Chapter 6 [An Hour and a Half Later—Out Front]

Activity buzzed about in First Light's dimness. The mustangs waited in the corrals. Ricardo's vaqueros and the ranch hands saddled their horses and checked their canteens. Their own breakfasts had long since been eaten. Mentally they prepared for the long day ahead.

"Sure looking forward to riding with these horses to town. It's a nice day," Bart admired.

"We should keep our eyes open on the trail." Wind considered their companions. Although he did not know them well, he sensed the vaqueros' seriousness. He refrained from any assessments of his fellow ranch hands per Blue's request.

Manolito, Blue and Ricardo emerged from the hacienda. They shared a few more words. Then Ricardo and Manolito walked over to their horses and mounted up.

After them, Penny and Mercedes stepped onto the porch. Excitement and Pride billowed through them.

Blue whistled grabbing everyone's attention. "HEY, EVERYONE! WE'LL BE PULLING OUT REAL SOON! WIND, IRA AND BART, YOU BOYS WILL BE STAYING HERE! ROTATE THE WATCH! REINFORCE ANY WEAK BOARDS ON THE CORRAL! KEEP AN EYE ON EVERYTHING! REMEMBER INDIANS AND COMANCHEROS CAN SHOW UP REAL QUICK! SEE YOU TONIGHT OR TOMORROW!" He turned to Penny. "You good?"

"Yeah, Blue. I'm great. Can't wait to hear how you do," Penny assured him.

"Everything will be good here," Mercedes added. "Vais ahora. Watch Manolito." She smirked.

Manolito rolled his eyes. He shook his finger at her.

Blue grinned. "Oh I will. You be careful too. Remember Chaparral's not far if you need help."

"Victoria said she will bring my trunk. I will have the men help to unload it." Mercedes motioned toward Soapy. "They are waiting."

"They'll be happy to help." Blue nodded to her. Then he kissed Penny on the cheek. "You take care."

"You too. Love you," Penny replied.

Blue tipped his hat. A twinkle sparkled in his eye. He made his way through the throng. He mounted Soapy. "ALL RIGHT! OPEN THE GATE!"

Ira swung the gate wide open. He urged the horses inside. "YAH! GO!"

The vaqueros and ranch hands took their positions. They yelled and goaded the mustangs into a full gallop down the dirt road. As everything started to move, three men rode to the herd's left and right respectively. The rest followed.

Manolito waved to the ladies. "¡ADIOS! ¡HASTA LUEGO!" He urged Makadoo after the group.

"There they go." Penny watched the group ride out of sight.

"Si. Our first day in the new hacienda. They drive the horses to Tucson." Mercedes grinned. "We have to unpack. Vamanos."

Penny nodded. While their minds were with the guys on the trail, Tasks would eat away at Wait's duration until they returned….