This message was deleted by the player at 15:52, Sun 03 Apr 2011.

Cole observes Ayasha and Art looking after the wounded man.

Satisfied that the man is in good hands, he stands and takes a couple steps back. Still, he continues to observe closely, in case an opportunity presents itself to provide further assistance.

Seems like there is enough cooks in this here kitchen.

He glances about to see if Jack has managed to catch up, yet.

OOC: I thought I should give him Grit back first, but it doesn't matter.

---

Ayasha looks relieved when the man comes around. He was close to the happy hunting grounds, but obviously he still had something to do in this life. "Do not move.", she tells the man, "You are badly hurt. But you will not die, so thank the spirits."

She then uses the bandana to stabilize the applied bandages. When she realizes that Fielder's men are staring at her she grows uncomfortable, but keeps with her patient. It is clear to her that he would need a lot more care.

An awkward silence falls among the two groups of cowboys on the Kansas plain. Jacob points to the northeast at three riders approaching. Ayasha and Art are still near the wounded man, as is the one cowboy who has stayed at his side the entire time.

Cole, Travis, Randy and JEB linger nearby. Cole scans the darkness to the west, looking for Jack, but he doesn't see the dog. The fast ride and changes in direction surely made it difficult for Jack to catch up. As the dog has become accustomed to herding over these three months, it wouldn't surprise Cole if the dog turned off to help the likes of Yellow Sanders (and his hound Travis) as they handled the main group of beeves.

Everyone sees the Major and Fielder returning.

Fielder speaks as they close in. "How is Henry?" he asks, apparently addressing no one in particular as he rides in close and begins to dismount.

In reply to John Fielder (msg #947):

"I think he'll live. He could use the care of a doctor and of course take it very easy for a while."

Randy isn't figuring on doing anything -- except wait for orders.

In reply to Artemus Carson (msg #948):

Cole nods in agreement.

We did what we could for him. But, sure 'nuff, this man needs a doctor.

Ayasha would not necessarily agree that the man she treated with Art's help would need a white man's doctor. He needs rest and care, that is all - at least in her opinion. But she holds her tongue, feeling the eyes of the men on her. She stays close to the wounded cowboy though, in case he becomes unstable again.

In low voice Art says, "Ayasha, the kit if you please."

In reply to Artemus Carson (msg #952):

Randy's trying to figure something out while he waits for the Major to tell him what's what.  Archie, you is acting all twitchy-like.  What's up your craw?

Fielder dismounts and kneels next to the barely conscious Henry. He inspects the work done by Ayasha; 'pears as if he knows what he's looking for.

"Jacob, go fetch the wagon and come back with Zeke. The rest of you, go on back and take care of the herd. If all is well, leave a few men out to keep an eye on the beeves, while the others get some rest. I'll stay here."

Fielder's men hesitate, glancing at each other and looking to Jacob.

"Go on now," the rancher says.

The man with the Spencer spits and then turns away. The other men mount up if they weren't still in the saddle, following. Only Jacob remains.

"I don't like this one bit, Pa," he says, lingering for a moment. As he turns his horse, he adds "This ain't over."

The Major speaks. "Back to our herd, boys." He begins to ride east, slowly, without elaboration.

In reply to Jacob (msg #955):

After a moment, looking back and forth between father and son Artemus says "I, for one hope that it is. . . For all our sakes."

Ayasha hands the medical kit back to Artemus. Her eyes follow Jakob as he is leaving. She does not think that this is the last time she sees that man.

She hesitates a bit, waiting a few moments for Fielder to say something. If there is nothing, she shrugs, mounts her horse and follows the Major.

In reply to Major Gray (msg #956):

JEB catches up with the Major and asks politely: "Care to tell us what you and Fielder talked about?"

In reply to Ayasha (msg #958):

Artemus stowes the kit back in his saddlebag.

In reply to Artemus Carson (msg #960):

Don't worry Art we'll just have to kill him later when he's decided that he can't live with the humiliation any longer.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #961):

You’re a good mate, I greatly appreciate you watchin’ me back. Hope you know I got yours too.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #959):

"We reached an accord."

In reply to Major Gray (msg #963):

Well, it would seem so. . . What's that gonna mean to us?

In reply to Artemus Carson (msg #962):

Travis nods a simple yes to Art.

In reply to Artemus Carson (msg #964):

"Nothing, I reckon," answers the Major.

Cole gives Bess a gentle slap on her neck.

We had a nice little run there girl, didn't we? Probably did you some good to stretch your legs a bit. We'll look you over once we get back to camp.