Tales From The West: Grit & Lead

Chapters

Chapter One: Welcome To The West
Chapter Two: Drinks & Dues
Chapter Three: Hard Knocks
Chapter Four: Happy Trails
Chapter Five: The Stallion With A Name.
Chapter Six: It Don't Hurt......Much
Chapter Seven: I.O.U
Chapter Eight: Tartarus Hath No Fury
Chapter Nine: Give & Take
Chapter Ten: Back Fence Talk

Chapter One: Welcome To The West

Chapter One

The hot desert sun shined upon the small town of Free Water with enough heat to evaporate a glass of water within seconds, but for the inhabitants of the small desert town they wouldn’t have it any other way.

"Afternoon sheriff, fine weather we’re havin’ today.” Greeted an aged green coated unicorn to an equally as old earth pony that entered through his store’s wooden door.

The sheriff tipped the brim of the dark brown hat that covered his graying mane in acknowledgement. “So, how’s business today Limey?” The straw colored stallion asked. “Business is goin’ great with tourist season hittin’ in full force now.” The pony known as Limey answered as he finished polishing the window in front of him. “Good, good. So how’s that grandcolt of yours doin.” The weathered stallion mused as he sat himself down upon a simple stool, before grabbing a nearby newspaper off the wooden rack next to him.

“He’s doin’ fine, I actually saw him two weeks ago. The lil’ colt is almost up to my neck now!” Limey smiled as he gestured with a hoof. “Speakin’ of grandfoals Ballad, didn’t you mention to me two days ago that your own children and their foals were comin’ in to visit today?” The wrinkled shopkeep asked whilst he moved amongst his store’s shelves. The sheriff let out a sigh as he folded the newspaper back onto the wrack, before heading for the door. The unicorn let out a small chuckle and floated a bottle of sarsaparilla to his friend. “Same time as usual, sheriff?” The old stallion nodded his head in response and thanked his friend as he grabbed the bottle with a hoof.

Sheriff Ballad shielded his eyes as he stepped outside once more into the small, yet bustling community. With only ten buildings encircling a single dirt road that divided the town in half, calling Free Water anything else but small would be an outright lie. Ballad greeted everyone he passed by with a tip of his hat as he slowly trotted towards the town’s square.

The old stallion wiped away beads of sweat from his brow as he swiftly ducked underneath the shaded shelter of a nearby building’s wooden patio. Ballad promptly entered the establishment and asked the property’s owner for a chair he could borrow. The old stallion grunted out a quick thank you as he used his head to nudge a small chair out from the building’s door.

The sheriff popped the bottle in his hoof with his teeth and quickly settled down upon his chair. Ballad took a massive gulp of the bottle’s sweet dark brown nectar, whilst his wrinkled eyes fixated upon slow moving carriages and ponies. An hour passed and the wrinkled earth pony’s head began to droop down as he fought between staying awake and the alluring pull of an afternoon nap. Ballad was about to lose the battle until a distant, low pitched whirling noise caused him to perk back up instantly.

The senior pony shielded his eyes as he saw a small silhouette of a carriage begin to drift into focus; faint clouds of grayish smoke trailed behind the speeding object. Ballad smiled to himself before stepping into his element. The sheriff began herding ponies and carriages alike to clear the small road to make space for the fast approaching object. Soon an amalgam of wood and steel quickly screamed down the town’s only road, before stopping several paces away from the bewildered denizens of Free Water.

Ballad quickly galloped to the strange carriage’s side and banged a hoof onto its quivering frame. “Been wonderin’ when you ponies would show up!” The sheriff yelled in attempt to get his message across the carriage’s ruckus. Several seconds passed before the carriage ceased its tremors, and out stepped two adult ponies and two teenaged foals.

“Dad!” The two adults immediately shouted as they quickly embraced the wizened pony in a hug. “Leave it to y’all city ponies to make an entrance like that!” The elderly pony jested. “Now where are those precious grandfoals of mine at?”

The two teenaged ponies swiftly broke from kicking dirt around with their hooves and immediately feigned interest as their grandfather quickly galloped towards them. “Whoooweeee! Y’all can’t really be my little Dusty and Sugar Sap!” Ballad shouted as he scooped up the two with a massive bear hug.

“Hello Grandpa Ballad.” The two ponies droned. “Shoot, y’all kids could do better than that! But I’ll let it slide knowin’ you two have been crammed in that hyper, hi-tech, self propelled carriage thingy.”

“It’s called a car, Grandpa.” His grandfilly quipped

“Hey! I don’t want to hear you sass your grandfather like that Sugar Sap.” Whistled the unicorn mare behind the elderly pony.

Ballad quickly let his grandfoals go and turned his attention upon his offspring. “How’s livin’ the high life in Manehatten doin’ for ya’ Sliver? The stallion inquired as he patted the light gray earth stallion on the back.

“You know I don’t live in the prosperous part of Manehatten, Dad.” Sliver sighed. The pale orange unicorn mare next to him let out a little giggle whilst having to wipe an occasional tear away.

“Quit, yer laughin’ Mayflower, your brother does some honest work as an attorney. But you on the other hand.” Ballad retorted whilst he shook a disapproving hoof at his daughter. “I can’t fathom how you can work for that Nightmare Moon Pony!” The old stallion grumbled.

“Dad! Princess Luna and Nightmare Moon are not the same pony and I’ll have you know that Luna is a nice and caring individual!” Mayflower fumed.

The old stallion let out a hearty laugh at his daughter’s reaction before turning towards his son. “Told ya that would get her riled up.” The unicorn mare sighed as she attempted to gain her composure whilst her brother and father continued to buckle down in laughter. The unicorn mare begrudgingly waited for the crowing chuckles to die down before calling for her daughter and nephew to stand next to her. “Are you sure you’re okay with this father?” Sliver asked.

The old pony spat out a wad of saliva as he nodded his head. “Of course! I promised I’d watch over um.” Mayflower hugged her father as he wiped his mouth. “Me n Sliver owe you one! If something comes up just call us on the phone Sliv bought you.”

“Don’t worry yer heads off. If I managed to raise you two, then I can handle two teenagers just fine.” Ballad boasted as he slapped both his hooves on his grandfoals’ backs. “Y’all should get goin’ I know how you city folk are always busy wid’ yer work.” The two ponies nodded their heads and gave one final hug to their father.

The adults quickly turned towards their disinterested children. “You two behave and be good to your grandfather.” Mayflower commanded. “Just don’t upset your grandfather, wouldn’t want the ole geezer to keel over.” Sliver joked as he got back into the carriage. Mayflower let out a sigh and flicked her brother’s head with a bit of magic. The two foals both let out a reluctant groan. “Yeah, we’ll be good little ponies.” Responded the two.

Mayflower quickly hugged the two again and trotted back into the waiting carriage. “See you three in a week!” Sliver yelled over the carriage’s rumbling engine. Dusty and Sugar Sap sighed and waved goodbye as they saw their only means of leaving Free Water drive away.

Ballad finished waving goodbye and turned around to the bored teenagers in front of him. “Y’all seem tuckered out. How’s ‘bout we head back to my house and see what I can do to put a step back into yer hooves.” Dusty and Sugar Sap both nodded their heads and followed their grandfather as he headed for the only stone built structure in Free Water.

The three ponies entered the dank building and found themselves in a small dark room; a small desk was neatly placed a few feet from the entrance, a collection of gray silver cabinets stood amassed at the room’s left corner, and three empty iron cells fused into the building’s walls were neatly lined up behind the desk. Ballad apologized for the lack of light as he pulled the blinds and allowed the sun’s light to flood into the dark room.

The old stallion headed for a previously unseen flight of stairs at the end of the room. “Much better. Now let’s all head up stairs, don’t think you’d youngsters would like to stare at a desk the whole afternoon.” Ballad said as disappeared up into the floor above. Ballad’s grandfoals muttered to themselves before following suit. Dusty and Sugar Sap found themselves in a similar sized room, the room’s walls were painted a dark mahogany with faded black and white photographs framed across the entire room.

“Sorry for the cramped space kids. Free Water ain’t all that big so the founders decided to cram the sheriff’s office, jail, and lodgings into a single buildin’ to save some bits. Y’all just seat your keisters on the sofa whilst I grab some biscuits an’ ‘parilla from the larder.” Ballad hastily exclaimed.

Taking a seat upon a worn sofa; the two ponies silently nodded their heads and began to take in their new surroundings whilst they waited for their grandfather. “This is gonna be a long week isn’t it?” Dusty sighed as he fidgeted around on the ancient sofa.

“Buck me.” Replied his cousin. The two ponies lounged around desperately searching for something to break their boredom. Their grandfather re-entered the room as he deftly balanced a laden tray on his back. The old stallion hummed to himself as he gently placed the tray on a small coffee table in front of the occupied couch.

“There you kids go, the finest ‘parilla this side of the Equestria!” The old pony beaned. The two young ponies thanked their grandfather and each grabbed a bottle from the tray.

“Hmmmm. I know what we can do right now! How about I tell you youngsters another one of my stories.” The ponies on the couch looked up at their grandfather’s grinning face and sighed.

“What’s the matter? I thought you kids enjoyed my stories?” The old pony asked with a slightly pained expression adorning his face.

“We did, when we were little foals but we’re older now and the charm of princess meets prince has faded for me...” Dusty dejectedly answered.

“No offense Grandpa, but I’d rather dunk my head in a cage full of bees then sit through another one of your stories that talk about something silly like friendship. I want something with action and suspense! ” Sugar Sap exclaimed.

The old pony’s face began to visibly perk up as his grin returned in full force. “Hahahaha! Been wonderin’ when you youngsters would begin to feel that way.” The two grandfoals gave the old stallion bewildered looks.

“Follow me.” Ballad motioned as he headed out of the living room. Curiosity got the better of the two ponies and followed close behind their grandfather. The two ponies found themselves in their grandfather’s diminutive study. The room was an exact copy of the living room; clusters of faded photographs and dusty memorabilia blanketed its walls.

The wrinkled pony gestured for his grandfoals to take a seat in front of the study’s compact fireplace. The two ponies grabbed some nearby cushions and plopped themselves down upon the wooden floor. The old stallion pulled up a cushion for himself and smiled at the foals before him. “Tell me, how much do you kids know about the Wild West?”

Chapter Two: Drinks & Dues

Chapter Two

A lone earth pony stood in front of a hole-ridden sign with the words: “Welcome to Agua Fria.” crisply painted in white lettering. The stallion let out a relieved sigh and shook his reddish-brown hued mane with a hoof and pulled the dark tan sheet cloth that encompassed his upper body closer as he slowly cantered towards the sun covered buildings.

The stallion trotted through the busy community, passing by a various mix of ponies from unicorn businesscolts dressed in dapper suits to humble cowponies talking shop. The earth pony ignored the calls of the town’s street vendors peddling their wares from behind makeshift stalls as he headed straight for a small wooden building with a sign above it that read: “X X X” in white ink.

As the pony entered the bar his nostrils were filled with the distinct stench of hay smoke and booze. He immediately snorted out the invisible debris as he moved through the haze filled room and sat at the nearest unoccupied bar stool. The pony turned around and saw the most of the bar’s occupants either sleeping or quietly talking amongst themselves.

“Name your poison stranger.” Asked a voice behind him. The stallion turned his head back and was faced with a pale blue pegasus mare standing behind the bar counter. “Shot ah’ your cheapest whiskey ma’am.” Grumbled the olive-brown coated earth pony.

The mare let out a little chuckle as she polished a mug with a cloth clenched in her wing. “You’re better off drinkin’ the sweat from our cook’s greasy flank than what you’re askin’ fer. How about I get ya’ somethin’ smoother?” The bartender suggested.

The stallion sighed as he loosened his cloth garment with a hoof. “...I’m a little short on bits ma’am so I don’t think I’m open to many options.” The newcomer begrudgingly announced. The mare’s smile didn’t falter as she placed the now clean mug away. She quickly grabbed an unmarked bottle and poured its dark gold contents into a small shot glass and offered it to the stallion before her.

“Consider it on the house partner.” The earth pony quickly thanked the kind pegasus, but before he could down the glass a faint cough interrupted the thirsty stallion. “On one condition, you tell me what brought ya’ here to Agua Fria.” The bartender proposed.

The stallion let out a reluctant sigh before he rummaged through his cloth garment. The pony placed a faded photograph of a smug looking stallion with two twisters intertwined together adorning his flank onto the bar’s wooden counter.

“I reckon yer’ lookin for this pony?” The mare asked as she strained her eyes looking at the picture. The stallion slowly nodded his head. “You wouldn’t happen to have seen him?” The bartender’s patron asked.

“Sorry hun ain’t seen a pony like him before walk through town. You’re better off asking over in Cross Roads, major trading post, lots of ponies.” The stallion grabbed his shot of whiskey and downed it one gulp. “How do I get there?” The pony immediately asked.

“Your best bet is hitching a ride with one of the trade caravans that stocks up on here and heads for the post itself, but dem’ caravan ponies often charge a hefty fee.” The bartender answered.

The earth pony sighed to himself before thanking his new acquaintance for the free drink and assistance. The stranger slowly got up from his seat and made his way towards the bar’s door. The stallion paused as he noticed a stained piece of paper listlessly tacked onto the wooden wall next to him.

The curios pony began to read the paper’s writing to himself: “BOUNTY: 100 BITS PER RED STRIPE GANG MEMBER, 250 BITS FOR THEIR RING LEADER: TUMBLE “RED” WEEDS. DEAD OR ALIVE,” plastered underneath six faded photographs of a batch of scowling ponies.

The stallion faintly smiled to himself as he took the paper off the wall and brought it to the bartender. The mare quickly recognized the paper and flashed the stallion a concerned look. “I didn’t peg you for the desperate type.” The pegasus slowly admonished. “Look, I don’t know if you’re a lightweight when it comes to alcohol or just plum crazy.”

“I can hold my whisky just fine ma’am. Now I’d like to hear everything there is ‘bout this bounty.” The stallion dryly stated. “No offense, but you earth ponies ain’t exactly known throughout the Frontier for yer’ finesse with firearms.” The bartender chided, whilst she pointed a hoof at the cherry wood grip protruding from a holster strapped to the pony’s hind leg.

The earth pony took a seat and stared straight at the mare’s face. “Ma’am if ya’ would be as kind to tell me everything about um’.” The stallion asked once more, a hint of force behind his voice. The mare was going to object to the stallion’s request until she saw the stallion’s dark orange eyes staring right at her own. She let out a reluctant sigh and sat down next to the stone faced stallion. “Finding that pony must be pretty damned important to ya’ if yer willin’ to risk your life like this.”

“You have no idea.” The stranger grumbled under his breath.

“The Red Stripes are just small time bandits, lead by some hotshot who thinks just ‘cause he’s got magic and a gun he can waltz in and take whatever he wants.” The mare bitterly stated. “Those bastards fight dirty and the cowards had the gall of offing the sheriff and deputy in their beds instead of facing them in a proper duel. Most of the townsfolk won’t raise a hoof in fear they might do the same thing to their loved ones.”

“Lucky for me, I ain’t from ‘round these parts...” The stallion coldly responded.

“Please you’ve got to realize no matter how much grit ya’ got, messin’ wid six ponies at once ain’t a bright idea. You’re gonna’ find yourself six feet und-“ The mare’s voice was swiftly drowned out as the sounds of gunfire and distorted screaming flooded into the bar. The bar’s other occupants began to realize what was going on outside and quickly evacuated the bar, leaving the stallion and bartender by themselves.

“Oh Celestia! They’re back, look you need to hightail it outta here fast!” The pegasus pleaded. The earth pony ignored her pleas and remained where he sat. The stallion reached into his garments and pulled out several faded silver coins before placing them on the bar counter.

“I’d like to order your finest shot of whiskey.” The stallion asked in a leveled tone.

The bartender sighed and returned to her station, whilst she began to whisper a short prayer as she took the stallion’s shot glass. “If I’m gonna’ be pourin’ your second shot least ya’ could do is tell me yer name.” The stallion nodded his head in thanks as he took the offered glass. “Names Thistle ma’am.”

“If I was yer’ mother I shoulda’ named ya’ Stonewall instead, on the account of how damn stubborn you are. I’ve met my fair share of steadfast drunks but yer’ one of the most hardheaded bastar-.” The mare paused as her ears perked up to the faint noise of horseshoes touching wood.

*CREAK* *CREAK* CREAK* The hoof-steps ceased as a mass of silhouettes appeared in front of bar’s wooden door.

“By the sun...” The mare whispered.

The first pony through the door was a bright red unicorn stallion with a long gray mane and a mirror for a cutie mark. “Did you miss me Bitter Sweet?” The unicorn softly crowed as he sauntered toward the farthest table in the room. The boisterous stallion’s mixed crew of earth ponies and pegasi swiftly joined their leader. Thistle quickly glanced at the gang as they flashed by and took note of the red handkerchiefs each member wore and the clanging of their holstered weaponry.

The bartender feigned a smile and trotted toward the garish unicorn and his cohorts, leaving Thistle alone at the bar. “Afternoon Red Weeds, it’s so good to see you back in town again.” Bitter Sweet greeted through clenched teeth.

Red Weeds pouted as he looked up at the mare. “No smile for the most handsome stallion you’ve ever seen?” Bitter Sweet ignored the unicorn’s advance and pulled out a small piece of paper with a wing. “What will you and your boys be havin’ today?”

“I know what I’ll be having!” One of the gang members yelled as his eyes slowly drifted down the mare’s legs. Red Weeds slapped his minion over the head and immediately chided his compatriot with a wag of his hoof. “Please refrain yourself. Gentlecolts like us shouldn’t treat a beautiful mare in such a tasteless manner.” Red Weeds swiftly declared as he flashed an apologetic look at Bitter Sweet.

All six ponies shortly burst into laughter as they began shouting out orders to the unfortunate mare. Bitter Sweet quickly wrote down each individual order and took her leave of the dangerous outlaws. Once the six gang members began drinking their antics grew more boorish; one of the gang members eventually grew curios of the bar’s other occupant and wandered over to the lone figure.

A hoof smashed down right next to Thistle, causing the bar counter to shake and almost tip over the full shot glass next to his hoof. “Hey boss, get a load of this pony.” The owner of the hoof yelled to his compatriots. Thistle quickly found himself flanked by the rowdy stallions.

“What’s this pony wearing? Looks like he just cut a hole in a sheet of cloth an’ placed it over his head!” A stout earth pony mocked as he poked at Thistle’s garment. “Oi, I’ve seen one of those things before, it’s called a pawn-choo or somethin’ like that. A lot of those donkeys from Burros wear ‘um. Makes ‘um look like a buncha idjits wearin’ blankets if ya ask me!” A lanky pegasus shrilly answered.

“You half donkey?” One of the gang members spat as he prodded Thistle’s withers with a dirty hoof.

“Shoot, he must be considering how ugly he is!” Red Weeds interjected as he began to laugh uncontrollably. “You some sort of mute, half-breed?” The unicorn taunted as he attempted to provoke a reaction from the silent pony. Thistle continued to ignore the gang’s taunts and simply kept his eyes upon the shot glass in front of him. Eventually, Red Weeds let out a frustrated snort towards the calm earth pony before knocking over his drink with a forceful strike of his hoof.

“Bah, this pony’s got shit brain! Let’s get outta here and go collect our dues boys!” Red Weeds roared to his cohorts. The bandit ringleader and his followers exited the now devastated bar and began to fill the town’s street with vulgarity as they searched for their next target.

Bitter Sweet let out a massive sigh of relief as she checked around to make sure all the bandits had left her establishment. “Phew. You really should be called Stonewall, ‘cause if I was in yer position just then, I woulda planted a hoof right between that red coated bastard’s ugly mug.”

The mare fetched herself a broom and slowly began to clean up the mess the bandits left. “I know I can’t convince ya’ to leave...Please be careful out there.” Bitter Sweet quietly stated as she looked up to see Thistle get up from his seat to stretch out his limbs.

The earth pony finished his stretching and promptly ran his hoof across his chest to check the various pouches and bandoliers concealed by his clothing. “Don’t go worryin’ ‘bout me. You just keep yer head down when you start hearin’ gunfire.” Thistle bluntly answered. Bitter Sweet was dumbfounded by the stallion’s slack demeanor and simply watched the stallion work.

Satisfied with his adjustments, Thistle thanked his host and slowly stepped out of the bar. The bartender hastily climbed the stairs behind her and trotted straight for a window sill that overlooked the town’s dirt road. Bitter Sweet noticed that most of the town inhabitants were doing the same, observing and waiting to see the ensuing chaos that was about to engulf their town.

As he exited the bar and trotted into the bright desert sun, Thistle shielded his eyes as he looked across the now deserted town’s dirt road in search of his quarry. Upon finding his intended targets lounging around Agua Fria’s single watering well; he began to slowly trot towards the town’s center.

One of the bandits looked up from a recently plundered burlap sack and noticed the lone pony casually strolling towards him. “Hey Boss, who’s that down there?” The astute bandit asked whilst pointing at the hazy silhouette.

“I have no clue, bucko but let’s just relax here for now and see what this pony wants.” Red Weeds coolly replied as he reclined on the well’s bricked edges. Thistle eventually halted fifteen paces away from the group of bandits and calmly awaited their response. The six ponies arose from their various activities, with Red Weeds taking the lead and the other five forming a horizontal line behind him.

The gang’s leader flung his hooves in a grand gesture as he recognized the stallion. “Well if it isn’t our mute friend from the bar! So what brings you before me? Want to prove you can actually speak or are you gonna just stand there lookin’ dumb?” Red Weeds crudely jabbed. Thistle remained unmoved by the unicorn’s continued taunts and simply shook his head in response. “Y’all owe me a drink and then some.” Thistle calmly answered.

“Hahahaha! Well I’ll be, the pony can actually talk! Sorry friend I just ain’t in the giving mood right now, so why don’t you mosey on outta here before I decide to gun you down like the mongrel you are!” The unicorn fired back.

The earth pony let out an audible sigh. “I ain’t askin nicely and I intend to collect my dues.” Thistle answered in the same easy tone as before.

All six of the gang members looked at the lone stallion and began to break down in brash laughter. “If you can’t consider that comedy then I’m the bloody Princess!” One gang member shouted. Red Weeds shook his head in disbelief. “The sun must have done a number on yer brain! I should really just shoot you right now, but you’re just too much of a jokester!” The group of ponies slowly settled down as the laughter amongst the group of bandits began to die down.

Red Weeds wiped a joyful tear from his eyes and quickly adopted a more menacing tone. “Look, I’ve been having a wonderful day so far and I wouldn’t like to shoot the pony responsible for it. So why don’t you just high tail it outta this town!”

Thistle shook his head and flashed a frown in response. “No can do partner...I ain’t leavin’ till you pay up...” The earth pony sharply stated as he began to tense his entire body, and in a flash of whirling tan and brown Thistle swiftly reared onto his hind legs, revealing the black bandoliers that crossed his upper body and waist. The pony’s muscles began to flex and tense in anticipation; his left fore-hoof primed to draw the firearm right below his tensed limb.

All six of the bandits took a look at the pony’s strange stance and began to break down into laughter once more. “Hah! He looks like he’s ready to take ya to a square dance Boss!” One bandit crooned through bouts of laughter. The rest of the gangsters followed up with various jokes and jibes directed at the standing pony several paces away from them.

The red unicorn let out torrents of laughter, before quickly subduing his merriment. “Hah-Hahahaha! I appreciate the comical gesture my friend, but sadly, it’s rapidly losing its appeal.” Red Weeds stated; his tone immediately growing darker. Thistle’s ears registered the unicorn’s threat and his eyes immediately focused upon the menacing unicorn’s glowing horn.

A red aura began to slowly surround itself on the rifle strapped to Red Weeds’ back, before slowly drawing it to his side. The other five ponies behind him followed suit as they clumsily fiddled with their own weapons. “You know the drill boys. On three!” Red Weeds rattled off. “One…T-” As the unicorn’s countdown continued Thistle’s mind and body remained primed and ready. The lone stallion’s surroundings began to slow down and the actions of the ponies in front of him came to a slow crawl.

Thistle’s heart began to pump massive doses of adrenaline and endorphins into his bloodstream, whilst his brain rapidly flashed signals to the millions of nerves that lined every muscle and tendon inside the pony’s body.

“Two...”

Time began to return to normal for the stallion as he grasped his revolver’s dark red handle in a single maneuver; his free hoof rapidly slammed down upon the firearm’s hammer.

”...Thre-“

*CLICK*BANG* *CLICK*BANG* *CLICK*BANG* *CLICK*BANG* *CLICK*BANG*

Red Weeds visibly flinched as he felt five searing pieces of lead cut the air surrounding his head. The shell shocked unicorn quickly turned his head to catch all five of his compatriots’ motionless bodies slam into the unforgiving dirt. Slicks of crimson began to form and pool underneath their fallen bodies. Red Weeds confused faced turned into one of desperation as he focused his attention back onto his opponent. The unicorn’s nerves faltered and he began to slowly back away from the indifferent looking earth pony.

The stallion across from him let out a cold chuckle as he noticed his prey’s magic begin to fade out. Red Weeds hastily cursed to himself as his only weapon fell out of his useless horn’s grasp. Thistle responded with the sound of his revolver’s hammer being cocked once more. “Wait!” Red Weeds yelled as he flailed his hooves in the air. “Okay, you proved that you’re one mean sonovabitch!” Thistle took notice of the groveling unicorn’s plea and slowly eased off his firearm’s hammer.

“Please spare me! I’ll buy you the whole damned bar’s reserve...I’ll leave this town and never come back! I’ll even give you all the money we’ve been collecting from this town!” The unicorn begged as he lowered his entire body and slowly crawled towards the still standing stallion, pausing when his head was mere inches from the deadly stallion’s legs. Red Weeds’ raised his head and looked straight into Thistle’s emotionless eyes. “So what do ya’ say!?”

Thistle let out a bitter laugh before slowly shaking his head in disagreement. “Gutless...” The cold faced pony hissed. Thistle calmly placed his gun’s barrel directly between the unnerved unicorn’s eyes. Red Weeds’ eyes squinted as they glimpsed down the unforgiving black barrel pressing down on his forehead. “Please...” Red Weeds quietly begged before breaking into a whimper as he heard the hammer's ominous clicking.

“PLEASE!”

*BANG*

A single thunderous crack echoed throughout the small town. The outlaw’s body violently jerked as the force of the bullet’s impact threw Red Weed's body into the orange dirt.

Thistle took his hoof off the hammer and pressed down on the area between the gun’s cylinder and barrel. His revolver’s cylinder unhitched and ejected all six of the spent casings into the air. The gunslinger watched the empty casings bounce off of Red Weeds’ lifeless body and returned to his normal four-legged stance, before casually fishing through the pouch on his left leg. Thistle promptly pulled out a cylindrical device with six bronze coated casings attached to it.

Using his mouth and hooves in conjunction, the stallion reloaded his revolver and locked the cylinder and barrel back into place. Thistle turned his attention to the large shadows that were beginning to circle around the freshly slain ponies.

Before Thistle could get away from the carnage; he was rapidly swarmed by twenty ponies all yelling their thanks and showering the gunslinger in praise. The stallion soon found himself being hoisted above the crowd and was slowly paraded back to the Bitter Sweet’s bar by the giddy townsfolk. The whole town of Agua Fria quickly packed into the wooden bar and began to hold a makeshift celebration for their new hero.

“By Celestia! Where in Tartarus did you learn those moves!?” Bitter Sweet exclaimed as she quickly began placing empty glass mugs onto the bar counter.

The gunslinger was quickly placed back on the ground and slowly trotted toward the grinning bartender. “Where do you want me to begin?” Thistle replied.

“Well for starters, where did you come by that revolver? It’s a strange piece, no trigger on it at all!” Bitter Sweet hastily stated as she pushed a shot glass towards the now seated pony. Thistle un-holstered his weapon and handed it to the mare for inspection. The mare used her wings to hold and examine the revolver’s trigger-less grip.

Bitter Sweet squinted her eyes as she saw a strange symbol stamped on both sides of the gun barrel “Never seen this gunsmith’s mark before. Looks like an hourglass with the letter “W” behind it.” Thistle nodded his head as he took his revolver back. “I don’t know who the gunsmith was but the pony that sold it to me said it came from Stalliongrad.”

“Shoot, that’s hundreds of miles from the Frontier, but whoever crafted it knew what the hay they were doing.” Bitter Sweet affirmed. “Now onto the real question! Where did you even learn to stand on your back hooves like that and be a damned dead-eye whilst doing so!?” Thistle deflected the mare’s question with an abrupt grunt before picking up his glass of whiskey.

“Touchy subject? I won’t pry if it’s too personal...” Bitter Sweet hesitantly replied. “I think you’ve got some other customers to attend to now.” Thistle calmly pointed out in an attempt to avoid the mare’s question. The bartender immediately turned around to see the massive throng of ponies eagerly awaiting their own beverages. Bitter Sweet quickly left the bar to attend to the mass of ponies, leaving the celebrant to himself.

Thistle advocated staying in the background of the festivities occasional shaking a hoof with admirers or taking a celebratory shot of whisky. The townsfolk of Agua Fria celebrated their new found freedom and the one responsible for it long into the night.

Thistle awoke to the familiar sounds of ponies working and going about their daily lives. He began to massage his head as the earth pony began to slowly recall how much whiskey he consumed last night. The pony looked around the simple room and found a nearby closet with all of his gear in it. Just as the pony finished dressing himself in his attire a faint knock greeted the stallion’s ears.

“Com-m-e i-in.” Thistle groggily called out as he sat himself back down on the bed. “Mornin’ Thistle.” Bitter Sweet replied as she entered the small room with a laden tray neatly balanced upon her back. “You don’t have to do this for me.” The stallion stated as he assisted the mare.

“Quit actin’ so damned nice! You deserve every ounce of praise for helpin’ us! Now drink some water, you must be dyin’ of thirst after drinking that much whiskey.” The stallion nodded his head in agreement before grabbing the glass pitcher and immediately downing its contents. “Phew! You don’t know much I needed that.” Thistle exclaimed.

The bartender responded with a nod of her head and made her way back towards the room’s wooden door. “I’ll just let ya enjoy your meal in solitude, come back down stairs when you’re finished. Got word a caravan should be making its way here in an hour or so.” Bitter Sweet stated as she flashed a smile at the messy looking stallion.

The gunslinger bowed his head in thanks and watched the mare take her leave. Thistle abandoned any proper etiquette he learned as he quickly devastated the stacks of toast and jam that lay before him.

“Celestia! It only took ya two minutes to finish breakfast! Didn’t your mother tell you its bad to eat that fast?” Bitter Sweet playfully chided as she saw the earth stallion descend down the bar’s stairs. Thistle flashed his host a sheepish grin as he made his way towards her. “Thanks for the food. Wish I knew how to make toast like that.”

“Goin’ on what you told me yesterday, I don’t think you’d have the time to bake out on the frontier...” Bitter Sweet paused as she looked into the stallion’s eyes. “You know...that was pretty ruthless.” Thistle didn’t flinch from the mare’s gaze or abrupt statement. “The Frontier ain’t know for playin’ nice.” The gunslinger callously replied.

“I ain’t judging you, The bastard got what was comin’ to him...I’m just a little confused on how a good hearted pony like yourself could do somethin’ like that.” Bitter Sweet openly contemplated. Thistle registered the mare’s words and elected to remain quiet, blanketing the atmosphere around the pair in an awkward silence.

Thistle was the first to break the silence with a abrupt cough. “...Say, have you seen my bags anywhere? I checked the room and only found my gear.”

“It’s outside on the patio, the townsfolk wanted to stock it full of the things you asked for. Oh, they also placed your earned bits, the mayor said it’s been tallied up to be about, 1150 bits in all.” Bitter Sweet quickly responded.

“1150 bits? I thought the total bounty was 750 bits?” Thistle interjected. “It was, but the townsfolk wanted to really show their thanks by throwing in all the bits Red and his boys took yesterday.” The mare soothed.

“I appreciate the gesture, but the other 400 bits belong to you ponies.” Thistle quietly answered.

“Deadly with a gun and a modest stallion. I’m amazed that there’s a pony like you hanging around the Frontier.” Thistle let out a faint sigh in response. “Just tryin’ to be a decent stallion is all ma’am.” The gunslinger politely replied.

Bitter Sweet smiled and checked the faded clock above the bar’s counter. “You better get goin’, those caravan types ain’t know for their patience.”

Thistle thanked his host once more and headed for the bar’s exit. The stallion paused as he felt the hooves of Bitter Sweet wrap around him. “Thanks for everything you done for Agua Fria.” Bitter Sweet gingerly stated as she tightened her hug. “I don’t exactly know that much about you; but If you ever find yourself around these parts please come lookin’ for me.”

“I can’t guarantee anythin’.” The stallion bluntly replied whilst he tried to hide his crimson hued face. “You’re quite the strange pony, aren’t you Thistle?” Bitter Sweet questioned before letting him go. “Folks tend to say that about me.” The pony in question slowly answered before flashing a small smile at the mare in front of him. The bartender let out a soft chuckle before guiding Thistle to the bar’s exit.

The stallion said his final goodbyes to his gracious host and trotted out onto Agua Fria’s packed street filled with ponies and a train of wooden carriages. The town slowly began to erupt in a wave of applause as they saw the gunslinger trotting amongst them.

Thistle slowly rummaged through his pack and took out two plump burlap sacks and gave them to a nearby unicorn and told the pony what he should do with the bags. The poncho clad stallion placed his laden saddlebags onto his back and waved a hoof before climbing onto a covered wagon at the middle of the caravan. Thistle observed a unicorn garbed in tan overalls blow a whistle whilst signaling with his hooves.

The caravan began to slowly lurch forward and the town’s citizens’ happy cries flooded into Thistle’s carriage. The stallion popped his head out and watched the townsfolk follow behind the retreating carriages; he noticed a blue pegasus hovering above the crowd. The gunslinger smiled to himself as he waved goodbye to the slowly fading town.

Thistle began to settle down in the covered wagon before rummaging through his saddlebags. Pulling out a needle and red thread, the earth pony took his cloth garment off and began threading a strand of red onto his simple poncho. The pony began humming a tune to himself as he worked, pausing every so often to enjoy the desert scenery that slowly passed by.

Chapter Three: Hard Knocks

Chapter Three

Ballad yawned as he got up from his seat to stretch his joints. “So, how are you youngsters likin’ the story so far, up to your standards kids?” The old stallion heartily asked.

“Yes! Oh the part where the stallion took on all six of those gang members was like a scene straight out of one of my Fallout: Equestria movies.” Sugar Sap exclaimed whilst she pantomimed the act of shooting with her hooves.

“How ‘bout you Dusty, yer’ cousin is likin’ it so far how ‘bout you?” The colt’s grandfather asked.

“Ooooh. I did enjoy the little moments between Thistle and Bitter Sweet. Yeah...” Dusty meekly replied. The mare next to him began to buckle down in laughter. “What a softy!” Sugar Sap taunted.

The young stallion’s face began to redden as he turned to face Sugar Sap.“What’s wrong with being sensitive! At least I’m not some boorish jerk!” Dusty rapidly fired back.

“Who you callin’ a jerk!?” Sugar Sap yelled. The two teenagers began to bicker and scream, each getting louder as the two ponies continued their war of words.

Ballad let out a sigh and rubbed his wrinkled face with a hoof. “That’s enough outta ya’ two! You want me to stop tellin’ the story and make you ponies help me catalog my whole damned file system instead?!” The old stallion shouted in an attempt to stop the bickering amongst his grandfoals.

Dusty and Sugar Sap quickly disengaged from their verbal duel as they saw the old stallion’s annoyed demeanor. The two ponies quickly blurted quickly blurted out an apology to their grandfather and focused back upon the wrinkled stallion.

“That’s better! Now let’s see, where the hay did I leave off from...”

Darkness began to creep over the vast desert vista, covering the caravan in an eerie light. Thistle finished the final touches of needle work on his poncho as the moon began to rise to its highest point.

The stallion propped his garment up with a hoof and turned it towards the direction of the moon’s light to get a better look at his finished work. He traced his hoof along the newly created red bar that went across his garb. Satisfied with what was done the earth pony quickly placed it back on. The earth pony carefully maneuvered through the carriage’s contents of boxes and barrels as he made his way toward the carriage’s open front.

“Hey, how much longer till we get to our destination?” Thistle called out to the pony responsible for pulling his carriage.

“Shoot, we’ve got another day and half of rough travel till we get to Cross Roads mister and that’s not accounting for the roaming war bands of buffalo.” Responded the strained driver.

“Buffalo?” Thistle asked in a surprised tone. “Thought they’ve all moved on to the northern parts of the Frontier.”

“Well that’s what the Royal Guard wants ye’ to believe. You see it’s been a decade since those buffalo signed their peace treaties with the Royal Guard, but some of them didn’t take too kindly to bein’ forced off their lands.” The fatigued pony let out a burst of coughs before resuming his answer. “Sorry ‘bout that, so now we got a buncha mad buffalo causin’ all kinds of trouble ‘round here.”

“Well if there still some buffalo still out here, why hasn’t the Royal Guard done anything about it?” The carriage’s occupant inquired.

The carriage driver let out a gruff chuckle. “Not keepin’ up with current events mister? You didn’t hear about the conflict that’s brewin’ up north wid them gryphon types?”

Thistle’s face scrunched up in surprise as the driver told him of the growing border disputes between Equestria and its gryphon neighbors to the north. “So I take it the Royal Guard ain’t keen on marchin’ around the Frontier anymore?” Thistle implied.

“Bingo! So everypony needs to be bright n’ aware incase those buffalo varmints do decide to show up and give us a bit of troub--Hold on now.” The carriage began to slow down in response to its counterpart in front doing the same. “Hmmm, looks like the boss is decidin’ to take a break here.”

Soon, the rest of the caravan came to a steady halt. “You know the drills colts n’ fillies.” Yelled a gruff voice. The sound of ponies busy with work echoed across the moonlight covered desert. Ponies began to unhitch their companions from their burdens, whilst others began to set up a makeshift camp next to the train of wagons. Thistle slowly climbed out of his own carriage and joined the rest of the crew in their work.

Several hours of hard labor passed before the makeshift camp was ready. A collection of sleeping mats encircled a single massive fire pit that illuminated the camp. Two ponies with a large cast iron pot dangling between them immediately made their way to the burning pit. The cooks placed the pot on top of the glowing embers and began to work, placing water and a growing amount of random vegetables into the simmering gruel.

Upon finishing their endeavor one of the chefs levitated an iron triangle above his head and began to gentle ring the instrument with his horn’s magic. The simple instrument’s noise filled the camp with its distinct ringing and soon ponies began to swarm the fire pit. Thistle was one of the last to receive their rations of the chefs’ gray slop. The stallion made his way to the farthest sleeping bag he could find, passing by other ponies as they gossiped or slept. The stallion sat himself down upon the rough cloth and sniffed the odorless goop.

“Guh...” Thistle was about to take his first taste of the mystery soup but was interrupted by a burly sand coated earth pony sitting themselves down upon the vacant mat next to him.

“Remember me? Of course ya’ don’t. All ye could see was the back of mah head, Heheheh!” The stallion joked as he offered a hoof towards Thistle. The gunslinger returned the newcomer’s offer. “The carriage driver I was talkin’ to a couple of hours ago right?”

The stallion nodded his head before quickly attacking his own bowl of food. “It ain’t really all that bad as it seems.” The carriage driver claimed in between mouthfuls of the mushy slop. Thistle stared at his own bowl with mild trepidation. The pony next to him let out a massive belch as he finished his last gulp of food and motioned to Thistle to start his own.

The stallion slowly began to lower his head to the small brown bowl and held it in his left hoof. Thistle crumpled his lips to minimize the intake of the mystery slop and took his first taste of the broth.

“Hmmm. Sure as hay doesn’t taste as bad it looks.” Thistle declared as he began to take larger sips of the bowl’s contents.

“Caravan food ain’t known for its looks but it gets the job finished. Names Soft Touch by the way.” The carriage driver stated. “Nice to meet ya. You can just call me Thistle.” The now sated earth pony replied.

Soft Touch's eyes began to brighten as the name of his new acquaintance began to sink in. “So yer the pony that the town we stopped in for supplies was goin’ crazy fer!” Soft Touch exclaimed. “I didn’t get a good look at ya when we were in Agua Fria, too busy helpin’ to pack the carriages ‘n what not. So is it really true? Did you really take down six armed bandits by yer’ lonesome?”

Thistle nodded his head as he placed the now empty bowl to his side. Soft Touch let out a small whistle in admiration. “Shoot. Wish I coulda seen that spectacle...Anyway, it’s gettin’ late, maybe you can tell me how you managed somethin’ like that tomorrow.” The stallion let out a large yawn before laying down upon his mat. “It was nice meetin’ ya Mister Thistle.” Soft Touch softly said before shutting his eyes.

Thistle grunted in acknowledgement as he began to feel the need to sleep overtake him. Too tired to unbuckle his gear, the stallion laid down upon the rough sleeping mat and drifted off to sleep.

“Where the hay is that boy. I told him time ‘n time again not to go runnin’ off!”

“There you are! What in Tartarus are ya’ doin outside boy? I told ya there’s ah storm bein’ brewed up by them pegasi, now come inside before ya catch the influenza.”

“Ahhhhhh. But dad I wanna watch the pegasus ponies make the thunder clouds!”

“I don’t wanna hear any excuses boy. I wanna see you marching straight back into the house right this instance.”

“….”

“Don’t give me that look son...Tell you what, after we pick up yer mother from town I’ll start teachin’ ya you know what.”

“Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!”

“Settle down, but you’ve got to promise to me that you won’t tell yer mother about it. Deal?”

“Yes!”

“Good, now get yerself into bed. We got a big day ahead of us…”

“I want everypony up an’ moving right now!”

The sun began to rise over the desert and quickly blanketed it’s light over the small encampment. “Damnit...” Thistle grumbled as he got up from his mat to find the culprit responsible for disturbing his sleep.

Thistle began to clear the debris that collected around his eyes and soon began to notice ponies frantically moving about the camp.

“Shift yerself Thistle. I think we’re all gonna be in a load of trouble real soon.” A rough voice called out.

The stallion turned around and noticed the pony he was talking to last night hastily trotting towards him. Thistle raised an eye as he noticed a lever-action rifle dangling at the burly pony’s side. “Soft Touch right? What the hay is goin’?” The confused stallion exclaimed.

“One of the ponies on guard duty spotted a group of forty buffalo headin’ straight for us. We’ve got a couple of minutes before they show up.” The carriage driver briefly explained as he offered a hoof to the still seated stallion. Thistle thanked Soft Touch as he was helped onto his hooves.

“You ever fought with a buffalo before Thistle?” Soft Touch bitterly asked. The pony in question shook his head before checking his own equipment.

“I have, and let me tell ya it ain’t pretty. Those blighters are bigger than two earth ponies put together, stronger than anypony else to boot.” Soft Touch asserted as he wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead.“The worst of it is they’ve got these horns see? Not long enough to impale ya’ outright, but still sharp enough to do some real damage.”

“Any tips on how to deal with them” Thistle dryly asked.

Soft Touch let out a gruff snort. “Don’t let um’ get up close. All I can say. Now let’s go find ourselves someplace to hunker down.” The two ponies made their way to the camp’s center and saw the rest of the caravan were busy making their final touches to a makeshift barricade made from the caravan’s cargo.

“Hope we have some of the goods still intact after this whole ordeal.” Mumbled one of the workers. “Yer an idiot thinkin’ we can hold them off! It’ll be a damned miracle if we all survive this!” Yelled another. Soft Touch and Thistle found a vacant position behind the center most carriage and the rest of the group fell into their own positions.

Soft Touch began to fiddle with his firearm before balancing it upon the carriage’s wooden frame. “See anything yet?” Thistle quietly asked. The stallion shook his head as began to scan the flat desert for any signs of the buffalo. “Hold on...By the sun!” Soft Touch cried as he looked down the sights of his rifle.

“That bad huh?” Thistle crassly mused.

“Look fer yerself.” Thistle poked his head above the carriage and saw why his companion was so spooked. The stallion saw a massive sea of furred bodies racing across the desert plain and heading straight for the line of wagons.

Soft Touch wiped little beads of sweat from his forehead and placed a hoof through his rifle’s trigger. “If I had to guess, those bastards are only a mile away now.” The pony slowly muttered.

Soon the camp’s frantic activity was drowned out by the quaking racket of the marauding buffalo. The atmosphere amongst the caravan ponies was a mix of anxiety and fear with only a few of the defenders showing any sense of resolve.

The advancing buffalo began to yell and chant as they got closer to the caravan line; their war cries adding to the caravan’s faltering nerves. Thistle kept his eyes fixed upon the oncoming onslaught and caught his first glimpse of the buffalo’s leader. Their leader had a headdress of feathers adorning the top of his head and his entire face was painted a ghostly white.

“Alright you ponies, listen up! I don’t want y’all to start firin’ till I give the signal!” The caravan’s leader commanded. The sound of loading and cocking of weaponry echoed amongst the distressed ponies.

The lead pony looked at the oncoming mass and held a hoof up before signaling to the group. “Fire!” The caravan line was immediately enveloped by white smoke as the ponies let loose their first salvo of lead.

“How many did we get?” A pony frantically yelled.

“Does it matter? Keep firing till there’s nuttin’ to shoot at!” Ordered another pony. The beleaguered ponies continued to maintain their desperate volley of fire. After a full minute of continuous firing, the echo of their guns soon gave way to a few measly cracks of gunfire.

“Shit...I’m out!” A unicorn called out and soon similar calls amongst the group followed suit. The group of ponies began to frantically search for any other means to defend themselves. Eventually, panic began to set in amongst the caravan line as the war-cries’ of the charging buffalo became coherent. “Onward my brothers! We shall punish these trespassers for what they have done to our homes and families!” A booming voice roared.

Soft Touch sighted a buffalo and squeezed off his final shot. “Missed! How you holdin’ up Thistle?” The stallion hurriedly asked as he looked at the pony next to him. Thistle holstered his revolver as he shook his head. “This ain’t lookin’ good.”

Soft Touch popped his head over his cover and let out a shout of dismay at the sight in front of him. “Hope yer good wit’ your hooves then.” The stallion gingerly stated. Although, the buffalo war-band’s numbers were diminished by the hail of bullets; they continued to press towards the carriage line. The defenders’ began to disintegrate as ponies fled from the carriages and attempted to escape the impending wave of death.

Only a few meters separated the buffalo and their goal; the horde of buffalo crossed the final gap and surged forward. The mass of buffalo warriors smashed their way through the wooden carriages and began to set upon the woefully unprepared ponies before them. With only spades and other miscellaneous tools to defend themselves, the caravan began to rapidly succumb to the superior strength of the buffalo.

“Look my brothers! Look at how easily they are routed! Let them know we will not tolerate their presence here no longer!” The warband’s leader thundered out as he quickly dispatched a pony with a swipe of his horned head. The camp was quickly engulfed by anguished screams and merciless chants.

Thistle and Soft Touch moved through the chaos that surrounded them and headed for the outskirts of the camp. “I think it’s best...if...we split up” Soft Touch advised through gasps of air.

“Too late for that now, got a pair of buffalo headin’ right for us.” His companion dourly pointed out. Soft Touch looked up from his brief respite to see two imposing buffalo charging at the pair before halting a few feet away from the two earth ponies.

“Wonderful! One pony for each of us!”One buffalo exclaimed.

“Which would you prefer?” The other politely asked.

The two buffalos briefly ignored the two and began to discuss the matter of who gets who amongst themselves. “Hmmm, I am quite fond of the color tan...” As the two buffalo were busy discussing which pony was the most fragile of the pair; Soft Touch began to frantically search for the escape route that offered the highest chance of survival. Thistle noticed the worried stallion’s searching eyes and leaned his head closer to the sweating pony.

“See anyway outta this?” Thistle whispered.

“Yes and it involves galloping as fast as buckin’ possible.” Soft Touch bluntly replied.

“You think we can outrun these two?”

“No, no not really. But you know what they say, fortune favors the bold.” The carriage driver half heartedly joked.

The pair of buffalo interrupted their discussion of preferences and noticed the two ponies beginning to tense and it eventually dawned upon them what the pair’s intentions were.

Soft Touch was the first to gallop and easily side-stepped the pair of buffalo; his compatriot quickly followed suit but had to immediately halt as one of the buffalo intercepted the gunslinger’s intended route.

“Oh ancestors! Quickly, go after that one while I deal with this little pony!” Motioned the buffalo blocking Thistle. His companion nodded his head before galloping after his quarry. Thistle backed a few paces away as the buffalo in front of him lowered his head and began to slowly advance upon him.

“Why bother struggling? You ponies are pitiful without your precious guns.” The buffalo taunted as he continued to pace towards the earth pony.

Thistle gritted his teeth in response and stared straight at his opponent. “Try me.” The stallion goaded as his body began to tense in anticipation of the buffalo’s charge. The buffalo did the opposite of what the stallion expected and instead quickly lunged at the pony’s legs with a keen horn.

The surprised stallion let out a curt swear as he narrowly avoided the buffalo’s attack and was forced into adopting a defensive stance. The buffalo continued to pressure his opponent, switching between attacking the pony’s fore legs or torso. The smaller and nimbler pony was able to dodge every swipe, but began to show signs of fatigue.

The fast breathing stallion noticed the buffalo beginning to tire from his constant aggression and quickly shifted his body around, throwing out a quick buck with both hooves. Thistle felt his two hooves connect with the buffalo’s thick body and quickly spun around to face his opponent once more.

The buffalo’s legs buckled in response to the forceful strike that managed to land on his upper body. Thistle was about to deliver another blow to the buffalo, but had to rear on his hind legs as the buffalo was quick to recuperate and steady himself.

The two combatants backed off as they both began to think of a way to outmaneuver their counterpart. “You know how to fight--I’ll give you that much...” The tired buffalo commended through ragged gasps of air. Thistle replied with a snort and assumed a defensive posture once more.

Pony and buffalo began to circle around each other; both waiting for the other to make the first move. The buffalo struck first and feigned a lunge at the stallion. Thistle instinctively jumped away, but quickly realized what the buffalo’s intentions were. His opponent’s left horn was fixed in the dirt and with a slight flick of his head sent a clump of debris straight at the unexpecting pony’s face.

Thistle dropped his guard immediately as he began to frantically scrub the stinging dirt from his eyes. Upon seeing his success the buffalo went in for the killing blow and charged straight for the vulnerable stallion. Thistle was able to clear one of his eyes in time and barely side-stepped the charging mass of fur and horns.

The buffalo began to heavily pant as he slowly spun around to face his opponent. Sensing the buffalo’s weakness, Thistle quickly galloped towards the tired buffalo. The buffalo saw the pony heading for him and lowered his head in preparation for the charging stallion. Thistle ignored the buffalo’s front and went straight for the buffalo’s open midriff. His opponent let out a loud gasp as he struggled to turn his tired body around to try and parry the pony’s imminent strike.

Thistle let out a tremendous grunt as he bucked his hooves out with all his might. The sound of bone shattering flooded into the stallion’s ears as he saw the buffalo’s body lurch several inches into the air; a testament to the being’s imposing nature. The mass of limp meat quickly fell back to the earth with a resounding thud.

Thistle quickly trotted towards the motionless body and prodded the buffalo’s massive body with a hoof. Satisfied with the buffalo’s silence; his body unwound itself and the excess adrenaline coursing through his body slowly dissipated. The sore earth pony’s mind began to clear and he slowly began to notice the current atmosphere around him was calm and quiet.

“Tartarus! Did we win?” Thistle mused to himself as he began to stretch his limbs.

“No.” A thunderous voice interjected. The stallion flinched before spinning around to face a white faced buffalo and another nineteen buffalo right behind him.

“Buck..So what are you gonna do to me?” Thistle growled through gritted teeth.

“Nothing.” The pale faced buffalo declared.

Thistle shook his head as he tried to register the massive buffalo’s words. “It amazes me that a pony would show such trepidation when being told they will be spared.” The buffalo snorted. Thistle began to wipe dirt off of his face as he stared into the buffalo’s chocolate hued eyes. “So what makes me special from all the other ponies you killed this mornin’?” The buffalo’s leader responded by pointing a stubby leg at the body of Thistle’s former opponent.

“It is a rare feat for a pony to best a buffalo in honorable combat.” The buffalo let out an indignant breath before continuing. “Yet here you stand,whilst one of my brethren lies broken and shattered.” The grizzled buffalo begrudgingly stated. “That act alone has earned you your life, for now.” He finished whilst motioning to his remaining band of warriors to begin looting the encampment.

Thistle spat a wad of saliva out as he broke eye contact with the buffalo. “Just like that huh? You’re just gonna let me walk outta here?” The stallion quizzically questioned.

“I didn’t say anything about you leaving this spot...”

Thistle turned around to object but was greeted by a blurred hoof about to crash into his face. The stallion’s body crumpled over before hitting the dry earth underneath. The buffalo grunted to himself before lowering his head near the unconscious pony’s ear. “I don’t know why the ancestors have casted their favor upon a pony. But we’ll see if they continue to deem you worthy and if they do, I will be expecting to see your face very soon.”

Chapter Four: Happy Trails

Chapter Four

The town of Free Water was slowly beginning to become engulfed by night as the last tendrils of the sun retreated from view. Upon noticing the gas lamps outside beginning to turn on, Ballad headed for the only window in his study and put down the window blinds and then returned to his seat.

The old stallion let loose a ragged yawn before stretching his hooves. “Hey, mind gettin’ the lights fer me Dusty?” Ballad’s grandfoal nodded his head and moved from his cushion and flicked the small knob next to the study’s door.

“Those buffalo were ruthless.” Dusty quietly declared as he returned to his seat. Ballad let out a faint sigh in response. “They had every right to be so youngin’. You see back in those days us ponies did some very nasty things to them buffalo. I remember back when I was still in grade school, Princess Celestia officially made amends with the buff-“ The old pony cut himself off as he noticed the annoyed expression that adorned his other grandfoal’s face.

“That's another story for a later time I think." The old sheriff interjected. "But it should do you some good to know yer history Sugar Sap.” Ballad grumbled as he made himself more comfortable.

“Don’t leave me hanging! What happened to Thistle?!” Sugar Sap exclaimed.

"Don't rush me, filly! You're gonna make me lose my place."

The calm blue sky above belied the carnage that took place on the earth below. The caravan and the makeshift camp were left in ruins as the marauding buffaloes stripped everything of value and left the remains of their victims to bake under the hot afternoon sun.

A sand colored pony came out from its hiding spot amongst a rocky outcrop several meters away from the devastated camp. The pony slowly trotted through the destroyed camp and mentally counting up the bodies that were strewn across the ruined encampment.

"Looks like I'm the only one that made it out alive...” The pony dejectedly muttered to himself before picking up an abandoned saddlebag. The lone figure began to scavenge through the encampment, searching through the remains of the fallen and overturned crates.

The pony began to curse to himself as he made his way to the outskirts of the camp.

The stallion took a brief pause in front of an overturned barrel before buckling down onto his limbs. "Oh Celestia! At least give me something in return for makin' outta that ordeal alive!" The pony vented as he flung his hooves into the air. "Celestia damn buffalo! Aurghhhhhhhhhh!!!”

Satisfied with releasing his pent up frustration, the pony was about to make his leave of the camp until his eyes caught the glimpse of the sun's light reflecting off the body of a pony several feet away from him.

The stallion quickly trotted over to the limp body, pausing a few inches away from his quarry and began to examine the pony in front of him. The still body was laying on its side and a simple tan garment with a single red bar stripe running across it covered most of its torso. "A poncho? ...Horse feathers!"

The scavenging pony began to reflect upon the moral implications of looting the body of a pony that had inadvertently saved their life. After struggling with his conscious for a good minute; the pony said buck it and began to greedily search his savior’s body.

Celestia! My head is throbbing...What the hay happened?! Oh that's right. Well Thistle looks like you got yourself in one messy situation...Got yourself knocked out in the middle of the damned desert. Once I get up I won't even have a damned clue of where that town is. Huh--Oh great! After being laid out by some sucker buck to the head, now I got some Celestia damned vulture peckin' at my side...

"Grrrrr! Quit bein' so damned stubborn!" The scavenger cried as he struggled to extract the revolver that was holstered to the body's hind leg. The stallion continued to struggle with his prize blissfully unaware that the pony he was looting was very much alive and very upset at having their personal space be intruded upon.

What the...vultures don't talk! Celestia, there's already a pony scavenging through the camp and this bastard has the stones to try an' lift my gun without even checkin' if I'm alive! Alright, enough of this buckin' nonsense time to pony up and straighten this mess out!

The scavenger got up from his work and quickly wiped his head with a hoof. "What the hay! Did he glue his damned gun to his holster before kickin' the bucket?! Alright, let's give this one more shot." The pony bent down once more and placed his teeth onto the brown grip. The scavenging pony shifted his gaze from his current task and immediately noticed the pony’s entire body begin to slowly lurch upward.

“By the sun!" The tan pony gasped as he slowly backed away from the rising figure. Thistle let out a low moan as he struggled to get his dirt caked body back onto all fours. Seeing the body of the pony he previously thought was dead seemingly come back to life. The offending pony quickly bowed his entire body and leaped into a maddened prayer.

"Celestia forgive me! I know I shouldn't pilfer from the dead...I 'm a bad pony.” The stallion frantically cried. “I'll turn my life around, I’ll even join a covenant! Just let this vengeful spirit leave me be!" The pony finished before looking up to see if his hasty plea worked.

The risen figure shielded his eyes as his body began to adjust its vision to the sunlight flooding his visual senses. Tartarus. My body is achin' all over, now let's see what I’m dealin' with...Thistle quickly looked over his surroundings and finally noticed the terrified pony in front of him. What the hay is this pony doing. Hmmmm, he looks familiar...

Upon recognizing the pony Thistle attempted to greet Soft Touch with a simple hello. All that managed to come out of Thistle's parched mouth was a guttural groan.

"Celestia, Stay back! Stay back!" Soft Touch yelled as he saw the slumped figure extend a hoof towards him.

"Wat-er..."

Soft Touch blinked as he saw the dirty stallion pointing at the small silver coated canteen stripped to his waist. The stallion quickly unbuckled his entire belt and threw it at the pony's hooves. "Take it! Take everything! Just leave me alone, I beg of you!" Soft Touch cried as he backed further away.

Thistle gave the spooked pony an angry look before scooping the canteen up with a hoof and quickly downing its contents in several swigs. The dirty stallion wiped his lips with a hoof let out a satisfied sigh. "Aaaahhhh...I needed that." Thistle sighed as he flung the canteen and belt back to its owner.

Soft Touch bolted up and swfitly buckled his belt back on before shooting Thistle a bewildered look."You're alive? How!" Soft Touch exclaimed. Thistle took his poncho off and began beating it with a hoof.

The gunslinger let out a hoarse cough as he continued his work. "I don't feel like standing 'round here much longer, so let me tell ya the short hoofed version..." Thistle bitterly stated, before quickly glossing over his one-on-one duel with a buffalo and his eventful discussion with the buffalo chief.

"Amazin', I've heard tales from drunks tellin' the same story as you. Defeat a mighty buffalo infront of his kin and yer immediately given clemency by the buffalo's clan.” Soft Touch rambled as he inspected Thistle. “Personally, I thought it was just a buncha drunkards talkin' nonsense, but, actually seein' proof of it! It’s quite somethin’...” Thistle snorted in response as he placed his poncho back on. "Which way is Cross Roads from here?"

"Yer pretty damn blunt about things! Shoot, if I had done what you just told me I'd be gloatin' like a pony who just struck it rich by pannin' fer gold!" The gunslinger’s companion crowed. Thistle grinded his teeth as Soft Touch continued to drone on about his so called feat of strength. "Look, I'm losin' my patience havin' my ear talked off by a pony who tried to rob me whilst I was laid out. So y'all better get goin' with some directions before I lose it!" The stallion yelled before jabbing his hoof into Soft Touch’s body.

Soft Touch immediately retracted from the irate stallion and began to search the stark desert land for any sort of landmark amongst the barren landscape. "Uh...We're gonna be wantin' to head southwest." Soft Touch declared as he pointed a hoof towards the direction he stated. Thistle let out an irritated cough and gave the pony next to him an incredulous look. "What do you mean we?"

Soft Touch turned to face the annoyed pony and let out a sigh. "Look, I know I what I did was downright filthy, so let me make it up to ya by helpin' ya get to Cross Roads." The quick talking stallion answered as he offered hoof to Thistle. "So what do ya say?” Thistle eyed the repenting stallion; his eyes staring him down for a full minute before finally shaking his hoof.

Soft Touch let out a sigh of relief as he began to vigorously shake Thistle’s hoof. "For a minute there, thought you were gonna buck me with a hoof instead of shakin’ mah hoof!"

"I was considerin' it." Thistle grumbled. "You say somethin' partner?" Soft Touch asked. The stallion slowly shook his head. "Let's get goin'. I've had enough of bein' surrounded by dead ponies." Thistle bluntly stated, the two ponies trotted out of the destroyed camp and headed south west.

Dusk was now beginning to set in and painted the stark desert landscape in an eerie red light. The few hours the two earth ponies spent traveling together were filled with an uneasy silence. The afternoon's events still fresh in both stallions' minds.

As the two ponies kept trotting forwards, Soft Touch began to formulate a plan to help ease the tension. "So, care to explain to me why yer dead set on gettin' to Cross Roads?" The stallion quietly asked.

"I'm lookin' for somepony."

"Somepony eh? You mind elaborating for me?"

"Nope."

Undeterred by his companion's curt nature, Soft Touch continued to prod about his traveling companion's background, but was continuously rebuked by the gunslinger every time. "So, anythin' yer willin' to share with me? Just tell me one thing about yerself and I'll tell ya' whatever you want to know about me, sound good to you?" The inquisitive pony suggested.

Thistle slowed his trotting down and let Soft Touch pass him as he began to contemplate on what to share with him. "Hmmm. You never did ask me about my cutiemark."

Soft Touch took a pause as he turned around to face Thistle. "Well, I did notice when I was rummaging through, that you uh, have no..." Soft Touch fidgeted as he tried to pick his words wisely.

Thistle let out a small laugh as he trotted by the stationary pony. "Don't fret over it, most ponies don't bother mentioning. Too worried I might buck 'um with a hoof if they say somethin' ‘bout it. To be honest, I'm not really bothered by its absence."

Soft Touch sighed and started trotting behind the gunslinger. "The thing I'm puzzled about it is, i've met some ponies yer age out in the Frontier widout any cutiemarks. But these folks were either destitute or shiftless bums and seeing what yer capable of I'm mighty surprised not seein' somethin' adornin' yer flank." Thistle simply shrugged in response to the pony’s question.

"Shoot, you must got a doozy of a story to tell then Thistle."

"I ain't one for stories."

"Alright then...Looks like its yer turn, got any questions you'd like to ask?"

"Just one, how did a pony with the name Soft Touch end up pullin' carriages for a livin'?"

Soft Touch let out a light chuckle. "Yer gonna regret askin', 'cause this story is gonna be a long one. You see my ma wanted me to a baker..." The two stallions continued on their journey across the now midnight covered desert countryside accompanied by Soft Touch's long winded anecdote.

Soft Touch ran a hoof through his black mane as he winded up his story. "...So there ya have it, from simple city pony to carriage puller." Soft Touch gabbed. "I'd imagine yer a Frontier pony born 'n raised."

"How'd you come up with that notion?" Thistle asked.

"You got the gumption y'all Frontier foals are known for and then some to boot."

Thistle sighed in response. "I didn’t spend my whole life out here if that answers your question.” Soft Touch let out a curt chuckle. “When you say you ain’t one for stories, did you mean you ain’t one for talkin’ bout yerself?” The gunslinger’s companion suggested. “My parents raised me to be a humble pony is all...Anyway, how much longer till we get to our destination?" Thistle promptly asked. Soft Touch paused as he began to search his surroundings. "We've still got a day's journey ahead of us, but I think it's best to pitch camp here for the night." Thistle’s companion answered.

Thistle halted to face his guide. "Shouldn't we keep movin'? I ain't keen on gettin' attacked by another band of buffalo whilst I'm asleep." The stallion stated with a hint of concern.

"Don't fret too much 'bout that, the buffalo bands don't go maraudin' during the twilight hours." Soft Touch answered as he began to unbuckle his bags. Thistle sat himself down and watched pony get to work. "That don't make a bit of sense, wouldn't nighttime be the perfect time for them to go raiding?" The gunslinger contemplated.

"You'd think that, but them buffalo are governed by their traditions 'n codes and I guess one of their silly traditions is to leave ponies alone at night." Soft Touch jokingly answered. "Somethin' to do wid their ancestors bein' asleep or somethin', I ain't really well versed in the way of the buffalo."

"I ain't complainin'. You got anything to eat in those packs of yers?" Thistle asked as he pointed a hoof at the bags in front of Soft Touch. The former carriage driver nodded in response and began to rummage through the bags.

"Most of the buffalo took the prime stuff, all I could find were bags of dried vegetables and a few extra flasks of water." Soft Touch declared as he dumped out the bags contents; the pair looked at the stale mixture of produce with disgust.

Thistle promptly grabbed a wrinkled carrot from the mixed batch. "Better than nothin' I suppose." He said before consuming the dehydrated vegetable in a single bite; the earth pony immediately broke into fits of coughing as the dryness of the food began to overwhelm his throat.

Soft Touch chuckled to himself as he offered a silver flask to the choking stallion. Thistle quickly thanked the pony and grabbed the flask with a hoof and began to chug down its contents. "Go easy with the water, we barely got enough to keep us goin'." Thistle slowly nodded his head and went back to his paltry meal. The two ponies quickly devoured their meager rations before settling for the night.

"Hey mind answerin' one more question for me?" Thistle asked.

"Shoot." Soft Touch briskly answered.

"How did you manage to get away from the buffalo that was chasin' you down?" Thistle pondered as he began lie down.

Soft Touch let out a hearty chuckle as he began to recall yesterday morning's events. "Turns out if you gallop hard enough, you can actually get away from those varmints."

"You musta been bookin’ it to get away from that bastard.”

"You bet yer hide I was! I guess once that buffalo realized he couldn't catch me the poor bastard just gave up and headed back home." Soft Touch answered before letting out a long yawn. "Shoulda thought of grabbin' one of those blasted mats.” The pony complained as he laid himself upon the cold desert ground. “Welp, I'm tuckered out, G'night Thistle."

Thistle grunted out an affirmative and began to listen to the desert's nocturnal animals come to life. The earth pony began to drift off to sleep and his mind began to reflect upon Soft Touch’s intensive questioning.

"Come on now boy, don't give up so easily!"

"This thing is stupid, why in the hay do I even have to learn how to play the violin! You promised two months ago that you'd start teachin' me your trade!"

"And I am son! Look, you've seen earth pony musicians before, right?"

"Yeah, but I don't see how that relat-”

"Shush boy...I want you to think long and hard about this one."

"Fine...I'm drawin' blanks pa."

"Boy, folks in my trade don't get all that far without bein' able to think on their hooves and be quick about it too!”

"You always tell me that!"

"Yer still young boy, you'll get the hang of this and everythin' else I got to teach ya. For now I want you to try and think and find the connection."

"Hmmm, earth pony musicians stand on their hooves to play, they don't have wings or magic to rely on, so they have to use their hoov-I got it!"

"See boy! If you just take the time to think it through."

"Yeah, but the stories you told me about your trade; you don't get that much time to think!"

"Right you are my boy, that's why you've got to practice! Now hurry and finish playin' the music sheets I put before ya..."

The sun had barely risen as Thistle awoke from his sleep; he began to work out the kinks left in his body after yesterday’s physically punishing ordeal. The stallion let out a yawn and noticed his companion already awake and ready to start their journey once more.

"Good, yer finally awake. We need to get goin' right now, so we can reach Cross Roads by nightfall." Soft Touch gingerly commanded.

"Thought we had a full day of travel ahead of us?" The half awake earth pony lazily asked.

Soft Touch nodded his head. "I did say that, but when I got up to relieve myself last night I saw somepony creepin' around in the dark." The pony whispered. Thistle got up and craned his neck as he searched the vast desert, looking passed the sparse vegetation and occasional rocky outcrop that jutted out. "Ain’t that many places to hide out here partner."

Soft Touch let out a small sigh as he began to scan the horizon for any signs of their hidden spectator. "Better safe than sorry. I know y'all ain't got any bullets left after fightin' wid those buffalo. So we need to grease our horseshoes and high tail it outta here." Thistle reluctantly nodded his head in agreement and the two stallions quickly galloped out of their makeshift camp.

After maintaining a hard gallop for several hours, both ponies were breathing heavily as they eased to a steady canter. Soft Touch paused for a break and looked up at the searing sun overhead. "That oughta put some distance between us 'n whomever was spyin' on us. Mind grabbin' some water from my packs fer us?" Thistle grunted out an acknowledgement and dug through Soft Touch’s saddle bags. "Thanks partner." Soft Touch said as he took a flask from his companion's hoof.

Thistle took a big swig from his own flask and stuck the flask between his bandoliers. "How much more distance we got to cover till we get to Cross Roads?" Thistle asked as he watched Soft Touch pour his canteen’s contents onto his dry mane. "Usually the caravans I work for don't take this route at a heavy gall-" Soft Touch paused as he cleaned out his throat with a massive spit. "...I'd reckon if we ease up a little and continue at a steady canter, we're gonna be in Cross Roads by dusk.

Satisfied with their small respite; the pair maintained their lax speeds and continued on their journey unaware of the figure that was now shadowing their movements from a far.

The sun was just beginning to set as Thistle and Soft Touch both saw vague silhouettes beginning to form on the horizon. The two ponies hastened their trot once they knew that civilization and comfort were only a couple of more minutes away.

The town of Cross Roads was beginning to become more detailed as the pair of ponies got closer. Thistle noted that by Frontier standards the town was more of a city, with Cross Roads easily quadrupling the size of Agua Fria. The town's buildings were sequestered into four districts by a four-laned road that cut through the town.

"Ain't she a beaut? When I first saw Cross Roads I was dumbfounded to see a town this big thrivin' out here." Soft Touch nostalgically gushed.

Thistle ceased his trotting to appreciate the town's grand scale. "Cross Roads is pretty damn big, I'll give it that." The gunslinger bluntly stated.

"Shoot, you should see the town when you actually get inside!" Soft Touch exclaimed as he motioned for his partner to carry on. "Cross Roads has some of the finest brothels around, if yer into those kinda things."

"Look, I don't really care about how fine the call mares are in this town. All I want is information--" Thistle interrupted himself as he noticed a lone figure galloping towards the pair.

His companion shifted his head towards the nearing silhouette. "Who in the hay? You think this the pony that's been followin' us?" Soft Touch interjected.

"Maybe, but this pony must be pretty damned desperate to get to us if he managed to gallop hard enough to be ahead of us." The gunslinger pointed out.

"So what's our play? We just stand here and find out what the pony wants?"

Thistle checked his surroundings and saw nothing out of the ordinary amongst the orange hued desert. "I don't see any others waitin', so this pony is all by his lonesome. I say we just stand here 'n see what this pony wants." Soft Touch nodded his head in agreement and the pair waited for the galloping figure.

After waiting for a couple of minutes the pair’s pursuer revealed itself to be a ragged unicorn stallion with a messy yellow mane and a brown buttoned shirt covering his gray hued coat.

"F-Finally. I've been trackin' you tw-two varmints down this w-whole damn day!" The gray unicorn shouted through labored breathing. Thistle and Soft Touch simply exchanged confused looks between themselves before looking back at the messy unicorn.

"Umm, so what exactly do you want with us?" Soft Touch slowly replied as he kept his eyes upon the newcomer.

The gray unicorn raised his head up and attempted to form a scowl on his face, but instead made his dirtied face contort into a dissatisfied pout. "I've come to r-rob you so h-hoof over e-e-everythin' you've-got!" The unicorn hurriedly instructed.as his horn began to glow with a pale yellow shimmer; his magic levitatating a serrated knife from the confines of his clothing. Thistle and Soft Touch shot the unicorn another confused look. "Come again partner?" The gunslinger dryly asked.

The unicorn let out a labored groan whilst flailing his knife around in frustration. "I was watching you two ponies rummaging through those caravan remains! So I want you to hoof over what y'all found right now!" The pair’s assailant ordered. "Whoa! Y'all might poke somepony's eye out if you keep on swingin' that thing 'round." Soft Touch swiftly stated.

"Damnit! Quit foolin' around, I want whatever you two found, out on the ground right this moment or I'm gonna start stabbin' one of you!" Thistle let out an annoyed sigh before rubbing his head with a hoof. "Look partner, that caravan was already looted! We don't have anything of value on us, I promise!" Soft Touch implored in a calming tone.

The unicorn advanced upon the pair and gritted his teeth. "Ponies always lie, always scheming...." The robber hissed as he stabbed the air with his simple blade.

Thistle slapped his forehead with a hoof whilst his companion fished out a canteen from his bag. "Gallopin' across the desert under the blazin' sun ain't healthy for you, how about I give ya some water and we can settle this nice 'n calm like." Soft Touch soothed as he continued to try and relax the manic eyed pony.

The unicorn licked his parched lips as he contemplated the pony's offer. "No, I'm fine..." The crazed began to rapidly shake his head before focusing his bloodshot eyes onto the two earth ponies. "Celestia damnit! Just hoof over whatever you have!"

Thistle let out an indignant snort and pushed his companion to the side."I've had a rough two days pal! So you better get the hay outta our way before you find yerself takin' a dirt nap!" The gunslinger vehemently barked.

The manic unicorn let out hoarse laugh. "I watched you two like a hawk! You don't have anythin' to defend yourselves wid, so you ain't in a position of makin' any demands!"

"Alright, I've had enough of this joker." The irate gunslinger stated. Thistle swiftly adopted his signature stance and in one fluid motion drew his weapon of choice from its brown holster and immediately pointed his revolver at the gray unicorn's upper chest.

The unicorn’s face scrunched up in dismay as he tried to make sense of his current predicament. "Celestia please! Don't shoot!" The former robber pleaded as the magic around his knife immediately faded, sending the dirtied iron implement falling harmlessly to the ground. "I give! Please, just let me trot away from this!”

Thistle gingerly shook his head and began to cock the hammer of his gun with a hoof. *CLICK* "BANG!" The stallion did his best in trying to replicate his revolver's deadly discharge.

The unicorn shut his eyes and let out a frightened yelp as he flinched in response. "Oh Celestia! It burns! It burns! It.......burns?" The unicorn quickly opened his eyes and began to frantically search himself for any evidence of a wound. The unicorn let out a curt curse before looking immediately looking back at Thistle. "Hey! What giv-" The gray pony swfitly lost his tongue as a blurred hoof came surging straight at his face.

Thistle's hoof struck the poor bandit with a satisfying crack and sent the unicorn's entire body head first into the orange dirt.

Thistle looked at the stunned unicorn's crumpled body and let out a sigh. "I ain't a big fan of dirty fighting, but buck did that feel pretty damn satisfying!" Soft Touch slapped his companion's back with a hoof and let out a hearty laugh. "Hooowwwee! Now that was some grade A acting! Now I'm obliged to buy you a drink after seein' that performance!"

The two ponies began to casually chat as they trotted over the unfortunate unicorn's unconscious body and continued on their way to the awaiting town.

Chapter Five: The Stallion With A Name.

Chapter Five

Ballad rubbed his eyes as he began to feel the grip of sleep begin to pull his eyes shut. "It's gettin' quite late. How you foals holdin' up?" The aged pony slowly asked.

"Come on Grandpa, we're not the little ponies you used to tuck into bed." Sugar Sap grumbled.

The old stallion let out a gruff chuckle. "Shoot, I ain't worried that much 'bout you two, I'm more worried 'bout myself. I'm afraid I might just drift off to sleep any minute now."

"Ahhhh, but they just got to the town, I wanna hear what happens next!" Ballad’s grandfilly whined.

"Oh, well if you're tired Grandpa, I'm pretty sure me and Sugar Sap can hear the rest of the story in the mornin'." Dusty quietly answered.

Ballad waved a hoof in response. "Don't fret about it youngin', these old bones of mine still got some step in 'um. Tell ya what, I'll finish this part of the story up before we all turn in for the night, sound fair to you two?"

Both ponies excitedly nodded their heads and eagerly awaited the next section of their grandfather's story.

"Let's see, Oh yes! Our hero just arrived at the town of Cross Roads..."

"Hehehehe. Oh Celestia, I kinda feel bad for that poor unicorn, hope he doesn't get amnesia or worse, after that monster of a buck you gave him." Soft Touch joked.

"He got what was comin' to him." Thistle coolly replied.

"Shoot, if you hoof out a beat down to a crazed and dehydrated pony, I'd hate to see what you'd do to a sane pony that scuffs your horseshoes!" The carriage driver shouted before succumbing to laughter once more.

The gunslinger sighed in response as he continued to endure his companion's banter. "Care to tell me anythin' more about Cross Roads? Besides how its brothels are the finest in all of the Frontier." Thistle interjected.

Soft Touch’s laughter began to taper off as he tried to collect his wits. "Where to begin...Oh yes, Cross Roads is an independent tradin' post, does business with all sorts of folks. We've got ponies, griffons, donkeys, diamond-dogs, and even some of dem mysterious zebra characters."

Soft Touch continued to answer his companions questions as they kept on their journey, eventually the ground underneath the pair gave way to a makeshift road and the two stallions began to pass by small wooden cottages that blanketed the town's outskirts.

The pair entered the town square through its eastern road and were greeted with a diverse group of inhabitants scattered amongst the town’s various wooden buildings. Even though night was firmly established; the massive town of Cross Roads was still awake with activity.

Thistle paused in front of a massive wooden billboard that was planted in the town's square. "You weren't lyin' when you said this place was large." Thistle called out as he watched a caravan worked by a mixed batch of races past by him.

Soft Touch nodded his head in agreement. "I was amazed when I first arrived here. You should see how hectic this place is in the mornin'." The stallion answered as he pointed a hoof down the town’s southern road. "Come on, I promised to buy yah a drink." Thistle broke from his sightseeing and promptly followed behind his guide.

The two earth ponies trotted down the populated street passing by various stores illuminated by candlelight that were still catering to customers. The pair eventually ended up in front of a small wooden two-story building with a faded sign hanging overhead.

Thistle took a short glimpse at the lackluster building and turned his head towards his companion. "I don't know about this place, all I'm seein' from this place is watered down piss water is all we have." The gunslinger snidely stated.

Soft Touch let out a small chuckle. "I know it don't look like much, but trust me on this partner!" The ex-carriage driver soothed before entering the small establishment through its simple door.

Thistle looked around for any other alternatives to his companion's choice, seeing nothing nearby the pony let out a bitter snort. "At least its gonna be free." The earth pony grumbled as he trotted up the wooden steps.

Thistle found himself in a large sparsely decorated room with brown wooden walls and empty circular tables occupying most of the room. The stallion looked around to find his companion seated at the empty bar located at the back of the homely inn. "Nopony home?" Thistle asked as he took a seat next to Soft Touch.

Soft Touch shook his head and rang the small bell that rested upon the bar's dusty marble counter. A resounding *PING* echoed throughout the empty room, and soon a muted voice began to resonate from the open doorway that divided the glass cabinets behind the bar counter. "Alright! I'm goin' already...bloody slave driver!" The voice’s owner indignantly yelled.

The faint beat of horseshoes meeting wood soon followed and an old mauve colored unicorn with a grayish-white mane popped out of the doorway. The wrinkled stallion quickly inspected the grimy looking pair, before levitating an empty mug onto the bar counter. "What will you fine gentlecolts be having tonight?" The unicorn casually asked.

"Well that's a fine way to greet one of yer regular customers!" Soft Touch exclaimed. The bartender immediately looked up from his cleaning and slowly examined the dirtied earth pony. "Well I'll be! What in Celestia happened to you Mister Touch? I didn't even know it was you under all that dirt and grime!" The bartender exclaimed as he extended a hoof towards his friend.

Soft Touch flashed a grin whilst he eagerly shook the unicorn's hoof. "It's a longggg story Regale, how 'bout givin' me 'n my friend here a shot of yer finest whiskey ‘n I'll tell ya all about it." The weathered stallion suavely asked.

The bartender let out a small chuckle as he brought down an unmarked black bottle from the highest glass counter, whilst levitating up two small shot glasses from underneath the counter. Regale began to pour the bottle's dark gold contents into an empty glass, before promptly giving the first glass to Soft Touch. "Now let's hear this tale of yours." The unicorn goaded as he slid the second glass over to Soft Touch’s companion. "Deary me! No offense sir, but you look even worse than Soft Touch does!" Regale exclaimed once he took stock of the seated gunslinger.

Thistle let out a biting snort before downing his drink in a single take. The old stallion raised an eyebrow and flashed Soft Touch a bewildered look. "By Celestia's flowing mane! What the hay happened to you out there?" The unicorn scrutinized.

Soft Touch took his glass and finished his drink in a long winded swig. "It all started with a buncha buffalo...." The next few hours flew by as Regale continued to serve the pair whiskey, whilst Soft Touch informed the bartender about every single detail surrounding the past two day.

Soft Touch made sure to omit the part about his attempted at robbing of his acquaintance, whom in return silently objected with a scornful look directed at the blabbering pony. The flow of alcohol slowly came to a stop as Soft Touch’s tongue and mind gradually failed to convey coherent thoughts.

"...Andddddd-the-the-thereeee yaaa have *HIC* it!" Soft Touch slurred as he finished his twelfth shot of whiskey. "Why is everyythinggg spinningggg." The stallion began to sway in his seat until finally dropping his head onto the marble counter with faint plop.

Thistle finished his own twelfth glass and looked at the now snoring pony, before letting out a light chuckle. "Lightweight." Regale shook his head as he noticed Soft Touch’s tongue jutting out and beginning to cover his counter with a layer of drool.

"You can hold your liquor I'll give you that." Regale jested as he levitated a small flask from underneath the counter. "So, I'm quite curious, is Mister Touch's story true? Or am I being lead astray by one of his fanciful anecdotes?" The bartender questioned before taking a drink.

Without looking at the inquiring unicorn Thistle gave him a simple nod. "He did leave out the part of him tryin’ to rob me whilst I was face first in the damn sand.” The dirt crusted gunslinger muttered. Regale gave a confused look at the seated pony. "Did you say something about being robbed?"

"Did I say that? Must be the whiskey finally kickin' in." The stallion answered behind clenched teeth.

"Well, it's amazing to meet a pony who was able to hold their own against a buffalo, but its even more amazing to meet a pony responsible for saving a whole entire town!" Regale declared through a smile.

Thistle quickly looked up from his empty glass. "How the hay do you know 'bout that?" The gunslinger demanded.

Regale let out a dainty laugh as he began to clean up the shot glasses surrounding Soft Touch. "Rumors and gossip can spread fast when you've got pegasi delivering your mail." The unicorn stated matter of factly as he placed the final glass back under the counter. "Say, you sound like being known as a hero is a bad thing."

Thistle let out a disingenuous laugh. "Havin' a reputation like hero 'round these parts is a quick way to gain some unwanted attention."

"Well you know what wise ponies say, being a hero isn't easy." Regale quietly quipped. Thistle flashed a frown at the teasing unicorn. " I ain't no hero, not by a long shot." The gunslinger mumbled. "...Anyhow, It's gettin' late, how many bits fer a room?"

"Considering what you've two been through, the beds on the house." Regale politely stated as he levitated a key to Thistle. "The room you want is the first door you reach after climbing the stairs."

Thistle looked over at the snoring form of Soft Touch. "What about him?"

"He always does this whenever he gets leave from caravan duties, don't worry about him. But there is one little issue we need to cover before you turn in for the night." Regale gingerly stated.

"And that is?" Thistle curtly replied.

"Well you two did go through one of my more expensive stocks of whiskey." The bartender declared as he shifted his attention away from the disheveled gunslinger.

The earth pony let out a gruff laugh in response. "Oh that, put it all on Soft Touch's tab." Thistle nonchalantly answered.

Regale looked at the knocked out stallion with trepidation. "Will he be fine with that arrangement? Because I don't wanna wake up in the morning to an angry hungover stallion."

"He owes me." Thistle promptly stated, and without another word the stallion took the floating key before heading up the stairs towards his room. The inn's bedroom was small and simple, echoing the atmosphere of the inn’s first floor. A single bed and a small chest was all that decorated the barren room.

Thistle closed his eyes and began to reflect upon his new found reputation. "Tartarus, it could be a lot worst." The pony mused before beginning to undress himself, storing his gear in the wooden chest, before slowly climbing into bed. His mind began to wander as he slowly slipped into unconsciousness.

"Before I left for work, I coulda sworn you detested learnin' to play an instrument. What made you change yer mind?"

"...Well, when you were off traveling with Flowing Field's caravan, Pa took me to see one of those minstrel shows that stop in town and I saw this showpony playin' the nicest tune I ever heard! So, when we got back, I asked Pa if he could teach me to play."

"Well it's nice to see you picking up something worthwhile. Celestia forbid that father of yours decides to pass on his trade to you."

"I'm kinda curious, why do you hate Pa's work so much Ma?"

"I don't hate his work, its just that...Look, I'll tell you when you’re older, but for now let's get the table set before yer father comes home and throws a fit 'bout there bein' no food on the table."

.............

"Guh...damn griffons, always flyin' around, can't be bothered to be nice 'n stand still for me."

"Glad to see you've made it home in one piece hun, now get yerself washed up so we can finally eat the dinner I slaved over."

"Of course my lovely wife, I'll go wash up my hooves nice 'n good. I'll do my best to keep the dirt off my hooves when I come back inside after using the water pump."

"........"

"I was only jokin'! No need to give me that face."

"Hurry yer flank up, that colt of yours has been waitin' to eat for two hours now!"

"I’m going, i’m going!"

.............

"How was work Pa? Did you take down any bad ponies today? "

"Yeah, I did! But they weren't ponies, they were a buncha blood thirsty griffons! "

"Oooooh! Aren't griffons able to fly?"

"Indeed they are son."

"So that means you would have had a hard time dealing with 'um! How the hay do you fight somethin' that is zoomin' around in the sky?!"

"Tell you what, i'll tell you the full story of how your father stopped some mean old griffons, after you clean up yer plate ‘n get yourself into bed, deal?"

"I'll be quicker than a jack rabbit runnin' around with his tail on fire!"

"That's my boy, now get along now, me and your mother need to discuss some matters..."

Sunlight began to seep through the small window above Thistle's bed; the sun's rays beginning to dance upon the sleeping pony's face. The distorted sounds of Cross Roads' citizens going about their business seeped through the inn’s wooden walls and into the sleeping pony’s ears.

The stallion let out a tired groan as he began to feel the sun bake his unprotected face. Thistle let out a frustrated groan as the heat began to overwhelm him. The earth pony promptly got up from his bed and began to stretch his limbs out. "Ugh, who the hay decided to put the damn window right under the bed..." The earth pony ran a hoof through his mane before heading towards the small chest inches away from him.

Thistle dressed himself before making his way out of his small room. The stallion descended down the flight of stairs and noticed Soft Touch still asleep at the empty bar counter; he sat himself down before ringing the bar counter’s small bell. "I hope you were able to get a decent night's rest, Mister Thistle." Regale called out as he popped out of the open door frame.

The earth pony cracked his neck as he let out a long drawn out yawn. "I've had better." The stallion quipped as he began to rummage through his pouches. "You wouldn't happen to have seen this pony around here?" Thistle questioned as he put down the photo of his quarry on top of Regale's counter.

The bartender grabbed the photo with a hoof and levitated a pair of circular glasses onto his face. Regale shook his head and returned the photo to Thistle. "Sorry, never seen a stallion like him before, your best bet would be heading over to the town's bounty board."

Thistle stashed his photo and thanked the unicorn before heading for the inn's only door. Regale hesitantly eyed the still dozing earth pony. "Not gonna wait for him to wake up?" The unicorn hollered.

Thistle let out a gruff snort as he paused in front of the door. "Nope, but when he does wake up tell him his debt is cleared. He'll know what that means...Thanks for the hospitality." The gunslinger quickly answered as he trotted out onto the crowded street.

The stallion eyed the tall wooden board that was barely visible above the moving mass of the town's inhabitants. On his way towards the plank of wood, Thistle began to notice the diversity Soft Touch told him about. Thistle trotted by dressed business ponies talking politics, donkey and diamond-dog prospectors arguing over claims, and griffon merchants hawking their goods to anyone that passed their stalls.

Thistle's stomach began to grumble as he began to past stands that were selling a wide selection of food items. Succumbing to his body's need, Thistle headed for the nearest fruit vendor. After heckling with a stubborn donkey, Thistle continued trotting down the bustling street with a bag full of apples gripped in his mouth

The stallion threw what was left of his breakfast to the side as he finally arrived in front of the large billboard. Thistle noticed a vacant seat next to the board and a small sign with the words: "Be Back In 10." messily scrawled in chalk.

Thistle let out a frustrated sigh at the minor inconvenience impeding him. Having nothing else to do but wait, the earth pony began to examine the various posts and papers that adorned the faded wood.

“Let's see here.” Wanted: Routing Charge aka. The Stallion Sized Hurricane: responsible for the destruction of the towns of-How in Tartarus does one pony destroy a whole entire town? Bounty: 600,000 bits! Whoever this poor bastard is must be up to his neck in bounty hunters. What else do we got...How the hay do you even pronounce this name, Moo Gin? Mew Gen? Buck it. Thistle was halfway through another post until he noticed the shadow of a gryphon block out his reading light.

A young gryphon with a white head and grey body neatly landed next to the chair with a flap of his wings sending dirt and debris in all directions. Thistle shielded his eyes from the oncoming gust and let loose a profanity when the gryphon finally took his seat.

The gryphon was oblivious to the irate pony a couple feet away from him and began to hum to himself. Thistle let out a loud braying snort and marched straight towards the seated gryphon.

The unaware gryphon was still ignorant of Thistle's presence; his head facing the opposite way of the fuming stallion. Thistle let out a sigh and jabbed his hoof into the gryphon's shoulder. The bill board worker let out a sharp squawk in response and quickly turned to face the furious stallion.

"What do you want?" The young gryphon crassly questioned as he gave the poncho clad pony a quick look over before letting out a faint sigh. "Look donkey, I don't have any bits on me, so just leave me alone."

The muscles around Thistle’s neck began to bulge as he had to restrain himself from outright beating the grpyhon's face in with his bare hooves. "I'm not some damn begger, nor a donkey, you feathered idiot!"

The gryphon did a more thorough examination of the livid pony. The gryphon's eyes immediately lit up and in a feathered flourish the gryphon took to the skies and left the now confused earth pony behind.

"What in the? Celestia damn griffons..." Thistle grumbled as he watched the gryphon’s silhouette drift northwards, heading towards the hilly countryside that surrounded Cross Roads. “At least I can stock up now...” The stallion openly thought as he headed down the town’s western road.

After asking for directions from a passing unicorn, Thistle found himself in a small shop browsing over the various goods it sold. The stallion trotted over towards the store's owner and asked the donkey if he sold what he was searching for.

"Yeah we do, mind tellin' me what you’re lookin' for so I can search my stock?" The store manager asked.

".44 Stalliongrad cartridges."

"Ponies still use those? I'll look, but no guarantees." The donkey headed through the open doorway behind him. Several minutes passed before the store owner returned with a tied up bag between his teeth.

The wrapped goods made an audible thunk as it landed upon the wooden counter. "Lucky you, found a few boxes of 'um, they even come with some of dem fancy speed-loaders. There a bit dusty but they should be fine." The donkey stated.

"How much do I owe ya?"

"Fifteen bits." Thistle fished amongst his various pouches and placed fifteen gold coins upon the counter. Thistle thanked the store owner and began to move his purchase into the pouch strapped to his left foreleg. The donkey raised an eyebrow as he watched the pony work.

"Say compadre, you wouldn't happen to have heard the rumors about that pony who took down some banditos in Agua Fria? Thistle let out a sigh as he knew where the donkey's question was heading. "I've heard the rumors. What of it?"

"Well the rumor has it this stallion is an earth pony like yourself and well the description of him fits you..." The donkey eyed Thistle one last time before slowly shaking his head. "Nevermind, most of you ponies do tend to look a like. Must be coincidence. Need anything else sir?"

Thistle finished his task and showed his wrinkled photo to the donkey.

"Can't say I've seen a pony with a mark like that around here, you try lookin' for the gryphon who manages the town's bounty board?"

Thistle immediately frowned in response. "I tried to, but that gryphon just flew off in a tizzy before I could ask him."

"Sorry I couldn't have been more help." The donkey replied.

The stallion thanked the store manager and headed back outside. Thistle let out a weary groan as he watched the busy denizens of Cross Roads go about their business. Might as well get a buckin' drink...Again. Thistle made his way to the nearest bar he could find; he entered a partially crowded establishment and sat himself at the hazy room’s furthest table.

After spending the rest of his morning snout first in a glass of whiskey, the earth pony was the only patron left and about to make his leave until he noticed a pair of griffons sauntering towards his table. Both gryphons had the standard gryphon colors of a white head and golden body.

The two griffons sat themselves down at Thistle's table; he quickly looked them over and noticed they didn't have any visible weaponry on their bodies.

"Can I help you fellows?" Thistle calmly asked.

"Cross Roads has been a buzzin' with the tale of an earth pony who took down six bandits by his lonesome." The gryphon to Thistle's right answered.

"Yes and I'm gettin' mighty tired of hearin' um." Thistle dryly stated.

"Well, we also heard that this pony was able to best a buffalo in hoof-to-hoof fightin'." The gryphon said in a calm tone.

How in the hay? Soft Touch you fast talkin’ bastard...

Thistle fixed his gaze upon the two gryphons and let out a snort of hot air. "Alright I get it, you two know who I am. Let's quit beatin' around the bush. What the hay do you two want with me?" The gunslinger demanded.

Both gryphons exchanged looks and a couple of hushed words. It was the gryphon to Thistle's left turn to speak. "We'd have it no other way. You see our boss is lookin' for talented folks like yourself and he would like to extend an invitation of meeting him in person to you."

"I feel honored to have someone interested in my skills, but alas I ain't lookin' for a job right now." Thistle lazily answered.

Once again the two gryphons shared a whispered discussion between themselves. "I assure you that that our boss will pay you handsomely if you decide to work for him." The gryphon on the right implored.

Thistle slowly rolled his eyes in response. "Look, I'll say it again, I ain't interested...now buck off 'n leave me be." The stallion bluntly countered.

The gryphon on Thistle's right quickly got up from his seat and pointed a claw at the slack pony. "Listen here dirt pony, we’re tryin’ to be civil here. So you better watch your tone!" Thistle’s hoof instinctively reached for his revolver and pointed it at the blustering gryphon.

"Come again?" Thistle vehemently growled. The offending gryphon let out a faint squawk and sat himself immediately back down. The gryphon to Thistle's left waved both his talons in surrender. "Please forgive my friend he can be quite hot headed...Perhaps if you knew what our boss was going to reward you with you'd reconsider your position."

Thistle nonchalantly nodded his head for the calm gryphon to go on. "Our boss is ready to pay you a massi-" Thistle cut the gryphon in mid-sentence with a sharp cough. "Bits? That's all your boss is offering? If that's it, I still ain't interested."

The gryphon quickly flashed a beaked frown in response. "You didn't let me finish. You see our boss knows your lookin' for somepony. Along with that large amount of bits, he has information on this pony of yours." The gryphon slyly finished.

Thistle's whole body perked up as he registered the gryphon’s offer. The stallion began to mull over the gryphon's claim. "I'll hear him out, but if your boss is lyin' to me and this turns out to be some sort of dirty trick...Y’all gonna be findin’ yerselves six feet under." The stallion grimly implied.

"Then we have a deal?" The gryphon asked as he offered his claw to Thistle. The earth pony holstered his firearm and shook the offered claw. The pair of gryphons exhaled in relief and escorted Thistle back onto Cross Roads’ crowded street.

It was high noon as Thistle followed his two escorts out of Cross Roads and into the hilly outskirts. After walking two more miles down a makeshift path Thistle came to the top of a hill and saw a massive estate situated in a small grove below him.

"Who exactly is this boss of yours?" Thistle asked the two gryphons. Without pausing to answer the pair remained silent and headed for the manor below. "I can already tell I'm goin' to hate where this is goin." The stallion grunted out as he followed his two guides.

After trotting along the path for half an hour Thistle finally saw the mansion in its fullest. The estate's front yard had willow trees planted all around and the main building was painted a crisp white with pristine windows running across both the first and second stories of the house. The two gryphons both knocked upon the massive polished doors as Thistle stopped behind them.

The massive doors swung open and a pegasus wearing a clean two-piece suit greeted the three. "I see you were successful. Now Mister Thistle, if you would be as kind to come along with me. The master has been waiting for your arrival for quite some time now." The butler cordially declared.

Thistle slowly nodded his head and entered the white manor. His eyes were immediately greeted by the building’s lavish interior. From the marbled staircase to crystal chandeliers that dotted the massive parlour room; he couldn’t keep his eyes away from the grand decor.

"Coming sir?" The butler implored as he motioned for Thistle to follow him up the staircase that dominated the room. The earth pony grunted out an affirmative and made his way behind the pegasus butler.

"So who exactly is this gryphon I'm meetin'?" Thistle inquired as the two ponies trotted down a bright and heavily decorated hallway.

"Sorry sir, but the master has been quite adamant that he remains unknown until you meet him face to face." The butler immediately answered.

"I had a feelin' you'd say that..."

Thistle and his guide finally came to the end of the hall and stood in front of a large oak door. The pegasus opened the door for Thistle and signaled for him to enter.

The stallion entered into a slightly dim room and after allowing his eyes to grow accustomed to the lighting. Thistle noticed a single large window illuminating the whole room and its modest furnishings. Simple brown furniture were neatly placed and bookcases encircled the entire room; a far cry from the garish environment Thistle had just been in.

"Ahhhhhhh, I've been expecting you."

Thistle slightly flinched as he promptly tracked the voice’s source coming from the desk directly across from him. The stallion trotted toward the desk and slowly noticed a bulging silhouette popping out of the chair.

"Care to share who you are first?" Thistle commanded.

"I'd expect somepony like yourself to cut straight to the chase." The seated figure replied.

"I usually am, but when I plan on workin' for someone, I'd like to know who the buck they are first." The gunslinger retorted.

"Smart stallion." The seated figure flashed their wings in a grand flourish before standing up from their seat. The stallion was promptly confronted by a husky gryphon, dark teal head feathers and a black suit covered the gryphon’s gray coat.

"The name is Regard Highcrown and I have heard of your amazing feats, Mister Thistle." The gryphon recited as he began to pace behind his wooden desk. "But you see, i'm a little skeptic of your abilities. Sometimes these kind of stories get stretched beyond belief and well...I'd like to see you prove your skills to me before we get down to business."

"I didn't come here to have you string me along!" The agitated stallion fired back.

Regard stringently eyed Thistle and let out an exaggerated sigh. "Oh? Then why did you come here then?"

"Your boys told me you know i'm lookin' for somepony and that you have information about this pony. I'd like to see some proof that ya do before I do a single damn thing for you." Thistle gruffly answered.

The gryphon's flabby chin began to flap around as he let loose a biting laugh. "I had you pegged to be a lot less intelligent, but I was clearly mistaken! So you want proof?" Regard took a key from his coat’s breast pocket and unlocked a shelf from his desk before throwing a collection of papers onto its wooden top.

Thistle’s eyes immediately latched onto first paper amongst the stack. A crisp black and white picture of a familiar stallion confounded the gunslinger. He began to quickly scan the cluster of papers before the large gryphon blocked his view. Thistle's fiery amber eyes locked upon the gryphon’s own pair.

"How did you...Who exactly are you?"

Regard let out a curt chuckle as he scooped up the papers and locked them away in his desk once more. The gryphon sat himself back down and matched Thistle's steely gaze. "Everything will be made clearer in due time. But for now here's what I want you to do for me...”

Chapter Six: It Don't Hurt......Much

Chapter Six

"I think that's a good spot to leave off from! Nuthin' like a little suspense to keep you on the edge of yer seats." Ballad joked as he got up from chair. "Now let me show you kids to yer sleepin' quarters."

Both of Ballad's grandfoals got up from their seats and began to stretch. "Why do you have to subject me to this Grandpa! Now I'm gonna have a hard night's sleep, all because of you." Sugar Sap grumbled.

Ballad let out a chuckle as he opened his study's door. "Sorry youngin', I usually wouldn't leave y'all hangin' like that, but you know how it is bein' my age 'n what not." The old stallion motioned for Sugar Sap and her cousin to leave the room first. "Tell you what, I'll try 'n wrap up this tale next morning. We'll start right after breakfast, does that sound good to you?"

The unicorn filly let out a sigh of defeat and nodded her head. "Good, now follow me." Ballad led his grandfoals down a small hallway to his spare guest room.

The elder pony flicked a small switch on the door and a single light bulb in the middle of the room came to life. The room was decorated with various black and white photographs of ponies in old fashioned clothing and two large bookcases across from the large two-pony sized bed that dominated most of room's space.

Sugar Sap hesitantly eyed the single bed and flashed an annoyed looks at Dusty.

"Sorry about havin' only one bed for y'all, but look on the bright side it will be just like when y'all where still little foals." Ballad joked as he placed a hoof on the small wooden armoire situated next to the door. "This will be where yer clothes will be goin'. I'll stop by the post office when yer luggage comes in. So that's pretty much it, y'all youngsters need anythin' else?"

"No we're fine Grandpa." Dusty chimed in. Ballad waved goodnight to the two young ponies and exited the room, shutting the door behind him.

The two young ponies hastily looked over their new accommodations. "You want the left side or right side?" Dusty quietly asked Sugar Sap.

"Gah! I can't fall asleep whilst agonizing over what happens next in Grandpa's story!" Sugar Sap droned as she began to pace around the room.

Dusty let out a small laugh as he watched his cousin's anxious antics. "The only time I've seen you like this was when you had no bits to buy that new Fallout:Equestria game a couple years back." Sugar Sap flashed a frown at the laughing pony. "If you're not gonna go to sleep then what else are you gonna do Sap?" Dusty asked.

Sugar Sap sighed and continued her pacing. Dusty rolled his eyes and headed for the large bed, before he could properly tuck himself in the sound of books being pushed around flooded into his ears.

Dusty slowly groaned to himself as he lazily got out of bed before trotting towards his cousin. "Come on Sap...It's getting late and I'm feelin' pretty tired myself." The young colt tiredly stated as he watched his cousin rummaging through the bookcases.

Sugar Sap's horn began to shimmer with a faint golden glow as she began to gloss over the shelf's contents. "What the hay are you even lookin' fo-for." Dusty yawned whilst rubbing an eye with a hoof.

"I'm trying to see if there's any books that have Grandpa's story in it!" Sugar Sap hastily replied. "I've enjoyed Grandpa's story so far, but isn't this a bit obsessive?" Dusty hesitantly asked.

Sugar Sap ignored her cousin and continued to search the shelf. "I think I found what I'm looking for!" The unicorn excitedly exclaimed as she levitated down a large worn book with the words Frontier Fables & Western Tales inscribed onto its spine. Sugar Sap quickly blew off the dust covering the book and opened the book's roughed up cover.

Dusty quickly got next to his cousin and watched the unicorn flip through the book's stained pages. Sugar Sap eyes lit up as she finally came to a page with a crimson inked heading. Frontier Legends: The Gunslinger & --- "Oh what in the hay!" Sugar Sap levitated the book to her hoof and tried to scrape off the hardened wax that censored the section's full title.

The filly let out a snort of frustration as the dull wax refused to come off at the touch of her hoof. Sugar Sap decided to give up and began to breeze through the section's pages. "Already pass that, yeah...Here we go!" Dusty quickly trotted back to the bed and threw the two pillows that were on the bed to Sugar Sap.

Sugar Sap thanked her cousin and sat herself down upon the pillow and waited for Dusty to do the same. Sugar Sap began to read the book's contents out loud. "Okay, let's begin..."

Regard Highcrown slapped his claws in satisfaction whilst getting up from his seat before offering to escort his guest out of the room. "Will you be needing anything else Mister Thistle?" Regard elegantly asked as he opened the door for the pony.

"Will I be gettin' some sort of guide to help me find this town?"

"I figured my description was a little vague. So I've arranged for someone to guide you, he'll be waitin' out front. I hope to see you return successfully Mister Thistle."

Thistle acknowledged Highcrown’s words and took his leave of the plump gryphon. The earth pony made his way back down to the gaudy parlor room and trotted by the pair of griffins that lead him to Highcrown’s estate, standing guard at the opened doors. Thistle saw a small uncovered carriage pulled by a stocky brown coated donkey waiting on the dirt road.

The donkey watched his intended cargo load himself up and quickly set off once Thistle banged his hoof upon the carriage’s wooden flooring. The gunslinger slumped his back across the carriage's wall and watched Regard's estate slowly fade away.

"Can you tell me anything about this town yer bringing me to?" Thistle called out to his guide. The donkey let out a strained grunt as he began trotting uphill. "Sorry senor, I only know the route." The carriage driver answered in a heavy accent.

Thistle let out a frustrated groan and resumed his relaxed posture. The pony watched the hilly countryside slowly pass by and soon the monotony of staring at the seemingly identical hills caused the stallion to doze off.

"Before we discuss business, pull up a seat and make yourself comfortable Mister Thistle."

"I'd rather you just tell me what I buckin' need to do."

"You're quite curt, I admire that in a potential employee, no need for silly questions to bog you down."

"Don't assume that I'm gonna be some blind-eyed lackey!"

"It would be downright foolish of me to do so. Now let's get down to business, something of mine was recently stolen from me by an employee of mine and I want you to get it back for me. You will be paid an honest amount of bits if you succeed in doing this for me. "

"This some kinda joke? You might as well just send me out to bring back a buckin' glass of whiskey for you!"

"I assure you this job is easier said than done, you see I've sent out four of my own to hunt down my missing belonging. It's been four days since they left and they haven't reported back since."

"Maybe they're just too busy lookin'."

"I do not appreciate the joking tone Mister Thistle. I tracked where this thieving bastard fled off to, some backwater north of here called Blanco Roca and it's only a two hours trip through the hillside. So I'm positive my boys made contact with...whoever this is."

"So, what makes you sure whoever this thief of yours is still there?"

"I had one of my pegasi keep tabs on the four I sent out just in case I had anymore turn-coats in my midst. My informant hasn't been able to get close enough to see who this thievin' rat was, all he was able to get from the townsfolk was the name Paz."

"I woulda guessed you would have more than just the name considerin' this thief of yers was someone working for you."

"Look, I am an extremely busy gryphon Mister Thistle and I rarely have the time to take notice of every new hired hand my subordinates pick up."

"Whatever. Do you care what happens to this thief when I find 'um?"

"Personally, I would love nothing more to see the bastard responsible pay with their life, but as long as you get my belonging back to me consider the job finished."

"This still seems too damn easy. You holding out on me?"

"You forget this is job is also about testing your skills Mister Thistle...If I told you everything it would defeat the whole purpose of this exercise."

"Just have the damn bits ready when I return."

"Such enthusiasm! I can tell you'll make a perfect fit for what I have planned..."

The gunslinger let out an abrupt yawn as he woke up, shielding his eyes as he looked around his surroundings and still sighted the same rolling hills. "How much longer till we get to Blacno Roca?" The stallion shouted. The tired carriage driver paused for a break and began to scan the rugged countryside. "One last stretch of hills before we get to the small valley where the town is tucked into."

"Mind tellin' me how long in minutes?" Thistle asked with a hint of annoyance. The strained donkey ignored his occupant's disguised complaint and continued pulling the carriage. "Ask for somethin' simple and you get the stiff shoulder..." The stallion quietly muttered to himself.

The afternoon sun was beginning to take its toll upon the carriage driver and his occupant. Thistle cursed to himself and sorely wished the carriage had a canvas awning to offer a small respite from the blazing sun overhead. The earth pony fished out a small white handkerchief from one of his bandolier pouches and began to wipe away the beads of sweat accumulating on his head.

As he was wiping his forehead down Thistle eyed his sidearm's dirty grip and sighed. The pony un-holstered his dirt covered revolver and held it up to the sun. It's usual pristine shine was replaced by a lackluster glint. "I really need to clean this damn thing more often." Thistle groaned as he balanced his firearm on one hoof and then proceeded to wipe it down with the handkerchief clenched in his teeth.

The small carriage began to descend from the hills and soon entered into a small desert valley. From his vantage point Thistle saw the vague silhouette of a town sprouting out of the valley's south east wall. After pulling the carriage for several more miles the donkey halted at the town's outskirts.

"This is as far as the boss told me to go senor." The donkey stated as he turned his head to face the lounging earth pony. The stallion holstered his revolver and got off the carriage with a simple jump. The carriage driver waved a hoof in goodbye and began to trot off in the same direction they came from.

The sun was at the right angle to allow the valley's eastern earthen wall to cast a shadow across the entire town. The earth pony slowly trotted down the town's only road and soon took notice of the town's strange layout. Every building in Blanco Roca was constructed out of white bricks and half of the town's buildings were directly built into the valley's wall; a complex system of wooden support beams and walkways connecting the buildings together as well as to the ground below.

"Never seen anythin' like this before..." Thistle pondered as he continued trotting down the town's empty road. Taking the time to look around the stallion noticed the town was devoid of any noise or activity. Haven't met any townsfolk yet...knew that buckin' gryphon was up to somethin.

Thistle's gut reaction was to leave the dead-silent town, but the pony forced himself to press on into Blanco Roca. The stallion trotted up to a nearby building and looked through a window and noticed a still lit candle resting on top of a table with half eaten food surrounding it. There has to be somepony 'round here....As the pony shied away from the window he noticed a flicker of movement at the edge of his eyes.

The stallion immediately hugged the building's wall and slowly trotted towards the wall's edge; his whole body tensed and ready to spring into action. Thistle swiftly darted out from his hiding spot and instantly adopted his two-hoofed stance; his left fore-hoof already gripping his revolver.

In front of the aggressive stallion was a single black coated donkey standing between two white bricked buildings flaying his hooves in surrender. "Ay! Don't shoot, please!" Thistle let out a faint breath before holstering his revolver and slowly returning to all fours.

"Sorry 'bout that. Can never be too careful when you come to a town for the first time and see nobody 'round." Thistle quickly apologized.

The cowering donkey began to visibly calm down. "You mind answerin' a few questions for me?" Thistle asked. The donkey's head began to dart around, satisfied with seeing no other strangers creeping around the donkey slowly nodded his head.

"So what the hay is goin' on here? Is everyone in this town hiding from somethin'?"

"Somethin' like that senor, you see Blanco Roca has been goin' through a spat of trouble for a couple of days now..." The donkey lowered his head as his voice trailed off.

"Mind elaboratin' 'bout this trouble of yers?" Thistle egged on.

"Our town used to be nice 'n quiet till we offered shelter to these two newcomers. We didn’t know one 'um had a major bounty on her head and now we've been subjected to bounty hunters shootin' up our town and dying in our streets tryin' to collect!" The donkey exclaimed. "So the whole town just hunkers down in their homes whenever a stranger shows up."

"Mind tellin' me who the hunted is?"

"The pony's name is Paz. You'd best stay clear of her senor, she's a dangerous one! Two days ago she took down a group of four by herself!"

"That's mighty impressive, you know where she is right now?" The gunslinger interjected.

"Didn't you just hear what I sai-" The donkey cut himself off as he slowly became aware of the earth pony's intentions. "You're another damn bounty hunter aren't you?!"

"Not exactly, but I'm still lookin' for this Paz pony."

"If you're keen on wantin' to be buried here. You'll find the mare in the last house on the road's edge." The donkey quickly answered before immediately galloping away, leaving Thistle to himself.

Acting upon the donkey's words, Thistle headed back onto the single dirt road and made his way to the last white stoned building located at the edge of the road. The stallion arrived in front of a small house with grime crusted windows and a decaying wooden patio. A small neglected rocking chair was the only piece of furniture that adorned the dusty porch.

Thistle trotted onto the patio and with a hoof knocked upon the building's tattered wooden door. The sound of muffled hoof beats emanated from behind the door and was soon followed by the soft clicking of the door's locks being unhitched. A young, pale orange earth pony with a dark green mane poked his head out from behind the door and quickly looked over the poncho clad pony.

"Um, can I help you with anything sir?" The colt quietly asked from behind the door.

"I'm lookin' for Paz. Is she 'round here by any chance?" Thistle calmly asked.

"She isn't in right now, mind tellin' me who you are first?"

"I'm a friend of hers and I heard she was in a spot of trouble, so I figured I'd come down here to lend a hoof. Mind fetchin' her fer me now?" Thistle lightly pressed before flashing a small smile at the colt.

The young pony slowly nodded his head and closed the door behind him the faint clicking of door's locks followed suit. Seeing the small chair a few feet away, Thistle sat himself down and began to wait for his quarry. After being seated for half an hour; he let out a groan of frustration. Kid must have been wise to why I'm here. Thistle got up from his seat to stretch and noticed two figures slowly heading down the town's single road. As the two figures grew closer; he eyed a dark gray coated earth pony and a black feathered gryphon heading straight for him.

The pony and gryphon halted several paces from the house’s patio and the duo exchanged looks as they inspected Thistle. The gunslinger matched the pair's examination and noticed the gryphon was adorned with small throwing knives strapped to the various bandoliers that wrapped around his upper body. The gryphon's counterpart had a copper colored mane and had no visible weaponry, but saw the earth pony had a picture of a broken bone covering his backside.

"Oi! You know 'ere we could f'oind sum pony named Paz!" The earth pony shouted through a rough accent. Thistle quickly noted the two newcomers were still young enough to be considered teenagers.

"Aren't you kids a little bit young to be playing bounty hunter?" The gunslinger jabbed.

The pair both flashed Thistle looks of indignation and the gray earth pony took an aggressive step forward. "Listen ‘ere ya' bloody wanker, me 'n my friend ‘ere are gonna show you wot ‘appens when yo-" The pony was cut off by sharp laughter emanating from the seated stallion.

Thistle quickly calmed himself down and reclined further upon his seat. "I suggest you kids drop the act and return back to yer mothers, you'll live longer that way." The stallion strongly suggested.

"Bloody 'ell! You ‘earin wot this ass is gabbin' on 'bout?” The gray pony let out a braying snort and pointed a brass covered hoof at the seated stallion. "Come on Wedge, let's show dis bastard whose ‘e buckin' dealin' wid!" The black gryphon nodded his head and with both talons drew two keen daggers from his waist belt.

The stallion shook his head in disappointment as he watched the young pair slowly edge towards him. Whilst still seated; he drew his revolver in a series of fluid hoof movements and aimed his gun's barrel straight at the arrogant pony’s chest. "You've got ten seconds to sheathe those letter openers before your pal winds up with a new hole." Thistle coldly asserted; his right hoof inches away from his firearm’s hammer.

Wedge hesitated for a second as he saw the serious expression embellished across Thistle's face and the look of terror that dominated his companion's entire face. The gryphon slowly belted his knives and stuck his talons up in resignation. Thistle holstered his revolver and the young pony buckled down before beginning to visibly shiver.

"I warned you..." Thistle muttered as he watched the gryphon try to comfort his friend. "If it makes ya feel better I would of just grazed your friend's shoulder or somethin'." Thistle nonchalantly stated. Wedge shot the callous stallion a grimacing look whilst helping prop up the now sobbing earth pony with a wing.

Thistle felt a pang of remorse but quickly shoved it aside. "Look, just take your friend and get the buck outta here." The stallion growled. Not wanting to further test the gunslinger's temper, Wedge prodded his friend with his beak and the two quickly began to kick up a cloud of dirt as they sprinted back the way they came from.

"The things I go through..." Thistle slowly complained.

"I've been through worse." Answered a soft voice behind the stallion. The distinct noise of a firearm being primed followed suit. "Now turn around, no sudden movements."

Thistle let out a small sigh and faced his unknown assailant, the stallion’s eyes were greeted by two gray steel barrels leveled at his face by an odd looking unicorn mare.

From head to hooves, the unicorn had a mixed coating of brown and white spots covering her entire body. A short two-toned mane of red and pale gold and three small copper piercings adorned her right ear. Thistle looked over the cold steel and saw the unicorn was wearing a brown rawhide vest and a rolled up white long sleeved shirt underneath.

The stallion's eyes wandered towards the mare's lower body and took stock of the small red flower with white tips emblazoned onto her coat. The unicorn raised an eye in response to Thistle’s imprudent search. "Eyes up front, pal." The mare snorted.

Thistle broke eye contact with the mare's flank and instead fixated upon her dark brown eyes. Tension filled the air around them as the two ponies tried to match each other's stare. The unicorn became a little unnerved as she saw the stallion's cold eyes bore into hers.

"I was wonderin' when you would show up." The stallion calmly stated, breaking the stressful silence. "You know, with a name like Paz I was expectin' to come face to face with a donkey. Not a breath takin' mare aimin' a sawn-off shotgun at my face."

"Flattery won't keep your ass alive for long pal." Paz responded with an equally leveled tone.

"Just makin' a simple observation ma'am." Thistle quickly answered as he continued to maintain his composure.

"Look, I know you're here for the bounty on my head and yet you're just standin' here nice 'n calm like, whilst havin' two loaded barrels aimed at your head! What the buck are you up to?" The unicorn demanded.

"I ain’t up to anythin’ bad. Heck, I ain't even here for your bounty ma'am, I'm just here to simply find an item you stole and restore it to its owner." Thistle droned in the same slack tone.

"What in the..." Paz quickly realized what the stallion was talking about and jabbed her firearm's barrels into Thistle's forehead. "You're directly workin' for that sack 'o shit Highcrown aren't you?!" The unicorn fiercely asserted.

Thistle's eyes darted between the shotgun coated in the mare's dull yellow magic and her quaking eyes. "What of it? I know you won't shoot ma'am." The stallion easily declared whilst remaining unphased.

Paz let out a half-hearted laugh. "I have two barrels full of buckshot leveled at your head and you think I won't shoot? You must be madder than a polecat in heat!"

"If you wanted me dead you would have just shot me down when I was waitin' for you or when I was dealing with those two clowns that showed up early." Thistle nonchalantly answered as he brushed the mare’s firearm away with a hoof. "Let's face it you need somepony's help and I'm the only one around." Thistle confidently stated as he stared straight at the unicorn's face once more.

Paz hesitated before finally reining in her firearm. "You've got a quick sense dontcha'?" Thistle simply nodded his head and offered the only seat to the mare.

The unicorn let out a sigh and accepted the gunslinger's offer. "Now that we're actin' nice 'n calm like, how 'bout we get to makin' this arrangement?" Thistle proposed.

"Fine by me."

"You first ma'am."

Paz flashed a small frown at the earth pony. "Can you quit with the ma'am? I ain't some old 'n withered mare."

"Well seein’ as how you've got a foa-" Thistle cut himself off when he saw the unicorn swiftly shake her head. "Brother?" Paz nodded her head in acknowledgement. "I don't really see a family resemblance."

"We ain't blood related...Look I don't really feel like discussin' personal matters with a complete stranger." Thistle decided to drop his next question as he saw Paz's irritated expression. "Fair enough, let's get back on track shall we?" The gunslinger replied.

"Alright, I'll keep this curt as possible. Highcrown has it out for me ever since I stole one of his trinkets. The bastard is plotting somethin' and I know it has to do with the dozen or so mercs that have been stampedin' across this valley."

Thistle’s mind briefly took a pause before focusing back at the task at hand. "I didn't see anyone runnin' 'round the valley when I made my way here."

"Well trust me when I say there are, his men have been parading themselves on the town's outskirts ever since I gunned down the initial four trackers two days ago. But the real problem is I still haven't figured why they haven't just trot in and be done with it all..." Paz became silent as she began to contemplate the current state of affairs.

Thistle's mind began to race as he soon figured out the answer to Paz's question. No way in Tartarus the gryphon could have planned this in advance! The stallion broke his chain of thought and began to hastily explain to the unicorn the true purpose behind Highcrown’s job.

"Buck! So are you tellin' me those boys of his are gonna be marchin' straight on through here any minute now?" Thistle slowly nodded his head. Paz immediately bolted into the house and before Thistle could object the mare was back in a flash, levitating several large burlap sacks with her horn's magic.

Paz placed the bags down and drew a weathered lever-action rifle from one the bags. "Buckin' hell! Look once this whole entire mess is sorted through, me 'n you are gonna have a little talk!" Paz barked out before continuing to swear under her breath as she sorted through the various supplies.

"Fine by me. Now, I haven't properly introduced myself have I? The names Thistle, ma'-." Paz flashed a disingenuous grin in response to the stallion's catch. "Thistle huh? I was expectin' somethin' a lot more grandiose like Dead Eye or Iron Nerves. Not some prissy name like that!" The mare joked.

Thistle responded with a bitter snort. "Easy pal, no need to get mad. Look, sit tight for now. I need to go check on my brother." The unicorn headed back into the house and left the stallion by himself. The earth pony took a quick look around and began sifting through the bags Paz brought out.

Ah hay! Nothin’... The stallion ceased his search and spotted a massive twister of dirt and sand beginning to form upon the valley's western edge. Buck me with the damn sun! The stallion let out an annoyed sigh and slowly made his way towards the building’s entrance.

The sand storm began to slowly creep its way towards Blanco Roca; its howling gusts of winds consuming everything in its path. "What's goin' on? You see anypony?" Paz instinctively questioned as she opened the tattered door for Thistle.

"No, but we've got a buckton of dirt headin' straight fer town." The unicorn pushed passed the stallion to get a better glimpse of the storm raging off in the distance. Thistle’s poncho began to flutter at his side as a burst of wind edged its way through the open door. "Just our luck! You think Highcrown's boys are gonna make their charge when this storm reaches us?!" Paz shouted as she struggled to ease the door closed.

"Seein' as we won't have the advantage of us bunkerin' down in one of those houses overlookin' the entire town 'n road. Yeah, bet on them showin' themselves when the storm hits us." Thistle answered.

The stallion stepped into a small living room with dust covered furniture. "By the looks of that storm it'll blow into town within an hour or so." Paz calculated as she trotted by Thistle.

"Your brother gonna be safe when this storm hits?" Thistle questioned as he wiped down a dusty stool. Paz's stern expression was replaced by a look of genuine surprise. "A pony sent here to basically kill me is worrying about a colt? You're one confusin' fella." The unicorn candidly stated.

"I ain't some heartless bastard you know." Thistle calmly answered. "I guess scaring those two youngsters with a loaded revolver is showing your caring side?" Paz snidely declared. Thistle feigned a pained expression in response. "Hey! The gryphon had some pretty sharp knives on him!" Slowly the air of hostility between the two ponies began to deteriorate as they continued to chat.

"...From what I've heard so far from you've been takin' care of your brother ever since he was a foal?" Thistle questioned. Paz simply nodded her head in response.

"Must be quite a burden on you."

"You have no idea, Thistle." Paz answered with a hint of sadness to her voice. The two ponies grew quiet as they eventually ran out of things to chat over.

"Somethin' the matter?" Thistle asked as he noticed the unicorn inspecting him.

"Just tryin' to make head or tails 'bout you, is all." Paz casually answered. The stallion rolled his eyes and let out a small sigh. “I don't really enjoy havin' ponies eyeing me." The earth pony griped.

Paz ignored the stallion's complaining and continued her inspection of the seated pony across from her. "You must have a lot of weight on your shoulders as well..." The mare slowly stated as she pulled up a dusty chair.

Thistle ignored the unicorn that was mere inches away from him. "What gave you that idea?" The stallion dryly answered.

"When you first looked at me with those eyes of yours. They had the same intensity and drive I had when me 'n my brother lost our parents..." Paz quietly concluded. The stallion lowered his head and let out a small sigh. "There a reason for all this?"

"No need to get all flustered, I'm just curious 'bout your story is all." Paz softly replied. An uneasy air soon enveloped the living room as both ponies sat quietly, the only noise being the muted wails of the nearing storm.

"You said you lost your parents?" The unicorn jerked up, startled by the silence finally being broken by Thistle's voice. "Yeah..." Paz answered, her voice slightly wavering as she uttered that single word.

"How'd you lose 'um?" Thistle quietly enquired, the stallion’s voice barely audible above the roaring storm’s din. "For somepony who doesn't like sharin' his own story, you're awfully nosy." The mare hastily objected. Even though the stallion wasn't looking directly at Paz; he could feel her eyes judging him.

Thistle let out a massive exhale and looked up from the ground. "It's a sore subject isn't it?" The stallion pushed before locking his eyes upon the provoked unicorn. Paz looked into the gunslinger's eyes once more and noticed fierceness of the Thistle’s eyes were gone, replaced with those of a beaten and weathered stallion.

The unicorn felt a shiver run across her back as she maintained eye contact with Thistle. "How do you cope with the pain?" Paz quietly asked before looking away.

Thistle let out a deep exhale as he got up from his chair. "I don't." The earth pony coldly stated as he trotted by the seated mare. Thistle placed himself in front of the closest window and elected to keep himself focused upon the looming sand storm.

Time passed by as Thistle remained silent and concentrated on trying to see any glimpse of Highcrown's men within the sea of dirt and dust; his counterpart spending the time inspecting her weaponry.

Paz let out a sigh and made her way next to the still earth pony. "See anything yet?" Thistle kept his attention on the chaotic scenery outside. "I might have, but not sure if it was just some more dirt bein' tossed around."

"So what's our plan when they do show up?" Paz asked as she examined the window.

"I've been thinkin' 'bout that, and the best idea so far is we trot out into that storm and try 'n pick them off one by one." Thistle calmly suggested.

"What? How the buck is that your best idea!" Paz snorted. "Wouldn't it be better if we just wait for them to come to us? We do have walls protecting us you know!"

"Even with the house's protection, having fifteen or so mercenaries surrounding us on all sides isn't somethin' I'd like to avoid." Thistle interjected.

"I still think stayin' in here is our best bet." The mare insisted.

"Look, what if those bastards might be packin' sticks of dynamite? One stick is all it will take to finish us."

Paz let out a sigh of resignation. "Fine, we'll do this your way."

"You know anything 'bout the kinda folks Highcrown employees for these kinda jobs?" Thistle questioned as he looked through the window once more.

"I've only see him use ponies and griffins, least this storm is gonna keep those with wings grounded." Paz quickly answered.

Thistle made his way to the front door and began to check his gear. "Most likely Highcrown's men are gonna ignore the road 'n enter Blanco Roca through the town itself. Best way to go 'bout this is we intercept 'um and then split up from there."

"I see the angle you're gettin' at, split their attention between us and use the town's layout to our advantage. " Paz replied. Thistle nodded his head in response. "You sure your brother will be safe throughout this whole thing?" The gunslinger scrutinized.

“He’s a smart colt, he’ll know what to do if anythin’ goes wrong. For now just worry ‘bout Highcrown’s boys.” His companion responded.

"Alright, let's get goin'." The stallion opened the door with his hoof and the pair were immediately greeted by a fierce gust of wind. Thistle grabbed with his teeth a pair of tassels on his poncho and tightened his garb. The unicorn and earth pony trotted out into the storm and made their way into the sand swept town.

Paz and Thistle eventually pressed through the storm and arrived at the town’s center and the two ponies quickly darted behind a nearby building. "I'm gonna assume most of the townsfolk are still cowerin' inside their homes. So any folks you see wanderin' out is most likely gonna be one of Highcrown's!" Thistle shouted over the storm's wailing.

"So what happens if we accidentally bump into each other!?" Paz exclaimed.

"I haven't thought of that." The earth pony went silent for a few seconds. "How 'bout this, we'll divide the town amongst us, you take the western side 'n I'll take the eastern portions!"

"Fair enough!" The mare answered.

"When this storm is over let's meet up back at the house!" The two ponies shook hooves and went their separate ways. The gunslinger hugged the walls of nearby buildings as he slowly snuck through the dirt covered town’s eastern section. The stallion paused when his ears picked up a braying voice cutting through the storm’s wailing.

"Who's the idiot that thought goin' into town during this damned dust storm was a bright buckin' idea!"

"Look on the bright side pal. Once we find 'n kill that thieving bitch n' the pony Highcrown sent in, we'll be swimming in bits!"

"What makes you sure they didn't leave town under all this damn dirt!"

"Well we can always just loot this town if they ain't here!"

"Oi, both you quit jabberin' 'n help me look for our bloody marks!"

Thistle inched his way to the edge of his cover and poked his head out to get a better glimpse of his would be attackers. The stallion muttered out a curse as he was only able to see the vague silhouettes of a gryphon and two ponies. Hope there ain't more lurkin' nearby.

The unaware group of mercenaries were oblivious to Thistle's presence and made their way towards the stallion's hiding place. The earth pony immediately leapt out from his cover and in a flurry of moves, Thistle let loose a deadly volley of lead. The flashes from his revolver were all the mercenaries saw through the raging storm.

The gunslinger’s actions were rewarded by the three figures slumping over before finally hitting the dark brown dirt. Thistle returned to all fours and trotted towards the fallen bodies, prodding each limp figure with a hoof to double check his hoofwork. Satisfied with the results, Thistle went through the motions of reloading his weapon before continuing his hunt.

Thistle wiped his brow as he stood over the slain bodies of two more of Highcrown’s mercenaries. Soon, the dust storm began to dissipate and the dust cloud that enveloped Blanco Roca slowly faded away. The desert sun’s rays began to shine through and blanket the town in its light. Five picked off so far and the storm is clearin’ out. Wonder how Paz is doin'... Thistle thought as he dabbed at his dirt encrusted face with the end of his poncho.

The stallion continued to stick to the walls of nearby buildings as he retraced his steps through the quiet town. He eventually arrived at Paz's house and found it void of anyone. Thistle let out a small sigh and began to search the entire house for Paz; he immediately cut off his impromptu search when the muted crack of gunfire broke the uneasy silence.

The stallion bursted out of the house and onto the town's single road and was instantly met by the sight of a black and yellow gryphon gagging a bound unicorn with a single talon. "What in the-Shit!" Thistle blurted out as he quickly registered the scenario playing out several meters away from him.

The earth pony’s reflexes instinctively kicked in and he quickly adopted his two-legged stance. The gryphon's face held a devilish smirk as he watched the earth pony's movements. "Draw that gun of yours and I slit the mare's throat!" The mercenary boldy shouted. The gunslinger's left hoof slowly relaxed as he adhered to the gryphon's threat.

"That's a good little pony. You know when Highcrown gave me n' my boys this assignment we weren't really expecting much! Just a simple smash 'n grab he said, bastard didn't mention you two knew how to fight!" The yellow headed gryphon spat. "Now I want you to fork over the thing Highcrown sent you out here for!"

"I don't have it. The mare hasn't told me where it is yet. So I suggest you let her go, then we can come to a nice 'n calm solution." Thistle stated with a stone faced expression; his eyes darting between his holstered firearm and the taunting mercenary.

The gryphon let out a piercing laugh. "Is that so? You know what, to Tartarus with that! The way I see it you two owe me plenty for killin' my boys." The gryphon declared as he slowly pressed his knife into the mare's neck, a small spurt of crimson beginning to form on the blade. "You know what, I think I'll collect right now! Once I slit this bitch’s throat I'll still be able to collect the bou-" Before the gryphon could finish a thunderous crack emanated from Thistle's revolver; its smoking barrel sending a single bullet shrieking pass Paz’s head.

Paz felt the gryphon's entire body jerk from the bullet's force and soon his grip on the mare's mouth immediately fell limp. She saw the still standing pony with smoking gun in hoof make his way towards her. The unicorn spat out the lifeless gryphon's talon and quickly began to frantically shout at the gunslinger.

"I didn't get 'um all!" The mare frantically cried.

"What are you goin' on about?! I got him, no need to worry now!" Thistle yelled back. The earth pony got back on all hooves as he bent down to undue the binds encasing the agitated mare. "Sheesh, you need to calm do-" Thistle’s voice was immediately drowned out by a deafening crack; his mind began to rapidly process what was going to follow afterwards.

Paz let out a piercing gasp as she saw a bullet rip through the stallion's poncho and it easily bored its way into the stallion's vulnerable neck. Thistle's entire body buckled under the impact and soon the earth pony's senses began to fail one by one. No, not yet... The blurred images of a faint yellow glow surrounding his body were the last thing Thistle saw before his vision gave way to nothingness.

Chapter Seven: I.O.U

Chapter Seven

"......"

"Um, Sugar Sap you okay?" Dusty asked as he noticed the young unicorn next to him grow stiff.

"The rest of the s-s-section." Sugar Sap slowly quivered as she turned towards Dusty. The colt cringed as he saw his cousin's bloodshot eyes. Sugar Sap placed the book on the wooden floor with her magic and jabbed a shaking hoof at the various ink blotches that ruined the book's contents. Dusty picked up the book with a hoof and began to flip through the book's pages.

"What luck. Nothin' to do but catch some z's." Dusty freely stated.

"That's just not fair! First Grandpa and now this! Why!" Sugar Sap quaked.

"Quit fretting! Grandpa will pick the story back up! I'm sure you can wait a couple hours for it!" Sugar Sap responded to Dusty’s appeal with an annoyed snort. "I need to know what happens next!"

Her cousin simply rolled his eyes in response to her stubbornness. "Come on, we should really get some sleep." Dusty hastily responded before letting out a massive yawn. Sugar Sap let out a cry of resignation and made her way to the large bed. The young stallion let out an annoyed groan as he noticed his cousin left the book on the floor.

After returning the book to one of the wooden bookshelves and turning off the room's single light, Dusty trotted himself back into bed. The two ponies shifted amongst the bed's sheets before succumbing to the enticing grip of sleep.

"Up an' at 'em!" Ballad shouted as he busted through the guest room's wooden door.

The bungled pile lying underneath the bed’s sheets let out a collective groan as they heard their grandfather’s hooves moving around the room. The old stallion trotted towards the room's only window and bit down on the tassel that kept the window's cloth shutter in place. A resounding flourish of the cloth shutter rolling in upon itself echoed throughout the room. Sunlight began to flood into the room through the open window, followed by more objections emanating from underneath the bed sheets. "Hmmmmm, I know what'll sort you youngins' out." The elderly stallion quipped before quickly leaving the guest room.

"If Grandpa dumps a bucket of cold water on us..." Sugar Sap grumbled as she pulled the bed sheets tighter to her body. The pony next to her let out a tired groan in agreement. The sound of plates and utensils began to echo throughout Ballad’s simple abode. "You smell that?" Dusty quietly asked as the young stallion's nostrils began to inhale the tantalizing scent of freshly toasted bread and syrup, that began to permeate through the guest room's open door.

"Fresh breakfast or get more sleep." Sugar Sap openly wondered. The two ponies gradually got out of bed, stretching and yawning as they threw off the bed sheets. Dusty and Sugar Sap slowly trotted out of their room and headed for the source of the wonderful smells floating around them.

The two ponies found their grandfather working at a small gray stove, throwing in slices of toasted bread into the black skillet in front him. "I knew this would get you lazy bums outta yer beds!" Ballad enthusiastically shouted over the sound of pan’s crackling. The pair greeted their grandfather with a lackluster "Hello" and shuffled to the small kitchen's simple circular table and sat themselves down on faded seating mats.

The wrinkled sheriff finished his task and placed the still hot skillet at the table's center before going to a nearby cabinet and grabbing three ivory plates. Dusty and Sugar Sap eyed the skillet's contents with varying degrees of hesitation. "Y'all need to wait, It ain't properly ready yet!' Ballad crooned.

Dusty and Sugar Sap watched their grandfather grab a small woven basket from a from underneath the stove. The two ponies heard the jingling sound of bottles bumping together as their grandfather placed the small basket down. "Grab a slice of bread 'n pick yer favorite flavor."

The pair followed their grandfather's directions and began to smother their crispy slices of toast with various syrups. "So what do y'all think 'bout my take on Fancy Toast?" Ballad inquired as he placed several white napkins down on the table. His grandfoal's were too engorged with their breakfast to answer the elderly stallion. "I'll take the silence as a yes." The old stallion chuckled. "Now I think this is a good time to start up my story again."

Sugar Sap looked up from her plate and quickly swallowed the contents of her mouth. "About that...Me 'n Dusty kinda stayed up late reading from one of your books." Ballad let out a hoarse chuckle and sat himself across from his grandfoals. "So what part did y'all stop on?" Sugar Sap groaned as she remembered how she was cheated by her grandfather’s book. "We stopped when Thistle saves Paz."

Ballad let out a curt groan as he slapped his hooves together. "Shoot! That's one my favorite parts! It’s got a proper cliffhanger at the end, so why did y'all just stop there, We're y'all that tired?" The old stallion joked through mouthfuls of toast.

Sugar Sap let out a small sigh. "We would have gone further but the book we found had all these stupid ink splotches that made the rest of the section basically unreadable!" Ballad let out a soft sigh before tapping his chin with a hoof. "I know what book y'all are talkin' 'bout. Darn shame 'bout that 'un."

Dusty was the first to finish his plate’s worth and wiped his face with a napkin. "Any reason why that book was ruined like that Grandpa?" The young colt asked.

The old stallion was contemplating of answering his grandcolt's question before noticing the annoyed look upon Sugar Sap's face. "I'll tell ya later, yer cousin of yours is givin' me that look again." Ballad audibly whispered as he saw the annoyed expression plastered across Sugar Sap's face. “I’ll pick up right from where that book ends..."

"No!" Thistle shouted as he opened his eyes. The stallion was immediately greeted by waves of sunlight flooding into his irises. After taking his time to adjust to the light, Thistle began to take in his new surroundings; he found himself stripped of his gear and lying on a small bed in a bare room with white stoned walls and a single window perched above his bed.

The stallion began to maneuver his body as he tried to get a better look of his new accommodations. Just need to bring my head up a little..."GAWH!" Thistle let out a gasp of pain as he was swiftly rebuked by a razor-sharp pain that jolted across his lower right neck and withers. "Celestia damn it!" The stallion grunted. The gunslinger was about to launch himself into a tirade of bitter cursing before he heard the faint clicking of a door knob being twisted coming from behind him.

"You know it isn't very nice to shout out the princess's name like that." Thistle tried to get a better at the newcomer, but experienced the same shot of pain at every attempt. "Easy mister, my sister said you shouldn't move yourself around like that." The new arrival quietly stated.

Least I didn't get shot for nothing... The gunslinger let out a small sigh of relief as he slowly settled down. "I'm guessin' you're Paz's little brother?" Thistle heard the sound of the young colt dragging a stool across the wooden floor. "Yes indeed sir." The earth pony slightly tilted his head to his left and saw the colt place his seat next to his bed.

The young pony shied away as he noticed Thistle's amber eyes focusing on him. "Sorry if I'm makin' you uncomfortable" The gunslinger stated as he turned his gaze to the empty ceiling. "No! It's not like that." The colt blurted out.

"Oh?"

"It's just that, I overheard your entire conversation with my sis' and then seein' you take down that gryphon that was holdin' her...I'm just a bit confused on what to think 'bout you." The young pony bumbled out.

Thistle let out a soft chuckle. "I'd be confused too. Regardless, did you catch what exactly happened to me out there?"

The colt bolted up to attention and quickly launched himself into a fevered retelling of Thistle’s heroic deed. "...It was amazing! I never seen an earth pony fight like you before Mister Thistle! Wish I knew how to shoot a gun like that, If I could-" Thistle let out a sharp cough as he noticed the young pony begin to daydream. "I'm more interested in what happened after I got shot if ya don't mind." The stallion politely objected.

"Um, about that. You see, after ya went down I kinda got too frightened to see what would happen next. I just knew my sister barged into the house all tired like, carryin' your entire body with her magic. Sorry 'bout not knowing more..." The young pony dejectedly answered.

"No need to feel sorry, kid." Thistle quickly replied once he saw the crestfallen face of the young colt. "So, mind tellin' me yer name?"

"Oh! Did I forget to tell ya? My sister would be all sorts of furious if she knew I didn't show proper manners."

"I'll keep this conversation a secret from yer sister then." Thistle assured.

"That's pretty dandy of ya Mister Thistle. The names Snow Pea, sir. You know my sister made fun of your name, bein' based off a flower 'n stuff. But I like it." Snow Pea quietly gushed.

Thistle let out a hearty laugh before gouts of pain swiftly calmed him down. "That’s...good to know...kid." The bedridden pony stated in between fits of coughing. "Mind if I ask you a question Mister Thistle?" The colt softly interjected. "I ain't goin' anywhere soon, so go ahead 'n ask."

"Well when I was watchin' my sister patch you up." The young pony began to fiddle with his hooves. "No disrespect or nothin' sir but how come you don't gotta a mark on your flank. Aren't adults supposed to have 'um by now?"

"Sorry kid, but I ain't up to discuss that right now." Thistle simply stated. "Oh, sorry for asking then Mister Thistle." Snow Pea quietly answered. Silence began to fill the room as the two ponies grew quiet, the only noise coming from the small breeze that wafted through the opened window. "Hey Snow Pea, you know where yer sister is at? Me 'n her need to discuss somethin' important."

The young pony broke from another impromptu daydream and got up from his seat to stretch. "Paz went out to buy some food, she should actually be back right now. Let me go check." Snow Pea quickly left the room and closed the room's door behind him leaving Thistle to himself.

Several minutes passed as Thistle awaited the return of the young colt and eventually tried once more to bring his head up but was met by the same shots of pain. Damn it! I Hate bein' bedridden, can't even see the damage that's been dealt! The stallion let out a frustrated grunt as he rested his head back onto his pillow.

Thistle's ears perked up as he began to hear the soft clicking of the room's door being opened. "Good to see you're finally awake." Paz called out as she entered the room, balancing a small silver tray at her side with her horn's magic. Thistle grunted out an affirmative in response to the mare's greeting.

"So how long was I out for?" Thistle asked as he watched the mare make his way towards his bed, noting the unicorn was wearing the same clothing as before minus the rawhide vest and noticed small dark brown spots staining her clothing. The unicorn took the seat her brother originally brought out and placed the tray on a small night stand next to Thistle's bed. "I don't think you'll like the answer."

Thistle titled his body to face the mare. "Get on with it."

"As you wish...You've been out cold for two days now." Paz quickly blurted out.

The gunslinger let out a braying snort as he jerked himself upwards, ignoring the searing pain that flowed through his body. "Two days?! Celestia damn we gott-What the hay are ya doin?!" Thistle shouted as he saw the unicorn's magic aura begin to wrap itself around his body.

The mare let out a small sigh as she restrained the feisty stallion and forced his body upon the bed's wooden bedpost. "Don't get yourself so worked up! Look, I know you're worried 'bout Highcrown's boys coming back, but I already took care of that so just calm down!" Paz assuredly stated as she released the stallion from her magic's grip.

The stallion let out a solemn grunt before folding his hooves. "So what the buck exactly happened after I blacked out?"

Paz let out a ragged breath as she began to slowly recall. "...After you fell, I rushed you off back to the house all the while tryin' to dodge the gunfire comin' from the last pair of Highcrown's mercs."

"Hope I wasn't too heavy for ya." The stallion solemnly stated. "The only problem I had, was tryin' to figure out how that strange six-shooter of yours worked!" The worn unicorn jeered. "I almost got shot myself wonderin' why your gun was missin' a damn trigger!”

"It ain't that hard to figure out! All ya have to do is cock the hammer and you're off!" Thistle fired back as he ran a hoof down his face.

"Hey! You try figuring out something new whilst havin' two griffons shootin' at ya! It was a damn miracle that I was able to bring 'um down!"

Thistle let out a faint sigh before running a hoof through his ruffled mane. "Sorry, I'm soundin' a mighty bit ungrateful...So let me say that I am extremely appreciative for what you've done for me."

Paz let out a bitter laugh and somberly shook her head. "Don't be quick to say your thanks Thistle. The only reason why you're like this right now is because of me messing up out there." Paz quietly answered before looking away from the bedridden pony.

Thistle let out a muted breath as he began to notice tears pooling at the edge of the mare's eyes. Two days ago she was pointing a gun at me 'n now she's gettin' all worked up over me... The stallion exhaled as he tried to think of up a proper response. "Alright, no need to go blamin' yourself. I'm the one responsible for my condition. I was foolish enough to ignore your warnings and I paid for it."

The mare wiped her eyes with a hoof and stared straight at the ground. "How can you even consider this being your own fault?! The only reason why you're like this right now is because of my own damned mistake! If i didn't buck up out there, you wouldn't have been lying in the dirt with a bullet in your neck!" Paz cried out.

Thistle was taken aback by the mare's outburst. "Steady on there...Look, both of us got outta that situation alive. What's done is done, no need to get caught up in what coulda been different." The stallion clearly affirmed.

Paz looked up and fixated her stained dark brown eyes upon the reclined earth pony. "Answer me this then." Thistle raised an eye at the questioning unicorn. "Why did you save me? You could have just turned around.”

"I honor my deals Paz. If someone does right by me I'll do right by them, simple as that." Thistle nonchalantly answered. The unicorn’s face remained blank as she tried to process the earth pony’s words.

"Look, I was the one that got you into that situation by comin' up with that half-baked idea of fightinin' in a damned dust storm. I got ya into that mess 'n it was my responsibility to get you outta it." The injured stallion asserted.

The mare let out a subdued laugh. "Most folks out here would say "Buck It" if they found themselves in that situation...” Paz flashed a brief smile at the pony across her. “Good to know you ain't one of um." The mare softly replied.

Thistle let out a snort of air. "Don't get too sentimental. Me 'n you still need to saddle up on an arrangement regardin' Highcrown's item."

Paz wiped at her eyes once more and let out a faint groan. "You've got a one track mind, dontcha Thistle?" The stallion responded to the mare’s jeer with a simple frown. "Alright, hold on..." Thistle watched the mare fumble with the small silver chain that wrapped around her neck and brought out a golden locket from underneath her shirt.

"You've got to be buckin' me!" The stallion roared as he sprung out of the bed, landing hard upon the wooden flooring and sending shocks of pain throughout his body. "Damn it! Now look what ya gone and did you hotheaded idiot!" Paz shouted before she struggled to get the injured earth pony back onto the bed.

"Buckin' gryphon..." Thistle grunted as he got on his side for the unicorn to inspect his wound. "Great! You ruined the stitching I did on ya yesterday!" Paz angrily chided. "Look, y'all just sit tight whilst I go get my kit." The mare promptly stormed out of the room and the sound of cabinets being opened followed suit.

The unicorn quickly returned with a black bag slowly levitating at her side. "This is gonna be a lot harder with you awake and all." The mare complained whilst she placed the bag next to Thistle's back, and began to float out the tools she needed. "Ready?" The unicorn promptly asked as she finished prepping herself. The stallion grunted in acknowledgement and began to tense himself in anticipation.

Paz levitated a small bottle over Thistle's neck wound and slowly tipped it and its contents onto his neck. Thistle let out a low grunt as he felt the liquid’s burn as it seeped into his exposed flesh. "It's only gonna get rougher." Paz interjected as she cleaned up Thistle's lower neck with a piece of cloth. "Just try 'n finish up as quick as ya can..." The earth pony implored.

"Alright, here we go." The mare quietly said as she began to focus on the task before her. Thistle n bit down on his lower lip as he felt a sharp prick bite into his neck.

"What-kinda-Ahhhh! Material ya usin' to stitch it?" The earth pony stuttered through clenched teeth. "Just some simple silk. Now hush up, your talkin' is makin' it a lot harder to get this done properly." Paz quickly replied. Thistle let out an annoyed grunt before shutting his mouth and enduring the pain in silence.

"Half way done..." Thistle continued to grunt and groan as the needle and thread continued to slowly move through and stitch together his damaged flesh. Several minutes passed and the stallion finally let out a sigh of relief as he felt the needle leave his body. The gunslinger was about to move until he heard Paz let out a sharp cough. "Hold on still need to wrap it up."

Thistle propped himself back onto the bedpost and ran hoof across the fresh bandaging wrapped across his lower neck. "Not half bad." Thistle joked.

"Like you can treat a wound like that yourself!" Paz immediately quipped. The stallion let out a soft chuckle as he reached for the glass cup atop of the tray Paz initially brought in. "I'm quite curious how'd you learn to patch a pony up?" The stallion asked before taking a sip.

Paz let out a sigh whilst she packed up her tools. "I learned everything from my parents..."

"Oh, never mind I asked." Thistle somberly replied.

"No, no it's fine. Talkin' about 'um helps me get over their passing." The mare slowly answered before taking in a breath of fresh air. "...My parents didn't have the luxury of livin' in places that had doctors 'n proper medicine, so they had to learn how to treat someone with whatever they could get their hooves on.”

"Were your parents caravan folk or somethin' like that?" Thistle asked. "Something like that. I guess the closest term you Equestria born ponies have for us types would be gypsies." The mare answered.

"So you 'n your family were transients. Movin' from area to area?" Paz nodded her head in response. "Yep, that's how I got my name. On the account of me bein' born down south in Burros."

"Burros huh? I was wonderin' where down south you came from." Thistle openly thought. "I take it you've been in a similar situation?” The mare speculated as she sat herself down. “I can't imagine how a pony would go about teaching themselves to shoot like you."

"You've got it half right." The gunslinger stated before letting out a strained sigh. "My father taught me the basics. The rest I had to learn on my own...I don't really feel like goin' into much detail 'bout it Paz, sorry." Thistle softly finished.

"I won't pester you 'bout it then." The mare soothed before rubbing her eye and letting out a yawn. "Sorry 'bout that, gettin' a little tired." The gunslinger looked at the yawning unicorn and finally noticed the mare’s drained visage.

"Ah Tartarus, you need to get some rest Paz." Thistle commanded. "Look, don't you go worryin-" The mare paused in mid sentence once she noticed the serious expression plastered across the earth pony's face. "Unbelievable, the pony who's recoverin' from a damned bullet to the neck is worrying 'bout somepony whose missin' their sleep. You're definitely a strange one Thistle." Paz softly teased.

Thistle simply nodded his head and motioned for the mare to leave. "You sure? What are ya gonna do with yourself because you sure as Tartarus ain't gettin' up 'n movin' around."

"I'm still feelin' a bit sore, so I’ll just lay my head down for a spell."

The mare sighed in resignation. "Alright, we'll talk about Highcrown's trinket after we both get some rest." Thistle nodded in agreement and watched the mare exit his room. The gunslinger let out a strained grunt as he brought his head back down upon the cotton stuffed pillow. "Much better...." Thistle muttered before drifting off to sleep.

"No, no, no! Your hooves are too close together boy! Y'all need to set 'um wider apart...Consarnit! Here let me show ya how it's done."

"...Like this?"

"Much better, now go on 'n try balancin' your instrument upon yer right shoulder.

“Alright, how’s that Pa?”

“Good that's a lot better. You've been usin' the hoofstrap that keeps the bow wrapped to yer hoof when ya play right?"

"Yep."

"Welp, now here's the hard part. I want you to try 'n use the bow without it."

"What! How in the buck do you expect me to play without it?!"

"Oi! Watch the language! Boy if you wanna learn my trade yer gonna need to be able to do this easily."

"Fine! Grrrrrrrrr, Come here you stupid stick---Gah! How do you consider this easy?! Wait, Pa! Where are ya goin?!"

"Goin' back into the house to rest of course."

"What?! How am I gonna do this without your help?!"

"Boy, I know yer bright, you managed to pick up playing the violin and I'm sure you'll get the hang of this. Now I'mma go take a nap, y'all come 'n wake me up once you manage to pick up the bow and play."

"But!"

"....."

"Alright, i'll try Pa."

"Now I need my rest so take as much time as ya want boy!"

"...Bloody old geezer."

"Damn it---Gah!---Buckin' hay, how in the world am I gonna do this!"

"Gah! If I bend my hoof---Almost---Aha! Buckin' finally! Now to make this stupid thing sing!"

*SCREECH* *SCREECH* "At least it's a start."

The stallion slowly opened his eyes and let out a frustrated groan as he heard the door to his room begin to creak. "I'm pretty damn sure it’s only been two hours since I told yer ass to get some rest Paz."

"Oh did I wake you up Mister Thistle? If I did I'm mighty sorry. I'll just leave ya be." Snow Pea quietly replied.

Thistle shifted his body back onto the bedpost and tilted his head to get a glimpse at the small earth pony. "Snow Pea? Thought it was your sister comin' to check up on me. No need to apologize, it's fine. Why not take a seat 'n chat I ain't got anythin' better to do with my time." The stallion allayed.

The colt nodded his head and quickly sat himself on the stool next to Thistle's bed. "What’s on your mind kid?"

"I never properly thanked you for saving my sister...So, uh-Thank you." The young pony blustered before lowering his head. "I ain't sure what else to say sir. Just the thought of losin' my sister is makin' it hard to come up with somethin' better. I don't know what I would do without her." Snow Pea glumly answered.

Thistle let out a sigh in response to the colt's somber attitude. "Showin' genuine thanks is all ya need to do kid." Snow Pea slowly brought his head up and looked at the bedridden gunslinger. "My sister taught me somethin' similar. She said our parents originally taught her it."

"Your sister told me 'bout yer parents. A damn shame for anypony to go through a lost like that, especially a young pony like yourself." Thistle quietly responded.

"My sister told me that our parents adopted me two months before their passing." The pale orange colt lowered his head. "Paz always tells me that our parents cared for me a lot, I was too young to remember their faces, but I know my sister is tellin' the truth."

Thistle stared at the glum figure of Snow Pea and let out a dejected breath. Great goin' Thistle, ya made a little colt get teary eyed. The gunslinger began to rapidly think of something to raise the colt's spirits. Come on Thistle think! Snow Pea got all obsessive 'bout your gunfightin'...

"Hey kid." The young colt took in a snort of air and wiped at his eyes before bringing it back up to face the bedridden pony. "Sorry 'bout bringin' up somethin' painful like that and I'm pretty confident your folks loved you with every fiber.” Thistle soothed. “Say, you're pretty keen on my gunfightin', so how 'bout I show ya some nifty gun tricks I know."

Snow Pea dabbed at his eyes once more before flashing a small smile. "That would be really grand but my sister told me that you shouldn't be out of bed Mister Thistle." Thistle let out an indignant snort. “I’m built of sterner stuff.” The pony boasted whilst he waved a hoof. "Are you sure sir? Because Paz told me that you need your rest and I'd feel mighty bad if you hurt yourself some more just to cheer me up."

The gunslinger nodded his head in response. "Are you really sure you're willing to do this Mister Thistle? Can ya even get outta bed without aching?" The colt quietly asked.

Thistle let out a massive sigh and tensed his entire body as he began to sit himself up. Although the stallion's actions were greeted by the same familiar pain as before; he let out a single grunt as he fought passed the biting pain and eventually got himself standing upon his own four hooves.

The stallion continued to ignore the pain that was coursing through him and concealed his anguish with a strained smile. "Kid, I'm dead set on showin' you these tricks and besides no harm no foul if your sister doesn't know what we're up to." The young colt's somber demeanor quickly brightened up in response.

"You're really something else Mister Thistle!" Snow Pea giddily exclaimed. Thistle humbly dipped his head in response. "First things first, where did your sister stash my gear?"

"It should be somewhere in the living room sir." The colt motioned with a hoof for the older stallion to follow him. The injured stallion flinched with each step he took as he followed Snow Pea into the same barren room that he was in two days ago. "Let me go find your things for you Mister Thistle. You should take a seat sir, it might take a while till I find 'um." Snow Pea stated.

"It's fine, I need to work out the kinks in my hooves anyway." Thistle calmly answered whilst mentally spewing out vulgarities. “I’ll be quick as possible Mister Thistle.” The colt declared as he left the stallion.

Thistle made his way to a nearby window and the first thing he noticed was the denizens of Blanco Roca going about their business, a far cry from the precarious situation the gunslinger was in two days ago. Business as usual...The town’s gravedigger must be rollin’ in bits now...

Snow Pea returned several minutes later with Thistle's gear on his back. "You sure got a lot of stuff sir." The colt grunted as the gunslinger took care of the young colt's burden. "Thanks kid." Thistle answered as he hung his ebony dyed bandoliers on a nearby chair and placed his revolver onto the chair’s cushion.

Snow Pea sat himself down upon a dusty chair and watched Thistle rear onto his hind limbs and go through the motions of strapping his holster to his left hind limb. The young colt of was oblivious to Thistle's pain as the gunslinger fumbled with his holster's straps.

Finished with his task, Thistle let out a sigh of relief as he returned to all fours. Just treat the kid to some simple tricks 'n call it day. No need to go bustin' yer ass on anythin' complicated. Thistle mused to himself as he checked if his revolver was loaded.

The stallion locked his revolver's frame with a flick of his hoof and spun around to face the seated colt. "Ready to see some gunplay kid?" Snow Pea nodded his head with enthusiasm and centered his attention upon the stallion. Thistle clenched his teeth and assumed his two-legged stance.

The earth pony primed his body for the burst of activity about to occur; his tensing muscles sending torrents of pain across his neck as he continued to tighten his body. Just ignore the pain Thistle... The gunslinger gritted his teeth and in one fluid hoof-motion drew his revolver. "Here we go!"

With an abrupt flick of his hoof Thistle sent his revolver twirling into the air. The stallion stood still and anticipated the gun's movements; his gray framed revolver rapidly beginning to descend from its arc. Thistle eyed his revolver swiftly one last time and with his right fore-hoof deftly caught it at waist-level and immediately brought his left hoof over to fire his empty gun. The firearm sounded off with a faint *Click* which quietly echoed across the room.

The gunslinger's simple trick lasted mere seconds, but for the young earth colt observing Thistle’s show it was all he needed. Snow Pea's face was a mix of various degrees of amazement as he quickly applauded the stallion’s actions. "Celestia almighty! Now I really wish I knew how to handle a gun like you sir." The cheerful colt praised.

The stallion flashed a small smile in return. "How 'bout you recommend what I do for my next trick?" Snow Pea's eyes quickly lit up and the young colt began to contemplate Thistle's offer. "Hmmm, how fast can ya shoot your revolver Mister Thistle?"

Thistle’s face slowly contorted into a small smirk before prepping himself for another demonstration. "Pretty damn fast kid." The stallion announced as he re-holstered his firearm. With lightning speed, Thistle grabbed his revolver's dark red grip and with his free hoof rapidly brought his hoof down upon the revolver's hammer, repeating the same faint *CLICK* as Thistle cocked it in rapid succession.

The stallion processed each of his revolver’s clicks and stopped counting once he heard the sixth one sound off. Three 'n half seconds?! Pa would be spinnin in his grave..."Holy moley! You're really quick on the uh-" Snow Pea took a pause as he looked at Thistle's firearm quizzically. "I guess hammer? It took ya only four seconds to empty your gun!"

"Three seconds 'n a half actually." Thistle instantly corrected. "Um I have another question Mister Thistle." Snow Pea quietly asked. Now here comes the questions of how I learned to shoot. "Go ahead kid." The gunslinger replied. "Seein' as how your gun has no trigger. Would it be considered unfair if ya got in a duel with another pony? On the account that you don't have to work the trigger and hammer." The young colt openly declared.

"I learn-Wait? What! Look kid just 'cause my gun doesn't have a damn trigger doesn't mean it makes it easier for me! I'll have you kno-" Thistle's rebuttal was cut off by an abrupt snort echoing across the room.

"NOW WHAT IN CELESTIA'S NAME IS GOIN' ON HERE! I wake up to see two ponies disregarding my advice and orders!" The two earth ponies slowly turned their heads around to face the quivering mass of rage that resembled a pinto coated mare. Paz marched herself straight to her younger brother and promptly motioned for him to stand on his hooves. "What in Tartarus are you doing Snow Pea?!" Paz seethed whilst her nostrils flared in anger. "Didn't I tell you once you're finished packin' to work on your assignments I gave ya?!"

Snow Pea lowered his head to avoid eye contact with the orenery mare. "I did sis! But I went out to get some water, and well I wanted to see if Mister Thistle needed anything!" The mare rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. "A likely story! Now I want you to march your flank straight to your room and finish up your arithmetic studies!"

"But sis!"

"No buts! Just 'cause you're not enrolled in a formal school doesn't mean you're gettin' out of an education! Mom and Dad would be ashamed to know you ain't takin' it serious! Now get to marchin!" Paz let out an annoyed grunt as she watched her brother slowly make his way out of the room. "Sheesh, Ain't ya bein' a tad harsh on the colt?" Thistle cracked.

The furious mare swiftly turned her attention upon the meddling gunslinger. "Harsh? Consider that little talk light!" Thistle simply rolled his eyes in response. "You know, I would expect a full grown stallion to know better. I'm not even that mad at you just extremely disappointed." Paz simply stated.

"Now what the hay is "disappointed" supposed to mean?" Thistle retorted."For somepony that's in a rush to get back to Highcrown you didn't exactly do the smart thing of staying in bed and resting. I just thought you were a smart pony but I guess stroking your ego is a lot more sensible."

Thistle let out a gruff snort before slowly shaking his head. "Now listen here ma'am, I didn't get myself outta bed just to show off to yer brother. The kid came 'n stumbled into my room 'n we decided to have a little chat." The stallion let out a brief sigh. "...In our little talk, I kinda brought up your parents." Thistle slowly finished.

"Now why in Tartarus would you even bring that up with my brother?!" Paz immediately shouted back. "It just slipped out! Well, the kid got all depressed and so to make it up to Snow Pea, I promised him I'd show him some tricks with my revolver to get him to cheer up." The mare ran a hoof through her messy mane and sighed at Thistle’s gaffe. "I guess under that gruff exterior you’ve really got a heart of gold." Paz jokingly mocked .

Thistle responded to the mare's backhanded compliment with a dour look. "What? Have you looked in a mirror? You don't exactly look like a pony I'd like to share a bar room table with."

"Are you gonna keep up this banter or are you gonna tell me to go back to bed?" Thistle annoyingly questioned. "I ain't gonna bother lecturing an adult. So do whatever you damn well please. But, seein' as I'm awake we might as well finish up our talk regardin' Highcrown's jewelry." Paz offered.

"How do you wanna handle this?" Thistle asked. "Nothin' to really handle." The mare simply stated as her horn began to glow and surround the simple silver chain around her neck with a pale yellow cloud of magic. "Take it. I still owe you for savin’ my life.” The unicorn tenderly urged.

Thistle stared at the glowing necklace floating in front of him and slowly shook his head. "I'm gonna have to decline the offer ma'am." Paz was completely bewildered by the stallion's gesture. "Look it doesn't take a damn genius to know why you'd steal somethin' like this. It doesn't sit right with me knowin' the hell you went through just to earn a few bits, and then to just throw it away 'cause ya feel sorry. It ain't fair in my eyes." Thistle bluntly explained.

The gunslinger got up from his seat and made his way to the chair he hung his gear on. He began to rummage through his various pouches and returned to Paz with a jingling bag gripped in his mouth. The stallion dropped the bag at the mare's hooves, sending a solid thump reverberating throughout the bare room. "I don't know the exact worth of that necklace but I've got 200 bits in this here pouch. Consider it payment for the necklace and the stitches."

The mare's gaze shifted between the sack of bits at her feet and the stallion in front of her. "I really do not understand you Thistle..." Paz quizzically stated. “I-I...Thank you.” The mare slowly declared.

"Just bein' fair Paz. Now I think it's high time that I mosey on outta here 'n make my way back to that snake of a gryphon." The earth pony casually stated before he rose from his chair. "Whoa! Whoa! Now just wait a cotton pickin' minute!" The pinto coated unicorn exclaimed as she got up from her seat. "No way in Tartarus you are makin' your way outta here! You've barely recovered from your injury! How the hay are you gonna confront Highcrown with the kinda injury you got?!"

"Look, don't worry 'bout it." The stallion began to wave the necklace in front of the worried mare. "I've got leverage with Highcrown. I don't exactly know why the gryphon is so damn keen on this but if he hired a posse 'n me to get it back it must be pretty damn important to him."

"That makes sense I guess." Paz stated as she watched the gunslinger outfit himself with his mix of bandoliers and pouches. "Thanks for everything ma'am." Thistle calmly said as he made his way to the tattered door at the end of the living room. Paz followed behind the departing pony and opened the door for him with her magic.

Thistle shielded his eyes with a hoof as the sun's rays began to pour into the dim room. "You called me ma'am again." The stallion turned around to apologize to the unicorn. "Sorry 'bout that Paz.”

The unicorn mare let out a faint laugh. "You must enjoy actin' the gentlecolt 'round mares." Thistle's olive-brown cheeks began to redden as stallion masked his blushing with a hoof. Luckily the unicorn was oblivious to the stallion's befuddlement as she looked him over. "Mind answerin' me one more question before you leave?" The gunslinger slowly nodded his head. "Why are you working for Highcrown?"

Thistle noticed his cheeks returning to the same shade as the rest of his coat and promptly lowered his hoof. "He has something I need." Thistle dryly replied. "Does it have to do with that picture you're carrying?" Paz promptly pressed.

"Yep." The earth pony stated in monotone. "Well I won't bother you 'bout it. You'd probably just brush it off with a grunt or snort." Paz jeered. Thistle let out a tired sigh at the joking mare. "Anything you need before you go?" Thistle checked himself before running a hoof through his mane. "There is one thing, have you seen my poncho?" Paz's eyes slightly bulged as she bit down on her lip once she registered the stallion's request.

"I ain't gonna like the response if that face of yers is any indication." Thistle groaned. "Consider this, your poncho helped save your life." The stallion ran a hoof across his face as he realized what the mare was implying. "You cut up my poncho to bind the wound didn't ya?"

"Yep." Paz simply stated.

"Now don't that beat all..."

"Sorry, I hope it wasn't important to ya." Thistle let out a muted groan before shaking his head slowly. "Anyway, how can I put this, it was interesting to meet ya Paz. Now I take it you 'n your brother are gonna be gettin' outta Blanco Roca soon?"

"Likewise." Paz answered as she smiled at the stallion. "And yeah Snow Pea and I plan on leavin’ here soon. I was able to bribe the pegasus that Highcrown had watching Blanco Roca to tell him that you, me and his boys killed each other off in a heated gunfight. Hopefully, the gryphon bought it considerin' I haven't seen any of his thugs for the past two days."

"Wait, if I go back to Highcrown, alive. Wouldn't that make the gryphon question if you're really dead?" Thistle slowly noted; his compatriot immediately let out a sharp groan in response. "Damn it all! Now that puts us back in a real bind." Paz exclaimed as she began to frantically pace back and forth, thinking of any solution to her dilemma.

Thistle trotted towards the mare, before placing a comforting hoof upon her shoulder. "Easy there Paz, I'll just lie to cover your trail. Simple as that." Paz turned around and quickly embraced the stallion in a constricting hug. “That gryphon’s a wiley one, not sure if he can take your word’s at face value...” The mare let out a soft sigh before continuing.

“If that gryphon finds out-”

“Don’t worry ‘bout little ‘ol me. Worry ‘bout you ‘n your brother.” Thistle immediately interjected. “How can I repay you for everything you’ve done?” Paz hastily implored.

"Remember what I said earlier? Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get goin'." Paz finally noticed her face was a deep shade of red and quickly removed her hooves around the stallion. "Sorry! I hope I didn't hurt you with that hug." Paz rapidly apologized. Thistle flashed a brief smile at Paz before dragging his hoof across the white bandaging. "We earth ponies are built to last Paz."

"I ain't gonna dispute that claim." Paz teased. "Well, I'd best get goin' if I want to get back to Highcrown before sun down." Thistle dryly stated. Paz mocked the stallion’s bluntness with a roll of her eyes. The gunslinger let out a simple laugh as he was guided back to the door by the mare. "You're a good stallion Thistle, I don't know if I'd still be breathing without your help...I mean it when I say this, I am eternally grateful for everything you've done for me and my brother."

Thistle simply dipped his head in response to the mare’s praise. "It was a pleasure ma'am." The stallion coolly stated as he trotted out through the open door. "There you go again with that damn ma'am shit!" Paz shouted at the earth pony. Thistle turned his head around a flashed a smile at the mare before continuing down Blanco Roca's single road.

Paz propped herself onto the door's frame and watched the gunslinger's silhouette trot into the distance until it finally faded away into the valley scenery. The unicorn quietly stood gazing at the sun kissed backdrop until the sound of her brother's hooves brought her back to attention.

"Did Thistle leave already?" The unicorn turned upon her brother and simply nodded her head in response. "Darn! I wanted to say goodbye to him...Why didn't ya tell me he was leaving?!"

"Sorry Snow...” Paz answered before letting out a somber breath. "Gather up everything, we're leaving." Snow Pea looked at his sister with a confused look. "You told me we ain't leaving for another three days! Can you at least tell me where we’re gonna be heading?"

"I did, but somethings come up. So we need to get a move on, and no I don't really know where we will be headin'. Just get everything you've packed ready."

"Fine." Snow Pea groaned as he left the room.

"I don't care what you say Thistle. I owe you for what you've done and I'm going to do everything in my power to pay that debt back."

Chapter Eight: Tartarus Hath No Fury

Chapter Eight

"Hey Grandpa I've got a question for you." Ballad's grandson asked. The old stallion motioned for Dusty to go on as he began to clean up the table. "If you're gonna be doin' nothing but telling us this story, whos gonna be watching the town?"

Sugar Sap rolled her eyes and let out an annoyed sigh in response to her cousin's question. The young earth pony ignored his cousin's whining and kept his attention upon the wrinkled sheriff. Ballad let out a hearty laugh as he grabbed his grandfilly's plate. "No need to worry your little head off. Bein' sheriff has its perks, like havin' deputies watch over the town when you wanna catch some shuteye or in my case fulfill a promise to yer grandfoals!"

"Now that's cleared up can you start up again?" Sugar Sap stated in a pressuring manner. Ballad let out a cough and stared straight at the impatient filly. "Please Grandpa?" The sheriff let out a small chuckle and placed the plates into his small sink. "Since you asked so nicely..."

The sun began to set as the gunslinger finished retracing his steps back to Highcrown's estate. Thistle let out a sigh as he made his way down the single dirt path to the tree covered grove below. The stallion let out a soft whistle as he admired the countryside that was covered in a lurid shade of red by the retreating sun.

Thistle arrived at the massive estate and banged on the building's large wooden doors with a forceful buck. I really shouldn't have done that... The stallion mulled over as he rubbed his bandaged neck. Several minutes passed by as Thistle awaited a response from the manor’s occupants.

"Oh for Celestia's sake!" The impatient stallion quickly drew his black coated revolver. Thistle casually aimed his gun into the air and sent a single crack of gunfire echoing throughout the small grove. That oughta get that bastard's attention. The earth pony's gesture was greeted by the muted sounds of frantic voices and hurried steps reverberating from behind the wooden doors.

The estate's doors began to audibly creak as they slowly began to open for the annoyed pony. Thistle calmly trotted through the doors and was met by the timid figure of Highcrown's pegasus butler backed by the same pair of griffons. "About damn time, is Highcrown in?" The stallion growled.

The gryphon pair exchanged glances and whispered words before returning their attention to the earth pony in front of them. "Yes he is." The gryphon to Thistle's left stuttered. "But before we let you see him, we need to see proof that you've fulfilled his task." The other gryphon stated in a leveled tone.

Thistle let out an annoyed grunt as he brought Highcrown's silver chained locket out for the questioning gryphon. "Now you'd best show me to that lard assed sonuvabitch, before I rip through here like a twister lookin' for him." The gunslinger snarled before motioning to the firearm at his side. Not wanting to test the riled stallion any longer, the griffons pushed the cowering butler forward and retreated several paces from Thistle. "As you wish s-sir." The nervous butler motioned with a shaking hoof for the earth pony to follow him.

The pegasus led the earth pony through the estate's winding ivory hallways and the pair eventually arrived in front of a single wooden door. "Here we are...The master should be in there right now, will you be needing anything else sir?" Thistle shook his head and waived the butler off with a hoof. Alright time to get some answers from this bastard.

Thistle burst through the solid oak door with a massive buck from his hind legs, sending a resounding crash echoing throughout the room. "You in here Highcrown!?" The stallion yelled as he moved through the dark room.

"Now this is a surprise!" Thistle swiftly pinpointed the owner's voice and turned upon the shadowed figure of his employer seated at the desk across from him. "And I do say this surprise is a pleasant one. Yes indeed, I was losing hope of pulling off what I had in mind but with your return Mister Thistle, everything will go according to plan!"

"Mind turnin' on a light so I can damn well see you Highcrown." The gunslinger commanded. "Oh of course." The large figure rummaged through his desk before lighting a single match. "Very rude of me, I apologize." The dark teal headed gryphon stated as he lit a candlestick positioned on his desk.

Highcrown returned to his seat and pointed with a talon for Thistle to do the same. The stallion ignored Highcrown's gesture and kept his gaze fixated upon the seated gryphon. "Never the less, I am glad that the report of you dying was incorrect Mister Thistle and I see that you've even managed to retrieve my stolen item in one piece!" Highcrown joyful exclaimed. "Now if you would be as kind to hoof it over, I will see to it that you are promptly rewarded."

The stallion let out a biting laugh before shaking his head. "Not so fast Highcrown, me 'n you need to have a little talk before I even consider giving you this damned thing back." Highcrown was taken aback by the pony's gesture, but quickly assumed his calm composure once more. "I won't object to your request Mister Thistle considerin' you're armed and possess a very strong bargaining chip. Besides, I think you deserve it after what you've gone through." Highcrown coolly replied as he pointed a talon at the earth pony's bandages.

"First off I want to know who the buck you exactly are!" The earth pony demanded. Highcrown brought his talons together underneath his beak as he contemplated Thistle's question. "Not big on who the major players are around these parts huh? I guess you wouldn't considerin' my sources coming up blank with any sort of information about you."

Thistle's annoyed face twisted into one of pure anger. "What in Tartarus are you goin' on about? Are you tellin' me you've been tryin' to spy on me?!"

"Feathers forbid, I would never do anything like that to you Mister Thistle. I just simply asked around to get a better look at your history and background is all." Highcrown soothed once he saw the stallion's reaction. "I apologize and it seems my answer has gone off track. I'll make this blunt, you are talking to the leader of the largest criminal syndicate within the whole entire New Burros territory."

The gunslinger's mind began to quickly process Highcrown's newly revealed status. "I figured as much. Your estate isn't all that modest to make one think you earned yer living through good honest work." Thistle nonchalantly stated. Highcrown let out a gruff laugh causing his overweight physique to ever so slightly jiggle with each burst of laughter. "I wasn't quite expecting that reaction. Most folks would be a lot more surprised to hear something like this."

Thistle let out an annoyed snort. "This is nothing new to me, I've had some dealings with the cartels to the south." Highcrown's head feathers slightly fanned out and the gryphon had a small smirk on his face. "You are quite the mysterious fellow Mister Thistle and the fact you've just presented me raises even more questions along that missing mark of yours. I do hope you will share some of your stories with me once we get know each other."

"Don't count on gettin' nice 'n close with me gryphon." The gunslinger retorted. "Now for my final request before I hoof this thing over to you. I want to see if those papers you showed me a couple days back are honest to Celestia and not some dirty forgery." Highcrown nodded his head and flashed a beaked grin at the earth pony. "Glad to see that injury hasn't dulled your mind Mister Thistle. I'll give you five minutes with those papers to ease your worries."

The snide gryphon unlocked his cabinet's desk and promptly laid a small stack of papers on his desk. "I'll just be outside the room if you need anything Mister Thistle." The stallion locked his gaze upon the exiting gryphon and waited for the door to completely shut before digging into the neat stack of papers.

Thistle brought out his faded picture and placed it next to the photograph attached to Highcrown's papers. How the hay did Highcrown get this picture... The stallion questioned as he switched between the two identical pictures. Thistle pushed his confused worries away and began to briskly skim through the pages.

That’s useless...I already know that...Now what in Celestia's name. The earth pony singled out a paper from the stack and began to thoroughly examine its contents.

Date: 07/xx71 File #662: The Ivory Spurs & Snakeweed

Name: "Snakeweed" *07/xx71 Note: Possibly an alias. Various sources tell me this is not the pony's true name.*

Physical Attributes: Earth Pony, Standard pony height, Slightly leaner than the typical earth pony but exhibits typical earth pony traits.

Gender: Male

Mane color: Dark blonde.

Coat color: Solid gray.

Eye color: Blue

"Ass" Mark: Two twisters interlocked together. *07/xx71 Personal: I don't even know why ponies call them cutie marks.

Role & Organization: Leader of the Ivory Spurs. Band made up of a mix of ponies, donkeys, diamond dogs, and griffons. Size of the organization is rumored to be relatively small, but sources tell me they are growing in number with each new holding added to their territory.

*07/xx71 Personal: Relatively unknown (at least within New Burros) criminal organization based down south at the Burros-Mareizona border lines. Possible threat.*

*10/xx71 Note: Sources have told me Snakeweed's organization structure is reliant upon his trusted confidants & lieutenants. Attempts at bribery of those in his inner circle have failed.

*11/xx71 Addendum: Snakeweed has on call several highly skilled members dedicated to exterminating threats deemed troublesome. Adjust accordingly.

Background: *11/xx73 Note: Sources tell me this pony's history, like his true name are either simple rumors or falsified information. Halt pursuit of Snakeweed's personal history. Track current Ivory Spurs progress.*

This gray coated earth pony has been making a mark on the Frontier and especially in the south-west. Caravans and travelers from Burros and Mareizona tell of the Ivory Spurs members' cruel nature and have even managed to overwhelm the Mareizona buffalo bands. His so called “Ivory Spurs” have managed to muscle out the Roving Revolvers of Big House and have taken over Two-Suns and the rest of The Los Salvajes' southern Mareizona assets. Snakeweed has accomplished this impossible feat through brute strength and deception. From the stories and rumors I have managed to acquire so far, all point to the Ivory Spurs becoming one of the biggest threats to my enterprise.

* 12/xx72 Note: Accounts also reveal Snakeweed to be a capable fighter and one gifted with a silver tongue.*

*02/xx73 Addendum: Send more enforcers down south to reinforce holdings in Rodeo.*

*10/xx73 Addendum #2: Place a bounty on all members of the Ivory Spurs*

*03/xx75 Addendum #3: Sources tell me the politicians in Canterlot are noticing Snakeweed's efforts. Adjust accordingly."

You've done your research Highcrown, I'll give ya that. Now tell me where the buck this bastard is hiding at! Thistle threw the paper back onto the stack and let out a livid groan. The study's door began to creak as Highcrown made his way back into the dimly lit room. "Times up Mister Thistle. I hope you've managed to ease your worries about my papers’ authenticity." Highcrown coolly stated as he resumed his seat behind the desk once again.

Thistle fixated his amber eyes upon Highcrown before slamming a hoof onto the gryphon's desk. "I've gone through those damned papers of yours and I want to know where in Tartarus he's hiding at!" The gunslinger yelled, whilst ignoring the biting pain his outburst caused. "Easy there Mister Thistle. Do you not remember what my proposition entailed?" Highcrown calmly replied all the while sporting a disarming grin upon his feathered face.

The stallion's nostrils began to flare as kept his eyes upon the smug gryphon. "Now let me refresh your memory. I stated that I would give what information I have in return for you completing the jobs I have for you. Seeing as you've only completed one you'll receive what you seek upon the completion of my final task.”

"Then quit stringing me along and tell me what the buck needs to be done!" The stallion shouted.

"My last job for you is quite complicated and I think you should get some food and rest before I burden you with what I have in store." Thistle's irate demeanor began to ease as the thought of rest entered his mind. "Now before I send you off to your room, I am quite curious to what Snakeweed has done to cause such an outburst from you. Care to indulge me Mister Thistle?" Highcrown cordial inquired.

The gunslinger had a frown begin to form across his face for a split-second before immediately adopting a more neutral expression. "Me n' him, have a score to settle. That's all you need to know." Thistle stated in uneasy tone as he tossed the locket back to its owner.

Highcrown deftly caught it with a keen talon before slowly rising from his seat. "A quest for revenge? How intriguing! Never the less, let me show you to your accommodations.” The husky gryphon led Thistle out of his study and down more stark white hallways before ending up in front of another door that was an exact copy of Highcrown's study door.

Highcrown opened the door for his guest and the earth pony was greeted to an elegant room that matched the estate's gaudy nature with pieces of art adorning the room's walls and outfitted with crimson baroque furniture that completed the room's overbearing presence. "My butler will tend to your every need Mister Thistle and I do hope you get a good night's rest, you'll need it." The stallion begrudgingly thanked his host before shutting the wooden door. Thistle began to fumble through the moonlit room before being able to light a nearby candle. Now where the hay is that prissy butler at.

Best night's sleep I've had in a damn long time. Thistle let out a drawn out yawn as he got out of bed. The stallion slowly made his way to a nearby mirror to inspect himself. "Celestia almighty..." Thistle grunted out as he saw his own battered and dirty reflection in the mirror. Best use what I've been given 'n wash up. The stallion lazily made his way to the guest room's bathroom.

Thistle let out a sigh once he entered the equally extravagant washroom. Buckin' hay. Even the damn bathroom is just as fancy. The stallion's hooves squeaked with every single step he took upon the room's marbled flooring. After running himself a warm shower; he returned to the sound of knocking upon the guestroom door.

"Can I help you with somethin'?" Thistle asked as found himself faced with Highcrown's pegasus butler. "I hope I didn't disturb you sir, but the master is requesting that you come join him for breakfast in his personal dining room. Now, if you will please follow me." Thistle turned his head back into the room and looked at the wooden chest with his gear stored within, ignoring his gut feeling to outfit himself with his gear, instead he nodded his head and followed behind the servant.

The pair passed through the estate's main lobby and Thistle entered into a small and modest room that lacked the rest of the estate's pretentious nature. "Please take a seat anywhere you wish sir." The butler stated as he herded his charge towards the room’s small dining table. Thistle nodded his head and made his way to one of table's ends. "The master will be with joining you shortly." The butler bowed his head before leaving the earth pony to himself.

"I hope you've had a wonderful night's rest Mister Thistle and I do hope that injury of yours is not causing you any problems." Thistle turned his head around to see his host dressed in a tight blue dress shirt. "No need to concern yourself 'bout mah neck. I can still hold my own in a fight." Thistle curtly replied.

Highcrown let out a deep chortle as he sat himself at the table's other end. "Can't a gryphon show genuine concern for his partner?" Thistle let out a defiant snort in response. "We'll seeing as you've came to breakfast unarmed that means I've at least gained some of your trust."

"Don't take a mistake of mine as a sign of trust. I'm still pretty damned wary 'bout you." The gunslinger countered.

"Forgive me for my erroneous assumption then. Now I have taken the liberty of having my chef prepare our meals already. I hope that won't be any concern to you?" The gunslinger shook his head. "Good whilst we wait I think it high time we talk about this job of mine."

"About buckin' time!" Thistle exclaimed with an obvious tone of annoyance.

"How familiar are you with the growing disputes to the north?"

Thistle gave the gryphon a confused look before answering. "Not much. All I know is the Griffon Aeries and Equestrian politicians are bumping heads over territory and that the Royal Guard have been movin' outta the Frontier and into the freezin' north." Thistle answered. "Now what does this have to do with this job of yers."

"A simple and precise summary I assure you." The gryphon replied. "Now for what it has to do with my job, I think this letter I received will do you much in answering that question." Highcrown searched through his shirt's breast pocket before promptly sliding a white envelope across to Thistle. The gunslinger immediately unfolded the letter and began to read the paper out loud.

Dear Regard Highcrown,

The Equestrian Parliament has been watching you for quite some time and we are aware of your unscrupulous business practices and other projects that are frowned upon in any Equestrian courtroom, but this letter is not about condemning your actions, but about offering you the chance of being exonerated for your crimes and as well as earning a substantial monetary reward.

I hope you are aware of the growing conflicts brewing in the north with the Griffon clans, surrounding the issue of Equestrian settlers encroaching upon "their" land. The prospect of an all out war between Equestria and the Griffon Aeries is becoming more and more inevitable and that this conflict will cost both sides gravely. The Equestrian Parliament deeply care about those that serve our nation and would like you to assist us in our effort to help ease the steep burden they will be facing.

A visiting zebra diplomat of Saddle Arabia will be passing through your territorial holdings on a fact finding mission about our beautiful country and The Griffon Aeries. We need you to do everything in your power to convince this diplomat that the griffons are not to be trusted. Even though you are a gryphon Mister Highcrown, we consider you a proper Equestrian and we implore you to please accept this offer and know that along with the rewards aforementioned above, you will also have the appreciation and admiration of an entire nation.

Celestia Bless,

Glowing Gavel; Member of the Equestria Parliament.

The stallion slowly put the letter down and stared straight at the gryphon seated across from him. "Stars above...What in the sun did I just read." A large smile began to creep across Highcrown's beak as he clapped his talons together. "Why this is my ticket to becoming a true Equestrian patriot Mister Thistle, and an extremely wealthy one at that."

"A patriot? But you do know yer a gryphon right. Don't you have any links to yer kin?" The gunslinger admonished.

Highcrown let out a dreary sigh. "Very narrow minded of you Mister Thistle. I may be a gryphon but I was born and raised in Equestria. I owe nothing to the Griffon Aeries, they shun and vilify every gryphon that they deemed tainted stock, all because we weren't born into their precious society."

Thistle began to smirk once he noticed the gryphon's jovial tone drop into one of sharp discontent. "You seem bitter 'bout this Highcrown." The gryphon slowly shook his head and assumed his easygoing facade once more. "Feelings can be such a fickle thing."

"So now I know what your job is all 'bout, what do you want me to do? Go and gun down this zebra dressed up in gryphon feathers, whilst I yell gryphon propaganda?" Thistle sarcastically declared.

"If it was only that easy Mister Thistle." The gryphon responded. "Your job is quite the opposite in fact, you see the zebra is being escorted by a contingent of Royal Guards. You will be joining the them in protecting this diplomat from what I have planned..." Highcrown stated before dedicating his mind and words to instructing Thistle about his grandiose scheme.

"Let me get this straight, you're telling me that I will be joinin' this group of Royal Guards and my job is to protect this diplomat from a buncha griffons working for you all dressed up in proper Aerie military attire?" The gryphon nodded his head in response. "And this will somehow convince this diplomat that the Aeries are buckin' nuts? ‘N to top it all off this thing is supposed to go down tomorrow afternoon?"

"Precisely. Now that you know what this job entitles are you still wanting to go through with this?" Highcrown stated in a casual tone.

Thistle let out a ragged sigh. "I need that information you've got locked away...I'll do this crazy ass job of yers." The stallion reluctantly answered. "Fantastic! Now that you're on board with my plan, do you have any questions?" His employer blissfully asked.

"I've got a buck ton, believe me. But how the hay am I gonna be joining a group of Royal Guards without a hiccup. I don't exactly fit the part of a white coated pony wearing a blue and gold uniform."

Highcrown let loose a burst of laughter before wiping a single tear from his eye. "Don't worry partner, I've got everything perfectly planned." The gryphon broke his attention from the questioning stallion and onto the arriving platters of food being brought before the pair. "But for now let us enjoy this amazing breakfast..."

Following Highcrown's orders, Thistle spent the rest of his yesterday trudging through the barren desert landscape in search of a backwater hamlet in the middle of nowhere. The afternoon of a new day had just begun when he finally arrived in front of a small collection of wooden shacks and buildings. The gunslinger slowly trotted by a small sign with the word: Hornbuck messily etched into the wooden panels. The earth pony began to replay the last words he had with Highcrown as he moved through the humble settlement.

"The diplomat's caravan will be making its way to some place called Hornbuck, south east of here. This is where you'll be joining up with them."

"Okay once I get there how the hay am I gonna join them? Ask buckin' nicely?"

"Jokes aside. You'll be meeting member of the diplomat's escort and my only contact within the group. He'll use some of his magic to make you match the standard Royal Guard look and provide you the necessities to blend in. This also means you'll have to leave your gear behind."

"Fair enough, what's this unicorn's name?"

"Look for a "Private Stone Tail."

"Anything else I'm supposed to be lookin' out for when I'm playin' guard?

"You'll be traveling near the territory of the Ivory Spurs and there might be a chance you'll run into some trouble. You can see why I've had you run the gauntlet in Blanco Roca."

"No need to remind me...Now how can I know these griffons of yers are loyal?"

"I singled each of them out for their loyalty to me. The one you'll need to be worry about is my contact, he's the only one privy to our little scheme."

"I’ll keep an eye on him then. Now if that's all, I'll be on my way."

"There is one more thing Mister Thistle, this diplomat is traveling with two chests full of unknown cargo. When my boys begin their ambush I want you to bring back that zebra alive and those chests as well."

"Yer askin' a lot from me gryphon, you better be ready to pay when I get back."

"Of course Mister Thistle, now good luck..."

The stallion entered outpost's only two story building and was immediately greeted by the smell of alcohol and smoke pouring into his nostrils. Thistle made his way past the unconscious form of the bar's only other patron and sat himself at the unoccupied bar counter. The gunslinger's hopes of getting a drink were dashed when the stallion found a sign hung above the bar's cabinets.

Siesta-Be Back Whenever...

Thistle ran a hoof through his mane and swore to himself. The stallion searched the mostly empty bar and was about to get up and leave, but the arrival of a white maned unicorn garbed in a blue uniform with two pale gold patches stitched onto his sleeves made him stay put.

The unicorn sat himself next to Thistle at the bar counter and offered a gray coated hoof. "I was told to be expecting you." Thistle slowly looked over the uniformed pony and returned the unicorn's gesture. "Stone Tail? I was expecting a pony a lot more older." Stone Tail let out a soft sigh. "I guess some news is slower than others, didn't hear about the draft ratified by Parliament?"

The earth pony looked the young soldier over once more and shook his head. "Kid, you're only a couple years outta colthood, how the hay do they expect ya to fight griffons?" Stone Tail let out a small chuckle. "I don't know either, but I consider myself lucky to be on this assignment. Now let's get you in front of a mirror Corporal Writ Quill.

"What the hay kinda name is that?" Thistle griped as he followed the young unicorn up the bar's nearby stairs. "Sorry, it was the best I could come up with on such a short notice." The unicorn replied as he led the earth pony into a simple room. "Now if you'll stand in front of that mirror, I can work my magic."

Thistle followed the soldier's orders and stood in front of a large oval mirror and awaited the unicorn's next move. Stone Tail's face began to contort itself as he focused his strength and concentration onto his horn. "Now...just stand like that 'n don't move an inch..." An aura of pale gray began to surround the stationary earth pony and soon wrapped itself around Thistle, binding the earth pony within a cocoon of magic.

Stone Tail let out a ragged breath as he slowly began to ease the pressure he was exerting upon himself. The unicorn got behind Thistle to inspect the after effects of his spell. "Everything looks like it worked, what do you think Corporal?" Thistle opened his eyes to inspect the stark white coat and newly cropped golden mane that replaced his true form.

"Mighty impressive kid." Thistle commended as he turned to face the young unicorn. Stone Tail took a curt bow and grinned at the stallion's compliment. "Now let's get you suited up 'n actin' like a proper Soldier of Equestria..."

Thistle's entire body was covered in sweat as he fidgeted with the blue woolen uniform that suffocated him, whilst the boiling afternoon sun burned overhead. "How the buck do you soldiers even wear this without droppin’ dead from the heat?! Let alone having this barding strapped to yer hide!" Stone Tail was faring slightly better than the disguised gunslinger, but was equally drenched in sweat. "You'll get use to the uniform but I can't say much for that barding. Good thing I've got this horn to help me aim. Now let's go over proper Royal Guard mannerisms one last time." The private promptly ordered.

"Yes Sir! No Sir!" The earth pony sarcastically answered as he marched in place. "That was great!" His unicorn companion answered oblivious to his companion’s tone. "The caravan should be arriving any minute now and I should mention that the illusion spell I cast upon you is reliant upon me being close by, so do your best to stick by me."

Thistle’s face twisted in subdued rage before letting out a frustrated groan. "That shoulda been the first thing outta yer mouth after castin' your damned spell!"

"I'm sorry! I-Its just this whole thing has me so agitated. How do we know if your boss's men won’t double cross us?!" The unicorn frantically stated. Thistle slowly looked over his young companion; his employer’s warning beginning to echo throughout his head as he watched the young stallion pace around. Celestia please don't make that damned gryphon right...

Thistle forced his thoughts to the back of his and shifted his attention upon the dust cloud being kicked up to the pair's east. "Look alive kid, I think that's them." The stallion declared. Stone Tail ceased his pacing and quickly stepped into position. The incoming cloud of dirt soon gave way to a mass of uniformed ponies escorting a single carriage. The caravan shortly arrived at the hamlet’s center, and a burly gray coated unicorn with gold pauldrons sewed onto his uniform broke formation to greet the pair.

"Ah it’s good to finally meet you Corporal Writ Quill!" The unicorn exclaimed as he offered a hoof to the disguised stallion. Thistle saluted with a hoof before returning the finely dressed stallion’s gesture. "Likewise Captain Standing Bulwark!" The gunslinger quickly recited.

"No need for such formalities just simply call me Captain Bull! Now I'd like to thank ya for being able to join our little convoy, your nephew here told me you were part of the 27th Fillydelphia Brigade. Thistle simply nodded his head, whilst he filled his own head with vulgarities. Nephew? Buckin’ hay...It’d be nice if I was told ‘bout my damn cover story!

"I heard those boys were to be headin' up north a month from now. Damn shame you'll be missing out on the fun, but I guess the privates in my company can use another senior fellow to look up to!" Alright just play along Thistle..."Of course sir! I'll keep these youngins in check, and just 'cause Stone Tail is my nephew don't think I'll go easy on him!" Thistle enthusiastically answered as he saluted once more.

"Wonderful! Now I want you two to fall in behind Privates Sailing Breeze and Green Vale." Two ponies at the convoy’s end promptly shot their hooves up at the mention of their names. Stone Tail and Thistle saluted their superior before trotting into formation. The caravan slowly moved out of the outpost and headed westward into the barren desert.

The afternoon sun's intensity continued to scorch the earth underneath and the convoy of soldiers began to gossip amongst themselves in an attempt to ignore the burning heat. "Hey kid." Thistle whispered to the unicorn adjacent to him, Stone Tail turned his head towards the stallion. "Why didn't you tell me I was supposed to be your uncle!" The stallion hissed.

"Sorry! Like I said this whole thing has me on edge!" Stone Tail quickly answered.

"Alright lads time to cut the chatter and review our mission!" Captain Bulwark shouted. The two ponies shifted their attention to the backward trotting unicorn leading the convoy. "We are escorting one Prince Ibn-Sadd, Crown Prince to the kingdom of Saddle Arabia and it is our duty to see this stallion reach the city of Cross Roads safely! We will begin to move northward once we stop at the town of Tall Pines, thirty miles from now! Any questions?"

The gruff unicorn took a pause as he awaited any sort of response from his subordinates. "Good! Now let's keep those hooves moving!" The group of soldiers resumed their gossip and Thistle prodded the young unicorn next trotting next to him with a hoof. "Tall Pines, is that the spot?" Stone Tail slowly nodded his head. "Three more hours till we get there sir." The young stallion curtly answered. Thistle kept his eye upon the sun overhead as he mulled over his employer’s task. The synchronized hoof steps of the marching convoy continued to echo across the arid landscape as they pressed onward.

"Private Sailing Breeze, right?" The stallion asked to the pony in front of him. "Yes sir?" The uniformed pony answered as he continued to march in step. "Know anything 'bout this zebra character we're guardin?"

"I only got a glimpse of him when we picked him up in Buckfield. But the zebra was wrapped up in some sorta extra large poncho." The stallion’s voice began to grow fainter. "The strangest thing is that the zebra doesn't fiddle with his words like the zebras I heard 'bout in stories, he talks proper 'n what not." The private answered.

"Hmmm...That'll do private." Thistle slowly replied. Hours passed and the convoy eventually arrived at their destination. The ponies pulling the diplomat's carriage slowly brought it to a rest at the center of Tall Pine’s single road. "Alright folks catch a breather or a drink of water. We'll be restin' here for an hour and then its back to work!" The unicorn captain shouted. "One more thing If I see any of you boys drinking, I will personally tan yer hides! Dismissed!"

The group of Royal Guards broke from their formation and rushed for the nearest shaded shelter they could find. Stone Tail quickly led his uncle to an unoccupied storefront. "You alright their kid?" Thistle interjected as he watched Stone Tail frantically searching the town, and flinching whenever one of the town’s residents passed by. "Easy there soldier, remember that the ambush is going to be by griffons, so just try 'n relax." Thistle soothed as he offered his canteen to the worried youngster.

"N-No thanks...Oh! Th-the ambush is s-supposed to happen soon sir! Oh C-Celestia!" Thistle shook his head and ignored his ward's paranoia, and instead began to observe his surroundings. The undercover stallion watched as most of the town’s citizens slowly trot along the collection of wooden buildings, and groups of soldiers covertly passing a silver flask between themselves.

"Wait a tick...Hey kid." Thistle chimed as he jabbed a hoof into the young unicorn's side. "Is that the captain over there by the carriage?" Stone Tail covered his eyes with a hoof to get a better look at the figure the earth pony pointed out. "Y-yeah, he must be, he's very a-adamant about his duties." Thistle took a seat next to his companion and was about to shut his eyes, before Stone Tail interrupted him with a jab of his hoof.

"Look, I know yer worried 'bout this 'n all...So, just stick by me when Highcrown's boys show themselves 'n you'll be fine." Thistle casually replied as he shut his eyes. "Now wake me up when it starts." Minutes passed as the unicorn's worries were unwarranted and soon the barking orders of Captain Bulwark rang throughout Thistle's ears.

Stone Tail let out a sigh of relief and assisted the disguised pony up. "Don't tell me Highcrown's boy are runnin' late..." Thistle grumbled as he and Stone Tail quickly rejoined their convoy's ranks. Bulwark assumed his lead at the head of the formation before belting out to his command. "Sound Off!"

"Private Hayfield?"

"Here!"

"Private Stream Breeze?"

"Here!" The captain continued to call out names before finally ending upon Thistle's name. "Now that everyone has been accounted for lets-" The unicorn's voice was immediately drowned out by a single crack of gunfire. Everyone in the convoy instinctively got down onto their bellies and began to frantically search for the discharge’s source.

Seconds passed before more gunfire began to echo around the prone figures. Spurts of dust began to fill the air as bullets began sailing overhead, digging themselves into the ground and any pony short on luck. "Ambush! Everypony get to cover! I'll get the diplomat to safety...Now move!" Captain Bulwark hectically shouted as he tried to get his orders across the mixed roar of the Royal Guard’s return fire and their unknown assailants’ response.

Thistle's body strained itself as he weaved his way past uniformed ponies loading and firing their weapons. Need to get to a building... The gunslinger briefly paused as he promptly remembered Stone Tail's warning. "Oh buck me!" Thistle immediately galloped back into the chaos that was playing out at the town’s center.

"Who the hay is buckin' shooting at us?"

"I don't know! Just keep those bastards pinned down, whilst I try 'n get Hayfield to safety damnit!”

Thistle ignored the plight of the beleaguered Royal Guards and continued to push forward as he kept low to the ground, avoiding the bullets whizzing all around him. The stallion found the quivering form of Stone Tail cowering behind the convoy's carriage; bullets hitting the wooden shelter with muted pings.

"On your hooves kid!" Thistle shouted as he rushed towards the carriage’s wooden body. The poor unicorn was ignorant to Thistle's presence and was quietly stuttering pleas for the ensuing madness to stop. "Celestia damnit!" Thistle clamored as he brought his head under the young pony's frame. With a mighty bellow, the earth pony was able to precariously balance Stone Tail's body on his back and immediately galloped himself and his cargo to the relative safety of a nearby building.

Thistle hastily relieved himself of his burden with a buck that sent the private crashing onto the wooden flooring underneath. The shock to Stone Tail's body swiftly brought him back to reality. "I'm alive? I'm alive! Oh Celestia bless!"

Thistle neglected his companion's giddy outbursts and immediately trotted towards a nearby window. The stallion’s eyes raced all over as he tried to process the bedlam taking place outside. "Now wait a Celestia damned minute!" The stallion cried before pressing his face to the window, and fixing his eyes upon the figures attacking the convoy's remnants. White bandanas...I don't see a single gryphon amongst this group! The cogs in the gunslinger's mind began to shift as he swiftly drew a conclusion. "Sonuvabitch!'

"You set us up didn't you!" Thistle roared as he turned upon the figure still laying upon the ground. Stone Tail's frightened nature quickly returned as the enraged earth pony began to inch his way towards him. "What? No!" I don't know who those folks that's attacking us I swear!" The young stallion hastily professed.

The stallion crashed his hoof down centimeters away from the unicorn's face before drawing the wooden carbine on his back and leveling it at the cowering youngster's head. "You're the only one that knew 'bout this arrangement!" The enraged earth pony shouted back.

Thistle's gritted his teeth as he stared straight into the stallion's quaking features. "I swear on my father's grave I didn't play you! I swear! Oh Celestia help me!" Stone Tail screamed as an expression of pure terror consumed his face. Thistle’s teeth were tensely clenched around the carbine's mouth trigger; his teeth beginning to rattle as he struggled with himself.

He's just a frightened kid...

He's lying...

Look at his eyes...

Remember what he did to you...

Thistle's mouth began to tighten its hold as his manic amber eyes locked upon the frightened unicorn's own purple set. "Please...P-Please...Pleas-s-s-e..."

You've changed...

The stallion spat the wooden trigger from his mouth and swiftly backed away from the whimpering unicorn. Stone Tail hesitantly brought himself up and kept his eyes upon the somber figure in front of him. The room’s atmosphere remained tense and the only audible sounds were of the muted chaos continuing to unfold outside.

"Sorry...I'm so sorry....You're just a kid for Celestia's sake...." Thistle quietly hushed. "Celestia forgive me..." The unicorn stared at the melancholy looking stallion and slowly trotted towards his side. "I don't know what came over me...I j-just..." Stone Tail simply laid a hoof on Thistle's back and guided him through the building.

The young unicorn located the building's kitchen and eased the earth pony onto a simple chair. The earth pony kept his head down and avoided the pair of eyes staring at him. "I promise you sir that I had nothing to do with this." The unicorn anxiously stated.

"I-I know that now..." The earth pony quietly replied. "I don't expect you to forgive me for my actions..."

"I do, you did kinda save my life after all...I'm just a colt that is way over his head. I didn't expect this, I just needed some more bits to send back to my family!" The unicorn exclaimed. "Carin' for your family this young? Yer a good kid..." Thistle slowly stated as brought his head back up. "I owe you for my outburst...I’ll see to it you get outta this alive. I promise that much..." The earth pony adamantly swore.

Stone Tail's uneasy expression lightened up as he saw the determined look upon the earth pony's face. "Come on sir we need to find Captain Bulwark." The clamor of fighting continued to rage on as the pair kept themselves hidden, by exiting through the kitchen's rear door.

"Did you catch a glimpse of where the captain was headin'?" Thistle quietly asked. Stone Tail nodded his head as he guided them through the town's backside. "When I was h-hiding behind the carriage I saw Captain Bulwark leading the zebra out of town. They were heading northward. Like I said before, the captain is one determined stallion."

Stone Tail and Thistle reached Tall Pine's outskirts without being noticed by their aggressors, the two turned to face the fading pandemonium and observed the last remains of the convoy's escorts were eventually overwhelmed by the figures clad in white.

"Any idea who those bastards were?"

"Maybe, but we ain't got the time. We need to get moving and find the captain and our zebra." The two put their hooves to the orange dirt underneath and left behind the now quiet town of Tall Pines.

An hour passed since the pair began their hurried gallop across the lonesome desert in search of their missing quarry. "You think someone really did set us up sir?"

"Either that or this is just one massive stroke of bad luck."Thistle replied before turning his towards the young unicorn. And why do you keep callin' me sir, no need for the formalities anymore."

"Sorry, It's just that... I don't know your name sir, your proper name that is. All that Highcrown's men told me was to look out for an earth pony that fitted your description." The stallion let out a sigh and hastily remedied Stone Tail's problem. "Thistle, huh? The name suits you sir and I mean no disrespect when I say that."

The gunslinger let out a soft chuckle. "Considerin' what I put you through you can disrespect me all you want...Wait." Thistle signaled with a hoof for the two to halt, before shielding his eyes from the sun to get a glimpse of two shimmering silhouettes slowly cantering several miles ahead.

"Is that them?"

"I don't see any folks 'round, so it must be. Come on we need to catch up to them." The two pressed forward at a hard gallop in hopes of catching up with the retreating pair. The uniformed pair’s efforts were rewarded by a bewildered look upon Bulwark's grizzled face and a joyful expression plastered across his charge's striped features.

"What in Tartarus? Corporal Writ and Private Stone Tail? Celestia bless you managed to get outta that ambush alive!" The trio exchanged hoof shakes and an occasional salute as Stone Tail recounted Thistle's heroism, whilst keeping the stallion's violent outburst to himself.

"Well hot damn, son! You should be awarded the Golden Di-" A light cough from the striped equine at Bulwark’s side caused him to retract his words. "Oh! Where are my manners! This here is our esteemed diplomat, Prince Ibn-Sadd!" Stone Tail and Thistle promptly saluted the white robed prince.

"First of all, I would like to express my deepest condolences for the lost of your comrades." The prince somberly stated. "When I return to my homeland I will do everything in my power to repay your friends' families and as well as you three.”

"Aye, no time to mourn though sir. We still need to get you to safety." The captain declared as he pointed a hoof at Stone Tail. "If you'll take the lead Private." Bulwark ordered. Stone Tail grunted in acknowledgement and trotted ahead. Thistle watched the young unicorn trot away and turned his head to see Bulwark's horn begin to shimmer. Time began to slow down for the earth pony as he watched the officer draw the revolver at his side, before he slowly leveled it upon the oblivious unicorn.

Thistle let out a piercing cry as he attempted to rush down the gray coated stallion. The gunslinger halted once he heard a single thunderous crack emanate from the nickel-coated barrel. "What's goin-" Stone Tail paused in mid-sentence as he felt the bullet's impact rip through his chest. The young pony’s eyes began to rapidly blink as he instinctively placed a hoof onto his wound. Stone Tail’s face was void of any expression before crumpling onto his side.

Thistle let out a pained shout as he watched the limp figure crash onto the desert ground. The stallion was at a loss for words as he turned his attention upon the smoking gun's owner. "Now what do we have here!" Bulwark exclaimed as he watched gouts of magic discharge off of Thistle, revealing the stallion's true form.

"What in the Celestia damned?! You're not a Royal Guardspony?” Thistle ignored the unicorn's question and was about to charge Bulwark before a bullet ricocheted inches from his hooves. "One move and you'll be joinin' the private! Now keep yourself facing me and march away!" The earth pony bared his teeth as he did the unicorn's bidding.

"That's good." Thistle halted next to the still form of Stone Tail, the gunslinger's entire body seething as his eyes darted between Standing Bulwark and his fallen companion. "You bastard! He was just a kid damn it!"

"So what? More like him are dyin’ each day up north." Bulwark calmly replied. "Why would you betray the ponies that trusted you with their lives?!" Thistle bellowed.

"Do I really have to explain?” The officer mocked. “The Ivory Spurs offered a hefty amount of bits for this striped bastard!" Bulwark crowed as he wrapped a hoof across the bewildered zebra. "This job is a thankless one and I'll be damned if I keep gambling my life just for a bunch of pompous politicians and the ignorant foals they dress up to play soldier!"

"I’ve heard enough..." Thistle quietly snarled before instinctively unfolding the carbine at his side and leveling its sights upon the gray unicorn.

Bulwark noticed the stallion's actions and let out a piercing laugh. "You really think you can hit me from that distance? Son, I didn't get to this rank without knowing how our tools work! You'll most likely hit the poor prince instead of landing a shot on me!" The gunslinger ignored the unicorn's taunting and shut his right eye as he began to focus upon the unicorn's glowing horn.

"Go on! I'm wait--Aughhhhh!" A single crack from Thistle's firearm sent a bullet crashing into the officer's horn, severing the tip from its base. Bulwark watched his magic aura instantly fade from his revolver and let out a gasp as he watched it lamely land at his hooves. "You son of a bitch!" Bulwark shouted as he pushed the zebra in front of the now advancing stallion.

Thistle nudged the confused zebra aside and rushed towards the gray unicorn. Bulwark let out muted cry as he began to swiftly backpedal away from earth pony. Thistle sighted the retreating figure and squeezed off a deafening salvo of lead straight at his fleeing quarry.

Bulwark let loose an agonizing cry, as he felt stacks of wracking pain surge through his hind limbs. The four bullets fired by Thistle easily ripped apart the unicorn’s muscles and tendons. "Celestia damn it! Y-You got my legs..." The unicorn cried as his footing gave way, sending the hapless officer crashing into the unforgiving ground. Thistle immediately closed the gap between him and his hapless prey.

The traitor looked up to see the cold and emotionless face of Thistle staring back at him as the earth pony pressed his gun's barrel onto Bulwark’s forehead. The unicorn barely flinched as the gray barrel began to exert pressure onto his skull. Bulwark kept his eyes upon Thistle before flashing a smug grin. "Shoot me 'n you'll be inviting trouble to yourself stranger! The Ivory Spurs won't take this slight, lying dow--" Bulwark’s words were drowned out by a single crack of gunfire that echoed across the barren desert.

The vengeful stallion spat upon the lifeless corpse of Bulwark, before dashing towards the body of Stone Tail. Thistle quickly slumped down next to the fallen soldier and began to gently pump his hooves upon the inanimate unicorn's neck. "Come on! Come On! C-come on.." Thistle bitterly cried until his emotions began to boil over. "Damn It! DAMN IT!" The stallion cried out before finally closing the pony's blank eyes shut. With his bare hooves, the mourning gunslinger began to shovel dirt upon the young pony's body. A single tear fell upon Stone Tail's face, before being covered up by a gentle deposit of cold earth.

“I-I'm sorry kid..."

Chapter Nine: Give & Take

Chapter Nine

"Wow...That really sucked..." Dusty quietly stated. Ballad let out a gruff sigh at his grandfoal's simple declaration. "Yes, Dusty it does indeed, suck." The old stallion answered.

"Hey Grandpa, I got a question. Was the West really like that?" Sugar Sap chimed in. Ballad's eyes popped as he was taken aback by his grandfoal's switch in behavior.

"Well now look who's the one with the questions now!" Dusty quipped as he snickered at his cousin. Ballad let out a light chuckle as he playfully rubbed a pale yellow hoof into his grandfilly's mane. "It's good to see you finally takin' to my advice!" Sugar Sap let out an annoyed sigh and fixated a look upon her lighthearted grandfather.

"Anyway to answer yer question youngster..." The wrinkled stallion turned his gaze upon all the faded memorabilia adorning the kitchen and let out tired breath. "Yes, the Wild West was a prime time for folks like Highcrown and Bulwark to thrive. But you also need to know the West had some good ponies doin' their best to live a good 'n honest life." Ballad answered with a hint of sadness.

"So what changed? How'd an era full of gunslingers and crooks turn into The Mild West?" The sheriff's grandfilly inquired. "A lot of things Sugar..." Ballad solemnly replied before shaking of his dreary tone and shifting back into his usual happy-go-lucky nature. "Let’s leave that for a later time. Now how 'bout we continue on with our story..."

The desert sun continued to beat down upon the figure toiling underneath its intensive gaze. Thistle ignored the sweat droplets seeping into his eyes until he finished his somber task. The stallion slowly brought himself up before taking a step back to inspect the freshly created mound of dirt in front of him.

Thistle took a long hard stare at the unmarked grave and let out a melancholy sigh. "I know you grieve for the lost of your ward, but if the words of the captain ring true we are still in danger sir!" A voice called from behind the weary pony.

The ardent stallion brushed off the prince's words and began to collect various rocks from the desert ground. "I know...But I'm not finished yet." Thistle bitterly replied as he worked. "Very well, I will honor your wishes." The zebra responded as he observed Thistle's actions from a distance.

Winged silhouettes began to circle overhead as Thistle began to meticulously place his collected stones upon Stone Tail's grave, forming a circle in the middle as he worked outward. The earth pony took stock of his work and wiped away the sweat building upon his forehead; a simple figure of Celestia's solar crest now adorned the grave.

“Celestia forgive me...” Thistle took one last look at Stone Tail's simple grave before turning his back. "Alright let's get outta here." The diplomat shook his head before quickly trotting to the gunslinger's side. "Before we depart sir, may I say some words on the behalf of your fallen comrades?"

The stallion slowly nodded in agreement. "It's only fitting to have something official..." Thistle softly answered.

“We zebras may not adhere to the same creeds you ponies do, but I believe what I have in mind shall suit the mood." Ibn-Sadd proclaimed before bowing his head."Oh Creator, please accept my words as I recount the noble actions and sacrifice of those that fell honoring their duties on this day..." The diplomat whispered as he trotted towards the lone grave.

The gunslinger heard the zebra's faint words and watched the robe clad prince bowed his head until the tip of his striped muzzle touched the freshly turned dirt; his prayer growing in volume. "Though we mourn for the lost of these brave souls, let us take solace that their virtuous deeds shall keep the Angra at bay!" The white robbed zebra's passionate invocation ended with Ibn-Sadd lightly pressing his fore hooves into the ground next to Stone Tail's final resting place.

"The soldier I talked to never mentioned you actually chatting with 'um. You've got a great memory if you were able to memorize those ponies' names." Thistle stated with a hint of awe.

"You forget sir, I am a diplomat after all." Ibn-Sadd curtly replied.

Thistle’s depressed mood lightened up as he offered a hoof to the striped prince. "You ponies call this a hoof shake correct? Back In Saddle Arabia we offer thanks and gratitude with a hug." The zebra kindly interjected before glancing at the dirtied earth pony before him. "But as I am in Equestria, it is only proper."

"I ain't much for prayin' Prince, let alone knowledgeable in how you zebras do things, but that was nice....Good to know Stone Tail had a proper burial...So, thank you." The stallion quietly composed as he shook the prince's striped hoof.

"Your actions showed great affection for the young pony. This bodes well for my growing impressions of Equestria. Tell me. are most ponies just as honorable as you?" The diplomat probed.

Far from it... Thistle contemplated as painful memories began surface to the top of the stallion's head. No time for this damn it! The stallion ignored the diplomat's question and his own inner strife as he motioned for the zebra to follow behind him. "I still need to get you to safety Prince." Ibn-Sadd simply nodded his head in response.

"I know the words of a stranger aren't much, but know that you have my deepest condolences and my undying gratitude for the service you have done for me today." The zebra consoled. "Stone Tail's spirit shall rest easy knowing you were able to avenge his death."

You haven’t changed...Still givin’ out hollow promises... The earth pony’s conscious began to reel, before a curt shake of his head brough him back to reality. “Let’s get goin...” The stallion abruptly ordered.

The prince and gunslinger put their hooves to dirt and quickly left behind the isolated grave. He ain't restin' easy... Thistle did his best to subdue the thoughts running in his mind and focused his attention upon the current task at hoof.

The two continued their hard gallop across the desert frontier, Thistle’s eyes probing every rocky outcrop and vegetation that could conceal a potential ambush. "M-may t-there be a chance that w-we can slow d-down?" Ibn-Sadd croaked. Thistle eased into a steady trot as he turned his head towards the fatigued prince. "Fine ten minutes, nothing more and nothing less." The stallion commanded.

Ibn-Sadd let out a sigh of relief as he laid his hindquarters onto the warm desert ground. "Your perseverance is admirable, Mister Wri--" The diplomat took a brief pause as he remembered Bulwark's words. "You are not a part of Equestria's Royal Guard, correct? These colors of yours all point to this being true. May I know your true identity so I may sing proper praise of you."

Thistle let out a muted curse, before he began to frantically draft himself a new cover story. He's a diplomat for Celestia's sake! I need something convincing... Thistle quickly turned around to face the seated zebra. Hope this works... "You can address me as Marshal Iron Nerves of the Equestrian Marshal Service, sir. Parliament tasked me with integrating myself into your escort as an extra layer of protection." The stallion's recited as he mimicked his previous disguise's mannerisms.

The zebra slowly eyed Thistle as he began to mentally process the gunslinger's gambit. "Yes, that would make sense!" Ibn-Sadd exclaimed. "A pony as talented as you must be one of their numbers. I've heard your politicians regale me with tales of the Marshals tenacity and skill." Thistle let out a breath of relief as turned his back to the prince before resuming his vigil.

Ibn-Sadd began to fan his face with a striped hoof as the sweltering heat continued to sap his strength. "I should really be accustomed to this heat...But we Saddle Arabians rarely spend so much effort under these conditions!" The stallion ignored the zebra's plea and motioned for him to get up. "Ten minutes have passed sir. We need to keep moving."

The diplomat nodded his tired head, before struggling to get back on his limbs. Thistle bounded to the zebra's side and assisted the prince with a hoof. "Come on, we ain't got time for thi--Damn it!" The earth pony shouted as he noticed a clouded mass of dirt growing closer to them.

The earth pony let out a stressed grunt as he swiftly pulled Ibn-Sadd up. The zebra turned his head to get a look at what caused his guardian's outburst. "Oh dear..."

"We either lose them with speed or I try and buy you time to get to Cross Roads!" Thistle hurriedly explained.

"Well I thi-Waghh!" Ibn-Sadd gasped as Thistle shoved his side with a hoof. "Gallop first, then answer!" The zebra let out a drained groan, before putting his debilitated hooves to the ground once more. The gunslinger followed close behind the prince and shifted his attention between the oncoming pursuers and their target. "Have you reached an answer?" Thistle frantically asked.

The zebra slowed himself down until Thistle was at his side. "I have and I'm afraid we must find a place for you to deal with these villains. If I keep up at the speed we require, I don't think I'll make it...I'm sorry Marshal." Ibn-Sadd bleakly replied.

Thistle let out a determined grunt in response. "My duty is to see you to safety and I prom--" The stallion choked as memories of Stone Tail's lifeless eyes blankly staring at the gunslinger came flooding back. Thistle shut his eyes as conflicting thoughts raged across his conscious.

You failed the kid...

You have a chance at this one...

You don't owe this zebra anything...

I've changed...

How many times have you broken your word...?

What's done is done...

Then why not give up the ghost...?

"I can't..." Thistle whispered under his breath, burying his inner turmoil once more before turning his attention back to the worried prince. "I promise that I'll get you out of this alive! I'll see what I can do to slow them down. You just keep headin' north till you get to Cross Roads, you'll be safe there!" Thistle commanded as he abruptly turned to face the oncoming figures. "Creator turn his gaze on you!" Ibn-Sadd shouted as he galloped past the resolute earth pony.

Thistle hunkered down as he unfolded the carbine at his back. The stallion began to manipulate his weapon's frame and pushed out its cylinder with a hoof, swiftly ejecting the spent casings. The earth pony immediately used his mouth to load a fresh clip of rounds into his empty weapon. With a simple flick of his left shoulder; his firearm’s cylinder locked onto the weapon's frame with a muted click.

The gunslinger bided his time as he watched the incoming silhouettes become more defined, revealing three ponies and two donkeys racing towards the lone stallion. The galloping posse were garbed in leather dusters with white handkerchiefs tied at different points of their bodies.

The gunslinger watched the looming gangsters eventually break off, sending two of their number looking to maneuver themselves around Thistle, whilst the rest continued on their path to the waiting stallion. “Ain't gettin' by me so easily!” Thistle shouted as he quickly launched himself into a maddened gallop to intercept the pair.

Noticing the stallion's actions the group charging at the gunslinger began to adjust their course to try and cut him off. Thistle briefly cut his pursuit and greeted the oncoming three with quick discharge of fire from his carbine. Thistle's scattered salvo missed his intended targets, but caused them to keep their distance from the single stallion. Several seconds passed before bullets began to whiz by the gunslinger as the three-composed of a unicorn and two donkeys wearing similar barding to his own shortly returned fire at the galloping stallion.

Thistle put on an extra burst of speed as he tried to catch up to the two earth ponies fleeing the pursuing stallion. The thundering fire of his assailants behind him continued to sound off, sending lethal lead zooming past him and striking the ground mere inches away from his hooves. Thistle's intense gallop allowed himself to close the distance between him and the fleeing ponies to a few dozen yards.

He continued to maintain his speed as he began to focus and sight down a lime hued earth pony in front of him. The stallion's breathing slowed down as he tensed his body to steady his jostling firearm. Spending no less than a second; he bit down upon his mouth trigger, sending a single wasp sized bullet crashing into the unaware pony’s withers.

The unfortunate stallion let out a cry of pain as his entire body buckled and sent the pony crashing into the hard unforgiving terrain. His cream colored companion let out a gasp as he turned his head to catch a glimpse at the grim looking pony rushing straight at him. Four shots left...How to hoof thi--

Faint shouting from behind interrupted Thistle's thinking and was soon followed up by another barrage of bullets that whistled by the stallion's body and head, but one lead shot managing to pierce clean through the stallion's left ear. Thistle ignored the searing pain as he continued to push forward, eventually finding himself galloping alongside the lone gang member.

The duster clad stallion noticed the galloping pony next to him and turned his head at the adjacent figure. "What the?! Aren't y'all soldier boys supposed to be whi--You bastard!" The earth pony curtly objected as Thistle rammed his body into the brigand's own. The two ponies began jockeying for supremacy, whilst the two matched each other's speed. "Yer in way over yer head stranger!" Thistle’s foe vehemently crowed.

Thistle and his opponent exchanged charging blows, before the bandit began to slow down and letting the gunslinger gallop pass him. Thistle swung his head around to see his opponent resume his gallop, whilst drawing an exact copy of the gunslinger's own weapon from underneath his duster.

Buck!

"You'll regret ever crossin' the Ivory Spurs!" The bandit shouted before wrapping his mouth around the gray mouth trigger. Thistle turned his head one last time to see the bandit catching up and staring straight at him through the iron sights of his weapon. Sonuva...Only one thing to do... The gunslinger let out a colossal cry as he immediately dug his hooves into the dirt.

The earth pony barely registered Thistle's gamble as he crashed face first into the uniformed pony's back. Thistle let out a gasp of pain as the force of the collision knocked the wind from his lungs. Damnit, Get up! Get up! The gunslinger pushed past the pain and immediately checked to see if his plan worked, whilst he struggled back onto his hooves. A fresh salvo of bullets sailing by the stallion’s head forced him to swiftly recuperate.

Thistle quickly kicked up a fresh cloud of dirt as he left behind the unconscious earth pony and the remaining Ivory Spur members hot on his tail. The gunslinger lead the unicorn and donkey pair across the desert vast plains; his beleaguered body beginning to show signs of fatigue. Eventually the lone pony's remaining strength waned, leading the tired stallion into a sluggish trot.

The pursuing trio hastily closed the gap between their exhausted prey and slowly fanned out to surround Thistle. The stallion's eyes swiftly darted between the sky blue unicorn and his two gray donkey subordinates. "End of the line, stranger!" The trio's leader spat. "You gave me 'n boys quite the run around, but it's time you saddle up for wasting our time!"

Thistle let out a sharp chuckle as he pointed his firearm at the unicorn. "Sorry pal, but I ain't gonna let a buncha no names do me in. Besides that zebra is probably halfway to Cross Roads by now." The worn stallion goaded. The leader's horn began to glow as he readied the rifle that was slung to his back; his two compatriots followed suit and placed their weapons’ sights upon the stallion's head. "You've got a death wish don't 'cha? Well me 'n boys we'll be happy to oblige! On one boys!" The unicorn began to count down with the pinned gunslinger mentally following along.

“3...2...”

In a split second before the blue pony finished his count; Thistle dropped onto his stomach, narrowly dodging the hail of lead that streaked overhead. The earth pony instinctively bit down upon his firearm's trigger and sent a bullet crashing into the donkey to his left. "Shoot him!" The unicorn frantically shouted as he fumbled with his rifle's lever.

The unicorn’s bewildered compatriot was felled before he could focus his weapon upon the prone stallion. A faint metallic click signaled the unicorn's success before he swiftly leveled his firearm at Thistle's head once more. "How quick are you on the trigger stranger?" The unicorn snidely asked as his eyes raced between the barrel aimed at him and Thistle's icy gaze. The two ponies’ eyes remained dead set on each other, both waiting for the other to telegraph a signal. Thistle ignored his flaring heartbeats and shallow breaths; his senses solely focused upon his single foe. Within the flash of a second, the unicorn's horn rapidly intensified as his magic began to pull upon his gun's trigger.

*BANG*

"Quick enough." The gunslinger quietly replied as he watched his adversary stumble forward, before limply falling to the ground underneath. The afternoon sun began to dip, casting a long shadow of the lone figure galloping underneath the clear frontier skies.

Thistle heaved a long drawn out sigh as he slowly trotted down into the moonlit grove that surrounded Highcrown's estate. The abode’s windows were teeming with light and acted as a beacon for the returning gunslinger. Celestia please give me this one... Thistle's hoof slowly beat upon its solid wooden doors sending a low sounding knock echoing across the silent grove.

The doors slowly creaked open for the weathered stallion. "By my ancestors’ downs! Is that you Thistle?" Highcrown declared as the gunslinger trotted into the estate's pristine lobby. "Yep." Thistle casually answered. "You are a grand mess! I'll have my butler run you a hot bath this instant." The gryphon soothed. "Once you recuperate, I'm sure you'll want to have a long hard chat with me. I’ll be in my study when you are done tending to your needs.” Highcrown stated as he watched Thistle sluggishly trot past him.

The earth pony slowly nodded his head before climbing up the estate's grand staircase. Thistle returned to his room and was greeted by a calming heat originating from the steam filled bathroom.

Thistle began to unbuckle the barding strapped to his soiled uniform and sent his equipment tumbling onto the marbled floor with an audible thud. Rearing onto his hind legs, Thistle began to fiddle with his uniform's buttons and loosened each one as he worked his way down. The stallion let out a relieved sigh as he shrugged the uniform off, revealing his stained coat underneath.

The stallion let out a heavy groan as he eased himself into the freshly prepared tub. "Ahhhhh..." Thistle slowly shut his eyes as the day's events finally began to take their toll upon the strained pony.

They'll always be with you...

Pallid Eyes...

Vivid Hymn...

Long Legs...

Ambrose...

Roaming Skies...

Teague...

Saddle Bags...

Stone Tail...

"Damn it all..." Thistle whispered as he slowly opened his eyes. The earth pony quickly shook his head as he subdued the thoughts flowing through his conscious. “Buck...how long was I out for?” Thistle mused to himself as his hooves trembled trying to pull himself out of the tub. Thistle let out a drawn out breath as he tried to ease the shaking in his limbs.

The stallion slowly trotted to a nearby fogged window and hastily wiped at it with a hoof; he began to poke at the newly added hole on his left ear. "Just what I needed..." The pony groaned as he exited the bathroom and headed for the small chest located at the bed's end.

Thistle's hooves continued to rattle as he opened the simple chest containing his gear. The stallion stood motionless as his eyes fixated upon the black and red revolver sitting atop his gear. No time for wallowin'...You still have unsettled business. Thistle let loose a bitter grunt as the uneasy shaking in his hooves began to slowly dissipate. He quickly gathered his gear and hastily buckled them on.

The gunslinger took one last look at his reflection in the mirror, a weathered and beaten pony greeted his ragged eyes. "Whiskey outta do you some good..." The stallion sarcastically joked to himself before making his way out the door.

Thistle slowly pushed open the door to Highcrown's illuminated study, and seeing the pudgy gryphon seated behind his wooden desk . "I do hope you took enough time seeing to yourself before coming here Mister Thistle." Highcrown asked as he offered a seat to the standing pony. The stallion shook his head in response. "I'll be fine." Thistle calmly answered.

"Always acting the stoic." The gryphon jested. Thistle arched an eye at the gryphon, oblivious to the words meaning. "What did you call me?" Highcrown let out a curt sigh. "Never mind Mister Thistle. Shall we get back to business?"

"Go on."

"I was quite worried to see that zebra make his way into town by himself. Rambling about how his convoy was ambushed and that a Marshal's brave sacrifice helped him make it to Cross Roads alive. Good to see that my fears have been misplaced.”

“Thank you Celestia... “ The earth pony quietly muttered to himself.

Highcrown leaned upon his desk as he stared straight at the pony across from him. "Reports are vague on what exactly happened due to the close proximity to Ivory Spur territory. I would like to know the full story of what exactly went down in Tall Pines." Highcrown formally inquired. Thistle matched the gryphon's stare with a cold look. "It's simple, we were set up. Not by that contact of yours, but by the bastard leading the convoy and The Ivory Spurs. Your boys didn't show up either, I'd bet my bits the Ivory Spurs got 'um as well."

"That's a real shame then. I had such high hopes for this plan working out in the end." Highcrown callously declared before reclining onto the back of his chair. "Oh well."

The gunslinger was taken aback by the gryphon's lax tone. "What are you getting at? Your whole plan backfired in yer face!" Highcrown let out a soft chuckle in response to Thistle’s outburst. "That may be true, but why get hot and bothered over a single failure when you've got so many other options. You Mister Thistle, are one of them." The gryphon smoothly declared.

"Now listen here damn it! I went through Tartarus and back trying to fulfill your damned job and I sure as buck ain't gonna keep on runnin’ around doing any more of your buckin' errands!" The stallion roared as he bolted onto his hind legs. "Now I want to know where he's at before I force it outta yah!" Thistle demanded whilst he primed his left hoof to draw his holstered revolver.

The gray furred gryphon let out a piercing cry of laughter. "Did you forget our little deal Mister Thistle? You failed to fulfill your assignment! Now, i've got a few more jobs you can run for me and once you take care of them, i’ll tell you everything you want to know." Highcrown snidely offered. The gunslinger let out an indignant snort and hastily drew his firearm upon Highcrown.

"Please Mister Thistle, I've had many a folk aim their gun of choice at me." The gryphon easily stated as he countered the stallion's intense glare with a nonchalant shake of a talon. "None of them fired a single shot and you want to know why? I had something every single one of those desperate bastards wanted." Highcrown recited before flashing a disarming smile at Thistle. "Shoot me now and you'll never get any information on the whereabouts of Snakeweed!"

"Wrong answer!" The gunslinger spat before a single thunderous clap overtook his words. "D-didn't t-t-think you'd a-a-actually shoot!" Highcrown gagged as he clenched his bleeding shoulder with a talon. The stallion swiftly bucked the desk in front of him and sent it crashing into the wounded gryphon's body. Highcrown let out an asphyxiating cough as he struggled to get up; his blurred vision struggled to distinguish between the falling pieces of scattered paper and the slowly advancing silhouette.

A sluggish clicking noise soon filled the battered gryphon's ears. "Tell me what I want to know..." Highcrown let out a wheezing laugh in response to his employee’s demand. "Pl-please, you won't get anything with that kind of ton--" Thistle promptly slammed his hoof onto his revolver’s hammer, drowning out the gryphon's words with another deafening crack. "Gahhhhh! M-my w-wing..." Highcrown's breathing grew shallow as he tried to desperately ignore the fresh torrents of pain.

"I've got four more bullets Highcrown, and I will make the last one go right between your eyes! Now are we going to have to keep playing this game until you tell me what I want to hear?" The gunslinger harshly chided. Highcrown immediately began to wave his talons in the air. "L-lets b-be fair y-you did fail to complet--What are you going to do now?!" The gryphon frantically demanded as Thistle slowly inched his way towards him. "Aughhhhh!" Highcrown let out pained shriek as the earth pony buried his revolver’s still smoking barrel into the gryphon's gaping shoulder wound.

The stallion's frigid eyes stared straight into the gryphon's emerald set. "You w-won't get anyt-thing from me..." Thistle slowly shook his head as he pushed the barrel further into the wailing gryphon. "From what I read on those papers of yours I can just kill you now and all I have to do is simply hunt down every member of the Ivory Spurs until he takes notice! " Thistle coldly calculated.

Highcrown wiped at his bloodied beak before letting out a labored cackle. "That's madness! Y-You'll be long dead b-before you even get close to Snakeweed." Thistle slowly withdrew his firearm and calmly placed it between the gryphon's bulging eyes. "Just like you if I don't get what I want." Thistle callously insisted.

Highcrown’s mind began to race as he was confronted with the stallion's ultimatum. "Y-you win..." The stallion directed an unearthly laugh towards crippled gryphon. “Now that wasn’t hard now was it?” Thistle smoothly lectured. “Now first things first, I want whatever you were goin' to pay me and Stone Tail's part, and times all of it by five."

Highcrown clenched his wound once more as he focused his eyes upon his tormentor. "Y-you're a cold blooded pony aren't y-you Mister Thistle...Taking the pay of a dead pony for your own." The gryphon tiredly jabbed. "W-when you leave you'll g-get your b-bits."

"Keep thinkin’ that and I can show just how cold blooded I can get.” The gunslinger retorted. Highcrown let out a ragged fit of coughing before shaking his head. “Good...Now I want to know where Stone Tail's family lives." Thistle commanded with a tinge of bitterness.

The gryphon's face contorted into a sickly grin. "Stone Tail's money isn't enough for you? I-I was f-fool to test a ruthless stallion like yourself..." Highcrown pointed a shaking talon at a jumbled mess of papers. "The address should be in there, on a small piece of brown paper." Thistle swiftly pushed back the painful memories of his failure before swiftly locking his eyes upon the prone gryphon.

"Now thats all said ‘n done...Where can I find him?"

"L-last I h-heard Snakeweed was s-sighted all the way west, in Mareizona..."

Thistle let out a sigh as he wiggled his gun's barrel upon the gryphon's forehead. "Mareizona is a big place Highcrown can you be more specific?"

"C-check in Two-Suns..."

"Now that wasn't that hard, now was it?" Thistle admonished before holstering his revolver.

Highcrown let out wretched fit of coughing as he strained to sit himself back up. "....It'll be for you...Y-You've got quite the road to travel Mister Thistle..." The gryphon quietly stated.

"We’ll see, but I think we're done here." Thistle nonchalantly declared as he trotted over the scattered pieces of paper that covered the study’s wooden flooring. "If I see any of yer boys stalkin' me, i’ll see to it that I finish what we started here." The gunslinger viciously declared, before picking up a small square sheet with his teeth and stuffing it into one of his pouches. “And one more thing, you’d best tend to those wounds Mister Highcrown...” Thistle casually suggested as he calmly trotted out of the ruined study. "You'll get what's coming to you Mister Thistle..." Highcrown bitterly swore as he slowly struggled back onto his limbs.

The gunslinger slowly made his way back to the estate's imposing lobby. The gryphon's butler held the estate’s doors open for the approaching earth pony; two large saddle bags sitting at his hooves.

"T-Three thousand five-hundred b-bits have been c-c-counted for you, sir. E-Everything the m-master owes you are in these bags sir. W-W-Will you be n-needing anything else?" The quaking pegasus stuttered out. Thistle nodded his head and hoofed a small piece of paper to the butler.

"Where can I find this address?"

The midnight moon cast itself over the barren Frontier as the gunslinger arrived in front of a lone cabin. The lit silhouette of Cross Roads faintly glowing to the east.

Now or never...

Thistle slowly wrapped a hoof upon the cabin's wooden door, sending a single thud quietly echoing across the small property. The pony's ears picked up the sound of faint crying and rushed hoof beats coming from behind the cabin's walls.

"Y-yes?" A muted voice asked from behind the door. "Is this the home of a, Miss Calm Leaf?" The stallion calmly asked. Faint clicking sounded off and a tired faced mare poked her head out to get a better look at the bandolier clad stallion. "Celestia! Have you come to rob me?!" The orange pegasus cried.

"Easy ma'am! I ain't here to harm you or anything." Thistle immediately soothed.

"Then who are you and what do you want?" Calm Leaf worriedly questioned.

"The names Marshal Iron Nerves of the Equestrian Marshal Service ma'am." The stallion announced in the same tone Stone Tail taught him. Calm Leaf opened the door to its fullest and slowly looked Thistle over. "A Marshal? What the hay are you doing out here? My family didn't do anything illegal!"

"Steady ma'am, you're not in trouble or anything..." Thistle eased before letting loose somber sigh. "I've come to talk to you 'bout your son."

The pegasus mare let out an abrupt gasp. "What?! News about my son?" Calm Leaf blurted out.

"It comes with a heavy heart that I must tell you that your son is dead...His group were ambushed by a group of bandits at the town of Tall Pines...." Thistle struggled to finish answer. "Private Stone Tail died serving his country..."

Calm Leaf’s worried face soon gave way to pure shock. "My son...This some kind of sick joke?!" Thistle gently shook his head. "I'm sorry ma'am."

"Don't give me that overblown serving his country shit! Stone Tail was barely out of colthood and yer precious Parliament expected him to go north and fight!" Calm Leaf screamed; her eyes beginning to cloud up with tears. "I spent all of my money to bribe that officer to keep my precious boy on the Frontier! He told me that it was going to be a safe job for Stone Tail!"

Sonuvabitch...

"I-I am tru--Uhmphh." Thistle let out a curt grunt as Calm Leaf slammed a hoof into the stallion's chest. "Bastard! Aren't you Marshals supposed to be hunting down those types that killed my son?!" Thistle remained still and endured the mare's mixed onslaught, all the while trying to stave off his own guilt ridden conscious.

"...First my husband and now my only son? Celestia why!" The pegasus began to choke upon her words. "O-Oh Stone T-T-Tail...." The mare slowly fell onto her hooves before letting out an anguished wail.

"Ma'am, I kn--"

The distressed mare swiftly bolted back up and slapped her hoof across the earth pony's face. "You know? How can you possibly know how I feel right now! I bet those asshole politicians told you to say something like that! G-Get out, damn it. Just get out of here!" Calm Leaf achingly shouted to the stone faced stallion.

"This was all the bits your son accumulated over the time of his service..." Thistle quietly stated as he slowly shrugged off the two saddle bags on his back. An audible wooden groan drummed out as the laden bags hit the flooring underneath. Calm Leaf continued to mourn the loss of her son, ignoring Thistle’s gesture. The earth pony softly trotted away from the broken hearted mother and headed into the moonlit desert; his conscious bearing down upon him as he headed westward.

Chapter Ten: Back Fence Talk

Chapter Ten

"How does a pony keep going on like that with so much weighing down on his head?" Sugar Sap solemnly asked. Ballad let out a restive sigh as he turned his attention upon his grandfilly. "Good question, but that would be best answered by me finishin' our tale!" Ballad exclaimed as he flashed a smile.

The wizened earth pony let out a labored yawn as he slowly rose from his seat. "How 'bout we move to the livin' room. Wood ain't all that great to relax on." His two grandfoal's followed their grandfather's lead and retreated several paces into the small living room next to Ballad's miniature kitchen.

Ballad let out a relieved groan as he slowly laid himself down upon an aged reclining chair. "Ahhhh...Much better." The old stallion declared as he began to slowly shut his eyes. Dusty and Sugar Sap quickly sat down and shared the room's only sofa. "Oh great." Sugar Sap groaned.

"Go wake him up Sap!" Dusty hissed.

"No way! You remember what happened at the reunion a couple years back when your dad tried to wake him up from a nap." The two youngsters both shuttered as memories of a day cut short by a trip to the hospital circulated around their heads. Sugar Sap and Dusty both let out a collective sigh as the two stared at the now snoring figure of their grandfather.

"I'll go wake him up if you give me your monthly allowance." Dusty whispered.

"Fine! I want to finish this story anyway." The unicorn filly snapped. Dusty slowly made his way to the dozing sheriff, hearing the faint sound of Ballad's rhythmic breathing. "Here goes nothing..." Dusty immediately bucked the chair in front of him causing torrents of dust to ripple from the shaking chair.

The old stallion let out a braying gasp as he swung his hooves wildly in the air. "Stop right their--" Ballad let out a curt cough as he rapidly blinked trying to make sense of his situation. "Sweet Celestia, sorry kids, I guess I doze of--What are ya doin' down on the floor Dusty?"

"Uh...nothing, Grandpa." The youngster meekly replied.

"Well hurry back up 'n take a seat next to yer cousin so I can pick the story back up." Dusty simply nodded his head and quickly sat himself back down. Sugar Sap covered her face as she tried to hold herself back from snickering at her cousin. Ballad shot a confused look at his grandfilly before settling back upon his chair.

"Right, well back to our tale..."

A lone figure found themselves standing at the entrance of a bustling town. Carriages driven by burly donkeys and mix batches of sentient races passed by him as he made his way through the town's main street. The tired figure pushed through the large crowds, slowly trotting past busy shops and the occasional street vendor until he found what he was seeking.

The lonesome character entered into a small wooden establishment the sound of its wooden doors squeaking on their hinges alerted the building's occupants to the new arrival. The pony ignored every pair of eyes that fixated upon him as he slowly trotted towards the unoccupied bar counter. A loud thunk of laden saddlebags meeting the bar's wooden floor caused the bartender to look up from his work.

"Well, look at you pal! You look more banged up than a cheap wagon wheel!" The teal unicorn exclaimed as he examined the ragged earth pony taking a seat in front of him. Thistle ignored the bar tender's words and tipped his hoof to his snout in a drinking motion. The bartender promptly poured his new client a small shot from an unmarked brown bottle. Thistle thanked the unicorn before gulping down his drink in one swift motion; he let loose a muted sigh before signaling for another drink.

"So partner, where exactly did you come chargin' from?" The unicorn enthusiastically asked as he levitated another glass to the bare stallion.

"Cross Roads."

The bartender's eyes lit up as he began to clean a dirtied glass mug. "That's a long ways from Dry Water. Tell me have you been hearin' 'bout all the crazy rumors that have been buzzin' from that place and the rest of New Burros?" The earth pony evaded the bartender's question; his eyes solely fixated upon the shot glass in front of him. The unicorn rolled his eyes at the less than sociable pony and instead greeted a yellow pegasus that took a seat next to the silent stallion.

"Heya Dixon! How's business been this mornin'?" The pegasus asked as he offered a hoofshake to the bartender.

"It's been goin' good as usual. So have you been hearing all the mad rumors that have been flyin' around these past few days?"

"Ho boy have I! Most of the workers back at the quarry have been talkin' nonstop 'bout Blanco Roca." Thistle's ears perked up to sound of those two words and quickly began to eavesdrop upon the two’s conversation.

"Blanco Roca is old news pal, you haven't heard 'bout the massacre that happened at Tall Pines?"

"Let me guess, those Ivory Spurs got into another bloodbath with those Outfitters again?"

"Not at all! Now listen up..." The bartender quickly launched himself into a frenzied retelling of the rumors surrounding Thistle's previous deeds.

"What?! By the sun, those damned thugs are gettin' bolder and bolder, ever since most of the Royal Guard moved up north...Thank Celestia there was a Marshal to save that unfortunate zebra's life."

Memories of the events at Tall Pines began to flood into the gunslinger's mind. Thistle briefly stared at his glass before emptying its contents in a single swig; its burn helping to dull the stallion's pained conscious.

"Mhmmm. All this talk has folks spooked and running for greener pastures up north. Some are even gettin' real desperate 'n trying to cross into Mareizona."

"Well I'll be...Don't those folks know them buffalo have planted themselves right between Fort Saddles and the crossin' into Mareizona? They'd best settle for Cross Roads or just head back East!" Thistle let out a faint curse under his breath as he continued to listen to every word of the gossiping pair’s conversation.

"I hear ya, but like I said folks are gettin' real desperate tryin' to get away from all the wild stuff going on down south."

"Celestia help those poor souls stuck down there."

"That ain't all I've got for ya Garland...Folks have been talkin' 'bout how Parliament is mighty agitated by all this and decided to send their meanest Marshal to sort everything out."

Horse feathers... The gunslinger let out a muted sigh as he ran a hoof across his glass's rim.

"Just one? I don't think them fancy politicians know what they're doin' thinkin' a single Marshal will solve everythin'."

"I think you might be wrong on that account, I imagine them politicians know exactly what they're doin'."

Thistle's mind began to dwell upon the bartender's strange answer before focusing back upon the pair's conversation.

"Huh?"

"Never mind that for now, Tall Pines ain't the only rumor floatin' around. You remember that story a week 'n a half ago, 'bout that earth pony in Agua Fria?"

"Hah! A single earth pony wearin' a silly poncho..." Thistle muttered another obscenity to himself and briefly contemplated throwing a hoof at the pony next to him. "...challenges six bandits to a duel and buckin' wins. Ain't hard to forget Dixon."

"Well folks have been murmurin’ 'bout seein' that same exact fellow gallopin' around Cross Roads and that he's the one responsible for the bloodshed in Blanco Roca. I've also heard a rumor 'bout how the mayor of Cross Roads crossed paths with that pony and now the gryphon has put out a bounty on his head. I was swarmin' in folks askin' me questions 'bout him two days ago!"

"So what did that pony do to deserve that gryphon's wrath?"

"From what I've heard so far, that pony messed him up real bad, almost killed him he did."

"'Highcrown probably had it comin', can't trust them beak heads I always say. Anyway, how much of a bounty are we talkin' about?"

"Take a look for yourself."

"Got the post itself? Let's see...He can't be serious 'bout this?! Seventy five thousand bits? Sweet Celestia..."

Thistle's face briefly twisted in a grimace before returning to a calmer demeanor.

"Just who the buck is this fellah? You got any more stories 'bout this gunfighter?"

"Lots in fact, I had a patron tell me how this earth pony managed to take down a buffalo with his bare hooves! Heck, I've even heard how the stallion stands up on his hind legs like some sorta fiddler to fire his revolver."

"Really? Those folks talkin' must've been drunk outta their minds to spout out that kinda nonsense."

"That ain't the wildest thing I've heard, two griffons came into my bar two days ago tellin' me that the Marshal who saved that zebra's life in Tall Pines, ain't really a Marshal at all and that this Thistle pony had some hoof in it all!"

"Now that is a load of donkey shit if ya ask me! So, what does this Thistle fellah look like, his bounty doesn't even have a picture attached to it!" The unicorn began to rub his muzzle as she struggled to answer his patron’s question. "He's supposed to have this olive-brown coat, dark auburn mane, a face like any other stallion...But it's his eyes that set him apart! They're this shade of amber that would make ya question why he's starin' at ya. His eyes could set a pony on fire if he looks hard enough.”

The pegasus let out a curt snort. "You take a drink from your own reserves? Well, that still ain't much to go on."

"Come to think of it he'd look a lot like the stallion next --" An empty bar stool greeted the confused bartender. "--To us...Where did that stallion go?" The unicorn pondered as he began to search the barroom floor for the seat's occupant. "Oh well." The bartender shrugged before levitating five silver bits left next to an empty shot glass into a small pouch tied onto his belt. "Anyway, back to them rumors..."

Thistle kept himself moving amongst the denizens of Dry Water, hearing the same gossip he heard in the bar flow freely amongst the townsfolk. The stallion continued to move through the town and paused in front of a small wooden store with a faded sign hanging above its door. The bare gunslinger entered the small building and was promptly greeted by a small ring enter his ears as a small bell above the store's wooden door rattled to and fro.

The earth pony slowly trotted past wooden racks and shelves with various hats and articles of clothing covering their wooden bodies. Hearing no sort of greeting from the shop’s owner; he began to meticulously pick from the collection of assorted garments and gently placing his selected goods onto his back. The gunslinger's full saddlebags jingled throughout the silent room as Thistle slowly made his way to the store's cashier desk.

Thistle let out a tired sigh as he saw the reason for the store's quiet ambience. A weathered old donkey was asleep at the cashier; his back slumped upon the wooden wall behind him.

"Excuse me." Thistle gruffly called.

The old donkey let out a startled bray as his respite was interrupted by the stallion's voice. "Ay dios! ¿Qué quieres poni?" The shopkeeper asked in a thick accent. "¿Cuánto cuesta?" The stallion answered as he placed his selection upon the wooden counter.

The old storekeeper was slightly taken aback by the stallion's response before flashing a toothless grin at Thistle. "El poni sabe cómo hable burro!" The vendor happily announced as he began to tally up the stallion's goods. "Esto será diez pocos."

Thistle slowly rummaged through his packs' pockets before placing a small bag onto the cashier’s wooden desk. "¿Habrá que necesiten alguna otra cosa? The donkey asked. The gunslinger slowly shook his head and thanked the wrinkled donkey.

The aged donkey motioned to a nearby wall mirror before resuming his nap. Thistle slung his purchased garments onto his withers and made his way to the store’s spacious corner. The earth pony let out a small sigh as the mirror's pristine glass showed his weathered reflection staring back at him.

With a shrug of his shoulders and a buck of his hind legs, the pony's purchased goods and saddle bags fell off onto the store's wooden flooring. The gunslinger let out a relieved groan before grabbing a dark orange shirt with his teeth. Thistle reared onto his hind legs and swiftly ran his head and forehooves through the shirt's holes. The gunslinger returned to all fours to repeat the same process with a pale gray duster strewn at his hooves.

The stallion let out a breath of air as he ran a hoof across the lightly threaded garments now adorning his body. Thistle checked his reflection again; his features showing signs of weariness, small wrinkled bags of skin beginning to form underneath his eyes. Set you on fire my ass...

Thistle let out a snort as he grabbed a small tan handkerchief with his teeth. The earth pony struggled for a few moments before successfully wrapping the piece of cloth around his neck covering the silk stitches still etched into his flesh. Thistle began to examine his new look; he let out a heavy exhale before dumping out his saddlebags' contents and the sound of belts clicking together began to echo across the store.

Thistle let out a quiet sigh as he looked at the silver revolver tucked into the brown holster strapped across his covered left foreleg. Thistle threw his lightened saddlebags back on and checked his reflection once more; the stallion frowned to himself as he wiggled his ears around, small drafts of wind whistled through the hole pierced into his left ear.

Thistle made his way to the store's entrance and paused in front of a small wooden hat rack. The gunslinger quickly looked over the varied selection and his eyes were swiftly drawn to a dark brown, straw weaved hat, with a dark black band running across the hat's low crown. Thistle quickly glanced at the still sleeping donkey before picking up his desired prize.

The earth pony quickly covered his head slightly, wincing as his ears flattened to the side of his head underneath the new pressure. He took one last glance at the still asleep donkey. Thistle hesitantly paused with his hoof gentle pressing upon the wooden door.

Ain't like your gonna kill the donkey for the hat...

Gonna go back on your word?

The gunslinger interrupted his thoughts with a shake of his head and let out a tired sigh before rummaging through his new coat's pockets. Faint ringing echoed across the small room as the small bell signaled the exit of its sole patron.

The dry ground underneath Thistle's hooves cracked with every step; a mass of clouds beginning to form above the barren frontier. The gunslinger tightened the bandana around his neck as he trotted by a tattered sign indicating the small collection of wooden buildings in front of him was named Gallup. Thistle trotted by destitute figures and solicitors before pausing in front of burly earth pony hitched up to a simple wooden wagon.

"You need somethin' pal?"

Thistle casually pointed a hoof at the wagon. "You takin' folks to Fort Saddles?"

The carriage driver let out a snort of laughter causing his bindings to flop around with the chortling stallion. "Why the buck would you want me to take you there? Haven't you heard dem soldiers ain't lettin' no pony through, all because them buffalo decided to make their new home around the whole damn crossing!" The gunslinger let out an annoyed snort as he placed a bag at his hooves before kicking it across to the beefy pony.

"You serious? Whatever pal it’s yer money and as long as I get paid for it." The pony took his bits and threw it onto the wagon's wooden bedding. The gunslinger effortlessly tossed himself onto the carriage's wooden bedding.

"You set to go?"

"Yup."

The pony let out a strained grunt as began to pull the wagon and its cargo out of the small outpost. "Any reason why yer wantin' to head to Fort Saddles?" The wagon puller asked as he shifted his head towards his cargo. Thistle deflected the questioning pony by lowering the brim of his hat over his face. "Damn vagrants..." The wagon and two ponies continued trundling across the desert plain; the shadowed silhouettes of the clouds overhead beginning to blanket the desert landscape with shadowy blotches.

"Wake up pal." The carriage driver called as he shook himself, causing the carriage bound to him to jostle along with its contents.

The slouched pony quickly shot to attention as he felt himself begin to shake. "What the hay?" Thistle complained as he adjusted his hat back to normal.

"We're here." The pony curtly replied as he motioned with a hoof to the massive door and imposing walls in front of them. The gunslinger promptly jumped off the carriage and noticed silhouetted figures staring down at him from atop the orange stoned walls. The fort's gates began to audibly groan as they slowly opened for the new arrival. Thistle thanked the carriage driver before slowly trotting into the fort's extensive courtyard.

The stallion trotted by parading uniformed ponies and noticed a mixture of different races plainly dressed and casually lounging around the courtyard's walls. "You there!" Thistle quickly turned around to face a bespeckled pegasus dressed in the standard blue uniform of the Royal Guard trotting towards him. "Can I help you?" The gunslinger replied.

"You're the pony they just let in, right?" The stallion in question nodded his head. "I'm gonna have to process your sir, now if you'll follow me." Thistle let out an annoyed sigh as he followed the clerk into a small building tucked in between the fort's southeast corner.

"...Alright sir, if you'll just sign here we can wrap this up." The gunslinger hurriedly strapped a quill to his hoof and with a grand stroke left an ambiguous signature at the bottom of the paper. The soldier lifted the white piece of paper with a wing and closely examined the earth pony's writing. "Kinda hard to see what you wrote sir, what exactly does your signature say?"

"Steady Draft." The earth pony calmly answered.

"Alright, thanks. Now let's see here...You're from Maple Leaves, correct?" The pegasus asked as he quizzically looked over the duster clad earth pony. Thistle slowly nodded his head in response. "From back East? Well, I hope you're aware of all the rumors and stories that have been making there way through the Western territories."

"I am well aware of all the rumors, now are we almost finished here?" Thistle dryly stated.

"Almost, just need to check over a few more things." The soldier allayed as he began to check off everything Thistle hastily glanced over. "...Business: ---" The pegasus examined the stallion one last time.

"You left this part blank, sir."

"Look, I'm just tryin' to check up on my family, alright?" Thistle answered with a biting tone.

"That was all I needed sir." The clerk hastily replied. "So, family must be important to you if you marched your flank westward knowing how bad it is right now...Anyway, you're good to go Mister Draft."

The uniformed pony made his way to a nearby cabinet and placed the paper into an iron drawer before leading the annoyed pony to the small room's exit. "Pick any spot to hunker down and once things have been settled with the buffalo you can be on your way through." The clerk declared before pointing a wing at the holster strapped to Thistle's foreleg. "Also, my superiors and I would kindly ask you to please keep your firearm holstered at all times. "

"Of course." The stallion replied before trotting back into the fort's court yard. Thistle made his way to an empty spot along the fort's western wall and sat himself down upon the cold dirt. The skies above began to darken as the clouds overhead began to intermingle, effectively blocking the sun's rays from reaching the earth below. A strong breeze began to drift amongst the whole frontier, sending a slight shiver down the gunslinger's body.

The pegasi need to move their asses westward and start regulatin' the damn weather. Thistle mentally griped as he tightened his duster closer and raising the bandana around his neck, covering most of his snout and face. His eyes the only thing visible underneath the makeshift shroud. The stallion did his best to ignore the wind biting into his exposed flesh. Thistle’s mind began to wander as he observed soldiers and varied groups of different species move by him.

*Click* *BANG* *Click* *BANG* *Click* *BANG*

"That was amazin' Pa! How fast you reckon you can unload your gun?!"

"Pretty damn quick boy, but you need to realize speed ain't worth jack if ya can't hit the fellow your shootin' at."

"You tagged all three bottles in like, two seconds! How exactly did you get so good?"

"Years of practice boy."

“.....”

"Now don't give me that long look. You're still young and you've been practicing that violin for three years now. You'll get your chance."

"How exactly do you know that?!"

"Heheh, because I started off learning from my own father and now you're gonna be doin' the same."

"...Yes! Yes! Buckin' finally!!!"

"Hahaha, I'll let that little slip of the tongue slide. Now remember you need to keep this between me 'n you. Your mother would not only tan my hide, but wear it around town if she knew 'bout our little deal."

"Of course!"

"'Attaboy now let's begin..."

The gunslinger's reverie was broken by the audible beating of iron horseshoes touching dirt within his immediate vicinity. Thistle quickly turned his head to track the hoofbeat’s source and was noticed a cleanly dressed stallion in a humble black suit calmly marching towards him. Two ebony grips poked out from the faded pair of gray holsters belted to each of the new comer’s hind legs. The stranger’s facial features were covered by a black wide brimmed hat; strands of gray hair leaking out from underneath his covering were barely visible across the pony's light brown coat.

Thistle caught a glimpse of the oncoming stallion's sharp indigo eyes staring directly at him before he lowered his head. The earth pony uncovered his muzzle whilst avoiding any sort of eye contact with the stranger. "You need somethin'?" Thistle calmly declared from underneath his hat’s cover.

The suited stallion tipped his hat with a camel hued hoof in response. "You're the newest arrival to the fort, correct?" The pony gruffly asked. "What of it?" The gunslinger dryly stated. "Am I distburin' you or somethin?" The stallion coolly replied his eyes still focused upon the seated pony.

"It's been a rough few days of travel for me to get here, sorry If I ain't comin' off as cordial." The seated pony answered in an exaggerated tone.

"No hard feelings then, so you from 'round these parts?" The black suited stallion calmly questioned.

"No, I'm not. I'm from Maple Leaves." Thistle nonchalantly declared.

"From back East, huh? Thought you were a Frontierscolt tryin' to get the hay outta New Burros, guess not." The stranger asserted whilst eyes slowly took stock of the figure before him. "Well, you were quick to adopt the Frontier fashion and accent weren't ya!" The black suited stallion lightly jested before flashing a wizened grin.

"You're half right on that account. Was raised on the Frontier through my colthood. Moved back home couple years ago, now I'm back lookin' to check up on family." Thistle slowly disclosed.

"Well you've come back to the Frontier at a bad time. Mighty bad happenings have been occurring here, I hope you were aware of that when ya came westward." The stranger stated in a calm demeanor.

"Yes...I'm familiar with them, but I won't let something like a buncha bar talk keep from seeing my kin."

The investigating pony let out a small chuckle. "Nice to see a pony with your kinda drive...Well some of these tales ain't somethin' to be laughed at. Anyway, mind tellin' me your name? It's only proper manners after all." Thistle let out a biting snort in response. "You first." The gunslinger replied in a more refrained tone. The light brown stallion let loose hoarse laugh before answering Thistle's call. "Of course, fair is fair after all, the names Cliff Sheer. Now, your name?"

"Steady Draft." The duster clad pony proclaimed. "Well Mister Draft, do you always talk to others whilst hidin’ your face? It ain't proper if ya ask me." The scrutinizing pony affirmed. "Your pretty keen on manners aren't ya?" Thistle sharply replied before tipping his hat up to the inquiring stallion. Thistle's eyes were quick to match the stranger's intensive gaze with an indifferent look plastered across his face.

Cold amber met grizzled indigo as both stallions maintained their stare; both unblinking as they tried to read each other's faces. Thistle was the first to back down as he felt a moist drop of water fall upon his face. A simple drizzle began to fall upon the exposed figures standing underneath the darkening clouds that loomed above.

"Well now, this is something you rarely see." The strange pony mused as he shifted his gaze upwards at the storm clouds. Soon the slow falling droplets gave way to a steady torrent of rain, blanketing everything beneath the black clouds in a furious shower of water.

"You'd best make your way towards the nearest cover Mister Draft. It was nice meetin' a pony such as...yourself." The stallion coolly stated before trotting away from the cloaked earth pony. Thistle ignored the freezing drops of rain hammering down upon him, and instead kept his eyes upon the retreating stranger until the stallion disappeared into a small alcove in the fort's northern wall.

Who the buck...

Thistle ignored the burning questions running through his mind and promptly got onto his hooves. The water logged stallion swiftly made his way towards a mixed group of donkeys, ponies, goats and griffons clamoring to enter the fort's interior through a small open doorway. Thistle finally pushed his way into the dry corridor, shaking himself and his sodden garments of excess water. Uniformed ponies began to herd the soaking batch down the fort's winding foyer. Soon the expansive hallway was brimming with gossip as the refugees began to settle down. Seeing no way to seclude himself from the pack, Thistle sat himself down next to a chattering pair of soldiers.

The brewing storm continued to grow outside and soon the biting cold edged its way into the simple shelter through the hallway’s many small window slits. Thistle tightened his duster closer before lowering his hat’s brim over his face once more. Nothin' to do but sleep and wait it out... The stallion began to settle down until the subject matter of the jawing ponies next to him caused him to bolt back to reality.

"Hey sarge I've been meanin' to ask, who's that stallion in the black suit? Ever since he's arrived last morning, he's been talkin' to every civilian that's been trapped here. A lot of the older ones looked spooked by that fellow and even some of our own are on edge."

"You really don't know who that is? Here's a hint does the name Black Wings ring any bells?"

"Can't say I've heard of such a pony."

"I expected as much from a youngster like you. Look, you know all the crazy nonsense that's been floating around 'bout Tall Pines, right?"

"Of course, me 'n the other privates have been hearin' nothin' but that from everyone we've been corralling these past few days. But what does that have to do with that geezer?"

"You'd best watch your mouth kid, that geezer is one of the toughest the Marshals have to offer."

"He's a Marshal? Tall Pines just happened four days ago! No way in Tartarus them folks back east in Canterlot had another Marshal get here so damned quick, mail pegasi take up to at least a week to get from the Frontier’s edge to civilized land!"

"Well from what I've heard from the major, word traveled fast enough to General Dust Kicker, that he had a pair from the Princess's 23rd Regiment get word to Parliament. She also told me the Marshal was on some other assignment in Mareizona, so there's your answer private."

"Was Tall Pines really that bad?"

"Must be if they're usin' the Bolts like that."

"Buckin' hay. So who exactly is this stallion? From the way you said his name I oughta know 'bout him."

"Now listen up, imma give you the quick history 'bout Ol Black Wings. His full name 'n title is Marshal Cliff "Black Wings" Sheer and he's one of the ponies responsible for bringing law to the Frontier."

"Wait, wait, wait a damn minute. I thought we we're the ones responsible for that! How the hay can you give credit to a small group of ponies?"

"The top brass 'n politicians like to spoon feed you younger recruits the whole, "You brought law to this land." Just to boost morale 'n such, well we older folks know better. You do know how bad the Frontier was three decades ago, right?"

"Yeah...I know all about the stories of the Marshals and their history with the Frontier. I know how they kept all the gangs in check before the Royal Guard came in and actually put down proper law, but I still don't get why this Cliff Sheer should be known like the damned Princess."

"You wanna know why, private? Tell me have you ever heard 'bout the Blood Brothers, El Alacrán, or Claw Hocks?"

"No sir."

"Well, two decades ago they were the meanest and most wanted criminals in the Frontier, those bastards would make the Ivory Spurs or those Salvajes donkeys look like a buncha Fillydelphia call girls. 'N I put heavy emphasis on were 'cause Ol' Black Wings was the one who personally put each one of them six feet under."

"So he took down some real nasty outlaws, I still don't why he's responsible for bringing law to this land."

"I ain't finished, the Marshal dedicated his youth hunting down every lawbreaker, gangster, bandit, and criminal on the Frontier. The crazy stallion spent twenty five years of his life out here taming the western territories. Throw in that pony's share of work and the other hundred Marshals' and you get the clear cut reason why the Royal Guard had such a smooth ride with establishing the courts and sheriffs."

"You're shitting me right?"

"Go ask any other of the vets stationed here, they'll tell you the same story over 'n over again...I remember when I was still a fresh faced recruit headin' westward after the first expedition. I would hear stories from my sergeant of how his previous company rounded up swaths of outlaws looking to be put on trial by us instead of facin' Ol' Black Wings."

"I'm still confused 'bout all this...But anyway, why don't we just ring up all the Marshals 'n have them take care of all these damned buffalo and bandits again."

"'Cause we got those griffons to deal with remember? The brass wants 'um up north helpin' with keepin' the Borderlands from bein' razed by those winged varmints. Besides, the Marshal is only here for one thing, and it's to catch that fellow New Burros is goin' crazy over."

"That's a big waste of time if ya ask me! He should be helpin' us keep some semblance of law instead of chasin' after a single pony!"

"I agree with ya but orders are orders. Look on the bright side private, we ain't freezin' our flanks off and fighting trained griffons at the same time."

"I guess you're right...So sarge, mind tellin' me why he got the name Black Wings? 'Cause his coat doesn't have a single speck of black on him."

"Takin' 'n interest have ya? Got a lot more stories to spin about him, but for now let's head back to the barracks first. Some of these folks are startin' to smell like wet diamond dog..."

The two soldiers trotted out back into the rain oblivious to the seated figure that was listening to every word of their exchange. Thistle shook his head and let out tired sigh. Just what I needed...The gunslinger shut his eyes once more; his mind filling with bothered thoughts about the infamous Marshal known as Black Wings.

Thistle woke to the mixed sound of faint dripping of left over moisture still locked within the fort's stone walls and bursts of muted shouts drifting into the empty hallway. The stallion quickly rose onto his hooves and swiftly trotted out onto the bustling courtyard.

The storm clouds from yesterday were nowhere to be found and in their place stood the familiar glow of the Frontier sun. Thistle quickly stepped aside as group of uniformed ponies rushed by him, kicking up glops of freshly made mud. The collection of ponies began shouting orders to one another as they hurried to get onto the fort's eastern battlements.

The gunslinger briskly trotted towards a huddled group of plain dressed figures nattering amongst themselves. Thistle looked around before tapping the shoulder of a grubby looking donkey.

"Huh?" The donkey inquired as he turned to face Thistle.

"You know what's goin' on?" The stallion asked whilst glancing at the hectic soldiers arming themselves with various firearms. "You don't know? One of the patrols saw a gigantic group of buffalo headin' this way." Thistle let out a blunt sigh in response. "So you know how many buffalo is headin' towards us?"

"One of them soldiers told us that a hundred fifty of 'um are chargin' straight for the fort and that they were only twenty miles away from here!" The donkey exclaimed; his tone doing little to hide the fear teeming throughout his body. "The Royal Guard said it won't be a problem, they outnumber 'um by fifty and we got these nice solid walls behind us...B-But I wouldn't mind bein' someplace else right now."

"Well thanks for the information." Thistle calmly thanked before searching for a secluded section of the busy courtyard. The earth pony strolled past worried onlookers and agitated soldiers before taking a seat along the fort's abandoned northern wall. The placid stallion keeping his eyes upon the whirlwind of activity playing out before him.

"You're quite calm given the current circumstances."

Thistle turned his head to face the same strange pony from yesterday. Faint jingling of the stallion's holsters accompanied the suited stallion's soft trot as he neared the seated gunslinger.

"From what I've heard so far a hundred fifty ain't somethin' to be worried' bout when you've got two hundred Royal Guardsponies and thick walls to keep ya safe. So I ain't frettin' much." The earth pony easily replied. "Mind if I take a seat next to ya?" The aged stallion quietly asked as he sat himself down next to Thistle.

"Be my guest."

Cliff Sheer let out a relieved breath as he leaned his back onto the still damp wall. Thistle began to feel at unease as the pony sent to hunt him down was directly seated to his left. He did his best to keep an eye on the notorious pony without drawing attention from the wrinkled stallion.

"Say..."

Thistle's body began to tense as he saw the stallion stand back up and unfurl a single light brown wing from a tailored slit on the back of suit. The gunslinger's eyes were fixated upon Cliff Sheer’s descending wing, and intently watched it as his feathered appendage reached for his coat’s breast pocket. "Would you like a cigar?"

Thistle let out a mental sigh of relief as he shook his head in regards to the pegasus's offer. Cliff Sheer unfurled his other wing as he stuck the small brown cigar into his mouth, before lighting the brown stick with a small match grasped in his right wing’s clutches. The Marshal tucked his wings back at his side and let out a tincture cloud of gray smoke. "Nothin' like a good cigar. So, Mister Draft, I've got a question 'bout your name, ever since you told me it...somethin' about it doesn't add up to me."

Thistle took a pause as his mind began to race in an attempt to figure out the Marshal's intent.

"By all means."

Cliff Sheer let out a soft laugh before sitting back down. "I don't mean any disrespect or anythin' but your name seems more suited for a pegasus." Thistle's whole body slowly relaxed as his fears were abated by the stallion's simple assumption. "How'd you know I wasn't a pegasus?" The pony in question retorted.

"Just simple observations, for one, I didn't see any bulge of your clothin' 'n plus you just told me." The aged stallion replied, before flashing a grin at the pony next to him. Thistle continued to feel wary of the suited stallion, but began to rapidly drum up a proper response to the Marshal's question.

"...Well, my mother was a pegasus and she had her hopes high on me bein' born with wings 'n I guess she didn't want to give up on her dream 'n pegged me with this name." Thistle nonchalantly replied.

The old pegasus let out a curt chuckle. "Shoot, your mother must've be one stubborn mare." Thistle let out a snort as he kept his eyes upon the laid back pegasus.

"You mind if I ask why you've decided to chat with me, Marshal?" Thistle questioned without turning his head to the face Cliff Sheer, who in return let out a soft sigh before taking a long drag upon his cigarette. A cloud of gray smoke briefly covered the weathered pony's face as he exhaled. "...I take it you've heard some of the stories 'bout little ol' me?" The Marshal replied as the pungent cloud slowly began to dissipate.

"Yep." Thistle bluntly stated.

"Tell me Steady Draft, what exactly have you heard so far?" The pegasus replied his tone still lax.

"Enough to know, Black Wings..." Thistle replied; his tone putting extra emphasis upon the Marshal's nickname. Cliff Sheer took one last inhale upon his cigar before spitting it onto the muddied dirt in front of him. "...Guess that is enough if folks are usin' that name." The Marshal somberly declared. The two stallions quickly grew silent; the cigar's glowing remains the only thing Thistle focused upon. Its crackling embers barely audible above the faint shouting of the fort's defenders.

Thistle flinched for a brief moment as he saw a blurred hoof come crashing down upon the cigar’s remnants. "You mind answerin' me a question Steady Draft?" Cliff Sheer quietly asked his voice barely above a faint whisper. The stallion in question turned his head to face the grizzled stallion next to him.

"Shoot."

"Tell me, if you know my history why aren't you jumpy like the rest of 'um?" The aged pegasus pensively questioned whilst keeping his gaze up front, ignoring the set of eyes staring directly at him. Thistle let out a curt grunt as he brought his head back. "I ain't easily spooked, simple as that." The straw hatted pony coolly answered.

The aged pegasus let out a hearty laugh. "You're somethin' else ain't ya?"

"Not to be rude or anythin'...Why are you so keen on me? I'm not the very sociable type to be frank." Cliff Sheer let out a tired sigh in response. "Well, seein' as you were the first pony I'd met in this fort who didn't stutter when talkin' to me. I'd figure I would try 'n strike up a conversation with you is all." The pegasus gingerly answered.

He can't be serious...Still, gotta keep playing along.

"Fair enough...So, tell me are those stories true 'bout how you spent a good chunk of your life out here?" Thistle carefully asked. A faint smile began to creep at the edge of the old Marshal's snout. "I woulda started off with somethin' less direct, but to answer your question most of everything you've heard is the honest truth."

"Most?" Thistle questioned as he shifted his eyes upon the suited pony next to him. Cliff Sheer slowly nodded his head. "I did spend twenty five years out on the Frontier...Hunting down every scoundrel and low life. But most folks always retell of how I gunned down the worst of the Frontier and never of the folks caught doin' the wrong thing at the wrong time." The pegasus somberly answered.

"What are you getting at?" Thistle promptly inquired. The Marshal responded with a ragged exhale. "A lot of folks tend to turn a blind eye to the Frontier's pass. I wouldn't expect you to know the full story, but I can tell ya it was a buck lot worse than it is today..." Cliff Sheer let out a snort before continuing. "When the Frontier didn't have any sort of law, most folks out here adhered to good 'Ol Frontier Justice, simply put, every single dispute was settled with a bullet."

Thistle kept himself quiet as he continued to listen intently to the wrinkled pegasus. "I took that damnable concept to heart when I first set hoof on the Frontier...gunnin' down armed bandits to starved transients tryin' to steal their first meal in days."

The suit clad pony let out a strained breath. "Back in my youth, everything seemed so much simpler then..." Cliff Sheers removed his faded hat with a wing and ran a wrinkled hoof through his stark gray mane. "Eventually I would wise up to everything I've done as I got older and would slowly come to regret all the blind judgement I delivered all those years ago. Guess the old conscious knows how to reign in a pony that needs it..."

Thistle gritted his teeth as the veteran’s words began to stir up his own pained memories. "Listen to me ramble, sorry if I burdened you with the babbling of an ancient pony." Cliff Sheer quietly joked. The earth pony next to him swiftly shook his head. "...No, I oughta be the one apologizing, didn't know my question would bring up somethin' personal."

The Marshal let loose an enthusiastic laugh. "Hah! I'd actually like to thank ya for lendin' your ear." Cliff Sheer replied before extending a hoof to the surprised earth pony next to him. Thistle briefly hesitated before returning pegasus's gesture, soon the two ponies began to ease into steady conversation. The gunslinger’s initial worries surrounding the Marshal began to slowly fade away.

"...So, where exactly in Mareizona are you headin' for?" Cliff Sheer inquired before procuring another slim cigar from his suit.

"Two-Suns." Thistle cleanly replied.

Cliff Sheer's eyes flared for a brief moment as he registered the gunslinger's answer. The earth pony's mind quickly picked up his verbal slip and scrambled for a proper response to the law pony's imminent question. "That's a mighty dangerous part of Mareizona, you do know that right?" Cliff Sheer addressed as he returned the cigar back to his breast pocket.

"I do, but like I said, I ain't gonna take a pause till I see my family." Thistle firmly replied. "I like the cut of your jib Draft, most folks lack the kind of spirit you got. Wish I could do somethin' 'bout all those damned outlaws running amok down there." The Marshal vehemently stated. Sensing an opportunity to find out Marshal's progress in tracking him down; Thistle began to hastily construct an appropriate question.

"So...I've heard the reason why you're here, any luck finding that pony?" The earth pony calmly asked. "Well, like everyone in New Burros, I've listened to all the rumors goin' 'round, folks sayin' this Thistle fellow is the pony I'm after..." The pegasus paused as he let loose a short yawn. Thistle maintained an indifferent demeanor to mask his desperate need for Cliff Sheer’s information.

"Sorry 'bout that...Anyway, loose rumors ain't somethin' I'd like to build my search off from, but it's all I've got, There is one thing though, I was able to find out that some folks out here have personally met with him. I've been able to talk to only a couple so far." Cliff Sheer stated.

Buck me...

"So what did they have to say 'bout him?" Thistle nonchalantly asked. "Strange thing is, the folks I've met so far had nothin' but kind words about him, a mare told me how he rid her town of bandits! Tartarus, I've even met with the diplomat he saved a couple days back." The pegasus slowly replied. "Their stories paint the strangest picture of an outlaw I've ever seen...But to answer your question, I haven't really made any real progress I'm afraid." Cliff Sheer answered as he got back onto his hooves.

"Anyway, it was a pleasure talkin' with you Steady Draft." The Marshal warmly declared as he offered his hoof once more to the still seated earth pony. "Likewise, Marshal." Thistle replied as he got up to shake the old pony's hoof. "Now you stay safe Draft, I'd hate to find out somepony such as yourself didn't get to see his family." The grizzled stallion mused before taking leave of the earth pony.

Thistle kept his eyes upon the retreating pegasus. The thunderous beat of distant hooves and frantic shouting emanating from the fort's battlements began to mix and blend with the troubled thoughts that were brewing within the gunslinger's head.