Las Nuevas Aztecas, Pt. 2

'Perhaps we could head back to the mine? The sheriff may have left our horses be? Otherwise we'll have to detour to Hachita, there are a few ranches up there.'

Samuel quickly stopped talking. Loud voices could be heard up ahead. Crawling now, the group peeked over the top of the hill. It was an unusual sight, a makeshift pyramid. Not of stone, but wood and mud, surprisingly well crafted if a little undersized. Both men and women inhabited the area, although wearing unusual dress - togas and eccentric jewelry - most were white, with a few Mexicans, and to top it off they spoke English.

It wasn't long until the group heard cries of anguish ringing out from a small hut in the Southern side of the camp. As Doc Murray and his crew were to the North West, it would be difficult to get there without being spotted.

The Doctor had time to scout the hut and return to the rendezvous point. It had sounded like there were two individuals inside. There were also two guards, armed with low quality weapons, though their scars betrayed their experience in combat. On closer inspection, the pyramid had a staircase built into one side, with what looked like some kind of religious alter atop it. There were four other soldiers, as well as a man who played the part of the charismatic leader, wielding an Apache style war club.

As Samuel returned, dusk was settling in. One of the victims from the wooden hut had been dragged out and was being carried in the direction of the pyramid steps. Additionally, the rest of the 'towns' population was gathering at the foot of the pyramid, with their leader waiting at the top. If the crew didn't act fast, they would witness the brutal spectacle of Las Nuevas Aztecas.

Freddy and Elijah successfully take out the first two guards. Inside the hut was a young woman of around twenty-five years of age. Not badly hurt She hurriedly introduced herself as Francesca Miller, Deputy U.S. Marshall.

With the prisoner rescued, she told Doc Murray of a store where the cultists hid the weapons and equipment taken from those they capture. With Francesca armed, Doc Murray and his crew might even be able to take on the remaining armed men, and end this horror show for good.

Samuel is keen on the plan, and with his carbine will provide over watch. The Doctor watched as Miller slowly scrambled to the small cave being used as a storehouse, on the way, she stopped to pick up a beaten old Stetson as if she had been reunited with a lost family member.

With the pieces in place, they waited for the Doctor's orders.

The dynamite blast killed three, and injured five. In the confusion, Sam and Miller hit their marks, killing two of the armed guards whilst the brutes Eli and Freddy were able to quickly overpower the other two, cutting them down with their Bowie knives.

The Leader, panicked, began to run toward the crowd, but Sam expertly lined up a shot to his leg causing him to fall down the Pyramid, hurt but not dead. Surrounded, and covered from all angles, the rest of the crowd quickly surrendered.

'We'll head up to Hachita and telegram the proper authorities,' replied Samuel. 'There are plenty chains and bonds here to keep them all together for the journey. I'm sure myself and Miller can make the trip ourselves. You boys head on home, get yourself some well-deserved rest. Oh, and feel free to stop at Stein's Pass whenever it takes your fancy.'