Gunslingers, Vampires an' Saviours, Pt. 3

Morning came quickly upon the small village. As the sun began to peek over the horizon, many of the townsfolk were already full into their chores for the day. They worked together as a community, ensuring that they would survive. Neighbours would help neighbours, keeping everyone sustained with all the essential necessities. All but two residents of the village were busy with the beginning of their day. The other two, happened to be a pair of elven gunslingers.

Shani pushed her hair out of her eyes and stretched as she yawned. The sound of a rooster crowing greeted her as she slowly opened her eyes. Pania was right, the nightshirt was comfortable, and the feather bed was a great deal more comfortable than the chair ever would have been. She rubbed her eyes and began to move, but heard a squeak of protest as she did so.

“Five more minutes,” the muffled voice of Pania sounded out. And then Shani realized something very, very strange. She looked down and furrowed her brow as she saw the tiny hands of the elven bard wrapped around her waist. Shani huffed slightly and rolled her eyes as she lay back down.

“Ya moved the pillows,” she stated matter of factly.

“Mhmm,” Pania replied in her muffled voice. Shani could tell that the small elf did not have her head buried in a pillow, but against her shoulder.

“An' the extra blanket.”

“Mhmm.”

“We never done nuthin' last night, did we?” Shani inquired in a mildly annoyed tone. “I never started drinkin' 'r nuthin', did I?”

“No,” Pania said as she sighed and moved her head to speak more clearly. She was smiling broadly as she gave Shani a squeeze.

“Cut thet out,” Shani remarked as she looked over her shoulder. Her nose came only a fraction of an inch from Shani's, and she could see the look in Pania's eyes. She quickly moved to look back at the door to the bedroom. “An' git thet thought outta yer head. C'mon, we gotta git up.” Pania reluctantly let Shani's waist go, stretching as she lay in the midst of the feather bed. Shani lazily walked over to the wash basin and ran water through her hair. “I smell breakfast bein' cooked. Two good meals in less 'n a day.”

“Cannu argue wit' tha',” Pania said with a smile as she rolled out of bed and waited for Shani to be finished with the washing basin. “Jus' wonder when we gotta go o'er the details o' the clutch.” Pania plopped down in a chair as she waited, watching Shani with some mild interest and smiling slight. Thoughts rushed through her mind, and she only sighed slightly. Give it time, she thought to herself. “An' I wonder wha' these 'orses are tha' they say they found,” she finally said as though trying to change the subject in her mind.

“Be nice if they were ours,” Shani said as she moved over to her clothes. She began to lift her nightshirt but stopped and looked toward Pania. “Y'all kin look the other way now,” she said as she arched an eyebrow. Pania sighed heavily and moved to the wash basin, busying herself with a quick morning clean up. Shani shook her head and rolled her eyes as she began to dress. The only thing she was thinking about was breakfast, that was enough. She had no interest in whatever filled Pania's mind.

*****

Breakfast was filling. Eggs, bacon, fresh bread, and a large bowl of oatmeal. Much heartier than they normally would have had. But the pair of elves found themselves much more lively because of it. They could easily settle down here and forget about home, their own families, and live out a peaceful life. But they really never would fit in. Elves, they were considered different without a word spoken. And gunslingers to boot.

But right now, gunslingers is what this village needed.

The elders had gathered in the village square as some of the younger men brought out two large chests. Shani and Pania just watched as they opened the chests revealing a large number of weapons. Frederick stood beside them, explaining what needed to be done.

“We'll prepare the weapons,” he said in a soft tone to the two elves as he watched the proceedings. “These weapons have been with many of the families for generations, brought with us from Europe. They hold a special meaning, and we believe if they are used they will give a greater deal of luck to both of you.”

“Magic o' this world,” Pania said quietly. Shani nodded wordlessly in understanding. While these people did not know of magic as the elves did, they still had a magic all their own. “May'aps this'll 'elp t'ward vanquishin' the evil foun' 'ere.”

Frederick looked over to Pania, his brow furrowed as he tried to understand her words. “Ya kin feel it,” Shani explained to him. “There's somethin' dark in the woods when ya ride. Jist like a naggin' feelin' at the back o' yer skull.” Frederick nodded slowly, understanding exactly what they meant. He'd felt that feeling many times before.

“The location of the clutch we know of all too well,” Fredrick explained. “Fifteen miles north of here, the forest grows dank and thick, and the mist rises. As you draw closer, you will suddenly see your goal. It is very rare for anyone to return alive from such a journey, but we have been fortunate to have one survivor.” Frederick bowed his head as though in prayer. “Even if it cost him his sight.” Those who had gathered remained silent as though any word spoken would be a travesty against this one man. Shani and Pania refrained from speaking during this time. Flip remarks and quick wit were not what they needed right now. Frederick looked back to the two elves as he spoke, changing the topic to their current goal instead of misfortunes of the past. “You two will head out on the road after the noon meal.”

“Um...” Shani said as she raised her hand slowly. “Whyn't we jist head out, I dunno, maybe now. Catch 'em durin' the day. Whiles theys all 'sleep in their coffins.” She looked to each person for some confirmation of the logic she tried to convey, but found no reassuring looks. “I'm gonna go out on a limb an' say thet's b'cause thet'd be easy.”

“Ye cannu see the castle durin' the day,” a voice called out. Slowly, a middle aged man hobbled forward, leaning his weight on a cane as a woman, more than likely his wife, assisted him. A blindfold was wrapped around his eyes. Both elves immediately knew that this man was the lone survivor spoken of earlier. “Only by the light of the moon, will the vampire's castle make itself known.”

“Great,” Shani huffed as she looked to Pania. “Why is it supernatural boogety boos always gotta make things hard.”

*****

Dieter opened the doors to the stable as quietly as he could. Behind him, Shani and Pania followed, carrying their new arsenal of weaponry. Adding to the pistols they wielded, and in Pania's case, a rapier, they each carried a crossbow and two quarrels of bolts. The weapons would help, no doubt, in particular, the two gun belts filled with silver bullets. Those would help immensely. But as the elves walked into the barn, it wasn't the weapons they were concerned with.

“Gipsum!” Shani called out with a smile and looked to Dieter. “Them two horses ya found musta been ours.” She raced over to the stall and inspected the horse carefully. Dieter motioned to Shani and directed her to a pile of gear, neatly packed away. Shani nearly giggled with glee as she found her satchel, still full of the cash from the bank job, all five thousand dollars were still intact as far as she could tell. She put her emotions in check for a moment and patted the satchel. “I'll leave this here,” she informed Dieter with a nod.

Dieter smiled and shook his head, but only assisted in preparing the horses. “Don't ride them hard,” he finally said with a helpful suggestion. “You'll need them fresh for the ride back. And fresh just in case you have to return riding hard and fast.”

“Aye,” Pania said with a sigh and a light nod. “I've go' a feelin' we may be needin' ta do so.” She looked over to Shani for some consolation. Shani smirked slightly as she picked up the saddle and walked over to her horse.

“C'mon,” the elven gunslinger simply said as she started saddling up the horse. “Sooner we git on the road, sooner we find this place.”

“Indeed,” Pania offered quietly as she followed Shani's example. As she finished saddling up her horse, she began stowing the extra weapons in easy to reach places, taking care to note where everything was. Once she was finished, she looked to Shani and spoke in a quiet, but even tone. “Inta the mouth o' 'ell we ride.”

Fly Like An Eagle

I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I'm free
Oh, lord, through the revolution

That old Steve Miller song has a lot of truth to it. The freedom one can see from something as simple as a bird of prey as it glides on the wind currents. Such was the case today, as I spotted a hawk doing just that. Later in the morning I saw not one, but four that seemed to be playing on the air currents.

There have been a larger number of hawks, falcons and other buteos that I've seen this year in Saskatchewan. I am not sure the reason why, it could be a number of things. Better hunting grounds, destroyed traditional nesting grounds, changes in climate. There are a number of factors as to why birds and animals move to new locations. Saskatchewan is home to many different kinds of hawks. One of the first that I ever saw was the Red Tailed Hawk. The Red Tailed Hawk is one of the most commonly seen in Saskatchewan, especially in the aspen parkland ecoregion. A drive through the country would often result in spotting perhaps half a dozen of these buteos either soaring on the air currents, or sitting stoically on fence posts. Like many soaring hawks, the Red Tailed has very acute vision to be able to see prey from flight or even perched.

Other hawks that are common in Saskatchewan are the Swainson's Hawk and the Ferruginous Hawk, though the latter is greatly reduced in numbers.

Falcons also have a common place in the province, with both the American Kestrel and Merlin seen quite regularily. Even the more well known Peregrine Falcon has it's migratory patterns following through Saskatchewan. A fierce hunter, the population of Peregrines has dwindled due to heavy use of DDT in the past, placing the falcon on the endangered species list.

Take a close look around, you never know what you'll see. Especially if you look up.

Simply...

...keep 'em flyin'.

Gunslingers, Vampires an' Saviours, Pt. 2

While the young woman had given herself freely, a sacrifice to save the rest of the village, fear still welled up in her breast. The vampire, dressed in fine silks and only the best of leathers, approached her slowly, a sickening smile on his face. She thought she recognized the man from somewhere before. Could it have been a traveler, unfortunate enough to stumble upon the clutch? She didn't know, nor would she know. The only thing clear was this would be her last night on this earth.

The vampire reached out a hand, gently caressing the woman's cheek, cooing ever so softly as he did so. “Such soft skin, for one who lives in a community such as this,” he whispered as he slowly walked around her, pressing himself to her as he wrapped an arm around her waist, gently resting his hand on her belly. “Mmmm, and untouched as well. Only the finest, I see. This village has decided to offer me only their best.” His hot breath caressed her neck as he took in her scent, almost becoming aroused by it. Tonight would be a good night indeed.

A sudden crash pushed those thoughts back and a scowl formed on his face as he looked toward the doors of the church. “Who would dare interrupt my feeding?” he seemed to scream in anger.

“I would, ya varmint,” Shani Wennemein said as she held firm both pistols. Beside her, Pania gripped her rapier and aimed her pistol at the vampire. “Time ta send ya back ta the hells where ya b'long.”

A laugh, a mocking laugh was all that greeted the pair of elves. Obviously the vampire was highly amused. “You must be joking,” he scoffed as he pushed aside the young woman. She fell to the ground, but fear had gripped her as she only lay where she fell. “Oh, to the contrary. You will be the entrée,” he said pointing to Shani. “She will be the main course,” he pointed to the young woman. “And for dessert,” he said as his hollow eyes drifted to Pania.

“'Ope I make ye fat,” Pania hissed. The comment was almost like a signal, as Shani began firing. Pania took the cue and began to circle the vampire, taking a shot every so often to draw his attention from Shani. Bullets normally don't hurt a vampire. But silver, that is something different.

While they would not kill the vampire, they would slow him down. Silver has a paralyzing effect on vampires. Unlike werewolves, which can actually hurt and even kill, vampires are only slowed by the components in silver. And as the pair of elves unloaded, the vampire's movements became sluggish. He growled, knowing that each bullet strike was slowing him more and more.

“'Ow many rounds left?” Pania shouted out to Shani.

“Two. What 'bout you?”

“Last one!”

Shani gritted her teeth and ran forward, hoping the effect of the silver would be enough. She slammed her shoulder into his chest. While he was slowed, he still had his strength. He grabbed her and threw her violently to the ground, falling to straddle her as his fangs dripped venom. “Perhaps I should turn you, little bit. Hmmm? How would you like that?” His right hand reached out to grasp Shani's throat as he raised his free hand up in victory.

But it wasn't victory just yet. There were two elves, not one.

Pania drove the rapier through the vampire, just so it would exit his chest. The blade's appearance caused confusion, and maybe even a touch of pain in the vampire. His reaction was even slower than he would have liked. By now, he would have grabbed the person who had done this, and feed viciously upon them. Instead, he heard the familiar click of a hammer being pulled back, and then the violent report of the pistol as it fired the bullet point blank into the back of his skull.

Pania forcefully removed the rapier from the vampire as the creature slumped to the ground. He was slowed, but his body was still regenerating. Should he escape, he could recover easily from his wounds. But Pania had other ideas. Quickly, she jumped onto the vampire's body, wielding a wooden stake. Quickly, she drove it through the creature's chest, aiming for his heart. As the blood spurted forth from the wound, Pania's scream matched the death cry of the vampire.

“Burn in the 'ells, ye bastard!”

With that, it was over. Pania pushed herself off of the vampire as it twitched and writhed. Shani rose to her feet, coughing slightly as she was finally getting air into her lungs again. Even still, she took out a cigarillo, and lit it. The match she tossed onto the frills that decorated the vampire's silken shirt. It caught quickly, eventually engulfing the creature. Shani marched over to Pania and offered her a hand to her feet. Once standing, Pania just watched as the fire ate away at the remains.

Slowly, the streets filled, all watching the spectacle. No one had ever killed a vampire in the village before, but these two elves, these two strangers had succeeded where they had failed. Perhaps these two weren't demons, but in fact, saviours.

*****

Shani ripped off a piece of bread and used it to soak up some of her stew. It had been so long since she had a good meal like this. Her usual fare consisted of rations, whiskey, the odd rabbit, whiskey, and a sparrow or two. It was more than evident that Pania felt the same way, but the lithe elf figured that at least she got a meal or two from some of the tribes. Shani lifted a stein filled with cider and washed down some of her stew.

The two elves were the only ones seated at the long table in the rather spartan looking house. They had moved there after the townsfolk disposed of the vampire's remains, and the mother of the young woman offered the two a good, hot meal in reward. Although, she kept noting how thin Shani and Pania were.

“Thank ya kindly fer the meal,” Shani spoke up after finishing her stew. “Ain't had anythin' as fillin' as thet in a good long while.” Pania nodded in agreement as she drank down some cider. She was still finishing off her meal, proving that she could pack away the food when need be. Shani could only stare in amazement. “Y'all ate more 'n I did, ya gots a hollow leg 'r sumthin'.”

Pania stopped eating and looked to Shani for a moment, then heard the laughter from one of the smaller girls in the room. All told, there was twenty people just watching them eat. If it hadn't been for the fact that Shani and Pania had just saved the village from a vampire, the feeling would be rather unsettling.

“So, um...” Pania spoke up as she cleaned herself up. “Wha' 'appens now? We still dunna 'ave 'orses 'r any supplies.”

“All that will be taken care of,” one deep voice replied as the door to the humble house opened. “I believe we may have found two horses that could suit you. But we ask only one thing of you two.”

“Hell, we won't say a dang thing 'bout this village...” Shani started to say until she felt a sting on her shoulder as Pania gave her a swat. “Ow! Thet dang well hurt.”

Pania looked to the man, obviously Dieter's father by the similar features in his face. “Wha' 'xactly is it tha' ye be needin'?”

“That vampire was not the only one,” the man spoke softly as he took a seat at the table. “While you were eating, the village elders discussed something. It is evident we need assistance. And you look more than willing to be able to do this. We ask if you might be able to help us rid this curse which has befallen our community.”

“Well, we really ain't vampire hunters 'r nuthin', we's jist a pair o' gunsl...” Shani started until she felt another sting on her shoulder. “Ow! Dangit, girly girl, stop hittin' me.”

“Shani's righ',” Pania offered with a small sigh. “We're no' vampire 'unters, bu' we'd both be remiss if we turned our backs on this problem an' jus' rode 'way. We do 'ave some experience with the supernatural, bein' where we from.” Pania watched the group for some reaction, seeing their attention was riveted to her words. “We come from 'nother plane o' existence. Elves 're common place there, an' magic abounds. We 'appen ta be o' wanderin' 'earts, an' tha's why we wound up 'ere.” She sighed slightly as some of the people nodded in reply, attempting to understand, but Pania knew they never could. “As I said, we'd look more like scoundrels if we jus' walked 'way from ye.” She smirked slightly. “No' tha' it would give us any forgiveness with the United States government...” she said as she shrugged.

Frederick Van Bueren nodded with a smile, resting his large arms on the table. “For now, rest,” he said in a calm and even tone. “We'll prepare in the morning. We have weapons and extra bullets. But for now, just rest.”

*****

Pania was thankful of the linen nightshirt, it was warm and cozy. Even the feather bed was a comfort compared to the hard ground she'd been laying on as of late. She crawled into the bed, and then looked over at her new partner. Shani leaned back in a chair, still wearing her denims, chaps and cotton shirt, her hat tilted down over her eyes. “Ye know, they do 'ave a nice nightgown ye could wear, an' the feather bed's go' more 'n 'nough room.”

“No thank ya, I'm fine where I am,” Shani's muffled voice said from behind the brim of the hat.

“S'prised ye dunna ge' a back ache tha' way.” Pania grinned as she patted the bed next to her. “I could give ye a massage, work out the kinks.”

“No thank ya, I'm...” Shani stopped mid sentence as she realize just what it was Pania was saying. Slowly, she tilted the brim of her hat up with a finger tip and looked over to the elven bard. “I don't swing thet way!”

“Oh,” Pania seemed to whine just a bit. “C'mon, at leas' dunna sleep on a chair. I'd feel guilty if I took the bed an' ye 'adda stay there.”

“Then, how 'bout I take the bed an' you take the chair,” Shani offered in a deadpan tone. Pania was fluttering her eyes now, offering a tempting smile. “Stop thet,” Shani said gruffly as she lowered her hat.

“No' e'en jus' a wee bi' curious?”

Shani tilted the brim of the hat up slowly again, her brow furrowed as she studied the pale elf. There was that charming smile again. But, she had a point, the feather bed was a lot more comfortable than a hard, wooden chair. She smirked just a bit and rolled her eyes.

Gunslingers, Vampires an' Saviours, Pt. 1

The pair walked the moonlight road quietly. Who knew what lay in the forests along the path they walked. Each said very little, as they both wondered just who it was that might have taken their horses. Captain Williams wouldn't have done this, he'd have roused them from sleep and had them both in shackles by now. Pania took out a flask as she walked, pointing out a small bridge five hundred yards ahead.

“Village beyond tha',” she said as she took a swig and passed it to Shani.

“Maybe they seen the horses,” Shani remarked as she took a drink. The sudden rush of an unexpected liquid touched her tongue and she coughed heavily, grimacing as she pulled the flask away. “What the hell's this?”

“It's water,” Pania said casually and then grinned. “Expectin' whiskey?”

Shani just grumbled as she corked the flask and passed it back to Pania. The lithe elf had been walking just slightly ahead of Pania, so when she passed the flask back, she had a full view of the road they just traveled.

And she saw something.

Shani stared in wonderment, and slight fear as she whispered to Pania. “Bein' followed.”

“Huh?” Pania questioned as she turned to look where Shani was gazing. There, on the road, was a solitary figure. Slight of frame the figure seemed to be there, but not be there at the same time. And under the light of the full moon, he seemed to glow. “Oh gods,” Pania whispered as her hand reached for her rapier hilt. As her hand drew closer, the strangest and most terrifying thing happened. The figure was about one hundred yards behind them. In a blink of an eye, he was suddenly five yards away.

And this was when he bared his fangs.

“Jist run!” Shani shouted as she smacked Pania's shoulder. The action was enough to rouse the pale elf from a hypnosis of wonder. And then something else took her over. Fear. And a sudden need for survival. “Gods damn vampires! I thought here on Earth they was jist all legend an' myth.”

“Figure tha' isna so,” Pania replied as her feet carried her faster and faster. Still it felt like she was trudging through molasses in January. The covered bridge grew closer and closer, yet still seemed so very far away.

“Keep runnin', girly girl,” Shani tried to encourage. She didn't look back, but had a nagging feeling that Pania might have been attacked. But she wasn't sure. “We're almost at the bridge, then we git inta thet village b'yond.”

Pania kept pace with the lithe elf. Shani was fast, but Pania had run a race or two in her time. The pale elf could almost feel the hot breath on her neck as she ran, sending shivers up her spine. Not even the comforting sound of their boots on the wooden bridge eased her. The vampire was still behind them. Only the comfort of the village would finally allow them a chance to breath easily. “Try fer one o' the 'omes!” Pania suggested as she bolted for a door.

The street was wide, not the usual pioneering town the elven gunslingers had frequented before. They were in Pennsylvania Dutch territory. The buildings were practicle, the street wide enough to let three teams of horses pass with ease, and at the end of the street, almost like a beacon was the church. A Lutheran building, typical of the settlers of German ancestry that settled in this area of the States.

The elves tried each door they could, but found them locked, and empty. Or the residents ignored their cries for help. Pania saw shutters on windows closed quickly by hands inside. They both huddled in the centre of the street, fear creeping deeper and deeper into their bones. Desperately, they looked around the town, speaking in heavy breaths, hoping that the comfort of another would help ease their fear, difficult with the ghostly laughter that seemed to echo through the streets. The vampire was zeroing in, and two elves were in his sights.

"Theys all lock up tighter 'n Fort Knox,” Shani breathed. “I don't think they like strangers 'tall.”

“Wager ye righ',” Pania replied as she desperately searched the village for one house that might allow them entry. It was then that she realized the obvious. “The Church! C'mon!” She grabbed Shani's arm, nearly dragging her as she ran. The doors of the church might not be locked, and it was more than likely this place would be their only saving grace. Closer and closer the doors grew, all the while, screams and laugher of terror and madness grew louder behind them.

The vampire was closing in.

Just when they thought the inevitable would happen, the pair of elves burst through the doors, quickly slamming them shut as they leaned against the now strong wood. The vampire wouldn't enter these halls. Shani and Pania would be safe.

And they would have company.

As they breathed heavily, letting their hearts slow down from the fright they had just endured, they realized they weren't alone in this hallowed of places. Fifteen village residents had taken refuge inside the walls of the church. Obviously, they knew something was happening. Maybe this vampire had been here before.

The vicar stepped forward, studying the pair carefully. His brow furrowed as he caught sight of the guns slung low on their hips. “Outlaws,” he snorted. “You seek refuge inside this building? Yet you bring weapons inside.”

“Refuge,” Shani panted heavily as she tried to get her words out. “Vampire... outside... chasin' us... hadda run.”

“We're jus' wantin' the shelter from the storm,” Pania offered in a more complete sentence. “Please, we're no' 'ere ta 'urt anyone...” Her sentence was cut short as the vicar ripped her hat from her head, tilting her head to the side as he caught sight of something else. A delicate finger traced the long tips of her elven ears.

“Demons,” he snorted. “You could very well be working with the vampires.”

“Ya know,” Shani spat out quickly. “Gittin' kinda tired o' bein' equated ta demons. We're ELVES! Ya know! Like pixies, fairies, sprites an' the like. Fey folk.”

“Uh... Shani,” Pania cautioned her partner carefully as she tried to speak in an even tone while the vicar cupped her chin in his massive hand. The vicar was not a small man. “May'aps keep the roarin' ta a minimum in 'ere.” Pleading eyes looked up to the vicar. “Please. We're no' 'ere ta 'urt anyone. We jus' want shelter from wha's outside. It's all we ask.”

The vicar let go of Pania's chin and nodded slightly, but with no expression change on his stoic face. “You can stay here until mornin'. Then we expect you to go.”

Shani and Pania muttered their thanks then raced to the window, curiosity getting the best of them as they gazed out beyond the small graveyard in front of the church. They gasped as the pale face and deep, dark eyes looked back at them, the twisted smile only made worse by the prominent fangs seemed to grin at them. The elves jumped back with a cry and cowered against the wall beside the window. “Ye think 'e saw us?”

“I'm pretty sure,” Shani replied with a nervous nod.

*****

The vampire walked through the graves, just waiting, savouring the scent he had caught from the pair. Sweeter than anything he'd every smelled before. He would savour this hunt, even if it meant he would have to chase them all across this continent. Just feed along the way, and the elves would be his ultimate goal. It was like a high, a euphoric feeling. Their blood would be so sweet, so pure, so filling.

His thoughts drifted as he heard the click of a door latch. Turning to the sound, he saw a young woman stepping out from the door way. “Perhaps I will have no need of the gunslingers this night. My meal has been brought to me. How precious, how lovely. A perfect sample to satiate my lust.” He grinned as he slowly walked toward the woman. She was giving herself willingly, and while the chase often made the blood just as sweet, a willing victim was as exciting. Either way, he would feed this night.

*****

“'E still at the window?” Pania asked in a whisper. The pair had huddled together on the floor, and the closeness of each other seemed to draw some strength for both of them. Shani slowly rose to her feet, eyes peeking above the window sill.

"Holy crap!” she seemed to shout her whisper as she spied what was happening in the moonlight street.

“Shani!” Pania said in a warning voice. “We in a church.”

The lithe elf looked to Pania with a furrowed brow. “What? It ain't like I said dangit 'r nuthin'.” She looked out the window again, describing what she saw. “There's a woman in the street. Look like some kid. The vampire's walkin' over to her.”

“Wha'?” Pania said with shock and scrambled to her feet, gazing out the window. She saw the scene clearly, almost more clearly than she'd like to. "Tha' child's a goner," Pania gasped, stating the obvious.

Shani rose to her feet quickly, drawing both pistols. Those who huddled together in the church stared in disbelief, shocked that someone would draw a pistol in the confines of a holy place. The lithe elf looked to them for a moment, then spoke with reassuring words as Pania joined Shani in a weapons check. "I ain't one ta let bloodsuckers git 'way with such things like thet outside. Come hell 'r high water, I'm gonna take thet bastard down, 'r die tryin'."

"Then you'll need these," the voice of a young man spoke up. A muscular and tall man stepped forward and held out a small box to Shani. "Silver bullets."

Shani looked over the box a moment before accepting it with a nod. "I take it y'all been roughed up by this one b'fore."

"The clutch of vampires has ravaged our community for years," the vicar explained. "Once a fortnight they steal one person." He hung his head as he described the situation.

"They?" Pania remarked as she loaded her pistols with silver bullets. "So there's more 'n jus' the one. Ye tried fightin' back?"

"Yes," the vicar replied quietly. "But it is difficult. These are just the brood. They are lead by one much stronger."

"Well," Shani stated as she finished loading her Colts. "This'll be one less fer the brood. Thanks fer the bullets, kid," she said turning back to the young man.

"Dieter," he simply said with a smile. "Dieter Van Bueren."

"Shani," the lithe elf replied as she tipped her hat and smiled. "Thet there short one is Pania. Pleased ta meetcha." Shani turned to Pania and offered a grin. "Ya set?" Pania gave a wordless nod as one hand gripped a pistol, the other held her rapier. "All right then, let's go say hi ta tall, pale an' scary."

Between Raisin' Hell An' Amazin' Grace Pt. 6

Dieter Van Bueren held up a calming hand as he spied the two animals. He and his father had been on patrol around the small Dutch community. Always there were strangers and strange people coming to Reading at night. But this was the first time a pair of horses showed themselves.

Dieter's father stepped forward to study the horses. “They aren't work horses,” he mused. “They've been used for ridin'.” And then he saw the scabbards that held the rifles and shotguns. And then the satchel filled with cash. Frederick Van Bueren furrowed his brow. “Gunslingers,” he snorted.

“They gonna be comin' here, father?” Dieter inquired, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

“If they are, they'll find these horses will be in the stables,” the elder Van Bueren replied. “They can take the horses, but they'll be told ta leave as soon as possible.” Frederick looked to the sky. Already the moon was rising, a brilliant full moon it was. “Come on. Best get back into town. It's close to the witching hour, and that's a hunter's moon.” Dieter nodded as he gently took the reigns of the horses, leading them back into the safe confines of the town.

*****

Pania struggled against the wind, eyes narrowed and hands held high to protect herself from the coming storm. She was positive this was a dream, but it felt so real, however, it was a matter of waking up. Which currently was extremely difficult. The faces that appeared before her were ghastly apparitions and she wondered if this might not be some warning of the days to come. She only received such images when closely tied to the weave, and never before on Earth. Something was extremely wrong, because she knew that just a few hours earlier she and Shani had bunked down along a trail that was not that far from a little town called Reading, Pennsylvania, just east of Harrisburg.

So what was this all about?

She never received an answer as she was quickly shaken awake. The elven gunslinger that had promised to help her was by her side.

“Wake up!” She was screaming and shaking the smaller elf's shoulders. Pania opened her eyes and started to wipe the cobwebs away as Shani let go of her shoulders. “Dangit! Take ya ferever ta wake up! We gots problems.”

“Huh?” Pania grunted, having only just woken up, that early form of verbal communication having slightly eluded her, even with Shani using large words like we and got. “Wha...?”

“Horses 're gone,” Shani informed her motioning with one arm to the very empty looking campsite as she moved over to her small pile of possessions. “Saddles, ev'rythin'. Only the stuff I had with me, an' the stuff you had with ya 're still here.” The lithe elf was more than just a bit pissed. She snorted as she picked up her belongings. “They even split with the satchel filled with alla the money from thet job in Harrisburg.”

“They? Wai', who, they?” Pania asked as she started to realize how dire the situation was.

“Hadda be more 'n one,” Shani seemed to hiss. “Gathered the stuff up, took the horses an' split.” She looked up to study the stars through a break in the canopy of the trees. “An' I figger it's gittin' on midnight. We ain't far from Readin', maybe we kin catch a break, see if they may 'ave found the horses.”

Pania sluggishly gathered her things together, still trying to piece together all the information she had received. It would be a long walk. “We're may'aps twenty miles from Readin'. Maybe get there by mid day.”

“I figger so,” Shani replied. “But we ain't gonna git anywheres sittin' here jawin' 'bout it. C'mon. Let's make tracks.” Shani started her trek along the path, as Pania quickly followed, even as difficult as it might have been for her. She had finally finished taking stock of her supplies but still seemed a bit groggy. They each had their guns, clothes, bedrolls, some cash and a few rations. Pania still had her rapier and a few personal items. Enough to get them to Reading. It would still be a long trip. As they walked, the silence of the night seemed to envelope the area. Fortunately for the elves, their eyes were good in the dark. But there were those who had even better vision.

A small rustle of leaves was the only sound as a lone figure stepped out of the shadows where Shani and Pania had been sleeping. His face contorted into a sick and twisted grin as he watched the pair, now some distance down the path. “That's right, my little jewels. Walk, get the blood pumping. It's so much better when the rush of adrenaline has been flowing through the veins. It makes the taste, so much sweeter.” He laughed quietly, a sickening sound and fell back into the shadows that enveloped the forest.

The end... for now

Between Raisin' Hell An' Amazin' Grace Pt. 5

They slowed their horses to a crawl. It had been a while since the last gunshot had sounded, more than likely the posse had given up the chase. At least the sheriff and his men would have, Captain Williams on the other hand, would find some way to continue. At least they had some breathing room again. They stopped their horses as they drew closer to a peaceful stream. Shani stretched in the saddle as Pania dismounted and guided her horse to the stream's edge. The pale elf set her duster hat down as she cupped some of the water in her hands, splashing it over her face.

“I'm gonna be 'eadin' ta Shreveport,” Pania stated as she ran her wet fingers through her hair. “If ye willin', I wouldna mind the company.” She rose to her feet, stretching slightly to work out the kinks in her body, and slowly turned around. No sooner was she facing Shani again, that she found herself falling to the ground. The lithe elf took a swing and connected with Pania's jaw, sending the smaller of the two crashing to the ground. She partially landed in the stream, and flailed her arms as the splash of water soaked her completely. As Pania's world began to clear again, she found herself staring down the business end of one of Shani's Colts. “Wha' the bloody 'ell?”

“Who are ya?” Shani shouted, her face sneering angrily. There was hate in those eyes, Shani suspected that this elf might have been paid to find her, and bring her back to her world.

“I already bloody tol' ye,” Pania shouted back with some desperation in her voice. “Pania Alow!”

“Yer the first dang elf I seen since I come here,” Shani said as she cocked the hammer back on the pistol. “Who sent ya after me? Were it my brother? Did Sywyn set ya up ta do this?”

“Sy... who? No!” Pania replied, somewhat confused. “I found a gate an' crossed o'er. More 'n likely the same as ye did. No one sent me, I'm no' searchin' fer ye. This is jus' a coincidence tha' we're meetin' 'ere.”

Shani huffed a few times and kept her pistol trained on Pania, but she considered the words, weighing them carefully. Slowly, she released the hammer of the pistol, gently putting it back in place so it wouldn't fire. With some reluctance, she twirled the pistol and holstered it, resting her hands on her hips as she studied Pania, who still lay on the ground. “Coincidence,” Shani said with some disbelief. “I ain't never been one ta prescribe ta fate, or coincidence. But I guess the world's big 'nough ta have it happen.” She sighed slightly as she reached out a hand to help Pania up. The pale elf graciously took it, lifting herself up and trying to wipe off any leaves and twigs that came up with her.

“Ye know, ye coulda jus' asked me tha' without the punchin' an' intimidatin',” she suggested to Shani. “I gladly woulda said the same thin'.”

“Take it from my perspective,” Shani replied as she tended to her horse. “I been runnin' from pretty near everyone wearin' a badge, an' everyone tryin' ta collect a bounty fer better part o' a year now. A person kin git a might twitchy after a while.” She removed the saddle from her horse and set it down on a fallen tree as she spoke. “Figger yer facin' the same thing.”

“Aye,” Pania said softly as she also tended to her horse. It was evident they needed a rest. The afternoon sun was beginning to shine through, and they'd be better off traveling at night. “I 'it caravans an' stagecoaches carryin' medical supplies. Take 'em ta the tribes so they can tend ta their sick.” She sighed as she sat down on a good sized rock by the stream's edge. “Ye know wha' they've gone through?” Pania asked Shani.

“I heard some,” Shani replied. “Heard tell 'bout a hunnerd years back 'bout Europeans givin' Injuns diseased blankets. Whole tribe wiped out from pox, jist b'cause some governor 'r some diplomat d'cided thet the land'd be great fer farmin', but didn't wanna buy from the Injuns.”

“Aye, there is tha',” Pania remarked, then looked to the satchels that Shani seemed to protect closely. “So... 'ittin' banks. Robbin' stagecoaches.”

“Yeah,” Shani smirked. “Partially do it fer the thrill, but I git rid o' most o' the money. This here job I pulled brought in maybe five 'r six thousand.”

“Good 'aul,” Pania replied with an impressive smile.

Shani shrugged at the compliment. To her, the money nor the amount was the goal, but just seeing if she could pull it off. “I give it 'way, mostly. Come 'cross a share cropper 'r some drifter needed some cash ta eat. Ev'n Injuns needin' ta git by long 'nough fer the next huntin' season. I jist keep 'nough ta git by. I kin make more playin' poker in some small town. There the law ain't so far reachin' as it is. An' ya gotta be quick with a pistol.”

“Know 'bout tha' all too well,” Pania said with a nod. “I rode in from the west a while back. 'Eard rumours o' an Underground Rail Road bringin' slaves up from the south. I were gonna be 'eadin' down ta Shreveport.”

“Been south b'fore,” Shani stated. “Never been much further west 'n Madison, Wisconsin. But Shreveport I been ta b'fore.”

Pania had taken out her bedroll as they talked, setting it up and using her duster as a pillow. She lay down on the soft grass as they spoke, the wind rustling the leaves in the trees and the babbling stream the only other noise. “I could use the 'elp. Someone who may know the area well 'nough.”

Shani chuckled softly as she set out her own bed roll. “Yeah, I know a few good places down there. Good saloon ta git in on a poker game 'r two.” She rolled up her long coat as a pillow and lay down. For a few moments, she studied the smaller elf, questions filling her mind. But instead of leaving them unspoken, she fired them off. “So, what's a bard like ya doin' out here?”

“Bard?” Pania snorted at the question. “'Ow ye figger tha'?”

Shani arched an eyebrow and smirked. “C'mon now.”

“Fine, fine,” Pania sighed with a smile. “Been 'ere b'fore. 'S no' me first trip 'ere. 'Bou' seventy five year back I come 'roun'. Most o' this place were still bein' settled at the time. I were curious, an' come walkin' through. Bu' this time were jus' fer the adventure. A want ta walk. Wha' 'bou' ye?”

Shani sighed as she made herself comfortable. She thought on the question for a time before finally answering. “I guess a lil from column A, an' a lil from column B. Some place diff'rent ta come ta. A place ta do things thet I wouldn't dare do back home. Things're a might diff'rent here, thet's fer sure.”

“Like the lack o' magic,” Pania offered.

“There is thet, yep,” Shani nodded with a sigh. “Ya kin feel it, can't ya? I mean, 'least the lack o' it.”

“Oh, it's there. Bu' no' as strong as back 'ome. It's like the 'umans dunna e'en b'lieve in it, so it's gone down ta a faint spark. Only mages 'ere 'r 'and magicians. Entertainin' fer the crowd.” Pania rolled over onto her side, propping herself up with her arm. “So, tell me. All tha' stuff on the wanted posters. It true?”

Shani laughed aloud at the question. “Jist a buncha bullshit, truth be tol'. I ain't killed no thirty nine people, thet's fer sure. 'R thirty seven 'r however many they say. An' I ain't stole more 'n fifty thousand dollars. Nowhere near close ta five hunnerd grand they sayin'. I will say, though, thet they got it right on my shootin' a pistol.”

“No ego there,” Pania said with a grin.

“I ain't gonna hold back, I am more 'n likely one o' the best gunslingers these parts ever seen.” Shani looked over to the elven bard with a grin. “Now what 'bout y'all? How 'bout yer wanted poster? Ya actually kill a U.S. Marshal?”

“Ye wanna talk 'bou' bullshite,” Pania scoffed lightly as she rolled her eyes. “I were tryin' ta save 'im from fallin' off a cliff. Couldna pull 'im up. 'E fell, they tacked 'is death ta me.” Pania shrugged lightly and sighed. “I'm a bit ticked 'bou' tha', bu' nuthin' I can do 'bou' it. 'Least the marshal knows the way it went down.”

“Yeah, ain't thet the truth.” Shani sighed as their conversation quieted. She suddenly realized just how tired she really was. A yawn from the pale elf told her that Pania was just as tired. A rest, a well deserved rest, and then back on the road.

*****

Evening came along quickly. The long days of summer were starting to wane, and the lengthening shadows of the evening only hearkened the coming of fall. For the two elves, they slept comfortably, at least as comfortably as one could on the ground. Not even the sounds of the forest brought them out of their slumber.

Nor the quiet clomping of hooves, as a pair of horses walked through and slowly disappeared down the rest of the trail. One other set of foot falls accompanied them, quiet as they were. And neither elf was any the wiser.

Between Raisin' Hell An' Amazin' Grace Pt. 4

Sheriff Richard Calloway saw the small object drop to the ground at the base of the bridge. He had his suspicions what it might be, and then he looked again as he saw the small spark of the wick. “Dynamite!” he shouted and pulled on the reigns of his horse. Several of his men stopped in their tracks in response to his action. Captain Williams did as well, and steered his horse back to Calloway. The look in his eyes was not at all a friendly one.

“What are you doing, Sheriff?” Williams spat, talking to Calloway as one would speak to an unruly child. “We have to continue the chase.”

“With all due respect, Captain,” Calloway sighed with his reply, suddenly annoyed with the attitude this officer was giving him. “Black Mask just tossed a bundle of dynamite on that bridge. I'm not suicidal, and I'm not sacrificing my men.”

“How can you be so certain that Black Mask would take such a measure?” Williams replied, anger evident in his eyes that this sheriff would be so bold as to question him. As though there needed to be a reply to Williams' question, an explosion sounded out, and the bridge quickly became unstable. All the men in the posse looked toward the noise, watching as the bridge didn't explode into a million toothpicks, but began to slide into the river below.

“Does that answer your question for you, Captain?” Calloway snorted.

*****

“Well shit,” Shani huffed as she watched the bridge slip into the river. “Thet weren't near as spectac'lar as I were 'xpectin' it ta be.”

“Effective, nonetheless,” Pania remarked with a shrug. She had to admit, Black Mask had a few tricks up her sleeve. And she'd seen her shoot, she was no slouch with the long barrel Colts she carried. “I take it ye really didna wanna kill any o' those men anyway.”

“What the hell fer?” Shani sighed. “They ain't done nuthin' ta me, they jist doin' their jobs, so I kin unnerstan' they chasin' me. But I'll give 'em a ride ta remember while they doin' it.” Shani leaned back in the saddle, feeling Gipsum shift just a bit. It was the first time in a long morning ride that the horse had an opportunity to rest, and he took advantage of it as he nibbled at some grass that grew along the trail.

Shani and Pania watched the posse across the river, now completely separated from the two elves. But the pale elf realized something. While the posse couldn't get their hands on either one of them, they could still make their lives hell. “Miss Black Mask,” Pania said quietly.

“Shani,” the lithe elf replied, correcting Pania. “Jist call me Shani. B'sides, I always thought Black Mask were a dorky name. I wanted sumthin' more akin ta Wild Bill 'r Sundance 'r sumthin' like thet...”

“Pania,” the pale elf said with a kind smile as she interrupted Shani's speech regarding nicknames. “Pania Alow.” She sighed softly and gazed across the river, taking note of the activity. “We're no' outta the woods yet, so ta speak,” Pania informed the elven gunslinger. “Tha' posse still 'as guns, an' those bullets can still rip 'cross the river.”

Shani's voice fell silent as she gazed across the river. She hadn't been paying attention to the small posse. And now they were moving into position. “Shit,” Shani said quietly. “Shit!”

*****

Captain Williams and the remaining soldiers lined up on the river bank, watching the pair of elves resting leisurely across the river. He was mad as hell, and had completely pushed the thought of his orders to bring Pale Rider to Washington alive. He already had a story cooked up. She attempted escape and was shot and killed. It was the truth, after all. Add Black Mask into the mix, and the story would become more plausible.

Calloway had also gathered the remainder of the posse and joined the soldiers, rifles in hand. “Wound only, men,” he warned. “Neither one of them fired with intent to kill any of us, so we can give them that grace. They'll live long enough to face a judge and jury.”

“Sentence has already been passed,” Williams sneered to Calloway as he spoke. “There's only one thing I want to see these two taken in for, and that's a pine box. Shove 'em both in the same one, save the wood.” He raised his rifle as he barked his orders to his men. “Shoot to kill, men. This is the end of the line for Black Mask and Pale Rider.”

*****

Pania's eyes grew wide as she sat in the saddle just staring, like a deer caught by a hunter. Shani, on the other hand, grimaced as she realized how open and exposed they were. The lithe elf looked to Pania, lashing out with a swat to her shoulder to bring Pania to her senses. “C'mon!” she shouted as she spurred her horse forward. “We gotta git.”

The two elves began the race of their lives, as they encouraged the horses down the trail, trying to outrun the bullets as they ripped through the air. The shots were close, hitting the ground and the nearby trees of the forest. Every so often a small tree they would pass behind would become riddled with bullets from the guns across the river. Shani took a glance at the men, taking note that some had began to keep pace with them across the river, firing wildly. They wouldn't have perfect aim as both their targets were moving and they were also at a full gallop. Difficult to hit a target with a rifle like that.

“Look fer a break in the bloody trees!” Pania called out. “There's gotta be a trail 'eadin' in.”

“Thet's what I'm doin', dangit!” Shani called back. “I ain't no slouch. I'm jist a bit busy tryin' not ta git hit.” Both of them lay low on their horses, flinching every time a rifle report sounded. The horses hooves pounded the dirt path, as they raced faster and faster. They also knew the desperation that they faced, as any one of those bullets could just as easily rip into them. Shani desperately looked across the river as she checked their own position. No break in the trees was visible, nor were they completely safe from the posse. It looked as though they had a clear trail for a good long while. Which meant they could keep firing until they ran out of bullets.

Or they both dropped from the bullets with their names on it.

“Ain't gonna think 'bout thet,” Shani hissed to herself through clenched teeth. She couldn't think about that. She wasn't about to die on some planet far from her home, never to see her family again. She had other ideas.

*****

Calloway raced his horse along the riverbank, slowing only to fire, then continuing the chase. He didn't subscribe to Williams' idea of shoot to kill. After seeing these two and comparing what he'd seen with what he'd read, he began to doubt the rumours that these two were vicious killers like other bounty hunters and lawmen had described. Neither one fired with the intent to kill. Neither one had tried to trap them. Even dynamiting the bridge was an obstacle to aid in their escape. That was all they wanted, to escape and ride on. Calloway was just that close to letting them go. But that would mean Williams would continue on.

The pair of gunslingers had one thing that would save them.

Calloway knew his territory well. And he knew that he had almost run to the county line. After that, he'd be out of his jurisdiction. He pulled hard on the reigns of his horse, bringing it to a complete stop. His men followed suit. They too were aware of how far they'd traveled. Calloway looked to his men, making certain they were all fine. Tired, yes, but they suffered no bullet wounds.

“Sheriff!” an angry shout from Captain Williams sounded. “What the hell do you think you're doing?”

“I know my territory, Captain,” he shouted back, brow furrowed in anger. “You wanna keep ridin' those two ta hell, be my guest. Far as I'm concerned, they've run far 'nough ta live another day. They haven't killed anyone in my town. An' Black Mask only made off with some money. I doubt she cleaned out the bank.”

Williams scowled but didn't argue. Calloway wasn't one of his men, so he couldn't order him without direct orders from the President. And those orders were never given. “We continue the chase, men!” he barked to the tired looking soldiers. “HA! Move out!”

*****

Pania took a chance and peeked across the river. Calloway had stopped, so had Williams. But if she knew the Captain, he'd keep riding. Which meant they still had a long way to go. Her eyes searched the tree line they rode past frantically, there had to be a clear path through and onto freedom. Once there, then another decision must be made. Ride with this seemingly wild, and rather brash young elf, or continue south, onto Shreveport. Perhaps that was where Black Mask was heading. Only time, and the quiet that came with escape would finally tell.

“There!” Pania finally shouted out, pointing toward a small path that lead into the trees. Small enough for one horse and rider to pass through at a time.

“I see it,” Shani replied as she gritted her teeth and pushed forward. Gipsum seemed to read his rider's mind as he bolted for the break, jumping into the small pathway with ease. Only hoof beats behind came Pania. The narrowness of the path would slow them down, but at least they would be free and clear.

*****

Captain Williams pulled tight on the reigns bringing his horse to a sudden stop. His teeth bared as he scowled. Yet again, Pale Rider had slipped through his fingers. He would have to report his failure to Washington. But maybe not just yet.

He studied the river for a moment, deciding the water was too quick to cross, more than likely too deep as well. Caught in the current, it could carry a man for miles, and a horse and rider would surely face death. “Find a way across,” he spat out. “There has to be another bridge along this river. Once we cross, then we continue our search.”

“Captain,” one of his men announced. “What if they back track?”

“They won't,” he seemed to growl. “They already destroyed the bridge.” He looked over his men and pointed one out. “Go to Harrisburg and get a message to Washington. Let them know that Pale Rider has enlisted the aid of Black Mask. Create new posters, double the price if necessary. I want them both found and in shackles before the end of the month.”