It wasn't easy, parting from Tilly after the three-way showdown with Foreman. But he had someone to kill, which was why he brought his Carcano Rifle with him. The rifle that would now kill Thomas Downes. For just a moment, he released the demon.
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His purpose was clear, protect the chosen one. To that end, he was called upon to do away with a man of Pestilence. The rifle in his hands would do the job, his fires would burn the Pestilence out of the man and the life. He lacked the eyes, but saw in other ways and as he lined up his shot, he pulled the trigger, the round struck true and it burned the man of pestilence from the inside out.
Now if only his host would -
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Sealing the Demon back behind the wall, Reiner took a few steadying breaths, watching through the scope as Thomas Downes' wife and son, Edith and Archie, rushed out to find him dead.
With the black lung dead, it was time to go to Valentine and return home.
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Contrary to popular belief and what was shown in the game. The trains actually transported Horses, assuming you were rich enough or had a Marshals Badge your horse could ride in the stable car. So after paying ten dollars for his ticket and forty dollars for his horse to be transported in a private stall, he took a seat in the corner booth and ordered himself some bacon and fried eggs, some black coffee, some Venison, a cigar and some cake.
His mask and attire unnerved some people, but the serving staff insisted he wear it after he pulled it down a little bit and they saw his scars.
''Must you wear that mask?'' He looked up and imagine his surprise when he saw Bartholomew Braithwaite.
An old adversary.
Not that the inbred bastard knew it.
''I wear this mask for the comfort of everyone else. My wounds at Bolger Glade during the Battle of Scarlett Meadows are a tad unsightly. A cannon of the confederacy exploded near me, friendly fire, two men beside me took the brunt of the explosion, but I still caught a lot of shrapnel in the face.'' He explained, pulling his mask down just a touch, to show Bartholomew some of the scarring.
''My father fought there, maybe you knew him? Major Silas Cassius Braithwaite?'' Bartholomew said, taking a seat at his table, and Reiner handed him a Cigar and some Bourbon.
''Only from afar I'm afraid. Shortly before the ttle battle, General Quincy learned about some deserters who were trying to defect to the Union. So Captain Elias Braxton commanded my squad to bring the General their heads and the heads of the union soldiers if any were to be found. We found them alright, pinned the lead bastard to the tree and left his rifle there. That's when the canon fire started. We rushed back, and as we were approaching the general's position some idiot thought it would be a good idea to turn two cannons at a certain angle and fire simultaneously. The cannonballs collided too close to the Canon ahead of them and prematurely triggered the black powder causing a massive explosion.'' Says Reiner. ''After the Battle, General Quincy gave me a battlefield promotion. I declined. If I was going to be promoted, it would be for taking the head of someone from the enemy's leadership.''
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Everything he said to Bartholomew was true up until a point. His injuries were acquired at Bolger Glade during the Battle of Scarlett Meadows. He was sent after deserters, and he was following instructions by General Quincy. Because Quincy was a Union turncoat, and he sent those deserters to deliver important intelligence to the Union. Colonel Lourdes - the commander of the Iron Brigade detachment sent to reinforce the regiments sent to Lemoyne - tasked him with retrieving this intelligence and dealing with the couriers and any pursuers. Unfortunately it'd been years since he'd been in that region of Lemoyne, so by the time they'd tracked the deserters down, the battle had started.
They'd rushed ahead intending to extract General Quincy, but the artillery captain on their side decided to start aiming at the Confederate artillery which was how he got his injuries. So it had been due to friendly fire.
In the end he and Bartholomew Braithwaite had parted amicably, sharing a drink to the Fallen. Bartholomew extended an invitation to him to visit him at Braithwaite Manor, promising to show him his father's memorial.
And now after he'd picked a package up at the Post office earlier,
under the covers of the Morning sun just rising as he left the backdoor of the Hotel, wearing an outfit that would give many a man, some Assassin's Creed Rogue vibes.
LeMat and Navy Revolver at his side, Evans Repeater and Carcano Rifle behind him and Pistols hidden at his back. He was riding his horse towards Caliga Hall.
General Tavish had always been an early riser, so with luck the old racist fuck would be awake already.
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''What do you want?'' He spared the Grey a glance.
''My name is Captain Edward James Reiner. Medal of Honor recipient, Union Army Retired. I served under General Tavish Grey for four years before transferring to the 1st United States Sharpshooters. I'd like to speak with the General regarding an end to the Braithwaite family.'' Slowly respect rose in the eyes of the two Grey's.
Respect, but suspicion lingered.
''Stay here, we'll find out just how real this is.'' The second Grey guard replied.
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''It's been a long time, Captain Reiner.'' General Tavish said, greeting him.
''It has General. Nearly twenty years. But I have an opportunity, that will bring me into conflict with those Braithwaites, and when it does my men will descend upon Braithwaite operations. We will destroy the Lemoyne Raiders, and we will also force the Braithwaite's to the peace table. Only it will be a Red Banquet.''
''You never minced words, not in all the time you served under me. I'll admit that I wouldn't be opposed if the Braithwaite's choked on their food. What do you need from me?'' General Tavish asked.
''Three things. I intend to purchase Clemens Coast, Clemens Point, Clemens Cove, and Radley's pasture. Eventually Clemens Point will house my men, serving as a camp. It's close enough to Rhodes that we can easily resupply, and it's within spitting distance of Braithwaite Manor. The first thing I need is for you to arrange a meeting with a real estate man, allowing me to buy the land.'' He explained.
''Easily arranged.'' Says Tavish.
''Thank you General. Second thing I'll need is Sheriff Grey to deputise my men and I when we target Braithwaite operations and the Lemoyne Raiders. Gives us some legitimacy in the eyes of the government and people. The third thing I'll need is access to high quality tobacco. At least twelve crates stuffed to bursting.'' Says Reiner.
''Leigh will be prepared to deputize you when the time comes. Tobacco is a little bit harder, but if you can wait a while it will be provided to you. A small price to pay for the end of the Braithwaite's.'' Says the General.
''It'll be at least a month, maybe longer before I strike at the Braithwaite's. So you'll have time General. In the meantime I have a gift for you, sir. If you follow me to my horse, I'll give it to you.'' He told the old warhorse.
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''God damn, that's one fine stallion.'' General Tavish said gazing upon Bucephalus. ''Arabian, right?''
''Yes, General. Bucephalus was living around Lake Isabella in Ambarino. Caught him, broke him, saddled him. Put him out to stud fairly often, fifty dollars per breeding. But that's not why I asked you to follow me, General.'' Reiner said, approaching his horse, and reaching into the saddlebags. He pulled some bottles of his shine out and handed them to Grey.
''This is our best recipe yet, purest yet too for that matter. I think you'll find it's leagues above that Braithwaite swill.'' Reiner said, passing a glass to the General as well.
General Tavish took a sip and moaned/grunted.
''I'll have to keep these away from my brother, he might just turn fully useless otherwise.'' General Tavish responded.
''As you like, General. With your permission, I'd like to call it TavishReserve.'' Said Reiner.
''Go right ahead, Captain Reiner. You've turned into a fine young man. Your mother would be proud of you.'' Said General Tavish.
''Maybe… Regardless, I'm afraid I must take my leave General, I have a meeting in Saint Denis in a couple of hours. When it's time, I'll have a message sent saying four words: The time has come. Watch for it, and the end times will be coming for the Braithwaite family.'' He saluted General Grey one last time, before mounting Bucephalus, and riding off.
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(Author's Note:)
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Originally, I was going to cover the hunting and collection in this chapter, but Tavish Grey and Bartholomew Braithwaite took up more of the chapter than I expected. So we'll cover part of that and Tavish's reaction next chapter as well as hopefully some other stuff.
Also, we revealed the legal name of Reiner Stark in this chapter. Captain Edward James Reiner. Little earlier than originally intended, but I realized that I needed to set things up earlier than expected.
I'll see you guys at the next chapter.
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