Chapter 31: The Bargain
The morning sun filtered through the trees as Eli sat nervously on a wooden chair in the Clarke farmhouse. His hands were bound loosely in front of him, but it was the weight of everyone's eyes on him that made him squirm.
Michael leaned against the table, arms crossed, his sharp gaze fixed on the young man. Abigail stood nearby, her expression a mix of curiosity and caution. James and Thomas Turner flanked the doorway, silent but imposing.
Eli cleared his throat. "I told you, I didn't want to be with them. Silas forced me. If I didn't join, he would've gone after my family."
Michael tilted his head, studying Eli. "And yet, you were with them last night, ready to burn down our farm."
Eli shook his head quickly. "I wasn't ready for anything! I didn't fire a single shot. I just… followed orders. I didn't have a choice."
James stepped forward, his voice stern. "And why should we trust anything you say now?"
Eli swallowed hard. "Because I can prove I mean no harm. I know where the gang's camp is. All of it—the supplies, the loot—they left it behind when they scattered. I can take you there. Help you recover it."
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A Risky Proposal
The room fell silent as the words sank in. Michael exchanged a glance with James and Abigail.
Thomas raised an eyebrow. "And why would you do that? What's in it for you?"
Eli hesitated before answering. "My life. You spare me, I'll show you where the camp is. After that… I'll leave if you want me to. I just want to live."
Michael's eyes narrowed. "You'll leave? Or you'll stay and work off your debt to this community?"
Eli blinked, surprised. "Work? You'd let me stay?"
"That depends," Michael said slowly. "If you're truly done with the gang and willing to earn your place here, we could use someone who knows the land and the people we're up against."
Abigail spoke up for the first time. "It's a risk, Michael. What if he's lying?"
Michael nodded. "It is a risk. But if he's telling the truth, this could set us up for the future."
James sighed. "It's your call, son. But you'll be the one responsible if this goes wrong."
Michael turned back to Eli. "We'll go to the camp. But if you try to double-cross us, or if there's even a hint of trouble, you won't get a second chance."
Eli nodded vigorously. "I swear, I won't betray you."
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The Journey to the Camp
Later that day, Michael, James, and Thomas set out with Eli leading the way. They rode through dense woods, the horses' hooves muffled by the soft forest floor. Michael kept a watchful eye on Eli, his rifle resting across his saddle.
Eli was quiet for most of the journey, glancing nervously at his surroundings. After a while, Michael broke the silence.
"Why'd you join them, really?"
Eli sighed. "I wasn't lying about my family. Silas found out where they lived and threatened to burn their farm if I didn't join. I thought I could protect them if I went along with it."
Michael nodded thoughtfully. "And now?"
Eli hesitated. "Now I just want a fresh start. I didn't sign up to hurt people."
Michael didn't reply, but his expression softened slightly.
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The Gang's Hidden Treasure
When they reached the camp, it was deserted. The clearing was littered with makeshift tents, scattered supplies, and the remnants of last night's fire.
Eli dismounted and gestured toward a pile of crates near one of the tents. "That's where they kept most of the loot. Supplies, tools, even some coins we took from other settlers."
James and Thomas began searching the area, their movements cautious but efficient. Michael approached the crates, prying one open with the butt of his rifle. Inside, he found sacks of flour, bolts of cloth, and a small chest filled with silver coins.
"This'll go a long way," James said, his voice low with approval.
Eli pointed toward another tent. "There's more over there. Weapons, mostly."
Michael followed his direction and uncovered a cache of rifles and ammunition. He whistled. "This is enough to arm the entire community."
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A New Ally
As they loaded the supplies onto their horses, Michael turned to Eli. "You've proven yourself today. But the real question is, what are you going to do now?"
Eli looked down, his hands fidgeting. "I don't have anywhere else to go. If you'll have me, I'll stay. Work hard. Do whatever you need."
Michael studied him for a moment before nodding. "You'll work under me. Follow every order. You mess up, you're out. Understood?"
Eli nodded eagerly. "Understood."
James clapped Michael on the shoulder. "You've got a good head on your shoulders, son. Taking him in could be the right call."
Thomas, however, remained skeptical. "Just make sure he earns his place. Trust is hard to come by out here."
Michael glanced at Eli. "He'll earn it. Or he won't stay long."
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A Step Forward
By the time they returned to the farm, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the fields. Abigail was waiting on the porch, her rifle in hand.
"Did it go well?" she asked as Michael dismounted.
Michael nodded, gesturing to the loaded horses. "Better than expected. We've got supplies, weapons, and some coin. Enough to strengthen the farm and help the community."
"And him?" Abigail asked, nodding toward Eli.
"He's staying," Michael said simply. "For now."
Abigail raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. Instead, she smiled faintly. "I trust your judgment."
Michael smiled back, feeling a rare moment of relief. Despite the challenges, they were moving forward. The farm, the community, and their future were all beginning to take shape.
As he helped unload the supplies, Michael's mind buzzed with ideas for what lay ahead. But for now, he focused on the present, knowing that each small victory brought them closer to building a life worth fighting for.
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