The closing chapters are going in a direction a little different than the last few chapters...less emphasis on action and more emphasis on resolution. A little bit of character development and people tackling issues they may not be quite comfortable with.

Enjoy.

It seemed strange…sharing a camp with White Legs. Of course, not all of the captives from their campaign chose to stay. The vast majority left the camp at Red Gate to return to Three Marys. But some had elected to stay. To attend a sermon lead by Joshua Graham as he spoke of the Heavenly Father. But even if they had all left…it seemed strange to be so close to their enemies; especially when those enemies knew of their presence.

Six didn't know exactly why such a notion seemed so alien to him. He had rested his head on either side of The Tops. In the Lucky 38…and in that little hotel room with the blonde. Sarah? He couldn't quite remember her last name. Maybe it was because Benny was one man…and the White Legs were still greatly numbered.

Kurisu had returned with Graham to the camp after the infiltration. After they had slain Salt-Upon-Wounds. After he had executed the White Leg war chief. She relayed Graham's proposal…that the White Legs become permanent residents of Zion. That they would be taught to live off the land. To provide for themselves. To fish and cultivate land and animal alike. They would be taught to be self sufficient. In exchange…Graham asked only that they handed over their firearms. This was a difficult concept to struggle with for them…after all, they couldn't really know if Graham's intentions were as benevolent as they were made out to be. Those who chose to keep their weapons were allowed to do so under the condition that they leave the valley. Then the White Legs were cordially invited to Graham's sermon. To learn of the Father.

Surprisingly, this negotiation happened without incident.

Unsurprisingly, not many chose to attend the sermon. Out of anger or fear…or some combination of the two. But some did choose to return to Red Gate…to travel with them to the Dead Horse camp so that they may listen to Graham's address. Kurisu among them.

Now, after the negotiations, Boone sat silently next to Kurisu next to a dwindling campfire. The both stared furtively into the flames – their minds consumed by very different thoughts. Thoughts that…despite their differences…arose from the same base design and origin. Death's design…and not just by chance. Death orchestrated by the Legion.

Six stretched out, laying his head on his pack, and lost himself in the night sky. The stars seemed so much more beautiful out here – at least, when they weren't hidden away by a clouded sky. And at that thought, his mind drifted to a much more personable Cloud. The woman who lay asleep mere feet away from him now. Curled up in a bedding of hay and leaves. The ground was damp and cold – so he'd covered her up with his duster.

The last few days had been hard for her…with the war between the tribes and her missing family to contend with. She had been so talkative when he had first met her. Since her return from the Dead Horses camp, she had barely said a word.

I'll have words with Daniel over that soon enough, he thought with growing agitation.

But for now…he would rest.

The Dead Horse camp was a short distance from the camp at Red Gate. Six wasn't sure what he enjoyed more…the look of pride in Joshua's eyes as they marched up the Virgin River towards the camp, or the look of disbelief in Daniel's at the sight of the small group of White legs following the group.

"Joshua…" Daniel's eyes shifted from the former Legate to the White Legs – Kurisu among them. "Prisoners?"

"No," Graham answered calmly. "Envoys."

One of Daniel's brows stood high on end – a look of exasperated confusion on his face. "En…Envoys?"

"Yes," Graham nodded once. "Salt-Upon-Wounds has left this mortal coil. The White Legs…at least, those that remain…seek a truce. They want peace. They want to be taught the ways of the New Canaanite."

Daniel furrowed his brow, his eyes narrowed. "Of course…" He shot the White Legs an apprehensive glance. "Can we talk about this in private?"

Graham took a breath. After a beat, he motioned for Daniel to lead the way and turned to Six. "Care to join us?"

With a shrug, Six fell in line behind them. They made their way through the winding passages of Angel Cave until finally coming to the same chamber he and Graham had their first encounter in some time before.

Graham made his way to the table – the very same that Boone had fired through those days before – and sat behind it. He immediately began examining the .45's. Meticulously inspecting every aspect of the guns – stacking them neatly to his left. It was if the last few days had never happened. Business as usual.

"What can I do for you, Daniel?"

Graham barely had time to get the question out.

"You want to assimilate the White Legs?" His question tore through the air, hitting its mark in Graham's ears.

Graham looked up from his pistols for a moment…then returned to his task. "The White Legs are miscreants. Animals fit for sacrifice. A Godless bunch of heathens and marauders. But was it not you who wanted a peaceful resolution to this conflict?"

"Peace…" Daniel barked loudly. He stopped, composing himself, and took a breath. "Peaceful? Yes, I wanted a peaceful resolution. But what you did was far from it. You murdered their chief. Massacred two of their camps. Do you really think they're going to sweep that under the rug?"

"No," Graham admitted. "I do not. It may take years…decades…for true peace to be obtained. If it is ever obtained at all. But with the help of our brethren, and perhaps select members of the Followers, we can help them. It is our duty to honor the laws of God and start others along the path to salvation if we can. Who are we to deny them a chance at atonement?"

Daniel fell silent.

"If it's any consolation," Six chimed in, "Graham didn't kill Salt-Upon-Wounds. He forgave the man…I didn't."

Daniel swallowed and let his eyes meet Six's.

"It was about Boone," Six explained. "Someone had to pay for the hell he went through."

With a grunt, Daniel shook his head. "Typical reaction. But given the circumstances…and his reputation…I suppose it was for the best to remove him from the picture. As long as he presided over the White Legs a passive solution would never be found." He turned back to Graham. "Given the White Legs' assault on Ogden…it may be for the best to recruit a Follower to supervise the tribe."

Graham nodded. "Still, we must send scouts to the remaining missionaries. We must reorganize. Rebuild."

Daniel nodded knowingly. He rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger and remained silent for a long moment. "And what of your promise to Six?"

At this notion, Six found his eyes turned to Graham – awaiting his verdict.

Graham sighed, laying a pistol on the table in front of him. He seemed to be chewing the idea over in his mind. "I will make good on my word. But only after a suitable replacement has been found to lead the Dead Horses."

"And what replacement do you want?" Six asked.

"Bill Calhoun," Graham answered immediately. "Calhoun is a good man. Far better than I. During Caesar's rise, Calhoun resisted the demons that plague me still. I know no man better suited for guiding the Dead Horses to salvation."

"And where is this Calhoun?" Six asked.

"After Caesar released him, he was instructed to return to the Boneyard. That would be the place to look."

Six cursed under his breath. "You're fucking shitting me! That's four hundred miles or better. If he's even there!"

Graham didn't respond.

"Look," Six spat, "I know you want what's best for these tribes. But for that kind of distance, we're talking five weeks or better of traveling. I simply don't have that kind of time. You wanted to cleanse this valley. You wanted to save it. I helped you do that. Now it's time to fulfill your end of the bargain."

Graham's icy eyes did not waver. He'd made up his mind. "Purging the valley of the White Leg threat is only half the battle. Had we eliminated the White Legs in their entirety, I would have no qualms about leaving. But the fact remains that we didn't…and though the loss of their chief has greatly crippled them, they are still an openly aggressive tribe. Without someone to lead them, who's to say they won't rise and attack the Sorrows or Dead Horses again?"

And he was right. Six didn't have an answer for that question. "That doesn't change the fact that I've already been gone for nearly three weeks. How long do you think Caesar is going to wait before he executes that girl? If he hasn't done it already. You would condemn her to death?"

"You would condemn hundreds for a single soul. A soul that you care nothing about, no less," Graham countered. "Sometimes the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one."

Six chewed his lower lip. He could feel his hands start to tremble.

"Joshua," Daniel interjected. "You say Calhoun returned to the Boneyard?"

"Yes."

"Then go back with him. I'll send a few scouting parties along the Colorado. A great deal of our people have settled its shores. They can be here within the week…I can handle things until then. When you reach New Vegas, send a few of the followers back. Last I heard, Nephi, Ignacio Rivas, and Bert Gunnarsson were all in the Mojave. I'm sure there are others. You have to travel along the Long-15 to get back to the Core Region anyway. Go with him. Get help from the followers. You can send an envoy to the Boneyard to retrieve Bill Calhoun when you get there."

"No. I will not abandon these people in their time of need."

"Abandon them?" Daniel said it almost in disbelief. "Who's asking you to abandon them? Joshua…I've wanted to avoid this discussion, but it seems you leave me little choice. You are a monument to both God's unending forgiveness and to humanity's unfathomable capacity for cruelty. A living bible of all mankind's miseries of war. And I know…it's a debt you repay every day. But we both know that you're not just a man of God. Beneath those bandages…" He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "Beneath those bandages, you are burned flesh. And as you burn, so do you consume everyone around you. You wanted to fight the White Legs because they stoked the naked flame inside you…the Dead Horses…the Sorrows…they see only the light, Joshua. They do not yet feel the heat…and I pray they never will. But that isn't up to me…and it isn't up to God. It's up to you…and if you stay, eventually…someone will burn for it."

Graham took a deep breath – thinking. Finally, he spoke: "Go. I must meditate on this."

Without a word, Six and Daniel obliged. They began retracing their steps through the caves snaky passageways.

"Something's been bothering me," Six confessed.

With a light-hearted smile, Daniel nodded. "Please, speak your mind."

"In the Narrows…there were no elders, no children…"

Daniel shifted uncomfortably.

"At first glance," Six continued, "this makes sense. I mean, you were preparing for war, right? So those unable to fight would be evacuated. Only…you wanted to evacuate everyone. But you couldn't. Not without that map. A map that I retrieved for you personally. But they were gone long before I arrived, weren't they?"

"I sent them ahead to wait on us…" Daniel's voice was shaking.

"Yeah, that's what I thought too. Until Waking Cloud recognized some of the children here. Then it dawns on you, see? The Sorrows are not as capable in combat as the Dead Horses. And you're certainly not as capable as Graham. So who better to protect them, right?"

With a sigh, Daniel stopped walking. "Where are you going with this?"

"It's clear to me that you sent them here. But, Waking Cloud's family isn't among them. Her children. Her husband. Gone."

"That's a problem for tomorrow…there are plenty of troubles for us here today." Daniel swallowed. "The past is gone. We must focus on the present."

Six removed his beret, twisting it between his fingers. "Except the past isn't gone. You can't get away from it. It'll catch you…eventually. It always does. You said it yourself...It's not something you can just sweep under the rug. Now we both know there's something you're not telling her. And I can probably guess what it is…the question is, are you going to tell her before I do?"

"Who are you or I to put such a burden on her? You think I like hiding it from her? I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. Her people…honestly, more than that. We all need her…we need her to be strong. She doesn't need this kind of distraction. To every thing, there is a season. And as much as it pains me to say it…there will be time to mourn later."

Six raised a brow.

"I know it's not an easy thing to understand…and I don't like doing it. But I can't see any good coming from telling Waking Cloud her husband died…not right now."

"Bullshit. She already knows something is off…you want to spare her. Give me a break. You're supposed to be leading these people. Not hiding things from them. It's her family. She deserves to know the truth."

Daniel turned his gaze to the ground, his hands shaking. "I know…I know. You're right…and I shouldn't have hidden it from her. It's just…the Sorrows don't deserve this. What we've brought on them. Sometimes I look at them and wonder if they would have been better off if we'd never found those old trails. If we never found Zion." He paused and turned his gaze back to Six. "Fine. I'll tell her." He nodded, as if confirming the idea to himself. "I'll tell her."

They continued through the cave in silence. Just outside the cave's entrance, they found Waking Cloud gathered around a campfire with Raul, Boone, and Kurisu. She turned her gaze towards them as they emerged into daylight. She stood and half jogged to greet them.

"Daniel," She said, a pseudo-smile plastered across her face. "Katu veo."

Daniel smiled a broken smile, his lips quivering. "Listen…about your family."

Waking Cloud's smile faded.

"I sent the…" Daniel took a breath. "I sent the elderly…the sick…the children…I sent them here a couple weeks ago just before Six and his group arrived. I thought…I thought if anyone could protect them that the Dead Horses could. That Joshua could. And you can't blame him…since they've arrived, there have been no casualties. But…" His words were interlaced with sobs. "There was an attack, before they were able to meet up with the Dead Horses at the Virgin Fork Campground." Daniel removed his hat and turned his gaze to the sky. "Ah…your family got split off. Your husband. He was wounded…the White Legs used datura venom on their blades. He was in a bad way. He led them…"

Waking Cloud's eyes were red, her lips trembling. Her breathing was erratic…her gaze shifted from Daniel to Six.

"He led them north…" Daniel's voice cracked. "To the yao guai den in Pine Creek Caverns. That's why I sent Chalk and Six's companions to the cave. To see if they could find any trace of them. And to eliminate any future threat." Daniel shook his head. "They're gone Cloud…I'm…I'm sorry."

Waking Cloud's grief was visibly changing. Turning into anger…fury. "How…how dare you?!" A single slap, hard across Daniel's face. "What gives you the right?" She was in tears now. "I thought you were my friend! But it's clear now! You care nothing for the Sorrows! Nothing for me!" She looked once at Six, then turned…following the shoreline, quickly.

Six turned to Daniel. "I know that must have been hard…but you did the right thing."

Daniel chewed his lower lip and after a moment nodded. "Yeah. I can only pray to God that you're right. Please…" He turned his gaze to Six. "Make sure she's okay."

When he found her, she was seated atop a large rock formation linking the canyon walls, high above the Dead Horses' camp. She sat precariously close to the edge, feet dangling over. She reclined back, losing herself in thought – head in the clouds.

Six sat next to her without speaking…then stretched back. He took her hand into his own.

"I know you might not realize it now…but Daniel was only doing what he thought was best. For you. For your tribe. The last thing he wants is to hurt you."

Waking Cloud's grip on Six's hand tightened . "I thought he respected me…but I was a tool to him. Manipulated for his own ends…but I am a woman of the Sorrows, and I will have restitution for my husband."

"No," Six used his free hand to caress her cheek. "You have to let go of this anger…your people need you. Daniel needs you. Believe me…I know what it's like to be consumed by vengeance…"

She forced a smile, "You have been kind…I should thank you for bringing this truth to light."

Six shook his head. "You don't have to thank me…"

Below them, Graham emerged from the cave – Daniel following. Graham made for the isle in the center of the Dead Horses' camp. The Dead Horses and Sorrows began to gather round – the White Legs as well.

Graham climbed atop the rock formation, water flowing on either side. He stood above them – head held high.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the Earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Graham took a breath. "Blessed are the merciful…for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven."Graham looked out over the crowd – he swallowed and turned his eyes skyward. "Citizens of Zion…children of God…I stand before you today, humbled and afraid. We are all children of the Lord…and yet we raise sword to one another instead of offering gifts to the altar. We have forgotten brother and sister…and that is something that must be reconciled. You have heard what has been said, you shall not murder…"

Grahams words echoed off the canyon walls…impassioned and sincere. Cloud sat up, staring down into the valley. "I wish you could have met my family…you would have liked them, I think."

Six smiled, sitting up beside her. "I'm sure I would."

"Do you have anyone waiting for you back home?"

Six took a deep breath. His mind only came to one person…her rose colored hair falling around her neck. The sweet smell of whiskey in the air. Her small figure wrapped around him during the night. Warm eyes piercing his very being. He didn't answer her.

"I know you are eager to leave Zion…to return to the Mow-ha-vay…is there nothing here that could persuade you to stay?"

"You have heard that it was said that you shall not commit adultery…" Graham's words bounced across the valley. Falling upon Six's deaf ears. "If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away, for it is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell."

Boone turned from Kurisu…losing himself in the embers before him. He found himself thinking of Carla…of his loss. Of the choices he had made. What would she say now? Knowing that he had spared the Legion's greatest force at the behest of a man he really barely knew. What would she say now…about this woman saving his life. About him saving hers…when he didn't save his own wife…

Far above the canyon floor, Waking Cloud was straddling Six now, his arms around her waist. Her lips devouring his own. He ran his hands up her figure – tracing the contours of her body. With a swift motion, he removed her top. He cupped her lower back and wheeled her around, laying her flat on the stone. He caressed her thighs, pulling her into place. Her soft moans drowning out the sound of the sermon below.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."

Boone stood – following the shoreline…he needed to clear his mind. He needed to get out of there.

Six fumbled with his duster – tossing it to the side. Then his riot armor…he struggled with his belt.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be Children of your Father in Heaven…"

Six looked down at her – lying in wait. The tribal markings splashing across her body – rivers in their own right, marking the boundaries between her hips, her thighs, and breasts. His eyes followed the rivers up – through the valley, across the plains, towards the peaks. Then he saw the crimson hair spilling down over her shoulders…open leather jacket exposing bare skin, the rattan cowboy hat at her side.

Cass.

He froze in place when he met her eyes, looking up at him with that familiar warmth.

Love.

He swallowed – he quit struggling with his belt.

Below him he could hear Graham now…clear as day. As if he were standing next to him.

"…and forgive us our trespasses, so that we may forgive those who trespasses against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…"

That's it for this chapter. I don't have anything to rant about this time around...

I'll get around to posting another chapter later this week. Until next time.