The Last Love Of Arthur Morgan

Murfree Country II

*Warning!*Mentions of rape and cannibalism*

When the gang finally got to Roanoke, it was a lot cooler than the Bayou, but still warmer than the North. It was somewhere awkwardly in between.

While the gang slept in another makeshift camp within the trees, Arthur and Charles went to scope out a more permanent camp for all of them.

They'd heard of a camp up in the mountains, it was occupied by the Murfree clan. It was solid, safe and far enough away from the law. Arthur was willing, as long as they took care of the brood first.

Charles was certain that this attack would take out a good chunk of them. Unfortunately, it would bring the heat down on the gang, more than the O'Driscoll's ever did, more than the Pinkerton's, even more than the Grays and Brathwaite's. But they were all more than ready for it. 

They waited until sun down before riding up to the ridge, leaving their horses off in the trees once they got there. They couldn't risk being seen or heard.

Since it was a sneak attack, they had to use quieter weapons. Charles used his poisoned knives and suggested Arthur use his bow. 

As they crept up to the cave, they could hear screaming and crying. Charles snuck up as close as he could, before waving Arthur over. He crouched low, hopefully undetected, until he settled next to Charles, both behind some crates.

"They rape their captives and if they don't submit, they eat them alive." Charles whispered.

Arthur swallowed, his jaw tightening."...Jesus."

"Toss a Molotov over there to draw them out."

Arthur pulled the bottle out from his satchel and lit the fabric with a match. He tossed it toward the cave and it hit the ground in a fiery explosion. Arthur and Charles readied themselves, waiting with baited breath.

When the first of the clan emerged from the depths of the cave, Arthur sucked in a breath and aimed his bow. He waited until the short one with no shoes turned, released the arrow and watched as it embedded into his skull. Charles waited until the others started to panic, before tossing the poisoned knives at them. 

One by one, all seven went down and it was eerily silent. Both Arthur and Charles stood and rushed for the mouth of the cave, where they could still hear the cries of the victims. And on the count of three, they rushed inside and quickly split up. 

Further on down the cave, Arthur could hear the rhythmic pants of someone or thing doing something he'd rather not know about or see. He pressed his back against the cool wall of the cave and tried to steady his breathing.

He counted to ten then rounded the corner and what he saw absolutely infuriated him! This monster was rutting against a woman on all fours, who had more than likely given up at this point. She accepted her fate, which was to breed with these inbred monsters or be eaten alive. It was a terrible fate either way.

He unsheathed his knife and plunged it into the creature's skull. It stilled on top of the woman, before Arthur pulled him off entirely. She instantly curled into the fetus position and sobbed hysterically, shaking and shivering. 

"I ain't here to hurt ya, sweetheart." He looked around and found a blanket. He gently draped it over her naked self."Can I help you go somewhere?"

"N-No. I-I have no p-place to go, sir." 

He frowned as he extended his hand. She observed it carefully, then accepted it. She wobbled as she stood to her feet, falling into Arthur, who caught her effortlessly. Embarrassed, she suddenly began to sob into his chest.