A little unwritten back story in the Chronicles - The Gambler's House; The Prospector

January 1847 California

"What in tarnation, eh... ", the disheveled figure wasn't some old deranged madman but a strapping young fellow who simply took one too many chances in the pursuit of his dreams of wealth. Brian gingerly rubbed at the sore on his head before being helped to his feet by the angels that saved him and sent his attackers packing into the woods in dread fear.
Women never traveled these trails alone, yet there is something peculiar in the confidence about them. "I reckon I better thank you for your help, thought I was a goner and made my peace with the good Lord when ye came." He picked up his hat and dusted it of before gesturing a gentlemanly thanks to the two women.
"You are most welcome, thank the Lord we came at God's good timing." Replied the blond woman with a slight French accent.
"I never thought a woman that can shoot like that, better than Annie Oakley." He turned to the other woman, "and I never seen a woman handle a knife so fast as a gunslinger can draw!"
"I had a plenty of practice over the centur ...years. I don't believe those highwaymen will bother us. Your mules?"
Brian staggered slightly forward and accepted the reigns, "Thank you Miss uh, miss..."
"Savoy, Ms Savoy." Replied the blond. "I will fetch some creek water and make a compress for that injury."
The dark haired woman nodded,"The name's Maloney, tie your mules to the wagon, I think you should rest in the wagon. We're heading north."
"To Henderson town? I know a good hotel there for you. My treat!" Brian rummaged into one of his packs and pulled out a cloth pouch. Opening it up producing a fistful of dime sized gold nuggets. "I will be my pleasure to reward my guardian angels!"

With musical inspiration from