AN: Alright I'm back, this chapter is pretty long but has some good character moments. They're broken down for easier reading, look forward to any and all R&R!

Chapter 4

Wolf in the Badlands

I

Plundering the Plunderers

Gathered round a campfire, when the world was shrouded in the thickest dark the night could muster, was a small cluster of bandits each garbed in whatever assortment they picked off their victims. One approached with a bloodstained coin purse in his possession who counted aloud in stride.

Sitting upon an empty stump he said with estranged glee to his cohorts, "Barely enough for decent eat 'n' drink."

"Stow the belly aching.' reprimanded one, 'if you want more fare then aim bigger than weary travelers."

Tying off the pouch he replied, "Sure I'll aim bigger, so long you ain't too yellow to try."

The offended rose to his feet whilst declaring, "I'm 'bout as yellow as you are smart!"

Erecting himself, the other propped himself up while simultaneously insulting the other, "Then I must be pretty smart!"

One shoved which was answered by another until one of them suddenly fell into his arms with a sickening grunt. An arrow was firmly planted in his backside.

Dropping the body and drawing his sword the remainder quickly called the other to arms for they were being besieged from beyond. Scrambling to their feet and bursting through tarps the bandits of the camp arrived to find the one issuing the warning fall prey to another projectile finding its mark between his eyes.

Frantically casting their eyes in all directions save, ironically, the direction the bolt came from, the bandits began making wild accusations regarding its origins. A few made ready to return the ambush with arrows of their own but were thwarted by Agatha revealing herself through the foliage procuring her loaded crossbow and launching it as soon as her presence was realized.

Quickly she slung it back and drew her cutlass to contend with those choosing to advance on her. The first to fall was in the front line, not by sword but by bolt that came from Nikiski who came to duel by her side.

Their metals sparred in rapid procession but a handful of lowly bandits were of little challenge to the formidable duo who cut them down with precise jabs and thrusts. As Agatha and Nikiski were sheathing their blades they were suddenly caught off guard by one remaining bowman with his fellow bandit in tow with his arrow already knocked.

Their saving grace came in the form of Kaytaff who bound from the greenery, clamped onto the bowman's arm pulling him down. Ranger emerged from the flank, removed the arm of the swordsman and plunged him through the chest then viscously came around and liberated the head from off the shoulders of the bowman.

When the excitement had run its course Ranger wiped the back of his blade through the crease of his elbow and said when retiring it, "Keep your wits about you."

Agatha huffed slightly then went her own way. Ranger returned from whence he came and was soon found opposite the wagon which had Jethro and Ottis nearby with the former upholding a foul disposition.

Ranger took note of it as he walked towards the rear and made a passive slight as he passed by, "You are free to us assist if it so pleases you."

Jethro took in a harsh sniff then spat on the ground and departed without saying a word.

He came to the tail gate of which Emilio was tethered to with a rather inconsiderate amount of slack for the lad. He only acknowledged the boy with that typical hardness of the eye he harnessed at all times then took a step up to get into the bed.

As soon as his hand parted the canvas he was met with the image of Doc quickly coming to to snatch it back to the closed position. As Ranger leapt back he only caught a glimpse of Holo sitting mid ledge who appeared to be bare from the waist up.

Once the tarp was closed Doc's voice could be heard coming harshly through it, "New rule; if you cannot see both me and a member of this group and also find that the wagon bonnet is closed, don't open it!"

He overheard Holo say quietly, "Tis' fine, I do not mind."

"Well I do." replied Doc upholding the atmosphere.

At length Doc emerged and dropped down leaving Holo behind to her privacy. Wiping his hands with a towel he glared at Ranger who said with equal indifference, "Exactly how long does it take for a woman to get dressed and what need has she of a physician to do it?"

Grinding his hands against the cloth Doc replied while throwing it over his shoulder when finished, "I was applying a balm."

"For what purpose?" he said more annoyed than usual.

"If you pulled a wagon by your mouth for over day would your muscles not show any grievance?"

"Is she hurt?" asked Ranger with a sudden spark of concern that Holo secretly admired.

"Not really, but her jaw and shoulder have become exceedingly sore and she needs to rest up. Even a wolf god has her limits."

The voice of Emilio cut in, "If there is anything I can do to help her…"

Ranger raised a finger towards him, "Your silence is adequate enough."

A notable phsaw from Holo escaped the threshold of the bonnet. Ranger ignored her and informed, "I came to say that the raiding of the camp is underway and all heads are in good health."

Doc nodded and sighed, "Good to hear."

Ranger receded from view leaving the three as they were. Doc proceeded to wash his hands with Emilio watching him innocently, then to his surprise the bare arms of Holo draped around his shoulders from behind and gripped him tightly. He could smell the balm at its strongest from that proximity while Holo said most sorrowfully, "I am so sorry he mistreats you…' then began to sob, '…but you are so sweet and kind to want to help me!"

The bashful young man stood tensely while turning his head to Doc with a look that cried for both assistance and answers to this outburst.

Doc winced then informed with uneasy care, "Sometimes when women are with child…their emotions tend to swing a little more wildly than normal."

Holo overheard it and became more distraught, "I am so sorry! This must be so terrible for you! You must think me a terrible burde-e-en!"

She wept uncontrollably against his shoulder who looked to Doc while begging with his eyes on what he should do next.

Doc timidly raised his hand, "You're doing good, just provide emotional support. Anyway I need to check on something." then abandoned the youth to this awkward state.

Emilio, with the timidness of a frightened kitten, raised his hands to lightly pat Holo's while soothing with the utmost insecurity, "Um…there…there…"

Her body shuddered, "I will try…If there is anything I can do to repay your kindness I will do it."
Emilio then said, out of concern for his comfort, "If you are going to hug me, could you…perhaps…put a shirt on?"

He learned by the frailties of ignorance that this was not the correct response as Holo tore herself from his back and howled in anguish, "How could I be so inconsiderate?"

"Holo I'm not mad or anything." the boy pled in desperate hopes to amend her grief.

"Tis' not you!' she wailed, 'First I flipped the sled, second I become too sore to assist in the raid and now I have unknowingly seduced you. I cannot do anything right!" he suddenly heard her feet stamp against the bed before collapsing in despair.

Emilio at this point saw the wisdom in Ranger's words and chose to be silent.

As Ranger was assuming the trail leading back to the others he suddenly felt an odd acute surge of over encumbrance afflict his being by which he detoured towards the forrest fence adorning the bank and resigned his burden upon a nearby tree. None of this was done in total silence as sharp wheezing escaped his lips.

"Are you alright?"

He erected his figure immediately out of fear of any weakness being perceived by others then relaxed when realizing it was Doc of whom he could confide in.

"I am well enough." he muttered in a shielding tone that guarded his ego.

"Were you injured?"

"No." he replied abruptly while turning more of his back towards him.

"You look very worse for wear." Doc warned.

With an uproar of impatience Ranger recalled, "The days have been long and the weeks strenuous. That is all."

"How much rest have you gotten in the last few days?" inquired Doc with that demanding concern a physician undertakes regarding the well fare of his fellow man.

"I will rest when time permits." growled the masked man who made an attempt to move away.

Doc folded his arms and called out to him bravely, "It's that ability you have isn't it?"

Ranger came to a wobbling stop, and though he did not turn his head, Doc knew he seized his attention.

"Holo told me what happened when you used it. The burning ember you called it? You haven't recovered from it have you?"

Ranger turned his head somewhat, "Whatever uniqueness is granted by my heritage, it is none of your concern."

"It is my concern.' Doc corrected quickly, 'my duty to this band is to ensure everyone's health is up to par for whatever may lie ahead. And I have sworn an oath to uphold that role to the letter. I can help you, we all can help you. Just reach out."

There was a pause between the dark space that conjoined them. It was as if his soul yearned for what was offered but his mind forbade it.

"What can you do for me?" he ridiculed.

Doc withdrew his spectacles, "I may not know everything about everyone; However I know when a man is pushed beyond his limit and is too exhausted to carry on much further. You can educate me about your peculiarities, all life stems from the same creator, perhaps I can find a remedy to meet your needs." the man was nearly pleading at this point.

Ranger in that moment was pricked in the heart, for he rarely was dealt that magnitude of compassion, however to him a prick was a prick regardless of its source, "It matters not,' he said sorrowfully, 'my kind is nearly extinct anyway."

He departed without saying another word more.

Doc continued to chew on an earpiece as he observed the receding frame of the wayfaring warrior. He heaved a sigh of discontent and went his way.

Ranger was seen coming back to the bandit camp to where he witnessed Agatha, Nikiski and Ottis scavenging for supplies but took a sour note at Jethro who was leaned against a tree observing his comrades bitterly.

"It is one thing to not raise blade in aid of your companions,' rebuked Ranger as he walked past, head sternly upon him, 'but do you so consider yourself above the menial labor of scavenging alongside them as well?"

Jethro spat a heavy wad on to the ground and replied with equal tension, "Only when it is dishonorable."

Agatha's face, adorning a disgruntled concerning look, lifted from her duties and honed in on the conversation.

"For your sake,' said Ranger subtly, 'explain yourself."

Jethro sniffed aggressively then resumed, "I understand we are need of money and supplies; but raiding and pillaging to earn our bread?"

Ranger was in near disbelief, "The men who lay dead before you have fallen prey to the very methods they employed to obtain their riches. You act as if we slaughtered innocents."

"I know well the nature of these men, but how are we to fight off evil if we behave evil?"

A hot gust of wind pushed out Ranger's throat, "The merciless obtain no mercy, the bloodletting are drunken with their own blood and the evil doers have that very evil returned upon them. These fates are expressed by the very God you profess to believe in. Who sent his fires and armies upon entire cities for the sake of his people."

Jethro took offense, "None of us here are equal to God."

Agatha jumped in as one would to barricade two opposing armies, "Mr. McKinley if there is a more honorable way to provide for the group what have ye in mind?"

Easing up slightly the one eyed man condoned this endorsement, "If the information about Badorenz is correct then there must be plenty of bounties posted in the nearby town. We can grab and fulfill a few contracts and get paid that way. Who knows we may even come across Durango in the process."

"Not a bad course." concurred Agatha.

"If being contractually obligated to kill bandits eases your conscience, then by all means." muttered Ranger as he walked away to look for whatever would suit his fancy.

Jethro took a moment to let the justice of the reproach pass through his heart then asked of Agatha, "Would you care to come with me Mrs. McDubland?"

She was a bit stymied by his offer then looked to Nikiski who issued a look to her as if to say he would manage on his own without her in which she agreed, but slightly baffled by the invitation.

II

A Walk Below Starlight

Though the heavy night drew its mantle over the sky, the evening seemed oddly young for Jethro and Agatha. Perhaps it was because they assigned for themselves a new task to be undertaken, or that it was just the two of them together or that the day's recent activities left them charged with a more lively gusto that overtakes our desires rest. Whatever it was, the hour that adorned the road they partook was not daunting in the slightest.

The truth of these conditions dwelt within their interactions as they ventured. Despite all the hardships endured thus far the man and woman found a way to fill the hour with gaiety. At times Agatha had forgotten herself in the lighthearted conversations she shared with Jethro. It was not until she had come to and allowed a quick recess between them she finally stated.

"Oh Mr. McKinley, ye be a more sharper flint than me realized!"

He responded after he allowed his chortling to come to close, "If you enjoyed this, you should see it when I get some alcohol in me. I remember this one time me and Gowda…" he let out a pause as if his memory were but naught a song in the distant wind.

Agatha shifted tones immediately, "I know it's been a couple of days but; how've ye been since her passing?"

Jethro looked up to the tree lantern they stood below and said with an effort to subdue his more irate emotions, "I try not to think about it, and when I do I remind myself to move on."

Agatha nodded and said in congruence, "I remember the way I felt when me son died."

Jethro shot his face down to her stunned, "I thought he was only taken from you at birth, you never said he died."

"True, I don't know what really became of him but I have come to assume so to ease my worrying."

Jethro nodded then asked cautiously, "Mrs. McDubland I'm sorry to ask but what exactly was your situation?"

Agatha let a smile tinge on the corner of her lip, "The story is nothing unique to me, hundreds of poor lasses got what I got in Dehlmare."

She took a note of silence while Jethro said affectionately, "I'm listening."

"Me dad was a sailor who met his fate at sea forcing me mum into the brothels. Her social contributions made her sick and forced her into an early grave when I was but fourteen. When I was taken into the orphanage the priest who was in charge found it profitable to sell my body like me mum. Of course I was at that age when my loins began to bloom and I brought forth a baby boy."

She looked down with tender melancholy, "Though my time with him was short, and though he was sired illegitimately, I loved and always will love him unconditionally. Because he was mine…"

"A mother's love is what you had." commented Jethro.

"Aye,' concurred Agatha who looked up to the stars, 'but a mother I was not to be. The priest ordered my baby to be ripped from my arms and began carving up me soft spots so that I would never bear another child again. And it worked."

Her lip trembled and she sought to hide her face from him. For no man could be allowed to see such vulnerability from her.

Jethro decided to cut it there, "I remember that's when Nikiski saved you, in fact I remember that's how you met, but why do you assume your boy is dead?

"Because,' replied Agatha after taking in a long breath, 'The children of whores go to the very orphanage I lived in. I remember, aside from a few exceptions, the wee ones rarely survived."

"That still doesn't mean…"

Agatha turned to him, her face burning, "Me and Nikiski searched and searched for him when I recovered. We never found him. Those without parents in Dehlmare are without rights to a decent burial ground. They get thrown into the ocean to become food for the guppies. That's why we never found him!"

Jethro took a moment then said in such a sweet tone it nearly caused her to collapse, "You never saw, you never heard, you never knew. There's still hope. Even after ten years, there's still hope."

Agatha trembled and held her hand to her mouth.

"I bet he's strong, just like his mother."

Wiping her eyes she replied with some animosity, "And his mother was no better than her own."

He cocked an eyebrow, "Why do say that? Because you were forced into lechery like her?"

"Because I was not around when he needed me most, just like how she was not there when I needed her most!"

Once more Jethro said in that same tone that announces sincerity, "I'm listening."

Painfully she confessed, "Me mum was spending more of her time with hard up sailors than with her own daughter. I learned to cook, sew and wash on my own. I tucked myself in most nights, I told bedtime stories to me self!"

She turned towards him while slapping her palm with the back of her hand, "I celebrated many birthdays, great birthdays, without her. And when my body began transitioning to womanhood I learned how to ease the pain, hide the mess and keep it clean all without her! And when she left me for good, it made no difference, I made it without her help, TO HELL WITH HER!"

Her final word echoed profoundly among the leaves until its utterance fell silent giving way to the crickets. After a long pause between them Jethro walked up to her and, despite his senses contradicting what he was about to do, he put a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey…"

She turned her head around revealing streaks of tears running down her eyes while she sniffled.

"I know what it's like to have your family life not turn out as expected. I never thought I'd have to bury my own kin and end up ending my own wife's suffering."

She nodded and began recollecting herself, "I don't mean to lay me burdens on anyone tis' just that; When me dad died, why couldn't we have moved or why couldn't she have just remarried, why did she chose that path, why was the only real parent I ever had have to be stranger? Why did I have to do to my baby that she did to hers…why did I have end up being just like her?"

Jethro understood profoundly the grievances of her heart more fully now and could only resign himself to say, "I don't know."

Finally getting over herself she huffed and said while looking into the firmament above with an odd combination of humor and disdain, "Now here we are, trying to get back for that little lass Holo what we ourselves have lost. A family."

He let a slight laugh pass through his nostrils, "Yes irony can have very cruel senses of humor. But always remember, life can be tough, we can be tougher."

She shook herself off ready to reengage to journey, "Yer right, now let's put that toughness to good use eh?"

"Lead the way."

She took the lead then stopped to say, "Mr. McKinley…."

"Hm?"

She contemplated a good moment then replied, "Thank you."

"Anytime Mrs. McDubland."

She continued on then suddenly wheeled around and threatened, "If you tell anyone ye saw me cry then I'll be carving up yer soft spots too!"

He put his hands up, "Of course."

She turned and made way with more haste.

"Of course."

T'was not long that Jethro and Agatha came to a modest settlement sitting ideally among the crossroads. They ventured forth keeping an evermore sharper eye upon their surroundings for the spirit that possesses men to do wrong by their fellow man lingered heavily in every walkway and alley. Alas they spied what appeared to be free lancers standing before a bulletin ornamented with parchments depicting the likenesses of the foul individuals who sought absolution from the hands of justice.

Approaching it, Agatha and Jethro began filtering which bounty would be the most logical for them to undertake given their circumstance. One of the bounty hunters they stood by, sorting through a set of posters in his hand, upon accounting their presence from the corner of his eye slightly shifted it towards them and assumed with a rude gruff, "You must be new here…"

Jethro nodded then attempted to quell whatever offense he charged them with, "We're just passing through, thought we could make some coin with the simpler ones."

Stuffing his bounties into a satchel he hissed with but a hint of understanding, "Very well." then departed to his own designs.

Jethro shrugged, "Not the most welcoming bunch are they?"

Agatha, knowing well the mindsets of such professionals, concurred and elucidated, "They be like watchdogs, content with one another so long as the other ones mind their turf. Newbies like us mean less to go around for men like him."

"Well,' groaned Jethro as he stretched then plucked a sheet from off the board, 'don't think they'll mind some of the lowlier ones getting taken."

"What find ye?"

Looking over the details with his remaining eye he informed, "Simple debt collection on a Madrid Dubois. He owes a substantial amount of money to some creditors who either want him to pay with gold…or do time. Whichever he can spare at the moment of contact."

"Is he dangerous?" inquired Agatha knowing well the lengths criminals can go to to avoid incarceration.

He flexed his lip while shaking his head, "No, says he's bit of a crafty talker and will try to get out of it, not too much to worry about."

"Aye, where can we find him?"

Again he extracted the desired information from off the sheet, "Says he spends most his time gambling at 'The Rancid Rider' could go there and ask around if anyone's seen him."

Agatha blew a sharp blade of air from her mouth up to the lock of hair fallen between her eyes then said, "May as well. Don't know about you, but I could use a drink."

The Rancid Rider was situated in odd appropriation in relation to the rest of the settlement. There, uniquely on the inner outskirts were the town shops, banks and large jailhouses, was the saloon with nearly every window ablaze to accommodate the numerous patrons bustling within and filing in and out the entrance despite the overgrowing night hours.

From there Agatha and Jethro fell in formation with an infiltrating huddle of patrons and soon assumed entrance of the establishment. They took a moment to survey the saloon and found it much more crass than even individuals of their character were accustomed to. There were games at the tables, drinks being consumed, arguments being had, jokes being made and saloon girls making merry with all the boisterous noises mixing into an orgy of melodic malfunction hovering above the atmosphere.

Though the Rider was filled with all walks of life the detection of two outsiders barely went amiss among the dozens of booze dwellers who took note of their entrance then suspiciously went back to their activities. They approached the bar only after getting jostled and cussed at by the prospectors coming behind them.

Once there, the barkeep approached inquiring what ale they desired but instead Jethro retrieved the wanted poster and inquired on that instead.

"Madrid Dubois, have you seen him lately?"

The tapster rolled his eyes at the taboo lack of discretion held by those new to bounty hunting then motioned to the table behind them, "He's playing cards. God be with ya, most likely the money he owes his creditors belongs to someone else now."

They beheld the scoundrel taking seat with five other men, four of which, by their more casual interactions, seemed well acquainted with each other, while the fifth was received much more coldly verifying him to be the lone outsider seemingly playing against Dubois and his gang but also playing in favor of his own interests.

The stranger kept himself well shrouded in a long trail coat and wide brimmed trail men's hat of the line riders. The brim kept his face concealed well enough but still endorsed its silent hostility. All that could be seen was his gruffly chin encased in black stubby facial hair.

The stranger was of no concern to Agatha and Jethro who instead made haste to Dubois who was the object of their presence to begin with. They encroached his presence from the adjacent flank. Jethro addressed him unsure how to proceed, "Madrid Dubois?"

Madrid cast a quick gaze at the duo, looked them over then returned to the game, "Sorry I don't do impressions."

His cohorts chuckled amongst themselves and attempted to ignore them.

Agatha interjected, "You be upside down in your finances, we be here to set things right."

Dubois then craftily shifted tones, "Look, I'm playing a friendly game of hold em' can it wait until I'm done?" he almost sounded genuine if not being forewarned of his craftiness in speech.

"Afraid not, pay the debt or come with us." glared Agatha who took a more assertive stance that brandished both her posture and armaments. Jethro casually did likewise as reinforcement.

The stranger sitting opposite Madrid sighed with impatience and tapped his card hand on the table. Madrid rubbed his chin and pondered then thought of a way to escape his predicament, "Listen here, I know I've done wrong by holding out on the bank and I would love more than anything in this world to repay them!' he pled, his voice melancholy, 'But you see, this man before us invited us to a friendly card game and wouldn't you know it he's nearly cleaned us out! If only we had known he was a hustler!" he moaned.

"You lost fair 'n' square partner.' commented the stranger with a peculiar drawl in his voice that made him sound both intimidating and intimate, 'The lady asked you to pay yer dues, now be a gentlemen."

Dubois fanned himself off with his cards, "Oh you cruel man, where is your compassion? The money I owe is now in your possession, please good sir, be a saint and absolve me of these obligations I beseech you!"

The stranger pounded his fist on the table lightly while raising the brim of his hat revealing his hardened face decorated with dark stubble and a black eye patch over his right socket of which Jethro could relate.

"Listen…friend…' he started, struggling to keep his voice calm, 'I ain't in the business of charity. I won your money and none of your problems. These people are your collectors not your therapists. Now make up yer damn mind before I make it up for you."

Madrid, when realizing his usual methods of escaping accountability had flopped, looked to each cohort then proposed, "How 'bout this round we go all in?"

The stranger said nothing but appeared intrigued.

"If I win the next hand, I have the means to pay off my debt, fair 'n' square."

The stranger mulled over it then spat into the spittoon he had near the leg of his chair then stared at his gaming opponent, both elbows folded on the table.

Jethro and Agatha shifted uncomfortably unsure how to proceed.

"All in." said he then cast the mountain of coins before him into the middle of the table.

Madrid nodded with a smiling eye and smirking mouth as he did the same with the other four seeming rather ecstatic to go in. The stranger leaned back nonchalantly and encouraged with his hands, "Your deal."

The cards were taken, shuffled and divvied out to each contestant equaling seven to a hand. Dubois and his cronies examined their set while the stranger lifted the corners of his from off the table to observe their value then let them lay flat again.

Despite the boisterous noises coming from all around the standstill had such a hold on their focus that it all went unperceived. The stranger stayed leaned on one arm upon the table not once breaking his posture. Agatha and Jethro felt the tension keep them locked in the encounter as they waited and waited.

The stranger suddenly slapped his cards down and proclaimed, "Fold."

Dubois and his four friends whooped and hollered then revealed their hands to one another. One by one each one lost to another until it alas came to Dubois who rejoiced to have the winning hand.

Addressing the stranger he said with glee, "Fortune smiles on me today! Better luck next time eh?"

He leaned over to collect his earnings when the stranger stopped him with subtle call of his voice, "Fortune smiles upon you indeed. In fact, I've never seen fortune smile so widely on anyone in a game of hold em'"

Madrid appeared frozen in place, "What can I say, it's how I always get by."

As he proceeded to drag away the winnings the hand of the stranger stretched forth to stop him. Madrid stopped and became apprehensive.

"I couldn't help but notice each of your hands,' said the stranger, 'each of you have an ace."

A bead of sweat began to perspire at his brow.

The stranger flipped up his cards revealing his hand which possessed an ace as well.

"That's five aces.' observed the stranger who pushed out his chair and stood up, "I ain't never seen a deck with five aces before."

"What are you implying?" quivered Madrid whilst his companions appeared ready to abandon him.

"You ain't cheatin' me now are ya boys?" said he with a rapid air as he pulled back the tail of his coat showing a hand upon his brandished crossbow.

Madrid put up his hands, "Whoa, whoa now, give me few moments!"

"I'll give you one, fill it with words."

"C'mon now friend, slipping cards ain't worth a life and you know it. How about you just take the winnings and I'll go with this couple to serve my time."

"We're not a couple!" stammered Agatha reaching an end to her patience.

The stranger seemed content with the proposal.

Madrid stuck forth his hand, "Do we have a deal?" said he in fear of his life knowing whatever mishap that would come upon it would mostly likely be self deserved.

The stranger repurposed his jacket and stuck his hand out to clasp the one before him, "Deal."

As they shook a series of cards loosened and flowed from the stranger's sleeve and collected on the table.

Madrid looked down at them then came up with his face stunned and neutral. He looked upon the swindler with brows creasing into the angles of eternal fury, a temple vein bulging and skin turning as red as an hot iron coal.

The stranger smiled guiltily, "Well…how'd those get there?"

"Why you no good cheatin' prick!" shouted Dubois of the stranger then motivated his penance by introducing his jaw to his virile fist.

The stranger staggered upon alighted feet which quickly reinitiated foundation a few paces away, adjusted his hat, picked up his chair and employed it as the means to deliver his judgment of the man with a greater estimate of opinion. The blow was delivered invoking the curiosity and ire of a grand multitude as Madrid's men arose to enact their vengeance and better the instruction.

"That's five on one!" came a voice belonging to a patron seeking to intervene the odds.

He was intercepted by another who informed harshly, "He's a damn cheat."

"Hands off!" then smote him for the trespass.

And from there, as doth the tiny spark, when in an appropriate environment, becomes an unquenchable fire, so too did this small altercation expand into an all out brawl. Agatha noticed one of Dubois' men attempting to collect the winnings while under cover of mayhem and went to stop him yelling, "That money is for our bounty!"

"Away with you wench!" he protested while imprinting a hand mark across her cheek.

She quickly retorted with a blow of her own with Jethro rushing in, "Don't touch her!"

The entire hostelry looked like a waive of cockroaches scurrying past and over one another. Faces bruised, blood dripped, wood splintered and glass shattered in the conflict!

Many involved themselves for mostly sound reasons save one man who came out the top with a saloon girl behind him and was excited by the chaos. He handed his drink to her and said, "Hold this, be back in a second darling!" He sprinted, withdrew his hat and dove over the railing head over heels into the fray.

"YEE HAW!"

And that concludes Agatha's and Jethro's tale in the Rancid Rider.

When all had gone silent Jethro was seen sitting on the front steps of the Rancid Rider applying a rag soaked in cold water to his bruised and bloodied face. Agatha came out sharing a number of swells and aches on her personage, the three most notable being an eye swollen shut, a hand compressing her ribs and a hobble in her gait.

"Thought I knew a rough town but I gotta say, this one sets the standard methinks." said she attempting not to laugh for fear of it magnifying her afflictions.

"Are you alright?" he asked with a little regard to his own pitiful state, "You took some pretty hard knocks back there."

She flapped her hand, "Bah, not the first sound beating I've got, shan't be the last."

She leaned her back against the mast at the top of the steps and looked up with a reflective wonderment, "Was a wee bit of fun though."

He looked back unable to even attempt to express what he fathomed with words.

Glancing down with her only functional eye she chuckled, "What we talked about earlier, was nice to blow off a little steam yeah?"

He concurred with a restrained chortle, "Suppose it was."

They remained silent for the time being in their ravaged state hearing nothing else but the ballad of crickets chirp from all around.

Finally Jethro asked, "What of the bounty?"

Sighing with pain she said, "Managed to work a deal out. Madrid gave me what he owed from the pile and then some. We'll take it to his debtor tomorrow."

"Why would he gamble with the money he owes to begin with?"

"Because he's deadbeat and a fool." groaned Agatha with the same frustration as he.

Concurring with a salutation of the head he made this addendum, "Speaking of fools, I hope we never come across that stranger again. He practically caused all of this."

Agatha leaned back to her feet, "Well don't get yer hopes up."

"What do you mean?"

"Turns out that stranger is the bounty hunter we be looking for."

"Don't tell me…"

"Afraid so, that be Durango."

III

Beseeching the Hard Hearted

The next day began at the border of late night and early morning when Holo and company departed camp and made venture through great and spacious fields of golden grass, brown mountains and green underbrushes upon rocky trails that flowed and bifurcated throughout the landscape like withered veins.

The health and well being of said party varied from person to person. Jethro and Agatha were given a parcel amount of Nazani's healing elixirs to dull the edge of their aches and pains to conserve such an invaluable resource while Emilio stumbled over every jot of uneven ground due to the burden such an early rise laid upon his mind. Holo was in the most precarious bind of all for her morning sickness returned with a vengeance forcing her to make many stops and eject the demands of said afflictions.

Emilio being filled with compassion attempted to aid her however Ranger objected harshly to any intervention of his accord sending Holo into an emotional spree invoking fickle arguments among the others. Alas Holo thought of a scheme to enact revenge against the man's overbearing charade with a pleading suggestion that she be carried a good stretch of the way well knowing Ranger would unanimously be elected for the task.

The journey continued on with Ranger reluctantly supporting Holo's weight upon his back with his arms underneath her. Even when the sun peaked over the edge of wilderness and the hands of her grievance struck the final hour and her cup no longer flowed over, she still insisted upon being carried by sustaining the mantle of pretense. The final blow against him was when she leaned her jaw to his shoulder and whispered, "Try not to bounce so much, I think I may vomit again."

Ranger grumbled with more hostility than wit, "And I think my arms may give out at any given moment."

She giggled and reveled in her victory which was not easily obtained from such a man.

They came to a fork where a road sign was established which, after it was examined, gave directions of the place they sought to the left. Holo popped her head over Ranger's shoulder, "Stetson ranch.' she recited, 'you are sure that is where this Durango is?"

"Confirmed by nearly every beer lackey in town." said Agatha, "If he not be chasing bounties he be raising and selling horses a plenty."

"Ah proper horses,' said Holo who slid her eyes over to Ranger, 'however I believe I fancy this steed instead." then patting his head, "Want an apple?"

His arms dropped and his shoulders cast her off.

"Ah!"

Agatha stroked and twirled a lock of hair like a tassel then contemplated out loud to Nikiski, "You think ye'd be warmly received after all these years?"

The man of whom she spoke to motionlessly stared at the sign and made no notion which only Agatha could interoperate, "Well, let's hope it'll be better than you hope."

"Have any of us a clue as to how we are to recruit him?" spurned Ranger knowing bounty hunters seldom come cheap.

Jethro spoke up, "Me and Agatha met him last night, perhaps a fresh familiar face may warm him up."

Ranger motioned to the plethora of bruises marking his face, "It was a good first impression I am sure."

All eyes fell on Nikiski who sighed and looked up.

Agatha translated for him, "Don't think he'd be too keen on seeing him show up unannounced. You see Jurgen did a number on them all, seeing him may bring back unwanted memories and the horror if the man he presumed dead was not."

Their heads shifted to Ranger who spoke, "He quickly resigned from Laterniuex's organization after the ordeal with Jurgen. If he cut all ties with him he most definitely will not wish to cross paths with a direct associate."

Attention was then placed on Holo who muttered, "The only thing I can think is to barter with him, however money may not convince him to join if there is personal trauma involved, and even if it did the amount he would demand would be more than what we have on hand or could imagine."

In a desperate hope they turned to Doc, Ottis and Emilio with Doc putting his hands up, "Don't look at us we don't know him."

After a collected respire the most that could be said came from the lips of Holo, "Well, let us go up and meet him."

The band continued on down the designated road and in ten minutes time there came a large ranch in view with horses, cattle and sheep aplenty walled off within the borders of wooden fences with corrals and stables lined up by a large barn adjacent to a small house. Even from there, as they descended towards it, horsemen could be seen rounding up the livestock with shepherd dogs assisting along side which excited Kaytaff to see.

The smells of manure, hay and straw were faintly strong with Holo plugging her nose well before the others sensed its threshold. They entered through the gate and made their way down the designated straight and happed upon a ranch hand mending a fence that they were about to abide by.

On closer inspection he was a specimen of man rarely seen this far in the heart of the continent. His skin was nearly as dark as his hair was black. The sight of darker skinned people was not an enigma to Holo nor to any other resident of the country, it was simply less common when differing cultures, climate and travel mandates were factors in how citizens of neighboring nations mingled with one another. What made this fellow more unique was his skin was nearly black which was less than uncommon to see. Holo had heard of such peoples but only in anecdotes of a far eastern nation rich with spices whose tribes had labored under such an unrelenting sun it was believed their skin had been burned black passing the trait down to their progenitors.

Yet the only logical conclusion to her on how he came to roost here was that he was a slave.

Sliding a rut in before driving the post down with a mallet he looked up, wiped the sweat from his eyes with his hat and greeted before resuming, "Howdy!"

Though only one word was spoken it could be well foreseen by Holo's judge of character that he had a good heart.

Everyone dinted their eyebrows, "How-what?" stuttered Holo.

"Means 'How ya doing.'" he informed while straining to keep the fence straight.

"Oh…doing well; is this Stetson ranch?"

He chuckled letting the whites of his happy smile to be seen by all, "Sure hope so, or I've been in the wrong place all these years!"

Holo smiled passively, she found peace coming from his sense of humor.

"That is good!' resumed Holo who then spoke with an assumption her knowledge and ignorance decided for her, 'Is your master here?"

A stiff energy hit everyone like a bolt.

The ranch had took no offense, instead he pointed to the heavens and said, "He sure is, all around us, all the time."

A scoffing chuckle oozed out of Jethro's throat as he covered his mouth and tucked his face away. Holo had a shade of red tinge her cheeks as she struggled to stay composed. The ranch hand alas ceased humoring himself and concurred, "You must mean the owner of this fine establishment."

Holo tugged at the nap of her robe, "Yes that is who I meant." she irritatingly attempted to ward off the scrutiny she wrought upon herself.

The man secured the fence, eyed his work, was satisfied, then dismounted from his post and walked up to them while withdrawing his gloves, "What business do you have?"

"Well…' began Holo, 'we need horses."

He opened his arms to the grandeur of the establishment and proclaimed with all the pride that comes with maintaining such a monument to one's work, "I'm sure ma'am we got what you need!"

There was an odd silence that left the man in want of what more could be needed. That is when Agatha came forth, "We also need Durango."

With an entirely different complexion that swept across his face the man nodded and said, "We also got what you need."

He put his hat back on turned around, stopped to see a laborer on horse back trotting around and gave him a loud whistle to come over. The young rider spurred his mount to gallop over then had him cease his stride when at the fence.

The man spoke to him like a superior, "We got about fifty calfs big enough to be grass fed. Round em' up, separate the steers from the heifers, mark em', brand em' and bob off their tails!"

The cowhand acknowledged the demands of he who gave them like an equal, "Yes Mr. Terrance." he turned his horse's head to the pasture, "C'mon Bubba! (Click, Click!)

Horse and rider moved with the swiftness of the wind with the eyes of the troupe falling back upon he who was called Terrance who grinned at them, lifted his eyes and said, "I'll go get the 'master!'"

As he departed everyone looked at Holo who growled at them, "How was I supposed to know?!"

Jethro finally let loose with a howl of laughter that nearly broke his ribs, "Mrs. Holo! Did you see any chains or task masters? If not Durango is the worst slave owner in history! Ho, Ho, Ha, Ha!"

She looked vulnerable and hurt, "You are teasing me!"

She looked all around for anyone to sympathize with her error but could only find faces struggling to hold in laughter while Jethro took no care at all and made merry with the situation. She looked to Ranger who was silent who could only say, "Slaves typically are in groups while being tightly observed."

"Well I did not know that!" Holo snapped defensively.

This only caused Jethro to laugh harder, "How could you not?! Aren't you some wise hundreds years old wolf?"

She balled up her fist and gnashed her teeth at him, "I am Holo the wise wolf, yet there are many things I know that I do not know and that is what make me wise!"

Agatha waived her hand, "Just drop it lads."

Terrance made his way up the wooden steps of the patio, the old planks of wood naturally giving way as inherited by the thousands of times they had been trod under the foot of man. He entered and found the stranger of the previous night laying face down on the sofa in the main room, a rag and dish of water on the floor near where his hand lay draped and next to it a bottle of strong liquor.

"Rise 'n' shine master!" yelled Terrance then kicked the couch of which the sufferer lay.

His whole body shuddered in a violent conniption as he pushed himself up, groaned horribly and squinted at the perpetrator of his disturbance, "What in the sam hill you saying?"

"You got customers out front."

Sitting up right while massaging his face, Durango picked up the empty bottle, examined it then asked with a horrible groggy voice, "Animals or business?"

"Both."

He looked up with a peculiar eye, the other being nothing but a socket of collapsed tissue with a streak of red between the eyelid, rarely did he have buyer interested in both his professions and it would naturally cause concern.

"Who are they?"

Terrance had to put more of an effort into how he was to answer.

"Kind of a mixed bag. A mute, a sailor, a nun, a masked man, a boy, a mountaineer and two doctors."

Durango's jaw came open, "How the hell you come by that collection?"

Terrance flexed his eyebrows, "Leaves of all shapes and sizes, once they break free from their branches, get blown together by the wind"

Durango rose up, took his eye patch and applied it to hide his unsightly half and said with resignation to his duty as he collected his hat, "Well let's see what the wind blew in."

As the door came ajar and Durango stepped past the threshold and down the steps he also exited the shade which, due to his courting of strong drink the night prior, punished his senses with the harsh light forcing him to shield his eyes with the brim of his hat.

He approached the troupe with a gait that, though did not stagger, was afflicted with hangover and bruises. The first face he saw was Holo's who, taken by her sightliness, cooed, "Hello, what have we here?"

She gave him an uneasy curtsy, "We need your help."

His eye moved passed her shoulder and spied Agatha and Jethro of which it rolled up when recognizing them, "Don't tell me, you have another contract you wanna muck up."

Agatha, who could not let that remark go acquitted seethed, "From we stood, you did that aplenty without our help."

Durango pointed a finger at her, "For your information, that's how I was gonna get that money from Madrid because any other bounty hunter worth his salt would've known coming to one such as slithery as Dubois with his contract in hand would've had a snowball's chance in hell to collect. Yeah I was slipping cards but how else was I gonna get that money from a cheat like him?!"

Agatha held her tongue but not so much her temper which was made manifest with a disagreeing shake of the head as she looked elsewhere. Setting his gaze on Holo Durango said, "If you're going around hiring bounty hunters like them, you need more than just my help, you'll need all the help under heaven and on earth."

Holo remained composed as though she walked on shaky ground, "Well…that is why we have come to you."

His eyebrows dinted, "What's the job?"

"To settle some unfinished business with an old enemy."

He scoffed, "I've got many enemies you'll have to narrow that one down."

Holo, when realizing perhaps she was not qualified to curse him with the revelation that Jurgen was still alive, bowed her head with resolution, "Perhaps he would be the best one to tell you."

The 'he' of whom she referenced came into view as she receded from his line of sight so that Nikiski could be seen as he came forward. Durango suddenly appeared stricken, as if every foul moment and mind shattering trial that left him worse for ware was re experienced in a heartbeat.

Not a word was spoken between the two save the breathe of wind encouraging their hair and raiments to flutter.

Alas Nikiski spoke with that raspy whisper that served as his voice, "…Orion…"

He took a step back, "What in the hell you doing here Aric?"

Nikiski put up a hand in attempts to quell the tempest of torment swirling within his bosom, "…Our old enemy…"

He shot his finger at him, "No, no, he's dead we both know it. Those days are behind us now, we can move on with our lives. Those were the words we parted on remember?"

Nikiski shook his head, "He's rebuilt." said he which afflicted him with coughs and hacks.

That's when Ranger stepped forth, "Jurgen De Buhr survived and has been wreaking havoc once more."

"I don't know how you know about him or how the hell you know about me, but I think the wind is blowing down to the gait, why don't ya follow it? And don't let hit you on the way out."

"I am on the errand of Laternieux."

"Wait,' stammered Stetson, 'Rupert sent you?"

"Indeed, it was his council to reunite the warbirds again to face this threat a final time."

Shaking while becoming seven shades of pale the petrified bounty hunter said, "You know I told that old man I was done with him and his band of vigilantes and to never come looking for me again! The only way you're here is because he didn't give a toss about my wishes. But you can tell him I'm not going back to the rangers and I sure as hell ain't going back to Jurgen! In fact no force in heaven or on earth will make me do otherwise!"

Holo addressed him, "Please, you are the only one who can help us!"

Stetson looked upon her, his mind a collection of pages in a hurricane, "What more could I do for you?"

Holo, taking great caution in how she was to relay this information, said, "We were on the hunt but Jurgen has evaded us. Of all the people to have ever sought justice upon him you knew the most about his operations. You might know where he may have gone to or at the very least how to track him."

Durango made a swift correction, "No the one person who knew that bastard better than anyone went by the name Eagle."

Nikiski let out a sigh of despair which Durango was not to let go unnoticed, "Yeah Aric, you remember him right? Our brave leader! When we went by those stupid names! What happened to us Aric? What happened with all that blasted knowledge we had? You should know, Eagle died, we barely made it out with our lives, each of us left something behind."

He turned to Ranger making a disrespectful scoff, "And now Rupert found a new pawn dumb enough to run his errands.' then seeing his half pinky and ring fingers encouraged himself while motioning towards them, 'Tell me son, those the only souvenirs you got running with this outfit?"

Ranger folded his arms to hide his hand in the crease of his armpit, "We all know the risks before we signed on."

Stetson seemed to become internally irate if not for Holo moving in to parley between them, "Please you are our last resort."

His attitude shifted to that of agitated intrigue, "Last resort?"

Though her kindness and compassion were not her strongest attributes relatively speaking, Holo could employ them at their strongest when at her most vulnerable, "We have traveled very far and suffered many hardships to hunt the man down ourselves but all other options have dried up. That is why we are coming to you, to beseech your help."

Durango eyed her with an uncomfortable scrutinizing gaze then asked with cold hearted epiphany, "I see the ones behind you; hard and rugged, the looks of mercenaries. But then I see you, soft, supple and in no way a killer. How'd you get thrown in with this lot?"

Well,' started Holo, 'it is a long story, but I am involved because I am a target and victim of Jurgen De Buhr."

A chill of terror slithered its way up his spine at the near mentioning of the name associated with his trauma, "What could you have possibly done to get on his hit list? Are you nobility? Or the daughter of some rich big shot?"

Holo bowed her head in absolution, "No it is not that."

"Then what?"

The people surrounding her casually stepped back in anticipation as to what would transpire next.

She withdrew her hood and cloak so her wolfish assets could be revealed, "It is because of this."

Though Durango made no formal reaction one could tell by his stillness that he was in fact reacting.

"Figures…' he finally said stiffly, 'figured he'd still be going on that charade of hunting down the pagan gods if he'd still be around and kicking. Have you ever thought of just hanging your hat someplace else to avoid getting axed?"

Holo informed while withholding her pain, "He burned down my home, he kidnapped my husband…the father of the child within me."

He stumbled as if electrocuted then regained himself, "So it' s more than a hunt, it's a rescue?"

Holo nodded frantically, "Yes. Please will you help us?"

He looked as though he were a frightened child, "You want my help all of you? Here's my help; Give it up, he ain't worth the thousands of things he could have done to each and every one of you.' then setting his eyes on Holo said while backing away, 'I'm sorry 'bout yer man, but to be honest, if he ain't dead by now he'll soon be."

"But…" interrupted Holo of which he would not stand for, "And by some small stroke of luck he survives, won't be long til he'll put himself at the end of a rope to end it that way. Either way Jurgen always wins!"

Holo clasped her heart and gasped of which Agatha was quick to console. Before any and all hope vanished Jethro addressed him, "Can we at least have some horses?"

Durango ceased his retreat, "You need horses?"

"Yes, we have a wagon without a team, if you will not come with us to help your old friend and this poor woman then at least help in any other way!"

Durango pondered the request then pointed towards the stables, "I have a fine selection, talk with the stable hand and work something out with him."

He turned and went back into the lodge from whence he came leaving them alone with Terrance who was at a complete loss for words. He came up to Holo who was still unraveling the horrible words her ears had to endure and said softly, "Don't worry, I'll talk to him. Have faith little lady."

The front door to the house lightly came ajar granting the egress Terrance required to enter. Once he had done so he found Stetson sitting on the couch his arms draped over his knees and staring out the window without so much as saying a word.

Dusting his gloved hands off while approaching he said, "You really gonna turn them down?"

He said nothing.

"You really gonna turn her down?"

Again he said nothing.

Then with more adamance, "You really gonna turn an old brother in arms down?"

Alas the invocation to turn his head came, "I can't do it again."

Terrance leaned against the wall nearby, "I know you don't like it when I pry into your personal history, but exactly what was that all about?"

Stetson shook his head but relented greatly, "A long time ago you could say I ran with another gang of do goods, y'know, before the ranch was built."

"Think I remember that." said Terrance while trying to recollect, "you mentioned doing something before you built the place."

Stetson nodded, "Yeah…there's a reason I never wanted to talk about it.' said he as if the very barriers of his soul had come loose.

"And now you just stared it in the face." concurred Terrance.

"More or less." said he while taking a swig from a new bottle.

Terrance was silent for a moment then said, "Look, if there's unfinished business I don't think ignoring it will…."

"We're done talking about it!" snapped Durango who took another drink, stood and went into the kitchen to raid the pantry.

Terrance shook his head then turned it when hearing another party advancing down the path rather quickly. The individuals threw themselves from off their saddles and ran up the steps to knock on the door.

"Now what is it?" came the voice of an even more irritated Durango from beyond the kitchen perimeter.

The door was opened for they who called and in walked two finally dressed men one baring a scabbard on his hip, "Durango! Durango!" he yelled with parchments in his hand that he kept close to his chest as if to protect them at all costs.

"Who is it?" replied the aggressive voice of the man.
"It's the constable and the mayor." Terrance answered for them.

There was some silence knowing whatever brought men of such rank to his doorstep the situation was dire.

The mayor looked to Terrance and ordered, "Hitch our horses boy!"

Durango came around the dividing wall into the living room and scowled while wiping his hands, "Boy's name is Terrance Mr. Mayor and he ain't in the business providing a service for you for free on the ranch he co-owns."

The words were bold but the greatest asset that allowed him to speak in such a manner to the officiate was that he possessed what they sought, his talent. The mayor corrected himself but only reluctantly for it was not in the nature of most men of his position to take such a reproach. But in order to stay on favorable terms with Durango offered terrance a silver coin and said in a kinder fashion, "Will you hitch our horses for us sir?"

Terrance swiped it before a second thought could be remedied and walked out, "Your the boss."

Coming back to the topic at hand Durango asked, "What can I do you for you?"

The constable presented the parchments which turned out to be wanted posters, "It's Liz and Barlow, we need them brought to justice."

He took the parchments with more or less an attitude to smite them, then looked them over. Lifting his eyes beyond the top of the paper he said with a smile, "I know the routine, catch em' , bring em' in, get paid then they get out on bail due to some bureaucratically charged misstep. Then once they're out it's bad news for the sad saps stupid enough to hunt them down."

"This time they've gone too far."

"Yep,' said Durango as a man who had undergone this routine countless times, 'I'm sure they have, maybe you should actually find a way to keep them in jail eh?"

He proceeded to hand the papers back but the constable stopped him mid pass, "Mr. Stetson, we don't intend on having them put in jail, we want them six feet under."

"You want em' dead?" Durango said with astoundment. He then looked over the details more fully, "They killed a judge?"

The mayor blurted in, "And his family. They are trying to usurp our justice system by frightening our judges into exonerating their gangs and affiliates with the fear of death!"

Durango smirked in wonderment to what esteemed system of justice the mayor may have been referring to. It has now surely been well established that a society depended on bounty hunters to maintain judicial balance is well worse for wear. Finally he yielded, "Killing a judge is punishable by death. Yeah sure I'll bring em' back cold for ya."

Again the constable corrected his assumption but with much more secrecy, "No Mr. Stetson, you are not to bring back anyone."

Durango kept his expressions even, "You mean let the wolves and buzzards have what's left?"

"If that's the way you see it."

This was not a typical bounty collection.

"Under the table manhunt?' questioned Durango, "We know who has Liz 'n' Barlow's backs, the Chestertons and Parquers. When word get out that you put a hit on their kids and left em' dead in the dirt we'll be far from the only people killed."

"We're cleaning the entire slate." said the constable with cold confidence.

Durango nearly dropped the papers, "The Chesterton and Parquer families are all going to meet with fate?"

"Exactly, it's been approved by the city council, we can't take the risk with any of them being alive."

"Who do you have working that out?"
"We can't tell you, neither are we telling anyone who's going after Liz and Barlow. We're playing this very close to the chest."

Durango shook his head, "I don't know about this."
The mayor then extended forth a note, "This is a detailed letter regarding payment."

He took it, opened it and nearly lost composure, "Wow, you crazy sons of bitches are serious about this."

"Indeed we are sir."

He huffed, it was all against his better judgment but overall he was overpowered by other factors crossing his mind, "Alright fine I'll do it."

The mayor nearly jumped for joy if not for the subduing of the constable, "Much appreciated now here are some things you ought to know. They've been tipped off and know someone's coming. Naturally the Chesterton and the Parquer families have sent them off hiding somewhere and provided gangs and all other protection money can buy."

"That's a lot for one man to handle." said he.

"Which is why we're giving you the freedom to hire a gang of your own to even the odds."

"I don't hire gangs just send some of your grunts my way constable."

"We cannot,' reminded the constable, 'this operation must be kept off all records and out of as many minds as possible. My underlings will be the first ones questioned by the criminal underworld and they may talk. You select your own members and tell not a single soul. Absolutely nothing can be traced back to you or us."

He paused a long moment, carefully balanced his options then said, "Well it's your lucky day because I just might have the gang."

Shortly after the constable and mayor departed Holo and company were still seen in the stables observing the horses and finding ways to bargain in obtaining them. It all came to a head when Durango approached them with posters in hand while stating, "Alright I'll help you."

A waive of relief seemed to come over Holo.

"But,' said Durango causing her to become apprehensive once more, 'you're going to help me first."

Vermilil Facts

(Not a whole lot this chapter)

-The Liz and Barlow outlaws mentioned in the end along with the Chesterton and Parquer families are references to Bonnie and Clyde. Whose full names are Bonnie Elizabeth Parker and Clyde Chestnut Barrow. Some moderations made of course.

-The gambling game Dubois was playing was a reference to Texas Hold em' but I really don't understand the rules, I one once because I didn't know what i was doing and went all in to end it and had and ended up with the winning hand so I had to keep playing, frankly I was pissed.

-The introduction and involvement of Terrance is not in anyway a politically charged decision or to fill some diversity quota. I had it planned out long before to have a character like him it was just a matter of how and when.

-That belief described, the one that people with black skin was caused by the burning sun in the eastern lands, is in fact a reference to the manga. I can't remember the exact volume but there's a scene with Lawrence talking with another trader and states very clearly that's what his understanding was on the issue.

-The notion that darker skinned people were slaves also comes from the original source material one being in novel 12 when describing the character Fran Vonely.

I bring this up because some might think it odd or insensitive when first reading or may just assume I'm referencing American politics and history (partially true) but the truth is, this was the lore of the spice and wolf universe established by Hasekura himself. I'm not going to retcon or make changes to the established canon.