Dusty (Archived)

Reid

The red desert swirled around the silhouette, shading his features. His cap was tilted to the left, covering his glinting eye; the only distinct part of him I could see. His hands were lowly holding the reins of a slick chocolate covered mare. Which was probably the most grand horse I’d seen in my entire time of riding. My own grey horse winnied wistfully, but stayed firm under my grip.
I glanced left then right making sure there wasn’t any witnesses. As any good cowboy knows; if someone sees it, you won’t be seein’. My head was ducked low, if he saw me and escaped he could find me again. Dust blew into my eyes. He stepped forward, I braced myself. My eyes found their way to his shirt on instinct. I gazed worriedly at the sign it held. A hurricane. Man, just my luck. I wasn’t facing any normal cowboy. As in front of me stood the demolishin’ Dusty.
Rumour has it that he killed five men with one gunshot, he seeks his opponents weaknesses with just one glimpse. And the most terrifying legend, he can control the earth. He can create a hurricane that will sweep you off your feet, blow the amount of dust that would fill an entire ocean into your face and just as easily make you beg for mercy. It dawned on me, I was facing the most terrifying man in the whole of America.
I swallowed and placed my shakin’ hands on my gun. It was code that I shouldn’t reach for them before he had seen me but if I didn’t do it now I was worried my slippery, sweat covered hands wouldn’t be able to grip them again.

Dusty.

A smile crept upon my face. I could see this one shiverin’ already. I stroked my horses mane and dipped next to her ear,
“Easy girl, this one will be a laugh!” I whispered into her ear. She shook her head in glee. My eyes were sharp, they darted around the man studying him carefully. Dark hair, tanned, weaker in his right leg than his left, his left arm had reached down for his gun awkwardly. He was right handed and trying to trick me! Fool. Once I had found his weak points, I formed my strategy. His horse was so devoted that I could tell meaning, if I got him on the ground I’d still have to be wary. It would be easier to shoot the gun to disable it, then head lock him and grab his stuff. I don’t think I could kill this one, too innocent lookin’. Better to make it seem like I was goin’ to leave him alone. Yeah.
“evenin’ sir.”
“Errr E-e-evenin’” he hesitated, good make him tremble.
“ Nice night, look at ‘em stars!” He didn’t reply. Hmmm maybe it would be a bit more…challenging! Hold on… he was starin’ at me funny. Then I felt it. A lock of hair had fallen from my cap. Awww,man! He knew. I could tell, he knew. I would have to take him. I did not guarantee on this, no surree! Oh well, might as well show him the rest. I swung my arm up in one swift movement grabbing my hat, letting a tumble of curls fall down past my shoulders. As I was bringing my arm down I grabbed his waist. Swept him from his horse and pulled him behind me.
“ Hold tight, or fall to your death!” I grinned wide. Might as well make him suffer! What harm could it do! I turned my horse around and felt him jolt and tip behind me.
“ Put your hands around my waist and hold tight, or I really we’ll shoot you!” Come on! I know I just kidnapped him, a rarity in my case, but basics! Did he want to fall off? His arms slithered around my waist gently. I shook my head and grinned. Just too easy!

Lance.

I watched in shock as they rode into the night. The earth swallowing them up to the distance.
Dusty, was a she!