Hot Summer Night

[Lazorrath]

Cyrus didn't sleep well that night. As when the good dreams had passed, a nightmare crept its way. in. In this dream he was in a bleak and foggy field; the landscape had been scorched and destroyed all around him. Cyrus found himself crawling through mud and grime; his weak and shaking hand gripping what he could find to pull himself forward. Each reach seemed to cause him tremendous pain; soon his eyes looked behind him as his body had chain coming out of his body. Five long chains were holding him to something. As he looked back it was two caskets that were on fire...Cyrus stared at them in horror.

Before Cyrus was wakened by one of the field hands he rose out of his bed. A cold sweat over his brow; he went over to a wash bowl to wash off his face. There was a small mirror in the room as well and he looked to the tired hazel eyes. He couldn't look at himself for long. Wiping off his face with a towel he soon got himself dressed and ready to go early. He remember his days on a farm so he went to start out early. Cyrus worked hard that morning; stables to be cleaned, animals to be fed; and animals to be prepped to work the land.

His youth and strength came to his advantage to keep him going. When breakfast came around he was ready for a meal. Cyrus pulled a handkerchief to wipe sweat from his brow. As he finished eating Thomas came over.

"Cyrus...Mr. Russell would like to see you. He's waiting for you on the porch." Cyrus knodded and he stood up to begin making his way to the house. If he had been going inside he would have changed his clothes. Walking over to the house this place looked great in the sunlight. It was so picturesque that you could barely tell there was a war ever.

On the porch Mr. Russell sat wearing a white suit; normally he would be wearing some plain clothes to be helping out. However getting things ready for tonight's event he needed to be ready early and be looking his best. He was a tall and stout man with grey hair and a beard. Everett Russell sat on the porch smoking a pipe as he watched his man approach.

"Mr. Mason...pleasure to meet you my friend." A gruff old voice spoke up as a bellow of smoke left his lips.

"Mr. Russell, thank you for having me." The two reached out for friendly hand shake. Cyrus reached in his pocket for his pack of tobacco. Without words Cyrus looked to him and Mr. Russell nodded. "Beautiful land you got here. Thomas knows it well."

"I trust Thomas quite well with my land. Its very important that you find the right man for the right job." Spoke Mr. Russell as he took a seat in a rocking chair.

"That there is no doubt..." Cyrus soon rolled a cigarette and lit in a smooth motion. "So, I here talk of some kind of festival tonight."

"That there is...you know of all people here how ravaged our land has been. God blessed us with not having a scar to show for it. No offense son, I imagine you may still be walking, but you have an impressive scar or two."

"Ain't nothing wrong with telling a man whose been shot he might have something to show for it. I'm just lucky I ain't haul lead around." Mr. Russell gave a laugh and gave a bit of a cough.

"True enough...so speaking of lead, how good are you with a gun." Mr. Russell asked with a few ideas for festivities of the night. Having an officer come to the festival would help show some good spirit.

 

[lexieredefined]

Beth found herself in the middle of a very busy kitchen, where her mother reigned supreme. Beth had her sleeves rolled up, apron tied around her tiny waist, and her poor hair was steadily falling out of the neat braid her sister had created. All around her women swirled in and out making the front lawn ready for the evening. Her sister-in-laws, mother, sister, and the wives of the ranch hands were busy. Her brothers were in and out at her mother's beck and call for the heavy lifting. Her nieces and nephews were in the yard playing along with the other children who lived on the property. She smiled listening to them shriek about.

"Mama!" a young voice piped. It was Millie, Madge's oldest at only 5 years old. "Nathaniel's taken off his cloth again and is running around!" Nathaniel was Millie's 2 year old brother. Madge sighed, "Beth, I'm up to my elbows in flour here." Beth wiped her hands on her apron, happy for the diversion to get out of the stifling kitchen "I'll get him." She left the kitchen to a chorus of women assuring Madge it was perfectly normal for 2 year old boys to behave like this.

Millie handed Beth the discarded shirt that was Nathaniel's summer play clothes. "He went that way, Auntie Beth." She patted Millie on the head and took of toward the front of the house. She saw the top of Nathaniel's blonde head running wildly between the tables that were set up for that evening. Picking up her skirts, she ran toward him. In a sing-song voice she called, "Nathaniel!"

She was rewarded by his giggles. She let the chase ensure for a few moments before deftly catching him and wrestling him to the ground in a heap of tickles and kisses. She quickly managed to get his clothing back on and hauled him and herself off the ground. She held the hefty boy in her arms and kissed him, "Nathaniel, you mustn't run around in your birthday suit. It's unbecoming of a boy!" Suddenly, she realized they had an audience.

Turning to see her father and Cyrus on the front porch, her heart lurched. "Daddy!" she called with a smile. "PawPaw!" Nathaniel cried. Beth headed to the porch as her father rose, "Beth, dear. Busy getting ready for tonight?"

"Yes," she replied trying desperately to keep her eyes off Cyrus. Her father motion to Cyrus. "This is Mr. Cyrus Mason, one of our new hands. Mr. Mason, my daughter Beth and my grandson Nathaniel." Beth shifted Nathaniel on her hip and nodded her head toward Cyrus praying her face wouldn't give her away. Nathaniel beat on his chest, "Me Nathaniel!" Beth kissed him on the forehead, "Yes, you are. Gentlemen, if you'll pardon me, I need to get this monster back and then get back to Mama. You know how she is." She smiled at her father, then to Cyrus, "A pleasure, Mr. Mason." She moved toward the back of the house with her heart pounding in her chest.

 

[Lazorrath]

Cyrus and Everett were both a bit surprised to see the little boy come out of nowhere. Everett no doubt gave a smile, but Cyrus has to tend to his cigarette for a moment before he could look at the boy again. He let a bellow of smoke leave his mouth as he put on a smile. Then a surprise came to him; seeing Beth again playing with the child. He would have lied if he said his heart hadn't skipped a beat for a moment.

He was glad to see that Everett stood up to walk over to her. His eyes lingered on Beth, for a few seconds. To see that innocent smile on her face; a face that had not been touched by the harsh realities of the world. He had to remember who was right beside him though. The fact that he didn't know this woman yet by Everett's knowledge. He let the two speak and get a chance for Nathaniel to introduce himself.

When Beth spoke to Cyrus he gave a nod of his head and spoke briefly. "Pleasure, mam" The festival tonight; it may be just opportunity on multiple fronts. For now though he had to take time to remember the present. "You have a wonderful family here Everett, I'd be a liar if I said I did not envy you. A sin I know...just you have quite a life here."

"God has blessed me with many. I cannot take them for granted." Everett spoke with pride, true he had lost children on the way but for so many of them to survive. "Ever thinking about settling down son?"

Cyrus became quiet for a moment. "I tried...God saw it that I not find such peace yet." Everett regretted asking the question but he saw through it. "Were both men of loss, I imagine you have lost children. I'll leave it at that sir." Everett nodded but he would not be one to simply stay quiet.

"God works in mysterious ways Mr. Mason. The evils of this world are not going to go away themselves but it is for good men to stand up against such evil." He spoke with, a pastors word had inspired the thoughts.

"I have laid many evils to their final resting place...more then I care to mention." Cyrus rubbed his cigarette out on the bottom of his boot.

"I didn't hire you to be working on the fields all day. I know the talents you have; and I will see them not go to waste. We just lost this war; we are one country but we are also states in disrest. There will be crime and there will be bitter men. I will not have that come over my family."

"I know of a few with nothing to go to will look to find there own...by the law or not. I'll see to it that they don't hurt this family. I'll start taking on the night watch of the herds; take em out to pasture and graze em." Everett could hear the fire in the boy's chest. The spirit of youth was a powerful thing.

 

[lexieredefined]

Beth returned to the back of the house and deposited Nathaniel in Madge's arms. "Mother Ruth says you are to go on upstairs and start getting ready for this evening," Madge told her. Beth smiled and headed upstairs to where a bath would be waiting. She knew her mother well enough to know she expected her to look her best.

Hours later Beth emerged downstairs for her mother's approval. She wore a simple sapphire blue dress that was cinched at the waist by a pretty wide white ribbon. The dress sat low on her shoulders and offset her skin, although it was completely appropriate given the time of day. Her hair was set up in a simple sapphire blue hairnet. It was a simple outfit. While the war had been over for a little while, many luxuries still were unavailable. Beth however did not miss the hoop skirts. It was enough to wear petticoats on a hot summer evening.

She found her mother in the parlor with her sister and two of her sister-in-laws. Her oldest brother, Samuel, was there as well. "Goodness Bethie, you'll certainly turn heads tonight," he whistled. She blushed knowing there was only one head she wanted to turn. She walked out onto the porch where her father stood watching for the first guests to arrive. She slipped her arm through his. "You look lovely Hummingbird," he said to her. She beamed at his approval. They stood in a companionable silence watching the lanterns being lit and the sun go down.

 

[Lazorrath]

Cyrus and Everett parted there ways with a firm handshake. Cyrus made his way back to his simple little room of a house. He began to disrobe the sweaty clothes; he really hadn't had time to got to town and get some more sets of clothes let alone get an outfit for the night. However being recently let go of his station in the service he still had his officers outfit. It would do for the night he supposed. He wore the grey suit with the medal showing his rank; with a pair of black shoes and white gloves it completed his outfit. A black leather belt with a buckle on the front for the finishing touch.

He looked himself over in the small mirror he had, he wore his pistol with him. Habit made sure that he never left without it. Cyrus wondered if Beth would be there tonight; it would make his night to dance with her. It was a good time to further know Beth's father; if anyone could help him get some land it would be him. Cyrus chose not wear his hat tonight; he combed his hair so that it was not mangy and wild. He put his pocket watch in his pocket and soon he made his way outside.

Already the evening was settling in and it was going to be a beautiful night. Barely a cloud in the sky; the heat didn't let up but it didn't bother him at all. The warmth just made him feel a little more alive; made him feel like he was walking to enjoy himself for once. The feeling that he wasn't walking into a war ground or into a crowd of drunks; it was nice....unsettling but good. Already gentlemen and ladies were making there way.

He saw the glinting porch lights ahead and he followed them back to where he had left Everett the first time. His family was on full display looking there best; while he was at a distance he soon found Beth. She was like something out of a dream; that color for her dress went with her eyes. With her blond hair to complement it all; Cyrus's mouth was agape for a moment before he approached the porch.

"Evening" Cyrus spoke, though he was an officer no more he still wore the uniform with pride. To him it wasn't the south he stood for but for his brother's in arms. How anyone else saw it; that was there opinion and they could keep it.

Everett gave a smile and spoke. "You clean up nice for just working the field. I don't remember buying a tub for that house."

"No sir, its amazing what a few buckets of water can do." Cyrus then looked to Beth; he couldn't help it this time. "Pleasure to see you again Beth; you look wonderful this evening." He wanted to say so much more but present company kept him on his best behavior.

 

[lexieredefined]

Beth saw Cyrus walking toward them and her heart stopped. He was in his uniform. She was a little afraid for him. What if someone said something? The thought worried her for a moment but she couldn't also help notice how wonderful he looked in it as well. It appeared to be made for him the way he carried himself in it.

"Thank you Mr. Mason," she gave a small curtsy, "Daddy is right, you do clean up nicely. Very handsome. Perhaps later you'll indulge me with a dance." She followed her family down to greet the guests that were arriving. She saw Mr. Edwards and Charles approach her father. Charles. Charles!

"Beth, you look charming tonight," he said coming over and kissing her hand. She dropped into a polite curtsy, "Thank you Charles, you look well yourself." Charles took Beth's hand and tucked it under his leading her away from her father and toward the group of people she had grown up with. For the first time ever instead of wanting to flirt with the boys and try to outwit Eliza, she wanted to pull away. She wanted to pick up her skirts, fancy dress and all and run to the tree line. To that secret place.

 

[Lazorrath]

As they all went inside and were in the parlor room it was when he heard a voice. One that he had not heard since before the war. His head slowly turned to see a man...not a man but a wolf in sheep clothing. Cyrus tried not to let his eyes pry with a gaze of hatred. He could not believe that his information was right; he was here and in the flesh. Cyrus held a glass of whiskey that he sipped trying to think what to do. He didn't think he would find him so soon. And here this place was no place for his to unload the burden of the last few years.

Of course it didn't help that he came over and kissed the hand of Beth. His free hand slowly turned to a fist. He didn't want to lose his work or cause a scene at this gathering. It was far too soon for such. But now he knew that this man lived nearby. He was brought out of his thoughts as Everett spoke to Cyrus.

"Mr. Mason...are you alright lad? You looked like someone called you a liar." Cyrus took a sip of his drink and took a deep breath. No need to ruin this moment for her family.

"Apologies Mr. Russell, just recognized an old friend. Surprised he didn't say hello...I'll have to be a bit more forward. If you'll excuse me Everett." Cyrus had enough taken from him in life; and Beth wasn't going to be lost to him so easy. He followed the two to the younger crowd, he joined the circle with his drink and gained his composure. Going in headstrong would get him nowhere.

As he approached the circle he had to quell the fire in his heart. It took all the resistance in him from pulling out his gun and shooting Charles in the head right then and there. For now he just took a sip of his drink. One of the younger gentleman in the crowd was talking of a tale how his older brother was trying to break in a horse. " So Sam takes hold of the rope and tries to jump on this beast of horse. He couldn't have been older then 12 at the time; like a crazy man he jumps on and you never seen someone hold on more fore dear life!" Samuel the older brother kept a smirk on his face as his younger brother told the story.

 

[lexieredefined]

Charles was busy goading Samuel over John's story. At least in the process of getting so excited over his story, he'd let go of her hand tucked under his arm. Beth was bored. It was a party. The social gathering of the season, if you would, and she was bored. There must be a first time for everything she supposed.

Looking around the yard, it seemed most of the neighbors turned out. She hadn't seen sign of the Rawlings yet though. That pleased her immensely. She could not handle Jacob just now too. She felt a presence in their circle like a brand on her skin. She didn't even have to look to know Cyrus had joined them. Still she turned and saw him across from her. He looked okay, but his eyes were saying something else. What?

"Ahem." She cleared her throat before Her brothers could launch another long winded tale, "Ladies and gentleman, I'd like to introduce you to a friend of mine, Mr. Cyrus Mason. Mr. Mason was a First Lieutenant with the 19th, I believe I am correct in saying so. Mr. Mason?" She smiled warmly toward him.

 

[Lazorrath]

Cyrus wasn't expecting Beth to suddenly speak up for him; he was caught a bit off guard. He glanced over at Charles to see if that name would have any meaning to him. He imagined not; and by the look of it he seemed to have little interest of Cyrus. This could work to his advantage. However not forgetting his social graces or manners her raised his glass up. "Thank you Beth, couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you all for having me with your family tonight. I'm anxious to get to know everyone. And to reacquaint myself with those who I have not seen during the war."

He made sure not to look at Charles directly only in glancing. Charles took a few glances at the man but truly cared nothing for him...however, something did seem familiar about him. He just couldn't place his finger on it. Charles had done a fair amount of business out west; perhaps Cyrus had been a guide or something of the like. However for a brief moment they looked to each other.

Charles decided to investigate. "Sate my curiosity if you would Mr. Mason. But...do I know you from somewhere." He spoke with a smirk on his face; where did I meet this country bumpkin out west he wondered.

"It must have been sometime Mr. Edwards; you are familiar to me though. You have several mines up around the new territories." Charles was a bit impressed; truly that was some of his more recent work he had set up; and the wealth it brought him was substantial.

"Very good Mr. Mason...do you keep up with the growing economies of the West?" He asked with intrigue; talk of good business was always his style.

"This and that was I hear from the marshals I worked under...can't say its my first real interest. I keep up with where I was raised; how they fair and so forth. Old neighbors and the like. War kept me away from them an awful long time."

"Very good Mr. Mason, perhaps you should do that." Charles said as he took the drink in his hand and begin to drink it down rather quickly to finish the aged whiskey.

"Maybe I'll take a visit to East Vena; its been so long since I see my family. War has kept me awful busy; I hope there ok, haven't heard from them in ages it feels like." Cyrus stared right at Charles as he spoke; and Charles stopped what he was doing. He made sure to get down the liquid in his gullet before he spoke.

East Vena, was a place that Charles never wanted to talk about again; how did this old fool know about that town. "Yes, I'm sure your family and friends are well. East Vena was a fine town."

"Yes Mr. Edwards...yes it was." Cyrus didn't speak for a moment as he finished his beverage and set it on a table nearby. "If you will excuse me; I will be taking up the night watch tonight. Need to enjoy some of the festivities." He didn't want to stay among this crowd anymore; if anything he needed to get out of his head. So he did the only rational thing he could do in his head. He looked straight to Beth and asked.

"Could I steal that dance from you tonight?" He asked with no waver in his voice and a smile on his face. There was a confidence in him of course but it had been humbled by years of hard times; and knowing that no man is invincible. His hazel eyes stared into her beautiful sapphire eyes. Anything...to not think about it for awhile.

 

[lexieredefined]

Beth could tell Cyrus was startled by her introduction and she began to wonder if she had done some thing wrong. She had only meant to introduce the newcomer to the circle as was proper. As she watched the interaction between Cyrus and Charles she became incredibly confused. They knew each other? Or just by name? And where was East Vena? She had never heard of it. There were so many questions swimming in her head. The tension between Cyrus and Charles was tight as a drum. She began to worry some thing might erupt between them.

Finally, Cyrus asked her to dance and happily accepted. As he led her to where the makeshift dance floor had been created on the lawn, she lightly squeezed his arm. She looked up at him with concerned eyes and in almost a whisper asked, "Cyrus, are you okay?" She wanted him to know that he had a friend in her.. if he wanted.

 

[Lazorrath]

There was really no good way to answer her question. And he knew it would remain an uphill battle to try and explain it to her. Cyrus looked at the arm she had grabbed her with; his hand pulled enough to where there hands were held together as they walked over to the dance floor. "No...no Beth I ain't. I'm just doing what I can with that hand God has dealt me. " He looked at her in the eyes as they made it over to the dance floor. A few violins were playing something a little slower this time around. Talking wasn't exactly his finest point when it came to his feelings; but he would do the best he could.

Cyrus brought himself a little closer to Beth; he put a hand at her hip and the hand he help he raised up slightly. "Before I left for the war...I had some unfinished business I was not able to finish. Mr. Edwards falls into that business. He owes me a bit of a debt you could say..." He looked at the young woman who was dancing with him; he didn't want to put those burdens on her shoulders. She offered kindly, but he couldn't crack that easily...even if it would make him feel better.

"I come with a lot of baggage for how short a life I have lived to this point Beth. I'm just trying hard to move on with my life." He said as the band began to play and he began to lead in a slow waltz. He was good on his feet as he kept up with the beat.

 

[lexieredefined]

Beth's heart went out to Cyrus. What had happened to him? She didn't want to press the issue, lest she make him uncomfortable. "I'm sorry for what has happened to you in the past, but I hope you can find happiness again," she said. She squeezed his hand as they danced.

They fell into an easy silence. Beth resisted the urge to lay her head against his chest. She just wanted to be closer to him but it would be so improper. It was enough that she could feel the eyes of her friends on her, especially Charles. Still she was savoring being in Cyrus' arms.

As the waltz neared an end, Beth felt a pang of disappointment. She would need to return to her friends or family. Or dance with another. She wanted to stay with him though. She was being silly though. There was no indication he felt the same. She had kissed him. The offer to dance was polite. For all she knew he already had someone. How stupid was she, she thought. A flicker of doubt ran across her face before she pasted her best social smile on. She dropped into a curtsy as the music switched to a livelier tune. "Thank you for the dance, Mr. Mason. You dance devinely. Now if you'll excuse me..." but she couldn't make herself walk away instantly.

 

[Lazorrath]

Cyrus couldn't lie...this was comforting. The hand that held his did not go unnoticed and he played a delicate game returning the favor. His thumb gave slight caress to her hand. He knew damn well in his heart what was wrong with him. Just for a man of this time weakness was too dangerous to let out; any sign could mean a threat for someone to exploit. But after all the years of hardship...it may be time to let that go. For now though he stuck to his guns; he only did what he knew best. Stay tough and stay strong.

"Happiness is like rain in the desert...just gotta be in the right place and right time." The dance gave to a close and he gave a slight bow to the young woman. And he sensed the hesitation as the music began to pick to a lighter and more upbeat dance. And the people around them were happy to oblige. He hoped for a moment she might stay with him for just one more...but he knew she had to go. It was then that a thought burned in his mind; he didn't want this one to go.

"Come see me tonight...I'll be doing my watch tonight around the farm. Would be nice to have the company." Cyrus knew it was rather forward of him to ask but he wanted to try. Just some time to where they wouldn't have to worry about people. This girl was innocent and she didn't need a man to come trying to get under her skirt. But Cyrus did need someone to talk to; maybe...just maybe she could be someone to unload seven years worth of violence and horrors.
She didn't need the whole story; just something to get off his chest.

 

[lexieredefined]

Beth smiled, "I'll think about it." She turned and returned to her circle of friends, knowing she would have many questions to answer and avoid. As the party came to a close and she bid friends good night, Charles approached her. "Beth, I had a wonderful time this evening. You must thank your father for me. Also. I was wondering if I may come call on you sometime soon?"

Beth froze. Just a few weeks ago, this is what is would have wanted, but now? "Thank you for the offer Charles, I will certainly take it under consideration." She gave him a small, polite curtsy and fled for the house before her could press her further.

*****

The house was finally quiet. Beth knew the sound of the house when everyone was asleep but her. Mary was still sharing her room and bed since her brothers and their families were staying again. As quietly as possible, Beth slipped an old muslin dress over her shift and buttoned it leaving the buttons at the throat open. She hated the suffocating feel. Her hair was already starting to come loose from it's plait but she left it alone. She grabbed a pair of soft leather boots she had for working around the farm and crept downstairs.

She paused in the porch to put on her boots and lace them up. Quietly and carefully she made her way to the stables. Once inside she made her way to her beautiful bay quarter horse, Cally. She paused and rubbed Cally's nose, "Hello, my beautiful girl. We have to be very quiet tonight, okay?" Cally gave a soft nicker in reply and she stood patiently while Beth saddled her.

Beth led Cally out of the stables and down the property, carefully watching for anyone. She knew people would be up working and she would be in so much trouble if caught. Safely past the house and worker's quarters, Beth swung herself up into the saddle and rode for the pastures. She let out a loud laugh at how happy and free she felt in this moment. Now to find Cyrus.

 

[Lazorrath]

Cyrus watched her as she went back to her friends; a small smirk grew on his face. He knew she'd be there; he had a good feeling in his gut. For now though he returned to his living quarters and put on his working outfit. The dark shirt with the grey vest; made sure he would have everything he needed tonight. Cyrus took the time to check both of his guns, especially the rifle. The Henry rifle treated him well and saved his skin when it came to combat from a distance. Setting up a small sack for himself; a little food; some water and his tobacco pack. Cyrus wanted to make sure he was ready for the long haul. It was gonna be a long night after all.

Soon enough he was riding out along the pasture to where the cattle where boxed in with the fence. There was a good hill with a single large tree on it; it would give him a good survey over the area. It was a good starting point for him to start making his rounds for the night. He started it out early when he crested the top of the hills on horseback. He rolled himself a cigarette and with a quick light it gave a tiny beacon for Beth to find.

He wondered if she would come; wondered if this would be a good idea? He needed to be solid on this not let this form a habit. The last thing Mr. Russel to worry about that he might be putting eyes on his daughter. He needed to be firm, he needed to be like an unwavering oak tree when it came to the matter. However he could something moving in the distance and he swore he heard the sound of someone celebrating earlier. It all came to fruition when he saw the moonlight beaming on top of blond hair. Cyrus took in a drag of his cigarette.

"Yeap...I'm an oak alright."

 

[lexieredefined]

Beth found where Cyrus was standing watch with relative ease. Still some distance away, she took a moment to collect her thoughts. Why was she doing this? This had to be the most rebellious and brazen thing she'd ever done. It wasn't an act of rebellion though. She did want to see Cyrus. He did ask, even though she should have said no. He just had a look on his face when he asked however that Beth was curious about. Maybe she would learn more about him tonight.

Her braid had come undone on the ride out to the pasture and her long hair fell widly around her. She refused to ride side saddle so her skirt was at odd angles with her boots covering her calves. Thinking about how she looked a frightful mess, she laughed to herself.

She pulled Cally to a halt and called out "Cyrus" before moving forward. She knew he had probably seen her approach, but she was no fool. She knew the men on watch were armed well. Her brothers each had a 'rite of passage' watch, they left armed and excited but came back exhausted and bleary eyed. She nudged Cally forward and approached Cyrus where he sat on his mount. In the moonlight he looked handsome sitting there.

"Hello," was all she could manage before her heart started beating so fast she couldn't talk any longer.

 

[Lazorrath]

Cyrus tipped her hat to the young lady; she had quite a wild look about her. She was the epitome of a free spirit in this light. His heart skipped a beat when he saw her ride the horse. He took a deep drag of his cigarette and a smile grew on his face. "Evening..." He was at a bit out of words himself; she really showed. It was like the winning hand in the last game of poker. Cyrus's stallion gave a bit of a stir; Cyrus looked a bit confused but he figured it out soon enough. Beth's horse must have been a mare.

Cyrus looked to Beth's horse and asked kindly? "What's her name?" His eyes traveled back over to Beth; true she wasn't prettied up like her family would like her. The woman had a natural beauty that and it made his blood rush. The top of her dress slightly revealed the flesh along her neck. His horse gave a slight whinny; Cyrus took the reins and he gave a whoa to his horse.

"Apologies...Donovan doesn't seem to know his manners." Her mare may have been in season; but it was just instinct in the horse. Not exactly the best timing for his horse.

 

[lexieredefined]

Beth reached down and patted the neck of her horse, "Cally is her name." She looked over at Cyrus and Donovan. "Does our presence bother you Donavan," she asked. "We can leave if we will be a distraction," she said looking directly at Cyrus. She hoped he wouldn't send her away. She was here now. This was going to be one of the few opportunities she got alone with him. She wanted to know more about him. She placed a hand on her stomach trying to calm the butterflies.

 

[Lazorrath]

"Oh no...you won't be trouble at all. Takes more then a pretty lady and two unruly horses to distract me. Come on, we can start going around the property. Take the extended tour." He wasn't going to lose her so easily and he kipped at his horse to get its attention away from Cally. Worse case they could run it out of the horses; get Donovan tired out so he wouldn't get any ideas. He began leading them around the fence around the cattle. He kept a calm demeanor about him as they rode along; he tried not to stare her down.

"Have a good time at the party? Your brothers are quite the cut ups." He made the small simple talk to keep them civil and simple. Get his mind off of her body. He knew that he had left some unanswered questions in that room before he left. A few awkward moments no doubt; things he hadn't really confronted in some time.

"I know I wasn't exactly civil back there; fate has dealt me a strange hand." He wasn't even sure where to start; but he knew that Beth would have questions. God willing, he might just have some answers. It felt strange talking to Beth like this; you just weren't supposed to talk about these sorts of things. But there was only so much that Cyrus could take; especially for the ill hand he had been dealt in his life at times.

 

[lexieredefined]

She cut her eyes over at him as they rode the fence line. She blushed furiously remembering the last time they rode together. She was thankful for the night to disguise her flush. She curiously found that she wasn't embarrassed thinking about it, but happy despite what had happened that evening. That strange fire in the pit of her stomach flared. Did he think about that night?

"I did enjoy the party, very much." Her face darkened momentarily remembering Charles' request to come courting. She would not think about that right now. "I hope you enjoyed it as well. You said earlier that Charles Edwards owes you a debt. If you don't mind me asking, how do you know him? I did not think you were from here yet it seems Charles has dealings elsewhere. Of course, I do not mean to pry."

 

[Lazorrath]

"You say you don't want to pry but you ask? Your curious ain't ya? No shame in saying you want to know. Course...its not my favorite story to tell." He dashed the ashes off of his cigarette and placed it between his lips. His expression didn't change as he stared straight ahead; where to begin he had to ask himself.

"Goin on about 5 years ago; before the war started or was even an idea yet. I lived in a town called East Vena. I settled there after years of being a lawman; state and government. " A small smile grew on his face as he thought about his old life. The people he once knew and their smiling faces. He thought about the man once was; even if it was for just a moment in time. For at least one moment he could say he was a decent man. He glanced over to Beth; quickly he regretted it. She...she looked just like her. Those blond lockes and those blue eyes; he needed to focus.

"It was a simple town, slowly growing every day. However, I met Charles around that time. Charles was an oil man in his hay day. He has quite the look now; back then he wearing the same suit to see every client; then when he was out with the wells he be in overalls and long johns." The focus on his eyes set for a moment as he thought about that man. No man, woman or creature on this Earth had brought him more hatred.

"Mr. Edwards discovered that our town was under a very massive well of oil. Few people knew about this; he kept his work quite private. Good reason; his men weren't just oil men; they were practically criminals. A gang in union's clothing. When they came into town I practically didn't sleep for days trying to keep them down." Cyrus stopped what he was doing for a moment and began to peer ahead of them. His hand slowly reached for the rifle at the horses side.

"It was about that time that the Mayor of East Vena was in talks with Mr. Richards over the state of the land. Short and simple of it Charles wanted to buy that land out from the whole town so that he could get to the oil underneath it. I stood by what I knew; we were..." He realized that he had let his words slip and he tried to play it off as if it were nothing.

"I was settled, a lot of families were too. Out there it is so hard to call anything your own out West. We didn't want to lose our homes; we told Mr. Edwards no. But that wasn't good enough for him. Three days later, there was a fire; it spread so quickly." He had to take a deep breath for a moment as he thought over the sounds of that night. "Lotta...lotta people died."

His eyes looked lost for a moment; it was like there wasn't a soul in that body. He soon blinked as he looked to where his eyes had been peering. Near the fence line a bush was rustling; but all that came out was a small rabbit that ran off into the night. Cyrus slowly put his gun back on the holster on the horse.

"I...I lost a lot in that fire." He couldn't bring himself to tell it all. The sound of men, women and children screaming. "Nothing natural about it either; there were men barring in the doors so people couldn't get out . They shot people coming out of windows. So I shot them back....."

*************************************

May 7th 1860

A flash of red and embers traveled along the sky that night. East Vena, five years ago. The sounds of gunfire intermingling with buildings collapsing. The sounds of people screaming trying to run for there lives. Wagon getting out as fast as they could; but some of them didn't get very far. Men wearing rough tattered clothes with black bandana's around their faces had to be about...Cyrus didn't know how many were out there. He just knew that he had to get back home as soon as possible.

There were just too many people that needed help; he couldn't save them all. Cyrus was covered in soot with beads of sweat running down him. His right arm hung limply as a bullet wound along his arm was bleeding profusely. In his hand was a Schollelfield Revolver and he could hear ahead of him the sound of two men coming out of a house with a woman held between them. She was screaming and crying her eyes out; pleading for them to let her go. They had already torn off the top of her dress and her bare breast revealed.

Cyrus didn't even think or reason who was right or wrong. He just knew who was in his way. Quickly Cyrus ducked out from a small alley and before the two men could even blink there lives were snatched away. Cyrus lined up his shot with the revolver with the man closest to him; slowly he squeezed the trigger to keep his aim true. A powder in the revolver ignited and the bullet flew out his gun at breakneck speed.

The bandit twitched one last time before he fell limply to the ground. The living could only watch as his friend had a large hole in his head. Realizing he was in a gun fight; he brought the girl infront of him. It was far too late though; as the girl was smaller then him. Cyrus already had a bead on the last bandit and fired the revolver; it turned the bandit's head into a kayak.

The girl fell down to the ground in a heaping mess; she looked around herself to see the choas all around her. Cyrus dropped his arm and began moving rather sluggishly. His vision was slightly fading as he look ahead of him...he wasn't far now. "C...Celia......Jess....."

***************************************************

June 3 1865 present day

Cyrus had brought his horse to a stop as he took in a deep breath. He could still smell smoke from time to time without a flame in sight. He looked up at the moon for the moment...there were a few holes in the story but she deserved to know who that man was. "Mr. Edwards owns that entire property of land now; it made him a fortune. Burned dead bodies lead to that man becoming the American Entrepreneur. That man owes me a debt....and I will see it is payed; rest assured he won't be paying for it in cash. He might try, but it will take more then all the property and money he could muster."

 

[lexieredefined]

Beth was shocked and horrified, but she wasn't sorry she'd asked. If she thought about it, she could believe Charles was capable of what Cyrus had just told her. She shivered knowing he had touched her earlier that evening. "Stop for a minute, please," she asked Cyrus.

As he brought Donovan to a halt, she brought Cally right up next to them. She looked over at Cyrus. He wouldn't look at her. She took his hand. "I'm so sorry for what you've been through. No one deserves to have anything like that happen to them."

Holding his hand in both hers, she took a deep breath and pushed on, "I assume you lost someone very close to you in this. Cyrus..." she trailed off. He said Charles owed him a debt. She knew he meant to take his life. She couldn't let that happen. Not for Charles' sake, but Cyrus'.

She turned in the saddle and laid a hand on the far side of Cyrus' face. She turned his head to look at her, despite his resistance, "Cyrus, I know you will do what you think is best, but killing Charles will not bring her back. Living in the past will only hurt you." She traced her thumb across his cheek, "Come back to now," she whispered. "Come back to me."

 

[Lazorrath]

When she mentioned of loss his hand could not help but fiddle with the chain of his pocket watch. The loss he knew had haunted him for many years; how could he not, not when it was someone so close and you were there to try to stop it...but you couldn't. It was so hard to look at Beth, she looked just like her too. Then he felt the soft hand on his cheek, he gave little resistance as he forced him to look at her. He couldn't have told himself not to stare even if he wanted.

She asked to him to step away from the past; he didn't know how. Cyrus knew that he had held onto this grudge for a long time. It haunted his dreams, thoughts and absorbed his world when he was forced by war. "I had a wife...and a daughter." Cyrus pulled out the pocket watch, pushing the side to undo the latch. It revealed the picture of Celia, the picture was black and white but one could tell that the woman had blond hair. She was a young and rather beautiful girl; perhaps only a bit younger then Beth.

"I don't have a picture of my daughter Jess...but this is Celia. We married back in '59, had a a community land that me and some friends rustled up what money we had." He tried not to stare at the picture...he knew he would if he didn't get it away from him so he handed it to Beth. "We were young; but we made it work with what we had." A small smile drew on his face; there were wonderful times he had with that beautiful woman that called out for him.

"How do I let that go Beth...how do I rid myself of that hate in my heart." He asked with a stern voice about him; but he knew on the inside he was desperate for any answer.

 

[lexieredefined]

Beth took the watch from Cyrus and looked at the picture inside of it. "She's was very beautiful." she handed the watch back to him and took his hand again. She sat quietly for a moment, unsure of what to say. She felt Cally shift beneath her and she placed a hand on her neck. For some reason that steadied both her and the horse.

"I don't know how to tell you to let go of the hate," she began. "But I think you have to try. I won't pretend to know your hurt. But what would Celia want you do to?" She nervously pushed her hair out of her face feeling that she may have gone to far. Still she felt the need to press on. "You can let this go. You don't have to forget the good times. But you can live. Be happy and love again or let it eat at you forever."

She felt a tear stream down her face. She was thankful for the darkness so Cyrus couldn't see. She cried for him. For Celia and Jess. And if she was honest, for her as well.

 

[Lazorrath]

"Maybe God wants me to be a man of peace...maybe he's giving me a chance to set things right." As she held his hand, he gave it a slight squeeze. Her hand was quite soft; a contrast to his rough hands that had seen plenty of work. "I'm sure I will figure it out...I'll have to now. Charles doesn't recognize me...hopefully it will stay that way." He knew he had a job to do tonight; Cyrus did want her to stay though. A chance to start a new life , he needed to take some kind of first step.

Was tonight the night to take a chance? "Beth...I have to get back to the farm. Hate to let you lose sleep but...would you stay a little longer with me? Your right, no need to dwell on the past. Tell me more about you Beth?" As he spoke the hard look on his face began to soften. Even in the darkness she was still such a wonderful sight.

"Your quite a dancer you know...always something to see a woman who's good on her feet." There was no need to dwell on those darker thoughts. It was becoming a little easier with Beth nearby. He took her advice, slowly he came back to the present. Came back to the beautiful woman talking to him. Coming at the dead of night just for a chance to see each other.