Chapter 6

Buck laid in his bed that night staring at the door of the bunkhouse. He had only told the others what he thought they needed to know. He could almost feel his own fear in that one spoken word as he lay there. He had to know more. He quietly slid out of his bunk. He carried his clothes outside and cringed when the door squeaked as he closed it. He quickly dressed when he did not hear any movement inside. He made his way into town straight to the hotel. He paused at the door.

"I knew you would come."

Buck jumped around as Raven stepped from the shadows.

"So, you were waiting on me?"

"Like I said, I knew you would come. Only you would understand. This way."

Raven walked ahead then paused waiting for Buck to follow. He gathered himself before walking on. She led him up the stairs to her room. She motioned to the chair as she went to sit in the one across from him. Buck sat uncomfortably.

"Was I right? Lakota?" She asked.

"Kiowa."

"Damn how did I miss that? Guess you can't win them all." She smiled.

"What you said…."

"I fully know what I said to you, and I assume your beliefs did not allow you to tell them everything."

"I can't. You know that."

"I am like you, Buck Cross."

"How did you know my name?"

"I asked. I am of half-blood as well."

"So, you know the tales about this. Why say that to me?"

"Because that is what is among us. A man. Inhabited by pure evil. He walks among us."

"Raven, I will have to tell them something. I have to help them."

"It could be anyone, Buck. You know that as well as I do. I will need your help and loyalty."

"There is no way to stop this. I have never heard of one."

"I have. I will cut his head off."

"How do you know? No more secrets if you want my help."

"Because this started long ago."

"Keep going."

"You know why I dress as if in mourning?"

Buck shook his head.

"It started with my beloved. Our tribe was a proud people. He contained great powers. Gifted to him by the spirits, but he could not contain it. The gifts soon brought about his fall. You see the more knowledge that he gained, the more he craved until it opened the door for evil to seep inside. You see, Buck, he started this. He was the first."

Buck swallowed. "Why do you think cutting his head off will kill him?"

"Because I did kill him."

"Then it should have stopped."

"He had already passed it on."

"How many?"

"I only know of one and I will end this. For him. To bring his spirit peace so he can cross over."

"He is frozen at the crossing."

"Yes, but not for long."

"I need to go." Buck said standing nervously.

"You cannot tell them. You know this. Watch yourself Buck. I will need your help."

Buck didn't bother to undress as he fell back on his bunk. He seemed to have just closed his eyes when he heard the familiar, rider comin. He flew out of bed to race out on the porch. Jimmy was climbing on his horse. He ran over and grabbed his reins.

"Buck? What the hell? Let go!"

"Jimmy, I…."

"You what, Buck?"

"Ride safe."

Buck reluctantly let go of his reins as Jimmy frowned down at him. He watched as he grabbed the pouch and rode out the yard. Cody and Noah walked over to him.

"What was that about?" Cody asked.

"You ok?" Noah asked.

"Where was his run?"

"Willow Springs. Why? Something wrong?"

"No. I didn't sleep well last night. I think I am going to lay back down for a few."

Buck stepped away and laid back down on his bunk. He stared at the roof until sleep finally claimed him. He laid there in the dark. The smell filled his nostrils. He looked up at the stars. He tried to sit up but found that he couldn't move. He could only lay there. He heard growling and saw movement as something ran past him above, blocking the night sky. It was a man. Something else came running faster than any man or animal could. It was chasing the man. Buck fought to try to get up from the ground, but he couldn't. He heard a horrified scream pierce the night. Buck yelled out. It was Jimmy. He screamed again but still could not move. He was stuck in place. He heard him scream again. Buck squinted his eyes shut. He heard his cry for help, but he was helpless. He could not do anything. He felt dread growing bigger and bigger in the pit of his stomach. He opened them to pure blackness. Suddenly red eyes were hovering over him. Buck looked up in shock waiting for the bite, but it never came instead, it smiled. Buck screamed again.

"Buck! Wake up!"

Buck jumped awake to find Kid and Lou shaking him. He glanced wildly around the room. Cody and Noah were behind them.

"Buck, it was just a dream." Lou said calmly.

"Just a dream." Buck mumbled.

Kid and Lou fell back as Buck jumped off the bunk and ran outside to the barn. The two looked at each other and ran out behind him. Cody and Noah also. Buck was leading his horse out.

"Buck?" Yelled Lou.

He didn't answer as he galloped out the yard.