Uther was stone cold sober despite how much whiskey he had consumed the night before, his vice was obvious but well hidden. He was clean that morning, freshly shaved and his clothing as clean as they could be from the china-man launderer who had set up weeks ago adjacent to the general store. He was enjoying a cup of coffee when she came in, looking like his wife more than ever. Uther was not ready for such a sight which had him looking up at her in half glare half primitive lust pent up from a man missing the touch and love of a woman. His eyes closed, blinking away the haze forming as he downed the scalding hot sludge.<strong> "The Castle boys have been spotted working out of the mines to the north, you best take enough for a few nights outside the city. The miners are as likely to shoot us as any of those boys and their lackeys." </strong>He shared what information he had.<br/><br/><strong>"It is best we leave at sunset and ride at night, less likely people will know I am gone. By the time we return my deputies should be able to hold the fort." </strong>Uther explained and told her the plan, not bothering to mention he would be traveling with her.<strong>"Any questions?"</strong>He asked, expecting a few or her to insist they leave right away.