Gunslinger's Moon (23 page)

From a house, Jonathon walked out. He wiped a hand over his bloody beard. Specks still remained in the curls of hair. He patted his stomach as he approached.

“It’s been a mighty fine night,” he smiled.

“Where is Jed?” Beth blurted.

Nadi wished she did not ask that. Douglas already suspected Beth was not a true vampire. Showing feelings for a human was not wise.

However, Douglas was curious himself. He said, “Yes do tell.”

Jonathon shrugged. “He and the kid ran off. I don’t know where. Jed was leaking, we made a couple of holes in him. Oh.” Jonathon reached into his pocket. “We used the imp to get that silver bullet he had.” He held up the bullet.

“So he isn’t dead?” Beth asked.

Jonathon sounded bewildered. “I reckon he will be soon. He’s been shot. What does it matter?”

Douglas stepped forward. “I told you to kill him and the red head, didn’t I?” Douglas’ tone was soft and quiet.

“I’m telling you he is dying, if not dead. Besides I have his silver bullet.”

Douglas reached and grasped Douglas’ throat. Singlehandedly, he brought the large vampire down. “That man has the potential to be a threat. I want him dead. Find him and make sure.”

He released the grip. Jonathon did not gasp for air, as he did not need to breathe. He did rub his neck sullenly. “I’ll send Colin and Shane. His trail will be easy to find, what with him bleeding and all,” he muttered.

“Good.” Douglas ignored him as Jonathon walked away.

Nadi shifted in her seat. Thankfully, Beth had kept quiet. Now that the gunslinger was disposed, the witch doctor supposed there was plenty of time to find a different cure. Not that it mattered. Douglas proved he was never going to relinquish his vampirism. Both she and Beth were fools to believe he was. In her own defense, she was always more concerned with finding a cure than to pay attention to the grumpy man.

Douglas sniffed deeply. “I am going to indulge myself.” He stared hard at Beth. “I advise you do the same, Beth.” He strolled into a house. A quick scream was abruptly cut off.

“We have been fools,” Beth asserted openly. “Douglas is a monster. I doubt he was ever willing to become human again.”

Nadi said, “There is not much we can do.”

“We can help Jed.”

A thin eyebrow rose on Nadi’s face. “The gunslinger is most likely dead.”

“You can find out,” Beth urged. “I know you never threw out the doll.”

“Fine.” Nadi reached in her bag of herbs she had ready to travel anywhere. The voodoo doll was inside. Jed was alive, she felt the spell working in the doll. “He is alive. I cannot tell how wounded he is.”

“We must save him. We will need his help to stop Douglas. It is the right thing to do.”

Nadi frowned but acquiesced. Holding the doll firmly in her hands, she began a wordless chant. A connection strengthened between Jed and the doll. His presence drew the doll toward him. Nadi flicked her reins. “Let us hurry. Colin and Shane will kill him.”

Chapter 17

Obadiah rubbed his eyes, feeling miserable. His skull was splitting, or at least it felt like it. Tired and exhausted a good night’s sleep would be the nicest thing. Instead he rested his chin on his arms and gazed below. He found himself blinding rapidly and then slower and slower. Gradually it grew heavier, an unconquerable weight. Shaking his head, he opened his eyes. They closed again.

He heard the sound of hooves. Horses were coming. Obadiah opened his eyes. Energy and worry woke him. A couple of horses were approaching. Carefully, he grabbed the rifle, settling the stock firmly against the nook of his shoulder. He barely made out the figures of the riders. Obadiah trailed them with the sights, allowing them to get closer. He would only get a couple shots before they spotted him. Imperative he hit them with the opening shoots.

The riders reached the part of the canyon floor when it widened leading to the cave. Obadiah inhaled and released the breath slowly. At the end of his breath he gently pulled the trigger. The rifle cracked. One of the riders shuffled in his seat. Obadiah cocked the rifle and sent another round. The bullets knocked the men in their saddles. The flash of the Winchester revealed his position. They drew pistols and fired up at him. It was pointless. The closest shot ricocheted off the rock in front of Obadiah.

Fear vanished with the heat of action. Swiftly Obadiah reloaded. He popped out and fired. One of the men kicked his horse into a gallop, moving nearer the cave. Obadiah could not let him the chance to accidently find Jed. Ignoring the second rider, Obadiah aimed at the moving target. The Winchester rocked into his shoulder. It was a one in a million shot. The vampire’s head rocked back and he pulled harshly on the reins. The horse twisted and reared up. Recovering from the wound the rider fell off.

Swinging back Obadiah suppressed the other rider.  The man slid off and used his horse as cover. Obadiah frowned but he shot the horse. The stallion staggered, crashing into its rider. Yelling angrily the vampire pushed it away. Reloading again, Obadiah glanced over the right side.

The first rider was climbing the slope, making short time of the ascent. Cocking the lever Obadiah fired. He missed and the vampire launched himself over the edge. Obadiah stepped back. Easily the vampire landed, despite the twenty foot leap. The vampire caught the Winchester as Obadiah hurled it. Quickly, he drew the Kruger. He only got one shot off.

The vampire covered the distance between them in an instant. The wind rushed out of Obadiah as a fist pummeled his stomach. He was thrown by the collar. Trying to break his fall, Obadiah rolled upon hitting the ground. His Kruger was knocked from his hand by a jutted stone. Suddenly, the vampire was on him. In horror Obadiah watched its fangs appear. The eyes were completely black. His head was wrenched to the side.

Legs blocked Obadiah from reaching his Colt. His hand grasped a rock. He swung, but the vampire saw it coming. Grabbing his wrist, it stopped the blow. The arm popped out of its socket in a disturbing flash of pain. It gave a chuckle and pulled his arm. Obadiah bludgeoned it with a rock from his other hand.

The blow knocked the monster off. Obadiah slammed it down on the vampire’s skull. For good measure he smashed the head again. The cranium was a mess oozing gore. Obadiah regarded the broken thing. Dropping the rock, he pulled his Colt. Obadiah discharged the gun till it clicked empty.

Then he remembered there was another vampire. Frantically, he tried to reload. It was awkward with only one hand. His left arm was hurting and useless. The vampire was near the top.

A voice called out, “Obadiah are you up here?”

The colt drooped in his hand. “Beth?” Then he raised it again. Was she an enemy, he wondered.

“Don’t shoot!” Her head appeared. Ensuring he wasn’t shooting she finished climbing and extended a hand behind her. “Nadi is here too. She can help Jed.”

Obadiah sagged in relief. “Jed’s hurt real bad.”

“Wait,” Nadi said.

She grabbed Obadiah’s arm He winced as she examined it. Without warning Nadi set back in place with a quick jerk. He gasped. Flexing his arm, he was grateful he could move it, no matter how gingerly.

“Thanks. Jed is down there. Follow me.” Obadiah led the way done.

Beth gasped seeing Jed lying on the floor. He was unconscious and his breathing was light. Nadi bent to examine. She clicked her tongue. “I cannot see anything without light.”

“I can,” Beth said.

Nadi nodded. “Obadiah make yourself useful and retrieve our horses.”

Hurriedly, he ran off. The two horses were standing peacefully. Nearby was the decapitated head of a vampire. Obadiah shivered at the gruesome sight. Neither of the ladies had a sharp blade.

Back at the cave Nadi rummaged through her bag. She instructed Beth on where to place her salves after the wounds were described. Obadiah began biting his nails.

“Will he live?” Obadiah asked.

Absently, Nadi replied, “Perhaps. The wounds seem severe and numerous. There are three gunshot wounds. However, he has survived this long. The healing salves will help. I will check in the morning.”

To fill his mind Obadiah collected shrubs for a fire. Desert nights were cold and the adrenaline of the fight left him exhausted and shivering. The dry brush easily lighted and a steady blaze grew. Obadiah was about to take watch when Beth said she would do it. He made no argument. He unpacked his bedroll, throwing it on the ground without regard to move bothersome rocks, and fell asleep before his eyes closed.

The next morning he woke up sore and stiff, his limbs protesting sleeping roughly on the ground. A slight pressure remained in his head, the large bruise had not dissipated. The fire had died out hours before as the ashes were cool. Food was going to be a problem, he realized. The saddlebags held some supplies, unfortunately, it would hardly last for long.

Obadiah decided it would be best to check on Jed first. In the morning light the wounds did not look well. The bandages were stained crimson and dried blood covered his clothes. Jed’s breaths came low and shallow.

“Obadiah.”

He turned and saw Beth hiding deeper in the cave. Her eyes shone like beacons. “Good morning,” he greeted.

She nodded and wrung her hands. “I have a favor to ask you. I need some blood.”

Obadiah froze. It was impossible to tell who was more awkward, him or her. “Um, why?” He tried to sound casually.

Reluctantly, she explained, “I’ve been taking some from Nadi. However, I think it would be best if I got it from someone else. Just to give her a break. It is the only way I can stand the sun.”

What would Jed do, Obadiah could not help but think. “Sure.” He was not certain that saying no would be good, despite his discomfort.

Beth held a small paring knife. She bit her lip. “It might be best if I do this.” 

He swallowed and mumbled assent. The knife was placed against the edge of his palm. Cleanly the blade cut. Beth had a cup in hand and she poured his blood into it. Blood filled most of the cup already. It was from the horses. After filling it she released his hand.

“Thank you,” she said and quickly drained the glass. She also drank a small vial.

Obadiah wrapped the wound. “Do you think he will be okay,” Obadiah asked, hoping for reassurance.

She peered at Jed. “I don’t know, but let us wake Nadi.”

She was shaken awake. The witch doctor stretched, like Obadiah she did not enjoy the hard ground. “I’ve slept to long in beds,” she lamented.

Nadi knelt by Jed. She took off the bandages, examining every wound. To Obadiah the wounds at least did not appear infected. Also evident was the lack of healing. Nadi reapplied her ointments.

“So?” Obadiah asked waiting impatiently for an answer.

“I am not sure.” Nadi admitted. “We must give it more time. He is weak and the healing will take time.”

“He cannot take to long,” Obadiah announced. “We only have a little bit of food and unless we cook a horse I don’t know where to get any more. They will surely be on the lookout for us.”

Beth said, “I’d be more worried about them sending anyone else after us. They certainly have enough vampires.”

Obadiah remembered the sight of the pale vampires. “Where did those come from?”

“I don’t know,” Beth replied. “Douglas told me he was not going to make anymore. Of course he also said he was willing to become human.”

“Great.” Obadiah felt the need to do something. “I’m going for a look around.”

Obadiah went to grab some jerky. There were six horses standing. Last night the ones the vampires rode had walked over. The one horse he shot was alive. The bullet had grazed over its neck, fortunately. Obadiah patted its shoulder in repentance. He chewed the tough dried meat as he climbed the hill. The dried ashes of one vampire confirmed it was truly dead. The vantage offered an excellent view of the surrounding terrain. He made sure no one or nothing else was approaching.

He stared to the horizon, where Hickory lay. Obadiah could only imagine what was happening to those people. They would need help. But, the nearest town was many days away. And he had no idea how to get there.

Beth offered to take watch that night. Sleep was hardly necessary for a vampire, something Obadiah was grateful for. That was the only thing he was grateful for. The next morning Nadi discovered Jed had a fever. His face was hot and flush and he still had not awaken. His wounds also were not making much process and they were still unsealed.

Nadi explained, “He is too weak. He has been battling consumption. There is not much I can do. My ointments only help heal, they cannot do it if his body is giving up. If it wasn’t for my medicines he would already be dead.”

Obadiah protested wildly, “There has to be something. We cannot give up.”

Beth pursed her lips. Nadi though shook her head. Regretfully she said, “No. He will die.”

“We still have options,” Beth disputed. Obadiah looked to her hopefully. “We can turn him into a vampire.”

His sudden hopes were dashed. Obadiah responded, “I know Jed would never want to become a bloodsucker. No matter the circumstances. No offence,” he added hurriedly.

“None taken. But Nadi, you can do the same thing you were going to do for me.”

Obadiah was left in confusion. “Do what? Can you save Jed?”

Nadi fiddled with one of her necklaces. “I do not know if they will help. If they do I cannot say what their price will be. Lastly I am not sure being in debt is something he will want.”

“Who?” Obadiah asked loudly.

“I think we have little choice.” Beth said stubbornly. I do not know what else we can do. If Jed dies then we have little chance of fighting Douglas. If we cannot fight him then we must run. Where can we go? We have few supplies and personally walking in the sun all day sounds at the best tedious.”

Obadiah never thought to hear Beth and Nadi arguing. However, he still wanted an answer to his question. “What in the blazes are you two talking about?”

Finally Beth answered him. “Nadi can perform a ritual that may save Jed’s life. She can summon spirits to save him. She does not know what the cost will be, but Jed must pay it. What do you think he would want us to do?”

“I don’t know.”

They sat around Jed in silence. Nadi broke it first. “Jed spent his life fighting against the supernatural. Becoming their pawn is something he would not want.”

Beth had no argument. She sighed, stroking his cheek. Obadiah started pacing. Torn was a light word for the turmoil inside. A thought struck him. They were asking the wrong question. It was not what Jed would do. He couldn’t answer, so why bother? What would Obadiah do? That was their answer.

“Do it,” Obadiah commanded.

“What?” Nadi assumed the matter was finished.

“I said, do it. We need him, because right now Douglas is turning that whole town into some kind of vampire heaven, or hell. Anyway Jed will have to accept the consequences. As will I.” Obadiah stared at Nadi. She scowled but he held his gaze.

“Fine,” she muttered, ripping off Jed’s torn shirt. “I will need the day to prepare. The ritual can only happen at night. Beth hand me that inkwell and pen in my bag.”

Jed’s bare chest was covered in scars, some of which were almost fatal. Nadi began writing strange symbols with the ink on Jed’s chest.  They were of no language Obadiah had ever seen or heard about. It looked like fancy mumbo jumbo. She drew each symbol carefully, taking a whole minute to create a small character.

“How many do you need to make?” Obadiah asked. “What do they say?”

Nadi hushed him, intently focusing on her work.

“Is this voodoo magic?”

She paused. “Not fully.”

If it was not voodoo then he wondered what it possibly could be. Beth gently grabbed his shoulder. “Maybe you should take watch on the hill.”

Obadiah knew when he wasn’t wanted. He nodded. “Okay.”

He passed by the horses and patted Indomitable. The opening wasn’t large enough to store them in the cave so the poor animals had to wait in the sun. They had little food and less water. However, Nadi had some potions that she gave to them. Apparently, they provided food and water to last the entire day. Yesterday she offered some to Obadiah as he was on watch. As uneasy as it was to drink something given to horses, the blazing heat promptly changed his mind. To occupy his mind he chomped on a bit of jerky.