-Bravestar-
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In a distant time, in a far off land three suns shine down from the skies reflecting off its precious ore.
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This place is called Texal, located in the great plains of a native settlement; guarded peacefully for generations by the Tlenget people; led now by their Chieftain Bayley; with their beloved shaman Honaw guiding them in the ancient ways of the native animals; hawk, wolf, puma and bear.
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The first settlers came to Texal with the sole purpose to mine the area when the valuable power crystal Kerium was discovered. Kerium would bring more and more people to this location coming from all four corners of the globe. The small town of Texal grew and flourished; becoming a beacon of true hope.
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Most settlers were of good and honest nature, others ventured to this land with malicious and greedy intent, outlaws; the most dangerous being Terryal Hex; the leader of a group of outlaws called the Carrion Bunch. Terryal wished to use Kerium for his own ill gotten gain.
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All wouldn't be the same again. There had been a wave of tension brewing; trouble cutting through the land. This could not be over looked by the chieftain Bayley who stated, "A brave-star is needed to guide us all to a better life." So it was decided that a member of the Tlenget tribe would step forth becoming the marshal of Texal, to keep the peace and freedom.
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One stepped forward from the Citlali family to be this lawman, leaving behind his friends and love ones, all in hopes of protecting this fair place.
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And now Enapay Citlali stands forth as the marshal of Texal, and he now faces the greatest of threats of all; stating. "I stand as the protector of peace.. I will be the champion of justice... Texal's marshal a true brave star!"
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The shaman looks out over the plains of the land, 'I just hope the great power of the Hawk, Wolf, Puma and Bear will protect us all.'
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-1-
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-An evil dark shadow entered the dream-scape of Shaman Honaw; the entity was far too powerful for him to keep at bay, this being was full of might and energy, its sole purpose was to gain the most powerful being of this time. -The coming... The coming.- came a voice from the mist as it grew in power and size, slowly starting to form into a bull's skull, the bones pale and white, as if vacant of all life.
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The shaman tossed and turned in his sleep, as he started to feel the intense energy grow inside his mind. Hanow did all that he could to try and contain it, however the skull was not deterred and so gained dominance in the centre of the shaman's dream. At the same time the fire in the centre of Honaw's tent had started to go out; it's energy somehow being affected by the events inside the shaman's mind. The ash and smoke had taken on for a second the same form as the bulls skull before the fire was blown out.
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-The coming... Oh how the power grows... must do all that I can to be ruler...- were the faded words as the shaman of the Tlenget suddenly awoke, the being was forced to let go of Honaw, the shaman being far too powerful for the skull to ever gain control of.
Shaman Honaw now sat up in his bed, sweat dripping from his forehead and even though the tent was warm, the shaman felt his entire body shaking in cold.
Honaw slowly breathed in through his mouth and out through his nose, trying to regain control of all his senses. 'The time has sadly come, I fear that we may not be strong enough to halt it. A force of great darkness lies in wait, ready I fear to take over this wild frontier. They want to destroy the good that we're all tried our best to maintain. There is only one out there who can stand up against this darkness and unit us all together. Enapay Citlali, the one the town's people of Texal call Bravestar.'
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Sharman Honaw stepped out of his tent and into the night, he raises his head, looking up at the totem pole, the light of the crescent moon casting a deep shadow over the colours coating the totem. He held his staff in two hands and raised it up high above his head. 'May this be a turning point for good, the darkness can't prevail here!' The shaman wishing never to see or feel the power and might of such a being ever again.
The Tlenget totem was thin and high; the totem was carved from a Western Red Cedar; made up of four spirit animals, the Hawk was sitting at the top its wings stretched out wide; below that the Hawk sat upon a Puma; a creature of the wild head held high showing its dominance.
Then the third and fourth carved animal were the noble wolf; its muzzle held aloft as if it were ready to catch the scent of any invader wishing to strike on the camp and at the bottom completing the totem was the mighty brown bear standing important holding the weight on its shoulders of the other animals; its claws sharp and teeth ready to show off its power.
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-Across the plains of the Wild West in the shadows of Atahalne; another laid down fast asleep. The same dark thought flowed into the males mind; the man's mind was forged with all no plans and desires. Each one brewing over in his mind, as if he couldn't hold any more. -I am might... I am strength... I am coming, I am coming... They will try and stop me, but I will see to it that I'll take my place as ruler...- A bull's head formed freely crossing the person's mind, its eyes glowing a blood red; a powerful thought that never faded.
Lightening flashed outside Terryal's base a storm crossing over the western countryside. He suddenly awoke, Terryal looking left and then right, maybe looking if he could catch sight of the skull that he'd seen in the shadows of his minds eye.
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Now sitting up in bed Terryal placed a hand to his forehead, ultimately founding himself warm and dry to the touch; and even though the hideout was cold, the man felt like his entire body tingle in heat. Terryal still being driven by the same dream like figure who awaits in the shadow.
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With a slight shake to his hand Terryal Hex stood tall from his bed, he was a strapping man who fitted his build and stature; and walked to the centre table. Sitting down at the empty table, his hands come together under his chin; leaning on them in deep thought. 'I must gather member's to my cause... Riches and greatness await me if I do this correctly... With the fight ahead I know I can't do this alone, I must bring together a group that will do it's worst for my own gain… To try with all their might to bring the city to me. Oh yes the Carrion's will be unstoppable... Enapay will try to stand against us, but as we stand as one we will stand fast and strong able to bring down the marshal; and then go for the ancient of the Tlenget Tribe. Oh they will hear me and they will fear us all.'
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-A sudden rumble of thunder cuts through the night followed a few seconds later by a tremendous flash of lightening, a storm was truly rushing over Texal, a storm of true power that now couldn't be stopped. Three brothers huddled close around a camp fire, their faces light up by the flames as they tried desperately to keep warm in the western night air, a brother letting out a cough as their supper was cooking.
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Their Skull-walkers whine and bunked up on their front hoof, as a stranger suddenly approached their camp from out of the darkness. Then came another flash of lightening and all three brothers could now see the figure before them. He looked at all three brothers in turn, the second brother around the fire was short, thin and shabby, the third was large and porky and the stranger then glanced back to the first brother, the one he knew was the leader the cleverer of the three, the brother who was in good build and shape, with a square line jaw; you could tell by their similar facial features that they were brothers.
"What the hell!" called out the larger of the three brothers.
The elder quickly scrambled to his feet to match the stranger's stare.
"Not the finest of nights.' the stranger stated, addressing the approaching storm to the west. 'But I guess you've picked a fine spot for a place to rest!"
The younger brother flinched in fear, whereas the elder quickly goes for his weapon, to which the stranger merely clapped his hands together at the show of strength. 'Just what I was expecting... They will serve us well.' he thought, the slightest of grins across his face now.
The elder didn't know what to make of this and shook his head. "I don't know who you are stranger but I suggest you back off and be on your way."the elder signalling with his weapon back into the darkness of the night.
The stranger didn't move an inch, merely shaking his head at his demands. "I said be on your way!" The elder brother's weapon now pointing right at his head, his two brother's followed suit their weapons too now in their hands; as the three brothers formed to surrounding the stranger.
Seeing this the youngest of brothers decided to take one step forward, coming even closer to the stranger. "You heard our brother, blast ya! Now back off." called the youngest brother, now gaining control over his weapon, after his earlier fear.
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The stranger also stepped forward, not wishing to show he was troubled by the young ones actions. The wood crackled within the fire, which now illuminated his full face, and even though he was surrounded by the three brothers he never took his eyes off of the eldest, the stranger wishing to match his glare all the way. "I have a favour to ask of you, and in return I'd have you to stand by my side... And I'll even offer a more suitable location for you brothers to rest!" The man casting a hand to their mere location.
"Ah, a favour I think not." scoffed the larger brother in response not really giving the strangers request any thought at all, his weapon now clicked and ready to fire, the youngest now doing the same.
"We don't need anything from the likes of you!" snapped the eldest of the three, even though he raised a brow, in slight consideration, after all who'd wanna sleep out in the cold if they didn't have too.
"Come now Daneil, I suggest you listen to me... There are great things ahead, can you really afford to be left behind!"
"You know my name, stranger!?" Daneil now sounding a little taken aback by the fact.
"Indeed I do... indeed I do!"
"And how is that possible, stranger, as I've never met the likes of you before now!?" he quickly asked, Daneil wanting to get to the bottom of this.
"I know a lot of things now, Dann Gang... I know a lot of things.' The stranger stated, simply tapping the side of his nose, as if that was a reasonable response. 'Now then what say you, Daneil, plans are in motion and they will not wait; so will you serve me or not!?" His hands on his hips, waiting for Daneil's response.
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-The storm had long since past and the folk of Texal had started their day. Clovis the shopkeeper of the grocery store looked out through his shop window at his assistant who was sweeping in front of the store, when Clovis caught sight of Dann Gang riding into town over the assistant's shoulder. 'Trouble it seems.'
The three brothers were ready to show their might, straight away their weapons were raised high in the air and shots were fired. Screams were heard and Clovis braved it all to run across the main street to get the Marshal; his head down as he ran.
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Enapay looked up from his desk seeing the store owner standing there before him, Clovis looking mighty shook up. "Marshal... Marshal..." he called, a look of worry on his face for the marshal to see.
The deputy heard the commotion and stepped from behind his desk.
"Trouble as come to Texal..' Clovis pointing back through the door, before continuing. 'Three bandit's all armoured and cutting up this fair town."
'I knew this day would come.' he thought, as Enapay picked up his hat and placed it on his head, before going for his weapon and checking that it was fully loaded by spinning the cartridge. "They'll soon learn that they've made a mistake... entering our fair city, let's see if they truly think they've got what it takes to stand up against this star!" Enapay stated, tapping a finger against his marshal badge.
There was a sudden cry from the cells, two crooks hoping to hold up the marshal, but Enapay paid them no heed.
"You two will be finding your cell very cramped...' snapped the deputy casting an eye on the crooks for just a second before he turned to face the marshal. 'Know I've got your back Enapay..." as he tapped a had on his weapon in his holster.
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The three brother's were now in the heart of Texal, a lady looked through her window peering out of her curtains, worry written across her face. She then sees to her left the marshal exiting the jail house, hoping that the town's lawman will see them off the lady smiled.
For a second there it appeared as if the three brother's hadn't seen Enapay, but they were just showing their nerve. Because in truth all three had been expecting this. Hokee the youngest brother came to Daneil's side and taps him on his shoulder. "Here he comes, the marshal..." he pointed out, with a flick of the head.
Daneil looked briefly over his shoulder. "The brave lose nothing...' stated the leader, with a sly nod as he went on. 'Let's see if our bullet's can halt his golden nerve." Daneil no doubt referring to what the marshal's represents in this town and the power his star holds over it's citizens.
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The marshal caught sight of the brothers whispering to one another, but couldn't quite make out what was being said. "If we aim well and show our ground, then no one can stop us." Daneil stated to each brother.
Gosheven nods in agreement and Daneil saw his youngest brother was now cracking his knuckles getting ready for the inevitable shoot out.
The three dismounted from their Skull-Walkers, before Daneil pushed his way past his two brothers, forcing them to now stand either side of him. Daneil then looked to his left, Hokee had kneed down by his side; positioning his long blaster in both hands, whereas Gosheven held his arm out stretched, in a side stands and his right eye closed tight his left taking sight. Seeing that both his brothers were now aiming their weapons in the marshal's direction Daneil piped up, "My bullets no better then anyone else's... So let's see if it can leave a mark." he ended now going for his own weapon.
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In the morning sun the temperature was hot and the air dry, the marshal looking up to the sky as its rays cast it's shadow. The city should be in full flow, but the Dann-Gang had inevitably put a damper on that. Daneil had now aimed his weapon, the Dann-Gang all staring down the two lawman; things truly about to heat up.
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A horse tried to pull free from the tied post, the animal knowing that it wasn't safe and that it was a bad situation. However, his cries and calls were left unanswered, as he found himself tied tight.
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The marshal also felt the tension brewing over, but knew that he just couldn't bolt nor run; he held his nerve and stood his ground. The marshal had come across the brother's before, he pushed his hat up slightly out of his face. 'This isn't like the brother's at all, something is driving them on...' Enapay guest, but still he wasn't about to stand and do nothing to stop them.
He knew that he'd have to stamp his authority and show the brother's that none can threaten Texal and so called out to the leader Daneil. "Hear me now, Daneil, leave with your heads or face a life behind bars."
"You don't scare me, marshal...' he scoffed straight away, the youngest even letting out a laugh. 'We are blood and you will feel our might!" snapped Daneil in reply, giving the signal to his brother's to open fire, a few shots were fired by Hokee. Gosheven had a wide grin on his face as he too open fire on the marshal and his deputy.
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A bullet then whizzed past Enapay's head, the trio had now gotten themselves into a skirmish with the Marshal and the deputy. There only hope now was a clean victory.
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From behind the bars of his cell a crook (Bimisi) sees their strength and hoped that the Dan-Gang would soon get one over on the marshal. "Ah this is it... this is it! Daneil will snatch the perfect shot... bang bang both lawman dead..."
(Banbhan) the other crook however didn't hold much faith in their standing and merely shook his head, stating more to himself than the other crook. "I wouldn't hold my breath… They'll be joining us soon enough... You'll see there's truly no point in getting all foolish."
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As the crook said, in their encounter with Enapay, the three brother's didn't stand a chance. Enapay was forced to draw his weapon, his deputy had already done so the second he saw the first shots fired. "I want them brought in alive, do you hear me Lange, the brothers must answer for this the right way."
"Yeah, I've got ya marshal." replied Lange, as he pulled back the trigger.
Enapay then called out to the brother's. "I gave you a chance... you choose to fight, then so should shall I!"
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Enapay cast a glance over at his deputy, he recalled to himself the first time he'd met Lange. -/He was a young soldier who'd just finished his term with the confederates and had been assigned to Texal by the governor. The brave young lad stood wide eyed before the marshal in the newly built jail house. "My name is Lange Jones, and I've been sent by the governor… I am to be your new deputy.' Lange stood to attention, with his head high, shoulders back and his chest out. Enapay merely nodded in reply, Lange saw this as his opportunity to hand over the formal documents. 'And here sir are my papers."
Enapay took the documents and gave them a quick glance. "Everything seems to be in order.' the marshal said, thinking that it's a persons skill that proves his worth than the mere letters on a page. He then stood up from his desk and the pair shook hands. 'Well welcome to Texal, Lange."
Lange had been in Texal just under a year now and had proven himself a tried and tested deputy, even if Enapay would have to admit just a little heavy handed on the trigger, but Enapay hoped that would drop in time./-
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The balance started to turn in the favour of the marshal the second Daneil's hat got shot clean off, but the eldest brother wasn't about to back down not by a long shot.
Daneil looked at his hat, he was about to quickly dart forward, but more weapon shots were fired again from both Enapay and the deputy.
"To hell with your hat, Daneil!" cried out Hokee, as he pulled back on his elder brother's arm to come on.
Daneil didn't even pay his brother Hokee's cries any attention; merely stating. "To hell with my hat, ah are you joking... I didn't shear sheep for 15 bob a week to just leave it behind!" and with that Daneil pulled free and runs forth to grab it, not willing to leave his hat behind.
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As the skirmish continued the Dann-Gang were forced to pull back, Gosheven lagging a bit behind his brother's, has he's truly out of shape. Daneil calling out to him in clear frustration. "What are you playing at brother, do you wanna see your butt behind bars!?"
"I'm coming... I'm coming!" panted Gosheven, a hand wiping the sweat from his forehead.
The trio now took to their Skull-walkers, tapping their feet at the sides of their beasts and riding quickly out of Texal, Daneil choosing to call out over his shoulder as he looked back. "This isn't through yet Enapay!" a hand holding tightly to his hat.
Enapay's weapon fired warning shots, hoping to send them off for good.
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-Daneil and his two brother's laid low for a few days, hiding out in the range of the vast Blaaska Mountains. Insects keened and bird chirped all around on the evening of the third day; Hokee had cooked up the same old pot the trio always had this time with plenty of water just too make sure it served all three as their sacks were getting empty.
However, Daneil with spoon in hand let his go cold, feeling as if he couldn't quite let his mind rest, as he had greater plans in mind. "Our bellies and pocket's need a filling... And Texal is our answer boys... Terryal will see to that!"
Hokee places a hand to his stomach, as he heard it rumble. "True that brother!" he agreed.
"Now then brother's our plan is simple, we'll take from those who have plenty...'
"And eat it ourselves." chipped in Gosheven, licking his lips longingly, in the thought of eating his fill.
"Mily is the one we need to go for brother,' stated Hokee. 'After all she's the one who brings in the mid-morning trade to Texal... we raid her coach and we'll gain our first score!"
'Maybe the only rational idea, dear Hokee as had since his damn birth.' and Daneil had to agree with his brother actually rubbing his hands together, Gosheven just nods too. "Then in the morning we'll go for it! No one to stop us."
The fire was kicked out and Daneil pleased to be throwing the contents of the pot away. The three lay down to sleep once again under the stars.
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The morning came, the sun waking the three in turn, with Daneil jumps to his feet first, "Then saddle up bro's; we ride... Mily's fair coach is ours for the taking!"
His brother Hokee slow on his feet and Gosheven grabbing water, and even though the plan still hadn't been set, the Dann-Gang were going to do this, as they went to take the reins of their Skull-Walkers; the determination and hunger drove the brother's on.
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Daneil led them out first from Blaaska Mountain in the baking sun, his larger and younger brother riding fast in his dusk trail to keep up.
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Out of the range Daneil stopped first, sitting tall on his black Skull-Walker, looking down on the trail-road, 'This is it... this is our chance, Terryal you wanted us to prove our nerve our core then this will be our play... Texal will be left hungry, where my brothers will not.' he nodded as he saw the approaching stagecoach. His brother's Hokee and Gosheven now catching up, joining him on the pass.
Now with his brother's at his side, Daneil looked to his youngest brother who wasn't wearing the mask, his face still in full view. "Pull down your masks my brothers, we'll meet Mily on the road soon enough." he snapped pointing across to Hokee's face.
"Why the mask?" inquired Hokee, scratching a sudden hitch on the end of his nose.
"I wanna strike fear into her heart, blast youa.' Daneil looked back over his shoulder at the coach before back at his youngest brother, Daneil now shaking his head in slight discussed. 'Now keep that damn mask on... I don't want to leave anything to chance… I want them to write about this, I want people to know our strength."
Hokee brushed a finger around the edge of his mask, as it now sat over his eyes and nose. "Happy." snapped Hokee, hiding his unhappiness.
Daniel nods. "Ok now let's do this... Let's take our full!" then he taps the side of his walker and heads down to cut Mily off, Hokee and Gosheven firing their weapons into the air, all hoping to cast fear in the driver.
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The stagecoach rattled as it rode across the uneven road, Mily held her grip on the reins. "Hyah! Hyah!" she called over the sound of the coach, Mily hoping to make good time.
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She then heard the approaching sound of Skull-Rider hooves coming down from the hill behind her, she looked over her shoulder seeing three shadows riding fast in her direction. A troubling look grew on her face, she knew she was caught out alone with no way of getting away.
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The horses pulling Mily's coach had been startled, when they heard the shots from Daneil's weapon. Mily hearing their calls and screams; and as the Dann-Gang's got close with even Hokee getting in a few warning shots the pair all of a sudden jumped up onto their hind legs in their panic and terror, almost falling backwards on to the coach.
Mily pulls on the reins and tried to settle her horses, this wasn't her first hold-up, but all the same it wasn't all that pleasant. "Whoa, steady there my sweets… Steady!"
But there was no way of calming the animal, Mily seeing that the pair had veered off the trail. Mily tried again to regained control of her coach, she pulled hard on the reins the horses still running too fast. "Come now please, easy there you two... Easy." she spoke softly to calm them, after all they had to be her main priority, as the coach was her main sauce of finance.
However, Mily gasps when she caught sight of Daneil who had now gotten up beside her; her eyes narrowed catching sight of his weapon which was now pointing right at her. His bullet's flew past, only inches away from her, the two other Skull-Walkers approaching fast. Time seemed to move in slow motion for a few seconds, Mily proved herself to be a skilled driver as she managed to take control once again; the wheels on the carriage grained to a suddenly halt. Mily having just a few second to pass a radio call to Texal. 'My only hope now is the marshal can get to us before it's too late.'
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Through masked eyes, Daneil saw a hint of worry from the driver, as she looked down on him from where she sat. "Oh sweet Mily, this is a raid... My brothers and I will be taking all that you carry.' called out Daneil at the top of her voice. 'And it over and you'll be left unharmed."
Hokee to his brother's left pulling the most meanest of faces he could master, even though he was still being troubled my the mask.
Mily stood up from her seat and then bent down to pull up her boots, the coach driver trying her damn hard not to look fearful and too also buy the marshal time to get to her; before the coach driver turned quickly to the right to face the three brothers. "A raid, from the likes of you... I've seem worse." a drop of forced laughter to her voice.
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Mily's message was picked up by the operator back in Texal,he heard her words and in the back ground could make out the sounds of weapon fire and the tone of the outlaws. "We hear you Mily... now don't be brave there Mily... please don't give them an excuse.' he stated down the transmitter. 'I'll have the marshal riding out to you in no time!"
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There was a crackle through Mily's radio and the return transmission from Texal could just be faintly heard, Daneil nodded as he heard this. "If I were you, I'd listen to his warning, Mily... You don't want to give me any excuse to harm youa, now do you!?" Daneil's weapon being clicked ready to fire if there was any sign of trouble from her.
She chose not to comment, merely asking as her attention was being drawn to one of the three brothers who was actually having trouble with his mask. "Now what's with the mask?" flicking a hand in Hokee's direction.
At hearing this he turned to his brother a hand now up to his mask, and in a strop says. "You see, I'd told youa brother... Now I feel ridiculous!" in a low tone so only his brother could hear him.
"Look quiet about the damn masks, got it." and with that Daneil fired his weapon, the bullet ricochet of the mettle edge of the coach.
She screams, flinching a little, even her horses stamped their hoofs in fear.
"Now didn't I warn you, Mily! It'll be awfully foolish of you if I had course to kill youa" addressed Daneil, with a chuckle to his tone.
Hokee now fired a few shots into the air, stating in a more harsh manner. "I guess my brother didn't make himself clear! This is a damn robbery and I suggest you keep quiet!"
"Yeah and this time around they'll be no deputy to stop us either." added Gosheven to Hokee's comments.
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Mily thought she was beat and raised her hands in the air, Danel grinning from ear to ear as she did so. He nudged his youngest brother and barked his orders. "Now get your ass up there,' he pointed up in Mily's direction with his weapon. 'We're going to need her keys, if we've going to take our damn share!"
Hokee nods quickly, and jumped down from his Skull-Walker and as she sees his weapon aimed at her face Mily allowed for the youngest brother to come up to get the keys. "I hope you can live with yourselves after this." she said as he unclicked the set of keys from her belt.
"Just shut up… Yeah we brother's will be fine once we've ate our fill." snapped Hokee looking her right in the eye.
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-Meanwhile back in Texal, the radio call had been heard and the operator raced across Texal to the jail house, "Marshal, you've gotta act fast…' the operator was clearly out of breath, speaking with difficulty and taking short sharp breaths. 'It's Mily, her coach is being robbed as we speak on the southern trail."
Marshal Enapay pulled his chair back, the wooded legs scraping across the floor as he jumped up. He knew he had to act, placed his hat firmly on his head, picked up his weapon and ran out of the jail house leaving the operator merely standing on the spot in front of the marshal's desk.
Lange ran after him, seeing him quickly untie his Equestroid Thrine and took the reins in hand and jumped up onto the saddle. The pair rode out leaving Texal and took the road that led out into the desert trail; Enapay on Thrine, and Lange on his Cattle-Bronzer riding next to the marshal, the pair hoping to get to Mily before it was too late.
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-Mily's coach and the Dann Brothers was coming up in the distance, Enapay somehow making out the outline and figures first. It must have taken them well over thirty minutes to ride out to the trail road and by this stage the young deputy feared the worst.
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Gosheven was now inside the coach filling his sack and Daneil's weapon was still pointing at Mily, whose hands were high in the air; it was Hokee who was the first to see the marshal riding down the pass, the deputy spotted over his shoulder.
He then came to Daneil's side and with a gulp he tried to warn his elder brother, all the while pointing up the pass.
However, despite his best efforts Daneil didn't pay too much attention to him, Daneil only wanted to gain the spoils. "But brother please you have to listen.'
But he was cut off by Daneil. "Stop all this yapping, blast youa and do your damn job my brother's..."
"But... But brother please, you've gotta listen its the…'
Again Hokee wasn't allowed to finished his brother interrupting his warning. "No buts Hokee...' Daneil demanded, pointing his free hand now to the open coach. 'Now I've got Mily covered... just join your brother and take a share of the food and gold."
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Hokee however chose to disobey his brother's demands and turned on his Skull-Wlaker to face the approaching lawman, he weapon held in his weapon hand while the other holds tight to the reins.
As Lange rode in on his Cattle-Bronzer, the deputy now takes aim, his weapon clicked ready to fire.
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Daneil turns his head sharply at the sound of weapon fire to see Enapay riding on in. He then snarled as he looked across at his youngest brother. "Why didn't you tell me!" snapped Daneil at Hokee, who knew all too well that he did in fact try and warm him.
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At hearing the weapon fire Gosheven came bolting out of the coach, "What the hell's happening, brother!?" he sputtered, but then he saw for himself, not needing Hokee nor Daneil's to tell him that the marshal and the deputy had come in hopes of stopping them. Straight off the mark Gosheven threw down his sack, which landed near the feet of his Skull-Walker the larger brother then went for his weapon and was about to open fire, when he saw that his actions had given Deputy Jones the opportunity to ride on in.
Gosheven screamed out in pain and was ultimately knocking Gosheven to the ground with the perfect shot, the deputy pleased with himself. Gosheven opened his eyes and saw his weapon, he stretched out his hand, but couldn't quite reach as his weapon just slightly out of reach for him to grasp.
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Gosheven tried to shake off the pain, but felt a tug on his side, Gosheven then clutched the side of his chest as he saw blood dripped down to the sandy ground. He staggers under foot, the affect of Lange's bullet taking its toll.
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More shots were fired, some able enough to come in quite close, which almost sent Hokee off his walker, as the beast leaped back onto its hind legs and Daneil being forced to lower his aim to keep his walker steady as it started to move in circles. Whereas, in all the commotion Gosheven's Skull-Walker which was standing free leapt up on its hind legs in fear and went running off into the plains.
Gosheven called out in frustration. "Blast youa, you filthy beast… Get back here." seeing that there was no way of escaping, and he surely didn't want to find himself behind bars the larger brother had no other option but to stand his ground, now with his fallen weapon in tightly hand.
However, the marshal moved in, and eventually the larger Dann brother found himself arrested, Enapay putting on the cuffs and reading him his rights.
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Daneil caught sight of this, he truly didn't look too please; 'Ah, always the one caught lacking.' he though, as it dawned on him that his plans could fail before they could begin.
Hokee was taken aback when he saw to his shock that Daneil was turning to make his escape. "Come on now Daneil… I can't just allow him to get caught, damn it!" Hokee called out, hoping to call on family loyalty, the youngest wanting him to go back and try and save him.
"Too hell with him.' Daneil shook his head. 'Besides what use is he now… cuffed like a dog…" spat the elder, Daneil still wanting to make his escape.
"Come with me now, brother if you wanna see yourself free!' He went on, Hokee looked back over his shoulder at Gosheven, he for a second found himself in two minds. 'Fine you stay if you like, please your damn self, but know that it'll be thee who'll find himself behinds bars too brother."
The youngest shook his head. "I don't wanna see myself end like that…' Hokee spat to the ground. 'They'll be no bars for me, marshal… no bars for me!"
"Besides, he'll no doubt sell us out for the first bargain." ended Daneil, taking his chance to ride away.
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Gosheven looked up as he saw his brother's ride off, he truly wasn't happy about them leaving him behind. As he realised they had merely abandoned him Gosheven made a last bid attempt and tried to straggle free.
The marshal was on form and was about to hold his grip on the larger man, throwing him inside Mily's coach, Mily happy locking the door closed.
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However, Lange knew he had to fight on, as he wasn't about to let the two brother's get away that easily, "Not so fast!" he called out, as he bolted for his Cattle-Bronzer.
The deputy rode after Daneil and Hokee, his sole aim to bring them down. "Your not getting away that easily."
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Lange eventually drew up behind Daneil and hoped to cut him off, However his bronzer could keep up with the gang's walkers, buying his time for the right chance to strike Lange kept up the chase.
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Daneil fell from his Skull-Walker as Lange jumped from his Cattle-Bronzer, the pair quickly scrabbled to their face, Daneil at first glance gaining the upper hand, even take pride in getting in the face of Lange. "Oh it looks as if the shoe's on the other foot now isn't it Lange, no sharp shooting words to make you feel powerful.' The head of the brother's then struck the deputy across the face. 'Only a deputy for a few months... bet you felt pretty amazing hey! Well know this your not bringing us in..."
"Yeah, it's over now, Lange.' barked in Hokee. 'We're chalking up this win."
Seeing Lange hold a hand to his cheek, Daneil took anotjer step forward. "I bet now you'd wished you stayed back in the military and out of Dann bother business!' His brother Hokee was heard laughing in the background. 'You see this all could have been avoided, if only I had gotten away with the loot of old sweet Mily..."
"I'm glad I'm here, Daneil...' stated the deputy. The hoofs of the Equestroid growing loader, as Enapay ccame to aide this deputy. 'and hey Daneil the day isn't over yet..."
Daneil scoffed at hearing this.
"Oh new bets can still be made Daneil, the bar's still await you!" snapped back the deputy.
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Mily then threw her boot in Daneil's direction, his weapon flying out of his hand and landing to the floor; the driver getting an ounce of revenge. The deputy sees his chance, runs on in and as Daneil goes to pick up his weapon Lange kicks it away from reach. "You've made your play, Daneil... Now here's mine!" The pair look into each other's stare and come to blows.
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Enapay now saw his chance and goes after the remaining brother. Hokee rode fast, but Thrine was able to match the walker's speed. Shots were fired as Hokee tried his best to get away, however in the end Hokee found himself under arrest along with his brothers.
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With Daneil defeated, Lange pulls out his cuffs. "Your under arrest." he stated now arresting Daneil, cuffing his hands behind his back.
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Now with the Dann-Gang rounded up, the coach driver stood by the marshal. "I just can't believe it, I was ambushed, all my journeys all the trips… Nothing ever happened…' she shook her head, sounding low. 'Marshal I was lucky you answered my call."
.
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-Daneil and his two brothers were ridden back to Texal their hands cuffed tight behind their backs, the deputy rode close to the left and the marshal leading the way holding tightly to the horses reins. The folk of the town looking up as they saw the three brothers being taken up to the jail house.
"Get off!" called out Enapay as he got down from Thrine.
Gosheven and Hokee were the first to dismount, Daneil on the other hand reluctantly followed the marshal's requests, taking one final look around in hopes of seeing Terryal, but no one was going to save him at this point. Kicking the ground he was forced to move.
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Nightfall, Daneil now sat behind bars along side him his two brothers Gosheven and Hokee. The brothers awaiting sentencing for their crimes, but this didn't seem to trouble Daneil, as he knew something big was about to happen here in Texal.
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Unbeknownst to him the stranger stood not so far away in the shadows of an alleyway that aligned with the jail house, he saw the Dann-Gang locked up inside and didn't look too bothered by this, he stepped away at the sound of folks talking. 'All is as it should be...' the stranger not worried by the fact that the brother's were now inside and had failed. 'Now I know the power of their brave one and I'll be the one who takes him down... Texal shall be mine in the end.' he thought to himself, as though he had planned it either way all along.
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The following morning, Gosheven was the first of the three brother's to be brought before Judge Jennyl McBride to stand trial for his crimes. Gosheven was led inside the dock by the marshal, who turned to the judge and stated. "Prisoner at the bar."
"Proceed." replied Judge McBride, casting her hand to signal her agreement.
He was placed in the dock and the marshal stepped away, standing guard at the door.
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Jennyl looked down at the prisoner, who merely looked down at his feet, not able to match her gaze. "And who do we have before us today, marshal?" she inquired.
"A member of the Dann-Gang, Judge." answered Enapay, casting a hand to his left at the brother.
"Hear ye, hear ye… court of Texal is now in session.' called out the judge, banging down her gabble. 'Now marshal what are the charges."
"We caught him aiding his brother's to hold up Mily West's coach on Paifoot trail."
"Is this so, Mily!?"
Mily stood and nodded before sitting back down, agreeing to the charges that were brought against the Dann brother.
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"Charges have been made against you, what say you, Gosheven on the matter!?"
"Your honour…' he suddenly paused, the judge now caught sight of Gosheven and saw that him was thinking of what next to say. Gosheven shook his head, as if to cast one thought aside then continued. 'We are just simple men, judge... brothers who are trying to get the lay of the land, when our feeding needed." he ended by touching his stomach.
This didn't settle well with the coach driver who was heard being said. "of the land ah.' mocking what the brother had said. 'If you ask me he'll end if life at the end of a rope,."
"Order in court, order I say!" was the judge's response calling for silence from the gallery.
"Now where do you hail from!?"
"No place in particular, judge…" was Gosheven quick response, his eyes darting from left to right as he tried to hold in a grin. The larger brother recalling what his brother once said. -tell them nothing brother… No matter what the fall… tell them nothing.-
Which as you can imagine didn't sit well with Jennyl. "A saddle bum, huh! Well its okay to call the land your home if you're willing to life by its laws.' She points to the brother's hand and states. 'Now Gosheven, hold up your weapon hand, and marshal swear him in."
Marshal turned to face Gosheven. "Do you swear to tell the truth… So help you?"
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Gosheven raised his hand and nodded in agreement, for all the good it would do, crooks willing to bend the ways of the truth if they had too.
"Now you have been charge with holding up a stagecoach… I'll tell you, son, we here in Texal are a good type of people… and will not except crimes against us… All must answer for their deeds and that now includes you… Now how do you plead, guilty or not guilty?"
Mily leaned forward in her chair as Gosheven brought a hand to the cloth which was tied around his neck and played with the knot. He look so damn nervous now as he stated, "Guilty." and as he said this, she nodded rightfully so. Long gone had the brother who was so brave to take hold of his weapon and shoot.
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Judge McBride cleared her thoughts, it was time to pass the verdict, one she felt suited the crime and the trouble the gang had coursed Mily. Gosheven stood waiting knowing what was coming. "Gosheven Dann, it is my duty to inform you.' her tone stern and to the point. 'that due to your actions out there in the robbery you have brought you time behind bars, in this courtroom I do not allow those who believe they can merely take…take…take and do as they please without facing the consequence." Jerryl hoping that Mily would be happy with the verdict.
Gosheven slams both of his hands down hard onto the wooden surface of the docks, the larger brother realising that soon his two brother's will also face the same ruling.
Jerryl lowers her gabble down on her desk. "That is my verdict, marshal, case closed. Now take the prisoner to his cell."
There was no struggle nor resist as Gosheven was led away back to the cells of the jail house, Daneil knowing at first sight he too would be spending a long time here.
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