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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3335390" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 225, “Getting into Trouble” , Saturday, April 1st , 1882, 6:30 P.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>As Ruby is watching the dancers she suddenly feels breath on her neck. “You're a much better dancer than they are," Jake comments before wrapping his arms around Ruby from behind. She smiles and places her arms over his as he kisses her neck. Then Jake whispers in her ear. "I talked to Conrad. I'm sure it's him. I'm not sure someone isn't using other means to figure out what people are thinking though."</p><p></p><p>Ruby nods. They stay a bit longer to watch the dancers before they agree to go back to the Lucky Lady. "I wonder what everyone else is doing," Ruby comments. "Getting into trouble I'm sure," Jake replies with a chuckle. They help out with the huge crowd at the Saloon and they also make sure to tell Niles about their plans to attend the ball so he will know where they are in case of trouble.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet returned to the Lucky Lady after his scouting of the Billiards Hall and Indian Saloon which turned up nothing. He made himself visible and began helping around. As evening rapidly approached he began getting nervous about the upcoming ball and looking like a fool. Well maybe the Cowboys have other plans anyways he thinks. He continues helping around the Lucky Lady, serving, cleaning, bouncing, and doing everything he can to contribute.</p><p></p><p>Eventually Minerva shows up and makes her way over to the industrious elf. "Decided to show yourself finally?" she quipped. He says, "Well I didn't find anything out so I figured I might as well come here and help out. Not sure what else we can do about the situation." She replies,</p><p>"I have been through the crowd, tending to my congregation, making appearances and keeping an eye on things. I too have not found out any useful information. The ball is almost here though and even with this going on I cannot help myself from getting excited. Soon, I must go get ready." He answers, "I suppose I do as well, but first let me tend to these folks here, can I get you anything while your here?"</p><p></p><p>Nanuet returns to serving while Minerva works the room introducing herself and handling public relations. Soon, Nanuet notices Kate walking in. He makes his way over to her and speaks. "So, any idea what we are doing at this point? Time is wasting." She says, "Yes, actually. And I need to speak to you especially about it. There is hope, Nanuet. We need to go somewhere private."</p><p></p><p>Inside the crowded saloon, Kate finally caught a flash of red hair. She and Ginnie hurried over. Kate suddenly hesitated. Their last words had been angry, but this was too important to worry about that now. They finished crossing the room and Kate said quietly to Ruby, "Can we talk?" Ruby nods, "Yes, of course. Do you want to stay here or go upstairs?" Kate replies, "Upstairs, the three of us. Anyone else who wants as well, although Jake did want us to avoid looking as if we were planning."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet says, "Let's get out of the crowd. Upstairs is better." Nanuet fetches Minerva and joins Ruby, Kate and Ginnie who are standing at the bottom of the stairs. The five head up to the office where they can talk amongst themselves and not fight the crowd to be heard. Before heading upstairs Ruby gives Jake a little nod of the head. He arrives up there a couple of minutes after the rest of them. "What's up?" Ruby asks.</p><p></p><p>Kate lit a candle and gave them some privacy. "Just in case. I just spoke with the priests that were sent to look into the heavy influence of Aphrodite here in town..." Kate began with a shiver, then quickly sketched in their conversation, emphasizing that they had no idea any of them used magic themselves. "I presented it as a religious problem, and they are very anxious Ares not be allowed to interrupt this festival.</p><p></p><p>The idea is this. One of the priests will put a spell on the books so that anyone with evil intent cannot use them. I will then turn them over, and two of the priests will follow the wagon out of town so we will know where they are taken. He will have the books in his possession, but they will do him no good. The priests would like an experienced tracker to go with them, and that's where you come in, Nanuet. I don't believe they intend any confrontations, only to make sure we know where to go to take them back. There are soldiers aplenty here for the festival. I think tomorrow after services with Priests help, and perhaps that of the soldiers, we can finish Ringo. What do you think?"</p><p></p><p>"What's considered evil?" Ruby notices the stares she gets from everyone. "Well, how do you really know he's 'evil' in the sense of whatever the spell will be. I mean, if he was really evil he would have kidnapped all of us and tortured us until someone told him where to books were." Nanuet states, "OK, it shouldn't be too hard to track a wagonload full of books. I don't see that I have a choice in this. I am sure Minerva can find another escort to the ball. You will have to introduce me to these men so we know each other before this gets interesting."</p><p></p><p>Minerva starts to immediately protest but Ruby cuts her off. "No, Nanuet, it shouldn't be you. The Cowboys know who you are. They'll have to find someone else." Kate says, "I'm not certain. But I can ask the Priest when he comes to cast the spell. Perhaps it is some kind of injunction against servants of Ares? Ruby you're welcome to come to the El Parador and ask them yourself. Nanuet, I don't think it will take so long that you will miss the entire ball. I'm sure you will be back with plenty of time for dancing."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet states, “How do you have any idea how far out of town they are going? They could travel all night for what we know. This is more important than any ball and you all know it. Besides, I am a lousy dancer." Ginnie asks, “Okay I'm a little confused. Your worried about dancing when we're all getting ready to die? I'll never understand adults.” Ruby states, "I agree with you Ginnie. The ball has already been ruined for me, as has this entire festival. There has been too much worry and drama. I‘m not excited about it at all, because in case the rest of you haven't thought about it I'm sure Johnny Ringo will show up in costume to cause trouble and we won't know who he is."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet turns to Ruby. "We will be tracking them from a distance is my guess, won't matter if they know me or not. We don't have time to go around and find a tracker, make sure he is legit, tell him what is going on and convince him to help us track a dangerous man and his gang. I am going."</p><p></p><p>Kate looked over at Miss Florencia. "I may even come to church tomorrow. It seems Mrs. King is going to be very disappointed when they throw their full support behind you." Ruby states, "Ugh, what do I care for priests? I'm just mentioning it, that it might not work. I'd rather throw a ball of fire on the wagon after it gets out of town, but I know that's not going to be allowed. I don't want to think about it anymore."</p><p></p><p>Kate bit her tongue, then answered calmly, "I don't think burning it after it leaves would count as allowing it to leave unmolested. The idea is to fool him tonight, and take him tomorrow. You're right Nanuet, I don't know how far they will take it. I was thinking that it would go to Ringo, and he can't be far away if he intends to carry out his threat. It may go somewhere else."</p><p></p><p>Jake sits quietly scratching his beard until he finally speaks. "This could work, especially with the help of our new friends. I'm not convinced that Ringo will leave us alone but it's worth a shot." Kate says, "To be honest Jake, I'm not convinced either. But it's the best option I've heard. And if he doesn't leave us alone, we have help.”</p><p></p><p>Kate then asks, "Do we know any other experienced trackers that we can trust?" Ginnie interjects, “Wouldn't it be better if the animals tracked with the priests? after all they should have some way to communicate with them priests can talk with animals can't they.” Kate says, "That would be better. Nanuet, Priestess, can such a thing be done?" Minerva points out that an owl at night has better vision than anything else on the planet. She could stay aloft and unseen and track the wagon for as long as necessary.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet says, "Well I know little of priests, if you remember I am only recently educated in the ways of shamanism. I imagine there are spells that will allow animals and people to communicate, but what use would a priest of civilized people have to learn that spell or even pray for it today? Besides, I would never send Maska anywhere I wasn't willing to go myself."</p><p></p><p>Ginnie states, “Nanuet you can't go. There is a bullet with your name on it. He doesn't even have to be a good shot, and we know he is, to kill you.” “Ginnie, how do you know this?" Ruby asks with a raised eyebrow, "As Nanuet has NOT received a letter." Ginnie replies, “No and neither did I or Chester. However Chester's boss did get one and Chester got blown up by invisible dynamite. My employer got a letter so I'm assuming that there is a bullet labeled for me along with lots of other people. If I was Ringo and had shot Nanuet before and he didn't die I'd put him near the top of my hit list. We also discussed the fact that Ringo had threatened people that were close to Ma'am Kate with the priests. process of elimination.”</p><p></p><p>Ruby does not look at Jake but continues softly, "Yes, that is my theory also. Which means if that is correct, the next bullet is for me. Ginnie, you should be staying at the El Parador until we can take care of this problem." Kate states, "Indeed she should. You are one person we can keep safe Ginnie. You've helped a great deal today, now is the time to keep yourself safe so you are still around to help again another day."</p><p></p><p>Ginnie ignores the suggestion and then says, “What about the centaur in the horse barn at the Cantina? Maybe he can help?” Kate says, "He is a friend of Mr. Gonzales, so he might be convinced. And the Cowboy Gang have never known us to go about with a Centaur. Nanuet, would consider being held in reserve?" "That's a good idea," Ruby comments. "Mr. Gonzales trusts him and isn't he an Apache go to guy or something? If they go out into those lands he can get the Indians involved."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet states, "First of all, I did not get any letters and unless you know something that we don't. We can only guess on who's name is on the bullets if anyone’s name is actually on the bullets. He threatened to kidnap Ginnie before and it was just a threat. As far as bringing the centaur into it, I prefer to leave others out of this who are not already involved. Too late for the priests obviously, but why put more people at risk. And once again if I understand the plan correctly we are just to track them and see where they go. There should be no battle. I also have a spell that can prevent people from even firing a gun at me."</p><p></p><p>Minerva puts her hand on Nanuet's arm, "Mi amor, I think what our friends are saying is that we would prefer you to stay here and watch and protect over us. I for one would be much happier keeping you in my sights." Ruby says, "The owl can only speak with Minerva. Let the Centaur go, that's my vote." She notices Nanuet seems to be insisting on going. "Haven't you met the Centaur Nanuet?"</p><p></p><p>The Indian replies, "Yes, I met him. All the more reason why I would not want him to go in my stead. He is a good, kind being and would probably accept readily, but I can't ask him to go in my place. I was part of the group who took those books from the cave, he was not. I still feel I should go, but if I am outvoted then so be it." Nanuet turns and stomps off to the corner of the room unhappy with the situation and unsure of what actions to take.</p><p></p><p>Kate was quiet for a minute. "You're right about that. I know as Nanuet said, that we'd like to avoid involving others, but at this point without outside help we are stuck. Ringo doesn't expect us to have others. Why don't we ask the Centaur, and send Luna as well? Then Luna can carry any urgent messages to us." Minerva says, "Nanuet, You served as the Apache Ambassador in his place when he went away. It strikes me that he owes you a favor in return. And you can make it his choice if you wish."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet states, "Fine, do as you wish. Fetch the centaur, send the owl. I will not argue with you as we do not have the time. If anything happens to this creature I will never forgive myself. Ginnie, the next person who touched that door would have gotten hit by the dynamite blast. It could have been a possum looking for a hole to climb in to, that had nothing to do with any numbers, it was just chance." Kate says, "Thank you for saying that. I believe Ruby and Ginnie are right about the notes and names, but the dynamite was chance."</p><p></p><p>Ruby exclaims, "Nanuet, you obviously want to go. No one is going to stop you if you feel that strongly. So you should go prepare yourself." Nanuet exclaims, "What? Make up your minds? Kate, Ginnie, Minerva, and I thought you didn't want me to go. Now you have changed your mind, still we are out voted. This is starting to drive me crazy!"</p><p></p><p>Ruby states, "There is no voting going on here and no one can tell you what to do. Just because we might not want you to go doesn't mean you can't make up your own mind to do what you think is right. If you are going to seriously blame yourself if the Centaur gets hurt then you should go. That doesn't mean I want you to go."</p><p></p><p>Jake cuts in, "Everyone calm down. Nanuet, you should stay here with us, easier if we keep folks together. But Ruby is right, no one here is telling you what to do. You decide for yourself, I'll leave it up to you to either go or ask the Centaur." "Now," Jake continues, "We have to get the books on the wagon and get the wagon over there. Katherine where are you supposed to meet these priests so they can en-spell the book?"</p><p></p><p>Kate states, "In the Cantina, and in only about fifteen more minutes, so I must leave soon. One of Ringo's men will bring the wagon down Freemont Street, and then I have to load it up. I'll just drive the cart to the intersection. Mr. Gonzales reminded me of those things Beauregard Dodge used to hold his canon in mid-air. I can use those to move the books from the cart to the wagon without any help. Considering what happened earlier today, they will likely believe me being alone more readily than me having help."</p><p></p><p>"You can bring someone along who isn't involved to help you. You shouldn't be moving all those books around alone. Maybe Grant Keebler?" Jake says. "I'm sure Grant would be glad to help. Thank you for the thought, truth be told, I don't really want to be alone out there," she said with a little laugh. "It just seemed to make the most sense. "Alright, Nanuet you go," Jake continues. "But just you. That way they will see we aren't all ganging up on them. The rest of us should go about our business as best we can but be prepared for the worst anyway."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet looks over to Minerva and for a moment locks gazes with her. He can read the concern in her eyes. His eyes drop for a moment and then he looks back at her. "Kate, lets go over there then and get this done with. I will ask the centaur to track the wagon, but if I don't return it is because he refused." Kate says, "Alright, Nanuet. I'm as anxious as you are to have this done."</p><p></p><p>Ruby approaches Kate as they are about to leave. "I'm not sure if you've been back to your room. I left something there for you, I just wanted you to know now." Ruby looks a bit weary and the worry is apparent on her face, especially because it's not something seen there frequently. "Alright Ruby," Kate tentatively hugged her. "And when tomorrow comes, I will stay behind."</p><p></p><p>"Good. Because I couldn't bare to see something bad happen to you." Ruby furrows her brows. "What's tomorrow?" "If everything goes as we wish tonight, tomorrow is making sure our friend JPR doesn't spend another day above ground." Kate sighed. "I love you, Ruby. Be so very careful." "I will be careful and you be careful too." Ruby hugged Kate in return and says softly, "I love you too Kate and that is why I worry about you so."</p><p></p><p>She lets her grip on Kate go. "There might not be a tomorrow. I just know Johnny Ringo is coming tonight, I have a feeling." Kate replies, "You might be right, but we will deal with that when it comes. We've done everything we possibly can to do by right by everyone we can. That's all we can do."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet kisses Minerva and tells her to get ready for the ball and that he will meet her there. "Besides we have our bet on whether or not I can find you." Kate, Ginnie and Nanuet head over towards the El Parador. When they arrive Nanuet heads out the stables to speak with Qualtaqua.</p><p>"Noble Centaur, our paths cross again. I must call upon you for a favor, I need your aid."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet tells the story to the Centaur, explaining where they got the books, who Ringo is, what he has done and what their plan is. He replies, "I accept this task and you should have no burden upon you. I owe you a favor for being the voice of the Apache in my absence and have no qualms about repaying that deed. I will prepare now and will do as you ask." After his meeting with the Centaur, Nanuet heads inside and looks for Kate.</p><p></p><p>Kate waves Nanuet over to where she is sitting, managing for the first time since breakfast to put a little food into her. Ginnie's appetite is healthy, as always. "I am just waiting for my new friends," she said quietly when he arrived. "How did it go?" "I explained to him what was going on and he accepted without hesitation. He is a noble creature and will meet our needs well. He mentioned that he has the ability to speak with animals and also that he can change form to a wood elf and has a magical tent that he can hide within if necessary. I think we have made a wise choice. Should I stay with you or return to the others now?"</p><p></p><p>"I have kept to myself too much lately, but as much as I'd like you to stay, I think you should go. It is not long until the ball, and it would makes sense that you would be preparing for it." Kate looked at him and spoke quietly. "I know how frustrating it is to want to act and not be able to, and I have learned lately that feeling of responsibility for the safety of others. This is not easy. But the last thing I have learned today is that in many cases, the right choice is the hard one."</p><p></p><p>"You speak with much wisdom Miss Kate. I have found that many things in life are much harder than one would initially believe. I will go now, but take confidence that you have done all you could do in this situation and that things will work out as we hope." With that Nanuet leaves the El Parador and heads back to the Lucky Lady.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 3335390, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 225, “Getting into Trouble” , Saturday, April 1st , 1882, 6:30 P.M.[/B] As Ruby is watching the dancers she suddenly feels breath on her neck. “You're a much better dancer than they are," Jake comments before wrapping his arms around Ruby from behind. She smiles and places her arms over his as he kisses her neck. Then Jake whispers in her ear. "I talked to Conrad. I'm sure it's him. I'm not sure someone isn't using other means to figure out what people are thinking though." Ruby nods. They stay a bit longer to watch the dancers before they agree to go back to the Lucky Lady. "I wonder what everyone else is doing," Ruby comments. "Getting into trouble I'm sure," Jake replies with a chuckle. They help out with the huge crowd at the Saloon and they also make sure to tell Niles about their plans to attend the ball so he will know where they are in case of trouble. Nanuet returned to the Lucky Lady after his scouting of the Billiards Hall and Indian Saloon which turned up nothing. He made himself visible and began helping around. As evening rapidly approached he began getting nervous about the upcoming ball and looking like a fool. Well maybe the Cowboys have other plans anyways he thinks. He continues helping around the Lucky Lady, serving, cleaning, bouncing, and doing everything he can to contribute. Eventually Minerva shows up and makes her way over to the industrious elf. "Decided to show yourself finally?" she quipped. He says, "Well I didn't find anything out so I figured I might as well come here and help out. Not sure what else we can do about the situation." She replies, "I have been through the crowd, tending to my congregation, making appearances and keeping an eye on things. I too have not found out any useful information. The ball is almost here though and even with this going on I cannot help myself from getting excited. Soon, I must go get ready." He answers, "I suppose I do as well, but first let me tend to these folks here, can I get you anything while your here?" Nanuet returns to serving while Minerva works the room introducing herself and handling public relations. Soon, Nanuet notices Kate walking in. He makes his way over to her and speaks. "So, any idea what we are doing at this point? Time is wasting." She says, "Yes, actually. And I need to speak to you especially about it. There is hope, Nanuet. We need to go somewhere private." Inside the crowded saloon, Kate finally caught a flash of red hair. She and Ginnie hurried over. Kate suddenly hesitated. Their last words had been angry, but this was too important to worry about that now. They finished crossing the room and Kate said quietly to Ruby, "Can we talk?" Ruby nods, "Yes, of course. Do you want to stay here or go upstairs?" Kate replies, "Upstairs, the three of us. Anyone else who wants as well, although Jake did want us to avoid looking as if we were planning." Nanuet says, "Let's get out of the crowd. Upstairs is better." Nanuet fetches Minerva and joins Ruby, Kate and Ginnie who are standing at the bottom of the stairs. The five head up to the office where they can talk amongst themselves and not fight the crowd to be heard. Before heading upstairs Ruby gives Jake a little nod of the head. He arrives up there a couple of minutes after the rest of them. "What's up?" Ruby asks. Kate lit a candle and gave them some privacy. "Just in case. I just spoke with the priests that were sent to look into the heavy influence of Aphrodite here in town..." Kate began with a shiver, then quickly sketched in their conversation, emphasizing that they had no idea any of them used magic themselves. "I presented it as a religious problem, and they are very anxious Ares not be allowed to interrupt this festival. The idea is this. One of the priests will put a spell on the books so that anyone with evil intent cannot use them. I will then turn them over, and two of the priests will follow the wagon out of town so we will know where they are taken. He will have the books in his possession, but they will do him no good. The priests would like an experienced tracker to go with them, and that's where you come in, Nanuet. I don't believe they intend any confrontations, only to make sure we know where to go to take them back. There are soldiers aplenty here for the festival. I think tomorrow after services with Priests help, and perhaps that of the soldiers, we can finish Ringo. What do you think?" "What's considered evil?" Ruby notices the stares she gets from everyone. "Well, how do you really know he's 'evil' in the sense of whatever the spell will be. I mean, if he was really evil he would have kidnapped all of us and tortured us until someone told him where to books were." Nanuet states, "OK, it shouldn't be too hard to track a wagonload full of books. I don't see that I have a choice in this. I am sure Minerva can find another escort to the ball. You will have to introduce me to these men so we know each other before this gets interesting." Minerva starts to immediately protest but Ruby cuts her off. "No, Nanuet, it shouldn't be you. The Cowboys know who you are. They'll have to find someone else." Kate says, "I'm not certain. But I can ask the Priest when he comes to cast the spell. Perhaps it is some kind of injunction against servants of Ares? Ruby you're welcome to come to the El Parador and ask them yourself. Nanuet, I don't think it will take so long that you will miss the entire ball. I'm sure you will be back with plenty of time for dancing." Nanuet states, “How do you have any idea how far out of town they are going? They could travel all night for what we know. This is more important than any ball and you all know it. Besides, I am a lousy dancer." Ginnie asks, “Okay I'm a little confused. Your worried about dancing when we're all getting ready to die? I'll never understand adults.” Ruby states, "I agree with you Ginnie. The ball has already been ruined for me, as has this entire festival. There has been too much worry and drama. I‘m not excited about it at all, because in case the rest of you haven't thought about it I'm sure Johnny Ringo will show up in costume to cause trouble and we won't know who he is." Nanuet turns to Ruby. "We will be tracking them from a distance is my guess, won't matter if they know me or not. We don't have time to go around and find a tracker, make sure he is legit, tell him what is going on and convince him to help us track a dangerous man and his gang. I am going." Kate looked over at Miss Florencia. "I may even come to church tomorrow. It seems Mrs. King is going to be very disappointed when they throw their full support behind you." Ruby states, "Ugh, what do I care for priests? I'm just mentioning it, that it might not work. I'd rather throw a ball of fire on the wagon after it gets out of town, but I know that's not going to be allowed. I don't want to think about it anymore." Kate bit her tongue, then answered calmly, "I don't think burning it after it leaves would count as allowing it to leave unmolested. The idea is to fool him tonight, and take him tomorrow. You're right Nanuet, I don't know how far they will take it. I was thinking that it would go to Ringo, and he can't be far away if he intends to carry out his threat. It may go somewhere else." Jake sits quietly scratching his beard until he finally speaks. "This could work, especially with the help of our new friends. I'm not convinced that Ringo will leave us alone but it's worth a shot." Kate says, "To be honest Jake, I'm not convinced either. But it's the best option I've heard. And if he doesn't leave us alone, we have help.” Kate then asks, "Do we know any other experienced trackers that we can trust?" Ginnie interjects, “Wouldn't it be better if the animals tracked with the priests? after all they should have some way to communicate with them priests can talk with animals can't they.” Kate says, "That would be better. Nanuet, Priestess, can such a thing be done?" Minerva points out that an owl at night has better vision than anything else on the planet. She could stay aloft and unseen and track the wagon for as long as necessary. Nanuet says, "Well I know little of priests, if you remember I am only recently educated in the ways of shamanism. I imagine there are spells that will allow animals and people to communicate, but what use would a priest of civilized people have to learn that spell or even pray for it today? Besides, I would never send Maska anywhere I wasn't willing to go myself." Ginnie states, “Nanuet you can't go. There is a bullet with your name on it. He doesn't even have to be a good shot, and we know he is, to kill you.” “Ginnie, how do you know this?" Ruby asks with a raised eyebrow, "As Nanuet has NOT received a letter." Ginnie replies, “No and neither did I or Chester. However Chester's boss did get one and Chester got blown up by invisible dynamite. My employer got a letter so I'm assuming that there is a bullet labeled for me along with lots of other people. If I was Ringo and had shot Nanuet before and he didn't die I'd put him near the top of my hit list. We also discussed the fact that Ringo had threatened people that were close to Ma'am Kate with the priests. process of elimination.” Ruby does not look at Jake but continues softly, "Yes, that is my theory also. Which means if that is correct, the next bullet is for me. Ginnie, you should be staying at the El Parador until we can take care of this problem." Kate states, "Indeed she should. You are one person we can keep safe Ginnie. You've helped a great deal today, now is the time to keep yourself safe so you are still around to help again another day." Ginnie ignores the suggestion and then says, “What about the centaur in the horse barn at the Cantina? Maybe he can help?” Kate says, "He is a friend of Mr. Gonzales, so he might be convinced. And the Cowboy Gang have never known us to go about with a Centaur. Nanuet, would consider being held in reserve?" "That's a good idea," Ruby comments. "Mr. Gonzales trusts him and isn't he an Apache go to guy or something? If they go out into those lands he can get the Indians involved." Nanuet states, "First of all, I did not get any letters and unless you know something that we don't. We can only guess on who's name is on the bullets if anyone’s name is actually on the bullets. He threatened to kidnap Ginnie before and it was just a threat. As far as bringing the centaur into it, I prefer to leave others out of this who are not already involved. Too late for the priests obviously, but why put more people at risk. And once again if I understand the plan correctly we are just to track them and see where they go. There should be no battle. I also have a spell that can prevent people from even firing a gun at me." Minerva puts her hand on Nanuet's arm, "Mi amor, I think what our friends are saying is that we would prefer you to stay here and watch and protect over us. I for one would be much happier keeping you in my sights." Ruby says, "The owl can only speak with Minerva. Let the Centaur go, that's my vote." She notices Nanuet seems to be insisting on going. "Haven't you met the Centaur Nanuet?" The Indian replies, "Yes, I met him. All the more reason why I would not want him to go in my stead. He is a good, kind being and would probably accept readily, but I can't ask him to go in my place. I was part of the group who took those books from the cave, he was not. I still feel I should go, but if I am outvoted then so be it." Nanuet turns and stomps off to the corner of the room unhappy with the situation and unsure of what actions to take. Kate was quiet for a minute. "You're right about that. I know as Nanuet said, that we'd like to avoid involving others, but at this point without outside help we are stuck. Ringo doesn't expect us to have others. Why don't we ask the Centaur, and send Luna as well? Then Luna can carry any urgent messages to us." Minerva says, "Nanuet, You served as the Apache Ambassador in his place when he went away. It strikes me that he owes you a favor in return. And you can make it his choice if you wish." Nanuet states, "Fine, do as you wish. Fetch the centaur, send the owl. I will not argue with you as we do not have the time. If anything happens to this creature I will never forgive myself. Ginnie, the next person who touched that door would have gotten hit by the dynamite blast. It could have been a possum looking for a hole to climb in to, that had nothing to do with any numbers, it was just chance." Kate says, "Thank you for saying that. I believe Ruby and Ginnie are right about the notes and names, but the dynamite was chance." Ruby exclaims, "Nanuet, you obviously want to go. No one is going to stop you if you feel that strongly. So you should go prepare yourself." Nanuet exclaims, "What? Make up your minds? Kate, Ginnie, Minerva, and I thought you didn't want me to go. Now you have changed your mind, still we are out voted. This is starting to drive me crazy!" Ruby states, "There is no voting going on here and no one can tell you what to do. Just because we might not want you to go doesn't mean you can't make up your own mind to do what you think is right. If you are going to seriously blame yourself if the Centaur gets hurt then you should go. That doesn't mean I want you to go." Jake cuts in, "Everyone calm down. Nanuet, you should stay here with us, easier if we keep folks together. But Ruby is right, no one here is telling you what to do. You decide for yourself, I'll leave it up to you to either go or ask the Centaur." "Now," Jake continues, "We have to get the books on the wagon and get the wagon over there. Katherine where are you supposed to meet these priests so they can en-spell the book?" Kate states, "In the Cantina, and in only about fifteen more minutes, so I must leave soon. One of Ringo's men will bring the wagon down Freemont Street, and then I have to load it up. I'll just drive the cart to the intersection. Mr. Gonzales reminded me of those things Beauregard Dodge used to hold his canon in mid-air. I can use those to move the books from the cart to the wagon without any help. Considering what happened earlier today, they will likely believe me being alone more readily than me having help." "You can bring someone along who isn't involved to help you. You shouldn't be moving all those books around alone. Maybe Grant Keebler?" Jake says. "I'm sure Grant would be glad to help. Thank you for the thought, truth be told, I don't really want to be alone out there," she said with a little laugh. "It just seemed to make the most sense. "Alright, Nanuet you go," Jake continues. "But just you. That way they will see we aren't all ganging up on them. The rest of us should go about our business as best we can but be prepared for the worst anyway." Nanuet looks over to Minerva and for a moment locks gazes with her. He can read the concern in her eyes. His eyes drop for a moment and then he looks back at her. "Kate, lets go over there then and get this done with. I will ask the centaur to track the wagon, but if I don't return it is because he refused." Kate says, "Alright, Nanuet. I'm as anxious as you are to have this done." Ruby approaches Kate as they are about to leave. "I'm not sure if you've been back to your room. I left something there for you, I just wanted you to know now." Ruby looks a bit weary and the worry is apparent on her face, especially because it's not something seen there frequently. "Alright Ruby," Kate tentatively hugged her. "And when tomorrow comes, I will stay behind." "Good. Because I couldn't bare to see something bad happen to you." Ruby furrows her brows. "What's tomorrow?" "If everything goes as we wish tonight, tomorrow is making sure our friend JPR doesn't spend another day above ground." Kate sighed. "I love you, Ruby. Be so very careful." "I will be careful and you be careful too." Ruby hugged Kate in return and says softly, "I love you too Kate and that is why I worry about you so." She lets her grip on Kate go. "There might not be a tomorrow. I just know Johnny Ringo is coming tonight, I have a feeling." Kate replies, "You might be right, but we will deal with that when it comes. We've done everything we possibly can to do by right by everyone we can. That's all we can do." Nanuet kisses Minerva and tells her to get ready for the ball and that he will meet her there. "Besides we have our bet on whether or not I can find you." Kate, Ginnie and Nanuet head over towards the El Parador. When they arrive Nanuet heads out the stables to speak with Qualtaqua. "Noble Centaur, our paths cross again. I must call upon you for a favor, I need your aid." Nanuet tells the story to the Centaur, explaining where they got the books, who Ringo is, what he has done and what their plan is. He replies, "I accept this task and you should have no burden upon you. I owe you a favor for being the voice of the Apache in my absence and have no qualms about repaying that deed. I will prepare now and will do as you ask." After his meeting with the Centaur, Nanuet heads inside and looks for Kate. Kate waves Nanuet over to where she is sitting, managing for the first time since breakfast to put a little food into her. Ginnie's appetite is healthy, as always. "I am just waiting for my new friends," she said quietly when he arrived. "How did it go?" "I explained to him what was going on and he accepted without hesitation. He is a noble creature and will meet our needs well. He mentioned that he has the ability to speak with animals and also that he can change form to a wood elf and has a magical tent that he can hide within if necessary. I think we have made a wise choice. Should I stay with you or return to the others now?" "I have kept to myself too much lately, but as much as I'd like you to stay, I think you should go. It is not long until the ball, and it would makes sense that you would be preparing for it." Kate looked at him and spoke quietly. "I know how frustrating it is to want to act and not be able to, and I have learned lately that feeling of responsibility for the safety of others. This is not easy. But the last thing I have learned today is that in many cases, the right choice is the hard one." "You speak with much wisdom Miss Kate. I have found that many things in life are much harder than one would initially believe. I will go now, but take confidence that you have done all you could do in this situation and that things will work out as we hope." With that Nanuet leaves the El Parador and heads back to the Lucky Lady. [/QUOTE]
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