LENNIE GET YOUR GUN

There exists a parallel universe with a planet named mearth which is a replica of mother earth. My story is set in a region of Mearth named Fornia. Fornia is flatland with sparse rain but is mineral rich. The indigenous people of Fornia are known as Redskins who have their own culture, laws and history. Redskins, both men and women are fierce warriors. When people called Whites arrived from across the seas they got a hostile reception from Redskins. However Whites learnt to live uneasily with Redskins. When gold was found in a cave under flowing water, the migration of Whites to Fornia increased.  While Whites used guns for offence and defense Redskins only had bows, arrows and axes. Whites would always move with multiple guns in holsters around the waist with extra ammunition carried strung to their belts. The law of the gun prevailed which was to coerce people.

The preferred mode of transport within towns in Fornia was horse back for both Whites and Redskins. However movement between towns was by horse drawn carriages called stage coaches. While law had been laid down, the threat of the gun forced infringements and obeisance. Those who violated law were thrown out and called outlaws whose numbers swelled. As migration of Whites  into Fornia increased gambling dens multiplied and so did bars. Single women found their way in attracted by the prosperity of the frontiers folk.

One of the prosperous towns in Fornia was Felt. It was practically run by Branch a handsome young man. He had pioneered inn keeping in Felt opening his own inn Goldstar. Goldstar provided for stay, food to eat, liquor to drink and a gambling den. Dance shows came to the inn through the young dancer known as Queen. This added entertainment and drew large crowds increasing  Branch’s prosperity. Branch lived in his house nearby with his young good-looking wife Leena. He had appointed her to manage the inn.

That afternoon Branch reached his home and dismounted from his horse which was led away by the ostler. When he went in Leena said “You’re late. What happened?”

“The liquor being brought to Goldstar was waylaid by Redskins and we’ve lost a part of it. I was trying to find out which of the Redskins was responsible, As usual I had a name ‘Bright Arrow’ but there are so many with the same name. I asked around. Sometimes the driver of the vehicle carrying the liquor is in cahoots with Redskins. But I had no luck”

“So it was again a problem due to Redskins.”

“Redskins have to be put down using brutal force though they terrorize us with their machetes and axes. I’ve no doubt a reserve of outlaws who can join me in hunting down Redskins but their number is insufficient as there are many more Redskins than Whites.”

“But my brother Dag trusts them. He uses them in his cattle farm besides for defense. You know Redskin Kich-lu is Dag’s aide. He trusts him fully.”

Dag was a cattle farmer in a town Ordel is not far away and could be easily reached in a few hours by stage coach.

She laughed and added “He only uses them but doesn’t trust them.” She said “I’ve problems of Goldstar to discuss with you. Ever since Queen made her debut we’ve more guests. The rooms we have aren’t enough. You said there was enough open space beside the inn where we could put up rooms but you’ve done nothing about it.”

Branch said “She is good and crowds will increase. But we need capital to invest on rooms. Perhaps your brother who is more prosperous could invest. Why don’t you sound him?”

She nodded and said “Queen is now in one of Goldstar’s rooms. She wants a separate quarter to live in. I think you’ve forgotten about the matter.”

He said “No. I haven’t forgotten. I spoke to the Sheriff who owns two houses. He wanted time to think about letting out one of them to us. I’ll ask him again.”

Actually Leena was fishing to know how he felt about Queen. She said “She dances well no doubt but exposes herself.”

He laughed and said “That is what the audience wants to see.”

“You’re one of those!”

“What is wrong?”

She was angry as she said “You can’t keep looking at what she shows when I’m here.”

He was also angry as he said “If you create a problem on account of her I’ll push you out.”

She challenged “Try it.”

He said “I’m ordering you now. Get out and stay out. I have had enough of you.”

She at once packed her bags and got off to catch the stage coach to Ordel where her brother Dag lived. Reaching her brother‘s house she said “Branch has thrown me out. You must take action.”

Dag asked “Do you want me to kill him or only punish him?”

She thought a moment and said “I’ve guns and you know I’m a good shot. I’ll join you in punishing Branch.”

“Alright. I’ll marshal my troops. May be in a day or two we could complete the action.”

Branch knew Leena was vengeful and got his spies ready to snoop on her and Dag. The report he got was disquieting: Leena with Dag and Redskins would soon march on Felt. He now had second thoughts about having ejected Leena. Would her brother give him the coup de grace? No! Not when I’m armed. I won’t attack but will defend myself. I’ll get my outlaws ready. Let us see.

The news of war between the two groups spread and people of Felt started staying indoors.

Dag, Kich-lu and assorted Whites and Redskins marched with Leena on Felt. Branch was also ready with his staff and outlaws. Leena marched on Goldstar and seized Queen easily as there was little resistance. Leena said “Queen get out of here.”

Her reply was coarse to say she had spent a night with him and he was happy. “Why should I go?”

Leena blindly put a bullet through Queen’s head. As Dag was about to move on Branch, Kich-Lu – a renegade -turned against his boss. In the fight Dag was killed. Leena now took control of her brother’s forces herself. She shot a couple of Redskin mutineers and some of them fled. Leena led her men and advanced on Branch.

By now the Sheriff’s forces were ready. Leena moved in on Branch. His outlaws had fled. When Leena neared Branch he said “I know you won’t kill me. Remember the good times we have had.”

“You remember the good time you had bedding Queen. The strumpet boasted about her cleft having satisfied you despite my sleeping with you so many times. Go where she has gone. Be quick on the draw.”

By the time he could reach his holster she had killed him. When last heard Leena had become an outlaw with no possibility of becoming a citizen any more.

END