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There was a time when there was dirt before pavement, horses before cars, the rough and tough outlaws were only matched by the persistence of their pursuers, and the Native Americans just want to live their lives in peace.

The year is 1884 in a forgotten town in southern Wyoming. It was a small town where travelers can pass through or stay for the night before moving on the next day. During all hours of everyday, the cattle could be seen grazing at a nearby ranch, the powerful mountains dominate the west and east horizons, and two tribes of anthropomorphic wolves, a ways to the north and south, have had a bitter rivalry since before the town was born. The bad blood between the tribes has made the passersby scarce from fear that they might come into town even though their fights were well out of sight from them.

"We can't take much more of this!" Mayor John Maxim announced in his office. "Something has got to be done about those damn wolves!" He hammers his desk in frustration in front of the town's sheriff.

"Calm down, Mayor. I know," the sheriff said. "We can always pack up and go east out of the mountains."

"We ain't leavin'! Look out this windah." He points with his thumb over his shoulder to the window. The sheriff looks out to see a pristine valley untouched by man. Mountains could be seen clearly from miles away. A wave grass could be seen as it was kissed by a light gust of wind. The trees swayed in rhythm with the wind as it blew. "These glorious mountains, the vast fields, the clean air. This place is paradise. I'm getting word from the rancher that his livestock are even lovein' it here. He said that they are normally afraid of other people but anyone that visits over there are getting bumped by the cows because they're trying to say hello."

"I still don't get what yer tryin' to say. Why do we have to stay?"

"Progress, my friend. If we leave this place someone else will eventually come along and take it."

The sheriff sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Well, if yer going to be so damn stubborn about it let me put it this way. I see us having three options. One: We can leave. But you, obviously, ain't gonna budge on that. Two: We could make peace with them. Make some kinda treaty with them. Or three: We can try to gun them all down. The last two options seam quite unlikely seeing as we can't get close to there camp sights or speak their language and no one around here is gonna wanna help. If I go out there by myself I may as well put my own gun to my head and pull the trigger."

"Make peace with them..." Maxim closed his eyes as he sat down at his desk and thought about the concept. "We just need one... We just need one to talk to."

Outside, a man staggers out of the saloon with his coat hanging off his shoulders and a bottle of Jack Daniels in his hand. His hat was lop-sided on his head. He swayed left and right as he tried to walk down the street back home. He loses his balance and catches himself on a corner of a building. As he leaned against the wall to take a swig of whisky a horse came up to him. He looks up and tries to make out the person riding it when he spoke.

"Ch...Chief. Y...Your chief."

The man's eyes started to focus better but what he saw he still couldn't believe. He rubbed eyes hard thinking that the whole night of drinking with his friends caught up with him which was why he had just woken up at the saloon. He opened his eyes again to be looking at a large black horse with a grey wolf in the saddle, and a young one at that.

"P...Please, y...your ch...chief," the wolf strained again. It was amazing that he even knew the language.

"Lord Almighty," the drunk said now sober. He looked this young wolf-man over. His furred torso had well toned muscles with massive and narrow scars meaning he had seen his fair share of fights. The long hair on his head was held in place by his headband that had hawk feathers on either side of his head next to his ears leaning back. He looked like something that came out of a fairytale. The man shook his head from his daze and pointed to a building that was the same size as most of the other buildings across the dusty street that was city hall. "Our 'chief' is right over there." The wolf turned his horse around and guided it to where the man pointed.

As he left to see the mayor, the man shook his head and said to himself, "I ain't drinkin' whisky out the bottle again." He straightened his hat, coat, and stance and walked home with a look like he was three steps short of getting hit by lightning.

"Making peace with them is damn near impossible!" the sheriff shouted. "There is no way we can even understand what each other is saying."

"Then let's take one of them and teach it our language." The mayor was suddenly interrupted by a slow knock at the door. "Damn it! Will you chase him off?"

The sheriff went up to the door. "The mayor is in a meeting right now. Come back later." He was about to walk back to the desk when the person knocked again. "Listen..." He opened the door to find a wolf on the other side. "Shit! A wolf!" He reached across his body for his gun but was too slow for the young native as his arm was caught before he could draw it from its holster and felt the cold edge of a hunting knife against his throat. A bead of sweat rolled down the side of his face as he stood there looking into the wolf's amber eyes.

"No... f...fight. M...make p...peace," the native said. The look in his eyes was serious but radiated strongly with purity. Slowly, he brought his knife back to its leather case at his side and let go of the sheriff's arm.

"Let him in, Sheriff," the mayor said. "If he wanted to kill us he would have done it in a second. He just might be the one we've been waiting for." The sheriff stepped back to let the strange native in. "Please, have a seat. Do you have a name? My name is John Maxim. I'm the mayor, or chief, here." The sheriff looked out the door to see if anyone was around to listen in before he finally shut the door.

"Shonof. L...Lan...guage... not... good."

"Your speech isn't good? Don't worry about it. Now, what can I do for you? You said something about makin' peace?"

Shonof nodded his head at the word "peace". "Want... peace withWhiteMan."

"Well, Shonof, you are a very brave young man for taking the first step. I also want peace for the people here because they are scared of you. Do you understand?" Shonof nodded again with guilt in his eyes. "We were scared of the fact that if we try to approach you, your people would kill us."

"Never!" he snapped. "Love nature, love friends."

"Which way did you come from?"

He points to the north. "We love." He then points to the south. "Love fighting. Claim everything. They cause fear."

"We can relate." He points past Shonof to the west. "Our problem is a group of bad men out that way that come around and cause trouble fer us. But enough about that. What can I do to help you make peace?"

"Live with you." The mayor was taken aback while the sheriff nearly lost his balance at what he said.

"You want to... live here? With us?" Shonof nodded.

"Will that even be possible, Mayor?" the sheriff asked straightening himself.

"I was a little surprised by his request, but I think we can pull it off." Shonof's face lit up. "I think it'll be an interesting experiment. If it works, it'll benefit everyone."

The sheriff brushed his thick mustache as he thought. "Well, I'm a little worried about the other tribe. If they knew he was here..."

"Hmm. I see what you mean. Well, Shonof?"

He gave the mayor the look of a native warrior. "N...No fear."

The mayor smacked his desk in approval. "Excellent! We'll also arrange a teacher for you to teach you how to speak our language better." He stood and offered his hand to shake. "Let's work hard for a better sunrise." Shonof looked at his hand with a questioned look. The sheriff went his right side and lifted his arm so their hands would meet. The feeling of his first handshake put Shonof's mind at ease. Any doubts he had about the white men were pushed out of his mind as he felt the mayor's sincerity and hope flow into him through their joined hands.

"If I were you," the sheriff spoke up, "I would go home so I could tell my family what happened. We'll set up the arrangements while you're gone."

Shonof finally let go of the mayor's hand and walked to the door. He turned around with a smile and waved goodbye as he stepped out.

"Do you really think we can pull this off?" the sheriff asked as he and Maxim watched Shonof get on his horse and rode north to his home.

"Who knows? I think it sounds kinda interesting. But if things don't work out, we have him to get us close enough to them."

***

I cannot wait to tell Father, Shonof thought as he rode. He'll be so proud.

This thought comforted Shonof as he rode back to the village, but in the back of his mind, he couldn't help but worry. He feared the peace process might not be as easy as it seemed. But he didn't let it bother him as he rode the familiar path home. Trotting through the pin pricks of light that shone through the leaves was calming, and it harmonized with the breeze rustling the trees. The grass flowed like water, and the white tips of the mountains completed the landscape. He could see smoke in the distance and smell the sweet incense, a sign that the elders were meeting with his father, the chief. As he came up to the edge of his village, his close friend Rohaka, a brown wolf, strutted up to him with his usual overly-prideful atmosphere about him. He held a hunting knife fresh with blood in one hand and a wild rabbit in the other.

"It's about time you got back, Shonof," he yelled in his native tongue. "The village was starting to wonder if you were attacked and slain by the white men."

Shonof, in an accomplished mood, calmly retorted, "Ah, Rohaka, if you can not defeat me, do you think a white man could come close?"

Rowhaka sneered and walked away. The thought of his father's pride in his son was overwhelming, and he anticipated the warm welcome. He dismounted his horse and continued his slow pace through the village. He passed by a circle of young women weaving baskets and preparing hides. They smiled at him and he smiled back, feeling a great increase of confidence and maturity. As he closed in on the elder's teepee, he patiently waited for the meeting to end, excited to see his father. The low murmurs had stopped and his older brother Shoka and father, also grey wolves, emerged from the tent in a cloud of smoke, his father wearing the traditional head dress and furs of a chief. Their father looked at Shonof with a look of responsibility and commitment, but also with regret and sadness.

"Father, I have just returned from the white man's village. I have met with their chief, and they have agreed to take me in as an ambassador for our tribe," stated Shonof.

"I see," mumbled the chief. "Gather around," he announced to their village, "a decision has been made about this attempted alliance with the white people."

Shonof held his head high with the sense of accomplishment and knew that he had truly impressed his father with the nobility in which he had carried out his task.

"Let it be known," he proclaimed to the village, "that prince Shonof will be an outcast for as long as he stays with the white men." The whole village gasped at his statement. "If he wants to forge peace, so be it then. It is his worry, not ours, and we will have no part of it."

Shonof was in shock. His knees trembled under him as the reverberation of his father's words rang through his ears. He felt dizzy and quickly gave in to the urge to drop to his knees.

"Father, I did this for the tribe!" he trembled. "I did this so there would be no more conflict between us and the white men, so we could live in harmony. I tried to make you proud, yet you cast me out like I am nothing more than a tattered hide?"

His mother emerged from behind the chief with a loving smile on her face, but her eyes were fresh with tears.

"Do not worry, Shonof," she whispered. "Your father is only doing what the elders told him to do. We will welcome you home at anytime, even if you are visiting. You have no idea how much it pains him to carry out this deed."

He looked at his father again and knew his mother was right. A single tear rolled down his aging fur, and his eyes sent signals of love for his son. Shonof knew everything was well in his heart, and that he should not further the conversation.

"I also believe in you, Shonof," Shoka said putting a hand on his brother's shoulder. "The whole village supports you. The elders are just old fools."

"Thank you, Brother. That means a lot to me. I will leave immediately."

Without another word, he gathered up his short spear, dagger, hunting knife, and ceremonial necklace from his teepee. As he mounted his horse, women gave him gifts of food and clothing, which he tied onto his pack. He will return someday, and he will be a hero. As he rode off, he couldn't help but wonder if it was truly worth it. He had just been exiled by the elders, in order to take a chance on the word of the white people's chief.

"Good luck, Brother!" shouted Shoka.

I will not return until I am successful, he thought. The elders will accept me again when they see how capable I am as a leader. I won't let my family live with the shame of having an exile as a son._ _

***

As he rode into town, the sun setting behind him, he saw the sheriff and the mayor patiently waiting outside city hall.

"Welcome back, Show-off, or She-cough, or whatever it is," said the sheriff cheerfully. Shonof was a little offended, but he knew the sheriff meant no harm.

"M-my...name...Shonof," he stuttered in English. He had no problem trying to understanding the language, but learning to speak it was a nightmare.

"Take it easy, I was just playin'." He looked in his eyes to see them filled with sorrow. "Are you alright there, son?"

Shonof shook his head. "C...cast out."

"Oh Lord, they threw you out? Oh well. I guess that covers our problem with the other tribe. Let this be your first lesson: Learn to move on."

"That's right," said the mayor. "From now on, the people of this town will be your family." The words of his voice calmed Shonof down some. "I'll be announcing you to town before nightfall in tonight's town meeting. Until then, the sheriff here will teach you about the town." Shonof nodded. He turned to his horse and spoke to it in his native tongue not to wander far.

The sheriff led Shonof down the one street that showed off the whole town.

This village is as big as mine, Shonof thought. Even if he stood at one end of the town he could make out every building. A general store stood at the center of the town on the right side with a clock over the sign and it doubled as the town's bank. The town's saloon stood on the opposite of the store with a few rooms on the second floor to stay at overnight. A doctor's office and pharmacy was built right next to it for medical reasons and the occasional hangovers. Even City Hall was small as it sat next door to the store with the sheriff's office attached to it. The rest of the seven buildings were homes for the citizens.

"I know what you're thinking," the sheriff said as they reached the other side of town. "How can I word this? We've been here since before the snow fell this year and because of our fear we haven't had the opportunity to grow." Shonof looked further ahead to see the wooden fencing of the ranch and tilted his head in curiosity. The sheriff saw this and took out his watch. "I was hoping to get to something else before the mayor's big announcement, but I think we squeeze in a visit to the ranch."

When they arrived, Shonof sat on the fence and the sheriff leaned against it watching the livestock as they grazed. A cow walked up to them and nudged her head under Shonof's arm and he started to pet her.

"Amazing, isn't it?" the sheriff asked. "Normally these animals are too scared to come near us. But after coming here they can finally relax." Suddenly, Shonof jumped off and walked into the field. "I wouldn't do that! There's a bull out there that's real protective around here." Too late. They both heard the bull bellowing and turned in his direction.

The brown bull stared at the young native as it stood there. His horns were very sharp as he took good care of them to protect his home. He dug one of his hooves into the ground and lowered his head as if to say "prepare yourself, trespasser."

"I do not wish to harm you, great one," Shonof said in his native tongue. As if on cue, the bull charged him.

Just as the bull was in range to where Shonof couldn't escape, he sprang in the air and the bull passed under him. He gave his body a quick twist and landed on the ground facing the bull. He turned around and snorted in protest as he charged again. Shonof turned around quickly and flipped backwards grabbing the bull by both his horns and settled on his back riding him.

The sheriff looked on in shock at Shonof's stunt. The rancher came by to see what all the commotion was about and saw the whole event take place. They watched as the native, having a firm hold on the horns, calmed the bull down.

The rancher rubbed his eyes in disbelief. "Sheriff, tell me I did not just see my Bruno get manhandled by a wolf-man."

"Sorry. But it really doesn't surprise me all that much." Shonof guided the bull over to where the sheriff and rancher stood. "You done, Shonof? We need to git." He nodded as he jumped off Bruno and pets him over his head before hopping over the fence.

Shonof turned back to Bruno and spoke in his native language again. "Protect your home well, my friend."

When they came back to town the sheriff brought Shonof a few yards behind his office, almost out of earshot of the town.

"Alright, Shonof. Those were some pretty slick moves back at the ranch. But I want to see what else you got. You see that tree over there?" Shonof looked over and saw a tree with a metal plate hanging from one of the branches with a target on it a few yards away with many dents in it from months of practice shots. He looks back to the sheriff to see him handing over his own gun to him, a Colt Peacemaker. "If yer going to be livin' with us you may as well get use to some of our ways. Be careful, this one is my favorite."

Shonof takes the gun and can immediately feel the power contained within it. The sheriff took another gun from another holster, a .45 revolver, and points it at the tree. Shonof jumped when he heard the gun go off. To him, it almost sounded like a crack of thunder. When he looked back at the target it was swinging and there was a fresh dent on the edge of the small red dot.

"Your turn. Let's how close you can get to the center."

When the target stopped swinging, Shonof held up the gun and took aim with both hands on the handle. He noticed a small metal nub at the end of the barrel and closed his left eye lining it up with the target. Not much of a difference from my bow, he thought. He felt the wind blow at his right side and turned slightly into it. When he pulled the trigger he felt the kickback as he nearly lost his balance. The sheriff looked at the target to see that the shot hit dead center.

The sheriff looked back at Shonof in disbelief thinking that it was beginner's luck knowing this had to be his first time holding a gun. "Do that again." Shonof took aim again and compensated for the changing wind. When he fired the gun didn't surprise him this time as he hit the dent he made with his last shot. Now the sheriff was impressed. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised, you being a hunter and all." Shonof smiled with pride.

That evening, the town gathered outside City Hall for the meeting as they were about to wrap it up.

"And for my final announcement, we will be adding a new resident to the town. Now, don't be alarmed when I bring him out because he just wants to live in peace like the rest of us. C'mon out, Shonof."

"Shonof?" someone said.

"That sounds like a name for one of them wolves," another said.

The door behind the mayor opened and Shonof stepped out and stood next to the mayor. The town was silent from the surprise.

"Yes, he is a wolf and he's from the northern tribe," the mayor explained. "What I want for us is to stay in this pristine valley in the name of progress. But the fears we have for his kind have made us consider leaving this behind. Earlier today, this young wolf came to me hoping to end the fear and create a peaceful coexistence between us and them." Suddenly the sound of a gunshot interrupted the mayor.

"Sorry to spoil that movin' speech of yers, but take it from me when I say having those mutts around will bring nothing but trouble." Everyone looked to the source of the gunshot to see five dirty men on horseback. "Trust me. I tried to befriend one and he took out three of my men before I finally took him out."

"Perry! What the hell do you want this time?"

"Well, I heard y'all got some new shipments yesterday. And I thought I'd come by with some of my boys and indulge ourselves and possibly take some back for the rest of my boys." The rest of his men smiled, some of them showing missing teeth.

"Not on my watch!" the sheriff said as he cocked and pointed hisWinchesterat the leader. "Perry Miller, you and your gang are under arrest!" A shot from one of them kicked the rifle out of his hands while another shot him in the shoulder knocking him to the ground. The town scattered in panic while Shonof quickly dragged the sheriff in City Hall and the mayor followed closing the door behind them.

"This town is ours!" Perry announced. "And don't nobody forget that!"

Inside City Hall, the mayor watched as the gang split up and took the town, again. Shonof took off the sheriff's shirt off to inspect his injury. Thankfully the bullet went all the way through his shoulder and missed anything vital. He ripped off both sleeves of the sheriff's shirt and took his knife to cut one of them in two.

"C...Chief!" Shonof called to the mayor to get his attention. "Come. Hold." He folds up the two pieces of the sleeve and presses them on either side of the bullet wound as he sat the sheriff up. As the mayor held the pieces of cloth Shonof got the other sleeve ready and passed it under his arm as he tied it tight over the makeshift gauze to stop the bleeding.

"You remember the bad people I mentioned earlier?" the mayor asked. "That's them. They're the Miller Gang lead by Perry Miller. Their gang is twelve strong plus their leader and they prey on the weak, namely us." He looked up at Shonof to see him holding both of the sheriff's handguns, the Peacemaker and the .45. "Yer not gonna..."

"Stay," he ordered. And with that, he was out the door.

Shonof moved like wind as he ran across the street to hide in the shadows of the buildings. As he leaned against the wall to mentally prepare himself he pulled the hammer back on the .45. He looked around the far corner to see one of the gang members keeping guard on top of his horse. Shonof pointed the .45 at him and shot at him blowing his hat off surprising him and the horse. Just as fast as he shot the gun he ran behind the next building and slipped into the next alley before the thug came by.

"Who the hell just shot my hat off?" he said with his guns at the ready. Shonof fired again knocking one of his guns out of his hand.

While the thug was momentarily stunned, Shonof looked around for an escape. He was between the saloon and the doctor's office so he climbed and jumped his way up to the top of the awning of the saloon hiding behind the sign.

"What the hell is goin' on out here?" Perry demanded as it sounded like he was stepping out from beneath Shonof.

"Somebody's got enough balls to be playin' with us!"

"It's got to be that damn mutt. Spread out and look for him. And if you see him, shoot him. If you miss, holler so we can corner him." Shonof looked over the sign and saw all five of them as they walked away from each other. Shonof took the opportunity to use both guns to shoot the hats of two other thugs.

As they scrambled one of them spotted Shonof as he jumped down from the overhang and took off behind the buildings once more. The one that spotted him called to the others and followed him but Shonof already disappeared.

Suddenly, Shonof ran across the front of the buildings pointing the Peacemaker into the alley. In slow motion he pulled the trigger shooting the hat off thug number four. When they came back out he was already gone.

"Show yourself, coward!" Perry yelled.

"M-me not coward, you coward!" Shonof yelled from wherever he was. "I t-try make peace! You t-torment weak, take what not yours, use fear! You no d-different than South t-tribe!"

Just as Perry's anger flared from being compared to the animals he hates, Shonof wrapped his arm around his neck from behind and pressed the .45 to his temple.

"Only chance. Leave." Shonof whispered in his ear. The whole town watched as they held their breaths. When Perry didn't answer he pulled the hammer back to show that he was serious.

"I swear, this isn't over," Perry growled through his teeth. "Saddle up, we're out of here."

He and his men got on their horses to leave with Shonof still pointing the .45 at Perry. As they rode past the brave wolf Perry stopped for moment and glared at him.

"Perry," one of his men said, "let's go. We'll get him one of these days."

"Watch your back, mutt," he warned. "One of these days yer gonna wish you killed me this day."

"No fear," Shonof responded before Perry rode off.

The moment the Miller Gang was out of sight the people came out of hiding and rushed Shonof cheering as they picked him up honoring him as their hero. They set him down when Mayor Maxim walked up and quieted down.

"Astounding, Shonof. Absolutely amazing. Other than our sheriff, you are the only one to stand up to the Miller Gang. I think I made the right choice letting you stay. As I was about to say earlier, we have arranged Mr. Jenkins over here to be your teacher. He's been lookin' to be a teacher for a while now and you'll be his first student. You'll begin your lessons in a few days."

"Shonof," the sheriff called, "come with me. I got something for ya." Shonof followed while the rest of the town went off to celebrate.

That boy has enough skill to get rid of all of us if he wanted, the mayor thought as he watched the sheriff take Shonof. I'll need to keep my eye on him.

As the sheriff brought Shonof to his office, the sheriff walked over to a closet and opened it. "When I was young I always wanted to play the good guy and be a hero when I grew up. You could say I still think that way to this day. It was not the bullet but reality that knocked me to the ground. I don't have the skills that you have and I'm getting too old, so I want you to have this." He pulls out a black duster coat that reached his knees and a matching hat and a scarlet scarf. "This is my gift to you. Be the hero in my place. The color would work well for you. With the way you move yer like a phantom."

"Ph-Phantom Gunman." They both smiled because they liked the sound of it and started to laugh.

***

Three years have passed since Shonof started living with the white men. During that time he has been taught how to speak their language and has had great progress but their style of speech escapes him at times. In return, he has taught his teacher how to speak his language. After his graduation he went with the sheriff to learn more about guns and how to maintain them. Then, he went to the general store owner to learn to make a business for himself. As a result of all his learning, Shonof used his knowledge to open a gun shop behind City Hall and crafted a shooting range behind the shop.

However, all was not as peaceful as it seemed. Time and time again the Miller Gang has tried to take the town back under their control and make the townspeople lives miserable. But every time they did come by, Shonof would put on the coat and hat and become the Phantom Gunman to chase them off making everything peaceful again. So peaceful, that more travelers have been coming by for business, pleasure, and to possibly see this legendry gunman. Every time he worked this miracle of his, he would make Mayor Maxim that much more proud, but at the same time it would make him that much more concerned.

"Mayor, Mayor!!" exclaimed the red faced saloon owner.

"What's all the fuss about, Jed?" sighed the mayor. "Whatever it is, it better be important. I have had a long day, and quite frankly my back is so stiff that it looks like someone shoved a pole up my-"

"It's the Miller Gang! I saw them on the outskirts of town! They were carrying what looked like a white wolf-woman!"

Maxim gave a heavy sigh. "Alright, I'll alert Shonof immediately. Thank you for the report. Try and calm down a little, okay? Go easy on the Jack too, it's gettin' to ya'."

He gave a look of confusion and slowly walked off. The mayor stood and tried to bend back before he made his way to the gun shop. As he gently opened the door, he found Shonof polishing a Colt Peacemaker revolver behind the counter, and the smell of gun powder tickled his nostrils.

"Shonof, we have a situation that we'd like you to take care of. If you could, the townspeople and I would be greatly obliged."

Shonof smiled. Finding the will power to look up from his gun, he said, "Why hello, Mayor. Beautiful day, isn't it? Nothin' like shootin' a few rounds back in the firing range on a day like this, and I have the perfect firearm for you to invest in. Over here we have some new members of the Colt series, highly recommended. And over here we have a fewWinchestermodels that might suit your taste."

As Shonof informed the mayor of his pride and joys, the mayor finally worked up the nerve to interrupt. "Shonof, listen up. The Miller Gang has been spotted outside town, and I've just heard about one of them carrying a young Indian woman, supposedly being from the tribe to the south. This would be a wonderful opportunity to show the Miller Gang who's in charge around here, and to possibly forge peace between the two tribes by the returning of one of their own. What do you think? Will the Phantom Gunman ride?"

Shonof started rubbing his head and smiled, scheming. "Hmmmm... Alright, but on one condition."

The mayor was baffled. "Condition? What else could you possibly want? You have a store, a place to stay, what else is there?"

Shonof smiled even bigger and stated, "I want a forge to make my own guns and ammunition. Do we have a deal?"

After a brief moment of frustrated thinking, the mayor said, "Fine, but if you want your forge, you better go save that girl and kick the Miller Gang's asses out of here for a great deal of time."

Shonof pulled out his saddle bag from under the counter and gently slipped a Peacemaker into his left waist holster and a .45 into his right. The bag was already packed with food and supplies, but he packed in two Winchesters for good measure, in case anyone wanted to help. He put on his duster coat and his hat, tying the scarf around his face with great pride and care. He loaded the bags on his hoarse, and set out to the north.

He remembered the way home as if he made the trip yesterday. He made it a note a long time ago to himself to always keep himself in tune with his surroundings so he doesn't lose his edge or the sense of who he is.

As he saw his village come into view, he felt himself reminisce of all the good times he had. He recalled everything up to the event he was cast out from the village.

Someone shouted at him to stop causing him to snap back to reality. Shonof looked down to see that it was the brown fur of Rohaka that stopped him pointing a spear at him.

"Friend or foe?" Rohaka asked in his native language.

Shonof dismounted and looked at Rohaka. "How does 'old friend' sound?" Rohaka blinked in surprise that the stranger before him new their language. Shonof slowly took off his hat to reveal the headband of their tribe and lowered his scarf to show his familiar smile.

"Shonof!" Rohaka nearly stabbed his old friend as he brought him in for a hug.

"It's been too long, my friend. How have you been?"

"Nothing has been the same without you." They separated and walked into the village. "Last year our rivals to the south tried to attack us. Your brother managed to kill the one leading them and they retreated." He let out a sigh of frustration. "Our lives would be much easier if they would leave us alone."

"That's why I came!"

"What do you mean?"

"I'll tell you later. Where's my father?"

"He and your brother are out fishing. They should be back soon."

"Great. I can't wait to see him."

"Who goes there?" they heard an old man shout. It was one of the elders that cast him out. "Oh, it just you, Shonof." He sounded less than pleased. "Why have you returned? Have you given up on this foolish mission of yours?" Suddenly Shonof's finger was pointed in his face.

"Watch what you say, old man," Shonof said with sternness in his voice. "It's not foolish if you're passionate about it. I'm doing it for the future so we can keep what we have. I didn't come here to quarrel. I have an idea that might solve all our problems. As the white men say, 'Kill two birds with one stone.'"

"What kind of idea?"

"Its something I need to discuss with my father and all the elders."

After his father and brother had come back from fishing, the pleasantries were made and he sat with Rohaka and his brother in front of his father and their three elders. He explained who the Miller Gang was and what he heard they did and what his plan was.

"We have heard what had happened but we didn't know who did it," the chief said. "Apparently, the one that was taken from them is their chief's daughter. You say that if you can get her back to them you can make peace with them? I doubt you can do it."

"Agreed," one the elders said. "This plan of yours is too reckless for you to do alone." Shonof thought that he'll still do it even if they said no. "So we're advising you to take someone with you." Shonof looked at them in confusion. "We know that look in your eye. We know you'll do it anyway. After three years of you staying with your beliefs, we've realized that it was what you wanted and are passionate about. We will respect your decisions from here on out."

"I volunteer to go with," Rohaka stated. "I want to show you how good I've gotten in the last three years."

"I will go as well," Shoka said. "Someone has to make sure you stay out of trouble, Brother."

"Thank you," Shonof said.

As they gathered at the edge of the village with their horses, Rohaka said, "I see that you're starting to imitate the white men. Your choice of clothing looks good on you. So, what do we do first?"

"Thanks. We're going to the southern tribe first and make a deal with them. Then, if they agree, they can point which way the Miller Gang went. That's the plan anyway." They mounted their horses and followed Shonof as they rode.

As they rode the three could see the town where Shonof stayed and rode past it. They kept riding until they could see teepees in the distance and they slowed their horses to a trot. Just before they were at the edge of the village an arrow embedded itself in the ground in front of Rohaka and scared his horse a little stopping all three of them. Shonof looked to see archers slowly approach them. Shonof dismounted and raised his hands showing he means no harm.

"I wish to speak to your chief," Shonof announced.

"No," one of them said with hate in his voice. "Now die!"

"Stop!" said a powerful voice behind them. A white wolf dressed like Shonof's father walked up. "Only a fool would dare to come here only three strong."

"I know of your situation," Shonof said as he lowered his arms.

Back in town, the mayor and the sheriff were about an hour deep into a debate.

"But, Mayor," said the sheriff in a caring voice, "Shonof hasn't caused us any trouble before! That can't be the only option we have!"

"There's no other choice, Sheriff. As long as Shonof is in the picture, he'll never let us clear out the tribes and develop the land. When he's gone, we're free to do as we please with the land outside of town. It's nothing personal towards Shonof. I mean, we practically watched him grow up and become the man he is today. But he is a wall in our way and he'll stop us from achieving what's best for the community. It's nothing personal, just business. It's for the sake of progress. Besides, preparations have already been made."

Back in the village to the south, the chief and Shonof were making the final agreements to Shonof's proposed deal.

"You give us our princess back, and the war between our two tribes will be over. You are a very respectable man, Prince Shonof, and I hope you will honor your commitment to us."

"Honor is what I live for," responded Shonof. "And I assure you that I will deliver your princess to you safe and sound. Now, can you tell us which way the Miller Gang rode?"

The chief looked off into the distance and said, "Follow the trail of the setting sun from the white man's village. They should not be very far. If I know my daughter, she will have slowed them down significantly with her constant whining."

He gave the chief a nod, and got back onto his horse. From there he rode to the west, hoping to find the Miller Gang in ample time.

"Shonof," said Shoka, "this will not be as easy as it seems. They have one more man then we do. That extra man could be our downfall."

"Don't worry, brother," said Shonof with a chuckle. "The intimidation of being known as the Phantom Gunman is enough to send any man running."

As they rode through the night, they came upon an orange sparkle. They all brought their horses to a stop and took a moment to make a plan.

"It's safe to assume that that is the Miller Gang's camp site," whispered Shoka.

"I've known their location for the past couple miles," boasted Rohaka.

"How? Even if you were that good of a hunter, which you aren't, there would be no way to see or hear them in this darkness and wind."

"I could hear the princess," he responded. "She's been complaining about the food and accommodations for hours!" he laughed hardily.

"This is no time for playing, Rohaka. We must plan out our course of action. Remember that thing you said about intimidation, Shonof? Well, let's use that to our advantage. Here's what we're gonna do..." Shoka dropped his voice into a low whisper.

Shonof confidently paced towards the camp fire, his heart beat slow but steady. He was excited, but not a bit nervous. He trusted in his brother and his plan, knowing that if it worked, a clear message would be sent to the entirety of the Miller Gang.

"Howdy, fellas," joked Shonof.

They jumped in surprise but immediately got to their feet when they saw the signature black coat and hat.

"What're you all doin' here? I'm hearin' rumors and whispers that you got a fine lookin' package with ya. Mind if I take a peak?" He looks across the fire to see the princess tied up and mouth gagged. "Mighty perdy, ain't she?"

They all drew their guns and one says, "Get outta here, mutt, or somethins gonna happen, and you ain't gonna like it."

"No, here's what's gonna happen," said Shonof, drawing both guns faster than any of them could see. "Y'all are gonna leave, or I'm gonna kill ya without pullin' the trigger or waistin' a single bullet, cause y'all ain't worth it." In his head, he was laughing at his purposeful massacre of the English language.

"Prove it, mutt!" shouted one of the gang members.

Shonof raised his hands in the air holding his guns, and suddenly the two members on each side of him dropped at the sound of distant gun shots, dead. He lowered one gun and shot the gang member that was talking all the trash.

"I guess I broke my promise about not wasting bullets." Shonof points his other gun at the last member. "You go tell Perry that I'm telling him and the rest of you to pack up and leave or else I'll get him too. I'm tired of playing this game anymore. Now git!"

Like the obedient dog that he was he scrambled to his horse and rode off into the night. Shonof walked over to the princess and noticed her glare as he kneeled down.

Switching languages, he said, "Looks like you have something to say. Hold on." He reaches around her head to untie her gag. The moment he pulls it away...

"WHY COULDN'T SOMEONE LIKE YOU SAVE ME SOONER!!" she shouted. Her outburst caused his hat to fly off.

"Princess, you're luck someone saved you at all."

"Humph. I guess you're right. Now hurry up and get me out of these ropes or you'll have my father to deal with."

Ungrateful little... Grrr! he though as he stepped behind her. As he kneeled down he pulled a knife from his left boot and showed it to her. "This. Is. Sharp. So hold still." As he was cutting her binds he continued. "You know, it was father who sent us to rescue you."

She sat up when she was finally free and turned to him smiling. "I guess I am indebted to you. Thank you. What do you mean by 'us'?"

"Over here," Shoka said as he and Rohaka walked into the light with Shonof's Winchesters over their shoulders.

"Who blessed her with that mouth?" Rohaka asked. "I didn't realize how loud it could get."

"Nice of you to join us," Shonof said. As he stood he recovered his hat and walked over to his comrades. "Allow me to introduce ourselves. I am Shonof, but the White Men know me as the Phantom Gunman. This is my best friend and rival, Rohaka. And finally, my older brother, Shoka. We're from the..."

"The northern tribe," she said as she sat there in shock. "I can tell by your headbands."

"You don't need to worry. We're taking you back to your father."

"Something's not right, though," Shoka said. "How does a princess from a village with a tight guard get taken?"

"That's good point. Knowing the Miller Gang like I do, I'm sure we'll get our answer soon. But for now, let's clear these bodies and use the camp for the night. I'm sure the wild animals would love an easy meal."

With the bodies now out of the way, the four of them laid down for the night. Shoka and Rohaka were lying around the dying fire and Shonof was lying against a nearby tree with his hat over his face and his arms folded over his chest. However, only the princess stayed awake. When she was sure the men were asleep, by how loud Rohaka's snoring was, she got up and quietly took Shoka's rifle.

With the weapon in hand she creped closer to Shonof. When she was close enough to be at point blank range Shonof whipped one of his guns out and pointed it right the princess. The surprise of his action made her lose her grip on the rifle and dropped it.

"You know," he said under his hat, "if you wanted to mate with me, all you had to do was ask." Shonof lifted his hat so she can see his smirk in the moonlight.

"But...but...but... You were asleep?! And why would I ever lay with my enemy."

"Anyone around Rohaka will never fall asleep," Shoka said sitting up on one arm. "That's why his teepee is nearly outside of our village."

"Huh? What about my snoring?" Rohaka ask looking at Shoka.

"I said your snoring has the power to wake our ancestors."

She looked at all three of them in confusion. "How... How are you all so calm? We are enemies! And you people killed my brother!"

"No we are not," Rohaka stated as he sat up. "Your tribe attacks us without warning. Do we retaliate? Yes, because its self-defense. Do we attack you? No, because we don't see any reason to."

"Princess," Shoka spoke up, "did your brother have bear paws painted on both sides of his chest?"

"Yes."

"Then the one you want to kill... is me. Because it is just as Rohaka said and your brother didn't make it easy to restrain him so I had no choice." He rolled over to go to sleep and Rohaka lies back down.

"Princess," Shonof said as he put his gun away, "you've got a lot of spirit, and I like that in a person. I'm living in thatvillageofWhite Menbetween our tribes' villages to create peace between us and them. Here." He reaches into his right boot and pulls out a tiny two barrel gun. "This is a .22 caliber Derringer. Don't be fooled by its size because it's crafted especially for women to conceal against people who get a little too friendly."

As she takes the pistol, she said with a quivering voice, "My...My name's Hokana. It means 'flower by the river.'"

"Well, Hokana, you better get to sleep. Dawn will be here before you know it."

By sunrise, the four had already started their journey back to the southern tribe. Hokana decided to get some extra sleep during the ride with Shonof, Rohaka was half awake, and Shoka was not a morning person. This gave Shonof plenty of time to think to himself. He thought about how proud his father would be when he ended the war between the two tribes, and how much fun it will be to forge his first revolver. As the group arrived on the perimeter of the southern tribe, Shonof noticed that an eerie quietness filled the air with warning.

He stopped his horse, nudged Hokana to wake her up, and continued to observe the village.

"Why is it so quiet," asked Shoka, "and where is everyone."

As the last few words escaped his mouth, there was a flash of movement from behind all the teepees, and they found themselves surrounded by the Miller Gang. The chief and Perry Miller stepped out from the elder's teepee, each with a sinister, victorious grin on their faces.

"Ah, at last, my daughter has been returned to me. Thank you for falling so easily into our ruse, Prince Shonof, it makes it a lot easier for the Miller Gang to kill you and avenge my son's death. Come to me, Hokana."

Hokana looked at Shonof with a mixture of confusion and shock as she tried to piece together what had just happened.

"Shonof, I had no idea..." she stuttered through tear-filled eyes.

"It's alright. I know you had nothing to do with it. Just stay here with Shoka, I'll take care of this."

He dismounted his horse and slowly walked toward Perry.

"Now, if you'd be so kind as to hand over that pretty little princess, we'll be on our way," Perry said taunting Shonof.

As he said this, three or four villagers came out of each teepee, some holding spears, some with arrows, and even a few with rifles.

Shonof gave the other two a nod, and they drew their Winchesters. He drew his Peacemaker and his .45, pointing them directly at Miller and the chief.

"We don't have to do this. You can take the girl, and we'll leave. The death of your son was out of self-defense. My brother may have been the one, but he holds no malice towards him." He repeated what he said in English for Perry to understand.

"That's too bad, Phantom. You're as good as dead," Perry said.

Shonof quickly aimed low and shot Miller in both thighs, putting him down on the ground with howls of pain and curses flying.

Instantly, the village was in pandemonium. The three scatter, each one shooting at the multiple enemies around them. Shonof continued to alternate guns, and Shoka and Rohaka did the best they could with their rifles. Suddenly, a Miller goon fires a lucky shot that embeds itself in Rohaka's shoulder.

"Rohaka!" Shoka shouted. As he let his guard down to attend to his fallen ally, he was brought to his knees by an arrow shot into his back.

"Shoka, no!" Shonof fires two rounds into the tribe member that hit Shoka, and looks over at just the right moment and saw Rohaka impaled through his stomach by three separate spears, and the war cry of the southern tribe's warriors echoed in his mind as he became enraged. An arrow was shot in Shonof's direction, but he easily twisted his shoulders to evade it and took out the archer from which it came. However, just before he recovered is footing, he felt a cold object pierce his abdomen, as warm, dark blood trickled down his waist and dripped on the ground. He had been shot, and was unable to resist the urge to drop to one knee. He looked up and saw the one who had fired the lucky shot celebrating, and took the opportunity to knock him off his feet with a bullet to the head. He looked and saw Shoka's arm extended, trying to reach for his brother as he crawled on all fours, dying. As Shonof attempted to get to his brother, an unseen gunman fired a bullet through Shoka's temple. His body fell to the ground and went limp, and became drenched in crimson blood. Shonof also fell as he was nearing death's door.

"That's enough!" Perry shouted and they all stopped. "The Phantom is a dead man anyway." Hokana ran over to Shonof and kneeled pulling him into her arms.

As the light was starting to fade in Shonof's eyes he heard a different set of footsteps approach. The way that the feet carried this new person sounded like it had a lot of pride to them. Suddenly he remembered who walked that way.

"Hello, Shonof." The sound of Mayor Maxim's voice echoed in his ear.

"You?" Shonof said in a weak voice. "I trusted you. For a better tomorrow."

"Not the way I had planed. Well, Chief, looks like you lost a lot of warriors. I'd say you lost, what, half? Maybe more?"

"Lotof trouble," Hokana's father said in broken English.

"I'll bet. But these boys here are pretty good, too. Gentlemen." The last six of the Miller Gang that stood turned their guns on the southern tribe.

"Agreement?"

"I'm afraid there's no place for you in my plans. All for the sake of progress." Guns blazed as the last of southern tribe were killed leaving only Shonof dying in Hokana's embrace. "And that's the end of that. Well, Shonof, it's been fun while it lasted. Oh, and you don't need to worry about your tribe anymore, either. The fur will make nice trophies." Shonof felt his anger flare as used the last of his dying strength to lift his .45. He had one round left and he was going to use it to kill the mayor for his brother and best friend. However, Maxim kicked the back of his hand knocking the gun out of it. "Sorry, it's just not to be. All for sake of prog..." A gunshot was heard as Maxim fell dead from a bullet between the eyes. When he fell Hokana was seen with a smoking Derringer she got from Shonof as a gift.

Shonof saw the mayor fall just as the light faded from his sight.

"Ho...kana," he said with his dying breath, "always... have faith... in... yourself." His last breath escaped him as he left to join his brother and Rohaka in the afterlife.

"So what do we do now?" one of the Miller boys asked. "That mayor promised us a lot of cash and now he's dead!" Suddenly, Hokana got up and ran. "Hey!"

"Let her go," Perry said on his horse with his legs bandaged up. "She's got nothing to do with us anymore. Somebody take an empty horse and give it to her. She's not going to last long, not out in this land. I just can't stand seeing a girl suffer."

One of his men took off on his horse and quickly cut her off. He dismounted handing her the reins. She looked at him with confusion before he brought his hands together for her to step on and hoisted her up.

"Take care of yourself out there," he said to her before she rode off.

A couple days later, she sees a town in the distance. She stares at it with wonder and hope that there is a place for her in the White Man's world and remembers Shonof's last words to her to always have faith in herself. So, she straightens her back and with her head held high, and the snap of the reins, she heads towards the future in the shadow of the Phantom Gunman.