The Dymensionverse

A small piece of fiction about an important character set to appear in a much later Saga.

SPOILER FREE

It’s always the same…

The sun beat down on the frontier town, the same as it always did.

It rose from the east, and settled in the west, the same as it always did.

If there was one thing you could rely on in the small town of Dusty Hollow, was that for most of the year it was hot, hot and dry. Which was why the wooden buildings all looked older than they actually were, as the paint peeled and the dust settled over them. All except the general store. Old man Mitchell would make sure of that, repainting the store at least once a year, while loudly complaining about the state of the rest of the town. Everyone loved to joke with the old man, call him a perfectionist, while he called them lazy, the same as they always did. This particular day, the old man was out front of his store, working with one of his regulars to load up a wagon full of animal feed, when Elana rode into town.

Elana was a tall woman, with spectacularly long wavy blonde hair tied into a ponytail down her back. She wore the same blue sundress she always did when riding, and despite her leather sleeve, worn to ‘protect her shooting arm,’ and her heavy black boots, she still struck a figure that could turn heads. From beneath her white hat, she looked up at the general store with brilliant blue eyes that looked like they belonged to someone much older.

“I can see some paint startin’ to peel up there, Mel’,” Elana said with a thick accent, which, like always, seemed to be just a bit too forced. “It must be gettin’ to paintin’ time again.”

Old man Melvin Mitchell, jumped off of the wagon he was loading and walked back into the dusty street to look up at what the blonde woman had pointed out.

The regular, forced to stop and wait, gave a chuckle. “Mornin’ Elana,” he said simply, smiling at the welcome distraction.

“Mornin’ Jon,” she said politely back with a wink.

The old store owner grumbled something under his breath. “You do this every time, Elana,” he muttered as he tried to shelter his eyes from the sun. “And every time I can’t see what you’re talkin’ about.”

Elana moved her horse over to the hitching Post and climbed down. She didn’t bother to actually hitch her horse, like always. She strode over and stood next to the shorter older man. “There, see?” She said simply as she pointed to a spot near the roof. “I ain’t lyin.”

The older man moved to stand directly where she was, and looked up again. “Well, I’ll be. You’re right!” He laughed. “maybe it is time to repaint the store again.”

Jon stepped off of the wagon and moved to investigate, giving a chuckle. “That ain’t Nuthin’” he said slapping Mel on the shoulder. “Ain’t no one gonna notice that.” He looked at Elana. “I don’t know how you even saw that.”

“What can I say,” Elana said as she adjusted her hat with a smirk. “Too many days with my head in the clouds.”

The two other men laughed. Old man Mitchell was the first to change the subject. “Well, Elana, I don’t wager you’re here just to tease me about my paint. What brings you to town today?”

Elana gave him a broad smile that made the older man blush. “Well, I thought you’d never ask.” She leant in conspiratorially. “I’ve come to collect, the thing.”

The older man’s eyes lit up. “Oh? Is it that time already?” At Elana’s knowing smile he hitched up his overalls and gave a broad grin. “Jon! Take five, I’ve got business with lady Mauddlin here.”

Jon gave a laugh, taking off his work gloves. “If you say so Mel, I’ll be at the tavern getting a drink, you can tell my wife why I was late getting home.”

“Thank you, Jon,” Elana said politely to him, giving a slight bow, the same as she always did.

“Come on in girl, I’ve been waiting for this,” Mel said with a giddy chuckle, as he pushed open the door to his general store, their entry welcomed by the sound of tinkling bells. He rubbed his hands together, “It arrived two weeks ago, and boy was I hoping you’d come to get it soon.” Taking a giant bundle of old iron keys from his pocket, the old man went behind the counter and unlocked the back storage room. He disappeared through the door, then returned a moment later with a long wooden crate which he unceremoniously slammed onto the counter.

Elana ran her fingers along the wooden panels reverently, noting the nails had already been removed from the lid, she flicked it open, then removed a long piece of silk to reveal a custom made hunting rifle within the crate. It was a Winchester repeating style hunting rifle, with a custom loading mechanism, and a long bar style scope attachment. The manufacturer went above and beyond and had carved beautiful designs intro the metal, and added an ivory and gold stock.

Tracing the engravings reverently with her fingertips, Elana forgot herself for a moment. “Shi kara bunri suru hagane,” she whispered.

“What was that?” Mel asked, suddenly loudly.

Elana shook her head. “I said, she’s a real beauty alright.” Picking up the rifle, she held it loose in her arm, then checked the reloading mechanism, it slid smoothly and effortlessly. So she shouldered the weapon and checked down its sights, then lowered it, checked the reload again, then raised it once more. “She’s perfect,” Elana said, grinning from ear to ear. “They really outdid themselves.”

“I’ll say!” Mel laughed. “Yer lucky they didn’t charge extra for that stock, or them fancy carvings.”

Once more, Elana held the weapon up, this time testing the lever action. She held it at arm’s length, them reverently placed it back in the crate.

Mel cleared his throat. “Your husband will love it.”

Elana gave an almost imperceptible flinch. “Oh I’m sure he will,” she agreed, giving the old man a smile. “Just in time for his birthday too.”

Leaning forward with a conspiratorial look, Mel raised an eyebrow at her. “So when are we going to meet this husband of yours? You know it’s been three years since you started coming here, and I still haven’t met the man,” he gave a chuckle. “Some of the other locals are startin’ to ask questions. Especially about a pretty thang like yourself all alone out here.”

Elana waved him off, “oh Mel, you know my husband, the work comes first. Like always.” She laughed, in that amused, yet dismissive way. “He’s too busy with the ranch, that’s why I’m always the one making the ride here.”

The old man laughed, “if you say so Elana, I’m just sayin’ what everyone’s thinkin’.”

Once again Elana forced a chuckle. “Look, if it makes y’all feel better, I’ll bring him down to meet y’all sometime.” She gestured to the crate between them. “He will want to thank you for helping me organise this beauty I’m sure.” Reaching into a pouch at her hip, she pulled out her purse. “Speaking of, I have the rest of your pay right here.” Without ceremony, she poured all of her money out, having to catch some of the coins before they rolled off the counter. Piling the notes and coins together, she slid them towards Mel.

The shop owner gave everything a quick count, “this is too much Elana,” he said simply.

Elana hummed thoughtfully, she had known exactly how much she was putting on the counter, as always, but she liked to let people think she was a little frivolous with her money. “Well, in that case, throw in a box of bullets, and a leather sling for it, and I’ll say we’re even,” she said with a smile, knowing full well that she would have been a little short for those items normally.

Mel gave an amused laugh. “For you my dear, of course.” He reached under his counter and then slapped down a box of bullets that matched the rifle, and a leather strap, almost like he had been expecting her to ask.

“You’re the best Mel,” Elana said, beaming as she put the box of bullets in one of the pouches on her hip, and throwing the strap over her shoulder.

“Always a pleasure my dear,” Mel said with his usual smile.

Picking up the long crate, Elana gave the man a bow, then headed for the door, “love your work Mel, see y’all soon.”

“Always Elana! And don’t forget to bring your husband next time!”

Leaving the general store behind, Elana returned to her horse, grabbing their reigns and starting to make her way back out of town. “Can you believe them Nobu?” She asked the large black stallion. “Wanting to meet my husband, like I’m not good enough.” The horse snorted, completely oblivious to what she was saying, even if she liked to imagine he understood. She petted him on the neck, “you’re right,” she said with the soft voice she reserved for when talking to him. “That is rude.” The horse just maintained its pace right beside her.

As she reached the outskirts of Dusty Hollow, as the last few houses met the outer fence, and lead to the desert plains beyond, Elana stopped. Placing the crate down on the side of the road, she pulled the rifle out, wrapped the silk covering around the stock, then attached the new sling to it. She whispered a prayer of protection over the weapon, before throwing it over her shoulder, the leather sling keeping it against her back.

Finished, she unceremoniously tossed the wooden crate away, then climbed up onto her horses back. “Come on Nobu, let’s go.” Nobu snorted his unknowing agreement, as the pair of them returned to the trails.

Elana’s home was a few hours ride North East of Dusty Hollow, and it was getting to mid afternoon by the time she rose over a crest to see her ranch in the distance.

The Mauddlin Ranch, known as Blossom falls, sat right up against a natural cliff, and had a natural river flowing through it, complete with a small waterfall from that natural cliff face. It was an expansive cottage, with smaller guest houses, and an abundance of land for the farm, and cattle. It’s one unique feature was a cherry blossom tree, planted some 20 or so years ago right by the waterfall, that had been meticulously looked after until this day.

What was usually a beautiful sight to behold, and always filled Elana with relief whenever she returned, instead left a knot in her stomach when she saw it. Some of the smaller guest houses were on fire, and dust and dirt was rising up everywhere from all of the animals that were running about in a panic. Before she could question what was happening, she heard the sounds of gunfire on the wind.

“Bandits!” she growled as she yanked on Nobu’s reigns and spurred him toward the ranch.

The stallion thundered down the dirt paths as Elana lead him on a wide loop towards the ranch, giving herself a better chance of not being spotted. As they swept around to the far side of the ranch, she guided Nobu into the river, his large gait making short work of the shallow waters. Once she crossed far enough in, she leapt from horseback, holding her hat as she rolled into a crouch, then ran low towards the main building.

As she approached, she pulled a hidden revolver from the bundled fabric at the back of her blue dress, then swept up against the back door. “It’s me!” She called ahead, “don’t shoot!.” The sounds of bullets ricocheting around the area welcomed her as she kicked open the door and dove into the house.

One of the young women, a freckle faced redhead named Anna still held a pistol pointed towards Elana, shaking with fear, but she lowered it once she saw the older woman. “Oh! Mistress Elana! Thank the stars!” Anna gasped.

Another worker, a young man named Tomas ducked away from a window at the noise, to look and confirm it for himself. “Mistress!”

Elana smiled at them. “Good to see you too are okay,” she said seriously. “What is going on?”

“It’s awful!” Anna yelled out, on the verge of tears.

Tom, was a bit shaky, but aware enough to fill her in on what was happening. “It started about an hour ago!” He explained. “Them damn rustlers showed up and shot old man Hoskins!” He trembled with anger, whether at them shooting the old man, or because of something else, Elana couldn’t tell. “They started making demands, and then since no one could answer for you, they just started shooting!” He gestured to Anna, then across at two of the other houses, where gunshots could still be heard. “We have kept them at bay ma’am! Thanks to those shooting lessons you gave us!”

Elana smiled at him. “Good work, Tomas, proud of you. I’ll take it from here, just keep them from getting close to you and Anna here, ‘kay?”

Tomas nodded, then quickly reloaded his gun, ready to continue defending. “You got it ma’am.” He was a good kid, always worked hard, and listened well to instructions. Like always.

Elana turned to Anna, who was definitely struggling with the situation. “Anna, deary, you keep Tomas loaded, and keep protecting him just like you were.” Anna shook slightly, but nodded.

Giving them both a nod, Elana made her way to the back of the room where a ladder had been set up against the wall. She climbed up it quickly, revealing a trap door in the roof, allowing her to pop up from the ceiling onto the top of the main building, while still in cover.

Putting her pistol back in its hiding place, she took her new rifle from her back and shouldered it, then she took the bullets out of her pouch and placed them down next to her within reach.

Loading the rifle, she took a few quick breaths, then popped up through the roof.

There, movement to her right, she swung to face it, shouldering the weapon and sighting her target. She had barely pulled the trigger when she was flicking the lever, reloading and already searching for target number two. A bandit riding and shooting on horseback caught her eye, she took a single breath, lead her target, and squeezed the trigger. The rifle barely kicked into her shoulder, everything about its operation was mechanical and smooth, already allowing her to cock the lever and look for her next target. Her third target, darted low between the two nearest houses, looking to approach the main building. He spun almost comically when Elana’s shot blew a hole in his shoulder.

The bandits barely knew what was happening as their numbers dwindled, one by one, as precision shots took them out. It wasn’t until some of the other ranchers started cheering as they fell, that the remaining bandits started ducking for more heavy cover.

Elana was sighting her eighth target, when she interrupted her mechanical zen like precision with a realisation. One of the targets had been young, and this one, was not dressed like any of the bandits she had seen before, which meant he was hired help. The bandits had increased their numbers by paying desperate men to help. But where did they get that kind of money?

She aimed a shot behind the head of the man she was aiming at, and watched his reaction. He immediately dropped his weapon and started cowering in fear.

Elana’s eyes went wide. These men were a distraction…

In fact, they may all have been a distraction.

Making sure her rifle was fully loaded, Elana slid down the ladder and bolted through the house, her heart hammering in her chest. She barely had time to register Anna’s panic as she flew by and back out the back door.

A lone bandit who had dared ride around the ranch, and had chosen that unfortunate moment to run across her path, found himself with a hole in his chest and thrown from his horse when Elana shot him before he could respond.

Ignoring him, and making her way back towards the river, Elana ran along it. Passed the cherry blossom and towards the waterfall. Next to the running waters was a tunnel built into the cliff face, and Elana bee lined straight for it.

Slinging her rifle back over her shoulder, Elana darted down the tunnel, emerging at the end into a large open space at the back where a a shrine had been built. A small boxy wooden shrine, with an anlged roof, and two carved stone pillars flanking it, dominated the far end of the room. Candles and incense filled the space, and there before the shrine was a piece of framed paper with a name painted in a foreign script upon it. Before that, on a carved wooden stand, was a long staff like weapon with a wickedly curved blade.

Elana breathed a sigh of relief, and was about to admit to herself that maybe she was over thinking things, as always, when a shift in the wind made the candles flicker.

She leapt forward into a roll as three sharp metal objects flew over her head and embedded themselves in the far wall. She rolled back onto her feet and swung around, facing back behind her in a crouched position.

A shadow peeled itself from the darkness, bladed weapon glinting in the candle light. Then another, and another, until several men and women, dressed all in black and carrying deadly weapons began to approach the blonde haired ranch owner.

“I wondered how long it would take for you to find me this time,” Elana spat in their native language. “You should be ashamed.”

One of the black clad figures removed the hood from his face, revealing a young man with black hair, dark eyes, and pale skin. “We always knew where you were old one,” he growled in heavily accented English. “We were merely training for this day.”

The other men and women removed their hoods as they circled around the room, slowly cornering Elana as they held their weapons at the ready.

“Well then,” Elana said bitterly, “let’s see if your training paid off.”

In a blur of movement, Elana grabbed the decorated weapon from behind her, and with a spinning flourish, charged into battle with the shadows.

Once again she would have to fight to defend her current home from a past that had come back to haunt her.

Like always.

Written and Archived by: Daryl J. Jenkinson