Summary: This was written for the Chaps & Spurs Literary Challenge in April.  Adam and Joe fight and Ben steps in to help.

Rating:  K+ 800

Conflict

 

Chapter 1

Crash! Ben Cartwright looked up from his morning cup of coffee. A moment later another loud clatter brought an immediate furrowed brow. He set down his cup and headed determinedly towards the door. His boys were at it once more. Outside, Adam and Joe were rolling around on the ground each trying to outdo the other. It was hard to tell who was winning through all the dust.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Ben bellowed. The scene around him continued without interruption.

“Joe! Adam! Stop you two!”

Suddenly Joe jumped to his feet leaving his brother in the dust. He began to encircle him, fists up in a stalwart position; ready for more. Adam arose slowly, taking time to dust off his pants before calmly folding his arms and cocking his brow.

“Had enough?” the older brother sarcastically questioned before turning his back and starting towards the door. That was a mistake. Within a minute Joe flung his whole body at Adam’s back and the two crumbled to the ground. Ben stepped into the mix and firmly grabbed hold of both boys’ collars.

“Enough! You two are brothers not enemies.”

Adam jumped to his feet and forcible pushed his father’s hand away. “We may be brothers, pa, but we don’t have to think alike and act alike.”

Joe was not ready to end this conflict. He tried to reach over the top of his father to get one more punch at his brother, but Ben had a firm grip.

“Joseph! That is enough. Now, I’m sure whatever caused this shameful behavior can easily be remedied through calm discussion.”

“You ever try to have a calm discussion with a strong-headed bull, pa?” Adam once again folded his arms and cocked his brow.”

Joe once again lunged towards Adam to no avail. “You’re the one that’s so damn bull headed, Adam. You just can’t admit that I’m right for once.”

“Right about what, Joe?” Ben questioned, trying to uncover the issue between them.

Joe looked down and kicked the ground. “It doesn’t really matter, pa.”

“Doesn’t matter? I come out to find two of my sons practically killing each other and it doesn’t matter? I demand an explanation and I want it now!”

Ben’s eyes shifted from one son to the other before making a decision. “Adam.”

Adam suddenly felt his conscience rise. He knew he had been provoking Joe all morning. “Well…I merely was trying to broaden Joe’s outlook on things.”

“He means he was trying to change my beliefs to match his own,” Joe huffed.

Adam unfolded his arms and brought them down to his side. “That’s not true, Joe and you know it.”

“Do I?” the younger brother countered. “You always think your way is best. No one knows better than Adam Cartwright. Well, this time, brother. I’m not giving in. It’s a matter of honor.”

“A matter of stubbornness you mean,” Adam muttered under his breath.

Ben had heard enough.

“Stop it you two. Stop it now.”

Both brothers were silenced by the power and frustration in their father’s voice.

“Now I’ve listened to both of you,” Ben continued, “And now you both are going to listen to me.”

Suddenly Ben turned away from his boys and looked out towards the barn to gather his thoughts. His eyes fell upon the small corral located in the eastern corner.

He turned back towards his sons and ordered, “Come with me.”

The three men walked over to the corral and Ben told Joe to get inside. He positioned Adam along the outside of one of the rails and made both men face each other.

“Now boys, I want you to think about something. Joe has his opinions and Adam you have yours. Right now, the only thing separating them is this here fence.” Ben paused to pound his palm down on the top rail for emphasis.

“This fence can easily be climbed over or knocked down in a blink of an eye, but it can also remain standing as well. Now you two stalwarts are going to have to reach an agreement.”

Ben turned around instantly and started to head back towards the house.

“This is ridiculous,” Adam muttered as he leaned against the rail watching his father depart. Ben heard his son’s comment and spun around once more.

“Is it, Adam? Well, let me tell you one thing … conflict is inevitable but combat is optional.”

Ben then turned and walked into the house.