Rematch

Riding back took a little longer then planned. Cort had to say good-bye to ladies that kept him company until Rath appeared. Since Rath didn't want to take the canyon route, that added more time. April wasn't their problem. Cob beating them back to Terra was, however they would be late then leave her behind ever if it gave Cob reasons to punish them.

"Why are you slowing down Rath?" asked Cort.

Pointing, "That," answered Rath.

A lone rider was in the distance. Getting closer, Rath recognized the rider. It was Shan.

"Shan, we have the stolen items," remarked Rath, "Why are you in battle paint?"

"We have unfinished things to settle," stated Shan.

"Like what?"

"The woman helped you. We must fight to death."

"Must be another way."

Throwing his spear, it landed inches from Rath.

"Don't, Cort," stopped Cort from pulling the trigger, "It's between us. Shan, if you win my friend lives to return the items and take back April."

"Agreed," sliding off his horse.

Rath did the same thing. Unbuckling his belt, hung it from the saddle horn. His hat covered the handle of his shooter. Unsheathing the knife from his boot, Rath stared at Shan who had his knife ready.

Slowly they moved counterclockwise in a circle. Shan's left foot slid towards his right. His right foot slid forward. Again his left foot slid towards his right as his right slid forward.

Rath's left foot crossed over his right. Then his right moved forward foot. Again his left foot crossed over his right as his right moved forward. They repeated this as the radius of the circle slowly became smaller.

Rath's right hand held his knife, as his left was ready to catch Shan's knife hand.

Holding his knife differently then during the log pit fight, Shan clearly showed he knew what Rath was capable of. Rath didn't hold that line of thinking about Shan's ability. Moving in rhythm with Shan, Rath was prepared to counter Shan's attempts. This was the same method he used in hand to hand combat. May explain why Cob didn't what to fight him? Most gunslingers knew that Rath didn't go through the hand to hand combat, but the rarely used obstacle course. Those who seen Rath fight had no doubt about his ability. Those who didn't usually got knocked to the ground after challenging him. Most of the time he ignored the challengers until they crossed a line. Shan crossed that line and Rath had no choice , but to kill him.

Shan took a swipe at Rath. Rath didn't counter. He wanted to see how bold Shan would get. Shan took another attempt. This time the blade went across the back of Rath's left wrist. His eyelids squinted to the pain. Moving his left hand back caused Shan to be bold. Shan's knife went forward. Rath's left hand slapped against wrist of Shan's knife hand. This left Shan's side opened.

Rath's blade went forward and went between Shan's rib bones. The blade pierced Shan's heart. Shan's head nodded before he dropped to the ground. Normally Rath swiped his knife cleaned on his dead opponent's clothes. However, he felt this would disgrace Shan. Between his index finger and thumb, the blade was wiped clean of blood.

Cort held the reigns of Shan's horse as Rath draped Shan's blanket wrapped body over the bare back of Shan's horse. After Rath got on his horse, they continued their ride.

Entering through the entrance, Cort's whistle revealed his surprise as a crowd gathered around them. Getting off his horse, Rath carried the leather bag to the Dinah. April was standing by beside the Dinah.

Handing the bag towards the Dinah, "Hope the dead can finally get some rest," said Rath.

Taking the bag, "And Shan."

"Dead fighting."

Nodding his head walked away. Two men took the reigns from Cort. The crowd slowly thinned out.

"Well is that it?" asked Cort.

"Yes," answered April, "Fill the water skins and we can get out of here."

"Let me just show the watering hole," said Cort taking the horses.

Cort walked away as Rath and April stared at each other.

"Time for me to get ready," said April turning.

Following her to her tent, Rath wondered how he was going to tell her how he loved ever if it was liquor influenced.

Getting to the entrance of her tent, she turned around and kissed him.

"It wasn't liquor influenced," she remarked entering her tent.

"What have I gotten myself into?" thought Rath, "Just play the hand," walking to help Cort.