The Path One Follows

When All Else Fails

The moment was met with complete silence. Flint was smiling as if he'd won some great prize, while Jackal only observed. Tad looked like a fox that had been caught in the hen house.

Tad considered his options. It would be a lot of trouble to fight his way out of this nest of vipers. He held completely still. If anyone pulled out a weapon, he'd have to act fast.

"How are you alive?", That was the only think Tad could think to say. There was heart in the question that betrayed how unbalanced he currently was.

"That's an interesting story. Your pal, Grant, almost had me. I came across a group of travelers who had no idea who I was. I was barely even conscious when they found me. They took me in and nursed me back to life. To show my appreciation, I let those men live when my boys finally found me. We still took their women and burned all the wagons, but it's the only time I've ever shown mercy. "

"You're a regular f*****g saint." Tad wasn't shocked. Flint was never one for sympathy. He was sure those men still ended up dead. They likely tried to rescue their women.

"I thought so. I'm doing the same thing now. You've gotten really good at your new gig. I was impressed that you evaded me all the way here. I'm even respecting the rules of the Fort by not trying to apprehend you in its walls. You'll have to come out sooner or later. Then I'm gonna take you and your caravan into custody. I'm sure there'll be a reward for your head. I've learned patience since my near death experience. I'm only sorry that I couldn't have had you join me. You've got skills that I hate to see wasted. I know you'd never entertain the notion knowing that Jackal led the attack on your farm, but it was still a hope."

"You're right. I'd rather have my date wtth the headsman than ever consider being one of you assholes. Respectfully of course."

"You haven't changed much. That'll make taking down your group even more fun for me."

"If you have no more need for me, I'm going back to my room. I have an impossible escape to plan."

Jackal finally spoke up. "You're free to go. You're even few to plan, as long as you stick to the forts rules. You stay neutral until you're outside our walls. I've promised Flint that I won't be involved. Good luck, Tad. You'll need it."

Tad stared a moment longer and turned to leave. The other two men stood in silence until Tad was gone.

"Do you think he'll really plan an escape?" Jackal wasn't sure that it was a possibility.

"If you had known Tad better back when he was with us, you'd know that he's a pretty genius tactician. I'm sure he has a plan already. He'll have to make do on the fly which will make him careless. He'll know that he needs to leave soon as well. I want to see if he's got any fight left in him. "

"That's a dangerous game, Flint. What will you do if he does escape?"

"I can pay cat and mouse as long as he doesn't mind being the rodent. I haven't had a challenge in a while. "

"Ok. I'll leave him be. If you need my assistance, send a message."

"If I need you, you'll be the first to know. I better tell my men I've chummed the water. They'll need to stay on alert until it's done. I'll be in touch. "

Flint went forgot the exit now. Jackal sat in silence on his throne. Flint had been his old commander. He wasn't his commander anymore. There's a reward to be had for capturing Tad. Maybe he didn't need his old boss. He thought he must be able to take down a rebel and a few farmers. He'd have to have them all watched. Flint couldn't blame him for warning a little glory for himself.

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Tad was fit to be tied. Of all the damn luck. He could stick his arm in a barrel of p*****s and pull out an asshole. Killing Flint and Jackal both seemed a great idea, but that would mean leaving these people without a guide. Grant could take over if he wasn't out riding the countryside to rescue a woman he seemed smitten with from her dumb bastard of a husband. Frank had to be the one to turn on him. It made the most sense. Fuming his way towards the rings they'd taken he rounded a corner just in time to walk into Leanne.

"I'm sorry, Leanna. Let me help you up. "

The collison had ended with Leanna on the ground. She eyed him for a moment before extending her hand.

"A man walking around with a bee in his bonnet that fierce souls really take the time to pull his head out of his ass before walking anywhere."

Leanna didn't appear angry. It was a statement in fact.

"You're right ma'am, and I truly do apologize. Today has really managed to get my goat. I need a minute to gather my thoughts. Our plan to leave just got a bit more complicated."

Together they went to find a table to sit at. The closest one had been outside the inn they'd lodged in. Tad explained the gist of what're had happened.

"So, you see, these men are dangerous. On my own, they'd not find me, but with the caravan members, I have concerns. "

"Maybe you should stop talking everything on your own shoulders. You've done us right since I met you and I think we might be more helpful if you're willing to let us help."

"Do you think everyone will really understand what I'll be asking of them?"

He was willing to try, but didn't want to lose anyone else.

"I can't speak for these farm men. They are great if you hand them a stick and point to a target. Lucky for you there are three ladies who think a little deeper. I'm more than willing to help. You boys saved my life. I'll help protect yours."

Tad wasn't sure what to say. He believed in these women. They never seemed to crack under pressure anymore. It's as if they'd been hardened into granite.

"I'd be extremely appreciative for your help and any others that you think are as capable as yourself."

"No need to flatter me, cowboy. I already think you're beautiful and Id stand by you through anything. I'll gather the girls. "

Tad was left there red faced and dumbfounded. Maybe Grant wasn't as crazy as he'd thought at first.