Two Outlaws, One Bounty

Part 5 - Fort Wallace

SECTION 1/3 - PART 5

Making their way to Fort Wallace, Ethan and Paytah come to a stop near the fort. Setting up camp, they don't seem to notice how normal they've gotten with bring around each other. Paytah knows where to set everything in the camp up at, and Ethan can't even hold back his emotions around him. That morning, when they woke up, he saw his hand in Paytah's. He looked up at Paytah sleeping in the cot, but didn't pull his hand away... He gently rubbed his hand with his thumb, kissing it gently, before getting up to take a piss. Paytah had no clue any of it even happened, considering he was asleep. But it's been lurking on Ethan's mind ever since. Every time he looks at Paytah, he can feel the phantom touch of his hand.

After setting up camp, they relax for a bit. Eating some of the deer jerky the other day. A duo of two soldiers, assuming from Fort Wallace, approaches them. The first one speaks in an intimidating tone.

"Why have you set camp up near the fort? Don't you know this is our territory?"

Ethan stands up instinctively, as does Paytah. Stepping in front of Paytah. Pretty much assuming that they might discriminate him since he's Native. He speaks confidently, making sure to explain their intentions loud and clear.

"We mean no harm. We've actually come to see the leader of the fort... All in good intentions, and I'm sure you'd be glad to help us..."

The EX-soliders look at each other. Before aiming their guns towards them. Ethan quickly grabs hold of Paytah. Pushing him behind him.

"Woah! Woah! Woah! We're being serious, if don't believe us, we will leave our weapons here... Please... This is the only chance I have..."

They look at them with cautious eyes, before lowering their rifles. Ethan and Paytah let out deep sighs of relief. Glad that they'll get to live another day together. Paytah grabs hold of Ethan's arm, but to the soldiers it looks like it's in a friendly way. Paytah looks at Ethan with eyes that say 'Are you serious?! Leave our weapons!? Are you crazy?!'. Ethan gives him a look that says 'Trust me...' and Paytah let's out a sigh. Why is he trusting him...

The soldiers lead them towards the fort. Opening up the doors, Paytah looks around in awe...

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SECTION 2/3 - PART 5

The fort is decently big. Soldiers walk around and talk with each other. Ethan looks like he's having flashbacks... The whips... The yelling... The murder... Paytah taps his shoulder to snap him out of it. Ethan looks at Paytah with pained eyes. But Paytah looks at like he's here for him. Ethan can't help but fall even deeper in love with him. Paytah may have fell first... But Ethan fell harder... Looking at each other, they don't notice the disgusted glares of the soldiers around them. 'Fucking Queers...','Stupid Faggots...' , and 'Digusting fags' is what they can hear. They look away from each other, Paytah taking a small step away from him, Ethan looks hurt by it. But he knows what happens to people like them...

They follow the soldiers into a cabin-esque room. Sitting at a desk is an old man with a strong jawline and angry eyebrows.

"Who the hell are these two...?"

He yells at the two soldiers that lead them here. The second one speaks.

"Well... Sir... These two men set up camp in front of the fort... He... Said he wanted to see you..."

The old EX-soliders looks at Ethan through narrowed eyes. Before standing up and aiming a revolver straight at his forehead.

"You're... A Lemoyne Raider... I've seen you before..."

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SECTION 3/3 - PART 5

Ethan freezes, looking at him with emotionless eyes. Paytah grabs his hand quickly. His breath quickening. No no no, that can't be true... Ethan pushes Paytah's hand away. Looking at the man with anger.

"I'm not. A Lemoyne Raider. I. Would rather be. Dead..."

The man looks into Ethan's eyes, studying his expression. He reads his eyes... Seeing how livid and yet, traumatized this man is... He definitely has seen him with the Lemoyne Raiders... But, he clearly never enjoyed it... Lowering the gun, the man let's out a deep laugh.

"Of course! Of course! Sorry, I must've mistaken you for someone else!"

Ethan looks at him appreciative eyes. This man seems to have good intentions... Paytah let's out a deep sigh of relief. He knew that his new friend wouldn't be a Lemoyne Raider... Especially since he's trying to kill their leader. The man sits back down, kicking his feet up on the desk.

"So, what can I help you two with...?"

Paytah steps forward. Sitting down the bounty poster Ethan had shown him the other night, when they were traveling.

"We are looking... for this man... Do you have... any idea, where could he be...?"

Ethan can't help but feel proud as Paytah speaks. He knew giving him that book would help out with his Grammer and reading skills. His English has improved a lot since they've begun their trip. The man looks down at the bounty poster. Letting out a disgusted scoff.

"Lindsey... Fucking... Wofford... I was wondering when someone would come up here, asking where he is..."

He sits down the poster and leans back in his chair. His hand on his chin in thought. He seems to be contemplating something. He reaches into his desk drawer and pulls out an old yellow piece of paper. Taking some pen and ink, he starts to draw something. Ethan and Paytah lean over him watching him draw. He finishes it, and it looks to be a map...?

"Here... It's a map to his hideout... Just remember... If he's not their... He's at Fort Brennand..."

Ethan tenses at that name. But decides to brush it off. If they find him at his hideout, they won't have to go to that awful place... Paytah looks at Ethan with a soft smile.

"We've got a lead..."

Ethan smiles and nods to the man. But before they can leave, he calls to them.

"And if you find him... Make sure you put a bullet between his damn eyes...!"

Oh... Ethan will do much worse than that to him...

END OF PART 5