Co-post--Siks and Moon--the past revisited
Once Becca disappeared from view, Ezra laid her hand on Jackal's arm, giving him a nod before she turned away and went to talk with Deck, the man sitting quietly on his bed roll near the wagon. It was obvious he had been listening in on the conversation and when she mentioned moving the group down the mountain a bit, he agreed quickly, saying he thought it was the wisest choice. The cook didn't waste any time as he gathered up his belongings and started waking the others, Ez following him to Sammy's sleeping place.
In the short span of ten minutes, Ez had Sammy and herself ready for the excursion up the pathway to the gates. She had both her sword and pistol with her, not sure which weapon would be more useful. The two of them joined the gunman, the sound of the gates opening in the distance drawing their attention a moment later.
A small band of four guards on horseback started heading their way at a casual pace and Ez let out an uneasy sigh. "I think we should try to meet them further out...get some distance between us and the camp. Four men isn't enough to cause much trouble...perhaps they are coming peacefully. Don't want to be wrong though...so let's get a move on."
Jackal nodded in agreement, but the sound of running feet behind them made the tall man half turn and reach for his sidearm, but a small chuckle parted his lips as he saw Matches galumping up behind them carrying his long rifle and sawed-off shotgun. The boy and Sammy had gotten very close since the Cannibal town and Jackal couldn't fault him for wanting to stay close to her. Word had gotten around their small camp and all the kids were on edge, so leaving with Deck was a good plan to them. But Matches was never a runner, he got his nickname from playing with fire for goodness sake. Not a wholly smart boy, but he had a mule like stubbornness about him. Besides another gun he could trust at his back was always a boon.
Sliding up besides Sammy the boy and girl shared a smile and clasped hands walking closely behind Jackal and Ezra. The man let out another chuckle and cradled his rifle in his arm watching the guards approach--wiping his face clean he put on his usual stoic and dangerous stare watching every move the men made.
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As the horsemen neared, the lead guard raised his hand in a wave, signaling for the others to halt as he waited for the outlanders to close the remaining distance. He dismounted to address them, keeping his hands out in front and away from his weapons. His smile was open and friendly as he appraised the small group, finally stepping forward and nodding his head to each.
"Welcome to Endver...I have been instructed by Theophyllis, our spiritual leader, to escort you inside for our customary...and informal...meet and greet. I trust you are hungry?"
Ezra stepped forward, and after a brief glance at the posture of the mounted men before her, she walked up to the guard that had spoken to them. Dressed in a red and white uniform with black trim, the man appeared the picture of cleanliness and health. She stared, appraising him openly while chewing on her lower lip. A click of her tongue followed as she considered the offer.
"Seems good enough to me. I assume it will not be a problem if the rest of my crew stays behind? Just us four will go inside. Looking to do some trading if all goes well."
"Of course. No problems there," he replied, a smile still gracing his lips, although it was faltering. He assessed her in much the same manner as she had him, his eyes narrowing slightly. "If you don't mind me saying," he added, "...you look awful familiar."
Ezra laughed lightly. "You don't say?"
Turning around, she joined back up with Jackal, the slightest shake of her head indicating her unease. "He's lying...he's got an tic. Every time he talks..." Her voice drifted off as she spun on her heel, the three other horses now facing the gates as the lead rider mounted his steed.
Jackal nodded at Ezra as he got that vibe too.
"Just follow us in," the lead rider called once he had turned his horse. "You can keep your weapons...we just ask that you not unholster them. There will be no trouble for you inside."
While Jackal wouldn't unholster his pistol, he'd for damn sure keep his hand on it. Like the Cannibal town, this place made the lawman uneasy. The guards.. or who he assumed to be guards seeing as they all wore the same uniform as the riders, were all above the people walking along a strange network of ramparts and cat walks that crisscrossed above and between the houses. The people walked with their heads downs and feet shuffling quickly around, flinching if even the shadow of a guard went over them.
This was a place of oppression and needed to be burned down.
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After their arrival inside the gates, Ez and the others were led inside a large pavilion. The covered area was open on three sides with a large ornate building in front of them, reminiscent of a church, with stained glass windows and a double set of oaken doors situated in the middle. It was close to this structure that they were asked to wait, and after a few moments a robed priest-like figure pushed the doors open and emerged.
As Ez watched him approach, she froze, her heart starting to race as she narrowed her eyes, a low groan escaping her. Involuntarily she took a step back...and for the first time in a long while, she wished Gabe was by her side...one signal from her and the grizzled old man would be lying in his own blood. She thought to reach for her weapon, but she was a moment too late, her right hand suddenly clasped in the robed man's slender ones, his wizened blue eyes staring into her hazel ones.
"Ezra-Rayne Bastian...as I live and breathe. I never thought to lay my eyes on you again. So lovely you have become." The man's voice was raspy from too many years puffing at a pipe, but the joy in his tone seemed genuine, a smile parting his lips as he tried to move closer.
Ez reacted instantly...pulling back and jerking her hand away with a sound of revulsion. "Dead....you...you're su...supposed to be dead..." she stammered, her eyes shifting to Jackal. This was so much worse than she could have imagined.
"Jack?" It was more a statement than a question, but Ez did not have a chance to finish her thought before another man, this one closer to her age and dressed smartly in pressed pants and a cotton shirt, pushed through the doors, the expression on his face one of amusement. He walked quickly to the two, hoping to quiet the animosity before it got out of hand.
"Theo...my good man..." he began, clicking his tongue as he put his hand on the priest's arm. "I had hoped you would have waited for me...even so, it appears you are needed elsewhere...let me talk to our guests...I believe breakfast is about to be served. Perhaps you can assist?" He nodded lightly, watching as Theo left the area with his lips tightly pressed together. It was obvious the priest was upset at his dismissal, but he ignored it, turning back to the group with a false smile on his lips.
"It seems we got off on the wrong foot. Please...let's start again...there is no need for worry. Theo is...for the most part...harmless."
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Jackal gripped Ezra's hand, pulling her close and slightly behind him as the creepy old man came and greeted her. It was obvious they knew it each and it was also obvious this wasn't what Ezra expected to see. He let out a low growl and motioned for Sammy and Matches to get close behind him as well. If all hell broke loose, he would have the best chance at fighting the guards off or at the very least be a good bullet sponge.
The man was already coming up with some kind of escape plan. Hopefully they could grab their supplies and get out of here quickly. Looking towards their new greeter he stared into the man's eyes noting his fake smile, but unlike most people the man held his gaze for a minute or two before causally turning away and leading them into the building.
Once inside the main hall, the well-dressed man faced the small group, a long table dominating the space behind them. Food was being set out by several women and their host waited patiently as they went about their work, only speaking once they were alone.
"You are hungry I hope? Breakfast will be served shortly." He spoke as though all was well, ignoring the vigilante's protective stance in front of the others and the stony stare. He had dealt with this type before...just a matter of showing them there was nothing to fear. Not an easy task when Jackal Lawless was in the house...but his confidence did not falter. "I really can't express how sorry I am about Theo...I was hoping to keep him in the background until I had a chance to speak with you Ezra." He smiled at her, this time the expression genuine. "I don't suppose you remember me? Aidan Bishop?"
Ez looked at him closely, the name familiar but the man not fitting her memory. When she didn't answer, he chuckled lightly. "Not surprising...I keep my hair short to control the curls...and I have trimmed up a bit. But never mind that...the four of you must be fed before we can conduct any business. Kind of a tradition around here...never let a guest leave with an empty stomach." He chuckled again, then pointed to the side. " There is a wash room down the hall where you can get cleaned up...changed...whatever suits you. Just meet back up here and we can discuss your trade...but after food."
As their host turned away, Ezra shook her head, feeling a bit confused, but more at ease. She did know Aidan...they had lessons together years ago...along with Becca. ...and he had been one of her friends. But a lot of time had gone by, and the shy boy she had known then did not resemble this man in appearance or manner. Either way, she would have to talk to him about the priest...
"Let's just get this over with," she said to the others as they headed down the hall. She had remained close to Jack the entire time, accepting his protection without a second thought. She offered a forced smile, still trying to ease her nerves. "Eat, trade, out." ..and talk....she added in her head...cause if she had anything to say about it, Theophyllis would not be standing when she once again passed through the gates of Endver.
Jackal sighed lightly looking back at Sammy and Matches. The pair were on edge as well and looking towards him and Ezra for guidance. It wasn't like him to relax when danger was obviously in the air, no his response to danger has always been show of force and force the shadows into the light so he knew who to kill first. But now...he hesitated...he broke the habit of hesitating years ago or he thought he did. Had being around Ezra made him soft? In such a short time no less, was he falling back into the trap that nearly killed him? His lonely heart making his defenses soft for someone to enter? No this was different...Ezra was different. He knew it, but old habits die hard. Still he would try for her and the kids.
Matching Ezra's forced smile he nodded. "Yes, in,out, gone." With that he began washing his hands telling him to trust Ezra's instincts over his own.