Chapter 8

The following day, at noon, with the sun blazing at its peak, Mrs. Elena, Erick, Nick, and Micko gathered around a wooden table at Erick’s house. In front of them lay a stack of money, which they regarded with bewilderment. Their perplexity didn’t stem from having failed to tally the amount when Mr. William Thornbury handed it to them; rather, it was because they had no idea how to put the money to use.

“I can hardly believe that our adventure might actually succeed,” Micko whispered, still struggling to grasp the reality.

“It’s real, all right,” Nick said, his voice filled with wonder. “Everything we saw, everything we did ... it really happened.”

Erick nodded solemnly, his eyes on the pile of money. “We can’t just sit here,” he said finally. “We have to be better for the next.”

Mrs. Elena, her face etched with a newfound determination, stood up from the table. “You’re right,” she said firmly. “We need to be prepared. We’re going to need horses and guns if we’re going to take on Lady Amelia and the others.”

The boys nodded, the reality of their situation sinking in. They had started this journey as curious adventurers, but now they were becoming crusaders for justice. The money was a tool, a means to an end, and they had to use it wisely.

“We’ll rest tonight, get some sleep. We’ve earned it.” Mrs. Elena said, her voice firm. “But tomorrow, we start planning. We’re going to need supplies, weapons, and allies if we’re going to take on to the next step.” She paused, looking at each of them in turn. “And, don’t forget Nick, Micko, we should bring your moms along, They’ve suffered enough because of this town. It’s time we bring them some happiness.

Erik nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “That’s is true, buddy, your mom, Mrs. Mary and Mrs. Biddy, perhaps, not the same thoughts as my mom’s thoughts. Just bring them here, and we’ll talk about it”

The next evening, the two boys gathered at Erick’s house with their mothers in tow. The room was filled with a mix of skepticism and hope as Mrs. Elena laid out the events of the past week. The mothers’ expressions grew confused as they heard about the the rescue of Mrs. Thornbury.

Mrs. Mary, Nick’s mother, clutched her apron tightly. “You mean to say, our three kids did all this?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Mrs. Elena nodded gravely. “They did, with a bit of help from me,” she said, her eyes flicking to the other mothers. “But they can’t do it alone. We need to stand together, as a family, to let them grow in living the truth against this madness.”

Mrs. Biddy, Micko’s mother, spoke up, her voice filled with a mix of pride and fear. “I’m proud of Micko,” she said, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “But I can’t help but worry.”

Mrs. Elena nodded, her expression serious. “As long as our town remains steeped in moral depravity, we will always live with fear,” she said. “But by standing together, by fighting against this depravity, we can start to change Hootyville for the better.”

With that, the two mothers looked at each other, then at their sons. After a moment of silence, Mrs. Mary spoke up, her voice firm. “If this is what you believe in, then I will support you, Nick” she said, her eyes on Nick. “But promise me, you’ll be careful.”

Nick nodded, a fierce determination in his eyes. He wrapped his arms around his mother, pulling her into a tight embrace. “I promise, mom” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “I realy love you, mom.There is no one I love more than you in this world”

Mrs. Biddy looked at Micko, her eyes filled with a mix of love and fear. “You too, baby,” she said, her voice shaking. “I know you’re a brave boy, but I won’t lose you.You’ve to be careful, you hear me?”

Micko nodded solemnly, feeling the weight of his mother’s gaze. “I will, Mom,” he promised. “We’re in this together.”

The following days saw the group transform from a band of rescuers into a formidable force of change. They used the money to purchase supplies and weapons, turning Erick’s mother’s house into a base of operations. They studied the layout of Hootyville, noting the locations of the auction places and all the goons gang. They practiced horses riding and their aim, their hands steady as they fired at makeshift targets in the desert outside town.

Mrs. Elena taught them the art of deception, sharing her knowledge of the town’s underbelly. They learned to blend in, to play the part of the townsfolk they were not. Nick’s mom, Mrs. Mary, taught them the importance of discretion, her words a reminder of the dangers that lurked around every corner. Mrs. Biddy, Micko’s mother, taught them the importance of bravery, her words a reminder that many crimes occur because many good people do not dare to do anything.

One day, as the sun beat down on the parched earth, they found themselves in the heart of the desert, their three horses galloping fiercely as if in a race against their own shadows. The animals were a gift from Mr. Thornbury, their coats gleaming under the relentless sun, their eyes filled with a wild spirit that matched the boys’ own. They had become an extension of the trio, their hearts beating in time with the rhythm of the hooves against the sand.

Nick rode at the forefront, his blonde hair fluttering in the wind like a banner of rebellion. His heart pounded in his chest as he shouted over his shoulder, “Faster, guys! Faster! You two chase me”

Micko and Erick grinned, their spirits high as they followed, the sound of their laughter echoing off the rocky cliffs. The horses, sensing their riders’ excitement, picked up speed, their hooves kicking up clouds of dust that painted the desert a sepia hue. They weaved through the sparse bushes and cacti that dotted the landscape, the thorns seemingly reaching out to snatch at them as they passed.

As they approached the cliff, the wind picked up, sending a chill down their spines. Nick leaned forward, urging his horse faster, the gap between them growing wider. The cliff loomed ahead, a jagged line against the horizon, and as they drew closer, the shadows grew darker, hinting at the drop-off that awaited beyond.