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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMqumx6Dlv
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtNyvS7HmP
"Looks like night's creepin' up on us," he muttered, breaking the silence.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5ifAP2yyK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yNuRoGPWL
"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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlhpUKTBZQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswadR7LYmD
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCVFVYfJjs
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZuth49lQv
Charlie watched him for a moment, eyebrows raised. "Why're you wastin' time cleanin' the horse?"
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9ReAx6VpI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY5MSEbDPb
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'."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKQ0rs1y43
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNi8onck0j
Charlie rolled his eyes, but curiosity got the better of him. "Alright then, wise guy, what's so special about brushin' a horse?"
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglRHdzQ54k
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGG9NSiq20
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS0wTHhNqV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1CqYglY9T
Charlie crossed his arms, still skeptical but intrigued. "Guess I never thought of it that way."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2RrVR9ze8
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweNmXtSlCI
"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'."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMpdNhNlz7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSIu3fmsmE
Charlie shifted his weight, looking down at his boots. "Never thought of it like that."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS3IDMohJf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPG3ZgVNyZ
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'."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCm52vgPN2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqpcqAeSvv
Charlie scratched his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Didn't figure you for the sentimental type, Jed."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3Gde9AlBF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEQjVAnwDD
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgGlEcYnZO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6hEukGCyZ
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxJ6ni22lx
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64h4hJI5Yz
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9XaDzkdyz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUwy6hSK68
Charlie paused, considering that for a moment, and gave a small nod. "Maybe so, old man. Maybe so."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAwDtkqdgV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogKim24xmO
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aIxR6DgBD
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrMj6Hs4rp
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYA7bO8QmKC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBamPYkL38s
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESc7v71dNw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSldzeaiA4w
Charlie glanced over, brow raised in curiosity. "Why you got four blankets there, old man?" he asked, brushing down Silver Tempest's legs.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3l3iAXei5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEIOObsmIr
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'."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCEHfCXjJq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8HFe2h5W8
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq4yK70JbU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFrvpC3Ysq
"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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwsFKt89U9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNemPZvVjC
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrat3nJwEj9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubpzyScuWh
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9w2HrMDYt
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbzrGbqPjp
He looked over at Charlie, eyebrows raised with exaggerated patience, drawing each word out as if explaining to a child.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwxyA06Y5Y
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96O1eaYyQU
Charlie raised an eyebrow. "And you're talkin' slow 'cause…?"
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAAsScLBM4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dw92mbZaI
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLOIyiVGw5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyrjDT0YK9
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshE6SiMSS5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkC6dPk5MG
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXHyjijrWc
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV7DdeXmTF
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9qCRTGwbU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGidKJBlU1Y
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wQOt9auzN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnfu2P83cB
"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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1gx8FEDde
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQcN87gs42
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYO45Sx0S3J
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwmQX6NWS3
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dOwqulPrf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfZ2NbCbtu
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfj3bSAwpKa
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5F8WXgLq2p
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSfzaScp3r
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3rxpTkPfW
"C'mon, boy," he muttered, his tone gruff but laced with a familiar care. "Time to get movin'."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxjl9ZMbOe
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczpnLcIHVJ
Charlie let out a groggy sigh, rubbing his eyes as he sat up. "Already? Feels like I just shut my eyes."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo2LVgVXnD
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdHzGQiQeC
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL822lXGMYw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknPgdA1YlA
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlJvyzNUvr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEpdKs7T11
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4vm9QW8Bu
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjJXM61ZuY
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvS2BUA2cnW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6S5j57xzaP
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeDsEnjxgF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntd1M0Uvjo
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQsQTlP892
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypfg7K75kN
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdXnXUHDGx
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDLhDGevUi
"Uncle Jed, look." Charlie's voice held a note of recognition, his body tense in the saddle. "That's José horse."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwvxpIphVb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDKpTIV6Sb
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MryjxuMg6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGQjUXlik8
Charlie shot him a look, a bit of frustration breaking through. "No, Jed. That's *José* horse. Which means he's close."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZa3X7Uw7K2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8TkVHr8o1
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML0LaPzItj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2NMjsp2TK
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEyV0OoCDu
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVggem33od
"Look, Jed… there's blood here. Fresh."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWPbVe1icr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rxFr69RRC
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?"
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeOYi71UM6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTmNp6eXCR
Charlie looked up, his face hardening. "We had an agreement, Jed. If we ever crossed paths again, we'd finish things. For good."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVl93nR3uQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr1AsrIuk4
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'."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZXDSPFIyI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8U8eW4WNM
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAopNQty2d
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMErWvbObwU
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."
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrTM4VB1ow
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuAMPfjRhZ
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNdSYxezab
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjaEL5Zh0K
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcEAcFPT0i
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAizjVnPtn
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9IyK94Q3Z
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCJ1iiSveE
"Well now," the old man said, his voice thin but friendly. "Didn't expect company today. Name's George. And… you boys are?"
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOZlKMagIf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkx7KR3FES
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
ns216.73.216.197da2
