marshacolyer@hotmail.com
It was a dark and stormy night.(A/N.
Sorry, I always wanted to start a story like that!). Joe and Hoss, having ventured into
Back at the ranch, Adam and Ben were
enjoying a quiet night in front of the fire.
They sat in companionable silence, seemingly lost in thought. Adam was pretending to read, Ben just sat,
watching his son.
“Penny for you thoughts son.” Ben asked, his voice cutting through the silence like the
foghorn
Adam started slightly.
“What? Oh sorry pa, I was
reading. Guess I got engrossed.”
Ben laughed slightly. “Adam, you
haven’t so much as turned a page in over 45 minutes! Now, can I help or is it something you need
to work out yourself…(again)?”
“I was just thinking about…Wait a minute. Did you just say something about Hop Sing
doing a can can?”
“Close enough. Just
wanted to see if you were listening.”
He chuckled softly. “Anyway, why
were you so lost in thought?”
“Well.” Adam started, placing the
pretty much forgotten book beside his chair.
“There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask for
a while, but couldn’t around Hoss and Joe. They aren’t here now so…When and how exactly
did you meet Mickey*”.
Ben smiled a knowing little smile as his mind drifted back over the
years.
“It was before I met your mother.” He began, placing his pipe back on
its stand beside the chair. “It was the
last summer I spent with Uncle John before I went to sea. I remember I’d just…”
35 YEARS EARLIER, THE HOME OF JOHN
CARTWRIGHT
“Benjamin don’t forget to restock the firewood
for the light house after you refill the lamps.”
“Yes Uncle John.” Young Benjamin
called as he hefted the oilcans from the floor after filling them. “I’ve only done this a thousand times,
don’t think I’ll forget.” He muttered
under his breath. He didn’t dare say it
aloud. He knew his uncle would not
tolerate such sass.
“What was that young man?” Came a female voice
directly behind him. Ben almost lost his
hold on the oilcans.
“Sorry Aunt Emiline.” He smiled sheepishly. “Just thinking out loud.”
“Well, you did forget once, and he had to cover your forgetfulness
before the snow storms came that night.”
“Auntie, I’m sixteen years old now!
I’m a man not a small child!
Besides, I was only eleven at the time!”
“Enough of your sass young man.” She said as she swatted him on the seat of
the pants with a wooden spoon. “Go
finish your chores like the old man you profess to be so we can get on with
dinner.”
“Yes ma’am”. He laughed; kissing
her on the cheek on the way out the door, barely dodging the spoon aimed at his
retreating backside.
Two
hours later, Ben tossed the last of the split wood into the wood box beside the
lighthouse fireplace. With the feeling
of satisfaction for a job well done, he picked up the oilcans and headed for
the door. In his haste, he tripped over
his own feet on the way down the last steps, hitting his head on the railing on
the way down. On it’s
way to the ground; his unconscious body couldn’t exactly dodge the double-edged
axe sticking out of the chopping block at the base of the stairs. The edge connected with his right calf,
leaving a six-inch gash. Ben lay on the
ground in a crumpled heap for what seemed like hours. He slowly became aware of a female voice
close beside him, examining his leg.
“Oh wow.” He heard as he felt
this stranger tugging his pant leg up to his knee. “You really did a number on your leg. Guess I’d better do something about it before
you really do bleed to death.” She said
as she produced bandages from the bag she was carrying. The familiarity she was showing brought Ben
back to full consciousness.
“What do you think you’re doing madam?”
He asked weakly as he half-heartedly tried to push her hands away from
his leg.
She continued working, taking no notice of the weak efforts to move her.
“I’m trying to fix the leg you tried to amputate, so hush up and let me
work! I ain’t about to lose my first
case before it even starts!” She
lectured as she continued to work.
Ben was so surprised by her brashness, he couldn’t think of an appropriate
response.
“Now” she said as she finished and pulled his pant leg back into
position. “We gotta
talk Ben.”
From his position on the floor, Ben just looked at her. “How did you know my name?”
She just laughed. “I know more
about you than you do bub!”
“Such as?”
He challenged. His leg was
seriously hurting and he was in no mood for riddles.
“Such as I know that right now you’re thinking you’re going to lay here
and bleed to death before Uncle John comes to find you. You’re also thinking about giving up because
it’s hopeless. Getting close?”
“How did you do that?” He asked
suspiciously.
“It’s a power I was granted by my boss
when I first took on your family’s case.”
“You mean Uncle John and Aunt Emiline?”
The girl hedged,
“Ah no…your other family…the one you haven’t met yet.”
“Excuse me?” He asked
skeptically. This strange female was
making less sense by the minute! The
blood loss must more serious than he thought.
“Never mind, I’m getting ahead of
myself.” She said as she stood and
reached for his hand. “Come on, like I
said earlier, we’ve got talking to do.”
“I can not go anywhere with you!
Now would you PLEASE go get some help before I bleed to death?”
“Trust me! Take my hand and
you’ll be just fine! Like I said before,
I ain’t about to lose my very first client!”
She inched ever closer to the increasingly skeptical teenager before
her.
She withdrew her hand and sat back on her knees thinking. “They told me your family had a four foot
wide stubborn streak…guess they weren’t lying!”
“They…who?”
“The agency I work for, A.N.D.Y. I’m here to show but a small glimpse of what
lies before you if you kick that stubborn streak into high gear and fight like
heck to stay alive.” She bent down,
reaching for his hand again. “Now…are ya gonna trust me or not?”
Ben sat against the railing, not moving.
“Madam, if you still persist with this inane, preposterous tale! Why should I trust you? Why do you want to help me?”
“Because I can!” She said her gaze never leaving his
eyes. “Now” she continued, “come on old
man.” This time she didn’t wait for him
to respond, she just grabbed his hand and stood up.
“Madam, you have to be the most stubborn, bull headed tree…stump….” Ben’s voice failed him as he noticed they
were standing outside the lighthouse and his leg was no longer hurting. “How? Did you?
What?” He was having trouble
completing a thought. She stood to the
side, arms across her chest, grinning.
“Told ya! Now, if
you don’t mind, I do actually a name besides Bull Headed Tree Stump.” She said.
“From now on, why don’t you just call me Mickey.” With that Mickey grabbed his hand once again
and, with a snap of her fingers, the scenery began to shimmer around them. Suddenly, instead of standing on a beachhead
overlooking the ocean, they stood on a ridge overlooking the most beautiful
sight Ben had ever laid eyes on! Below
them was the largest inland lake he’d ever seen with the bluest water. On all sides, as far as the eye could see
were the tallest, thickest trees he had ever seen! All Ben could do was stare, open mouthed at
his surrounds.
“Where are we?” He asked in
awe. “This place is incredible!”
“Well…that all depends on you. If
you prove to be a true Cartwright and not give up…your future home…just don’t
ask me where. If you wimp out on me and
give up, it’s just a really pretty place you’ll never see again.” Mickey answered, studying his face. “I have to warn you though, it ain’t gonna be
easy. You’ll have to go through a lot of
pain and heartache before you get to this point. Matter of fact, most men would give up before
they even start!”
Ben opened his mouth to reply. At
that moment a horse and rider appeared, riding along the shoreline. He was to far away to see his face but
something about him seemed familiar to Ben.
The big red chestnut and the cowboy in the saddle, all dressed in black
seemed to move together as one. The man
had such an air of agility and grace about him as the two moved it was as if he
had been born in the saddle.
“Who’s that?” Ben asked. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the
figure as he rode up the bank and out of sight.
After a moment Mickey answered, “Your son.”
“MY SON?”
He shouted, staring at her open mouthed.
“Yep.”
He tried to ask but, she interrupted, “don’t ask me to explain, ‘cause I
can’t. Now, ready to go home?”
“I get married and have a son and live here…” Ben was having trouble
digesting it all. “Wow!”
Mickey just looked at him. “Ahhh…yea.” She grabbed his hand again. “Now that you’ve seen more of the future than
was intended, lets go.”
“Wait! Can’t I at least see my
son’s face? Where are we?”
“You’ll have plenty of time to stare at
that particular son all you want, and he ain’t the only one. As for where we are…west. Now”, with a snap of her fingers, “We’re out of here duder.”
The horse and rider returned to the top of
the hill, looked around, then resumed his trek down
the other side.
Instantly, they were once again standing on the beachhead, just outside
the lighthouse door. Ben sank to the
ground, unconscious. Mickey checked the
bandages around his leg once again then, before taking her leave of him,
planted a kiss on his forehead.
“Your uncle is making his way up the embankment. You’ll have a long fight ahead of you but I
know you can do it. When you awake, all you’ve
seen and heard today will be but a dream. .
Sleep well Ben. Your destiny awaits.” With that,
she was gone.
“All those times your mother and I talked of my dreams of the west, of
tall trees and sons, growing as tall and as strong as the trees that surrounded
them…I’d actually been here!” Ben looked
at his son across the room. “And it was
you I saw riding the shore line on that day, down by the lake.”
Adam hadn’t said a word during Ben’s entire story. Then, out of the clear blue, “Was it cloudy
when you were there…I mean…here?”
Adam looked relieved. “That
explains a lot then. I’d almost bet you
were there yesterday! I was on my way to
meet Hoss and Joe when I took a short cut down by the
lake. Halfway across, I could feel a
presence from the trees, watching me. It
must have been you and Mickey. When I
came back to investigate, the feeling was gone.
I’d been thinking about Mickey again.
When I topped the ridge, I could have sworn I heard her voice say ‘We’re
out of here duder!’.”
“You do realize we can never tell your
brothers any of this don’t you?” Ben asked after a moment.
“That goes without saying.” At
that moment, he noticed the silence that surrounded them. “When did the storm end?” They had been so engrossed in Ben’s story,
neither was aware of the change in weather.
“I have no idea. At any rate, at least your brothers should be
home in the morning.” Ben stood as he
prepared to leave. “Think I’m going to
call it a night.” Adam sat staring into
the fire once again. “Coming up?”
Adam’s gaze settled on his father.
“Think I’ll stay down here for a while.
Good night pa.”
“Don’t stay up too late.” It fell
on deaf ears.
*********************
The next morning, Ben descended the stairs to find his son remained
seated in the same spot he’d left him in the night before. What was even more surprising, his other sons
sat quietly on the settee, just watching him sleep.
Joe grinned at his father as he came on
into the living room. “Was he waiting up
for us or what?” He asked at barely
above a whisper.
“We didn’t expect you home until this morning. Guess he was just too tired to make it to bed.” Something didn’t look quite right about
Adam’s posture but he let it go.
Hoss rose cautiously from his seat and quietly
approached his sleeping sibling. “He
looks so cute and peaceful, I hate to wake him.” Joe however had no problem what so ever with
the proposition. He jumped to his feet
and stepped to the other side of Adam’s chair.
“Come on Hoss, this is gonna be good! On three…one…” the two crept closer to Adam’s
face, “two…”
closer still.
“THREE!” Adam’s hands shot
forward and grabbed his brother’s collars.
“I would have to be dead three days not to hear the racket you
two made coming in!”
Ben headed for the table, laughing as he went. “When are you two going to remember you can
wake your brother with a pin drop?”
“Apparently never.” Smirked Adam.
As breakfast progressed, Ben laid out the assignments for the day.
“Hoss I want you to ride the fence line north
and east and make note of needed repairs.
On the way back, check out the grass in the hay fields in that section
since haying season is rapidly approaching.
Joe, same assignment, only you take South and West. Adam, since I need your help finishing the
beef contracts for the Santa Fa buyers,
you and I will unload the supplies and see if we can’t finish that up before
supper tonight.”
Hoss spoke up.
“Pa, I found a bear carcass on the north ridge yesterday. While I’m up there, I want to check on her
cubs and make sure they’re alright.”
“OK son, just remember to be careful, they are wild animals you know.”
“I will pa.”
*************
Hoss crept ever
closer to his elusive prey. His
instincts were proven right. He had
spotted the small cub earlier and concluded it was indeed the dead bear’s
offspring. Now the task was to net the
animal and make sure it wasn’t injured and doing ok on it’s
own. This led up to his current
position, creeping silently toward the surging bushes.
“Got ya this time you varmint!” He announced triumphantly seeing that his
trap had been sprung and something was attempting to escape the net on the
ground.
At that moment, a human hand appeared from beneath the net, soon
followed by a very irate, bearded face.
“You there!
Would you kindly assist me in removing this vile contraption from my person!” The man
demanded, a distinct accent showing through.
Hoss remained frozen for an instant before
moving to untangle the man.
“Golly mister, I’m awful sorry.”
He said as he began unwinding the net.
“I was trying to catch a bear cub.”
The man stood, trying to remove the dirt from his jacket before placing
a bowler on his head. His mood hadn’t
softened one iota. "Are you trying
to tell me you are the cur who sprung this…this…net thing on me?” Hoss nodded
quietly, the remorse showing on his gentle face.
“I’m really sorry mister. I
wouldn’t a dun it if’n I’d known you were there. I was just checkin’
on a orphaned bear cub.”
“I suppose it was an honest mistake.”
The man conceded.
“This is private property though.
Just what were you doin’ over there in them
bushes anyhow?”
“That is none of your business!”
He stated indignantly, his temper boiling over once again.
Hoss repeated
the question, the look on his face changing to all business. “Mister, I said I’m sorry and I meant it but;
I ain’t askin you again. This is private property…what were you doin over there?”
The man softened as Hoss’ face transformed
from peaceful and contrite to menacing.
He was afraid to upset this gentle giant any further!
“If you must know, I was on my way to the Ponderosa in search of a
mister Benjamin Cartwright when I had to dismount to answer a call of
nature. My horse was surprised by a
noise in the bushes and ran away from me.
It is most likely back in that quiet little burgh I rented him in.”
Hoss’ face reverted to the usual jovial
expression. “Your horse most likely
headed for the house. It’s a heck of a
lot closer than back to
The man looked at Hoss like he’d lost his
mind! He wasn’t going anywhere with this
uncouth person!
Hoss was getting
increasingly exasperated with this snobbish, person who continued to look down
his nose at him.
“Look, you can either ride back with me or you can walk.” He stated, climbing into Chubb’s saddle. The man continued to stare at Hoss. “Suit
yourself.” Hoss
said and turned Chubb back in the direction of home.
“Could you at least tell me where to find the Ponderosa and Mr. Cartwright.”
Hoss laughed as he pulled the reins to a
stop. “You’ve been on the Ponderosa
since about ten minutes outside of town.
As for Mr. Cartwright, you’re lookin’ at
one. Come with me and I’ll introduce the
other three.” The man thought Hoss had lost what little sense he had. "Ben Cartwright’s my pa.”
“Then let us away to yonder domicile.” He said, reaching for Hoss’ outstretched hand.
“You sound like my big brother when he’s on one of his Shakespeare
kicks. Now if you want a ride back to
the house, come on.”
The man wisely chose to remain silent.
***********************
Once back at the house, Hoss handed Chubb’s
reins off to one of the hands before heading for the front door, his guest in
tow. The rented horse in question stood
silently at the hitching rail, just as Hoss
predicted. He asked one the hand with
Chubb to take care of it as well.
“Hey Pa!”
Hoss yelled on the way through the door.
Ben, who had been quietly enjoying a cup
of coffee while putting in some time on the ever present paperwork, stood by
his desk mopping coffee off his shirt, looking for all the
world like a thundercloud.
Hoss looked sheepish when he finally saw his
father. “Golly pa, I’m sorry.”
“Young man, how many times have I yelled at Joseph for doing the same
thing you just did?”
“A lot.”
“Then for the fact that you have a guest, I’ll say
don’t do it again.” Then quietly so only Hoss could hear “for
now.”
Hoss gulped, “I really am powerful sorry pa,
but I was in such a hurry to deliver this jasper, I plumb forgot. He said he was lookin
for ya.” A thought suddenly occurred to Hoss. “I don’t think
I ever caught your name.”
“I don’t remember throwing it.” To Ben. “Sir, allow me to introduce myself. I am Sir J…”at that moment the front door
burst open as Joe and Adam returned for lunch.
The door bounced off the credenza with such force, the house fairly
shook!
“Joseph!” Ben stated with such
restrained force, he got his message across.
“Sorry pa.” He said sheepishly as he and Adam removed their gun belts and
hats.
Ben turned his attention back to their visitor, “Sir, you’ve met my
middle son, Hoss.
These are my other two sons, Adam, my oldest, and Joseph, my youngest.”
After shaking hands with each, the man continues. “As I was saying Mr. Cartwright, my name is
Sir J…”
At that moment, a pounding came from the front door. The man was getting exasperated! At this rate, his business in this house
wouldn’t be concluded until he retired from the service!
Adam answered the door to find Charlie, the foreman, on the other side.
“Sorry to interrupt Adam, but a messenger
from town just dropped these off. Said
it’s the contracts your pa’s been waiting for.”
“Thanks Charlie.” Adam said as he
ripped open the envelope for a fast peek.
“All signed pa…no adjustments.”
“That’s good!” To their visitor,
“Shall we try again?”
“Sir, my name is…” he glimpsed at the door
expecting another interruption. “Sir Jay
Farthington Wentworth III. I am an investigator with Scotland Yard.”
When the initial shock wore off, Adam asked what was on everyone’s
mind. “Pardon me for asking but, what
possible interest could a detective agency from
After a puzzled glance at Ben, Mr.
Wentworth continued. “Actually sir, I am
attempting to locate your brother-in-law, one…”after checking his notes he
continued. “Gunnar
Borgstrum. You
are listed as his only living relative.”
Hoss’ eyes darted to his father, but he
remained silent.
Ben’s expression changed from shock to suspicion. “Why are you looking for him?”
Mr. Wentworth could tell he had touched on a sore spot. “Please sir don’t be
alarmed. The yard was retained to locate
him. It seems he is directly related to
Jean Bernadotte.
He is the son of his elder brother, Erik.”
“That’s a nice story Mr. Wentworth.”
Interrupted Little Joe from his perch on the hearth. “But you still haven’t told us why you are
looking for Uncle Gunnar.”
Adam took up the tail at this point, his eyes never leaving Mr.
Wentworth. “Jean Bernadotte
is more commonly known as King Charles XIV of
Mr. Wentworth cleared his throat to regain
their attention. “In any case, can you
point me in the direction of Mr. Borgestrum? Due to incidents that would take to long to
explain, he is next in line to inherit the throne of
Stone silence permeated the big house.
“Mr. Wentworth, Gunnar Borgstrum
is dead. He died saving my son. He’s buried near the lake.”
“Oh dear this is most distressing.” Another thought occurred to him. “Your wife Inger. I
believe our files indicate that she had a son?”
He asked, looking to Adam.
“Inger was my
momma.” Explained Adam, “but she didn’t
give birth to me.”
“There have been three Mrs. Cartwrights”
explained Ben. “Each of them had a
son.” He walked to where Hoss remained silently on the hearth beside Joe. Ben laid his hand on Hoss’
shoulder. “Hoss is a nickname. I’d like you to meet Erik Hass Cartwright.. Inger named him after her father.”
Ben mused aloud; “I wonder why she never told me any of this?”
“I’m not entirely sure,” interrupted Mr. Wentworth “but, I don’t think
she knew. From what I understand, Erik
and his brother were not on the best of speaking terms. He moved his entire family to
Up to this point, Hoss had remained
silent. He stood, shoved his hands in
his pockets before addressing Mr. Wentworth. “Mr. Wentworth, would you mind backin this horse and buggy up sos I can get on board?”
Mr. Wentworth looked as if Hoss had lost his
mind. “Excuse me?”
“He said ‘Explain please’!” laughed Adam.
“Yes…of course.” He answered,
turning back to Hoss.
“With the death of most of the royal line in
To his father, “Pa, please excuse my rudeness.” To their visitor, “Mr. Wentworth…you’re nuts! I don’t know nothin about running no country, and I ain’t seen
any proof that anything you said so far ain’t pure hogwash!”
“I was expecting some sort of reaction, so I have in my possession a
small painting of the royal family. The
way I understand it, there is a striking family resemblance. I must admit, I haven’t taken the opportunity
to look at it until now.” With that he
retrieved the brown paper wrapped package attached to the back of his
saddlebags and unwrapped it. Mr.
Wentworth studied the portrait for a moment, then
turned to Ben. “Erik is indeed the
person I have been seeking.” He turned
the picture so Ben could also look.
A momentary look of utter surprise crossed his face to be replaced by
amusement. He motioned Adam to join
him. Adam studied the picture, as did
his father. Almost the exact same
expression played across his face. “Ah…Joe? Could you come here a minute?” Adam said, the mirth barely hidden. Joe joined his father and brother at the
desk.
Joe was having an even harder time containing himself. “Uh…pa (giggle) I (giggle), uh…Cooch was having trouble with his hoof when we came home
(giggle). I think I’ll go see if he’s
ok.” To his bother, “Adam, I could
really use your help out in the barn.”
Adam jumped at the chance. “I’m
right behind you.” The door barely
closed before uproarious laughter could be heard in the house.
Hoss could stand it no longer. “Pa, what’s so gol durn funny?”
Ben bit back a laugh. “I’m sorry son.” He said.
“Come over here and see this.
They really do look a lot like Gunnar and your
mother. One of them is even a dead
ringer for you.”
Hoss got his
first look at the royal family. The
entire family was decked out in the royal jewels and attire of state. Hoss had to agree,
they did resemble the picture of his mother and uncle, but he still didn’t see
anything all that funny. “I still don’t
see get what those two goofballs were laughin’
about!”
“Hoss…look at
the person standing directly behind King Charles.” Ben said, pointing to the queen mother. The woman was 6’4” “no matter which direction
you measured her”**, cornflower blue eyes, dark blonde hair, and…Hoss Cartwright’s face!
Hoss stood for a
moment, just looking at the picture. “Ya know what pa? I
think I’ve earned the right to say this…” a smile spread across his face. “I make one butt ugly woman!”
Ben sobered immediately. “Hoss, be
nice. That IS your grandmother you’re
laughing at. Now, how about fetching
those two laughing hyena brothers of yours, we have some talking to do.”
“Sorry pa.
I’ll go fetch em out of the barn.”
Before he could move, the door opened to admit the remaining sons. Adam once again had a firm grasp on his
emotions. Joe was another story. He was still having a hard time keeping a
straight face.
Ben smiled. “Boys, now that we have that out of our
system please, bear in mind…” with a stern look at Joe, “we are looking at a
picture of Hoss’ grandmother. She deserves our utmost respect and
consideration.” To their visitor, “Now,
Mr. Wentworth, what exactly is it you want from my son?”
“I thought that was understood Mr.
Cartwright. Your son is now the ruling
monarch of
With each passing second, Hoss’ eyes got bigger.
“Now hold on one cotton pickin minute! Don’t I have a say so in this?!? For your information, I don’t want to be king
of my own country! I don’t want to leave
the Ponderosa! And there’s got to be
another relative out there somewhere to take over! Did you even look???”
“Your highness, we…”
“DON’T CALL ME THAT!”
“Forgive me, Mr. Cartwright…”
“My name’s Hoss!”
“Of course. Hoss, we are still
in the process of trying to locate another blood relative to continue the line
in case Mr. Borgestrum was unattainable. To that end, all we’ve found to date is you.”
“Can I make a suggestion Hoss?” Asked Adam from his perch on the
hearth beside Joe.
“Why not? I’d even go for one of Joe’s harebrained
schemes at the moment!”
“Hey!”
Piped Joe from the sidelines.
Adam just smiled at his brother before
continuing. “Go through with what Mr.
Wentworth wants for the moment.”
“Are you sayin ya want me to move to
“Are you trying to get rid of Hoss?!?”
“No, wait a minute. Go through with contacting the Swedish
government, go through with the royal training sessions, and whatever else he
deems necessary. During this time, I can
assume, Mr. Wentworth, that Scotland Yard will
continue to look for others of the same bloodline?”
“Absolutely sire.” To Hoss “Your highness, I
will be sending a wire to my office at first light. We should hear a response soon.”
Hoss looked
skeptical at best. “If
you say so.”
*******************
Over the next several weeks Mr. Wentworth,
true to his set the process in motion to make Hoss
over as a royal. Hoss
divided his days between his ranch chores in the morning and royal training in
the afternoon along with settings with an artist commissioned to paint his
official portrait.
Hoss was the
picture of despondency. This was all
just too much for him to comprehend! He
didn’t care one whit about fulfilling his mother’s family destiny. He just wanted to live out his life on the
Ponderosa with his family and his animals!
Today he sat, just staring at Marie’s
grave. He knew this was Joe’s “thinking
place”, but right now, he needed his momma.
Pa was trying to be supportive but he could tell the prospect of loosing
his son was killing him. He knew if Hoss went to
His little brother was taking it all in
with his usual flair. One moment he was
laughing and joking about Hoss trying to rule a
country from the kitchen. The next, he
would blow his top over the slightest infraction. Nothing was ever mentioned by his family or
the rest of the hands because every one knew it was
over the thought of loosing his big brother.
Adam, on the other hand was another
story. He, as usual, kept his emotions
close to the vest. He would disappear
for long stretches at a time. When asked
about it, all he would say was “business”.
“You look like you could use some
company.” A quiet female voice sounded behind him. Hoss hadn’t even
heard her approach. He turned with a
start, his hand automatically to his gun belt.
He stopped when he found a short, woman with long brown hair and
glasses. It was funny; from his
position, seated on the ground, she was looking him in the eye.
“Where’d you come from?” he asked,
starting to stand.
“Don’t get up” she said, placing a small
hand on his shoulder. “It’s easier to
talk to you if I don’t have to look straight up!”
He laughed softly, settling back to his
position on the ground. “Good
point. You ain’t no
bigger than a minute. Now; who are you?”
“Well” she started leaning against a
nearby tree and shoving her hands in the pockets of her jeans. “Let’s just say I’m a friend who knows how
you’re feeling right about now.”
“Huh?”
“This is really my mom’s job but, she’s
been forbidden to interfere in your destiny.”
Hoss was
stumped. “Lady, you’re makin about as much sense as goulashes on a cow pony!”
She sighed. “O.K. how’s this. Your destiny doesn’t lie on the throne of
“Adam?”
“Yes Adam.
Has he ever let you down before?”
Hoss thought for
a moment. No, he hasn’t. Do you know what he’s up to?”
“Yep.”
“Can ya tell
me?”
“Nope.”
“Can you at least tell me your name?”
“Robin.
But if anybody asks, just tell them a little birdie told you that you
are fulfilling your destiny right here on the Ponderosa.”
Hoss visibly
relaxed.
“Just to be on the safe side, don’t tell
anyone about our talk until Adam finishes what he needs to O.K.?”
Hoss glanced
away for a second. “If
you say so.” When he turned back,
she had vanished. On the wind he heard
“Tell Adam mom still won’t let me fly!”
*************
As Hoss walked
in the front door of the ranch house, everyone could see that something had
change. He was almost completely back to
his old self, he jovial manner returned.
“Where you been son?” Asked Ben as Hoss plucked an apple from the bowl on the dinning room
table.
“Oh just talking to ma.” He said, munching happily.
Joe spoke from his perch on the
hearth. “And did she answer you?” He asked skeptically.
“Nope.” Munched Hoss. “But a little birdie told me not to worry
that everything would work out in the end.”
“If you say so big
brother. Now…I have chores to
finish in the barn.” He said as he left
the room.
***************
Adam left the next morning for a short
business trip to
Mid afternoon of the following Monday
found Hoss once again sitting for the artist to
finish this “blasted painting”. The man
wouldn’t even let him see the thing until it was finished, and he was getting
on his last nerve!
Ben sat quietly at his desk, pretending to
work on the ranch ledgers. In reality, he was thinking of Inger, and
wondering what she would think of all this. He wondered if she even knew of any of her
family’s past before they moved to
“Howdy Adam” yelled Hoss
from his perch. “Where
ya been so long.”
“Sire, please hold still.” Said the exasperated
painter. Of all the royals he had
painted in the past, this one had to be the most exasperating! Hoss ignored him
and moved across the room to great his brother.
Ben approached the twosome. “Son, how did it go? Contracts all taken care of?” He asked, clasping Adam’s hand.
“Dealt with the first ten minutes I was
there.” He said, unstrapping
his gunbelt.
Ben frowned. “Then where have you been these past five
days?”
“Is Joe in the barn? I think he should be here to hear this as
well.” He looked to Mr. Wentworth,
seated in his chair by the fire. “Won’t
he Mr. Wentworth?” He asked
cryptically. The man couldn’t look him
in the eye.
Joe was soon found and returned to the
house. “Hey Adam, when did you get
back?”
“Just a few minutes ago. Now,” he started, waving his hand in the
direction of the seating area as if directing a play. “If you all will take a seat, I’ll tell you
what I found out.”
After everyone was comfortable, he
began. He looked for all
the world like one of his college professors, beginning a lecture. “Pa, remember I told you I spent some time
researching Inger’s homeland while I was in
Mr. Wentworth looked sharply at the one
addressing the assembled. “There aren’t any
descendents! She had no children!”
Adam remained silent, staring. His arms were crossed over his chest, his
feet planted slightly apart. “Want to
try that one again? Remember, I know the
whole story.”
The man visibly wilted. “Alright, I confess.” He started, jumping to his feet and into
Adam’s face. It was obvious he was
angry. “If you knew, why did you let us
continue with this charade???” The man
was livid!
Adam just flashed a knowing little smile
that didn’t even reach his dimples.
“Until this minute, I wasn’t sure.
I only knew there was another. I
only suspected it was you.”
“I don’t understand. How did you know it was me?” He asked, totally confused.
“Simple.”
He said, relaxing his stance. You
were way too eager to help Hoss assume his
duties. It was obvious; well, at least
to me, that something didn’t ring true. It triggered long forgotten memories of the
afternoons I spent in the libraries at Harvard.
I hired my own investigator to do a little backtracking on Inger’s family.” To
his father, “Sorry I couldn’t tell you pa, but I didn’t want to get anyone’s
hopes up in case I was wrong.” Continuing his story. “Anyway, he confirmed that there was
indeed another sibling, an older sister named Inger
as well. Apparently Erik idolized
her. He even named his daughter after
her. She died shortly after giving birth
to her seventh child, a son. The boy’s
father took the children and fled to
“You’re doing quite nicely…why don’t you continue.”
The man was beyond angry.
“This child changed his name when he
reached legal age and joined Scotland Yard.
What I haven’t figured out is why you tried to put Hoss
on the throne when you are the next in line?”
“Wait a minute Adam.” Interrupted Hoss. “If
it’s supposed to go the oldest…ain’t that me?”
Adam smiled, “Believe it or not little
brother, Mr. Wentworth here is two days older than you. He is the rightful heir. I’d lay even money he neglected to include
this little tidbit of his family history in his report to the Swedish
government or his superiors at the Yard.”
Mr. Wentworth sighed. He had to face facts…the party was over. “I didn’t feel that I was qualified to ascend
the throne. I felt that I could be of
better use training another to take my place.”
To Adam.
“You are right Mr. Cartwright, I am the last of
Inger Wentworth’s children. I was her oldest son. I watched my parents and each of my sibling’s
die during an influenza outbreak before I was twelve. I grew up in an orphanage until I was 21. From there I attended the police academy in
Ben had sat quietly during his
speech. “Are you going to set the
records straight with your superiors or am I?”
“I was hoping Hoss
and I could reach a compromise.”
“If it involves me leavin’
here…I ain’t interested.”
“But sire, your destiny is…”
“I was told by a very reliable little
Robin bird that my destiny was to live out my life right here on the Ponderosa.”
Adam shot a sharp glance at Hoss. Ben noticed
and made note to ask him later what it was all about.
Mr. Wentworth sighed again. “I understand sir.” To Ben, “I will be sending a wire to my
superiors at first light explaining everything.
I’m sorry for all I’ve put your family through these past few weeks.”
“All will be forgiven if you set things
right in the morning.”
“Understood sir. I think I shall take my leave and return to
As the four of them stood on the front
porch and watched the man ride out of the courtyard, Joe leaned closer to Hoss. “A little
Robin bird told you? The animals are
answering you now?!?”
Hoss thought for
a moment. “Yea, maybe I was dreamin’. I mean she
did disappear right after we talked.”
Something else “Adam, right after she disappeared, she said to tell you
‘mom still won’t let me fly’? Do you
know what she’s talkin’ about?”
Adam just looked at him for a moment. “That was some dream Hoss.” He answered vaguely.
“Yea, guess you’re right.” He and Joe turned to enter the house, Joe
still teasing him. “Now the animals are
answering you! Jeez…what will you come
up with next?”
Ben stopped Adam with a hand on his
arm. “O.K. what’s going on? You’ve been acting strangely ever since Hoss mentioned the bird he was dreaming about.”
Adam smiled, remembering his sojourn into
the future. “He wasn’t dreaming pa. Robin is Mickey’s daughter. During the entire six months I stayed with
them, she kept pestering her mother to teach her to fly the helo. Apparently she still hasn’t talked her into
it.”
“I guess this means we still have our
guardian angels watching over us.”
“Or at least a ‘guardian
angel in training’.”
******************
“You went to see Hoss didn’t you”
“I
had to mom, he was so miserable. The
last time I looked in on him, he looked like he wanted to jump off the ridge instead
of talk to Marie. By the way,” she
pointed to the ceiling. “Are they mad at
me?”
Mickey chuckled softly. “Inger is very happy you took it upon yourself to help her
son, Marie and Liz haven’t said but look like they’re just as happy, Abel just
thinks it’s funny. He thinks you’ll be a
great guardian someday.”
EPILOGUE
Ben sat at his desk, trying to catch up on
the bookwork, but his mind wasn’t in it.
His glaze continued to drift to the large package reclining against the
back of the settee. It was addressed to Hoss, from Mr. Wentworth.
A few moments later, he heard the sound of
horses entering the courtyard. The boys
were returning from the eastern pastures for dinner.
“Hoss” he called
as the three stood by the door, taking off their hats and gunbelts. “A package arrived for you from Mr.
Wentworth.”
“What is it pa?” Hoss
asked, spying it for the first time.
“I think it’s your portrait. Remember the painter left before it was
finished.”
Joe’s curiosity was getting the best of
him. He crossed the room in just f few
steps and picked up the picture. “Well,
what’s taking so long? Let’s open this
puppy!”
Hoss took it
from his little brother’s hands. “Now
hold on there. This thing’s addressed to
me. Besides, there’s a letter attached
here.” He opened the letter and scanned
the short note. “Hey pa it says…Dear Hoss, I thought your family would enjoy having this. Your official portrait was complete. It seemed a shame for you not to have
it. Good luck. Sincerely, King Charles XV.
(a.k.a. your cousin).”
The family stood in silence, staring at
the portrait. They were speechless. It was a full size portrait of Hoss as he had posed for the artist. Instead of his normal work clothes, the man
had added all the royal trappings that he would have worn as king. From the crown he wore to the heels of his
pointy shoes, he was every inch the king, and looked as if he belonged.
“Hey Adam.”
“Yea.” He answered, not taking his eyes from the
picture.
“Remember that guy that thought he was
King Arthur***?”
“Yes.”
“Remember when he knighted you before he
got on the stage and called you Sir Adam, Knight of the Round Table? Remember what you said after he left?”
“Yes” Adam, said, trying to figure where
he was going with this line of questioning.
“Who’s the pheasant now?” He asked,
puffing his chest and rocking back on his heels. He had an almost swagger as he walked away.
Joe
started to correct him but Adam stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. “Let it go Joe, he’s earned it.” He laughed.
=======================
*Character from my first
story Knockin on Heaven’s
Door.
**From the episode Once A Doctor. The
description Ben gave to
***From the episode A Knight
To Remember.