The Vermillion Harvest III: Sacrifice and Redemption

by SomeCrazyDude1113

Jurgen de Buhr has vanished taking Lawrence with him. Weary but determined, Holo and Ranger form a pack willing to go to any length to topple Jurgen's empire, save Lawrence and bring the tyrant to justice; to the ends of the earth if they must. No one knows how this will end, but one thing is sure, it will all come to an end. (Haven't read any of them? Read the authors notes)

6. Wolf and the Manhunt

AN: Happy Holidays everyone and if you're atheist, merry Christmas and if you're christian, bah humbug.

'What's with this introduction?' you might ask. Well good reader remember in the authors notes where I stated there's controversial elements in this book? Guess which chapter contains some of those controversial elements? You got it!

So as a warning for those who have chosen to read a mature rated story and may be caught off guard by what a mature rated story can contain, this chapter contains depictions of:

-Racial Discrimination

-Cruel and unusual punishment

-Brief strong language

-And as always: graphic violence.

Enjoy!

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Chapter 5

Wolf and the Manhunt

I

How Holo and Party had Organized the Manhunt

Within the humble abode of the Stetson ranch everyone was collected round a table with the wanted posters of Liz and Barlow laid neatly before them with Durango annotating the conditions of the manhunt.

"Liz and Barlow, two young lovers who happen to be the offspring of the two most dangerous and powerful crime families in Badurenz, the Parquers and Chestertons. These families have an extensive history of robbing, plundering, murder, extortion the list goes on."
"Seems like a list that should've have had them called to justice long ago." said Jethro ridiculing the failures of this lands justice system.

Durango nodded, "Trust me everyone wants them all dead but they use typical fear tactics to keep their stay behind bars brief and their dates with the noose on hold. Buying off officials, shakedowns and so on. But now they've gone too far, the two lovebirds done gone off and killed a judge in a stunt to get complete judicial control of the region for their families."

"So now the constable and mayor are finally pulling the trap from under them and want them dead." concluded Jethro which Durango corrected, "Not just dead, erased. To rid the land of their influence completely they're authorizing a behind the curtain move. An incognito manhunt; no witnesses to testify, no corpses to bring back, no record of anyone involved."

"What of the families?"

"The mayor and constable said they've hired others just as qualified to work on them but won't tell me who, just as they won't tell who's working the kids."

"Why do you need us?" inquired Jethro somewhat suspiciously.

Ranger, who sat facing forward with his elbows propped upright on the table, answered with the distrust that comes when one feels utilized and nothing more, "Because these families have the means to provide the best security money can buy for their offspring. He needs an army to bring them down."

Durango nodded, "More or less."

Ranger huffed slightly through his nose after assessing the true nature of the threat, "A manhunt is one thing, this is going to be war."

"Play our cards right and it's invisible war."

"Play our cards the way you do?" criticized a distrusting Agatha.

Durango disregarded her remark, "If you gotta cheat, then cheat."

At that moment Terrance, who had been absent, walked in.

"What did you find out?" asked Stetson.

Speaking while removing his hat he replied, "Liz and Barlow have separated. They were last seen camping near alpine ridge then split from there."
"How many were seen with em'?"

"Oh a good few, my source reckoned 'bout fifty or so."

Durango rubbed his chin then deeply contemplated, "Hmm…' he pondered aloud, 'the only outlaw bands I can think of off the top of my head who'd be that big and that loyal to the Parquers and Chestertons would be The Blood Eagles or The Switchbacks."

"That's not all,' resumed Terrance, 'they also got a private mercenary as Liz's personal bodyguard."

"Who?"

"Toro Furioso."

Durango suddenly collapsed on his chair while rubbing his brow in despair, "Well, they really went all out didn't they."

"Who's this now?" asked Jethro on behalf of the others.

Durango swiveled in his seat then leaned forward on his hands before answering, "One of the very few mercenaries in these parts who work alone. Very few have the means to hire him, they're legends that he can stand against armies alone and that he's impossible to kill. None dare challenge him"

Ranger suddenly spoke with dark confidence, "I am good for impossible challenges."

Durango chuckled, "Well look at you pilgrim, all high 'n' mighty."

Holo then spoke, "I have stood down armies as well."

Durango clapped his hands sarcastically, "Oh good, all prayers have been answered! Maybe I should just send you two and none be the wiser!"

Holo and Ranger traded partial glances before she spoke, "That is how it has been for the most of it."

Shaking off his rude demeanor Durango reprised her comeback, "Well that's good to hear because I plan on splitting us up into two groups to hunt them down separately."

"What be yer course then?" inquired Agatha.

"Me, Terrance and the wolf missy…"

"My name is Holo." she corrected defiantly.

"Whatever; anyway us three will go after Liz, the rest after Barlow."

"Explain yer reasoning." said Agatha rather alarmed.

Durango raised his hand to quell any confusion, "I know the Parquer methods, they'll likely have her moved as far as possible as fast possible with the most muscle as possible. We need to track em' down and do it fast with a fair amount of muscle of our own. If it's just us three, we can move much quicker and more discretely plus a wolf like her can track them down and even the odds pretty quick. Hide all evidence of their demise in the process too."

"I am not eating anyone if that is what you are referring." she scowled.

He shrugged, "Leave em' for the buzzards then."

"And I suppose,' interrupted Ranger with enough tone to grab everyones attention, 'the rest of us are to go after the boy and whatever ranks he employs?"

Stetson lifted his eyebrow humorously, "Shouldn't be an issue for someone who's good for impossible challenges right?"

Ranger only answered with a well interoperated hardening of the eye.

Durango chuckled, "C'mon now partner, Liz is going to have the most manpower protecting her, not her little beau."

There was still an odd hush pulsing throughout the chamber.

Durango finally betook a more serious tone but only after the scrutinizing looks of his piers forced it upon him, "Listen, if we can pull this off not only will y'all be very well paid, but you'll have horses, supplies, food, you name it. I know it's a long shot but you can't hope to hunt down Jurgen as you are, you need what this job'll give ya."

"But we don't want to get killed before we even get that far." retorted Jethro.

"I second him." returned Agatha.

Soon the chamber was filling with scornful tones.

Holo suddenly spoke over everyone, "He is right!" she waited until all eyes fell on her before resuming, "If I could have pursued Jurgen on my own I would have done so without either of your help. However I cannot at present because I know not how to track such a man in the world of men. There is no scent for me to follow and no other resource I can herald under my own power. Can the same be said for you?"

Her inquiry was answered with only silence and averted gazes.

She resumed, "We need each other, we need him.' referencing to Durango, 'We have no hope of succeeding without money, horses and provisions. So let us no longer dally and instead perform this job and be on our way!"

No one was to argue with the wise wolf unless it was their desire to command her wrath.

Content with her demands Durango patted his legs and said while arising, "Alright then, I'll get the boys outside to wrangle up some horses, rig em up with tackle and be on our way."

…

The sun had not even struck high noon before Durango had proved good on his word with ensuring those he employed on this venture to be well equipped and well suited for the task. Not a single man or woman were seen without horses each furnished with saddle bags and satchels containing food, provisions, side arms, arrows and bolts (save Emilio). Atop this the man also had pack mules loaded with the furnishings to set up and take down camp.

The most notable steed to be let out of the stables was a powerful, dark brown stud whose purposeful movements commanded all other horses to yield ground should their paths cross. In fact when he approached the trough to water, the other horses withdrew save one who was pushed and nipped by the stud for failing to follow commands. Once he had the trough to himself, he drank while his subordinates watched from a distance.

The same horse whom he drove off earlier attempted to sneak up and encroach upon him of which the stud responded by pinning his ears back, flicking his tail and keeping his hind aimed on the intruder at all times. Once the horse failed to heed the instruction to stay away he was corrected once more with swift kick in the chest sending him trotting away and waiting with the others.

Holo observed it all with Terrance and said to him, "That one is the leader of the herd no?"

Terrance nodded with a smile, "That there is Monty, he runs a tight ship just like his owner."

"That is Stetson's mount?"

"Indeed so, ain't no one else who can command respect from such a beast except him."

"What kind of horse is he?" asked Holo realizing she had not quite seen such a breed as him.

"A mesteño. They're typically found running wild herds round the valley. In fact he was one of Stetson's first horses he tamed when setting up the ranch here."

Holo mused, "I am not one to usually recognize the lower beasts of the field, but I am impressed with how he keeps the rest in line." she spoke of experience for in the days of Yoites she had been the head of a few packs herself.

Terrance then went into the table and out came walking with a golden quarter horse referred to as The Admiral and proceeded to dress him.

Durango soon came out of the stable with his saddle and gear and rigged up Monty while he drank. Holo also marveled at how well the stud took it, in fact when time came to put the halter on and attach the reins he raised his face from the pool and allowed it to be slipped on before going back. He then slipped on his most preferred armament about his person, a mini crossbow hanging off his side via shoulder strap.

Soon after Durango whistled to his ranch hands to have them all brought together and assign a horse appropriate to each rider based on experience and temperament. Holo was provided a paint horse of about twenty years old with a gentle but carefree demeanor going by the name Old Jack.

Once helped up she sat there atop his back while noticing he was not very responsive, in fact he seemed to be more interested in being idle and munching on the vegetation than moving. When noticing the others mounting and preparing to set off she slapped the reins, bounced up and down, kicked the sides and pulled on his face all of which he ignored.

It was not until the caravan started moving that the Old Paint suddenly took off to remain with them catching Holo completely off guard nearly throwing her from the saddle whose only hope to stay aboard was to hold onto the horn for dear life. It was then to her dearest regret that she learned they planned to gallop all the way to Alpine Ridge. She was not the most skilled of riders and the ride was rough indeed.

II

The Escapades of a Lone Wolf and Two Trail riders

After a good length of their horses progressing at a canter they arrived at the trail fork that split along the mountain crest. Putting the caravan to a halt Durango turned himself around and called out, "End of the line cow pokes, this is where we part ways."

Ranger rode up beside him without communicating with words. Durango took note of it and said, "Barlow's gone west, that's your heading. Me, Terrance and Mrs. Wolfy'll head east for Liz. If all goes well we'll all be home tomorrow before supper."

Ranger only nodded whilst ever keeping his hardened glare upon he who ushered the instructions then clicked his mount to advance the trail westward expecting the party he was assigned to follow.

Holo watched their departing hinds and said to herself as if to express her concern in a subdued manner, "Do be careful…"

Then to her horror and relief beheld Terrance coming up to the side of her, the former being that she was overheard, the latter due that was only he of whom she felt his character she could confide in.

"Well lil' lady let's earn our pay!" he encouraged with a tone of a man who could not help but be enthused despite his circumstances.

While he and Durango were able to have The Admiral and Monty move with ease, Holo found Old Jack to be less cooperative. She kicked, she pulled, she hollered, she moaned; the equine beast would not budge. He was stubborn, apathetic and only interested in feasting upon whatever lay before him; how was she ever to endure a creature so reflective of her own qualities?

Durango made it a few paces before anticipating he was a head short which sent him trotting back looking rather irritated.

"You gotta get him to move, we don't have all day."

Turning a shade of red she replied while struggling to keep her voice down, "He is a dolt unable to follow basic commands!"

Stetson leaned on his horn unamused, "First and foremost, ya don't blame the horse, ever. Secondly he's not going to pay attention to someone he doesn't feel like he has to listen to."

"Well then, how do I make him feel like he has to listen to me?" she retorted. She yanked on his head of which he shook back freeing the reins from her grip. So frustrated at this point she could not help but smack the back of his mien for his disrespect.

"Hey!" Durango yelled, "Don't you dare hit him!"

Holo folded her arms and muttered what may have been obscenities under her breath before delivering a non apology, "Well I am sorry that he does not know how to respect his betters." she then noticed something uniquely different about how Durango had his horses rigged.

"Hold a moment, you forgot to fit him with a bit!"

Stetson remained hardened, "I didn't forget nothing. I ride bit-less and so does everyone who rides the horses I own."

"Well no wonder; how else can you get such dumb beasts to do anything?!"

Durango took a deep breath, his patience feigning, "Tell me, would you work better with someone if they put a hard piece of tin in your mouth and started torquing the hell outta your jaw?"

Holo defiantly remained silent while turning her eyes elsewhere.

"I didn't think so.' he commented with some self indulgence, 'Pick up the reins." he instructed.

Holo leaned forward to grab the leather straps and nearly went head over heels if not for catching herself on the back of Jack's neck. Then when pushing herself up it caused Jack to shift around.

Durango chuckled angrily, "Heavens to Betsy you gotta learn how to balance yourself."

"I have not done this on my own before!" she snapped.

"Alright,' he said ignoring her response, 'apply pressure on the reins, don't tug, don't yank just consistently pull to get his face up, as soon as he does what you want release the pressure."

Holo relinquished the slack and continued to apply tension until Jack lifted his muzzle but Holo did not relent causing his head to go straight up forcing him to walk backwards.

"Geez you couldn't have pulled harder if you had to!"

"Well he must learn to respect my commands does he not?" she argued back.

"See this is the real problem,' he pointed out harshly, 'you're idea of getting him to do what you want is to boss him around, hit him and cause pain. It ain't about commands and submission, it's about team work and giving instruction. He's gotta trust you to guide him and keep him safe and if you're gonna violate that trust why in the hell should he listen to a word you say? Would you stand for such treatment?"

Holo sunk her shoulder, shook her head but said nothing, his point could not be argued with.

"Didn't think so,' he added gruffly, 'now lean forward and give him a tap with your heels. Once he starts walking stop leaning forward and get centered in the saddle."

She looked around Jack's sides and asked, "Does he respond better if I kick the flank?"

"Oh sure, so long as you can handle getting more change for your dollar." he criticized.

Taking it for note, she leaned forward, maintained the angle and clicked her heels into his side. At first he did not move so she leaned further forwards and clicked him again. Once his hooves started moving she released the pressure with Durango moseying beside her.

"There you see? Pressure and release, that's how a horse learns."

Holo nodded, slightly embarrassed but also grateful for his help of which she would never admit either. Every now and then he would stop of which Holo would have to reinitiate the rite to get him to move of which she would comment with confusion, "He keeps stopping."

"Because you keep telling him to."

"Huh?"

"You keep resting your hands near your lap and it's pulling the reins back. Keep them over the horn."

She followed his instruction and had no more further issues. Once satisfied he pushed them all into a trot throwing poor Holo into another bumpy and brain jarring ride. They roughly went a thousand paces of Holo holding onto the horn with her rear smacking the saddle when Jack suddenly stopped and began bucking and jumping slightly sending her pleading for help terrified this animal would be the end of her.

Durango turned about and used Monty to corner the paint off and discourage further outbursts while reprimanding her posture, "You gotta be a lighter load!"

Misinterpreting his statement she protested, "How dare you, I am more than petite enough!"

This time Terrance came along while calling, "Boss, let me show her the ropes huh? You know I'm better with people than you."

Durango reluctantly found reason, withdrew a pipe from his saddle bag and instructed while prepping it, "Make it fast." then trotted away.

Terrance moved around observing the woman and her mount's terrible situation. Holo was rigid and hyper reactive to any of Jack's movements while the old paint kept his ears pinned back and aggressively flicked his tail.

"Sorry 'bout him, he meant nothing by it." he soothed.

She nodded before asked with a tinge more confidence in Terrance's more acceptable demeanor, "What did he mean by it then?"

"He meant you're a rough rider and it's bothering poor Jack something fierce. You see your butt keeps smacking the saddle and you're using the horn to stay balanced. It ain't comfortable for the both of ya I can tell."

Holo finally gave in and relented herself to inform, "The problem is, I have never really had full command of a horse before."

"You're joking!" mused Terrance somewhat gleeful by the revelation.

"That is to say, I have ridden either as passenger or had someone leading the horse for me."

"Oh I see." he replied sympathetically. He then steered Admiral to be parallel with Old Jack and used his posture as a teaching example.

"Alright lil' lady pay attention. Slide your feet deeper into the stirrups like so and sit further up so you're more on his shoulders, front legs carry most the horse's weight anyhow. Alright now sit up straight, no slouching, no leaning, make a straight line with your head, shoulders, hips and heels. Keep both hands on the reins but not clenched in a death grip, soft hands is all you need to guid him. Imagine a small box over the horn, keep your hands there, give him plenty of slack so he can bob his head. The more comfortable and natural he can move the better."

Holo made all the corrections then asked with worry, "How do I stay on top, when trots and turns? For I fear I may be bounced off."

Terrance slapped his leg as a motion for observation, "Balance with these lil' lady, when he trots or stands up in the stirrups and use your legs to stay centered."

"Alright…" she squeaked while proceeding to practice.

Terrance, out of the goodness of his heart, pulled out a carrot, broke it in two and presented a half to Jack's muzzle, "Hey. (click, click)"

The carrot was eagerly plucked from grip and consumed putting the frustrated creature in better spirits.

"That's a good boy." praised Terrance while scratching Jack's under jaw. A slight breigh escaped his throat then his shook his head then moved with a snooping mouth to try and find the other half of the carrot in which both Terrance and Holo chuckled.

Looking over his shoulder he caught Durango sitting idle, pipe ejecting from his lip spewing smoke puffs with every exhale. Monty moved in place restlessly shaking his head and flicking his tail.

"Alright we better move, don't worry I'll be riding next to ya should you need help."

Holo bowed her head in gratitude but hid the full extent of it with a proud pose. As they were put into motion she immediately noticed the improvements on all spectrums her good horsemanship applied to the journey. But it was still a relief when Durango opted to have the horses walk the trail the next bit as opposed to a trot.

"Would this not delay us if we move slower?" inquired Holo more curious as to why he would desire this and fearing that her lack of riding experience may have impacted that decision, but to her relief his reply was, "Not really, the trail goes up hill and gets pretty rocky. I don't wanna risk them tripping or getting tuckered out. There's a short cut I wanna take, we'll bush wack from there."

"Pardon me, but exactly where is this short cut taking us to?"

"There's an old outpost along this trail. We can stretch our legs and see if Liz and her posse passed by there. Maybe even get us a heading on where he was going next."

"Can you be sure she has passed by that outpost?"

"More or less. This road doesn't split for miles, everyone has to pass by it whether they're coming or going. The short cut through the mountain brush'll save us some time and suspicion. Toro's most likely looking over his shoulder to see if anyone's following. This way we'll be on his trail and none be the wiser."

Though Holo was creature manufactured for the wilderness she had no bearings in a foreign land which is why she mused at Durango's competence in this regard. He led them off the beaten path and into the vegetation of the mountain side with no grand marking on the roadside saying when to do so. Holo faired better than she had previously with her mount with the only remaining minute troubles with Jack being he would try and stop to pluck a morsel from nature's bounty or walk too closely to a few trees scrapping and pinning her leg on each occasion. Terrance however was there guiding her through each endeavor. Holo soon learned that being more accommodating to Jack's wants was the superior decision and found middle ground. For instance she would allow him to eat along the way and only pressure him should he stop his hooves. And, to enjoy a slight shade when passing under a tree, to prevent her leg being crushed by the trunk, held the rein out opposite for his eye to see keeping his face turned far enough away to avoid a pinning.

"Looks like you're getting the hang of it." commented Terrance with an enthusiasm for her success that most folk were not accustomed to.

"What can I say, I am a natural!" she proclaimed with haughty pride despite her audience's better knowledge.

Unfortunately, in her eyes, the horse leading the way seemed to be the one acting out as Monty seemed to be displaying a sour attitude. Sometimes he would stop and back up while shaking his head or display the opposite and take off in a course under his own determination. Durango hardly seemed perturbed by it and would simply guide and encourage his horse to perform as instructed. The tipping point came when Admiral held up the line too closely to Monty's rear of which the mesteño whinnied before kicking him in the chest with both legs.

Admiral became startled for he did not anticipate such a violent act forcing Terrance to sooth him while saying, "Damn, Monty just gave Admiral a double barrel."

"Is that what that was?" inquired Durango who though could not see the assault, definitely felt the breach in his stride when he struck backwards. Monty started jumping and throwing a fit which Holo found quite frightening considering the power of such beasts compared to the meager strength of humans.

Yet Stetson remained composed and hardly seemed upset, "Sorry Monty, you know what we gotta do."

He kept his horse still who stood stiffly with his ears pinned back and huffing out his nostrils.

"Why is he acting out as such?" asked Holo, grateful Jack did not express his contention with such gusto and vigor.

Durango replied as though he were to blame, "Oh sometimes if the morning ain't treating him right he doesn't care much for going out on rides. I should've warmed him up before taking him out of the stable and jumping straight into it."

"Are you not worried?"

Durango shrugged, "Ah no, he's just getting his piss and vinegar out. He'll be in better spirits soon enough."

"It just seems so aggressive."

"What this?' he inquired somewhat defensively, 'He's just being a horse."

"Some would call it undisciplined." remarked Holo who in all fairness made a valid point.

Durango paused then commented, "Those who say that, have never seen horses acting naturally. The ones you've seen have been locked up, held down and beaten into submission. Most people never actually see their natural behavior. With me, I never rob my horses of the chance to be themselves because they'll never get the chance to be the best they can be. Trust me, Monty's just having a bad day, wait til' you see him having a good day."

Holo found the wisdom in his horse philosophy and could not restrain herself to comment even if she tried, "I have never seen a human so considerate of the feelings of what they most consider to be beasts of burden. Tis' refreshing in its own way."

Durango looked down and gave Monty a hearty pat on the neck, "Hell of a shame really, they miss out on the connection one can have with such an animal."

"What connection do you have?'

He smiled some, "Well the easiest way to answer that is that usually people will see in horses a type of reflection of themselves."

Upon hearing that Holo immediately concluded that a horse's personality, nay, the personality of all domesticated animals assimilated their owner's behavior with their own.

Terrance then spoke up, "Well I know what'll calm Monty's nerves. Why don't you bust out a tune as we go along our merry way?'

Durango flexed his lips neither objecting or concurring with that advice, he only turned his steed's head towards the proper bearing and spurred him to move onward. While bobbing along the man cleared his throat and warmed up his pipes and called back, "I don't expect to do it alone y'know."

"Don't worry I know when to jump in. How 'bout one for the lil' lady?"

There was a brief pause but soon Holo heard Durango sing a trail tune so appropriate to the moment and with a singing voice alarmingly passable.

"I ride an old paint, I lead an old Dan

I'm off to the prairies to throw the hooley ann

They feed in the coulees, they water in the draw

Their tails are all matted, their backs are all raw.

Ride around lil' doggies, ride a round real slow.

The fiery and the snuffy are raring to go.

Now ol' Will Jones had two daughters and a song.

One joined the convent and the other went wrong.

His wife was killed in a fool run fight.

And he sings this song from morning til' night.

Ride around lil' doggies, ride a round real slow.

The fiery and the snuffy are raring to go.

(Then livening up the verse, sang)

As I was out walking one morning for a pleasure.

I spied a young cow puncher riding a long.

His hat was thrown back and his shanks were a jingling

And as he passed by he was singing this song.

(Terrance joined in)

Whoopie ti-yi-yo get along lil' doggies

It's your misfortune and none of my own.

Whoopie ti-yi-yo get along lil' doggies

And know that the prairies will be your new home.

Early in the springtime we round up the doggies

We mark em' and we brand em' and we bob off their tails.

Round up the horses and load the chuck wagons

And throw them lil' doggies right out on the trail

Whoopie ti-yi-yo get along lil' doggies!

It's your misfortune and none of my own.

Whoopie ti-yi-yo get along lil' doggies

And know that the prairies will be your new home.

Holo listened and enjoyed their serenade, for all of mankind's flaws the invention of music and dance was, to her, their most endearing qualities.

"What a lovely song, tis like poetry designed exactly for the heart of free spirited adventure!"

Durango continued to hum and sing to himself, which positively affected Monty's mood while Terrance answered beside her, "They're the songs we trail men liked to sing."

"I am sorry, 'trail men?'" Holo repeated unfamiliar with the term.

"Well that's what we called ourselves way back west, way back in the day."

Holo became intrigued by their personal history, "I used to live in the lands westward from here in the small village of Pasloe. However I have never heard such songs as this."

"That's because ma'am we're from further west than the border."

"You hail from another country?"

Terrance displayed himself she could take note of his dark complexion, "You couldn't tell?" said he more eager to amuse himself and embarrass her once more.

She turned a stubborn shade of red and a disgusted tinge of green in one go as though not wanting to be reminded of her previous blunder upon their initial introduction, "That is not what I meant!"

"Of course! Of course!' he delighted, 'We spent most of our younger days in a land due west from this one."

"The kingdom of Winnifel?" asked Holo whose geographical knowledge led her to assume the land of origin of which he spoke.

"Further west."

"Across the great sea!" she exclaimed having only seen the great endless canvas blue that divides the world on a few occasions.

"Yep, we hail from the colonies of New Trenni originally."

"I had not known the Trenni kingdom had colonized across the great waters."

"Sure and it ain't just them. Ploania took a fancy to the surrounding arpeggios called Isles del dulces. Anyway, trail men are a kind of Jack of all trades; herding and driving cattle, making deliveries, breaking horses. Basically anything that requires a man to be out on the trail, that's what we did."

"Any mercenary work?"

Terrance saluted the brow of his hat, "If a trail man wanted to expand his field of work he could be deputized by the local governor and promoted to Law man who mainly specialized in taking down outlaws and such."

"Sounds like a free spirited life." commented Holo enamored by the fanatical ideas where an officiate of the law had as much leniency granted to him as the criminals he hunted.

"Truly one of a kind.' recalled Terrance reminiscing the good old days, 'Kind of a shame we had to leave it behind."

"Why did you?"

Terrance suddenly glanced at Stetson who though rocked to and fro in his saddle just ahead of them seemed to be listening intently of which his partner respectfully ended the conversation there, "Some things just don't work out."

There was dead silence afterward save the heavy thuds of horse hooves imprinting the ground of which they trod. Holo, though ignorant of many if not all the details, refrained from inquiring more.

…

Shortly after crossing a deep stream the horses pulled them into the outpost which from whence they approached had only the brim and crown of its roof visible through the branches. Durango led them around the side where hitching posts were planted. They dismounted and tied them off.

As they rounded the corner they happened to come upon a slave wagon parked nearby with an armed gaoler shackling up a poor soul reddened with tears and pleading, "Please give me more time, I can pay back my debt!"

His cries went remorselessly unheeded and was loaded up into the cage with a few other indentured souls bearing the grief of this ultimate life crises. The gaoler proceeded towards the front while producing a bag of coin in his hand which he handed off to another bounty hunter who apparently affronted this errand.

The bounty hunter counted the coins while the wagon was being prepared to depart then tied it off to his belt in the effort of routine compensation. The horses were then commanded to pull the slave wagon and the sobbing man away.

As the bounty hunter was swinging a leg over the saddle of his steed he noticed Durango watching in what Holo interpreted as silent rage. Terrance kept himself at bay from the ensuing storm brewing within his cohort's mind.

The hunter nodded, "Durango."

"Fancy meeting you here, partner." said he while intentionally withholding the dignity to address him by name, "See you've taken a fancy to the slaver contracts."

"Job's a job, and it's easy money." he replied with enough nonchalance to paint his entire life's character in one statement.

Durango spat on the ground, "Yep and the easiest job is the one someone else does for the money."

"Fair trade wouldn't you say?"

Though Holo was somewhat lost to the true nature of this conversation it was more than apparent that Durango had teaming reservations in regards to what was just witnessed.

"Not fair to the one on the other end of the chain, but what would I know?"

The hunter smirked, "Hey know what? You of all people should know the other options a man can pay aside from gold."

Durango was quick to retort, "Death is the preferred option, I would know."

Alas Holo concluded the origin of his outrage, he too was once a slave.

The hunter grew restless of his prodding, "Listen partner, we all gotta do what we gotta do. Unless you got business with me personally I say we part ways here and now."

"You bet, happy trails…'partner.'"

The hunter kicked his horse into a trot almost in hopes its hind hooves would kick up dust and grout in their general direction.

As they proceeded towards the outpost to enter Durango asked while dusting off his trail coat, "Don't know about you two, but a I could use a drink."

Terrance set a quick gaze upon Holo who nodded with stern innocence then entered with them. Before entering Holo noticed, with her hearing, the inner chamber sounded much livelier before entering which deadened immediately when the door came ajar. The reason for this breach in gaiety was because of the encroaching presence of Durango. Holo was well aware the man had quite the established reputation among Badurenz, so established in fact that she caught a few patrons slipping out in fear he had come to collect their bounties if they had them.

However, he simply went to the bar with Terrance by his side which naturally bade Holo to join them. Soon after, the liveliness resumed, but with a dash of distrust.

"Mr. Stetson." addressed the barkeep who was a heavier set woman well versed in the formalities of such characters of roughened edges.

"Delilah,' he replied with higher spirits, 'never a prettier face if I saw one."

"Oh come off it,' she replied with jesting resistance to his advances, 'get around more and you'll forget about lil' old me."

"Not a chance."

"So what can I get y'all?"

"I'll take the usual." he said paying little regard to his preference.

"Same here." said Terrance.

She winked at him, grabbed two separate bottles from the liquor shelf and set two mugs before then to be filled. After wiping her hands she took note of Holo and was somewhat abaft by her presence.

"Well who's this little sweet thing?"

Durango answered with enough lacking emphasis to conceal the true details of their being there, "Oh, just some noblemen's daughter whose got a job for me."

Delilah eyed her up and down, "Oh, Orion you lying scoundrel; never have you seen a prettier face?"

"I don't get involved with clients, it's bad business."

"Well you should every now and then; So what'll you have sweet cheeks?"

Holo paused a moment then asked almost with a broken heart, "Would you happen to have apple cider?"

Normally such a request would be ridiculed but the essence that Holo portrayed was that of one connected to a lost love and was not to be trifled with. Delilah produced a simple cider then went to wait upon a few tables. Holo consumed with some melancholy then asked in whisper, "So what exactly are we doing here?"

Durango checked his surroundings, leaned over the bar and whispered, "I know you wolves have special hearing, I want you to listen to what the crowd's saying, mainly if any mercenary group has passed by. That'll be our lead to Liz."

"Should we not just ask the barmaid?"

"No, the mayor was clear, no one is to know what we're up to."

Holo recalled the nature of their secrecy and simply sipped and listened.

After a a few moments of mundane chatter and associating of the modern life, the door came open allowing a most rambunctious group of loud mouthed hooligans to enter. It was apparent by their boisterous entrance that they were dim witted trouble seekers lacking the wonderful gift of self awareness that many dwelling within the social sphere prefer.

Holo let out an inward groan when the group of the three illiterate reprobates came to bar and intentionally put themselves on her side.

"Delilah!" one yelled which made Holo jump and grit her teeth in ultimate annoyance, "The boss man just paid the best crew on this side of the Roam, we got money to blow and whistles that need wetting!"

Delilah hurriedly betook a jug of her strongest spirit and divvied out mugs to the demanding group. Then to Holo's most anticipated horror, one of them alas noticed her, as was their scheme, "Well hello, what have we here?"

Holo remained eyes closed, mug firmly fastened to her grip.

Her silence only enhanced their fondness of her, "What brings such a pretty little thing like you out all this way?"

She refused to answer which only encouraged their antics further, "Say, that's a meager drink there, in case you haven't heard, we've got money to spend. What say you to something stronger to your fancy?"

"I am content with what I have." said she.

His cohorts snickered invoking more persistent grooming, "Come now can we not treat you to something to lighten your mood and leave you smiling? Apple snaps, daiquiri…sausage?"

Holo sputtered with disgust and rage when alas a savior spoke with enough clarity to burst their bubble of foul camaraderie, "Gents, I think the little lady would like to be left alone."

It was Terrance who spoke to them which shifted the tones entirely when the hooligans ceased their charade and affixed hateful gazes upon the perpetrator of that statement.

"What'd you say to us boy?"

Terrance turned to face them, "Leave the lady alone…boys."

Holo felt the greater determine behind his words were on account of his social status as the boys were showing more signs of an inferiority complex regarding him. While those in surrounding who might perceive him as an equal withdrew to avoid trouble.

The boldest of the bunch looked the man straight in the eye said, "Who the hell do you think you are?"

Another encouraged angrily, "Mighty tough talk from a lone little mud baby."

Holo then beheld a quick and frightening change in Terrance's disposition, "Who am I? Someone who'll never stand for the likes of you calling me that name!"

The persons of strong opinion closed the distance upon Terrance who in turn readied his fists when the ring leader suddenly found himself seized by the throat in a wind closing grip. Yet it was not Terrance but Durango who had intervened, sparring no level of animosity.

While the young man choked and gagged he was lectured vehemently by the irate bounty hunter, "And I sure as a hell don't stand for that either! Especially not from the likes of some shit stained, egg sucking gutter trash!"

He thrust the chauvinist to the ground near his friends who proceeded to assist him up. He then noticed his work knife had come free and fell upon the ground then rushed to retrieve it. With reflexes that even the likes of Holo would consider superhuman Stetson pulled his mini crossbow to his hip in a split second draw.

"Your next move will be your last." he warned.

The knife collapsed to the earth with all three young men surrendering in an instant.

"I'm sorry Mr. Durango sir, we didn't know they were with you." begged one in hopes his life would be spared.

It was dead silent with Holo nervously panning between the party dawning the deadly aim and the party at its mercy. Delilah spoke with frantic reason, "C'mon now boys, this ain't no way to settle things."

Terrance let out a sigh to expel all anger and hatred then pat him on the shoulder, "C'mon, at the end of the day they're just a bunch of dumb rough necks. Don't kill em.'"

Durango flexed the tip of his bolt a couple times to urge them to clear the way which they did on command. He retired his armament and said as a parting word, "You watch yourselves now boys. Not everyone needs a bounty on their heads to put them at the wrong end of my trigger."

He let Holo and Terrance go first then tossed a coin bag to Delilah who caught it and was told, "Sorry about the fuss." then departed alongside them.

Once outside he found Holo and Terrance awaiting him with Holo eager to point out some hypocrisy, "I thought we were to keep a low profile."

Fanning himself off with his hat he replied ignoring her critique all together, "Did you hear anything interesting before they showed up?"

Holo let out a resigned sigh, "Very well; Before those illeterates encroached upon me I did hear mention of a band of armed men passing along this way who seemed to be escorting someone."

"Did they mention who, or what they looked like?"

"Not much other than that they were riding in the middle. One wore a white cloak, the other clad in armor"

"Any mention of what the band looked like?"

Holo pondered a moment, "Tis vague but most that was described was their choice of color; red and black with a banner depicting a type of fowl in crimson print."

Durango erected himself immediately, "Sounds like it's the Blood Eagles mercenary troupe escorting Liz and Toro."

"Does that complicate things?" asked Holo.

"Not at all, you're here remember?"

Holo bristled at the thought of being considered nothing more than a be all and end all weapon to his cause but held her tongue.

"What direction were they going in?"

"Something about the trail towards Mossy Creek."

Not willing to waste more time Durango ordered, "Mount up."

They unhitched their horses and got in the saddles but right as they were turning their faces towards the trail, the door opened and out walked the three young men if ill opinion. Durango followed them with his eye then told Terrance, "You two go on ahead, I'll catch up."

"Wha-!" Holo stammered when watching Durango having Monty trail after them.

She turned to Terrance wanting to protest but he encouraged, "Don't worry he's just gonna have a friendly chat, now c'mon!"

They trotted off a good league along the trail that lead to Mossy Creek. After twenty minutes worth of travel Durango was galloping up behind them with an aura misdeed following after him.

He stopped along side them and said, "Pardon the delay, just needed to settle some things with them young men. They'll be on better behavior next time we meet."

As he passed up to the lead Holo caught a whiff of human blood on his knuckles.

III

Stargazing and headhunting

The trio moved along at a brisk pace under the cooling evening sky. By Durango's accounting of time lost and travel required, they most likely were not to initiate contact with Liz and the Blood Eagles until the following morning before midday, should the powers that helm decisiveness and convenience find favor with the expertise of two man trackers and the infallible senses of a wolf spirit could crush any attempts to throw them off the trail.

They were making good time when Durango made a suggesting command, "Keep an eye out for a place to camp."

Holo was a bit stunned at the prospect of stopping and asked, "Should we not keep going through the night? Performing the act of bloodshed under strict discretion is more ideal under the cover of darkness."

"True however a lot of people in these lands have the same idea and become more paranoid. The Blood Eagles are bound to be more paranoid and attentive at night especially with Liz as their cargo, there's no way they ain't anticipating an ambush. Trust me if one of their lookouts sees so much as a tiny critter scurrying across the forest they'll plow it with an arrow without a second thought sending the poor lil' bugger to hell."

"Well in my wolf form I am far from such a lowly creature of puny stature,' said Holo, 'I could have their whole camp uprooted in a matter of moments."

Durango twitched his head, "It won't be that simple especially if Toro is protecting Liz."

Holo dinted her eyebrows, "Is there something more I should know?"

"Not at the moment."

They came across a deep and wide stream and had their horses trudge through it with Holo about to make a bigger fuss about the inadequate information if not for Jack suddenly stopping to take a drink. She tried at best to yield obedience from him with little success.

Durango and Terrance turned and beckoned her to proceed as soon as they conquered the anterior bank when Stetson suddenly grew concerned at Jack's behavior.

"You better get him to move soon!"

"I am trying."

The old paint began pawing the smooth watery ground with his hooves and sink his hind down.

"Get him to move he's about lay down on ya!" yelled Terrance.

"Stop yelling at me! I am trying to- AH!" Holo felt her entire equilibrium shift dramatically as the foundation between her knees teetered off to one side. Jack had done exactly what Terrance and Durango feared, he laid over in the water casting off his rider completely soaking her in the process.

Holo shot up with a splash gasping in finite shock. Both men, overcome with hysteria, threw their hats off and howled with laughter so loud it could reach the moon. She sat up trembling from a number of inconveniences, they being; embarrassment, anger, disbelief and a severe drop in external temperature. Then to add insult to injury Jack's nostrils came blowing their way near her face as she sat drenched.

Terrace turned to Durango and chortled, "Looks like we're setting up camp a little early!" then pushed Admiral back into the river to retrieve the disenfranchised woman. He leaned over taking Holo by the arm. After hoisting her up side saddle he tossed a lasso around Jack's neck to create draw at the end of the lead.

"I hate horses!" she mulled while shivering.

Durango unstrapped a rolled up blanket and tossed it to Terrance who gave it to Holo then quickly steered their way a bit deeper into the thicket off the trail. Not long after small tents and sleeping matts were erected round a blazing campfire with her soaking clothes draped over while she was gowned in a spare change of clothes Terrance had packed with him. Though grateful she was to be in dry clothing they were comically oversized for her giving her the appearance of a skeleton garbed in tarmacs.

The horses where hitched to nearby trees unsaddled and brushed down (save Jack) with Durango having a pot of beans simmering and nearly ready to be dished out. Holo eagerly took her tin plate ready to see it filled when he asked out of ridicule, "What about Jack, ain't you gonna take care of him?"

Confused Holo asked, "He is grazing as we speak."

"He needs to be brushed down so he's ready for tomorrow."

With a complaining stomach she asked with irritation, "Can it not wait until after we eat?"

Dipping the ladle to partake a taste of quality he said before slurping some juices, "Suppose it can but he's your ride so you better take care of him."

Terrance saw her frustration about to simmer in greater degrees than the beans she was desiring to eat and called up, "No worries, grab a brush it'll take no time at all, I'll show ya how."

She sighed, "Impossible man." then dropped her plate and followed Terrance to the hitching area.

When in a place of solitude Terrance spoke while handing a brush to Holo, "You gotta pardon him, he cares more for his horses than other people."

"Does he do it out of care for his horses or out of spite for me?" she sulked while brushing the dirt off Jack's back and sides.

Terrance was silent with only the soft sounds of the graceful current nearby filling the void. After a few strokes on his own end he spoke, "Let's just say horses have done more for him than any person could."

"Is he always so rough around the edges?"

Terrance paused then said, "Normally yes."

"Not so with you."

"Oh he's let me have it a few times, believe me."

"You know what I mean."

Carefully he articulated his words, "We both have had a hard run at life and we both had to endure it together."

A moment or so passed by with her brush gliding over and over her horse's side before she asked boldly seeking to understand the foundation of his character, "The both of you were once slaves, were you not?"

"Ah.' Terrance sputtered, lowered his head then replied, 'well you see, in order to colonize New Trenni the crown obviously leaned upon the slave trade as anyone else would. The purpose of the colony was to expand and support its motherland. The two of us ended up working on the same orchard as children, that's how we met."

Holo pondered something that would seem most obvious but most inappropriate to ask and therefore inquired most carefully on those grounds, "How is it that men of…opposing complexion…worked side by side as slaves?"

Terrance rearranged her inquiry in the most direct way possible, "You mean you find it odd that he was a slave too because of his white skin?"

Holo blushed and nodded stiffly.

"Oh no little lady, the devil takes everyone, he don't play favorites. It may surprise you to hear that New Trenni had slaves and masters of both complexions."

Holo's eyes widened with a dark epiphany to what was just implied, "Your master was just like you?"

Terrance became more serious as he affirmed her question, "He may have looked like me, but that's as close as it got. He was one of the most notorious slave owners in the region in fact he engaged in a practice that was most shunned by others in the business. He frequently would hand pick his top male and female slaves, pair them up and force them to bed. That's how I was born into the business."

Holo nearly dropped her brush, "He bred slaves like animals!?"

"Yup and he would sell their offspring to make greater profits too. Slaves, livestock, horses, they were all property to him and another means to make monetary gain. Stetson, however, was born here in Badurenz."

Holo slowed the rate of her brushing, "How is it he came to New Trenni?"

Terrance looked around then said with a lower tone, "He was born into a trouble family, a drunk and abusive father, an apathetic mother who made money in the top floors of the saloons and one older brother running around with outlaw gangs committing petty crimes. One day word came down from the king's herald that they were seeking to recruit able bodied men and women to sign on as a free laborer for the colony. The terms were five years of service in exchange for food and lodging for a free laborer's family back in Trenni. Without a second thought his father signed him on against his will at the age of ten and left him in the charge of the royal loan officers to be processed. That was the last time he ever saw his family."

"Oh dear."

"It got worse, real worse.' resumed Terrance, "You see there were, let's say, open ended areas of the contracts fine print which could be interpreted very liberally by whoever indentures the service of a free laborer or a drudge as they were called by the New Trenni nobles. He along with so many others; men, women and families seeking a better life away from Badurenz soon discovered what it really was they had signed on for. For instance they used slave ships to transport them claiming it was cheaper and more convenient. The voyage lasted three months with no sanitation, barely any sunlight, rotten food and disease. Deaths occurred, women miscarried and any youngling that didn't survive were ripped from their mother's arms and thrown overboard. It became so bad that a few good men wised up to what they were really in for and cast themselves overboard to be drowned in the sea. To prevent this, the rest of the drudges were chained to the hull never to come on deck until they arrived."

"If I did not know any better…' remarked Holo, 'it sounds like a drudge was treated no different than a slave."

"The only difference between him and me was in name only. The drudges and slaves faced all the same hardships, cruelties and unfairnesses in the same manner. The only real difference was that a slave's freedom needed to be bought with money, a drudge with years of service. A master could raise the price on a slave at anytime, and extend a drudge's contract at anytime for any reason. It was not uncommon for slave and drudge alike to live their entire lives in their situation. When Orion was picked by our master he tried to escape, was caught and forced to wear an iron collar around his neck that he was chained to whether working, eating or sleeping."

"What of you?" asked Holo.

"Not me, those cynical pieces of jewelry were reserved for flight risks and I never ran, just saved up money to buy my freedom like some of the others. But lemme tell ya, anyone wearing those collars were treated worse than the plague by masters and passerby's alike. I remember one time the master needed provisions and took me and Orion along. I was allowed to ride next to him, Orion was lead by the neck behind the wagon with people calling him rude names and children throwing rocks at him. On occasion I would look back to see how he was doing but whenever I did the master would strike me across the back with his crop whip."

"Did no one care?!" yelled Holo causing an echo. Terrance motioned her down with his hands, "Hush now. People cared but trust me they were in no power in any way to do something. Anyone trying to meddle with a masters and his servant could find themselves beaten to death or chained up as well unless they had more power than the master they were meddling with. But I'll tell ya, blessed are the meek, for when I would look back and take a beating for it, I would see his eyes someone who valued one glance of sympathy over all the gold in the world."

Terrance's own eyes started to redden with moisture, "Now that I think about it, that was sort of how we met. That moment was the start of our friendship."

There was a profound reverence embracing the two before Holo asked, "What of the drudge's families? Were they at least benefited in some degree for this treatment?"

Terrance chuckled darkly, "Oh no. Those poor families lost their able bodied men and boys and weren't given so much as a lute copper to show for it. They went through the process at first, then there was some uprisings and the king quelled it with soldiers in an instant. In fact I don't Badurenz will ever recover from that stunt"

"So his highness fought crime and poverty by tricking the people into signing away their freedom in exchange for food for their families, then failed to hold up his end of the bargain to incite rebellion just so he could have and excuse to beat them in submission, all for king and country." concurred Holo, "The human world can be the worst."

"My homeland wasn't much better.' said Terrance, 'My grandparents were the first ones to be brought over to New Trenni. However the Trenni slave traders weren't allowed to go too far deep into the country so they paid local tribes and warlords to raid and burn the villages, kidnap the folk who lived there and get them on the boats that way."

"Even your own people enslaved their own?"

Terrance corrected, "Were they my people when it comes down to the wire? Like I said before, the devil takes everyone. What we look like, were we come from really don't matter much, it's all about who we are underneath and that's who we should consider who's one of our own."

"Indeed.' concurred Holo, 'It still baffles me how the world of men can treat each other this way."

"That's because!' came the voice of Durango who had at some point desired to know what was delaying their return only to hear them speaking. So he slowly approached to listen on the topic of which they conversed, 'All men,' he went on, 'and I mean ALL men, don't care about the color of your skin or the bulge under your belt. They only care about the color in their wallets and how big that bulge can get and that's it!"

Terrance and Holo remained petrified, "Sorry, didn't think you were listening." said Terrance.

Durango took a drink from his canteen, "I wasn't originally, but you see when two slow pokes go off brushing one horse and I come wanting to know what in the sam hill is taking you so long, it just so happens that I'm stumbling across my own biography; sure I'll stop and listen to hear how my life's story is playing out to an audience I didn't ask for!"

Holo and Terrance sunk in shame.

"Now if you don't mind, there's a horse that needs brushing!" he turned on a dime and departed in the same manner in which he spoke.

Terrance went keep on brushing but Holo said quietly, "No, allow me to do it. The horse is my responsibility and what kind of wolf would I be to have someone else do it on my behalf?"

She brushed Jack down independently with Terrance putting his away and saying as he departed, "Told ya he gets rough with me too."

Holo quickly had Jack brushed down so she could hurriedly have dinner.

…

The sun had fallen far enough from view to allow transparency into the cosmos of which Terrance lay gazing at with his hands behind his head with Durango reclined against a tree with the brim of his hat careening over his eyes and a freshly lit pipe sending its desired fumes to imbibe with his lungs through burning embers.

Holo could not stand the stench of the smoldering leaf casting her into nauseous conniptions and asked of him as she approached, "Could you snuff that out? I find it disagreeable with my senses."

The spout slid from out beyond his lips and pushed his brim up that he might look upon the perpetrator of that request. He motioned his head to the furthest most end of the camp, "Plenty of fresh air over there darlin.'" then resumed his hobby.

Though never accustomed to such rude disinclinations to her requests she retired to the furthest most end only that knowing it was a battle fruitless to engage in regardless. Terrance, feeling sympathy when seeing her so isolated, removed his mat and replaced it near hers, "Figured you wouldn't like being left by your lonesome." said he.

She huddled herself closer to the fire and intentionally ignored him but with the overt purpose of appearing sad and grateful to endear him only more to her. Eventually after the final draw left his pipe extinguished Durango moved closer to them cross legged and poking the burning logs to yield up more flame.

The silence was notably uncomfortable between them with Holo feeling guilty to have been behind it all saying, "I am sorry."

He looked up with his only remaining eye, "For what?"

"For delving into your private matters."

"Ahem!" burst Terrance sharply suggesting she leave it.

Durango shook his head, "What's done is done, but from here on let's leave our history where it is, behind us."

Holo objected to none of it then went on to ask, "So let us talk of Liz then, our target."

Stetson lifted his eyebrows and sulked, "I'm fine with that. What's there more to know than what we've already talked about this morning?"

"Does she deserve to die?"

Both men where caught completely off guard, "How's that?"

It was Holo's turn to become serious and difficult, "I understand you need my help in facing down the mercenary and company who protects this woman. I am willing and able; however I only have killed in my wolf form when threatened. If I am to actively seek the life of a woman incapable of defending herself on her own, then I need to know; does she deserve to die?"

"She's wanted dead by the mayor and constable."

"Does she deserve to die?"

"Her and her beau have killed innocent men and women, soldiers, bounty hunters and a judge."

"Does she deserve to die?" Holo repeated once more.

Becoming more flustered Durango spouted, "I don't know! Why the hell are we having this moral dilemma anyway?"

"Because,' resumed Holo, 'Most people have simply been locked away for the rest of their lives for similar crimes. Or at least arrested and tried before executed. But this one; this one is to be slaughtered where she stands and left to rot in the wilderness so I wish to know what makes Liz so unique as to deserve this fate when so many others would be dealt with more mercifully."

Durango paused for a moment then said, "Well what's happening here is a complete cleaning of the pallet for Badurenz. We've wanted to see things become more civilized and proper for years like the rest of the country. But it wouldn't matter how you restructured it, with crime families like the Parquers and the Chestertons always in a position to push things their way nothing'll change. So to answer your question, Liz doesn't deserve to die, she needs to die."

Holo nodded but it could be perceived by Durango that she was still somewhat discontented of which he followed up with, "Lemme put this way, why does Jurgen deserve to die?"

Holo's head piqued up in realization what this comparison brought, "Because he is too dangerous to let live." she answered.

Durango tapped his hat towards her, "And there you have it." he then encouraged, "I reckon we all get plenty of shut eye, I just drank three canteen worths of water and once my dangler wakes me up to let loose we're breaking camp."

…

The air was crisp, the sky was dark and the crickets were bountiful when Durango's body expressed desire for release. As was his plan for an early rise. He sat up, twisted his spine a few times then hobbled over to the stream to add one of his own to it.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh." he sighed in relief then hitched his bridges back up.

"Good you are up."

He jumped at the sound of Holo's voice while looking frantically to where she could have been then witnessed two red orbs just off to the front of him.

"Well you enjoy the show?" he gritted with embarrassment.

She giggled to herself, "Not really…it was rather short!" then ran off giddily with him chasing after her, "Why you little!"

He found her in a small clearing with Terrance both sharing a hearty laugh.

"So this was your idea of a joke?" he nearly yelled being about the farthest from amused one could possibly be.

Getting off the log he resting upon Terrance said, "Great way to start the morning in my book."

He huffed then commanded, "Well c'mon let's get a move on."

Not terribly long after the horses were put in transit while the frost on the leaves had yet to metamorphosis into morning dew. While they thumped along Durango warned his party, "We're a few miles from Mossy Creak, tread carefully and keep the volume down low. We don't know if the Blood Eagles are still lurking around, no need to bring the lot down on us."

They continually trod along with Holo slightly marveling at how well the two men commanded the terrain in such darkness with eyes less designed for it than hers. Such was the benefit of such a knowledge of the land.

The morning light was beginning to seep over the horizon and spill into the valley when evidence of a possible broken down camp was beginning to show its marks. The air suddenly became thick with remnants of dread causing the horses to become agitated.

"Something's got em' spooked." said Terrance quietly.

Holo eyed their surroundings suspiciously, "There's a stench of death lingering about and they can sense it."

She dismounted quietly, "Hold them here, I shall take a quick look ahead."

Durango was quick to protest, "Are you nuts? You're not going it alone!"

She held him silent with a raise of her finger, "You forget that I am a wolf and can stalk and scout from greater distances than you."

She proceeded ahead cautiously and soon disappeared. Durango and Terrance held their ground with a greater sense of apprehension carefully panning the environment and attuning their senses to anything out of the ordinary. The horses showed their disdain for holding idle upon predatory grounds by making subtle movements away from where they sensed danger with their riders having to adjust pressure to put them back.

After the silence had been sustained for far too long Durango lifted himself out of his saddle saying, "It's been too long, get ready to spring into action."

Terrance made ready his sword while his counterpart aimed the tip of his crossbow towards the point of his advance and moved as quietly and secretively as a mouse towards Holo's last known whereabouts. His journey was to take him up a slight ridge, beyond it was where the truth lay. He kept himself concealed from tree to tree then stepped on something not indigenous to the earthen floor mother nature heralds. It was a shield without an owner.

Put on alarm he briskly paced up the ridge and once apexed, rapidly aimed it in every direction that could house perceivable danger. Yet what he found was Holo standing in the middle a freshly cut graveyard surrounded by recently fallen men of arms. Once content that the danger that inflicted the terrain with such a ghastly scene had passed he let out a whistle to invite Terrance to come hither.

As he approached her backside he said while looking at the work of death, "Must've been some rival gang that stumbled across em'…" he paused when noticing Holo was not moving but instead affixed on a single sight. A sight most gruesome and harrowing of anything she had seen thus far.

It was a corpse held up on it's knees and leaned over with it's arms shooting out to the sides and held up by the collars by two swords plunged into the ground. His back had been completely eviscerated with the ribs detached at the spine so that a great cavity could be formed with the lungs pulled out and displayed like a set of wings.

Terrance alas made his arrival and surveyed the scene as he closed in. Durango motioned him over to look at the ritualistic murder and stated, "Looks like they left us a little warning."

Stetson then leaned himself under to have a look at the victim's face which had gone ashen grey while Terrance circled around taking it all in. From the looks of it, his doom befell him a good number of hours ago as his skin was ashen and blue, his limbs stiffened and dried and his organs no longer held that healthy wet crimson and now settled for a grimy dried out maroon.

Durango arose while fanning his nose, "Ugh, sure does stink."

"You want to give him a proper burial?" asked Terrance.

"Nah, leave him for the buzzards."

Holo asked while petrified in horror, "You said this is a warning?"

Taking his hat off to wipe his brow he answered, "Yeah, the Blood Eagles do this as one of their most notorious warnings. Whoever this sad sap was he was made into an example to anyone else stupid enough to just try and track them down."

"They do this to ward off any pursuers then yes?"

"Yep, this complicates things. This means that there's no element of surprise for us at this point. They know they're being hunted now."

"So what are you going to do?" asked Holo.

Replacing his hat he said, "Something stupid." then turning to her resumed, "Listen the only way this plays into our advantage is that you can use the stench of death to get us a bearing on how far out they are. I was hoping for something a little more cloak and dagger but we may have to pull out all the stops in one go."

"You desire me to ambush them in my wolf form without warning."

"Yeah, and I get you have your reservations about such a blunt approach but I don't see any other way that involves me and Terrance living through it."

Holo gazed upon them both without adding so much as a smidgen of variation to her expression.

"Very well." said she to the surprise of Durango.

"Very kind of you,' said he, 'why the change of heart?'

She looked sideways upon the poor soul they left behind and said, "Because some people deserve to die."

They returned to their horses with Stetson only word of graciousness being, "Much obliged."

They went along their way with Holo taking the lead but not in her wolf form just yet to keep all threatening appearances on the low until the time to pounce was right. The trail scent lead them to a small establishment complete with a shack and barn emitting no life. Fearing there were more Blood Eagle victims they quickly investigated to see if their worst fears were affirmed.

Their fruitless search led them into the barn which housed only one cow, a bony mule and few chickens, all in good health. Holo suddenly detected the onset of another individual coming through the barn door wheeling her around in an instant. Who they found was the owner of the farm, a poorly hygienic in every sense of the word near toothless bald man.

"Can I help you folks with something?" he asked most annoyedly while wiping his hands down with a kerchief.

Durango took the lead on answering, "We were looking for someone, thought maybe they bunked here for the night."

"Welp no one's made themselves at home here stranger, best be on your way."

With a casual smile they departed without another word. As they passed by the foul owner and stepped into the outdoors they heard him say, "You hunting down them Blood Eagles ain't ya?"

Durango paused as if conflicted, turned around and addressed his inquiry, "Maybe, suppose you wouldn't be asking unless they passed through here."

"Yeah maybe…" he replied with unique hostility in his tone.

As they mounted and were about ready to spur the owner informed them of his opinion of the party they sought and the one intruding upon his property, "Hope you know I do wish em' well."

The bizarre nature of his stance struck them all like a lightning bolt halting them in place. Terrance turned and looked at him queerly, "How's that friend?"

"Because, 'friend',' he answered, 'I don't take to kindly to the likes of you bounty hunters. Always hauling off poor souls to be put in chains or behind bars, or even putting em' six feet in the dirt all for your self interests. You think you represent law and order, but you're wrong, you don't care about people like me. It's only when my face is on a wanted poster that you'd give a hoot, but they, them Blood Eagles look after everyone and that's why I hope they'll be the ones running the show in the future."

He turned and went back into the barn to perform some chore or another leaving the trio feeling internally distraught. Terrance sighed and shook his head feeling defeated, Holo trembled in anger for such shameless allegiance and Durango only sat and contemplated.

Alas his emotions got the better of him as is the weakness of us all and dismounted for the barn. The farmer was moving hay over with his pitchfork unaware for a brief moment that Durango's outline filled the egress of the barn's entrance slowly approaching him.

When the farmer noticed his presence he scolded, "I thought I done told you to hike off, we don't need your-"

His words were abruptly cut short when his nose got popped by Durango's fist sending him sprawling to the ground. The chickens fluttered and scurried as the man, dazed and horrified, attempted to get up while trying to stop the bleeding. Durango then thrust him down with a powerful blow with his boot then quickly straddled over him, lifted him up by the color and delivered five consecutive blows across the face.

The farmer sobbed and plead for mercy when his attacker finally spoke, "Lemme tell you something partner,' he seethed scarcely able to bridle his rage, 'I don't care for people like you either who wind up getting their hideous mugs slapped onto a wanted poster because of they're own self interests and being too shit stupid to know otherwise. Y'know what I saw this morning? I saw them Blood Eagles kill a bunch of do gooders then take their last victim, cut out his back then pulled his fucking lungs out probably while he was still breathin' And you know what else? I saw his face and he couldn't of been older than seventeen. That's who them sons of bitches are, and when I come across this shack thinking they're at it again, but instead I find the owner of this dung heap telling me he wishes them well, I can't help but set him straight."

Durango threw him hard into the ground leaving him curled in a ball crying to himself in pain and agony.

"Now I don't know what has you all riled up over bounty hunters, hell I don't know much of anything. But I do know a sorry, sad sack of shit when I see him and I'm telling him right now to stay the hell out of our way or he just might be the next one getting his lungs pulled out!"

He picked up his hat from off the ground after the tussle and departed leaving the farmer to dispute his initial loyalties. He returned to his horse with so much vehemence in his stride that even Monty perceived it and side stepped to avoid him in which the man cooled his nerves and ensured a gentler manner in the way he mounted. Holo had become more terrified of this man who had now settled two disagreements with a flogging of the fists.

IV

Deadly Round up

Not long after they departed from the abode that Holo could perceive them closing in on the Blood Eagles position which forced them off the trail and trudge through a swampy marshland overlaid with thick trees. They could not have proceeded five minutes more without Holo stopping them to inform she could hear voices.

Immediately their boots hit the soggy earth with a splash with an ephemeral split of the group arranged. Holo and Stetson were to scout ahead and Terrance was to secure this location and keep the horses from wandering. Wolf and trail rider pressed forth suppressing their presence by keeping low to the earth depending mainly on Holo's hearing to gravitate a sense of proximity to their expectations.

Soon the stench of death that originated with the initial slaughter lingered in her nostrils more powerfully than before, they would soon be within eye shot. When it was so they laid down and Durango retrieved a monocular from his satchel, extended it and applied it to his eye to have a closer look.

He sighed despairingly, "They've set up a perimeter surrounding the camp with a set of eyes in every which direction. Guess I was right, we're not sneaking in. We'll have to go loud and hit em' hard without warning."

He focused the lens towards the center, spying on each individual that crossed his scope.

"That's definitely Liz's robe and Toro's armor." said he.

"Show me so I may know who I am to target first." Holo requested.

Passing the monocular over to her she looked through with a squint. He then guided her sight through description of the characters, "Liz is wearing a fancy white robe, do you see her?'

She adjusted the lens' direction until a glimpse of the garment described passed by the , she could see the backside of a figure wearing it with the hood drawn up.

"I do." she affirmed.

"Good, Toro should be skulking around nearby. He's wearing a full faced helmet with two horns on the sides."

She honed in and filtered the irrelevant details until finding the wearer of a horned crusader helmet sitting not to afar off from Liz.

"I see him."

"When you make your move, target him first, then take Liz."

Holo pulled her eye away from the eyepiece, "Is there something about Toro I should know that calls for him to be taken before all others?"

Durango recalled the monocular and said while collapsing it, "Just know that he's easier to kill when he's caught unawares."

"Very well,' said Holo with obvious distrust in her voice she took no care to conceal then asked as one who despised all the labor to fall on herself alone, 'and what shall you be doing?'

"Me and Terrance will be launching crossbows to get em' scattered."

"Please do take care not to hit me, for if I am antagonized my fury may know no loyalties."

"Thanks for the advice." he replied with offense.

As they pushed off the ground Holo noticed a painful black bump on her hand and beheld a tick. She was about to bite it off but was stopped by Stetson who withdrew a pair of pliers so it could be removed safely. After that ordeal they slowly snaked back to Terrance taking the same care and precautions when initially venturing.

Soon a plan was formulated and the execution thereof shall be observed by their elected actions.

It started with the Blood Eagles keeping a surveying eye all about them to ensure their security keeping talk idle and only necessary when the need arose for it. A large howl from the east alerted all their senses sending those engaged in trivial pursuits scrambling for their weapons. Toro arose to face the direction from the source when a terrible yelp took him by the west. Turning about he beheld a fellow mercenary stumbling about aimlessly, cradling a bolt firmly inserted into the side of neck. He proceeded to let out his conniption of alarm before falling to the earth with a comrade coming to render him aid.

The trees to the east birthed an explosion of brown and white that honed solely in on Toro taking him up in its jaws compressing his armor til it crimped past the point of dexterity and the fangs broke through striking flesh and organs. The armored fiend gurgled and ground then went limp between Holo's jaws with blood trickling listlessly down from her chops.

Through shouts and screams aplenty the rest took their pikes and pole arms to content with the beast with such speed and coordination that Holo had not the time to see that Liz had evaded her senses.

They had the great wolf surrounded making jabs at her belly which only served to infuriate and strengthen her resolve. She pawed and stamped upon the little men crushing and mashing them making their appointment with bedlam.

The charade ended rather quickly as many others fell from bolts slapping their backs. Once their munitions were exhausted, Terrance and Durango resigned their crossbows and came galloping through to exact the duty of horsemen to off the remaining party. The work of slaughter was quick, precise and gruesome yet incomplete as a quick head count revealed Liz was not among the dead.

Holo's ears pricked when detecting a set of hooves making hasty departure, she turned her head and declared, "Liz is on horseback daring to escape!" then bolted after her with a bound.

Durango quickly instructed Terrance, "I'll get after her, stay behind, no witnesses!" then spurred Monty into a furious gallop to follow after the wolf with his counterpart to examine the bodies and gore the ones still living until they died.

Holo dashed through the thicket and found her size and stature retarded her pursuit as she bumped, collided and knocked over trees in her way while the marsh sucked in her massive paws slowing her pace. A strong piece of vine entangled her front leg sending her flipping over and rolling out of the woods and onto prairie terrain. After coming to she spied the white robed figure afar off and making further ground.

As she stood up she winced in pain, her paw had been sprained making the dash that much more difficult. Then to her surprise a dark brown horse had caught up and bolted past her with a most skilled horsemen astride. Durango and Monty where barreling down with ungovernable fury with him yelling and encouraging his mount, "C'mon Monty, Stu Boy, Stu Boy!"

Once a clear target for competition was in view, Monty began to have his good day. Bursting air throughout his nostrils the lightning fast mesteño managed to increase its stride one and a half fold.

Liz, the rider of whom was the source of their pursuit, realized her pursuer was gaining rapidly so she kicked and spurred her horse but the steed was no match for the swiftness of the mesteño. Durango reigned with one hand and rosined his lasso with the other while standing in the stirrups. After a few swings, a sharp eye and skillful hand tossed the lasso overhead which flung threw the air and fell right with Liz in its diameter. He pulled back slipping the knot into a taut confine yanking her right out of the saddle and hitting the ground with a hard thud. She got dragged around on the hard earth until Monty could come to a stop. Durango leapt off, reeled in and soon had her hand and feet tied together before she could even fight back.

She lay face down, hand and feet bound behind her back, once he let off he loaded a bolt in his cross bow and aimed it right for the back of her head, "Sorry to do this darlin'." he panted. His finger nearly compressed the trigger when noticing the sounds she was making was rather masculine, in fact now that he thought of it, she did not feel like a typical woman when he tied her down. Kicking her over and drawing back the hood he found his answer.

"Ah shit…" he sighed with profound despondency, it was a decoy.

The man in Liz's robe laughed in pain and agony, "How does it feel,' he started with a wheezing voice, 'to be chasing the wrong man?"

At that point Holo gimped up and saw what was a upon the ground, "Where is Liz?"

The voice of Terrance called out to them as he trotted with the corpse of Toro bouncing side saddle on Admiral's rear.

"You oughta take a look at this." he suggested then pushed the body off before there feet. The body of Toro was still clad in crimped armor sans helmet, but it was not Toro's face.

"All this was a damn ploy!" muttered Stetson who then turned his anger upon the hog tied individual, "Alright buckaroo you might be in the mood for fun and games but I ain't. Where's Liz?"

"Where she always is,' he giggled, 'with her one and only."

"Barlow?' he pressed, 'she's with Barlow?"

"Anyone else her one and only?" he mocked.

Durango nodded, "Where they at now?"

"Wherever they want to be I suppose."

Durango took him by the collars and delivered a few sound blows to his face, "You're walking a tight rope here partner!' he bellowed, 'the questioning only gets worse the longer this goes on. Now tell me, where've Liz and Barlow gone off to?"

The man only giggled again, "Depends on the time of day.' Durango raised his fist but the man denied him the satisfaction by stating, 'I fear neither death nor pain."

The gloves of Stetson held him for a few moments more then cast him down. The man in Liz's robe seemed quite happy with the way he negotiated but was soon silenced into fear when coming face to face with Holo's growling snout.

The salivating fangs inched closer and closer with her voice saying with the utmost malice, "Before you celebrate your victory,' said she, 'do know that my ears can detect lies?"

"B-but,' he stammered, 'I have not lied to you!"

"Oh but you have.' she returned. Then raising her head to look down upon him in wholeness, 'when you said you fear neither death nor pain."

All threads gaiety snapped in an instant, "Wait, wait!"

Her jaws swooped under taking up his lower half, her teeth slowly applying pressure at the waist until they pierced and drew blood.

"I don't know anything!" he screamed.

"Another lie." said she and sank down a little more.

"I don't know much! But please!"

"Tell everything you know concerning Liz and Barlow. Their headings and whom they travel with!" she barked with ferocity then made a dismal promise, "Or I will rip you in two pieces this instant!"

"They went west at Alpine Ridge!"

"Is Toro with them as well?"

"Yes!"

"Are they being escorted by the Switchbacks?"

"We're the Switchbacks!" he plead.

Holo released him, "You mean you are not the Blood Eagles? That was a ploy as well?"

"Yes, Yes! The Parquers and Chestertons devised this ploy knowing both Liz and Barlow would be inseparable. They hired us Switchbacks to look like them Blood Eagles and disguised two of us as Liz and Toro to throw the trail."

Durango stepped forth, "So Liz and Barlow have gone west on Alpine, with Toro and the real Blood Eagles with em'?"

"Isn't that what I already said?" stammered the man.

Terrance and Durango dallied about for a moment in pure terror, then raising his crossbow Stetson said, "Well I hope they paid you well."

"Wait don't kill me!' he plead, 'I don't deserve to die!"

There was a brief pause before Holo spoke, "That is also another lie." said she.

"By what reason?!" argued the man in desperate hopes in keeping his soul intact.

"Because on the way here we discovered the body of a young boy who was brutally executed and set on display for us to find. I used the scent of his death to track you. And it so happened the scent of that boy's innards smells strongest on you."

Stetson's eye widened, "You did that?"

Trying to scoot away while fearing the justice that would immanently be dealt, the man begged, "I was just following orders, I'm not such a…"

Durango kicked him upside the face then stomped on it til' he had broken his jaw then delivered a series of vengeful kicks into the crying man's side. Even after a good number of ribs had been cracked and broken he would not relent.

Terrance finally intervened and shot the man between the eyes ending his suffering, "That ain't no way to settle things!" he rebuked his partner.

"Can it!" yelled Stetson, "Everyone shut yer traps and let me think!" his hand rested on his brow appearing hysterical.

"You tell me what is going on this instant before I rip you into bits!" snarled Holo knowing this man withheld information for his benefit which now proved to be and ultimate determine to his plans.

"Your pals're heading into a trap!" he shouted back.

"Tell me now!"

Finally he told her the true nature of Toro and the Blood Eagles and why it was she was needed specifically in this pursuit. With the revelation alas in her mind all it could recall was the nightmare that surely awaited Ranger and her allies.

Without a second thought she bound back to Alpine Ridge on a lame foot praying she could make it in time to aid her companions.

---

Vermili Facts

Yipee Ki-ya mother#$%&

-Yes Badurenz is modeled after the wild west.

-A mesteño is a Spanish horse commonly known in the Americas as a mustang. A lot of cowboy terms came from their slang on both English and Spanish words.

-The horse knowledge comes from two sources. Partially my few riding experiences but mainly a horsemen on youtube by the name Rick Gore whose channel is called ThinkLikeAHorse. He has made hundreds of videos where he critiques poor horsemanship, talks about horse behavior, provides demonstration and so much more. The last time I rode horse back I applied what I learned from him and noticed a huge difference in how the horse I rode responded (his name was Jack and he was a paint horse!) Good channel check him out, be warned he's against bits, shanks, tie downs, races and rodeos and mostly barn witches. He's also a retired cop with a channel once called ThinkLikeACop which he now changed to GoodLuckAmerica. He provides similar content on that channel but focused on police work and politics surrounding it.

-The song Durango sang is an old cowboy tune from the wild west called 'I ride an old Paint.' The few changes I made to the lyrics were ones that referenced real places like Montana, Denver and Wyoming only because this is a fantasy world similar to but not of our own. If you want to listen to it I recommend the the version sung by Michael Martin Murphy. I feel music is a great way to immerse one in one's culture so as Holo travels the land expect more tunes from all walks of life.

-That execution method with the lungs pulled out is known as the blood eagle. Sources agree it was a ritualistic murder conjured up by the vikings but whether or not it was actually put into practice is unclear. Bet you won't see that in AC Valhalla.

The theft of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness

-The histories of Durango and Terrance is based in real colonial history. Terrance obviously represents the African slave trade and Durango represented the Irish indentured servants. There were in fact European and African slaves/servants working side by side under European and African masters and the treatment of said servants could be just as brutal as slaves. It depended on whose master was who. The real life figure based on Terrance's master he mentioned was south Carolina slave owner know as William Ellison who was a former African slave himself who went on to own 68 slaves of his own and did in fact engage in slave breeding.

-The main point I wanted to get across with incorporating the slave trade into their back rounds is that it is what is within our hearts of which we should be judged. Not our ancestral history or ethnic backgrounds. There is good and bad to be had among all nations, professions, kindreds, tongues and spirits and a worthy goal for us to unite ourselves under is by the principles of righteousness. As a man greater than I once said, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

Remember we stand on the shoulders of titans. The people who suffered grave injustices at the hands of other men, we are their children. Let us not falter or hesitate to fight and preserve the light they had to crawl out of darkness to obtain. Have yourselves a Merry Christmas and a wonderful Happy New and always, stay tuned for the next chapter!