The Night of the Greek Goddess

[Kit]

OK here be another one. This one is longer than my last... Thanks to my wonderful Beta Pet any mistakes that remain after her wonderful corrections I blame squarely on the hamster as he fell off the wheel. ;D
This is a stand alone story no need to be familiar with the RPG's there are however two original characters that appear here who also have shown their nutty side in the rpgs, however their is no connection.

The Night of the Greek Goddess

Several Days Earlier

It had been a long ride into Clover Hollow and Artemus was tired, this assignment was going to be a long one. Jim was still on leave from a leg wound he received on their last assignment and so Artie was playing alone well as alone as any SS agent could be. There was a contact in town but he was not due to meet him until he had the evidence in hand.

Flashback

“Artie, I don't like it.”

“Jim, I'll be fine trust me.”

Colonel Richmond spoke “Besides we already have another agent in town he will be Artemus' contact once he has the evidence against Collins.”

“I still don't like it.”

Artie clapped him on the shoulder “Now you know how I felt when you went on the Walker case without me.”

“Yeah well.”

“I have to get back to the office, Be careful Artemus.”

“Yes Sir.” After Richmond left Artie looked at Jim “What is really going on here?”

Jim shook his head “Nothing.”

Artie patted Jim on the shoulder as he went to pack his things. Jim just couldn't sake the feeling no matter how irrational he was being.

********************************************
Present

Richmond walked slowly toward the train, how was he going to explain this to Jim the two were like brothers always had been even from the rocky beginning and now. He knocked on the door of the parlor car and waited, he knocked again when he didn’t hear anything and this time got a muffled “come in”.
He stepped inside to see Jim rubbing the back of his neck and stretching. By the state of the paper on the floor Richmond concluded that Jim had fallen asleep in the chair.
 
“Sorry for the state of car sir, Artemus usually deals with the mess.” Jim stood and stretched his now stiff leg. “Would you like something to drink Colonel?”
 
When Richmond didn’t answer Jim turned to see him just staring “Sir.”
 
“Jim you may want to sit down.”
 
Jim downed the drink and looked at his superior officers not budging Richmond sighed and spoke “Jim, Artemus is missing”
 
“Missing?”

“His contact was found hanging feet first from a tree, he looked like they had used him as a piñata. We hadn’t heard from either one since Artemus left so we sent Jeremy Pike to find out what he could. He found Agent Miller on the road toward town. He had been there a couple of days.” Richmond noticed the anger in Jim’s eyes and something else as he continued his story. “When Jeremy checked in town he had to break into Artemus’ room Jim it was a total mess and he found blood lots of it and this.”
 
Jim looked down at Artemus’ gun and gun belt, and though they tried cleaning it the AG had a rust colored stain in the groves. Jim spun and threw the glass in his hand. It shattered against the liquor cabinet. He turned to see Richmond laying the gun reverently on the table as if it would break. “Jim I am sorry, from the report Artemus has been listed missing and presumed dead.”
 
Jim turned and Richmond took and involuntary step back as Jim spoke “Presume all you want I am going after Artie”
 
“Jim I can’t authorize that.”

“Then I quit.”
 
“Jim, you don’t…”

“I do. My brother is out there somewhere dead or alive and I am going to bring him home either way.” Jim turned and ignoring the slight pain in his leg he started getting his gear ready.

Richmond spoke “I can’t stop you from going where ever you want while on leave but Jim, be careful and find Artemus.”
 
He turned and left leaving Jim to his own devices as he knew nothing else he could say would help matters. He looked to a figure standing in the shadows of the platform and sighed “keep an eye on him.”
The figure nodded and moved further into the shadows hoping to keep hidden from the eagle eyes of one James West.
 
Inside Jim let the anguish wash over him now that he was alone. Suddenly the train car felt very cramped he couldn’t breath, he needed space, he needed to get out. He threw open the door and stood on the platform breathing in the night air. It was cool on his bare arms and he realized he had been sweating. Was this what a panic attack felt like? He needed to calm down. There was no proof Artie was dead and until there was Jim wouldn’t…no couldn’t believe it. Not after six years of a partnership. There had been so many times that he thought he had lost his brother. A flash of Artemus laying dead on a flight of stairs came to mind and he clutched the railing closing his eyes, trying to push that memory away, the feeling of utter loss not caring anymore if he himself lived.
He took a deep breath. He needed control. He needed to think. He needed answers. Jim had his calm back, as shaky as it was and had an idea. He needed to speak to Jeremy first hand. Jim walked back in, started to send a telegram when he heard a knock on the door and Jeremy, not waiting for an answer, stepped in. “Jim”

The shadow moved to under the window hoping to keep hidden further and maybe hear where they were going to head.
Jim looked at him and without saying a word went and poured two drinks as Jeremy sat down at the table.
“Richmond told me you might want to talk to me.”

“What do you know?”

Short and to the point yeah he was hurting “Not much I am afraid.”

“Anything will help I am leaving soon.”

“I know, Jim I want to go with you.” Jim just nodded and after Jeremy downed his drink and began his tale.
 
“From what I can tell Artie arrived at the hotel on time…..”

 *********************************************
 
Artemus checked in at the hotel and made his way up to his room, after lighting the lamp he started to unpack when he heard a noise behind him. Turning in time to see a fist, he ducked and went for the intruders waist. They both stumbled backwards and his attacker brought a fist down on his back. When that didn’t work the attacker double his fist and hit Artemus hard in the side.
Artie lost his breath and let go, it was then two more appeared from the shadows and grabbed his arms. The first man walked up to Artemus and grinned evilly.

“Seems Agent, you came too late. Your contact is dead and soon you will be as well.” He punched Artemus in the gut knocking the wind out of him.

He spoke through a cough “Come on... I am sure we can work something out if you’ll just check my…” he was cut off with another blow to the ribs and another to his kidneys.

“We know of your tricks, they are legendary. I am afraid this time though they won’t save you.”

Taking his arms they tied him to the door frame and ripped his shirt. Artemus heard the crack of a whip behind him. He stilled himself for what he knew was to come. The first lash stung as did the second the next and the next and the next were almost unbearable. Artemus held his tongue he didn’t give them what he felt they wanted but then they never asked him any questions either.

 ***********************************************

“I managed to pick the lock on his room and Jim it was a mess. We found his saddle bags and his carpet bag you know the one he uses in his salesman disguise. And once I had the lamps lit I found his side arm wrapped in a bloody and shredded shirt.”
 
Jim had been listening intently up until this point and now he seemed as if he was going to be sick. “Go on.”

 *********************************************

Artemus felt something cold pressed to his back and realized the familiar weight of his gun and gun belt was missing. Wondering now if they were going to shoot him with his own gun he stifled a cry as they pressed the weapon into his back then it was removed along with what was left of his shirt. They cut him down and without support he fell hard to the floor nearly blacking out. He tried to stand only to be kicked viciously in the side.
 
“What are you doing?” A female voice boomed out
 
“Mistress” Was that fear Artemus heard in his tormentor’s voice or his own imagination.
 
“I asked what you are doing.”

“Our job mistress.”

“NO!!! Your job was to collect information and if that failed bring him to me allow me to extract it.”

“But…” his argument was cut short with a cry of surprised shock, then the thump of a body hitting the floor.
 
“Stupid man you failed for the last time.” She looked toward the other two, “You bring the Agent, you take this body and dispose of it.” She tossed the bloody knife onto the bed . Taking a towel she wiped up that which had spilled from her employee’s neck and proceeded to smear it around the room.

*******************************************

[Kit]

“We found a bloody knife on the bed, and bloody ropes hanging from the door frame. And a towel soaked with blood. Jim there was so much blood.” Jeremy shook his head in as if trying to rid himself of that memory.
 
Jim dropped his head trying to compose himself. The shadow beneath the window did the same. It seemed they had lost yet another good man.
 
Jim steeled himself and looked at Jeremy “I won’t believe he is dead until I see the body.”

“You may regret that wish… you didn’t see Miller.” Jeremy shook off that thought and looked back up at Jim. “I am ready to leave when you are.”
 
Jim stood and Jeremy noticed he still limped even though it was slight “Give me 20 minutes”
 
“I’ll meet you outside.”
 
The Shadow ducked further back into its hiding place as Jeremy came out. Great now there were two agents to watch why is this job never easy.  

Jeremy checked his supplies, it would be a long night’s ride to Clover Hollow. As he looked up into the twilight sky he hoped, no, he prayed he was wrong. He turned when he saw something move out of the corner of his eye but saw nothing.
 
Their constant shadow stayed out of sight but knew instinctively that had Jim been on top of his game he would have known he was being followed. The shadow watched as Jim limped in the moonlight, moving in and out of the shadow of the trees. The Indian summer provided relatively warm nights for this time of year and even the frogs were calling one final time before hibernation. Suddenly the woods became quiet and Jim looked up, even he couldn’t miss the sudden dead silence. A hunter was near, someone else was watching.
 
Jim pulled his weapon as did Jeremy. They both backed into the shadows when a loud squeal made them both jump, sounding so much like a pig to slaughter and the birds nesting in the trees took flight away from the sound. Then it was quiet again. Jim made a half smile as did Jeremy and they moved back to the horses.
 
Their shadow smiled, the hunter had gotten its meal for the night, most likely a mountain lion, beautiful but deadly creatures. The shadow shook his head, he new people like that. Mounting his own horse the shadow waited as a stiff Jim West climbed back up on his and waited as they rode far enough ahead so as he wouldn’t be detected.
 
************************************************
 
Artemus woke on his stomach to a great pain in his back and yet something cool at the same time. It was followed by a sting and mumbled I’m sorry. He turned his head to see a young woman putting a cloth in a basin, he couldn’t tell much from this angle but he could tell how nervous she was.
 
“So will I live?”
 
She jumped at his voice and nearly dropped the cloth back into the basin. “You are awake.”
 
“Yeah I think, that stings you know.” he smiled softly at her and she looked into his deep brown eyes.
 
“I am sorry, its alcohol I have to clean the wounds. Once they are bandaged I will have food brought for you.”

“So I take it I will live?”
 
“You probably would have been better off had you not. The Mistress is not a kind woman.” He hissed again and she spoke softly “Sorry, I am sorry”
 
“No its ok you do what you need to.”
 
She nodded and finished with her ministrations and helped him to sit up slowly. She had placed a lot of padding up against the wall so he could sit up on the bed. He took her hand and smiled “Thank you.”

She wouldn’t look him straight in the eye now that he was face on and he realized he hadn’t seen all of her face yet. She turned quickly “I will have soup brought to you. The poultice on your back will help with the scaring and keep away infection.”  She stood to leave “I will be back this afternoon to change your bandages and check you again.” She made it to the door dropped her head for a moment and spoke “I am so sorry Mr. Gordon,” and she left.
 
Shortly after Artemus finished his soup and bread two men came into his room and said nothing as a tall woman with red hair and the greenest eyes he had ever seen stepped into the room. “So Mr. Gordon I see you are feeling better.”

“Who are you and what do you want?”
 
“They call me Mistress Odyne.”

“The Greek Goddess of Pain, am I right?”
 
“You know your Greek Goddesses but I would expect no less of a man whose first name is Artemus. The male spelling of Artemis Goddess of the hunt.”

“You have answered who you are but why?”

“Oh you will know soon enough.” She stepped close to him and pulled a small knife . Placing it to his throat “You will tell me all I want to know.” She stepped back and smiled, “But you must get well first I do hope Hygeia is treating you well.”
 
“She is.” He glared at her and she spun to leave but stopped and looked back at him pure evil in her eyes “Good she is very capable of keeping my guests alive for a long time.” As she left Artemus suddenly realized he had to get out of here and quickly.
 
 ***********************************************

Jim refused all attempts to talk with Jeremy until they were almost to Clover Hollow. He pulled his stallion up short and looked at Jeremy “I suppose now we need a plan.”

“It might be helpful although whomever we are dealing with seems to be able to see through disguises.”
 
“Then I suggest we go in headlong and use the strong arm tactic.”

Jeremy looked at him and sighed “As much as I hate to admit it you maybe right.” Just then they heard a huge explosion and in the darkness before dawn the night sky lit up to almost day time. Jim took off toward town Jeremy fast on his heels. Their shadow took a slower pace for he knew what the explosion was and also knew Jim would be more angered than ever.
 
Arriving in town the few left alive were milling about in shock, the whole town had been leveled by the explosion.
 
They looked at each other and quickly dismounted to see what they could do to help the survivors. The shadow quickly dismounted changed his appearance and went to help, it was the least he could do.
 
Jim helped a young girl in her early teens to a nearby fallen tree so she could sit and spoke softly “Are you alright? Is there a doctor in town?”
 
“Not sure if he made it out before the explosion.”
 
Jim looked about and saw another man who seemed to be knowing what he was doing and made his way to him as the man was bandaging an arm “Are you the doctor?”
 
“Yes, Doctor Milligan I had just left my office and was heading to the hotel for dinner.”

“I have a young girl who needs some help.”

“Yes, let me finish here.”
 
Jim spoke as they walked toward the young girl “Do you know who would do this?”

The Doc looked sideways at Jim “Yeah, Mistress Odyne, at least that’s what she calls herself.”

“Where is this Odyne?”

“Wish I knew. She hides herself pretty well and when a town is of no use to her anymore she does this. She cares nothing for human life just what she needs or wants.”
 
“How come we have never heard of her before?”
 
“Well, local law is in her back pocket, and the towns she targets are too small for anyone in government to notice us.”
 
“It has our attention now.”
 
Milligan look at Jim “You’re from the government?”

“Yeah, Agent James West, I wish it was under better circumstances.”
 
“As do I.” he knelt down next to the young girl. “So Sarah, were does it hurt?”
 
“My shoulder.” She just continued to stare off in the distance as if she could see something in the growing light of dawn.
 
Milligan checked it over and looked to Sarah. “It’s not broken, should be good as new in a week. You sit right here and once I’m done I’ll take you out to Gram’s ok.”

She nodded and he turned back to Jim “So Agent West what brings you here?”
 
“My partner is missing, and one of our agents has already been killed.”

“I am afraid, Sir, that if Odyne has your partner he is probably already dead.”
 
“I appreciate your opinion but I am not ready to give up on him just yet.”
 
The doctor laid a hand on Jim’s shoulder “I understand, my daughter was taken a year ago and I still haven’t given up hope.”
Doctor Milligan moved from patient to patient.

Jeremy came up and spoke “Should we move them to the livery?”

“No.” Was the doctor’s terse response
 
“Why not?”

“She wants us in there so she can blow that up as well.”

“Don’t you think your being a bit paranoid? Surly she is long gone by now.” As the last words slipped out of his mouth the livery exploded. The shock-wave knocked all three men to the ground. 
*************************************************

[Kit]

Artemus sat in his cell trying to figure a way outta this; he had none of his weapons, they had been thorough in making sure he had no means of escape.

 The Door opened and Hygeia walked in with a tray and sat it down on a bedside table. Her head down she spoke softly. “Mr. Gordon please lay down I need to change your dressings.”

 “Hygeia why do you help her.”

 “She is my mistress I must to as she bids.”
 
He stood a little too quickly as he swayed, Hygeia steadied him. She looked up to see if he was about to collapse on her. She had learned from her father that the eyes tell all when a man is injured. She saw the crease around his eyes and they were closed. “Mr. Gordon you mustn't stand so quickly you are not healthy enough yet. He opened his eyes and for the first time saw all of her face. Her light brown hair was set off by smokey gray eyes, he tried not to look shocked at the left side of her face. It was scarred in a web pattern. She turned her head away quickly and helped him to sit back down.
 
He was struck dumb for a moment and when he finally spoke it was in a whisper “Hygeia what happened?”
 
“Why should someone like you care? I do not belong anywhere, not even here among these people. Odyne took me for my unnatural ability to heal others. At least here I don't have to wear a mask and as long as I stay in her good graces I may stay.”

“I am...” She cut him off.

 “Do not tell me you are sorry. Not one of your stature or nature. Look in the mirror hard next time, Mr. Gordon. The next time you laugh at a freak show think of the freak, think of the one who can do nothing for their circumstances. Now I have a job to do.”
 
He lay down and allowed her to change his bandages. As she was finishing Odyne came in, “Very touching speech child, but you know there will be no next time for him.” She grabbed the young woman by the throat and lifted her up till Hygeia was just barely on her toes “But your anger toward this man had best not interfere with your job at keeping him alive or you will meet a fate worse than his.”

“Yes Mistress” She choked out. Odyne let her go and she fell to the floor. It all had happened so fast that Artemus hadn't had time to react. “Hold him.” Two guards rushed in and grabbed Artemus holding him still. Odyne pulled a small slender knife and went towards Artemus' bare chest. The slices were shallow and drew very little pain. That is until she smiled pulled out a small vile with a clear content “Where is Mr. West?”
 
“This is about Jim?”

“I ask the questions.” She slapped him hard across the face splitting his lip.
 
Artemus looked up at her “I have no idea; he is no longer my partner.”

“You lie” and she tossed the contents of the vile on the thin cuts the pain was so unexpected that he let out an involuntary scream. “Hygeia turned her head away but was forced back by the two guards holding her. Odyne didn't turn around as she spoke “Come Hygeia you have seen worse.”

She stepped closer to Artemus and spoke again “Where is he?”

“I don't... I don't know.”

 She laughed at his breathlessness and smiled at him this was the first time he had looked into her deep green eyes and he shuddered from what he saw there. He knew women killers and had taken many in but this one was different somehow, he just couldn't put his finger on it. He was brought back to reality with a solid punch in his gut. He was hit two more times and the dropped hard to the floor. Hygeia was dragged from the room .

“Let me help him?”

“Not now let him think about my question.”
 
Artemus lay where he was dropped and watched as Hygeia was dragged from the room. The pain where he was cut was unbearable but that didn't make sense. The cuts were not that deep, he tried figuring that out as the darkness came over him and his world faded to black.
 
***********************************************
 
Jeremy sat up slowly and coughed, Looking around he saw the doctor sitting up slowly and his eyes met Jeremy’s. “That’s why we didn’t head to the stables.”

Jeremy could only nod as he looked to see Jim lying still on the ground. Standing slowly he made his way to his friend and shook him lightly “Jim” he was rewarded with a groan as Jim rolled over and coughed. “Jim are you alright?”
 
“Yeah I think so. Everyone else?”
 
“Fine we were the only ones close to the explosion.”

Jeremy helped him up and in the shadows their ever present follower breathed a sigh of relief almost having to expose himself to the two agents. The shade slipped back into the shadows.
 
Jeremy and Jim helped out until the sun was low in the sky and once assured that the remaining townsfolk had everything under control they left, headed north toward the place Odyne called home.
 
 *******************************************

Artemus woke to the sounds of a woman crying. He looked up to see Hygeia picking up some things from the floor. As she stood she rose slowly as if it hurt to move. She looked over and saw him staring at her and she quickly composed herself.
 
“Mr. Gordon I feared you would not wake again. I apologize if my loudness has awoken you.”
 
She helped him to sit on the bed and she cleaned the cuts on his chest and covered them in a cooling salve and a clean bandage. She looked up at him sadness in her gray eyes. “I am truly sorry. Mr. Gordon.”
 
He took her hand in his “This isn’t your fault no need to be sorry.”

She looked up at him “I have seen so much death since I have been here. I keep praying that my father is well. He is a Doctor in Clover Hollow”
 
“We will get out of here.”
 
“If you are thinking of your friend Mr. West helping you, he is on his way, but that is what Odyne wants.”
 
“How do you know Jim is on his way?”

“The mistress’ spies saw him in the town they destroyed. If he comes here he will die too.”

“But why? What does she want with Jim?”
 
“She wants to destroy you and the best way to do that is for you to watch your friend die.”
 
They heard a key in the door and Hygeia immediately let go of Artemus’ hand, picked up her things and stood slowly as she made her way to the door. Odyne walked in and looked at the girl. “What did I tell you about talking too much?” and she slapped her hard across the face but Hygeia didn’t drop a thing as she glared at her mistress and walked out of the room.
 
Artemus had stood during the exchange but was prevented from doing anything by the armed guards. “Oh so chivalrous aren’t we. To bad little Hygeia is to meet the same fate as you and your Mr. West. Maybe she will go first, I grow tired of her disobedience.”
 
She laughed as she saw the look on his face as she strode from the room. She was stopped by one of her servants who spoke to her quickly, she spun and looked at Artemus “Seems your Mr. West is bringing a friend.” And she left slamming the door leaving Artemus to wonder who the friend was.
 
*******************************************

[Kit]

Thunder rumbled across the sky and Jim looked up into the darkening sky. Jeremy knew they should find a spot to camp for the night but knew he would have a hard time getting Jim to stop and so rode on. The first of the rain drops were big and far between but then the wind picked up and soon the rain was falling hard but not straight down it was raining sideways. Jim and Jeremy had both stopped to pull on their slickers and continued on even in this odd rain.
 
The shadow following them had to move closer to keep them in sight and it was a good thing the rain was so heavy or their follower would have surly been noticed. Lighting streaked across the sky and the shadow looked up into its fading light and said a small prayer to whomever was listening to see the determined man and his traveling companion through the storm and said another one to the fates that they were not to late in rescuing Mr. Gordon.
 
Jim slowed his horse as a cabin took shape in the shadows of the downpour. Not seeing any light in the window, they approached with caution. Jeremy tied his horse to the railing and entered the cabin first and quickly realized the place had been deserted for quite sometime. Holstering his revolver he watched as Jim moved slowly into the cabin his limp more pronounced. Seeing no barn in the darkness he had no choice but to leave the horses tied to the hitching post out front. They had a bit of an over hang they could get under, not that it mattered in this storm. He unsaddled the horses and made his way back inside with the wet tack. Jim was trying to start a small fire in the fire place and Jeremy could see how tired he looked in the dim light of the catching fire. He rolled out the bedrolls and was relieved to find them at least somewhat dry.
 
“Jim, I'll take first watch.”
 
Jim only nodded and that attested to the fact of how tired he was and Jeremy wondered if there wasn't something more going on that Jim was hiding. He knew better than to ask. Jeremy put on a pot of coffee and waited for sunrise and for the rain to stop.
 
Jeremy spun from the fire as he heard a noise on the porch of the cabin, drawing his pistol, he made his way to the front door as a shadow moved past the window. Doubling back around he made his way out into the rain and came upon the figure standing just to the side of the window. He pushed his gun in the shadow’s back and spoke “Turn around slowly” the shadow did as instructed but in the darkness Jeremy couldn't make out any distinguishing features. “Who are you?”
 
“A friend Mr. Pike. Col Richmond asked me to keep and eye on you two.”
 
“Why would he do that?”
 
“He is worried about Mr. West.”
 
Jeremy turned his head a bit to the side “I know you”

“Yes Mr. Pike but you must not reveal me to Mr. West.”
 
He holstered his gun “Sure. He is asleep would you care for some coffee?”
 
“That would be appreciated.” The shadow followed Jeremy into the cabin and poured himself a cup of coffee and sat in a chair next to the door. Jeremy joined him and looked closely at this new arrival.
 
“You were in town.” It was more of a statement than a question.
 
“I couldn't stand by and watch without doing anything.” Jeremy just nodded and the shadow saw the weariness in his eyes “Rest Mr. Pike I'll rouse you in a few hours.”
 
“Thank you I think I will.”

He tipped his hat to Jeremy as he watched the older man make himself comfortable before the fire. He walked over and noticed the fine sheen of sweat on Jim's brow and sighed to himself. What good was the man going to be to anyone much less Artie if he fell ill. Just before dawn the shadow woke Jeremy and quietly left, leaving a small packet of something next to the coffee pot. Jeremy recognized the powder and placed a small bit in Jim's coffee and woke him. Soon they were on their way and he could find no trace of the man who had been there the night before.
 
He briefly wondered if it had been a dream but listening closely he thought he heard a sound from behind them but he wasn’t sure as the birds were loud this morning snatching up the earthworms that had crawled to the surface trying to avoid a drowning. Jeremy shivered and briefly wondered what it would be like to be eaten alive.
 
Jim was quiet, he was feeling better after a relatively good nights sleep and his morning coffee. Although still a bit miffed at Jeremy for not waking him for his watch he understood why his friend had done it and one day would thank him but not today. He was channeling all of his anger toward those who held his brother.
 
The shadow followed in silence chewing softly on a piece of jerky. How he would have loved to have had another cup of coffee this morning. He was getting too old for this job and wondered if he could turn in a fake death certificate if the service would accept that. He smiled softly and continued on through the mud.
 
 ********************************************

Odyne looked at the report in front of her and smiled. She looked up at her advisor, a short woman with graying hair. “And you are sure Skia is following.”

“Yes Mistress, I saw the shadow myself. Mr. West and his traveling companion do not seem to notice Skia’s presence.”
 
“Good, this is more than I could have hoped for not only my revenge or Artemus Gordon but now I can get ride of that traitorous shade.”
 
“Pardon me Mistress, but you had to know from the beginning that those trained as Skias are not trust worthy.”

Odyne stood and towered over the smaller woman “That does not give the shade the right to betray me.” The smaller woman cowered and this seemed to calm the taller woman “Come we must see Mr. Gordon. This morning he no doubt is curious why we have done all of this.”
 
“Yes Mistress”
 
Odyne’s guards opened the door to the cell and Odyne stepped in, this time dressed in a flowing yellow dress. Her brown hair was pulled up and soft curls framed her face. Artemus stood, the woman before him was beautiful but he new the monster that lived within.
 
“Leadra?”
 
“So now you recognize me.”

“What? Why?”

“Artemus you should know a woman scorned is not some one to trifle with.”

“You were in jail, you killed a man.”
 
“For you I killed a man.”
 
“What?”
 
“He was going to hurt you.”

“Leadra he was unarmed.”
 
She turned from him, anger in her eyes “It matters not now. You will watch your partner die and those he travels with.” She spun back around “Then you Artemus Gordon will die slowly and in agony.” She snapped her fingers and the two guards moved forward. He struggled, shoving one of the guards into the wall.  Odyne pulled a gun and fired. He felt the pain almost instantly as the bullet grazed his left leg and he dropped to the ground. She leaned in and whispered “It’s a pity my sweet Hygeia isn’t here to help you she was very talented.”

“Where is she?” his voice was low almost a growl.
 
“Dead, I am afraid that she could not heal her own wounds.”

He lunged at her but was knocked unconscious by the guards holding him. “Bring him.”

 *****************************************

Jim and Jeremy rode quietly when a shot rang out and Jeremy’s horse fell beneath its rider. Jim turned to see Jeremy trying to free himself from the fallen animal. Jumping from his horse he stumbled, his injured leg giving way, he let out a small curse as he made his way to Jeremy.
 
Their follower was off his horse in an instant rifle trained toward the hills. Shots were fired again and the Shade fired toward the hills only to have Jim spin and fire in his direction.
Ducking behind a tree the bullet hit the trunk sending bits of tree bark flying “Ok why can’t this ever be easy.” The shadow began to move slowly trying to get behind the assailants.
 
Jim had managed to push the dead animal off Jeremy and they were now both using the fallen creature for cover. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah leg’s a little sore but I will be just fine.”
 
He looked at Jim “You?”

“Yeah.” Jeremy had tried to stop Jim from firing toward their follower but wasn’t quick enough. When no more shots were forth coming he wondered if Jim had hit his mark.
 
Bullets hit the ground next to them. “Well we are pinned down.”

“OK Jim you cover me I am gonna try and make my way around behind them.”

“Be careful” Jeremy nodded and took off as Jim lay down some cover fire.
 
The shadow was just about behind the assailants when he spun just in time to see a large stick come towards him. He fired a shot as the pain shot through his head and stars danced before his eyes. Shaking his head he looked at the now dead assailant glad the shot had at least slowed down the blow otherwise he would have been food for the vultures.
 
Jim heard the shot and hoped Jeremy was not on the receiving end of that, ducking as two more shots hit just in front of his shield. He was to preoccupied with the fire fight to notice the small orb roll toward him. It popped with a slight hiss letting out a colorless odorless gas. Jim slumped behind the dead horse and saw two figures approach as darkness over took him.
 
“Mistress will be pleased with us.”

The other figure just nodded as he slung a very unconscious Jim West over his shoulder and they disappeared back into the woods.
 
Jeremy was making his way behind the outlaws when he was jumped from behind. He was quickly knocked to the ground and he rolled out of the way of a well placed boot pulling a small sphere from his pocket and throwing it at his assailant. Smoke enveloped the man and gave Jeremy a chance to get back to his feet. He pulled his revolver only to find the man who attacked him gone. Moving slowly he made a wide circle around but found no one else nor was he attacked again. Feeling the knot start to form in his stomach he knew something was very wrong.
 
The shadow was back at the fallen horse looking for Jim and spun as Jeremy came into the clearing. Holstering his gun he spoke “Jim is missing. “
 
“Great, just great!” Jeremy picked up a small silver orb “This looks like one of Artemus'.”
 
“Seems whoever has Artemus now has Jim.”
 
“That it does.” Jeremy looked closely
 
“Are you ok?”
 
“Yeah, just not fast enough to avoid a tree limb.”
 
He climbed back on his horse and nodded to Jim’s “You best take him.”
 
Jeremy mounted Jim’s horse and surprisingly didn’t find himself on the ground. It seemed the animal knew instinctively his master was in trouble and was willing to tolerate an unknown rider to find his owner.
 
***********************************

[Kit]

Artemus woke to find himself tied to a chair facing a small courtyard, in the middle just in his line of sight he saw a figure tied to a post. In the dim light he couldn’t make out the figure and jumped when he heard a whispered voice in his ear.
“Choose...”

“Choose what?” his voice was gravely and scratchy he needed something to drink.
 
“Choose his punishment.” A light came up on the figure and Artie immediately recognized him.
 
“Jim.”

The laughter in his ear startled him and he turned angry eyes to Odyne “What have you done to him?”
 
“Nothing yet, my dear Artemus that is up to you. Choose his punishment, whip or fire?”
 
“What kind of choice is that?” Artemus’ gut clinched as Jim hadn’t stirred during this whole exchange and from this far away he couldn’t see if he was breathing.
 
“It’s a choice you must make.”
 
“NO!”
 
“Very well.” She snapped her fingers and a second light came up over another figure strung up. “It seems I was mistaken about Hygeia she can be very convincing. She was caught trying to escape.”
 
Artemus struggled with his bonds as Odyne spoke “Now we have two for out little test. Build the pyre around the healer.”
 
As they began to stack wood around Hygeia Artemus continued to struggle. He had to stop this. How could he condemn Jim death but nor could he condemn the innocent.

********************************************
 
Jeremy and his Shadow road toward the complex that Odyne called home, they rode in silence for a short time until the shadow spoke
 
“So Mr. Pike what’s the plan?”

“Me? You’re the hero here.”

The shadow laughed at that “No sir I am simply supposed to watch and try to keep you two out of trouble. Seems I failed miserably...” The shadow was quiet for a moment “Wait do you think I will get fired?”

“Not a chance you’re in this for the long haul just like the rest of us.”

“Oh well dang it. So again what’s the plain?”

“Oh I figured the frontal approach would be good with you doing your best to keep me out of trouble.”

“Oh yeah cuz that worked so well the last time.”

“That was not my fault, Artemus swore that would work.”

“And you believed a man who was wearing a dress come on.”

“Well Jim agreed...”

The shadow sputtered at this “Jim agreed... Jim agreed all three of you got me caught and nearly killed.”

“But we didn’t, you’re here as proof of that.”

“I sometimes wonder what I did in a past life to deserve to have to serve with you three.”

“Something wonderful obviously” Jeremy gave one of his charming smiles and the Shadow just shook his head and muttered under his breath.
 
“Yeah something wonderfully horrible.”  
 
“What was that?”
 
“Nothing...”

“No what was that noise?”
 
They stopped the horses to listen when the shadow spoke. “Ambush. Go I’ll lead them away. Get Jim and Artemus outta there I’ll meet you if I can.”

“But wait…” He noticed the determined look in the Shadows eyes and nodded “Good Luck.”

“You too.”

The shadow turned to face the attackers, gun drawn and rushed headlong into them all the while thinking this was a stupid idea.
 
Jeremy rode hard away from the sounds of gunfire. Part of him had wanted to stay and help but he knew that they needed to get to Jim and Artemus. Besides, that was a good agent back there he just hoped said agent could handle it.
 
The shadow heard Jeremy ride off and started to concentrate on the fight ahead. He had to keep them busy just long enough. A shot rang out and the horse fell. Rolling to his feet with gun still in hand, the shadow watched as his horse galloped off, at least the mare was unhurt.
 
Moving behind a fallen log the Shadow just barely escaped a bullet in the leg and returned fire. Hearing something just barely above the gun fire he turned to just in time to see a figure leap at him and knock his gun from his hand.
 
Kicking out with his feet he tossed the attacker off and rolled to his feet looking for his gun as another shot rang out hitting the tree next to his head. Mentally he thought I do not get paid enough for this. 

Seeing his assailant get up and draw a gun, the shadow dived for his fallen revolver, the shot from his attacker churned up dust in his face but he fired just the same only to hear a click. His assailant took the opportunity to step forward and pull the trigger once more but his own revolver clicked on an empty chamber. The shadow grabbed a branch and swung out, knocking the shocked man to the ground.
 
As they fought neither one noticed how close they were getting to the cliffs edge. With a swift kick to the legs the shadow knocked his assailant off balance and the man fell backwards. The shadow reached out but missed as the man tumbled off the cliff. The Shadow didn’t have time to think about what had happened when a shot rang out and he fell over the edge.
 
 ********************************************

[Kit]

Jeremy had been out of hearing range for a few minutes now and was sneaking his way toward the compound trying his best to figure a way inside. This would be much easier with a second person.
 
Jeremy jumped and spun, gun drawn, when something tapped him on the shoulder.
 
“Easy there.” Pet held up her hands to show she wasn’t a threat.
 
“Pet, Don’t do that I nearly shot you.”

“Sorry thought we were supposed to be quiet.” She smiled at him and then noticed he was looking past her. “What is it?”

“Nothing. What are you doing here?” he shook his head, “Never mind just glad you are.”

She looked at him “So what’s the plan?”

“You’re the second one that’s asked me that today. I am thinking frontal approach while you sneak around back and cause a few distractions.”
He noticed the glint in her eyes “Don’t blow the whole place up until we are out ok.”

She deflated a little “Oh if you insist.”

“Oh I do, I do insist today is not a good day to die.”
 
Pet checked her supplies as Jeremy readied himself, then they heard an awful scream from within the complex, looking at each other they quickly moved into position.

********************************

Artemus was doing his best to pull free from his bonds as the fire was lit around Hygeia. Jim was still out cold and Artemus’ wrists began to bleed as he pulled at the ropes. Odyne walked forward and with a thin blade cut across his chest he hissed in pain and looked up at her defiance in his eyes.
 
“Is that anyway to act when your host is entertaining you?”

“This isn’t entertainment it’s murder.”
 
“Well murder to one is entertainment to another.” She snapped her fingers and a man melted from the shadows and tore open the back of Jim’s shirt and passed something under Jim’s nose.
 
Artemus breathed a sigh of relief as Jim stirred that is until he heard the whip and saw Odyne step forward from her place at his side.
 
“Leadra, STOP!”
 
“It’s Odyne now and stopping is not what I do.” She spun around on him and snapped the whip just short of his cheek. “My time in prison taught me that. It also taught me that physical pain, much like that of mental pain, can turn people to your whim or make one forget their own mind.” She was interrupted by Hygeia who screamed as the flames leapt closer to her feet. Odyne’s voice rose to be heard over the roar of the flames. “You brought this on yourself my little one. Heal thy Self.”
 
She turned and snapped the whip across Jim’s back. Artemus watched his friend flinch under the strikes but he did not cry out. He pulled against the restraints again, he couldn’t let this happen.
 
Odyne passed the whip off to the man who had originally emerged from the shadows and stood back watching Artemus with a feral grin on his face. The explosion rocked the compound and she spun in the direction of the noise, anger in her features. She ordered the fire put out and the whipping stopped. She would not be deprived of watching these die but she had to attended to the new threat first. Leaving a small armed guard on the three in the courtyard, she called the rest of her army toward the explosions rocking the back of the compound.
 
Jeremy used a small explosive to open the front gates and made his way inside. He noticed the few guards left and made his way quietly to the first of the four. As he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye he smiled while he and Pet took out the guards.
 
“We have to hurry that time delay won’t last long and then this whole place is going up.”

He nodded and untied Jim while she untied Artemus. He nodded his thanks and made his way to Hygeia who was slumped against the pole she was tied to. He carefully untied her and helped her down. She looked at his wounds and then her eyes went wide her hands grasping tight on to his arms and he looked down, noticing the arrow in her back. Jim pulled Jeremy’s gun and fired over Pet’s head toward a balcony and the shooter.
 
Artemus went down on one knee and held on to Hygeia as she spoke “My real name is Lilly Milligan I am sorry for what was done to you and the others.”

“It wasn’t your fault”
 
“I want to thank you, for freeing me and tell my father I love him.”

“I will.”
 
She nodded as life left her. He dropped his head for a moment then he heard a voice next to him.“We have to go.”
 
He nodded not willing to leave her in this place and stood, they left quickly and once outside the entire complex imploded on itself.
 
The ground shook beneath their feet and Artemus turned a critical eye to Pet “The new explosive?”
 
“Yep.”

“Could have used a little less you know.”

“Yep.”
 
Jeremy turned to Artemus “It’s a long way back to town.”

“I know, I just didn’t want to leave her there.” He turned and found an old piece of wood he could use as shovel and began to dig in the soft ground. Jeremy helped him as Pet stood watch and once the young woman was buried they found the two horses and riding double they began the long journey back.
 
They stopped at the same cabin they had the night of the storm and found a small stream not far from the cabin where both Artemus and Jim cleaned their wounds.
 
“Artie what was this all about?”

With a long sigh he spoke “You remember Leadra?” at Jim’s nod he continued “Well that was who Odyne was. It seems she wanted revenge on me for breaking her heart and us putting her in jail.”
 
Jim spoke “It wasn’t your fault Artie.”

Artemus looked up in shock, how could Jim know what he was thinking and he saw the regret in Jim’s eyes. “Hey James this wasn’t your fault either.”

“Yes it is.” He sat heavily on the bank and Artemus saw just how tired Jim looked “I am sorry I wasn’t there Artie”

He knelt in the water in front of his friend and brother. “Jim had you been there then this may have ended then and there with both our deaths.” He looked hard at his partner and spoke softly. “Let’s get you outta this creek cuz quiet frankly something of mine is freezing that shouldn’t be.”
 
Jim smiled with that gleam in his eye but Artemus cut him off “Don’t even go there James my boy. I was talking about my toes.”
 
Artie helped Jim back to the cabin and along the way he noticed Jim’s limp had become worse since the last time he saw him. Once inside the cabin the warmth spread through them both and they noticed something smelling relatively good.
 
Jeremy smiled “While you two were out Pet here found us a couple rabbits, sorta skinny but they’ll make a good stew.”
 
Pet glared at him “Hey, you try finding something fat this time of year.”
 
Artemus just laughed and pulled on a spare shirt wincing as he pulled it. Jim looked rather critical “Artie…”

“I’m fine Jim, I am not the one limping and running a fever.”
 
“No but you will be if those cuts are not covered properly.” Pet pulled out some bandages and they all looked at her. “So Kit has mandated that I not go anywhere without bandages and the proper use of them something about me getting in trouble.” Pet rolled her eyes at the last bit.
 
Jim smiled.“She has a point; you do tend to get into a lot of trouble.”

“So says the man who is limping and has gashes across his back.”
 
“Neither of which were my fault.”
 
“Oh yeah sure blame the psychotic crazy woman. What is it with you two?”
 
“Us two?” Artemus hedged
 
“Yes you two you always seem to attract the nuts.”

“We do not!”
 
Jeremy looked at the three of them. “What would Kit say Pet if she saw you hassling your patients?”
 
“She would help.”
 
He just shook his head. “I’ll be back, I need to get some more fire wood before it gets completely dark and some more water. Try not to kill each other.”
 
“No promises.” came Jim’s reply as Jeremy shut the door .
 
As Jeremy collected the fire wood he stopped and looked toward the shadows seeing nothing and hearing the same he made his way back in and dropped the wood by the fireplace and left returning with water.
 
Next morning they left the cabin as they had found it and headed back to where the train was parked. They stopped in the small town that Odyne and destroyed and promised to send back help from the government to rebuild.
 
Artemus found Dr. Milligan tending his patients and told him of his daughter’s death. He nodded his thanks for the news and turned back to his patients he would wait till he was alone to grieve again for her.
 

[Kit]

Epilogue

Six days later in San Francisco Jeremy was getting ready to deliver his formal report to Richmond and there had been no sign of his and Jim’s shadow in all that time. Artemus and Jim were both recovering well and looking for the time when they could get back to work. Jeremy sighed as he left his hotel and headed to the train, this was not going to be easy. As he approached he saw a figure going up the steps to the train on crutches, just what he didn't need an audience.
 
As he went to knock on the door he heard laughter coming from the car and turned to leave only to almost knock Pet off the platform.
 
"Mr. Pike you really need to walk with your head up."
 
"Oh sorry, I was just leaving."

"Well you haven't gone in yet."
 
The door opened and he was well and truly caught. "I thought I heard someone out here , come on in both of you."

Jeremy put on a fake smile and walked into the room seeing a smiling Kit, her leg propped up on a pillow on the coffee table. He looked at her as pet spoke
 
"Kit, I can't leave you alone for a minute, what have you done now ?"

"Oh, just a horse riding incident nothing exciting I am afraid. My new mare was spooked by some thunder and well off I went."

Jim spoke "You know better than to take an untested horse out in the field."

"Wasn't a field it was the woods." Jim just rolled his eyes and she smiled at him and turned back to Pet "Nice work on patching them both up."

"Yeah well it was temporary and President Grant would have my head if I let something happen to them."
 
"I know what you mean." Both Jim and Artemus did their best to look offended but it didn't work.
 
Jeremy nodded to them both "Glad to see everyone is well. I hate to run but Richmond is waiting for my report."
 
Artemus spoke "Speaking of Jeremy, where have you been the past few days?"

"Looking for a friend."
 
"Found them yet?"
 
"Yeah." He turned to walk out and Kit spoke.
 
"Jeremy, I would love to walk you out." She looked at the other three in the car "I'll be right back. "
 
She stood on her crutches and walked with him outside he spoke in a quiet tone once the door was shut "I am sorry. "
 
"For what?"

"For leaving you back there, for not coming to look sooner."
 
"It was what needed to be done. If you had stayed with me we both might have ended up over that cliff and both Jim and Artemus would be dead now so it was worth the risk."

He looked in shock "Cliff?"
 
"I'll explain it sometime. Go give your report to Richmond and come back. We have some celebrating to do. Oh and we are to not tell Jim or Artemus or Pet that I was there."
 
He nodded and walked down the stairs still a bit guilty but that would stop in time. He wondered just how often the Shadow had followed any of them and how many more times she would.
 
Fin