The dark clouds massing in the eastern sky were moving rapidly to the west, driven by winds that were just beginning to tug at the clothing of the two horsemen. They observed the increasing darkness with concern.
"I suppose it would be too much to hope that we would be able to reach town before the storm breaks." Ezra Standish scowled at the black clouds with a look that was equally dark.
Chris Larabee shook his head. "It'll break before we're even halfway there."
Ezra nodded and sighed. "Any suggestions?"
"The Colby homestead's about a half hours' ride from here. I reckon they'd let us take shelter with them."
Ezra responded with a nod, and both men moved the mounts into a faster gait.
The wind continued to pick up as they rode. Now it whipped fiercely at their clothes and Ezra had to hold his hat tightly to his head. Chris had given up on his earlier, and it now sat in front on him, tied by its cord to his saddle pommel. Riding into the Colby yard, they saw sixteen year old Matthew coming from the barn. He stopped, waiting as they approached.
"Matthew." Chris leaned forward and asked, "Where are your parents?"
"They've gone to Ridge City. Aunt Anne is ill. Dad took Mama so she could stay with her ‘til she's better. He'll be back in a couple of days."
"Meggie and Sam?" Ezra looked around as he asked.
Matthew nodded his head towards the house. "Inside, getting the cellar ready. Figured it would be safer to ride out the storm down there."
"Good thinking. You got room for a couple more?"
"Sure," Matthew grinned at the gunslinger. He knew the peacekeepers were always welcome at their home. He also felt relief that there would be adults around if this storm turned out to be as bad as it looked.
"Do you need any help?"
The youth shook his head. "No, Mr. Larabee. I just finished seeing to the animals."
"All right. We'll take care of our horses and then join you."
Matthew nodded and headed for the house.
The wind made the two horses skittish and difficult to handle as the men worked with them. They had just finished removing their gear when Matthew came running out of the house.
"They're gone! Meggie and Sam, they're gone."
Both men turned to him.
"What do you mean gone?"
"They're not in the house, Mr. Larabee. They weren't in the cellar when I got there. I checked the rest of the house, but I couldn't find them."
"Surely they know better than to be out in this."
"Mixer's gone, too, Mr. Standish. If the pup took off, Sam would have followed."
"And Miss Meggie would have followed Sam." Ezra looked towards the nearby trees and considered the difficulty they might have finding the children, even if they hadn't gone too far. He removed his hat with a sigh and handed it to the boy.
Chris reached a hand out to squeeze Matthew's shoulder. "We'll go look for them. Can you get our gear inside and make sure everything's ready when we get back?"
Matthew swallowed and nodded, looking after the two men until they entered the tree stand. When he could no longer see them, he picked up the lighter objects first and carried them into the house. It took him two more trips to retrieve the saddles.
The two men fought their way through the trees as the wind pushed at them. It was strong enough that branches were flying through the air. Chris tapped Ezra on the shoulder and then shouted in his ear. "Can't hear anything in this. Better stay together."
Ezra nodded and took the lead. His eyes searched the area to their right, while Chris followed a few steps back searching the left. They needed to find the children fast. Once the rain started conditions would deteriorate even faster, immensely decreasing their chances.
Chris had been looking to his left and turned just in time to see Ezra struck by a large branch that dropped him to his knees. "Ezra!" Chris rushed forward and knelt next to his friend.
Stunned, Ezra took a deep breath before looking at him. "I'm all right." He sat back on his heels and started to raise a hand to his head, then froze as something ahead and to his right caught his attention. He squinted to get a better look. There was something huddled half behind a nearby tree. "I've found them!" he shouted to Chris and crawled around the tree. In a moment he had his arms full of trembling children.
"There now. You're safe now," he murmured rocking them gently.
Chris had followed and now took the boy into his own arms. As he did so, he caught a glimpse of Ezra's face. "You're bleeding!"
Ezra shook his head and stood with Meggie wrapped around him. "No time! Go!"
Chris nodded and they began to fight their way back to the house.
As they neared the house, Ezra was finding it increasingly difficult to keep to his feet and it wasn't the wind that was giving him problems. When the branch had first struck him he hadn't felt any pain. The urgency of finding the children and getting them to safety had distracted him. Now, however, he was fighting both pain and dizziness. He watched as Chris entered the house with Sam and sighed in relief. Now he just had to get Meggie to shelter as well.
The house was only a few yards away when he stumbled and fell to his knees. Gasping, he shouted into Meggie's ears, "You can make it from here. Go. I'll be right behind you." He set her down and gave her a gentle push in the right direction, then watched her enter the house before struggling to regain his feet.
When he reached the house, Chris carried Sam inside and down into the cellar. Matthew took him and, after a quick hug and check for injuries, started scolding him for leaving the house. Chris looked around the room, mentally cataloging the bedding and towels that had been brought down as well as their gear, the space itself and the items it held. Looking toward the cellar door he wondered what was taking the others so long. Frowning, he headed back up. Coming out of the kitchen he saw Meggie running into the house alone. "Where's Ezra?"
She looked at him with wide eyes. "He fell down and told me to go ahead. He said he'd be right behind me." She looked back towards the door, searching for him.
"I'll see to Ezra. Your brothers are in the cellar. Go on and join them." He reached the front door just as the clouds opened up in a downpour, and Ezra stumbled the last few feet to the house and onto the porch, soaked in just those few seconds. Chris quickly moved to help him into the house and then down into the cellar.
Once there, Ezra's attention was immediately drawn to the three children. The two younger children were wrapped in blankets and sitting with their brother. "They all right?" he asked.
"Yes, sir. Thanks to you and Mr. Larabee. Just cold and a bit scared," Matthew answered.
"We'll be safe down here." Chris said to reassure the little ones. "You did a good job, Matt."
The boy's smile at the compliment turned into a frown as he looked at Ezra.
Just then Sam let out a wail, "Where's Mixer? You didn't bring Mixer." He lunged out of his sister's arms and headed for the stairs.
Matthew caught him around his waist and held him firmly. "You can't go out there. The storm's too bad."
"But I want Mixer. Go find him!" The five year old was determined.
"If we go out there we're gonna get sick. Mr. Ezra already got hurt looking for you." Matthew was firm with his little brother, turning him around as he spoke. "See."
Chris also turned to look. Ezra was standing there shivering, and making no effort to care for himself. "Best get out of them wet clothes, Ezra. Our gear's right over there."
Ezra stared at him for a second. "What?" He looked down at himself and frowned. "Oh. Your suggestion does seem to have merit." As he started to remove his coat he swayed.
Chris was at his side in an instant, guiding him to a nearby crate. "Sit down."
Ezra complied and began removing his coat. He managed to get his right arm out of the sleeve with only a slight struggle, but when he attempted to move his left arm he doubled over in pain.
"Shoulder out?"
"No," he gasped. "Hurts just as bad though."
Matthew, who had been watching, now came over with blankets and a lantern. Chris nodded his thanks.
"Ezra, I need you to look at me."
The gambler slowly lifted his head and Chris could see the gash that ran along the left side of his face.
"Damn."
"That good?" Ezra managed a tight smile.
"Let's see what the rest of the damage is."
Ezra nodded and allowed Chris to help him finish removing the coat, followed by his holsters and vest. They had to stop for a moment after the vest was removed as Ezra doubled over once more in pain.
Chris picked Ezra's coat back up, and finding the ever-present flask, opened it. "Here, Ez."
The gamble took a few deep drinks, nodded his thanks, and handed the flask back.
"Ready?"
Ezra nodded, though he was still hunched over, holding his left arm tightly against his body.
Chris quickly undid the buttons, then eased the shirt off. "Damn." He stared at the bruising revealed.
"Mr. Larabee?"
"Can you raise your arm?"
Ezra tried, but only moved it a few inches before the pain stopped him.
"Gonna have to cut off your undershirt to see what's here."
"Chris?"
"You've got a huge bruise here, pard."
"Could you be a bit more precise?"
"Not until I can see it all."
Ezra sighed. "There are scissors in my pack."
It took only a few moments to find the scissors and cut the shirt away.
"So what is the verdict, Mr. Larabee."
"Your whole shoulder is bruised, and the mark continues down your back." He ran his hands down the injured area. "Can't find any breaks, but that doesn't mean nothing's cracked."
Hearing the conversation, Matthew retrieved a jar from a shelf and brought it over to them. "Mama uses this for our bruises."
"Thanks, Matthew." Chris opened the jar and carefully rubbed the slave into the bruised area.
Ezra tensed under the touch, but forced himself not to draw away.
"Meggie, Sam, come help me make a bed up for Mr. Ezra." Matthew coaxed his siblings into helping.
Chris saw what Matthew was doing and nodded to himself. That boy thought ahead. Finished with the salve, he wrapped a blanket around Ezra's shoulders.
"Gonna fix up a sling for you. Take some pressure off your shoulder. Then I'll take a look at your head." Even as he spoke, Chris had the sling ready and slipped over Ezra's head. The he eased Ezra's left arm into it. The relief from that simple action was visible in Ezra's face, and Chris allowed himself a small smile.
"Better?" he asked.
"Immensely," was the heartfelt response.
Chris turned his attention to the head wound.
"Gonna clean this off. Hope it don't need stitches."
Ezra started to give a mock shudder, but stopped with a gasp as his shoulder protested. "That would be my hope as well. While I am sure you would do a competent job, prior experience tells me that Nathan's stitching is superior." He bit back a gasp as Chris reached a tender spot.
"Sorry. Almost done."
"How does it look?"
"It's long, but not too deep. Should be all right without stitching. There's a lot of bruising here though. Probably have quite a shiner by morning as well."
"Oh, joy. Something to look forward to."
He swayed suddenly and Chris caught him.
"You all right?"
"Dizzy," was the soft answer.
"Let's get a shirt on you and then get you lying down. The kids have a bed ready for you."
The children! Ezra turned to look at them and frowned as his vision blurred.
"Meggie? Sam?"
"They're fine. They're waiting for you." Chris was concerned by the signs of confusion Ezra was beginning to show. He hoped the disorientation wasn't from the blow to the head. That was the one injury he really couldn't do anything to ease. Choosing a shirt from Ezra's pack, he held it while Ezra slipped his right arm into the sleeve, then pulled it around and buttoned it over the left arm. Helping Ezra up, he took on most of the other man's weight for a moment. When he felt him settle more on his own feet, he walked him over to the makeshift bed and eased him down.
On the floor, Ezra sat with his head resting against his bent knees unaware of his surroundings as he fought off chills and nausea. After a while he could feel the hand Chris had placed on his back, lending his support.
After he managed a few deep breaths, he lifted his head and really looked around for the first time. The cellar they were in was good sized, with shelves on two of the walls. His vision was fuzzy enough that he couldn't make out the details, but knowing the family he was sure they were filled with foods they had put up. He remembered the chilled cream he had been served one day and knew there must be a channel of water running through to keep things cold, probably at the other end.
A soft whimper brought his attention to the children. The two younger ones were huddled in their brother's arms. Sam had his head buried in Matt's side, but Meggie was staring in his direction. When she suddenly duck backed he was became aware of the storm that had driven them here. He could hear the roar of the wind and the groan of the walls as they shook above them.
"Ezra?"
He ignored Chris for the moment, needing all his attention to focus on the children. There had to be something he could do to alleviate their fear. "Lord. Why is it so hard to think?"
"Ezra! You gotta lie down and get warm."
The frustration in the other man's voice broke through to him, and he realized just how cold he was. That gave him an idea that would ease two, perhaps even three problems.
"Meggie, dahlin' would you consider coming and sitting with me. I'm afraid I am going to have a hard time getting warm."
Chris hid his smile. Ezra put so much pleading into his voice and the look on his face that there was no way the child would be able to resist. It was a damn good idea. The body heat from one little girl might not be much help, but he would take what he could get. And as long as Ezra was conscious he'd be bent on finding ways to distract the children. That was bound to help too.
Meggie proved him right by dashing to the conman and snuggling next to him.
"Hold on there a minute, Meggie. Let Ezra lie down first, then you can have him."
She quickly moved back and watched with solemn eyes as Chris helped Ezra settle back on the saddle that had been padded with pillows. He used a folded blanket to brace Ezra slightly onto his right side, hoping to keep pressure off the bruised area. He pulled the quilts up and Meggie settled herself on top of them on the right and wrapped a blanket around herself.
Sam had been watching all this and now sat biting his lower lip. "Me too," he suddenly cried and dashed over.
Chris caught him up before he could bump into Ezra's bad arm. "Hold on there, pard. You're gonna hurt Ezra if you're on this side."
The little boy thought for a long moment, then gave a triumphant grin. "I could lay down by his legs. They've gotta be cold, too."
"That is a very accurate assessment, Master Sam." When the boy frowned, Ezra said, "You're right. My legs are cold."
When Chris put him down, Sam immediately snuggled next to Ezra's legs, and was covered with another blanket.
Ezra looked up and realized that Chris was smirking at him. He frowned, but when he looked down at himself he realized why. It would be next to impossible for him to move in his current position. He glared at the older man, but there was no heat in it as he realized that moving wasn't really something he wanted to do just now anyway. Though there was something he needed.
"Mr. Larabee, might I trouble you for a drink of water?"
"What? Oh, hell, Ezra I'm sorry." Glancing around he found one of their canteens, and crouched down to help Ezra drink. Chris chastised himself for not giving him any earlier. "Want any more?" He asked as the younger man settled back.
"No, thank you." Ezra saw the self-reproach in the other's eyes and tried to alleviate it. "No one can think of everything, and you have done an excellent job tending to my injuries."
Another strong gust shook the house and Meggie trembled next to him. He wrapped his right arm around her and drew her closer. He cocked his head pretending to listen. "You know what that wind makes me think of?"
Meggie looked at him and shook her head.
"Why, it reminds me of Paul Bunyan whistling?"
The girl frowned. "Who's Paul Bunyan?"
Ezra pretended surprise as he looked at her. "You don't know who Paul Bunyan is?"
Again she shook her head no.
"How about you?" He asked Sam, who also shook his head. "Why Paul Bunyan is simply the most famous lumberjack of all time."
"What's a lummjack?" Sam asked.
"A lumberjack is a man whose job it is to cut down trees."
"Why's he famous?" Meggie wanted to know.
"Well, he's famous partly because he was the best at what he did. But mostly he was famous because he was a giant."
Two pairs of young eyes widened as they stared at him. "A giant?"
"Yes, Miss Meggie, a giant. Why young Paul was so large that it took five storks all the strength they had to deliver him to his parents. And the buttons on his clothes, they were made of wagon wheels."
Chris grinned as he took in the looks on the children's faces. Ezra had them totally enthralled, forgetting the storm completely. It might not be the best thing for Ezra, though. He settled himself down where he could intervene easily if it became too much for the injured Southerner. He nodded to Matthew who had moved to sit on the other side, near his brother and sister, and listened to the tales Ezra was spinning.
The wind continued to blow, and Ezra continued to keep the children distracted with his tales. They missed the increasing strain in his voice, but Chris did not. He was about to speak up when Ezra placed a finger first to his own lips and then pointed to the children, and Chris realized that they had fallen asleep.
"Good job. How are you doing?"
Ezra sighed softly and closed his eyes. "I'm warmer."
He opened his eyes again, and Chris saw the pain that wasn't tempered by any artifice.
"Here."
Chris hadn't noticed Matthew move, but now he was standing beside him, holding out a tin cup.
"What is it?"
"Milk, with honey." At the questioning look, Matt shrugged. "Mama always feeds it to us when we're sick. Mama usually warms it up, but it's still good cold."
Chris took the cup and turned to Ezra, raising an eyebrow in question. Receiving a small nod in response, he gently slipped an arm under Ezra's shoulders to raise him up a bit more and held the glass to his lips. "Slowly now."
Ezra took a couple of sips then waited for the liquid to settle. When it went down easily and seemed to be staying down, he drank some more. It took a few minutes for him to finish the glass, and he found himself fighting to stay awake long enough to do so. He felt himself being lowered back onto the pillows and allowed himself to yield to his body's need for rest.
"Will he be all right?"
Unwilling to lie to the boy, Chris shrugged. "Hard to say. If we can keep him warm, and if he didn't hit his head too hard, he should be."
"Will we be all right?"
"The house is well-built. Even if it goes we should be all right down here."
Matthew nodded, relishing the respect the gunslinger was showing him by being honest.
"We may as well try to get some rest too. No telling how long the storm will last." Chris put action to his words, making a bed for himself on Ezra's left and watched as Matthew did the same on the right. He hoped the boy would be able to sleep. He knew that any sleep he got for himself would be light at best, as he watched over the group that had become his current responsibility.
Once the others were asleep, Chris turned the lamp down, not wanting to use up the oil, and allowed himself to fall into a light doze. He didn't know how much later it was when a strong gust of wind shook the house above them, bringing him back to full alertness. Another strong gust woke Matthew, who sat up and looked quickly around him before settling his eyes on the gunslinger.
"Storm's peaking right above us."
The boy nodded, his eyes wide, then glanced at his siblings who were both still sleeping.
Chris sent a glance of his own to Ezra and pressed his lips together tightly. It wasn't a good sign that he showed no response to the increase in the storm's intensity.
Another strong gust drew his eyes upwards. This one was even stronger than the previous ones, and it wasn't letting up. Suddenly there was a loud crash, and the house shuddered all the way down to the cellar.
"Get down!" Chris shouted, and reached out an arm to pull the boy down and tried to shield them all with his body.
It was several long moments before the shaking stopped. Chris cautiously lifted his head and then slowly sat back, looking around.
"What happened?"
It was the first hint of fear Chris had heard in Matthew's voice and he was impressed with the boy's maturity. The younger children were also awake now and crying quietly. Meggie held Sam tightly in her arms.
"Sounded like a tree hit the house."
Matthew frowned. "Will we be able to get out?"
"We'll get out. It may not be easy, and we may need help, but we will get out. We wait for now. No sense trying ‘til the storm's over. Might make things worse."
Matthew nodded.
Chris looked at the ceiling above, them thinking about the one factor he hadn't mentioned. Time. There was no way of telling how long it would take them to get out from the cellar or what shape they would be in when they did so.
"Mister Ezra's still sleeping."
Meggie's soft voice drew his attention back to the other major problem and he uttered a quiet curse. Ezra hadn't stirred, or made a sound during the crashing that had woken the rest of them. Chris pulled the one lantern they'd left lit closer to get a better look,.
The bruises on the left side of his face were spreading and turning darker, his left eye heavily swollen. Ezra wouldn't be able to open it far if at all. In contrast, the right side of his face seemed almost as white as the bandage around his head.
Matthew took Meggie and Sam by their hands and led them away so they wouldn't be a distraction.
Chris gently tapped Ezra's right cheek, trying to get a response. "Ezra. Come on Ezra. Time to wake up." It took more than a minute, but then there was finally a faint flickering of his eyelids. "That's it. Open your eyes."
Ezra slowly responded. His left eye opened only a sliver while his right one blinked repeatedly. Finally, it stayed open.
Watching the eye wander aimlessly Chris positioned himself directly in his line of sight. He smiled when Ezra seemed to focus on him.
"Chris?" His name was spoken slowly, in a voice that was soft and sounded unsure.
"Yeah, it's Chris. How're you doing?"
His eye wandered away again as he seemed to ignore the question.
"Where?"
"The Colby's"
"Oh." It was more of a breath than a word with understanding behind it. His eye wandered back. "Why?"
The lack of inflection in the simple question sent a chill down Chris' spine. "The storm. Remember?"
"No."
He focused on Chris for a second and then his eye wandered away yet again. The chill settled in deeper.
"Ezra?" There was no response. "C'mon, pard. I need you to look at me."
Chris held his breath, waiting.
Ezra finally looked at him again. He started to move his head as if to get a clearer look, then stopped abruptly and closed his eyes tightly.
"Sick."
With a scan of the area Chris found a bucket and grabbed it. He eased the gambler up, supporting him just in time as he retched into the receptacle. When the spasms passed, Chris continued to hold him, allowing the younger man to lean into him as his body shuddered with pain-filled gasps.
Ezra fought the pain and nausea that still threatened. They were all that filled his world at the moment.
"Ready to lie back down?"
"No."
"All right. Let me know when." Holding onto the trembling body, he realized how cold Ezra's skin still felt, and bit back another curse. Without being able to light a fire there wasn't much more they could do to get him warm. A moan was all the warning he had to get Ezra back over the bucket. These spasms seemed to shake him more than the previous ones, causing even more pain, and when they were over a soft whimper escaped the conman. Chris gently wiped tears from the battered face.
"What's wrong with Mr. Ezra?" Sam's eyes were wide. He'd never seen a grownup act like that.
"He's sick," Matthew said, keeping it simple for the young boy.
"Why?"
"Cause he was in the storm," Meggie said, worry showing on her face.
"He'll be all right." Matthew hugged the children with a confidence he didn't feel as he watched the two men.
After few minutes a deepening of Ezra's breathing, and an increase in his weight, told Chris that he was either sleeping or unconscious again. He gently eased him back to the makeshift bed and pulled the covers up, tucking them in tightly, hoping to create a little extra warmth.
* * * * * *
Ezra woke up in pain. He couldn't remember where he was, and it was too dark to see much. He could hear a quiet murmur of voices, but was unable to make out any words. Where was he? What had happened? He needed to know. His mind was working sluggishly and his body felt heavy. Where were his guns? It was disconcerting not to feel their weight.
"Ezra?" One of the voices came closer. "Ezra? You awake?"
A hand touched his shoulder, and he pushed himself away from it. Or tried to. Only one arm seemed to be working and it left him off balance. And frightened. He forced his feet to work, pushing himself backwards until he suddenly bumped into a wall. He tried to press himself even further back, and then the pain hit. Sharp pain, surging up his back and bursting in his head. He doubled over panting; trying to gain control, but it overwhelmed him. A chill spread through his body, bringing nausea with it and he hunched over miserably, unable to keep himself from vomiting.
The spasms seemed unending and left Ezra with no chance to breathe. Finally he was able to take in air, but each gasping breath came with such pain that it stole what little air he was able to take in. Then firm hands were there, gently supporting him, and a quiet voice spoke into his ear. He allowed himself to be pulled back into strong arms, and felt someone wiping his face with a cool, damp cloth. He rested there until he felt he had recovered somewhat. Reluctantly he opened his eyes to find hazel ones looking down at him with concern.
"How you doing, Ezra?"
Ezra frowned, trying to place the eyes, or the voice. "Know you?" he asked weakly.
"Yeah, you know me." The voice was calm, reassuring. "We work together."
"Ah." Before he could think any further, nausea hit again, and this episode left him feeling shaky and incredibly weak.
"When you're ready, we'll get you back to your bed."
Ezra didn't even try to answer, but did manage to squeeze one of the hands holding him, showing his understanding. Though he really wasn't sure he wanted to move at all.
Long before he was ready, the stranger who said he knew him, asked, "Ready to move?"
"No," he answered shortly, then opened his eyes again, realizing for the first time that only one seemed to be working. "Need to?"
"Don't think you really want to stay here." The man tilted his head towards the mess on the ground.
"Oh." He swallowed hard. It would be better to be away from ‘that' but he didn't feel up to moving. Didn't even have the energy to find the words to say so. All he could do was stare at the other man. That seemed to be enough.
"All right. We'll do everything, you just hang on. I'm gonna lift you up, and then Matt and I will get you back to your bed."
"Wait." Ezra swallowed. He wanted to know who was helping him. "Name?"
There was a pause and then the man answered softly, "Chris."
Chris lifted him slowly to his feet, and held him up while a youth Ezra assumed must be Matt came to his other side, and they practically carried him over to a pile of bedding where they placed him. By that time he was trembling and feeling nauseous again and was very grateful for the strong arms that continued to hold him.
"Let's get you lying down."
"No," he pleaded, grabbing the man's, Chris' shirt.
"All right. We can sit here for a while."
Ezra closed his eyes and slowly relaxed.
Chris leaned back, letting Ezra rest against his chest. That was twice now the man had resisted lying down while conscious and he wondered about it. He could tell Ezra was out again, but didn't lay him down yet; instead he tightened his grip remembering how frightening it had been when Ezra had tried to get away from him, looking terrified. He looked down into the swollen face. He'd hoped that, in spite of appearances, the blow to the head would prove to not be a problem. Now those hopes were dashed. Ezra didn't know him. He wondered how much worse he would get before they could get out of here. One hopeful sign was that even now Ezra trusted him.
* * * * *
The storm had finally passed and Chris cautiously opened the cellar door and ducked back, cursing, as a small shower of debris fell towards him. With the debris came a rush of cold air. It was night, and darker outside than it was in. When nothing further fell, Chris turned back to the doorway. It was blocked. Using his hands he could make out parts of a tree and pieces of worked wood that were probably parts of the house. He couldn't find any spaces big enough for someone to get through. They'd have to wait until morning to see what they could do.
He shivered in the cold air and closed the door quickly. The chill followed him down the stairs and he bit back another curse. Ezra was already too cold, and they had the children to worry about, too.
"Let's bundle them up together again. Only way we'll keep them warm tonight."
Matthew nodded and the two of them tucked Sam and Meggie in next to Ezra, and then covered them with all the blankets.
"You lie down with them too," Chris directed. "I'll settle in on the other side."
Matthew slid in with his arms around his siblings and Chris made sure he was covered up as well before stretching out behind Ezra.
(I had a feeling I'd lost one of my dividers as I moved things around, but I couldn't find the spot.)
* * * * *
Vin Tanner stood at the window of the saloon looking out at the dark streets. "Storm's passed," he said.
"Have to wait ‘til morning to see what the damage is," Josiah said.
"I sure hope Chris and Ezra didn't get caught in it." JD took a sip of his beer.
"They'd have seen it coming," Buck said with seeming assurance.
"Don't mean they could get to shelter in time." Vin continued to stare out the window. His friends knew how to take care of themselves, but nature had a way of besting even the most prepared.
* * * *
It had been a long night. Chris sat back watching the others sleep. He'd wake Matthew in a little while. It would be light enough soon to see what they were dealing with. Hopefully they'd be able to get out of the cellar without too much trouble. They needed to get Ezra out of here as quickly as possible.
The gambler had woken three more times during the night. He'd taken some water each time, but had not really responded to anything else. There was no sign of a fever yet, but his skin felt clammy, and Chris had enough experience to know that wasn't a good sign.
* * * * *
As soon as it was light the remaining peacekeepers split up, both to check on the outlying ranches and farms, and to look for their missing friends.
* * * *
Vin frowned as he and JD approached the Wells' cabin. The buildings seemed to have weathered the storm, but there was no sign of the women, and no smoke rising from the chimney.
"JD, stay back here. I'm going to check it out."
The younger man nodded and Vin rode on, cautiously surveying both the ground and his surroundings. There was no sign of any threat but Vin still checked out both the barn and the house before waving JD in.
"Looks like Nettie and Casey set out in the wagon this morning."
"If they headed into town, we should have passed them," JD said.
Vin shook his headed. "They headed out that way."
"But why?"
"Best way to find out is to follow them."
"Well, then, let's go."
* * * *
"Hey, Nate. Look over there."
"What?" Nathan turned his head to see what had caught Buck's attention. Two horses stood just where the tree line began to thicken. Without a word both men turned their horses in that direction.
Reaching the horses, Buck was the first to dismount, speaking softly to keep from spooking them. "It's their horses all right."
"Don't seem to be hurt none." Nathan ran knowing hands along them.
"Nope. Gear's all off. The boys must have found some place to hole up."
"Maybe. Or maybe just didn't want them getting caught up on something. Can probably track them to where they were when the rain stopped at least."
"Yeah. There's a few spreads around here. We can check them out."
They used rope for makeshift halters then remounted and rode on leading the other horses.
* * * *
Nettie stopped the wagon as she saw the men riding up. "Boys." She nodded at them. "What brings you up this way?"
"Following you." Vin grinned. "Came out to see how you'd fared and found your place empty."
"Wanted to check on the Colby youngsters. Their parents are in Ridge City."
"Reckon we can ride along with you. Lend a hand if needed."
"Reckon you can," Nettie said with a nod.
JD spoke up. "Hey, Vin. Maybe Chris and Ezra stopped there. It's not too far off their path."
"Maybe."
* * * *
There was room at the top of the stairs for only one person to work so Chris was taking it in turns with Matthew. They were using a hatchet on the branches and pushing as much of the debris as they could out of the way as they came to it. The hole they had made so far was only big enough for Meggie to get through. They had a lot of work ahead of them.
* * * *
"Dear Lord," Nettie gasped when the house came in to sight. Much of the roof was torn off and a large tree had crashed down, tearing through the house.
"Good bit of it is still standing," Vin reassured.
Casey looked around. "Don't see anyone about."
"They got a good cellar, Casey. Could be they're down there." Vin rode his horse forward and called out, "Hello the house."
* * * *
Chris jerked his head up. "Vin?" he shouted.
"Chris? Where are you? Cellar?"
"Yeah. Me, Ezra and the kids."
Vin had been making his way through the debris as he spoke and now made eye-contact with his friend.
"Nate with you?" Chris asked.
"Nope. JD. Nettie and Casey, too. Who's hurt?"
"Ezra. Took a bad blow. Why's Nettie with you?"
"They was heading up here to check on the young ‘uns when we met up with them." He finished his survey of the damage. "Gonna take a bit of work to get you out of there."
Matthew called out from behind Chris. "There's some good tools out in the barn. If it's still standing."
"Thanks, Matt. Barn looks pretty good. Tools should be fine." Vin turned to look at JD who nodded and then trotted towards the barn. "JD's going for them."
Nettie had made her way to the blocked door by this time. "Casey could ride back to town for more help."
Vin shook his head. "We should be able to clear this before anyone would be able to get back here. ‘Sides, Nate and Buck headed out for the Seminole village. Josiah's the only one in town."
"How bad did the town get hit?" Chris asked with concern.
"Storm pretty much passed it by. Tore up some roofs and broke some windows. Nothing big."
"Good."
"Here comes JD. We'll get this cleared away fast as we can."
"Casey, girl, why don't you and I see what we can find to make the wagon more comfortable."
"Be careful. If it looks unsafe come back down."
"We will, Vin."
The two women headed up to what was left of the second floor. With Vin and JD working from the other side it wasn't safe at the top of the stairs so Chris went back down to wait. He tried to rouse Ezra, but was unsuccessful.
Once the opening was big enough, Sam and Meggie were lifted out, along with some of the blankets and pillows. Nettie took charge of the children and the linens.
"How much longer, Vin?" Chris stood a few steps down from the top.
"Figure another hour ‘fore we can get you and Ezra out. Maybe less. How's he doing?"
"No change."
"Riders coming," Casey called out.
Vin turned to look. "It's Nathan. Looks like they found your horses." He waited as the men rode up. "Thought you were going up to the village."
Buck grinned. "Took a detour when we spotted these two." He indicated the unsaddled horses. "Looks like you could use some help."
"Sure could, Bucklin."
"Is everyone all right?" Nathan was checking over the children as he asked.
"Kids are fine," Vin answered.
"Where are there parents? And Matthew?"
"Parents are in Ridge City. Matthew's down there with Chris and Ezra." Vin tilted his head towards the cellar opening. "Ezra's hurt."
"They're here?" He made his way over to the opening. "Chris, what happened to Ezra?"
"Wind threw a large branch at him. He took a heavy blow to his head and back. He's pretty bruised up."
"He awake?"
"Nope. Not for a few hours now. The last few times he was awake he didn't know me."
"Damn."
Buck clapped his hands together. "Well, lets get this door cleared so we can get to you boys."
With the four of them working, they made short work of the rest of the blockage. Matthew was soon out, and only a few minutes after that Nathan was on his way down. Kneeling next to Ezra, he used eyes and hands to judge the injuries.
"How long's he been out?"
"A few hours this last time. He'd been coming to every couple of hours."
"Tell me again what happened."
Chris described the blow and Ezra's behavior afterwards. "First time he went to sleep I had a hard time waking him back up. He was confused, but he knew who I was and responded to me. Next time, he didn't know me. He hasn't spoken since that time, but he's taken water three times."
"He been sick?"
"Yeah."
"First thing we gotta do is get him out of here. Can't find anything broken, but we'll still need to take care moving him."
It took some discussion and maneuvering, but they came up with a solution that had Ezra outside before long. Nathan frowned as he was able to take a closer look at Ezra's injuries. The bruising revealed how hard the blow had been. From what Chris had said, there was the possibility the shoulder blade was cracked. It would probably be best to keep the arm strapped and still for a while. It was gonna be some time before the gambler was moving easily. And that wasn't even taking the head injury into consideration.
"Ezra. Ezra, wake up." Nathan tapped the pale cheek looking for a response. When that had no effect he tried shaking his good shoulder. "Come on, Ezra. Show me you're in there."
That produced a groan.
"That's it, Ezra. You can do it."
Ezra's right eye slowly opened in an unfocused stare.
"Look at me now." Nathan gently turned his head towards him and spoke over his shoulder. "JD, bring me a mug of that tea."
Ezra was looking at him now, but there was no recognition. No sense that Ezra was aware of anything. Nathan ignored that and spoke as if he would understand. "I need you to drink something for me."
Buck helped lift Ezra's shoulders while Nathan held the cup to his mouth, encouraging him to drink. It took some patience, but eventually the cup was drained.
"That's good. You just lay back there and rest now." Nathan nodded to Buck who carefully eased Ezra back down.
"Nathan?"
The healer turned to look at Chris, and then his gaze took in the others.
"Let's get him back to town where I can see to him proper." He paused. "He responded, even if it was only a little. Could be a good sign. Just going to have to wait and see."
Chris nodded and they worked together to get Ezra settled in the wagon and everyone read to head to town.
* * * *
Nathan looked at his patient and sighed. They'd been back in town for three days and they were still waiting. They were able to rouse Ezra enough to get him to drink, but nothing more. No sound, no movement, no reaction to them at all. Each of them had tried, unsuccessfully to get a response. Mrs. Potter, Inez, Mary Travis had tried as well.
It was easy to tell the others they needed to wait. It was a lot harder to actually do it.
The door opened behind him. He turned and nodded as Chris came in. He saw the same lines in the gunslinger's face that he knew were in his own. The same look in his eyes. They both wondered if there was more they could have done. Something they could have done differently. Something they had missed.
"Any change?"
Nathan shook his head. "Come to help with the bandages?"
"Yep."
The two men worked silently in a task that had become routine. Chris lifting and supporting Ezra while Nathan removed old bandages, tended the injuries and wrapped new bandages around the man.
As Nathan re-secured Ezra's left arm to his chest, both men were startled by a whimper. Nathan's hand's stilled. "Ezra?"
Chris saw a frown appear on the face that had been still for so long. "Ezra?" He spoke the name softly at first, and then repeated it with more force as Ezra began to move. His head and shoulders jerked as if he were struggling against something and he began making soft cries.
"Easy, Ezra. You're safe. You're gonna be fine." Nathan's soothing voice seemed to be having an effect when a series of shots were heard from the street.
Green eyes snapped open, though the left one was still just a slit, and Ezra jerked upwards with a cry. Chris quickly moved behind him, supporting him. "It's all right, Ezra. Nothing for you to worry about." Chris hoped that was the truth. The fact that no further shots had been heard was a good sign.
"Chris?"
Startled, he looked down into the eyes that were studying him and grinned. "Yeah, pard. It's me." He waited a long moment as Ezra continued to study him. Finally he spoke again.
"Hurts."
"I bet it does."
Nathan quickly prepared a mug of tea.
"Why?"
"You tangled with a tree. The tree won."
"Oh."
"You remember?"
"No."
"Here, Ezra, drink this. It'll help."
Ezra gazed at Nathan for a long moment before drinking obediently from the cup held to his lips. He continued to study the healer as he drank, and then for a long moment after he was finished.
"Nathan." There was a hint of a question in his voice.
"That's right. That's good." Nathan beamed and was pleased to see Ezra smile back. "Can you tell me what you do remember?"
Ezra frowned. His answer was a long time in coming.
"Riding?" Ezra asked, looking from one man to another.
"That's good, Ezra," Nathan assured him, "real good."
"Tired." Ezra struggled to keep his eyes open.
"That's all right, Ezra. You just lie back down and sleep." Nathan smiled as Ezra closed his eyes and relaxed.
Chris settled him back on his pillows, and watched as sleep took over.
Footsteps outside had both men reaching for their weapons.
"Just me," Buck called before he opened the door.
"Anything we should know about?" Chris knew that Buck wouldn't be so relaxed if anything serious had happened.
Buck kept his eyes on Ezra as he spoke. "Just a cowboy getting a little excited. JD's got him over to the jail now." He tilted his head as he looked at Chris. "Was kind of surprised no one poked their heads out over here."
Chris nodded at the unspoken question. "Ezra woke up."
"Yeah?"
"Knew our names. Talked with us a bit."
"Well that's great. He'll be back with us in no time then. Right, Nate."
"Can't say that." Nathan shook his head. "He's still got a long way to go."
"I know that, Nate." Buck's voice was soft. "He's made it this far. He'll make it the rest of the way. We'll be here to see that he does."
Nathan shook his head and smiled. Buck's optimism was refreshing. "Keep reminding us of that, Buck. You'll keep us all going." He looked back at Ezra. "Reckon I've just seen things go wrong too often. Gotta keep my feet on the ground."
"Well, what'll it take ‘fore you're sure he's all right."
There was a long moment while Nathan looked thoughtfully at Ezra. Then he ducked his head before looking first at Chris and then Buck. A grin pulled at the corners of his mouth. "Reckon I won't be happy ‘til he's moving about on his own and trying to con someone with those fancy words of his."
Buck burst out laughing.
Chris had to smile. "Don't know whether hearing that will drive Ezra to get better, or set him back in shock."
"Maybe we'd just better not tell him I said that."
"Maybe you're right Nate. We won't tell him. Least ways not until I can use it right." With that Buck headed for the door. "I'll just go let everyone know he done woke up."
"Buck!" It was too late. They could hear Buck on the stairs already.
Chris shook his head. Buck was right, though. It might be a hard road, but Ezra would be all right.
The End
