The sun slowly inched itself up shattering the bond of the darkness for another day. I awoke and got on my feet, sleeping on the ground for a few days now has a way of making you feel like the dead. Soon, I discovered that I was the only one up at that moment and decided that it would be for the best if I went for a little walk around the place. Trying to get my bearings a bit and to answer the call of my bladder. While, I walked through the untamed wilderness and came to a dead tree, the remains of an old Willow tree, it’s dried branches sitting still in this very moment. Everything felt so surreal and at the same time, it just seemed as if I walked into a painting one would find hanging on the wall of some saloon out in the middle of cattle country. This was the most appropriate place for me to relieve myself and as I committed the act. I looked off to the distance and could see someone standing off in the distance. Thinking nothing of it and finishing up, I walked back over to the wagon. The Fort walls growing with every step I took. With some time to kill and everyone still asleep, I decided to enter the gates of the Fort. But before I could some shouted from the lookout post. This took me a second to register what was being said. “Scout…scout.” He shouted with a tone of both fear and excitement. He pointed like that of a watch that stopped ticking. I turned in the direction that he was pointing and saw the same figure as I saw earlier. A part of me felt sick, I felt at any moment I would be called to step forward and accept my fate. Though, I didn’t care if I were to live and die at this very moment. Now my heart began to race if it were Indian or something else. Quickly, I move towards the wagon, hop in, and move towards the entrance way. The Preacher quickly wakes up and shouts out to the heavens just what’s going on. I told him that something’s happening and soon he jumps onto the bench and begins to steer the horses towards the fort. Without a moment to spare we reenter the gates of the fort and pull in to a halt. Without a moment to spare six soldiers rush to close the gates. A group of soldiers rush out of the barracks with rifles drawn. As they take their stance just in case anyone or thing breaks through the gates. “What’s going on?” Asked the Preacher. “Sir, just take shelter.” A Soldier said as he took formation with the others. The Preacher jumped off the wagon and jolted towards the General Store, standing just outside watching the chaos ensue. As for Alla and myself, we quickly caught up to him and made our way into the store. As we entered the store we were greeted with the Shop Keeper who was busy loading his six-shooter. He looks at us and with a smile and a nod said “Howdy” to us. “What’s going on?” Alla asked. “Nothing to panic over, just a scout was spotted in the distance.” “Indians?” The Preacher asked. “Could be or it could be the Mormons. It’s hard to say, when you hear the bugle then you know it’s the Indians.” Said the Shop Keeper. “So now we stay here and wait.” I said. “Of course, you folks can stay here and browse about. I’m pretty sure you and I will be called up here if the Army needs our help.” “I don’t fight for nobody but myself.” I said in response. “Well, then it’ll make for a long wait.” He said with a chuckle. In the distance, gunshots ring through the air as the troops shout and cry out in gee with facing a battle. Much needed time away from the field of battle has strangled their self-purpose and worth as soldiers. But this is what happens when you train a bunch of folks for war and keep them penned up, the fine line between friend and foe is often blurred.