Long Train Comin’, Pt. 7

Ya’Row tucked herself into the darkest corner of the caboose as sunlight streamed into the cabin.  During the fight with the bard, she’d let her guard down, only focusing on one target, not realizing that Shani would be close behind.  A report sounded out from Shani’s long barrel Colt, and a lantern fell to the floor, kerosene spilled across the boards and the lighted wick began to hungrily feed off the liquid.  Ya’Row was not only trapped in the corner, but a possible escape route had been cut off, as flames rose up between her and the two elven adventurers.

The flames feed off the kerosene and began using whatever fuel was left, which meant the rest of the flamable structure of the caboose.  Smoke began to billow out of the windows as seats, boxes, drapes, and wood began to light on fire.  Shani grabbed Pania’s arm and began to drag her back to the door, but the elven bard resisted, as she dove for an object just outside of the flames.

During the fight with Ya’Row, Pania managed to cut loose the intricate pendant, sending it flying to the floor.  Not only was this pendant a part of history, but for Pania it held deeper meaning.  A reminder to never give up.

“Git yer britches in order,” Shani spoke in a hurried tone as Pania rejoined her.  “We gotta cut this car loose.”  The pair exited through the door, Pania moving to the doorway of the next car as Shani began working on the clamp that held the caboose in place.

Ya’Row could only watch as flames grew higher.  She watched as Shani’s lithe fingers worked over the mechanism that held the two cars together.  She heard the groan as the clamp was released, and felt the caboose lurch as it now rolled of it’s own free will, but without the forward motion of the engine, the wheels turned slower and slower.  The train in front began to grow smaller and smaller as Ya’Row saw both elves give one last look before moving into the passenger car.

Shani heaved a sigh as she brushed down her long coat.  Pania watched for a moment longer as the caboose burst into flames, fully engulfed now.  The burning car became smaller and smaller, until it was only a brightly burning dot in the distance.  This unexpected adventure was finally over.

“Whaddya think o’ trains now?” Shani said with a small huff as she took out her whiskey flask and downed the remainder of it’s contents.

Pania studied the rose in her hand for a moment before looking up to Shani with a small smile.  “I found it kind o’ enlightenin’.”

*****

St. Paul, Minnesota, October 16, 1863

“I hope you two find what you need ta find,” Carter Stewart stated with a smile.  He removed his stetson and offered a small bow to the two elves as they gathered their belongings and looked over their horses.  “It gives me a good feelin’ ta know that there are those out there willin’ ta face the evil that exists, and try ta put a stop ta it.”

“He… heck, Reverend,” Shani said with a grin as she corrected herself.  “I’m jist glad ta know thet this here world’s got it’s own paladins.”  Carter smiled before wordlessly offering a wave and moving on.  Shani mounted her horse and leaned back in the saddle as she watched Pania finish collecting her things.  “Whaddya figger, maybe a day ‘re two ta find this place thet sent a lich after us?”

“Oh, maybe less time,” Pania replied as she slid into her saddle.  She adjusted her hat for a moment, and took note of the people around her.  Suddenly, she became very interested in one group on horseback.  “Shani,” she said in a quiet whisper.  The elven gunslinger looked in the direction Pania was and sighed heavily.

“We jist can’t git a break, kin we?” Shani huffed as she grabbed the reins and prodded her horse Gipsum into motion.  “Afternoon, Captain Williams,” she called out to the soldiers that sat in their saddles, watching the two elves intently.  “So y’all ready fer a ride?”

 

Long Train Comin’, Pt. 6

Shani reloaded her pistols as Carter watched the entryway of the engine.  The engineer kept the coals burning as he focused on keeping the train moving as the conductor watched the pair of gunslingers.  The lithe elf took a deep breath and looked to the others for a brief moment.  Pania had been gone a long time, and Shani was starting to worry.

“Panny’s been gone a long time,” Shani mused as she looked to Carter.  His face held it’s stoic nature, but there was concern in his eyes.  “I’m goin’ back ta check on ‘er.”  She holstered her shooting irons and began to walk toward the coal car, stopping only as the conductor began to protest.

“But what about us,” he announced more than asked in a nervous voice.  “I’m no gun fighter.  And no offense to the reverend, but two gun hands are better than one.

Shani looked to Carter with a grin then back to the conductor.  “I figger thet Reverend Stewart here is better ‘n ten gun hands.”

Carter dismissed the comment with a small chuckle, then turned his attention to the task at hand.  “What do you plan on doin’, Miss Shani?  There could be more o’ them thralls in the passenger cars.”

“Inside, sure,” Shani called back as she climbed onto of the coal car.  “Them thet ‘re turned won’t be able ta walk in the sunlight.  I’m hoofin’ it on top o’ the train.  Maybe I kin hear some fightin’ an’ peg where Girly girl’s at.”  She offered a wave of her hand and began to climb onto the car as Carter murmured a silent prayer.  Hopefully, it would be seen fit to grant the righteous the might to put down this evil once and for all.

Shani climbed from car to car, moving slowly so as not to lose her footing.  The train rumbled along the tracks, keeping it’s speed constant as the engineer continued to stoke the fires.  Shani hoped that her treacherous walk would not be met with unneeded peril.  She was not surprised as she saw one of the thralls crawling onto the roof of the first passenger car.

“Ya know,” Shani shouted out as she drew her Colts.  “This’d been a whole lot easier ifn ya jist kept yer butt in the train.  Now ya gotta come up here an’ start yer fussin’, an’ I’m jist gonna have ta kick ya off o’ this here train.”  The thrall only grinned with glee as he began to approach Shani.  She took note of the look in this one’s eyes, nearly vacuous, but holding some intelligence.  Not fully turned, but kept to protect the vampire mistress during the light of day.  “I kin tell y’all ain’t too bright,” Shani huffed as she raised her pistols.

Two reports sounded out, striking the thrall dead centre.  The creature clutched at his chest and fell to his knees as Shani advanced.  “Yer ticket ain’t valid on this here train,” she said as she gave the thrall a boot to the head, and watched as he fell to the ground.  Shani didn’t stop to see if he’d fallen under the wheels or not.  She had a purpose and that was to reach the car that Pania was in.

Shakily, she continued her long walk, unimpeded by any other thrall.  She didn’t need any further interruptions.  As she neared the caboose, she took note of the windows.  These ones were heavily blacked out, but not boarded up.  A good chance that she could shoot the windows out.  As she checked her pistols again, she caught the sound of steel on steel, and a smile formed.  The elven bard had more than once surprised Shani, and now she heard the sounds of a definite duel.  It was time to even the odds.

*****

Pania raised her rapier and parried an incoming blow from Ya’Row’s gladius.  Ya’Row seemed frustrated, anger more than evident in her eyes.  Blow for blow, Pania parried like an expert swordsman, each thrust giving her more and more confidence.  The elven vampire, however, was becoming more and more angry.

“How?” she cried out as she swung out at Pania, only to find the bard’s rapier ready to push aside the assault.  “No one has ever been able to resist my charms!  How is it, a young snipe such as you are able to do so?”

“I’ve go’ talent,” Pania smirked as she moved into her defensive stance.  “I also read me ‘istory.  At one time, I wanted ta be just like ye.  I wanted ta learn how ta be the swordsman tha’ ye’d b’come.  I wanted ta rise in the ranks an’ become tha’ which ye ‘ad.  Fer years, ye were my hero!”

“And now,” Ya’Row responded with a sickening sneer.  “What do you think now?”  She thrust her blade forward, only to find the bard’s rapier easily stopping the attack.  “Now that you know how the magistrates backstabbed me.  They’d only do the same to you!”

“Oh, I’ve no doubt there ‘re them tha’ would b’come jealous,” Pania retorted with a laugh.  “Bu’ the diff’rence is, instead o’ givin’ up, I’d prove ’em wrong.  It’s all ’bout faith.  An’ in truth, Cassandra, I dunna want ta be you.  I want ta be better ‘n you!”  As though Pania’s remark needed further exclamation, the report of a pistol sounded out, followed quickly by the shattering of glass.  The bard smiled as she knew that Shani wasn’t far, proving her guess correct as she overheard the exuberance of the elven gunslinger as she gave out a few war whoops.  Sunlight streamed into the caboose, forcing Ya’Row back.  Another report from Shani’s pistols shattered another window, and Ya’Row had to retreat further.

“Time ta turn the tides on this here little adventure,” Shani shouted out as she managed to kick in the door to the caboose.  “We got us a vampire ta destroy!”

 

Long Train Comin’, Pt. 5

 

Pania’s eyes adjusted to the light as she muttered an incantation.  A small glowing orb appeared beside her, granting a soft illumination of the darkened caboose.  She saw that the windows had been completely covered, blocking out any light from the outside world.  There were a few artifacts that she knew were not common with any rail cars she’d ever heard of or seen before.  They were too familiar, something that could only be equated with the vampire mistress that stood in the centre of the car.

The smile Ya’Row held as she watched Pania held a great deal of malice.  Against her pale skin and gothic clothing, it gave way to a very sinister look.   Yet, there was one thing that seemed to scream out from Ya’Row’s appearance.  A small splash of colour that came from a pin the vampire wore to hold her cloak in place.  A single scarlet rose.

“I recognize tha’ symbol,” Pania muttered, more to herself than to Ya’Row.  “Those were ‘anded out ta the knights o’ the Order o’ the Scarlet Rose.”

“Quite astute of you, Miss Alow,” Ya’Row replied with a bold voice.  “You’ve taken after your parents quite well.”  She snickered a bit as she saw the incredulous reaction on Pania’s face, and then continued.  “Oh, I know you.  And I know your partner Shani.  When I began to hunt you both, I noticed the wanted posters.  You two have made a name for yourselves on this planet.  In much more a way than I ever could.”

“Bu’ ‘ow…” Pania began, only to be quickly interupted.

“Centuries ago, I knew your parents,” she explained to Pania.  “Even before you and Shani were born.  You see, I was something of their mentors.  They looked up to me.  But then, I had made a name for myself, becoming the first elven female to attain the stature of a knight of the Order of the Scarlet Rose.”

“Cassandra Felegio,” Pania gasped as she recognized the tale.  This knight had been heralded as a champion.  “Bu’ Cassandra fell in battle.  Fightin’ ‘gainst an evil tha’ threatened Terra-Kal.”

“I did, yes,” Ya’Row replied, all the while moving closer to Pania.  “And Terra-Kal was saved, obviously.  But I didn’t fall, so much as rise in power.  You only know a little of the tale, Pania Alow.  You only know what the scholars and historians of the great Stonebridge Library want you to know.  But then, I doubt even they know the full story behind what happened that fateful day over one hundred years ago.”

*****

South of Arcanum Bridge, Season of the Sun, Terra-Kal

The trio of riders brought their horses to a quick stop as they neared the border of the war like Myst Elves.  The three were unmistakable in their armour, brightly coloured with gold and red, each one wearing a scarlet rose pin against their cloaks.  Knights, each on of them, and among them was Cassandra Felegio.  She was an oddity.  The first woman to be elevated to the station of Knight, she commanded respect wherever she went.  There were those who gave her great respect, but there were still those that did nothing to hide their contempt for her.

Both of those factors could have been the reason why the Order of the Scarlet Rose ordered Cassandra and her companions with this most serious of missions.  Reports had come in from farmers along the border that regular attacks had been made.  At first it was believed to be small skirmishes put together by the Myst Elves, but that soon changed as Patrolers began to find the mutilated bodies of young victims.  Consolers were dispatched quickly to deal with the situation, as each victim had been found completely drained of blood.

It meant only one thing; a vampire had risen to terrorize the populace.

This suspicion became confirmed when reports of attacks against Myst Elf communities along the border began.  Similar victims were found, and for a time, an unsteady peace had been forged between the great city of Arcanum Bridge and the Myst Elf strongholds to the south.  It would only be a matter of time before that peace was shattered, either with the death of the vampire, or the continued terrorism of the undead lord.

Cassandra lead her companions through the thick forests to the south of Arcanum Bridge.  If need be, battle mages could be summoned from the school housed within the walls of the city.  Cassandra was confident that only three would be enough to take down this creature.  After all, she had the Shining Lady looking down upon her and offering her blessing.  The further south the trio went, the more the mists began rolling in.  The forming mists were perfect for brigands to attack or even the vile Myst Elves to take down quarry.  But word had come down from the capital that no Myst Elf scouts would attack the roads.  These knights had clear passage, and only a vampire to deal with.

As they pushed on, the air grew still and the very forest grew quiet, as the leaves didn’t even more with the wind.  Something unnatural was in the area, and that meant they were close to their quarry.

“Keep a sharp eye,” Cassandra said in a confident voice to her companions.  She drew her blade as she looked around the forest with her keen eyes.  “Should either of you…” Her words were cut short as one of her companions screamed out as though caught in a trap.  Cassandra and her remaining companion searched the area, but could not find any sign of either their friend or the attacker.  Quickly, the pair dismounted, holding firm to their shield as they brandished long blades.  “Come out, you coward!” Cassandra shouted out to the darkness that surrounded them both.  “Show yourself!”

Her words were answered with a gurgling sound followed by a thud as a body hit the ground.  Her remaining companion now lay dead, but this time, the vampire revealed himself.

“This was all too easy,” he said softly with a voice that seemed to sooth, yet was filled with bile.  “I was hoping for more of a challenge.  At least, that was what I was promised.”  He chuckled lightly as he saw the look on Cassandra’s face, her frame frozen in place by his presence.  “I can see that you are rather confused, so allow me to inform you of what has happened.  Your magistrate doesn’t like you.  As a matter of fact, you claimed the prize that had been sought by his son.  He wants to be rid of you.  So, he came to me with an offer.  I had no idea that I would be travelling across the very cosmos itself to get here and meet you.”

“What are you talking about?” Cassandra forced herself to say.

The vampire chuckled lightly again and began his explanation.  “I’m not an elf.  Even being a vampire, I’m not originally an elf.  I’m … rather, I was a human.”  He waited and watched Cassandra before continuing.  “Your magistrate found a celestial door, as he called it, that brought him to my world.  A tiny blue planet called Earth.  Mind you, where I come from, they are so backwards that they cannot conceive of the wonders of the universe.  Many of them continue to argue whether or not Earth actually is the centre of the universe or not.  I, however, know it is not.  Such was revealed to me when I was turned.”  He studied Cassandra for a long while, gauging her reaction, and spoke once again.  “What your magistrate does not know is what I have planned.  Come with me, Cassandra.  Join me, and return to my world, and I’ll show you wonders you could never imagine.”

Cassandra panted heavily, her heart raced as she willed herself to stay, but fear creeping into her being.  This vampire had just told her that her superiors had ordered her dead.  At least one, with his jealousy, wanted to be rid of her.  “I trust in the Shining Lady.  I shall see you destroyed.”

Again, the vampire chuckled.  “I can hear the fear in your voice.  I can hear your heart race.”  With each word he took a step closer to her until her was only a foot away, his gaze mesmerizing her.  “And I will take that which I want.”  He closed the gap and opened his mouth to feed, his fangs dripping with excitement.

But he did not anticipate the paladin’s next move.

As he began to drink from her, she found her strength and drove her holy blade through his chest.  As he drained her completely of her life blood, the blade destroyed him, as it’s very pure essence ate away at his form.  The damage had been done.  Cassandra lay dead at his feet.  Soon, he would be nothing more than ash.

*****

On board a train bound for St. Paul, Minnesota, October 1863

“The next morning,” Ya’Row said in a whisper.  “I sought out the gates that lead to this world.  I renounced my faith, having felt betrayed by the order.”

“But… ye kept the pin given ta all in the order,” Pania forced herself to say.

“Oh yes,” Ya’Row agreed, suddenly behind Pania, as a cold hand wrapped around her waist.  “I did indeed keep it as a memento of that which had been the true deceiver.  Now, little elf.  Are you ready to taste that which was given to me.”

 

 

Long Train Comin’, Pt. 4

Pania walked slowly through the passenger cars of the train, leading herself closer to the rear car. Ya’Row had positioned herself in a way where she would take over the train and surprise the next stop which was on the line. Pania knew that this vampire had to be stopped, and while she pulled courage within her, there was that fear; she could very well die tonight.

Each passenger car she went through became darker and darker. Pania knew she was coming closer to Ya’Row. Unlike their brief meeting in Pennsylvania, Ya’Row knew very well who she was up against. Both Pania and Shani had made names for themselves, sometime it was a blessing, but in this case it could very well be their downfall.

Earth had a folklore of vampires, Pania had seen it in that small village near Harrisburg. As the world moved forward, those folklore had become myths and legends, and even mere stories to scare children into behaving. The same too could be said of the elves. Pania and Shani were oddities, often their appearance seen as demonic. That could be further from the truth.

While they may have run wild through the United States, they still held a firm moral code, even if that code pitted them against the likes of Captain Williams. Pania thought of these things as she gripped her rapier tightly in her hand. Every so often she would be faced with another of Ya’Row’s newly created brood, finding them easy to dispatch. Weak were these vampires, nothing compared to their mistress that created them.

As Pania moved into the final car on the train, she felt a weight on her shoulders, filled with dread and uncertainty. Ya’Row was here. She could feel it. Pania’s elven eyes explored the darkness, being able to see better than a human, but still forced to squint into the black. All that she prepared could not prepare her for what was to come.

“Ah!” a voice hissed from the darkness. “Finally we meet.” Pania couldn’t see Ya’Row, but her voice held a sickening smile, as though she was measuring Pania and preparing her to become her latest victim. “You caused me a great deal of pain, little one. I’m sure that you expect me to return the favour.”

“Oh, I think I’m no’ yet done dealin’ ye some pain,” Pania replied through gritted teeth as she held the rapier firm. “Whyn’t we get a look at ye. Come outta the dark, an’ stop bein’ a coward.”

*****

The gunfire filled the car as Shani placed well aimed bullets into the attacking brood. Behind her Carter Stewart did not draw his gun but spouted the words he had taken so close to his heart. Shani knew within the short time that she had met Stewart that he was a true believer in the words that were printed in the Book. More so than any other man of the cloth she had ever met. He did not judge those he met on face value; he could sense evil as though it were a blinding light; he had a humble nature about him and considered the well being of others above himself.

In those ways, Shani believed Carter Stewart was the first Earth born paladin she’d ever met. Right down to the effectiveness of her bullets as they flew to their targets. Before they began moving, Shani had taken out both Colts and held them in her open hands. “It probably ain’t nuthin’ ever been asked o’ ya,” she had said as she looked directly at him. “But I know thet there’s somethin’ in ya thet can tip the scales ‘gainst these vermin. I ask thet ya jist bless my shootin’ irons.” Carter was a bit mystified by the action, but did as Shani asked.

Whether it was the words of God or the skill that Shani had as a gunslinger, or even the desperation of the moment, but whatever it was the vampire spawn fell easily to them both. Only once did Carter draw his pistol.

The loud crack as the report came from the gun shocked even Shani as she looked to Carter with shock filled eyes. The sound was like the heavens themselves had opened up. Even the vampires seemed to reel back, writhing in pain as the bullets from the preacher’s gun cut into them. Finally the last of the brood that stood before them had been cut down and they made their was to the engine. They had climbed through baggage cars, livestock cars and more, fighting as they went.

Shani hoped that their work had not been in vain.

As they broke down the door to the main engine, both the engineer and conductor turned, ready to attack, but stopped suddenly as though they sensed something about these two. The conductor recognized the figure of the man that was Carter Stewart, and seemed to relax a great deal. “Thank god,” the conductor exclaimed. “We were both beginning to think this entire train had gone mad.”

“Aye,” the engineer agreed with a nod. He was a burly man with a massive red beard and clean shaven head. “The train’s been bloody well cursed, I tell ya.”

“Not cursed,” Carter stated in a calm voice. “But there is an evil aboard that must be stopped.”

“An’ just exactly what’re ya plannin’ on doin’ ’bout it?” the engineer retorted in his gruff manner.

“We’re hopin’ thet my partner’s got thet covered,” Shani replied as she emptied her pistols and began reloading. Her gaze drifted through the door that she and Carter had just burst through. “I jist hope thet she’s alright.”

“The best we can do right now, is pray,” Carter stated as he took a deep breath and began his own silent prayer, hoping that it would aid the elven bard as she faced the villainy that was Ya’Row.

 

Long Train Comin’: Part Three

“If ye dunna mind me sayin’ so,” Pania mentioned with a smile as she looked Carter Stewart directly in the eyes. “Ye’ve a very liberal view. Rather refreshin’ ta see a man o’ the cloth tha’ dunna condemn those tha’re diff’rent.”

“Well,” Carter began with a small smile of thanks and a chuckle. “As the good book teaches judge not lest ye be judged.” His smile remained but his words became rather somber and serious. “I believe that the words of the Bible are words not only to read but those ta live by.”

“So why the gun?” Pania asked as she motioned to the gun belt that hung on Carter’s hip.

He looked down and removed his hand from the belt, an involuntary action that he had grown so used to. “An old relic from a time long gone. I used ta be a gun fighter, a mercenary for hire that would track down those who would willingly take lives. But I began to realize that the more I worked, the more I became just like those outlaws. So much blood and death.”

“So why keep it?” she asked in a voice that was almost a whisper, her words more curious than uplifting like her usual attitude.

Carter managed a smile as he looked to Pania. “Ta toss it aside is ta forget that time. I can’t forget it, it was a part of my life for so long. I don’t keep it as a trophy like some would think, but I keep it as a reminder of man’s tools and how they can be used to cause pain and death.”

“Well ‘en, if ye dunna mind me sayin’ tha’s quite admirable,” Pania said with a nod and a smile. Her features changed dramatically as she heard a shot ring out. Carter Stewart heard it too, looking toward the entrance to their cabin with a furrowed brow. Pania sighed slightly as her shoulders sunk. “I bloody ‘ope tha’ Shani’s no’ in some kinda trouble,” she said as she rose to her feet. Carter also rose, but he sensed something different than just the wild heart of an elven gunslinger.

*****

Shani fired as two vampires lunged at her, slowing them only a little. She cursed as her eyes searched for some other weapon to use, and hoping for an opening that would give her a brief moment to load silver bullets into her twin Colts. There were fifteen in the passenger car, which brought up several red flags; how did they get on the train, who was responsible for this, and how quickly could she dispatch them before they overwhelmed her.

Those questions left as she heard the first click from her pistols. Empty. “Crap on a stick!” she shouted out, readying each gun to use as a club if necessary. The vampires took note of her predicament and smiled with glee. There was nowhere for her to run now.

Just as Shani believed the end was in sight, one of the vampires burst into flame. Not from sunlight, as the windows had still been boarded up. She heard the incantation and smiled as she knew what it was, and then saw Pania at the other end of the passenger car, slinging small flares of fire at the vampires. Behind Pania stood the imposing figure of Carter Stewart. His gun remained in it’s holster, but in his right hand he held his Bible. This was when both elves witnessed a miracle they had never before seen since their arrival on Earth.

“Ye though I walk through valley of the shadow of death,” Carter’s voice rang out bold as he held the book high. “I shall fear no evil!” It was working. As the gunslinger turned reverend spoke the passage, the vampires doubled over in pain, eventually withering away into nothing as all they could do was scream in pain as the words were spoken.

Shani pushed one of the vampires away as it’s body began to decay quickly, the elven gunslinger moving quickly to stand with Pania and Carter. Both elves knew what was happening, they’d seen it before on Terra-Kal, but never here on Earth. As the last of the vampires began to cease all movement and sound, Pania looked to Carter.

“Ye said tha’ ye’ve no’ killed anyone in a few years,” Pania stated with some sense of awe and wonder in her voice. “I’d suspect tha’ it’s been a lot longer ‘n tha’. An’ I’d go so far as ta say the las’ time ye drew yer gun, it werena ‘gainst ‘umans.”

Carter sighed openly as he placed the book back into his coat pocket. Shani looked over the man again with a new respect. This wasn’t just some reverend who spouted rhetoric from the pulpit in fire and brimstone. She finally began to recognize the things he wore, that they held a great deal more meaning than what people might expect.

“Yer a paladin,” Shani stated with a nod. “Ain’t ya? A holy knight, born ta take on the likes o’ these.”

Carter considered Shani’s words for a moment before speaking. “I suppose a knight might be a close description. An’ born ta it, I doubt that. But I do seek out the evils o’ the world while I try to help my fellow man build a life of righteousness for himself an’ his family.” He took note that both elves were looking at him a little strangely. He chuckled as he spoke again. “Can I ask why the look you two’re givin’ me?”

Shani and Pania blinked in response, unable to find the words. Finally, Shani let go of a breath it seemed she’d been holding before she encounter the vampires in the passenger car, and spoke. “My… my brother’s a paladin. He do the type o’ stuff you do.”

Pania perked an eyebrow and looked to Shani with a somewhat baffled look. Shani looked back and shrugged lightly. “Ye’ll ‘aveta pardon us, Reverend,” Pania said as though to break a forthcoming uncomfortable silence. “Shani, an’ meself, really. Well, we’re no’ familiar wit’ seein’ this kinda act on this planet. ‘R this kinda man wha’ can…”

Her small speech was cut short as one vampire who managed to survive crawled up and laughed aloud. “You’ll never stop my mistress, you know,” he spat out in a sickening sneer. “At this very moment she lay in wait in the luxury car. And meanwhile, this train will soon be ours.” He lunged forward, fangs bared as he meant to overpower the diminutive bard. But for her size, she was fast and well versed with her rapier. She drew it quickly as she muttered an incantation. As the vampire impaled himself on the blade, it glowed with magical flame and eventually consumed the vampire, turning him to dust.

Pania looked to Shani and Carter as she sheathed her blade again. Carter arched an eyebrow as he studied her for a moment, but all Pania could do was shrug. “I’ve knowledge o’ the arcane, meself. Bu’ anyway…” She looked to Shani as a thought came to mind. “Where were the only other place we met vampires ‘ere?”

Shani furrowed her brow and snorted a laugh as though she began to realize. “Back in Pennsylvania. Ya figger thet Ya’Row come back fer revenge.”

“It’s possible,” Pania admittedly resigned herself to say.

“No matter what,” Carter finally said in a calm voice. “We have a duty to do. I’ll head to the engine an’ see ’bout clearin’ the rest o’ these scum off this train. I wouldn’t mind havin’ an extra gun hand like yaself, Miss Shani.” Shani nodded quickly as she reloaded her Colts. Carter looked to Pania with a soft smile. “Do you think you can deal with this vampire while we’re gone?”

“More ‘n capable,” Pania said with an assured nod. “Like ta put tha’ witch back in the ground.”

With those words the three went their separate ways to deal with the evil that had begun to fester on the train.

 

Long Train Comin’, Pt. 2

Reverend Carter Stewart sat in his train compartment and read from the Bible he carried faithfully with him. The book had become an old friend to him, and a reminder of his younger days as a gunslinger. Finding this worn book changed his ways, and he vowed only to use his pistol in defence of the weak, and only as a last resort. His imposing frame often times would sway an attacker quickly.

Stewart looked up as the door to his compartment opened. The conductor peeked inside and quickly apologized for the intrusion. “Sorry, Reverend,” he stated with a tip of his hat. “But this car’s full up and there’s not many more compartments. Would you mind sharing with these two ladies?”

“Of course not,” Stewart replied with a smile as he rose to his feet. He held the door open as a pair of diminutive women made their way into the compartment. He took note of each in kind; both were short and seemed slight of build, but graceful at the same time. The dark haired one was a little rougher around the edges, while the blond seemed more debonaire. “Good afternoon, ladies,” Stewart greeted them with a tip of his hat.

“Oh my,” Pania said with a smile and responded in kind. “Thank ye kindly, sir.”

“No thanks necessary, ma’am,” Stewart replied as he waited for the two to take their seats. He took note each carried two pistols, the blond also carried a rapier. “If you don’t mind my sayin’, you two seem like you’ve been travellin’ a great deal.”

“Well, I guess ya could say thet,” Shani remarked as she settled in. She took her hat off and tussled up her hair a bit. This action revealed to Stewart the dark haired gunslinger’s heritage, and at the same moment, Shani took note of the priest’s collar around Stewart’s neck. “Jist ta let ya know, we ain’t demons ‘r nuthin’.”

Stewart chuckled a bit and shook his head. “And whatever possessed you to make that remark?”

“It’s cause o’ the ears,” Pania replied quickly as she grabbed hold of one of Shani’s long, elven ears. The lithe gunslinger furrowed her brow and made a painful cry as she gave Pania a swat on the arm. The elven bard only chuckled lightly.

“I had noticed,” Stewart chuckled as he watched the pair. He assumed they were adults, but acted like children in some way. “But it’s not my place ta say. I cannot judge someone I don’t know. It does make me a bit curious.”

“We’re elves,” Shani explained without hesitation. “Ya know, fae folk, faeries an’ the like. Ifn ya don’t mind my sayin’, usually men o’ the cloth tag us as bein’ demons ‘r devils.”

“Most men, whether they are of the cloth or not, have a tendency of misinterpreting what they see,” Stewart explained with a smile. “I only see more of God’s creatures, put on this Earth. And admittedly, I have seen you before. And have heard of you.” He arched an eyebrow and smiled as Shani and Pania shared a worried look between each other. “Neither of you need worry. I have come to find most stories on wanted posters are just that; stories. I speak from experience, of course.”

Pania took note of the gun belt that lay on the Reverend’s hip, and believed he spoke the truth. Still, she extended her hand in greeting. “Ye may call me Pania Alow,” she stated with a broad smile.

“Reverend Carter Stewart,” he replied as he took her hand in his, not in a firm grip, but one that displayed his kindness in greeting. He extended his hand to Shani in turn.

“I’m Shani,” the elven gunslinger announced without hesitation and clasped his hand, giving a firm grip and a good pump in her greeting.

“May I enquire as to your destination, ladies?” he asked as he sat back in his seat. The conversation paused as they heard the bellowing of the conductor announcing all to get on board. A few seconds later, the train lurched forward and slowly began to increase in speed.

“We’re ‘eadin’ up north,” Pania explained as they settled back into their seats. “Inta the British Territories, an’ may’ap from there ‘omeward.”

“I’m headin’ north myself,” Stewart stated with a firm nod. “There’s a parish near Battleford that I hope to join. Maybe there I can finally put to rest this cold iron that’s weighed me down for so long.”

“I gots ta say, yer the first person ’round here thet ain’t been real eager ta draw pistols,” Shani observed with a nod. “Most people we run inta jist wanna challenge someone ta a standin’ fight in the street.”

“I don’t find the need for it anymore,” he said with a smile as he held up the worn book in his right hand. “I’ve found my peace, and moved on with my life. I can only pray that others can do the same.”

“Tha’s very noble o’ ye, Reverend, I mus’ say,” Pania said with a grin. “There’s no’ many like ye ’round, tha’s fer certain.” She looked to Shani who just rolled her eyes and slowly rose to her feet. “Where ye off ta?”

“I heard there were a decent dinin’ car on this here train,” Shani announced as she opened the door to the cabin. “I plan on gittin’ me some grub.”

“An’ a wee shot o’ whiskey, no doubt,” Pania remarked with a teasing gesture.

“Maybe,” Shani merely shrugged as she let the elven bard’s jibes roll off of her. “I am a bit peckish, thet ain’t no lie.” She turned to Stewart and gave a nod and a smile. “Reverend. Ifn y’all excuse me.” Shani turned on her heel and shut the door to the compartment as she moved toward the rear cars. She passed by several other passengers as she moved to the next car, nodding politely as she went. They nodded in kind and smiled pleasantly, something Shani found with each person. A touch unnerving for her, as she’d come to distrust most humans on this world.

As she reached the door to go to the next car, she stopped. There was a feeling at the base of her skull that something wasn’t right. In the next car, she took note that all the windows were darkened, letting no light in at all. Which wasn’t that different from the car she was in.

She looked back to the windows. All the blinds had been closed, the only light came from the lamps that rocked back and forth on the walls of the car. Then she took note of the passengers.

They all looked at her, and smiled toothy smiles.

“Shit,” she spat out quickly as a hand reached her Colt. “Shit! It would haveta be vampires on this train.”

 

Long Train Comin’

A while ago, Zodi said to me “You need a chapter with a train in Black Mask & Pale Rider.”  She also said “You need to bring back Ya’Row.”  So me, never being one to question such words of wisdom as these, decided she was right.  So here, set between the chapters of Wild Wild West and Shot Down in a Blaze O’ Glory, we present a story just in time for Halloween.  Filled with adventure, a train, a Reverend and vampires.

Somewhere near Reading, Pennsylvania, Early October 1863

The moon was high as five figures dragged a woman, whimpering and stuggling weakly against their grip.  They worked quickly, binding the woman to a fallen support column, and then turning their attention to a dark pit.  As the five worked, the young woman could only look on in horror as they dragged up a disfigured obelisk from the pit, the figure of a twisted humanoid shape chained to the structure.  She could only watch as the five began some sort of ritual, as they worked feverishly to awaken the figure.  Fear crept further and further through her veins as the twisted figure began to move, the woman could see the creature’s fangs, and feel it’s hollow eyes land upon her.

“R-release me!” it seemed to hiss as it’s attention was completely focused on the woman before it.  “Must… feed!”  The five pale figures worked quickly as they unshackled the creature from it’s prison, with each second they grew closer the creature growled out a desire for sustenance.

As the final chain fell, the creature lumbered forward; the woman tried to scream, call out for help, anything that would summon a quick rescue, but none would come.  The creature suck it’s fangs into her neck and began to drink deeply from her.  As the life ebbed from the young woman, the creature began to take on a new appearance, as though life had begun to fill it up.  The pale skin, long black hair, and full figure of the female took on a greater appearance.

As the elven vampire drank her last, she tossed the useless husk of the now dead woman to the side and looked to the five that held Ya’Row in a solemn regard.  “You,” she said as she pointed to one of the thralls bound to her.  “Find me appropriate garments.”  Her gaze snapped to another of her thralls.  “And you.  Tell me where we can find them.  Where are those elves?”

“Mistress,” the thrall replied in a hushed voice, filled with reverence.  “We have heard word that they are west of here.  Travelling through Indiana as we speak.”  He paused a moment before continuing.  “We believe they are travelling north, chased by the United States Army.”

“The Army will catch them,” another thrall replied.  “More than likely the elves will hang.”

The elven vampire snarled as she looked to her thralls.  “That must not happen,” she said with a sneer.  “They will be mine.  I will destroy them.”

“Yes Mistress,” the thralls replied in unison.  “We will begin our travel at once.”

Ya’Row snorted a laugh and smiled a most wicked smile.  “Excellent.  Let the hunt begin.”

*****

Gary, Indiana, October 16, 1863

The tall man flipped his pocket watch closed and placed it in the pocket of the long, black coat.  He had a rugged appearance about him; a face that had seen many days on the range, eyes that had seen much death.  His grey hair flowed from under the black stetson, kept crisp and clean.  An old gunhand by all appearances, right down to the breastplate he wore.  Many were shocked, though, as they saw the cross emblazoned on the plate, and the reverend’s collar at his throat.  Gripped in his right hand was the well worn book that seemed to always remain by his side.  The very same book that he opened and continued to read from as he waited on the boarding platform of the train station.

People mingled all around him, not paying him much attention, only when he would offer a kind smile in greeting.  He didn’t talk much, or to many that walked past him; he was just a traveller like many to this station.  This did not mean his eyes did not take in those around him.

A tall, thin man stumbled and fell to the platform as three rugged looking gunslingers pushed him around.  They laughed as the man attempted to collect his bags and rise to his feet only to fall once again as one of the cowboys tripped him up.  “What’s the meaning of this?” the man cried out as the rough hands on one cowboy pushed him down again.

“Jist wantin’ ta find someone who can be generous ‘nough ta git us fair fer the train,” one of them announced with a wicked grin.  “Figger you’d be nice ‘nough ta do jist that.”

“I… I only have enough for myself,” the man pleaded as he gathered his bags up yet again.  “I do have some things to sell.  If you’ll leave me alone.”

The three cowboys grinned at the man as they circled him like vultures.  The man looked up with pleading eyes to the three gunslingers, pushing himself back along the platform as other commuters around him paid no heed.  He stopped moving when his hand came to rest on a soft, leather boot.  The three cowboys stopped as well, their attention fixed upon the man in the long, black coat with the black stetson.

“And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.,” the man simply said aloud in a gravely voice as he looked from gunslinger to gunslinger.  “And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.  And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”  The tall man stopped as he held out a helping hand to the man, still speaking as he assisted the man to his feet.  “You three should heed the words and act more like the good Samaritan.”

“We don’t need no preacher tellin’ us what ta do,” one of the cowboys sneered.  “B’sides preacher, who’s gonna help you?”“I put my faith in the Lord,” he replied as he moved between the young man and the three gunslingers, one hand opening his long coat.  The three cowboys stopped as they saw the long barrel Colt that rest in a holster on his hip.  “As for those that are troubled by the evils of the world, I will act in accordance to the good Samaritan, and offer aid.  Might I suggest you boys think on those words for a spell.”  His hand remained on the butt of the long barrel as he watched the trio of men.  They tried to determine if he could actually take them out, and at one time thought he might.  But this place was not the time for a gun fight.  The man watched them as they slowly walked away, down the length of the platform.

“Thank you, Reverend,” the young man said as he checked his bags quickly.  “What can I do to pay you, Sir.”

“No need for sir, young man,” the older of the two said with a kind smile.  “Name’s Reverend Carter Stewart.  An’ the only thing I’d ask o’ you is ta remember this, and do something in kindness for someone else down the road.”  Without another word, Stewart turned to the conductor of the train and handed his ticket over.

Across the platform another gunslinger holstered her own long barrel Colt.“I tol’ ye there’d be no need fer tha’,” Pania said to Shani as the elven gunslinger moved back to the ticket window.

“I jist don’t like it when a buncha brigands start roughin’ up some city slicker who come out here fer a new life,” Shani huffed openly as she reached into her coin purse.  “How much were thet ‘gain?”

“That’ll be fifty dollars, Miss,” the man behind the ticket counter repeated.

“Fifty dollars!” Shani replied with a great deal of shock.  “Thet there’s highway robbery.  An’ I know all ’bout high way robbery.”

“Two tickets to Thief River Falls,” the man behind the ticket counter explained.  “And boarding of your horses on the livestock trailer.”

“Well then.  Fifty it is,” Shani said as she easily dropped the money down and took the two tickets.  “Gonna be nice ta ride on a train,” she said as she handed Pania her ticket.  The pair walked down the length of the platform to the conductor.  “Be nice fer them horses too, not havin’ ta be on the go so much.”

“Aye, give ’em a wee bi’ o’ a rest,” Pania nodded in agreement.  “’Sides, I’ve never ridden on one o’ these iron ‘orses b’fore.  Be a nice experience ta say the least.”

“You gonna write a sonnet ‘r opus ’bout it?” Shani asked with a teasing grin.

“Ye never know,” Pania replied.  “Tha’ migh’ jus’ be a good idea.”  the pair continued talking about the concept of trains and how they might make life much easier on their homeworld, a pair of eyes watched them from the window of a darkened passenger car.