Chapter One Smoke Ahead

Tyler and his paint mare, a Missouri Fox Trotter, have been on the trail for two weeks. Nearly out of supplies, he hopes to reach the next town by the end of the following day. Taking off his hat and wiping his forehead and neck with his blue bandanna, he stretches up in his stirrups to see if there is some shade and water for himself and his horse to take a break. Reaching over his saddle horn he gently rubs Tequila’s sweaty neck. “I know its hot girl; I’m trying to find us some shade. One good thing about this heat, there’s no flies out.”

The noon time sun overhead is roasting everything on the surface. It must be over a hundred Tyler thinks to himself. The sky looks a royal blue without a cloud in it, what we need right now is a lot of rain. Everything is so dry that grazing is starting to turn brown, not good for horses or cattle.

Looking east he notices traces of smoke coming up just over the next rise. He is close enough to scent the smell of smoke. Smoke can mean a number of things. Ranchers burning brush which is not too smart in these dry conditions or something drastically wrong ahead of him. Reaching for his Colt, checking to make sure that all six of the cylinders are loaded and then reaching to check and make sure his Winchester has a round in the chamber he moves on.

Heading Tequila in that direction hoping it is only a rancher burning some brush and they can offer him and Tequila some water. Maybe his wife could part with some leftovers. Hardtack is getting tiresome.

Nearing the top of the rise he looks down upon the ranch and sees the house and barn smoldering. Pulling up on Tequila’s reins, he pauses to survey the situation in front of him. There are no horses in the corrals, or cattle he can see. From where he sits he can’t make out if anyone is around.

Slowly, walking Tequila downhill, he draws his Winchester from its scabbard and lays it across his saddle in front of him. Tyler feels tension building in Tequila’s muscles. She is bothered by the smell of smoke and death.

Approaching the smoldering buildings he sees where the bodies are lying on the ground. He dismounts and ties his horse to a rail post. Holding his rifle in his right hand he moves around looking for anyone who might be lingering.