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.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkLmJBGbNa
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuseM6MiiyO
"Looks like night's creepin' up on us," he muttered, breaking the silence.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRoGy5u3so
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wVgDt3Yuf
"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.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuhjAwjWKM
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aykjhEZYm
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.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYYvnXvUWr
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXUQMwlwpJ
Charlie watched him for a moment, eyebrows raised. "Why're you wastin' time cleanin' the horse?"
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUH15HHNLw
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zfQbMQJEe
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'."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EcOVMqYmi
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wGyZBCRZ4
Charlie rolled his eyes, but curiosity got the better of him. "Alright then, wise guy, what's so special about brushin' a horse?"
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKM8FW29VB
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoAhKrNVQC
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkUzcQENiT
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2niMvM5po
Charlie crossed his arms, still skeptical but intrigued. "Guess I never thought of it that way."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ynALNqm9R
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7KZkIdz6h
"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'."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SQDa1zh5v
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1s3v86MTW
Charlie shifted his weight, looking down at his boots. "Never thought of it like that."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwSqcZwuTp
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLAjjvenER
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'."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPRxT8QDmw
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOFAd6kcdF
Charlie scratched his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Didn't figure you for the sentimental type, Jed."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzFY0tMqUq
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXtgaEMfmn
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeTaUSVYdr
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6k2O2kPPI
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVz5eZD4gEW
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl18Xq6W6Ua
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1tV3zQuoB
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCT6Ur0F8t
Charlie paused, considering that for a moment, and gave a small nod. "Maybe so, old man. Maybe so."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSY3khGKlxe
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUWXVIvoeM
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDrWfigzPw
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlrkssrVTk
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.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAksyhceRH
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG76zWpMnL
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.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQiqtROvCm
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0FhZHbn8t
Charlie glanced over, brow raised in curiosity. "Why you got four blankets there, old man?" he asked, brushing down Silver Tempest's legs.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjbx0Xbm44
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF381MBDnfG
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'."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCTwDCHjWm
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKW8tXjTbRv
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ATyW6CrHw
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGqxv5KJCy
"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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqpcB5hJnE
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jO17u4KDp
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmFroWVzeJ
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3bb16YcAK
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPhkOhakHA
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXWtmYdfKT
He looked over at Charlie, eyebrows raised with exaggerated patience, drawing each word out as if explaining to a child.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVngmHLadj
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYz1PZAuJxW
Charlie raised an eyebrow. "And you're talkin' slow 'cause…?"
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEXO3tGSGS
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7xgpe4PSo
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zbVQzmO12
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcx6sUxRVFx
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpQQ08GhR2
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTrsn0Xi4B
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhfEEjpITn
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3nMPZfkth
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.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWkPg3aWKY
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu65NzBtYYy
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.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmEZhduRXr
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGntcgHxxM4
"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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡth7M1qYXnQ
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibuaJbyMtl
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYp7rjsJcK
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeazrTaMhfo
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58qO4qAH7P
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqSB3UGHVz
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.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ihN5uslVw
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zlvVuqUcL
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.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBUXgSOUZq
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMHgAzpaZp
"C'mon, boy," he muttered, his tone gruff but laced with a familiar care. "Time to get movin'."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQgkUkMn7F
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2SF3jPKhy
Charlie let out a groggy sigh, rubbing his eyes as he sat up. "Already? Feels like I just shut my eyes."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt4Mw6qLAf
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZS4GPtEF5v
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QgobsYiil
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnckErOr08m
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu0Cz4ZzTZ
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJPoipR8Vr
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Y7cQlMzBc
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKVpK63iUP
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVKovZkevN
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQA1ASUwBy
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNawLDtUHhY
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04dqFnuz1c
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.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HTybnC5QQ
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLXkdJ1rJa
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.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjMGZI7cWq
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRtIfpqu92
"Uncle Jed, look." Charlie's voice held a note of recognition, his body tense in the saddle. "That's José horse."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNL76bdSo4
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuePCm3Knv
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFzT6CSQCb
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF90EV0JwXI
Charlie shot him a look, a bit of frustration breaking through. "No, Jed. That's *José* horse. Which means he's close."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah8Fjbih62
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybg4NPWpWH
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLKw5kJZzA
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxJ2NCLJYP
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.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0enFxB9h5
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuUWifwkF7
"Look, Jed… there's blood here. Fresh."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyc7Hd1rBH
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Qf1g9pASk
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?"
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFcSYuBmFf
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRRDB3KKNa
Charlie looked up, his face hardening. "We had an agreement, Jed. If we ever crossed paths again, we'd finish things. For good."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRw3TEPfhcI
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBFro2HRi9
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'."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EIjI9capo
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYPntv372A
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSavYrXUdP
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhd9bAg8xW5
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."
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOTuPYr22g
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiruOXAkPra
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.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWt3ZLT29y
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKVLADL0kP
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.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxEIZUxe2f
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74JBUg4hct
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.
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2YSDBv4G7
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiS9IPhjddY
"Well now," the old man said, his voice thin but friendly. "Didn't expect company today. Name's George. And… you boys are?"
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlJjQdp2zQ
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEYpecU15a
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
ns 15.158.61.48da2
