Hi, I'm Lovar Burton and this is Lovar Burton Reads.

In every episode I hand pick a different piece of short fiction and I read it to you.

The only thing these stories have in common is that I love them and I hope you will too.

And I have a really fantastic and fun story for you today.

It's by the Hugo and Nebula Award nominated author Saladin Ahmed.

He writes science fiction, fantasy and comic books.

You might know his Black Bolt series or his other work in the Marvel comic universe.

This particular story appears in his short fiction collection engraved on the eye.

It's a weird western.

The story entitled Mr. Hodges, Sunset Ride and it first appeared in beneath ceaseless skies.

It's told by an old bounty hunter as he remembers some escapades with an old partner.

Saladin is going to add some new dimensions and depth to the western story,

having some fun with mysticism, zombies and all while making it feel like canon.

It's pretty cool and a real treat.

So, if you're ready, let's take a deep breath.

And begin.

Mr. Hodges, Sunset Ride by Saladin Ahmed.

And who so saveeth the life of one?

It shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind.

Quran 532.

The toughest man I've ever met.

That's an easy answer to give, but tricky tale to tell.

...