Headstall

Thank you, my friend. I woke up soaked with sweat, but I did sleep. I'm going to eat soon... and try to manage a walk.

Never feel the need to wait, my friend. I live for hearing readers thoughts as I post each chapter... seriously. I must say I really like these thoughts of yours... literary masterpiece that intrigues the mind and calls to the soul... wow... can't ask for any more than that for inspiration. Thank you so much! Every word of this invigorates me... don't ever hold back because your words have a power of their own. Like the interplay you speak of between Jubal and Lucas, the interplay between me and the readers is what makes this sometimes grueling process so worthwhile. Cheers!

Huber? That's hilarious, funny lady. I really love when a character gets such a reaction from readers. Poor Reid. He he. Maybe he's not so bad. Guess we'll see. I like impatience too, and I don't mind the whining, but I'm afraid the slow burn will continue. Makes me happy to hear you don't mind waiting. Will there be real heat in the end? Thanks for the vote of confidence, Onim. I can always count on you.

You are exactly right. Jubal may be a fearful person, but those fears appear to be well-founded. How do you trust after something like that? Finding what he has with Lucas must come with great concern. No wonder he is ready to run.

It's a wonderful comment to read as an author. Wordsmithing... I love that word. I can't even tell you how many times I turn a sentence or phrase or single word over in my mind as I work on a chapter. It's a good job I enjoy the editing process, because it takes me a long time to be satisfied. Thanks!

All good speculation, and yes, he is fortunate to have survived such an ordeal... life is cruel, but people can be crueler.

Feeling under the weather at the moment so I am going to wait till tomorrow to answer the rest of the comments. I'll be able to focus better after some sleep... hopefully. Cheers!

Glad you liked the folklore, my friend. Makoninj is actually a native word and it does mean bearpaw. I did borrow pieces from other native stories to create this one, so it is grounded in their beliefs. I did mention the Ojibway tribe but, yeah, I won't be too specific. Healing waters are a common theme in Native lore. Yeah, Lucas was pretty forthcoming, if reluctant to say too much. I agree if it was just his story, he might have gone farther... or maybe he is sparing Jubal something. And yes, it did lead to letting Jubal know there was no judgement on his scars. That was an important thing for Jubal to hear. "To think he was lynched was bad enough, to find out he was dragged behind a horse was horrific….it actually brought tears to my eyes. The acts people commit against others out of fear and ignorance hurts my heart & sickens my stomach….our similarities are so much greater than our differences, those varieties are the spice of life we should savor, not scorn." This... this part of your comment speaks for itself. Thank you. Your belief is my belief. My heart breaks for Jubal too... I can picture him tugging at his kerchief to make sure those marks are covered, showing the shame he feels for them. Lucas proved how astute he was in what he said. Class ring and varsity jacket? Lol. Yeah, maybe. Lucas is nor shy about giving Jubal credit, and the grand new plan was another chance to do so. It is a distraction from the earlier tensions, but it is so much more than that... deepening a connection between these two friends. Is Lucas sweet talking? Does he realize it? Stayed tuned for another chapter of Makoninj: An Old West Tale. Thanks my dear friend. Always love hearing your thoughts.

Lol. @Ivor Slipper has been a bad influence on you guys. Or maybe it was @Wesley8890. I know it wasn't me.

Yeah, Doc, Reid is definitely a concern. I mean, he's been friendly enough to Jubal, but there is something underlying that makes us all wonder. The fact Reid said what he did about him shows the frustration he's feeling. Is the fact he's a sheriff another concern for Jubal to have? We all know how easily Jubal gets spooked. Ah... wonder what Lucas could possibly use as bait... Worms?

OMG! At least she could have worked in the woods and not have to worry about mosquitoes.

Lol. I'd like to meet your aunt. I've done a lot of dumb things, but as far as I know, I have never munched on kibble. If I do, I will consider this a recommendation for Meow Mix. I just thought of the dumbest thin I ever did. I once stood on a rickety chair and pulled on a rope tied through a hole drilled into a piece of plywood. I mean, I was pulling... like with every ounce of strength I had, and the plywood finally came away as planned... it cost me three ligaments and two years of shoulder use... so I guess kibble isn't so bad.

A complexity that might have been forced on him. I really like what @84Mags said in her comment... about seeing Jubal with guards dropped as he gets excited about the new plan of capturing the whole herd. Maybe that's the Jubal who is or would be simple and straight-thinking if the world hadn't beaten at him. I think you're right that Lucas sees that, and even appreciates that. Maybe he is playing a long game, but that sounds a touch calculated... for now I would put it this way... he cares about Jubal, and wants his new friend to feel comfortable with where he is and who he has chosen as a friend. That said, I love your analogy. Two sets of oats being laid... and yes, it is okay for Lucas to be selfish in not wanting Jubal to leave. We are seeing with each chapter that Lucas is caring and puts others ahead of himself, especially Jubal. Maybe that trait is why Reid doesn't give up in whatever he is trying to get Lucas to agree to. Those rope marks tell us so much, but they don't tell us the whole story. Will Lucas be able to get him to open up more? We know he won't push... he's pretty much promised that... because it was what Jubal needed. At this moment, Jubal does feel safe, thanks to Lucas and the wildings... but learned behavior is hard to overcome. Lucas might have to continue being patient. That too is a hard thing if feelings are involved. Thanks, Man, for this superb comment. You guys really make me think, and that makes posting a story so enjoyable.

According to Lucas, Reid isn't a bad guy, but he does seem to be a fly in the ointment, doesn't he? In fairness though, you're right that it doesn't seem to affect how these two connect. Whatever happened between Lucas and Reid, it's in the past if we believe Lucas. Fingers crossed. Those wildings put everything back in balance between these new friends... it was exactly what Jubal needed to keep him from running. Thank you, my friend. We'll see if their plan works.

Hey, Mags! I agree a few bigger steps were made in this chapter. Reality is setting in now they've spend time together, and now they are comfortable enough to start asking questions. I admire Lucas's patience in waiting do long to ask about those marks. And I admire he doesn't push. It's exactly how Jubal needs him to be right now. Lucas understands how traumatic that must have been... who in the Old West can't picture the horrors of a hanging? I really like how you see the ending. It's true we all know Lucas thinks Jubal is handsome, but how must he have looked with the pure excitement of capturing a herd on his face. I never thought of that until you mentioned it. It is those moments than can have the most impact on us... and maybe this was one of those for Lucas. Thanks for the very perceptive comment, my friend. I love when readers are so engaged.

Dude, my pony is over thirty years old and it takes me five minutes just to get my foot up into the stirrup, and another five to get my leg over her back. So, don't hold your breath.

The right motivation? I don't know whether to be offended or not. If I did do something like that, I'd certainly find some more speed for sure.

Let's hope not! These men do seem a little smarter than Baldrick. We don't know if they will be successful, but it does give them something more to share... and a good reason for Jubal to stick around.

Frustrating and fascinating? Yes, definitely some timid stuff and some bold stuff going on in this story. Would penning them up work? I think Jubal would need coaxing more than penning... and no ropes.... What ever you do for the slow burn, don't use the Absorbine Senior meant for horses... it stings real bad. Trust me on that...

Ah, that delicious tension. Hope you're not disappointed when all is said and done, my friend. Yes, they do have a potential breeding operation on land suitable for just such a thing... and men with a passion for it. This new plan definitely intertwines their lives even more, but will it be enough? Hmmm.... Thanks, Doha! I love your impatience for some good loving.

Hey, centex! This new plan could have lots of benefits. With a herd, they could keep the mares bred and always have new horses coming each year. They could trade stock as well, keeping the bloodlines fresh. You're right that the stallion could be a problem. They tend to be harder to work with, especially if their herd is still close, but a good horseman can handle the challenge. They have to catch them first. Whatever is going on with Reid, Jubal should trust that Lucas is in his corner. I think he has proved that in the things he has said. Sure, there is more to the story, but a trust has been built. There must be a story behind the rope marks, right? Many old cabins had no windows at all, or they were put in well after. Most settlers were more concerned with survival than comforts, but Lucas wants a good home, one to be proud of. To him, they are worth the expense. And yeah, shutters were very important against storms and warring natives... even bears who get too curious. Glad you are still enjoying this, my friend.

Hi, Sherye! I'm glad I'm not the only one excited about a herd of horses. When I was younger I used to get off one horse and get on another, and then another, and then another. Having a herd would be a dream for me... most I've had at one time was six... or maybe seven. That look from Lucas might have been just friendly accompaniment to their banter, but it sure seemed like more than that. Thank you, my friend. Glad you are enjoying the story.

Jubal stirs my sympathy, and I think he does that for most of us. You're right that he is complex, but I don't think that is who he truly is. He's been forced to overthink because of past experiences, and he so obviously is in protective mode... but maybe less so with Lucas. I thought it telling when he thought... as long as Lucas doesn't ask, he's safe. That was a really sad thing to write. No, he's not clueless at all. He just doesn't trust his own perceptions, and it appears it was a lesson or lessons learned the hard way.

Oh, that sounds awesome, Ford! Have a great time, and thank you for sharing such encouraging thoughts with me. Happy to hear you love these men's connection. They are good together... even with Jubal's fears. It's when Reid is in the mix that the doubts seem to happen. I'm glad too that you have faith in me. I hope I don't let you down. Lucas has a way of coaxing Jubal along... we'll see if that continues. Cheers, my friend. I envy your trip. Be well. G.

Yee haw! Oops... sorry... my giddyup don't appear to be working. Slow walk is all you're going to get.