A/N: No more Review Responses. Apparently they have been banned by the powers that be. So... to all my loyal loved ones... Sessha says, Arigato from the deepest reaches of my heart. You are all my Saiai's (Beloved's) and my Shin-yuu's (Friends). To my 'children' and 'deshi's' (apprentices), God bless, young ones. You are all forever in my heart and the lights of my soul. To all of my dear fans... to everyone who has been here through thick, thin, bad, worse, and the good times...Aishiteru, you are my Angels. Only One more chapter, and the Epilogue.

Chapter Thirty

The Spider's Web

Part One: The Lie

Sedgmont, New York

Early Spring, 1818

Kaoru stood looking out the window of the room above the rectory she was currently being forced to share with her 'new husband'. Three days passed since the wedding and so far each night Daniel had returned to his bed to do nothing more than sleep. He was being attentive, charming, and polite and it was driving her insane.

'He's a snake in sheep's clothing,' she thought, rubbing her arms with stiff, nervous fingers. 'He could turn on me at any time and I wouldn't know what to do... how would I protect myself from him? He's such a big man... oh Kenshin, why do I feel like you're so far away? Why am I so scared? I know you won't let him hurt me, but... what if you aren't here and something happens? What will I do?'

She knew it would be more than she could take if Daniel tried to initiate his 'marital rights', but if he did, what could she do about it? Technically he was her husband. Did she have the right to deny him?

"What is it, my dear?"

The concerned voice of the Reverend reached her ears and she turned to look behind her. He was standing framed in the doorway, his face etched with worry. "I-I'm just a little cold." She lied, pulling the woolen shawl she wore a little tighter around her shoulders. "There's a chill in the air this morning."

"Aye, there is that, but that isn't what's bothering you." Perception had always been one of his special gifts and he used it often when dealing with his parishioners. It was a shame it hadn't served him better where his eldest son was concerned. "You can speak to me, child." He prodded gently, approaching Kaoru. "Perhaps I can help ease your mind."

"I'm sorry, Reverend," Kaoru shook her head and faced him with large, anxiety filled eyes. "I'm just so... so... so afraid of what's going to happen."

"What do you fear the most?"

"Daniel wanting to play the husband... I-I don't think I could take it if he... if he..."

"I understand, dear." The Reverend pursed his lips and then put a gentle arm around Kaoru's slim shoulders. "But you realize he isn't going to approach you on that matter still for some time. You said yourself Cassandra assured you it was after my death and burial before he approached her."

"I know, but things aren't exactly the same as they were the first time around in this. Our being back here has changed so many things already, what's to say it doesn't alter his desire to become a 'real husband' before he attempts to murder you?"

"I suppose you have a valid point, child, but despite his deceptions, Daniel is still a man bound to his time just as you are a woman bound to yours. He is forced through his up-bringing to observe some modicum of restraint for at least a minor period of time. It would be unseemly for him if he were to initiate his 'rights' before a proper waiting period."

"I pray to God you're right, Master March." She turned and gazed out the window again, her thoughts still troubled. "Kenshin would make good on his threat to kill him if it does happen, you know this, don't you?"

"Aye, I know this, but neither he nor I plan on letting either of those things happen." Reverend March patted Kaoru's shoulder in an attempt to comfort and reassure her. "Master Himura is one of the most honorable young men I've had the pleasure of meeting, child. He will not fail you. You must have faith in him and believe he will protect you."

"I know, and I do, it's just... what if something happens and he's too far away to help me?"

"That will never happen, Kaoru. That young man is more tenacious than any soul I've come across. He will never allow himself to be 'too far away'. You must believe that. He spends every night here in the rectory..."

"He-he does?" Kaoru was startled. "I didn't know that."

"Aye. He's been sneaking out of his own house after Mrs. Connely is asleep and coming here to set in vigil. Then, he leaves early enough in the morning to be back before she knows he's been gone."

Kaoru smiled despite her worry. Trust Kenshin to find a way to keep her within arms reach. "Bless him." She murmured, feeling the sting of tears bite her eyes. "I should have known he'd do something like that."

"You're as safe as you can be, my dear. Trust in your beloved. He will take care of you."

Kaoru wiped a stray tear off her cheek and nodded. "Yes, he will." She said, looking out the window again. "Yes, he will."

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Daniel walked out of the Court House, the deed to 'Binker's Farm' safely tucked in his vest. Master Adams had been more than happy to turn the property over to him when he showed up with the money for the back taxes.

"It's a fine property, Master Daniel." He beamed. "Just right for a young couple startin' out."

"Aye, Master Adams, I believe you are right on that accord." Daniel shook the old man's hand cordially. "I plan to build a house for my bride as soon as I can get the bridge in good condition."

"And with yer' own brother being the fine carpenter he is, that shouldn't take long at all."

"Indeed, Elliot does have a fine hand when it comes to wood. I've been thinking of having him build the house as well. I'm sure he'd do a grand job." 'In a pig's eye,' Daniel smirked to himself. 'The man can't find his own arse with a hammer, but it sounds nice and the old man is buying it.'

"I wish ye much luck then, Master Daniel. May God bless you and your new bride with happiness and a large family."

"Aye, indeed." Daniel gave the old assessor a polite nod and left. Now he stood in the street, his mind rolling the beginnings of a plan through the motions and steps of birth as it took form and became real. A slow smile curved his thin lips as he mounted his horse. 'Soon,' he thought, nudging the animal into motion. 'Very soon.'

It took him less then five minutes to reach the rectory. His boots made hollow sounds as he thudded up the stairs to the room he shared with Cassandra. Inside he found his new bride sleeping quietly on their double bed. The blue-black gleaming length of her long hair dripped like ebony silk over her slender shoulders and across her waist, making his hands itch to feel it slipping through his fingers. She was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen and the more he looked at her the more he wanted her. Images of her writhing beneath him in their bed, moaning his name and panting with passion and desire were beginning to fill his dreams almost as much as his waking thoughts. Waiting the customary thirty days before consummating his marital rights with his bride was going to be agony and Daniel wasn't at all certain he would last that long. Perhaps... a wicked thought crept into his mind as the vision of his father's death danced upon his heart. Once the old man was gone, he would be the community's religious leader and above reproach. He could do anything he wanted, and that gave him another reason to push his plan into motion.

"Father?" he called softly as he left the room, closing the door behind him. "Are you here?"

"In my room, Daniel."

"Ah, there you are." Daniel offered his father his brightest smile and pulled the deed out of his vest. "I 'ave a great surprise for you... and Cassandra. Look what I've done." Handing the carefully folded document over to his father, Daniel waited with expectation for the response he knew he would get.

"Binker's Farm?" Reverend March looked perplexed for a moment, and then he met his son's happy face. "You've bought the old farm, have you?"

"Aye, Father. For Cassy and me."

"That's wonderful, Daniel. When did this occur?"

"Just this morn." Daniel puffed his chest out and basked in the rarity of his father's praise. "I plan to build a house for her as soon as I can."

"Great plans, you have, my boy." The Reverend eyed the deed with a hooded gaze, his true thoughts hidden. "I'm proud of you, Daniel."

"Thank-you, Father. I was hoping I could get you to ride out there with me today to look at the old homestead."

"For what reason?"

"To see if you think any of the foundation or framin' can be saved. You know more about buildin' than I do."

"If you want a building opinion, Daniel, you ought to take your brother."

"Mayhaps, but I trust your vision more, and I want to show you the property and hear what you think. Is that so terrible?" Daniel held his breath, waiting for the Reverends reply and praying it would be favorable. He hadn't thought the old man would offer his brother instead of himself to look at Daniel's new prize, and for a moment he felt the horror of his plan slipping away into oblivion shivering up his spine. He had to get his father out on that property somehow, and it had to be today. "Please, Father? I'll saddle yer 'orse for you..."

"Alright, Daniel. If it really means that much to you..."

"Aye, it does." Relief flooded his system and a mental sigh sifted through his thoughts. "I'll meet you around the front of the church. Get yer coat, its cold out this mornin'."

"I'll be down shortly." The Reverends reply was cheerful and followed Daniel down the stairs, and then the elder man gently laid the property deed on his bed and reached for his coat. "I must speak to Master Aoshi." He murmured through tight, pale lips, pulling the heavy garment on and adjusting it over his shoulders. "Merciful God, be with us all and let that young man be in the chapel."

Aoshi stood leaning against the far wall of the chapel, the shadows keeping him from being a conspicuous oddity. The Reverend almost passed him over as part of the corner, nearly jumping out of his skin when part of the dark reached out and touched him on the arm.

"Master Aoshi!" He hissed through clenched teeth, grabbing the front of his white shirt. "You frightened the life out of me."

"My apologies, Reverend March." Aoshi's face was contrite. "It was not my intention to startle you. I thought you saw me."

"Nay," The Reverent shook his head, running a trembling hand over his jaw. "You may as well of been part of the wall for all I saw of you, young man."

"Forgive me, Reverend. I was trying to keep Daniel from seeing me, but it never occurred to me that I'd hidden from you as well." Aoshi raised one dark brow. "I suppose that means I accomplished what I was trying to do, hmm?"

"Indeed," The Reverend nodded, straightening his coat. "You did that." He watched as the strange future version of his son clasp his hands behind him and grew quiet, waiting. It was an unsettling trait he was coming to associate with the young man. It meant he was finished with the current subject and moved onto the next, waiting for the Reverend to tell him why he was there. The pure patience of the act and the directness of the icy blue gaze often made the Reverend feel as if he were looking into the face of a crouched predator waiting for the perfect moment to pounce.

"Daniel has made his move."

"What happened?" Aoshi leaned closer, his eyes narrow.

"He's bought Binker's Farm today, and just now approached me to go out there with him to look at the old homestead. He wants my opinion on whether or not any of the building can be salvaged."

"Shouldn't that be something he asked Elliot...not you?"

"That is precisely what I said to him."

"And?"

"He claims to trust my 'vision' more, and wants to show the property to me and hear what I have to say."

"You know he's lying to you, don't you, Master March?"

"Aye," The Reverend turned and looked up at the pulpit he preached from every Sunday. "I heard it in his voice and saw it in his eyes when I attempted to find a reason not to go with him. There was the most fleeting glimpse of panic, and in that moment, I knew for a certainty that everything you and Master Himura have said is completely true. He's taking me out there today to relieve me of my life."

"I'm sorry, Master March." Aoshi gently squeezed the old man's shoulder. "You know we aren't going to let that happen... don't you?"

"Aye, but the knowledge he plans to do it is worse than I thought it would be." Sorrowful eyes looked up to capture Aoshi's gaze. "Up to this point I thought I was accepting of the future you and Master Himura laid at my feet, but I was not. Not entirely. I must accept it now, you see, because I saw it in his eyes. I saw the desire and the want, the need and the hatred. My son wants to kill me for nothing more than what he sees as the power of my position in the community, and knowing that I must admit that he has become a servant of Darkness."

"You, yourself, said we have to save him, Reverend. Remember that... and remember Himura and I will do everything we can to keep what he has planned from happening."

"Aye, I will remember, Master Aoshi." Impulsively, the Reverend hugged the tall, slender young man. "I will remember, and God be with us... all of us."

"Indeed," Aoshi replied. "I'll get Himura and Soujiro. We'll be right behind you."

"I'm going too."

The two men looked toward the open doorway and saw Kaoru, watching their exchange. The look on her face told them she had heard enough of the conversation to know what was going on. There was no use trying to get her to stay, besides it was decided earlier that her presence was necessary regardless.

"Alright, Kaoru." Aoshi met her fierce gaze. "But you do everything Himura tells you. This is going to be dangerous."

"I probably understand that better than you do, Aoshi." Her voice was stern, but her face was pale, making her eyes glitter. "Remember, I've met both Hiko and Daniel, and neither one of them are much of a prize."

"I know... just don't get too close, alight?"

"Not a problem."

Reverend March's gaze darted uncomfortably between the two friends and his thoughts turned to the task ahead. It was all so surreal and intangible to him. It should be impossible, yet these two young people were not his son Elliot nor the girl Cassandra. The tones of their voices and their speech told him that, but just looking at their faces now told him the same thing. He hoped this was not the last chance he was allowed to spend time in their presence.

"Miss Kaoru, you must have a shawl, child. It's too cold for just your dress."

"Alright, Reverend." She nodded and went back up the stairs.

"You be certain nothing happens to her, Master Aoshi." The Reverends words were low but held a steel edge. "That girl is more angel than human and she deserves to live, maybe more than the rest of us."

"Indeed," Aoshi's voice shifted slightly and Elliot flexed his muscles. "I won't let anything happen to her, Father. Not this time."

Maxwell March jerked around with a start and found himself staring into the deep emerald green eyes of his son for the first time in many days, and his mouth gapped open. "E-elliot?" he stammered, reaching for the tall man's coat and grabbing a fist full. "Elliot?"

"Aye, Father, it is I... for a moment." Elliot March let the hint of a smile touch his mouth, and then grasped his father's wrist and held it tight. "Aoshi is very strong and it is difficult for me to come out for very long, but rest assured, I am here."

"Praise be..." Tears formed in the old man's eyes. "It is good to see you."

"Stay close to Aoshi, Father." Elliot's voice was low and gruff. "Daniel is a beast. Watch these children and keep their positions in your mind. They, Ethan, Edmond, and myself will save you...and hopefully we will be able to reach the light in Hiko's soul before we lose Daniel to Hell completely."

"Have faith, my son. God will help us. He sent these children to save your brother's soul. I believe that, and so must you."

"I am not certain what I believe God sent them for, Father, but I do believe they were sent to save you. That I do know."

"They were sent to save us all, Elliot. Even Daniel."

"Perhaps," Elliot's eyes turned hard. "But it is not his life I will be worrying about out there, today. It will be yours. Remember that, Father. I have all but washed my hands of Daniel. I will do whatever it takes to keep you alive...as well as the rest of us."

"I understand," Maxwell March looked into his second born's face one last time and then turned away. "I must meet Daniel now before he becomes suspicious that something is amiss."

"Stall him as much as you can, Father." Elliot's face was pinched with concern. "We will not be far behind."

"Aye, I will do all that I can, but try to remember one thing, Elliot."

"What is that?"

"Whatever else Daniel may be in this life or the next, he is still your brother... and my son." Maxwell stopped and cast a misty look over his shoulder, capturing his youngest son's gaze for a brief moment. "I still love him, and I will do whatever it takes to try and save him. I beg you to do the same. We must not lose this chance to stop him from slipping into the depths of everlasting damnation. We must not lose him, Elliot. We cannot lose him. If we do, we lose ourselves as well."

Elliot/Aoshi watched with a heavy heart as Reverend March disappeared out the doors of the chapel on his way to meeting his eldest son. 'We won't let it happen, Elliot, I promise, we won't.' Aoshi's cool tones echoed inside Elliot's soul and the dual persona clenched it's fists. "No, we won't. Where is Master Himura about now?"

"He and Soujiro are at the school." Kaoru said in a voice filled with awe as she entered the chapel, her eyes wide with wonder. She had never seen Elliot March though she'd often felt the brush of his presence on Aoshi, but now as the tall, thin man turned to look at her, she sucked in a sharp breath. Eyes several shades darker than Daniel's glittered in a face, that could have been her friend's, but it wasn't. "Elliot?"

"Aye, Miss Kaoru." He nodded and offered her his arm. "Please don't be afraid."

"I"m not," she said gazing up at him. "It's just... I... you've never been 'out' before. Cassandra has such immense trust and respect for you, I'm honored to finally meet you in person."

"It is my honor, young one." He patted her hand as it disappeared in the crook of his elbow. "You and your companions have braved much to be here. I only pray we have not risked more than we can afford to lose."

"We aren't going to lose, Elliot."

He looked down into her face and saw a determination that reminded him of his dear Cassandra and Elliot felt a tight constriction inside his throat. His father was right. This girl was more angel than human. "I hope you're right, Miss Kaoru, but only time will tell. Come now, we must fetch Master Himura and his brother. Father and Daniel have no doubt already left for the farm, so there is not a moment to lose."

"Then we need to hurry, Elliot. Only God knows what Daniel has planned for that poor old man."

"Aye. Speed is of the essence." Together they looked out the doors to be certain Daniel and the Reverend was gone, then they ran to the barn and Elliot saddled his horse, mounting with Kaoru behind him. Quickly he urged the animal down the road toward the school where they found Kenshin and Soujiro trying to teach mathematics to a classroom of some forty students of varying ages. One look from Elliot and they dismissed the class with a paltry excuse of Master Fetlock feeling ill, and then they mounted their horses and the four of them beat a hasty exit to the north end of town. Binker's Farm was five miles out and would take them the better part of an hour to reach.

The past was catching up to the future and the hour of reckoning was upon them.

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The Spider's Web

Part Two: The Trap

Daniel could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins and his heart felt like it was trying to claw it's way free from his chest. He struggled to keep his breathing as normal as possible but could hear it whistling through his nose as the excitement in his system rose to a fever pitch. Never in his life had he been so close to achieving every goal he'd ever dreamed of as he was this moment. Cassandra O'Massy was his wife, her father was under his thumb; his wealth soon to be at his disposal, and now his father stood at his side, oblivious to his intentions and there wasn't a soul within five miles to stop him from making all his wants and desires reality.

Life was about to become his pearl.

"So, what do you think, Father? Is the homestead worth savin'?" Making foolish conversation was grating on his nerves, but Daniel knew he had to be careful. His father was shrewd and would smell a rotten twist unless he watched his words and actions. Patience was the key and knowing no one was coming to save the old man made the anticipation bearable, but just barely.

"Hmm, perhaps, but only some parts of it. You see here... and here?" The Reverend moved and started to point out key spots along the old derelict house. "The foundation is still reasonably solid in these areas even though the structure itself has collapsed, but here..." he indicated another place along the south corner. "Do you see this?"

"Aye?" Daniel made the effort to appear interested and bent over to inspect what his father was pointing out. "What is that?"

"Dry rot. This entire room will have to be replaced. Can you see?"

"Aye." He really didn't care. Once the old man was gone, he would move into the main living quarters over the church, and he would let Cassandra redecorate if she wanted to. "Do you think it will be costly to repair?"

"That is a question you ought to ask your brother, Daniel. Elliot is the carpenter, not I. He would know about such things. I suggest you consult him. Perhaps he would offer to help you and keep your costs down."

"Hmm..." 'In a pig's eye...' "I'll think about that." He patted his father's slim, boney shoulder and smiled. "I wanted you to look at the bridge too, and the stream runnin' under. I think there might be enough water to levy out and plant corn next year."

"Are you certain?" A cloud passed over the Reverend's eyes. Reality was painful. "Corn requires a great deal of water to prosper. Would it be worth the effort to build a levy?"

"That's why I want you to look at the stream, Father. You are the expert planter. You tell me." The Reverend was trapped and Daniel knew it. Gleeful laughter bubbled through his psyche as he watched his father mount and turn his horse toward the old dilapidated bridge. Quickly he followed and was soon abreast with his father's steed. This was working out so easily Daniel wondered why he hadn't thought of it before. He could have been rid of the old man years ago. "The wash is quite deep," he said, casting a sideways look at the Reverend. "You get the best look at the water from the bridge itself."

"Is it safe?"

"Safe for horses, Father, but I wouldn't take a buggy or wagon over it."

"I see, well then, let's see about your water."

Daniel nodded and led his father back to the horses. His skin prickled with anticipation and something familiar yet foreign flexed just beneath the surface of his thoughts. He could almost feel the fragile bones in his father's aged body crumbling in his hands and the sensation sent his saliva glands into action, filling his mouth with fluid and forcing him to swallow rather loudly.

"Are you all right, Daniel?" The Reverend asked, eyeing his son's suddenly pale face with concern, just as he reached for the reins to his mount. "You look rather peaked."

"Aye, Father. Just a little dry throat." Daniel prayed the tremor in hands would go unnoticed. "Must be the foxgloves bloomin'."

"Hmm, I have a bit of water here if you'd like..."

"I'm fine." He shook his head, cupping his hands to help the old man up into the saddle. "It's just a tickle."

"If you're sure..."

"I told ya I was fine, didn't I?" Daniel heaved his father upward, watching as he swung his leg over the horses back. "Now don't be worryin' over me. It's nothing." He said, trying to make his voice sound reassuring. "I'll have Cassy brew me some peppermint tea when we get back. That ought to fetch me 'round in no time, eh?"

"Aye, that should do it." The Reverend seemed to accept the solution, his eyes hooded beneath the brim of his hat. "Be sure she makes it strong." He added, turning his horse toward the bridge. "It's best that way."

"I will." Daniel breathed a quiet sigh of relief, mounting his horse and urging it in the same direction as his father. "I'll have her add some chamomile to it as well."

"That is a fine idea." The Reverend spoke over his shoulder, his voice muffled by his coat. "That will keep you from catching a chill."

"Aye." Daniel forced a smile to his face. The conversation was pleasantly benign and he was sure his father suspected nothing. But then, why should he suspect anything? Daniel was his son. He trusted him implicitly. 'Fool,' he thought maliciously. 'A serpent lives in your midst and you can't even see him. Nay, you feed and house him in your home, harbor him in your heart, and coddle him in your very soul. For being a man of God, you haven't the eyes to see anything past your own nose, old man. You're blinder than the mice who call you their Patron Redeemer. It will be a service to mankind, ending your pitiful, worthless existence. Not even the Spring breezes will mourn your passing, nay, it will be a great day when a hand of strength rises to wield power and authority over these lost souls... and that day is today.'

"How much farther, Kenshin?" Soujiro panted, leaning over the neck of his horse. "We have to be getting close."

"I don't know, Sou." Kenshin's eyes were a raging gold, his heart thundering a close pace with the horses hooves beating the dirt road. "Elliot?"

"Not far, my friend. Maybe another mile." The cold emerald gaze narrowed, looking ahead, trying to judge the distance to the old farm. "We should probably get off this road and cut across the forest so Daniel doesn't see us."

"Whatever you say." Kenshin cast a worried glance back at Kaoru, who was riding behind him, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist. "You okay?"

"Yes," she answered, hugging him tighter. "Do whatever you have to. If it's through the forest, then that's where we go. I'll be all right. It's not like I'm going to fall off or something."

"I know, I just..."

"I know, me too." Her nose rubbed the spot between his shoulder blades, and then she laid her cheek on him. "I love you too."

His eyes closed and he dropped his head back, letting it fall on top of hers. A long, deep sigh lifted his chest, and he soaked up the feel and touch of her. In all his life, Kenshin never knew loving someone could feel like this. He was so scared, so scared he wouldn't be able to protect her, so scare he wouldn't be able to do what had to be done, and so scared he was going to end up dead and he would never know what it felt like to be with her for the rest of his life. 'Please, God... if you're really up there, help us. I've never asked you for anything before, but I'm asking now. Please get me through this in one piece, let me be with her. She's all I want... all I ever wanted for myself. I swear I'll never be a smart-ass again. I'll make it up to Master Saitou... he's the only real dad I ever had, and he tried, he really tried. I'll take care of Kaoru, my mom, Cleo, and Soujiro. I'll take care of everybody... I swear I will, just please, help me do this... help me... don't let me kill him. As much as I want to, don't let me... don't let me... don't...'

"This way, Master Himura. We can reach the stream and follow it to the bridge."

"Can we get there without them seeing us?"

"The wash is deep... I think so."

"Then let's do it. We don't have a lot of time."

"Indeed. It seems time has always been against us, eh?"

"For over two hundred years, Elliot." Kenshin's golden crystals met and locked with the icy green orbs. "I think it's time we stole some of it back, don't you?"

"Absolutely." A cold half smile shifted across the lean face that more reminiscent of Aoshi than the stoic colonial. "It's time to shake the trees and see what falls out."

"Now you're talking." Kenshin grinned and kicked his horse into a full gallop, the other two close behind. "Lets go kick some colonial ass!"

"Yeehaw!" Soujiro slapped his horse into motion with the ends of his reins, sending it jumping over a fallen tree trunk. "I got first dibbs!" He crowed, the sorrel mare he rode bounding through the trees like a bullet. Behind him Kenshin and Elliot laughed, following suit until all three horses were lost in the evergreens, their long legs eating up the distance.

The old, rickety bridge moaned and groaned when the horses stepped onto the rotting logs. The sounds of snapping splinters rose from underneath and both animals balked, tossing their heads and chewing on their bits in agitation. Daniel's big black started pawing the old wood with his right hoof and dancing back and forth. The gelding definitely did not want to go any further.

"All right, Tarkin," He reached forward and gently patted the horses neck. "You don't have to go. We'll stop here, calm down, boy. It's all right, it's all right, shhhhh... it's all right."

"It appears neither of them want to traverse the bridge, Daniel." The Reverend's voice was slightly tight as he tried to calm his own horse. "Are you certain it's safe? The bridge, I mean?"

"Of course, I stood on it, myself, not more than a week past." Daniel dismounted and led the nervous animal away. "They just don't like the sounds. Makes 'em jittery, that's all."

"Hmm, I suppose." The Reverend dismounted and led his horse to where Daniel was tying his to a low branch. "But you know, animals are usually more intuitive about danger than we humans are, perhaps we should be a bit more mindful, eh? The bridge may not hold both of us."

"Father," Daniel sighed, "the bridge is perfectly safe, I told ya so. Now stop worryin'. Everything's fine. Trust me."

Trust me...