Creative Writing: Duvall's Trail

Jake rode his horse in thoughtful silence. The outlaw’s violent death didn’t bring him the peace he sought, but it did reinforce his need to return to Texas. With few exceptions, the bodies from the Scarlett Rose were unidentifiable and although the sheriff concluded that Duvall must have perished in the explosion, he wasn’t so sure. Something in the kid’s voice, fear perhaps, made him wonder.

“After defeating the Cyclops Polyphemus, my men grew exhausted. They grew thirsty from rowing under the beating hot sun. Sweat dripped down their heads and the ship’s deck grew moist from the mix of the salty, seawater and sweat. We stopped by on a nearby island.

"Turn back then, return with the pitful news without taking action beforehand. I'm sure the kits would love to hear it from their role models, their guardians even? To hear that they themselves couldn't retrieve a single item of food for their growing famine?" She turned to the warrior who spoke, head lifted defiantly. He backed

"Wake up, partners," the trail boss, James called. I sleepily looked up , shivered, and saw I was the only one not up. "Here," James said, giving me the horses' bridles and saddles. "Take these and get the horses ready. We have a long day today." I groaned in reply and set up the horses for the day's long drag. I was the horse wrangler and this was my everyday job but I still couldn't get use to the idea of waking up before the sun and working. We drove the cattle into open plains against the winter's cold wrath.

Back in the main level of the factory, Wolf and Fox find Hawk lying on the ground, pale and unresponsive, his bulletproof vest next to him and the edges of a red stain showing around a wad of gauze. A soldier that Fox assumes is N-Unit's medic kneels next to him, along with Snake and Coyote. The three medics are talking frantically among themselves. The rest of N-Unit hovers nervously nearby; the rest of H-Unit is nowhere to be seen. Dust particles dance through the beams of sunlight from the holes where windows used to be, giving the whole scene a strangely dreamy air.

“You okay in there?” concern for his well being this is a trip he thinks to himself. Keeping me hostage feeding him and taking care of his wounds but not revealing themselves. Hunter just shakes his head and replies.

The driver, Cecilia Blair, of vehicle 1 was traveling north through the intersection of N. State St. and Flint St. when she had a collision with vehicle 2. The driver, Jacqueline Muir, of vehicle 2 was heading west on Flint St. when she was struck by vehicle 1.

“He wanted to help. He was a leader and he wanted to help and combat injustice,” she said.

“Why are you following me? Do you want a picture, an autograph, a shirt, or what?” he said with a stern tone.

“I will have none of it!“ His clenched fist strikes the wall beside them startling the horses across the stable. “We must get back to work before Elizabeth gets home, I can’t have her finding out about us.”

Kat ignored the commotion and offered Pat a half-smile. “I should arrange for the luggage and a buggy.” She didn’t intend to meet with Jake, now or ever. After she secured a buggy, she’d leave for the ranch.

"Best not to finish that thought," she agreed. Mostly in the interest of getting him to leave her alone, she decided now was a good time to give in and go to that stupid group session. On her way past him, she said, "By the way, just so you know, my husband isn't going to be able to make it this weekend."

Two years later, Jake’s grandfather dies. He leaves his ranch to Kat, hoping she’ll settle in Texas. Jake’s temper flares when she makes an opposing claim to the ranch, but for their child’s sake, they agree to separate rooms and a name-only marriage.

Jake moved in closer. “Most people wouldn’t pick sides. I’m lucky you did.” He extended his hand. “Are you hurt?”

I want that horse, She half-breathed, half-snarled. Plans were already forming in her labyrinthian mind, daring ideas of thievery and debauchery, of trickery and lies, for she hadn’t brought much to trade with. Above all else her goal here had been to ensure the relative safety of those already ensconced within the Salsolan branch of Freetown and to escort those who had never been before.