The Book of Common

The Drownin

Well this took place while after Savannah now.
Norm had released me, off on my own damn
near sixteen well close to it. I was out an about
Virginia way, stopped in Virginia beach just to
relax a spell. Wanted a good bed not the ground or
Station or Post bunk a good bed.

So found an Inn nice place small Saloon next door.
Nice bed, chair to sit in window looking over the
beach. I checked in with the Constable you know bein proper and all. Seems another Ranger had
set up an execution. He wanted it to be public
so most of the town could see it.
Constable wanted me to help the Ranger out some
with it. I said well have to meet the man. I'll do it
If needed.

Constable says he is over at the Landing its on the
Beach can't miss it out back. So steps out back few steps to my left. Bar sitting in the middle of the beach, well wonders never cease. Few open roofed
structures. Saw two Rangers sitting under one,
so I mossy on over. I'll be Norm was one smiling
at me like he knew I was here. The other well
never met him before, had a grin like well first
thing I thought was death. I don't like to say things
harmful lan sakes I felt uneasy.

Norm had his foot bouncin both he was a might
flustered. Norm I says just like you knew I was
here. Mister guy next to him I says I'm Common
pleased to meet you. Constable said you may need
a hand.

Norm spoke first Common have a seat and a Corn Licker. I sits down the other finally speaks Bar Keep another glass! Common that one is different.
Ya I need some help one to go out on the boat with
me next to the pier. I'm a drowning this breaker
of the Law. Norm here will be above on the pier
in case a shark shows. Our protection not the
one drownin.

The other guy turns his head shouts again Bar
Keep another glass! Norm shook his head at
me like this isn't good. I says mister didn't catch
the name.

Common you say, I'm George Texas way rather
not talk much. You in? Constable wants no part.

Well to be honest I didn't want a part of it myself.
The Law says I must if needed. I nod say well
I'm bound by the Law nothing more. Glass finally
arrives I take a long drink. Sit down I says what time and where.

George says two days midday at the pier.
I says well fellas I'm going to eat and relax.

Norm asks where you stayin I says Beach View Inn.
Norm says see you later.

Well Norm knocks about seven, I says that you Norm? He says yep got some ale and crab cakes.
You want some. Damn straight I says come on in.
Well he has this plate full of them. Must a been
twenty on it full Crocker of ale mind ya not a half nor a quarter a full one. Plus my favorite pickled eggs. Now I'm set. He puts them on the table we
commence to eatin. My it was good.

I says Norm why ya here, didn't come in with
that low life Ranger did ya.

Norm he just waves it off, you know better.
I don't like public executions. They do no good.
Least that is my feelings. That Ranger I don't care
for. Just get this done so we can move on.

Well the day comes. I'm waiting at the pier Norm
same place. That George was dumping blood and such near the pier. The Constable brought out
this young feller not much older than twelve.
George rows the boat to shore. He says Norm you
on the pier rifle ready. Common take the boy
I've got him ready get him on the boat.

People of Virginia Beach. This one stole some eggs
from Miss Betty boarding house. He will be Drown
till he is dead. Body left at the bottom.

Now I am sorry discretionary ruling doesn't need
to be death I looks at Norm. Norm says people of
Virginia beach, my good friend Common and I
don't agree with the ruling. We are bound by law to carry it out.

George. Shouted the punishment shall be done!
Well he rows us out. I see fins moving about,
I shouts Norm Sharks all over. George says don't
shoot unless they come near the boat! George
says boy you stand up now! The boy didn't move.
He says Ranger I'll stand I'll die, don't want to be eaten alive by no shark. Well he stands I have my
Pistol cocked and ready. That youngster ain't gettin
eaten with me around. That is worst than drownin.

Well George pushes him over. The weights fall off him. Dear me this ain't right.

The sharks start nudging him then pushes him up out of the blame Ocean! I pull my Pistol fire at the sharks. This ain't justice no it ain't!

George shouts put the pistol down! I looks over
Lan sakes that Fool Ranger has pulled a gun on me!
I hear Norm shootin. I'm not sure this isn't good,
I looks at him. My hammer is cocked I've fired
three times. His isn't all I needs to do is pull the
trigger. This man is a fool, or not a Ranger or both.

Norms still firing fast as he could reload. That boy
is screaming for help. Sharks ain't bit him yet.
Just like toying with him. My eyes are darting around tryin to figure out what to do.

I hears a crack dear me I can't hear to good,
smoke circles my head. That fool just shot at Norm!
I fire like an instant later. George falls out of the boat. Sharks start after him blood gets them into
frenzy. I grabs the boy. Norm fires at one still interested in the boy.

I yell row boy I'll keep firing gets to land!

Sense Norm was Senior Ranger he called the punishment done and over.

Of course the Report at the Post Norfolk wasn't
a good thing. Seems me and Norm were questioned again. My file won't be good for at least a year. True justice was done though. Me and Norm made sure. Next time lets talk the Dark times for the Thirteen Lands. That is all for now.