RDR II : The Tulip & the Willow (CANNON)

(Ch6 Pt2) -Colter-

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Chapter 6 Pt.II

"The Wild West's Iron Horse"

(Who the Hell Is Leviticus Cornwall?)

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The sounds of thundering hooves pounding against the frozen tundra ground roared around the posse, Tulip cycled her Winchester, the steel was dirty and the chamber was unkempt. The engravings were filled with dirt too, making darker outlines of the gun's nickname, Paciencia. Tulip had wished she saved some gun oil, but it will make do.

"Okay gentlemen, and woman. Listen up, all of you. According to the information so kindly provided to us by the O'Driscolls, the train will be coming north, from Big Valley." Dutch explained. "We're going to pick it off after it crosses the border into the Grizzlies."

They all made a formation, Arthur, Micah, Lenny, Charles, Javier, and Tulip.

"There's a raised spot there that should give us a good vantage. Charles, you'll keep lookout for any outriders. How's that hand, by the way?"

"I'll be fine." Charles responded.

He urged the Count to pick up the speed. "Good, I'll take the driver and engineer, then run point. Lenny and Javier, you two take the front cars, deal with any guards. Arthur and Micah, you lead straight for the back." Arthur didn't seemed pleased, having to tag with Micah. "That's what we're after... Mr. Cornwall's private car."

"You and me, Morgan." Micah called out.

Arthur gripped his reins slightly hard, "Great."

"Have you got a problem with that?"

"Not if you keep your head for once."

"You worry about yourself." The chemistry between them, or anyone for that matter with Micah, is like oil and water. They will never mix well, no matter what you do.

"Enough!" Dutch yelled. "After Bill blows the tracks, we're gonna need to move fast. Is everyone clear on what they're doing?"

"Yep."

"Crystal."

"Yes, boss."

The posse leader looked back to check on everyone, especially with the silent cowgirl. Tulip tipped her hat, "Mm-hm."

"Good. Now, come on. Let's ride."

The horses galloped through the piles of snow, making tiny snowstorms behind their feet and legs. The ride was lengthy, much more longer than Tulip had originally expected. The day grows ever so colder, the temperature dropped as a blanket of clouds enveloped the sun and the sky began to dim. As they traveled, the snow slowly became less and less, grass dominated the ground and so did the leafless trees.

"Out of the snow, finally." Arthur huffed.

Dutch laughed, "Feels good, doesn't it?" then his voice switched to a more sullen tone. "But we need to get this done fast now it's thawing...before anyone gets up here after us." Dutch then chuckled, glancing back at them. "Look at you boys. See? This is what I call a crew. Micah Bell, Charles Smith, Arthur Morgan, Javier Escuella, even Tulip... "Little Miss Sure Shot"!"

Tulip chuckled in timidity at her nickname. Since she taken in Willow and has been training her, her nickname was soon to be passed on to her. It was unintentional, but at least she wouldn't inherit the other infamous title. Tulip briefly frowned, but shook her head as Dutch's voice brought her mind back.