Chapter 6

In the Arms of Wrath

I

The Westward Parting at Alpine Ridge

We travel back to that morn where Durango took Holo, Terrance and himself to break off from the rest. But to where Holo's initial conflict was to subdue the frustrations of her mounted beast, the frustrations exhibited here, were reflected silently and distrustfully. None were all too fond of how Durango briefed them on their target, nor were they all too pleased that they were to leave the bodies to rot without burial.

Atop this was the grander challenge that there were smaller loyalties barely threading the tapestry of the troupe's union together. Ranger was a man performing a duty to bring Jurgen to justice as an elite member of Laternieux's rangers, Aric (Nikiski) wanted Jurgen dead once and for all but to also cut his ties with the rangers forever, Agatha swore to stay by Aric's side, Jethro felt he had nothing more to lose, Doc needed employment as a field doctor, Ottis was his apprentice and therefore was bound to him and Emilio was a hostage.

The term 'Provincial' may very well apply here for this troupe moved less as one united in mind and purpose and more as pent up siblings ready to burst into a squabbling conniption at a moment's notice. The most prominent point ready to burst this bubble was that Ranger established himself as the lead without regard of the contempt of the others nor did he express any justification to them in doing so.

Silently, resentfully; they rode singe file along the trail careening along the west ridge of Alpine. At length the smoother rounds of terrain progressively grew rockier and the dwarfed vineyards of nature processed into mighty trees which reached high and thick enough to blot out the sun. This transformation of environment brought with it a new complication, those who knew not the forest knew not their bearings, which was crucial when the trails and roads bifurcated.

And, just as predicted, the chemistry of the party, like venomous chemicals, began simmering when confronted with their first agonist. The trail forked.

Ranger halted the group, dismounted and began to investigate so he may decipher their further course.

"Well?" pressed Jethro after a moment's too long of investigation.

Ranger cast an eye back at him dismissively, "Both trails have been traversed recently,' he said, 'to decide which one Barlow took is not a simple feet especially for a one eyed man."

Jethro felt offended in having his own disability used to herald his submission, "Well maybe you could put your dog's nose to good use." he shot back.

Ranger looked to Kaytaff, who responded with a raise of the ears, then up towards Jethro, "If you have something entrenched with the scent of Barlow he could use, I would hold no bar against you."

Agatha rested her temple in her hand attempting to swell the festering emotions brewing within.

"Perhaps we can split up." opted Jethro.

"And happen across Barlow and his mercenaries with half the man power?" ridiculed the masked man.

"More favorable than standing here waiting to be happened upon." he retorted.

Ranger made a gesture with his arms, "So now you discourage sitting idle? If only you could have blessed us with this desire last night when raiding the bandit camp."

"Y'know what!?" snapped Jethro swinging a leg from over his mount, "You have a grievance let's settle this!"

"Come on,' encouraged Doc, 'keep the fight out there not with each other."
His words went unheeded as Jethro made his confrontation.

"No one elected you as leader over us."

"And no one assumed the role." responded Ranger with a tone that even Holo would find more insufferable than previously employed.

"That doesn't give you the right." sneered Jethro.

"Neither does your selectively timed insubordination."

It was about to go to blows when an unfamiliar voice spoke with boldness, "You're both wrong."

All heads turned to Emilio.

"Quiet boy." rebuked the mask and hood.

Agatha broke her peace, "Let the boy speak, I'd rather hear what he has to say than listen to the two of you prattle on!"

Ranger took a long, annoyed breath but assented nonetheless.

"We were told Barlow and the mercenaries moved west along Alpine Ridge,' observed the boy, 'neither of these crossroads takes us west. We've been heading in the wrong direction."

"How'd you figure that? The sun's covered." replied Jethro.

"Look at the shadows of the trees,' he started, 'they're bowing to the left before midday meaning the sun's still rising from the east. If we were going west then we'd be heading to where they're pointing, but neither trail goes that direction which can only mean they lead to the south and north."

"And what makes you such a sure navigator?" criticized the hood.

Emilio was quick to fortify his stance, "I've lived in the dense wilderness of Yoites most my life. Using light and shadows as a compass is second nature to me."

"Listen to the lad,' reinforced Agatha by her own accord and by the account of Aric whose weariness was perceived by her, 'so far he's been making the most amount of sense than anyone else."

Ranger's hardened gaze shifted from her to Aric whose disposition supported her rhetoric, then to all the others in accompaniment who though said nothing, agreed with all energy of soul. Seeing himself surrounded on every front he, with every reluctance each fiber of his being could contain, submitted.

"Very well, let us reclaim ground." said he.

The proceedings after that consisted of each horse having its face turned towards ground pre-trod and set in motion upon that bearing. Each time they came across another twist and split of the trail the discernment of Emilio was relied upon to guide them through. Eventually they were rocking to and fro upon new ground that led them to an area where the thickets dispersed amongst rolling greens like continents among the ocean. It was here where the habituating clearings abided that glimpses into the farther unknowns could be seen.

Aric trotted up to the lead, withdrew a telescope and observed. Agatha came up beside who was then offered it to her once satisfied. Pointing to a specific mark on the horizon she spied through the looking glass and found the mercenary band.

"There they be…' said she before collapsing it, '…at least ten miles out and gaining."

After returning the telescope to Aric, Agatha took a moment to praise the young man who set their courses right, "Well done lad."

Her declaration of praise provoked a word of praise to pass through the lips of all the others save one. Ranger remained as absolute and stubborn as ever. Emilio took this moment to apply some of his own wit to the situation, "You should see what I can do with my hands untied."

All eyes fell on Ranger who simply steered his reigns toward their target and said before spurring his mount into a brisk trot, "Stay in tow lest we lose them."

Despite it being a land overlaid with deplorable degenerates the fields and valleys of Badurenz were still quite a marvel to behold when passing through at one's leisure. Though everyone moved at a brisk pace they were still able to capture the rigorous implications this corner of nature impressed upon the mind.

When they came to the threshold of the forrest Ranger slowed the proceedings to a halt forcing the horses behind him, originally in single file, to fan out and disperse side by side.

"What is it?" asked Jethro.

Ranger held up his finger to silence him and answered with alarming quietness, "We know not how far in they have advanced.' then dismounted, 'Kaytaff and I will scout ahead to ensure we do not stumble upon them per chance."

"Alone?' protested Agatha who went on to say after Ranger made it clear those were his designs, "Hey now masked one, this be a crew."

Relieving his bow from his saddle hold he replied, "Hardly." then departed hence.

…

The troupe was once more set in motion. Ranger, who had gone alone, eventually returned and informed of them a fresh set of tracks were discovered. The manner, however, in which he went about this, provided only to further the established ire festering within.

He was a hard character, that was indisputable, yet in the little time he was known by this band of mercenaries, they had gathered up enough sense to perceive he was being more so outside the boundaries of said character. Many a thought were dedicated to ponder the conception of this shift towards greater degrees of uncompromising leadership. Most speculations lay upon the presence of Emilio, others that without Holo he could assume a more liberal sense of superiority. All these speculations felt appropriate but the deeper sense that something greater was ailing his mood could not be ignored even by their best judgment.

Kaytaff sniffed the ground vigorously and continued to do so as long as he helmed the lead until they came upon a new area of injured forrest. Where once was luscious grass standing tall had been stamped flat, bushes that produced berries had several plucked from their vines and where dirt and sod lay blanketed like a rolling canvas were upturned and dented with the soles of boots and hooves alike. A large group of men and horses recently resided here.

Everyone instinctively came out of their saddles to investigate the resting spot. Jethro rightly observed, "No signs of a fire."

"They were only taking a small break." said Agatha.

Ranger knelt down sifting the ground with his fingers as though to further connect himself with the environment. Kaytaff was overjoyed with the barrage of new smells to occupy his sense with. Agatha moved around and spied a few deposits of fresh horse manure and called him over to it, "Looks like their horses left a few steamy piles. Maybe yer hound can track em' with it."

Ranger responded softly, "Horses are too common, he could confuse the scent of ours with theirs."

Emilio spoke up, out of turn, "Check by the stream running nearby."

Everyone became silent which allowed their senses to hone in on the sound of rushing water flowing not too afar off.

"Pray tell what you think could be lay in waiting?" said Ranger with a tone designed to ridicule.

Knowing that those who desired to hear him overwhelmed the one who did not he answered, "Well usually when large groups stop temporarily there will be most likely many who also need to relieve themselves. If any had, streams are the most common places to conduct such business."

Agatha concurred, "Human remains. That could be a scent more distinguishable."

The superior decision however, found itself in possession of the man who commanded the dog's loyalty."

He only sat their motionless, his thoughts locked away in that hardened head of his. All that could be said came in the form of a resentful sigh protruding from his figure. Then he arose, called Kaytaff to his side and went for the stream.

Once his frame parted through the bushes he allowed the black and gold shepherd to employ his nose to the task at hand. Ranger moved about keeping a steady eye on the ground which eventually noticed Kaytaff taking a particular interest to a sage bush. The leaves were wet but not from natural condensation, a scent was found.

He broke the branch off for safe keeping while muttering, "Damn that boy."

Upon returning, the method in which he heralded a return to formation was by mounting and making ready for all to see. Agatha and Jethro looked at each other with agitated unease.

"So what then?"

Ranger, without ever turning his backside, responded so abruptly that his response was nearly missed, "We have a scent."

Jethro's bosom was beginning to simmer then called out to the boy while making every effort to ensure Ranger overheard, "Thank you Emilio, your ideas have been very useful so far!"

Ranger clicked his horse into a cantor and was on course to outrun the band. Eventually they caught up with him, many had the inclination to overtake him and assume the lead out of protest for his unfit detriment to guid them any further.

Midday was beginning to pass, the light began to lessen and the trail was becoming less distinguishable. Kaytaff began to wary as the scent was fading from his senses the farther they traveled. Alas the most he could do was go in circles frantically trying to find it.

"Well that's just great." chided Jethro, "Worthless mutt."

Ranger's hood shifted towards him the a vengeance, "Keep the scorn and ridicule you have for him behind your teeth! He has done more for all of you than deserved."

Jethro threw a leg over his saddle, "I have just about had it."

His enraged presence created a type of aura that pushed the others away until he stood in his own bubble. He then spoke in an attempt to rally the crowd, "This isn't working."

"What isn't?" inquired Agatha with a hint of intentional ignorance which only furthered to frustrate him.

"Taking orders from him. No one chose him, no one wanted him. And if it wasn't for the common sense of a young boy we would've been heinously off course or lost! He's done nothing but to aggravate us to the point of insanity and above all else, if anything, he's going to get us all killed save for himself, for he holds no own else in such esteem except himself!' then looked around to see everyone's dejected faces, 'I can't be the only one who feels this way!"

There was a peculiarly uncomfortable silence that followed.

Nikiski sighed with an eyebrow raised towards Agatha who spoke on his behalf, "Mr. McKinley…' she tucked her lower lip in before continuing, 'We all share these same concerns…"

"But you aren't willing to do anything about it." he finished for her.

Her silence confirmed all.

"So that's it then?" he said with defeated resentment, "Just go along like lambs to the slaughter?"

Turning to Emilio he said, "Do you enjoy being bound?" the boy shifted then bowed his head in shame.

To Agatha and Aric he said, "Do you enjoy neither of you having a voice?"

Then to Doc and Ottis said, "Do you enjoy just waiting for the inevitable moment when you'll have to try to keep the lives from escaping our dying bodies?"

Doc let out a respire as if his fearful heart was pierced.

Lastly he said while motioning to Ranger, "Do you all enjoy having him as our leader?"

The air conducted a ballad of rustles through the empty trees. A small cluster of birds chirped, a little whine from Kaytaff followed.

"Would you enjoy taking charge?"

Jethro wheeled around at Ranger who had given him that invitation, daresay sincerely. Suddenly it was his turn to be silent.

The masked man moved on to say, "Why else would no one speak up? Why else would no one take charge?' then leaning forward in his saddle he answered in a tone that riddled them all with guilt, 'Because no one else wants that burden, therefore, falling in line is easiest for them."

Putting his attention on Emilio said, "Tell me boy, do you wish absolute freedom in the enemy territory of foreign lands?"

Then to Aric and Agatha, "Do you wish your voices to be the ones that leads everyone astray and to ruin?"

Then to Doc and Ottis, "What of you physician; the architects of the preservation of life, are you willing to make the call that may suddenly reverse it?"

Everyone's lips cringed with chagrined revelation as if their darkest secrets they thought so well concealed were in reality not hidden at all but in plain view to him this whole time. Finally, while all their hearts were still cast in the pits of impecuniosity, he addressed Jethro last as it was fitting to do so, seeing as he was the first to instigate all this.

"If you are so wary of my leadership and desire me to avert myself from it, pray tell who you wish to take my place?"

Jethro, with the unease of a lone leaf trembling atop an unsteady branch, looked here and there and all around him for a sign that one with greater confidence could answer, but found no one else but himself who the role should rightfully go to, seeing as is his desires for new leadership were so overtly expressed. Yet instead of answering him predictably, Jethro suggested something unexpected, "I say, to pick up the trail, we become agents unto ourselves."

This piqued the masked man's interest, "We all split up?"

Jethro, in order to defend his rationale quickly encouraged, "Shall we put it to a vote?"
The reception seemed positive and in his favor so he went on to say, "All those in favor?"

Everyone save Ranger surprisingly, raised their hands, "Aye." came their voices in unison.

Gaining more confidence Jethro instructed, "Alright, Doc and Ottis should stay here and serve as a rally point. Seeing how we're heading west, Agatha and Aric should cover the south. You continue west with your dog, I'll take the eastern forrest along with Emilio."

"The boy comes with me." imposed an uncompromising Ranger.

Jethro smirked, "But of course, no better way to keep him safe than under the supervision of he who wants him tied and bound at all times."

"Need I remind you the fate of the last young boy kept in your charge?" Ranger retorted quickly with equal indifference.

Jethro was immediately silenced. Emilio looked around confused, "What other boy?"

Ranger demanded immediately, "Your new leader has given us orders, come to me now."

Too afraid to challenge him the boy, had his pony trot up beside him.

"We will unite again before sundown.' said Ranger as he turned his mount westward then made an addendum towards Jethro, 'If that suits you of course."

Jethro sneered in his direction then said, "Alright let's see if we can find a trail and report back to each other before sundown."

II

Nature's Fury

Through the northern heading of the forrest Jethro made his way looking for clues and muttering to himself angrily. He questioned many a things; why they were to engage in Durango's dirty work, why he had to be paired with such a brooding character, the loss of civility and so forth. His thoughts would continue to swirl until something caused his horse to suddenly stop and back peddle with an immense sense of agitation.

"Whoa, whoa." he soothed but the animal began to rear and turn head.

Quickly, to avoid an incident, he dismounted then attempted to hold it down by the reigns but the steed jerked and pulled til the they slipped from his grip allowing the animal to bolt from view. It was a telltale sign of impending danger therefore Jethro prepared his crossbow and held himself at the ready, his one eye darted from left to right in a sporadic scan of his surroundings. Had he come across the mercenaries?

Slowly he urged one foot to inch forward followed by the other and soon found himself cautiously pushing further into the unknown. His heart pounded greatly in his chest with each contraction sending a shock waive all the way to his fingers.

So much abstracted his view within the forrest be it trees, bushes and dipping terrain accompanied by all the forrest sounds that obscured true silence allowing any lurking threat to mask it's presence from his senses. Beads of sweat careened down his face, the tip of his bolt quivering under the influence of his trembling hands. His panicked state yearned his throat to cry out for help while his fear forbade anything more than a breath to escape his lips so he durst not speak.

A violation broke the air demanding all his wound up senses to unleash on the progenitor of it sending his crossbow to snap to in an instant and loosen its projectile. The bolt soared towards a flock of birds who had suddenly broken into flight from off the ground causing the man to feel stupidly about his hypersensitive reaction.

He approached the tree to where his bolt was flung. It was at least ten cubits up the trunk leaving him to scratch his head on how he was to retrieve it. He was left there scratching his head for but a moment, for it was the last moment he would have in good health.

A heavy patter followed by the clearing of leaves took his senses by alarm so he turned his head towards the source but was plowed horrendously over with such force that it liberated his right boot from his foot sending it flying with him. He made contact with the earth three meters from whence he stood, rolled over and tried to collect his senses. His ears rang, his eyes sunk and all the air residing in his lungs yeeted from his chest in an instant.

A doom instilling howl, followed by a ferocious growl came upon him and soon the man found himself painfully being beat, clawed and swung with force beyond reason. His vision was tossed and turned like a small vessel betwixt a raging tempest making his ability to identify his attacker all the more futile. But alas he caught glimpses of a black snout, pads and claws, sharp plentiful teeth, dead eyes and brown fur.

It was a bear.

Every human instinct designated for survival screamed for him to do something at once! He attempted to flee, he solicited for help in the form of loud shouts and screams, he pursued in striking at the beast with bare fists but all endeavors to abscond him from danger were forlorn pursuits.

The enraged animal used it's front paws to keep Jethro pressed into the earth with every attempt to escape answered with viscous swipes and plunging bites that tore into his flesh. Jethro shrimped himself from underneath it then used his feet to push the bear off by the chest in which it staggered back slightly leaving Jethro's lower torso and waist exposed.

The bear came back and pounced on his stomach then as it pulled back tore several lines through it via claws. Jethro grunted and made a move to smite the beast in the mush with his foot. But when he did the monstrosity of nature turned it's fury up the sole limb that struck it taking hold of the appendage, drove into the ground while also enveloping the calve within it's jaws. The maneuver was powerful and so sudden that, as Jethro was getting turned over, he felt an unbearably painful pop adjacent to the groin as his hip joint unseated from his pelvis.

The poor man groaned in debilitating agony and desperation while trying to crawl away. The bear, when interpreting his maneuvers to gain freedom, would have none of it so it launched itself over him, dug its fangs into his lower back and proceeded to drag and swing his body around like a piece of timber in the rapids.

Per chance, while under the influence of a tussle, the besieged Jethro spied his knife laying not too far from where he lay. He reached for it calling attention to his hand when he did. The infernal creature took interest, moved up with a front paw planted on his back and began biting and tearing into his outstretched arm.

Jethro was screaming for his life at this point and exerting every effort to prevent his own violent passing form overtaking him but nature, in her fullest, was enacting vengeance upon him. When the animal ceased it's attack, the man lay there a ripped, bleeding and broken mess of what he once was; motionless and just breathing.

The bear moved around him, sniffing and nudging him to see what the consequences would be then began bouncing on his back to try and rouse movement. Jethro grunted and winced but made no sudden migration. The only thing circulating through Jethro's mind was his wife and children waiting for him on the other side.

Fortunately something else caught the bear's attention, the boot that had been thrown from Jethro's foot made it curious so it went over to sniff and chew on it so that it could be more acquainted with the relics of the human world. This allowed Jethro to slowly creep towards his knife.

He shifted slightly forward, just close enough for his fingers to lay across the handle and slowly drag it into his grip. He heard the animal grunt, the bear was alerted to his activity and was returning to continue the sport of ripping and tearing into the man. It clamped on drug him back with the momentum needed to successfully encourage Jethro to roll over and face his attacker directly.

This time, to the bear's surprise, a series of painful jabs hit themselves all up and down it's side. The knife was plunging and goring at a rate appropriate for a mortally injured man attempting to make on last hope to preserve his life.

The beast was angered greatly then dealt multiple strikes up and down his body one of which covered the one side of his face his remaining eye was on. All the fight remaining within him had been exhausted. Jethro fell back and awaited the killing blow.

The bear wobbled from its inflictions hindering its ability to delve a critical strike when another beast burst on scene carrying a fellow human being. Ranger had intervened on horseback, launched one arrow into the bear's flank then rushed forward sword drawn like a calvary charge. For a young bear still somewhat new to the world, the sight of a warrior on horseback was an imposing image indeed. The frightened and injured creature fled from the confident formidable opponent leaving Jethro liberated at last.

Emilio was last to arrive who beheld the bloody mess and turned a shade of green.

Ranger knelt down to assess Jethro's work of breathing and found him to be just sustainable. Unable to see, he lifted up his hand, "W-ho's…there..? Mrs. M-Mcd-dubbland?

"It is I." came Ranger's familiar voice.

His hand fell, "Oh…"

Emilio then urged himself to volunteer a service, "I'll get Doc and Ottis."

Ranger forbade him, "You will stay here were I can see you."

Panting and wheezing Jethro begged, "Let me die…"

"Not so." came the rebuke of his notion.

Confused and delirious, Jethro inquired while on the verge of death, "Why? I w-was a…f-fool…Th-this i-is m-my fault-t."

Lifting him up Ranger said, "Because you need a leader."

He was placed rear saddle and galloped away while held fast to the steed.

…

The sun had nearly eclipsed behind the horizon at the point Ranger's horse reunited with Doc and Ottis. He took no care in considering the kind of panic it would stir to thrust a mortally injured patient upon them so suddenly.

"You could've sent the boy ahead to give us forewarning!" complained Doc who began unfurling his kits and tools from his loading mule trying to meet the repose of his duties.

Ranger paid it no mind in due time he would arrive with Jethro's horse held by the lead.

"What happened?" demanded Doc as he proceeded to lather his hands and arms up in alcohol.

"Bear attack." was all that escaped his lips on the matter.

Ottis continued to set up the cot and lay out the tools and provisions as he knew his master saw fit. Doc in the meantime leaned over Jethro to lightly rouse him by the shoulders, "Jethro can you hear me?"

"Hmm…hmmm…" came the threads of his voice which barely clung to the tapestry of consciousness.

Doc could hear small gurgling bubbling within his throat every time he breathed and informed, "Blood is filling his throat." then to the sufferer, "Jethro turn you on your side and spit it out as it drains."

When Doc took hold of his shoulder and hip his patient cried out in agony, "Please…b-broken…"

The physician quickly palpated his figure and concluded thus, "Broken hip, heaven knows what other bones are broken too."

Then to his subtle alarm, Doc heard Ranger say, "What can I do?" this alarmed him so because one; he thought the man withdrew himself under his own accord and secondly; he never expressed an interest in aiding anyone beyond himself.

Once he had overcome this breech of thought he quickly reacquainted himself to the task, "We need to cut these clothes off so I can see the extent of the damage."

Ranger unholstered his dagger and made a continual incision up the side hem of his pants from the heal to the waist so his pants could be opened like a book. The straps and laces of his vest were sliced with his shirt following next. The entire man's body, from Doc's perspective, looked like it engaged in a wrestling match with a meat grinder.

"Some of these cuts go all the way to the bone, we'll need stitches and cauterization." he instructed then handed Ranger a bottle of his strongest liqueur, "Have him drink until inebriated, it's the best we can do to dull the pain." then to Ottis, "Get a hot brand going."

Ranger supported the sufferer's head up so the spirit could drain down his gullet with ease while his assistant lit an oil lamp and laid a small iron flat over it to make it red hot. Then to Ranger once more requested, "We need to slow the bleeding, take the linens."

The masked man withdrew the folded raiments from within the case and applied pressure to where the bleeding was at its most plentiful.

Jethro only groaned and wheezed lightly while he was being threaded with needle and seared with iron, he scarcely moved during it all. Either the booze was taking a quicker effect than anticipated or his body's was fading faster than their evolutions to mend it could allow. Doc placed an ear on his chest and listened.

"His heartbeat is fading." he observed.

Then called out, "Jethro…Jethro!"

The man lazily came to, "Hm?"

"You need to keep your eyes open and try to breath."

The man could only muster to say, "It's…hard…to…"

Suddenly the field surgeon was struck with another possible internal ailment vexing the man from within. He palpated his lateral torso on both sides and felt broken ribs along with a resilient amount of firmness.

His eyes hardened when more and more revelations to the seriousness of the man's condition crowned their heads, "Both his lungs are ruptured causing the air he breathes to escape and get trapped in his chest cavity causing both lungs to collapse and may be physically obstructing his heart."

"How are we to reverse that?" said Ranger, irritated that all interventions may be for naught.

Doc's hand panned over his tool kit which contained forceps, prods and scalpels aplenty. Partaking one such sharpened tool he answered, "Let the air out."

Kneeling down by the mid axillary line of his rip cage, Doc steadied Jethro's thorax with one hand then made a precise incision along the sixth intercostal space. No sooner than when the exterior skin of the selected rib was breached that a sharp hiss shot out. Quickly Doc did likewise to the opposite side.

He re-listened to Jethro's heartbeat and noted a markable improvement. But still, the means by which they were to reverse his decline still needed to be drastic. Finally Doc relented with a sigh and said partially to himself, "Didn't want it to come to this."

He pulled out the wooden box bestowed to them by the wolf shaman Nazani which contained multiple vials of his healing elixir. Useful but rare so its employment needed to be frugal. Withdrawing an empty atomizing bottle he drained the elixir into it and applied it to Jethro's lips.

"Jethro I need you to take a deep breath in."

As the man proceeded to inhale Doc compressed the billows sending the elixir in the form of a mist down his trachea and into his alveoli, the latter of which provoked a bronchospasm sending his patient into a coughing fit. Doc responded by coaxing him down, "C'mon now just a few more." the cycle repeated twice more.

In due time a gargle began to build deep within sending Doc fetching for a bucket allowing Jethro to upheave and discharge blood and filth from his airway. When all fits subsided Jethro's work of breathing and appearance improved significantly. When a moment was allotted he asked dully, "What is that stuff anyway?"

"I'm not entirely sure, other than it's an extremely powerful healing elixir given to me by the shaman Nazani back in Yoites."

Sighing, Jethro praised, "Thank God…"

"I think Nazani is the god you should thank." replied Doc getting ready to stitch and set bones giving Ottis these instructions as he did so, "Stitch the rest and when you're done apply doses of it over them.' then warned, 'monitor them closely, what the body would do on it's own in weeks will be done in hours, we don't want the skin to heal over them."

As Ottis occupied himself with the binding of flesh Doc asked Ranger to help hold them man down to put the hip joint back in place. After a few manipulations and a quick thrust the hip was re seated with a dull thud. Fortunately, due to the affects of the strong alcohol, the most Jethro offered in terms of complaint was a low moan.

Right when everything was put back into place with the elixir lathering up all afflicted areas, Agatha and Nikiski came riding in with the grizzly sight of Jethro's tarnished body being the first means to inform them that tragedy had struck.

"Mercy me!' ejaculated Agatha, 'The devil happened here?"

"Bear attack.' said Doc whose close ended answer was the effect of his preoccupied mind.

"Will he survive?" she pressed with deep concern.

"He's shown marked improvement and feel confident that he will do so." he reassured but clearly focused on things other than her worry.

She went over to him and called, "Mr. McKinley?!"

His head turned, "Ms. McDubland…?"

"Aye, tis' I. How are you?"

His head listlessly rolled about, "I can't see…the bear clawed out my other eye…I'm blind."

Doc took a closer look at the bloody mess then made a realization, "Hold on." He asked for Agatha's canteen in which she obliged and he doused his whole forehead in water washing the blood away. Once the blood was cleansed Jethro lifted his eyelid revealing that all within his eye socket was intact and whole. With profound relief the man spoke with unmitigated gratitude, "Oh! I thought I was blind! Thank you Doc!"

Then focusing on Agatha said with an inebriated flirt, "You're a most wonderful sight to see!"

Put off by his drunken advances she deflected back, "Save it you sauced git!' then said as she fiercely grabbed a spare linen, 'Speaking of, I think I've seen more than enough of you!" in reference to his exposed loins which she aptly covered.

"Don't act like you're not impressed." the drunk man chortled.

She raised a fist to rightly deliver penance on his face but withheld considering her better judgment then departed hatefully. Doc paid it no mind, cleansed his hands and replied, "Now we wait for nature to take its course."

III

Toro Furioso

The following morning started early and with welcomed news, thanks to Doc and all his interventions, Jethro was seen dressing in full vigor and good health save a series of scars where the bear cut deepest. Aric and Agatha had constructed a teeny fire to where morsels of salted meat could be heard sizzling from little pikes they had skewered and erected from.

As everyone was gathered around to eat, Ranger noticed Jethro sitting by himself afar off with his back turned. He approached him subtly with a peace offering in hand and presented it to the isolated being.

The man appeared ashamed and withdrew himself further.

"Eat." said Ranger, "A famished stomach avails no benefits."

Reluctantly Jethro took it but only made small nibbles at a time. Ranger still remained.

"I'm not in the mood to talk."

Still, Ranger remained.

With a heavy breath he relented, "You want me to say you were right and I was wrong?"

The man crooked his head but said nothing.

"Alright, fine. I was wrong. Splitting up was my call and it nearly got me killed, if it wasn't for you I would have died. And for whatever it's worth I'm sorry!"

Then to his absolute, unanticipated and confounded belittlement Ranger replied, "I as well."

Wheeling around to meet his apologist Jethro asked, "What?"

Going on, Ranger went to say, "Your call for new leadership did not go unmotivated by me."

"Oh…well…"

Before Jethro could fathom what was transpiring Ranger moved on quickly, as were his regular tactics when it comes to making amends, "You should apologize to the woman."

"Who? Agatha? Why?"
Realizing he most likely was too drunk to remember he simply said, "Your conduct offended her last night."

Jethro became slightly terrified, "Alright, I'll have a word."

Examining his salted meat for a moment or two he arose and made way to approach Ms. McDubland. He knew the damage may well have been irreparable when seeing her frame stiffen with significant coldness as he drew near.

"Good morning Ms. McDubland." he addressed with greater caution.

She refused to respond.

"I've come to talk. I've been made aware that some things I said last night were ungentlemanly."

She stood up, shoved a meat skewer towards him and chided, "Eat up." then stormed off.

He rubbed his forehead with dejection and cursed himself. They were not even on speaking terms. Sadly he sat down on stump near where Kaytaff was laying and remorsefully indulged himself privately with his meal.

While munched away the black and gold shepherd gave him quite a start, he lifted off his side and began growing angrily which nearly stopped the man's heart with dread. In defense he tossed a piece of meat to the hound thinking that is what was ailing it but it had no impact on his behavior.

Ranger casually walked over making the appearance he was tending to some task but in reality was masking a small conversation he was about to have with him, "He senses someone nearby. Most likely a scout who is spying on us."

"What makes you think it's a scout?" Jethro whispered back.

"Why stay hidden from view?"

Jethro nodded, "What do we do?"

"I'll alert the others, are you able to scout back?"

He nodded arose and said with enough volume to be overheard, "Nature calls I'll be right back." Then departed into the woods behind him.

Once he had receded far enough from view, he double backed around the camp to where the spy's vantage point was, carefully concealing his presence to the point of crawling upon the ground the closer he drew.

Alas he spotted a foreign figure in the woods forcing him to be still. Finally the figure disengaged from its reconnoiter session of which Jethro followed. He did not venture long until he could clearly see a man reporting to a small group of mercenaries. They may have overheard the commotion and sent troops to look for interlopers on their trail.

Jethro pulled back, returned to camp and reported, "They know we're here. We have moments at best before contact."

"Do they suspect we are tracking them specifically?" asked Emilio overcome with worry.

"I don't know, but they've fled with Barlow who's committed a grievous crime and have to assume the worst."

The boy turned to Ranger, bound hands presented firmly, "Please untie me. I don't want to die here!" he panicked.

Ranger forced his hands down, "Actually, there may be a better use for you. Seeing that you are already tied this can serve as a ploy to make them think you are some criminal we are planning on turning in."

"That sounds great,' he squeaked, 'however I would like to have a say in this plan." It was his life after all.

"No,' said Jethro, 'for once I agree with him. Our best hope to avoid being ambushed is to have them think we were only after you."

The boy went seven shades of pale as all the horrendous outcomes that could result from this decision flashed before his mind in rapid succession.

"Look!' said Agatha loudly taking everyone by alarm, 'we are taking you in whether you like it or not!" came her vote in the form to reinforce the ploy previously expressed.

The boy gulped nervously, "Ummm…Please don't hang me…?" an intelligent lad he may be but a natural actor he was not.

In order to save the act Jethro threw him to the ground, "Quiet you! You're lucky you're worth more to us alive than dead!"

The poor young soul grunted, "…why..?"

"That will do." said Ranger with enough concern in his voice to actually warrant discretion against too great abuse.

Everyone loaded up and mounted their horse and set off into the woods from which they came only to double back and head in the direction of the spies under the concealment of foliage. And thanks to the good graces of the powers that be, Kaytaff picked up one of their scents and began to lead with full confidence.

They passed by a lake that was green and brown from the reflections of its environment that had a ridge climbing higher and higher the further it careened along the shore. They took the elevated path to better survey their surroundings. Soon after they had come across a large camp with men packing up and making ready to leave.

Agatha took out her monocular and said, "Don't think Durango's information was all too keen. That be a much larger group than previously described.

She passed the device around but intentionally skipped Jethro of which he noted and grieved further. Each individual it was passed to spied a larger group of at least fifty strong as opposed to a group of twenty. When the spy glass alas fell into the hands of Jethro he looked for himself.

"This can't be right, I thought the Switchbacks and Blood Eagles split up along Alpine Ridge, this looks like they're still together and…' he lowered the eyepiece then reset it, '…I see a young man and young woman…looks like a couple." he lowered it once more, 'Liz and Barlow."

Agatha interjected, "That can't be right!? Give it here you must be mistaken!" she demanded.

Ranger stopped the proceeding, "I think it best if we all begin to trust each other at our words."

Agatha looked away with souring expression.

Turning to the one eyed man he inquired, "If Liz and Barlow are indeed there, then the mercenary, Toro Furioso, must also be among their numbers."

Jethro took that into consideration and spied through the looking glass once more. Alas from one of the pitched tents emerged a man clad in armor adorning horns and red feather from his full faced helmet. He was so large that it was necessary for him to duck under the threshold as he passed from under the tarps.

Jethro nearly dropped the monocular, "Heaven help us…"

"What do you see?"

"That has to be Toro, but he's a giant among men. His armor looks specially made just to fit him. He looks bigger than the bear who attacked me last night."

"That can't be right." criticized Agatha while snatching the piece from him under the full assumption he must be exaggerating. But her eye confirmed what he attested to, "Jenny mac!' she exclaimed, 'He's a titan! Over three heads above the average man at least, I'd have to say he stands somewhere just under five cubits."

"Not to mention a shoulder span the size of a barge." begrudged Jethro.

"Yes, yes,' flustered Ranger, 'he is a giant among men. However giants can be slain, does that not what your good book teaches?"

"Anyone have a sling and stone?" said Jethro condescendingly.

Emilio then spoke up to Ranger, "You could slay him. You were Chugiak once were you not?"
Ranger's reaction was a violent shift towards the boy nearly causing him to fall off his horse. But at this time everyone else began to chime in, "Yes of course, you have that ability to fell great beings."

"It is not that simple." he said defensively.

"What do you mean? He's no where near as large as Telekna, you can…"
"I cannot!" sharply burst the masked man sending dead waves throughout the group. Collecting himself he went on to say, "It is not something that should so liberally be employed on just one man, aside from this, Telekna was but one opponent, there are still fifty other troops at hand to be dealt with."

"Aye,' sighed Agatha, 'then what course shall we take? We could fall back and send for Holo?"

Jethro quickly set out to describe the futility of that suggestion, "If we leave now we will lose Liz and Barlow. We lose them, we lose Durango. We Lose Durango we lose all hope of finding Jurgen, saving Lawrence and helping Holo."

As the proceeded to reason amongst each other, Emilio noticed something dreadfully off with their party and began making small motions to be heard, "Psst. PSSST!"

Ranger turned on him, "What is it now?!" his patience feigning.

"The horses." he whispered.

That is when he noticed each mount exhibiting a sense of fear and danger definitive to their equine traits. Ears pinned back, aggressive head and tail movements and plenty of subtle prancing in place. Shortly after Ranger noticing all this that Kaytaff began to growl towards the unknown.

"Scouts?" whispered Emilio.

Ranger dismounted, "Or worse."

Jethro noticed the man quitting his saddle and asked, "What are you doing?"

"Ready yourself." is all he said while abstracting his bow from his saddle.

As the man ushered himself through the thickets with his faithful dog at heel he took note of Jethro coming up behind him with his weapons adorned.

"It is too dangerous for additional support." said he.

Jethro revealed his designs, "I'm here to assess and report back so the others know what they must do if things turns hairy."

They overheard the crunching of leaves and dead branches not too afar off so they sunk themselves low. A single man, armed and dangerous, seemed to be attempting a rear flanking maneuver on the group they left behind.

"If he sees them, he'll attack first."

Ranger seated an arrow, "Then we must be the ones to strike first."

"What if he's not alone? This could give away our position." pointed out Jethro.

"We are compromised either way." said Ranger, his mind already made.

"Godspeed." said Jethro tapping Ranger on the shoulder.

The drawstring of Ranger's bow pulled back, the arrow tip leading the target. After a moment of silence in which Jethro's heart ceased to beat, the arrow was launched striking the man through the head crumpling his corpse.

All was quiet for a moment.

"Over there!" came the fatal shout of a nearby comrade of which arrows from the opposing line cut through the greenery narrowly missing them.

"Warn the others, I shall hold the line!" instructed Ranger shoving the man away who scrambled towards his idle compadres to call them to arms.

Ranger drew another arrow and returned fire while keeping his frame shielded behind a tree. Kaytaff, understanding his role in all this, kept his senses keen and warned his master that a threat was coming in range from the right.

Ranger quickly performed a tactical retreat avoiding a fatal strike while sending another arrow to where the most imminent threat was suggested. It was not long before each combatant realized ranged weapons were least effective in a densely populated forrest and were preparing to make a charge into close quarters.

Ranger perceived two advancing, dropped one with an arrow, discarded his bow and drew his sword right as the second was upon him. He side stepped under a downward swing, hinged through followed by a viscous swipe that caught the mercenary by the neck nearly cutting his head clean off. A third nearly caught the man off guard but the jaws of Kaytaff intercepted his attack by lurching forth and clamping onto his wrist immobilizing him long enough to be dealt a critical blow.

At least two more were heard coming. Kaytaff moved away right as the first came into view of which Kaytaff leapt from the flank, took him by the collar pulling him down as his weight swung towards the earth. The man rolled over on the ground allowing Kaytaff to dart up and go for the throat.

While the hound was occupying himself with tearing the mercenary's wind pipe to shreds, Ranger was besieged by the second resulting in him being knocked to the earth. He saw his bow and a single arrow next to him. Right as the man was coming down with his sword raised high, Ranger rolled towards it, took the arrow and hoisted the bow with his foot and launched the projectile that way. The missile transfixed into his head from the under jaw, his body immediately stiffened; frozen in place he fell back dead.

Quickly the masked man got to his feet and restituted his arms. At that time Jethro came in on horse back, "Everyone's waiting on your orders."

He paused a moment, not anticipating that course of action from them then asked, "What is the activity of the camp?"

"They are sending more up the ridge with the rest taking defensive positions."

"We cannot risk losing Liz and Barlow.' said Ranger fearing they may retreat. 'You and the others use the trees to thin out the advancing party. I will try to move close enough to kill Liz and Barlow at range."

"What of Toro?"

The masked man exhibited insecurity, "I do not know yet, but I will find a way."

…

While Ranger was working his way down to the camp, on a bifurcated path to avoid the oncoming reinforcements, Jethro and party made ready to meet them. Their strategy was to lay in wait and pick off stragglers who ventured too far from the coup. A tactic more commonly known as guerrilla warfare. Then, when the herd was thinned out, would double down all efforts to reunite with Ranger, if he survived.

The use of projectiles would draw too much attention and were designated as a last resort. Cloak and dagger would be more appropriate. A few poor souls met with fate when a strange noise drew them from the line. Aric arose from a nearby bush behind them and cut his throat while the other was harshly clocked in the head by a large stone residing in Agatha's fist.

Jethro, who was separated but nearby, had a thick rope which, when another had left the safety of his companion's eyes, was aptly strangled to death when the opportunity presented itself. Doc and Ottis, who were the furthest from danger considering their professions, made use of their medicinal remedies by dipping needles in potent doses; it is the difference between medicine and poison after all, and shot blow darts when needed, sending their victims into a state of useless delirium.

Emilio however was ill equipped, for he was still bound and left in the open. He was to be employed as a type of live bait and instill momentary confusion in the minds of the enemy when discovered. It was successful the first handful of encounters however the blood and bodies were beginning to collect changing the variable significantly. With these deposits he would be easily identified as a trap and disposed of quickly by the next mercenary he came across.

Sweating and palpating beyond healthy levels, the boy, when perceiving another mercenary set to discover him, arose and bolted causing to be fired upon and narrowly missed. Jethro moved to intercept him but the boy, so hellbent on survival, shoulder checked him to the ground while continuing his plight.

He rushed through the trees and underbrush with unbridled haste. Shouts could be heard, saying they spotted someone fleeing and rallied others to pursue. He increased his pace and blindly put himself before a series of snarls followed by a painful bite to his ankle plummeting him to the ground.

Another voice, a familiar voice, called for the attack to stop and so it did. Panting the boy lifted his eyes to see Kaytaff heeling by his master's side and concluded the dog assumed him another enemy.

Before Ranger could inquire as to why the boy had come upon him, Kaytaff went into a fit of barks and lunged to where a trio of mercenaries were approaching. Ranger moved forth, hit off a few blows then followed through with a counter move leaving the man he contended with eviscerated then, to the one Kaytaff had a lock on, slashed him down the neck.

The final mercenary swung his blade and caught Ranger's cross guard delving his sword from his grip then performed a cross swing for the man's head. Ranger ducked under then thrust forth a dual punch, one to the gut, the other to the face, then followed through with a spinning side kick nailing the mercenary's solar plexus sending him into a nearby tree with enough force to liberate his caliber from his grasp.

Ranger rushed in to finish him hand to hand but the man lunged forth catching him in a tackle maneuver. Ranger staggered, regained his footing with dug in heels, wriggled his arm out to get his opponent's head under his arm pit, synched in a headlock, spun around with his back to the tree then thrust back cracking the top of the man's skull into the trunk. His body went limp, his voice groaned and was dropped like a sack of potatoes.

As the man looked upon the ground to spy where his sword may have landed he instead spied Emilio holding it in his tightly bound hands. Ranger was about to make the call for Kaytaff to immobilize him but the boy alarmingly made a different move. He raised the blade up and laid it across the the side of his own neck.

"What is your game boy?" he asked with ridicule and threatening grimace.

"Hastening the process!" he responded with conviction.

Ranger's eyes hardened but permitted him to speak.

"I'm a dead man walking! I'm not safe with you, I'm not safe with them, I'm not safe anywhere! Kill me, or release me, but I will not go another moment under such circumstances to where I will not die a free man!"

Ranger lifted an eyebrow and pondered the boy's sayings. At length he finally said, "You are the one holding the sword now."

Realizing the man meant for him to take charge of his own life Emilio quickly plunged the tip into the earth and slid his binds up and down the blade til they severed. After rubbing his wrists which had become swollen overtime and imprinted with the rope's threads, one of the dead mercenary's sword hit the ground next to him. Ranger had tossed him a weapon to use and said, "You can come with me and fight, or you can take your chances alone…free man."

Emilio held up the sword clumsily, "I'll try."

Time was of the essence therefore he commanded the boy to stay closely behind. Soon they came down the other side of the ridge and approached the Blood Eagle camp from its southwest. As they drew closer and closer their voices could resonate with more clarity of which to inform they were planning to exfiltrate Liz and Barlow while simultaneously sending more troops up the ridge if the previous members dispatched did not return.

When this information was communicated amongst them with Ranger and Emilio eavesdropping the latter said quietly, "If we are to kill Liz and Barlow, we'd best do it now."

Ranger nodded and proceeded to ready his bow when Emilio's hand rested on his arm, "Wait, I have an idea."

Ranger leaned in.

"I have been watching those two when still upon the ridge, they are so infatuated with each other that they constantly embrace. Perhaps you should take your shot then, save you an arrow."

He soon proceeded to ready himself without giving any clear indication as to whether or not he took the boy's advice under consideration. Toro was nearby, looking around, hand resting on the pommel of his mace oblivious to the stalker readily taking aim at the ones he was hired to protect. Ranger waited, and waited, then, in a strange move, pointed to Emilio but addressed his dog, "Kaytaff, guard."

The hound moved closer to the lad to do what he was told. Ranger drew back his arrow, set it on the couple and waited. The two seemed to converse with one another, expressing their love and concern for each other.

Liz could be heard saying something to the effect of, "Isn't it all romantic though?" then hugged him tightly.

A sound of terror struck Toro's ear wheeling him around to the couple still in romantic embrace. They both stumbled and turned revealing an arrow that had passed through her back and into Barlow's chest. A red stain gradually formed around the small obelisk fixed in Liz's back before both collapsed in unison.

Toro shot his glance right to where the arrow could have been launched, drew his weapon and rallied the others to raid their location. Ranger unfurled his sword and instructed, "Lure them away from Toro. Kaytaff will keep you safe." then dashed forth.

The masked man burst through, dealt two lethal cuts to two men who stood between him and Toro then rushed the metal giant from there. Toro was taken by surprise to be so eagerly met on the battlefield by such a formidable specimen who delivered a kick to the side knee which dropped him down then threw his knee up his clad chin. A heavy thunk erupted as he did so, then Ranger delivered a powerful slash across his shoulder blades which did nothing but produce a few sparks.

The armored giant grunted heavily as he arose towards Ranger who slowly hardened his defensive stance, ready to engage. The armor was too great a barrier to cut through however there were openings at the joints. When Toro retaliated, Ranger would counter maneuver and strike these areas but to no avail for underneath the breast plate was a layer of chainmail too greatly woven for his sword to penetrate. He would have to find another way.

The remaining mercenaries who did not pull away to fight up along the ridge were closing in on Ranger, and they did not number in a few, but more of a few dozen. Emilio tightened the grip on his hilt, gritted his teeth and ran out calling to them, "Ho there, hey there!" Once he had their heads turned he fled drawing at least half of them off to pursue.

The boy was none too keen on swordplay and he knew it, however he was intelligent, therefore when he happened to come across a halberd left behind, he traded it out for it was the best weapon to contend with under the circumstances; outnumbered and unskilled. As soon as the boy realized he was about to be overtaken he wheeled around thrusting the halberd towards his threats to keep them at bay.

"You'll never take me alive!" yelled the boy to impose some type of threat.

"We were never planning to." replied one of the Blood Eagles.

Emilio backed away keeping his weapon trained on them with Kaytaff bristling at the seems before erupting into a series of savage barks to ward off their advances. The first one who got too close suffered a horrible bite and a quick poke sending him back among the ranks. Quickly the boy realized this was the best course of action, for him and the dog to strike together. This continued a few times more before the troupe spread apart to surround them. Kaytaff darted around in a semi circle snarling and lashing out while the boy spun and swung trying to keep the circle from closing in. It was working for the moment but the mercenaries adapted by moving in quick, deliver a quick blow then withdraw to avoid the counterstrike. They were going to wear him down using the adage 'death by a thousand cuts.'

Ranger was still contending with Toro Furioso and making little progress. Atop all these conundrums the other half of the two dozen Blood Eagles were coming in to support. Toro made a violent swing which Ranger evaded that nearly hit a comrade blindly. This gave the warrior an idea. He moved himself around the camp to reposition everyone, then, once everyone was beginning to crowd, focused on Toro.

The steel giant would swing his banded mace in every which direction trying to hit the man but instead would strike one of his own. Taking advantage of the ogre's fury, and stupidity, Ranger would sneak in and make a jab around the legs where there was cloth between the slits invoking a more virile outburst that only served to clobber more and more of the surrounding mercenaries until they were eradicated.

Seeing his blunder, Toro tossed the mace aside, grabbed Ranger by the neck then trust him to the ground. While he had him pinned he drew his short sword to run him through where he lay. Ranger made a quick glance to see Emilio in dire need as well as they were both powerless to overcome their struggles. They were doomed.

Suddenly a bewildering clatter liberated Ranger from his confinement.

Rolling away, he beheld Jethro on horseback being his liberator this time who had rushed in and smote Toro across the head with his sword. And though it did not penetrate, the weight and speed of which he traveled was grand enough to emit a brain jarring blow rendering the man motionless on the ground.

Agatha and Aric were upon their mounts not too far behind and spurred themselves toward Emilio to break up the line, slashing and trodding asunder. Alas they were saved!

Jethro leaned from his saddle, took Ranger by the hand and lifted him to his feet. Brushing himself he said, "Impeccable timing I suppose."

"We were getting overrun so a last ditch effort was to mount up and charge like wild men.' looking around he said, 'guess it worked."

"Why risk such an assault?"

Jethro scrunched his lips, "Well it's like you said,' he started with a slight smile, 'we need a leader."

Ranger nodded and sighed, Jethro was about to trot away when the masked man called out to him, "Hold there,' he stopped and turned, '…I owe you all a debt. And I will repay."

Jethro bowed his head graciously then went to check up on Emilio. The boy was on his knee supporting himself on his halberd. He had sustained many laceration which now made supporting himself that much more unbearable. Agatha was trying to soothe him but the boy, so overcome by fear in the face of death became inconsolable and wept whole heartedly.

Aric patted her on the shoulder and motioned his head with Agatha saying, "Yes, tell Doc and Ottis it's safe now." he got atop his horse and cantered away.

Jethro at this point dismounted and began scavenging for items and provisions that could serve as use. Eventually he came by Ranger who stood over Toro's body. With some help they flipped him over on his back.

Both men observed with Jethro leaning over and asking, "You suppose he's dead?" The blow dealt by his sword left his horned helmet sustaining a deep crimp as deep as a canal along his temple.

Ranger knelt down by his helmet and attempted to unfasten the straps, "Only one way to be sure."

As he got the buckle unhooked Toro's hand shot forth, took the man by the neck and lifted him up as he arose. Jethro called for aid which Agatha was quick to abound. The angered breathes which escaped his helm sounded nearly inhuman, deep and foreboding.

Both Agatha and Jethro made attempts to smite and beat upon him but were promptly knocked away with a single swipe of his hand. Then turning his fury upon the masked man proceeded to remove his helm.

The helmet strangely came apart in two pieces, front and back, revealing that the horns were not apart of his helm but apart of the man's head! He was an animal spirit.

Ranger snapped a foot up belting him under the jaw. Toro let out a roar akin to a bull, threw him to the ground, then partook of some dried long grass from a pouch fastened to his belt so the transformation could begin. Ranger slipped free but only because the hand which held him contorted into cloven hooves. Toro went down on all fours, shook violently then erupted out of his armor and took the shape of a giant black bull.

Agatha and Jethro scrambled away in terror as the behemoth shook his head tearing the camp up with its horns and stamped all about pulverizing all that stood in his way. Ranger rolled and evaded the hooves that struck the earth with enough force to shake it. Eventually the infernal beast dashed away only to reel around and make a charge for him.

Ranger anticipated the drive line, ran to the side and dove for safety. Seeing the man had evaded him, Toro dug a horn into the earth to swing him around and make another run.

Jethro, when seeing his danger, launched a bolt hitting him in the shoulder. The beast turned his attention and rushed him instead. Then from nowhere Agatha pushed him out of the way taking the punishment in his place.

Ranger drew his bow and launched a few projectiles to hinder it but was only subject to wrath. Toro dashed towards him with ungovernable fury and when Ranger tried to roll again he jerked his head at the right time to strike him with the side of his horn throwing him a good league.

As Jethro was recovering himself he heard a gut wrenching scream from Agatha who lay on her back in ungodly agony. He ran towards here and began to remove the debris which covered her. What was revealed was a femur bending at a sharp angle and compound fracture of the tibia breaking from out of the shin.

"It's alright Ms. McDubland I'll get help!" said he while trying to get up and leave. But she caught him by the arm and pled, "Please, don't leave me!" she spoke like a terrified child.

He cradled her head in his lap, "Alright, I'll stay right here."

Emilio found the courage to fight through the pain and hobble closer to the battle where Ranger was trying to deliver some debilitating blow but could not come close to those flailing horns that threatened anything coming within ten feet of it. The boy then called out, "Lock its head down where the neck and the shoulders meet!' then lobbed the halberd over, 'Use this!"

Ranger sheathed his sword and took up the pole arm with Kaytaff making distracting runs diverting the bull's focus. Once the halberd was in hand he turned to face Toro making a few whistles to call him. The bull ran straight for him and, when the time was right, Ranger rushed forward, leapt up, kicked off the head and flipped around plunging it into the base of its neck where the shoulder connected.

The beast made a ferocious whine and appeared immobilized on that one side. He would need one more. Emilio was wise enough to perceive this and frantically searched for another weapon of the like.

In the meantime Ranger stuck to attacking the immobile side, delivering cuts and slashes to the main muscles of the front legs in attempts to slow its fury. Alas Emilio found a spear, called attention to it and tossed it into Ranger's hand who, when the next opportunity presented itself leapt up on the creature's back and plunged it parallel to the the first.

The bull bucked him off but appeared unable to lift it's head up from the physical implants obstructing it's range of motion. Yet despite all this, it was still a force to be reckoned with. With no other ideas, Emilio yelled the only one that came to his head towards the only one in any capacity to carry it out, "The lake, USE THE LAKE!"

Ranger pondered then understood, ran from the bucking behemoth towards one of the horses desensitized enough not to flee too far off. Once mounted he shot another arrow to call it upon him. The beast did so and a rapid pursuit was underway.

The horse galloped fast and hard but could not muster the speed of Toro under his full might. Ranger could hear his snorts getting closer and closer to the point hot gusts could be felt along his back. Alas the the lake came in view and, right as he was about to drive the horse down the shore, leapt from the saddle.

The bull tried to divert but instead flipped over and plunged into the water. Ranger came to a rolling stop and watched. The horse was able to tread out and climb back on shore but the bull was too heavy to stay afloat for long. It cried and snorted while frantically trying to keep it's head above the surface but with it's head locked down it was unable to lift adequately.

The water thrashed and sloshed while slowly turning read. The cries of help and despair became muffled with gargles as water began to asphyxiate its attempts. Eventually the thrashing ceased, the cries went silent and the horns slowly sunk to the depths below.

Ranger laid on his back, panting heavily, victory was achieved.

The ill fated cries of Agatha rang throughout the trees taking his attention modestly. By the time he arose and got there, Doc and Ottis had arrived with Aric and were immediately preparing to assess and treat. He approached morbidly at the sight and beheld her face pale and sweaty being held by Jethro, her mangled leg broken through and scoring red all over.

In any other case amputation would be in order however Doc quickly ordered the elixirs to be retrieved and made plans to reset the bones. He ordered Jethro to hold her under the shoulders, Aric to pin down her torso and waist then for Ottis to take hold of her knee.

"Please…Please no!" she wept, "Take the leg, I'll do anything else!"

Doc extended to her a bite stick, "Clamp down on this." She bit into it, tears flowing down her cheeks.

On Doc's mark Ottis leaned back straightening her leg out and realigning the femur bone. Agatha tensed up but then overcome by the shock and pain, had fainted, which may have been for the best. Doc, for injuries such as these, had a hand crank of which he had Emilio strap round her ankle and crank it until the tibia had descended back within her shin and Ottis no longer needed to continue pulling on the femur. Though still faint, Agatha was wary enough to whimper and cry out as it happened.

Ranger watched the whole ordeal; was this his doing?

When everything was finally in order, her leg was appropriately lathered with elixir and dressed with bandages. They would have to wait a good sum of time before they could even move her.

His mind wondered for only a moment before his eyes fell upon Emilio who was kneeled over a body and gazing intently upon it. Ranger moved over to him to see what it was he was staring at. As it turns out Barlow was still drawing breathe.

He lay dying with the corpse of his lover confined in his arms. His skin was mottled with streaks of coagulated blood descending from the corners of his lips. His hands weakly stroking the back of his slain lover, his eyes wondering off to the great beyond.

Ranger stood over him without so much a jot of compassion in his eye. Barlow could only make a partial acknowledgement with his own before saying with a painfully weak cough, "Really thought we'd get away with it.' then casting his faulty gaze downward to the motionless head of his woman said, 'Hopefully my love, I'll be with you forever and always."

Ranger spoke sternly and with such gentle hostility it petrified Emilio to the core, "Fear not, the gates of hell shall surely admit the both of you."

Barlow chuckled even at his own expense, "Oh I'm not afraid, for the jaws of the underworld shall swallow up all of you very soon."

Ranger would have disregarded it this as some petty comeback, however the tone in which the young man used to express this had impressed upon his mind that more lay in waiting.

"Speak sense."

Barlow only smiled through blood stained teeth before slowly lowering his head as he faded into darkness. Emilio rocked lightly on his knees attempting to process what had unfolded before him. In due time he said, "It may have something to do with this." then produced a letter which Ranger snatched up before his offer was fully extended. He unfolded it, red stains dotting the characters ascribed thereon, then thrust it back to the boy.

"I am returning back to the ranch immediately, tell them to rejoin there when they are able." he said then called for his horse with Emilio following after, "You should not go alone, take at least one person with you at least."

Shooting him a glance daring him to suggest another course of action again he said while rising up into the saddle, "No one else shall be brought to harm because me."

"I don't understand."
"Read the letter then all shall be made clear and relay."

The lad unfolded the parchment right as Ranger galloped off. His hands, upon finishing, slowly fell to his sides. The only ones free at this time were Jethro and Aric who, after the need to hold Agatha down had elapsed, approached the boy inquiring as to where the masled man was heading off to.

The boy with a face as pale as granite extended the letter towards them.

"We have all been made fools of."

Vermili Facts

Dammit man I'm a Doctor!

-The bear attack was inspired by the bear attack scene in The Revenant. What to do during a bear attack? Depends on the bear. It'd be better to talk to some forrest ranger but there is this saying "If it's black fight back, if it's brown lay down, if it's white say good night." the latter referring to polar bears who've been known to kill for sport.

-Back in the old times, before anesthesia, doctors would give alcohol to patients to dull the pain when they patched them up. Believe it or not Europeans were pretty knowledgable about the human body and medicinal remedies, mainly because they descended from the Greeks who learned by dissecting dead bodies and performed autopsies even back in the days of Macedonia and Alexander the Great.

-Popular belief and Hollywood would have you believe a ruptured lung means it fills with blood and you drown in it. Usually if blood is getting into the lungs it's more or less a vascular issue. More commonly with ruptures is, as described, the air escapes and builds in the chest cavity collapsing the lung and can even start pushing on the heart itself. Today's medicine calls for the use of a decompression needle, but whether or not they vented the chest cavity in those days is unclear.

-If limbs were broken or mangled enough like compound fractures, usually they amputated because it was too far beyond their means to fix. Now, if you do come across a compound fracture and manage not to hurl or faint (it's gnarly looking) DON'T TOUCH THE BONE! Broken bone is sharper than glass and can cut you risking blood borne pathogens to the both of you, plus the bone has been exposed to the outside world and putting it back in risks infection, especially blood infection of which the patient will most likely die a long, painful and horrible death.

-I'm not sure if they had a type of crank to pull broken limbs back in alignment. I would assume they would have something because leg bones can be real stubborn when the break and you'd need something strong and resilient to help put them back in place but this is fanfiction in a fantasy so it exists in the Spice and Wolf world cuz I said so.

Si vis pacem, para bellum

-The logic of Emilio using a ranged weapon to keep himself alive comes from the knowledge I've gained from a Youtuber named Shadiversity, a connoisseur of medieval weapons, castles, tactics and so forth. He also analyzes medieval realism as it is shown in modern day entertainment even anime! Like Goblin Slayer and Berserk (I think) I've been wanting to message him to watch spice and wolf, mainly to analyze the accuracy of the towns and building structures. Check him out sometime.

-I really want to get Kaytaff more involved with the fights, I felt that was lacking in the last book.

-I don't know how action packed this final book will be. To me things need to be purposeful and not have action for the sake of action. I do plan on having plenty but compared to VH II probably not as many. My main goal is that, with things gradually departing from what Spice and Wolf was, this installment is to gradually put it back with economics and character solving problems with logistics and deals.

Toro! Toro!

-The bull fight is inspired by the raging bull in Sekiro Shadows Die Twice.

-Toro Furioso means Angry Bull in Spanish.

-The locking the head down with the spears is reminiscent of how the matadors bull fight. There comes a point they pull these large needle looking things and jab them into the base of the bull's neck to lock it's head down so it can't turn it. This way the matador can kill it with the sword without getting hit. I'm not advocating for bull fighting, I understand the art is to control the animal with grace and kill it as cleanly and painlessly as possible but I do have sympathies for the animal, it's confused and is doing only what instinct tells it to. Bovines deserve the American way, crammed in corrals, pumped with growth hormones and hit between the eyes so it can wind up on a bbq grill. (JK! We're all hypocrites)

See ya next chapter!