The Red Wolf ~ A Red Dead Redemption story

Chapter 39: The Van Der Linde Gang

It was a long ride but they eventually arrived at Ashmore Manor in the early morning of Christmas day. The group that had parted out for a celebration had now returned back to camp almost unscathed by the gun fight. But no words were said to each other, as they had a new rider amongst the group.

After everything that had just happened in Jamestown and with the recent animosity with the Red Wolf, it seemed logical as it seemed absurd that it ended like this. For the gunmen in the gang they certainly felt this feeling.

"Is Dutch really thinking about letting him in?" John whispered to Arthur as his horse was alongside Arthur's. They were behind Mac and the Red Wolf.

He couldn't believe the man who shot him in the stomach was now being welcomed back to camp in open arms by Dutch. His feeling matched the weather conditions.

"I guess, we don't have to like it. Whatever happens, I'm sure Dutch knows what he's doing." Arthur replied grumpily. He said nothing else as he knew how insistent Dutch can be when bringing in new people to the gang.

Though he agreed with John with his feelings, he just hoped that Dutch made the right choice in bringing him in.

The irony was not lost on him, as in the first place he wanted Robert to meet Dutch back at the gold mine and the day when he lost out on a bounty. In truth this is what he originally wanted, but crazy events that followed after had soured his thoughts on the young man.

Outside the manor all the horses were put to a stop as everyone began dismounting their horses and letting them walk into the barn. Dutch then patted the Count before turning his attention to Robert with a smile on his face.

"Well, here we are Mister Reznov, home sweet home." Dutch gestured to the young outlaw.

"Yeah for you..." Red Wolf replied solemnly as he dismounted Gold Tiger and went to hitch Gold Tiger by the post. Then his gaze turned to a certain tree that was at the front where a grave was planted, he sighed as he turned back to Dutch.

"Why the long face? Your safe now, there ain't no-one gonna find us here." Dutch insisted, trying to make him welcome. Even if he wasn't and the others not wanting him there at all.

"I don't think so, with them lot giving me the looks, then that whole bloodbath we've just been in and I'm at the place where a best friend of mine died. I've pretty justified in feeling miserable here Mister Van Der Linde." Robert said as he saw the other people walk into the manor.

"You ain't the only one." John cursed as he spat at Robert's shoes. The young man felt contempt to kick him right there for that but he knew better than to do it in front of Dutch. But he kept his glare on John in that time. He then untied Gold Tiger and letting him trot into the barn to follow all the other steeds.

"I know, trust me. I'd feel just the same if I was in your boots. But you'd be dead already if we wanted it. We have lots to discuss Red Wolf." Dutch went on with him gesturing to the manor.

"Get some rest now, we'll discuss everything else in the morning." Hosea said to the pair as he had a concerned look on Dutch. He had some idea of what Dutch was planning but he never thought it would have gone this far.

"So you can kill in my sleep?" Robert scoffed at him.

Dutch groaned he pointed to the door. "Just, calm down! You know we could've left you in the tundra to rot but we didn't. Just remember that young man, relax and get yourself to bed. Mac will show you to a room, you'll be fine. *Yawns*I need to rest after this long day." Dutch ordered rather frustrated and tired. As he walked into the manor leaving only Robert and Mac outside.

"Come on kid." Mac called as he patted Robert but he shrugged his arms off. The young man just glared at Mac as he took a step forward away from it.

"Don't call me that." Red Wolf growled at him. Mac sighed as he knew the man wasn't gonna be one for affection after everything.