Long Road Home

By J.B. Patel

While some recognized their duty and went to fight in the war between the North and South, others intended to make a profit by staying behind. As fifteen-year-old Amy grabbed Lance's sleeve she knew she was heading off a fight between him and four of the Keating boys. That night after the dance, Lance would be heading south to fight in the war for the Union Army, Amy figured he didn't need to start off fighting with four of the no-account Keating bunch. She had secretly loved Lance for some time. He knew he was going off to war and realized he may never make it back. Before he rode out, she blurted out her love for him. Lance recalled what his mother had taught them both; love happens when there is honesty and trust. He spoke of no promises for the future; he had no illusions, he was going to fight in a war, he may never return.
While Lance is fighting a war with confederates and renegade Indians in the Territory of New Mexico, another battle is waging back home with those taking advantage of a weakened community. Lance becomes battle-tested and finds love in Maria, daughter at the Valesquez hacienda. With the war coming to an end, Lance begins to realize the lack of trust or honesty he has with Maria. He decides to make the long trek home to Wyoming and upon his arrival finds that his battles are not yet over. The small town he calls home is not the same as he left it. Along with the few good folks left in Buford, Lance will attempt to set things right and find the trust and honesty he has been seeking all along.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Mar 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9781483596679

Book preview

Chapter I. The Last Dance

The dance floor was crowded, it was the last Saturday night dance Lance Rockwell would likely see for a few years, maybe forever. He made up his mind he was going to join the Union Army. Lance had been courting Molly Freiberg for the past few months. Lance thought he was courting, actually it seemed he was trying to catch up with Molly while she flirted enough to keep him interested but always seemed to stay a little out of reach. Molly came with him to the dance, now she was with four of the Keating bar-K outfit. To make matters worse, the fiddler, Arnie Jacobsen announced the last dance and Molly was already dancing with Bull Keating. Bull’s brother Cal stood with two other hands of the Keating ranch glaring at Lance with challenging smirks. Lance figured if he cut in now there was going to be a four on one pitched battle for the benefit of the last dance. Molly wasn’t helping any, she glanced his way and grinned, it wasn’t a friendly grin; her grin was openly taunting.

Molly didn’t like it when Lance told her he was going off to fight in the war. Seemed like Molly didn’t like much if the idea wasn’t hers or to her liking. Lance didn’t give a hoot about the four on one odds; after all he was going off to fight a war where the odds were pretty good he wouldn’t come back alive. Lance figured he might just as well use a little head rattling as a practice for the real thing. He figured Molly should be dancing with him. It was a matter of protocol, after all she came to the dance with him. Protocol, etiquette or just plain being polite; the last dance should have been his. He imagined more than a few people at the dance recognized this as well and his pride was suffering a bit because of the situation. 

Lance grinned, he made up his mind in favor of the head rattling; he started to step in Molly’s direction when he felt a not too gentle tug at his sleeve. Lance was irritated at the distraction but when he looked down beside him at the grinning fifteen year old he smiled. Lance was a little perturbed because he didn’t want to be interrupted at that particular moment, Amy. What can I do for you?

Amy held up her left hand in dance position and pulled him to the dance floor, Thank you. A smile wouldn’t hurt. Did you save the last dance for me?

Lance couldn’t help but smile, if Amy didn’t know he should be dancing with Molly, she would be the only one in the hall and he knew Amy to be more perceptive than most her age. Amy had a fine featured face, big brown eyes, she was a trim gal, when she finished growing up she would be beautiful. But, to Lance she was like a younger sister. He wanted to get away, he had business to attend to but Amy wasn’t budging, Not exactly Amy, but…,

Amy wouldn’t let go. Lance grinned, relented and danced about the floor. Amy danced the waltz gracefully, she seemed to float like a feather in his arms. It was more than her light stature, Amy was graceful and accomplished in all she did. Lance was quiet, he positioned Amy so he could see over her head at the grinning Molly. The more Molly grinned the madder Lance got. Molly saw Lance’s reaction and moved a little closer to Bull Keating. This went on for a few moments before Amy tugged him around so Lance’s back was toward Molly.

Lance’s eyes were forced away from Molly, again he grinned down at Amy and feigned irritation as he spoke, Hey. I believe I’m supposed to lead?

Amy smiled mischievously, Hey yourself. Sometimes even a good leader needs help with direction. A little friendly guidance. Sometimes one with a clearer head has to take over.

Lance continued to smile, he made an attempt to turn about but Amy wasn’t budging. Amy was too honest, too genuine to get mad at, I need a little help do I?

Amy smiled, Lance had finally taken his eyes off Molly for the time being. The top of Amy’s head was just barely up to his chin, I’d say, without a little better direction than what you had planned, you’re liable to get the tar whaled out of you by the bar-K outfit. I think you’re pretty strong, but five against one isn’t very good odds.

Lance smiled and corrected, Four to one.

Amy shook her head and continued to smile, Five against one. I think you forgot to count Molly, she would be the fifth.

Lance laughed at the conviction in her voice, You don’t like Molly?

Amy shrugged, It’s not a matter of liking her or disliking her; just an observation. I figure she’s looking for gold in the magic pot at the end of the rainbow. Since you are going off to war she’s looking for another rainbow with a bigger pot than yours. After all, you are heading off to war. Who knows how long a war takes.

Lance nodded, I may leave yet tonight.

Amy nodded, she heard he was leaving, she was silent for a moment for she would miss seeing Lance. Lance had been a part of her secret thoughts for the past four years, Are you thinking of heading east?

Lance nodded, Um huh. That’s where the war is.

Amy looked up to him and smiled, The war is also down south of Denver in New Mexico Territory. Kit Carson has a Union commission, he’s gathered a small army and he’s looking for recruits. If you want to fight, you might as well do your fighting a little closer to home. Kit Carson has been fighting ever since he came out west. I think you may be better off fighting in a spot where you may be a little more familiar.

Lance hadn’t considered anything other than the Union Army in the east, Isn’t that a militia?

Amy smiled inwardly for Lance had always listened to her opinions with respect. She explained, Kit’s army originally was a militia set up to keep the Territory of New Mexico on the Union side. Now they are commissioned, they are a part of the Union Army. Militia or army; don’t they both have guns?

Lance took his eyes off Amy for a moment, then he looked at her again. He smiled and spoke, Mom always said you were one wise little cookie.

That was nice of your Mom. I miss your Mom. I don’t know about the ‘little cookie’ part.

Lance couldn’t help but smile, she was mature for a fifteen year old and Amy didn’t like being treated like a child, I just added the, little cookie to get your back up a bit.

Amy smiled, And I made sure it worked.

Lance chuckled, Amy was steady, if she ever got real upset he never recognized the occasion, You were out to the ranch so much Mom was practically your mother. Mom thought the world of you.

Lance could see Amy was having trouble with a reply, he jokingly added, Of course I don’t know what in the world she saw in you.

Amy knew what he was doing, she looked up at him with misting eyes and replied, I should have let the five bar-K outfit work you over.

Lance laughed. Amy became serious, I really do miss your Mom.

Lance softened, he knew how much Amy loved his mother. He wanted to give a consoling embrace however showing affection in public was frowned on. He squeezed her hand, his voice was reverent; I miss her to. Mom was a warm lady. It’s been nearly two years since the funeral, you don’t get out to the ranch much anymore. You used to be out there just about every day.

Amy nodded and smiled, Without your Mom there, people would talk.

Lance laughed at her humor, he didn’t tell her she was still a child and she didn’t have to worry about causing talk although that is what her joking inferred. Amy added, Your Mom took the place of my mother. Father is wonderful, but I looked forward to having him go to work so I could be with your Mom. What did your Mom really say about me?

She said you had a lot of spunk for a young lady who went through so much. She said you are wise, level headed, honest… I better not say much more, I don’t want you to be prideful.

Lance’s mom always told him that Amy would make a wonderful wife to some lucky man. The dance ended, Lance started to turn toward the bar-K outfit. Amy held his arm, C’mon. Get your horse. Walk me home.

Lance smiled, if he left his horse at the rail, it would be an open challenge to the bar-K. They would know he would be back soon, Still trying to lead?

Amy nodded, Usually you’re a great leader; usually you don’t need to be led. Tonight you seem a little different.

What’s so different about tonight?

Tonight you are angry or you just don’t care. Men sometimes make mistakes in judgment when they are angry or afraid or if they just don’t care. I would say you are angry or you just don’t care. I have seen you cautious but never afraid.

Amy took his arm and they started to the door, Amy’s father fell in stride with them. Lance picked his guns off the rack on the way out the door, Hello Mr. French. Looks like I’m walking home with you two tonight. Amy’s got a short rope on me, trying to keep me from getting into a little mix-up with the bar-K.

Amy’s father took his hat off the rack, Can’t fault her for that. You’re on your way to a real war where fighting has good reason, necessity, and, is for keeps. My daddy always said, find a gal you would fight and die for, he always followed that up with the other side of the coin. That is; a gal that causes you to fight over her isn’t worth a hill of beans. Besides, no sense fighting a skirmish with that no-account group.

Lance was surprised at the harsh description of the Keating crew, he didn’t reply as they walked to the hitching post and untied Lance’s horse. Then Lance asked, You and Amy don’t think much of my neighbors.

I’ve been in these parts since before Amy was born and I know the bar-K crowd. I figure if it wasn’t for the sheriff, your pa, yourself, and a couple other good men, Old Man Keating would try to elevate himself to a throne.

Lance laughed at the idea, Wes Keating has been trying to buy out Dad for the past couple years. Dad always laughs and tells Wes he intends to live and die on his own place. The past few years he’s added to that refusal, ‘he hopes someday to have a son raising cattle on the ranch.’ Wes hasn’t said much the past few months, I would guess he realizes we are going to be tied to the land for some time.

Amy liked the idea of Lance’s permanence, Does that mean after the war you intend to come back to the ranch to raise cattle?

That’s what I told Dad. Dad’s stock trade for wagon trains and stagecoach lines won’t last forever. They are already talking about a railroad coast to coast. In a few years I figure this land will be covered with cattle.

Amy looked up at Lance and smiled, You talk of returning, you’ll probably meet some gal in the war and never make it back home.

Lance shook his head, No Amy. If I meet someone while I’m away, she’ll have to agree to come back with me.

For the remainder of the walk back to the mercantile they spoke of everything but the war. Amy had turned pretty quiet after they spoke of Lance meeting someone while at the war. In front of the mercantile Amy’s father shook Lance’s hand, The best to you Lance. Thanks for becoming involved. Keep your head down and don’t take unwise or unnecessary risks.

Amy’s father walked around to the back of the store to unlock the door to their quarters. Amy watched her dad go, as Lance stepped into the saddle she asked, You going yet tonight?

Yes Ma’am. I love the night. Tonight will be clear as can be with near to a full moon.

Amy stepped closer and got very serious, Then I’ll say my goodbye Lance. Lance. I’ll still be here when you get back.

Lance was confused at the statement, he didn’t have time to reply before Amy blurted, Lance. If you do find someone when you are away at the war. If you trust her as much as I trust in you. If she loves you as much as I love you,… you,.. you better marry her.

Amy bolted around the corner of the mercantile after her father. Lance sat on his horse speechless and watched her go, unable to respond. Within the past seven years Amy had spent much of her time at the ranch. Lance had taught her how to ride, how to appreciate and care for a horse and a hundred other necessary ranch chores. She was now fifteen years old, still a physically immature girl who could pass for twelve, he was eighteen and could pass for twenty-five. When Amy wasn’t with his mother she followed him about the ranch, he would put her to work, what she didn’t understand, he taught her. She was like a little sister to Lance, however she just demonstrated her feelings toward him had become much more than sisterly.

Amy ran around the house and caught up with her father as he started to open the door, I thought you were going to say goodbye to Lance?

Amy was silent for a moment, I did father. I fear I made a childish fool of myself.

What did you do?

Oh my.

Amy’s father smiled warmly, he could feel her embarrassment. He waited to open the door, waiting for a reply knowing Amy was incapable of doing anything he would not be proud of. Amy hung her head then said, Just like a love struck kid I blurted out. ‘If you find someone that loves you as much as I love you, you better marry her. Then I ran.

Amy’s father nodded, That was pretty much to the point.

Oh. I feel foolish.

Don’t feel foolish dear. You spoke your piece about how you feel. That is sometimes the most difficult thing in the world for people to do. It’s better than keeping your feelings inside and being angry with yourself later for not saying anything. I’m proud of you Amy. You are very mature for your age. But of course Amy, I am always proud of you.

The creak of leather and the plodding of horse hooves sounded, they looked to the corner of the building. Lance walked his horse around the corner of the mercantile and stopped his horse and spoke to them, Mr. French. Amy. I’m going off to war with no illusions. I may not make it back, those things happen. That’s the nature of war. I was just thinking, after speaking to Amy. I really should tell you both. I’ve a heap of respect for Amy. She’s good, honest and true. As long as I’ve known Amy I’ve never had reason for mistrusting her actions or her word.

Lance touched his hat, turned his horse and trotted back into the street. Amy ran through the store to look out the front window. Lance trotted his horse down the street, he didn’t take the road to the east; he stayed on the road headed south. As Lance rode past the junction of the streets, without turning about, he raised his hat in a wave.

Amy’s father was curious, he joined her and asked, What was all that about?

Amy gave her father a hug as she explained, Lance’s Mom always said to him, and me to; ‘love develops best where there is a heap of respect and a lot of trust.’

John French watched as Lance disappeared into the darkness, I’ve always said Lance is a good lad. Guess I’ll have to up that a mite. Amy. Lance just said the same thing I’ve always said about you. You’re everything a father could want in a daughter.

Amy laughed, Father. Is that supposed to mean I’m like a daughter to him?

Not exactly. What I think he said, was, you have all the basics for love to begin.

Yes father. That’s what I thought he said.

He also said he’s going off to war. Nothing in war is certain. He may not even make it back alive. He was leaving no commitment for you to consider.

You mean he gave me no promises?

Yes. I don’t think he wants to have you setting your cap and waiting only for him. He’s telling you that you are a wonderful gal. He’s telling you to go on with your life, his future is unknown.

Thank you father. For the last four or five years I’ve loved him. He has never been a disappointment to me. Even his jokes and the tricks he has played on me have not been with meanness. He’s such a good person. I don’t know how he will fight a war. I’m hoping they find out how good he is and send him back home.

John French laughed, I’m sure they will find something a man of his good nature can do to help the war effort. I’m pretty sure they won’t send him back.

Chapter II.  Mountain Men

Lance leaned a little forward in the saddle, the spotted white horse loved to run. As he cantered down the road Lance spoke out loud, You long legged ornery old flea bit Cayuse, you love to run don’t you? I’ll give you a couple of miles to work the wind out of your sails, there shouldn’t be any renegades out tonight to hear your hooves beating.

The horse was flecked with brown specks, his color a very light gray, nearly white, he was indeed called, flea bitten. Lance chose the white for his stamina and his steadiness on the trail. After galloping two miles; for the next hour they moved at a ground-eating canter, then Lance leaned back in the saddle, the horse reluctantly slowed to a trot then walked, We don’t have to get there tonight. I want you to have something left in case we get company.

In the eastern part of Colorado there were very few people but plenty of Indians, his newly developed plan was to make it to Fort Collins and see if there was anyone gathered there heading toward Denver or New Mexico. It would be safer to travel in armed groups. The Indians knew the white man was fighting a war against themselves and some picked that time try to get rid of those living in or entering their lands. Nearly a full day after Lance left home it was maybe an hour before dark when Lance entered the gates of Fort Collins.

Lance noted few military uniforms and a lot of civilians. He stopped inside the gate to ask a civilian if there was a chance of getting something to eat. He was directed to a wagon in the center of the parade grounds. He ate a meal of buffalo, potatoes, bread and corn. While eating he learned that a small group of mountain men had just left an hour or so before he arrived. They were heading for New Mexico to join up with Kit Carson.

The husky cook grinned as he explained, They said they were going to join up with their friend Kit Carson. They seemed to think if Kit was in command they would either make it back alive or make a good account of themselves. Didn’t seem to matter a whit to them which one occurred.

Lance smiled, I can see that. The few mountain men I’ve met have had little to say. There’s no brag to them, seems they just want to get the job done and woe be onto those who get in their way. I’m thinking of going down to New Mexico with Kit Carson if he’ll have me.

The cook nodded, "He’ll have you for certain. And you’re right about those mountain men that were here. They were quiet but I surely wouldn’t want to pick a squabble with