Buck searched the ground thoroughly for signs in which direction the kidnappers were headed. They were good at covering their tracks, but he was better at tracking and found what he was looking for within minutes. Standing up, he yelled, “Here! They went this way!” The other riders raced to where the half-Kiowa stood, looking into the distance. “You sure?” Jimmy asked, not doubting his ability at tracking, but the fear that they wouldn’t be in time to rescue Emma. Lou laid a hand on his arm, reassuring him. “Buck’s the best, Jimmy. If he says they went that way, that’s the way they went.” “I know, I know. Sorry, Buck. Didn’t mean to sound like I was doubting ya. It’s just that I’m worried…” “We all are,” Kid stated, having gathered the horses and began handing everyone their own mounts reins. Ike patted his chest to get their attention. *Let’s get going. Maybe we can still catch up with them before dark.* “Ike’s right. We should hurry. The tracks aren’t all that old,” Buck mentioned swinging up on Warrior without effort. The other’s followed suit and began pursuing the kidnappers. As they rode hard, Buck offered up a prayer to his gods. ‘Please, let us be in time to save Emma. She’s become like a mother to me and I can’t stand to lose another. Not when I’ve just found her.’ Glancing at the other riders, Buck’s heart swelled. He had been lost, living in two worlds but belonging to none for so long and now, he had a family. People who cared about him and were willing to die for him if need be. He felt the same about each and every one of them. ‘We may not be blood, but we’ve grown closer than any brothers and sister could ever be. These people are my family and I will do everything in my power to keep them safe. This is my secret vow, to them and to me…’ A smile crossed his face as Ike looked over at him and returned the smile. One of Teaspoon’s sayings crossed his mind. ‘We’re family. Family does for one another. Always.’ Yep, Teaspoon sure got that one right, he thought as they caught site of the dust cloud in front of them. Spurring their horses faster, the riders were determined to get their Emma back unharmed. The ensuing gunfight left three of the kidnappers injured and two dead. Emma was tied safely to a horse that had the sense to run a ways from the fighting so that she remained uninjured. Lou ran to untie her hands from the pommel of the saddle. Rubbing her wrists, which were numb from the ropes, Emma turned to each of her boys and girl, giving them one of her most heartfelt smiles and hugged them all with tears in her eyes. “Thank God for my riders!” she cried. Buck seconded the sentiment as he repeated his secret vow to always take care of his family. Drop me a note and let me know what you thought!