Unshaken

The Spines Of America

Liam rode in silence to the Dakota River near Caliban's Seat. He wasn't ready to go back to camp yet. His head felt like it was repeatedly getting hit with every pump of blood that coarsed through his veins. He approached the river bank and climbed off of Colter. The fresh air had relieved some tension he'd had.

He took off his boots, rolled up his pants and waded into the water. The current rushed against his legs. He splashed the cold water on his face and felt like new. He slightly shivered and put his boots back and and rode around for a little while longer enjoying the scenery of the country. He rode up to a cliff side and sat for a little while thinking to himself. He found it to be therapeutic. After around an hour of sitting and thinking, he got on Colter and headed back to camp.

As he rode in, he had heard Javier yell, "Who is it?" "It's Liam!" He yelled back as he rode past. He walked to the usual spot where the camp made coffee and poured himself a cup. The warmth made him feel like last night hadn't happened. He didn't mind it though. It was the most fun he'd had in years. He smiled to himself as he picked up a hay bale and brought it to the horse station. "Morning, Mr. Parker." Dutch said as he walked past him with the hay bale. He placed it in its correct place and looked up at Dutch, who had a smirk on his face. Liam could tell he knew. "Morning, Mr. Van Der Linde." Liam said in a respectful manner. "So, I heard Valentine had a few drunkards terrorize the town." Dutch said in a questioning but still friendly tone. Liam's face turned red in embarrassment. Dutch noticed and laughed. "I know it was you three. I've already haggled Arthur and Lenny about it." He admitted. "Sorry, Mr. Van Der Linde." Liam said looking down. Dutch put his hand on Liam's shoulder. "It's fine, son. Just try not to do that again. And please for the love of God just call me Dutch!" He said walking off laughing. Liam rubbed his neck and got back to any work that needed doing.

In the afternoon Liam was done with anything that he could think of and sat at the camp table. He began to sharpen his knife. He started to daydream. As he was lost in his own little world, he heard Arthur and John approaching him having a conversation.

"Hey kid, you ever been robbing?" Liam almost jumped at the question. He put his tools down and stood up with the two men. "I've pickpocketed like anyone else, but can't say I been robbing." Arthur and John looked at each other for a second and silently agreed on something. "Well, we figure since you know how to ride and use a gun pretty well, you'd be fit to ride with us." John told him. "You in?" Arthur asked. "Of course. What y'all plan on robbing?" He asked, hiding his excitement. "A coach seems fine." Arthur said with John agreeing. "Considering it'll be your first robbery we'll start you off on something pretty simple. We'll explain on the way there." John said as the three walked to their horses. Liam climbed on Colter and they rode out of camp east into the Heartlands. His heart was racing in anticipation.

As they rode, Arthur and John discussed the plans with Liam. "I was in Valentine a few days ago and talking this fool outside the bank. Kept rambling about how his stuck up and rich brother-in-law was taking a coach with his wife to Emerald Ranch to meet with the head rancher to discuss business and then head to Scarlett Meadows." John told the two. Liam cringed at the name Scarlett Meadows. He shook it off and kept listening. "And how do you know he's got money on 'em?" Arthur asked. "Because he's heading to Lemoyne to stay for a little while. So all of their baggage with valuables will be in the back." John explained, furthering his point. "Alright then. But we need to decide on a plan. I say me and you take out the drivers and Liam here deals with the couple." Arthur said. "Sounds good to me. Think you can handle it, kid?" John asked. "I'm sure." Liam replied, a bit nervous. "All you gotta do is jump into the wagon after we take out the drivers and make sure the couple ain't trying no funny business. Keep your gun pointed on 'em and look mean as hell." Arthur instructed him. Liam had stolen things from rich people in the saloon in Rhodes, but had never been robbing. He didn't think twice about his morals. None of that mattered to him anymore. He was ready to survive.