Looking for a place to lay low for the night and perhaps do a little trading.” Preacher responded, looking innocent enough as he awaited a reply.

The group inside of the stagecoach listened quietly, each awaiting the fate of what was to come. Either a fight for survival would ensue, or they would be allowed to pass. Alicia's crew hoped the latter was the case, as they made a living killing Ancients, not their own race.

Though they had done so on many occasions, in fact, any member of her team could more than likely kill both riders with nothing more than a rock in hand. They were that good. Still, as they sat in an unmarked stagecoach and looked the part of simple travelers, they each hoped for peace, having no idea how many more Nomads resided nearby.

“What are you transporting?” one of the horsemen asked abruptly.

“Well, here we go.” Alicia said softly, pulling one of her pistols to the ready and waiting for official word of the fight to come.

“Only the supplies we have for trade. Which way?” Preacher replied loudly, serving warning to the men that he and his crew were prepared to defend what was theirs.

A stare-off began to take place. Many Nomads were like the schoolyard bully, at least to a degree. If they thought you would allow them to take your belongings, they would. But Nomads were survivors, just like any other Human. And if they felt you would be a threat to their survival, in some cases they would allow a live and let live attitude. Unless, of course, they needed whatever you were carrying badly enough to kill you for it.

“Beyond that ridge,” the horseman replied, turning to point into the direction of a small line of mountains. “A couple of hours ride to New Kinneston. Plenty of trading and lodging there.” he added.

“Ancients?” G asked, still holding an unseen pistol across his lap, one of filth and questionable firing ability.

“Not very often. Usually only see them blazing through the air.” the horseman replied.

“Much obliged friend.” Preacher said loudly, both horsemen nodding and riding away quickly.

“They look too organized to be garden-variety Nomads, but we should be alright there for the night.” Preacher said, his head turned as he relayed the message to the four passengers of the stagecoach, Alicia approving the plan with a simple nod.

As she turned her attention from him, Alicia quickly picked up the look of Nadia. One of desire. A stare that was quickly returned with one of her own, both of the women looking onto each other as though the world ended tonight and they couldn't be fast enough about exploring the body of the other.

 

And the ride continued as dusk began to set in over the landscape of powder blue canvas, New Kinneston becoming visible to the group. It looked to be a very small town, though the center did contain a few multistory buildings.

“Certes, it would be best if you remained here,” Alicia said with pause. “Don't want to alarm any of the locals.”

“It's alright. I get it.” the loyal Ancient warrior replied.

“The rest of you try to find us a place to lay low for the night. I'm going to see what kind of authority they have in place here. Possibly find out where the next settlement is located.” Alicia said.

“Need me to come with you?” Calypso asked.

“No thanks, I've got it,” she said with a bit of a smiling. “If I need help, I'll just yell really loud.” Alicia added with a bit of sarcasm.

“You do that.” Calypso replied, knowing good and well that she was presenting him with the facts. She could take care of herself, and in fact, rushed to his aid more times than not.

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 2

Nadia, Calypso and G headed off to find a place to lay low for the night. A hard task in a settlement full of people who immediately knew they weren't citizens; seemingly everyone casting stares to them as the group eased their way through the string of small businesses.

“I'm sorry we have to do this.” Preacher said as he waited outside the stagecoach, talking to his Ancient friend through a small window.

“It is to be expected.” Certes replied.

Of course he felt like a burden at times, people either drawing weapons or fearing him before an official introduction.

Sure, he was an Ancient, and as a species they were conscienceless murderers. But he was one of the good guys, one of the Ancients that actually gave a damn about others despite their differences. His team knew it, but felt hindered at times when trying to plead to others for the same type of understanding.

Certes was the first to notice. Maybe it was his superior senses, or just the need to be observant. Either way, he had counted eleven of the sash wearing Nomads in town. And though he was the first to notice, he wasn't alone.

As Alicia walked slowly up the wooden steps which led to a small building marked Sheriff, she paused for a moment to nod at one of the sash bearing men who sat in a wooden chair close to the door.

“Evening.” Alicia said softly, nodding her head to the man for a moment.

Though it came across as good etiquette, she was merely feeling the man out a bit. He carried a primitive styled revolver on his hip, and that was the information she required as she spoke, her gesture answered with a nod of the man's head.

Entering the building slowly, she approached a long desk made of cherry.