Chapter 1

The journey of Shao, now the stuff of legends and children's tall tales, is the story of a hero. Most people know how his quest was spurred by the war between Iron Horse and the Lady of the Trees. Few people know that it was Dove, goddess of love and beauty, who smiled upon the man and cursed him, too. One moment of bliss followed by years of trouble. If he had only known, he would have run as fast as the wind would carry him from that town.

Instead, Shao now had a gun at his back. He knew that metallic click anywhere. He turned around slowly, not daring to move his hands from his staff, hoping the click wouldn't be the last sound he ever heard. 

He was a bit surprised at the identity of the gun's wielder. It was Lenn, a young man who had been barely a teen from that town over four months ago.

"You after the bounty?"

The kid shook his head. "Not that one, sir. This is private business. Mr. Shumway ain't too happy with you. Seems that pretty gal you were caught with was supposed to become his private companion."

Oh. So it was about that again. He wished it was just for the bounty. "Well, you have me. What now?"

"Pa's gonna lose his land if I don't bring you home, sir. Please come freely." 

"Can't do that. Sorry. I have an important job to do, and I am really behind schedule."

"If you won't come nicely, then I will drag you!" Lenn shot as he spoke, while Shao tried to deflect the gun's aim with his staff. Shao was not, of course, fast enough to deflect or dodge a bullet. He was no demi. It hit him in the chest with as much force as a horse's hoof powered by a locomotive. The force of it knocked him down, making him hit his head as he fell clumsily. He clawed at his chest as darkness seized him.