Sign of the Times (Arthur Morgan x Reader)

Chapter Two

After walking for awhile I came across a good-looking spot to set up camp. It wasn't too far from Valentine, and it was near the river for fresh water. The map indicated it was inside an area called Caliban's Seat. I sighed as I quickly set up a fire pit, and got a good ember going. I searched through my satchel for any bit of provisions and groaned when I realized there were only a few medical supplies. I set up my tent, grabbed my bow, and headed down the hill from my campsite into the woods. It was getting dark, so I didn't have a lot of time to find food, but if nothing else, a few herbs and berries would do me until I could hunt tomorrow.

The cool night breeze blew my hair back, and I couldn't help but smile at the peaceful serenity that nature provided. A low rustling in the woods broke me from my stupor, and I crouched low to the ground, drawing an arrow from my quiver, and notching it in the bow securely. The sound of leaves crunching was drawing nearer and nearer, and I was just about to spring up to take the shot when I suddenly heard a loud snapping sound, followed by a man screaming out in pain. My breath caught in my throat, and I didn't think twice. I jumped from my spot, gripping my bow tightly in one hand as I rushed through the woods, zig zagging through the trees as they grew more and more dense as I went.

The sound of the screaming was growing closer and closer as I moved swiftly towards the sound. That was when I saw him. An older man somewhat on the larger side with long hair that was thinning on top. He was groaning in pain and clutching at his leg. It was clear to see he had accidentally stepped into a bear trap. I immediately rushed to his side, and attempted to pry the trap from his leg, but it wouldn't budge.

"What the hell are ya doin'?!" He groaned in pain when I couldn't get it open.

"It's been rigged." I said, panting slightly from the running. It was obvious this thing wasn't budging by my own strength. After looking around for a bit, I noticed a long, branch laying off to the side beneath a tree. I moved to grab it and wedged it between the teeth of the trap.

"Hold still." I said, pushing the stick forward as I pulled back on the other side with my foot.

"Don't see I got much choice..." The man mumbled, growing weak from blood loss.

After a few moments the contraption clicked open, and I kicked it away. He was still groaning in pain, and it was growing darker, so I couldn't look at the wound right away.

"Hang on mister." I said, biting into the hem of my sleeve, and ripping the fabric free. I wrapped it snuggly around the wound and tied it securely.

"Where're you from, mister?" I asked, and he was breathing roughly. No doubt coming in and out of consciousness.

"My horse..." He mumbled, weakly lifting his fingers to his mouth to give a small whistle. After a moment, the sound of hoofbeats came, and the horse came into view. I helped the man up and allowed him to lean on me as I helped him up on his horse. I then moved in front of him, and got the horse moving forward.

"Where do you live?" I asked, and at this point his breathing was even weaker than before, but he managed to point through the trees straight ahead. I took the chance and headed in that direction as quickly as I could without bouncing the man off the horse. Finally, we emerged from the dense woods, and there was a campfire in sight, surrounded by multiple tents.

"Pearson's back!" I heard someone call, and I suddenly felt a knot in my stomach. What had I just gotten myself into?

"Who're you?" A middle-aged woman with her hair done up in a fancy manner questioned, approaching the horse, and seeing the injured man.

"My God, Pearson!" She gasped and hurried over as we helped him down from the horse. We moved over to the campfire quickly to where I could see properly, and a few more people gathered around us. I paid them no mind, as I got to work cleaning and disinfecting the wound before stitching it up.