The Last Patrol

[1stSgt Fritz King]

"Keep the front sight in focus," Fritz said, "and keep the target a little blurry.  And don't rush so much."  He handed the boys some of his cartridges.  "Reload and try again."

Fritz stood back to watch.  He smiled.  They still had a long way to go, but the journey had begun.

"How are they doing Fritz?"  The Captain walked up, with an entourage it seemed.  "Think we'll survive?"

Fritz saluted.  "With a little bit of luck sir, and lots of hard work, we'll make it.  Why, Cyrus Kane, you old scallywag, how the devil are you?  Are you still riding with the same gang of cutthroats?"

"Beggin' your pardon, SIR, but weren't YOU one of those cutthroats once?"

Fritz clapped him on the arm.  "Not that I'd admit.  So how many of the old crew ha..."

It was then that he saw her.

His heart was pounding so hard he thought it would explode from his chest.  He wanted to run to her, to crush his body to hers.  He wanted to tell her how much he loved her.

But he couldn't.  Not now.

He didn't want her to lose her standing with the scouts.  She'd become "the Lieutenant's woman."  And the men would see their commander swoon in love.  That wouldn't do. 

He rubbed his hand across his chest, to slow his heart and wipe the sweat away.

"If'n you think this one's a scallywag," Cyrus said, "you need your eyes examined.  This is Scarlet Corbin.  I knew her husband, and there was never more of a fightin' man than he."

Fritz removed the stained slouch and bowed.  "An honor, ma'am."

What would his love say?"

       

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet was caught off guard, seeing Fritz in a Lieutenant's uniform. He looked good, really good. She reined in the thoughts of sliding off her horse, pressing her body hard enough against him she would have to buy him a new hat and...She dismissed the rest of that thought.

She had played the game of non recognition so many times it used to be second nature.
Scarlet knew there was a smile playing on her lips. "Thank you Cyrus, tis nice you still remember him." She said hoping the smile reflected the complement he'd just paid her late husband.

She then turned her attention to Fritz, a bow too. She thought quickly how to respond; it was always easiest when the men just touched the brim of their hats and said hello just to be polite. Fritz was being a gentleman.

Her smile turned polite as Lucky dropped to one knee and bowed his head slightly; Scarlet dipped her's "Thank you Sir." She replied.

Lucky stood as Scarlet's head came back up and her eye's met Fritz's. It was a habit to look people in the eyes, she usually judged then that way, as long as she held the polite smile and kept her mind focused she'd be ok.



   

[Elegant Ella]

Ella stood up from the hides and stretched.  "Time for bread-making," she announced, starting to walk towards the mess tent.  Samuel fell in beside her.  Ella appreciated the way the scouts automatically provided her with an escort whenever she left their area.  Some of the soldiers in the main part of the fort looked like they would be rough in their manners towards an unaccompanied woman.  Ella sometimes wondered how many of the soldiers here had been given a choice between joining the Army and going to jail.  During the War, she had seen several who had chosen the Army.  Several of them seemed to have made good use of that second chance.  The Army didn't give the rest a third chance. 

Chris surprised Ella by falling in on the other side.  His wound was healing well, and his temper was improving as well. 

The cook wasn't in the kitchen, so Ella helped herself to equipment and supplies.  Chris carried the 50 pound bag of flour for her and scrubbed down one of the eating tables to use for kneading the bread.  Samuel stirred the cooking oatmeal while she got everything else together. 

The cook came back while all three were kneading the bread dough.  "Looks like enough bread dough to feed an army," he growled.  "What are you doing wasting supplies like that?" 

"I thought we do have an army to feed," replied Ella.

"Only the officers get risen bread.  The men get hardtack or biscuit." 

"Then the men are going to get a treat tomorrow.  The bread won't be ready to bake until after supper." 

[1stSgt Fritz King]

She played her cards well.  No one suspected.

"Sir, if you'll excuse me, the men need my attention," Fritz said.

"Of course.  Carry on!"

Fritz saluted Bill and turned to go.  Scarlet winked.  No one else noticed.  But Fritz did.

He moved back towards the line.  Scott and Johann were instructing the men.  There was no need to remain. 

"Scott, the men are yours.  When you're ready, bring them back in.  Make sure they're fed, and their weapons cleaned."

Scott saluted.  "Aye sir.  Anything else?"

"Yeah...get with the sutler.  See if he'll stay open an extra hour after weapons are cleaned.  Give them the opportunity to buy a drink."

Fritz headed back to his tent.  He figured he'd take Buddy out for a ride.  Strider was back at home, but the sorrel might be a little fidgety around the cavalry mounts.

Besides, it'd be a good way to clear his head.

What was she doing here?       

[1stSgt Fritz King]

He slid the McClellen over Buddy's back.  Fritz asked "What is she doing here?" 

Buddy didn't answer.

The '66 slipped into its scabbard.  It was the only weapon he hadn't shot today.  There'd be a couple of hours worth of cleaning tonight.

Fritz noticed she'd rode bareback...something she hadn't taught him yet.  He was good, but not as good as she was.

He rode out of camp the same way he'd rode in a day ago.  He didn't even talk to the sentry going out.  There was too much on his mind.  He rode down to the river, and pulled off his boots.  The water felt cool.  Fritz remembered another cool pool of water, just a few years ago.

"Reload."

He pulled his pistols and dropped the empty cartridges.  He had enough for one reload, maybe two.  All the other cartridges had gone to his men.

There was no way to stay away from her.  He couldn't if he tried.  And he'd rely on the scouts heavily this time out.

"Why is she here?"
     

[Scarlet Angel]

They'd only been separated for a short time but Scarlet sure had missed Fritz. She wondered if he knew what she was thinking when their eyes had briefly met. She needed to watch those kinds of thoughts closely in mixed company.

As they rode back to the soft area they were riding in before Black beard teased "Has the Lieutenant charmed you?"

For a moment Scarlet wondered how good he was at reading someone's thoughts. "Is that what he was attempting?" She asked with half a smile.

"Don't know but you didn't respond like that when you were introduced to us." He replied.

Scarlet laughed out loud. "A grunt when we were introduced hardly qualifies for a polite response."

"I'm gonna tell Bo you had your horse do tricks for Lieutenant King." Black beard teased again.

"Are you jealous I have not asked my horse to do tricks for you?" Scarlet chuckled.

"Maybe." He grinned.

"Well hang on for this one." Scarlet smiled wickedly.

Black beard wasn't sure what she said to Lucky but the stallions head swung towards his horse, ears pinned and teeth bared. Black beard's horse jumped sideways to avoid what he thought would be a bite. Black beard nearly slid off but managed to stick with his horse.

"Ay!"

Scarlet giggled. "Now you can tell Bo I had my horse do a trick for you too."

"I'd rather see the bow again." He replied over the laughter of the other two.

Scarlet smiled. "This one's just for you." She said as Lucky dropped to one knee and dipped his head between his legs, his long forelock brushing the dirt. "And this sir would be the bow if I was trying to impress somebody."

Black beard smiled widely.

Scarlet gave Lucky another subtle signal and the horse laid over, letting Scarlet step off.

"If you are in the field and need your horse to lay over can you get him to easily?" She asked. 
Looking past Black beard she noticed Fritz riding out. Scarlet hoped her presence in his world didn't upset him. She'd wondered if she really should have come unannounced and uninvited. She hoped not but figured she would hear soon enough if the Lieutenant didn't want women for scouts.

"Yes."

Her attention came back to Black beard. "Show me then."

He dismounted, lifted the horse's leg and pulled on the opposite rein. The horse came easily down.

Al also was able to do the same with his horse.

Jeremy's horse was confused by the request. "I guess I could pull him over." He replied.

"We can train him in no time." Scarlet said thinking at least this would keep her occupied.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Fritz rode a circular patrol around the fort.  One circuit was enough; there wasn't much to see.  His mind still wasn't clear, but he couldn't afford to stay away any longer.  He rode in, and brought Buddy to the corral behind the tents.  He removed the McClellen and wiped his mount down with the saddle blanket.  There were no sugar cubes here. 

"Go find Strider," Fritz said, patting his flanks.  Buddy trotted off to find his stable mate.

Fritz carried his saddle back to his tent.  He placed it outside the tent flap, and carried his carbine inside.

Bill was sitting at his desk.

"Oh...Good afternoon Sir.  Can I get you anything?"

Bill looked at him for a moment.

"Is that Scarlet?"

Fritz was taken aback.  It took a moment to recover.

"That woman is a scout, sir."

"Fritz," Bill said, "I've known you since the summer of '56.  You never were much of a card player.  Your poker face needs work."

Fritz set the '66 down.  "Was it that obvious sir?"

"No...but to someone who knows your tells, it was easy.  Besides," Bill said, "I can see Johnny Longknife in her eyes."

"Bill...you won't say anything, will you?"

"Of course not.  But you know you have to be careful.  It would be easier if you just came out with it."

Fritz sat on his cot.  "I don't want her to lose her standing with the other scouts.  She's not ladylike, but she IS a lady...my lady."

Bill stood and put his slouch on.  "Tactical problems are best solved at night.  Get your weapons cleaned, and turn in early.  I have a feeling you'll need your rest."     

[1stSgt Fritz King]

There were lots of thing Fritz needed.  He needed to clean his weapons.  He needed rest.  But he also needed food.  He was sure his men had already eaten, but he figured he'd be able to finagle a bite from cookie.  Fritz left his tent and headed to the mess.

The tent flaps were still undone.  Maybe he'd get something hot after all.  Fritz lifted the flap and went inside, only to run headlong into Ella carrying a tray of bread dough.

"What the..." was all he could say. 

Now he was really confused.   

[Scarlet Angel]

Billy made his way to the scout's camp. He could hardly wait to tell Teddy unlike a lot of the other soldiers he'd done well at the range today. Music and laughter could be heard from the camp. Billy couldn't help but smile when he saw Teddy doing a waltz with Scarlet.

He sat took a seat on a log next to Cyrus. "I didn't know Teddy knew how to dance." Billy said.

Cyrus laughed at the remark.

"What do you know of her Cyrus?"

The question brought a grin to Cyrus's face. "I know she is a hell of a woman."

"How?"

"I knew her late husband. I know it would have taken some kind of woman to bring him down on one knee and keep him happy for more than one night." His grin turned into a smile at a memory. "You should have seen her dance with him."

"Do you think a soldier could win the heart of a woman like that?"

Cyrus thought a moment, remembering something Marshal Ross had said. It raised a few questions of his own. "Her late husband was a soldier once." Cyrus said looking at Billy who was watching Scarlet. Cyrus's eyes followed Billy's. Marshal Ross had called her Deputy King, once. That was their business he guessed, as long as it didn't affect the task at hand.

"It would be the man in the uniform that won that woman's heart Billy, not the fact he was or was not a soldier." Cyrus said patting Billy's back. "You may  not have a chance at this particular woman's heart for it is already taken, but I believe I can get a dance."

[Elegant Ella]

"Hello, Fritz," replied Ella.  She put the tray in the oven, and noticed the new insignia on his uniform.  "Congratulations on becoming a Lieutenant."

"Ella, what are you doing here?"  Fritz didn't notice the scout until he stood up, but the man resumed feeding the fire when Ella spoke. 

Samuel wondered where and when Ella had met the lieutenant, but he could ask her later.  He had heard that Lieutenant King was one of the officers of the troop their scouts were going to work with.  It would be interesting to hear what she knew about him. 

"Tensleep, Scarlet and I are supposed to be chasing a woman who killed her husband and is accused of killing her kids.  She was last seen up this way.  We came with Bo, who got a letter from Cyrus Kane asking for his help with the scouting.  Scarlet is being another scout.  I'm the medic.  Are you hungry?" replied Ella.

"I would appreciate a bite to eat.  My men ate earlier, but I was elsewhere."   

"The cook keeps most of the food locked up, but I can give you tea, bread and honey."  She put a pan of water on top of the oven to heat while she collected a cup and plate, and pulled a small jar and a waxed linen package out of her pockets.  The bread was in the shape of small round loaves.

[Elegant Ella]

Chris came back with an armload of stove wood while Ella was taking the bread out of the oven.  She put in the last tray. 

"Thank you, Chris and Samuel, for all your help today.  Lieutenant King will show me to my quarters.  So you can each take a couple loaves and go back to camp." 

"How about some honey?" asked Samuel, his mouth watering in anticipation. 

"Are you done with it, Fritz?" asked Ella. 

Fritz nodded, his mouth full, and put the lid back on the jar and pushed it toward her. 

Ella handed the jar to Samuel, "Please give me back the jar in the morning so I can refill it."

The two scouts collected their bread and left, murmuring thanks.

Ella started packing up the bread that had cooled longest.  "I'm taking the bread to my quarters.  If I leave this here, it's going to disappear before dinner tomorrow.  Either the cook will transfer it all to the officer's mess, or varmints will get it."

[Scarlet Angel]

Cyrus took Scarlet's hand in his. She was probably the first girl to dance with him after his tangle with the bear. He could remember the fire in her eyes back then, they still held the same fire. He smiled.

"From what I remember you have not changed much Scarlet." He said as they danced.

Scarlet smiled softly. "I have, sometimes I think not for the better."

"I've often wondered why you just didn't let you're father ride after Travis's killer, or that brother of yours. Surely either one would have brought you the mans head."

Scarlet looked down briefly before her eyes met his again. "Revenge is not something satisfied by others actions. I wanted to be the one to look into that man's eyes as he drew his last breath, knowing that he'd been slain by a woman."

"Travis often said you were different than any woman he knew. I'm beginning to know why."

"Because it doesn't bother me to kill a man?"

"No" Cyrus chuckled. "He used to say you were a fighter. Like a filly that wouldn't be broke, your spirit was wild."

"You remind me of some very fond memories."

"You've ridden with different people over the years, in your line of work. Have there been people you found difficult to ride with?" Cyrus asked.

"Yes, there have been trying times." She replied.

"Do you think riding with Lieutenant King will be trying?"

Scarlet looked into Cyrus's for a moment trying to figure out how much he did or did not know.

"No, we are both here to do a job." She said.

"You don't think he will have a problem if I ask you to do something he might perceive as dangerous?"

Scarlet half smiled. "Mr. Kane if Lieutenant King has issues of you sending me to do a job I do on a regular basis because of who I am then he should bring them to me, wouldn't you think?"

Cyrus laughed again, she knew what he wasn't asking and in so many words she had done him the courtesy of answering the questions. "I guess so."
They were enjoying the conversation and laughing as far as anyone else could tell so when the music ended he escorted towards the stables to check on her horse as he had heard she often did before she turned in for the evening.

"You still use Travis's last name?" He stated when they were out of earshot of the others.

She knew the game he was playing. Ask somewhat vague questions and get the answers you're digging for. Only the two involved in the game knew the true meaning behind the questions should any one over hear.

"I wore it for along time, it comes rather naturally. Besides" Scarlet said looking at Cyrus "I would not want anyone thinking any thing other than what they should about the people they are riding with."

Cyrus shook his head in understanding as they came to a stop in front of Lucky's stall.

Lucky came over for his attention followed closely by Dancer.

"They are both beautiful animals." Cyrus said petting Dancer.

"Thank you." She replied turning to look at Cyrus again. "As long as I do my job, it should not matter what name I use, but people like to talk and judge you when they have no right. They assume when they shouldn't. I once told Travis there should only be three people concerned about who someone shares their bed with. The two people who are married and the person who will get their throat cut if he or she is caught in the bed of one of those people."

Cyrus raised an eyebrow. "Well now that explains why he stayed out of the cat houses after he was married."

They both laughed, Cyrus extended his arm. "I appreciate the talk. I just might enjoy riding with King. I think we have the similar taste in women and we could talk about how they decorate the campsite."

Scarlet took the offered arm and they headed back towards the camp. "Just remember the kind of comments I do not appreciate and where it gets you." She smirked.

Cyrus laughed. "No but I think I will tell him how nice it is to dance with you and what it does to a man when he gets the pleasure of seeing you really dance. Do you still dance like that Scarlet?"

"You should come to El Paso for New Years. I dance on the bar top very well, Travis would have enjoyed it."

"Hmmm, maybe I should make plans for leave around that time then."

"Every now and then Bo is my partner too."

"Now that would be something to see. He always liked to dance too."

Bo stood as they approached "You ready to call it a night?" He asked.

"I believe so." She said.

"I'll walk you back."

[Elegant Ella]

Ella packed the bread into baskets, probably borrowed from a washerwoman, lined with cloth.  Knowing Ella, Fritz was sure it was very clean cloth.   He helped her carry the baskets.  The loaves would be very tempting indeed.  The officers tended to get the best of everything, at the expense of the men.  Fritz wouldn't allow that to happen.  There'd be privation enough for everyone in the days ahead.

The aroma of fresh baked bread wafted ahead of them.  Tent flaps opened, men's mouths watered as memories of home and hearth filled them. 

"Tomorrow at dinner, boys," Ella said.  "I promise."

Ella was walking away from tent city, towards the fort proper.  The men standing guard allowed her to pass.  Perhaps it was her smile, or maybe it was her escort.  They saluted.  It took a moment for Fritz to remember they were saluting HIM.  He returned the honor and the gate closed behind them.

They crossed the parade deck, and headed towards the officer's quarters.

He asked, "Is this where you're living?"

"Scarlet and I are sharing the guest room.  I think people were unsure where to put us.  We wouldn't have minded camping with the scouts, but this is a lot more comfortable." 

The sentries at the door admitted Ella and her escort without hesitation. 

"Won't you come in for a while?  I'm sure Scarlet will be back soon." 

He opened the door for her, and followed her into the room. 

"I see what you mean by 'more comfortable'", he said, looking at the furnishings.  They settled into the chairs. 

"In the day or so I've been here, my commission has been reinstated, and I've been placed in command of my old unit.  i've also found that most of the experienced men are gone...retired or dead.  I've got a few good noncoms, but mostly green kids with little or no training."

Ella nodded.  "What are the chances of success?"

"Well," Fritz said, "let's just say I'm glad you're here.  Your skills may be needed as much as mine."

They shared a smile.  Old friends who knew each other well.

"Ella...how is Scarlet doing?"

The question startled her.  What did he know?

"She looked poorly the day before I left.  I thought she was just overtired, but I'm not sure.  What do you think?"

Ella took a moment before she answered, "Scarlet had not been sleeping well because of disturbing dreams.  The day after you left, Grey Eagle brought a message from the tribe's elders about a vision they had had.  I didn't follow all the meaning behind what Grey Eagle said, but I knew that I was going to be needed here.  I think Grey Eagle's words also resonated with Scarlet's dreams."

"Grey Eagle's visions can be very powerful," Fritz replied.  He still remembered the one he'd shared vividly.  "I'd like the chance to talk to Scarlet, but what I have to say would be inappropriate for certain audiences."

Ella chuckled, "You won't have an audience here.  I've got letters to write, and there is a parlor next door that I can use."

[Scarlet Angel]

"Is Cyrus good company?" Bo asked as they walked back towards the quarters Scarlet and Ella shared.

Even in the darkness Bo knew a grin had crossed her lips. "You usually don't play this game with me Bo, when it's just you and I I am used to you coming right to the point. But yes Cyrus is good company. In the short time I have ridden with him I know why you are friends."

"What did he want to know?"

"If Lieutenant King would have a problem if he asks me to do something dangerous."

Bo glanced at her waiting for the answer.

"I told him if he did he needed to speak with me directly. I also told him it is not anybody else's concern who I lay down with at night."

"Hmm" Bo snorted. "I doubt you put it like that."

"No, it was a bit more vivid, but he got the point. I think Cyrus might enjoy harassing Fritz but I doubt that is something new. You all seem to enjoy such things in different ways."

"Will you be sneaking into the Lieutenants tent tonight?" Bo said teasingly.

Scarlet laughed. "No."

He looked at her surprisingly.

"Bo, last time a Longknife or a Corbin snuck into a Yankee officer's tent someone died. I carry both names. That Captain today was taking a good hard look. I don't know where his tent is either and I have not taken the time to study them. I think it would be very awkward should I go into the wrong tent or be seen wandering the soldier's camp unescorted by one of them."

"Billy probably get the wrong idea." Bo chuckled.

Scarlet playfully slapped him.

"I think he knows better, but you know us men, sometimes it's hard to give up." He teased again.

"See harassment, you all do it."

A guilty smile crossed his face.

"That reminds me. I understand you attempted to impress Lieutenant King today."

"I was polite." She said as the stepped onto the porch.

The guard at the tipped his hat with a smile. He was used to seeing the two of them together.

Scarlet turned and faced Bo. "If you are going to be jealous Sweetheart you need to talk to Black beard. I tried to impress him more."

"Who is the one that teases now? You know your eyes dance when you are being a little hellion." He said as the guard opened the door for them to pass.

"I heard about that too. You impressed him a great deal and now I think he likes you."

Bo opened the door to the room for her.

"Elaborate on that a little more."

"I think he is comfortable including you on the list of people he can tease."

"That is a good thing." Scarlet laughed again as she stepped into the room followed by Bo. She stopped short causing Bo to nearly run into her. She wasn't sure why but seeing Fritz in the room surprised her.

She could feel her heart beating faster, they'd been together nearly three years and half of that time they'd been married, but she still got the same feelings as if he was courting her. Her smile told him she was happy to see him here.

"I see I am going to have to share my two girls now." Bo said stepping around Scarlet and extending his hand to Fritz. "Good to see you have arrived in one piece." 

[Elegant Ella]

Ella allowed a few minutes for greetings, then stood up, "Bo, let's go for a stroll or sit in the parlor.  Scarlet, is an hour long enough for us to be gone?" 

[Scarlet Angel]

"An hour is fine." Scarlet replied, curious to see what Fritz would say once they were alone.

"Which ever you prefer Ella." Bo replied following her lead.

Scarlet moved to the center of the room, her eyes met Fritz's.  The familiar electrical charge filled the air with the sound of the closing door. Standing there looking at him she knew she'd be finding her way to his tent much sooner than she anticipated.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

His heart hammered in his chest like it had before, but more urgently.  He heard the door latch, and practically leapt forward.  She charged as well, their bodies collided.  They crashed into the wall, their lips locked passionately.  Their hands seached for buttons. 

"Don't rip this one," Fritz whispered.  "It's the only one I've got."

Scarlet smiled.   

[Scarlet Angel]

"I've missed you more than I thought a heart could miss someone." She whispered as her hands slowly undid the buttons so she could slide her hands along his back.

He could feel her warm breath on his neck as she softly spoke."Perhaps I should have told them an hour would not be long enough."

[Elegant Ella]

"Let's sit in the parlor," said Ella as Bo closed the door behind them.  "I've been on my feet most of the day with the breadmaking."

"When do I get some Ella-baked bread?" asked Bo.  "I could smell it in your room." 

"You can get a piece when Fritz is ready to leave," replied Ella, sitting on one end of the sofa in the parlor.  The parlor was furnished with a small desk and straight chair and an overstuffed sofa.  A woodburning stove in one corner was still putting out some heat, although the fire had been allowed to die. 

Ella hastily covered a yawn, "Sorry.  Giving Fritz and Scarlet a little time together is more important than my sleep.  There might not be any opportunities for them once the army moves out."

"You can take a nap right here," said Bo.  He settled onto the floor next to the sofa, and started taking off her boots.  "You have nice feet." 

"I have big feet," replied Ella.  "So does my father.  So did Grammy.  My mother says my father would have been over six feet tall if the Lord hadn't turned up so much for feet, and that my feet are a 'good understanding'." 

"They're still nice feet."  Bo swung her feet up onto the sofa.  "Lie down now, and close your eyes." 

Ella obeyed, and quickly fell asleep.  Bo sat watching her sleep for a few minutes, then put a spare pillow from the sofa under his head and relaxed on the floor.   

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet heard Fritz say something about not wasting any time as he swept her off of her feet and carried her to the bed.

Neither of them knew if minutes or hours had passed while they embraced.  The outside world had fallen away.  They heard nothing except the sounds of their hearts beating in unison. Scarlet kissed him gently and caressed his cheek.

"I like the way you show me you are glad to see me." She said with a soft smile.

He took her hand in his and kissed it. "As I like the way milady shows me she is also happy to see me."

Reaching across him she picked up his uniform. "Congratulations on the promotion." She said handing the uniform to him, her smile widened as she said "You make it look good and the buttons are still all intact." 

Scarlet would have much rather stayed there in his arms but reluctantly rose and gathered her own things.