Vignettes II

Steamy Balance

HIC JACET SEPULTUS INCLITUS REX ARTHURUS IN INSULA AVALONIA

After my walk, which cleared my head thanks to the crisp air and smell of pine and other assorted mountain air smells (I think a skunk met a not so nice end), I headed back, ready to explore the cabin a bit more. I had noticed a desk earlier in the one corner, and decided to try that. I was starting to feel peckish, so thought maybe a quick rummage round would work before turning attention to food. I sat down at the antique; it had seen better days. Uncertain where to begin, I let impulse take control. My hand went for the large middle drawer, which had a very odd brass fixture with a ring as the method to open. I hooked my finger around the ring and pulled. The drawer did not budge. I tugged a bit more forceful; and again the drawer did not open. Taking a breath for resolve, I hooked a few fingers into the ring and gave it a very hard and sharp jerk. There was an odd sound, I still am uncertain how to describe it, but following that, the drawer rushed out, almost as if pushed from the other side. Inside was an old blueprint, which now sits on the top of the desk. I decided to wait on the food, instead pouring myself a large glass of the liquor I had brought. As I inspect this drawing, a part of my mind is hoping it is like the The Plan of St. Gall - dear lord please let this not exist anywhere but in the mind of a madman.

Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.

I like old sayings. They are a way of giving nod to the past and sometimes speaking in a way that will throw those around off their game as they have no idea what you're trying to imply. I'll toss out a saying, like a fishing line, and then I wait and watch. I do like people watching, there are so many stories just wandering around out there. But back to fishing, I watch and see who gets the saying, who pretends to get it, who thinks I'm crazy and who is lost, but curious. The curious ones are the ones I connect with. The ones who get it are who I trust. The ones that think I'm crazy I run away from and the ones who pretend; they are the ones I feel sorry for. But yeah, I like old sayings. And I think this place likes them too. At least I hope that's the vibe I'm getting. Or maybe it was the trout I caught earlier. Going to shower now, I smell like fish and campfire. A nice hot shower might clear the head too. Then I can figure out what the hell is going on with this place before it is too late. As the saying goes, do not dig a well only after the house catches fire.

One life slice

1854 - Born near what would become Odessa Texas.
1861 - When she was 8 her father went east to fight in the Civil War until he was wounded.
1863 - Father came home and moved his family. They settled close to what would become Gallup NM.
1864 - Father became sheriff of the small town. Jess started school at the local mission.
1866 - Land baron tried to get Jess’ father’s land, when he refused, the baron got backing from Governor, when he still refused, the baron attacked and hung her father, shot Jess and her brother in the head and left for dead. Mother kidnapped. Brother and father died.
1868 - Completed school and forced her way into the Dragoons using an old friend of her father who was a Captain in the group.
1871 - Promoted to Corporal in Dragoons.
1876 - Promoted to Sergeant in Dragoons.
Late 1880-- Partnered with Mitzy Dana Fitzpatrick. Promoted to Lieutenant, the highest rank she would raise to.
1881-- first trip to the Farm outside of Roswell NM to find out information on the Fugitive