A Shattered Darkness

by Destardi.

Book One: Prologue

Riding into Whitethorn Falls with the others, Ike cursed under his breath as they rode down the muddy, cramped main street. It had taken the two weeks to find the man responsible for stealing the payroll and they were on their way home when Buck noted the gathering clouds in the distance and said they’d need to bed down somewhere for a couple of days if that store hit.

Now hunkered in his coat against the wind, Ike glanced at the sky uneasily as fat rain drops fell on his hat brim, a hint at what was rapidly approaching. Pulling up at the livery he unsaddled quickly, and trudged wearily behind the others over to the only hotel in town, which also served as the saloon, restaurant and express depot.

“ I sure hope that rain lets up.” Cody muttered as the rain began to beat on the ground, sending clouds of dust up into the air as it hit the walkway, and increased it’s tempo as it hit the boards and windows of the buildings.

*If it doesn’t we’re stuck here for a couple of days, the trail we take is through the wash, if this keeps up it’ll flood and there ain’t any other way around.* Ike signed as he pushed his hat off and waited for Kid to finish stepping into the building.

“ Doesn’t look like this town needs anymore rain.” Kid muttered. “There’s more mud in that street than anywhere I’ve ever seen.”

“ Course there is.” Buck glanced around uneasily. “Looks like this is the most miserable town west of Wolfsburg.”

Ike smiled at the statement and glanced around himself. Several young women were washing tables off, their short dresses revealing lengths of leg, and more than ample hints of cleavage marking them as working girls, a fat man stood behind the counter polishing glasses, a cigar tucked in his mouth as he chewed on it thoughtfully.

“ Well standing here ain’t gonna get us a room.” Jimmy muttered. “Damn I hate this place and I’ve never even been here.”

“ We all do.” Lou whispered uneasily as she glanced around. Pulling her hat down she followed the boys up to the counter, edging closer to Kid as she did so.

“ Evening gent’s.” The bartender glanced at the small group of young men and nodded, “What can I get for you?”

“ A couple of rooms.” Kid replied.

“ Well I got rooms for rent, unfortunately all we’ve got is two singles and the suite, but if you don’t mind sharing..”

“ We don’t.” Kid replied quickly as the man shuffled off gracefully despite his huge girth. A moment later he was back with three keys, “This here’s the main suite. I’m not supposed to rent it out but I can see you boys are in need of a room so I’ll rent it to you. ‘Sides don’t look like we’re gonna get any more business for a few days. These other two keys are to a couple of rooms that are smaller but just as comfortable, and they’re free. Take your pick.”

Reaching over Ike picked up the key closest to him and shrugged at the others, it was for a single room and he shook his head. *Somebody’s gonna have to sleep in a single room, might as well be me.*

“ Ike.” Buck started knowing his friend had been restless lately, but he wouldn’t talk to him so he was left to wonder what the cause was.

*It’s fine. Hell a little peace and quiet will do me good, give me a chance to do some thinking.* Ike smiled at his friend who shrugged and let Kid take the suite key, they’d all bunk down in the suite, except for Ike and possibly Cody who’d grabbed the other key. Paying the man they turned and headed off toward the stairs.

“ You should give the key to Lou.” Jimmy hissed to Cody as they mounted the stairs. “She could use a little privacy.”

“ She’s got half the suite,” Cody smiled at his friend. “And I need my sleep.”

Feeling a moment’s frustration Jimmy shook his head at the other man and followed Kid down the hall to a door at the end. It hadn’t really been Lou’s privacy he was worried about, he’d been worried about Kid and Lou’s tempers when they were locked together. Watching the pair now though he sighed, maybe they’d keep their tempers under control until everyone got home, something for which he hoped against hope.

Pausing next to the room marked seventeen Ike glanced at the key in his hand and shifted his saddlebag, it would be a relief to get away from everyone, have some privacy to think of what to do with the sudden realization that he’d come to on his last run to Wellsburg. Turning the key he opened the door and stepped in before turning to push the door closed.

Hearing a slight sound Ike whirled, reaching for his gun and froze. Standing a few feet away, wrapped in nothing more than a white towel was a very familiar woman staring at him with shock clearly written in her eyes, next to her a steaming bath sat waiting for her to slide into the bubble covered depths.

“ Ike!” Anna croaked holding the towel to her as though it were a shield, surprise was quickly fading to be replaced by an all too familiar tingling in her body, her skin felt too tight, prickly even.

*I’m sorry, the barkeep gave me the key..* Ike started only to pause when Anna shifted suddenly. *I’ll go get another room.*

Seeing him reaching for the door Anna swallowed hard, “You don’t have to.” She whispered fearfully. When he froze she silently cursed her big mouth until he turned to face her and she saw the hesitation and a familiar burning in his gaze that drew a shudder from her. Standing rooted to the spot she watched him walking toward him with slow, steady footsteps.

*You sure?*

Anna nodded quickly her mouth suddenly dry as he stopped in front of her and reached out to brush a loose strand of hair away form her face. “I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.”

*Anna I think this might be a bad idea.*

“ Well then it’s my bad idea isn’t it?” Anna smiled shakily. “After all I’m making the choice aren’t I?”

Ike nodded as Anna reached for his jacket, pushing it off his shoulders to pool at their feet, forgotten as she worked on his vest followed by his shirt. *You do realize we can’t go back don’t you?*

“ Who’d want to?” Anna smiled at him and leaned forward to steal a quick kiss. Pulling back she returned her focus to his shirt buttons, a chore she could handle. Gasping suddenly she couldn’t stop the whimper when he reached over and cupped her chin to tilt it so he could kiss her properly.

Pulling back at the slight sound she made, Ike studied her for a moment, her blue eyes reflecting the flickering lights of the lanterns sitting on the table as she smiled into his eyes, the hesitation and doubts he’d expected to see conspicuous in their absence.

“ I’m sure about this Ike. I trust my heart, more importantly I trust you.” Anna whispered as he loosened the knot in the towel and let it pool at their feet atop his coat, vest and shirt. “I’ve wanted this, wanted you too long Ike to have doubts about it.”

Smiling Ike shrugged slightly, *I’ve always wanted you Anna, I just never thought we’d ever..* Pausing he sighed a frown marring his face as he studied her.

“ Get the chance to be together.”

Nodding, Ike sucked in a breath when she stepped closer to him and let her hands trail down his naked chest. Bending slightly he lifted her easily and carried her to the bed that lay a few feet away, ignoring the risks, the dangers of loving her for the moment.

Chapter One

Sitting on the stoop of the bunkhouse Buck watched Ike as he worked with a leggy grey mare. The mare was stubborn, and prone to bucking when you least expected it but she was one of the best horses he’d ever seen. Frowning slightly he wondered where she’d come from, he couldn’t remember her coming in with the Indian ponies that arrived two days before.

“ You look lost in thought.” Kid’s voice had him glancing up at the tall southerner.

“ Trying to remember where that mare from hell came from.” Buck replied.

“ She was delivered last night, fella said Ike had to sign for her.” Kid replied sitting next to him. “Him and Ike chatted a bit then the fella left, took off with nary a word to anyone.”

“ Funny, Ike doesn’t usually get horses delivered directly to him.”

“ Somehow I think this horse is from someone he knows. He seems to know the animal.” Kid replied.

“ That’s what scares me. Who would send a horse like that to an express rider? And why?” Buck shrugged. “Just got me curious is all.”

“ Hey you two, listen up.” Rachel walked across the yard gracefully, “ Teaspoon’s got a job for you.”

“ How many of us?” Kid asked rising.

“ And doing what?” Buck followed his friend with ease.

“ Didn’t say, just said that you’d best saddle up and get ready to ride.” Rachel smiled softly. “I have a feeling he meant all of you.”

“ Damn. I hate when he does that.” Buck muttered as Ike joined them, the mare for the moment forgotten in the corral.

*Does what?*

“ Wants everyone saddled up and ready to ride.” Kid replied quickly. “Its only been three months since we got back from Whitethorn Falls, you’d think he’d give us a break.”

*Best see what he wants first Kid. Could be something real easy.* Ike declared with a grin. Turning away he headed for the barn, the sooner they got whatever Teaspoon wanted done and over with the sooner he could head out to Tayler Station and see Anna. Thinking of the young woman who’d become such a large focus of his life Ike glanced at the mare in the corral and stifled a sigh.

Like her previous owner, the mare was stubborn, willful ,and proud, a dangerous combination and often resulting in headaches for him. Despite his pleas Anna had steadfastly refused to leave the station and move into town to be closer to people, and it had often irritated the hell out of him but more often then not he’d hid just how much he respected and appreciated her decisiveness when it came to choosing her own lifestyle. Her open-mindedness had been one of the main reasons that they’d become lovers, she’d refused to back down from what she wanted despite the risks of being involved with a man who’d chosen to work at a dangerous job.

“ Hey Ike, you coming with us or gonna stand there staring at the mare all day?” Cody’s voice had him glancing at the others.

*What do you think?* He signed pushing aside his irritation at the other man. Despite their friendships, Ike had to admit there were times when he desperately wished for an open trail or to be left behind so he could avoid their company.

“ I think you’re in trouble.” Lou whispered on her way past, “Same as the rest of us.”

“ Alright boys listen up, I’m deputizing you again.” Teaspoon started riding into the yard.

“ Of course you are.” Cody broke in, “Just like you always do.”

“ Shut up boy and listen. Sam sent me a letter, seems that John Washington and his gang are running hard over everyone and everything in the territory. Just last week they killed a banker over in Redrock. It's up to us to catch ‘em and bring ‘em in.”

“ Where are they now Teaspoon?” Kid asked fiddling with his rein as he stood holding Katy.

“ Holed up near Capital City, there’s a canyon about twenty miles east of there that’s got a cave. Apparently that’s where they’ve taken to staying when they aren’t out on a run.” Teaspoon explained. “I don’t need to remind you to be careful, these boys aren’t exactly pleasant fellas.”

“ We’ll be careful Teaspoon.” Jimmy replied with a cocky grin. “Or as careful as we always are. See you in a few days.”

“ Ride safe.” Teaspoon waved as the boys galloped out of the yard and headed southwest toward Capital City. “Ride safe and come home.”

Pushing the horses the boys pulled up to make camp near a small creek that ran across the trail. Lou had a fire going within minutes while the boys took care of the horses, gathered wood and Ike and Buck got volunteered to go fishing for supper.

“ Why is it that we’re always the ones that get to go fishing?” Buck muttered grumpily. “I hate fishing.”

*You do not.* Ike replied easily, *You hate having to do it for the boys and Lou.*

“ Same thing.” Buck replied with a glance at Ike who’d leaned back in the fading sunlight and pulled his hat down over his eyes. Studying the young man who’d been with him for so long Buck frowned, despite the fact that Ike looked relaxed, he could sense a tension running through his body that hadn’t been there before.

“ You catching anything?” Lou asked hunkering next to Ike.

“ Nope. Course it might help if someone was awake while he was fishing.” Buck replied pointedly staring at Ike.

*I am awake. While you’ve been lost in thought I’ve already caught two.* Ike glanced at Buck with an easy grin. *Just think, tomorrow night you can get supper.*

Laughing softly at the familiar banter Lou filled her canteen and headed back to the camp a few yards away. Glancing over her shoulder she noted Ike had sat up and was watching the water as the light finished fading from the sky, even as Cody started to complain about the prospect of eating her cooking.

“ Oh shut up Cody. Just goes to show you don’t have any idea what you’re talking ‘bout.” Kid groused seeing Lou walking up. He’d never admit it, but he did have to agree with Cody, Lou needed to spend some time with Rachel in the kitchen.

Within the hour dinner had been made, eaten and the dishes washed as the boys settled in around the fire. Staring into the flames Ike frowned as he ignored the quiet conversation going on around him, pulling his hat down he shifted against his saddle and waited for someone to pour fire on the flames so that there was little chance of having a fire get away from them.

Letting his mind wander Ike wished that he’d had a chance to say goodbye to Anna but he’d never really expected to be sent on a regular basis after wanted men. The knowledge of how dangerous this job was made it even harder to stay with the others when his heart told him he should just ride on to Tayler Station and stay put. A glance at Buck told him the other man was deep into the conversation of the coming fight and he sighed silently, he wouldn’t trust anyone but Buck to do what was right for Anna if something happened to him. Thinking back to that letter he’d put in his trunk with Buck’s name on it he felt a sharp pain in his chest, he’d asked more of Buck than anybody could ever really expect of another and yet he knew that Buck wouldn’t let him down, in fact he’d die trying to fulfill his wishes.

Wishing he could just skip this part of his job Ike turned his attention back to the fire that licked at the wood Lou had tossed into it’s depths and felt his body start to relax, no matter what danger lay ahead they’d face it together like the family they were. Amazed at how much he’d come to rely on those he rode with, Ike knew that there had been a time that he’d dreaded being around folks, where trust had been a commodity that he’d hoarded, and friendships were nonexistent in his life. All that had changed when he’d met Buck and they’d become fast friends, now he didn’t feel so much like the freak, the odd one out. He had friends, family, and more than that he had a girl that loved him for him, not some illusion that he’d put on.

“ Hey Ike, you with us over there or not?” Cody teased as Ike sat staring into the flames, lost in thought.

*I’m thinking, you want something?*

“ No. Just wondering why you hadn’t put your three cents in to this.” Cody replied.

*I’ll let you know when I have something valuable to say.* Ike promised and tugged his hat down over his eyes, effectively ending the conversation.

“ Leave him be Cody.” Buck muttered and glanced at Ike. Something was bothering him, and yet he knew better than to press the silent man. Pushing on him would only mean he’d take longer to say whatever was on his mind.

“ If we’re gonna get an early start we should bunk down.” Kid commented quietly with only a brief glance at Lou. “Night boys, night Lou.”

“ Good night Kid.” Lou replied and curled up on her bedroll.

Sliding into an uneasy sleep the boys shifted within their bedrolls as the darkness spread until it had taken over even the fire that still glowed in the campfire. With one on guard against the unknown the boys rotated until dawn’s early fingers crept across the sky, waking Buck who roused the others before starting on making another pot of coffee.

“ How far you figure we’ll get this morning?” Jimmy asked glancing at Ike who’d risen to saddle his horse. “If them boys are in that canyon then we’re closer to them then we think.”

“ If we push hard we should get to Capital City day after tomorrow at the latest.” Kid declared buckling his gun into place. “Unless of course we come across trouble before we get there.”

*Capital City’s only a half days hard ride east of here.* Ike declared. *Anna and I go all the time.*

“ Who’s Anna?” Cody demanded with a slight frown.

*A girl.* Ike replied. *The trails not marked so it’s kinda hard to find it. From her place is a day’s ride, and we’re a five hour ride away from where she’s at, that means that it’s half a days hard ride to Capital City.* Smiling Ike shrugged, *You should’ve taken the Wellsburg run more often, lots of things you’d have learned.*

Glowering at Ike Cody shifted and moved to saddle his own horse without comment. As soon as coffee was made they sat back down for a few minutes, it was best to come up with plan and they needed to keep their wits about them if they were to be successful.

“ So how are we going to do this?” Cody inquired. “If they’re in that cave we’re not going to be able to get them out.”

“ I don’t know.” Kid shrugged. “I’ve never heard of anything that would help get someone out of a cave before. We may just have to wait them out. We’ve got enough supplies to last a few days, that might be an option.”

“ They’re gonna be just as hard to take down if they ain’t in that cave.” Jimmy pointed out. “In case you’ve forgotten they are outlaws.”

“ We ain’t forgotten.” Kid replied quietly, a frown marring his brow as he considered the options that they had. “I think it’s safe to say that them being out in the open is safer for us then for them. It’s too bad we don’t know exactly where they’re at.”

“ Yeah but if we can get to that cave and if they aren’t there I can track ‘em.” Buck reminded him quickly. “That way we could successfully get the drop on those men.”

“ Sounds good.” Kid rose and glanced upwards. “Ain’t gonna get much done sittin’ here though, come on we’d best get going.”

Rising Lou followed Kid and the others a quick glance at Ike had her hiding her confusion. For some reason it didn’t look like he’d even paid any attention to the discussion, instead he had a far off look in his eye as though his mind was miles away. “You got an idea?” Lou whispered walking next to Ike.

Shaking his head Ike glanced down at the tiny rider, *Nope. Just thinking about the lay of the land.*

Nodding Lou mounted gracefully and fell into step with the others as they galloped toward the coming fight.

Chapter Two

Laying among the rocks of the ledge the boys stared down at the milling horses and two wagons that sat awaiting riders. “Damn this is bad.” Cody muttered. “If we go in there we’re gonna get picked off, if we stay up here we miss them all together.”

“ Not necessarily.” Buck replied with a glance at Kid. “Look, if we hurry it up and get down there we should be able to lay a trap.”

*Buck’s right. They’re not ready to go, some of those horses aren’t even saddled yet, looks like they’re just getting ready to go.* Ike signed quickly. *We’ll just keep to the rocks, that way they’ll never see us.*

“ Ike’s right. Come on.” Kid whispered quickly and backed away from the edge to move quickly albeit stealthily down a nearly invisible trail to where there was more cover and an easier shot for them.

“ How come Teaspoon didn’t come with us?” Lou suddenly asked. “Last I heard he was Marshall.”

“ Ask him when we get back.” Kid grunted with a shrug before glancing at her. “And then we’ll help tar and feather him.”

Smiling at the slight joke Lou shook her head and glanced at the opening of the cave. “Look. I think they’re moving.”

“ Looks that way.” Kid replied noting Jimmy had already palmed his gun. “You in a hurry Hickok?”

“ Yeah. I got a card game waiting for me.” Jimmy replied. “And I don’t intend to miss it.”

Shaking his head Kid shifted and glanced back to see the last of the eight man gang walk out of the cave followed by a ninth, who looked more battered and beaten than anyone should be when they’re a willing accomplice. “Wait until they’re a little further away from the opening.”

“ Like now?” Jimmy glanced at Kid frustration setting in at the other man’s attempts at bossing him. Studying the tall southerner with a furtive glance Jimmy sighed, Kid wasn’t even focusing on him, he was watching the men below them for a sign of weakness, something anything that could be exploited.

“ Hold it!” Kid hollered down to the men and ducked when bullets started to fly. “Stop them from getting back inside.” He hissed shooting at the men, glad that Buck and Ike were shooting at the opening of the cave, effectively blocking the men’s retreat.

Ducking the bullets that splintered the rocks around them, Ike shifted into a better position then opened fire on the men. He hit one mid chest, and another high up in the leg, near the hip before he felt a sharp burning sensation that seemed to suck all the air out of his lungs. Gasping he raised a hand to his chest and noted the fresh blood that trailed down his fingers, a glance at the others showed no one else had been hit and he felt a moment’s relief. Firing at the men below them, he felt a moment’s satisfaction push aside the pain as he got another before his gun slipped from his hand and he shifted, his hand going up to clutch at his chest as the pain spread, effectively cutting off his air.

Feeling the first twinges of darkness creeping into his vision he shook his head desperately, as though that would clear his vision. Laying flat out he stifled a groan when another bullet hit a mere inch from his shoulder even as he glanced almost sightlessly at the others before the darkness closed in and the sounds of the firefight drifted into nothing.

Glancing at Ike Kid froze, “Buck check on Ike.” He snapped seeing Ike laying so still was a shock but the spreading pool of blood he lay in sent cold chills down his spine as the other man moved over to where Ike lay.

Rolling his friend over, Buck knew that Ike was gone, a huge wound in his chest right above his heart told him that the spirits had taken Ike. Feeling a suffocating weight on his chest Buck struggled to breathe even as he glanced at the others and shook his head. “No.” He whispered and jumped when the boys turned back to the fight with renewed fury, grief streaking through him as he held his best friend in his arms, uncaring that his clothes were being soaked with his blood, or that tears ran down his face in unchecked fury. Leaning over him Buck rocked slightly, grief tearing at his soul until all he could feel was a deep and merciless pain that seemed to drag him under until all he could do was drown in it.

Glancing at the men that lay below them Kid closed his eyes, there were three that were alive and would have to be taken into town but he couldn’t bring himself to move. Shifting back on his heels he ran his hands through his hair, sending the waves into a careless disarray and glanced away from the others to hide the tears that filled his eyes. Feeling a touch on his arm he glanced up at Lou who hunkered next to him.

“ Kid.” Lou said. “What do we do now? We need to take Ike home.”

“ We will.” Kid whispered past the lump in his throat, “We will.” Pulling her close he hugged her and drew on her strength, offering what comfort he could to ease her pain. Tightening his grip when she burrowed into him to stifle the sound of her sobs, Kid glanced at the others and noted Buck still sat holding Ike and knew that they had to get the men to town and take Ike home.

“ What are we going to do now?” Cody asked softly, the usual sparkle of joy gone from his eyes making him look older than his time.

“ Lou and I’ll take those men to Capital City, the rest of you take Ike home.” Kid replied gruffly. “We’ll be home directly after turning those men over.”

“ I’ll do it.” Jimmy said softly, too softly, to silkily for the others to be sure he’d control his temper.

“ No Jimmy. They need you.” Looking into Jimmy’s eyes Kid felt his heart break even more at the tears shimmering just below the surface. “Go with them.”

Nodding Jimmy tucked a strand of hair behind his ear and turned back to Buck and Ike. “I’ll get the horses.”

Sitting there on the hard ground Buck barely heard him, all he could hear, all he could feel was the crashing waves of pain that hit him with each breath. They’d all known the dangers of their job, and yet they’d never expected it to be one of them. Now he’d lost part of his very soul, his world was gone and he needed something to cling to or he’d drown in the grief that tore at him.

“ Buck?” Kid’s soft voice had him glancing up. “Take him home. Ike deserves to go home.”

Nodding Buck shifted. “Did we win?”

“ Yeah we did. But at a very high price.” Kid replied and took Katy’s rein along with Lou who’d mounted Lightening. Turning their mounts they headed for where the men lay without a backwards glance at the men who’d mounted up and started for Sweetwater with their burden.

Riding slowly the boys pushed onwards, ignoring the setting sun, their only thought to get home to let their friend rest in peace. When it was too dark to see they pulled up and made a cold camp, laying Ike out and covering him with the bedroll he carried. Tucking it under the edge of his body Buck felt a fresh wave of pain and guilt hit him broadside and he closed his eyes to hide the tears that burned at the back of his eyes.

Sitting around the fire the boys were silent, one ear cocked to hear hoof beats waiting for Lou and Kid to catch up and knowing that they wouldn’t. Each lost in his own thoughts, they kept their silence for a short time then bunked down and faced away from the other, not wanting the others to see their silent grief.

Blinking rapidly Buck stared at Ike’s prone body and let the tears come, he knew that they wouldn’t stop the pain but they might ease it. Listening to the wind he knew both Cody and Jimmy were doing the same thing, each lost in their own pain at the prospect of facing life without their friend, their brother. Seeking solace in the dark, Buck closed his eyes and prayed for sleep to claim him so he could escape the nightmare that life had handed him.

Dawn’s fingers had just began to peak over the horizon when the boys were awakened by the sound of hoof beats and rose to stare back down the trail. Feeling only relief at the paint and black horses that were trotting toward them, the boys pushed their emotions away and waited for the others to catch up.

“ You must have ridden all night.” Buck commented as Kid swung down followed by Lou. A glance had Buck feeling a prick of displeasure, it looked like Kid had been in a fight, a slight bruise marred one cheek and his lip was a little swollen.

“ Naw, ran into the deputy Marshall from Capital City about five miles away from the canyon, gave him the prisoners and that other man who was beat up.”

“ What happened to your face?” Jimmy asked.

“ One of the prisoners wasn’t too anxious to go to jail.” Kid replied quickly and reached for a cup of coffee. “I figure we should get home this afternoon maybe.”

“ Yeah.” Buck shrugged. “Depending on how things go might be after dark.”

“ We should go then.” Jimmy declared ignoring how Lou had moved to lean against the Kid, it looked like grief made everything clearer. Studying the young couple he sighed, it looked like Lou had forgiven Kid, a choice that for them was a good one, a necessary one. He loved them dearly but he knew they needed each other.

Mounting up the boys watched as Buck fashioned two poles into a travois and tied his bedroll between them to make it easier traveling for everyone before putting Ike’s body in it and covering it.

Starting out the boys fell into step, the silence between them unbroken except for the snort of a horse or the passing of the water canteen. Pulling up in late afternoon the boys stared at the familiar windmill in the distance and glanced at each other.

“ This is going to be hard.” Kid murmured. “How do we tell Rachel and Teaspoon?”

“ I don’t know, we’ll just have to do it.” Buck replied quickly and nudged his horse forward.

“Teaspoon riders coming.” Rachel called to the station master who was in the barn.

“ The boys?”

“ I think so only they’re walking in.” Rachel replied as Teaspoon joined her to watch the slow procession as they got closer.

“ Something’s gone wrong.” Teaspoon declared noting the quiet and the empty horse. “Ike’s not with them.”

“ Yes he his.” Buck replied and glanced behind Ike’s horse. “It was a very expensive mission Teaspoon.”

“ Oh no.” Rachel breathed as the boys dismounted and headed to help Buck carry Ike into the barn. Following them she noted the way the boys all carried him, there was no hesitation, no shying away from the obvious, instead there was a deep bond that each drew on. Drawing strength from the others until they were a solid unit.

“ We’re going to give him a Kiowa burial.” Buck declared. “Tomorrow we’ll take him up.”

“ I’m sorry boys.” Teaspoon said feeling saddened at the loss of one of his boys. “I know how much Ike meant to you all.”

“ Yeah.” Buck glanced at him then turned to the others. “We should get the horses taken care of.” Moving past the aging station master they moved to care for the horses ignoring the way Teaspoon watched with a pinched look on his face, even ignoring Rachel who stood a few feet away, crying softly as she watched them.