Separate Paths

Morning came. Leaving their room, Rath wanted to eat, but Cort had other plans.

"During my drunken slumber did you follow my suggestion?" Cort asked.

Entering dining room, "Where were you during my drunken slumber if you didn't follow up on my suggestion?"

In line to get food, "Why did you sneak in before wake up?"

Walking towards a table, "We're friends you can talk after bunk riding," sitting down.

Stuffing his mouth, Cort continued with his questions, but Rath couldn't understand a word for all the food in Cort's mouth.

April appeared with a tray and sat down. Cort started talking to her. The food in his mouth just brought a strange look from April.

Clearing his throat, "So did you follow my suggestion since Rath won't talk."

Before she could answer, the gong went off. From the balcony, Russell read the assignments for the gunslingers in the room.

"Rath, April, and Cort report to St. Edwards."

"About time," said Cort getting up, "Practice doesn't do me good if I'm sitting around bored."

Walking out, Rath didn't care. Being summoned stopped the questioning.

Knocking on the door, they wanted until told to enter.

"Enter!" came through the door.

Opening the door, they entered. Closing the door, Rath watched St. Edwards sitting at his desk as Cob studied some paper in his hands. St. Edwards seemed older with gray hair in his beard. Rath recalled only seeing him during his first appearance in Terra, April joining, and the explanation of his patchwork memory.

Rath should considered Edwards a father. Yet Rath couldn't, the dream of Edwards gave him caution to trust Edwards. Rath never told Edwards about his dreams.

"Civil unrest is keeping the Judges busy," he said.

That booming voice snapped Rath's mind back to the present.

"Cob will give you further directions."

Rath took a folded paper from Cob.

"Now Cort," said Cob, "you're to report to Gilead."

"Sir, why?" Cort asked.

"You need a reason?"

"Well sir, I hasn't been to Gilead in years because of my father ordered me to be here."

"Your father's ordering you back. He needs you because his teaching duties are overwhelming him. He figured since gunslinging added years to your hair and calmed your wild impulses. Time to return to his side."

"Well don't know what to say?"

"Say nothing just go and do your duty."

"Yes, sir."

"Now dismissed."

Leaving Edwards's room and closing the door, Rath read the paper.

"Where we're going?" asked April.

"Deadwood," Rath answered.

"His teaching duties overwhelming," mumbled Cort, "Properly got himself hurt by making too many students mad at him."

Cort didn't notice April leaning close to him.

Kissing Cort's cheek, "For your journey," she said.

"Know how long I waited for those lips to kiss me?" Cort commented.

Rath and Cort stared at each other. Things that passed between them. How can one put it in words?

Grabbing Cort's right forearm, "Guess our paths separate," Rath stated, "until they cross again."

Returning the gesturing, "Don't forget this bond, Rath," Cort said.

Letting go, Cort walked away from them.

After Cort's back faded in the distance, April asked, "What did that mean?"

"Simply Cort's days of riding with us are over," he said, "He's gone to be a master gunslinger."

They walked to get ready for their ride.