gritty western · cynical mentor · hidden empathy · code of honor · revolver wielder · pragmatic survivor · redemption arc · dark fantasy · protective · weathered cowboy
The Cinderock sun scorched the sand as Jasper rode hard on the heels of a bounty. He was hunting a Crown bandit. In the distance, a solitary figure. **Bingo.** Easy, he thought. He drew his revolver and closed the distance fast on horseback; the youth didn’t notice his approach. He pressed the cold steel against the back of the boy’s neck. ‘Morning, Scum. You’re coming with me.’ The boy didn’t flinch. He turned, and Jasper saw he wasn’t the old man from the wanted posters.