Desert of time

Ashton and Kossar rode silently toward Sandvale city. The road to Sandvale was bumpier than usual, mainly because Kossar has been putting off getting new wheels. Even with Ashton telling him repeatedly to get it done. It was a little game Kossar liked to play with Ashton, to see how far he could test Ashton's patience; Ashton was not fond of that game.

With the Severedbluff mountain range to their north, and the vast Shadow Barrens to their south Ashton put his arm over his forehead shielding his eyes from the drooping sun setting in the west.

“Little bit further now Kossar, I can see Sandvale’s Silhouette,” Ashton said.

“Yup, just a bit more. Say Ashton, you ever think about going into the Shadow Barrens? Just to see what’s there? Place gives me the creeps, always a massive storm out there, in the desert no less, I’m just curious,”

“No Kossar, can’t say I’m at all interested. Ever seen anyone who went ever come back?”

“Now that you mention it, no, no I haven’t, but say that you are ill, and you don’t have long to live. Wouldn’t you want to see what’s there? Just to know?” Kossar said

Ashton cocked his head to the side.

“Tell you what Kossar, if I’m dying, you can take me there. How about that?”

“Deal! Better sleep with one eye open tonight then,” Kossar said.

“What?” said Ashton

“Hmm? Nothing,” Kossar said laughing

Ashton laughed with his friend.

“You kill me sometimes Kossar,” Ashton said, feeling for a cigarette, but then slouching remembering he was all out.

“Well, I could only really kill you once, right?” Kossar said.

“It’s just a figure of speech Kossar,” Ashton said

“How do you figure that speech came about?” Kossar said, barely stifling full on laughter as he could tell Ashton was getting annoyed.

“Kossar,” Ashton said sighing.

Clunk! From the back of the wagon, the sound of a repeated kicking interrupted their conversation.

“Stop the horses Kossar,” Ashton said. He jumped down and went around to the back of the wagon. He unlocked the iron latch and opened the door.

“What’s wrong with you?” Ashton asked as he took out Davie’s gag.

“I have to pee; can’t you give me that at least?” Davie pleaded.

“Fine, make it quick, it’s almost nighttime and I don’t want to be out here,” Ashton said.

Davie shuffled a few feet away, struggling to relieve himself. Kossar tended to his horses, Lightning, and Bolt. Both black mares with the shiniest of coats. Fluffy white manes that extended beyond the neck. He won them in a bet with a town’s stable master. He bet the handler he could pee on the saloon floor without the owner getting mad. Kossar, bet the saloon owner 100 gold pieces he could pee in a bucket 20 feet away without getting a drop on the floor. Kossar lost that bet, but the saloon owner was happy getting 100 gold. Instead of paying over 1000 gold for the 2 horses, Kossar only paid 100, and it didn’t go to the horse’s owner. Kossar was not welcome back in that town anymore.

Davie finished and walked back to the wagon.

“Ashton, I need you to do me a favor. I need you to kill me,” Davie said.

“What? No, you’re worth more alive,” Ashton said, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“The curators will kill me before I even get a trial, and they won’t make it painless. They can’t risk me telling anything about them,” Davie said.

“Davie, you’re with me, and you’ll be going straight to the sheriff. Even if the curators were real, you’d be safe behind the bars. Now get back inside and let’s get moving,” Ashton said.

“Please! You don’t have to do this! I promise I’ll run away and never come back! I’m begging you!” Davie pleaded on hands and knees as he got back inside the wagon.

“Come on Kossar lets get moving,” Ashton said, annoyance in his voice.

“I kind of feel sorry for the guy, what if he’s not lying,” Kossar said.

“Look, we’re bounty hunters. Our job is to bring fugitives in. once we do that, whatever happens, is out of our hands,” Ashton said. His tone told Kossar he was done talking about the subject.

The rest of the ride was silent save for the distant thunder that could be heard coming from the Shadow Barrens. Nightfall was upon them, but they could see the 2 torches on either side of the archway’s pillars. Ashton was finally able to let himself relax. I can finally get that drink and smoke, Ashton thought.

The deputy on watch, deputy Raynord gave a friendly nod and wave to Kossar, and a less interested nod to Ashton as they passed through. Everyone seemed to love Kossar. He was one of those people that befriended any and everyone. No matter where he went, he knew someone, or knew of someone in the area. He was a real people person. Ashton on the other hand was far from that. He had a few select friends, and many acquaintances. Kossar claimed Ashton has come a long way since the two met up and became friends. Ashton couldn't see it, or maybe he was just stubborn. How long as it been since I have known him now? “Kossar how have we been traveling together now?”

“It's been 9 years and 13 months! Since that fateful day.”

“That long? Wait you mean 10 years and month, right?”

“That's what I said.”

“No, you said... you know sometimes I wonder why I even bothered saving you.” Ashton said with a smirk

“Ah! There's that dormant joking spirit of yours!” Kossar exclaimed as he slapped Ashton on the back.

Ashton gave a small laugh. It was a good day after all. A high price bounty in his cart, he was sure to have a few extra at the saloon tonight. He was still undecided on where to go though. What he did know was that he needed to drop Davie off quickly so he could get his favorite seat. He had a favorite seat in every saloon where he was a regular. Most often ones that were far away from the front door, and where he could have a visual on all entrances and exits. It was just safer that way. He was paranoid at times, but for good reason. Being a relatively known bounty hunter had its perks, and also, it's disadvantages. You become a targeted person if you happen to bring in the wrong people. He’s been targeted several times already, almost getting killed on a few occasions. He certainly hasn't seen the end of it.

As they headed toward the sheriff’s office, townsfolk started gathering on the side of the main street. Word had already spread that Ashton and Kossar were back with a bounty. All the people gathering made Ashton nervous, and he sat up a little in his seat. Though he did like the attention a little bit. He was sort of a legend in this area of Aeb. He could hear whispers of “Who do you think he got?” and “2 copper it's Davie” others around that man started to whisper who they bet it was, then one man could be seen collecting bets.

Ashton and Kossar eventually pulled up to Sherriff’s office A decent sized wooden building on the west side of town. In between a general goods store, and the tax collector’s office. Ashton jumped off the wagon and headed to the back to pull Davie out. He laid there silently, but he was still breathing.

“Time to get up Davie,” Ashton said as he reached in to pull him out. Kossar helped as well.

“You won't get away with this!” Davie yelled at Ashton. Ashton looked at the ropes binding Davies feet and hands.

“By the looks of it, I looks like I already did.” Kossar cleared his throat.

“We. Already did.” Ashton added. Kossar gave an appreciative smile.

“They have their ways. They'll silence me to keep their identity a secret,” Davie said.

“Uh huh.” Ashton said getting frustrated by Davie's lack of cooperation.

“C'mon lets go!” Ashton and Kossar dragged Davie out his leg wound hitting the dirt outside the wagon.

“Ahh! You bastards!” Davie exclaimed rolling off his leg and onto his side

“Should've listened,” Ashton said non-nonchalantly.

The two men lifted Davie to his feet and led him to the Bounty office. He tried to fight, but with his leg wound he was getting nowhere fast. Even if he somehow managed to get out of their grasp.

With his free hand, Ashton swung open the door. And pulled his captive in with him. Behind a large well used wooden desk sat old Sheriff Sysco. Ashton knew the protocol when entering with a bounty. You waited until he was ready to talk to you. He was almost regal, if kings still existed anyway. Ashton glanced around the room while he let Kossar Hold onto Davie who for now, seemed to give up his struggle. Around the room there were many wanted posters, a of them had been crossed out. Those were the ones who have been caught. Majority of whom were by Ashton's hand. He felt a bit of pride in that. Not that he was doing good, he wasn't all that concerned with doing good. He just felt accomplished.

“who’d you get today, Ashton?” Sysco said without looking up from his ledgers

“We got Davie!” Ashton said, pride filling his voice.

“Well done!” Sysco said, finally looking up. Sysco is an older man, clean haircut, but messy white beard. It was a rough contrast. One of Sysco’s deputies took Davie from Kossar and led him to the holding cells.

Ashton waited for his payment at Sysco's desk.

“Alright 8,000 gold pieces for bringing him in alive is your payment, But uhh, you may be more concerned with that,” Sysco said pointing to the waiting are next to the entrance.

Ashton, confused, turned to look. Chills ran through his body and his heart skipped a beat. There sat a familiar woman. Ashton's Ex-wife Janey Mae. Janey sat in the chair with her legs crossed, her deep red hair tied up in a messy bun. A medium length tan riding skirt, black leggings with a small sheth holding knives. A dark red button down shirt beneath a black vest. She twilred a small throwing knife and gave Ashton a wry smile.

“Hello Ashton,” Janey Mae said

“So, Ashton, which saloon are we-” Kossar said, walking up beside his friend. Pausing when he noticed Janey.

“Uh... I'll wait outside,” Davie said. Ashton gave Kossar a desperate look with his eyes. Kossar just smiled back. Ashton Unconsciously reached for a cigarette.

“You just gonna stare at me or you gonna properly greet your ex-wife? Janey said.

“What are you doing here Janey?”

“Well, that'll have to do I suppose. I need your help, Ashton,” Janey Mae said, placing her hand on his crossed arms

“No, I can’t,” said Ashton

“This is serious Ashton. It goes beyond anything I've been a part of,” Janey said.

“You almost died 3 years ago because of me. I won't be a part of anymore of your…hunts,” Ashton said

Ashton readjusted his duster and started heading toward the door to meet up with Kossar.

“Jokaim is involved,” Janey said.

The words hit Ashton as if he was downwind of a town’s bakery pulling out fresh bread.

Ashton stopped mid step. One foot hovering for a moment before putting it back down, he turned around to face Janey

“Don't lie to me Janey, you know how much I want that man dead,” Ashton said. his face became hard as he stared through Janey

“You know me. I don't lie,” Janey said. Staring right back at Ashton.

Ashton sighed.

“Fine, let’s go get a drink. We can go to the Twin Barrel, an discuss matters there,” Ashton said reluctantly

Janey's face lit up.

“Ahh! one of my favorite places! You still remember,” Janey said

Ashton and Janey walked out the door, at the same time the deputy that took Davie to the cell walked back into the office.

“Sheriff Sysco! I was going to question him about his business’ while it was still fresh ya know?” said the deputy.

“Yeah, sure thing,” Sysco said barely even looking up from his ledgers.

I don’t remember him leaving. I must’ve missed him when I saw Janey, Ashton thought.

Ashton was a few steps ahead of Janey as they got to his wagon

Kossar waved Ashton over with a huge grin on his face.

“Got out of that one alive did ya? oh..” Kossar stopped talking as Janey walked up beside Ashton.

“I'll be joining you two fine young men tonight. Kossar? How've been?”

Kossar's eyebrows raised as he looked over at Ashton, who just nodded. His smile returned.

“Nice to have back Janey Mae! What kinda job you got that got Ashton to agree let you back in?”

“Joakim,” Ashton and Janey said simultaneously.

“Oh, well then. We have some catching up to do,” Said Kossar. His demeanor changed into a complete seriousness

Before Ashton went to the back of the wagon, he helped Janey up on to the seat next to Kossar. Her hand held onto his a little longer than Ashton liked.

Before Kossar could get the horses going. They heard an ear-piercing scream coming from the sheriff’s office.

“Davie!” Ashton said, jumping back out of the wagon, Kossar and Janey followed suit, all running back toward the sheriff.

The three of them burst through the door, and ran toward the cell where Davie was at, Sheriff Sysco was already there, his face white, and filled with horror. In the cell where Davie was supposed to be safe, sat a man. Lifeless, not just a dead body, but his skin was shriveled and lacking any color, his mouth open in what looked like an attempt at a scream. It looked as if Davie aged over a hundred years in a matter of seconds.

Sheriff Sysco unlocked the cell and walked into the gruesome scene. On the floor was the notepad and pen the earlier deputy. Sheriff Sysco picked it up and read to himself what was on the open page, then handed it to Ashton who read it aloud.

“We are always watching. Be careful where you step,”