Chapter 1: A Home on the Range

You ride up into the Valley just as the last colors of dusk fade into the Badlands behind you. A woman stands tall on her porch, rifle in hand, gaze sharp as glass as she watches the yard. Across the way, you see three tough-looking cowboys slouched by the barn, their faces surly, boots muddy, and hands never far from their Colts. A young man glowers at them, fingers twitching at his sidearm, while another does his best to keep peace—his words thin in the prairie air. Even your mounts feel the tension, ears back, as the smell of dust and anger hangs thick in the twilight. It’s clear: one wrong word and this sleepy valley could turn into a battleground.

"Sure'n I can tell you how to get to Redemption, but I've got a little issue to take care of first, if'n you don't mind." She turns to the three cowboys. "I want you three gone. Git off'n my property! Go on, then! Git!"

Whall now, ma'am, you ain't bein' very neighborly. We was just..."

"You was just stealin' from me, is all! Now, git!"

The three make no move to leave, and the armed boy's fingers begin to wiggle just above his gun.

"Ma, they's goin'." The unarmed boy turns to the men. "Ain't cha?"

The man spits a wad of chew on the ground, but makes no move to leave. "Best be careful, boy," he says to the kid with his hand near his gun. "I might start to believe you's meanin' ta shoot me, and that..." he pats the sawed-off shotgun he carries. "...Would be a mistake."

"Yeah," another of the men intones. "You'd be dead afore you cleared leather!" He pats the Colt at his side.

Silas rolls his lucky coin across his knuckles….

Gentlemen….who has the $10, so that we don’t have to resort to trading lead?

"Ah, hell! It ain't worth all this trouble! Here!" The man holds out a wad of cash, which Joshua is quick to take and return to his mother. "C'mon, boys! We got things ta do." He spits a wad of tobacco on the ground, and the three men walk away.

Miriam lowers her weapon and sighs. "I sure am obliged, strangers. As I promised, Joshua will tend to your horses. Come inside and get something to eat."

"Suit yerself," Miriam says to Silas. "Everyone else come on into the house and get some vittles."

The ranch house is small but cozy, and Miriam makes room for everyone at the table. As you gather round, she gently swats the hand of anyone reaching for anything. "In this house, we thank the Lord first!" After the prayer is made, Miriam lets you dig in: slow-cooked salted pork, venison stew, beans, potatoes, and biscuits are on the menu. Over dinner, Miriam engages in light conversation, talking about mundane aspects of daily life on the frontier. She listens intently to any stories you strangers have to share.