Just Common

Common

I wanted to convey a few things. Common is a character based off all the characters that Author Hunnicut did, and a few other character actors that were in a lot of the older westerns. They were the comic relief or the guy that made sure the main character stayed alive. Common may sound dumb or like he lived somewhere in the hills or a cave. Yes he sounds southern, yet he came from York City, what was New York.

Most of Common's life was spent in the south, so naturally he picked up, the way they talked. Common never claims he is real smart. Yet in some of the Book of Common he is very smart. Common is just a common Ranger or person. Nothing more or less, as he would say it. Common has fear several fears, he calls mind-numbing fear. The fear of heights, snakes, and deep water.

I thought maybe the opening chapter of the Book of Common, might be helpful. So without further talk from me, Common has the floor.

                             Common

Like I said, on the front I am Common. For reasons unknown ta me, Momma named me that. Didn't ask Momma, she is long gone now. Couldn't ask even  if I wanted. Well I am a Ranger, not a bad job, not the best job. Dealing out the Law can be bothersome ta say the least.

Can say I've traveled these 13 Lands. Seen a lot more than most. Been ta places wish I didn't an some I didn't want ta leave.

Well this is my story, good or bad, it's what happened. Now I didn't write these thins down as they happened. Might ferget a name or two, of places an people. Hell read a bit just ta relax.

I will start from the beginnin, Momma met my Pa, ifin he was my Pa. At a dance he was recoverin from a wound, an the sickness that sets in.

He stopped in ta see her, every now an again. He wasn't real friendly nor mean. Just well bein a Ranger now, think he just wasn't used ta bein couped up.

Ya know around people all the time. About my 10th or 11th year yeah it was my 11th. He came an got me, we played around with a gun made an iron, hell the hammer an trigger worked just no movin chamber. Practice thin twice as heavy as a real pistol. Fer a couple months we practiced that, then he said, boy we headin out. Say yar good byes or bye yar leaves.

We are headed Virginia ways, Ranger Post D Virginia. Next day we left, me on an old white horse, saddle about shot, my travelin bag with just few thins in it. Pa went through it tossed out most it. He say only needed what I was wearin get all new in a few days. Got ta keep my two books one on math, the other let's say private stuff.

Oh, befer I fergets, my Sir name is Howard,  my Pa's name is Chester Howard Virginia way. Like I said he didn't talk much, but on the way. He did tell me this. Boy ya are a lucky one. I had ta study an learn on the move. They have a school now last six months. Ya will learn the Law ya get a book with basic Law in it. He tapped his larger saddle bag. Not much good, but it helps some. Ya will learn a lot in a short time.

School every day just like a Ranger works. I'll be teachin gun trainin, saber, an map an compass readin. Till we ride after six months. Then real world trainin. Ya will ride with me maybe a year or two. Ifin ya cut it, I turn ya over another ta finish out yar trainn. If not ya ride home boy, not a Ranger no gun no badge or shield. Just a person ta find a job is all. Far as I am concerned a nobody.

Well that kinda hit hard, nothin a nobody. Damn what kinda shit is that? I nodded say ok sir. I'll do my best I promise. He say, just do it! Set yar mind ta it, it can be done.

If you want to read more, you'll have to check that out at later time. Common is one of the easiest characters to write. I think I could almost use any subject and Common would work his way through it, just fine.

Far as what comes in the next story, Common only knows that.

I am Common don't laugh, that is my name. Momma chose it not me. I come from York, city of York. I'm a Ranger, they say the world has moved on, several times. Well this my story, the time spent as a Ranger, little befer maybe sometime after. Come along with me ya might just enjoy yarself.

I think this gives you little more on my good friend Common. Thanks for reading, till next time if they is one. Close to what Common would say. Vote make a comment if you like. Thanks again.