Chapter 43 - The Price of Iron and Blood
The courtyard was ringed by Thornton’s private mercs, their rifles leveled at the terrace. Judge Vance slowly reached for his judicial seal, but Thornton raised his silver-topped cane, gesturing with dismissive contempt.
"Save the parchment, William," Arthur said smoothly, descending the iron steps until his polished boots hit the gravel. "The Federal Circuit in this territory answers to the Secretary of War, and the Secretary answers to my board of directors. Every mile of track between here and Omaha is bought, paid for, and chartered in my name."
"Not Black Ridge," Clara said, stepping into his line of sight. "Black Ridge belongs to the township. The mine deed belongs to Caleb, and the timber rights are sealed under my mother’s maiden name."
Arthur stopped. For the first time, a flicker of genuine irritation cracked his cold exterior. "Your mother was a sentimental fool, Clara. She gave away fortunes to build church steeples and mountain schools. I corrected that error long ago."
"By having her coach run off the switchbacks?" Clara demanded, her voice cutting through the courtyard like a straight razor.
A chilling stillness settled over the men. Even Thornton's hardened privateers seemed uneasy under the open sky. Arthur did not deny it. He merely adjusted the cuffs of his coat.
"She stood in front of an engine of progress," Arthur said coldly. "Those who do not ride the train are meant to be crushed beneath it. Now, surrender the ledgers Governor Sterling left in the vault. Surrender Black Ridge, and you may live out your days on an allowance in San Francisco."
Caleb took two strides forward, his broad shoulders shielding Clara. "The only thing leaving this valley in a wooden box, Thornton, is you."
May you like
Arthur smiled—a dead, predatory grin. "Look to the ridges, boy."
High above the pass, black smoke billowed from three separate peaks. Artillery batteries, covertly positioned by Thornton’s advance scouts, aimed their mortars straight at the heart of the settlement.
