"... Are you sure about this plan?" asked Wesley.
For some introduction, this huge gentleman's name was Wesley Bennett. He was called 'Savage' Bennett. He was Wiley Sutton's, the leader of the Red Viper's gang, right-hand man. He was in his early twenties but due to his bear-like looks, he looked much older. Honestly, what did this guy eat growing up?
Now a young 19-year-old Glen stood beside him, on his horse, Jester.
"Of course I am sure. From what I heard, they are only carrying some simple clothing but it is just a guise to hide the money underneath them!" said Glen as he looked towards the merchant caravan making their way through the plains.
"Well... if you say so. MEN! Ride on! We are getting a big haul today! Big enough that some of you may even retire!" shouted Wesley and ran towards them with his own horse.
"YEAH!!!!!" The excitement shouted along with him and started to ride towards the caravan that looked like a giant piece of juicy meat in their eyes.
As the thirty-something gang approached the caravan, the guards noticed them and ordered the wagons to take a circular position.
*Phew*
A bullet rifle grazed Glen's ear.
These guards were professionals.
Normally, when they notice them riding, the caravans either would try to speed up and escape or stop and give them some toll after showing them the goods.
The fact that they were shooting at them without even trying to have a discussion meant that they really had a big juicy loot that we wouldn't let off.
Glen didn't shrink back.
If there was one thing he was not afraid of in this world. That would be a shooting duel!
He slowly stood up on top of his horse Jester. Now, normally, this would be a very stupid choice.
If you stood on top of your horse, it got harder for you to aim since you would most likely spend your attention on your balance. Not to mention the fact that it would make you a bigger target!
However, Glen was different because... he was the chosen one!
No, no, it's not because of a silly reason like that.
The real reason was much simpler.
He had an impeccable aim and didn't have trouble balancing on his horse so-
*Bang*
One of the guards aiming between the wagons fell forward.
It was easier for him to aim this way.
*Bang* *Ba-dump*
As another guard fell forward Glen could hear his heartbeat.
It was beating in excitement.
Yes!
This is the life he was longing for deep inside his heart.
A life filled with excitement!
*Bang* *Bang*
Two more guards fell forward thanks to Glen's rifle.
*Ba-dump* *Ba-dump*
He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins.
More!
He wanted more!
*Bang* *Bang* *Bang*
Three more fell forward!
HAHAHAHAHA!!!
*Ba-dump* *Ba-dump* *Ba-dump*
Let there be a river of blood here tonight!
Wait a minute!
Why do the wagons look much bigger-
F*CK!!
In his excitement, Glen forgot to steer his horse Jester, who suddenly turned left to avoid a collision.
Now, Jester, that was fine and all.
I mean you saved your own skin... but what about me you ungrateful b*stard! Glen thought to himself as he flew through the air, right inside the caravan's encirclement!
*Bang*
360 no scope!
Glen took down another guard as he tumbled on the ground.
The guards were looking at him in confusion and Glen was also doing the same.
Then he grabbed the closest person and took him hostage.
"Drop your guns if you want her to live!" Glen shouted towards the guards who were pointing their guns at him.
"Pl-please, I will give you whatever you want. Just don't hurt my daughter. I am begging you" said a man who looked to be in his forties.
"Don't worry, I wouldn't hurt such a fair lady" said Glen as he kissed the girl's bright red hair that was like a ruby. He could see her blushing in his arms.
She started to fan her face that was now as red as a tomato.
"Drop your guns now!" Glen shouted once again.
*Thud* *Thud* *Thud* *Thud* -
"Can you let go of my daughter now, please?" asked the worried father.
Jackpot!
The lady luck was smiling at him again. He had grabbed the caravan leader's daughter. Of course, they would drop their weapons.
"Next, open up the encirclement and let my brothers in!" Glen demanded once again.
***
Glen got out of one of the wagons while bucking his belt. Inside, laid a girl, nay a woman, on pure bliss.
"You done?" asked Wesley as he seen him coming out.
"Yeah, what's the haul?" Glen asked after fixing his shirt. He had to make sure he looked good for the ladies.
"More than you can imagine. They weren't carrying money but gold! Solid bars of gold! Eight wagons. They were transporting it to Fort Klein. We messed with the government. Hopefully, they won't send the army after us but even if they do who cares! We are rich now!" said Wesley like an excited little kid. It was gross to see such a bear-looking man act like he was on cloud nine.
Still, he was right!
They were rich!
With this much money, even their grandchildren's grandchildren would be rich!
So, Glen and his gang left the caravan with the now useless wagons, food and some water. With this much supplies they should be able to make it to the next town without any problems. He took their guns though.
He was a man of his word. He had promised that those who surrendered and his daughter would be safe and they were.
They were outlaws, not savages... well, except for Wesley of course!
From this day forward, the name 'Scourge of the Red Plains' would ring throughout the USA.
***
Glen and the gang were drinking in the saloon, having fun with pr*stitudes when someone came and whispered in his ears.
He suddenly had a frown on his face.
Why now?
This was such a jolly occasion. Why did it have to be today? If he could hang on for some more, he would finally be treated and get healthy.
The one that whispered in Glen's ear was the doctor.
He had told him that Wiley wouldn't make it through the night and asked him to his bedside.
Glen rushed out of the saloon.
When he arrived he could see the life slowly draining away from Wiley's eyes.
"You are here kid? Hold my hand. I can't see very well now" said Wiley as he lifted his hand.
Glen didn't say anything and just grabbed it tightly.
"Haha *Cough* ha! Such a strong grip. When I picked you up that day, I never would have imagined you would have grown up to be such a fine young lad *Cough*" said Wiley amidst his coughs.
Glen could only laugh bitterly at that. He never forgot that day.
It was a funny day.
Because-
"I still remember how you pointed your gun at me and asked me to hand over my horse" said Wiley.
"*Chuckle* Yes, I was such an idiot back then..." said Glen.
"No, you were not. You were brave. Do you know what the funny part is? I actually felt death coming for my neck back there. My mind told me, it was impossible for me to die at the hands of a such weak little boy, but my heart was telling me otherwise. We know why now, don't we?"
"Don't kid with me. I might be a good shot but I still don't think I can beat THE Wiley 'Hollow' Sutton" said Glen while laughing at himself.
Seriously, what was he thinking back then?
"No need to sugar coat it kid. We both *Cough* know that you surpassed me long ago. You were like a little sponge. Whatever I thought, you would drink it and never spit it out" Wiley reminisced about the past as he laughed.
"Well, I might be a TINY bit better than you. Just a tiny bit though"
"Doc!" shouted Wiley.
"Yes, Wiley?" asked the doctor. Ready to hear his words.
"Stand witness to my last will. From this day forward, I leave the Red Viper's Gang in Glen's hands. He will be leading them henceforth"
"What? No! I can't!" said Glen in a hurry.
He didn't want to be burdened by such a thing. His goal was to lead a free life on the back of his horse.
"Don't! I know that you are scared but I believe in you. You are the person most suited for this position" said Wiley as he comforted Glen.
"What about Wesley?"
"Bah! That idiot only has a block of wood for a brain. He might be good at following orders but he would never be able to lead the gang"
"I... okay! I will try... just because you asked. But don't curse at me from hell when you see me fail" said Glen with a self-deprecating laugh.
He didn't want any burdens.
But if it's for them.
If it's together with his family, he felt like he could finally hatch from his shell.
"So... watch me, you vile old man! Watch me and cheer me on!"
*Drip*
Glen said amidst tears dripping from his eyes.
That was the day Wiley 'Hollow' Sutton died.
It was also the day legend of 'Night Rider' started.