Licking Wounds

The weather’s mild today. We continued our journey this morning.

We made it out of the pine forest without a hitch. I used this shortcut a couple of times during my days as an outlaw. So, navigating through it now isn’t a challenge.

We stumbled across another swamp. Not long after, as we continued to head north, we made it to the upland.

Our progress slowed down a bit, so we decided to camp near a cliff for the night. We then continued to navigate the uplands the next morning.

Once we made it out, we were greeted by the green and flat plains. This should means that we had entered another state.

We passed some towns, plantations, ranches and whatnot. But, the destination I headed to is still a distance away.

If it wasn’t obvious before, this should definitely confirm it. We came across a big river valley. It’s none other than the Arkansas river.

We then entered an oak-hickory forest. It’s getting dark again, so we’ll camp for the night.

Even though Lily was behind me, sitting during the entire day when we ride, I still felt lonely at times. I can’t really talk to her since she’d be sleeping.

Though, the hour before I slept and the hour after I woke up is the time that I look forward the most. Because that’s when I had the chance to converse with her.

“Even though I called this dinner, do you even call it that?”

“What do you mean by that?”

She said, with a quizzical look.

“I mean... You know... You just woke up moments ago, wouldn’t this be considered as breakfast for you?”

A smile painted her face as she laughed.

“You’re right! It would be called breakfast wouldn’t it?”

I woke up the next day feeling refreshed. The fatigue from riding the whole day before still lingered. Though, I’m getting used to it by now.

Lily said that she explored the surrounding area during the night whenever I was asleep. When asked about what she did during that time period, she replied with a smile.

“I’m checking out the beautiful nature, and maybe find a tall hairy creature if I’m lucky!”

I had no clue what she was talking about. So I simply replied “I see”, and untied Betsy to continue our journey.

We entered an open woodland, once we’re out of the oak forest.

The sceneries were filled with green grasses, wild flowers, and pine as well as oak trees scattered about.

We’re getting closer to our destination, as we reached the Ozark plateau.

After another hour of riding, a small town came in view.

Located at the foot of a mountain, in an open lowland, near a forest and near a river, the humble town is at large.

As we’re getting closer, a name sign appeared at the side of the dirt road. It read ‘Welcome to Pattinson’.

While it’s in the afternoon, the town is still lively with residents going about their daily life. Entering the town, I woke Lily up telling her that we’ve arrived.

I immediately go to the saloon. But this saloon is different, it provide a lodge for travellers. And also because the history I have with them.

Tying Betsy to a post outside of it, me and Lily went straight in. A middle aged man was attending the counter, cleaning wine glasses.

I go up to him and greeted him.

“Howdy peepaw!”

The man was confused due to the way I addressed him, but he replied politely nonetheless.

“Howdy partner, what can I get for you two?”

“That’s weird Mr. Dallas. Didn’t you tell me that I’m too young to drink?”

“Did I? Wait, you know my name?”

“Come on, you’re not that old, don’t tell me you’re starting to forget things already!”

I said grinning.

The man thought for a second. He then let out a voice of realisation, as he began to remember.

“Wait... Are you Marshall?”

“You god damn right!”

He let out a laugh.

“Hoho... How have you been young man?”

“Good, couldn’t be any better!”

“I thought you were... You know, that thing a few years back.”

His face turns to that of worried and confused.

“Oh, you know about it?”

“How could I not?”

“I see. Welp, let’s just say things turned south, fast. Everyone split apart, and I tried to live an honest life. It went well until just a couple days ago.”

“I understand. And who is this fine lady that’s with you?”

He said, as he gazes at Lily. I then spoke and get them to know each other.

“Lily, this is Mr. Dallas. Me and him go way back! And Mr Dallas, this is Lily. I met her a couple of days ago but... Let’s just say things kicked off from there.”

“I see, nice to meet you Ms. Lily!”

He said, reaching for a handshake. Lily then took off her hat and shook his hand.

He was astonished upon seeing her full face without the hat. Funnily enough, I can relate to that.

“Nice to meet you too Mr. Dallas! Quite the saloon you got going here!”

“Don’t praise him too much, he’ll be full of himself!”

He then shook his head in reply.

“You and your witty remarks, seems like not much has changed about you.”

“Welp, it is what it is. Anyway, is there still a room available for us to stay in?”

“Luckily enough we still have one available. Give me a minute.”

He then walked towards the door beside the bar counter, he entered but left the door open.

Moments later he came out while carrying a key in his right hand, and closing the door with his left.

“Here you go. Room number three, it’s at the end of the first hallway after the staircase.”

I then handed the key to Lily.

“Here. You go right on ahead, I’ll meet you later.”

“Ok sure!”

She said with a little smile. She then went upstairs and into the room.

Continuing on to converse with Mr. Dallas, I asked for a glass of white wine.

“So, how’re you holdin’ up peepaw?”

“There’s a few bumps here and there. But, I’m doing fine. And you?”

“It was hard at first, But I managed to get by. How’s the other two?”

I asked, as I took another sip of my wine. He took off his glasses, wiped it, and put it back on as he replied to me.

“Jessica married a man from Fayetteville a while back.”

“Good for her! And Lance?”

“Well he’s doing great. But, since Jessica’s no longer here, Lance couldn’t handle the saloon alone.”

“So, you’re no longer open for twenty four hours?”

“Unfortunately yes. So now, my shift only lasted before sunset. Lance will take the rest until midnight.”

Seeing an opportunity arose, I took my chance.

“What if Lily took over Jessica’s place?”

“What’re you suggestin’ Marsh?”

He asked, as he pushes his glasses.

“She had experience serving as a bartender in saloons. She also knows a lot about alcohol. What do you say?”

“I see, I’ll think about it.”

“Please do, were trying to live an honest life here. We don’t know how long we’ll stay here, but, It’ll be good if we can gain some cash for the meantime.”

“I understand, I’ll talk to her later then.”

I took another sip.

“Speaking off, heard anyone offering a job here for me to do? I’ll take what I can get.”

He put his finger to his chin. After thinking for a minute, he replied.

“Miss Shelly is looking for a cowboy to accompany her herding sheeps and protect them.”

“Miss Shelly? Surprised she hasn’t kicked the bucket yet.”

“I know, she’s a fierce lady in her old days. This morning, while herding her sheeps to graze the field, they got attack by a pack. She lost two sheeps as a result.”

“That’s troublesome, I’ll give her a visit.”

We continued to talk for a bit. Eventually, the conversation finally broached that topic.

“So, what happened back there? Did it not went according to plan?”

“I don’t really wanna talk about that now, but, let’s just say... Something unexpected happened.”

I knew that he asked that from a place of worry rather than curiosity. Dallas used to be part of the gang. But, he left some time after I joined.

After that I headed upstairs and into my room. When I entered, Lily was staring outside the window.

“What’s the matter?”

She turned around as he spoke rather energetically.

“Say Marsh, do you have anything planned for today?”

“Not really.”

With hands behind her back, she smiled as she spoke in the same manner.

“Well then, mind accompanying me to explore the town?”

“Sure, I don’t mind. But, why?”

“Why? It appears that you know a lot about this place. So, asking you is only natural.”

“You’re right. But, are you sure? The sun’s still out.”

“Don’t take me lightly.”

“Fine then, let’s go!”

As we’re walking out of the saloon, she followed behind me while wearing my hat. Just from the body language alone, I can tell that she’s excited.

Walking beside me now, her smile isn’t going away anytime soon. It seemed that I’m also affected by her as a smirk painted my face.