Birds Of A Feather
Chapter 1 - Not-so-bad Bill
I am but a drifter of many skills that other lack in this harsh land we call the west. I help those who need it the most, they ask me my name…. I tell them I am help.
Nothing more and nothing less.
But since this is a story perhaps the reader should know more about the crow that is myself. My name is Wakoyantanke, only kinsman and close relations use that name, those I help and meet on my travels know me as Monty Jenkins. In case you hadn't guessed I am of native descent on my mothers side and I am a crow. For years my kind have been associated with death. Thats why I got into medicine, so I could show others that not all crows carry the omen of death, some say I have proven myself, truth is that will never happen, but I do not mind for it is a good feeling considering I have saved many a life out here in the desert.
But my story changed in a way I could not imagine involving a fellow crow, a fox, a mysterious water ridden town and a wounded outlaw…
22nd March. Somewhere in the desert…
I pulled down the front of my stetson to keep the sun out of my eyes as I trudged through the dry, unforgiving desert. I opened my water canteen and took one big gulp, I wiped my lips on my sleeve before putting the canteen back. I sighed in relief as I came to a sign pointing out the nearest town.
Dirt 3 Miles -
"I swear these names are getting stranger.." I said to myself as I walked to in the direction the sign pointed me in.
I hadn't gotten too far before I heard a familiar screech. I stopped dead and kneeled down quickly looking for the nearest plant. "Hawk." I breathed silently once I had taken shelter in an outcrop of rocks and after what seemed like a mighty long time, I crept silently from the rocks, removed my hat and placed my ear to the warm, dry ground, then I heard it another noise, but this was no hawk it belonged to something smaller.
I darted towards the groaning sound and found a large gila monster lying on the ground with his back propped up against a rock. I noticed his torn vest and rugged appearance and guessed him to be an outlaw, I was right when he whipped out a pistol and aimed at my head.
"Stay away, you ain't taking my loot! I'll blow your bloody head off!" He grunted in pain and his free arm cradled his stomach. I guessed I had to speak eventually.
"I'm here to help with that wound I imagine you sustained from a hawk?"
The bandit nodded as his strength gave out and he dropped his gun. "I swear to god, I can still break you!" He threatened as I knelt down beside him.
"Im not doubting that." I said quickly as I opened my medical satchel and took out a bottle of morphine and a roll of bandages. "Move your hand, Im here to help."
Seeing he hadn't much of a choice he lifted his arm and I set to work dressing his wound. "You've been extremely lucky." He winced as I applied the morphine.
He smirked. "This might make a good story." He said slightly delirious from bloody loss, thats when I recognised him.
"Bad Bill?". Bill then frowned as he lifted his head from the rock.
"How did you know my name?". He asked I helped him onto his feet.
"You aren't aware of how much weight your name carries and word travels fast."
"Well I guess I should thank you for helping me out." He said reluctantly.
"I can imagine hearty gratitude isn't something you do often is it?". Bill smirked as he held out his hand.
"Bad Bill, and yours?".
I shook his scaly hand back. "Monty Jenkins, pleased to meet you, are you heading to dirt?"
He nodded. "Yeah need to meet my lads down there, you need directions?"
"Yes I would if you would assist me."
He pointed right in front of him. "Another couple of miles down there, you cant miss it."
"Ok thanks, do you need help getting there? You took quite a bit of damage."
Bill shook his head. "I'll be fine." He then called back to me as he started to walk quickly back the way he came. "Hey Monty! You wouldn't be a jerkins brother would ya?".
I frowned, he knew of me and my six brothers? "Yes, why?".
"You wouldn't happen to know a gunslinger by the name of Rango?".
Name didn't ring a bell. "Never heard that name in my life."
Bill's frown turned to blistering fury as he turned on his heels and ran. "Lyin B…"
I couldn't make out the last part of his sentence as he was running so fast. Although that is something noteworthy for my story. I am a part of the Jenkins Seven or the Jenkins brothers.
There's me, Lyndon, John, Milton, Howard, Jack and Slick. But why did Bill get so angry?
-Several Miles Later-
After what seemed an eternity of walking I came across the town of dirt, well the name was fitting. No wells or puddles anywhere, I suppose I would have to acquire water from the bar or something.
I must have come during a celebration of sorts because everyone was gathered around a fallen water tower with talons that belonged to a…. Hawk! Was there a dead hawk underneath there.
I quickly made my way to the tower and saw it for myself that assailing hawk that chased my and wounded Bill was lying dead under several tonnes of metal. I felt a rush of relief as I had one less danger to encounter.
Everyone was chanting Rango, Rango, Rango. Who or what was Rango. I decided to find out later as I went up the nearest person play a set of spoons. "Excuse me, do you know where I can find the authority here?".
"The mayor is in the largest building over there but you need an appointment to…."
I cut him off. "Thank you." I said quickly walking over to the building, I wanted two things, a source of water and to find out who Rango was…
End of Chapter 1…..