{"id":5376,"date":"2011-05-04T11:34:05","date_gmt":"2011-05-04T15:34:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5376"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:25:25","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:25:25","slug":"greater-love","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5376","title":{"rendered":"Greater Love (by BnzaGal)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>When five friends head out on a hunting trip they have no idea of the horror that waits for them and will demand from them the ultimate sacrifice.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K+ (12,615 words)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Greater Love<\/strong><\/p>\n

The day was as bright as any day in March could be.<\/strong> The sun rose with all her splendour and chased away the shadows that had engulfed Virginia City, and yet, the streets were silent. Not a man, woman, or child ventured out. Even with the sun\u2019s rays permeating into every corner and lighting up every alleyway, the town had an aura of darkness and a sense of fear so tangible that it appeared to have held people back behind their shuttered windows.\u00a0 Almost as if the very city herself was mourning the happenings that had come to pass and taken two of her sons just days before.<\/p>\n

Then as noon drew near the streets began to awaken. Black clad citizens began to walk, their eyes never meeting those of the others making the trek up the hill to where the cemetery stretched out his arms and opened his yawning mouth to receive two more of Virginia City\u2019s children.<\/p>\n

From the center of town to the very outskirts people came. Shops were closed, saloons were deserted, and black was donned. Several buggies and horses from those who came from out of town began to show at the livery stable. One such buggy came slowly; the older man at the reins appeared to want the buggy to almost float gently to avoid harming the already injured young man who had insisted vehemently on coming.<\/p>\n

As soon as the buggy stopped at the foot of the hill where the cemetery stood, two other young men appeared and helped the youngest of the Cartwrights out of the buggy and held him upright as his brothers extracted a pair of crutches and handed them to the tallest of the young men who in turn arranged them under young Joe\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

Not a word passed between them as the three friends cast meaningful glances among themselves then proceeded to slowly head up the hill. As the three neared the fresh holes carved into the earth, people stepped aside heads down, eyes averted, almost afraid. Afraid and yet curious, gazing briefly at the young backs that were once straight with pride and determination but were now stooped with sorrow and defeat.<\/p>\n

Silence reined over the men and women gathered to pay their final respects to the two victims of something terrible. That was truly as much as many of them knew. Something terrible had taken place. Two were dead. Three remained. Those who peered briefly at the three who remained saw the emptiness and guilt in their once bright, flashing eyes.\u00a0 Something dreadfully terrible must have taken place.<\/p>\n

Details had been extremely rare, in fact, nonexistent. Guesses and speculations had run wild in the saloons and amongst the town gossips, better known as the Virginia City Ladies Society, many scenarios had been suggested, but the truth was unknown. Those who must know- the family of the five young men involved and the men themselves- had given no hints whatsoever. The sheriff, Roy Coffee, had admitted to knowing minimally himself.<\/p>\n

As the service started, young Joe stood stiffly his back as straight as he could manage, his head and neck facing firmly ahead, his eyes staring forward at nothing in particular. His actions were nearly perfectly mirrored by the two men standing on either side of him.Ben and his other sons stood just behind this group of rigid young men, their hands clasped behind their backs for lack of a better thing to do with them.Each one attending the burial of the two young men that day wished for different things. Some longed for more time with the two who were only eighteen years old. Others wished they had been there when it had mattered and hadn\u2019t arrived too late. Some wished to know just what had happened to take away these young lives. But for the three young men who stood in front of the open graves as the preacher spoke, each one almost wished it had been him\u2026<\/p>\n

———————–<\/strong><\/p>\n

Two weeks earlier\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then it\u2019s settled!\u201d Tall, lanky Seth Pruitt exclaimed happily heading for his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not settled until Joe gets his Pa\u2019s permission.\u201d Jack Collins reminded with a wink of his nearly black eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you worry,\u201d Joe swung up onto Cochise\u2019s back and smiled. \u201cI\u2019ll get Pa\u2019s permission as soon as I get home.<\/p>\n

From atop their horses Charlie Turner and Mitch Devlin watched and smiled. \u201cWith any luck,\u201d Mitch pushed his hat back off his light brown hair. \u201cWe\u2019ll be out hunting this time next week!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and turned his horse toward home, \u201cDon\u2019t worry about a thing,\u201d He held up his little finger, \u201cI don\u2019t tell most people this- and don\u2019t go and tell my brothers- but I\u2019ve got Pa wrapped right around this finger.\u201d He grinned broadly, \u201cIf it\u2019s a reasonable request, then he always says yes.\u201d Joe rolled his eyes, \u201cUnfortunately he doesn\u2019t view most of my requests as reasonable or practical!\u201d With a final wave, Joe spurred Cochise onward.<\/p>\n

It would have been hard to find closer friends than these five. Of course, they disagreed on a quite number of things and occasionally two or three of them would get into a scrap but in the end they were friends. The best of friends. And they swore up and down that nothing would ever or could ever change that.<\/p>\n

They had met in the little schoolhouse where they had immediately formed a comradeship that, like cement, would only become more firm and set with time.<\/p>\n

As they left boyhood behind them and became men, the friends were well known and liked among the ladies and the life of every party and dance they attended. When together there was that special something that always ended in good times and wonderful memories that they would carry with them to their graves.<\/p>\n

Mitch\u2019s idea for a hunting trip had Joe so excited that he flung his way through the door and into the main room of the Ponderosa ranch house. \u201cHey, Pa?\u201d Joe called as he unbuckled his gun belt and tossed it on the credenza. \u201cPa?\u201d Joe flipped his hat off and hung it on one of the pegs next to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m at my desk, Joseph, you don\u2019t have to yell.\u201d Ben Cartwright\u2019s voice was obstructed slightly by the pipe in his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Pa.\u201d Joe walked over to the desk where his father sat shifting through papers with a frown creasing his brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been in Virginia City?\u201d Ben plucked the pipe from his mouth and looked up from his work.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Joe sat down on the corner of the desk and leaned toward his Pa.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you pick up the mail?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe reached into his inner coat pocket and pulled out a single envelope addressed to his father and tossed it atop the pile of papers Ben had been working on.<\/p>\n

Ben gave a little grunt as he read the return address then turned it over and ripped it open, his eyes scanning through the contents.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe crossed his arms. \u201cI met the guys in town,\u201d he began watching his father\u2019s reaction to his words out the corner of his eye.<\/p>\n

Ben grunted as he continued reading the letter.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the fellas were hopin\u2019 we could all make a trip up to that little lake Adam and I came across last time we went over Morgan\u2019s Ridge. We were hopin\u2019 to do a little hunting.\u201d Joe turned fully toward his pa who appeared to be so engrossed in his letter that he hadn\u2019t heard.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear me, Pa?\u201d Joe stood and dropped his arms down to his sides.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm?\u201d Ben stuck his pipe back into his mouth and let the letter drop from his hand. \u201cSorry, Joseph.\u201d He leaned back in his chair and looked at his son. \u201cI\u2019m listening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould I go with the fellas on a hunting trip up Morgan\u2019s Ridge next week?\u201d Joe waited while his father tossed around the idea in his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re due for a break soon.\u201d He reasoned, \u201cI suppose you can go as long as you get all your work done and you promise me you\u2019ll behave yourself.\u201d Ben smiled remembering what it was like to be young and free, and it was springtime after all. The young men were longing to shake off the last hold of winter.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa\u201d Joe smiled the excitement shining in his eyes.<\/p>\n

Thus, it was settled. The permission had been given. The plans of the five friends would be laid out and detailed over the following week. Supplies would be gathered and excitement would run high.<\/p>\n

No one could have imagined how a simple hunting could go so wrong.<\/p>\n

—————————-<\/p>\n

It is unfortunate that men cannot foresee the future. If any of the five who embarked out on that accursed hunting trip had been given a glimpse, a mere peek, at what was to come, young and reckless albeit, he would have had sense enough to pull back the reins and turn back to the safety of home.<\/p>\n

But as I said, man cannot look into the future. What was to happen was sealed with Fate\u2019s stamp, and the five rode toward Destiny\u2019s waiting plans and open arms.<\/p>\n

Their laughter floated up over the still silence of the early morning. Laughter. If any of the people who heard it as the five rode out of town had known what would take place, perhaps they might have stopped, listened, and relished in it. For truly, it was the last time they would hear it.<\/p>\n

But alas, no one can see the future.<\/p>\n

So off on their journey rode the five friends laughing, happy, and completely unaware of what lay ahead.<\/p>\n

——————————–<\/p>\n

The higher they climbed the colder the air became. It was, after all, only March and the snow had barely melted off the higher peeks.<\/p>\n

Joe breathed deeply of the scent of pine and new growth, \u201cYou smell that?\u201d He closed his eyes and breathed deeply again.<\/p>\n

The other four followed suit. \u201cSmells like spring,\u201d Mitch opened his gleaming eyes just in time to spot the low hanging branch he was riding toward. He reached up to push the branch higher and ducked slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought winter was never gonna end.\u201d Charlie sighed as he looked around in every direction. \u201cThere\u2019s all sorts of colors just bustin\u2019 out everywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKinda reminds me of the last barn dance.\u201d Joe grinned broadly. \u201cAll them girls with new dresses made with all them bright colors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlie nodded, \u201cCindy wore a dress the color of moss.\u201d He reached out and grabbed a handful of light colored moss off a tree close to the trail.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure are stuck on that gal!\u201d Seth chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo more than you are on Linda.\u201d Charlie looked back over his shoulder to where Seth brought up the rear of the precession and smirked as Seth\u2019s face turned a bright shade of pink.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou fellas reckon you\u2019ll marry them girls?\u201d Joe asked seriously.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so.\u201d Charlie spoke softly his eyes gazed upward as he envisioned his beautiful girlfriend. He reckoned he had loved her since the first time he had laid eyes on her three years back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you, Seth?\u201d Jack called back from his place at the front of the line.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir!\u201d Seth shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t intend on settling down anytime soon. Besides I\u2019m only eighteen. I\u2019ve got time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t you like to get married, Joe?\u201d Charlie stood up a little in his saddle in order to grab the handkerchief in his back pocket and used it to wipe the back of his neck.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s smile softened. \u201cSure I would. When I find the right girl. Who knows maybe we\u2019ll find her running wild up at the lake.\u201d Joe nudged his horse on a little faster and tried to hold back the grin from his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cA wild woman?\u201d Jack turned back to give his friend a strange look.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe not loco wild,\u201d Joe let the mischievous grin play across his handsome face. \u201cBut who wants to marry someone you can\u2019t wrassle with now and again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to wrassle your wife?\u201d Charlie sounded shocked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure!\u201d Mitch took up for Joe. \u201cA little hint of wild untameness!\u201d Mitch winked at Joe. \u201cCome on, Charlie, surely you don\u2019t want to marry a porcelain doll that\u2019d break the first time you gave her a hug.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlie frowned in thought. \u201cWhat about an in between?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case,\u201d Joe laughed, \u201cI guess Cindy is just about perfect for you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so glad you approve.\u201d Charlie rolled his eyes, although, he meant ever word.<\/p>\n

—————————–<\/p>\n

The five friends came upon the spot where they would set up camp late in the day. The sun was already beginning to disappear behind the taller mountains. The lake, which as far as any of the young men knew, had no name provided many good fishing spots and Charlie, who was by far the best fisherman of the bunch, was able to catch enough fish for supper before darkness fell across the land.<\/p>\n

The area where they camped was as surprising to come upon as any oasis in the desert. The trail they had ridden to get there was steep and rocky and provided no place to lay your head unless you wanted to wake up at the bottom of the mountain, having rolled or slid down it in the middle of the night.\u00a0 Joe had been wondering if he had led them down a wrong path when they rounded a bend and found the flat stretch of land that bordered the pristine lake. It was almost as if God himself had reached down and scooped out this portion of the mountain and smoothed it with His fingertips. While all the other sides of the small lake were cliff like walls this side to which the trail had led the boys was flat. The mountain grass and brand new spring flowers swept out across the little meadow.<\/p>\n

The friends rolled out their bedrolls and stretched out under the starry night sky, their bellies full and their bodies tired from the long ride.<\/p>\n

They were quiet as nature\u2019s symphony began with the wind in the grass then was joined by several crickets and a lonely frog.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho brought the coffee?\u201d The relative quiet was shattered as Mitch sat straight up and startled everyone.<\/p>\n

Joe, who was already asleep, was on his feet with gun in hand before he could truly be called awake.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t shoot!\u201d Mitch rolled away from Joe\u2019s aim and landed on Charlie, who was still asleep, causing him to let out a strangled yell.<\/p>\n

Joe rubbed his eyes with his right hand and sat back down on his bedroll shoving his gun back into the holster under the jacket he had wadded up for a pillow. \u201cWhat were you doing waking me up like that?\u201d He grumbled.<\/p>\n

Mitch crawled back over to his spot and detangled himself from his blankets. \u201cI was worried about my morning coffee. How was I to know that you wake up as mean as a rattler and twice as deadly?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell he didn\u2019t shoot you did he?\u201d Charlie mumbled already falling back asleep.<\/p>\n

Seth\u2019s eyes were wide and he laughed nervously. \u201cDo me a favour and don\u2019t wake Joe up like that again.\u201d He took a deep breath. \u201cI was sure someone was gonna end up shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head embarrassedly, \u201cI seldom shoot before I open my eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeldom?\u201d Mitch nearly jumped. \u201cSeldom? I could have been killed!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLesson learned.\u201d Jack settled back into his bedroll. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about the coffee until Joe is fully awake. Better yet don\u2019t wake Joe up for any reason.\u201d He grinned. \u201cUnless, of course, you see that wild girl he\u2019s been looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCoffee,\u201d Mitch sat back up, \u201cWho brought the coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did.\u201d Four annoyed voices answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d Mitch flopped back down and wrapped the blankets around him tightly. \u201cG\u2019night!\u201d<\/p>\n

In all the commotion the frog must have been scared away, for when the camp was quiet enough to hear the sounds of night again, the frog could not be heard.<\/p>\n

——————————<\/p>\n

Joe had coffee on the fire next to the pan he had washed the fish remnants out of and had filled with the slabs of bacon Hop Sing had sent along for their first breakfast.<\/p>\n

The day was beginning and all around them the sun\u2019s rays warmed the chill out of the air. The mist that shrouded the lake began to lift and from the safety of the forest a choir of birds began to raise their songs.<\/p>\n

\u201cCoffee?\u201d Mitch inhaled deeply as he sat up, his hair askew and sleep still lingering in his eyes. His hands reached out palms out toward the warmth of the fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning to you too, Mitch.\u201d Joe tapped the side of the coffee pot lightly to determine if it was warm enough. \u201cGive it another minuet, and you\u2019ll have the best coffee I\u2019ve ever made.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich isn\u2019t saying much!\u201d Jack yawned and rolled out of his blanket onto his knees then stood and stretched. \u201cI\u2019ve camped with Joe before and his coffee is little better than colored water.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd yours is nearer to the consistency of mud,\u201d Charlie made a face as he gave Seth a gentle kick to wake him up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Seth sat up immediately reaching for his hat and shoving on top of his unruly blonde hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cRise and shine. We\u2019ve got some hunting to do!\u201d Mitch used the water that Charlie had carried over earlier to wet his face and slick down his light, close-cropped hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot some bacon here if anyone is hungry.\u201d He took the pan off the fire and offered the still sizzling bacon to his friends, and just as Hop Sing had predicted, when Joe asked if he hadn\u2019t packed too much, the bacon disappeared faster than a \u201cfox-chased labbit\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cCoffee?\u201d Mitch asked again his eyes pleading.<\/p>\n

Joe tapped the side of the pot again then lifted the lid to peek inside. \u201cI guess it\u2019s ready.\u201d He grabbed the handle with a towel to keep from burning himself and waited for Mitch to find his cup.<\/p>\n

The others in turn found their tin cups and Joe filled them with the steamy coffee, filling his own last.<\/p>\n

\u201cS\u2019good.\u201d Seth nodded blowing into his cup in an attempt to cool it down.<\/p>\n

\u201cColored water.\u201d Jack chuckled then drained the remnants of his cup and reached for more.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d Mitch slapped his hand away. \u201cOnly those who appreciate it can have another cup.\u201d He grabbed the pot and poured more into his cup. \u201cAnd that would be me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe laughed as he stood to his full height and stamped his feet. \u201cWe should get moving if we want to find anything. We are here to hunt after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack and Charlie stood up and started to gather their gear together. Joe watched his two friends. They were so different.<\/p>\n

While Jack was dark with hair as black as midnight and his eyes so dark brown they were often mistaken for black, Charlie was fair skinned and the most likely of the bunch to spend the summer red with one sunburn after the other. His hair was a blonde as close to white as naturally could be and his eyes were a pale blue.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t only their looks that were so different but their personalities were dissimilar as well.\u00a0 Charlie was kind- not that Jack was unkind- and quiet, always listening and always thinking before he spoke. Joe reckoned he would make a fine husband and it wouldn\u2019t be long now if Cindy had her way. Then there was Jack. Jack had talked Joe into getting into more scrapes then he could count. He was a daredevil and lived for the moment and the next laugh. He wasn\u2019t heartless- just slightly immature. Serious was a hard thing for him to be and everyone loved him for it.<\/p>\n

\u201cMitch, Seth, Joe you guys ready or are we gonna be waiting around for you while you drink all the coffee?\u201d Jack called from the makeshift rope corral that they had constructed last night before heading to bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep your shirt on,\u201d Mitch lifted the lid off the coffeepot just to make sure it was empty before he set his cup down and began to ready himself and his gear for a day of hunting.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are we gonna split up?\u201d Seth followed Joe and Mitch as they headed for the horses. \u201cWe can\u2019t all go together. We\u2019ll make enough noise to scare away all the game for miles around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about I take Joe and show him how to hunt.\u201d Mitch grinned mischievously. \u201cAnd I\u2019ll bet that even with Joe as a handicap I\u2019ll still out hunt the three of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re on!\u201d Jack hauled his saddle off the ground and tossed it onto the back of his horse, Knight. \u201cHurry up Seth and we\u2019ll even get a head start!\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlie shook his head. \u201cSince when is Joe a handicap?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I would like to know!\u201d Joe crossed his arms across his chest and frowned at his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaven\u2019t you noticed how loud this guy laughs?\u201d Mitch spread his hands out, \u201cThat laugh will scare the game away for sure!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks a lot!\u201d Joe grunted as he hoisted his own saddle onto Cochise\u2019s waiting back.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe makes up for it in reflexes though,\u201d Seth pointed out. \u201cDid you see how fast he was up and shootin\u2019 last night?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t shoot,\u201d Joe argued.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood thing to.\u201d Mitch frowned, \u201cMaybe I don\u2019t want him as my partner- he\u2019s already tried to kill me once on this trip. I don\u2019t want to push my luck!\u201d<\/p>\n

Truth was Mitch and Joe, while good friends with the other three, were best friends. Joe couldn\u2019t remember ever having a friend he could trust or count on more- besides, of course his family. Mitch and he were much alike in temperament, although Mitch seemed to have a better control over his temper at times and had pulled Joe out of quite a few tight spots.<\/p>\n

The two friends really didn\u2019t do much hunting that afternoon- more talking than anything else. They spotted a doe and her new little fawn and watched them for a minuet before moving on. They saw foxes and pheasants and such but weren\u2019t interested in them.<\/p>\n

The others weren\u2019t having much luck either all though they had spotted a giant buck that they later swore was the biggest they had ever laid eyes on but it had evaded them and gotten clean away.<\/p>\n

———————————<\/p>\n

I won\u2019t go into great detail to describe the days that followed. They young men separated into different groups each morning and rode out and came back with nothing more than a few rabbits that they cooked into a stew to add variety to their otherwise steady diet of fish that Charlie was good enough to supply them with.<\/p>\n

Each day one of the groups spotted the elusive buck that they nicknamed \u201cthe king.\u201d By the last evening of their trip they were slightly discouraged and ashamed that, come morning, they would be heading back empty handed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWish I could have another chance at that buck.\u201d Jack grumbled as he spooned some of the rabbit stew into his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe king was just too smart for us.\u201d Seth sighed deciding on fish over rabbit and putting some on his plate. \u201cBut surely he isn\u2019t the only buck in these mountains!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got one spud and two carrots left if you want to fight over them.\u201d Joe brought over the vegetables and tossed them dejectedly into an empty pot sitting by the fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, how about we stay half the day tomorrow and go after that buck,\u201d Jack looked at his friends eagerly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe haven\u2019t been able to catch up with him and get a clean shot yet,\u201d Charlie reasoned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll all go together that way when we spot him we can split up and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMen get shot doing that.\u201d Joe interrupted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be careful,\u201d Jack rolled his eyes. \u201cAs long as your reflexes don\u2019t get ahead of your brain, we\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Mitch stirred the pot of stew. \u201cMy pa\u2019s expecting me back tomorrow and we\u2019d have to spend the night on the trail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey won\u2019t worry if we\u2019re only half a day late. They\u2019ll probably be expecting it anyways.\u201d Seth joined Jack\u2019s side of the debate.<\/p>\n

Joe weighed it all in his head. He sure didn\u2019t want to go back empty-handed. Adam and Hoss would tease him for sure. \u201cWell\u2026\u201d He looked at Seth and Jack\u2019s eager faces. \u201cI guess it can\u2019t hurt anything- can it?\u201d<\/p>\n

—————————————–<\/p>\n

Just as man can not see the future, neither can he turn back the clocks. The future is beyond his knowledge and when future becomes past it is forever barred from him. A decision, once made and carried out, cannot be reversed- no matter how much one might wish it to be.<\/p>\n

They hadn\u2019t done anything wrong other than staying out for an extra half day and none of their parents would hold that against them. They hadn\u2019t crossed any boundaries; they weren\u2019t there to stir up trouble. They only wanted to hunt the king as friends and return home with the king maybe as even closer friends. They wanted the bag that buck and show their families that they were indeed men.<\/p>\n

There was pride involved, yes, and it is said that pride goeth before destruction, true. But you will never convince me that it was the pride of the five as they brought down the king and rushed toward their prize that brought what was to come down on their unsuspecting heads.<\/p>\n

No, it was no fault of their- they hadn\u2019t done anything wrong. One could spend hours pointing fingers- and trust me, many people did- only to come to this conclusion. It happened. And none of the five were to be blamed.<\/p>\n

If blame had to be placed anywhere, I suppose we could put it on the shoulders of four Indian braves. No, we would have to go farther back then that. We could blame a peace treaty, but that would seem absurd. We could blame those who signed the peace treaty, but we should go back even farther and place the blame on a man named John Tyrone. Of course, if you feel that unfair you could blame the way John Tyrone was raised, but I don\u2019t think that is necessary.<\/p>\n

This man, this John Tyrone, had gone into a Piute camp one night and killed three Indian squaws while they slept, just to prove he could. A small skirmish broke out because of it and when the peace treaties were finally signed, many Piutes had died. Of the families of the three women murdered, only four braves remained. Enraged by the peace treaties signed by their chief and the white men, these four set off for the mountains vowing to kill any white man or woman who they happened to cross paths with.<\/p>\n

But whoever you decide to place the blame on will not change the outcome.<\/p>\n

For the five friends it would mean a nightmare that they would live in and be unable to change no matter how much they wished, prayed, and longed to.<\/p>\n

——————————–<\/p>\n

\u201cGood shot, Joe!\u201d Mitch slapped his friend on the back as the five jumped from their horses in the excitement of the moment not bothering to loop their reins around anything larger than thin branch, but they shouldn\u2019t have had to. The horses were trained to stay put. \u201cI knew those quick reflexes would come in handy!\u201d<\/p>\n

Rifles in hand the boy rushed toward the prize they had hunted after for the whole morning. They had almost given up when Charlie had spotted the massive creature. The king had led them on a merry chase finally ending here in the wooded area near a craggy rock incline leading up to the mountain\u2019s crown.<\/p>\n

Seth stopped long enough to scoop up his canteen and take a swig before following after the others. He hadn\u2019t made it to the group when the first shots were fired.<\/p>\n

Five bodies hit the ground at nearly the same moment as an immediate reaction to being fired upon. \u201cMake for the rocks!\u201d Jack cried pulling himself to his feet and running hard as more shots were fired.<\/p>\n

From what Joe could tell from what he heard was that there were at least three rifles and the arrow that hit a tree ahead and to the side of him told him that there was at least one bow. \u201cIndians.\u201d He didn\u2019t know why he stated the obvious but it just slipped out through his lips.<\/p>\n

They all ran harder than they ever had. The rocks had seemed so close a moment ago but now it was almost as if they were getting farther away the longer they ran. It was a miracle that no one had been hit so far.<\/p>\n

Charlie managed a glance over his shoulder and saw one of the Indians aiming carefully with a rifle. He didn\u2019t have time to think. He stopped his run and turned drawing the sidearm he always had strapped down to his side. His aim was faster and more accurate with it he had found, and seconds counted.<\/p>\n

Joe had always been the fastest runner of the group and easily pulled ahead of the others in the mad dash toward safety. They were almost there, just a few more yards. Joe reached the rocks and turned around and counted as his friends dove into the momentary safety. One, two, three\u2026 Joe made four. He stood crouching and saw Charlie, slowed by the shot he had taken, go down.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes stayed on his friend as he charged forward back into the range of the Indians\u2019 rifles. He felt hands reach out and try to restrain him he heard Seth\u2019s voice screaming for him to stop, but it all seemed so far away. His mind was focused on Charlie.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! Joe! Don\u2019t! God, please, no!\u201d Mitch nearly went out after him but Seth and Jack caught hold of his arm and held him back.<\/p>\n

Eyes wide they watch bullets stir up dust and lodge in trees all around Joe. They had never seen him run as fast as he was now.<\/p>\n

Joe was by his friend sliding the last few feet on his knees. Even before he came to a full stop his eyes told him what his heart did not want to believe. Charlie was already dead. His lifeless pale eyes stared up at Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe felt his heart constrict and a sob caught in his throat. A bullet tore through the sleeve of his shirt, reminding him that now was not the time for mourning but for action. He scooped up the limp body of his friend a stood. Running back was twice as hard as he was already winded and now carried the deadweight of a body.<\/p>\n

Back at the rocks the three friends screamed encouragements to Joe. He was nearly there. They reached out their arms ready to help him when he got close enough.<\/p>\n

Joe lurched forward falling. A pained cry tore through his lips. He was down an arrow protruded out of the back of his right calf.<\/p>\n

As he pulled himself up, Mitch, Seth, and Jack ran crouched as low as they could manage and grabbed both Joe and Charlie under the arms and pulled them the few yards to the rocks where they all collapsed in a heap. Shortly after, the shooting stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, are you alright?\u201d Mitch held his friend still to prevent him from hurting his leg further.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Joe said through clenched teeth. \u201cJack, keep watch, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack nodded and poked his head just above the rocks to peer out, \u201cI don\u2019t see anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep looking,\u201d Joe urged, \u201cThe last thing we need is another surprise.\u201d Joe voice shook and nearly broke.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Mitch still looked at his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie\u2019s dead.\u201d Seth\u2019s words brought Mitch and Jack\u2019s heads whipping around.<\/p>\n

Joe let out a shuddering breath. \u201cHe was already dead when I got to him.\u201d The tears blurred his vision and he wiped them away.<\/p>\n

Jack\u2019s breaths came in angry gasps, \u201cIt\u2019s not fair!\u201d angry tears spilled out of his eyes and he slammed his fist against the rock wall. \u201cWe didn\u2019t do nothing wrong. Why are they after us? The dirty\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth reached out and grasped his friend\u2019s shoulder. Tears streaked down his dirt smudged face as well. \u201cI don\u2019t think he felt it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes that matter? He\u2019s dead.\u201d Jack was beginning to lose control. \u201cHe\u2019s dead and he\u2019s never going to get to laugh again. He wanted to get married, Seth! He didn\u2019t want to die.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJack,\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was steadier. \u201cJack, we\u2019re in trouble and we need to keep our wits about us if we\u2019re going to make it out alive.\u201d Joe wondered if the others realized that he had sounded so much like Adam that it made him want to laugh for some stupid reason.<\/p>\n

Mitch unsheathed his knife. \u201cJoe, do you want me to get that arrow out?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at the shining blade and felt a cold shudder run down his back. Closing his eye and taking a few deep breaths, \u201cYah,\u201d Joe clenched his teeth, \u201cYah, go ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mitch swiped the tears from his eye and grabbed hold of the arrow shaft. \u201cHang on there, Joe, I\u2019ll be as careful as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and closed his eyes, \u201cJack, you keep watching. We\u2019re counting on your eyes.\u201d Someone handed him a wad of cloth, torn from a shirt, and he bit down on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeth, look for a cave or something safer for us to move to.\u201d Mitch said as he slid his blade into Joe\u2019s leg and grimaced at his friends moan.<\/p>\n

————————————–<\/p>\n

\u201cWe aren\u2019t leaving Charlie.\u201d Jack looked down at Charlie\u2019s body and set his jaw in determination. \u201cThose savages aren\u2019t going to get his scalp if I have to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one said we were going to leave him,\u201d Mitch wiped the sweat that dripped down into his eyes. \u201cSeth, where was that cave you spotted?\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth turned and pointed up the steep rocky slope. \u201cIt\u2019s about halfway up and there\u2019s little cover until we get there, and I don\u2019t know how deep it will be when we get there. Joe won\u2019t be able to climb it.\u201d He looked down at his friend who lay resting at his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about Joe,\u201d Mitch straightened. \u201cI\u2019ll get him up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll carry Charlie,\u201d Jack knelt and picked up the body, cradling it in his arms. \u201cHe ain\u2019t heavy. He was always the scrawniest kid in school. Remember that time when we were kids and we got ourselves locked in that shed?\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth and Mitch nodded sadly.<\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie was the only one who could squeeze his way out between those broken boards.\u201d Joe\u2019s whispered words signalled that he was awake.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou okay, Joe?\u201d Seth knelt down and placed a hand on Joe\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine as frog\u2019s hair.\u201d Joe managed a smile that didn\u2019t quite reach his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure you are,\u201d Mitch snorted and reached down to grab one of Joe\u2019s shoulders. \u201cAre you ready to run again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust get me to my feet.\u201d Joe sat up slowly and allowed Mitch and Seth to pull him up. \u201cYou got a stick or something I could use to help me balance?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGot something better,\u201d Mitch tried to sound light. \u201cMe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Mitch, I\u2019ll slow you down and you might\u2026\u201d His words trailed off.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Seth shrugged, still helping to hold Joe upright. \u201cI reckon with both Mitch and me helping you we\u2019ll make it out fine. You were always the fastest, Mitch has always been the best at climbing, and I\u2019ve always been the smartest!\u201d He winked, \u201cWe make a great team.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, what about me?\u201d Jack stepped towards the three and the grins slid away to sorrow at the sight of their fallen friend still resting in Jack\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cJack,\u201d Joe tried swallowed the lump in his throat. Guilt gripped his gut as he relized he had been smiling when his friend was dead. \u201cYou were always the gutsiest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the looniest.\u201d Seth quipped.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to mention, the one most likely to get us all in trouble!\u201d Mitch smiled at the many memories. \u201cI thought, for awhile, that Pa was going to forbid me to speak to you again after the time we tried to catch that baby puma and nearly got killed by its momma!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Adam hadn\u2019t have rode by just when he did…\u201d Seth shook his head and whistled through his teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat wasn\u2019t my idea!\u201d Jack tried to defend himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it was!\u201d The three said as one.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, the poor little thing was hurt and Charlie wanted to\u2026\u201d Jack stopped and looked down.<\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie always was the softest.\u201d Seth reached out and touched his friend, his eyes filling once again at the coldness of his skin.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the kindest.\u201d Mitch too reached out and grasped his friend\u2019s lifeless hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I knew I was going to wake up and find this all a terrible dream.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice caught in his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never had a nightmare before.\u201d Jack said softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re living in one.\u201d Joe whispered just loud enough to be heard. \u201cAnd I have a feeling that it\u2019s only going to get worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

—————————————<\/p>\n

God must have sent his angel of mercy to protect the young men as they began their desperate climb to reach a safer place to hole up in. Joe was half carried half dragged by Seth and Mitch and Jack ended up carrying Charlie slung over his shoulders. The enemy below couldn\u2019t get off a good shot due to the unusually bright sun and the fact that Seth spotted a path that went \u00a0up to the cave and offered more shelter than he had expected.<\/p>\n

The cave was reached without casualty, although it was later found that, slug over Jack\u2019s shoulder, Charlie had taken another bullet that might have ended the life of his friend who carried him.<\/p>\n

The friends collapsed on the cave\u2019s floor in a quivering heap. The rush of adrenalin deserted them and left them gasping for air after the uphill run.<\/p>\n

The cave was deep and cold and offered excellent shelter with loose rock above that would warn of anyone trying to climb down to them and a full sweeping view of below.<\/p>\n

Looking around Joe wondered who else might have holed up in the cave. Remnants of a fire burnt out many years ago lay off to the right of the entrance and a blanket faded and nearly shredded apart, probably by rats, lay spread out near the fire as if someone had gotten up in the morning and never returned.<\/p>\n

Jack, with his adventurous nature, wished he could explore the depths of the cave, but settled on what he could see without lighting a match. He soon discovered what looked like a prospector\u2019s kit, along with a heavy pot and rusted out kettle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWonder what happened to the guy who stayed here.\u201d Jack carried the pot over to the blackened ashes of where the fire had been.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow all we need is some wood and game and I can cook some supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo bad we don\u2019t have either.\u201d Mitch started to pace. \u201cWe need food and water.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth held up his canteen that luckily he hadn\u2019t dropped when they were first attacked. \u201cThere\u2019s only about a forth left.\u201d He swished it around and listened to make sure. \u201cI was going to fill it at that little stream that runs down this peek.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have some jerky in my pocket.\u201d Joe offered pulling out two pieces of the dried meat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got a whole bunch\u2026\u201d Jack sighed. \u201cIn my saddle bag.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe horses.\u201d Seth moaned. \u201cWe don\u2019t even have a way of getting home even if we do make it out of this mess alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCochise will head for home.\u201d Joe moved to lean his back against the cave wall. \u201cI know he will and when Pa sees him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were supposed to be home tonight anyway.\u201d Mitch kicked at the ashes from the old fire. \u201cSo our families will be out looking for us soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is the best tracker in these parts.\u201d Seth said, more to assure himself than the others. \u201cHe\u2019ll find us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot before the jerky and water runs out.\u201d It wasn\u2019t like Joe to discourage the hopeful thoughts of anyone, but he couldn\u2019t seem to stop the dooming words from slipping through his lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think we\u2019ll make it out of here alive?\u201d Seth sank down to sit by Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re still here aren\u2019t we?\u201d Jack said firmly. \u201cWe\u2019ve got a fighting chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Mitch saw the hopeless expression on his friend\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up and looked between each of his friends finally settling his gaze on Mitch. \u201cIt\u2019s just something I\u2019ve noticed about nightmares.\u201d He dropped his gaze down to his swelling, wounded leg. \u201cThey never end happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

———————————<\/p>\n

Darkness crept its way across the mountain, slowly at first adding shadows here and there then eventually pulling them together to engulf the land into itself. The moon was just a sliver and might as well have stayed where it disappears at dawn for all the light it gave. The stars seemed almost afraid to show themselves but did, in time, blink their soft light down to where four friends sat near the entrance of a dark cave and stared up at them trying to draw strength from their light.<\/p>\n

Staying in the shadows, yet venturing as far out into the starlight as they dared the four waited and listened. The occasional hoot of an owl drifted up to them and they all wondered if it was truly owls calling in the night or their enemies signalling to each other.<\/p>\n

The dampness of the cave seeped into their very bones and caused them to move closer to each other in hopes of staying warm. The old blanket, or rather what was left of it, was spread across their backs in an effort to hold in whatever body heat they had left.<\/p>\n

With their blankets and the fire going strong on the previous nights the boys had not noticed how much the temperature dropped at night, especially up here in the mountains. Huddled together, shivering, they realized first hand the bite the night had as the cold gnawed at every part of exposed skin.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s fevered skin provided the most warmth to the group as he shivered in the cold spring night. Mitch, whose shirt had been torn and used to bandage Joe\u2019s leg, took off his light jacket and tried to wrap it around Joe\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Mitch, I\u2019m fine.\u201d Joe protested weakly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure you are.\u201d Mitch smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cMitch you already gave me your shirt.\u201d Joe pushed the jacket away.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re the one who\u2019s sweating and shivering at the same time.\u201d He pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep your jacket, Mitch.\u201d Seth began to peel his off. \u201cI\u2019ll give him mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have my own,\u201d Joe pulled his own green coat closer to his body. \u201cIt\u2019s enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust get closer to each other.\u201d Jack scooted closer. \u201cIt may not be ideal, but it\u00a0is<\/em>\u00a0better than freezing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder if the horses made it out okay.\u201d Seth thought out loud.<\/p>\n

Joe shuddered, this time not from cold. \u201cI hope they didn\u2019t get Cooch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Each friend nodded in agreement praying their favourite mounts would make it home.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we do\u2026die,\u201d Seth stumbled over his words. \u201cDo you suppose our families will ever find us and know what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndians aren\u2019t known to cover up massacres.\u201d Jack said depressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy hair,\u201d Joe moaned and patted the thick dark locks on top of his head. \u201cI don\u2019t want to loose my hair.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not to keen on the idea either,\u201d Mitch snorted.<\/p>\n

Unconsciously, the friends all reached up and ran their fingers through their hair.<\/p>\n

Jack smiled mischievously. \u201cLook on the bright side, Joe. You\u2019ve always spent a lot of time on that hair of yours. I bet that if you don\u2019t get to keep it then whichever Indian lifts it from you will keep it forever and wear it proudly. After all, I\u2019ve lots of girls comment on how it is\u00a0such<\/em>\u00a0nice hair.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now it was Joe\u2019s turn to snort. \u201cI feel so much better now.\u201d<\/p>\n

————————————<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s fever got worse as the night drew on, as fever have a tendency to do, and his friends laid him back and tried to keep him warm while trying to cool his burning fever at the same time.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we gonna do?\u201d Jack looked almost panicked. \u201cHis shaking like a leaf and burning at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere give him some water.\u201d Seth took the canteen and passed it to Mitch.<\/p>\n

Mitch lifted Joe by the shoulders and tried not to spill any of the precious liquid as he gently poured it into Joe<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s immediately began to cough and sputter and Mitch lifted his head higher handing back the canteen. \u201cEasy, Joe, easy,\u201d he spoke in a calming tone.<\/p>\n

Joe opened his fever bright eyes briefly as he breathed deep gasping breaths.<\/p>\n

Seth placed a hand lightly on Joe\u2019s chest and felt\u00a0 the dampness of his sweat soaked shirt. \u201cShould we take his shirt off?\u201d Seth unbuttoned the green jacket. \u201cIt\u2019s soaked through and that won\u2019t help him stay warm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack and Mitch nodded and helped Seth remove Joe\u2019s jacket and unbutton his damp shirt.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold him up while I take his shirt off,\u201d Seth waited for his friends to obey then slid Joe\u2019s arms out of his shirt. Joe\u2019s eyes slid closed again.<\/p>\n

After they wrapped him back in his coat and laid him back down and rolled him to the side, Jack began to unwrap Mitch\u2019s shirt from Joe\u2019s leg. \u201cI think we need to clean this out better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth picked up the canteen that held so little water. \u201cI don\u2019t want to sound selfish but this is all we have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get more.\u201d Mitch reached for the canteen.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll what?\u201d Seth pulled the canteen back just out of Mitch\u2019s reach.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go out and get more.\u201d Mitch looked deeply into both of his friend\u2019s eyes. \u201cIt\u2019s dark. I can sneak out and get back before too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you think you can get out, then why don\u2019t you go for help?\u201d Jack grabbed Mitch\u2019s forearm. \u201cYou\u2019re a good climber you could follow that ridge and be out of here\u2026Safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd leave you here with no water?\u201d Mitch shook his head. \u201cNever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be careful?\u201d Seth handed him the canteen knowing that nothing would ever convince any of them to abandon the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will.\u201d He uncorked the container and took a small swallow. \u201cMight as well finish it off.\u201d He passed it to Jack who copied his actions then handed it to Seth. \u201cWhen I get back it will be full again.\u201d He stood and strode toward the cave entrance. \u201cI\u2019ll be back\u2026 I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait.\u201d Jack began to shrug out of his jacket. \u201cMy jacket\u2019s a darker color\u2026 maybe it will help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mitch nodded and switched jacket with his friend. \u201cI promise,\u201d his words were little more than a whisper. Then with a final look at each of his friends, he disappeared out into the darkness.<\/p>\n

——————————–<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Joe.\u201d Seth\u2019s words caused Joe to turn his head and focus on where Seth knelt next to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning,\u201d Joe whispered hoarsely. He looked around him and noticed the light that flooded in from the cave entrance. Turning back he noticed the dark circles under Seth\u2019s eyes. \u201cRough night?\u201d Joe tired to clear his throat of the huskiness that accompanied his words.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll say,\u201d Seth sighed but smiled. \u201cBut it looks like we made it through all right. How\u2019s the leg?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe frowned and looked down at his torn pant leg and wrapped up leg. \u201cWell, it\u2019s still there.\u201d He propped himself up on his elbows and his frown deepened. \u201cWhere\u2019s my shirt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe figured it wasn\u2019t helping you last night so we took it off.\u201d Jack held up Joe\u2019s discarded shirt. \u201cMitch is still asleep.\u201d Jack changed the conversation. \u201cHe a\u2026 was out kinda late.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe cocked his head to one side. \u201cHe was \u2018out\u2019? Out where?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe went to fill the canteen.\u201d Jack smiled knowing what Joe\u2019s reaction would be.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe Did What!?\u201d Joe was sitting fully upright now.<\/p>\n

\u201cCoffee?\u201d Joe\u2019s cry had woken Mitch and he sat up wearily, his hands searching for the coffee cup that he had kept beside him the last few nights.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo coffee this morning.\u201d Seth stood and stepped back from Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you leave the cave?\u201d Joe frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning to you too\u201d Mitch muttered as he stood and stretched.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo get water,\u201d Mitch answered grumpily.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could have been killed!\u201d Joe waved an arm in the air for emphasis.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou needed it!\u201d Mitch\u2019s voice rose to match Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you could have been killed!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are my friend and we needed to clean up that leg or you might have been killed by a preventable infection!\u201d Mitch stomped toward the cave entrance. Being yelled at before his morning coffee made him especially angry. \u201cAnd I\u2019d do it again!\u201d he turned with a defiant look on his face.<\/p>\n

Joe lay back on his elbows. \u201cIf you had been killed getting water for me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he wasn\u2019t\u201d Seth said softly. \u201cWe\u2019re all okay. Sure we\u2019re all starving and there\u2019s a band of crazy Indians looking to raise hair, but…\u201d Seth held up his hands when Joe opened his mouth. \u201cWe\u2019re all together and safe\u2026 what\u2019s left of us that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

A single gunshot was fired followed by the sound of a bullet ricocheting of the walls of the cave<\/p>\n

\u201cEverybody down!\u201d Jack cried as he dove down. More shots followed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is this happening,\u201d Seth moaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey must have found a vantage point where they could shoot into the cave.\u201d Joe closed his eyes as the twanging sound of a ricocheting bullet sounded close to his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like just one of them.\u201d Jack corrected. \u201cIf there was more than one the bullets would be flying at us faster.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think they\u2019re trying to get us to come out?\u201d Mitch lay on his belly with his chin resting on his folded hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood guess.\u201d Jack rolled his eyes and gave an exaggerated sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re all gonna die,\u201d Seth shook his head sadly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve made it this far haven\u2019t we?\u201d Joe tried to sound sure of himself. \u201cI don\u2019t think God would allow us to come so far only to let them kill us. That doesn\u2019t seem fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSince when is life fair?\u201d Seth pointed out then groaned. \u201cGreat, all this near death excitement has made me start to sound like my Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing a pa must be hard work.\u201d Mitch said almost wistfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve thought about that before.\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cMakes you kinda appreciate your Pa more when you really think about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy poor Pa,\u201d Seth\u2019s voice sounded choked. \u201cAnd Ma too. I hope it ain\u2019t my Pa who finds us. He thinks I don\u2019t know how much he loves me.\u201d Seth shook his head. \u201cBut I think it\u2019d nearly kill him to find me all scalped and dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe could almost see his own Pa\u2019s face. It floated through his vision as another bullet bounced around the cave walls. He wondered how long it would be before his family was out looking for them, and if all they would find was what was left of them after the birds and the beasts had there fill. Joe shuddered at the vision his thought created.<\/p>\n

—————————-<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe should have been home before now,\u201d Ben Cartwright frowned as he stared out the open door.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss busily gulped down their breakfast and chatted about their plans for the day. Neither, of which, contained time to go out and look for a brother who was only half a day late from a long hunting trip. Maybe tomorrow they would worry a little. Maybe. But they both knew that sometimes hunts could last longer than planned. It had happened many times. Nothing to worry about, right?<\/p>\n

\u201cCome finish your breakfast, Pa,\u201d Adam urged. \u201cStaring out at the yard won\u2019t make Joe get there any quicker. That boy does have an uncanny knack for getting out of chores, doesn\u2019t he Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure does dadburnit.\u201d Hoss reached for the stack of toast that Hop Sing had just replenished and plopped them onto his plate smearing them liberally with jam.<\/p>\n

Ben wandered back over to the table and sat back down stirring his coffee aimlessly. \u201cWhat are your plans for today, boys? Anything pressing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot really,\u201d Hoss answered hesitantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing big. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow would you boys like to take the day off and go for a little ride?\u201d Ben looked up from his coffee cup.<\/p>\n

\u201cI bet I could guess which direction we\u2019d be riding,\u201d Adam wiped his mouth with his red chequered napkin and wadded it onto his plate.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m probably being overprotective.\u201d Ben raised both his hands in a stopping gesture before either of his sons could speak. \u201cBut,\u201d he continued. \u201cI\u2019ve got a bad feeling and it would make me happy to have some company on this little trip- a fool\u2019s errand though it may be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you think you had to ask, Pa?\u201d Hoss smiled. \u201cSure we\u2019ll go with ya!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Hoss.\u201d Ben stood back up and hurried toward the door. \u201cI\u2019ll saddle us up so we can leave as soon as you\u2019re finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sighed, \u201cThere goes my lunch date with Megan.\u201d He stood and frowned. \u201cI hope this isn\u2019t just a fool\u2019s errand.\u201d Adam stepped away then realized what he had said. \u201cOn second thought, I hope that is just what it is.\u201d He smiled briefly at Hoss then went to help his Pa saddle their mounts. The sooner they left the sooner they got back.<\/p>\n

————————————<\/p>\n

\u201cAny ideas?\u201d Jack was itching for action but every movement they made simply brought more bullets whizzing through the cave and bouncing off the walls at dangerous angles.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean besides running straight at there guns?\u201d Mitch rolled onto his side and looked back at Jack who lay several feet behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the cave?\u201d Joe squinted trying to peer back into its depths. \u201cCould there be another way out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a tunnel at the back but I can\u2019t see much,\u201d Jack crawled on his stomach toward the dark hole in the cave wall. \u201cIt\u2019s pretty short- height wise- and sort of narrow.\u201d Jack pulled himself to his knees and began to crawl forward. \u201cDoes anyone have a match?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have some.\u201d Mitch reached in his pocket. \u201cBut I don\u2019t have anything to serve as a torch of any sort.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere is something.\u201d Seth picked up a dusty stick then dropped it. \u201cN-never mind. It was just an old bone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJack stop it!\u201d Joe sat up bringing another shot echoing through the cave, causing the friends to press themselves against the hard floor again. \u201cDon\u2019t go any farther until we get you a light.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack sighed and scooted back toward his friends. \u201cHow about wrapping some of Mitch\u2019s soiled shirt around this bone good and tight and lighting that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt won\u2019t last long.\u201d Seth was already moving to where they had discarded the bandages.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be able to look around a little.\u201d Jack sounded eager. \u201cI won\u2019t go too far. Just far enough to see if it leads anywhere. Then I\u2019ll come back.\u201d<\/p>\n

The torch was lit and Jack moved back into the tunnel. He had to duck and turn sideways when he stood to his feet and began to inch his way into the unknown. His eyes scanned tensely about for snakes and pits that were characteristic of old caverns.<\/p>\n

The others waited anxiously for Jack to return, uneasy as soon as they could no longer see the light from his torch.<\/p>\n

The tunnel only got tighter and lower as it progressed and Jack nearly tuned back when it suddenly turned sharply and he began to climb a steep incline. Then he spotted a pinprick of light in the distance. Getting closer, Jack realized the opening was barely large enough to squeeze through and he slid his head up through the opening.<\/p>\n

To his surprise he saw a lone Indian on a ridge across from him staring intently at a point in the mountain. Jack looked and realized that this was the Indian that had kept them pinned down in the cave a quick search and he spotted two other Indians waiting for their prey to leave the cave.<\/p>\n

Jack pulled himself back into the cave, his mind already forming a plan to save, if not himself, then at least the rest of them. His torch was beginning to flicker and as Jack hurried back toward his friends he resolved himself to his plan and decided there would be no time for a goodbye or good luck.<\/p>\n

As he drew nearer to the cave\u2019s large room he could here his friends calling his name. \u201cI\u2019m here,\u201d He yelled back his words echoing back and forth against the close walls.<\/p>\n

\u201cJack!\u201d Seth cried out, \u201cWhat did you find?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack stopped his progress and took deep breaths. He was ready. His light was fading and he knew if he stopped to think it would weaken his determination.<\/p>\n

\u201cGod,\u201d he whispered as he turned himself around. \u201cLet this work.\u201d<\/p>\n

———————————<\/p>\n

\u201cJack!\u201d Seth sighed with relief at his friend\u2019s distant words. \u201cWhat did you find?\u201d\u00a0 His words were met with silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cJack?\u201d Joe called nervously.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt leads out,\u201d Jack sounded farther away then he had a second ago. \u201cI\u2019m going out to create a distraction. You guys make a break for it when the shooting starts!\u201d His voice was growing smaller as he spoke.<\/p>\n

Eyes wide, the three friends began to yell at the same time. \u201cNo! Jack, stop!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you insane?\u201d Joe nearly screamed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no time\u2026the torch,\u201d They could barely make out his words.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, this can\u2019t be happening.\u201d Mitch started to crawl toward the tunnel.<\/p>\n

A shot was fired and the friend\u2019s again pressed themselves against the floor. Only, this time, no bullet whizzed through the cave. More shot were fired and the friends realized Jack was already outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cJack,\u201d the single word tore from Seth\u2019s throat as he stood to his feet and ran toward the daylight of the cave opening. Scooping up his rifle as he passed it and cocking it as he ran, Seth burst out into the open.<\/p>\n

Mitch too, ran his sidearm drawn and at the ready.<\/p>\n

Joe pulled him self on his feet and grabbed a discarded rifle to use more as a crutch then a weapon. His left hand flew to his side and removed the thong that had kept his pistol in its holster. The gun whipped out and Joe exited the cave at a limping run.<\/p>\n

Jack had exited the hole and taken out the one Indian with his first shot, drawing the attention of the other remaining Indians. He had seen Seth charge through the cave opening followed closely by Mitch. Unless he missed his guess, Joe would be limping out any second.<\/p>\n

Seth and Mitch began a charge with Seth leading the way and the startled Indians didn\u2019t know which way to shoot.<\/p>\n

Jack ran down the incline with a whoop as Joe made it out the cave and added his bullets to the mix.<\/p>\n

Another Indian fell and Jack\u2019s heart leapt. They were going to make it! They were going to make it!<\/p>\n

He let out another whoop, or at least, he opened his mouth to do so when something slammed into his chest. For a moment he thought he must have been clubbed by a tree branch, or maybe the whole tree. He found himself staring up at the blue, cloudless sky. The sun was warm on his face, but not overly so. There was a gentle breeze that carried the sound of gunshots that suddenly sounded so far away and cooled the perspiration that beaded his brow.Jack gasped at the pain like a fire attempting to consume him. He tried to sit up and saw the crimson rivulets that soaked through his shirt at an alarming rate. With a shaking hand he covered the wound and tried to stop his life from draining out of him.<\/p>\n

He laid back his eyes half closed. So this was what death felt like.<\/p>\n

—————————<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m surprised we haven\u2019t met up with them.\u201d Ben turned in the saddle to try and work out some of the kinks that had made their way into his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey must have slept in.\u201d Adam sighed, wishing he had brought along his book so he could read while he rode.<\/p>\n

Hoss squinted up at the sun. \u201cIt seems to me, that we should be braking for lunch about now.\u201d He smacked his lips. \u201cAnd ol\u2019 Hop Sing sure outdid himself this time!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam\u2019s voice had gone from bored to tense.<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss turned and looked at where Adam had reined in his horse and pointed off to their right.<\/p>\n

\u201cCooch,\u201d Hoss breathed as he slid down from the saddle.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s horse, fully saddled, stood amongst the brush on the side of the trail.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben cupped his hands to his mouth and called hoping for his youngest to reply. His words echoed against the mountainous terrain and then faded out to silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe Cooch just got away from him.\u201d Hoss grabbed the horse\u2019s reins and with one hand and stroked the horse\u2019s neck with the other. \u201cIt happens to the best of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded then yelled again. Looking around for any signs of his son and his four friends, he stood in his stirrups. \u201cJoe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s heart began to sink. Maybe Cochise had given Joe the slip, but he doubted it. His hopes that this was nothing but a fool\u2019s errand were rapidly fading, and he silently lifted his eyes toward heaven and sent up a quick prayer for his brother.<\/p>\n

——————————-<\/p>\n

\u201cJack,\u201d anguish seeped into Seth\u2019s spoken word. He was the first to reach the fallen young man with Mitch close on his heels and Joe not far behind the pain in his leg all but forgotten.<\/p>\n

Jack\u2019s eyes fluttered open and he smile played on his lips, \u201cYou made it out.\u201d His words brought on painful coughing that caused blood to trickle from the corner of his mouth.<\/p>\n

Joe fell to his knees and reached out a hand clasping Jack\u2019s arm. \u201cHang in there, buddy, we\u2019ll get you help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack grinned through the haze of pain, \u201cI\u2019m sure one of these trees will be a splendid doctor.\u201d He tried to keep the brave front on his face, but he was dying, and he knew it. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t hurt much anymore,\u201d He tried to convince his friends. \u201cIt won\u2019t be much longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Jack,\u201d Mitch took hold of one of his hands as if he could anchor him to this world. \u201cYou\u2019ll be fine.\u201d He tried to sound confident but tears were already blurring his vision and choking his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright,\u201d Jack closed his eyes. \u201cWhat better way to go than surrounded by the best friends a man could ever have?\u201d He opened his dark eyes again and looked into the distressed faces of his friends.<\/p>\n

Seth reached out and touched his friend as Joe and Mitch were. \u201cYou\u2019re been a wonderful friend, Jack. The best.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was it that I was again?\u201d Jack\u2019s eyes began to lose their focus. \u201cThe gutsiest\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe looniest,\u201d Joe said as the tears coursed down his checks and he didn\u2019t bother to wipe them away.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the most likely to get us in trouble.\u201d Mitch squeezed Jack\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you forget it.\u201d They had to lean forward to catch the breathy words.<\/p>\n

\u201cJack?\u201d Joe cried as Jack\u2019s eyes closed and his body stilled. \u201cJack?\u201d<\/p>\n

The battle was over. Death had claimed another victory.<\/p>\n

—————————–<\/p>\n

Quietly the friends knelt there, hands still grasping their friend. There faces slowly became vacant as shock crept over them.<\/p>\n

They didn\u2019t know how long they sat there staring at nothing in particular.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just supposed to be a simple hunting trip.\u201d Joe whispered as shadows began to lengthen around them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should have gone home without the king.\u201d Seth\u2019s words sounded almost bitter. \u201cI should have made us go back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you more than me?\u201d Joe argued. \u201cI could have put my foot down\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI should have known what Jack was going to do. I should have stopped him.\u201d Mitch released his hold on Jack\u2019s body and used his hands to cover his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie,\u201d Seth looked up at the cave. \u201cHe\u2019s all alone up there.\u201d His lower lip quivered and he caught it between his teeth as more tears welled up in his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t burry them up here.\u201d Joe shook his head. \u201cAfter all they did for us, we can\u2019t just leave them in an unmarked grave up here for the wolves to dig up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth stood and began to walk toward the cave that had sheltered them the night before. \u201cI\u2019ll get Charlie.\u201d He said as he had many times before in better days.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll gather poles for a travois.\u201d Mitch stood and wiped the back of his hand across his eyes. \u201cWe can pull them home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHome,\u201d Joe whispered, a deep longing laced the word. He wished to have his Pa\u2019s strong arms around him. He had felt like such a man when he had left. Now he felt so small but more than that he felt guilt twist his gut. Two of his friends were dead. If only he had\u2026<\/p>\n

———————————–<\/p>\n

Ben would never be able to describe how he felt the moment that he spotted the procession that walked slowly toward him. With each mile they had ridden, dread had increased and tightened its hold. Cold fear had urged the father and his two sons onward.<\/p>\n

Then when he finally spotted his son, the fear and dread didn\u2019t dissipate. Rather, it increased. \u201cDear, God,\u201d Ben kicked Buck forward.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam looked at each other and a silent message of alarm passed between them.<\/p>\n

Mitch and Seth pulled a travois wearily their heads bowed with effort while Joe limped next to it, his eyes watching the two motionless bodies that lay on it.<\/p>\n

The three on horseback were off there mounts and running toward the three young men.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Adam reached them first. His eyes worriedly taking in Joe\u2019s tear streaked face.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re dead, Adam.\u201d Joe stated solemnly. \u201cFirst Charlie, them Jack. Both shot down dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShot?\u201d Hoss clenched his jaw. \u201cShot by who? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth shook his head and set down his side of the travois, \u201cIt was just supposed to be a simple hunting trip.\u201d He looked at Ben wishing for his own father\u2019s presence.<\/p>\n

Mitch set his pole from the travois down and both he and Seth turned simultaneously and walked over to Joe. Each taking an arm, they helped him over to a fallen log where they all sat down together, their arms still intertwined.<\/p>\n

Ben saw the look of shock on their faces and it broke his heart. He looked at the two dead. He knew these boys well. They had grown up with his son. He knew their parents. His heart tightened at the thought of the news he would have to bring to them. A son dead\u2026 he looked at Joe quickly spotting his own injury. What if he had lost him?\u00a0 He sent up a urgent prayer to his maker for the parents and family of the dead.<\/p>\n

What had taken place to claim the lives of Charlie and Jack would come out later. Right now these three who still lived needed him. \u00a0He wanted nothing more than to cradle Joe in his arms and assure him that everything would be okay.<\/p>\n

Ben knelt in front of the young men and noticed sadly that they didn\u2019t turn to look at him but rather stared off at nothing and everything. He turned and looked back at his other sons and saw they worry in their eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with them, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey must have gone through some kind of nightmare,\u201d Adam answered. \u201cThey must be in shock.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s green eyes found Ben\u2019s, \u201cThey\u2019re dead, Pa.\u201d He wanted to fling himself into the arms that he knew would hold him and keep him. Safe. \u201cThey didn\u2019t deserve that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey saved our lives.\u201d Mitch closed his eyes and bowed his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we couldn\u2019t save theirs,\u201d Seth mumbled guiltily.<\/p>\n

Three pairs of eyes moved to where their two friends lay face down.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, \u201cThey didn\u2019t deserve that.\u201d \u00a0He wanted now more than ever to collapse into his Pa\u2019s arms and have him whisper comforts in his ear, but his friends held his arms. They didn\u2019t have their fathers here to give them comfort. So he tightened his grip on his friends as if letting go meant loosing them and whispered again, \u201cThey didn\u2019t deserve that.\u201d<\/p>\n

———————————<\/p>\n

It took a lot of coaxing to get the boys to tell the story of what had taken place. The mothers and fathers of the three survivors wondered if they hadn\u2019t lost their sons as well. The sparkle had been extinguished from their eyes and the music from their voices. Slowly the story came out and was pieced together.<\/p>\n

After they had gotten home, Joe had finally turned to his father and fallen into the strong arms that had never failed him. \u201cI didn\u2019t get to say goodbye to Charlie,\u201d He cried. \u201cHe was dead by the time I got there. It\u2019s not fair. You should be given the chance to tell your friends all they meant to you.\u201d Joe buried his face in his father\u2019s shoulder for a time and let his tears soak through Ben\u2019s shirt.<\/p>\n

Ben too had tears streaming down his face as he wrapped his arms tighter around his child. \u201cThey knew, son.\u201d He tenderly rubbed the hair on the back of Joe\u2019s head, \u201cYou risked your life as well, you all did. That just shows the love you had for your friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa, they gave their lives, and I can never repay that debt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSon, live your life in a way that will make them proud. I\u2019m proud of you, Joe, and I love you so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

———————————–<\/p>\n

Joe stood stiffly his back as straight as he could manage, his head and neck facing firmly ahead, his eyes staring forward at nothing in particular. His actions were nearly perfectly mirrored by the two men standing on either side of him.<\/p>\n

The minister read the verses that he had read many times before on this very hill. He finished with a prayer and looked up at the faces of the three men who stood rigidly across from him. \u201cAnd now as we lay these, Charles Turner and Jackson Collins, to their final resting place, we look forward to the hope we have in the resurrection.\u201d The minister turned to Ben. \u201cI believe you have something you wanted to say, Mr Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stepped forward and took the Bible from the minister. \u201cI would like to read a verse that I believe is true not only for Jackson and Charles, but also for Seth, Mitchell, and Joseph.\u201d Ben thumbed through the well worn pages until he found what he was searching for. Glancing up to see if he had the attention he wanted and clearing his throat he read the verse. \u201cGreater lover hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben handed the Bible back to the minister. \u201cThese two sons that we lay to rest here, were not the only ones who showed great love.\u201d Ben looked at the families of Jack and Charlie then continued. \u201cYou all were willing to give your lives for each other. As a parent I can say that sometimes we don\u2019t realize how grown up our children really are.\u201d Ben clasped his hands together behind his back, \u201cA wise man once said: \u2018Friendship is held to be the severest test of character. It is easy, we think, to be loyal to a family and clan, whose blood is in your own veins\u2026\u2019\u201d Ben looked at each of his sons but let his gaze rest on Joe as he continued. \u201c\u2018But to have a friend and to be true under any and all trials is the mark of a man.\u2019 We are proud of our sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was the first to turn away as the graves where filled in. Mitch and Seth turned and flanked either side of his as they went to Charlie and Jack\u2019s parents and gave them hugs and handshakes then made there way back from the cemetery. When they reached the Cartwright buggy they stopped and looked at each other. Tears escaped their eyes and they were quick to wipe them away.<\/p>\n

Joe reached out and grabbed one of each of his friends\u2019 hands and looked between them. \u201cMy friends,\u201d he whispered. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mitch and Seth nodded and left to join their families.<\/p>\n

They would always regret that hunting trip. They would forever look back on it with sorrow and loathing. They would never forget their friends who died up on that mountain; their memories would live on forever in hearts of those they left behind.<\/p>\n

Every spring after, if one was to ride by the cemetery on a March day, he would see a dazzling display of flowers. No one ever truly knew how the flowers got there year after year that too was speculated on by the town gossips.<\/p>\n

The story would never fully get out, although, bits and pieces over the years have been told. The three survivors decided it best to have the hatred stop with them. The Indians had attacked them in retaliation to John Tyrone\u2019s actions, and although there was a time when they discussed a retaliation of their own, they decided to bring to an end the killing thus hopefully preventing further innocent men from dying.<\/p>\n

It would be a long time before any of the friends could be persuaded to go on a hunting trip. None of them ever returned to the pretty lake in the mountains where they had shared such a good time.\u00a0 For they would never be able to remember the fun without the horror, nor the laughter without the tears.<\/p>\n

End Notes:<\/b><\/p>\n

*Quote on friendship by: C. Eastman*<\/p>\n

Thank you for reading! This was my first Bonanza Fanfic and I enjoyed writing it for everyone on the WIP forum of another site. I hope you enjoyed it and feel free to leave a review and tell me what you thought.<\/p>\n

Special thanks to all who encouraged me throughout the writing process.<\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0When five friends head out on a hunting trip they have no idea of the horror that waits for them and will demand from them the ultimate sacrifice. \u00a0<\/p>\n

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