THE GUNMAN

Chapter 5 Part 1 The Obsever

The Spiders rode into the settlement, their horses' hooves kicking up clouds of dust as they moved slowly and cautiously. Raven stretched his massive frame, arching his back and extending his arms, his huge rifle prominent on his back. "You know how people hate the Spiders in the Wild West, Axel. We've been riding for three weeks, and nobody's given us a shred of decent information. Are you sure your guy is gonna be different?"

Axel rode at the front of the group, his eyes scanning the settlement. Settlements like this one had sprung up on the outskirts of towns in the vast expanses of the Wild West. They weren't officially recognized by the government, and technically, they weren't supposed to exist. However, the government had adopted a policy of willful ignorance, turning a blind eye to the settlements as long as they received a portion of the profits. If rent wasn't paid, contracted forces were sent to clear the settlement. These forces, known as "Clearers", would brutally suppress any resistance and restore order.

The settlement was a rough and tumble place, with weathered faces that told stories of hardship and struggle. People were bound and chained, led by ruthless-looking overseers - slaves, forced to work in the nearby mines or farms. The settlement was a sprawling, makeshift collection of tents, shanties, and wooden buildings, with no discernible order or organization.

The Spiders saw the harsh realities of life in the settlement. Children played in the dust, their laughter a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by those living on the margins. The poor and destitute were forced to live on the fringes of society, their makeshift tents and shanties a testament to their resilience in the face of adversity.

Raven nodded, his eyes scanning the settlement. People went about their daily business, casting wary glances at the Spiders. Lila rode to Axel's right, her hands resting on the hilts of her knives, her eyes fixed on the saloon. Bill and Joe flanked the group, their movements mirrored, their eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of trouble.

The team moved towards the saloon, the largest building in the settlement, its wooden sign creaking in the wind. As they dismounted their horses, Lila read the saloon's name, her voice low and smooth. "Desdenia."

Joe looked at her, his brow furrowed. "Actually, Lila, it's pronounced 'Could-des-ee-na'."

Jeffrey the kid looked up at them, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Now that is one weird name. What does it mean"

Jeffrey the kid looked up at them, his eyes wide with curiosity, as they dismounted their horses. "Now that is one weird name. What does it mean?" Raven swung his leg over his horse's back and landed with a soft thud, his deep voice rumbling as he chuckled. "It's not as weird as your face, though!" He laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners, while untying his rifle from his saddle. Jeffrey's expression turned serious, and he said, "Sometimes, things you say aren't funny, Raven. Do you know that?" Bill, who was quietly observing the exchange, spoke up, "Don't worry about him, kid. You know what they say - big head, no brains." Raven looked at Bill, still grinning, and said, "I know I'm dumb, but I've never heard that one before, Bill. But then again, you've never been the sharpest tool in the shed either." Bill's face turned red, and he took a step back, clearly taken aback by Raven's quick retort. Just then, Axel, the group's leader, spoke up, "Okay, fun's up, boys. Keep your guns ready. I'm sure you all know this is a settlement, and there's no real law out here. Keep your guns ready, and make sure you don't stir up trouble." Axel eyed Raven and Bill warily before turning towards the saloon. "Let's go get a drink, boys." As they walked towards the saloon, Lila added, "And girls," with a smile. The group followed him, their eyes scanning the surroundings, as he walked towards the the saloon

The group entered the saloon, the swing doors creaking as they stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, with only a few patrons scattered about. The air was thick with smoke and the smell of cheap liquor. Axel led the way, his boots echoing on the wooden floorboards as he strode up to the main counter. He slammed a coin onto the counter, demanding, "Whiskey!" The bartender, a grizzled old man with a thick beard, looked up from the newspaper he was reading and raised an eyebrow. "I don't take Cranes," he said, his voice firm. "That's government currency. It's no good here. That'll cost a silver." Axel's face twisted in a scowl, but he reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver coin, slamming it down on the counter. "Whiskey," he demanded again. The bartender nodded and poured a shot from the bottle on the shelf. "Cranes were the new currency introduced by the government after the war, but the government itself didn't trust its own currency enough to accept it for important transactions. When it came to collecting rent on government-owned properties, they demanded payment in silver or gold," Axel muttered, still scowling. Meanwhile, the rest of the group made their way to the corner, their eyes scanning the room. Raven and Bill took seats at a table, their guns still holstered but easily accessible. Lila sat beside them, her eyes fixed on the door, while Jeffrey leaned against the wall, his eyes wide with curiosity. Joe sat down beside Raven, his eyes scanning the room. "Hey, Sam!" Raven yelled across the room to the other bartender, a burly man with a thick arm, "Bring us a round over here!" Lila asked, "Do you know him?" Raven replied, "No, but ugly people always go by Sam." Sam, the bartender, heard this and let out a hearty laugh, "Well, I guess that makes me the ugliest man in town!" he said with a grin.