Re: I - Wolves (The Stage to Lincoln)
Satisfied that his passengers have made their will known, Murdock urged his team into a fast gallop, the stage quaking with renewed force as its wheels sped over the rock strewn bed of the arroyo. In a short time, the right bank of the wash grew level with the rest of the trail and it veered through a clearing in the tall pines, rejoining the main route to Lincoln. Soon, the incline turned steep, the air becoming noticeably cooler, as the coach climbed into the high country.
The air grew heavy with the scent of pine as the sky finally gave up its rain, at first a gentle sprinkle, but soon a steady fall, the drops beating an uneven rhythm on the stage’s roof. The canopy of trees became thicker, their tall forms casting long shadows across the well traveled road. The path wound a serpentine course until the ground became level and it entered a valley, a wide river visible to the north. After the passage of another two miles, the rain softened to a gentle drizzle, and a row of buildings came into view.
Much of Lincoln was gathered along a central street, which seemed to follow the gentle bend of the valley itself. Some of the structures showed the passage of decades, simple buildings fashioned from thick timbers and adobe. Others were newer, built with the sensibilities born of the larger cities of the South. Although all of the passengers were aware of Lincoln’s recent reputation for being a lively center of travel and trade, the thoroughfare struck them all as especially quiet, even in light of the recent rainfall. Almost subdued. Only a handful of people were visible making their way along the road.
A few of the structures drew the passengers’ attention: the stately, two-story courthouse; the earthen brick tower, clearly constructed for defense; an especially well constructed home on the street’s southern side, its appearance a clear suggestion of wealth; a vacant church house, with a pair of individuals dutifully sweeping its steps and clearing its yard of weeds. Having already slowed his team to a trot, Murdock steered the stage through the town, passing Jake McGraw’s shop, before bring the horses to a halt in front of the last collection of buildings on the eastern end of the row. A simply painted sign identified the place as the Ellis Store and Livery. To the left of the store was a tall, well maintained stable, and a wide, tin roofed shed from which the sound of a hammer pounding metal could be heard.
Climbing down, the driver opened the door so his riders could depart. A balding man with a long, white beard and spectacles approached the stage. ”Name’s Ike Ellis,” he said, by way of introduction, ”Welcome to Lincoln.” He gave a nod of greeting to McGraw and Cooper, then frowned as he noticed the injured horse. Approaching the animal, he added, ”Looks like you may have had an eventful trip.”
OOC: I need to ask that each of the stagecoach passengers provide me with a Notice roll.
Ellis will happily talk with any of the characters that wish to speak with him. He is well acquainted with Lincoln and the Rio Bonito Valley.
If anyone has any errands they want to take up immediately, let me know and I can set up a thread for those undertakings.