King Chronicles: When Darkness Falls

Chapter 3 - Marshall Law

As they left the restaurant, Joseph and Hawk decided they would head back to "The Pen" to collect Avery Russell, the last member of the Sheriff's posse. James and Savannah would go on ahead and meet them at Sam Marshall's place. "The Pen" was the jailhouse/Sheriff's office nicknamed by the town and the King brothers' second home.

James extended his arm to Savannah. "So, World traveller, tell me how you have fared since you left the boring town of Blackwater Canyon," James teased.

Her eyes lit up "Where shall I start? After moving out we lived with Hawk's tribe for a few months, then headed where we were needed. We reached the far ends of the world into parts of the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe. It was an exhilarating experience."

"What was your favorite place?" He asked curiously. He had only been as far as the city for school.

"I have many, but my favorite place is Egypt... Beautiful oasis, ancient cities and lots of sand. Dreadfully hot but ever so beautiful." Her eyes flashed with excitement. What about you?" she asked.

James thought for a moment. "I have never been further than the city, so to say "this town" just doesn't make any sense." He grinned. "But I would love to travel the world someday."

"You will," Savannah assured him, "I'll make sure to give you some pointers on all the places you should visit."

"I'll hold you to that but, I wouldn't mind some company as well," he replied.

Savannah smiled, "Agreed, one day Sherriff I will show you the world." James smiled warmly and then they both laughed in unison.

"So how have you... been?" Savannah asked, changing the subject. There was a slight hesitation in her voice.

The lines around his mouth creased as he hesitated. "You might have heard already, but my aunt and uncle died a few years ago. Uncle Ernest was murdered and Aunt Aileen was left in the house to die as it burned. She managed to survive a few days later just after we returned..."

Savannah let his arm go and placed her left hand over her heart while she placed her right on his. "I'm so sorry James," she said quietly.

James immediately placed his hand over hers, grateful for the gesture. He remembered that it was the same gesture she used as kids when she found out his fish had died. He recalled her explanation, that her arms were the links to her soul offering comfort to mend his broken heart. Their eyes lingered in each other's gaze, and was only broken when Savannah removed her hand in the awkward silence.

"Sorry," she mumbled, as James silently took a deep breath and exhaled. Despite the uneasiness, he was comforted to have her here again, he always felt they had a connection and understood one another, as if they had known each other their whole lives.

As they continued the rest of the way in silence, James looked up to see Sam standing on the porch with his cup of coffee, as usual. The former Sheriff not anything but the typical Western cowboy. A thick graying mustache, thin lips, soulful inset dark eyes and a large brown cowboy hat. He tipped his free hand to his visitors and smiled after taking another sip of his coffee.

"Sam," James greeted casually, "How have you been?"
When the King brothers had returned after their Uncle Ernest's death, his aunt had told James that her brother, Sam, would be their new guardian. Shortly after that, the mayor had elected Sam as the town's next local law enforcer due to Ernest's constant praise of Sam.

"James," Sam nodded in his direction, responding in a deep soothing voice, "I'm good."

"It's been a while, don't tell me the mayor is on your back again." James said, smiling. "I wanted to keep him off my back so we can finish some business. This is-"

"Savannah," Sam interrupted, pleasantly. "How is your father?"

"Very well, Sam, I hope we haven't come at a bad time?" she answered, politely.

Sam frowned. "I suspect you didn't come for a visit, although it is good to see you again. I have been hearing some unrest and abnormalities in the area, but nothing clear enough to warrant action."

Savannah nodded. "It appears that way, although the elders made an effort to bring us in as a precaution. Father will be along when he can, but he has some dealings in the North although will come early if needed. The journey is a little long for him now that he is older."

"Understood, hopefully it's minor and you enjoy your stay. I certainly hope James has put you up, their home is empty and needs a little feminine touch." Sam smiled and winked at them. James gave him a confused look and Savannah grinned.

"We just got reacquainted this morning. I have been staying with Hawk's tribe," Savannah began.

James cleared his throat and turned to her awkwardly. "Well, now that we're talking about this, I do have a few extra rooms and you are welcome to stay since it's just Joe, Avery and I."

"Maybe after the elder's council," she responded before turning to Sam, "It appears you have not been telling the boys about the other inhabitants of the area. Imagine our surprise when we caught them riding and shooting pistols at the Jinkuw."

"Same way I learned as I recall. Besides, nothing has come into town since James here took over. Now they at least know fire kills these things and not bullets." Sam smiled. "They will figure it out. You remember the kit, right?" Sam asked rhetorically, not even batting an eye in his direction to receive a response. James knew what he meant anyway, even though Sam never did tell them what the kit was for. He had been told to just be open-minded and to figure it out.

James grinned. "Still, Sam, it would have helped to know that the saliva was toxic." Sam shrugged, expressing his humor under his mustache. "It ain't fun if you know everything. Suspense keeps you sharp and the thrill reminds you that you're alive." Savannah's laugh tinkled in their ears.

Sam looked over to Savannah, deciding to change the subject. "How long has it been? Two years since we last saw each other?"

"Two years?" James echoed, a little shocked as he met Savannah's gaze uneasily. "You were in town?"

"Well, she has been here a few times after that one year she was living here," Sam responded in a surprised tone.
Savannah lowered her eyes. "I didn't have the heart to come see you and it was always at a bad time... I didn't want to get in the way of your life."

Stunned, James felt a little hurt, even though he knew he shouldn't. They had only met as kids and were friends for a year, he shouldn't be too hard on her. "Well, you owe me," James said firmly giving her a friendly smile, "A day for every year you came to visit, though I haven't decided just what exactly you owe me."

Savannah looked up, relieved. "Agreed, we can discuss the terms after."

Sam looked at both of them. "Now that we are in agreement, c'mon in here for some coffee. I suspect the others will be here soon... well at least when they manage to wake up Avery I suppose."

"I was already up!" A thick foreign accent rang from a distance. Avery, unlike the King brothers who were fair haired and blue-eyed, Avery was quite the opposite. He was suave-looking with big brown eyes, dark short hair and olive skin. He had the same athletic build as the King brothers, but stood only but an inch shorter. He walked with a smooth sway which he clearly exuded with confidence. "I was up already filling myself with coffee. Today's the day I become an honorary member of law enforcement in this town. You are all looking at the 2nd Deputy of Blackwater Canyon!" He said, proudly. He turned his head towards Savannah. "Ah, Savannah so good to see you again." He added, taking her hand and kissing it.

"I see this country did not affect your southern charm," she teased.

"Never," Avery grinned. "Always a gentleman!"

"How do you know each other?" Joe asked curiously as he approached them from behind Avery.

"I met this beautiful lady in my country and she suggested I come up here and make a name for myself. So I packed my bags a year and a half ago, connected through Sam and you know the rest." Joe appeared confused.

"Savannah, you may recall her as Master Luong's daughter from when we were kids?" James asked, grinning at his brother.

"The Dragon Master's daughter?" Joseph exclaimed in surprise. Savannah smiled in confirmation.

"Maverick, I did not recognize you!" He said, giving her a hug. "That explains everything-" he began, then stopping himself, "... err I mean about Avery and stuff..." he stammered.

Sam stepped forward. "Alright, inside all of you. I got coffee and I'll explain everything."

Everyone began to file in until only one person was left. "Hawk," Sam said, acknowledging the large man who responded with a nod.

"Do you have anything to eat?" Hawk asked with a serious expression as Sam smiled and wave him in.