Outlaw's Second Chance: A Paranormal Western

Unlikely Hero: From Murderous Gunslinger to Redemption's Edge in "Echoes of Lazarus"

Have you ever cheered for the villain? In my upcoming paranormal western, "Echoes of Lazarus," Eli starts as a ruthless gunslinger, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. But death isn't the end for Eli. He

awakens in a shallow grave, his last memory of his neck breaking in a hangman's noose. He's forever changed, taking on a new name, embarking on a journey that shatters his perception of himself. Today, we delve into the transformation of this complex character.

A Second Chance, Unearned

Eli's inspiration stems from the idea of a villain receiving an undeserved second chance. Unremorseful and cruel, even facing the gallows doesn't spark a change. He retains his dark urges, yet a flicker of something new ignites within him.

The Spirit Guide's Subtle Influence

Eli appears as your classic gunslinger, but a closer look reveals a subtle shift. The dog he names
"Feathers for Brains" becomes a constant presence, subtly influencing his choices through emotional nudges. This former source of amusement in prison now guides him towards a different path, with an uncanny awareness of what Eli needs to make more empathetic choices.

Unveiling the Monster's Scars

Eli's chilling indifference wasn't always his defining trait. Abandoned as a toddler, he then endured a horrific childhood in an abusive orphanage, particularly enduring solitary confinement in a dark cellar because he was "evil". This web of trauma warped his perception of the world, fueling a morbid curiosity about life and death. This fascination manifested in a horrifying way – his enjoyment of taking lives.

Grappling with Humanity: The Road to Redemption

Crafting Eli's initial coldness proved challenging. I wanted to avoid a stereotypical villain, delving deeper into mental illness and trauma within the Western genre. However, his journey takes a sharp turn when he encounters a group he least expects to trust him – a schoolteacher and her students fleeing cultural erasure. Orphans of the Apache Reservation, they were slated to be sent East to leave their heritage behind before Emma intervenes and steals them away before the army can come for them.

Seeing Beyond the Monster

Emma, the teacher, possesses an unwavering optimism and keen insight. She sees past the monster Eli portrays, recognizing a wounded soul, especially after he chases off two strangers that threaten the group. Her unexpected lack of fear throws him off balance. She demands his help, and for reasons unknown, he finds himself compelled to obey.

A Shared Past, A Spark of Empathy

The scales tip further when Eli witnesses a parallel between his own past and the trauma experienced by one of the children. Though he verbally lashes out, sharing this experience becomes a pivotal moment. It sparks a flicker of empathy within him, leading to a shocking and emotional confession of his own abuse to Emma.

Sacrifice and Self-Doubt: The Weight of Change

Eli's redemption isn't a sudden conversion. It's a constant battle between his ingrained darkness and the newfound humanity Emma awakens. He puts himself between a group of outlaws and his newfound charges, despite being vastly outnumbered. Waking from this near-death experience yet again, Eli enters a period of self-revelation and fear, wondering why he got another chance, if it means he might not die. Further, he has a deep fear that his "itch" to do violence will hurt someone in his new life. Can he outrun his past and control his darkness?

Love and Danger: The Price of Redemption

As Eli grapples with his inner demons, a new feeling blossoms – love for Emma. However, this budding romance comes with a heavy price. He still feels the darkness' pull, the morbid fascination with life's end. He fears he may not be able to suppress it forever. The arrival of a headhunter from his past life, dead set on bringing the outlaw Eli, who had already been hung, to justice and gaining the reward, forces him to confront this harsh reality while threatening his new life with Emma. Eli doesn't understand why he's been given a second chance, or what dark purpose it serves. Can he control the darkness within and forge a new path for himself, or will his past drag him back to the abyss?

A Story Unfolding

The first four chapters of "Echoes of Lazarus" are taking shape on Kindle Vella as well as for FREE on betareader.io. These chapters introduce Eli, starting with a shocking murder and his subsequent confrontation with the law. Stay tuned to witness the trials and triumphs of this unlikely hero on the path to redemption.

Do you enjoy complex characters with transformative journeys? What are some of your favorite villain redemption arcs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Christine Tellach 

Rider at Sunset Image by RENE RAUSCHENBERGER from Pixabay

Native American Child Image by Jean-Louis SERVAIS from Pixabay

Gallows Image by Dennis from Pixabay

Cowboy and Woman Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

All other images by CanvaAI