*Disclaimer: The Young Riders is the creation of Ed Spielman, and the property of Ogiens/Kane productions in association with MGM/UA television. For entertainment purposes only, no money is being made off of this story.
**Author's Note: The Pony Express has ended. The Big War has come and gone, and Buck has found himself in Dodge City, Kansas. Here he is hoping to find what he has longed for all of his life-acceptance. What he'd find in Dodge City is a beautiful woman and a familiar face.*
"Kiowa Drums of the Heart"
Chapter I
It was a hot, dry summer day just outside of Dodge City, Kansas as a horse and rider came galloping along the dusty trail. His name was Buck Cross, half Kiowa, half white former Pony Express rider. The townspeople of Rock Creek had finally managed to run Buck out of town. After he had left Rock Creek, Buck was confused about where to go, so he asked the Spirits for guidance. They had told him to go to Dodge City, Kansas, said he'd find what he'd longed for. Buck wasn't sure what that meant but he had been taught to respect the Spirits.
As Dodge City came in view, Buck slowed his horse down to a trot. He pulled up to a halt in front of Howling Dog Hotel and Cafe, here he was hoping to get a bite to eat, some rest and cleaned up. The small town was fairly quiet, except some stray dogs running around begging for scraps. Buck paid no attention to them as he entered the cafe. The aromas drifting from the kitchen made Buck realize just how hungry he truly was.
Choosing a table in the back corner, he sat down as a waitress brought him a menu. There were so many good choices; it was hard for Buck to choose. "What do you suggest?" he inquired.
"We have Range Riders Stew, Scalloped Corn, Quick Southwest Chili with Old West Sourdough Biscuits on the side, and our dessert today is BBQ Biscuit Pie." the waitress replied. Buck's stomach growled at the mention of the tasty food. He had never heard of BBQ Biscuit Pie before, but he couldn't have dessert first.
"I'll have the stew, corn and the pie for dessert," he told the waitress. The woman nodded and went off to the kitchen with his order. Minutes later, the waitress returned with Buck's food and sat down the plates. Buck thanked her. The woman nodded again as she walked away; there was other customers coming into the building and she went to greet them.
Buck glanced down at his food and quickly dove into the stew. He savored the taste of the apples, onions, and potatoes smothered in the rich gravy. Digging deeper in the stew, he found thick chunks of beef in the bottom of the bowl. Buck thought the scalloped corn was just as delicious. He also thought if these were delicious, then he couldn't wait to taste the dessert.
Buck was almost finished with his meal when the waitress brought him the piece of pie and a cup of coffee. His mouth watered at the sight of the dessert, and he immediately dug in, relishing the BBQ sauce and cheese as the first bite hit his tongue. He knew it was going to taste good from the description on the menu and he was right!
Now finished with his meal, Buck left the table and headed for his room upstairs. He had requested a bath be brought up to the room. Normally he would have cleaned up before eating but he was too hungry to do so. Later that night, as Buck climbed beneath the covers, he fell asleep almost the moment his head hit the pillows. Immediately, he began to have vivid dreams.