Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 177, “Lover’s Quarrel”, Sunday, March 26th, 1882, 2:30 PM

Jake is inside the Lucky Lady waiting impatiently for Ruby. He brightens and seems relieved when she casually enters the saloon. He sweeps her up and gives her a welcome kiss. Ruby can't help but notice the three dark stripes down his left cheek.

"We need to talk. I'd rather be doing other things right now, but that is part of what we need to talk about." He runs a finger across her shoulder and shrugs as he does so. "I had hoped to talk to Minerva first and get some proof but last time it didn't go so well." His right hand strays to his right temple where Ruby notices the starting signs of a bruise.

"After breakfast, Katherine told me about her conversation with the Jimenez woman." Jake relates what Katherine told him. "On the ride out of town, the farther away I went the more thoughts of you clouded my thinking. At the ranch I couldn't even finish a sentence without talking about you. Now, it is most pleasant thinking about you, don't misunderstand me." Jake's finger wanders back to trace along her shoulder.

"I just couldn't focus on anything else. I went into Booth's home and Katherine was right. He claimed that Jimenez was taking care of him for some illness and I found that my thinking cleared. When I left his house some of the cloudy feeling came back, but no way near as powerful as before." He runs a finger down her chin to the top of her dress. "There is definitely something about this little olive leaf you gave me. Did I mention that it may be making women who didn't find me desirable before suddenly very interested in touching me?" He chuckles briefly and lets his finger trace back up the side of her neck and behind her ear. "I didn't take the pendant off because, well, I promised I would wear it."

He shakes his head a bit and withdraws his hand. "I didn't want to darken your new found relationship with the goddess with my suspicions but things have gotten out of hand. I really don't trust Jimenez any more than I do Gonzalez or the gods. Everyone has a motive. Until you understand the motive it is hard to trust anyone. I have made it no secret that I don't trust the gods. I was just wishing for your sake it would be different for you. Maybe it will be. That is what I wanted to talk to priestess Florencia about." Jake places his hand on her hip and exerts a little pressure towards him, his nostrils flaring with the intake of breath. "I don't think this little pendant makes me care for you any more, but it certainly makes me want to have you more."

As Jake is speaking Ruby looks him up and down, watching his movements, especially concentrating on his lips. Finally he finishes speaking and she smiles, looking up at him from under her long eyelashes, “And what’s wrong with that?” Ruby replies in a sultry voice. She steps towards Jake and pushes her lips firmly against his. She kisses him slowly and deeply while running her hands up his chest to his neck. “I don’t see the problem.”

"Maybe calling it a problem is a little harsh...." Jake puts his other hand on her hip as well and holds her close. They kiss deeply for a minute before Jake moves to kissing her neck. "I don't know if we can rely on Mr. Ringo to have the good taste not to murder us while we are feeling this way."

Ruby closes her eyes and lets her head fall to the side, exposing more of her slender neck to Jake. She wraps her arms tighter around his neck, pulling herself even closer. "We? I'm not the one thinking my feelings for the other are somehow influenced." Once Ruby says this Jake can feel the necklace being pulled off. Ruby steps away from Jake, the pendant in her hand. "Maybe you'll be able to get me off your mind now."

Ruby takes the necklace and ties it around her own neck. As she does, she eyes the other pendant, still on the table. She picks it up and puts it in her pocket. "I hope Minerva is feeling better. I'll save this for her until she is. By the way, Ringo is a chosen of the God of War, just as Minerva's dream predicted."

"Oh." Jake stands there surprised with his hands still extended. "You just don't like to warn me about things do you." He realizes his arms are still where Ruby was and awkwardly puts them down. Although not clouded like before, Jake can feel the faint traces of the pendant's effect dissipate. "Did you have a dream about Ringo too? Jimenez told Katherine he was a priest or something of Ares as well." Jake takes a step closer to Ruby "Maybe I'll be able to get you off my mind? You say that like I did something wrong. Heh, its not exactly like I was trying hard not to think about you."

“Warn you about what? How am I supposed to feel? I fell in love with you a long time ago Jacob Cook.” He replies, "Warn me about yanking off the pendant and stoppin' the kisses. I was enjoying that!" Ruby takes a step back for Jake’s step forward. “Suddenly you say you love me but now you’re saying that you believe the whole town is under the influence of the goddess of love. That would mean you too and that your feelings aren’t your own.” He replies, "Stop putting words in my mouth."

She continues, “Then you say you could only think of me earlier like it’s a bad thing.” He answers, "No, it was like being tired, drunk and watching you prance around naked." He runs his gaze up and down her with a silly grin on his face. "I just couldn't focus on anything else and my mind was cloudy."

She says, “I think about you all the time, even when I don’t want to. And I want you all the time, especially a moment ago. That’s what real love is.” He states, "What do you mean, especially a moment ago?" She answers, “What do you think I mean? When I walked in here I only wanted one thing. And that was you. I was feeling especially warm and tingly. I wasn’t kissing you like I’d kiss my father now was I?” He answers, "No, that is not how I would describe them. Scorching is probably closer."

She continues, “ So am I supposed to be happy that you think that's not real? I KNOW my feelings are true.” Ruby fingers the pendant around her neck then holds her head high. “So I’m giving you what you want. To be free of this. And maybe you’ll be free of your unnatural compulsion to think of me.”

Jake takes another step towards her to offset the one she took back. "Will you just shut up a minute? So I suddenly tell you that I love you amidst all this strangeness. It does sound suspicious. I spent a long time thinking about all the different feelings I had for you and how they changed. The day I thought Curly Bill killed you in the cave; you prancing away from me out near the stream before we got together; our first night in my room; all those times when you looked like you were going to run; sitting in the mud in the street; when the cowboys shot you; when, ahem, I shot you; when I thought Eastman killed you; and how I feel right now looking at you; you want to know what changed and when?"

Ruby looks hesitantly at him, "What?" He says, "Nothing. Nothing changed. I've felt the same way right along. I just needed to figure out what it was." Jake takes another step forward very close to her. "The pendant just makes me feel drugged, and parts of me... well perhaps a little enthusiastic. Katherine ask me if I felt relieved to be free of Rachael. The answer is no, because no one can keep me or make me feel something that isn't natural. I didn't need to feel free of her because I had never given myself to her. I didn't have the natural compulsion to think about a woman all the time like I do now."

Ruby listens quietly as Jake talks. Her emotions change rapidly and the confusion is evident on her face. Finally she speaks slowly. “"Nothing changed?" She lets that thought seep into her brain for a moment. "You should have an idea of how hard it is for me to believe you or anyone when they say they love me. But you waited so long and when you said it, I had no questions in my mind or my heart that you truly meant it. And in that moment I was happier than I have ever been. Everything bad that has happened to me disappeared.”

Ruby looks up at Jake and bites her lip. “Have you given yourself to me?” Jake smiles a faint smile and a thousand clever remarks fight to leap from his lips. Instead he just says, "Yes. Nothing has changed, Ruby West, because I fell in love with you weeks ago and just didn't know what to call it."

She says, "You might want to consider that my goddess may have had plans on this city for longer than a few weeks... And I couldn't bare it if you broke my heart Mr. Cook." Ruby seems lost in thought for a moment before smiling. "I may have left out some parts of the dream that I had in Tombstone, Mr. Cook. If I am to believe that Aphrodite looks after me then I am also to believe that you and I are meant to be together and that we make her happy. So I believe my feelings to be true and I also believe your feelings to be true. Nothing can change that now."

She pauses and her tone of voice changes as she asks, “And what are you talking about, women having desires to touch you?” He answers, "Oh, nothing much. Just seemed like the opposite sex took a bigger interest in me." “What does that mean?” she asks with a raised eyebrow. “It means something or you wouldn’t have said it. What happened?”

"Heh, the funniest thing happened." Much to Ruby's surprise Jake blushes, and Jake never blushes. "Katherine Kale, um, she um, she mentioned that she was finding me attractive, and that she hadn't before." Jake blushing catches Ruby off guard. "Kate, our Kate?" Ruby isn't laughing or smiling. "Tell me what happened. She said that to you on your ride?"

He says, "She was acting funny on the ride, but I didn't realize it until afterwards. When we were at the ranch she made some comment about wanting to touch me and didn't that seem strange." Jake shrugs and grins. "What's so strange about a woman wanting to touch me? I thought she was teasing me. So then she went on about it being part of all this strangeness in town, which makes sense." Jake drags his foot on the floor boards, "So there I was thinking I need to hurry back here to you, and I just wanted to tease her back quickly but I couldn't think of anything. So I just...."

"You just what?" She says impatiently. "I, um, just, um, kissed her. Then I ran to my horse and galloped away hollering that I cared for her like a sister and laughing. Seemed funny at the time." He drags his foot again. "I think she called me a name." Jake shrugs his shoulders, tilts his head to one side and attempts a disarming smile.

Jake's smile doesn't work. Ruby's happy, warm, tingly and loving feelings turn into something quite different, more like raging passion, as her hand flies out and slaps Jake hard across the face. She turns on her heel and stomps towards the stairs. At that very moment Neil Cassidy comes walking in the door. Ruby detours from the stairs, grabs a surprised Mr. Cassidy and kisses him full on the lips, pressing herself up against him.

She turns back towards Jake, "There, I feel much better," and swinging her hips, climbs up the stairs. "So Neil," Jake says rubbing his freshly slapped cheek, "how do you like our new customer welcome we are trying out?" Before Neil can respond Jake pats him on the shoulder and says, "I think we are going to stick with the drink coupons instead, it hurts less." Still rubbing his cheek Jake stoically climbs the stairs.

As he approaches the door to their room he calls out, "Ruby, I'm sensing a little anger in your mood darling." Jake enters their bedroom and sees Ruby pacing back and forth across the wooden floor. She hears Jake enter and she spins around wildly. Walking towards him with a determined look in her eye she gets close to him then swings her hand to slap him again. Jake ducks and she knocks the hat off his head.

He exclaims, "How many times will you have to hit me before you feel better?" He calls out quickly, "My teeth are going to come loose." She replies, "I don't know. Let's find out." She swings again and this time Jake grabs her by the wrist. She tries to pull away but he won't let her. As she continues to try to break free she snaps, "Katherine? How could you kiss her? And how could she be such a back stabber? All this time telling me how you love me... When she was just waiting for the right time to try to get you herself! All those made up feelings about Conrad..." Ruby tugs hard but Jake isn't letting go, instead grabbing her other wrist too.

"Whoa, there, it was because of the pendant you gave me. She knew something was up. She said as much. How would you feel if somebody said to you, now isn't that strange that I should find YOU attractive." Jake continues to struggle with her wrists, "I was pissed off for a minute. It's not like I was really hiding anything from you." He ducks a slash from her fingernails. "Katherine is about as attracted to me as you are to Flint. You aren't attracted to Flint are you?"

"No!" Ruby yells at him, "I'm not attracted to Flint! So stupid..." she mutters. Since Jake has her wrists firmly she pushes her body towards towards him hoping to break his grip. Instead he hits the wall and she bangs up against him. "She's always said you were handsome and a good man." She could feel the heat coming off his body, his breath on her face, and some of her earlier feelings of longing start coming back to her.

"Ouch!" He exclaims as his head bangs off the wall. "Katherine? Katherine Kale? You have got to be kidding. Oof!" Her shoulder pushes into his ribs. "That would be like lusting after my sister. It WAS like kissing my sister!" He tries to turn her around and pin her to the wall. Instead she kicks aside one foot and pushes his. He falls with her on top of him with a thud. "Mierda." He mutters as he loses hold of one wrist and flails around with his hand trying alternately grab it and keep it from slapping his face again. Breathing heavy he says, "When was the last time I told you how beautiful you are when you try to kill me?"

Ruby is also breathing hard, her heart and head fighting with each other. She starts to tire and calm down slightly, giving Jake enough advantage to grab her wrist again. She isn't fighting as hard so Jake takes the opportunity to pull her to him. She tries to turn her face away but finds she can't so instead puts her face close to his, letting her hair fall over him. "Why do you make me so crazy, huh?" she says staring him in the eyes, "You ARE going to break my heart one of these days Mr. Cook..."

"Only if we hang it on my cheek Miss West, for there it will certainly be pummeled. Otherwise I'll do what I can to keep it whole." That familiar grin starts to creep onto his face, regardless of the red hand print on one cheek and the dark scratch marks on the other.

Ruby's breasts swell over the top of her gown with every heavy breath she takes. Jake's sincerity takes her by surprise and her breath catches in her throat. Instead of trying to slap him again, she finishes the distance between them and kisses him, deeply, passionately and practically out of control. His lips feel right on hers and the passion and warm feelings come flooding back. She presses the rest of her body to his, hoping he'll want her as badly as she wants him.

Jake is still holding her wrists and does so perhaps overlong, but eagerly accepts the kiss and the feel of her body on his. Maybe if I just shut up this time, he thinks. When he releases her wrists, he hesitates a moment as if he expects her to slap him again before he wraps his arms around her. He ignores the hard floor and instead enjoys the feel of her laying on him.

Ruby stops kissing Jake and puts her hands on his face, forgetting his injuries. She looks him in the eyes, "No more kissing anyone but me. My lips are jealous. That's an order." Ruby doesn't wait for his response before kissing him passionately again. They spend the next hour making up from their fight with much banging, gasping, crashing and laughing coming from their room.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 178, “Into Apache Lands”, Sunday, March 26th, 1882, 2:45 PM

Nanuet and Minerva ride hard until they are quite far from town. The farther they get from Promise City the more Minerva feels like herself. They slow to a walk and she rides beside Nanuet but is unable to meet his gaze." ummm, Nanuet, I am sorry for my behavior today. I assure you that I am usually, shall we say, more in control of my actions. I don't usually treat my friends that way. and then the way that I crawled all over you, well... I am sorry. I hope that you are not too angry with me."

Nanuet listens intently, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he breathes hard from the ride. He wipes the sweat from his brow and a smile creeps on his face as Minerva mentions her busy hands. "I didn't mind having you crawl all over me" he says with a wink. "Just maybe not the best time for it. I know you weren't yourself back there. Something is happening and it does seem like it is focused on the town, like people are being brainwashed or something. We can rest here if you need to, but I'd like to spend the least amount of time that we can stopped and more time on the move if you get what I mean."

Minerva smiles but does not respond to the comment. "No I do not need to rest. But we shouldn't ride the horses to hard and we should probably find them some water." Nanuet leads Minerva and the horses to the nearest source of water. He takes a minute to fill the water skin and splash the cooling water on his face. He watches the horses drink deeply before he speaks. "You don't think all this emotional craziness back in town had anything to do with bringing us together do you? I don't think it did, but the thought keeps creeping into my mind."

Minerva stops and considers the question. She examines her feelings now that she has distanced herself from the town. "No, I do not. I know that my emotions although exaggerated were my own. Just because I was unable to prevent myself from acting on my frustration toward others and my physical feelings towards you, does not make those emotions any less real. Look at me, I am no longer under the influence of whatever forces are controlling Promise City and yet my stomach still flutters and my heart still fills with tender emotions whenever I look at you. No, Nanuet," she says kneeling before him and taking his hands "I do not think that a bond such as ours is forged or broken just because a god wishes it. They cannot entice us to tried upon a path which does not already exist. "

Nanuet kneels also so that he can be level with Minerva. "Then my fears are assuaged. I too feel that although our emotions may be enhanced by the goings on in town, they are still our own. I am glad you came with me, that we could make this trip together. Come now, we must be going." The two struggle to their feet and in a few moments are back on the trail heading towards Apache lands.

Minerva and Nanuet ride in quiet companionship, while Luna flies above ready to warn them of any thing unusual. Minerva sighs, breaking the silence. " It is a beautiful land. When you took me to the desert to show me the flowers I knew that I loved you, even then. I recall thinking how beautiful you are, like the Arizona Landscape so rugged and alive like the ever changing angles and shadows of the land. I am not familiar with this land. Do you know it well? Will we arrive at our destination today? Tell me about Kajika." Minerva says while scanning their surroundings for trouble.

Nanuet remains quiet for some time mulling over Minerva's words. A multitude of thoughts fly through his mind, none of them lingering long enough to take hold. Did she just say she loved me? How does she know what love is? Has she ever been in love before? She is too young to understand love! Do I love her?

"I do not know this particular land as well as I should, but I am familiar with the general type of landscape. Barring anything unusual, we should arrive in Apache land shortly. Kajika is a wise man, a shaman of the Apache. His wisdom runs deep, but he is a man of few words preferring for his students to learn on their own. He bestowed the gift of the necklace on me, and changed me from a simple woodsman, to someone with divine powers."

The horses rested, Nanuet and Minerva continue on their trek eastward into the Chiricahua Mountains as he answers her questions. She asks Nanuet, "Have you known Kajika long? How did you come to be his student?" He replies, "It is an interesting story, happened shortly after we came to town and it was basically an accident." Nanuet tells the story of how they met and helped Flint, met the Apache and Kajika and how he got the necklace.

Nanuet guides Minerva and her mount down a tricky ravine. The sun beat down on them without mercy and both were now beginning to feel the power of the sun. Nanuet looked to the sky. "My people, the Yavapai, that means 'People of the Sun'. My people worship it as well as our ancestors. I have always used the Sun to guide me in my travels and still to this day I thank he for her warmth and her light, for her unwavering devotion in watching us day after day. The Sun truly blesses this territory."

As he continues to look to the Sun he sees a shadow swoop through his vision. Ah yes, the Suns companion, Luna!" Nanuet chuckles. "You must miss your friend noble bird, let me call to Maska." Nanuet concentrates on the wolf's location and mentally calls to her to join him. "Here, have a drink" Nanuet says handing Minerva the water skin. "We still have some ways to go."

"The sun is a powerful god." Minerva says wiping the sweat from her brow. " But like all god's he can be both warm and loving or harsh and unforgiving. Your people are wise to worship him.
I was wondering where Maska was. I do not know what I would do without my Luna. She has been my only companion for such a long time. It was only when I rescued you and Senor Chester that, the goddess Minerva had granted us the gift of communication with one another. I have told you how I found her injured in the forest. Tell me of you and Maska. How is it that you came together? Were you always able to communicate? " Minerva says as she drinks the water that Nanuet has offered.

"Maska is another gift from Kajika. When he taught me the ways of the shaman he brought Maska and I together. From the moment I first met her I was able to communicate with her over some distance, it has long been a gift of mine to communicate with animals. It sounds like you have known Luna longer than I Maska. When I was younger and before I was forced to leave my people I had many animal companions. All of my friends were animal kind for most of my life" he says as his eyes get a far away look and he starts getting lost in the past.

A look of sadness comes over Minerva's eyes. "You were forced to leave your people? You haven't told me your past yet, please tell me now." He states, "I promised I would tell you about my past. It is only fair since you shared yours with me. Ruby and Kate know a bit about it, I don't think anyone else really does."

Nanuet takes a deep breath, closes his eyes for a moment then reopens them and begins speaking in a measured and even tone.

"From an early age I have spent much of my time alone. I was trained to be a scout for my people, the Yavapai. Scout is a noble and necessary position, but one that requires solitude. I spent the majority of my days away from my community, in the surrounding mountains and woodlands tracking game and keeping an eye open for any trouble."

"I will not say that I did not have any relationships in my life, but those that I did have were superficial and unfulfilling. As the years went by even my family and I became more distant, and I became more of a loner. I always cared about my tribe and in truth the entire tribe was my family and I was their guardian from the outside world."

Nanuet pauses, swallows hard and continues, his voice now wavering ever so slightly. "As the humans began to settle in the surrounding lands a new age for my people began. We no longer moved in search of game or shelter, but also to avoid the white man and their lust for controlling the land and it's resources. I was away from my home and my people more and more, always on the lookout for danger." Again Nanuet stops and for a few moments gathers his composure before continuing. "As the white men came we eventually lost our lands to them and were forced to move to an Apache reservation. Life there was difficult, my people were mistreated, and eventually were starving."

"Then, much like you, in one day my life changed completely. I left the reservation to find food, to see what I could do to help my tribe. I had not been gone long when the horrible sounds of battle drew me back home. I returned to find my people… my family… my tribe…slaughtered. Men, women, children; all gone. If any of my immediate family were spared I did not find them. The Army said that they had revolted and they had to quell an uprising. I found out from the few survivors the truth. A drunken soldier made advances on one of the elven women, when she refused him he became violent and some of my people stopped him. He fired at them and started the slaughter."

Nanuet stops for a moment, holding back tears. He breathes and then continues, a passion showing in his eyes. "I took my revenge over time, hunting down the man who started the killings that day. He had since left the army, but I followed him here and here is where revenge was realized. Storm Golden-eye was also lost to the mortal realms that day, the price she paid for my revenge. That day is when I met Ruby and Kate, and then soon after Jake and Chester and many others, including you of course. You are my family now."

Minerva sighs sadly; her eyes filled with unshed tears as she quietly shares in his pain. " Papa was right, Nanuet.” she says hoarsely, holding back her own need. “A man IS never so lonely as when he is surrounded by his past." She gathers him in her arms and holds him close. They sit in silence for a long time taking comfort in one another.

“Let us vow to leave our painful pasts behind us and look to the future from this moment on. We have had too much sorrow to hold in our hearts. It is time to be free of it. The gods have smiled upon us, Nanuet. We have a chance for a new beginning together, and wonderful new friends. You are most fortunate to have found a new family. It is apparent that they care for you a great deal... as do I." she says softly and continues "and I am honored that you include me as one that you care about. I can only hope that it is the will of the gods that the others will come to know me and accept me without reservation, as you have. I thought that, after our night in the desert together that, Ruby and Katherine and myself had grown closer but.. Right now I not even sure if they are speaking to me."

"Come,” Minerva says rising, "the sooner we get to Kajika the sooner we can fix things." Minerva helps him up and wraps her arms around him one final time before they continue their journey. Nanuet takes comfort in Minerva's words as well as in her arms. He breathes deeply taking in the scent of her hair and feeling the warmth of her body as it presses against him. "Thank you for letting me tell my story Minerva, it has been kept inside for too long. It is true that Promise City is a chance for a new beginning and with you I have that opportunity for a new life as well." He pauses, for a moment gazing into Minerva's eyes before Maska gets restless. "Let us not linger here any longer, I am eager to see what Kajika has to say."

The two continue their journey for some time before Nanuet comments again. "Something is strange here, we are several miles into Apache territory and yet there is no one here. Under normal circumstances we would have many eyes upon us by now, but yet I do not feel their presence. He hops off his horse and looks at the ground. These tracks are not recent and I do not see any newer ones. No one has been here for some time."

Nanuet leads Minerva on at an accelerated pace now nervously looking about for any sign of the Apache. Nanuet and Minerva have traveled deep into the mountains, far further than Nanuet has ever known the Apache to be. He also does not sense that they are being watched. When the sun has reached the point that indicates that it is approximately 5:15 PM both Luna and Maska alert their companions that someone or something is approaching.

"Luna, what is it that you see? How far is it." Nanuet asks Maska the same questions as they draw their weapons and look around them in search of a place of concealment. Maska indicates to Maska that she detects a smell that is neither horse or elf but has elements of both. Luna sees a lone horse-shaped creature moving through the heavy brush but has no clear view of it yet.

"Minerva, you can put your weapon away, and there is no need to hide. I believe it is a centaur and they are friends of the Apache." Nanuet calls out "Greetings, it is Nanuet and Maska, we seek Kajika, shaman of the Apache. I have brought a companion with me" in both common and Apache.

A tall male centaur comes forward. He has on a headdress with a few feathers, indicating that he is a high ranking member of his tribe although less than a chief. More distinct is the blanket draped over his back, his only clothing, which is not Apache but have the same markings as that which had been worn my Storm Golden Eye. Although she has heard tell of Storm Golden-eye, Minerva has never encountered such a magnificent creature before. She is reassured by Nanuet’s words and puts her weapon away, to stand in silent awe as the two warriors greet one another.

The centaur says in Common "I presume that you are the one known as Nanuet." Nanuet bows to the noble creature. "Yes, I am Nanuet of the Yavapai. This is my companion Minerva. I seek counsel with the shaman Kajika. Where have the Apache gone to? Is this land no longer their home?'

The centaur replies, "It is but they have temporarily moved deeper into the mountains to escape from dangerous magic caused by the humans. I am Qualtaqa, I was the Apache Ambassador prior to you. I was away but have returned to resume my duties. I am thankful for all that you have done for the people in my absence. If you will follow me I will bring you to Shaman Kajika." He replies, "Thank you Qualtaqa, I am grateful for your assistance." Nanuet and Minerva let Qualtaqa lead the way.

Minerva, Nanuet and Kajika travel for another mile-and-a-half, ending in a valley filled with teepees and other makeshift structures. They see somewhere between 500 and 600 Apaches, mostly women, children and elders. They circumnavigate around the camp and continue onward for to the next hill where they climb. At the top of the hill is a ten-foot diameter stone circle of rocks. Wood has been set out in the center of the circle for a fire although it has not been lit yet. There are three Apache near the circle, all attired in Shaman garb. Kajika stands in the center of them.

Nanuet asks, "Qualtaqa, do you know what ceremony they are preparing for? I don't want to interrupt anything that would be ruined by my presence. Again I thank you for your guidance." Nanuet says, bowing in respect again. Maska however is not as reserved as Nanuet and immediately runs towards Kajika, tail wagging with excitement. Qualtaqa replies, "We have been waiting for you. Now you are here. You and the woman should step forward." Luna sits on Minerva 's Shoulder as she discreetly takes in her surroundings she is unafraid as she silently follows Nanuet.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 179, “Practice makes perfect”, Sunday, March 26th, 1882, 3:00 PM

Clarisse Townsend drops by the Marshall's Office mid-afternoon while Chester is on duty. With apprehension in her voice she asks "Well? Did you talk to the Priestess? Is she angry with me?" Chester puts his hand on her arm. "I did talk to her. She isn't mad at you, dear. She just wants the ball to be fun for everyone. Limiting drinks will just anger most of the townsfolk. I know you disapprove of drunkenness. But, it's only this one day. And it's to honor the gods. Think of the people who will deepen their relationship with the gods as a result of the festival."

She says, "The Priestess told me things about Dionysus that were different than I had learned before. But Chet, I'm concerned about the other women in my sewing circle. Mrs. King decided to support this festival primarily due to the limitations on drinking. If this turns into a drunken free-for-all she will feel angry and betrayed, as will the others." He replies, "Something tells me that my being there won't soothe them. Maybe a higher drink limit would work as a compromise? I don't know, five? How about telling them that some will regret drinking and come seek the church?"

Over at the Lucky Lady, Ruby sings Jake a song and heals the scratches on his face. She laughs at the his red cheek and tells him, "That one you keep." Ruby and Jake redress, this time in riding clothes. Jake gathers up all the weapons and ammo and they head downstairs. On the way out of their room Jake notices a note on the floor and snatches it up. "Mr. Hoover, we're going riding. And tonight we will be going to bed early and wish not to be disturbed. Is there any business we need to take care of before we leave?"

Niles replies, "No, Job left this morning to Wilcox, said he'd be back on Wednesday. Clarisse said she'd be by to sing a set or two and Harry will play for her. Expecting it to be a pretty quiet night." Ruby states, "Jake and I will be back for dinner, Jake will take Job's table and I will even sing. I'm feeling very... inspired today," she smiles and glances at Jake. "But we will retire early. Jake and I have some things to talk over."

He replies, "Ruby, it's Sunday. Job doesn't have a table, Tony's the only one who deals on Sunday night. It's tomorrow and Tuesday that Job deals. But we'd be happy to have you sing, we could even give Clarisse the night off if you'd like." Ruby giggles, "THAT is why you are our business manager and not me. I don't remember what nights I work half the time! Yes, give Clarisse the night off and I'll sing."

Ruby says, "Oh and one more thing. I never told Mr. Chumbley to not run an ad in the paper. We can't not have any advertising. Also, any ideas for the saloon you may come up with for the festival are welcome. Maybe we can do some sort of pay one price type thing, that could really bring people in. And also think about setting up something outside to sell your wares. I'll be performing and perhaps some fans might follow me back here afterwards. But I do plan on attending the ball outside. At any rate, you should get an ad in the paper."

Niles replies, "Thanks, Chumbley wasn't sure and I didn't want to upset you. Should work though, I got in a case of twelve-year-old scotch that I've advertised and managed to sell for $ 1.50 more per bottle than usual. Paid for the ad and then some." She says, "Upset me? Normally it takes more that that to upset me. Seems to be something going around, everyone is acting crazy lately.” He says, "Well, you have been rather emotional as of late. I figured it was on account of that cousin of Mrs. Barker." She says, "No, it wasn't on account of him, well, I guess partially it was but... let's leave that story for another day, ok?" she glances at Jake again. "Let's just say it should be taken care of now.”

She says, “Good for you with that sale. Who bought it?” He replies, “"Several different customers. Lumley bought two bottles. Bob Scull bought three. Sold five more each to individual customers. Still have two more but I imagine they'll go soon." She states, “At any rate, an ad will be helpful for us. And again, try to come up with some ideas for the festival." He replies, “"Oh, all of the saloon owners got together for a while with the Priestess right after her service to hash out ideas. We'll meet again in a few days to finalize things." While Ruby speaks with Hoover, Jake reads the note from Minerva

Ruby motions for Jake to come over to her. She says, “Have a good day Niles!" She holds Jake’s hand then kisses him. "Ready?" He hands Ruby the note. "At least she won't be smacking me anymore today." "I need to leave a message for Katherine at the El Parador when we get our horses. Conrad wants to see her tomorrow." "Maybe you shouldn't be seeing Katherine right now." Ruby says more order like than suggestion like.

Jake replies, What ever you want Ruby dear." On the walk over Jake tells her the message Conrad gave him. You can tell her, or leave her a note, or whatever you feel comfortable with. I'm outta fresh cheeks. I'll go get the horses ready." He gives her a wink. Ruby enters the El Parador and glances around. Not wanting to see Katherine herself she scrawls a quick note at the bar and leaves it with Pedro for her. It reads: “Katherine~ Conrad will pick you up for a picnic tomorrow at 11am. ~RW.”

Ruby enters the kitchen and finds it curiously empty. She shrugs, and gathers some cheese, bread and muffins for a snack and gets a bottle of whiskey from Pedro on her way to the stable. Walking out, munching on some cheese, Ruby finds Jake with the ready horses. She pats her black stallion. "I guess I ought to give you a name, huh? Maybe you'll tell me what it is today," she smiles. She puts the food in the saddlebag and looks to Jake. "I'm ready when you are."

They ride out of town to the general area where they usually practice, out of sight and sound of the town. Jake is careful to look around and check the distance to make sure they aren't being followed or watched on the way there. On the ride Jake shares what Conrad Booth told him about the Cowboy gang. "Not too much new, but maybe when he is back moving around town he'll find out more."

"Look," he finally says after a few minutes of silence, "the whole kissing Katherine thing, that really didn't mean anything. It was just a mean joke I played on her and at the time I thought it was funny." He grins. "Ok, I'll admit, I still think it was funny but I won't do it again. I'm sorry it hurt your feelings. I'm a changed man, that won't happen again." Ruby shoots him a look. "OK, I'm not really a changed man, but it still won't happen again." He tries to look serious but can't help smirking. "Really, it won't. But you should have seen the look on Katherine's face." He takes a deep breath and is able to control his near laughing. "Only Ruby West's lips for Jake Cook and no more ill considered jokes either. Well one's involving women’s lips or other body parts anyway."

Ruby gives Jake a sideways glance. "I hope so. Because I love you but this girl won't stand for her man cheating on her." Ruby turns her eyes forward again. "I'm going to have some words with Mrs. Kale." She finally cracks a smile. "I'm sure her face WAS quite funny to see, I doubt she's ever had a kiss like that before." She puts her fingers to her own lips, "I hope Mr. Cassidy won't hold his kiss against me."

"After a kiss from Ruby West? I'm more worried he'll be trying to hold you against him." Jake grins and points. "Over there, that's a good spot." They ride over and tie the horses in the shade of a mesquite tree in a small clearing surrounded by cactus. Ruby giggles. "You're so funny, Mr. Cook. See then you'd better watch out, I have them lined up already if you get out of line..."

After tying up their horses Jake prepares all the weapons. Ruby watches him intently with a smile and he catches her a few times. Once Jake is finished they begin their practicing. Jake removes the enchanted rounds from his second pistol and pockets them. He loads six normal shells in their place, and puts a sixth round under the hammer of his fast draw pistol that he usually leaves empty for safety.

Expressionless, he stands opposite a saguaro cactus. His face gives away nothing as his hand yanks Colt Peacemaker out of its holster. Just like he showed Ruby that morning in the bedroom, just like he had many times before, he pulls back the hammer with his thumb and as the barrel comes level there is a click. This time Jake is confident he is ready and is practicing with live fire. This time the sound that follows is the distinct report of a Colt Peacemaker. His left hand is already slapping back the hammer followed by another click and the accompanying sound and flame. Without pause he continues to unload the six rounds into the hapless cactus until the cylinder is empty. "Better." He says without turning around to his companion. "Not good enough yet."

He could do the next part in his sleep. The hammer comes back half way, the barrel points up, push down on the casing release and rotate the cylinder. Again and again. He loads six shots in the pistol, positions himself opposite the cactus and starts again. In seconds it is time to reload. This continues for several minutes, each time a little faster and a little more accurate before he draws the second pistol and rapidly unloads it into the target cactus. An acrid cloud of gunsmoke hangs around him in the still desert air. He stops for some water and makes eye contact with Ruby. "You never answered me about Ringo. How did you know he was 'favored' of Ares if not from Minerva's dream or from what Jimenez said?" He wipes the gunpowder residue from his hands with a rag. "It was not a dream was it?"

She replies, "No, not a dream," Ruby comments as she shoots at a cactus not already shot up by Jake. She looks from the target to Jake. "The priestess of Aphrodite told me." He replies, "Of course, how silly of me. We should have asked the priestess of Aphrodite right from the beginning." Jake takes out a hand full of rounds from his pocket and begins reloading his pistols. "When exactly did we get a priestess of Aphrodite and where do we hide her?"

Ruby shrugs. "I didn't ask her how long she's been here. Longer than me. By the way, how long were you in Promise City before we met?" Ruby looks at Jake curiously, surprised she never thought to ask him before. Jake replies, "I don't know, maybe a week or so." Jake puts the loaded pistols back in the holsters. "We were talking about this priestess of Aphrodite. Is there a reason you don't want me to know?"

She answers, "No, I just thought of that question and figured I should ask you before I forgot." She shoots off the remaining ammunition on her gun then reloads and puts it away, sitting in the grass. “The priestess lives at the Palace. Minerva was complaining that I wasn’t including enough of the other saloons in the entertainment. Yes, I know that pretty much the others only offer girls but I guess she didn’t realize that. Anyway, I didn’t tell you I was going there earlier because, well, you didn't ask and I knew you wouldn’t let me go if you did.”

“So it turns out that there was nothing to worry about. The priestess has turned the Palace Saloon into a temple to Aphrodite,” Ruby says as if the revelation was no big deal. “When I walked in she called me her sister and said she knew I was favored by the goddess. Then she kicked everyone out so we could talk. She said she won’t let Adair try to kill me again. And that I wasn’t being influenced by her because the goddess talks to me herself, which she did, that dream I had.”

“She wants me to come to services next Sunday. But see, the good thing is she says they aren’t boring like regular services, its singing and dancing.” Ruby continues, talking to herself with furrowed brows, “Oh, I forgot to tell her I can dance too.” She snaps out of it. “Anyway, she is the one who said that Ringo was a chosen of Ares and he is our enemy, which he is. And the Vigilance Committee too. So the way I see it, we have a lot of common goals. But we thought he was a wizard because of those spell books. Priests don't use spell books, wizards do."

Jake notices that his mouth is hanging open and closes it. "I was in the Palace last night looking for Foote, like you suggested. It didn't look much like a temple to Aphrodite with all those boxers beating each other senseless." Jake stands there thinking and blinking. "Influenced by her? She could influence you?"

He starts talking faster. "Who else is influenced and how would we know? You just met her and you trust her? She can control Adair? What does she mean influenced? Are you sure she didn't influence you?" He stops suddenly and sits on a rock. After staring at Ruby for a moment he wipes the sweat from his brow with a sleeve and replaces his hat. "I don't mean to be so suspicious, and we certainly need allies against Ringo, but I just can't help myself. I've been suspicious way too long to just suddenly stop."

Ruby moves over to Jake, stopping when she is kneeling in front of him. She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him until his body relaxes. "It's OK, baby, try to stay calm," she smiles, keeping her arms around his neck. "Now let's see. Chester told me he went in as the boxing was finishing. He saw the Dance of the Veils, and she told me today that is the opening of the service. She said Adair was under her control. I didn't see if for myself. What I did see was her telling everyone to get out and they did."

"Yes, I trust her. I can't explain it but as soon as we met I felt like I was close to her, warm and trusting. My feelings are my own, I know they are." "Look, Aphrodite wants this town to be a beacon of love and beauty. And what's wrong with that? Wouldn't it be better to be led by a goddess of love and beauty then by war? I think would you be in heaven, Mr. Cook."

"As for being influenced, you yourself told me about a dream you had that asked you to do things right? Isn't that a way of influencing people? Besides, they can't make anyone do anything they don't want to do, right? It's our choice. They can ask but whether we listen or not is up to us. But look, I listened and look at what we got? Each other. You're everything I wanted, even if I didn't know it," she laughs. "Did I answer your questions?"

"I will take the goddess of love over the god of war if I get the choice. I am just not done being suspicious yet. So, you do what you believe is right and I get to be suspicious and protect you." He rubs his hands on her arms. "I need to think about it some more. Let's finish target practice and have something to eat."

In the evening, Eduardo stops in the Marshal’s office. "Good evening, Marshal Martin, Miss Townsend. I can take over things from here. Have a good night." Chester says, "Thanks, Marshall Rodriguez. It's been quiet. have a good night yourself." Clarisse adds, "Good night, Marshall." They go to the Lucky Lady, Clarisse hanging on Chester's arm. The sound of piano playing wafts from the saloon. "Evening, Jake, Ruby. How are you?" Chester recognizes the man with the crew cut, but keeps the smile on his face.

"I'll never turn down your protection," she kisses him again. "But you think I'm crazy, right? I can take you to meet her if you'd like. Jane, that's her name. Then you can ask your own questions." Ruby stands, "Now, let's finish. I told Niles I would sing tonight." She reaches down and grabs Jake by the wrists, pulling him to his feet. Ruby and Jake have a quick snack then continue their practice. Ruby is amazed at Jake's quickness and ability with his guns. "You've really improved with them since we met!"

After they finish they get on their horses and head back to town. Back the El Parador Ruby speaks to her horse, "Soon, I'll take you out again and maybe then you'll tell me your name." She gives him a little peck then Jake and Ruby go back to the Lucky Lady. They change out of their riding clothes and into their night time outfits before having dinner. Ruby gets some plates from Maria and they sit to enjoy dinner at their usual table.

After dinner Ruby takes to stage with a flourish. She begins her set with Harry accompanying her, occasionally singing acapella to give him a break. Even though there aren't many customers, Sunday being their slowest night of the week, Ruby sings with all the passion she has been experiencing lately. Even Harry's playing sounds better with the emotion she is singing with this night. Jake watches her intently from their table, but still keeps one eye on who is coming and going.

Neil Cassidy enters and walks over towards the stage, taking a seat at the closest table to Ruby and looking up at her with a look of desire on his face. After her set is over Ruby thanks Harry and walks off the stage. She had noticed Neil come in watch her sing, but his glances weren't much different from other looks she received every day. She decides to apologize for earlier so she stops quickly at the bar and gets two whiskeys. She nods at Jake then walks to Cassidy's table. "Nice to see you Mr. Cassidy. How are you this evening?"

"Ruby, please call me Neil" he states as he gestures for her to take a seat beside him. Ruby smiles. "Alright, Neil." She lifts a whiskey and offers it to him, "Thirsty?" He slides his chair closer to her and says, "I believe that we have some unfinished business from earlier..." She states, "Now, Neil, it's Sunday night and I am sure you're not really in the mood to discuss business. If you insist I hope you'll be agreeable to giving us a good price on that lumber."

Ruby places the whiskey in front of Neil and drinks her own down quickly. Neil begins to stand up and then immediately bends over, grabbing Ruby by the shoulders and giving her a full kiss on the lips. He then lets her go and exclaims "There, I feel much better." "Neil!" Ruby is caught off guard and actually blushes. "Well... that was a surprise." She continues quickly, "A nice one, of course. I guess I still owe you an apology from earlier. I hope you're not too angry with me?" She bites her lip, waiting for a response. She doesn't dare look in Jake's direction.

Neil smiles and says, "No apology necessary." He then laughs out loud and says "I figured if you and Jake can use me as a pawn in your fights I owed you back one. No hard feelings?" He then looks towards Jake and says, "Her kisses are nice Jake, but if you don't mind I think I'll take you up on that drink coupon offer instead."

Ruby feigns shock. "A drink coupon over my kisses! I'm insulted!" Then she laughs. "No hard feelings. It was a good kiss, no a great kiss. And now I got two to his one," she giggles. "So thanks!" "If you don't want that whiskey, feel free to ask Niles to get you what you want. He knows you're a good friend." Neil picks up the whiskey and says "That's fine, come join us Jake." He downs the drink and says, "Now, you were talking about lumber...."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 180, “You haven't told Pierre?”, Sunday, March 26th, 1882, 7:00 PM

Ruby answers, "Ah yes, it is time for us to begin our new construction and we need lots of lumber! But I think I heard you had a rush on it not too long ago so I hope you have what we need," she smiles. "But it IS Sunday night and I am sure you don't want to discuss this now. Would you like us to stop by your store instead?" He replies, "Sure, that's fine. I'll be turning in soon anyway, just thought I'd stop by to pay you back from before. Some day you'll have to tell me what that was all about."

Ruby laughs. "I think I'll leave that to Jake. He loves to tell stories. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll leave you two to chat and start my next set." Ruby heads back to the stage, singing two more sets for the nights, although shorter than usual. Jake joins them and chats some, but let's Ruby handle the discussion about the building material. Jake has a relaxing evening hanging about the saloon. Besides listening to Ruby he helps with the security and gives Harry a break at the piano.

During the evening when he can get a few uninterrupted minutes with him, Jake talks to Niles. "Your place was right near the Trail Dust, I have been meaning to ask you about what you saw going on there. It seems we learn every day how much more the Yeats were involved in the cowboy gang. Did you have any dealings with the gang back then or notice any folks that seemed to be close to the Yeats that have been identified as gang members? Don't be holding anything back partner, our saloon could be a target and I want to make sure we are doing everything we can to protect it."

Niles replies, "My contact was with Dudley Yeats not his customers, since he got his liquor from me but I also had a bar so he didn't want them coming into my place. I heard that he had some of the highest drink prices in town, which kept most folks away, but he seemed to have a fairly regular crowd of rowdies. The beverages that I sold to him were mostly the ordinary stuff, local beers, ales and whiskeys. Ordered an odd brand of Mexican Tequila for him from time to time. He once had me order a fancy French wine too. Come to think of it, since his place has closed I've ordered that same Tequila brand twice for the Indian Head Saloon."

Jake asks, "What brand would that be?" He keeps looking for Chester to come closer to him, needing to ask him what he is going to do about the information Nanuet gave him. He replies, "The Orendian Family brand, produced at their plantation outside Tequila, Mexico."

Ruby schmooze with the customers who are there, spending a good amount of time with them, talking about the festival and local gossip. In the midst of this socializing she approaches a trio of men who arrived during her final set who she had not seen at the Lucky Lady before. One is a short, fat man balding in his mid-thirties, another is a brown haired man with a long brown and red beard who appears to be in his late twenties, the third is tall and thin, looking to be maybe late teens or early twenties with prematurely white hair worn in a crew cut. All three men are poorly dressed and order beer to drink.

Ruby gets their beers herself. On return she gives each of them a smile as she passes them their order. "So, I haven't seen you all around here before. New to town or just the saloon?" she asks cheerily. "Or did you come just to hear me sing?"

The balding man speaks to her in a thick Southern accent "Well Ma'am, we've heard some mighty fine things about your singing so we thought we'd wander over her to check it out. Name's Riff, my friends here are Ambrose" as he points to the bearded one, "...and Roy", gesturing to the younger man. We've been ranching over in Texas and decided to head further west. Heard there were some good ranches in these parts who might be looking for some help."

"Ruby West," she says, as she extends her hand to each of them. "Well, I am flattered that you came to OUR saloon then. We do have some of the best ranches around, that is certain. Where are you staying, if I'm not being too nosy? I might have some leads on jobs for you but would have to check with the owners first." The men exchange glances. Riff says, "We're camped
outside of town."

She replies, "It's ok. I'm sure I'll see you around in here and if I hear anything I'll pass it on to you here. I know a few owners of local ranches. Have you heard we're having a festival next weekend? It's going to be fun for everyone. You won't want to miss it." The bearded man says in a Texas accent "No, haven't heard anything about that. What is the occasion?" She says, "Oh it's a festival to honor the gods, especially Dionysus. But to tell you the truth," she leans in closer to him, "It's just another reason to have a party and get drunk," she giggles before standing up again.

Jake makes mental note of the three ranchers talking to Ruby. The fat bald man and the bearded one are doing all of the talking. The tall man with the white crew cut however keeps looking towards the staircase up to the second floor. Chester recognizes the man with the crew cut, but keeps the smile on his face.

Ruby approaches Chester and Clarisse, "Good evening Chester. Hope all is well. If you're hungry, why don't you ask Maria for a plate?" He says, "It is. Isn't that right, Clarisse?" Clarisse says, "Oh yes. I'm just very nervous about the costume ball." He says, "Stop by our table later." Chester recognizes the man with the crew cut, but keeps the smile on his face.

Chester and Clarisse take an empty table. He goes to the kitchen door to ask for dinner for two. "Why are you nervous about the Costume Ball?" Ruby asks Clarisse before they walk away. Clarisse says, "The Priestess had put me in charge but now she doesn't like my ideas for it. I was thinking that it should be held outside on Main Streets, along the two blocks between Fremont and Front. It would run for half the night, with events tied to all eight restaurants and saloons adjacent. Then to be fair to the other saloons, other events would be held there for the rest of the night. But she wants everything to be held everywhere simultaneously. Don't you think that will be confusing?"

Ruby replies, "Well, yes, I had the same conversation with her. I thought the ball would be outside too, in one area. Any other way is silly really. Perhaps we can have it outside and every saloon can set up a tent or something. How can you have dancing all over? Then it's not a ball it's dancing at saloons. Maybe if each saloon has different events then people will want to go to each saloon in turn. Oh, also, I want to include some Mexican dancing. Definitely Mexican music. Have you planned any dance contests or anything like that?"

Clarisse says, "Oh no, I'm afraid I don't know much about dancing. Mrs. Beatrice Shultze was totally against the practice, she said that it could lead to improper fraternization with the opposite gender." "Clarisse, what do you think a ball is all about?" Ruby smiles at her, laying her hand on Clarisse's arm, "And you don't believe that anymore do you?"

Clarisse replies, "No, of course not. With proper and appropriate supervision people can be expected to keep any improper thoughts that they might have under control. The importance will be for the local authorities to make sure that no excessive drinking occurs, as that could lead to uninhibited behavior." Ruby exclaims, "Uninhibited behavior? Clarisse you live in a town of miners filled with saloons. You're not going to stop people from drinking and you really have no right to think you can."

When Jake is finished talking, Chester waves him over. "Jake, I saw the guy with the white hair before. He was at the Palace with Foote." Jake asks Chester to come with him and take a look at something, "We'll leave the Ball planning to the beautiful ladies here." Jake takes him outside and pretends to point at the roof of the saloon and scratch his head. "I guess we'll try to find out there names. Not sure what Berg wants us to do though. We'll think of something. What did you think of what Nanuet told you? What place do you think they are going to hit for the weapons? Have you told Berg?"

Chester replies, "Ruby was talking to them when I entered. Maybe she found out something? When we were at the Indian Head, Berg talked to some guy named Watson. He said that Watson rode with Curly Bill Brocious. As far as the weapons, the best bet would be the gun shop. We should warn Pierre. They might be thinking of the Marshall's office, but that would be very risky for them."

Jake stops looking at the roof and looks at Chester. "You haven't told Pierre? Nanuet did talk to you didn't he? Mierda! I don't know who else has enough weapons besides Pierre. Look somebody has to talk to Pierre or Al Brower. I need to get back inside, I don't like the way one of them was looking at the stairs going up inside the Lucky Lady. Figure out what you want to do and then let me know. Chet, I can't believe nobody has talked to Pierre or Al!" Jake shakes his head and leave Chester standing outside the door.

Jake wanders over to the three men that Ruby were talking to and sits down with them. "Good evening gentlemen, anybody here like some good poker? If so come on back any night this week. We have some pretty good players here, and the games are always interesting." Jake waves Harry over. "Set these men up on me, what are you drinking?" "Beer" the man with the balding southern drawl replies.

"Where are you men staying," Jake asks the man with the sparse vocabulary. "Do you think you like to come back for some poker?" "We're camped outside of town," the balding man say. Jake pinpoints the man's accent as that of somebody from Mobile. The eyes of the man with the crew cut continue to glance towards the stairs although he now keeps his head facing in Jake's direction. Jake's eyes bulge slightly, “Your camping outside of town!? You folks are brave indeed. Haven't you heard the stories about Wyatt Earp?"

Ruby looks at Clarisse. "I think this discussion should wait until we don't have customers here, Clarisse." With that she turns from her back to her new "friends". She hears the man with the beard say to Jake, "Thanks for the friendly gesture sir. I can assure you that my friends and I will definitely make it a point to return to this saloon." "Oh, isn't that a nice thing to say!" Ruby exclaims. She very quickly glances at Jake while rubbing her wrist. "I'm going to get a snack in the kitchen, I'll be right back."

Ruby makes her way to the kitchen and looks around. Maria is not there, the whole kitchen is empty. She gathers together a plate of cheese and breads and places it on the counter. She quickly mutters an incantation as quietly as she can. She continues to concentrate but picks up the plate and heads back to the table, just as Jake is telling his story. She doesn't interrupt him, she just places the plate on the table and sits.

Jake lowers his voice, leans towards them and speaks conspiratorially. "That Earp has only one thing on his mind, kill everyone who has had anything to do with the cowboy gang. Now, I'm not saying you folks are part of the gang, but if anyone you are camping with has been associated with the gang at any time... well let's just say the whole camp is in danger." Jake looks around quickly to make sure no one is listening in. "I'm hearing it said that since his brother was murdered he made a deal. A deal with a power that is better of left unnamed. That deal lets him move as silent as death. That deal keeps any bullet forged by mortal hands from harming him. I'm hearing it said that he has been showing up suddenly and quietly. He has been killing without worrying about getting himself shot. When he is finished killing those outside of town... well then he'll start coming into town." Jake looks around again to make sure no one is listening and then laughs a nervous laugh.

Ruby had difficulty at first with the Detect Thoughts spell, picking up some prominent and lewd thoughts about her from both Tony Lucky and one of his players, a man whose last name appropriately was Wolfe. She also detects thoughts from Clarisse which consist of self-chastisement for having improper thoughts regarding Chester that she wishes to suppress due to their inappropriateness. She then concentrates on the three men, finding the minds of both the balding and bearded men are closed to her but the young man with the white crew cut is an open book.

Jake sits back up straight again. "I'm sure those are just crazy stories, right? I'll just be staying in town until the law gets him locked up either way. I did hear from a more reliable source that some of the gang members joined up with Earp and that he spared them. I know Wyatt Earp, and I wouldn't cross that man. I wouldn't say I'm a friend of his, don't know if that man has any friends. At least I know that I can talk to him, and not likely to get shot first and asked questions second. If I had the unfortunate luck to have a friend that was a known gang member I would be going out of my way to make sure the Earps knew I was not involved. Well, like I said that is all crazy talk." Jake stretches his arms and laughs again.

"You keep us in mind, we'll be looking out for you. We'll take care of you here like no place else in town." Jake gives the men a broad smile and a nod of his head as he get's up. "Enjoy your drinks gentlemen." "Oh!" Ruby exclaims, "I forgot to tell Jeff about that thing we were discussing earlier, Jake."

Ruby stands from the table and heads to Jeff, standing at the door. She stands very close to him and speaks in a low voice. "Close and lock the front door. No one gets out. There is BIG trouble from those guys and someone upstairs. We have to alert Chester and cover the back door. I need to get upstairs right now. These guys DO NOT get out, you understand?" Jeff nods his head yes.

Ruby sees the puppies out of the corner of her eye. "How did you little trouble makers get out from upstairs? Come on, up you go..." She has a smile on her face as she leads the pups to the stairs. She stops at the bottom. "Hey baby, don't forget you made that bet with me, the one I won with the queen of diamonds? Time to pay up when I get back..." She makes sure that Jake sees her tug on her ear then follows the pups upstairs. As soon as she is out of sight she pulls her gun off her thigh and readies it. She lets the pups get to the top of the stairs first. She stops at the top, listening and looking at the room with the liquor in it, and waits to see if the dogs respond.

The door to the room at the top of the stairs where Niles Hoover keeps his liquor is currently shut. Listening at the door she does not hear anything inside. She does not have a key, Niles and Harry having the only keys to that particular room. Ruby sticks her gun in the front of her dress but within quick reach. She uses her quick and silent fingers to try the door knob. The door is locked. She reaches up and pulls a small metal pick out of her hairclip. Glancing back and forth down the hallway and still seeing no one, she continues to use her nimble fingers as she inserts the pick into the lock.

Chester goes back inside the Lucky Lady. "Clarisse, let's go to the Comique. We haven't been there in a while." On their way there, Chester says, "Sorry about this. I need to talk to Mr. Brower or Mr. Jacquet. I don't like the looks of the three Jake and Ruby were talking to earlier."

Clarisse pouts. "You're always doing things for other people. Why can't you concentrate on me for once?" "Because those men are with the Cowboy Gang. They're up to no good. I need to warn Brower or Jacquet. OK? I'll make this up to you." "Fine. Let's get this over with." They get to the Comique and Chester looks for Al or Pierre.

Back at the Lucky Lady, Ruby has to fiddle with the lock a little but soon hears the distinct "click" sound of the locking mechanism moving and door unlocking. "There we go," Ruby says out loud, "That door always sticks! Come on pups, let's go find that wine Mr. Hoover was looking for." Before she enters she tucks her gun into the back of her skirt, for faster grabbing. Ruby starts singing out loud as she walks in the room, the pups prancing around her feet. She shuts the door, leaving only about two inches open behind her, just enough for the pups to get out if necessary. Her singing masks the casting of a sleep spell. Both puppies curl up and fall asleep. She doesn't hear any other sounds in the room. She keeps her eyes and ears pealed as she enters the room.

Ruby laughs. "You lazy pups! Get up!" She pushes each of them gently with her toe. She makes sure to keep an eye on the door and the window, looking for any movement. She also glances at the floor for any kind of footprints. She starts looking around at the liquor bottles. "Now, where could that wine be?" She pretends like she is looking for a bottle of wine while really searching for dynamite or any traces of a setup.

Jake makes his way to Harry. He leans in and whispers, "Pretend you are going to the outhouse and get Chester Martin. He just left for the Comique. Go now." Jake then wanders over to Niles and says softly. "See those three men at the table I was talking with? If I have to run up the stairs you get the shot gun and don't let them follow. Something is up, something bad." Then Jake goes over to stand behind and a few feet away from the three of them.

Ruby looks around the room and does not see anything amiss. There is no dynamite in sight as to the best of her knowledge the boxes, crates and kegs are lined up on the selves along the walls, although it has been a while since she last looked into this room so can't swear to the quantities or placement of specific items. She manages to locate a wine rack that Niles has arranged along the far wall . Both windows in the room look to still be boarded up. The puppies awaken from her nudging.

She walks over to the wine rack and pretends to be looking it over, while keeping her eye on the rest of the room. She keeps one eye on the puppies to see if they act unusual. She picks up a bottle of wine, "Is this it? Hmmm...." Ruby lets it drop from her hands, trying to influence it's fall in such a way to spread the contents over a large portion of the floor. "Whoops!" Ruby watches the contents spread across the floor and flow under the shelves and around the kegs. She does not see anything interfere with or deflect the flow of the liquid.

"Mr. Hoover is going to be SO mad at us!" She looks down at the puppies with a smile. "Oh look, here is the bottle!" Ruby reaches for a bottle and takes it in her hand. "Let's go little ones..." Ruby takes the bottle and exits the room, leaving the door open a tiny crack. She exits the room then starts down the stairs. She stops at the top, out of sight of the room with the liquor in it. She slides into the shadows the best she can, flattening herself against the wall. She waits there, listening for any noise in the room.

Harry loops around the back of the Lucky Lady and catches Chester as he enters the Comique. Breathing heavily, he says, "Chester... you got... to get back... to the Lucky Lady. There's going to be some trouble and they need you." "What? OK. Hold on. Harry, could you take Miss Townsend back to the Double Eagle?" He turns to Clarisse. "I have to go. Please stay home for now. This could be bad and I don't want you caught up in it. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you."

She pleads, "Don't go Chet. The others can take care of this. Why do you have to always have to do it?" He replies, "Because they're my friends and it's my duty to protect them and everyone else in town. I'll be careful. Now go." He kisses her, mindful of Harry's presence. Harry and Clarisse leave for the Boarding House. Chester comes back into the Lucky Lady. "I'm back. Clarisse took ill so I took her home to rest."

When Chester arrives Jake walks to the bar and looks over the top of it. "Hey Jeff, come here a minute. We need some scotch." Jake also waves Chester over to the bar. Then in a very quiet voice Jake says, "Jeff, she's been gone too long. What did she tell you? I think you should get up there with her. Chester and I can watch these three. Whatever we do Chet, don't let them get away." Chester asks, "What's going on? I was on my way to warn Al and Pierre when Harry caught me. He'll be back in a bit. I asked him to take Clarisse home. She wasn't happy about it."

Ruby has been watching the hallway and door for some time now when Jeff Mills comes heading up the stairs from the first floor. She puts her fingers to her lips indicating quiet. "There is someone invisible in the liquor room," she says as quiet as she can, "But I didn't hear or see anything. I might have put him to sleep. I'm not sure what to do besides bust in there." Jeff replies, "You could let me bust in there instead. You shouldn't be putting yourself in danger Ruby, I'm the bouncer around here."

Ruby sighs, "Alright. I'll stay out here in case he gets out. The windows are boarded up so he can't get out that way." She puts her hand on his arm, "Be careful Jeff. He could shoot you and you would never know it was coming." She pulls her gun out and readies it again, then nods to Jeff. Jeff opens the door and enters. He takes a step into the darkened room.

His second step reaches the section of floor saturated with wine and the heel of his foot slips on the liquid. He starts to fall and reaches out to grab the shelving, which due to his strength begin to tilt inward. He sees this and releases the shelves, falling to the ground, with a case of beer falling from the top shelf towards him. He manages to deflect the case with his right arm, five of the twelve bottles spilling out and breaking.

Downstairs, the occupants of the main room hear the "thump" of Jeff hitting the floor followed by the distinctive sound of breaking glass. Chester looks at the stairs. "What was that?" He whispers to Jake, "It'd be better if you take a look rather than me since you're an owner. I can keep a watch on those three." Jake heads upstairs. The three at the table start to look nervous and decide to leave. The balding one drop a few dollar coin on the table and they stand up to leave.

Chester walks over to their table. He puts his hands on the shoulders of the balding man. "Going so soon, gentlemen? The night is young. Please, have another round on me." He waves at Harry, who has just returned from the Double Eagle. "Harry, another round for my friends." "Mighty neighborly of you Lawman," the balding man says. The three sit back down as the one with the beard scoops up and pockets the dollar that had been dropped onto the table.

"Jeff!" Ruby runs into the storage room, not knowing what happened. She quickly surveys the scene and kneels next to Jeff. "Are you ok?" She looks him in the eyes, "I forgot to tell you I got the bottle of wine already..." Jeff looks down at his pant legs, which are now coated with red wine and says, "Good, that means that isn't my blood." Ruby helps him up but continues to look around the room. "What a mess. Hoover is going to be mad! Hope this wasn't for the festival..."

Jake has now reached Ruby and Jeff. Jeff is still lying on his back on the floor. Ruby gives Jake a "look" as she glances around the room. She kneels down next to Jeff and looks him over for injuries. "I accidentally dropped some wine and Jeff fell." Jake helps Jeff up and listens carefully for anything out of place. "I see Lucky and Mischief, where's Princess?" Jake turns and looks at Ruby and says in a loud angry voice. "If that third dog of yours is in one of these rooms upstairs chewing up somebody's good boots there will be hell to pay."

"Jeff, go get the sawdust to clean this up and put some in the hallway too. That will keep us from tracking it downstairs. Ruby you keep those other two mutts in the hallway with you while I find the other one. We are going to talk about this when I find her!" Jake gives Ruby a wink.

Downstairs, Chester grabs the beer from the bar and brings it to the table. "My pleasure. Mind if I join you?" He sits down at the table. "So, what brings you to Promise City? I like to get to know the townspeople." The balding man does the talking, "Hello, name's Riff. We're ranchers who got tired of Texas. We heard that southern Arizona was prime grazing land, with a number of ranches, so decided to head over this way to check it out. We hear that there will be a festival next weekend so will probably want to stick around until at least then." His two companions both nod and drink their beer.

Chester shakes Riff's hand. "I'm Chester. Nice to meet you. There are a bunch of ranches around. They're always looking for help. The festival to Dionysus is next week. Don't miss it. I hear the saloons might have drink specials." The men finish their drinks, thank Chester for his hospitality and then stand up to leave. The deputy exclaims, "No. Stay. Have another round. I think Miss West is due to perform again. You don't want to miss that." Chester thinks, They better figure out what to do. These guys are itching to leave. It's hard thinking of excuses.

The balding man tells Chester, "Nah, it's getting late and we have to ride back at the camp. But you can tell the little lady that we'll be back to see her again real soon." The three men begin heading towards the door. Jeff heads downstairs to get a burlap bag of sawdust from the kitchen as Jake, Ruby and the puppies remain upstairs in the hallway outside of the liquor room.

Jake is trying to figure out exactly what Ruby is telling him. There is someone or something in this room? With all this talk of blowing up the saloon he decides it is better to look for live explosives first. Having not heard the hiss or smelled the distinctive burn of fuse material in the liquor storage room, Jake moves quickly into the rooms on either side of that room. Each time paying close attention to the wall bordering the liquor storage. He looks with the door open, listens and sniffs the air. He also closes the door with him inside looking for the glow of burning fuse in the dark. All the while muttering things like, "When I catch that mangy cur, I am going to kick her sorry tail."

After Jake checks the room for dynamite Ruby reenters. She eyes a bottle of beer, the contents very slowly leaking out the bent cap. She pushes the cap flat with her finger over the hole, then shakes it up the best she can. She then uses her thumb to release the pressure, the beer sprays all over the room and she makes certain she watches as it falls over the area.

As the spray hits near the boarded up windows she sees the liquid deflect off of something invisible, just beneath where the window is on the wall. The object is way too small to be a person, but something is there. She stops and looks closer, now seeing some liquid remaining and dripping down from the floor from something ten inches high and three or four inches in diameter.

Calling up her magical detection abilities she attempts to have her mind penetrate through the invisibility, making out four sticks of dynamite fastened together and fastened by a pair of fishing hooks to the window sill. The sticks have fuses that are twisted together with one longer fuse which goes up to the window and out a thin crack between two of the boards.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 181, “Kajika’s Questions”, Sunday, March 26th, 1882, 6:30 PM

Kajika motions for everyone to be seated. Qualtaqa kneels down and the other sit Indian-style. Kajika asks Nanuet for his necklace. Nanuet removes it and hands it to his mentor. Kajika spends several minutes examining it and the six remaining stones. He then casts some type of spell over it.

He hands the necklace back to Nanuet and says "I can no longer use it. It is now an amalgam of both our the Native American High Elves and those of the Roman Pantheon and can only be used by those who actively worship both. I sense that each of you worships one group of deities and has respect for but is lacking in knowledge of the worship of the others' deities. I would like each of you to careful consider who you are and what you want. While there is precedent for the gods of the Native People working and being worshiped alongside other deities that has not been the practice of the Apache. That statement is not meant as a judgment, just a fact, and I am flexible to an ever changing outlook as the gods dictate. But I needs some important answers from the both of you.

First, I am curious how the necklace came to be in this state and would like to hear the tale. Second, please tell me what you hope the future to hold for each of you as an individual. Lastly, decide now if a polytheistic outlook towards two distinctly different pantheons is something that you can truly devote yourself to or if you wish to have the present amalgam reversed."

Nanuet listens to the words of his mentor and several of the words fall heavy upon him as he is sure they were meant to. He begins by answering the easiest question first. "I can tell my part of how the necklace came to be and what I understand happened after that, Minerva will have to further explain what happened with it."

Nanuet relays the story of how he fired at Ringo and had no effect and that he was then mortally wounded by an invisible shooter. He points out the scar on his chest before proceeding. He then tells how he was preparing to pass onto the next world when Minerva came upon him and prayed for him to recover and that she took the necklace from him and attempted to use it. "I explained to her that it would not work, because she is not an elf, and then the next thing I remember I woke up alive and healed. Perhaps she can tell you the rest of what she did.”

Kajika replies, “"It sounds as though our gods were not ready to have you leave. If she had attempted to use that necklace on anybody else, even another Apache, it would not have functioned. She appears to have also needed her own gods as well, which explains the amalgam. Her deities needed ours for the necklace's power while ours needed hers to channel the magic through."

Nanuet states, “As far as life as an individual, I simply wish to remain an honest and hardworking person. I also wish to continue to grow in wisdom and knowledge. I do not strive to gain power or to do great things, but I will do what is asked of me and will bear the burdens that fall upon me. The question in regards to religion is one that I only began to ask myself. I would request more time to learn about the other pantheons if possible, but if a decision is required now then I will choose to devote myself to the multiple pantheons. I truly believe that the Gods are the same beings and are just seen in a different light by different mortals."

Kajika answers, "I do not share that belief but that is my own opinion, yours may be the correct view. The only decision that must be made now is regarding this necklace. In its present form its application would be very limited, as it would simultaneously require the both of you to use it." Nanuet states, "I agree that the Gods seem to have some reason for me to stay here in this world yet. So is there a way to return it to it's original form? What is required of me to do so?"

Kajika replies, "There is, but it will take me several days to repair. You would also be vulnerable, as she would probably be unable to use the necklace to heal you again, as she could now. The gods are unlikely to grant you another such miracle if your response to this one is to reject what they have now created."

Nanuet says, "Yes, but if one of us gets injured will the other be able to use the necklace on that person as Minerva did for me? I do not want to cross the Gods but this necklace is not only for my own benefit, it must be used on our companions as well and their interests must be considered. I have not yet learned enough to further my own healing powers or I might make the decision with less worry."

Kajika answers, "In its present form this necklace would require both of you to use it. I would assume that one of you could use it on the other, as happened before. If I change it back to its previous form that may not be the case." Nanuet replies, "We will keep the necklace in it's present form and accept that it is the will of the Gods that Minerva and I be bound together."

Kajika says, "I do not know that the gods will that for all time, only that they did so to save your life. As I said before, our gods working with those of other pantheons is not without precedent. Have you ever heard of the Cloudriders?" Nanuet answers, "I have not, but the name sounds so majestic. Can you tell me more about them?"

Kajika answers, "The humans know of them only as an ancient myth but as it has been fewer generations for the High Elves we are closer to the truth about them. The Cloudriders began as humans who originally lived in Asia, along the coastline near where the Chinese city of Hong Kong now stands. Asia is now the home of the orc and half-orc, but approximately 6,000 years ago humans also lived there. These humans were highly religious, and most of the Chinese Pantheon now worshiped by the orcs began as human-worshipped deities.

One of these was Huan-Ti, the God of War. Unlike our War God Tobadzistsini or Minerva's War God Mars, Huan-Ti was not evil but was good. He promoted war as a holy way for his people to preserve their way of life against their barbaric neighbors. Eventually the barbarians became more powerful and the humans had to abandon their home. They became seafarers, setting out on small boats, as they had no shipbuilding technology.

Their boats were thrown upon the mighty ocean and would have perished, but Huan-Ti appealed to the other deities to help save them. Our Wind God, Hotoru, was the only one to answer that plea. He and Huan-Ti were of the same nature, viewing the Earth and its people from a perspective of both good and chaos. Huan-Ti brought these people to a large island in the center of the great Pacific Ocean known as Rapa Nui where they erected elaborate monuments to the deities.

But the land proved to be unable to sustain life for the long-term. So in a blessing from the combined deities Huan-Ti and Hoturo, now known by the people as the Twin Gods, their stone city was levitated up into the air and placed upon the clouds, to travel the Earth.

Their journeys brought them to all continents and the gods provided them with winged horses know as Pegasi to venture to the earth for provisions and to aid the civilizations who lived there. As Hoturu was worshipped by the High Elves they became kindred spirits and several dozen high elves joined the Cloudriders in their city above. Legends of our people speak of them, and you will find references to them in the writings of the Sumerians, Egyptians and some of the most ancient Greek texts. They and their city then mysteriously vanished from the world some 2,500 years ago."

Nanuet states, "So that legend says that the Pantheons coexist and have worked together in the past. That gives me much hope." Kajika says, "Yes, they exist. The deities of most Pantheons however do not choose to associate with others. There are also many instances of our gods working with those of the Celts. A number of Irish and Scottish humans who believe in the gods of nature live amongst the native people. Qualtaqa's companion Morgana is one of those, her father is a human of Irish descent while her mother is of the native elvan people. Her full name is Morgana Talks-with-trees O'Shea. She believes in and worships the nature gods of both the elves and humans. She resides in Promise City again and might be of some help to you in the future."

Nanuet answers, "Morgana has an interesting heritage. I will be sure to remember her for future endeavors. Qualtaqa mentioned that you moved to get away from magic, can you speak more about why you moved further away from Promise City?" Kajika replies, "I can, but before I do I would ask that your companion answer my remaining questions to her. Minerva, please tell me what you hope the future to hold for you as an individual and also answer if a polytheistic outlook towards two distinctly different pantheons is something that you can truly devote yourself to?"

Nanuet steps aside and urges Minerva to step forward. He gives her a reassuring smile and waits with the others for her reply. Minerva steps forward and bows formally to Kajika, and solemnly replies,” I am but a simple servant of the gods. They have granted me many gifts with which to serve them and the people who inhabit their earth. I have done so since I was a child and will continue to do so for as long as they will it. I also believe, as does Senor Nanuet, that the gods are honored with many names and many tales across the earth.

It was the gods of our combined Pantheons who chose to allow me the ability to combine their powers to heal him. I take this as a sign of their acceptance and believe that by doing so they have bestowed their blessing on us. Nanuet's ancestor also summoned me through the veil of dreams to direct me to the path which Nanuet stands upon. I do not desire to put asunder that which the gods have bound together." she says and bows in respect before she steps back.

After hearing that Kajika nods. He then says something to Qualtaqa and his two apprentices and they stand and depart. He tells Nanuet and Minerva "I have asked them to gather their religious items and return here in a quarter hour. I have some information to tell you that you may find distressing and you might to unreceptive to what I have to say. I want you to feel free to express your thoughts and feelings without the others present.

These feelings that the two of you now have towards one another may not be real. And if they are real they have been manipulated through divine enhancement. Minerva, you are not the only priest of your pantheon within Promise City. There is another, who like you, is not very experienced. This priest follows the Deity of Love. This priest has magical items blessed by the Love Deity that they have not been properly versed in the use of and yet have impulsively gone ahead and used these to promote the Love Goddess through the exclusion of all other deities. I do not believe the actions of this priest are malicious, merely myopic in their focus, doing what they believe is best to promote the Goddess of Love.

But all of the priests of the area have been effected by this as have most of the humans and elves in and near the town. The sphere of influence of this deity has expanded, which is why I have convinced Geronimo to move back the tribe. But this means that we are unable to watch the movement of the humans, including your ranch which we have offered to protect.

I will be performing a ritual now for Qualtaqa and my two apprentices, to allow them to shun this undue influence so that the three of them can again focus their thoughts towards their own deities and then serve as the eyes and ears of this tribe. I could include the two of you in this ritual as well. But the risk of that is that you may discover that these feelings you have are not genuine. I will now leave you alone to discuss this and think of your decisions."

As Kajika leaves Nanuet turns to face Minerva. The radiantly beautiful Spaniard, dusty from the trail, her hair still clinging to her body smiles back at him. He tries to read her face, studying her expression. "We have discussed this possibility to some degree already and I think we both believe that our feelings for one another are real. I am willing to have any influence over me stripped away, and I do believe that my feelings towards you will remain unchanged. What do you say?"

She smiles radiantly in return and places her hand on the side of his face, she looks deeply into his warm brown eyes. "I have no doubts. It will only confirm what my heart tells me is true." Nanuet places his hand on Minerva's then leans in and gives her a kiss. After the moment passes the two stand hand in hand waiting for the shaman to return, confident in their decision. Kajika returns to await their answer.

Minerva and Nanuet step forward together and Nanuet responds in his deep melodious voice, "It is our desire to participate in the ceremony." Minerva nods in affirmation.
"We have many concerns about what is happening between the gods and fear for the safety of the People of Promise City as well as your own people. Will you speak with us after the ceremony? We cannot stay overlong. We are needed back home."

Kajika replies, "You may participate in the ceremony but I will need for Nanuet to remain here afterwards. I need to provide further training to Nanuet which will require time tomorrow. You could safely stay here with him, or you could return to Promise City with Qualtaqa." She replies, "Padre Kajika, My heart is open to the gods of the Apache. I embrace their people as well." she smiles and holds her hands out imploringly "If I am welcome here, I would like to stay and learn the ways of the Apache."

Nanuet smiles when he hears Minerva's response. "I apologize Kajika, for being away for so long. I thank you for taking time to impart your wisdom upon me. We are ready to begin the ceremony." "That would be acceptable," Kajika states to Minerva. To Nanuet he states, "We welcome your return to us."

The centaur and two elvan apprentices return. Kajika has all six take positions around the fire pit and hands each a wooden stick around four feet long with the bark stripped off and elvan symbols painted on them, the paint on each stick a different color. He lights the fire and begins a chant. Drum sounds reverberate from the trees in all directions although the drummers remain unseen. As the tempo of the music picks up the fire greatly intensifies. After ten minutes there is a roaring bonfire before them, although surprisingly little heat radiates from it, allowing the six to remain close to it.

The chant abruptly ends and the drumming ceases. Kajika motions for each to toss their stick onto the fire. Each burning stick lets off a colored smoke the same color as the symbols painted on it. The smoke blends with the smoke from the fire, then mushrooms fifteen feet up and slowly bends down, ending on the ground behind them and encasing them all in a half circle dome of smoke above but clear air around them.

Kajika then says a prayer in three languages, ancient elvan, English, and a third language unknown to Minerva and Nanuet. They English prayer is "Great spirits, come and watch those within this sacred circle. Allow them clear communication to the deities that they have devoted themselves towards while preventing other deities from entering their thoughts and hearts."

Kajika then picks up a simple wooden flute and sits. He plays a soft melody as the fire quickly extinguishes itself, soon being nothing more than cooling coals. When the cloud dissipates the sun has set on the horizon. Nanuet sees from the stars that several hours have passed although to those in the ceremony it seems like less than an hour.

Before the last of the embers fades Kajika places five torches against the coals and they ignite. He hands a torch to each participant in the ceremony. He casts a spell and a cool icy wind emits from his hands and covers the coals causing them all to darken.

He then removes from his belt pouch five ceramic containers. They are each around an inch in diameter, shaped like a small pot, and fastened with a leather cord. He scoops ash from the fire into each pot. He then places a small matching ceramic lid upon each pot and casts a spell over them. He hands one to each participant. Looking at the items, the seal between the pots and lid is not longer apparent and each appears to be solid. Kajika commands "Wear this on your person, either around your neck or on your belt. It will carry the protection from this ceremony with you."

Nanuet answers, "Thank you great Kajika. Once again you have proven yourself invaluable. Your wisdom and power is great." Kajika commands the five "You should all go and rest now. We will meet again in the morning." He stands and departs. Maska and Luna approach, as does a gray fox that is the animal companion to one of the apprentices. Nanuet greets Maska and the fox as well.

Although tired, Minerva has a serene look about her and there are tears running down her cheeks. Luna flies over and lands on her arm. She places her hand on Nanuet's shoulder and smiles at him. "Will you assist me? I must find a place to pray." Nanuet replies, "Yes Minerva, we will go find a place now. Forgive my ignorance, but what are your requirements for your prayers? Do you need anything special?"

Minerva replies: "I have what I require in my pack. Other than that I would prefer to pray under the moon. I have much to give thanks for and would like to do it properly, but it is more important that I have someplace private." Nanuet says, "Someplace, private? Well once we get away from the edge of camp, it should be fairly private, but I am sure the Apache watch all of the surrounding area. I will not leave you alone outside of the camp either. The Apache do not know you and it is not the safest place."

She states, "Si, it is best that you guard me as I will not be paying attention to my surroundings."
Minerva finds her pack and takes out her Minerva and Jupiter icons as well as her 12 candles and returns to Nanuet "I am ready." Minerva takes Nanuet's hand as they walk and smiles up at him.

She says, “I feel so much better now. I must thank Padre Kajika in the morning. I must surely have been under Aphrodite’s influence. It is as though a barrier has been removed and I can once again feel the presence of my goddess Minerva. I have been very frustrated by my inability to communicate with her and I have missed her. The Ceremony that I performed in the desert with Kate and Ruby was intended to honor the Roman gods. It angers me to know that another goddess would usurp a ceremony intended to honor others and go so far as to trick us the way Aphrodite did with those pendants. Do you feel any different?"

"I guess I do. I must be honest and say that my thoughts have been preoccupied with you and the Cowboy Gang as of late and I have not done much prayer recently. I do feel my mind is much clearer, less sluggish. I have not studied your pantheon and was not aware that prayers to one God or Goddess could be stolen and used to power another, that must be disconcerting."
"Si, It is very disconcerting. I feel as though something precious has been stolen from me. I am not sure that I can trust my feelings any more. " she says rubbing her arms as though the thought chills her. They crest a small hill and reveal a suitable spot on the other side.

"How about down there, is that a suitable spot for you?" Minerva stops. The worry apparent n her eyes. "Nanuet when I asked if you felt any different, I meant about us." Nanuet stifles a laugh, remembering what happened to Jake earlier in the day. He deftly steps closer to her and then bends down and swoops her off of her feet. He begins kissing her passionately and then lets out a primal holler at the top of his lungs. He then begins to charge down the hill while still holding her in his arms.

Minerva lets out a scream and laughing and yelling at the same time hold on tightly. Once Nanuet reaches the spot he had pointed out from the hilltop above he slowly kneels to one knee and then places Minerva gently upon it as if it were a seat. He smiles at her "Yes, I feel different. I know that I love you Minerva and that it is from my own heart, untainted and true." Minerva's eyes grow wide and tears of relief and joy run freely down her face as she throws her arms around him "Oh, Nanuet. I love you also, I could not love another!" She wraps herself around him and knocks him to the ground with the passion of her kiss.

Nanuet pulls Minerva down on top of him and holds her tightly. "I could stay like this forever" he says in a dreamy voice. "Just holding you in my arms, knowing what we feel for each other is real. But" Nanuet turns his head away slightly "you had better do what you have to do so we can go back to camp. I don't know how safe we are out here."

Minerva gives Nanuet one last playful kiss and pulls herself up. "It would be so lovely to lie here with you under the stars tonight, but you are correct in assuming that it may not be safe out here. Por Favor, stay here and watch over me, mi amor.” She says as she picks up her pack and walks off in search of a boulder that will suffice as a makeshift altar. Her task is made easier by the soft light provided by the goddess, Diana, who smiles benevolently down upon the young couple and she soon finds what she is searching for.

Having performed this ceremony on countless occasions, she is swift in her work. She withdraws her Minerva and Jupiter Icons from her pack and, thinking how blessed she is to once again be in sync with her gods, caresses them lovingly before she sets them upon the stone. She also takes out twelve white candles, each representing one of the twelve main powers of Olympus. These she assembles in a crescent shape pattern around the icons.

Nanuet stands a respectful distance away so as not to distract her while she prepares to connect with her gods. She stands with her back to him and he is unable to make out more than her silhouette in the moonlight as he patiently stands guard. Minerva is no longer aware of his presence and when all is in readiness, she turns toward the makeshift altar and says a short prayer causing the candles to spring to life before her. In one fluid movement she drops her clothes to the ground and raises her arms to the heavens displaying the gift of her beauty to those who created her as she chants in a high clear voice filled with unmistakable joy and celebration. She welcomes her gods into her heart.

Nanuet's jaw drops in shock and awe as Minerva's clothes fall to the ground. Once he regains his composure he turns his back on the exposed priestess and attempts to focus on keeping an open eye on his surroundings. He fights the urge to look back over his shoulder but soon he loses the battle against his will and finds himself looking back at her naked form.

Minerva completes her ceremony and unselfconsciously dresses and packs up her belongings before she returns to Nanuet. She is feeling quite serene and has a radiant smile on her face as she approaches him. "Gracias, Nanuet. Shall we return to camp now?" "Yes, I suppose we should. I am sure we can find a place to camp there among the Apache. That would be much safer."

Nanuet and Minerva walk back towards the camp in silence. Finally Nanuet speaks. "So do you always.... umm... do you always pray with... well, uh... with no clothes on?" Minerva is surprised by the question. "Si, I have always done so. It is how I offer thanks and acknowledge that I am created in the image of the goddesses. I performed a similar ceremony with Ruby and Kate a few days ago. I forgot that you did not know our ways and I did not think to forewarn you. I apologize if I made you uncomfortable."

He replies, "I wouldn't say uncomfortable, I just didn't expect it is all. Just a bit surprised I suppose. Well here we are, hope you don't mind spending a night under the stars." Nanuet lays out the bedrolls next to each other and sits upon his waiting for Minerva to join him.

Minerva sits forward of Nanuet so that he can hold her in his arms as they gaze up into the night sky. It is filled with a billion twinkling stars. Minerva points to the milky path across the sky. "In our culture we believe that, that is the road to the palace of heaven. My goddess is up there watching over us. She tilts her head back to him and says "I know that there is much to be concerned about, but I am so happy right now it is difficult to be worried." She says snuggling closer.

"Tonight we put our cares aside and relax. Who knows when the next time we have to lay relaxed in each others arms." Nanuet begins massaging Minerva's shoulders gently and humming the song that he serenaded her with. Minerva softly sings the words as Nanuet hums the tune but it is not long before the day's events catch up with her and Nanuet’s gentle hands coax her weary muscles into relaxing. she mumbles the last lines "So forget about your yesterdays of sorrow. And forget about the darkness you have seen For there's only you and me ...." before she turns into Nanuet's arms and falls asleep.

Once Minerva’s breathing is regular he lays her down and makes sure she is comfortable. He watches her for some time, alternating between gazing at her and the stars. Eventually Nanuet enters reverie and washes away the weariness of the day.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 182, “Ruby’s Bluff”, Sunday, March 26th, 1882, 9:00 PM

Oh crap... Ruby stands silent and still for what seems like an eternity but is only a couple of seconds. She keeps her eyes on the dynamite while backing out of the room. She calls down the hallway, "Uh, Jake, I think I found her..." Jake quickly come to the hallway outside the liquor storage room. "Where is she?"

"She's in here," she replies, "And she's been very very bad." She leans closer to him and whispers in his ear. "Dynamite, four invisible sticks near the window with the fuse going out the window. I'm going to try to disarm it. You go get everyone out downstairs. Figure out what to do with those men. At least one of them knew this was going on. Get Chester to arrest them, the Judge wanted them anyway. I'm going to fix this problem," she nods back into the room and starts inside. Jake stops her, grabbing her arm. Before he can speak she kisses him hard. "I know. Now go and don't let anyone interrupt me."

She walks back in the room and grabs a couple of bottles of beer, keeping them nearby. She kneels in front of the invisible dynamite and says out loud, "I can't bring you any love if I'm dead, Goddess, so I hope you're watching out for me." With that Ruby starts concentrating and tries to disable the dynamite bomb. Jake starts down the stairs and then pauses, grabs the pups each by the scruff of the neck and heads down the stairs.

Ruby takes a deep breath in. If I don't get this done we'll ALL be dead... She ignores the gun fire and continues concentrating on the task, 'seeing' through the invisibility and working on unwinding the fuses on the dynamite. It had been a while since she really dealt with a setup like this but she still could do it in her sleep. It was the being invisible part that was new but so far so good. She wipes some perspiration off her forehead with her arm and continues her work.

Chester had followed the men over to the door. The bearded one tries the knob and finds it locked. "Hey, what's the idea he says." "Not too neighborly locking in the customers," the man with the balding head states. They continue to stand near the door and question Chester, who does not immediately reply.

When Jake gets to the bottom he pushes the pups in the direction of the side door. "Tony, your game needs a break for a few minutes right NOW. Harry, take a bottle and refresh Tony's customers outside on us and don't let anyone else in that isn't a lawman. Tony gets up and opens the side door. The puppies hurry out and his customers begin to as well. Harry grabs a bottle of whiskey and a handful of glasses and heads in that direction. The three men by the front door walk away from Chester and also move quickly towards the now open side door.

Jake says, “Jeff! The marshal wants to question these men and would like your assistance." Hearing that the tall man in the crew cut breaks into a run towards the side door. The beaded one begins to reach inside his shirt. The balding man turns towards Chester. "Look out Chester!" Not taking his eyes off the men, Chester yells to Harry, "Harry, go get Marshall Berg. If he's not at the office, check at his home."

Jake fast draws his Colt and shoots the man reaching inside his shirt. The shot misses the man by around two inches, the bullet striking the side wall. The man removes his hand, a cigar now in it, and exclaims "What the hell!" "Sit down and keep your hands on the table." Jake tells him. "Marshall you want me to catch that guy?" Jake asks as he moves quickly across the room and out the door. "Jeff, keep them here and help the Marshall."

Jeff Mills hurls the sawdust bag at the man running out the door and then grabs a whiskey bottle. Jeff overthrows, missing the man but hitting Tony's player Jim Wolfe and knocking the man against the wall. The tall man with the crew cut makes it out the door but is still within sight. Jake yells at the man, "Hey, you, the Marshall wants to talk to you!" and runs after him.

Chester yells back. "Go. Bring him back here." He draws his six guns and trains them on the bearded man and the balding one. "Now just sit back down. You all are wanted for questioning by Judge Isby." When Jake exits the side door of the Lucky Lady he spots the man on across Allen Street ducking into the alleyway between the rear door of the Gay Lady and Hudson's Bakery. Jake follows, expecting the man to continue west behind the buildings on Main Street and then head south towards the Indian Head Saloon. Instead, the man turns north at the rear of the Bakery. Instead of going into the Alleyway Jake stays on Allen heading north to the other corner of the Bakery.

He catches a glimpse of the man heading towards the alleyway between the Silver Dollar Saloon and Barker's Photographic Studio, using the Silver Dollar's outhouse as partial cover. The man is forty feet from Jake as he begins to enter the alley between the rear of the two buildings and the outhouse. Jake hollers at the top of his voice, "Marshall Barker, help us catch that man!" and moves towards him a few steps so the man will think Jake is following then cuts hard to continue to parallel his path

Back at the Lucky Lady, Ruby successfully disconnects all five fuses so that the fuses on the four individual sticks of dynamite are no longer connected to themselves or to the longer fuse. She looks at the boards over the windows, seeing that two of the four nails holding the plank where the invisible fuse cord goes through have been removed and the other two nails aren't fully in but have just been pushed back in place to hold the plank on.

Ruby breathes a sigh of relief as she wipes the beads of sweat off her forehead again. She gathers the invisible dynamite, placing the invisible fuses in the band of her skirt. She realizes that the Mr. Foote could still be around but guesses that since he finished his job he is long gone. She heads downstairs and surveys the scene. Mr. Wolfe is picking himself up off the floor looking dizzy. She approaches the two remaining men who are now sitting. "Let's get them tied up, shall we?" Niles, who is standing mouth agape, shotgun in hand, hurries over with some rope. "Where is the other one?"

Jeff replies, "He ran out the side door. Mr. Cook followed him." Ruby took another deep breath to hide her concern and instead focused on the remaining two. "Jeff, would you do the honors?" As Jeff ties their hands behind their backs, Ruby slides onto the table between them. "Now boys, I am so disappointed in you. Here I am thinking you came to hear me sing and that we were going to be great friends," she says swinging her legs, "When all the while you were up to no good. Friends don't do that, now do they?"

Neither of the men answer Ruby, which makes a crooked half smile come to her face. "I see you have forgotten your manners. Chester holsters his weapons, but remains standing. What is she talking about? They've been down here all night as far as I can tell. I'll let her go on. Alright, let's start with this." She holds up her hand, her palm flat, the two sticks of invisible dynamite being seen only by her. "Where did this come from?" she asks sweetly.

Riff looks up at Ruby. "What are you crazy?" he laughs nervously, "There isn't anything in your hand." He turns to his friend then to Jeff. "I think she's had too much to drink." His friend the bearded man returns the nervous laugh. "I don't know what is going on here, but you're all crazy."
Ruby smiles, then grabs Riff roughly by his shirt collar, pulling his face close to hers. She stares him in the eyes as she slides one invisible stick into his pants pocket then presses it to his leg. Then she whispers in his ear in a sultry voice, "Is that dynamite in your pocket or are you just really happy to see me?"

She sits back with a satisfied grin, pulling the hair off her face. "I'm sure people will think you're crazy when you go running down the street claiming to have an invisible LIT stick of dynamite in your pants, don't you think?" Beads of sweat now drip down his forehead. "So, why don't you start talking then. Because once you lose your usefulness that's exactly what's going to happen."

She slides off the table, giving him a minute to think this over while she approaches Mr. Wolfe, who is looking very rattled as he pulls out a cigarette. "I'm not sure what happened to you, why don't you have a seat?" She pours him a whiskey and hands it to him, then lights his cigarette when his hands are shaking too much to do it himself. She takes another one and lights it for herself.

She walks causally back over and sits again on the table between the two sweaty men, smoking her cigarette. She takes note that every time she puts her hand near the man's pants he flinches in his seat. "Problem?" she smiles innocently. Ruby lifts her skirts up to her thighs, revealing her wine and beer soaked stockings. "Now look, I ruined my favorite pair of stockings while I was upstairs taking care of this problem. That makes me very mad," she says, suddenly pushing Riff back in his seat with her foot pressed firmly against his chest. "Start spilling."

Riff is still acting very nervous. His bearded friend shakes his head "no". The bearded one says, "Lady, we're just ranchers looking for work. I don't know nothing about any magical dynamite. Is it a crime to come into a saloon to drink and listen to music is it? You folks are the ones who locked us in, we was just trying to leave."

Ruby keeps her foot firmly in place. "I'd want to leave too knowing what was going on." She turns back to Riff. "Tell me about your friend, why don't you? The one who ran off." She pushes her foot just a little harder onto his chest. "You good friends?" "Nah," he says. He gestures to his bearded companion and says "We're good friends, worked together for years. Just met those other two back in Galeyville. They was heading this way and it's safer to travel in numbers around these parts."

She replies, "What other two? The man who took off out of here and..." He answers, "Oh, he had a buddy, Rudy something. Didn't join us tonight, got the stuffing beaten out of him last night at the Palace against that Finnegan guy." Ruby listens and watches carefully as the man answers her questions. "Rudy Foote that would be. Yes, I heard it was quite a fight. And what do you know about these new friends of yours? And speak up, Deputy Marshall Martin wants to hear what you have to say."

Chester nods and says, "If I like what I hear, I'll tell the judge you were cooperative. He'll go easy on you. Did Foote tell you why him and his friend were coming here?" Chester thinks, Where is Foote? I hope that he's still at the Palace and not looking for Jake. Riff says, "Foote didn't come here, he stayed back at the camp. Still recovering from that beating he took yesterday." Chester says, "Did you see the fight? That Finnegan's good. Who's idea was it to come to the Lucky Lady rather than the Palace? Friends of the fighters might have gotten free drinks there."

Ruby shakes her head. Poor Chester is always the last one to know. She interrupts Chester speaking, "Look, I don't think you're telling the truth." She pushes her foot a little harder into his chest. "And I'm getting bored sitting here. And," a evil smile comes to her face, "My cigarette is getting a little low. You'd better start telling me the truth. Who sent you here?"

Riff replies, "It was Roy's idea to come here. Given all this hassle I wish we'd gone to the Palace instead. Look, Ambrose and I are leaving done, we've had it with this cow manure." "Alright, have it your way." Ruby slides off the table and takes another invisible stick of dynamite, this time placing it in the bearded guys pocket. "Jeff, let's escort these men outside, I don't want to be cleaning up guts off the floor." Riff stands up suddenly and reaches his tied hands around from behind his back towards his pants pocket in an attempt to pull out the dynamite stick.

Chester draws his Remington. "Whoa there. Let go of whatever that is and lower your hands, please." Ruby exclaims, "It's dynamite, Marshal, and we're about to take a walk outside and blow these two to Hades, as they were about to do to us with the help of their new friends." Ruby continues with mock sympathy, "Sorry you two innocently picked the wrong friends." She continues, "And since these two have nothing to help us help them, well, it's the end of the line. Because I don't like it when people come into," she starts screaming, "MY SALOON AND TRY TO BLOW IT UP!"

The bearded on is the first to break. He yells out "NO, don't kill us! We didn't do nothing, it was those guys. It was their plan! We were just going along for..." "SHUT UP YOU IDIOT!" Riff exclaims. "But 'Bama, they're gonna kill us! This is the guy who shot Pony!" Riff snaps back, "And you're gonna end up like Gifford if you don't shut your yap!" Chester says, "'Bama, eh? You must be Riff McNally. Don't deny it. Though, I'd ask myself, which has a shorter fuse, the dynamite or Miss West."

"And if you DON'T start talking you're going to find out what the inside of these fireworks look like!" Ruby yells, smacking the table with her hand. She calms herself down and pushes her hair off her face. "Oh forget it. You're going to wish we killed you, you bastards. Instead I have a fate much worse in store." She turns to Chester, "These two are worthless. Good thing Hanging Nate Isby is in town, we'll have some hangings just in time for next weekend's festivities." She laughs, "He probably won't even give them a real trial now that we know they've got nothing to share. That is, if they survive the night. As soon as Berg gets here let's take them to jail."

Chester states "That's true. After what happened to Gifford, who knows what could happen in jail. Us marshals have been known to fall asleep while on duty." He pauses. "You might want to put out the dynamite now. We don't want to blow up the jail." Ruby shakes her head again. "Chet, Chet, Chet, would I light the dynamite here in the Lucky Lady? That's what we are trying to avoid. I'm for taking these two useless men, if you can call them that, outside and lighting it with my few last remaining puffs. Judge Isby won't mind me saving him the hassle of pretending to have a trial. And then you won't have to worry about getting attacked over these two in jail."

Ruby turns to the men, "But I really want to know one thing. Why does your boss Ringo think we're so inept? I mean, time after time we've been blowing you Cowboys to pieces and yet, he still persists in continuing to send you all here to meet your maker. So either he really has it out for all you Cowboys or he really thinks we're that helpless. What do you two think?" Ruby asks with a smile while moving the hand with the cigarette dangerously close to the bald man's pants.

Ambrose exclaims "Ringo ain't around, he..." Riff yells "You shut up you idjit! They're bluffing! They ain't gonna hurt us." Chester says, "Really? There are a couple dozen cowboys who'd disagree with you. If you could talk to ghosts, that is. But you both probably already know how long a snitch lasts in jail around here. We know you haven't spilled your guts, but does Ringo?"

"No? Alright." Ruby turns to Jeff. "Where's the best spot, we can tie em up and blow em, up without hurting anyone we like. Perhaps we should leave them outside the Indian Head Saloon... Yes, let's do that." Ruby grabs the bald guy by the shirt. "You take that one. Marshal, up to you if you want to join us or not. Niles can follow us with that shot gun of his. Ready Jeff?"

Chester scratches his chin with his free hand. "Is there a mine open at this hour? We could kill two birds with one stone. I'm sure someone would appreciate a free blast. Let's keep them separated." He whispers to Niles, "Let's walk slowly with Ambrose here. He's ready to talk. But not with Riff around."

Glaring at Ruby Jake states, "Sorry Ma'am, that would be cold blooded murder. I'm afraid that you'll have to find somebody else to do that for you." He turns and exits the room through the door to the kitchen. "Chester, you and Niles stay here with these two." Ruby hurries out to the kitchen and she catches Jeff by the arm.

She whispers, "I'm only bluffing them Jeff. I didn't even put the fuses on the dynamite. It's here," she pulls the invisible fuses out of her dress, "Ok, so you can't see them but they're here. They have to go to the jail, but I'm trying to get them to talk before they get murdered by their own. I'm waiting for some other law person to take them to jail, I guess Chet isn't going to do it."

Jeff replies, "Oh, well, it seems that Ambrose believes you, you sure had me fooled. Miss. West, please don't put me into situations like that again. I've been pushed around and manipulated by just about everyone I've known for the last eighteen years, including a lot of people I trusted. Miss. West, if either of those guys goes and tells the Judge that I was part of a threat to kill them then it'll be me seeing the gallows, not them. The Government has been looking for any excuse to string me up. Look, I've got to go think. I think I'll stay over at Job's place tonight instead of here."

"Jeff," Ruby says softly, "We're not going to let anything happen to you. But understand something. They snuck in here and placed invisible dynamite in our liquor room. In case you don't realize, that would probably have incinerated the entire block and surrounding area, including all of us. We're just trying to end all this so we can ALL go on with our lives. I didn't and would never ask you to commit a murder on our behalf. I was speaking to the bouncer of the Lucky Lady, not our friend Jeff. The Judge will know if they are telling the truth, and the truth is you AREN'T involved in any type of murder conspiracy."

He says, "Ma'am, my duties as bouncer included stopping them and tying them up. Once they were secured and the building was safe I had done my job. Planning to blow them up alive...that's something else entirely." Ruby thinks for a moment. "Do you have reason to believe that Judge Isby would harm you? You're not quitting are you?" She glances around, "And where the heck is Jake? He's better at this than I am."

Mills replies, "Miss. West, Right not I'm not sure of anything. I need to go think. But Yes, Judge Isby has every reason to harm me, as does Deputy Sheriff Hunter. They've both been after me for ages, in fact Hunter's only here in this town because of me. They may not actually hang me, but they'd sure as Hades use that and anything else they can as leverage to try to get information out of me. And if I don't tell them what they want to know, which I won't, then a noose will probably be the result. It doesn't matter that these guys may be the Cowboy Gang, you saw Emery Shaw's reaction to me a week ago, it didn't matter who the opponents were."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 183, “Shooting on Sierra Street”, Sunday, March 26th, 1882, 9:15 PM

Jake continued north on Allen alongside the eastern wall of the Silver Dollar Saloon. Glancing through the saloon's windows, he sees the tall man has reached Sierra and then turns right onto the street, moving east and heading towards Jake. Jake stops at the corner of the building, just before Sierra. Jake still has his Colt in his hand and will melt into the dimness at the corner. Jake decides that if 'Whitey' comes close enough to the corner, Jake will thrust out his foot and attempt to trip him.

Instead the man stops and pauses as he nears the corner. Jake leaps out just before the man passes by the corner and exclaims. "You must be getting tired. Why don't we talk?" Jake adds in his most intimidating tone, "unless you'd rather do something that looks like drawing a gun and I have to shoot you." The man stops and slowly begins to raise his hands, palms open.

Jake then feels the barrel of a gun press against his right forehead as the invisible man holding it materializes on Sierra Street beside him. From the corner of his eye Jake can make out that the man is tall and wide, with a broken nose and several bruises on his face. Sixty feet further west down Sierra Street Jake sees Helen Barker exit from the front door of her home, her Colt in her right hand. With the white-haired man with his back to her and tall bruised one watching Jake neither have noticed her yet.

The man says "Why don't you just drop that gun of yours." Jake replies, "It's a Colt, it will fire if I drop it. I'll place it down." Jake slowly and deliberately pulls back the hammer and gently places it forward. Then he releases the grip and the pistol pivots on his finger so he can grab the barrel with his hand. Continuing to move slowly and hold the mans attention, Jake holds his left hand up in the air and places the gun on the ground taking a step directly backwards while doing so. Jake takes another step back when rising, trying to keep the large man from looking in Helen Barker's direction. Jake slowly raises his right hand in the air. "I just keep trying to talk to you guys, but you'd rather blow things up. You can't be being paid enough to want to be on the Earp’s dead man list."

Helen Barker then fires, blowing out the brains of the large man pointing at gun towards Jake. The white haired one dives towards Jake's colt lying on the ground. Jake attempts to kick his Colt away from the man while cross drawing his other pistol. "I really wouldn't if I were you," Jake says while taking aim at him, prepared to fire.

Jake goes to kick the gun but the man grabs and scoops it up with his other hand. Jake fires his other gun. The gun strikes the man and a fireball erupts. Jake successfully dives and tumbles onto the street to keep from getting engulfed in the flames, although his pants do get a few scorch marks.

Helen moves forward while taking two more shots into the burning man's back, guaranteeing his demise. A crowd begins to gather, including the customers from the Silver Dollar Saloon, who notice the saloon's wooden steps beside the man are starting to catch. Saloon owner Haywood Smith gets a couple of men to help him dump a rain barrel over onto the fire and burning corpse. Helen Barker picks up Jake's Peacemaker and hands it back to him.

"Thanks," Jake brushes the dirt off it before holstering it. "...and thanks. Sorry to interrupt your Sunday night but these guys were trying to blow up the Lucky Lady. Chester had me chase this one," Jake says pointing to the charred body and then to the large man, "and this one just appeared out of nowhere. He has two other guys at the Lucky Lady he is questioning. They had explosives, I suppose I must have hit whatever he was carrying."

Jake takes a minute to search the men for clues, weapons, valuables or items that look like they could be enchanted. Anything small enough to be removed unseen will be. When he and Helen can speak away from the crowd, Jake says, "These are two of the five men that Isby had information suggesting they were part of Ringo's gang. It does not look like they will be talking though." Jake looks around and sighs. "I need to get back there now, come along if you like." He heads back quickly to the Lucky Lady.

Half way back he runs into Marshall Berg, exiting his house on Allen Street. "What was all that shooting?" he exclaims. Jake replies, "Some of the Cowboy gang tried to dynamite the Lucky Lady. We stopped them and Chester had me chase down one that ran out the door. He has the other two at the saloon. When I caught the guy and had the drop on him, that fighter, Rudy Foote, appeared next to me out of no where with a gun to my head."

Jake puts his hand emulating a gun to his temple. "Marshall, literally out of no where. Fortunately for me Marshall Barker had heard me hollering for her when the other buy ran by her studio. She shot Foote in the head. The other guy dove for my gun that was on the ground. I tried to kick it away but he grabbed it anyway. Your deputy and I both shot him. Both these guys were among the five names that Isby gave us to watch out for."

Fifty feet to the south Jeff goes to open the back door from the kitchen. He and Ruby both now see Jake on Allen Street next to the vacant lot between the Lucky Lady and Mitchell Berg's house, talking to Marshall Berg. Jeff says, "Well, there's Jake and the Marshall. I'll be seeing you tomorrow I guess." He heads off and up Allen Street, stopping to talk to Berg and Cook. Ruby watches Jeff walk away, glad that she had been convincing but concerned that she upset him. Not wanting to let the Cowboys escape she decided to take care of the Jeff issue later. She heads back into the main room.

Jeff tells the men, "You men are both needed at the Lucky Lady. Miss West has some prisoners for you." Jake says, "Chester still has them? Good. We better get going..." Berg starts to walk but Jake says, "I'll be right with you." He lets Berg move away before saying, "Um, Jeff, where are you going?"

Jeff answers, "To Job's house. He gave me his spare key and asked me to keep an eye on the place whenever he's away. I'm...I'm going to spend the night there. Miss West....well...she crossed over a line. She says that she was only bluffing but I'm not so sure. I do my job to the best of my ability but there are things I won't do. William Whipple found that out when he went to hit Sonoma. The job's important but not more important than my self respect."

"Oh." Jake scratches his beard. "If that is what you think is best for tonight. I'll go find out for myself what happened, but give Ruby a fair shake. The Cowboy gang don't play by any rules so it is hard to deal with them. They almost blew us all to kingdom come and it was Ruby who figured it out and I assume disarmed the explosive."

Jake pats him on the shoulder. "Let's talk tomorrow. Things aren't always what they appear Mr. Mills. I remember hearing a hammer click in my own saloon when I knocked on a door. A door which YOU were on the other side. I could have assumed the worst at that time and chose not to. I hope you'll give us the same chance. Sleep well, Jeff." Jeff nods, then turns and walks away towards the northern part of town. Mitchell Berg had glanced down Sierra Street, seeing that Deputy Marshal Barker had matters under control. He joins Jake and says, "Shall we see what this is about?" "Yes" Jake replies and they walk to the Lucky Lady.

"Alright," Ruby states inside while staring hard at the two men, "Either of you have something to say before go for our little walk?" As she speaks she runs her hand across the table, picking up the other two sticks of dynamite. "Why be wasteful..." she says with the evil grin reappearing on her face.

She walks over to Chester and puts an invisible stick in his hand. "This one's for Riff. Why don't you and Niles start taking him out of here?" Chester nods and they start towards the door. Ruby walks over to Ambrose and slowly puts the stick into his other pocket while standing close to him, staring him in the eyes. "You sure there isn't anything else you'd like to add? Maybe you can convince me to change my mind about this plan." He says, "I'm just a little guy. The one you want is Roy, he's the brains of the outfit."

Ruby runs her finger across Ambrose's cheek and says sweetly, "But Roy isn't here right now, is he? He ran off and left you. You're here and you can help yourself by telling me what you know." Chester puts the dynamite in his own pocket. He and Niles walk McNally out of the Lucky Lady. "Are you sure you don't have anything to say, Alabama? Judge Isby is very interested in talking to you.” He replies, "Yeah, go to hell! Do you honestly think Ringo's done with this place? Isby may be harsh but he plays by the rules. You all ain't gonna kill me or Ambrose, leastwise not without a trial and appeal. By that time all of you will be dead."

Chester states, "Maybe, but imagine what Ringo will do to you. Maybe Isby will give you a shorter sentence than usual. Maybe Ringo thinks you ratted him out even if you don't. So you might as well talk." Chester shrugs. "Your choice." The man spits onto Chester's shirt. Jake arrives with the Marshal, seeing Chester with one of the men.

Chester states, "That wasn't neighborly. I bought you a round after all. Between you and me, I heard a rumor that the judge has had lunch a couple times with Miss West. That might sway his opinion of people who tried to blow her up." Chester sees Jake and Berg. "Oh look, there's Mr. Cook. Odd. I don't see your friend who ran out. Hi Jake, Marshall. I'm on my way to jail. Ruby has the other guy back at the Lucky Lady. Where's the third guy?" Jake answers, "The white haired guy? He got shot right after Marshal Barker shot Foote dead." Jake turns to Riff. "Seems like you guys joined the right gang if you want to rise to the top quickly. Lot's of vacancies all the time. Deputy, you want to fill Marshall Berg in on what happened?"

"Sure. Marshall, this is Riff 'Alabama' McNally. Him, a guy named Ambrose, and a white-haired guy. He was the fellow hanging around Rudy Foote when we were at the Palace. Ruby suspects something and goes upstairs. She finds some dynamite in one of the rooms up there. We lock the doors to prevent them from getting away. The white-haired guy runs out the back and Jake chases him. I have Riff and Ruby is talking to Ambrose back at the saloon."

Inside, Ambrose tells Ruby "I don't know much. This was all 'Bama's idea. He decided to join those guys in Galeyville. We did come here from Texas to find ranching jobs, but 'Bama like the sound of rustling better, said it required the same sills but sounded like easier work. We've been in Galeyville for around a month now. Ringo used other guys instead of us, didn't want new folks who he didn't trust. But they're all either dead or busy so he brought us on this run. There, I told you what I knew."

She states, "Of course they are, they were either killed by Wyatt or us. What was your job here on 'this run'. And where is he and when is he coming back here. Don't lie because we already know he's planning it." Ambrose replies, "I don't completely know. We were told to come here and just wait in case Roy's friend needed our assistance. We were told to make sure that we stayed here at least an hour. Roy was the guy in charge, you'll have to ask him."

"If he's still alive, maybe I will." Ruby takes the sticks of dynamite out of his pockets and sticks them in hers. "Let's go." She grabs Ambrose by the back of his shirt and starts dragging him out the door, catching up with Chester. Jake sees Ruby coming out the door with the red bearded guy. He leaves Berg with Chester and walks quickly over. "Whitey and Foote are dead. You able to take care of the dog?" "Sorry to hear about that," she replies sarcastically. "Yes, I took care of that very naughty dog, although it wasn't easy."

Jake asks, "Are you done with them? Shall we let the law take them away?" "I'm done with this one," she pushes Ambrose forward. Jake turns to his gambler and says, "Tony, if there is anything left of your game feel free." Jake motions for Ruby to follow him and he pushes the red bearded man over to Berg and Chester. "All yours, we'll walk with you to the jail."

Jake let's the lawmen and their new prisoners get ahead of he and Ruby. "Anything you want to tell Berg?” "Like what?" she replies. Jake says, “"I don't know. My girl is resourceful. I assume you kept yourself busy while I was running through the alleys of Promise City. If there is nothing he needs to hear tonight, then we'll make it quick. I just want to make sure he knows what Nanuet heard about them looking for weapons. We can tell him once those guys are behind bars."

Ruby asks, "What happened to the guy with the white hair you were chasing, Roy?" Jake tells the whole story quietly. "Imagine my surprise when I shot him with one of those fancy rounds. Boom! A bigger flash than a gun rag full of oil and powder. As if he wouldn't be dead after that, Barker shot him twice more."

"I wish I knew were they were getting all these invisibility potions or whatever and stop it. How in the flames of Hades to they make objects invisible too? I wonder how that big boxer guy got into the locked liquor storage. Didn't seem to me he would be nimble with his hands." Jake finishes with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, Roy was the one with the information," Ruby replies. She walks up behind Riff and checks to make sure no one is paying attention to her before she deftly lifts the invisible stick out of his pocket. Then she turns to Berg. "Ringo's going to be back in town sometime soon. Seems the guy with the real info is dead." She stops walking. "I'm going to head back to the Lucky Lady. Marshal, if you need me to answer any questions you can find me tomorrow."

"Wait." He walks over and gives her a hug. "I'll be quick...." Turns her around towards the saloon and unseen by the others leaves on her person a Bowie knife, wallet and whiskey flask. He whispers in her ear, "These were on Foote. If you can check them..." then releasing her and resuming normal speech, "....talking to the Marshall."

As Jake catches up with the lawmen he overhears Chester tell Berg about the weapons. I guess I don't need to tell Berg. Jake says good night at the jail and heads back to the Lucky Lady. Ruby also heads back to the Lucky Lady, having left only Tony and Harry there. "Is everything ok down here now?" Harry says, "Yeah, sounds fine. Maria and her boyfriend came back a few minutes ago. They're upstairs in her room now. Not much else going on around here tonight." Tony says, "Game broke up before I could win anything. Guess I'll try my luck again tomorrow. Goodnight Ruby."

"Her boyfriend, huh? I didn't know she had a boyfriend." She taps her lips, "Good night Tony. Try to keep yourself out of trouble." She turns to Harry. "Can you stay down here for a bit. I'd like to go to my room for a while." Harry replies, "Of course Ruby." Ruby heads upstairs and collapses on the bed. She finally lets the tension out with a big breath. I could really use a bath, a drink and a massage. Well, I can get one of those things. She stands and helps herself to a drink. Then she pulls out the items Jake handed her and checks them over.

The wallet contains $ 120 in cash, all in crisp new twenty dollar bills. It also feels more solid that a thin cowhide wallet should be. She finds a hidden compartment from which she pulls out a flat piece of leather with custom pockets with some very nicely made lock picks and skeleton keys. The Bowie knife feels lighter than it should and she assumes it has some sort of magic on it although she is unable to detect what. The flask does not contain whiskey but is instead one-third filled with a clear liquid that radiates a magical aura.

Ruby smiles as she takes a close look at the lock picks. These might come in handy She places them back in the small leather case and picks up the knife. She stabs it into a pile of newspapers on the table. She takes the flask and carefully spills a couple of drops onto the newspaper, watching to see if anything will happen. Ruby's experiment with the knife does not reveal anything in particular. When nothing happens Ruby shrugs and heads back downstairs.

As he's walking to the office with Berg, Chester says, "Marshall? I heard that the cowboys are planning on robbing a place sometime soon. Maybe the gunshop." Berg replies to Chester, "What makes you think they would attempt there?" Chester says, "My informant overheard some of the cowboys talking about needing more weapons and wanting to hit the place as soon as possible."

Berg quietly whispers to Chet, "Well, I want to question these two, I've got Eduardo watching Ike Sherman's place, and Helen has her hands full with the two bodies. Al Brower and Pierre Jacquet both have rooms over at the Double Eagle Boarding House. Why don't you head over there and let them know." "Sure thing, boss. See you in a bit." Chester turns and goes up Fremont Street. Reaching the Double Eagle, he knocks on the door.

Clay Milford answers. "Evening Marshall. Bit late to be calling on Miss Townsend, don't you think?" "Unfortunately this is a business visit. Is Al or Pierre in? I need to talk to them." Both men are in. They meet Chester in the Boarding House's dining room. "Is this about that shooting we heard earlier?" Al asks. Chester says, "Sort of. I heard that the Cowboy Gang is planning on robbing a place soon. Apparently they need more guns, so naturally the gunshop was tops on the list. When was the last time you were there?"

Pierre has a panicked look on his face. He says, "We were only open for a few hours this afternoon. It has been empty for a while." "Let's go," Al states. The three of them make their way down Fremont and Main and enter through the front door. The place is a mess, with things scattered everywhere and the safe is open. The back door is also unlocked. Al finds a candle where the wax is still hot and says, "This happened within the last hour." Pierre does a quick inventory and says "They left all of the used firearms but took everything new. Eighteen rifles and twenty-three revolvers. They also took everything in the safe, which included several boxes of special ammunition."

"Damnation. I better tell Berg. Maybe the guns are still in the area. I'm really sorry about this." Chester runs back to the office. "Marshall, come outside. I need to talk to you." They go onto the front porch. "The cowboys hit the gunshop. They took a bunch of rifles and revolvers. Al thinks it was no more than an hour ago. The guns might be at the Indian Head."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 184, “Athens”, Sunday, March 26th, 1882, 8:30 PM

At approximately 8:30 PM Manuel Gonzales emerges from his bedroom, happy and rested. He is wearing the nice three-piece suit that Antonio de Sucre and Simon Bolivar had purchased for him. "Well ladies, are you ready?" he asks. Sonoma states, “As ready as I can be. I do enjoy these trips however I enjoy them more when it is not something that must be undertaken but is more of a trip to be enjoyed for the pleasure of it.”

He then says, "Katherine, your ring is more clerical than wizard in origin so will not show up as Wizard magic but it is essential that all other items of wizard magic origin remain behind." "I have no other magical items on me right now. I left them with my riding clothes. I didn't think I needed them here. I'm as ready as I'm going to be," Kate said with her voice shaking slightly. "This will not be so terrible with you both with me."

Gonzales turns to Ginnie and says, "If you are going to be joining us you had best go and change into something more appropriate, such as your best dress." Kate interjects "You want her to come with us?" He replies, "Well, Katherine, since neither you or Sonoma known the Greek language, and Ginnie does, I thought it might be helpful to have another translator along. We found during the New Orleans trip that it was helpful to have two who knew the local language."

He turns back to Ginnie and says, "Hurry along, we can't wait all day." Ginnie does as told, scampering out the room. Once she is gone he adds "I would also prefer to have her somewhere that I can keep an eye on her." Kate says, "That reasoning I can understand. I'm not sure leaving her alone here with all these interesting things is the best idea." A few minutes later Ginnie came running back in wearing the mint green dress they'd gotten for the reopening of the Lucky Lady. Kate quickly took her brush to the girls hair, replaiting the braids neatly and tying them off with the matching ribbons. "There," she said, hugging the girl. "Will we make you proud?"

Gonzales has the three females accompany him into the workroom. He lights his brazier and tosses in the pink powder. Familiar with the routine, all of the women grasp hands as he casts the incantation. They arrive in a stone alcove that is around eight feet across and three to eight feet deep. It is on the side of a hill where they are standing at a sharp angle and have to re-adjust their footing to keep from falling over. The eastern sun is just coming over the horizon. Gonzales looks around and says, "We made it." He climbs out from the alcove and helps the women out.

They are indeed on the side of a hill, the largest hill in Athens in fact, overlooking the city below. Further up the hill at the top they can see the Acropolis, a massive stone temple with vast pillars constructed to honor the Goddess Athena some 2,500 years earlier. Further down the hill along the same side they see the Theater of Dionysus, a 20,000 seat stone amphitheater with a large multi-story building and wall along the east facing side. Gonzales explains that the theater was constructed a century earlier than the Acropolis and designed to seat the entire population of the city at the time, where great festivals were held every May that consisted of much fighting, dancing, singing and of course, typical Greek feasting.

He says "We're hardly dressed for the hike down the rocky hill but I had to bring us to somewhere that was safe, unchanged since I was here last and would also be unoccupied." Ginnie quickly pulls out her notebooks and begins scribbling at a high rate of speed. Bending over she snatches a bit of a plant and presses it between two pages of the book and starts to write again.

As they walk down to the city they can not only see all of the ancient stone temples to the gods, all in excellent condition as a result of the continuous worship to the gods over the millennia, but they also see what appears to be a modern city at the bottom. Gonzales explains this to them. "Athens was always the center of their religion, but until this last past century it was not their political center.

That changed in 1838 when it was chosen as capital of Greece. Between then and now a thorough attempt was made to turn the city into a modern capital. Much of the current city planning standards are mirrored after the great European cities and architects, engineers and men of arts from throughout Europe have been invited here to participate in the rebirth of the city. Most of this work has been financed through private rather than public funding, which has led it to take on more of a business perspective."

He points to the distance and says, "The most impressive of the new architecture is the parliament building, that stone building on the far horizon, but a little more than forty years ago. As the city has expanded and modernized so have the opportunities within in. In the last half century the city's population has grown from 12,000 to its present population of 65,000."

Despite herself, Katherine was impressed with the beauty of the city. There was an ancientness about it that could not be matched by the cities of the United States. Even though the modern part of Athens was new, it still felt like a place that had been lived in forever. "Where are we headed to, Professeur amie?"

Gonzales replies, "We need to head over to Vassilissis Olgas Avenue, where we will go to the Temple of Zeus. It was built in around the year 300 and at that time was the most impressive of all the temples to the gods, more so than the two that you have already seen. Less than a century later was destroyed by invading barbarians. But it was then rebuilt, on an even grander scale. From that point onward it has been the center of the Greek Church hierarchy. The Patriarch of the Greek Church resides there.

The man who I will attempt to gain an audience with, Archbishop Aristotle Theopolis, was a high priest on the Patriarch's administrative staff when I met him around three decades ago. He is now the Patriarch-Elect, the second highest ranking member of the Greek Church and tied with his Roman counterpart for third and fourth highest ranked positions among the combined Greek and Roman Churches."

Kate says, "You don't do anything halfway, do you?” Gonzales replies, "Well, it's not like I associate with Greek or Roman priests on a regular basis. He's the just first one I thought of. He may not be available at all but I figured it was worth a try. This is a very serious affair, I will not allow anything to manipulate my Sonoma or the man that she has chosen."

Kate asks, “What does he know of what you are? And how will you introduce Ginnie and I? Sonoma is your family, her relationship to you is easy. We human girls are obviously not, and I get the feeling our true association is to be secret." He replies, "I will explain that I am now living in America and that you two are both Americans. I plan to tell him the truth about what we know, obviously leaving out any reference to Wizard Magic usage, but otherwise explain the situation."

Kate says, "I will follow your lead then. It is true you are all my family now at the El Parador, and that is association enough. Have a care though. If we see him, this man is a priest and may not be interested in interfering with a gods will. And from my experience, priests have a high opinion of their own will as well." Gonzales replies, "He is first and foremost a Priest of Zeus. He may have very definite opinions of one of his deities interfering with another of his deities." "He may have some reason to help us then," Kate said, slightly cheered. "I'm sorry, trust of the servants of the Greek and Roman gods doesn't come easily to me. But I will try."

Gonzales replies, "The possible problem with his help is that it is Aphrodite and not Venus who is interfering with Diana and not Artemis. Yes, the Deities are the same. But only outside of Italy and Greece the Church is known as the Greek/Roman Church or in some places as the Roman/Greek Church. In Italy only the Roman is Worshipped and in Greece only the Greek in Worshipped. They don't even acknowledge the other church within their own county. In fact, it is only due to the efforts of King Henry VIII a few centuries back that there is a combined church outside of Italy and Greece."

Kate says, "Is she interfering with Diana? I know she is interfering with Minerva, since that is who Miss Florencia reveres, but she does seem to try to give all gods their due. But with Aphrodite's gifts at the ritual, perhaps the other goddesses did not know about it. Oh, I don't know! How did I ever get mixed up in religious matters?" Kate took a few more careful steps down the hill and a deep breath to calm herself. "Perhaps it is good we are here. I seem to need guidance."

He says, "Diana is the goddess that has granted you her favor. You had hoped to honor her, but Aphrodite apparently decided to misuse that to favor herself." She replies, "Yes, she did. And I don't like her using me to cloud the minds of others, either." Kate looked over at Ginnie and realized she had never asked the girl if she wanted to revere any gods, or if she had a faith of her own. She must ask soon. "Well, I will hope we can gain an audience and learn how to deal with this. I'm grateful you have many friends, Mr. Gonzales."

Gonzales and his entourage arrive at the Temple to the Olympian Zeus. The complex of buildings are massive and based upon the architecture show evidence of having been constructed over different time periods. A new section is under construction with that part of the building blocked off. Gonzales begins a series of interviews with various clerks and lower-ranked priests who apparently handle most unscheduled inquiries. Gonzales does all of the talking but when an opportunity exists Ginnie fills Kate and Sonoma in on most of what she is able to decipher, apologizing for the fact that her Greek knowledge is with written rather than spoken so she is only catching around eighty percent of what is said.

She adds that many of these priests have never seen an elf before, let alone one who had actually met the Patriarch-elect before, so Gonzales has continued success and moving up the bureaucratic ladder. After a little over an hour that included discussions with eight different individuals the four are brought to a nicely furnish parlor-style room where a High Priest who is a senior member of the Patriarch-Elect's staff will grant them an audience. The four wait alone in the room for the man to arrive.

Kate had some familiarity with bureaucracy, and was impressed with the speed with which they had moved up the chain. They sat now waiting for the last hurdle and Kate focused on keeping her hands still. She dug deep into her education and remembered finishing school. If you cannot be calm, be proper. She mentally put on her society manners and felt steadier. “Any last minute advice?" she asked her teacher. He replies, "Yes, be honest and use your head." She says, "Honesty I can give. I'm not so sure about using my head, I seem to have some trouble with that now and then," she said trying for light.

The High Priest arrives. He converses in Greek with Gonzales for close to a half-hour, during which it is not possible for Ginnie to communicate to the others what is being said. He then leaves. Gonzales says "He has asked us to wait a little longer. He will recommend that we speak directly to Arch-Bishop and Patriarch-elect Aristotle Theopolis. He expects to return shortly and bring us to the man."

Apparently our timing is very good. There have been problems in America with the United States with the combined Roman/Greek. The large influx of nearly one-hundred-thousand Italian immigrants within the last quarter-century has resulted in a proposal to abandon the combined church in America and replace it with one that only answers to Rome. The Greek Church obviously does not want that, as other countries might then follow. They are therefore very sensitive right now to issues with the United States regarding conflicts within the church itself."

Kate says, "I never paid much attention, but now that I think of it Tom used to come back from church talking about some such notion. He seemed to be bothered by it, saying the combined church is what we've had in the United States and there was no reason to be changing. I've been wishing I'd paid more attention. As he was in many things, it seems Tom was wiser than I in these matters."

The High Priest returns to the room with Gonzales, Kate, Ginnie and Sonoma. He asks them to follow him and leads them through the vast building. They reach a cavernous room with forty-foot high marble pillars leading up to a flat roof. The walls of the room have stone frescos on them depicting the various Greek Gods. Massive windows of stained glass are also dedicated to a dozen different deities. At the front of the room is a thirty-foot high statue of Zeus. At each of his feet are ornate gold high-backed chairs with gold and silver embroidery on the plush white cushions.

A man sits in one of the chairs. He is plump, with a full head of white hair and matching neatly cropped beard. His brown eyes appear to have a sparkle to them. He has on a long white robe with embroidery similar to that on the chair. He also wears a square-shaped low hat of white and silver silk atop his head. An elaborate gold ring adorns one finger and a scepter is hooked to one arm of the chair.

There are twenty other people in the room. Fourteen are dressed as guards, but have swords rather than firearms. They are wearing white and gold uniforms with sashes and wide hats with tassels. Curiously, three of the fourteen are female. At a long table near the front sit four clerks, wearing simple white tunics over cloth shirts and leggings. Before each of them are large open books, with inkwells and quills near the hands of each. The remaining two people are dressed as priests and standing a few feet behind the man in the chair. As they walked through the temple and entered the guard-lined room, Kate felt smaller and smaller. Never had she seen a place like this, and being strangers in this place put them at a great disadvantage. She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders.

The High Priest walks forward and announces to the room "Manuel Gonzales, formerly of Mexico and now a resident of the United States." Two of the four clerks make notations in their books. As they near Ginnie notes that of the four books, two are being transcribed in Greek and two in Latin. Gonzales ushers his companions to join him. He bows and says in Greek, "I am grateful that you have granted me this audience Arch Bishop Theopolis. Two of my friends do not speak this language. Would it be permissible for us to converse in the English Language?"

The Arch-Bishop and Patriarch-Elect nods and says in English, "As you know, I am fluent in several languages, English being one of them. Mr. Gonzales, I was under the impression that you had risen to the Presidency of your native Mexico. How is it that you find yourself in the United States?" Manuel says, "Your Excellency, that is a different Manuel Gonzales, it is a common name. After Santa Anna left office I retired from public service. I now live a simple life in the Arizona Territory where I reside with my Granddaughter and her family.

May I introduce you to my Great Granddaughter Sonoma." He gestures to the wood elf. "My other two companions are Mrs. Katherine Kale, who is establishing a school in our community and her ward Ginnie." The man nods to all three women. You're never wrong with good manners. "Your Excellency," she said quietly but clearly as she executed the kind of curtsey she had not used since her days in Boston society.

Gonzales makes his case to the Arch-Bishop "The reason I am here concerns my new home. This matter has caused me much distress. I could have brought this to the Church Officials in our county but whereas they are currently predisposed towards the Roman rather than Greek church I felt that your preference would be for me to bypass the normal channels and bring it directly to your attention.

In our town there is a Priestess of Aphrodite. She wishes to make hers the only Goddess worshipped in the town, to the exclusion of all others. While her enthusiasm is commendable, her actions themselves have been problematic. Most troubling is that she has intentionally used the gift of love to distract the other priests of the area and keep them from their own gods. Both of the women with me victims of this.

My Great Granddaughter is a priestess of the Elvan Gods of Nature. Her mentor is a High Priestess of those gods and has the power to negate the Aphrodite Priestess's powers, so this Priestess has abused her powers to keep my relative from her mentor. The town has two more priests, one who follows the Norse gods and another who follows the Celtic. A follower of Aphrodite now has these two men locked into a love triangle, and both are ignoring their congregations.

Something similar has happened to another priest in town, who follows the elvan gods. He has been overcome by feelings of love as well and is ignoring his responsibilities to his people. But these abuses of her powers are not limited to other pantheons. The main religious leader of the town is a Roman Priestess. Her authority has been subverted and she is also now swept up by love.

Lastly, there is my friend Katherine who stands beside me. She was recently granted a great favor by the Goddess Diana, who you know as Artemis. She wanted to thank the Goddess Diana through a ceremony. Unbeknownst to her, Aphrodite usurped the ceremony, accepting the thanks meant for another, and gave her a Love Token in return to bind her to Aphrodite instead."
The Arch-Bishop pauses as he takes all of this in. He turns to Katherine and asks, "How do you view what has transpired?"

Kate took a moment to carefully choose her words. "I view these events with much confusion and some apprehension. I do not believe there is malice in them. I would welcome more of Aphrodite's influence in our town, but untempered love and passions inflamed beyond all reason often lead to chaos. The gods together bring a balance, and as our Priestess has said all the gods should be given their due. The Priestess of Aphrodite is preventing this." Kate paused for a moment, hoping she was saying the right things. "The matter of the ceremony.... I do not wish Diana to think me ungrateful, and it grieves me to think I may never be able to honor her as I should."

The Arch-Bishop says, "I believe that I understand some of what transpired in your specific case. You are indeed a victim, of an ancient rivalry between two deities. Diana is indeed known as Artemis to the Greeks just as Aphrodite is known as Venus to the Romans. In both pantheons Aphrodite is the Goddess of Love, Beauty and Passion. In both pantheons Artemis is the Goddess of the Hunt, the Moon and Animals. But one difference between the worship of these deities by the Greek and the Roman peoples is the area of Fertility, which the Romans credit to Diana and the Greeks to Aphrodite. Was the favor that you were thanking her for related to Fertility?"

A rosy blush crept up Kate's cheeks but she kept her head up. "Yes. I now carry my husband's child, conceived after his death. He was a devout man and I chose a stone for him that honored Diana. It is my understanding that his devotion and my choice gave her reason to look kindly on us."

Ginnie purposely keeps her posture and face blank at Kate's announcement that she is pregnant but her mind begins to race. She clutches the small bag of lace at her waist like a swimmer holding a life jacket as she begins to plan what she will do with her life. ....... With the baby Ma'am Kate will not want me anymore so I'm going to have to find a way to make it on my own again. I should be able to make enough from my lace to maybe get a room at the cantina and I think that I still should be able to study.

The thoughts race through her head at break neck speed but she realizes that the one thing she has going for her right now is her mind and she can't afford to be distracted from the conversations and information so purposely schools her mind away from this disaster and watches as the Greek and Latin translations are being scribed as they speak.

Sonoma has a vastly different reaction. She smiled softly at the idea of Kate becoming a mother. She had enjoyed being with Ginnie so much that the addition to their little family would be welcome although difficult to explain. Here they may believe that she had been blessed by a goddess but back home in town it would be harder to convince people of it. It would also be difficult for Kate to run a school as a single widow when she began to show. It looked to be an interesting nine months to come.

The Arch-Bishop says, "I appreciate your bringing this to me. Here in Greece the priests have a lot of latitude with their communities in regards to the worship of the Gods. That is not so in America, where the United States Constitution guarantees the freedom of religious worship. It sounds as though this Priestess has overstepped her authority in that regards. I will contact the Greek/Roman authorities responsible for the worship in....what did you say the community was named?" Gonzales says, "Promise City, in Cochise County, Arizona Territory." "Yes, they will be made aware of the situation, but I will be sure to get the message communicated to those who wish to see the combined church structure preserved."

He then says, "My telegrams will reach your town long before ships and trains can return you there, so hopefully when you arrive the situation will already be resolved. But just to be on the safe side I can prepare a clerical ward for each of you to prevent this Aphrodite Priestess from invading your thoughts and feelings. It will take me three to four hours to prepare them for you so you might as well use that time to visit our fine city." Kate replies, "Thank you, Your Excellency. We would be most grateful. I hope once this situation is resolved I may honor both Diana and Aphrodite as they deserve."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 185, “Magical Lessons“ , Sunday, March 26th, 1882, 10:00 PM

Downstairs, Jake helps Harry cleanup the main room, or more accurately helps as little as possible and sips a drink. Jake locks the doors again. Once downstairs she heads over to Jake and proceeds to tell him in detail what happened, explaining about how she detected Roy's thoughts, found the invisible dynamite and disarmed it but not whomever set it, and questioning the cowboys. She also includes what happened with Jeff and her concern that he really did believe her and might not be coming back.

"That explains one of my questions. Need a drink?" Jake asks holding up the bottle he has been hovering over. "Yes," she grabs the bottle and takes a swig, "Which question was that? And that leads me to believe there are more..." "The ones I babbled on about when we were walking towards the jail a little while ago. Big Mr. Foote did have nimble fingers." Ruby rolls her eyes. "You never give up when you have something in mind, do you?"

She takes another large swig out of the bottle. "Yes I found some tools of the trade in the stuff you gave me. I'm guessing that the knife is magical and there is some kind of potion in the whiskey bottle. I don't know about the other stuff Jake. You have to ask someone who might have the answers, it's not me. Go ask Dorita about the potions, she might know. Maybe Mr. Gonzales knows about the invisible stuff." She takes another swig. "What else do you want to know?"

Jake shrugs. "But speaking of never giving up when I have something in mind...." He says and lets his eyes travel up and down her figure. She takes another gulp, then a smile comes to her face. "And what did you have in mind then?" He replies, "I was thinking it was time for bed." "Before we go upstairs I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind." "Go ahead." Jake replies unconcerned.

She says, "Well, it may not seem that important to you but it's really important to me. You know, the whole kiss incident. If you hadn't told me I might never have found out about it. But you did tell me. You were honest, even though you did something really," she continues with emphasis, "Dumb, and hurt my feelings by doing it, at least you were honest about it. I really appreciate that and admire you for doing it. Telling me the truth, that is, not the kissing part." Ruby puts her hand on Jake's face and looks him in the eyes, "I want us to always be honest with each other."

"I agree. Not about it being dumb but about telling the truth." Jakes smirks and says, "It hasn't been easy teaching this dog a new trick though. I'm trying hard." "Oh, so you're saying it wasn't dumb..." Jake can't tell if Ruby is joking or not. "I believe there is something in the US Constitution about self incrimination.... I have already apologized and said I would refrain from any similar activities in the future." Jake smiles disarmingly, "What else did you want to talk about?"

"I don't see any constitution here," Ruby says without a smile before breaking into giggles, pressing herself up against him tighter. "I was only kidding silly. I know you are trying really hard and you're mostly doing a great job. I just wanted you to know. And for us to agree about telling the truth to each other." "Good. Just like we said before."

"But it's important to say it again and be clear, right?" Jake nods in agreement. "As for what else, you and I have some business to attend to tonight. But before we do I'm going to move some valuables to the El Parador where they will be safer." "All I have in there is the tiara with your ring, the legal papers for the saloon and the silver mine, and some cash. You know safes better than I, and how protected things are at the El Parador, put what you think is wise there. Just leave some cash."

"That's all? Those two items of jewelry are worth more than our share in this saloon. The safe IS safe, but I'm not sure it could withstand am explosion fueled by a room full of liquor. The El Parador? It's untouchable." "Which means I probably can't touch it. You know better, go ahead. You seem sure that it makes sense. I trust your judgment." Jake gives her a little squeeze around the waist and has another sip of the whiskey.

"No, you can't touch it. But I can. I'll take care of it now." She pulls away from Jake but doesn't leave. She pulls her hair off her face and says softly, "It just seems to me that they aren't going to stop until they actually blow this place up. The only REAL things I care about are you and the puppies. Of course, our friends too but I can't keep them locked away," she laughs lightly. "And you and the puppies I can't live without." She shrugs. "The other stuff... well, why not be prepared."

"Being prepared makes sense." Jake looks around surreptitiously and speaks softly. "No, they aren't going to stop until their leaders are gone. Therefore I still believe my plan is correct. A saloon can be rebuilt. If there is another attack on the saloon just make sure you aren't taking too much risk saving the saloon that I lose my Ruby West....."

Jake fixes a look into her eyes and smiles gently. "You seem worried about the saloon and who knows what else, probably with good reason. I am just tired of worrying. Instead, I am just going to do things about it. If you are worried about the saloon, and Cowboys and what ever else don't let that worry to extend to you and me, we are fine. We are better than fine. Ruby West I love you and I am confident in you. If you would like me to act more worried about the troubles the outside world pushes on us, I can work on that... tomorrow." Jake gives her another smirk.

'What did I just tell you? The only things in here I care about are you and the puppies, and our friends, who can take care of themselves. So that leaves me to take care of the puppies and you." She wraps her arms around Jake again and kisses him. "But I will take your advice and not be foolish in the future. Ok, I will TRY not to be foolish." She gives Jake his smile, "I love you too and I'm confident in you too, baby. Now let me go do that stuff." Ruby kisses him again then swings her hips as she walks away, and glancing back at him over her shoulder, she winks at him.

"The only thing better than a good saloon," Jake says out loud to himself, "is a good saloon with a view." Ruby runs up the stairs and gathers together the diamond ring, tiara, paperwork for the Lucky Lady, the silver mine and her green dress. Jake walks her over to the El Parador and Ruby makes him wait downstairs while she runs up and leaves the items in Gonzales secret room. They head immediately back to the Lucky Lady.

Ruby grabs Jake’s hand and leads him upstairs to their room. Candles are lit and the curtains are pulled. “Now, everyone has been instructed not to bother us tonight baby. We have some work to do or some fun to be had, depending on how you look at it. You ready?” Ruby smiles and raises her eyebrow. "Work? Since when has coming to bed with the candles lit been work? I think the staff already knows not to bother us when the bed is squeaking." Jake chuckles and then gets a slightly hesitant look before saying, "Ready for what?"

"Don't get all nervous on me now," Ruby smiles. "We're going to play..." she raises an eyebrow, "With magic." Before Jake can protest Ruby continues, "You NEED to be more comfortable with this, especially if we’re to go up against Ringo and his gang. I've never known you to not take advantage of things that can help, you and us, make things easier and give US the advantage in situations. The more you know the more you can use it to benefit us and it will also help you in case people try using it on you against your will. Besides," she leans in close to Jake, "It'll be fun, I promise."

"Heh, it was really fun last time." Jake walks over to the small table that holds the decorative drink containers. He selects the whiskey, pours a double shot and drinks it in one motion. "Ahh." The glass returns to the table with a satisfying 'thuck'. "I am ready. I am also muy loco." "It was only not fun because you weren't ready for it. And you're not crazy, you just need to be... adventurous. You can do that, can't you?" Ruby takes Jake by the hand and pulls him to the bed. They sit down and Ruby pulls her feet up underneath her. "Get comfortable honey," she instructs. "Now... tell me something that you desire."

"There is nothing magic about that..." Jake says with a grin and reaches for Ruby. Ruby giggles and playfully slaps Jake's hands away. "Come on Jake, I'm being serious." "What," Jake feigns being insulted, "you think I don't desire you? Hmmph." He scratches the side of his face and says, "Desire? What do you mean desire? I've got what I want. You want me to wish for something? Like a new pair of riding gloves? I don't understand what you want me to do."

“Oh, I know you desire me, you can’t help yourself. But that’s for later.” As Ruby talks she pulls her legs out from under her and pulls off her garters and still wet stockings, throwing them on the floor. “There that’s better.” She looks up at Jake. “I just meant something simple that you would like. Forget that, we’ll start with something else. Let’s play cards.”

Ruby reaches into Jake’s pocket and pulls out his silver card case. She takes out the cards, shuffles and deals them. “Before we start I’m going to cast a spell on you. Don’t resist it; I want you to learn what it feels like. We can practice another day on you resisting me, although we both know how hard it is for you,” Ruby laughs. “Ready?”

"Don't resist it!" Jake looks a bit uncomfortable. "Sure, I'm not resisting. At least I don't think I am." Ruby recites an incantation that Jake hasn’t heard from her before. “Now,” she says with a smile, “Let’s make a wager on this game, shall we? What will you ask for if you win, Mr. Cook? I already know what I’m going to ask for. I want that ruby ring that we saw in the jewelry store a while back. He doesn’t know someone already bought it, but it will get my point across. And I want YOU to buy it for me; I think it would be really special to come from you. And like my beautiful earrings every time I look at it I’ll think of you. So if I win, that’s what I want.”

"Errrr, I don't know what I want." He still looks a little uncomfortable, but not as bad as earlier. "What I mean is, there isn't anything as valuable as that ruby ring that I am currently hankering for. If I win, you will have to surprise me." “Alright, I’ll surprise you then.” They start to play and Ruby moves close to Jake, sitting next to him. Jake can smell Ruby she is sitting so close. As she looks at her cards, “You know, I want that ring so bad, and it would make me ssssooooo happy to have it, and I would be so grateful if you just let me win.” She leans over his hands that are holding the cards and kisses him slowly. “I know you never let me win at cards, you always want me to do it on my own, but maybe just this once…” She smiles at him as she looks up from under her eyelashes.

"Let you win? What fun would that be for you? You are a good enough card player to beat me, you just don't believe it. I'll take two" Smiling, he locks eyes with her and holds her gaze so she doesn't see him palm his discards. Ruby laughs as she stares back into Jake’s twinkling brown eyes. “It would be fun because I would get what I want and I’d be happy. And I know how much you like to make me happy.” She kisses him again then sits back suddenly. “I’ll take one.” She throws one card down and deals Jake his two and her one with a mischievous grin on her face.

Jake takes his two and arranges to miss a flush by one card, discarding the palmed cards when Ruby glances down at her hand. Ruby smiles as she places her hand on the bed, a straight, nine high. "Well?" she looks at him, waiting for him to drop his cards. Jake puts his cards down deliberately. Four clubs and a diamond, jack high. "Looks like you won."

“Yay!” Ruby claps her hands together. “I won,” she says again looking Jake directly in the eyes. “I guess you have to buy me that ring now!” Ruby picks up the cards and shuffles them in her hands as she talks. “Oh and baby, something else I’ve been thinking about lately. Your gun,” she says moving closer to Jake again, lightly fingering his gunbelt. “You know, your gun, your Colt. I mean, it has so much history for you and I know how much you love it and depend on it. But I was thinking that maybe you’d want me to have it. I mean, we could get you a new one, nice, shiny and new, and it would mean a lot to me if I got to carry it around…What do you think?”

"My Colt?" Jake's voice cracks. "Why would you want my Colt? OK, I mean I did shoot you once with it, but that was an accident. Mostly, you know, I mean... err not my Colt." Jake looks at her with some surprise. "You don't really want me to give up my Colt?" "Yes, I want you to give me your Colt or I wouldn't have asked." Ruby lips start to form into a pout. "But why wouldn't you want to give it to me? I asked nicely, I've been a good girlfriend, haven't I?" She again moves closer to him and whispers in his ear, "I promise I'll take good care of it, just like I take good care of you." She pulls her feet underneath her and leans back only slightly, "PPLLLLEEAAASSSEEEE, Jake..."

"Ruby," Jake has a confused look on his face, "I don't want to give you my Colt just because you want to carry it around. I would gladly give it up if it meant preventing something bad happening to you. It's not a bloody piece of jewelry; it's how I stay alive. Any plain new gun is not just the same." “No, I want it to protect myself. Don’t you want me to protect myself?” Ruby starts to look upset. “I didn’t say it was jewelry, I know it’s important…How could you think I would think so poorly of your precious Colt? Won’t you even think about it?”

"Think about it? I am thinking about it, because you asked. I just don't understand. It doesn't make any sense; you don't use a single action revolver." Jake frowns, "If it means that much to you, I'll teach you how to use a single action and have another one built for me...." “Oh baby,” Ruby starts to smile, “I knew you would give me what I wanted, that’s why I love you soooo much…” Ruby leans over Jake again and kisses him hard. “You’re the best.”

"Ruby girl, you just hold on here a few minutes, I need to step outside for a minute. I'll hurry back." Ruby starts to protest but Jake moves quickly out the door and closes it behind him. After he is gone for over ten minutes she starts looking for her shoes to go find him, but instead she hears foot steps coming up the stairs. The door opens and Jake comes back in, smiling broadly but his left sleeve is torn and blood stained.

Ruby jumps off the bed, looking extremely concerned. "Jake, what happened to you? Where did you go? What happened to your arm?" "My arm?" Jake looks down at his arm and frowns. "Must have happened when I broke the window." The smile comes back to his face. "What window?" Ruby still has a look of concern on her face. She tries to take Jake's shirt off but he resists. "I'm fine, don't worry about my arm. The window in the door that was locked."

He starts fishing in his pocket for something, still grinning ear to ear. "What the hell is going on, Jacob Alistair Cook?" "Don't be angry, I'm just trying to make you happy." Jake's left arm is hanging loose. He loses his smile and says almost pathetically, "I thought you really wanted this?" Displayed in the palm of his hand is a ring, a glint of red flashes in the candle light. Ruby looks curiously at the ring in his hand, not registering it is the ring she wanted. She sits next to Jake and puts her hand on his face. “I know you are trying to make me happy,” she sighs, pulling her hand back. “It’s not your fault. But you’re going to be really mad at me in a minute.” Ruby starts to move her hand but Jake grabs her wrist. "No, princess I'm not mad. Should I be?" The pathetic look is replaced by Jake's trademark grin. Then he starts to laugh and Ruby notices he is holding her wrist with his left arm and the bloody torn sleeve is dangling but his arm does not seem to have any blood on it.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 186, “ More Magic“ , Sunday, March 26th, 1882, 10:00 PM

Jake notices that Ruby's eyes start to change color as she stands, so he starts to talk fast, "Err I thought it would be funny... um, don't be mad I had bought the ring a long time ago... Harry thought I was crazy tearing my sleeve and putting the blood from the meat on it... I was trying to decide when to give it to you... I thought you'd laugh, you said you wanted to have fun.... ah, have I told you how crazy I am about you?"

“Jake!” Ruby smacks him in the arm as she yells at him, “How could you tease me like that? You and your damn jokes!” Her pout has retuned and she turns her body away from him. She is quiet for a moment, her face hidden by her long hair hanging down. She looks at the ring in his hand and says quietly, “YOU bought the ring? I went to the store and it was gone. Did you really buy the ring for me?” Then she looks up at him, locking eyes, “No, tell me how crazy you are about me.”

As he rises from the bed, "I thought you'd laugh...." Jake looks sheepish, "Crazy in love enough to buy you this ring? I wanted it to be a surprise. I guess I ruined that, huh?" Jake takes a step closer and stands behind her. He moves his hand holding the ring around in front of her and moves it back and forth. "Come on, don't be mad at me. I know you want it." He says in a sing-song voice.

“Oh it was a surprise alright,” she replies. “I thought you were really hurt." She again glances down at the shimmering ring in Jake's hand. "I do want it.” She spins around and pushes her body against Jake's. Then she sticks her hand out, waiting for him to place it on her slender finger. Jake adroitly flips the ring around in his hand then wiggles it onto her finger. "Looks like it was made to be there, doesn't it?" He watches her move her hand and admire the ring. "Why did you think I would be mad?"

“I thought you would be mad because I made you think you needed to get me that ring so badly that you would head to the store and steal it.” Ruby continues to look at the ring on her finger. “I really love it. And I really love that you bought it for me without me even asking.” She stands on her toes to be eye level with Jake and kisses him.

“It was the spell; I thought it was the spell anyway. Well, I guess it didn’t work.” Ruby shakes her head, “I was trying to show you what someone would do under the effects of a certain spell. What I forgot to realize is that you are already charmed by me,” she laughs. “I didn’t know you already bought the ring,” she says again gazing lovingly at it on her finger. "What spell, what was it supposed to do to me?" Ruby looks away from her finger and to Jake. “You heard me casting it. It was supposed to make everything I say seem favorable to you. Make you do everything I want you to,” she laughs, “Although not really, it’s not that powerful.”

“But admit it, you were going to give me your gun, at least you considered it. I would never ask you for your Colt baby, you should know that. I know how much it means to you.” She takes Jake by the hand, leading him to the comfy chairs by the small table. Two bourbons are waiting there for them. “Anyway, see what someone can do to you, given a spell like that? I want you to be able to realize what can happen and to practice resisting letting it happen to you.” Ruby lets herself fall back into one of the chairs.

While Ruby is talking Jake takes of his ruined shirt and throws it in the corner. Still standing he reaches for a bourbon and says nothing. Ruby happily watches Jake remove his shirt and admires him for a bit before snapping out of her reverie with a smile. “Some other things I want to tell you…” Ruby lifts her glass to her lips and takes a sip of her bourbon, “There are many different kinds of people who can use magic. Someone like me, I just have the magic inside me and I have to figure out how to let it out. Someone like Kate, she can study it out of a book and learn it that way. Her way she can choose the type of magic or spells she wants. I can only try to find what’s already inside of me. I suppose I could study too, but what fun would that be?” Ruby shrugs.

“Booorringgg.” Ruby exaggerates the word. “Kate will be able to cast many more spells that I ever will. But people like Kate needs books to study their spells out of, people like Ringo, if he is a wizard, I’m not sure at this point. Anyway, without their spell books, once they cast a spell they can’t recast it until they study it again.” Jake sips the bourbon while she talks. Ruby can tell he is listening very carefully to what she is saying, and his eyes give away that he is thinking.

“I also have my singing. Some people have told me it’s magical,” she smiles mysteriously, “Maybe it is. You seem to think it is.” Jake nods his head up and down in agreement. “So that’s your lesson for today. Do you have any questions?” Jake continues to looks Ruby in the face and takes a sip of bourbon, obviously thinking. He remains quiet for a few minutes before he finally asks, "How would I know I was.... what do you call it? Ensorcerelled? Magicked? Would I know?"

“Did you know when I did it to you just now? You’ve never felt me reading your thoughts before, right? If someone is powerful and good enough, no you wouldn’t know. But we can practice; you can try to resist me casting spells on you. You use your mind. If we practice you’ll get better. And we also have to find a way to fight against those who have other kinds of magic, like protections.

We’re at a disadvantage with someone like Ringo, he can protect himself from things we can do, so if he just bides his time he’ll get us eventually. If we want to stay here and live here we have to be able to defend ourselves and our castle, right? We have to find a way, we’re all trying to get information, I know.” Ruby sighs, “Maybe Red could help us, for the future. I'd like to meet him anyway, maybe you and I could take a trip. And there is Mr. Gonzales. He’s been a really big help. But… he’s an elf, he doesn’t have the immediacy that we have.”

Again, Jake is quiet sipping his bourbon. He finally sits down in the other chair. "No, I could not tell." Another sip and silence. "Am I now?" "Yes," Ruby replies. "I tried to dispel it before but you stopped me. That particular spell lasts a long time, hours."

Jake is quiet again, only his eyes are moving. Finally after what seems a long time he laughs. "Figures." He laughs again shaking his head before taking another drink. "If you are done teaching me for tonight, I'll try to behave this time and let you dispel it. "Well, I'm done with that kind of magic anyway. I still have a few more ideas, much more fun though." With a wave of her hand she says, "Eradico."

Jake watches closely as Ruby dispels the magic on him. He feels nothing. He asks, “So, you can cast a spell and make someone do things you want or feel the way you want them to and it’s possible that person can’t even tell?” “Yes,” Ruby replies. “I could make someone see my point of view, do things that I want them to do, even make them say they love me.”

Jake thinks this through before he scratches his chin and tilts his head. "So there I am, walking into a candle lit room with the beautiful Ruby West. The curtains are drawn and she tells me the help has been instructed to leave us alone. Things are looking pretty good Jake thinks." Jake downs the last half of his bourbon and grins. "Then she says we are going to have fun with magic. So poor innocent Jake," Ruby raises her eyebrows and gives him a look but he continues, "... ahem, poor innocent Jake expects that she will make candles fly about the room or turn his hat purple or make pigeons appear or something.

Once again Jake has guessed wrong. However in her wisdom Ruby has taught Jake some valuable lessons tonight, regardless of his comic interruptions. And her advice on what we do in the future to protect ourselves is also correct." He reaches over and refills both their glasses. "Now Jake thinks very highly of this Miss West, so highly that he trusts her with his life, and other important assets. So before we continue with the promised FUN part of the evening let me tell you this. Jake does not want to ever wonder if what he feels for the beautiful and talented Miss West is anything but what comes from that depraved little heart of his. Today he believes that to be true, like he said earlier and further more he believes that those feelings came about naturally in the way mortals with depraved hearts one day find out they are cursed with feelings of love and not some outside influence of any kind. That being said, I am now looking forward to the promised fun without further interruption by any work." Jake raises his glass in a toast. "To my always beautiful and frequently unpredictable Ruby West. To a long time together."

Ruby takes a moment to let what Jake said seep in. She gets out of her chair and stands before him, taking his glass out of his hand. She takes his hands in hers. “I swear on my life I have never used any magic on you to manipulate how you feel about me. And I promise I never will.” Ruby stares hard at Jake. “I want what we have to be real; whatever comes with that, it’s all I really want. Please believe me, Jake.”

"Damn it Ruby," he reaches out and pulls her to his lap. "Didn't you hear anything I just said to you? Hermes girl, I just told you I believed that before you even said anything, are you feeling guilty or something? I'll accept that promise too, I believe you! I said what I said because you know how I feel about magic, and I still let you use magic on me. Let me feel a bit squeamish over it will ya? Meirda!" Jake lets out an exasperated sound. "You don't have to beg me to believe what I already believe!" He grabs her by the shoulders and starts laughing, "Do I have to shake you until you believe me?" Still laughing he shakes her, gently mocking anger. Then he puts his face right up against hers, eye to eye and speaks very slowly. "I..... believe..... you...."

Ruby puts her hands on Jake's face, "I just didn't know why you would say that..." Ruby's voice trails off as she sees Jake's eyebrow shoot up, "Ok, ok, you believe me, good. Enough of that. More of this," she leans in and kisses him passionately for a few moments before pulling away.

“I told you were would have some fun. “I want to show you there are another ways to use magic. You’ve never asked me to dance for you since the night you asked me to be your girl. Didn’t you like my dancing?” She looks at Jake, her full lips slightly parted and mischief in her eyes. "I truly did enjoy your dancing."

Ruby runs her fingers through Jake’s hair. “On the other side of the world there is a place called Morocco. It’s in Northern Africa, although I’m sure you knew that. Now, close your eyes and use your imagination. I’m going to tell you a story; it’s a true story, one I learned on my travels.” Ruby runs her fingers lightly over Jake’s eyes, closing them, before getting off his lap. As Ruby continues to talk he can hear soft rustling noises.

She uses a dramatic voice as she speaks, “Imagine a dusty land, the Sahara Desert, but around it cities filled with color and life. The air in the streets is heavy, filled with the scent of exotic spices and music like you have never heard, it enchants you with just one note.”

“And in this land there was a woman who loved a man. He was a prince, handsome and kind. She was a just a peasant who worshipped him from afar. But she desired him, so she went to the town elder, a woman rumored to be a witch. It turned out the woman wasn’t a witch, just a woman who knew how to get what she wanted, was taught by someone like her, a secret so great and powerful. The two became friends and finally the old lady taught the young woman her secret, dancing. Not just dancing but a special kind of dancing, a kind of dancing to make any man fall in love with the one who uses it. The old woman passed to her a weapon, one to help with her mission, an outfit to entice and tempt even the stoutest man.”

“So when she was finally ready and fully trained she headed to the Palace and snuck in as a serving girl. That night there was a huge party with all kinds of food and entertainment. She had her special outfit on and she summoned all her courage as she made her way out onto the floor of the hall. She quietly started to sing and dance, focusing all her energy on the Prince, ignoring all others. Her sweet voice cut through the noise and captured the attention of the Prince. He watched her, entranced by her song and most especially her dance.”

Suddenly Jake hears Ruby start singing a song, not in a language he knows but something much more foreign. He opens his eyes and sees her wrapped in layers of sheer fabric, not able to see what is underneath. She has a gold jeweled headdress in her long hair, hair that curls all the way down her back. As she dances around and slowly pulls off the wrap he sees Ruby wearing a red and gold two piece outfit matching the headdress. Ruby’s breasts swell over the jeweled cups of the top, held up only by ties around her neck and back. The skirt is in two parts, sitting very low on her hips. A piece of fabric barely covers her front and back, and the rest flowing sheer fabric being held on only by a couple of ties on her curvy hips. Her long legs peek out on both sides.

Ruby slowly lets the wrap fall to the floor as she continues her song and dance. She glides around the floor gracefully, her hips swaying back and forth in ways Jake has never seen her move, her skin glittering in the candlelight. She turns her back to Jake and continues her lithe movements. “Now, Mr. Cook,” Ruby says in a low voice with her face turned over her shoulder. Colored by the candle light, her blood hued hair caresses her nearly bare back as it undulates in the shadowy glow, “I hope you are appreciating this; it’s called belly dancing. Only someone with a lot of money gets to see this dance, or…” Her voice trails off as she elegantly dances right up to Jake, her arms swaying in the air over her head, her bare belly and hips gyrating only inches away from his face, “Someone I love. Which leaves only… you.”

"I will savor every moment," He replies quietly and blows a little air on her belly. “Good,” Ruby whispers back. As Jake blows on her she puts her hands gently on his face, and closes her eyes briefly, enjoying the sensation. Then she leans down, almost losing her top, and gives him a soft kiss.

As she continues to dance back and forth in front of him she starts moving her hands in a circular motion, and singing what sounds almost like chanting. A small bubble of iridescent light forms in her hands, growing to the size of an orange. Ruby’s singing stops but the bubble stays in place. She brings her hands up to her face, purses her lips and blows on the bubble. As she does the bubble seems to explode into a million little bubbles some of which float down and pop on Jake, others that swirl and twirl around Ruby as she dances.

As the twinkling bubbles pop the air starts getting heavy, the temperature rising slightly and the room fills with an exotic aroma of some sort of spice. There is a sound, a distant music, like twinkling chimes. Ruby continues to dance seductively around Jake as she speaks, “And if you close your eyes again you can imagine you’re really there…” she says softly.

Jake starts to feel warm so he kicks off his boots. "Close my eyes?" He replies slowly and softy, "That seems a damn foolish thing to be doing right about now. I'll imagine with my eyes wide open." His nostrils flair and take in the wisps of spicy cinnamon. That fades to be replaced by the sharp smell of cloves and then that by the subtle and earthier aroma of saffron. He sips his bourbon and finds that even the subtle sweetness, burnt caramel and faint vanilla flavors seem to swirl on his tongue. He chuckles and licks his lips.

Ruby continues to dance around the room swinging and swaying her hips to a song only she hears, closing her eyes as if she is imagining she is there too. Her skirt twirls out gracefully around her as she spins around, the remaining bubbles following her orbit. She stops spinning suddenly, her hair continuing to move until it rests equally over the front of her shoulders. She strides over to Jake with purpose, then turns her back to him, watching over her shoulder, waiting for him to undo the ties on her top. He reaches up and unties the lower one first and then the one on her neck. When the strings fall away he runs his finger slowly along her spine, from her shoulders to her lower back.

Jake watches goose bumps run up Ruby’s back and she gives a small shiver before turning to face him. Her long hair is still hanging over her shoulders, covering her. Ruby starts backing slowly away from Jake, “So,” she says in a sultry voice, “Did you like your lesson, Mr. Cook?” Jake gets up from his chair and follows her across the room, "I have new appreciation for dancing."
"You do? I thought you would like that," Ruby raises an eyebrow but still continues to back away from Jake slowly. "But that's not what I meant, I meant the magic." Her back suddenly hits the post of the bed and she stops up against it.

"It is your particular talent for using what you know that I find most alluring," Jake says and he walks slowly towards her. "I've met lots of folks who were a fountain of knowledge," he continues getting very close to her without touching her, "Ruby's fountain glitters like diamonds, the drops fall with the delicate sounds of wind chimes, and the wind is filled with the aroma of rare orchids." Jake finishes with his breath heavy in her ear. "I'm here to drink from the fountain."

Jake could hear the sharp intake of Ruby’s breath with his last words whispered to her. She arches her back and slowly stretches her arms over her head, pulling her long hair over her shoulders to her back, revealing herself to Jake before closing the small distance between them and leaning against him. She closes her eyes and presses her soft full lips up against Jake’s, which are warm and inviting. She kisses him gently but gradually her kisses get more intense and insistent. He feels her chest rise and fall with each heavy breath she takes.

The touch of her bare skin on his is nearly electric. Jake crushes her to himself, his arms pulling her tightly to him, aware of every contact of Ruby's hot flesh on him. He feels her yearning lips, soft arms, firm breasts, smooth belly on him and it is suddenly too much; he is crazed with desire. There is an awkward and urgent fumbling of four hands on the remaining clothing which falls to the ground. Jake is pushing her, while Ruby is pulling him and they fall deep into the blankets on the bed. Lost in the loose bedclothes, they writhe passionately and with abandon.