I woke up in a barn that smelled like piss and rot.
I can't risk going back into town to many people saw me and with the way they were shooting they'd not take to kindly to me
I don't even remember getting here or falling asleep I just remember the fear and cold
While I got my self together I stretched body sore and aching hay stuck on my face.
I couldn't tell what hurt more my hunger, my dry scratchy throat from thirst or my body
The barn doors creaked my breath hitched
I scrambled and hid
Footsteps more then one set.. heavey
I pressed myself into the shadows trying not to breath to hard hoping they'll just go away
"I thought you said he was in here" a voice said sounded young probably my age
It's definitely nit the law I thought
"Reckon so" a voice said older sharper
Boots crunched across the hay. I saw a shadow stretch long across the floor. A man stepped into view long coat, red scarf
Another person was behind him shorter skinnier not much older then me dark hair a permanent scowl on his face like he was born with it
They both looked dangerous
Maybe I can take the kid and make them let me walk away
I made it halfway to him before he tackled me we hit the floor hard I put shoved my palms on his chin pushing his head away while I squirmed around kicking my feet trying to get away
"Damn he wirly" the kid grunted "what's gotten into him"
"Kids starving" the older one said calmly. "And scared get off of em"
He knelt beside me armes up like he was talking to some stray dog
"You don't gotta run son not from us"
"I'm not your son" I spat my voice hoarse and shaking "just let me go I won't come back"
"Your right you ain't my son" he pause "but your in my barn breathing our air could at least hear us out before you go flailing like a fish in dirt"
I stopped fighting
Mostly because I had no energy left
the younger one let me go I crawled backwards until my back hit the wall
"Who are you?" I asked
"Dutch" The older man said "this here's Arthur"
My breath hitched
I know those names I don't recognize them at first because their so young but their from the game trailer I was watching
The kid Arthur just stared at me like he was trying to figure out if I was gonna rush him again
My breath started to quicken my body started to quiver
Dutch raised an eyebrow. "Something wrong, son?"
I swallowed the lump in my throat and tried to keep my face still.
If they knew what I was thinking they'd think I was crazy. Or worse.
So I forced a breath and wiped my mouth with the back of my sleeve.
Dutch reached into his coat and tossed something at me.
A biscuit. Still warm.
Probably thought I was just hungry which I am. Only thats the least of my worries now
I caught it and devoured it in two bites.
"What's your name son"
I don't want my old name that part of me died when I changed worlds with no way back
"Wyatt.., Wyatt Boone
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Damn. You eat like Hosea's dog."
"Been on your own long?" Dutch asked.
I nodded. Lied. "A few days."
"Try a few weeks," Arthur muttered. "Looks like you're about ready to drop dead."
Dutch ignored him "Welp you've got two choices. We can leave you here for the townsfolk to string you up…. Or you can ride with us earn your keep.. learn a few things"
"Like how to steal" voice flat
Dutch smiled but it didn't reach his eyes.
"Like how to survive."
I didn't trust them their outlaws for Christ sake
But when Arthur pulled me up and Dutch handed me a crusty piece of jerky and said, "You ride with us, we ride together," something in me cracked.
Because in this world, no one offered help unless they wanted something or that's how I see it anyway.
And maybe they did.
But at least they offered it.
And I didn't want to die alone.
Arthur frowned, but Dutch just grinned.
"Well, Mister Boone. Let's see what you're made of."
Dutch gave the signal, and we headed out.
I hung back at first, unsure, watching them climb into their saddles like it was as natural as breathing.
Then I took a chance.
I raised two fingers to my lips and gave a shaky whistle.
For a moment, nothing.
Then, hooves.
The pale horse came trotting up from behind the trees, slow and proud, like I hadn't nearly died trying to tame it two days ago.
I couldn't help it. I smiled.
"Looks like he's taken a shine to you,"