Kepa felt a sudden stab of pain shoot through his chest. Panic rose as he felt another as something slammed into his chest. Were more bullets ripping through his body? Again, he felt something smash against his chest. Was Donny standing over him, emptying his gun into Kepa’s mangled body? He opened his eyes. Maite […]

Donny slowly slid off his saddle, his boots stirring up a small cloud of dust when they hit the dry ground. His horse was panting hard and frothing at the mouth, but Donny paid it no heed. His attention was focused on Kepa and Maite, who stood just behind him. “I admit,” said Donny as […]

“Lagundu!” cried Kepa as he barreled into town a few hours later, Santi slumped against him as he tried to guide the exhausted horse down the road toward the Noriega. “Help!” It was late at night and most lights were out. Even so, a few weary souls came rushing out of the Noriega as Kepa […]

Donny screamed, his hands covering his face as the bright light shooting from Kepa’s hand blinded him.  Kepa rushed over to Santi, who was staring at him with wide eyes. “Sorgina!” exclaimed the older Basque. “Witch!” he said as he trembled and cowered away from Kepa’s reach. “I’m no witch!” yelled Kepa as he tried […]

Torch in hand, Kepa walked to the sheep wagon. He stood there a moment before opening the door. Inside, he could see the simple bed and the belongings they stored there. He held up the torch. “Ez!” cried Santi. “No!” Kepa looked over and saw the older herder nearly in tears as he clutched his […]

“What about us?” hissed Kepa, his anger barely contained. Though he had mostly hated his time up in the hills, he had still grown attached to his life there, even to Santi and the sheep if he were honest with himself. “Don’t you worry,” answered Donny. “I’ve got plans for you. And your girl ain’t […]

Donny dismounted from his horse and walked forward until his face was illuminated by the last remaining flames of the fire. Santi had his gun at hand the whole time, not directly pointing it at the cowboy, but aiming it in his general direction. Donny seemed not to notice. The other two remained on their […]

Months passed and Kepa had still seen no sign of the zatia. He had resigned himself to his routine of tending the camp. The only reprieve was when Dominique stopped by with supplies. The two of them had struck up a genuine friendship. To be honest, Dominique was the first iparraldetar that Kepa had really […]

The next few weeks at the boarding house seemed a blur. Every day was the same: get up, have a quick bite and some coffee, prepare breakfast for the boarders, clean the rooms, prepare lunch, and take a small break before having to get ready for dinner. Most of the faces were the same, and […]

Dominique returned after a few hours, beating Santi to camp. Maite got back on her horse and waved goodbye.  “It was good seeing you Kepa,” she said. “If I get another day off, I’ll try to come back.” “I’d like that,” said Kepa as he gave an overly dramatic kiss to the back of her […]