Gunslinger's Moon (22 page)

Nadi frowned. “I suppose I will tell you now. I was going to later anyway.”

“Tell me what?”

“Beth believes that I can cure her and the other vampires. She is talking to Douglas about it. But…” Jed’s eyes narrowed. “I will not be able to cure them all. Maybe only a few. Maybe.”

“Do you not have enough supplies, like flowers and herbs?”

Nadi stopped chopping the roots. “My method is not a potion. That is why I have not attempted this sooner. There is a price to pay though.”

“What price?”

“I do not know. It is not fixed.”

He understood where she was aiming. Jed crossed his arms. “You are talking about voodoo magic.”

“Sort of,” she admitted. “I have consulted with the spirits. They are willing to cure Beth and perhaps a couple others. However, they will demand a price. I fear it will be steep and it must be paid. I was willing to wait and brew a cure eventually. If there is one. However, you have put an end to that. You will not wait.”

“No, I won’t.”

“Neither will Douglas. It won’t be long before you both start killing each other.”

“Have you done this before?”

“Not for vampirism. I have made a deal with them before. It is within their power. Not all of them will be saved. You will have to kill the rest of them.”

“Have you told Beth about these particulars?”

Nadi shook her head. Jed was silent. His fingers drummed on his arm as he thought. She cleared her throat. “How about you? I could ask the spirits to cure you.”

Jed tipped his hat. “Much obliged, but no thanks.” He did not sound gracious. “I’d rather not be a plaything for spirits.” He went to the door. Pausing hands on the doorknob, he asked, “Was your deal worth the cost?”

“No. But maybe one day it will.”

“Let me know when you are doing it.”

Inhaling a deep breath, he embraced the dry air. Tempting as it was for a cure, getting involved with malevolent spirits was not a good idea. And all the spirits he had dealt with had been malevolent. Nothing they wanted in exchange could be worth it.

Chapter 15

Obadiah made sure to keep his eyes opened and alert as he rode through town. Most folk kept from looking at him. Fine by him. Gunslingers were intimidating. Though he had to resist smiling. It would not be right if he started smiling to himself. He was just too excited. His first bona fide mission. In no time at all he would be handling werewolves and vampires with only his two guns for help. A corner of his lips turned up, despite his best efforts.

He left town behind, traveling the dusty path to the station. The trip was much easier without the rain and mud clinging to every step. The train was already stopped when he spotted it. There was no need to hurry. The station was crowded with miners. They were loading coal into some of the cars. It was very busy and hectic.

The long train seemed to have one passenger cart. Obadiah doubted many people were in it. Then he noticed Jonathon Reed supervising the operation. Jonathon was not the only vampire around. He recognized another one. Obadiah eased off his horse. No one was paying attention to their rear. There was work to do.

Obadiah got closer, making sure he kept to the back of the station building. He licked his lips, remembering Jed’s warning to not be seen. Noise was not much of a problem. Orders were shouted and coal was shoveled. Loading the train carts was hard work. Patting Indomitable’s nose he said goodbye to his horse. It was unlikely that he would be able to take the horse with him. Patting the horse on the rump he tried to get it walking. He could not take his horse back. Indomitable would have to find its way home by itself.  Eventually the chestnut received the message and started walking.

Obadiah crept to the far side of the station. Peering around the corner he observed the situation. The train had pulled up far, aligning the long platform with its holding cars. Currently the coal was transferred from wagons onto the train. This was where everyone’s attention was at. Even the train conductor was watching the loading, patiently waiting it to finish. The engine was to Obadiah’s right, puffing slow streams of smoke. Behind it and the fuel car was the passenger car.

Assured nobody was looking, he quickly strode up to it. It appeared he was unseen, as he opened the door and stepped inside. No other passengers, it was completely empty. He took a seat on the far side away from the windows looking onto the platform. The seat was not the fancy kind he had seen before. It was simple and unadorned. Comfortable, just not extravagant.

He slouched down, attempting to make it impossible for anyone to see him. His lanky limbs made it a difficult endeavor. He was fairly confident though that no one would spot him. The glass was extremely grimy, no bothered to clean it. All he had to do was wait.

A long half hour passed. There was a sharp whistle. The bustle outside had quieted recently. He figured they finished. The train groaned. Fighting against its own weight and friction, the steel machine began crawling forward. The momentum building, its speed increasing ever faster.

Suddenly, the other door to the passage car opened. Obadiah swiveled around. One of the vampires was standing in the doorway, holding the frame for support.

“You’re one of the gunslingers,” he stated in surprise.

“Yes,” Obadiah replied, lost at what to do.

The vampire took a step forward. “I thought I saw someone on board.” The train had gained its speed, moving fast like a horse. The vampire had smooth features, though a little red. “Where are you going?”

Obadiah watched him move forward slowly. He had no answer nor excuse. He racked his brain for a reasonable explanation. “I’m quitting,” Obadiah heard himself saying.

“Really,” the vampire mused. “Wonder why.”

“It’s hot,” Obadiah mumbled. He cursed his foolishness and his fumbling wits. What kind of reason was that? He licked his lips.

“It is,” the vampire said. He wiped his forehead, but there was no perspiration. The man glanced out the window. “It’s so bright. Just all of the time. Always burning. Makes a man mighty thirsty.”

Obadiah eased the large Kruger from his belt. The vampire was busy staring out of the window to notice. “I used to miss the sun,” the vampire informed him. “Funny how a person changes.”

Obadiah felt the need to say something. Anything. “Yeah.”

The vampire studied Obadiah, a questioning guise appearing. “I cannot imagine anyone expecting you wherever you are heading.”

Obadiah swallowed. The vampire shifted his weight. It was a subtle movement, a slight repositioning of his feet. Obadiah was not sure if he was within reach. Regardless it was to close for comfort. Licking his lips the vampire shrugged, almost apologetically. As if to say, what can one do?

Obadiah never gave him a chance to bridge the distance. He fired through the back of the seat. Wood chips blew out. The vampire stiffened, falling back from under the force of the bullets. Working the hammer, Obadiah slid from his seat and backed away. Forgetting to count his shots, he pulled the trigger to an empty click instead of switching guns.

That brief second was vital. The vampire threw himself forward. He landed on top of Obadiah. Instinct shifted the gunslinger’s neck as a punch went by his ear. The wooden floor proved little resistance. The vampire’s fist broke through it. Clubbing him with the six shooter’s handle, Obadiah scrambled away.

The vampire pulled his fist from the floor. His face looked up. Two long incisors flanked his front teeth and his pupils had turned black. Obadiah reached for his Colt. A steely hand gripped his hand, crushing the knuckles. The gun dropped. The vampire raised Obadiah’s hand from the holster. The vampire let go and Obadiah stepped back.

Raising his fists, Obadiah got into a boxing stance. That pale red face had an amused face. Obadiah launched a quick punch. It smacked his opponent right on the chin. A left flew at him, and Obadiah barely ducked under. He threw a counterattack. Followed by a left and two rights. When the bloodsucker attacked Obadiah dodged, weaving in and out landing several more blows. Now the vampire stepped back rubbings its face. A smile touched Obadiah’s lips. Those boxing lessons were proving useful.

So with confidence he began the fight again. The left swung swiftly. The vampire’s hand caught the blow. Gritting his teeth, Obadiah tried to pull away. No use. The vampire with infinite arrogance shook his finger mockingly side to side. Remembering some other of Jed’s lessons, Obadiah gripped the vampire’s arm. Pulling him forward, Obadiah sidestepped and tripped him. The vampire released the hold, hands moving to break the fall. Picking up his Colt, the kid fired at the floor. His sore knuckles made it hard to cock the hammer rapidly.

The vampire leapt to the ceiling. Then he dove to Obadiah. It was like an owl coming for a mouse. But this mouse dove forward, dodging the aerial strike. Scrambling to his feet the Colt fired as the vampire charged forward. Wrapping his arms around Obadiah’s waist, he kept charging.

Desperately, Obadiah reached out, grasping a pole. He gasped in surprise as they broke the door. His grip held. Their momentum coupled with his hold swung them to the right, right off the train.

In the air, Obadiah and the vampire sailed harshly aground. They rolled. Something hard struck, Obadiah on the head. Stars exploded in his mind. Brilliant blasts that disoriented him. Blinking, he saw the vampire stand up, brushing dirt off. He held a hand to shade the sun, himself distracted.

It was the last opportunity. Collecting as much of himself as he could, Obadiah shouted an incoherent roar, charging forward this time. He tackled the vampire into the roaring train. Metal met skull and the vampire bounced off. Legs unsteady, Obadiah fell back a step, afraid he would stumble into the moving train. His spinning vision saw the vampire on the ground a piece of skull missing. The visible blood began burning in the sun. The vampire tried to rise.

Relentless, the scorching light made the blood hissed and steam. Dreadful cries screeched from the vampire. The open wound burst to flames, turning his head into a torch.  On his knees Obadiah saw the vampire shrivel, twist, and writhe. Everything was darkening.

His strength gave out and Obadiah collapsed, vision black. The last thing he sensed was the roar of the passing train.

Beth shut the door, grateful that Douglas kept the building so dark. The few windows had heavy curtains over them. The black was soothing to her irritated skin. Douglas moved to sit at his desk. He was staring at her, his eyes unblinking.

“You said it was very important,” he began.

“Yes,” Beth said a little breathlessly. She was not supposed to tell Douglas until Nadi had cured her. Beth could not wait. Douglas had been growing restless with the situation about Jed. Hands crossed in front of herself Beth explained, “There is a way for Nadi to cure us. She has finally discovered a cure! I do not know how she managed it, but bless her she did it!” Beth quieted, her enthusiasm had nearly made her shout.

Douglas continued to stare. Gradually he responded, “Is she sure of this?” Beth nodded. “Proof?”

Beth pursed her lips.

Chapter 16

Jed realized he was awake. It was a gradual awareness. Eyes remained closed as he laid on his bed. He was not sure what had woken him, but it was not natural. He released his breath, not inhaling and listened. Silent. Something was pressing on his chest. It was light, not much heavier than a feather. Still it was a distinct weight, noticeable. Jed half opened his eyes.

Standing on his chest was a small red creature. It was an imp. He could see its brown stubby horns and a forked tail. The little beast was roughly the size of his thumb. Jed’s eyes flickered to the stand by his bed. The handle of his Colt was facing him. He reached for it.

The imp noticed the shifting movement. It turned, the tiny mouth hissing at him. In its hands was the silver bullet. Jed’s remaining silver bullet. The gunslinger froze. The imp laughed, a shrill screeching snicker, then leapt off.

“You little-” Jed’s curse was masked by the crack of his Colt.

He missed the imp, who started racing to the door. Despite its size it ran to the close door and snuck under. Slipping his belt on, Jed gave chase. He threw open the door and fired into the hallway. He could barely make out the shrieking beast as it jumped down the first step of the stairs. He bounded in pursuit.

Running down the steps he tripped and nearly rolled down the rest. Regaining his balance, he fired another wild shot as the imp exited outside. Jed cursed. Of all the monsters and beasts that roamed the lands, imps held a special place of hatred in his heart. He followed past the door.

Furiously, he gazed at the ground, trying to spot the bastard. It was a dark night. The corner of his eye spotted movement and he sprinted after. The imp was running down the middle of the streets, its tiny feet taking it faster than Jed.

He was not the only one out on the street. The imp ran into a group of men standing in the night. Jed slowed to a walk. It was Jonathon standing imperceptibly beside a wagon. He was standing atop the wagon filled with crates. Two other vampires stood below. The imp ran up Jonathon’s leg and onto his shoulder.

“Jonathon?” Jed called out.

The mine foreman accepted the silver bullet the imp dropped into his hand. His face, the parts not hidden by his beard, was quite pale in the night. Feeling the bullet he dropped it in his pocket. “Mr. Ethan,” he rumbled.

“What are you doing here?” Jed was not the only curious one. Folk had heard the gunshots and many stepped outside to investigate.

“We always knew you planned on turning against us. For a no loyalty mercenary, you sure have a lot of principles.”

Jed pursed his lips.

Jonathon jumped off the wagon, sticking his thumbs in his belt. “You once said you could draw faster than me.” He reminded.

Jed tightened his grip on his Colt. He asked, “Did you want to find out?”

The bearded vampire chuckled. “It doesn’t matter since you’re outnumbered.”

The other two vampires had gripped their guns. There was thirty feet separating them. Jed’s eyes narrowed. “Are those coffins?” He saw the crates in the wagon for what they were. “Where is Douglas?”

“Back at the camp,” Jonathon informed. “He’s letting me be in charge of this next part.”

Jed nodded. The Colt in his hand flashed up in an instant. He fired twice, hitting the two vampires. In the same instant his hand swiveled to Jonathon. The vampire fired first. Jed felt the searing hot pain in his side. The other vampires fired also. An angry barrage of buzzes flying through the air. Two more bullets found their way to Jed. One sunk into thigh and he fell to a knee. The next hit him high in the shoulder.

The vampires held their fire. The crowd that watched gasped in shock. Jonathon strode forward. Jed fell on his back. A fiery pain was spreading over his whole body. Some blood dripped into his hand. He felt its wet warmth sticking to his skin.

Then a voice called out. “What’s happening?”

It was a bedraggled looking Sheriff Carter. The sheriff had hurried over once he heard the gunshots.

Jonathon did not look behind him. He answered, “It’s none of you concern Carter. Go back to sleep.”

For once the sheriff did not back down. “It is my concern. I’m sheriff this town. Leave Jed alone.”

One of the vampires stepped forward. “He said it is none of you concern,” hissed the vampire.

Carter’s mouth hung open. A terrible fear gripped his insides. He glanced at Ross who was limping after him. Far enough away. His deputy was in no condition to fight. Jed was out of the picture also. The gunslinger was weakly trying to roll to his stomach. The bystanders were watching safe at the sides, not daring to get involved. There was only him.

The vampire in front of him, turned to his partner, commenting with a voice sick of derision. “It’s not like he can do anything.”

He did not see Carter draw. The sheriff could not miss at that range. He riddled the vampire with bullets. Jonathon spun in surprise. Sheriff Carter swung his barrel to the other vampire. He did not get a chance to fire. The vampire opened fire first. Puffs of blood sprouted from Carter’s chest. Ross shouted as he hobbled fast as he could to his fallen boss.

Jed did not see anything, but he took the distraction to start crawling. A heavy boot landed on his back. Je grunted in pain. The boot kicked onto his back. It was Jonathon staring down at him. A cruel smile exposed his fangs. “Let’s see how gunslingers taste,” Jonathon proposed.

From behind the boarding house came galloping two horses. Obadiah rode Indomitable, holding the reins to Boy. He aimed directly at Jonathon. The vampire tried to jump to the side, but Jed grabbed his ankle. Indomitable sent Jonathon sprawling from the collision. The charging horse’s chest a battering ram to the relatively light vampire.

Sliding off the saddle, Obadiah placed an arm under Jed and roughly pulled him up. Jed’s hat fell off. Jed climbed on top of the saddle while Obadiah fired at the third vampire. The vampire tried to fire but discovered he had used all his bullets on Carter.

Obadiah shouted and raced away. Jed was in no condition to fight. He led Boy and Jed galloping down the town. He needed to get Jed to safety. Then he would wheel around and kill the vampires.

Jonathon stood up, his broken skull healed. “Release them,” he ordered.

The other two vampires lithely went to the wagon. They jumped up and started pushing the coffins down. A crowd was gathering on the street. A couple of men were getting the town riled up. However, Jonathon was not concerned. A small mob would be of no consequence.

Someone shouted, “Kill the vampires.”

“Get those tops off,” Jonathon snapped.

His men ripped off the tops without ado. At the first open coffin a creature stirred. A ghostly pale hand reached out. It gripped the side and pulled itself out. The gathering crowd’s rising anger stopped as they beheld the vampire. The creature had been starved, ribs were clearly visible and its skin was stretched like parchment. It was completely hairless and its clothes were covered in dirt. Eyes were blood red so dark it was almost black orbs of unrelenting hunger. Stark white teeth were brighter than the translucent color of its skin. Similar creatures rose from the other coffins.

The vampire took a stumbling step forward, so hungry it could hardly walk. A brave man stepped up. He raised an iron barrel. The bullet entered the vampire’s chest. The beast barely recognized the blow. The bullet left a dark red mark that did not heal. Eyes widened the man tried again. Upon seeing the bullet do no damage again the man tried to leave.

In a flash Jonathon appeared at his side gripping his shoulder. The man tried to break free. He panicked, dropping his gun and tried to pry Jonathon’s fingers away. Jonathon smiled wickedly at the struggling man, waiting for the sluggish vampire to catch up.

Another man raced forward to help his friend. Contemptuously, Jonathon knocked him to the ground unconscious. The pale vampire reached the captive man. It sunk its teeth into his neck as the man screamed. Jonathon released the man, now fully in the grasp of the feeding vampire. 

Obadiah pulled up his horse behind the crowd. He had left Jed once the shots had been fired. Racing back he saw the man on the ground be swarmed by several of the vampires. Too many vampires. The mob was backing away slowly.

Obadiah shouted, “Run!”

Immediately it was like releasing the dam. People screamed and ran. On top Indomitable he parted the fleeing men. Jonathon saw and fired. Ducking in the saddle, Obadiah wheeled the horse around.

Jonathon stopped shooting. The gurgling ended from the man. The vampire stood up, blood soaking his chin. It was not as pale and it moved quicker, loping after the crowd.

Speaking to the two vampires he said, “Give them the most of the night to feed. We’ll collect them before dawn.” He saw the hunger in their looks. “Might as well get some ourselves. They are just humans.”

The vampires howled in joy running down the street. Jonathon walked up to Ross. The deputy was sitting beside the dead Sheriff Carter. “Are you going to be trouble?” he asked the despondent Ross.

The man looked up. Then he unpinned the sheriff’s star on Carter. He cupped it in his hand. “I reckon you still need a sheriff,” he said.

“Good. Douglas will be pleased.” Jonathon regarded his surroundings. Screams spilled the night. Blood curling screams. It made his stomach rumble and his blood rise. He could do with a meal for himself. It had been months since he had been allowed to truly sake his hunger. 

“Come on Jed, hang in there.” Concern was a light word for the feeling Obadiah was having. Leading Jed, he had left the screaming town behind. He was not sure where to go. Jed was bleeding form at least two wounds. At least.

“Where to go?” He pulled the reins up. Just needed a moment to think. Everything in the town was a no go. Maybe the train station. There was a bed there. Of course it would be suicide. The vampires would check. Obadiah took off his hat. His red hair was drenched in sweat. Gingerly, he touched his large bruised bump on his skull. Something, probably a rock, had hit his head as he rolled. He had woken hours later. Fortunately, Indomitable had decided not to walk back home. After galloping to town, his horse was exhausted. If they decided to send a posse…

There had to be a place to hold up. Obadiah slapped his hat on. “Jed,” he said wincing. The gunslinger was bent over, barely staying in the saddle. “Jed I don’t know where to go.”

Jed opened his eyes. A cough sputtered weakly past his lips. “The cave,” he rasped.

Obadiah seized the idea like a madman. In the canyons where the werewolves had lived during the full moon. The vampires had never seen the place. Feeling a little relieved, Obadiah spurred his horse. It would take several hours to reach the canyons. Hopefully, Jed would survive the ride.

The ride had Obadiah on the edge of his nerves the entire time. It was a dark night and he worried one of the horses would trip and break a leg. There was little he could do to prevent it. He could not walk ahead. There was a chance vampires were riding after him. Constantly he checked over his shoulder, straining to see any pursuers. It would not be hard for the vampires to track him. They could see perfectly well in the dark. Doubtlessly, Jed was leaving a clear trail of blood.

That was his main worry. That Jed would die on the ride. He had no idea how severe the wounds were and no time to bandage them. When he was not checking the rear, he glanced to Jed. Hope fluttered in Obadiah’s heart when they reached the canyon.

Traversing the way to the cave was difficult, however, this was not the first time he had rode through here in the night. He found it and took a sigh of relief. Everything would be okay, he convinced himself. He helped Jed off his horse. The gunslinger was in a lot of pain. He eased him near the entrance. Obadiah placed a saddle bag for a pillow. Gently he found Jed’s wounds. Then he placed strips of cloth over the wounds, tightening them to stop any more bleeding. Beside the occasional groan or whimper, Jed was silent.

“Hang in there Jed. I’ll be back.”

That was about all Obadiah could do to help. Rubbing his hands he stood. He needed to keep watch for any vampires. Looking around he saw the decayed corpse of the cow the werewolves had eaten. Wrinkling his nose in disgust, Obadiah looked up. Specifically to the rise overlooking the cave and area. He withdrew a Winchester form the saddle holster off Indomitable. He climbed the side, grabbing shrubs and rocks. Near the edge was a perfect rock. It was large enough to provide cover. Hiding behind it, Obadiah peered down. He took a steadying breath and waited.

At the town Beth pulled back on the reins. Bodies lay scattered on the ground. The dripping blood was clearly visible to her eyes. The sweet, intoxicating scent filled her nostrils, stirring her hunger. A part of her, though, was disgusted and that part hated herself.

The dead eyes of a man stared at. A scream was fixed on his lips and his neck was completely red. “This is horrible,” she whispered, but she could not keep every trance of hunger from her lips.

Riding beside, Nadi heard her. She hoped Douglas had not. Indeed it was a massacre on the streets. None of the victims were fully drained, for the vampires it had been a buffet and they did not settle on a single person. The screams they heard going into town had stopped. It was silent and the feast seemed to be ending. Vampires could not eat forever.