Disclaimer: The Magnificent Seven and characters are the property of MGM Television, The Mirsch Corporation, Trilogy Entertainment Group and CBS. No profit has been made off of this work. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 14

The morning dawned crisp and bright with the promise of plenty of sun. Vin breathed the frigid air deeply into his lungs and stretched his arms wide. Sighing loudly he leaned back against the porch railing. "Gonna be a cold one today but at least the snow's moved on."

Sipping at his steaming mug of coffee Buck squinted against the sun's glare off the snow. "Appears that way so's I figure we got a few more days out here and when Chris is up to it we'll head toward home."

Vin snorted. "You know we're gonna have to start sitting on him once he starts feeling better. He's already saying he wants to go home."

"I think we'll be okay. He hates the cold and won't want that wound aching with it." Draining his mug Buck sat forward. "He'll probably sleep most of today and tomorrow. It's the best thing for him right now 'cause we've got a long trip back home."

"You headin' back in?" Vin asked and at Buck's nod handed him his empty mug. "I'm going down to the barn to check on the horses."

Turning the door knob Buck pushed the door open. "You do that and maybe Ezra will break out his cards for a friendly game."

Buck entered the house and looked around the darkened interior. As he was closing the front door Ezra strode past with a basin and rags.

Following Ezra into the kitchen he asked, "So how's he doing this morning any improvement?"

Sitting down at the kitchen table Ezra huffed, "The wound is looking quite healthy and the sugar seems to be working. I found some laudanum as I was looking around this morning and gave him a small dose."

"You know that stuff knocks him ass over tin cups. I'm surprised he let you give it to him." Buck cocked an eyebrow at Ezra when the man grinned thinly.

Scratching at the back of his neck Ezra sighed. "I mixed it in some whiskey. It wasn't a lot. I promise. It was just enough to take the edge off."

"Well I guess a little won't hurt and it's not like he doesn't need the sleep." Buck set the coffee mugs on the table and flopped down next to Ezra. "How about when Vin gets back we have ourselves a friendly game of poker to pass the time?"

"I thought you didn't have any money left? How do you plan to back your wagers?" scratching at a knot on the table with his thumb, Ezra leveled a look at Buck.

Buck gave Ezra a wide smile. "I'm sure we can find something around the house. This is supposed to be a friendly game. Remember?"

Smirking, Ezra pulled his cards from his vest pocket. "I always play friendly games."

~o~

"Come on, Ez! Shake a tail feather," Buck called from his perch atop General. "I'd like to get back home before Chris turns old and gray."

"Hey! I'm not old or gray. You're supposed to be sympathizing with me. I'm hurt, remember?" Chris scowled at Buck's remark as he pulled the heavy blanket tighter around himself.

Vin sniggered. "Yeah. Give Grandpa Chris a break. He's feelin' his age."

"My right arm works just fine, Tanner. Don't make me shoot you." Shifting in the saddle Chris looked toward the house. Clearing his throat he called, "We're leaving in two minutes with or without you!"

Stepping out onto the porch and pulling the door shut behind him, Ezra jiggled the doorknob to be sure it was secure. Throwing a disgusted look over his shoulder Ezra grabbed up the wood plank that had been barring the door and hammered it into place. He skipped down the stairs and handed Vin the hammer he'd used. "Thank you for the loan of your hammer and I'd like to point out that things would have proceeded much more efficiently if I'd had assistance closing up the house."

"We did. You just insisted on checking the house a second time," Vin pointed out as he handed Ezra Chaucer's reins.

Buck tsked and grinned at Vin. "No. I believe he actually checked it three times. The house is just as we found it. Right, Ez?"

Ezra's jaw dropped open. "Mr. Wilmington, I am stunned at your lack of trust. I had to nursemaid while you two were away collecting the reward on the corpses. Three days. Three days I had to do everything and my pockets are as light as they were when we arrived at this forsaken farm. We could have at least split the reward."

"We discussed this, Ez. Yosemite should get it," Vin sighed as he leveled a look at Ezra. "He lost his horses and got knocked six ways to Sunday. We're not in it for the money."

Ezra made no comment as he swung up onto Chaucer and settled into the saddle.

"Don't pout, Ezra. Just think how happy Yosemite will be when we give him that thousand dollars. He may even buy you a drink." Buck shot Ezra a wide grin when his face darkened further.

Tiring of the banter, Chris just shook his head and started Pony off toward Four Corners. "I'm leaving. Follow if you want."

The others hadn't even realized Chris had ridden off, but as soon as they did Buck hurried to catch up to him. "Hey, you can't leave us back there. The conversation was just getting interesting."

Chris did not comment.

Adjusting his hat, Buck continued chatting. "Besides, you could get hurt out here on your own. You've still got a bum shoulder to deal with."

Snorting, Chris continued on. "I was with you boys and I still got hurt. It was a case of bad luck. That's all it was."

"You keep telling yourself that, Stud. If we hadn't been with you, you would have drowned in that decrepit well. You were lucky we were there to pull you out." Buck looked at Chris noticing the dark shadows under his eyes and the gaunt look about his face. Chris should have spent another few days resting but he'd gotten it stuck in his craw that he was heading home today.

Chris could hear Vin and Ezra chatting behind them as the horses moved at a leisurely walk. He let the Pony's easy gait lull him into a doze and they traveled that way until they reached the first resting point.

"You need a hand there, Chris?" Vin asked from where he was standing next to his friend's left leg.

Blinking owlishly Chris looked around for the first time noticing Buck and Ezra setting up camp. "Thought we were riding until lunch?"

"We did. We're gonna have lunch, let the horses rest, and let you lie down for a while." Vin stepped back as Chris stiffly swung out of the saddle, staying close by as Chris made his way over to a fallen log.

Buck looked up from where he was lighting a small fire. "Hey, Stud. We're having your favorite: Beans."

Arching an eyebrow at the ladies man he asked, "Is that supposed to bother me? I like beans though I'm not sure if I'm actually hungry." Sliding down onto the ground in front of the log he absently drew pictures in the dirt until the beans were heated through.

Wrinkling his nose at the beans Buck held out to him, Ezra asked, "How long are you planning on staying here? I only ask because the sun will be down around five this evening."

Licking his spoon, Vin set his plate aside. "I figure we'll stay here 'til about one and then move on until four. Everything depends on Chris." The sound of tin hitting the ground brought Vin's head around.

Sighing deeply Ezra stood up to see to their fearless leader. "Mr. Larabee you could have mentioned you were about done in. Here. Come over to the bedroll. It will be much more comfortable."

Shaking his head slowly, Chris set his spoon down on his plate. "I'm fine. I can catch a quick cat nap here."

Ezra was about to protest but Buck waved him off. "Mind if I set down here next to you, Chris. I'm kinda chilly."

Yawning widely Chris nodded his head. "Up to you. Just don't keep me awake."

"No. I won't do that. I'll just sit here all quiet like." Buck dropped down next to Chris and waited for him to fall asleep. As Chris settled further into sleep he listed against Buck who grinned widely. "Works every time."

Vin and Ezra puttered around doing whatever needed doing while Buck watched over his self appointed charge.

~o~

"Woo Wee! Would you lookee there. I believe we've finally made it," Buck called out cheerfully as Four Corners materialized in the distance.

"Well I have to say I've never been happier than I am at this moment. Home is close enough that we can almost touch it. I long for my feather bed," Ezra sighed as he pulled Chaucer up beside Buck.

"Never thought I'd be eager to get back in town but I have to agree with Ez. I want my own bed." Vin grinned looking back at Chris who sat there looking toward town. "What's wrong? I thought you'd be happy to be back."

Chris scowled. "I should have gone to my cabin. Nathan's gonna want to poke and prod."

"Oh no you don't. You promised us you'd let Nate give you the once over," Buck pointed out before urging Chris and the rest on.

"I know what I promised. Doesn't mean I gotta like it." Chris huffed and took the lead. "Might as well get this over with so I can get some sleep."

Shaking his head Buck laughed, "Welcome home boys!"

The End.