Sydney walked towards the three with a suspicious eye, anyone one or more of them could have take the original map.
The youngest of the group she found out was named Andrew Kirkland, he went by Andy, he had just graduated from High School and before going away to College at the far off Northwest Missouri State University, and leaving Apache Junction where he was born and raised he wanted to give finding the mine that had intrigued him since he was a child one more try.
Amy Stevens was a shy young woman and trying to get any information out of her was like pulling teeth, but after a little coaxing Sydney had been able to find out from her that she was taking the tour on a dare from her brother Mike, who had told her she wouldn’t last two seconds in the wilds of Arizona. Her brother was a mountain climber and into everything that was considered an extreme sport, while she preferred a quiet life working with handicapped children.
The final addition to their little group was Lee Harmon, he was a lawyer from Los Angeles on vacation. One of his clients had recommended the tour and since he needed to get away from the grind of the city for awhile he had decided to give it a try.
While Sydney was with the other three Nigel was happily talking with Zach. He had to admit he really liked the man, he was friendly, laid back and completely enjoyed his work.
Zach could see that Nigel knew a good horse when he saw it. "He’s a beauty aint he."
"You can say that again."
"I got him when he was just a colt through one of the wild horse adoption programs. I could tell from the moment I saw him he would never be truly tame, but I prefer him that way, no horse should ever have its spirit broken." he said as he scratched his old friend behind the ear. "It took some time but I was able to gentle him, even though sometimes I not sure who trained who, isn’t that right Moe" he said with a laugh "I like the Three Stooges so shoot me. So I take it you ride."
"I used to, mostly jumping and that sort of thing. It made being away at school a little easier. I would spend as much time as I could around them."
"Well than I have just the horse for you." he directed Nigel glance over to a Brown Mare. "She’s a spirited one, her name is Lucy. I only let experienced riders take her out as she can be a bit stubborn, but she’s a good horse."
After getting acquainted with Lucy, Nigel worked his way back to Sydney, she had told him what she had learned about the others, everyone was still a suspect in her eyes. After they gathered their gear they rejoined the others as Zach went over the route and gave a short history lesson on the area and the many legends that surrounded it. As they headed out Nigel was impressed by the Majesty of the area and then felt a cold shiver go down his spine, he quickly shook it off and looked at Sydney with a smile as they began their journey.
Go to Part Eight.