Warpath (The Landon Saga Book 8) Read online

  Warpath

  Tell Cotten

  The Landon Saga novels by Tell Cotten

  Confessions of a Gunfighter

  Entwined Paths

  Cooper

  Rondo

  Yancy

  Lee

  They Rode Together

  Warpath

  Also by Tell Cotten

  Wanted: A Western Story Collection

  (Includes a Landon Saga short story)

  Dedication

  To Ray and Ann

  ‘Gargar’ and ‘Nina’

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  Illustrator: Bill Olivas

  www.billolivas.com

  [email protected]

  Cover Art:

  Marcy Meinke/Converse Printing & Design

  www.ConversePrinting.com

  [email protected]

  Publisher’s Note:

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, and events are the work of the author’s imagination.

  Any resemblance to real persons, places, or events is coincidental.

  Solstice Publishing - www.solsticepublishing.com

  Copyright 2016 Tell Cotten

  About the series

  While WARPATH can be read as a stand alone, it is recommended that new readers start with the first book in the series, CONFESSIONS OF A GUNFIGHTER.

  The Landon Saga currently has four main characters that interact through the novels. For a quick reminder, below is the recent status of these characters.

  Rondo Landon: Married to Rachel, Mr. Tomlin’s daughter. Rondo is an ex-outlaw and lawman, now working for J.T. Tussle as a ranch hand.

  Yancy Landon: Cousin to Rondo. Newly appointed as a Texas Ranger, and is romantically involved with Jessica Tussle, who is J.T. Tussle’s niece.

  Cooper Landon: Cousin to Rondo, and Yancy’s older brother. Married to Josie, and has an adopted son, Wyatt, who was rescued from the Apaches. Like Yancy, he is also a newly appointed Texas Ranger.

  Lee Mattingly: An ex-outlaw, and a friend of Rondo’s. Romantically involved with April Gibson. He also owns part interest in The Palace Hotel, along with partner Brian Clark.

  Part One

  “The Attack”

  Chapter one

  The time had finally arrived.

  It had been a six-month wait for No Worries, and his warriors were eager for blood.

  No Worries was a young war chief of the Apaches, and he led his growing band with a ruthless recklessness. His name had become a household name, right up there with Geronimo.

  He was tall for an Apache, standing at nearly six feet. He was very tan, and he had black hair with a muscled torso.

  They had been traveling for weeks, riding southeast from their camp in the mountains in the New Mexico Territory.

  They were now close to Empty-lake, Texas, just west of the Tomlin’s ranch headquarters.

  No Worries had never raided this deep into Texas. Mostly, Apaches roamed the New Mexico and Arizona Territories, and they also raided down south into Mexico.

  It was now the morning of the raid, and the braves in camp watched No Worries for the signal to move out.

  No Worries sat by himself, a blanket wrapped around his shoulders, deep in thought.

  They had carefully scouted the surrounding area the day before, and he had scouts scattered in all directions to warn them if any riders were spotted.

  They had also scouted the Tomlin’s headquarters, and No Worries had been pleased when a young, dark headed woman was spotted.

  She was the reason they were here.

  Half a year ago, an Indian trader had come to their summer camp up in the mountains. He led several mules, packed with crates carrying rifles and ammunition.

  No Worries usually traded pelts, but the Indian trader said no.

  “What do you want?” No Worries asked, speaking in Apache.

  “My boss, Ike Nash, has a strong enemy,” the Indian trader, also speaking in Apache, replied. “He is also your enemy. His name is Landon.”

  “Landon,” No Worries repeated the name.

  “If they can, they will stop us from trading. No more rifles.”

  No Worries grunted at that.

  “We must stop them,” the Indian trader continued.

  “How?”

  “Kill them. All of them.”

  No Worries grunted again and nodded.

  “But, the Landons are well respected by most white men,” the Indian trader said. “It would look bad if Ike started a war against them.”

  “I have heard this name, Landon,” No Worries declared, and his eyes glowed with hate. “It would be a great victory.”

  “It would,” the Indian trader agreed. “And in return, Ike will give you these rifles. And many more after it’s done.”

  “How?”

  “Rondo Landon has a young, dark headed wife,” he explained. “If you capture her and bring her to the mountains, the Landons will come.”

  A thoughtful look crossed No Worries’ face, and he nodded his agreement.

  “Ike would like you to wait several months,” the Indian trader instructed, and explained, “Rondo killed Ike’s son, Tanner, a while back. Ike wants Rondo to get comfortable with his new wife, so he will feel the same pain Ike felt when he lost Tanner.”

  No Worries was silent as he thought it over. He didn’t care when it happened, just as long as he got more rifles.

  “It is done,” he declared.

  “Ike will be pleased,” the Indian trader replied. “Now, I have a map to show you the way.”

  The map contained detailed directions. And now, half a year later, they were here, camped a few miles from Tomlin’s headquarters.

  A coyote howling in the distance interrupted No Worries’ thoughts. He stood, tossed his blanket aside, looked at his men, and gestured.

  It was time.

  Chapter two

  It was a Saturday.

  April Gibson worked at The Palace Hotel in Empty-lake. Mostly, she cooked, cleared tables, washed dishes, swept floors, and cleaned the rooms.

  She was a tall, graceful looking woman with tired eyes and a wisp of natural gray hair here and there. She was in her early thirties.

  Her new boss, Jeremiah Wisdom, had graciously given her most weekends off.

  She knew the motive behind his kindness. He had feelings for her, and every weekend he invited her to accompany him on a picnic or a ride out into the country.

  She had actually gone with him a few times, and she enjoyed their outings. But then Jeremiah brought up the subject of marriage, and since then she had politely refused his invitations. Instead, most Saturdays she rode out and visited her new friend, Rachel Landon.

  This Saturday was no different. She and her daughter, June, saddled up at daylight and rode out to the Tomlin’s headquarters.

  June was ten years old. She had long, blond hair, round blue eyes, and a small, shapely face.

  As always, the Tomlin’s ranch headquarters was impressive. The main house was long and big, and the pole corrals were well kept and in good shape, as was the barn and bunkhouse.

  June had recently become friends with the young, ranch hand Rory Wheeler.

  As soon as they arrived, June dismounted, tied her horse to the railing, and ran toward the bunkhouse in search of Rory. Last week he had taught her the game of marbles, and she was eager to play again.

  “Do
n’t cause any trouble,” April called after her.

  “Yes, ma’am,” June replied, and April smiled as she disappeared around the corner of the main house.

  It pleased her that June and Rory had sprouted a friendship. Until now, June had been depressed and quiet ever since Lee had left.

  Rachel came out of the house, and she and April greeted each other.

  Rachel was in her early twenties. She had long, brown hair with sandy looking freckles that covered her face. She also had a knowing smile that always made her husband, Rondo, squirm.

  “What do you want to do today?” Rachel asked.

  “As long as I’m not cooking or washing dishes, I don’t care,” April replied.

  Rachel smiled and asked, “Want to go for a ride?”

  “I’d like that.”

  “I’ll saddle a horse,” Rachel said.

  April nodded and followed her to the barn.

  Chapter three

  “Which direction should we ride today?” Bob Sprutt asked Lucy Nash.

  It was early morning, and Bob had just saddled two horses and led them up to the main house.

  They were on a ranch just south of the Tomlin’s spread. And, like most Saturdays, Bob was about to take Lucy out riding and show her more of the ranch.

  She wrinkled her nose in thought. She could feel Bob watching her, and she liked the attention.

  “Show me the north end today,” she finally decided.

  “Yes, ma’am,” Bob drawled.

  She giggled as he helped her get mounted. Next, he stepped up on his horse, and they left in a trot.

  Lucy’s newly acquired dog was lying in the shade beside the porch, and he bounded to his feet and followed.

  “Is it all right if Precious comes along?” Lucy asked.

  “Precious?” Bob raised an eyebrow.

  “That’s what I named him.”

  Bob forced himself not to smile.

  “I don’t see why not,” he said.

  Lucy grinned, and she looked back at her dog.

  “Come along, Precious.”

  Lucy Nash was the half owner of the ranch. She was young, very beautiful, and had long, blond hair.

  Bob was a tall, thin fellow with blue eyes and light, sandy hair. He was good with a Colt, and he was keen and educated.

  He was also an expert in forgery.

  Butch Nelson, Lucy’s partner, had been gone for several weeks. He had left with the intent of an ill-advised attack on J.T. Tussle’s ranch up north, and he hadn’t been heard from since.

  Lucy had specific orders to stay on the ranch, and she had quickly become bored. But then, a few weeks back, Bob had offered to show her the ranch, and these outings had become a welcome distraction.

  Bob had also given her the dog with hopes of sprouting a friendship. So far, it was working.

  They rode in silence for an hour.

  The country around them was mainly rolling hills with a few trees, and there were also a few creeks spread about. The grass was tall and green, and their horses couldn’t help but nip at it.

  “Is it always this green?” Lucy asked as they pulled up at a creek.

  “Not always,” Bob replied as he dismounted and helped her down. “We’ve had more rain this year than normal.”

  He tied their horses to some nearby trees. Meanwhile, Precious loped off to explore some bushes across the creek.

  Bob joined Lucy at the creek. She had sat on a log, and she looked thoughtful as she took in the view.

  “We need more cows,” she said.

  “A lot more,” Bob agreed as he sat beside her.

  “Butch should be here, tending to things,” Lucy said, and Bob could hear the discontent in her voice.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Do you think something happened to him?”

  “It’s possible.”

  “He’s long overdue,” Lucy pointed out.

  Bob nodded thoughtfully.

  “I know.”

  “I don’t think he’s coming back,” Lucy said matter-of-factly.

  “We don’t know that,” Bob argued.

  Lucy turned suddenly and looked him in the eyes.

  “You want him to come back?” She asked.

  Bob was startled by the question.

  “Well, sure, I guess. Don’t you?”

  “You haven’t enjoyed my company?”

  “Sure I have,” Bob said quickly.

  “If Butch comes back, our visits will come to an end,” Lucy pointed out.

  “I know that,” Bob said, almost wistfully.

  “Well then?”

  Bob took in a big breath, exhaled, and shook his head.

  “I guess not,” he said with a sheepish smile.

  “With Butch gone, that makes me the full owner,” Lucy said. “But, I’m also a woman.”

  “You sure are.”

  “I’ll need help. Running a ranch is a lot of work.”

  “It sure is.”

  “Are you interested?”

  “In becoming your partner?”

  “Yes.”

  Hope filled Bob’s face as he looked at her.

  “You know I am.”

  Lucy smiled coyly, and Bob’s heart skipped a beat.

  Chapter four

  Their horses were fresh and full of energy. April and Rachel gave them their heads, and they trotted south at a brisk pace.

  Both girls enjoyed the ride and the freedom of being away from others.

  They finally pulled up next to some tall, cottonwood trees. They dismounted, tied their horses to some tree branches, and took a walk across a green, majestic looking meadow.

  Before they left, Rachel pulled out her rifle and cradled it in her arms.

  “Is that necessary?” April’s eyes twinkled.

  “You’ve lived in town too long,” Rachel chided her friend. “You never know when you might walk up on a snake, or something worse.”

  “What’s worse than a snake?”

  “Something with two legs.”

  April laughed. They walked a bit more, and she sighed wistfully as she took in the view.

  “It’s so beautiful here,” she stated. “It’s hard to believe anything bad could be lurking about.”

  “I’ve always thought this little meadow would be an ideal spot for a house,” Rachel said.

  “It would,” April agreed, and she shot her friend a curious look. “Have you and Rondo discussed it?”

  “We don’t have the money,” Rachel shrugged, and added, “Maybe someday. But right now, Rondo is just hoping for a ranch job with J.T. Tussle. We sure need it.”

  “I’m sure he’ll get the job.”

  “He’d better,” Rachel said, and suddenly she looked worried. “I can’t figure what’s taking him so long. He should have returned weeks ago.”

  “I’m sure he’s fine,” April tried to reassure her.

  Rachel didn’t look convinced as they walked along. A few minutes passed, and she cleared her throat.

  “As soon as Rondo gets back, I’ll have news for him,” she said, her eyes wide and bright.

  “Oh?”

  Rachel smiled but didn’t say anything.

  “Rachel Landon! Are you going to have a baby?”

  Rachel nodded, still smiling, and her face flushed with excitement.

  “Congratulations,” April grinned, and asked, “Rondo has no idea?”

  “No. I wasn’t sure myself until a few days ago.”

  “Who else knows?”

  “Only you,” Rachel replied, and explained, “I don’t want anyone else to know until Rondo does. And, if I told my parents, everyone would know within the week.”

  “I won’t tell,” April promised. A few seconds passed, and she asked, “Do you think Rondo will be surprised?”

  “I’m sure he will be,” Rachel answered. “We’ve been so busy these past few months, we haven’t even discussed children.”

  “He’ll be overjoyed.”

  “I hope
so.”

  “Of course, he might not show it,” April warned. “Men are like that.”

  “I know,” Rachel murmured.

  April smiled. But then a thought occurred to her, and her smile faded.

  “I saw Rondo in town, right before he left,” she announced as she changed the subject.

  “You did?”

  “He said it was a strong possibility that he might run into Lee.”

  “Yes, that was partly why he left, was to warn him and Brian about Rock Bullen,” Rachel recalled.

  April nodded, and her face looked strained.

  It was no secret that April had strong feelings for Lee Mattingly. But then, Lee had killed a politician in self-defense. He had to leave town, and he hadn’t been seen since.

  “I wonder if Rondo found him?” April asked.

  “I’m sure he did,” Rachel replied. “My father told me Rondo could track a shadow in the dark.”

  April smiled faintly and said, “I asked him to deliver a message.”

  “Oh?” Rachel raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

  “I wanted Lee to know that June prays every night for him to come back.”

  “Does she?”

  “Yes,” April said. She hesitated, and added quietly, “So do I.”

  Rachel felt sorry for her friend. A few seconds passed, and she asked, “Does Lee know how you feel?”

  “I think he does.”

  “Well then, he’ll show up one of these days,” Rachel declared.

  “I’m not so sure. Why, he’s probably forgotten all about us by now,” April said sullenly, and she took in a deep breath and sighed.

  Rachel couldn’t think of anything comforting to say, and neither one said anything for a moment.

  “I’ve been spending some time with Jeremiah Wisdom,” April said suddenly.

  “Yes, I know.”

  “But, I haven’t seen him in a few weeks. In fact, I’ve been avoiding him.”

  “Why?”

  “He keeps mentioning marriage.”

  “And what did you tell him?”