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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2813661" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter 93, “Ruby Succumbs“, Saturday, March 18th , 1882, 4:30 P.M. During the ride to the King's ranch Jake speaks privately with Emery Shaw. Jake says, "It was quite impressive and effective the way you and your men performed. Shaw replies, “"It's what I was taught. A group of men will do best if instead of each picking their own target they all fire at the same one. Builds confidence, since enough shooters guarantees a hit and each man will then think they did it. Scares the hell out of the enemy too seeing multiple shooters going for them." Jake asks, “Were you an officer in the army too?” Shaw replies, "Afraid so. It's a long story but we seem to have the time for it. I tried to stay out of the war at first, just wanting to keep my family safe back at the Lazy-S. The Territory was quick to join the Confederacy. In '62 Mill's commander Sherod Hunter led a campaign near Tucson against Union troops from California. He used hit-and-run tactics, only killed a few men, but destroyed a lot of supplies. The Union decided it wasn't worth the effort to try hunting him down and abandoned the Territory. After that Hunter was promoted to Colonel and moved on to Texas with his men for a few years. The War didn't play much of a part in daily life after that. Then in '64 when the Confederacy was loosing bad Hunter came back to Arizona and New Mexico Territory to get recruits and managed to get a whole lot of them. Made loyal Unionists like myself mad as hell and I decided to do something about it. Tim Kiplin and Abner Mingle agreed to run the Lazy-S while I was away. The family headed to Chicago where my in-laws lived, my wife Victoria and the children staying there for the rest of the war. I enlisted in the 12th Illinois Cavalry, a highly decorated unit that had fought at Gettysburg the previous year. I was made a Captain. I spent the remainder of the war with the unit in Louisiana, Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas driving back the enemy and taking prisoners. When the war ended we remained in Memphis for the start of reconstruction and weren't mustered out until May of '66. I made some good friendships in the war, but those two years away from my family were the hardest.” Jake says, “You were certainly right about those rifles, they must have cost you a pretty penny. How hard is it to get one?" Shaw replies, "Very hard to get, they're made exclusively by and for the Swiss Military." He laughs and says "But I think I know where you might be able to get one. I would have outfitted you folks with them now for this trip except that I figured this wasn't the time for you to experiment with an unfamiliar weapon. I tell you, the only reason that Cochise never took out the Lazy-S was that our rifles had longer range than his did. It's always a winning strategy if you can hit them and they can't hit you. " Jake also tells Shaw the location of the Cowboy ranch they raided earlier. "I don't know how they managed it, but they had a Gattling gun. I think we destroyed it in the fire, but it would be good to make sure. I don't know if you and your men can go by there sometime." Shaw says, "Not really fond of Gattling's contraptions, used them some in the war. It takes away from the fine art out of true marksmanship. Plus, they're heavy to lug around and require constant maintenance, jamming and breaking down more often than not. Jake says, "I do appreciate all your help.....I'll take your warning about Jeff Mills and look into it. So far he's been nothing but a loyal employee including risking his life on this little outing today, which is no small thing. Could I have his old pistol back? I believe it has sentimental value for him." Shaw hands it back saying, "This single-shot antique wouldn't do him much good anyway. These things work better as clubs than pistols." Jake offers him a handshake and says “It would be good to see you again." Shaw says, “And the same to you. I don't mind Tricia going to town with you folks to attend Church, especially since I won't be at the ranch tonight to keep an eye on her, but I expect you to make sure that she is kept safe. Keep her locked in one of those rooms at your Saloon and make sure that she's alone." On the subject of Trisha, Kate rides up to her and begins discussing the group’s injuries. Kate says, "I don't know. Seems everyone is neglecting himself or herself today. I'll just have to sneak up on any more untended wounds I notice. That one's not quite untended," she said pointing out Tricia's hand, "but if it's wet through it should be redone." "Got a point," says Trisha, reaching into her saddlebag for another handful of rags and stripping the old bandage off the wound. "Are you all right? Not hurt or anything?" Kate says, "Don't use those rags, I have plenty of bandages." Kate pulled out another clean strip of fabric and wound it around the wound. "I'm not hurt, no one ever sees me as much of a threat." "Thank you, ma'am," Trisha says as Kate bandages her wound. She tucks the rags back into the saddlebag and strokes Reenie's neck. She pauses, then says, "Everybody was right. You sure are nice, Mrs. Kale." At around 5:00 P.M. the riders from the Bar-W ranch approach with Humphrey and Tim. The leader of this new group is Ashley King, and those who attended the Vigilance Committee Meeting can see a strong visual resemblance between this young man and his prim-and-proper mother Rebecca. With him are ranch hands Ned Lay and Coffee Mann. Ashley talks briefly with Emery Shaw. Ashley then gives Trisha a toothy grin and makes a comment about him being a "Knight in shining armor come to the rescue of his princess". Emery tells Jake, "Just head east from here. In around ten miles you'll cross the road leading to my ranch. A big hill will be before you, crossing around north will bring you within sight of the main road so go on the south side. Since you'll be that close you may want to stop at the Lazy-S and rest up for a bit before moving on. I'm sure that my daughter Ellen would be happy to play hostess to you. If you do that please tell her we'll probably spend the night at the Bar-W and move the herd back to the Lazy-S tomorrow." It only takes Ruby a few minutes after the start of their ride to the Shaw ranch before she passes out into a deep sleep again. Jeff Mills tells Nanuet "If you have something to help her I think you'd better use it, she's in worse shape than she'll admit to." At the same time Jeff makes his comment to Nanuet, Jake notices that Ruby's body has gone limp in his arms. "Nanuet! Minerva!" Jake yells loudly while pulling up his horse quickly. He gets whoever is closest to help him get her off the horse and resting on the ground. "Nanuet, use the necklace now!" Ruby is still completely limp as they pull her off the horse and lay her on the ground. “Ruby, Ruby wake up,” Nanuet says shaking her. Her skin is pale as snow and she remains unresponsive. “Damn it!” Nanuet curses, looking very concerned, “She said she was ok.” He doesn’t bother with the buttons on her shirt, instead ripping it open. “Minerva, help me,” he orders. Nanuet looks Ruby and her wound over carefully. Minerva helps Nanuet as best she can with her healing skills but quickly looks up at him and says calmly but with an edge of panic, "Senor, I have not the experience or skills to heal a hurt that grievous. The goddess has yet to grant me divine power great enough." "Nanuet," Jake interrupts, "the bullet has to come out now. It's killing her, she's going to bleed to death. If you don't take it out by hand or with your ancestors help right now she is going to die." "Mister Jake, I'm trying to see how hurt she is," Nanuet says, gritting his teeth, trying to stay calm, "Unless you want to do this yourself? Using the wrong stone could be fatal, now stop yelling at me and let me check her over!" Kate had jumped down off her horse and run over with her bag full of bandages. "Back up a bit, Jake, let me in," she said softly. She cleared away the last of the wet bandages. "Just let me know what I can do to help. If it comes down to it I'll help you get the bullet out." As Nanuet is checking her over and her friends are standing over her talking, Ruby’s eyes crack open weakly, although no one notices. She suddenly realizes she has no energy and can barely move. Nanuet must have been right about that liquor, she thinks, it’s going to be the death of me. She turns her head ever so slightly scanning for Jake. She sees him out of the corner of her eye, and she manages to weakly call his name, “Mr. Cook…” Jake moves around down by her feet so she can see him without turning her head. "No need to be so formal. I'm here Ruby, stay with us. Nanuet will take care of you just fine." He tries hard to keep the worry from his face and voice, "Girl, just keep being a fighter. Don't you dare go anywhere without me, you promised." His voice cracks only a bit, "You promised." Ruby looks down at Jake, trying to be strong but so frightened. She can see her friend’s grave faces all around her. She says something that no one can hear, her voice is soft and weak. Jake moves from Ruby’s feet and kneels next to her head. Ruby looks into Jake’s eyes, and they look back at her serious and solemn. Ruby whispers something but Jake still can’t hear her, so he leans in closer. Ruby whispers something into his ear. At the same time Nanuet turns to Minerva, “Some prayers to your goddess might be good around now Senorita.” Nanuet begins his prayer to his ancestors in a most serious tone, grasping the necklace in his hand tightly, removing one of the stones from it. Underneath the sound of Nanuet's prayers Kate's voice came, unintelligible to the others. One hand lay on Ruby's shoulder near the wound, the other brushed wet hair away from the girl's face. "Ills ont pris assez. Vous devez rester ici, Ruby. Ne les laissez pas vous prendre aussi." Kate stopped and sniffled then continued in French. "Je ne peux pas poursuivre sans vous ici, vous sais cela. Je n'ai pas tant d'amis que je peux me permettre de les perdre. Vous prise juste dessus." Chester looks on in shock. "She was doing fine a few minutes ago. What happened?" Not being skilled in the healing arts, he keeps watch. "Father Apollo, aid their work. Please, don't let this woman die. There are many who care about her." Near to him, Trisha is dismounting to get to her knees and close her eyes in silent prayer for Ruby. As soft as she's ever spoken and with great effort Ruby whispers to Jake, "I will fight, baby, I'm trying." Ruby lets out a soft sigh, like her breath is leaving her. She takes a few short breaths before she continues weakly, “I've loved you more than I ever loved anyone and you've made me so happy. Now kiss me baby…please…” Her voice trails off at the end, barely audible. Using her last ounce of strength she slowly lifts her hand to Jake's face, touching his cheek and beard. Careful not to interfere with Nanuet's ministrations, Jake kisses her lightly upon the lips. He is startled how cold they feel, but he doesn't pull away. Ruby's eyes close and her hand falls limp to the ground. A couple of tears make a clean path down her dirty face. He quickly takes her hand in his and holds it firmly as if preventing her from leaving. His poker face now gone, he watches Nanuet helplessly. Jake can see only the slightest rise and fall of her chest as the short moments of the Indian's work seems to drag on like hours. "Your time is not done Ruby West," Jake says very quietly, "Just hold on, there are more songs to sing." He kisses her hand. "I know there are." "Da'nzho" Nanuet exclaims. Those words had been used before, but only when someone was in serious condition. The power of the necklace was strong, but it was limited in its uses making it very precious. The necklace began to emit a silver-gold glow and soon the color of bright turquoise could be seen seeping from the cracks between Nanuet's fingers as he held the stone (2.5 inch, cure serious) over Ruby's injury. The turquoise light then flowed from his hand as he opened it, and washed over the injury. Slowly the wound began to heal. A green light from within the wound also became visible as the bullet worked its way to the surface and fell to the ground. A scar would be left behind, one that Ruby would always have to remind her of the wound and it seriousness. She continued to sleep, but her color had returned some and her breathing was steadier. "She'll live," Nanuet said, standing up. "She has lost a lot of blood though and will need to rest. The sooner we get her warm and dry the better." He turned his back and began to walk away from the group but then spun around and added "Let's hope that once again the rumors of Ruby's death were greatly exaggerated." then winked and smiled. With those words Jake exhaled, he had not been consciously aware he was holding his breath. He nods at Minerva's words. Quietly he wraps the blanket around Ruby and then gingerly raises her enough so he can sit on the ground and warm her with his body heat. "She needs a little while to rest without moving and get warm." He says without looking up to see who he is talking to. Jake arranges her wet hair outside the blanket and holds her still. After a few minutes he speaks again, "Somebody ask Nanuet if she will be able to ride with me or do we need another way to move her." Kate choked back a sob and covered her eyes. She was thankful the others were busy with Ruby and didn't notice. Even as the others moved she continued to sit as tears and rain mixed on her face. In a few moments she looked up and started listening to the others. She waited until Jake and Ruby were mounted and Miss Shaw was distracted. "Let me do something for her," she said quietly to Jake, checking one more time to be sure she was unobserved. Kate rapidly cast her last two spells. The first pulled the water out of Ruby's clothes and hair, and the second warmed the blanket that was wrapped around her. "That will stay warm for an hour, she should be more comfortable now." Kate took off her duster and arranged it under the now cozy blanket and over Ruby. "It's still raining some, that should keep her from getting wet again. Let's get home." Jake waits until she finishes making Ruby more comfortable. "Give me a poke with something if I start to doze off," he says to Katherine and rubs his eyes. "Not too hard though, I bruise easy." He forces some short laughter. "Thanks. I'll just follow somebody." He replies, "I'll try, but I think I'll be asleep myself. Truth be told, Chester and Nanuet probably got more rest last night than we did. I just hope no one tramples me when I fall off my horse." Minerva stops praying and opens her eyes as she hears Nanuet say that Ruby will live." She looks up at him as he jokes about Ruby's death and gives him a crooked smile, understanding that his joke is a way to relieve the fear of almost losing his friend again. "Perhaps we should bring her to the Shaw ranch and get her out of those wet clothes. She needs to warm up and rest if she is going to recover." Nanuet tells Jake, "She should be able to ride with you, the bullet is out and the wound is healed. I am just concerned with how much blood she lost, only time can replace that. The sooner she gets to rest inside the better." Chester comments, "Who has the fastest horse? This chill can't be good for her. That was some mighty fine work, Nanuet." Trisha says, "Reenie's pretty fast, and she's strong enough to carry two," says Trisha. She stands up from where she was kneeling, and hands the reins to Jake. "You take good care of her, now." She's looking at Ruby as she says it, and it's not clear if she's talking about Ruby or the horse. Jake nods a bit dumbly, looking like someone who hasn't slept more than a couple of hours in the last two days, which he hasn't. "Um, thanks. We won't be racing ahead, so just all stay together." He looks around a couple of times and then points to a horse. "I was riding that one, it's not even mine." He laughs, "Tricia, Your father told me to watch out for you." He laughs again Trisha smiles at Jake: "No, Mr. Cook," she says. "My Pa told you I was to go to church, stay in my room and not speak to nobody. Am I right?" She turns away and helps the others get Ruby onto Reenie before mounting the horse Jake was riding. "He got a name?" she asks. He doesn’t respond. Nanuet states, "Don't worry, I will keep everyone on the trail and plodding forward. Rest while you can, the horses should have no trouble staying on the road and I will be awake." The group rides on for the next hour. The rain continues to be light, although thunder and lightening can be seen and heard well to the northwest.</blockquote>

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