Aftermath

A turning key opened the lock of cell door. Hinges creaked as the door swung opened.

"Put these on," ordered a voice.

Shackles landed at Rath's feet.

Staring at the shackles, "The judges decided, Arthur?"

"Exile into the Wastelands by the order of Dinh Judge St Thompson."

"What happened to Edwards?"

"Killed himself instead of judging you. Now put them on, Rath."

Putting the shackles on, "Time to play through this hand," Rath remarked standing up.

Death studied the around him. Bodies of gunslingers littered the scenic view. If the bullets didn't get them, poisoned food, drink and the air would've finished them.

Walking whistling with clasped hands behind him, this was a good day. Stopping rocked on his feet.

"Hmm," seeing a red hair sticking out among the dead bodies.

Unsheathing his knife, grabbing a fist full of hair, and lifting up, the blade sliced through the neck.

Holding the head up and studying the features in the remaining flames that was burning Terra, "Alas poor Russell, thought he was moving up in the world. Instead lost his head on the first day on the job and now is going to feed worms instead of feeding youths' minds."

Hoofs raced towards caused his attention to fall on his three comrades.

"Let Rusty's ears hear about the one that got away.

No answer.

"Well?"

"Think we got him," said War.

"Think?"

"We chased him to a river. Shot at him. A bullet entered his back. Fell into the river."

"No body?"

War shook his head in acknowledgement.

Looking into Rusty's dead eyes, "See what I've got to work with," looking for understandment from the head, "Tell me, Rusty. How many do you work with? Hundreds? Thousands?" turning the face towards the three, "This three killed your thousands. Not good on you first day," turning the head towards him, "I'll take this three over your thousands any day even if they let one of thousand get away," putting Rusty's lips to his right ear, "Oh, Rusty, you're such a sore loser," throwing the head towards Famine, "Famine smooth his wounded ego."

Catching it, "Let's kiss to make it all better," kissing his lips.

Laughing, she threw it into the air. War and Pestilence shot it as it sailed through the air.

"Where's the next site?" asked Pestilence.

"Digal," Death answered getting on his horse.

"We need some rest," complained Famine, "Doing one after another."

"Think they're complaining of our workload," gesturing to the dead, "Vermin are going to chew on their and you complain about too much work."

Famine shrink as Death continued, "Some people's problems are bigger then yours. How selfless of you?"

"Sorry."

"Besides this job have benefits," remarked Death spurred his horse. They rode away from the smoking Terra.

"Welcome back, Brother Marten," greeted the clocked holy man.

"Greetings, Walter," bowing Marten, "Any news during my absence?"

"A wounded gunslinger from Terra arrived."

"What did his tongue say?"

"Terra destroyed and the judges are died."

"One obstacle gone. Did he name names?"

"Died in Cort's arms."

Seeing puzzlement in Marten's face, "That's Fardo's son."

"Seems they're slipping."

"Are they coming here?"

"No, Digal's on their path. Something to add."

"Cort's asking to increase the number of gunslingers cause of Terra."

"The king's decision?"

"Waiting for you."

Smiling, "Well there's a wise ruler," Marten said walking through the door.

Rath buckled his holsters on that Arthur threw at his feet. Checked his shooters. Oil coated their joints. Picking up the canteen shook it. Something sloshed around in it. Screwing the cap off put his finger inside the canteen. Pulling his finger out tasted the clear liquid on his finger. It was water. Rescrewing the cap on and slinging it on his shoulder, he studied the landscape.

He was back where he started in the wastelands. Choosing a direction, he walked towards a setting sun. (Fin)