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aj-the-psycho · 6 years ago

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The Band of Rotten: Chapter 4

THE ROGUE SOLDIER

Summary: A fugitive has entered the land of the New World. There, he met an ally.

Ao3 Link

United States, 1860

‘Hot’ was the only thing that came to mind. Scorching heat that melts the skin into sweat. All he could see was the endless span of dry soil in front of him. It was unfortunate he had to leave in such a hurry. He had been walking for a few weeks now. The only thing he had with him was a canteen filled with already-warm water. Still, it was better than nothing. He took a chug of water, and soon the canteen was empty. He let out a heavy sigh, seeing the desert was never-ending. He had yet to see another person in the last six days.

He continued his walk under the sun until he heard something. It was unmistakably running water. And right he was, the gurgling sound of water seemed to echo around him. He followed the sound and there, he found a small oasis fed by a few springs sprouting out of the ground. The water was frigid, a welcome change from the sweltering weather. He sank his canteen into the knee-deep water, filling it with water. He then plunged his entire face into the water, practically inhaling the water to quench his thirst.

There were thick bushes framing the small pool of water, some as tall as his waist. He hid under the shadow, avoiding the burning sun. There was no way he was going to let the sun bake his face. He looked down on his attire—a well-tailored military uniform, the insignia sewn onto the thick fabric of the uniform. He let out a deep sigh, no longer feeling proud of his uniform he used to wear with pride. It reminded him of the reason he had to travel alone in the desert. A tainted soldier. A fugitive. An absolute coward.

Once when he was a child, there was a circus going around cities. Father had taken him and his siblings to see. Countless animals, people and shows. Oh, the shows. There were magic shows where people would swallow fire, tamed lions and tigers, acrobatics and songs. It was a kind of magic that had never left his mind. And when he went home, he had told his mother with so much excitement bundled up in his tiny frame, shouting “mamá, I’m going to be a performer and I’m going to make you proud!” Her mother had laughed merrily, carrying him to bed to sleep.

It was fate—if it was real at all—which decided for him to be a soldier instead. He loved being a soldier. Helping others and the country. He was able to see the world outside his humble little village and provide for his family even with the possible expense of his life. It was unfortunate he had to leave alone. And truly, there were no regrets trailing behind him as he believed what he did to be right. None but one. A small weight rested in the pocket of his uniform—a silver bracelet with a tiny ruby sitting on its center. He will keep it safe, if only for his beloved sister.

The sun was starting to cast long shadows on the ground. The sound of water was loud and clear in the middle of the lonely desert. It was time to start walking again, at least until the sun goes to sleep in the horizon. He stretched his aching joints before continuing his long walk. He had been on his feet for a little over fourteen days, walking all the way from the south. He had hoped to find safety in the New World; an independent colony. Perhaps he would be safer there where no one will pursue him for his alleged crime.

As the sky went dark, the stars started to let out their shine. The deep blue of the evening sky wore the stars like jewels, glittering with beauty. In the distance, he could make out the vague shape of a tree, standing alone proudly in the middle of the desert. Under it was a speck of glowing orange: a fire. He quickened his pace, eager to find another person after having been alone for two weeks. He could feel the aching joints of his legs crying out for him to slow down, but the loneliness building in him begged not to be ignored.

“Hey!” He called out. He could see a man sitting on the ground by the fire. “Hey, you there!”

The man looked up from where he sat and stood, approaching the new comer without hesitance. The soldier finally ran closer. He rested his hands on his knees, trying to draw some needed air into his lungs after his short run. He looked up to the man from his hunched posture, unfolding himself into his impressive height.

“Greetings,” the soldier said with a charming smile. His accent was thick, though still understandable. “May I ask if this is America?”

“Course’ it is!” The man said, slapping his own thigh. “Welcome to the wild west, pal. And who are ya?”

“Uh, sorry. Delgado,” the soldier answered the question awkwardly. “Roman Delgado.”

The man offered him a friendly, welcoming smile. “The name’s Patton. Guess yer not from around?”

“Mexico.” Roman pointed at the insignia on his uniform shamefully. “Spain military.”

“Spanish! Shoulda guessed from that name o’ yours. Accent, too. Somethin’ ain’t it?”

Roman gave the man—Patton—another flash of a smile. He prepared himself, sorting out what knowledge of English he had in his head. “Would you… mind if I camp here?”

“Oh, no! Of course not, fella. It’s always good ta have another fellow in a night like this.”

Roman dropped his satchel on the ground by the fire. It was nearly empty, with only his canteen and another set of uniform, still clean. He had left the military base in such hurry that he didn’t have time to bring enough with him. He’d made the mistake of leaving his weapons, too, which left him defenseless. Patton was quite the friendly man, even introducing Roman to his horse who had been lying on the ground, leaning against the tree.

“This beaut’ right here is Orchard. She’s been a friend o’ mine since I was a kid.”

“I know how to ride, but I never had one.” Roman approached the horse slowly, mindful not to step on her tail lest he get kicked back to Mexico. He stroked her mane gently, liking the feel of her thick hair under his fingers. “Do excuse me for barging into your camp.”

“Ay! Nonsense. Anyone’s welcome here, as long as yer not here to make troubles.”

Roman went back to where he sat, pulling his satchel closer. It was only thing he had left from his father. He had left everything else back in Spain before he was issued to move to Mexico. The life of a soldier was not an easy one, but Roman found he quite like it. He had many friends in the military, all from corporals to generals. Being a human magnet, it was no problem for him to find entertainment.

He laid down, resting his head on his satchel. The hours ticked by as he watched the stars migrate across the sky ever so slowly. He looked over where Patton laid curled against Orchard for warmth, breath steady with sleep. He will have to tell Patton who he is when morning comes. He was a man of honor and honesty, despite his crime. He would not want Patton to be in danger because he unknowingly familiarize himself with a fugitive of the Spanish military. All he expected was rejection and nothing else. He will have to wait and see.

**********

“Didcha have a plan?” Patton asked. It was dawn in the desert. The sky was a pale blue, almost white, and the dry air was chilly. The sun has yet to show itself.

Roman did have a plan: to get as far away from the military’s radar. If he was ever caught, heavens would know what will happen to him. Patton’s question brought an uneasy thought in his mind. He had yet to confess his identity to the friendly cowboy. He wasn’t quite sure what to do as he had just entered an unfamiliar territory.

“Uh, where exactly are we?” Roman asked, standing up and brushing away the dirt clinging to his pants. “I know it’s the south.”

“The wild west, pal! We’re in Texas.”

“Alright. Thank you for your hospitality,” Roman beamed and took a step back to leave. “It was a pleasure to meet you. I believe this is where we part.”

“Oh? So you do have a plan!” Patton interjected Roman’s farewell. He wasn’t ready to see this new stranger go. “Just an idea, but… ya mind if ya come with me? Good ta have some friend, amiright?”

Roman couldn’t believe his own ears. He blinked in confusion and hope. Having a companion in his trip to nowhere would certainly provide more protection. Especially without weapons or money, Patton could be a big help. His lips bloomed into a smile, wide and bright. His conscience, though, told him not to go. If Patton was to be in harm’s way because of him, Roman will not let that happen. He set his worries aside. He will be honest. He will be truthful. Though perhaps not now.

“It would be a pleasure. I did not know where to go either,” he admitted. “Thank you for your offer.”

“Good ta have ya, pal!” Orchard the horse was already waiting for her rider. She was tall, glossy black hair with a vaguely heart-shaped white spot on the chest. The perfect horse for a man with a heart like Patton. “Now, what did ya say about a horse?”

“Ah, wouldn’t it be easier if I had a horse, too? We would get to wherever we’re going faster.”

“Too bad, fella. I got no money on me.” Patton patted the pockets of his pants harshly, indicating their lack of content. “Can’t get ya one. That a’right withcha?”

“That’s alright with me. Shall we go then?”

“Course, buddy. Let’s wait til’ the sun says hello and then we’re off.”

Slowly, the pale blue sky shifted to a golden hue. The sun kissed the white puffy clouds so gently, painting them with its orange blaze. Warmth flooded the desert little by little, replacing the cold air of dawn. Soon, the scorching heat will return, but for now the warmth is welcome. Patton hopped onto his riding saddle, urging the mare to move. Roman walked quickly at their side, his satchel already in place on his shoulder. Not too long after, Roman will start complaining. He will complain about the heat and his aching legs. Patton will laugh and make jokes. The two move slowly across the desert to the coast, knowing not what they seek. Soon, Roman’s dramatics will be revealed and so will Patton’s lovable theatrics. In the middle of the desert, two men walked to the east.

Prologue Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8 Ch 9

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