The Last Love Of Arthur Morgan

The Battle of Shady Belle

Arthur woke in the early morning hour to take a leak and grab a smoke. It was the first time he'd slept peacefully in months, apparently Lorna was his good luck charm. He ought to start bringing her with him every where he went from now on.

After waking up some, Walker was begging for something to eat. Arthur grabbed some hay that was stored in the back of the buckboard, and threw in some oatcakes. The horse purred; completely satisfied with his breakfast. Arthur chuckled.

The sound of impending hooves had him reaching for his gun, only to realize it was in the tent. Not wanting to alarm Lorna, he grabbed a large branch that had fallen and clutched it in his hand. It wasn't until the rider crested the small incline, that he sighed and tossed it to the ground.

"Arthur. I was hoping you'd be awake." Charles greeted.

"What're you doin' out this way?"

"Had some trouble back at camp. Pinkertons came and told us to leave. We had a day to pack up and move or else they'd bring us in on trumped up charges."

"Shit." Arthur cursed under his breath."Everybody ok?"

"Yes, just a little shaken up."

Arthur heaved a long sigh and looked back to the tent, contemplating on what to do next, before turning back to Charles.

"What's the plan?"

Charles shook his head."Hosea had me and John go find this plantation he knew of, we cleaned it out. We're just laying low now."

"Hosea?"

"He took over. Apparently Dutch buckled under pressure."

"That don't sound like him at all."

Charles shrugged."I thought the same. If I hadn't seen it for myself, I wouldn't of believed it."

Arthur nodded and patted Taima's neck, she purred and stomped her foot."Thanks for comin' all the way up here."

"I like it up here. Plus the ride cleared my head."

"So where's this new place at?"

Charles reached up and scratched his ear."The Bayou."

Arthur's nose scrunched up."Great."

"Aside from the bugs and alligators, it's....nice."

"Yeah, I'm sure." Arthur snorted, scratching his chin."Uh, how's Lily?"

"She's fine. Last I saw, Jack was protecting her."

A small smile found its way on to his face."Alright well, I'll start packin' up. You tell the others we're headin' back soon."

"You really should enjoy the rest of your holiday, it's well deserved."

"More important things to do."

Charles shook his head."If you say so."

Arthur watched Taima trot away, Charles mane of hair whipping in the chilly November wind. Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose, grunting as he did. He was beyond sick. The constant threat of the law, moving around, rivals at every corner. This life was proving to be maddening.

As he turned back around, he saw Lorna walking towards him, a worried expression etched on her face. He met her half way, going over what he might say to her.

"Was that Charles?" She pointed in the direction he'd left in.

"Uh..yeah."

"What happened?"