Chapter 2: Breaking Horses and Breaking the Mold

After I was sworn in, things settled down. No more shouting about war or the Northern Initiative. But I dove headfirst into learning, calling in local officials every day to ask about Idaho’s geography, customs, population, and budget.

Senator Lane started second-guessing himself. Was this really the same kid who used to skip out for football bets and bar crawls? Maybe the ancestors really did come knocking.

Either way, as long as I didn’t cause trouble, Lane figured we could stabilize Idaho for a few years—then maybe try the Northern Initiative for real.

One day, the Capitol’s doorman crashed in. "Senator, something bad’s happened!"

Lane hated panic. Seeing the guy so frazzled, he frowned.

"His Honor was racing horses with General Wayne, fell off, and blacked out again!"

"Senator, slow down! You lost your shoe!"

Lane bolted, grumbling to himself, This kid just can’t go a day without drama.

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The mood in the governor’s office was about as comfortable as a cactus couch.

My arm was in a sling, face scraped up, mouth crooked, one eye puffy—real pretty.

General Wayne stood there, looking like he wanted to melt into the carpet.

Lane towered over us both, face set in stone.

Me? I was speechless. At eighteen, I could bench three plates, chug the strongest whiskey, ride the wildest horses, flirt with the prettiest girls... Okay, that’s getting carried away. Back then, I thought I was invincible. Turns out, I’m just breakable in a new body.

Who knew the stirrup would be so awkward now? Uncle Wayne didn’t warn me. Ranchers take bumps and bruises in stride. Who snitched to the Senator?

General Wayne was at a loss. His Honor wanted to practice riding and archery—wasn’t that a good thing in tough times? We’d both survived seven charges through the Snake River Valley… Who ratted us out to the Senator?

Senator Lane was fuming. Wayne, you’re an old man with a white beard—still horsing around with the boss’s kid?

He cleared his throat. "The late governor… [insert ten thousand words]… You gotta take care of yourself, sir, and don’t forget: Idaho needs you."

"You’re right, Senator. Idaho needs me. So, when do we launch the Northern Initiative?"

Lane sighed and dragged General Wayne away.

I knew that routine worked. I grinned, which just pulled at my scabs and made me look even more pitiful.

"Call the state doc again."