"Again!" Luke then threw another empty whiskey in mid-air. Emiliano shot two bullets, the first one missed, but the second one hit the bottle. Luke let out a loud whistle. "Well, look at you! You're getting better at shooting!"

"Heh, well, I have been practicing from time to time. The other cowboys would help me, though they don't know the real reason."

"It's better that way," Luke drank from a water container. He then motioned it to Emiliano, who happily took it and drank. "We can't have anyone know about this. I can't shake the feeling that something big will happen."

Emiliano merely shrugged as he sat by the river. He got a handful of water and splashed it on his face. "Te preocupas demasiado (You worry too much). Anyway, how's Gouyen?"

The older man sat beside him as he got a handful of water and put it on his neck. "She is doing well and quite the hard worker. Netty isn't complaining since your friend does what she is told. Charles still has a mouth on him. Luke looked up at the sky as another gust of wind went by; more leaves fell to the ground, then glanced at Emiliano. "I was wondering if you still have your Mother's ashes?"

"I do." The young man couldn't believe that he had forgotten why he was meeting with Luke. "By the way, do you have any information regarding other ranch owners?"

Luke sighed as he clenched his hands together. He wanted to tell Emiliano the truth but feared what would happen, that his son would despise him. "I haven't yet. The Tunstall and Dolna-Murphey situation has tensed everything with the other ranch owners. No one is talking due to the fear of being spied on."

The young man was disappointed, but he understood the situation. The duo suddenly heard a noise coming their way; they stood and became alert. The sound got closer but stopped; Isaac appeared through the trees. Sighs of relief were released. "Isaac, you scared the bazoo out of us." Isaac didn't respond; he looked grim. "What's wrong, Isaac? " asked Luke.

"The Jesse Evans Gang shot and killed John Tunstall. War is sure to come."

Luke felt his body becoming heavy; his fears came true. With Tunstall's death, war was sure to come between the factions. There was the possibility that Emiliano was going to get involved in the conflict. "Damn it; everything is going to hell! Did this happen just now?"

"Yes, sir! Word is spreadin' in the county!"

Emiliano massaged his forehead; he felt his heart torn. Tunstall was a good man to him and the Regulators; he didn't deserve to die. "Billy and Richard will want revenge; I doubt the sheriffs will do anything."

"Especially with Brady as a chief sheriff; he won't do anything to arrest the gang." Luke then focused on Emiliano. "You need to leave here."

The young snapped out of his thoughts. "What are you trying to say? That I should leave and let the others handle all this? As I said, it would be impossible even if I wanted to run away."

Fear was imminent in the older man; he grabbed Emiliano's shirt and pushed him onto a tree. "You foolish boy! A war is going to happen! You can get killed! Forget your mission and everything! This is life and death! Think of your friend, your Mother!" Luke's voice became shaky.

Emiliano glared at him. "Don't you dare bring my Mother and Gouyen into this!" he said, slipping away from the older man's grip. "I appreciate all you have done for me, but you shouldn't get too involved in my business, Luke."

There's still a way out for you and your friend. You're young and still have a lot to live for. Admit it; you never cared what Tunstall and the others stood for."

"You're right, but I already made up my mind. No one, not even you, will stop me."

"Foolish boy! You-!"

"Why would you care!? My life is not your business, old man!"

The thought of Emiliano fighting and dying was too much for Luke. His body became sweaty and warm. His throat became dry. "You are stubborn to the core! It's because I am your-!"

Isaac immediately intervened as he stood between the two. "Emiliano, it's best that ya go now."

"Thank you." He glanced at Luke and got on his horse. "Take care of Gouyen." He then went away on his way.

Luke went by a tree and punched it. "Why did you stop me from telling the truth?"

"Ya were not in ya right mind, Luke. It's ain't the right time; Emiliano just heard that his boss is dead. How do ya think he's gonna react when he finds out that yer his Pa?"

Blood from his knuckles dripping. "You're right. I wasn't thinking. All I was thinking of was him staying alive. He is too damn stubborn like his Mother."

Isaac let out a small chuckle. "He is like ya too. What will ya do now? Ya said before that yer not interested in the conflict."

"I have to get myself involved now. I will do everything to keep my son alive, even if it means dying."