When the Devil Cries (Arthur Morgan X Male OC)

17. Save Fellers as Need Saving

From Arthur's POV

A COUPLE HOURS LATER

SHADY BELLE

Practically leaning my entire body against Eddie due to fatigue, the boy hurriedly rode through the thick woods surrounding Shady Belle as we approached the abandoned mansion, instantly catching the attention of the guards.

Things seemed peaceful enough 'round here, and it didn't look like Atticus had reached the camp yet which was a huge relief considerin' the shit Eddie and I just went through with the O'Driscolls. Though, that only made me wonder whether it was because they didn't know our location, or because they was simply bidin' their time. I supposed we would see soon enough.

Slowin' down to a halt, Eddie transitioned into a steady trot as we got closer to the camp's entrance, causin' someone to block our path. It was John.

"Who goes there?" He called out, readying his rifle.

"Relax, Marston!" I replied, my voice a lot more hoarse than normal. "It's me, Arthur." I gestured to Eddie. "Don't worry 'bout him. He's a friend. He means no harm."

John took a better look at me, his eyes widening in concern once he noticed my wounds.

"Jesus...!" He exclaimed. "The hell happened to you out there, Arthur?"

"I'll explain later..." I slurred out, struggling to keep myself upright. "Right now, I just need to speak with Dutch. Y'know where he is?"

Marston pointed to the mansion. "I think he's in there with Hosea. He'll wanna see you. You've been gone for quite a while. But...what about your friend?"

I held back a pained groan. "Like I said...he can be trusted. He won't breathe a word about this place to no one. I wouldn't have brought him here if I thought otherwise."

He still appeared somewhat hesitant, but allowed him inside anyway. "Well...if you're sure. Just keep an eye on him. Folk ain't gonna be happy you brought a stranger to us."

I nodded, holding onto Eddie as he took us into the camp. "I know...I know."

~~~~~~~~~~

Proceeding through the barricades, the pianist hitched his horse just outside the entrance and helped me down as the gang slowly gathered around us, all of 'em curious to see what was goin' on while Eddie guided me to the mansion.

From all different directions, I could hear the other members murmurin' to each other in both relief and alarm as they speculated about the situation, skeptical to trust the new face I had brought along with me.

"...Is that Arthur?" Mary-Beth asked, pokin' her head above Charles' shoulder. "Has he come back?"

"Looks like it," the man replied in a stoic tone. "He's not alone though."

Micah let out an annoyed yet somehow amused scoff, casually sharpening his knife. "Pfft. Leave it to Morgan to make a grand entrance like this." He raised his voice slightly. "Welcome home, Arthur! I'm sure things'll be just fine now that you're here."

I threw a glare at him, doin' my best to keep up with Eddie's pace. "Shut your mouth, Micah."

He grinned. "A gentleman as always, my brother."

Sadie jumped in, both her and Pearson's eyes nailed onto me as the pianist was forced to come to a stop with how many people was surrounding us.

"Arthur!" She greeted, her brow furrowed in anxiety. "Goddamn, what happened to you? Was it them Pinkertons?"

I shook my head, growing weaker by the second. "...No."

A sense of anger ignited her already wild eyes. "Well, whoever it was, they're gonna have hell to pay." Sadie turned to Pearson. "Don't just stand there! Get him somethin' to eat, for God's sake. The man looks dead!"