked to Greene, he said that he's been loosing livestock for a week now, started with chickens. Saw an elvan boy running off with one on Tuesday. But last night they took a 400 pound hog, pulled it off on some type of sled, had to be more than just a boy to do that." Nanuet states, "I would be glad to help. You can count on me. If you'll excuse me I have some things to attend to. I'll be out tomorrow to have a look around. Have a pleasant evening. Next round is on me gentlemen." Nanuet waits for a few moments to see if there is any response. The two younger men, Ashley King and Tempel Morand, are both quick to thank him. Tempel's father and Shaw then each add a quick thanks. Oldfield does not speak. Nanuet then heads to the bar and pays Harry for a round of drinks for the five ranchers. He then heads to Minerva and smiles. "You can breath now, unclench those teeth. You did good, keeping your calm. I have to help around here tonight, I am sure you understand." She replies, "I will stay as well then, although the air in here is rather rank this evening." she takes his arm. "Nanuet, be careful. They are not your friends. Do not trust them." "OK, I will take your words to heart. I do worry about the situation with the elfs though, I did help to negotiate that treaty and I don't want to see a war. If I can help them figure out what is going on, then I will feel much better about things and they can see more of who I really am." Chester asks Oldfield, "What's the guard's name? The one that first night. I want to talk to him; ask him exactly what he saw." He replies, "My guard? Will Flynn. Not sure of the Guard over at Greene's, you'll have to ask there." Chester nods. "I'll do that. Do Indians use sleds? Anyway, if the trail's fresh, we'll track them back. Unless there's something else, good night." Kate and her family arrived in the busy Cantina and wound their way over to the table where Phil was still sitting with Conrad. As soon as she saw Dorita she hurried over to hug her. "You already met Phil, I see. That must be at least his second bowl of chili," she laughed. "Come meet the others." "Si, your brother eats like you should!" Dorita said as Kate took her over to the table. "Dorita Figures, my mother, Amelie Seagram, my father Fredrich, and my brother Henry." Dorita tells the Seagrams "You have a wonderful daughter, you should be very proud of her." She takes their food orders. While the Seagrams are dining the evening crowd begins to arrive, with Estaban starting up a chorus of Spanish Guitar in the background. Conrad excuses himself to head off to the Long Branch. Phil looks to his parents and asks "Can I go with him?" Conrad assures them that the will keep a close eye on the boy and the two head off together. Kate sat down for a quiet dinner with her family, finding now that she could stay still that she was incredibly tired; greatly due to the fact that she hadn't eaten anything since breakfast. Her mother looked a little overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the Cantina, but her father seemed comfortable and Henry was wide awake with interest. She explained about the Caudell's during their meal. Frederick Seagram says, "Yes, Henry told me about his friends during the soldiers stay in Boston after you left. He sounds like a good man. Apparently his wife couldn't read when they first met, and she wasn't ashamed to admit as an adult that she couldn't read. Nathan spent two years with Mollie as her teacher before they ever started courting. Henry says that she's a powerfully strong woman, raised their first son Nate Junior to be a chip off the old block. Right now he's away in a military school and Henry plans to help get him sponsored for West Point. What do you think of their other son? Henry says they've had some problems with that boy." Kate replies, "I haven't had much chance to talk with them yet, so it's hard to say. He seemed like a friendly boy, curious. And Ginnie seemed to turn his head a bit, so I can't fault his instincts," she said with a laugh. "Mrs. Caudell did seem to be a strong woman. She's anxious to meet of lady Deputy Marshall. I think we could be friends." Frederick Seagram states, "General Pleasants says they are good people and he's a good judge of character. I believe he called her a 'straight shooter', one who dispenses with small talk and gets right to the heart of the matter." Mrs. Seagram says, "Somebody like that would be eaten alive by Boston Society." Frederick adds, "True, but she should fit right in out here." In a sudden moment of honesty Kate blurted out, "It's one of the reasons I decided to stay here." She looked down for a minute but looked right back up. "I never realized how much society's rules weigh on a person until I didn't have to live by them anymore. Understand, I haven't thrown them all out the window, but it's nice to just be myself and not a caricature. She will do well here as long as she doesn't care if Mrs. King likes her, and somehow I doubt she will." Kate's mother asks, "So why is this Mrs. King so powerful?" Kate answers, "She's the driving force behind the Vigilance Committee, and from what I can tell the money behind it as well. Imagine, in the incorporation the Merchant's Association with over fifty members and the Committee, with only five, have to agree on the terms. Now, I don't begrudge anyone their voice, but that gives those five people and Mrs. King an enormous amount of power. She seems to be trying to set herself up as society. She wants to make the city civilized. I want that too, but she wants it to be like back East and this town couldn't survive that way. Anyway, I am getting along just fine here and Mrs. King hates me. I decided the right society are the people with good hearts, not the people with all the right appearances." Frederick says, "Good for you Katherine, it appears that we raised you correctly." They finish the meal and her father suggests, "Why don't you give us a few minutes to go get better settled into our rooms. Then you can show us where you work." "Of course, Papa. They'll probably need me tonight. It's always busy on Fridays and it might be more so with people coming in from Tombstone. I hope they won't though. I don't think I'm up to a long night." The Seagrams head upstairs. While they are gone Dorita comes over to Kate and says, "You have nice family. They welcome to stay here as long as they want to." "I have two nice families," Kate said and kissed Dorita's cheek. "I'm glad you like them. I hope you and Pedro will keep an eye out for Phil. I think he's just a little overexcited about being in the West."</blockquote>

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