The Band of Rotten: A Sanders Sides Story

Bargain

United States, 1860

They could smell the ocean and hear the squawks of birds in the distance. It was true they couldn't see the ocean just yet, but they were close. Patton had suggested for them to walk all the way to the water. However, Roman was too tired to walk anywhere else. Patton had thought a soldier would have a lot more endurance. Though given the little amount of food and water they had, exhaustion always comes early. The darkness of twilight cocooned them in a comforting ambiance.

"We're here now," Patton said with excitement written clearly across his expression. "Few hours away from tha coast, we are."

"It's exciting!" Roman exclaimed through his exhaustion. "Imagine the things we could do! The adventures we can have!"

"Adventures? Thas bit much, but I get whatcha mean."

"All amusement and entertainment aside, we shall find a job first if we ever want to live, dear Patton."

Patton gave him an enthusiastic nod. Truthfully, the prospect of finding a job isn't too appealing to Roman, but he will have to make do. They set up camp on the side of a winding path by a field. Their camp faced east, so they could enjoy the sunrise when it comes tomorrow morning. Behind them was a dark forest with towering trees. For now, they will stay in the camp for a few days—perhaps even a few weeks—until they find a job.

Just as their campfire started, Patton heard a loud rustling behind him. He whipped his head back, alerting Roman. There were more rustles and dull steps. The darkness covered their surroundings; the campfire was the only thing giving them vision into the shadows. Then came another dull step until they could see faces coming out of the cover of the dusk. There were eight of them. They were dressed heavily and weapons were held steady in each of their hands. Patton placed his hands on the two guns by his side and Roman readied his fists.

"What have you come to do?" Roman asked cautiously. He knew it was a laughable question, but he needed to stall. "We do not have anything to give you, gentlemen."

"Really?" a voice rasped. Neither Roman nor Patton knew from which men the voice came from. "We'll see 'bout that, boy."

"Roman," Patton whispered with urgency. "What do we do now?"

"The fight," Roman said with a smirk and confidence in his voice, "begins!"

He flung himself forward, hands flying to the necks of the bandits two at a time. With force, he bashed their skulls together. Though a bit distracted, the bandits were still on their feet. Another one came at him. Handling three at once shouldn't be too difficult. He seized an arm and knocked the knife the bandit held. He pulled the bandit closer before using his momentum to throw the hooligan at another man. Two down at once, he kicked at their crotches. Roman took one bandit's head by the hair and rammed him against a tree behind the camp ground.

Behind him, Patton was struggling with two bandits. One of the criminals had their knife against Patton's neck while another was ready to kick the rider brutally. Before the bandit had a chance, Patton had pulled out a gun and fired into the dark.

"You missed!" The bandit shouted in victory.

"Huh..." Patton feigned confusion with a confident look in his eyes. "I don't usually miss."

A thundering thud came storming at them and Orchard the mare launched herself at two of the men at once. Patton elbowed the distracted bandit who had a knife to his throat with a quiet laugh. It seemed Patton had shot the rope tying Orchard onto a tree. He peered down at the men, groaning in pain—one with a broken arm.