So, this chapter is definitely rated M as there are going to be some sexies in it. Just forewarning you. Enjoy!

Chapter 10: The Boat

Lillian found herself standing in knee deep water and holding her little sister Janet when Brian, her brother, ran up to them.

"Where's Momma and Pappa?" asked Lillian.

"We're gonna find them, girls. But first we have to go up."

Janet sniffled. "I'm scared." Brian held Janet's face.

"It's alright, Little Jenny. We're gonna play a game, okay? We're gonna run up the stairs and whoever gets to the top first wins. Okay?" Janet and Lillian nodded. Brian kissed Lillian on the forehead. "Be brave, my sisters. Come on."

All three of them started running down the flooded corridor, Brian holding both their hands to hurry them along. They found the stairwell and began ascending. The ship went dark and the girls screamed. Brian hushed them and urged them to keep going. And they climbed, and climbed, and climbed.

"Brian!" they heard their father's voice echo, but it was distorted. "Lillian! Janet! Where are you?!"

x=x

Lilly slowly opened her eyes but her vision was unable to focus on anything. She heard voices, but they were muffled. She was only able to make out bits and pieces of the words being spoken.

"...ribs took a beating...lucky her skull is intact...she's going to be...rest for a week, maybe two..."

Lilly blinked a few times to try and unblur her vision. She tried to sit up but hissed when she felt pain. She felt her face. Her eye was still swollen, but not as much as before.

"There she is."

Lilly blinked a few more times and glanced around. Her eyes finally came into focus. There was Dutch, Hosea, Arthur, and another man standing by a door. She was in a room she hadn't seen before. "Where are we?"

"In Valentine," Dutch answered. "At the doctor's office. You gave us quite a scare, Lilly."

Lilly tried to move off the bed but the fourth man, who she assumed was the doctor, went and stopped her. "Easy there, cowgirl," he said. "You need to rest."

Lilly laid back down and grumbled. "So I'm on bed rest or something?"

"Yes, but not for too long, I would imagine. You obviously come from good, strong stock! Nothing was broken, just bruised," the doctor commented.

"Can she be moved?" asked Hosea.

"Yes, but carefully, gentlemen. Riding on a horse is out of the question until she heals."

Arthur walked over to Lilly and knelt down next to the cot. "We got a cart we can take her home in."

"Excellent. I'll give you boys some tonics and instructions for her care, but you can carry her out when she's ready," the doctor said and he went over to Hosea and Dutch to discuss payment.

Arthur started stroking her hair. "How're you feelin'?" he asked.

"Remember when I told you about the Devil making a ladder from my bones and using it to pick apples in the garden of Hell?" she asked.

Arthur chuckled. "I ain't never gonna forget that analogy."

"Yes, well," she sighed. "I think he decided to break the ladder over his knee and toss the bones into the river of fire. That's how I feel."

Arthur laughed. "You're in high spirits, at least."

"Well, it's either humor or whiskey, and I don't think I have any whiskey on me at the moment."

Arthur laughed again and kissed her forehead, then started tucking his arms underneath her. "Come on, let's get you home."

Lilly winced when he picked her up but then relaxed into his arms with ease. Despite the pain, Lilly felt right at home as he cradled her. Arthur walked through the office and out the door to the horse cart. Dutch and Hosea shook hands with the doctor, thanking him for his kindness and hospitality. Arthur laid Lilly down on her back in the wagon then sat on the side of it to watch over her. Dutch and Hosea climbed into the driver's seat and headed out.

x=x

When they all got home, everyone at camp gathered around to make sure their 'bonnie Irish lass' was okay. Arthur carried her out of the wagon, and Dutch and Hosea calmed people down and addressed them on Lilly's condition. Lilly just wanted to hide inside her tent for the time being, but was surprised to find out that she'd be resting on Arthur's bed instead.

"Woa, wait a minute," she said as he placed her gently down on his cot. "Where are you going to sleep?"

"Don't you worry about that now," he said as he sat down on the edge of the bed. "But now that you're awake...you wanna tell me what happened with you and Reverend Swanson?"

"As ucht Dé, cic maith da tóin atá de dlíth air," she muttered.

"English?" he chuckled.

"For Christ's sake, he needs a good kick up the arse," Lilly replied.

Arthur chuckled. "Yes, I'm sure he does."

Lilly sat up a little and looked at Arthur. "Susan sent me after him to Flatneck Station. He was 'malafoostered' up to his feckin' ears, playing poker with two men. I told them the reverend was too drunk to play and that he was leaving. One of them kept arguing, so I politely told them to feck off."

Arthur stopped her. "Politely?"

Lilly rolled her eyes. "I shoved a gun in their faces."

Arthur laughed loudly. "Did you shoot 'em?"

"Never got the chance to. Swanson passed out, so they asked me to play in his stead. I refused, then I looked down and the bastard had feckin' vanished. Had to go chasin' after him, had to tackle a big bald man who was hasslin' him, but that bastard threw dirt in me face, kicked me in me belly, me face, so I stabbed him in the leg. Knocked him out, someone saw, I had to go chasin' after that right prick and persuade him not to inform the law...next thing I know, Swanson's got his god damn foot stuck on Bard's Crossing."

Arthur blinked a few times. "The bridge? You mean the train track bridge?"

"The very same. And of course, a train was coming. Luckily we got his foot loose and we got out of the way just in time. And the feckin' bastard had the gull to yell at me about almost throwing him off a bridge! And I was..." Lilly stopped herself and took a couple breaths to calm herself.

Arthur put a hand on hers. "You what?"

"I...it was scary, Arthur. That train barreling down on us...I ain't been that scared since...since my family's emigration from Ireland."

Arthur bowed his head. "Seeing something like that as a kid, a ship sinking with most your family on it...I can't begin to imagine what that was like," he said. He gripped her hand and leaned in close. "But you're here now, alive. And that's all that matters. Now," he spoke as he grabbed a blanket and covered her with it, "you need to worry about healin' up. I've got plans for you," he said with a devious grin.

"Oh really?" she grinned. "What kind of plans, Mr. Morgan?"

He looked around to make sure no one was watching, then gave her a quick kiss. "The kind of plans only a 'bihoonack' would make."

x=x

The O'Callaghans ran up to the deck into a crowd of panic and chaos. Brian was holding his little sister Lillian. His father, Jack, was carrying little Janet. The mother, Abigail, was holding their newborn son, James. Screams echoed into the night as another explosion rocked the ship. Lifeboats were being loaded quickly, but some people were fighting for seats. Lillian's father barged through some of the crowd to make room when one of the smoke stacks crumbled down. Jack didn't see it coming in time, and it fell on the crowd, including him and poor little Janet. Abigail screamed and Brian covered Lillian's eyes.

x=x

Lilly woke up in a sweat and sat straight up. She flinched from the week old bruise that was still present on her stomach and ribs. It was just a light yellow-greenish color now, but her ribs were still tender. Lilly glanced around at the camp, but since it was night time, she knew people were asleep. She stared down at Arthur, who was sleeping soundly on the ground. She was still technically on bed rest, and still confined to Arthur's bed, but she could at least walk around without much pain. Dressed only in her nightshift, Lilly climbed out of the bed, walked toward one of the cliffs, and looked out at the river. Minutes went by as she gazed out across the land. She was in awe of how beautiful the wilderness truly was. She stared down at her bare feet and wiggled her toes in the grass. It wasn't the rolling green hills of her native home, but Lilly still felt a deep connection to the land she was currently on.

Lilly shivered as a gust of wind blew through her. Lilly rubbed her arms, feeling goosebumps erupt from her skin. She nearly jumped when she felt a blanket being wrapped around her. "I thought you might be cold," Arthur whispered in her ear.

Lilly leaned back into his arms and smiled. "Did I wake you?"

"No," he replied. "But I had to drain my lizard."

"Ugh," Lilly snorted.

Arthur chortled into her neck. "I'm sorry, I forgot I was speakin' to a lady."

"I'm not a lady."

Arthur breathed in deeply. "Really? You smell like one."

Lilly turned and slapped his chest affectionately. "What do ladies smell like, mo chuisle?"

Arthur nuzzled her nose with his own and held her close. "They smell good. Good enough to eat," he said gruffly.

Lilly stared into his eyes daringly. "And what's stopping you from eating me?"

A moment passed before they started kissing each other hungrily. Arthur lifted Lilly up into his arms and cradled her as he continued his assault on her mouth. He carried Lilly to her own tent and they both went inside. Lilly laid flat on her back as Arthur lifted her nightshift, exposing her lower body. He hastily pulled down the undergarment that covered her womanhood and rump, then spread her legs open. Lilly felt herself blush at the vulnerability of herself being open in such a way.

Arthur glanced at her face, smiled wickedly, then lowered his head between her thighs. Lilly was about to ask what he was doing, but then she felt his mouth on her. And it felt phenomenal. Arthur's tongue slid up and down her slit and she shuddered in pleasure. Lilly could feel herself become warmer, and more wet. Arthur continued kissing and licking her, and there was one particular spot he touched that made her hips buck instinctively and moan.

Arthur chuckled into her womanhood and kept tasting her. He wrapped his arms around her legs and pulled her closer. Lilly moaned again as he kissed her nether regions, feeling his tongue lap her slit. She felt her legs tense as a sensation began to build inside her, and her hand gripped Arthur's hair. Her breathing quickened and her moans became more frequent. Lilly felt herself start to sweat and her hips bucked again as Arthur sucked on her clit. Her head arched back and she bit her lower lip to try and stifle herself from yelling with pleasure.

"Oh, mo chuisle," she moaned. "A chuisle mo chroí."

Lilly gripped Arthur's hair tighter, and she moaned and gasped more frequently as the wonderful sensation in her loins suddenly burst. Lilly's eyes widened and she smiled in shock of such a feeling. Arthur lifted his head after kissing her thighs a few times. "Did you like that?" he asked.

Lilly chuckled breathlessly. "How could I not? What was that?"

Arthur laughed and kissed her thighs again. "That, darlin', was called an 'orgasm'."

"Do men have those too?"

"Mmhmm," he mumbled. "Although not as much as a woman can."

Lilly stared down at him. "What do you mean?"

Arthur gave her a devilish grin. "It's probably best if I show you," he said, before lowering his head once more to kiss her wetness.

x=x

Abigail screamed and Brian covered Lillian's eyes. Chaos ensued on the ship and Abigail fell to her knees, sobbing with grief. Brian grabbed his mother by the arm and forced her to her feet. "Mother, we have to get on a lifeboat!" Abigail stared at the broken smoke stack and sobbed. Brian sighed then wrapped his arm around her. Lillian stared up at him, watching tears roll down his cheeks. "Mother, there's nothing we can do for them now. They're gone."Abigail nodded and sobbed into his shoulder. "I know..." she cried. Soon she backed up and wiped her face. "Let's go, my son."They ran along the deck once more, trying to find a free lifeboat. Lillian cried out for her little sister and Papa, but Brian hushed her. Another explosion was heard, and part of the deck broke underneath them. People fell through the cracks, including Abigail. Brian was quick enough to grab her hand before she fell. "Lilly!" he yelled, putting her down. "Grab the baby!"Lilly reached down for her baby brother James. The newborn was screeching. Abigail set her foot on something to hold herself steady. Lilly got a hold of the baby and cradled him in her arms. Brian went to pull his mother up, but the crack splintered open further and Abigail slipped from Brian's hands. She screamed as she fell and Brian yelled for her.

x=x

Lilly woke up early in the morning, cradled against Arthur. She yawned and kissed his cheek, and she felt him stir "Good morning, mo chuisle," she said.

Arthur groaned and stretched, then wrapped his arms around her. "Good morning," he replied and kissed her lovingly. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," she said. "Ribs aren't so tender anymore. How are you feeling?"

Arthur nuzzled her neck. "Like a bear that ate a whole honey pot," he snickered.

Lilly slapped his shoulder and laughed. "Is that what you call it?"

"Yes," he said. "You taste just like honey."

Lilly giggled. "Bithiúnach."

Arthur laughed and kissed her again. "I gotta go meet up with Javier to see about gettin' Sean back. You feelin' up for a ride?" he asked.

"Damn right I do. I need to get out of camp, I'm itchin' for action!"

x=x

It was late in the day when Arthur and Lilly rode up to the small campsite at the edge of Blackwater. They both got off the horses and approached Javier and Charles, who were currently scouting the area with binoculars.

"How many? Javier asked.

"A lot," replied Charles. "Uniforms everywhere."

"You see Sean?"

"No, I don't think so."

"Dammit. Where's Trelawny?"

"Who knows?"

Lilly and Arthur both on their bellies next to Javier and Charles. "Just...just keep your eyes open," Javier said.

"Hey," said Arthur and Lilly.

"Hey," said Charles.

Arthur grumbled. "Where is that little Irish bastard?"

"I'm not quite sure," Charles replied, still looking through the binoculars. "Trelawny's off tryin' to find out."

"Has anyone been into Blackwater to see how things lie?" Arthur inquired.

"Place is crawling with Pinkertons," Javier said. "Bounty Hunters. Pictures of Dutch and Hosea."

Arthur growled. "We got a lot of money sittin' in that town."

"And that's where it's gonna remain, for now," Javier stated.

Arthur motioned to Charles for the binoculars, and Charles handed them to him. Arthur took a peek through them. "Why haven't they hanged Sean, I wonder?"

Lilly laughed quietly. "I'm surprised they haven't, considering how much shite the man talks."

"I think he's bait," Charles surmised. "Or they want to put him on trial publicly."

Trelawny suddenly popped up beside the gang. "Gentlemen," he said. "Miss Lilly. Sean is being moved up the Upper Montana, then to a federal prison out west."

"Damn,' Arthur said. "Well, we can't be rescuing people from some federal prison."

Lilly sighed in frustration. "Those gobshites," she said. "Don't want to make it easy, do they boys?"

"We either rescue him now or cut him loose," Arthur observed.

Charles glared at Arthur. "We're not cutting anyone loose."

Arthur sighed. "Of course not."

"Ike Skelding's boys are moving him to a camp nearby before handing him over to the government," Trelawny said.

Arthur nodded. "So, I guess," he sighed. "We need to stop them before they get to camp. Charles, Lilly, why don't you head up on the north sidd, then we'll head up on the other side if the valley and meet you and we'll have them in either direction. Javier, Josiah, let's go."

Charles and Lilly both got up and walked over to their horses. They climbed on and began their gallop to the north side of the river. Soon they started crossing the river, then they made it up a trail to the cliffs and waited. It wasn't long until they both saw a boat come into view.

"That could be Sean," Charles said. "You see the others on the south side?"

Lilly grabbed her binoculars and looked. Sure enough, Arthur, Trelawny, and Javier were following the boat on the south side of the river. "I see them. Let's stay out of sight and follow the boat."

Charles and Lilly trotted along the cliffs, trying to keep parallel with the others. Soon they ditched the horses and climbed higher towards a cliff. It wasn't long until the boat went ashore, and Lilly saw a man lead another with a sack over his head off the boat. Two other men approached the boat and Lilly and Charles got out their binoculars. She watched as they ripped the sack of the man's head to reveal bright red hair.

"That looks like Sean to me," Charles said.

"Yeah, only Sean would have such a distinctive rat's nest for hair," she chuckled.

Charles waved over at the gang on the other side of the river, then looked around to see if he could spot the camp. "I see the camp," he said.

"Good," she replied. Lilly pocketed her binoculars and held oit her bow. They started descending the cliff and then continued walking along the ground. It wasn't long until they heard gun shots.

"C'mon!" yelled Charles. "Let's go!"

Charles and Lilly raced along the ground, aiming their bows and shooting at distracted bounty hunters. One by one, the hunters fell. Lilly approached one from behind and stabbed her knife into his neck. Charles fought another toe to toe. More gunshots echoed throughout the canyon and Lilly grappled with yet another bounty hunter. He tried to grab her but she ducked and plunged her knife into his gut. He fell over and yelled in pain. She kicked him in the head, knocking him unconscious. Lilly retrieved her knife and ran after Charles, who met up with Javier and Arthur.

"There camp's up this way," Charles said. "Come on."

They all started running in the direction of the camp. "I'll take the left side," said Javier. "Charles, you go right, okay?"

"I guess," Charles replied.

Lilly ran up with Arthur and they both stopped behind a pile of logs. "God damn army of these bastards," Arthur yelled. "How much is Sean's bounty?"

"Maybe we should turn him in ourselves," Charles said sarcastically.

Lilly laughed. "That's not a bad idea!" she aimed her repeater at a bounty hunter's head and shot him clean in the head.

The fight ensued, shots being fired from everywhere. Lilly moved up behind another pile of logs and continued shooting. She took out another bounty hunter from atop the tower in the camp. More bounty hunters came running down the hill to engage them. Lilly peeked out of cover and shot another enemy. She slung her repeater over her shoulder then pulled out her revolvers. Making sure they were both loaded, Lilly stood up and began firing at multiple bounty hunters. Each bullet she shot rang true. It was at that point where the rest of the bounty hunters retreated. Lilly spotted Sean hanging upside down from a tree branch.

"Cut me down!" he yelled. "Come on!" Lilly shot the rope and Sean fell to the ground. He grumbled as he tried to free himself from his bindings. "You're makin' heavy work of this, aren't ya!"

Lilly laughed and holstered her guns, watching Arthur run and cut Sean free. "It's not like we didn't have loads of bastards shootin' at us, ya bloomin' gobshite!"

Once Arthur had cut Sean free, he opened his mouth. "Ya know, yer a lot less ugly from that other angle, Arthur!"

"Come on!" Arthur held out a hand to Sean and helped him up. When Arthur started walking away, Sean protested.

"Do I get a hug, Arthur?" Sean asked. "A warm embrace for a lost brother, now found?"

Arthur laughed and placed a hand on Sean's shoulder. "You know," Arthur began. "Nothin' means more to me than this gang. The bond we share, it's the most real thing to me. I would kill for it, I would happily die for it, but in spite of all that...I would have easily left you here to rot if Charles hadn't stopped me."

Sean laughed. "I don't believe a word of that, Arthur."

Lilly started laughing at the two of them. Arthur shoved Sean to the side. "Get him outta here!

Sean pointed at Arthur. "Yer a great man, Arthur Morgan! The kind a young whipper snapper can really admire!"

Lilly snorted and covered her mouth. "Shut up!" Arthur yelled at Sean. "Right, we should split up. Javier, will you escort Mr. MacGuire back to camp? Charles, best you ride separately."

"And me, Arthur?" Lilly asked, leaning against a tree with an amused grin on her face. "Should I also ride separately?"

Arthur looked at her. "Nah, you're with me." Charles whistled for his mount. "Be careful!" Arthur continued. "There's patrols everywhere!"

Javier turned to Arthur. "What about you two?"

Arthur rubbed his chin. "We're gonna see what's worth takin' here. We'll meet you back there as soon as we can."

Javier nodded. "Alright," he said before heading off. "Okay, come on, Sean!"

Sean grinned atop of Javier's horse Boaz. "Have I got stories for you!"

"Yeah, can't wait," Javier grumbled and climbed up on his horse.

Lilly giggled as she watched the three boys ride off together. Arthur walked up to her and sighed. "So," he said. "I'll take one side, you take the other?"

"Sure," Lilly said, but then she grabbed him by his belt and pulled him closer to her. She whispered into his ear. "But all this shooting and looting? I'm going to be 'hungry' afterwards."

x=x