*** Part 6
"C'mon Sandy, Herschel, pick up the pace," Buck cajoled the two draft horses, pulling the wagon of supplies. They were a day out, and Buck was already tired and restless. His worry was growing for a young greenhorn gunslinger who had unwittingly gotten under his skin. He was worried about Nathan and Josiah, too. He remembered what Harker's Fever did to the men in his unit back during the war. Their fevers would get so high they'd run screaming, out of their minds then just drop dead. Buck shook the thoughts away and slapped the reins on the dawdling horses.
Chris and Vin rode alongside the wagon; keeping lookout for any bandits who thought their supply wagon would be easy pickings. Chris was also worried about his men. Nathan, Josiah and JD were caught in the midst of an epidemic along with a whole village. He knew this land was harsh and unforgiving, but since he'd fallen into this group of six rather unique individuals, the land didn't feel as ruthless or disheartening. He'd been robbed of his life with his wife and child, but granted a new one. Larabee smiled as he thought of the six men he was unexpectedly attached to. They all meant something to him in one way or another, even a rather exasperating gambler. Chris glanced over at the long-haired tracker. The two men relished the familiarity they shared. Chris couldn't explain it; it was like they had known each other all their lives. Vin seemed to accept this without qualms. He thought of JD and Buck's brotherly relationship, and Nate and Josiah's camaraderie. Chris' eyes came together as his brow furrowed. Where did Ezra fit?
tbc