The horses who had worked so hard today were looking at her expectantly. Her smile was bright, happy. They deserved a good brushing and some of the special store of alfalfa and oats she always had on hand.

Getting the feed from the shack she went out to them. They nickered softly to her as she approached brush in hand. Starting with the buckskin, she spent a long time brushing them and working all the tangles from manes and tails until the hair hung like spun silk. Smiling she patted the paints' neck before heading off across the meadow.

The darkness of the valley did not bother her. She had grown up here and knew every creature that roamed the area. Even in the dark she could tell exactly where every rock and branch was. Her connection to the land was strong, so in tune with life in the valley that she could feel the change in the air when something foreign entered. That's how she'd known Travis had come. She'd felt him.

The deep, invitingly cool pool of water came into sight and she pulled free of her clothing as she approached, plunging into the cold water naked. Her body ran hot, so the water was refreshing and delicious. Sinking beneath the surface, she swam fluidly back and forth several times before coming up for air. In the moonlight her hair glowed like stardust, and even wet it was pale and lustrous.

After driving Diggs off she'd lopped it off to her ears. Since then, she'd kept it manageable, not letting it more than several inches past her shoulders, but it was thick and healthy. Air drying left it with a soft wave that framed her cheeks.

Wading from the water to lie in the grass staring up at the sky, her damp skin cooled her. After such a strange, busy day, she needed time to think. She'd killed people today. Strangers. The feeling still didn't sit well with her. Those men were out for blood, and right or wrong, they'd meant to kill Travis. Even a criminal deserved a trial, but she didn't believe he would have gotten one.

"I wonder what that makes me," she muttered softly, frowning at the stars. A soft sound made her sit up on one elbow. A vague form appeared in the darkness gradually taking shape as the shadows flickered across the tawny hide. Her smile was warm.

"Hi girl. Didn't think I'd see you for a while. Thought you'd be out raisin' babies."

A rumbling purr greeted her as the massive she-cat stretched out on the cool grass next to Faith. Lying back, the woman rested her hand on the old mountain lion's smooth shoulder, and the purr grew louder. The friendship forged all those years ago had only deepened with time. Occasionally, circumstances had put their lives at risk, trust and respect the only thing between them and death.

Like the few treasure hunters that had tracked Faith into the peaks around the valley. Those moments when she deliberately led them into the she-cat's domain. The sound of gunfire and screams still echoed in her mind. She wasn't proud of what she'd done, but to do otherwise would have simply led to her own death. Or worse.

Too many of them reminded her of Roy Diggs. They had that same glow in their eyes. That same subtle edge of selfish violence. So, they disappeared.

"Do you think that makes me a bad person?" She wondered aloud, running her fingertips along the stiff fur of the lion's flank. A gruff purr was her only answer.

The two lay there in the moonlight, just looking up at the stars that shone so brightly. Twinkling in the inky velvet of the sky, they were set against the backdrop of the bright full moon. Faith loved the moon, and often spent hours looking up at the celestial sphere. It was comforting and familiar. Eyes drifting closed she fell asleep under the cougar's watchful guard.

Morning sun was shining brightly in the cottage as Travis cracked open an eye, painfully sitting up. As before, the house was empty, but the tempting smell of fresh food and coffee pulled him to his feet. On the counter was a plate stacked high with sausages, eggs, and flapjacks. A whole pot of fresh coffee sat on the stove with a cup nearby.

Slowly settling at the table, he dug in, grateful for Faith's hospitality. The girl could shoot and cook. He had been impressed with her grit and admired her even more now. Though badly beaten, he felt better than he would have anticipated, and knew he owed it to her care.

One thing bothered him. She'd know who he was now, what he was. Never was he able to go somewhere before everyone in town knew Red Rivers had shown up. Every tinhorn out to make a name for himself came hunting trouble. He tried not to kill them, preferring they live and learn but that was not always advisable, or possible.

Travis didn't like killing, but he didn't like being pushed either. Once backed into a corner he felt himself losing control, taken over by that killing drive that shut off everything else. Shaking his head, he swallowed his coffee and poured a fresh cup. Gingerly holding his side, he shuffled to the front door. Fennel had given him a brutal beating.

The air was warm and clear, and though the animals were in sight, Faith was not. Pausing for a moment, he considered not facing her at all, then slowly stepped outside. Walking across the soft green grass, each step made with care, he thought over what she'd seen, and what he should say to her. Too easily though, Travis got distracted. Everywhere he looked wildflowers coated the ground, sending sweet smells into the air as he breathed.

'Wildcat Mountain' he thought to himself as he swallowed the strong coffee. 'Never thought I'd see the day.'

Folks would give their eye teeth for this place...to know where the legendary treasure was. Rumors of gold having been circulating for years, and several times he'd considered doing some of his own prospecting. Each time his reputation got in the way. His luck came down to a shootout and a quick burial before he rode out of town, more blood on his hands.

Considering the legend, Travis leaned against the trunk of an oak, drinking his coffee. Talk of treasure started some twenty years ago out of southern California. A man by the name of Scott Vine struck it rich with his partner. The gold they hauled from the mine was enough to make anyone crazy. Words spread and the claim turned into a bloodbath before the two men were able to escape.

Over thirty men died in space of forty-eight hours, trying to jump the partners' claim.

Word was they had over two thousand pounds of gold, but no one knew for certain. Somehow they'd got it melted down and minted into coins. From there, the story goes several ways. Some claim the two got into a fight over the gold and Vine's partner shot him, taking it all for himself. Others believe that Vine got greedy and tried to murder his partner in his sleep.

Either way, Vine was found stabbed, his throat slit. The partner and gold coins were gone. For several years no one heard anything of the famed treasure. Then a man with an Indian squaw showed up, purchasing a huge chunk of land in the middle of the Unorganized Territory. Mountain country. He paid in gold coins.

That stirred everyone's latent curiosity, but he was elusive. Very few knew exactly where he was, or who he was. Gun slick, savvy, a woodsman by birth, a minor by trade, he lived mostly off the land with his Indian wife. Once a year he'd make a brief appearance in a random town, picking up supplies. Then he'd vanish without a trace, back into the forested slopes of Wildcat.

Now there was always those out to take what others had rather than make it for themselves. This fella, he was reputed to have seen his share of that type come and go. He'd even helped a few along. By all accounts his squaw was just as savvy, and exclusively devoted to her husband. No one hunting trouble with them came away unscathed. Then one day people realized it'd been years since anyone could rightly recall seeing hide nor hair of them for nigh on sixteen years.

Rumors spread they'd been killed, or up and left the country for wilder parts farther north. Scouring the mountains looking for Wildcat was futile, as no one knew what to look for, or where to start. Now he, Travis Rivers, was in the secluded place, he was sure of it. With no idea how Faith fit into the picture, he was left to guess at the blanks in the story. Which didn't bother him any, as he had a natural liking for puzzles.

A movement from the corner of his eye startled Travis and he turned to see a large she-cat stalking into the open, her amber eyes fixed on him. Lips lifted away from white fangs as she snarled. He went completely still. People said he never felt fear, but at that moment he would have openly confessed they were wrong. Cold fear pumped icy tentacles through his veins. If the mountain lion rushed him, that would be it. He was weak and hurting, and utterly defenseless.

The large cat regarded him coldly, her eyes staying on his until a soft whicker turned her away. From the grass beyond her came a large black mare tossing her head and stomping her shiny black hooves on the ground. The cat whipped around and flattened to the ground, her tail lashing. Standing still for an instant, the mare lowered her head and whistling a loud call, rushed forward, driving straight at the she-cat. Waiting until the last moment, the cougar sprang smoothly away, her supple body launching her just fast enough to avoid getting caught.

They swept in a loop around the cottage and through the trees then back into the open. The cat seemed to bounce on her feet rather than run flat out. It suddenly occurred to Rivers that they were playing. The mare was only chasing fast enough to keep the cat moving. It was unreal and he suddenly wondered if he were dreaming, or dead.

"Neither one."

The low voice brought him around to find Faith standing behind him, watching the two animals cavort around in the sun. At his puzzled look she smiled wide for the first time.

"No, you are not dead, neither are you dreaming."

"How did you know?" he was taken back.

"If that wasn't your natural reaction, I'd think you were a little crazy."

"How, I never seen anything the like of it..." he gestured to the horse and lion.

"Well, it's a special relationship," her shoulders lifted in a shrug. "The she-cat was wounded, dyin' when I found her and brought her here, probably ten years ago. I nursed her to health, trying to keep her alive, and the mare there; she was only a filly, not even six months yet. As soon as they clapped eyes on one another, that was it. They became inseparable." Eyes softening, her voice became tender. Wistful.

"The filly would follow the she-cat around like she was her dam, and the Mountain Lion would spend long afternoons licking her clean and soft. It's just them, they been that way ever since."

"The other horses don't mind?"

"The stallion took a little while to get used to it, but they keep their distance now."

Entranced, he couldn't stop staring. When she looked at him Faith noted the change in his expression. Her features hardened, all trace of emotion fleeing like leaves on the wind. Instantly yanking his gaze away, Travis cleared his throat.

"How long have I been here? I'm feelin' like I've been laying around for a month." Rubbed a hand across the back of his neck, he sheepishly looked around.

"You slept for two days. I managed to get you to eat, but not as much as you should have."

"Two days!" It stunned him, his entire body clenching with alarm. Lots could happen in two days! "Was there any trouble? Did them fellas come hunting-?"

"It's been mostly quiet," she mused, not bothering to tell him she'd spent a bit of time obscuring tracks, leaving false trails, and generally harassing them. Not being seen had been a trick she'd managed to pull off, but she got the feeling it wouldn't fool them much longer. A more determined bunch she'd never seen.

"I guess you was plenty tired out, sleeping like you did."

"I reckon I was. Earning these bruises wasn't as easy as it looked.""

A moment of silence passed where he thought for sure Faith was fighting a smile. He had a brief moment of hope, then her eyes landed square on him.

"You're up and around now, so I figure you'll be heading out soon."

"I wouldn'ta made it this far without you, Faith. I'm much obliged to you. That's twice you saved my hide." He tossed the remaining coffee into the grass. It was cold now anyway. Her snort was less than ladylike.

"Well, I won't go braggin' Red Rivers owes me favors. I can do without them." Turning away she started toward the cottage.

"I wish you'd call me Travis." Stopping at his call, she slowly turned back to face him. Large hands spread in a placating way. "I never chose to be 'Red' Rivers, you know. Trouble sorta finds me wherever I go, following me like hound dog I can't shake loose of. I'd like to have one place where that's not so."

A new emotion flickered across her eyes then was gone.

"I suppose you're a right peace lovin' man who just got caught with a bad reputation."

"No, I got no call to be ashamed of what I've done, nor am I tryin' to hide from it." His brows drew together in a tight line. "What I mean is I'd like somewhere to just be Travis, not Red Rivers. I don't- with just you an' me, what use is a reputation? You know? The name gets a mite heavy, so now and then I'd like to take it off. That don't make a whole heap a sense to you does it."

She paused for a long while, her eyes searching his face. His sincerity. His exhaustion.

"It does. Travis Rivers, welcome to Wildcat." With that she turned on her heel and walked swiftly to the cottage. He stared after her in puzzled amazement.

Once in her room she shut the door and leaned against it, her heart fluttering wildly. What was wrong with her? Wasn't one man enough, didn't she learn her lesson already? No matter, she couldn't rid herself of those eyes. Wildly blue and honest, looking right at her, he'd told her he just wanted some peace.

He was telling the truth, she could tell; reading him like one would read words from a book. She reacted to him as to no man before, and she'd met some here and there. Even the horses liked him, which was very rare, and that touched her deeply. However, Rivers had to go, somewhere, anywhere, he could not stay here.

Throwing her clothes on the floor with vicious determination, she pulled out clean ones and put them on. Strapping on her gun belt, her gaze fell on the fabric hanging in the closet. It was snowy white and soft, hanging in long folds. Maybe Travis would like a woman in such clothes- Jerking back as the thought entered her mind, she just as quickly discarded it.

'That's enough!' she scolded herself. Men were trouble, and dangerous, and no matter how peace-loving Red Rivers claimed to be, he was deadly with a gun! Where he went, blood and death followed. He had to go!

Quickly leaving her room she pulled to a stop, coming face to face with him. Though she was tall, he had at least three inches on her. He was close enough she could see his pupils widen dramatically, changing the look of his eyes. Though the room was large, it was suddenly too cramped for her comfort and she moved for the door, anxious for wide spaces.

"I could use a little help with this bandage," he suggested mildly. "A fresh wrap before I head out would be mighty appreciated."

It was a logical request but knowing the soundness of it didn't help. She didn't want to be in close contact with him. Heart hammering fiercely, her body quivered slightly, annoying her. Wasn't she tougher than this? Straightening her shoulders, she looked up into his eyes, determined not to show herself a weak girl with knocking knees.

"Alright, have a seat and start getting that one off."

Going into the kitchen she pulled out her ingredients, quickly making a smooth, oily paste. The deep black bruising was showing plainly against his brown flesh when she turned around and found him ready for her. Though he flinched, he said nothing as she applied the fresh poultice and wrapped him with new bandages. He looked up at her just then, the vivid blue of his eyes incredibly close.

Such a rich, vibrant hue of blue they were nearly purple. They almost glowed. Her heart skipped a beat. Why did it matter now? She'd done this before several times! Still...not when his eyes were open, staring so intently into hers.

Travis felt the fingers still resting on his skin begin to tremble. Her eyes were large and bright; brimming with so many emotions he could not identify them all. The one that stood out was clear though, and he forced himself to look away from her. Moving to stand up, he avoided watching as she spun quickly around. Feeling somehow this was his fault, he cleared his throat.

"I think you're right, Faith. I should be movin' on. I can't impose on you forever, and I got no way to repay you for what you've done. I'll be on my way. I can go the same way I came, none the wiser. Your secret is safe with me."

Her secret? His innocent choice of words gripped her heart, throwing thoughts into her mind she knew were dangerous. Hope welled up before she could crush it.

"Seems wise, you shouldn't stay in one place too long." The words were like ash in her mouth, but she stuck by them. This was for the best. He was much too dangerous to be allowed to stay.

Nodding, he bent to retrieve his shirt from the floor, pulling it on carefully. Though it was ripped and tattered, he tucked it in and reached for his boots. Watching him was unbearable and asking him to stay was impossible. She almost ran from the cottage, hair flying behind her like white-blond lace. Travis watched her go with pity and understanding.

Whatever had happened was bad enough that she was afraid of ever letting it happen again. Although she seemed to like him well enough, despite the occasional sharp word, her other dominant emotion was stronger. Terror wasn't something he knew much about, but he'd seen his share in others. It'd be over his dead body to make her feel that way because of him.

So he left. Making his way back up the ridge to where the small cleft opening was, movement caught his eyes. She came without sound, not looking at him but stopping just out of reach. In her arms she carried the .44 caliber Henry rifle and a pistol wrapped in a gun belt. Silently offering them, she waited while he strapped the gun belt on and then handed over the rifle and a heavy old burlap sack.

"I got the guns off a man who came hunting trouble with me and buried them when I buried his body. No one will care that I give them to you, if that's a concern," her voice was low. "I hope the food is good and will last you a few days."

Curious, he took a brief look inside. Boxes of ammunition, a bone handled hunting knife, and the promised food greeted him. She also handed over a full canteen of water before looking up at last. Her eyes were clouded, and she frowned slightly. Mouth opening to say something, but the words would not come. He smiled a slow easy smile that reached his eyes.

"Much obliged Fai- I mean, ma'am. I won't forget."

"I don't mind," shyly staring at him, her features were a study of discomfort and confusion. "Faith, I mean. I don't mind so much if you keep calling me that."

"Thanks." His smile widened a fraction. "I didn't want you thinkin' I was just taking liberties. Faith."

"You'd better go." She breathed, taking a step back. "Travis."

Nodding, he started off again then stopped and turned, the words on his lips dying away. Without a sound she had vanished, leaving him on his own.