Black Water

Chapter 10

Ren shows Lory and the rest of the men the newly discovered petroleum resource and Lory marks the spot on his land map along with a not of how much wood and wire will be needed to fence off the area. Sawara, Yuusei and Shin'ichi make sense of the surrounding horse tracks and which way the horse thieves were traveling in. The Sioux's horses tracks and these men were easy enough to decipher between since most Indian tribes don't weigh down their horses with tact. The men, five in total head north west with six or Lory's horses. The trail is easy enough to follow the men obviously not worried about being followed or getting caught. This idea bothers and worries Ren and he voices his opinion. The others discredit it as some kids who got in over their heads and he just hopes they're right. Just before sunset they make it to an encampment with a makeshift corral, the horses grazing inside nonchalantly but the rest of the camp seems empty. They lay back and wait a bit to be certain, covered by the surrounding trees. After about ten minutes Yukihito spots a young boy who seems quiet frantic trying to mount one of the corralled horses bareback. Seeing no signs of anyone else the men trickle into the camp toward the young boy. The boy hears them approach and ducks behind the herd of horses putting them between him and Lory's posse'. He glances at the men and his face at first shows relief then concern. He rushes forward once again frantic.

"Are you guys from LME Ranch?" The boy asks quickly clearly worried.

"Yes, those are my horses behind you son." Lory replies taking in the boys appearance. He looks to be about eight or nine years old and now he seems even more agitated than before.

"No, you have to go back now, it was a trick! Head back to the ranch now before it's too late!" The boys climbs over the flimsy fence and stands in front of Lory's horse.

"These men were after a woman at your ranch, I heard them talking last night but before I could get away to warn you I was caught and they tied me up, I only just got loose." The boy rubs his wrists, Lory notices the rope burns.

"Tell us the rest on the way." Ren says reaching down a hand to help the boy onto his mount in front of him.

"Shin'ichi and Yuusei stay behind and bring the horses back with you."Lory orders all seriousness now. With the boy settled they begin racing back to LME Ranch.

At LME Ranch

Reino congratulated himself as LME's backdoor finally came into view. The ranch looked relatively empty his plan working like a charm. Reino pulls on his reins bringing his horse to a stop and circles to face his men. All loyal men who do not question his decisions. Reino thinks back to the young boy Uesugi Hiou who he hired at Sulpher Springs as a chore boy. The boy had sorely disappointed him, spouting about kidnappers and warning the ranch hands. Reino had Miroku tie the boy up until the task was done. Stealing this woman would get him in good with the Sioux and the distressed look on that stupid man Sho's face would be a much added bonus. The image made him all warm and fuzzy inside.

"Stick to the plan."Reino tells his men then advanced toward the ranch. They ride up to the backdoor splitting into groups; Reino, Miroku and Daisuku stay at the backdoor while Shizuru and Kiyora circle back to the horse stable. When the other two disappear from sight Reino clears his throat then yells.

"Hello the house! Anyone home?!"

The door swings open seconds later and reveals a crowd. A short, petite woman leads the group her curly auburn hair pulled high and cascading around her shoulders. Behind her a young girl with a similar hairstyle and frilly pink dress clings to the woman's skirt and peaks around her. Standing tall over both of them is a thin dark skinned man with an air of mystery around him. Reino smiles hopefully.