The Greenhorn [ ONGOING ]

Intro

Jarod stopped for a moment to lift his head and observe the wake of buzzards circling, waiting, hoping this potential feast would up and die.
"Not today" Jarod muttered as he wiped the sweat from his brow. Feeling the heat he removed the flask from his belt, unscrewed the cap and lifted it to his lips, the remnants of water trickled down the neck and on to his tongue, thirsty and dazed Jarod shook the empty flask before placing it back on his belt. He had been wandering for several days now hoping to find civilisation.

The midday sun beat down as Jarod fought his fatigue, his brain span and pounded against his skull making it difficult for him to stay upright and to make things worse the sand shifted beneath his feet making him stumble every few steps. Every step became harder and heavier each one sending writhing pain shooting up his legs, through his body and into his head. Jarod clenched his eyes shut hoping the pain would pass but this only made it worse, his head span faster. Steps even heavier, Jarod felt like he might pass out.

Giving in to the pain that pulsed through his entire being he slowly opened his eyes. "AGGH" Jarod grimaced as light flooded in blinding him and sending more pain blasting through his head. Jarod pulled down on the brim of his hat to help his eyes re-adjust to the light, still blinking He scanned in all directions for signs of life but only sand stretched out as far as the eye could see, sand and death.
It is just me and those blasted buzzards! thought Jarod as he looked up from under the brim of his hat (which looked slightly too big for him) to observe the winged beasts still circling him, the thought of being dinner for them sent a shiver down his spine and he could be if he doesn't get to the next town soon. But he was lost, lost in the middle of the desert.

Jarod stumbled through the afternoon heat, the terrain was flat and desolate and he could feel his strength waning with every step, when suddenly his leg gave way and sent him crashing face down into the sand, the gritty taste filled his mouth and his face was engulfed by a burning sensation as he lay there too exhausted to move, strength had almost departed from Jarod's body and all that remained was fatigue and pain, searing pain. He tried to push himself up but every movement felt like he was being torn apart, his shoulders shook, elbows buckled and wrists gave way with each attempt to part with the ground sending him crashing back to the sand. Jarod tried over and over and at one point he thought he had it until his elbow went again causing him to fall once more.

Exhausted Jarod lay face down in the sand for what seemed an eternity, mind numb from the pain he thought he was done, dusted, a goner when a spark of determination awoke within his semi-conscious mind which grew stronger as he remembered why he was running, what he set out to do and the talons of death circling above him, he could hear their calls of excitement grow louder as they descended.

Jarod knew if he did not move now this would be the end for him, the calls grew louder and louder as the wake continued their advance. His heart began to beat rapidly as adrenaline poured into his bloodstream "I said. not. today!" Jarod gritted his teeth and sunk one hand into the sand, followed by the other, he made one last attempted to push his self up again using the last of his strength, his whole body quaked as he slowly straightened his arms, red-faced he finally did it he paused for a moment then pushed himself backwards onto his knees. Jarod let out a sigh of relief as pulled his hands out of the sand.

"RAWWK"

Jarod quickly looked up, the adrenaline began to surge again as he came face to face with a pair of talons outstretched ready to attack, without thinking Jarod rolled out of the way at the last second the bird just skimming his hat, as Jarod came out of the roll he managed to get up on one knee, heart beating ten to the dozen and running purely on adrenaline and the will to survive he quickly plunged his left hand into his jacket and in one smooth motion pulled out a revolver and extended his arm in the direction of the bird.

The sound of the shot exploded in Jarod's head making his ears ring with pain, he watched the dead buzzard fall to the ground as the others fled in fear. Glad it was over he dropped the revolver on the ground and slumped down onto both knees, thank the lord Father taught me to shoot, he thought as his head began to analyse what just happened.

Jarod sat for a while picturing the memories of his family, his mother hanging washing on the line with his sister while he helped his father tend to the horses. suddenly unwanted images flooded into Jarod's head poisoning the happy ones he wanted to remember, the lifeless body of his mother, the blast of a gun as his father fell and the blood-curdling sound of his sisters screams as she was dragged off their parents' bodies.

I...
Jarod stiffened up, he began to shake uncontrollably and his hands turned to fists gripping his pants just above the knee, the images continued their assault, the blood mixing with the dirt floor of the barn, from the flames of their burning home came the contorted shadow of the man he heard his father call Dutch, the shadow hung like the mark of death over his parents remains. Jarod would have shed a tear if not for his severe dehydration, wiping the sand from his eyes Jarod pushed the memories aside, reholstered his father's pistol, dragged himself to his feet and forced himself to press on. Dehydrated and bereft of energy he continued slowly, mindlessly, almost unaware that he was alive.

The sun had set and the moon cast an eerie light over the desert, the sand a pale grey against the dark sky. A light breeze stirred and gently embraced Jarod's face rousing him from his stupor. Empty and seemingly half aware he looked around at the monochromatic landscape hoping for something though he could not remember what.

Why was he here, he could not recall but he knew he must push on. His movements were slow and uneasy, often stumbling back several steps as he swayed heavily.

After what seemed like a lifetime Jarod finally sunk to his knees, his life drained to the dregs and he knew he was done. This is where he will lay down for the last time, to depart this life unknown and alone. The thought would have made sad once even scared, but he was too tired to care and the thought of rest was welcoming.

Slumped on his knees Jarod sat eyes closed listening to the peaceful silence. Knowing it was time he raised his face to feel the cool breeze once more. 

When he was ready he opened his eyes and saw the moon smiling at him with a soft glow so full of comfort and wisdom that he felt warm inside as if everything would be ok. So he smiled back, removed the hat from his head and placed it gently on the ground as he laid down and drifted out of consciousness.