Smule karaoke, search "anaranecalafalas #fanfiction"
I do not own the songs or the lyrics
They moved out with "a few hours of daylight left to spare, so let's not waste it" Nick had barked the order.
Things were going smoothly; or as smooth as they could go with the boss being... testy, barely enough hands and some of them strangers.
Kathryn was stubbornly ignoring the pressure throbbing at the back of her skull. However, that didn't stop her fingers from going to and rubbing at the bridge of her nose.
"Headache?" A kindly voice inquired from her left.
She opened her eyes and returned Luther's warm smile. "Unfortunately; but luckily for me I... anticipated this trip might gain me a few of those, what with Mr. Heath staying behind so I'll be OK once we stop and I can get some feverfew into me."
Luther frowned, worry deepening the few lines of age already adorning his face. If Kathryn was guessing correctly, he was as old as her father would have been. "What would you want to eat feverfew for?"
Kathryn leaned back in Vacquero's saddle, smiling "Growing up, I didn't have much coin available for doctors and medicine. Luckily, an old woman who lived in the mountains, who preferred her brews over any fancy concoctions men who think they know everything because they got some schooling could make." She smiled fondly at the old, familiar rant. "So she educated me on plants and their medicinal properties, where I could find them, how I could prepare them for their full effect... She was a grizzly of a bear." Her smile dropped as she thought about the last time she had seen Maude.
At that moment, Nick called a halt.
Kathryn very nearly sighed out loud in relief.
With the day ending, the light wasn't so bad to deal with, but the sounds that accompany a cattle drive — the lowing of the cattle, the commands from the hands — and the jostling had caused her to come dangerously close to losing the contents of her stomach; what little there was. Not counting Luther, who was driving the wagon and doing the cooking, there were 12 people driving the cattle. That included Nick and his bellowing, herself, John, Ernest, Howie, Ray, the "accidents" around her person caused by Sid, Percy and Amos, the kid Jesse who Nick had found in Stockton before they left who was down on his luck and looking for work, and now Cody and Chuck.
As soon as she was off Vacquero, Nick thundered — and yes, that was his bellow and not just her migraine making him appear cantankerous — for her to gather firewood and to inform her that she was on watch tonight.
She sighed in defeat.
She had known Nick would lash out at her because of Chuck and Cody.
She should have bet on it being something that would exacerbate her migraine, what with her luck as of late.
"Sir, Miss Kathryn is-" Luther started to tell Nick that she was feeling poorly and there was no way she was going to have that ill-tempered, mean-streaked, ornery son of a-
"It's OK, Luther." She interrupted, assuring the wagon driver with a tired smile.
Turning back to Nick, she gave a deep bow. "As you command," she may have directed, with a slight bite to her tone.
Kathryn chewed slowly on the feverfew leaves, debating if she should maybe find some ginger for her nausea. She hadn't packed any and she really wasn't feeling up to tromping around in the dark for who knows how long, hoping to find the stem; but the way her stomach was acting...
"What did I say about being a martyr when it comes to food on a working ranch?!"
Honestly, was the man incapable of speaking at a respectable decibel?
She slowly opened her eyes to find him standing over her, glaring, with a bowl in each hand.
Kathryn made the mistake of inhaling the thick, rich stew's aroma.
After gaining control of her roiling insides, she sneered through clenched teeth "Don't flatter yourself."
At the imperious arch of his brow, she sneered "I'm not starving myself. This is not a petulant, childish response to your 'so-called' punishment."
After a beat of silence in which she didn't elaborate, Nick sighed. "Then why aren't you eating?" He demanded.
Kathryn arched her brow. Oh, there was no way in California he was getting her to talk; not with that p**s poor attitude and tone.
She was saved from having to answer as something plowed into her side.
"There you are, you rascal. Where have you been? What sort of trouble have you been getting yourself into?"
"Wolf! There's a wolf in the camp!" Chuck hollered, reaching for his gun.
"Don't move, Kathryn." Cody growled, leveling his own gun at Raphael, whose tongue was lolling out, panting happily.
As soon as the gun was sighted on him, his wolf grin turned into a snarl and getting ready to attack, he growled.
"Hold on there!" Nick hollered, putting himself between the sitting Kathryn, who was trying to maneuver herself in front of Raphael, who wasn't allowing it, and Cody's cocked gun. "That wolf is with us and if you shoot him, you won't be."
Kathryn thought she saw something flash dangerously in Cody's blue eyes; but before she could try to figure out what it was, it was gone, replaced by confusion and apprehension.
"Miss?"
Kathryn turned to smile at Chuck, hoping to soothe the fear she saw in his eyes. "It's alright."
She settled down behind Raphael.
The wolf must have realized that meant she was staying put, where he could protect her. He sat down, his hackles and snarl withdrawing as Kathryn pet his back. "This mac tíre is my protector. He made the mistake of putting himself between me and a thundering herd that was bearing down on me with Mr. Nick here watching." She nodded at the man's back, as he was still facing Cody. "Since then, I was ordered that he was to come with me to roll call or I'd be off the ranch faster than I could say 'hyah.' Poor Raph, he now has to work, which means he can't get himself into trouble anymore."
At Raphael's soft "woof," which seemed to confirm his sorry plight, Chuck smiled hesitantly.
"Sorry about that," John apologized.
Cody returned his gun to his holster and Nick's stance relaxed. "We've grown so used to the mutt, we didn't think how odd it would be for anyone else."
Kathryn noticed that Raphael didn't react to John's use of "mutt"; however, it also might have had something to do with the fact that John uttered it with a fond smile and affectionate tone.
Huh; something for her to think about.
Cody gave a dashing smile. "Is that so? Well, if that's the case..." He reached out a hand toward Raphael's muzzle.
And almost lost it.
"Bithiúnach!" Kathryn reprimanded, her tone a bit harsh as it was colored by her horrified surprise.
She stood to her feet... a little too quickly. She reached for her head — before she could think better of it — as she swayed.
Surprisingly, it was Chuck's arms she fell into. She noticed Cody looked poised to leap forward, but Raphael was pressed against her legs, supporting her. She noticed Nick, scowling, still holding both bowls in his hands. Although — she must be dreaming — his knuckles appeared white.
"Miss?"
She focused on Chuck, his eyes shining with concern, his face marred by a frown that showed how unsettled he was. His tone indicated that he must have already tried to garner her attention more than once.
And she had everyone's attention.
She mentally groaned.
Nothing better than to have the unwanted attention of 13 men when she was feeling poorly and not wanting them to know it.
"Anything you want to tell us... Ms. Quinn?"
She knew what that rumble meant.
And she was correct.
Turning her attention back to Nick, she was met with a thundercloud of a glower.
She bolted out of Chuck's arms. "Not a thing, Mr. Barkley." She emphasized the formality, Raphael letting out a warning growl.
You could have choked on the tension that descended back over the gathered men.
Kathryn snarled. "If you'll excuse me, I believe I'm on watch tonight."
Kneeling down, she told Raphael "Stay."
"Oh no, you don't." Nick snarled. "I want him with you."
Kathryn was going to ask why, and realized she didn't have the strength or energy.
As Raphael passed him, Nick whispered "Good boy."
And got a growl for his effort.
Realization dawned and Nick called out "Wait!" He was surprised when she actually did. Thrusting one of the bowls into her hands, he explained "Luther informed me that you hadn't grabbed your dinner yet, so I figured I'd make sure it got to you."
Kathryn focused on her breathing. She'd just give it to Raph or Jesse; the kid looked like he needed more meat on him anyway or maybe—
She set the bowl down carefully, walked slowly to the bushes and finally lost the battle.
She opened her eyes to find herself lying on something hard and staring up at... canvas.
She was in the wagon.
She propped herself up on her elbows.
And groaned as the world swam.
"Normal people know when to stay down."
Kathryn looked to the opening as she heard Raphael's warning growl.
"Hush, you. I'm trying to help her."
Nick knew it!
When Raphael had growled at him, he remembered what Jarrod had said about the mongrel; no matter how long he knew or how much he liked you, Raphael would forget that when he thought he had to protect Kathryn and with her needing to be "caught" like some helpless damsel?
She was hiding something.
Her decorating the ground just confirmed that.
He crossed his arms and with a triumphant smile poked "Nothing to tell me, huh?"
She started to fall forward.
Avoiding the mess, he caught her and noticed she was unconscious.
Raphael reminded him of his presence.
Nick pointed a finger. "That's enough." Raphael ducked his head and whined. Nick softened. "I know, boy; but I'm helping her." He scooped her up and carrying her bridal style, headed toward the wagon.
"Come on, mutt." He sighed.
Nick handed Kathryn a coffee cup. "Luther told me you've been fighting a headache for most of the drive and that you were planning on using feverfew. John suggested ginger for your stomach, which Luther was happy to provide." Nodding at the cup he added "He was just sorry he couldn't make it taste better."
Kathryn grimaced, remembering the taste. Maude had never added anything, claiming it "made ya stronger." However, Kathryn needed to keep it down, especially since she's already heaved once. She didn't need to add dehydration and compound the problem.
"In my back saddlebag on the right, there's a flask. Can you bring it please?"
When he returned, she reached out for it.
And Nick moved it up and out of her reach.
Kathryn arched a brow. Oh no, he had not just...
"Mr. Barkley, please give me that."
"I'll pour. You just tell me when to stop."
She growled and lunging forward, easily plucked it out of his hands, his shock rendering him frozen.
"Did... did you just-"
"Yep." She quickly unscrewed the cap, poured some of her "secret ingredient" in, added a little bit more when a tasting sip didn't agree with her and with a relieved sigh, slowly introduced the tea into her body.
When she was about halfway, Nick asked with a heaved sigh "Why didn't you say anything when I said you'd be on watch?"
She grinned savagely. "You mean go against your order?" She enjoyed his squirming. "Cause that's what it was. Everyone knows when you use that tone, it's an order. Besides, I knew you were going to punish me for what happened in Hanford and figured, if I was lucky, this would be it. Your temper tantrum would still continue, but this small vindictive part would be appeased. The rest of the drive would hopefully go smoothly and you'd be back in time for Miss Audra's birthday. And be able to rub it in Mr. Heath's face that the cattle drive had been a success without his help, and you would have the satisfaction of him apologizing and admitting he was wrong."
Nick's face turned dark. "Young lady, there are men who've worked for me for years who I don't allow to speak like that to me."
Kathryn put down the empty cup and inching out of the wagon, met Nick's hard glare. "You're right, Mr. Barkley; my apologies." And jumping down, Raphael behind her with a reproachful look at Nick, she strode toward Vacquero and mounting him, took off.
The ride had not cleared her head as she hoped it would.
In defeat, she had returned to the camp. Careful not to alert anyone to her presence and in the shadows, she had taken care of Vacquero and left him with the others as she stalked off.
Kathryn whipped around and standing to her feet, aimed her bow at—
"Mr. Cody."
He emerged from the foliage, hands help up with a sheepish smile. "No mister, just Cody."
Kathryn nodded at the request. Raphael growled. "You've been stuck still with me for awhile. Go, have some fun."
He turned to her and Kathryn saw pleading in those canine eyes. "Go." She commanded gently. With a last distrustful look at the young man, he bounded down the slope.
"Figured you weren't on watch anymore."
"I was done lying about. I knew I wasn't going to be able to sleep and figured I'd be productive."
He gestured at her the bow and nocked arrow. "No gun?"
She shook her head, keeping her mouth shut. She had way too many bad experiences associated with that particular tool.
"He always so hard on you?"
She smiled. "I think he doesn't know what to do with me. I'm a hard worker, but I'm a woman and I don't think he's ever had one as a hand before. When he doesn't know what to do, he gets frustrated and when he gets frustrated, he gets... testy."
She turned to him "My turn to ask a question. What are you doing out here?"
"Mine and Chuck's watch just ended. I think... Sid and Amos? They just relieved us. We saw you and I told Chuck to head on back to camp; you and I'd catch up."
Kathryn chewed her bottom lip nervously, looking at where Raph had disappeared. "I don't exactly get along with Sid and Amos; and I'd hate for anything to happen to Raph because—"
"I'm sure Nick's threat to me applies to them as well and since they've been around him longer, they know the consequences better than I do."
Offering her his hand, she allowed him to bring her to her feet. His hand may have lingered a bit longer than was strictly necessary.
As they walked back into camp, Ernest was playing on his harmonica.
Kathryn breathed easier when her head didn't protest to the instrument's pinging sound.
"Hey, Ernest, maybe not tonight, huh?" Nick gently asked.
The man nodded his head in acceptance as he pocketed the mouth organ.
As everyone settled around the low fire, night sounds their only music Nick stated "Maybe Kathryn would be willing to offer something."
When he lifted his gaze to hers, he found her expression unimpressed. She was leaning back against a rock, her arms crossed defiantly. She opened her mouth, probably to refuse when John asked excitedly "Do you play an instrument?"
Nick smiled. "She plays the piano; but in this instance, I thought maybe she could sing for us."
Jesse started cajoling, wiggling in his excitement. Luther tried to rein him in, laughing gently as he did so; but his eyes were twinkling with curiosity.
"It's been a long time since I've heard any good music. What they got in the saloons now ain't what it used to be." Chuck voiced his opinion.
Kathryn glared at Nick.
He beamed brightly back in response, knowing he had won.
She sighed heavily. "The sun is sinking in the west, the cattle go down to the stream; the redwing settles in her nest, it's time for a cowboy to dream. Purple light in the canyon, that's where I long to be, with my three good companions, just my rifle, pony and me. Gonna hang my sombrero on the limb of a tree; coming home, sweetheart darling, just my rifle, pony and me. Whippoorwill in the willow, sings a sweet melody; riding to Amarillo, just my rifle, pony and me. No more cows to be ropin', no more strays will I see; 'round the bend she'll be waitin', for my rifle, pony and me. For my rifle, my pony and me."
In the silence that followed, Howie said with a smile "I seem to remember hearing that tune around the Rio Grande."
"Well, I heard it around the Rio Bravo." Kathryn replied with a wink. A smattering of polite chuckles was heard at her attempted joke. Ray's was loud though at Jesse's confused look. "They're the same river, kid. On our side, it's the Rio Grande; on theirs, it's the Rio Bravo."
Jesse opened his mouth, probably to respond to being called a kid, and yawned loudly.
"It's time for young 'uns to be turning in." Luther's tone was soft as he snapped out Jesse's blanket to wrap around his shoulders.
"But the drive will be over in a day and who knows when I'll be able to hear Kathryn sing again?"
Nick chuckled. "You're not the only one who should be turning in." Making sure he met everyone's gaze he stated firmly. "We've got a long, hard day ahead of us tomorrow. We all need the sleep."
As men found their spots and started to hunker down, Jesse's young voice carried easily "Then how about one more song to send me off to sleep?"
Kathryn smiled fondly at the childlike request. Walking over to where Jesse was laying, she sat down next to his head. The amused chuckles at his plea quickly died down as she began.
"Farewell to the mountain, whose mazes to me, more beautiful far than Eden could be; the home I redeemed from the savage and wild, the home I have loved as a father his child. The wife of my bosom, farewell to ye all; in the land of the stranger, I rise or I fall."
Looking down, she saw that Jesse's eyes were closed. He was a young pup; this was probably the first cattle drive he had ever been on. Scratch that, this was probably the first time in his life he had worked this hard. He was worn out.
"You seem to know a lot of songs from around Texas; spend some time there?"
Kathryn leaned her head back and smiling up at the star-studded sky admitted "Mr. Barkley, I've been lots of places."