Axler, James - Deathlands 29 by Axler James

Author:Axler, James
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter Twenty-One

"Thought you'd all like to have what they used to call a sneaky preview of the latest epic movie."

Johannes Forde grinned at the group of friends standing around his wag. "Before we go and take up the Family's offer of supper and accommodation for the night. What do you say?"

Ryan nodded. Once Krysty had revived that frail glimmer of life, he had recovered amazingly fast, his strong constitution helping to pull him through. It had taken another hour, into full dark, before he'd come around enough to pick a cautious path back to Bramton, where the others had been waiting anxiously.

J.B. had already organized the search party, enlisting John Winthrop and some of the men of the ville.

They'd disbanded with undisguised relief once they saw Ryan and Krysty stumbling out of the darkness of the surrounding bayou.

Now, after a bowl of rich vegetable soup, so thick it was more of a stew, Ryan was almost completely recovered from the near-drowning, though he was still totally blind.

"I've got it all processed and we can take a look. Not what you'd call a finished cut, as there's a few bits and bobs that need trimming." Forde's neat white beard and mustache seemed to float in the gloom, with a life of their own. He was still wearing his fringed buckskins, and his pony tail was now tied back with a ribbon of brightest gold.

"When will you show it to the people?" Mildred asked. "That's when they settle up with some jack."

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"Indeed, yes. Straight and true as an ebony rule, that is. But, friends first."

"Someone coming," Jak said, turning to peer into the darkness beyond the Clanton Corral and the livery stable. His nocturnal vision was the best in the group.

"Cornelius?" J.B. asked.

"Come to see why we're late for the meal?"

"No. The Mayor."

It was John Winthrop, scurrying along, keeping close to the shadows of the buildings that lined the main street. He wore a long duster coat, dark brown, with its collar turned up high. When he arrived he sounded out of breath and was visibly nervous in case anyone saw him there.

"I have a little time, outlanders," he panted.

"What is it?" Ryan asked.

"You seem decent, honest folk."

"Get on with it."

"Right, Mr. Cawdor. Indeed. Straightest point between two places is the shortest line." He scratched his head. "I don't think I have that quite right."

"We get the picture," Krysty said.

"Yeah," Mildred agreed. "We see."

"You go as guests with the Family."

Ryan nodded. "No secret, Mr. Winthrop. What of it? That what you came for?"

His head bobbed quickly, like a drinking bird. "That's the reason."

Everyone waited, but Winthrop seemed as though he didn't want to elaborate.

"Danger?" Jak said finally.

"Deep and dark," replied the mayor of Bramton. "The Family has reigned here for longer than anyone can remember. Word is that they never change. No, that's wrong. Because they change. Yes, they surely do that."

"You aren't making any sense," Forde said. "They never change, but they always change."

The clouds

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