As they rode along, the orange hues of the setting sun bled into the deep blues of the encroaching night sky. Jed squinted up at the horizon, where stars were just starting to prickle through the fading daylight.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTavs1kcDf
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqLqpDHFkb
"Looks like night's creepin' up on us," he muttered, breaking the silence.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2LEvrJepT
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTCUtrVOQI
"Yeah, it is," Charlie replied, his gaze lingering on the sky. There was a strange comfort to the quiet evening, the kind only the open land could offer.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexsMMedhSa
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgZWa3Yjnh
Without a word, Jed hopped off his horse, pulling a horse brush from his saddlebag. He began to brush down his horse, his movements steady and deliberate.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE71XShqh2w
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlfefExlXS
Charlie watched him for a moment, eyebrows raised. "Why're you wastin' time cleanin' the horse?"
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwgCuKCzU9
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzw6YwLCRLb
Jed didn't look up, focused on his task. "Boy, horses need care same as you or me, maybe more so. Brushing gets the blood flowin' under their skin, keeps 'em healthy." He looked over his shoulder at Charlie with a smirk. "You might learn a thing or two if you actually listened instead of just gawkin'."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrMRRkM92v
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFX8Rc9bkB
Charlie rolled his eyes, but curiosity got the better of him. "Alright then, wise guy, what's so special about brushin' a horse?"
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBD50MZSrU
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUocY9l61a
Jed grinned, giving his horse a few more strokes with the brush. "You see, keeps their skin in good shape, gets rid of dirt, burrs, and any other nonsense stuck in their coat. Prevents diseases too, things like thrush or rain rot—nasty business if it gets a hold. Groomin' lets me check for any cuts, sore spots, or lumps that could give 'em trouble down the road."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOJL0MbVSE
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbecO1iAFg2
Charlie crossed his arms, still skeptical but intrigued. "Guess I never thought of it that way."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVwRPsnxyk
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYPLcA5wDo
"That's 'cause you're too busy thinkin' about riches and a big house to notice the small things," Jed retorted, chuckling. He shook his head, and his voice softened as he continued. "It ain't just about takin' care of the horse. Groomin' helps build a bond. Horse ain't much different from folks; they feel things, get anxious, need some reassurin'."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn9vV0mEUI
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppPuHzsx8f
Charlie shifted his weight, looking down at his boots. "Never thought of it like that."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxWp1PZq5T
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3gXrzze6C
Jed's gaze flicked up, giving Charlie a knowing look. "Ain't all fancy words and big plans, kid. Out here, it's the little things—brushing a coat, cleanin' tack, settin' camp. You build up enough little things, you got yourself a life worth livin'."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC46XInrXhs
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9h8gdngz0
Charlie scratched his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Didn't figure you for the sentimental type, Jed."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvMKMODoX7
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4eZu5Dm7k
Jed shrugged, his voice turning gruffer. "Ain't sentiment, it's just plain sense. Besides," he added with a smirk, "I'd rather be cleanin' the horse than listenin' to you yammer on about all them ladies you're fixin' to charm."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAbFDRLw1S
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh7uhTUF5Y
Charlie laughed, a genuine, open sound that filled the quiet night air. "Maybe I'll give it a shot sometime. Brushing the horse, I mean."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaLzOpQPFU
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuUhGYp0Ca
Jed looked up, his expression softening a bit. "Wouldn't hurt you none. Spend enough time with these animals, they teach ya a thing or two about patience. Maybe some day you'll stop and appreciate somethin' that ain't glitz and gold."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aJmx5lwH1
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagkYC2lyou
Charlie paused, considering that for a moment, and gave a small nod. "Maybe so, old man. Maybe so."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPe0dwiqfK
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzY7kGfuEC
As Jed returned to his work, he glanced at Charlie and chuckled softly. "Come sunrise, we'll be back on the road. Enjoy the quiet while ya can—ain't nothin' like a clear night to remind ya what matters."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGfqzvuojK
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PxOUiBM2o
The two stood together, Jed still brushing his horse while Charlie looked up at the endless stretch of stars, the weight of the night settling around them like an old, comforting blanket. Jed finished brushing his horse and, without looking, tossed the brush over to Charlie. Quick on his feet, Charlie caught it and hopped down from his horse. "Alright, Silver Tempest, looks like it's your turn for a little pampering," he muttered with a grin as he began running the brush down the horse's coat.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhW6KisUSix
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHZrY0tT2E
Meanwhile, Jed went to his saddlebags, rummaging around with that same gruff determination he had for just about everything. He pulled out two large blankets and spread them on the ground, making sure they were positioned just right. Then he fished out two smaller blankets, one for each setup.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscxi3CqDHg
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6lZjroGpV
Charlie glanced over, brow raised in curiosity. "Why you got four blankets there, old man?" he asked, brushing down Silver Tempest's legs.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfYZzbJQ8o
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡna2EpMjBgA
Jed gave him a sidelong glance, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Well, these two big ones are for sleepin'. One for you, one for me, since I reckon you're a bit old now to be sharin' a blanket with your 'Uncle Jed.' Ain't like when you were a kid, sneakin' into my bed whenever the night got a little too dark for your likin'."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxEUpvUEfQ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf223sbnJfX
Charlie snorted, shaking his head as he continued brushing. "Alright, alright, I get it. Ain't gotta bring up my past traumas every chance you get."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ouNKnzq58
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bnn0GKssX
"Oh, I reckon I do. Keeps you humble," Jed retorted, clearly amused. "You remember, don't ya? How you'd come knockin' on my door half asleep, claimin' there was somethin' 'lurkin' in the shadows' that only my candle could ward off."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKacDsg4nK
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCh6PUuYBZ
Charlie grinned, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. That was a long time ago, Jed. You don't gotta go narratin' my life like it's some tall tale every time we're on the trail."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgpnz82zGF
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KgUsXHVOJ
Jed chuckled, folding the two smaller blankets over their sleeping spots, pausing between each word. "These... here... are to cover up with. Keep the chill... off once that wind picks up. Don't... want you wakin' up... complainin'... about how cold it is out here."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TDyXR4d8T
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6gQt116vj
He looked over at Charlie, eyebrows raised with exaggerated patience, drawing each word out as if explaining to a child.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGyQ1vGWzQ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ouknprWKN
Charlie raised an eyebrow. "And you're talkin' slow 'cause…?"
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnzVlGOcHG
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWs599pX1Bg
Jed gave a mockingly serious nod. "Because, son, I thought maybe I had to spell it out for you, seein' as you didn't look like you knew what these other two were for."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUiig3qIuB
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYjB8y2HCQ
Charlie rolled his eyes, a hint of a smirk betraying his amusement. "I know what they're for, fool. Ain't a 'retard,' as you put it."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj01XTQzOuX
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3nsV6XdJ0
Jed laughed, a rare sound, deep and weathered. "Just makin' sure. You got a habit of actin' clueless sometimes, so I gotta keep ya on your toes."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDkFfC9PfX
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq8vFXTh0X
They both shared a smile, a comfortable silence settling between them as the last of the day's light faded away. Charlie finished grooming Silver Tempest and went over to his blanket, stretching out with a satisfied sigh.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCP8AZfEgRX
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi66ZbHlCrE
Jed settled down on his own blanket nearby, pulling the smaller blanket over himself. The two lay there, the only sounds being the horses breathing softly and the crackling of the nearby fire. After a while, Jed spoke up again, his voice low but carrying in the stillness of the night.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDs9HDNC9A
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpG25XwteWV
"You ever wonder, Charlie, why we're out here doin' all this?" he asked, his tone quieter, reflective. "Sometimes I think… maybe we're just wanderin' around, chasin' shadows we ain't ever gonna catch."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghUMWWWsbD
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcXlMkLwn5
Charlie turned his head, looking over at Jed's silhouette in the dim firelight. "I don't know, Jed. I guess… I just want to feel like I made somethin' of myself, somethin' that matters. Ain't lookin' to chase shadows, just… tryin' to make sense of all this, I guess."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoq8VIQRJA
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxy3vLHp8s
Jed nodded, a faint smile crossing his face. "Well, kid, maybe that's all any of us are really doin'. Tryin' to find some sense in the nonsense. Now get some sleep. Ain't no sense in losin' sleep wonderin' about things we can't change."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9Q4HEcDyy
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kg8NPPQey
With that, they both settled in for the night, the quiet of the open land wrapping around them like one of Jed's blankets. And as Charlie drifted off, he realized that out here, with his old, grumpy uncle at his side, things almost did make sense—at least for tonight.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxrOrcEQze
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWDhyHMmbb
Jed rose with the first hint of light, tucking his blankets neatly back into his bag. He let his gaze rest on the horizon for a moment, as if gauging the day ahead. With a light nudge, he stirred Charlie awake.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAEGSnGzYX
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOc9Lv3EUs2
"C'mon, boy," he muttered, his tone gruff but laced with a familiar care. "Time to get movin'."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp91JNL1G5z
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOht8Esgy4v
Charlie let out a groggy sigh, rubbing his eyes as he sat up. "Already? Feels like I just shut my eyes."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Cfjjyj2dv
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLXD9uB0VK
Jed gave a dry chuckle, setting his hat squarely on his head. "Daylight don't wait for nobody. Figured you'd know that by now."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtVSEcePvO
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzTmPhK4Zb
As they packed up, Charlie glanced around, a thoughtful look on his face. "Uncle Jed… you figure there's a town nearby? Could use a proper meal, maybe stock up on some supplies."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3clI8FeXAc
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8lz0GnG4z
Jed nodded, thoughtful as he cinched his saddle. "Grant's Pass ain't too far. Figure we can stop by, grab a bite. Maybe if you let you let us take our time, if you're feelin' fancy."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRznjRfmxcP
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYK9pBss4I
Charlie brightened up, hopping onto Silver Tempest. "Yeah, a meal that isn't dried jerky sounds good to me. And maybe some tools, just in case."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ezN8gYKW2
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrqr2USAO6
Jed raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Tools, huh? What, you plannin' on startin' a homestead out here?" He swung onto King, his voice dripping with his usual dry humor. "Not sure what you're thinkin', but I'll let you dream big for now."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7SeAzo2zR
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EkWNQHrCw
They rode out at a steady pace, the morning air cool and crisp, carrying the earthy scent of sagebrush and dust. The sun had just begun to climb, casting long shadows across the trail. It was the kind of quiet morning Jed seemed to savor—steady, unhurried, where every sound carried just a little farther in the stillness.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tTDeYV96A
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OpglAQhKX
But then Charlie slowed, his eyes fixed ahead. Jed followed his gaze, noticing a lone white horse standing just off the path, its coat gleaming bright even in the early light.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiVWU3ZP1Z
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTLusqaOPk
"Uncle Jed, look." Charlie's voice held a note of recognition, his body tense in the saddle. "That's José horse."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡai5Le8g886
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnK5Qs2bmq
Jed squinted, indifferent. "Alright, so there's a horse," he replied, his tone as unenthused as ever. "Ain't all that rare in these parts."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6O4Kw7K0oL
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtOb8Hp7Em
Charlie shot him a look, a bit of frustration breaking through. "No, Jed. That's *José* horse. Which means he's close."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvlYriWGAG
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOQn75grt7
Jed scratched his jaw, casting a sidelong glance at his nephew. "Right. José. Think you mentioned him before, but the name don't exactly ring bells," he muttered. "An' if I'm honest, I'm not sure I much care."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJxolzA2HI
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Zls13HKzx
Ignoring Jed's indifference, Charlie dismounted, moving toward the horse. His eyes scanned the ground, catching sight of a faint, dark line winding through the dirt—a blood trail. He crouched down, his gaze focused, tracing the line with his finger.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4iUCm1InV
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDHVOk0ala
"Look, Jed… there's blood here. Fresh."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1DgCLzYni
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqoQC9BBPP
Jed sighed, dismounting as well. He approached slowly, taking in the trail with an air of practiced calm. "And what exactly do you plan on doin' with that information, Charlie? You hopin' to have it out with him, right here and now?"
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83U3wwoqkv
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8vj9KXwqz
Charlie looked up, his face hardening. "We had an agreement, Jed. If we ever crossed paths again, we'd finish things. For good."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl936mOAQB
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMh92uYm5Kg
Jed's gaze lingered on Charlie, a shadow of something unreadable crossing his expression. After a moment, he shook his head, a weary sigh escaping him. "Boy, you ever stop to think that maybe some fights ain't worth finishin'?" He paused, his voice taking on that low, almost wistful tone. "Thing about grudge matches—they got a way of diggin' deeper into you than you figure. Ain't like you walk away whole, even if you're the last man standin'."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhKaquy36U
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcOOzeVEIW
Charlie held Jed's gaze, the weight of his words settling around him like the cold morning air. But he squared his shoulders, his resolve steady. "I know, Jed. But it's about honor. José and I… we've got a debt to settle."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDry5t7nHdz
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KpTZQVlUw
Jed sighed again, his tone softening. "Honor, huh?" He scratched his head, a faint, cynical smile tugging at his mouth. "Funny word, that. Good for just about every foolhardy pursuit a man could chase. But if that's where your heart's leadin' you, then I reckon I won't stand in your way." He gestured to the trail with a slight nod. "Just make sure you're ready for whatever piece of yourself you might have to leave behind."
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuFve26inj
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IW44h193w
Charlie's face softened as he took in Jed's words, and he nodded, bracing himself for the path ahead. The two of them moved carefully, their steps slow and deliberate, following the blood trail that wound through the scrub. As they followed the trail, it wound through patches of tall grass and dense scrub, leading them to a small, weather-beaten house tucked away in a grove of trees. The place looked abandoned—windows half-covered in grime, shutters hanging loose, and a thin line of smoke curling up from the crooked chimney. Jed's hand instinctively went to his revolver, his fingers wrapping around the grip as he held it behind him, just in case.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblSFgO6bMJ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEU2vrib1B
They approached the door with slow, deliberate steps, exchanging a wary glance. Charlie raised his hand, knocking on the old wooden door. After a pause, they heard shuffling from inside, the creak of old floorboards carrying through the still air.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40T0nALQnu
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb8Hhd5cfs
The door opened a crack, revealing a figure who seemed more ghost than man—an old fellow with a thin, scraggly beard, his face weathered and deeply lined, eyes squinting out at them from beneath a shaggy brow.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdT2J8qWL0
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha0zoc14RZ
"Well now," the old man said, his voice thin but friendly. "Didn't expect company today. Name's George. And… you boys are?"
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mSfcyvUPr
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjTTCUzR9n
Charlie and Jed exchanged a look of utter bewilderment. This didn't match any scenario they'd imagined when they first spotted that blood trail
ns216.73.216.166da2
