*THREE DAYS LATER*

“This town don’t sit right with me.” Zoe announced as their rides walked into Tehatchepi. As her sharp eyes skimmed the sights, all she could see were women shuffling about with the demeanor of slaves.

“Towns change, sometimes not for the better.” Mal uttered under his breath, wary himself.

“Is it just me or is everyone here particularly… dwarfish?” Simon quizzed, looking down at a man that crossed the street right in front of him. The man didn’t even reach Brave’s shoulder.

“Forest folk are of the shortish nature.” The captain rationalized. “They’re like mountain goats, built for these massifs.”

A man came out of a building, and gave a crude look to Zoe.

She put her hand on her mare’s leg, staring him down until he went back inside.

“I’m starting to think he got in trouble.” Simon added with an ironic whisper.

“Let’s just find him and get out of here.” The leader finished the conversation as he reigned Xin towards the livery. “Something tells me the sooner we head back the better.” Pressing a heel into the horse’s side, he worked her into a trot, the others following his pace. Stopping in front of the barn he swung down just as an old man came out, wiping his hands on a leather apron as he smiled kindly at them.

“Travelers I suspect? Welcome, welcome.” He greeted, though not giving Zoe much respect when he looked at her. “What can I do ya for?”

“Well, we’re here lookin’ for a man, big man.” Mal explained.

“Tall, lewd, road a giant black horse, smokes, drinks, mighta used the name Jayne.” She added, not liking the treatment and pressing in to demand respect.

“Miss, I dunno where you’re from but women don’t talk here.”

Mal held his arm out, stopping Zoe as she stepped, near lunged. “Then we best wrap this up before things take a pear-ish shape. You seen the man? Woulda stuck out likea sore thumb in your lot.”

“That he did.” The livery owner put his hands on his weak hips.

“Where is he?”

“Gone, whole town’s awfully ruffled too.”

Mal squinted.