Riches to Revolvers | rdr2 | Wattys2019

Leviticus or Arthur

Her wrists are tied, mouth gagged. On a horse with some stranger who kidnapped her.. things could be better for Sarah McDonnell. The evening had now turned to night, they had been riding for an hour or so.. she couldn't rightly tell. Her bottom is sore from saddle, she's bruised, and her pride is battered.

"Um...I'm sorry for all this." The stranger they call Leviticus apologizes...well sort of. He seems off and genuinely sorry but he was still doing all this! Treating her as if she's some..animal..

They ride into the swamps now, into a little lively camp, in the center is a looming abandon plantation. The crickets and frogs sing into the dark night. In the camp are women singing, a little boy swaying back and forth happily on a log by the fire, and a older man dancing to the merry singing. This sure does not seem like a camp for outlaws.

Leviticus hops off the horse, gently helping her down as well, keeping a hand on her elbow so she can't run.
He takes the gag out from her mouth, taking his bandana off as well. His ruggedly handsome face did not look the one to be a thief.

"Uncle Arthur! You're back! Where is uncle Dutch? And who is that?" The little boy, smiles sheepishly at her then looks at her bound wrists in confusion.

"Jack! Get over here!" A woman calls from the fire. He took off towards her as if he had got caught with his hand in the sugar jar.

Her heart broke from thoughts of her childhood..

"Where am I?" She finally asks, he stares at her with a look of despair. Anxiety and fear took over her being, her throat swells as tears well in her beautiful blue eyes.

"Look, I did not want to take you. I'm sure when..Dutch gets back he will take care of this and figure something out for you." His deep voice comforts her but also makes her feel cold even in this heat.
He shakes his head, "If it weren't for that idiot Bill you wouldn't be here." She nods numbly, she knows what it's like to follow rules. She cannot blame this man because she has no idea what the situation exactly is.

Confusion washes over her.. suddenly she thinks of his name..who is he? Arthur or Leviticus?

"I have nothing. My father...he does. B-but I was on my way to a ranch-"

"A ranch? You don't look like a ranch hand." He almost seems to be joking but his face quickly becomes serious.

"No, I'm not. I was sent to Emerald Ranch away from marriage, sophisticated society, and riches to live a normal life. I am sure my daddy can pay this...Dutch to free me."

Sound of Horse hooves approach as four men appear from the trees surrounding their hideout.

"Dutch! This woman said her father can pay you, he is well off, we can send a ransom letter or have her-"

"Oh I know who her father is."

"You do?" She jerks from Arthur's hold toward Dutch. He jumps off his white Arabian, standing toe to toe with her. She feels like crumbling to the ground but her pride will not allow it. "So you know he would do anything to keep me safe! He has plenty of money, he'll do whatever you ask!" She pleads but the cold look he gives her told exactly what is going to happen and it is not good.

"I know your father is a cutthroat bastard. I know he will do anything for your return. And I assure you, you will be returned. Arthur take her to your post and tie her up.

"But Dutch-"

"Arthur.. have faith. I know what I'm doing."