AN: Hey everyone got some news for y'all, I'm anxiously excited to announce I've started writing an original series. I don't want to give the premise away too much but it's going to be based in historical fiction with dark/horror fantasy/mythology elements. The first draft is half way through and everything is TBA. I'm most likely going to self publish to maintain as much creative freedom as I can. Obviously this will effect the rate in which I publish fanfiction stories but I'm not abandoning this story, I've come too far but you might see chapters pacing a lot faster so I can wrap this up.
Elden Ring also ate up a lot of time.
I've also started a weight loss journey. I'm the heaviest I've ever been and am starting to suffer the consequences like sciatica, high blood pressure, fatigue, loss of mobility and so on. As an AEMT I know well it only gets worse if unchecked, heart problems, diabetes etc. So far I've lost 20lb and am feeling my clothes get looser. My target weight is 180lb which will probably take me a year and a half but every day is worth the effort.
Also exciting news, Spice and Wolf is getting a new animation series, dunno if it's season 3 or if they're starting over and retelling with different elements like Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood. We'll see what happens. Enjoy!
Chapter 9
Wolf and Horses That Won't Stand
I
The Market Within Corrals and Pastures
The following morning, like the one preceding it, began before sunrise. It was the third day of long nights and little sleep, which left such inflictions upon the group even the most disciplined of minds began to falter. The only way sanity could be preserved was by an overwhelming vote allowing an hour's rest, which even the opposition advantaged.
When the hour ended and the crew came to their feet the last to awake was Holo who was reclined under a tree. Jethro approached her gently and observed her countenance was off. Gently he nudged the sole of her shoe with his boot. Groggily a ruby red eye, moistened and tinged pink, lifted open.
"I'm sorry to trouble you Holo,' he said, 'but we're getting ready to move."
She nodded with a groan then leaned over before closing her eyes again.
While at the wagon, Stetson was trying to cool Monty's nerves, who was none too pleased with current accommodations of hauling the wagon. While that ensued, Doc and Ottis were rationing the elixir. As Jethro approached he inquired about their business.
"We lost a lot,' Doc sighed, 'both from what we used on Emilio and myself and what got spilled over."
"What's left?"
Ottis presented a nearly full beaker.
"Wow that isn't much."
"We need to be extremely frugal with this' Doc enforced with great warning, 'which means we can't get caught in ambushes, take chances, or do anything else that can get you torn in half."
Suddenly another voice came up and asked, "What is your proposition then?"
Each eye turned to see Ranger standing nearby.
Doc answered,"I wish it was as simple as rationing it out equally among us, however that is not how the treatment of the sick and injured work. All I can propose is that we save this for only those at the cusp of death. Anything else, we apply very sparingly or none at all. It will all depend."
Ranger nodded, "I have the discipline to not be cut completely to ribbons."
Jethro smirked with chagrin, "And I can try not to get mauled by another bear."
"Aye,' said Agatha limping on a cane at this point, 'and I can steer clear from monstrous bulls making charge."
Doc laughed in a pitiful attempt to keep the fainting mood alive, "Sounds good, and I'll try not to get my hands cut to the bone."
As they were getting ready to make way they noticed Holo was still asleep under the tree.
"Someone get the lazy wolf to her feet." Durango ordered unwilling to do it himself.
"Hey c'mon now." Terrence rebuked good heartedly, "She's just getting as much shut eye as she can."
Stetson motioned a sign denoting his disdain for being corrected and returned to keep Monty's attitude in check.
Jethro went to rouse her again.
Holo's eyes came open very weakly followed by a delicate groan.
This time the man extended his hand towards her, "It's time to go Holo."
She extended her hand and to his surprise the vigor he assumed would be dwelling within her grip was absent giving her palm the sensation of a dead fish. Pulling her up she displayed the same magnitude of lethargy and nearly flopped forward if not for Jethro swiftly catching to stabilize her.
"You alright?" he inquired with concern for her well being.
Holo, after wobbling a few moments, replied confidently that she was well but the ill disposition displayed in her countenance said otherwise. Both made their way to the wagon with Jethro keeping a sharper eye on her.
Once they had all convened Stetson announced the next step in their plan.
"Alright, as I said last night, we need to buy a new team. Monty and Admiral will work themselves to death if they keep hauling this behemoth."
"What's the plan then?" asked Agatha.
"Further down the road, say about five more miles, is a boarding stable used to buy and trade horses. They'll have draft horses which will be more suited to haul this thing than even Jack and Delgo were."
"How much?"
"It depends on the season and what's on hand, but I'm not going to lie, they sell for a few gold pieces a head."
"But that's Holo's money." Jethro protested while the woman referred barely lifted her head.
"It was me and Terrence's cattle,' Stetson was quick to defend with a surge of entitlement, 'she wouldn't have coined that little fortune if not for my resources. So if anyone else here has a say about the treasury, I'm definitely one."
Though perturbed and annoyed by the qualities the man favored for his reasoning, no one spoke a word of reproach. And with the silence of Holo, the matter came to an accord.
"Has anyone else something to add?"
Doc raised his hand and stepped forward, "As some may know, we only have enough elixir to fill a single beaker. We all must take better care to avoid serious injury because the luxury of second chances has all but escaped us. Should anyone come close to death, me and Ottis will give you your own vial to consume at your own will. But do know it is your only saving grace so use it wisely. I also strongly suggest we invest in restocking our medical supplies. Because if I'm well supplied I might be able to save you from death without needing to expend any at all."
He then stepped back, "That's all I have to say."
Stetson nodded, "Mount up."
They set themselves in motion with Holo and Agatha sharing a pony, Emilio and Doc being in the back of the wagon, Durango driving and all the others fetching the leagues by foot.
…
It was an hour or so when the band of weary travelers stumbled onto the premises of the boarding stables. Terrence and Durango went in first to barter for the horses while many others where graciously afforded the opportunity to sleep on a straw bed in a barn nearby.
Despite the smell of horses, manure and the occasional sounds of whips and whinnies in the distance, they slept soundly. The only thing disturbing their sleep, or to accurately say, Holo and Agatha's, was a sudden body of fur snuggling between them. Both women opened their eyes to find a shy little collie dog gazing up at them with glassy eyes as if asking permission to share their company.
Agatha stretched forth her hand to be licked while Holo shrugged and resigned her head. Agatha continued to nuzzle the collie's nose until a sudden sound caused her to scurry.
"Hm, skittish little thing." she said before resting her eye.
Durango and Terrence were taking a gander at the equine specimen out to had a sizable array of selections from; quarter horses, palominos, paints, pintos, friesians, dappled grays and so on.
Eventually they came upon draft horses who appeared docile yet full of prowess. After examining the steeds from their nostrils to their tails they decided on them. The haggling took place, and the band was met with the addition of two mighty fine draft horses named Titan and Jericho being led out and hitched to the wagon.
As they were hooking Stetson saw the tension as Monty was sizing them up wanting to test their submissiveness. He gently got his horse's attention while cooing, "C'mon boy you can have that conversation later."
At this point the rest of the group came out of their sleep and having a look at all the breeds in the corrals. However there was some commotion catching Terrance's and Stetson's eye.
The horse trainers were having the most vexing time with a young palomino stallion resisting their efforts to saddle him.
"Oh this is gonna be good." Stetson chortled to Terrance who nodded with a heavy smirk. It took four men to wrestle the saddle onto the steed then, to their disbelief, one of them attempted to mount.
"They're insane if they think he's sacked out for a rider."
"I know, they're damn fools, and that steed's about to make em' smarter."
Once the wrangler got situated over the saddle, everything seemed well, except to the trained eye. Both Durango and Terrance could see the pressure building and the tension getting tighter. It's ears were pinned back, head raised, whites of the eyes exposed and tail swishing aggressively.
"He better get off, 'cause that son of a bitch is about to unwind."
Stetson, unable to keep his giddy smile down corrected, "Oh no, he's about to unfurl!"
And sure enough, after mere seconds more, the Palomino erupted in a frenzy of rears, bucks and kicks causing the rider to reign in while crying out, "Whoa there! Whoa!"
The three others jumped clear then tried helplessly in getting the enraged beast under control with the rider flailing and leaning every which way to stay balanced.
Terrance and Durango began hollering with laughter.
"Woo-hoo! Look at that frog walker hit on all fours!"
"Yee-haw! Watch out boys he's fishing for the sun!"
Both delighted themselves at the expense of the panicking horse trainers who most assuredly did not find their humor amusing.
Finally, after a terrifying bout of jerks, the rider abandoned his post and went tumbling out of the saddle. He hit the ground with a heavy thud while cursing the day of the horse's birth. The steed then galloped away into a tight coral away from the others who gave chase.
"Take a bow gents,' Durango taunted, 'cause that was a good show!"
Finally one of the trainers turned and called back, "And take a good look, cause that devil is getting put down!"
The gaiety between the two ceased instantly.
"You serious?' Terrence protested, 'You can still sell him off."
The trainer responded with arrogant authority, "No one in their right mind is gonna pay a loot copper for a horse that can't be broken. If he's unbreakable, he's worthless."
"I'll buy him then." said Stetson taking everyone off guard.
"What, you think you can tame this damned animal?!"
"Even if I can't, he don't deserve a death sentence."
The trainer threw his hands up, "Fine you want him, you can have him. Hell we're better off without him anyway!"
"Yeah, yeah, he's probably thinking the same thing about you too." Durango replied while vaulting over the fence.
As he advanced, one of the stable hands sneered, "So, how much you offering for him?"
Durango rubbed his chin, "One loot copper."
"What?!"
"Give or take."
"That's bullshit!"
Smirking with slithery confidence he replied while patting his shoulder, "It ain't bullshit, like you said he's worthless, which means I'm overpaying."
After flicking a copper piece over he went to his new pony who was now tied to a post and being smacked in the rear by an underling's quirt. When the lad arced back for another strike, Durango, from behind, plucked it away and returned the cruelty.
The boy sprung away shielding himself from the stinging bite of leather straps with Stetson rebuking, "How do you like it?"
Agatha stood beside Holo from behind the fence watching the whole ordeal, then noted Holo leaned over the top slate to support her burden.
"You fairing well lass?"
Holo's pale face lifted as if underwater, "What I would not give for a strong drink right about now." said she with overloaded eyes.
"I know ye be with child and all, but maybe with Doc's say so, we can arrange a wee bit of spirit to invigorate yer senses."
Holo flexed her eyebrows then jolted from an unexpected sensation. Looking behind she beheld the collie snouting at her tail under the robe. Quickly she swished it away in which the collie retreated onto her haunches, terrified of the repercussions.
"Do I go sniffing after your tail?" Holo said demanding more respect.
Agatha laughed and said to it, "You'll keep her secret, yeah?"
The collie remained wound up and trembling which Agatha found adorable.
Squatting down she extended a hand while coaxing, "Come here."
The hound tepidly put one paw in front of the other, tail between her legs, and stretched forth to sniff her knuckles. After getting a few warm licks Agatha tested the boundaries even further by reaching up to pet its head. The collie allowed it but flinched as if anticipating a strike.
"They have been mistreating her." Holo observed with scorn.
"Awww,' Agatha cooed, 'but you're a wee little sweet heart ain't ye?"
The collie nestled into Agatha's gentle hand and licked her wrist.
Durango in the meantime was doing his part in quelling the pony. He was sure to approach it from the side giving it the assurance of a straight flight if threatened. To ease the tension he loosened and removed the bridle and bit.
"That oughta feel better boy." he spoke gently.
The underling he whipped mocked, "Only a fool would've taken the bit out, now you got no way of controlling him."
Stetson glared back, "If you didn't like getting whipped, how about I force a piece of tin in your mouth and see if that's better."
The boy turned on a huff and, as he walked away, drew too close to the horse's rear. It's hind hoof shot out striking him into a patch of muddy manure.
Durango scoffed while shaking his head, "My God you're an idiot." then turned his attention back on the horse.
"While you're down there," he addressed as the lad was coming up from his messy platter, "get me a rope."
He walked away slinging the muck off his arms and torso then returned with a braided coil. Durango took it and tied a series of slipknots into it.
"You ever make a rope halter boy?"
He shook his head.
"Shame, it's a real handy skill."
He placed it over the horse's head who accepted it over the bridle. Leading him out of the corral he called to Terrance, "Let's sign for him and we'll be off."
Jethro, who had observed the animal's temperament in all its entirety, asked with concern, "You sure about bringing him along? He's a pretty fiery steed."
Durango answered unconcerned, "Monty will keep him in line, plus, I've dealt with worse."
"What other horse could've been worse than that thing?"
He lifted his eyebrow with a smirk, "Monty."
"Got a name for him?" Terrance asked.
Looking the steed up and down he answered, "Amigo."
"Friend?" Jethro scoffed, "You're naming it friend?"
"Hey, anything that'll teach a stupid human a lesson is a friend in my book."
The sounds of Agatha giggling caught their eye finding her playing with the rolled over collie, "Aw, who's a good girl who loves tummy rubs?" she cooed.
Durango addressed her, "Say your goodbyes, we're leaving soon."
Agatha frowned and stared at him with puppy like eyes, "Can't we buy her too and bring her along?"
Nikiski gave her a paternal look by which she answered, "What? I'll be the one taking care of her. You have nothing to worry about."
Holo weakly chimed in, "We could do with another female on the trip."
Durango steamed off, "Fine, fine we'll get the damn dog!" Then turning to one of the nearby workers he nearly yelled, "How much for the pooch?"
The worker cast a gaze over to it then at him, "That useless thing? You can have her for free."
Agatha went giddy exciting the animal, "You get to come with us!"
The little collie smiled while wriggling around on her back.
A few moments, filled with a vehement exchange for the price of Amigo, passed, and the troupe was exiting the boarding stables to where Ranger was loitering by the wagon, Doc and Ottis were snipping out Emilio's stitches and the draft horses were fussing to haul.
"Better get moving, those horses won't stand." Terrance commented.
Immediately the onset of Amigo alerted Monty to another horse being inducted into his herd. This mesteno gnawed and pulled at the reigns wanting to confront the newcomer and check his subordination.
Stetson hooked Amigo to the wagon tail giving him enough lead to graze. He also warned everyone to allot him his space until until settling into a milder temperament.
"Of all the additional expenses,' Ranger grumbled, 'it is wasted on a beast unwilling to effect its purpose."
"He ain't your expense, he ain't your problem." Durango replied without giving him an eye.
"He will be if either of us suffers a kick or are delayed because he strayed when given the opportunity."
"That's why…!' Stetson burst out, then, drawing in a breath and relaxing his shoulders, spoke more calmly, "That's why I'm going to be the only one doing anything with him. Don't walk up behind him, don't try to move him, don't even try tot feed him. Let me handle all that."
Terrance eyed his friend with one suspicious of particular unbecoming habits then to Holo who was approaching with a wobbling stride and low hanging head.
"You sure you're doing alright little lady?
Holo's pale and clammy face struggled to even lift her eyes then began rocking more unsteadily.
"Oh hey, hey!" Terrance rushed.
He began frantically calling for Doc notifying everyone of an emergent occurrence.
Holo had collapsed.
II
A Name by Another Pen
Walking down the hallways of the Grand Legion's hallway was none other than their dutiful Capitano Lemonte. His destination, the room Lawrence and Matthias were held. Upon arriving he knocked and entered before Lawrence could arise from his sofa.
"How fairs the day Monsieur's?" he politely asked with slight irritation in his voice.
"Comfortable but dull,' Lawrence replied with a bow, 'seeing how we have not a thing to do."
The cavalier's mustached crooked upwards as if trying to feign a smile, "Well it is by fortunate happenstance that I am no longer obligated to hold you a moment longer."
"Oh?!" both men exclaimed both relieved and terrified.
Holding up a folded envelope the Capitano explained, "Monsieur Bihari provided both your certificates of commerce and security detail. Thus exonerating you from my holdings and back into regular service for the starboard emporium."
"May I see them?" Lawrence asked with uncertainty.
Lemonte handed them over while twirling his mustache.
Matthias appeared behind his shoulder right as the documents were unfolded.
Though he had never seen any formal Dehlmare print, his merchant's eye confirmed their authenticity, save one detail. His signature was inscribed at the bottom, Matthias' as well.
"Ah,' Lawrence sighed folding them up, 'I suppose thanks are in order."
"Nay, it is I who should be thanking you Monsieur, for your cooperation and patience during this time of unforeseeable litigation. However, I suppose I should also thank Monsieur Bihari, however I feel much more obliged to pass the honor on to you."
Even his disdain for his enemies was not without class.
Soon both men were escorted out the main entrance, basked in the morning sun and caressed by the ocean breeze. They made their way towards the Starboard Emporium with only their memory of the town's layout as their sense of direction.
"I don't remember signing anything like that." Matthias stated suspiciously.
"Our signatures were forged." Lawrence answered quietly.
"How?"
"Remember that messenger having us sign something yesterday? They most likely took those to a forger who could sign our names on those certificates."
"I can't help but feel violated in some way."
Suddenly they were confronted by the very messenger afore mentioned, "Ah, I am glad you have not wandered too far off."
"We're just trying to find the…"
"Tut, tut!" he interrupted, "I know where you must go and shall take you there immediatley."
With his tone and haste too overbearing to be denied, they followed without dispute. Instead of being led to the Star Board Emporium, they were led to a warehouse bearing the Envoy's banner on the piers.
This immediatley did not bode well within their bosoms made even worse when two other men came up behind them as if materialized from nowhere.
They went around towards the back and were admitted through a side door. Once inside, they were ushered into a clearing where two vacant chairs below a skylight were waiting for them along with Jurgen, Gustav and Cyrus.
"Glad to see you in good health gentlemen!" De Buhr smiled while extending a hand towards the empty seats.
Lawrence took his with the same reluctance as if a branding iron rested upon it. Once situated the meeting commenced.
"You were treated well?"
"Well enough." Lawrence replied well guarded.
Cyrus plunged through the formalities, "Did you say anything?"
Lawrence suspected this to be the reason for their meeting here, and also realized they chose this area because it resided over deep waters making the disposal of their bodies easier.
Despite this anticipation it did not quell the surging infection of dread rising in his bosom, "No, you have my word that we said nothing concerning the true nature of our work." he said attempting to maintain composure.
Gustav, at the brim of paranoia, blurted, "What good is the word of a second rate merchant?! I say we cut our losses now." then made a hand motion signaling his thugs to close in.
Lawrence looked frantically around, even to Jurgen his tormentor, who had reason to be his emissary. To his astonishment, De Buhr raised his hand to still hostilities, "Now, now this is not the time for irrationality."
"I'm not taking risks." retorted Gustav becoming less negotiable.
"I still have need of him." Jurgen said with more adamance.
"I'm not taking the risk." came his final decision.
The circle of hitmen tightened giving Lawrence more reason to flee regardless of futility.
Someone suddenly stood between them, of all men, it was Cyrus.
"He's telling the truth." came his lot in the form of a cold declaration.
Gustav sputtered while Jurgen showed genuine fear in his eyes and for good reason, never had it been witnessed of Cyrus to act impulsively without diligence to Jurgen's counsel.
"With the persistence of Lemonte jumping at every opportunity to bite at our heels, he would have brought the whole Grand Legion upon us if these men had talked. Besides, you have a network of spies weaseling around every corner and echelon of Dehlmare. You would have been told something."
"Stand aside." Gustav ordered.
Cyrus only folded his arms while staring him down.
He wheeled towards Jurgen with a demanding gaze to have his subordinate comply, but was replied with, "I agree."
"You can't be serious!"
Cyrus interjected, "Lord De Buhr is the leader of The Tribunal and I am his personal enforcer. Which means even I outrank you. As of now I am tasked with the welfare of these men. Only upon his command will my hand turn against them or my eye look the other way. Until then, their lives are mine not yours."
Gustav's face reddened, the thugs still encroached yet Cyrus held his ground.
Lawrence did what logic dictated, remain silent.
Suddenly Matthias spoke, "There may be another way to resolves this."
All eyes snapped on him.
"Quiet!" shrieked Gustav.
Jurgen overruled his subordinate, "What might that be?"
"Mutual combat."
The atmosphere changed in an instant.
Cyrus looked over his shoulder to the man with a look of intrigue that sent a shudder up Lawrence's spine. Then took his eyes off Matthias and set them on Jurgen with encouragement.
The boss relented with what sounded like a playful sigh, "Oh very well. The winner determines the fate of these men. Chose your combatant."
Cyrus spoke abruptly and with a tone that daresay sounded excited, "I will engage all of them at once."
A slight gasp ensued among the masses for the circle he challenged numbered in six.
Lawrence widened his eyes then he realized that though he was placed at the wrong end of Cyrus's brute strength before, he had never seen the man in real action. But with the confidence displayed he did not doubt his capability.
"This is not a time for bold theatrics." Gustav ridiculed.
Cyrus proceeded to remove his overcoat and shirt, "I simply wish for the fight to be fair."
Gustav scoffed but all mockery met its end when Cyrus exposed his upper frame. A broad shouldered, thickly muscled beast of a man stood before them who stepped into an open space while cracking his knuckles and working his joints.
While Cyrus was warming up Gustav ordered the half dozen to do the same. They discarded their upper robes, each physique paling in comparison, and stood before their massive challenger.
Lawrence was beyond apprehensive, while Matthias was more eager, he being a man of war himself and all. What vexed Lawrence most was that, after witnessing Ranger dispatch of multiple men at once, knew Cyrus was a kinsmen of opposing morality with which he feared greatly for the welfare of these men.
Then to further the confidence in his prowess Cyrus told them, "Take up arms if you have them, you will need all the help you can get."
The only things they had on hand was one workman's knife and a few wooden rods for clubs. They wrenched the handles and beat the tips against their palms while Cyrus stood tall and folded his arms.
They ushered towards him allowing the lead man the first opportunity to swing. The moment he did Cyrus ducked under it in a flash. When seeing his head come, he threw a counter swing which Cyrus, caught the tip with a thunderous slap.
Naturally the man pulled back but found Cyrus's iron grip too great to muster. His opposite palm smote straight way into his nose bursting the cartilage, then yanking the rod for his own, speared the man in the throat. As he staggered back, Cyrus choked up and cracked it across his face like lightning.
He made a spiraling crash, got to his hands and knees and trembled when blood and tooth fragments fell before his very eyes.
When seeing this, the others timidly delayed their assault. An exploit Cyrus wished to relish.
One rallied his courage and rushed in, club held over his shoulder. He was caught under the shoulder and flipped over with a hard landing and took the heel of Cyrus's boot to the jaw leaving his face pulverized.
The man with the knife made his plunge which Cyrus parried off at the knuckles, spun him around with a counterstrike and kicked him in the back hard enough to send him flying into the other three.
As they were clambering to their feet Cyrus fancied to entertain himself by flourishing his rod. Even from where Lawrence sat he could sharply hear its whips slicing through the air with pristine discipline. Once all were afoot he faced them immediatley.
Once regrouped, they formulated a simultaneous attack, spread out and rushed in.
Cyrus allowed them to semi surround him then, in an explosive motion, darted in, and between them, striking sensitive areas up and down the flanks with the snapping swiftness of a cobra.
The swift and effective abuse flubbed each combatant to their knees who were dealt various strikes to their faces and heads in sequenced succession. Once tender enough, each received a finishing blow to the crown, the final one hard enough to break over his forehead.
Cyrus stood victorious in a mire of writhing bodies and moaning voices.
He then cast the broken rod aside, walked up to Gustav, who slightly retreated, and said, "The life of Lawrence and Matthias is mine."
He then went to put his clothes back on.
Jurgen, pleased by the display, said to Gustav, "The difference between you and I, is that I utilize smaller resources to their fullest. You have an army of many men, I have a one man army."
Gustav only nodded silently.
All Lawrence could do was hope that, should Cyrus be the means of his destruction, his death would be swift and merciful.
III
Stricken with Plague
A rag doused in a bucket of cold water, wrung out, and laid over Holo's forehead by the hand of Ottis while Doc assessed her condition. The situation was dire, ever since her collapse she was carried into the wagon yet to open her eyes or speak.
Feeling the skin on her cheeks Doc noted, "She has a fever"
Then noticing her writhe and groan with discomfort, "Exhibiting general malaise, most likely from inflammation. Work of breathing appears labored but regular."
He prodded her wrists, "No pulses near the radial bones." then pressed two fingers around her throat, "Pulse felt in the carotid arteries. Her body is shunting blood into the core."
While there, he palpated the rim of her under jaw, "Swollen nodes, most likely from some kind of infection."
Ottis then noticed something, "There's a rash on the back of her one hand."
Doc rolled it over and found a red splotch encompassed by an outer ring like a bullseye.
"This pattern is consistent with certain bug bites and stings."
"What kind do you suppose?"
Doc poked his head out of the bonnet, "Has she ever complained of getting bitten or stung by an insect over the last few days?"
Each party member contemplated over any past interaction with Holo to suggest such a grievance. Durango suddenly raised his hand informing, "When we were out hunting Liz and Barlow she caught a tick in the swamps."
"Was it on the back of her hand?"
He nodded with which Doc receded behind the drapes, gave Ottis additional instruction then came out with his diagnosis, "Looks like she's contracted Borrelia disease."
Every adult winced with only Emilio ignorant to the seriousness of Holo's situation.
"What is that?"
Doc, out of habit, took off his specs and gnawed on an earpiece, "It's a bacterial infection commonly contracted from ticks."
"Is it serious?"
Durango called him out harshly, "Son she dropped like a fly without warning, what the hell do you think?"
The boy slinked his head feeling put down.
"Lay off the lad!" Agatha reproached.
He threw his hands up signifying his defiance.
"Yes,' Doc sided with her, 'now's not the time to be at each others throats."
"What can be done for her?" Ranger asked with such a tone of sincere concern it shifted the mood.
"Right now we need to fight her fever, keep her hydrated and rested."
"What of medicine or ailments?"
"I do have some things that can boost the immune system. But what she really needs is an anti-bacterial."
"Where can we fetch some?" Agatha asked.
"Most likely our destination at Dehlmare,' Doc replied, 'if it's a port town they're sure to have just about anything."
Terrance interjected, "Borrelia os pretty common around these parts. If there's any traveling merchant we happen upon, best ask to see if they're carrying anything of the like."
Emilio lifted his head and asked near petrified, "Will she die?"
An uncomfortable hush descended upon everyone.
Doc wrestled his lips round his earpiece and said, "It's too early to tell. Biggest concern is how well she'll tolerate travel. Let's just see how she goes then, if things take a turn for the worst, she has her dose of elixir."
Ranger protested on her behalf, "Resort to that, when she could have recovered naturally, and she will have no saving grace from death beyond that."
Doc flexed his eyes and bobbed his head, "Which is why we'll try less drastic measures and opt for the least invasive options first."
Little else could be said more, their destination was yet aways ahead. Therefore each counterpart secured their means of travel and engraved the trail before them, save Emilio who had yet to mount. Instead he stared at the departing wagon where Holo's sickbed had her confined.
Then, to his surprise, he discovered he was not alone. Ranger took a moment to reflect upon the situation in the like manner. Casting his gaze up towards the warrior, he was regarded with a downward look from his eye.
Despite the cruelty this man inflicted upon him, the boy, in such need of support during this crisis, blurted with sorrow, "I'm scared to go on."
Ranger said nothing, only recentered his gaze upon the shrinking wagon.
Sighing with insecurity and self defeat Emilio went on, "I want to be brave for Mrs. Holo, but if her condition worsens I don't think I can endure it. Yet, if I keep my distance to spare myself from such a reality, then I will be haunted by the cowardice that held me down."
Ranger finally spoke, "Do you know what bravery is boy?" The lad looked to him who looked back, "Being terrified yet saddling up anyway."
And just like that Ranger mounted his horse and spurred it after the caravan leaving Emilio behind to wrestle with his own thoughts. Alas the boy resisted every inclination to take the coward's turn, girded up his loins and set himself into his saddle and kicked after the group.
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Vermili Facts
-The term, 'horses won't stand' means they're restless and wanting to go.
-The collie dog is inspired by a border collie we had named Daisy. Smart and sweet but very shy and skittish.
-Amigo is based on another horse Rick Gore (thinklikeahorse) owns named Buddy. The biggest difference is Buddy is free spirited but not super aggressive. Amigo is a culmination of all the bad horse videos I'd watch with Rick providing commentary as to why the horse is acting out. 10/10 times it's because of the stupid humans not understanding their behavior and setting them up to fail.
-Some of the lingo Terrance and Stetson use when having a hoot over Amigo bucking the rider comes from a song from a country singer back in the 50's named Marty Robins titled 'The Strawberry Roan'
-One of the biggest reasons for the fight over Lawrence and Matthias is because I realized we never had a scene with Cyrus in action. I wanted to show that he's on par with Ranger to set the stage for the final confrontation to come.
-Borrelia disease is named after the Borrelia bacteria humans can contract from tick bites, commonly known as Lyme Disease.
We'll see if Holo survives :p
Stay tuned for the next chapter!
