Conclusion [Monday Morning]

Sol broke the eastern horizon. Rain clouds hugged the distant mountains. A breeze rustled through the trees in the courtyard. A few birds soared high overhead.

After Negotiation had run its course, Mood lightened for the most part. Despite Lupe's negativity, Celebration warmed the area. Sebastian arranged for special feasts. Mercedes and Victoria coaxed symphonies from the piano. Miguel's sermon warmed hearts during the Mass. Vaquero commissioned a fiesta throughout Casa Cueva.

Now, with a final breakfast finished and wagons loaded, everyone readied for the trip north.

One last bit of business remained however….

[Sebastian's Office]

Sebastian leaned back against his chair. His feelings remained mixed. On the one hand, Satisfaction warmed his heart. Manolito was officially engaged to Mercedes. His son had shifted his thinking toward that of a proper caballero. Still, the negotiations had not gone as Sebastian would've liked. While he did have some influence, Don Ricardo and Big John seemed to be holding the cards. Distrust still simmered over the failed Santiago marriage and his tolerance of the Comancheros in everyone's eyes.

Ricardo, in fact, had lectured him in private about such games and machinations. He indicated that he would watch carefully even from Mexico City. He wouldn't allow Mercedes to suffer further from stress to Manolito or her for that matter.

If there was one thing Sebastian couldn't stand for, it was another Don telling him how to run his business….

He thinks he can tell me this? Sebastian's eyes blazed. He sipped from a lukewarm coffee cup. His mind already shifted toward the cattle issues.

A knock intruded into his thinking.

"¿Si?" he called.

"Papa? We'll be leaving shortly." Manolito entered the office.

"I know." Sebastian glanced up at him. He noted the usual yellow shirt, brown coat and riding hat. "Do be sure that Don Ricardo and Donna Lupe enjoy their visit to Tucson. Eh?" He coughed.

Manolito shook his head. "Mercedes wanted to thank you herself. I am passing along her regards. I also have a message for you."

"Oh is that so?" Sebastian raised his eyes to meet his son's. "Do tell."

"Papa, at some point, you have to learn that the games do not suit a Don of your standing. You do not hide your anger very well. I hate to tell you. This is of your own doing," Manolito informed him.

"My own doing? Now you think yourself more schooled in administration than me, do you?" Sebastian chortled. He smirked. "I dare you to run this rancho by yourself."

"Who says I have to? I believe that is the point." Manolito leaned over the desk. His eyes met the elder's. "You caused a great deal of trouble for everyone. You attempted to play us all to meet your ends. Don Ricardo is here by your invitation. Is he not? Sanchez did what he did by your invitation. Victoria and John are married to suit a political alliance. It seems, Papa, your games lead us to this end."

"And now Don Ricardo will play you like that piano in the other room." Sebastian drank from his coffee.

"I learned from watching John and Victoria deal with you. Don Ricardo expects me to make my own way. John will watch from the High Chaparral. I do have much to learn. But I will learn. I will provide for Mercedes. I would appreciate your help as well without the games," Manolito insisted.

"Since you have the answers, you can make your own way. Manolito, learn from your friend, Father Miguel. Don Ricardo and Donna Lupe were not so kind with him as I am with you. Remember that," Sebastian admonished.

Manolito shrugged. "I knew you would be like this. We need to leave so I will say adios." He took the lion ring from his pocket. He considered it in the light. "I kept this after that failed engagement to remind myself of your games. You should have it back, Papa." He dropped it on the desk with a loud 'thunk'. "For all of the power it gives you, it should remind you of how the games leave you alone." He bowed mock-seriously and walked out of the office.

Sebastian picked up the ring. He'd looked high and low for the lion's head ring following his failed ploy from months before. Now that he had it again, Manolito's words tarnished the ring's allure. Failure sat in the pit of his stomach.

There'd been enough words. For now, Priorities demanded other things. There would be another time for the next salvo….

[Courtyard]

Mercedes couldn't move her eyes from the door. Concern and Worry ate away at her. She imagined heating arguing between father and son. Why is it that we make everything harder? Should we all not just be happy?

Lucinda grunted at her.

"Si. I know." She ran her hand along her horse's mane. "Gracias."

"Everything will be okay. Just you watch and see," Blue assured her. He recalled several other arguments between Sebastian, Victoria and Manolito. One of these days, he has to get the message. He's just got to.

"Mercedes! Why do you not ride in the carriage with us? It is not proper!" Lupe lectured.

"I am fine, Mama. Gracias." Mercedes declined. Diplomacy somehow kept her voice modulated. "I rode down here with Lucinda. I will ride back as well."

"If that is her wish, so be it." Ricardo shook his head at his wife.

John glanced toward the door himself. "Can't say I blame Mercedes for being impatient. I'm getting that way too." He squinted.

"Mano and Papa are talking. There is a message which Papa needs to hear," Victoria noted.

"Oh?" John could well imagine the ranting and shouting spewing forth from the office and down the passage. "They could have done this earlier. We need to be getting back."

"It is important, John." Victoria saw Manolito coming through the door. "Manolito?"

Manolito exhaled a deep breath. Frustration carved deep lines into his face. "It is done, my Sister. We should go." He climbed up onto Makadoo's back.

"Manolito, are you all right?" Mercedes asked.

"Si. It is the same as always." Manolito forced himself to grin for her benefit. "Papa will never stop his games. I tried to tell him that. He will not listen." He took her hand in his. "We have a future to look forward to."

Mercedes smiled. "We do! We have two weddings to plan. We have a new rancho to discover. And we shall do it together, mi Manolo." Her eyes sparkled into his.

"I believe you are right." Manolito turned to John. "I am ready whenever we all are."

"Oh you are? I figured you needed a few more minutes." John exchanged knowing looks with Victoria. Then he urged the horses and wagon onward toward the iron gate and road north beyond it.

Adventure and Opportunity beckoned. Challenge would steel Resolve. How so will remain to be seen….

THE END (for now)