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The hoofbeats were rhythmic, soft against the cracked road, as Rick led the two horses toward The Right Arm's southern gate. Their saddlebags were neatly packed—feed, tools, a handwoven blanket folded over one. Miguel and Sarah followed behind with the mule cart, while Glenn rode one of the new horses bareback, carefully guiding it at a slow pace.
The farm had offered more than Rick had hoped. But he didn't say much on the return trip.
Because while they'd only spoken to three during the initial exchange—an older man, a young woman, and a quiet youth—Rick had seen them all: glimpses in windows, silhouettes moving behind curtains, a second table being set in another room.
It wasn't just three.
And he remembered every face.
The Right Arm – Southern Gate
"Open up!" came Morales' voice from the tower.
The gate creaked slowly as the team approached, and by the time it was fully open, a small crowd had formed inside. The sight of two living, well-groomed horses made heads turn. Carl was among the first to step forward, eyes wide.
Rick dismounted and handed the reins off to Joel, who immediately led them to the stables. Rebecca, the Homestead's horse handler, was already preparing feed and water.
Shane watched from near the wall, arms crossed.
"Both look strong," he muttered. "Didn't think you'd bring back anything that useful."
Rick said nothing, just brushed dirt from his coat and turned toward the council hall.
Council Chamber – Afternoon
The room was filled with the usual suspects:
Rick, standing.Shane, leaning back, skeptical.Dale, pen in hand, listening.Morgan, focused.Guillermo, arms folded.Glenn, flipping through his notes.Daryl, silent as ever.Merle, feet on the table.Morales, ready to brief.
as well as Graves.
Rick began, "We've established trade with a rural community south of Griffin."
Shane raised an eyebrow. "How many?"
Rick replied evenly, "More than we first thought. Family-run farm. Multiple people of working age. They're cautious—but not hostile."
Guillermo leaned in. "You meet the leader?"
"A man. Older. Watches everything. Keeps the younger ones protected."
Dale asked, "They gave up two horses?"
"They know how to breed them. There's another—a pregnant mare. They'll transport her later."
Morgan scratched at his chin. "They know about The Right Arm yet?"
"Only the basics," Rick answered. "Numbers, layout, what we grow. They'll want to see it before committing to anything long-term."
Merle snorted. "Figures. Nobody trusts anybody anymore."
Daryl spoke up. "They got a medic?"
"Of sorts," Rick said.
Shane's voice cut through the quiet. "So what's your play, Rick? Bring 'em all here?"
"Eventually," Rick replied. "On their terms. With our supervision."
Stable Grounds – Evening
Carl stood beside Rebecca as she examined the new horses. She nodded in approval, gently stroking their flanks.
"Well-fed. Calm temperaments," she said. "Whoever raised them knew what they were doing."
Carl grinned. "Can I help feed them later?"
"You can help now."
As they prepped hay and checked the tack, Rick arrived, hands in his pockets.
"Any problems?"
Rebecca shook her head. "They're sturdy. Might even take to patrol if we ease them in."
Carl looked up. "When are you going back for the others?"
Rick looked toward the horizon. "Soon."
That Night – Fireside Talks
The mood was lighter around the fire that evening. Some people laughed. Others played cards or sharpened weapons. Kids kicked a ball near the storage shed.
But on the upper wall, Rick and Morgan stood in silence.
"She was watching me," Rick said quietly. "Older daughter. Protective."
Morgan glanced at him. "She speak much?"
"More with her eyes than her mouth."
"You think they'll join us?"
"They'll need reasons. But they'll come."
Morgan nodded. "People always come to a fire when the night gets cold enough."
Elsewhere – Shane's POV
Shane stood with Joel and Morales, discussing patrols, but his eyes often drifted toward the stable.
The horses.
The damn horses had everyone thinking about growth. Expansion. Trade.
He saw the council shifting. Saw how they leaned in when Rick spoke now. How even Dale was no longer as cautious.
That girl at the farm—whoever she was—Rick hadn't said her name. But Shane saw the way he talked about her. Thought about her.
He didn't like it.
The Next Day – Rick and Daryl Scout Prep
In the armory shed, Rick packed a new saddlebag while Daryl checked arrows and bowstrings.
"We head back in two days," Rick said. "Escort them here if they're willing."
Daryl grunted. "They seem ready?"
Rick nodded. "They've been surviving on their own this long. But I think they know what's coming."
"You think they'll all come?"
"Not at first," Rick admitted. "But they're a family. They'll follow each other."
Greenhouse – Beth's Song
Near the back of the compound, Nora the Homestead teacher tended to seedlings. Carol worked beside her, but paused when she heard humming—soft, melodic, from a child at play nearby.
It reminded her of something.
A girl in a different world.
Later, Rick would recognize the same tune drifting from the farm's porch when he returned.
A subtle reminder that music still survived.
Second Council Briefing – Two Nights Later
Rick called a smaller council meeting—just Morgan, Shane, Dale, and Guillermo.
"I want to take Daryl and Glenn. Escort team. I want them to see we're committed to peace."
Dale asked, "You plan on walking them all here?"
"One wagon for the mare. Walking pace for the rest. We'll clear stops, set up a night perimeter."
Guillermo added, "Homestead's got a spare axle and wheels. I'll get Elias to start rigging it."
Shane exhaled. "We just lost people two months ago. You trust them that much?"
Rick answered calmly. "I trust what I saw. A family. One that hasn't turned bitter."
Carl's Perspective
Carl watched the horses graze as the sun set.
Sophia stood beside him.
"Do you think they'll have kids our age?"
"Maybe," Carl replied. "It's a big family."
"You sound like your dad."
Carl smiled. "I hope so."
That night, Rick sat alone at the map table again. He didn't write anything down. Didn't move the pins.
He just stared at the farm's mark on the map.
He remembered:
Beth, humming softly on the porch
Otis, adjusting a hitch harness in the barn
Patricia, checking a wrapped leg with experienced hands
Jimmy, nervously shadowing the older man
Maggie, always watching
And Hershel, steady and silent, the world written in his weathered eyes
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If you enjoy my work, consider supporting me on Ptreon for early access, exclusive chapters, and more:
15 Advanced Chapters on Patreon
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