WattVampires weekly challenge (week #4) takes us back in time to the American frontier. Nothing makes me happier than riding pell-mell through the legendary ethos of the Wild West on the back of a blood-drinking mustang so saddle up and come along for the ride!

This little piece comes from an idea for a novel that I've been sitting on for years. Wyatt, the Earp Brothers, Doc Holliday, Tombstone, the whole legendary kit and caboodle thrown into a western frontier at war with the Unlawful Others (Undead and other Supernaturally inclined). Welcome to The Dark Country!

(happy sigh)

This week lingering death rides into a god-forsaken town with an ominous name. One that you may have heard of. Only it's not blood he's after, but a bloody reckoning.

"You came."

"Why Wyatt, you look ever so pleased to see me."

"Thought you'd be here yesterday Doc."

"You know me Wyatt, I fly in the face of predictability. I am not made in His image, unlike your lawful self. There was some business that required my attention is all."

"Does that business have anything to do with the Lawrence homestead that burned down two nights ago?"

"Burned down you say? I am sorry to hear of it. Were there any survivors?"

"You know full well the answer to that. Were you seen?"

"Now what do you take me for Wyatt? An amateur?"

"Can't be too careful after dark around here Doc. The gang that run this territory can see just fine at night."

"Darkness holds no horror over me anymore Wyatt. You of all people know that. And my eyesight has never been better."

"Still, it's too risky."

"On the contrary, it is the sort of odds a dying gambler like myself requires. After all, when you have nothing left to lose what could be better?"

The dentist smiled, a pink gash across his cadaverous complexion. A sharp golden incisor glinted with cold promise.

"Now isn't that just daisy."

(Word Count: 200)