Fighting for Home
Soo I've reread my story and decided that im going re write it. It wasnt going the course I had expected so im going try a different approach. Happy reading.
Chapter 1: Lost in the Woods
James trudged along the forest for what seemed like hours. The platoon he was walking with was no where in sight no matter how hard he looked but to no avail. He wiped his brow and and looked for any signs any roads or pathways anyone could of used. He found a log and decided to rest and write some notes for his next paper.
"the American troops forward as the British loyalist fall back, even with the aid of the Hesien's they still don't stand a chance. The trip out to meet with General Washington was suppose to be a straight shot. But running into a few British scouts changed the course a bit. New arrangements have been on how to win the war..."
A rustle of bushes stopped James' writing making him look up.
"Hello" He packed his bag and walked towards the bushes "H-Hello"
After a moment a silence he sighed and turned away. Figuring he had enough rest started to head east. He rested his hands behind his head as he continued walking looking towards the sky.
"I wonder how long till I find the others." James spoke out loud as he kept walking. He paused when he he heard the sound of drums. He ran towards the sound keeping low behind bushes and trees in case it were British soldiers.
He ducked behind a bush and found a road, he also found the source of the drums. A group of British scouts marched by and James sunk lower behind the bush to not be seen. He waited for the men to pass by, and for the sounds of the drums to quiet to leave his hiding spot.
He remembered the advice from one of the American soldiers he had befriended, "When a soldier finds himself alone, separated from his group it's best to keep wits. Best to hide and stay alive to fight another day, then to end his life by the foolishness of his of his pride."
He looked in the direction that the soldiers had gone and headed in the opposite direction. He walked until the sun was about to set.
"Guess I better make camp" He walked off the trail behind some bushes and started a small fire, grabbed a piece of bread and his flask.
"the regular tighten the control. More British patrol the area, close to the forests. The paroles are more frequent, more alarmed and more armed. I fear the dangers for any patriot they might cross..."
He looked up at his only source of light as it started to die. "Glad it's a warm night" He packed his notes and and laid down on his back using his bag as a pillow and looked at the stars and fell asleep.
Morning rolled by as James started to rise. He stretched and gathered his things. "cant be too far from a own now" he said as he took a bite from his apple.
"You halt!" A voice spoke behind James. He stopped and and turned around and froze he was stopped by redcots.
He put his hands up and dropped his apple as the captain approached.
"What business do have you have here boy?!"
"I've gotten lost and I'm looking for a town" James said. Well it wasn't a complete lie he had no idea where he was.
The captain looked over him for a bit, "search him" the soldiers behind him rushed towards him secured him and his belongings.
"Captain look here, the boys been taking notes he's a spa!" The soldier shouted. The others went into a defense stand and aimed their weapons at James.
"SEIZE HIM" James was shoved into the ground and hands were tied behind his back tightly. He was dragged up on his feet only to have the captain in front of him with with his sword pointed to his throat.
"You will soon find out how we deal with spy's, boy" James received a punch in the stomach from the soldier beside him making him hunch over.
"I'm not" he stood up straight catching his breath "I'm not a spy, I'm a journalist"
"We'll see about that when we get back to the fort, blindfold him we head back to the fort, send a carrier pigeon for a relieve squad"
"Yes sir" The soldiers said and did what they were told.
They were soon on their way heading in the same direction as James was going. Hours later they arrived a the British fort. James could tell the sun had set for he could not feel the suns raise and the creatures of the night had waken for their hunt.
"Tie him to a pole and keep him blindfolded while I speak with the Major" The captain ordered
'well this just great, how am I going to get myself out of this one?' James thought. It didn't help that he couldn't see and plan an escape and to top that off he couldn't move.'damn'
He heard footsteps coming towards him and he tensed up.
"What is your name boy?" James stayed silent
"He asked you a question, boy" James turned his head towards the voices
"James, James Hiller"
"It's seems like your in a bit of a mess Mr. Hiller, I've personalty looked through your papers. You seem have taken quite a bit of notes. And it seems you were on your way to meet Washington, so I'll offer you a deal, tell us what you know about Washington and his army and I'll let you live." He paused giving James a moment to let it sink in.
"Or, I can extract the information from you piece by piece. And when I'm finished with you, I'll feed whats left of your mangled body to wolfs outside the walls of my camp. Make your choice, and choice wisely." The Major finished.
"I'm telling you I'm only a journalist. I record what I see, it's what I do" James said. Moments of silence later his blindfolded was removed. He blinked a few times clearing his vision. What stood in front of him was two men, the Captain in which he had the 'pleasure' of meeting and a man he didn't recognize.
"That still doesn't answer my question. Honestly I prefer the second option, but I've decided to let you make the decision. So I say again chose before I do" The Major said
"I don't know anything, I haven't been told anything." James said
"Is that your final answer?" The Major asked
"What answer I didn't agree to anything, because I don't know anything" James started to sweat
The man before him smiled. "Untie him." Two soldiers near by ran over to obey what their higher up had commanded. "Well, allow me to introduce myself. I am Major Zane, second in command of this establishment and from now on...your warden."
Zane turned around and signaled the guards "take him way for tomorrow we start, get a good nights rest Mr. Hiller, you'll need it."
'Dearest mother, I hope you are well, James has headed west to meet with Gen. Washington. Still no word from father. The war has not been well for both sides. Rumor has it that supplies and food and scarce and running low. Days are blistering and nights cold. wagons carrying supplies for the troops are being attacked and ransacked. This war must end soon, it's too chaotic.'
Sarah folded the letter and sealed it. She went downstairs and handed her letter to the carrier and made herself a cup of tea. As she was reading her book she heard crash coming from the kitchen.
"Henri what in heavens are you up too?" She asked helping him up.
"I was trying to make some food and I slipped and fell and the food went everywhere." Henri whined.
"Oh, Henri. Let's get you and this place cleaned up and then I'll teach you how to make some soup" Sarah said as she wiped the spill on the floor. Minutes later they finished cleaning the spill.
"Alright now we can makes the food" Henri said with excitement
"No you have to go bathe, then we start cooking. Now go" She said pointing upstairs.
"Ah rats" Henri said and sulked upstairs. At that time Moses came back from running some errands for Benjamin Franklin.
"Welcome back, I except everything went well?" Sarah asked getting back to her reading
"Yes, thank you."he said as he set down the stack of paper down in the corner of the room. "word is spreading fast that the British may have the upper hand in the war. It's starting to worry a lot of people. Some talk about fleeing Boston"
"No one would attack the town would they? That's totally barbaric. There are families and children" Sarah exclaimed
"War brings fear and recklessness. It makes people blind with rage and power hungry." Moses said
"Well I'm going to work on the wagon, it's wheels need repair"
"I'll call you in when dinner is prepared" Moses nodded and exited the room.
"I'm ready for the food Sarah" Henri came running in. Sarah just laughed and got the ingredients out.
"Ok, first we need to boil some water" Sarah started. Hours passed as she showed Henri how to make vegetable soup. Finally dinner was ready. "Henri go get Moses to come eat" Henri nodded and did what he was told. Soon both Henri and Moses were sitting at the table with Sarah.
"So do you think James made it to General Washington?" asked Henri
"I'd imagine he would send us a letter when he arrives. We just have to be patient" exclaimed Sarah
"But it's been so long since he left" Henri complained
"With the roads patrolled by redcoats constantly and the small company he is traveling with, they need to take extra precautions when traveling. It make take longer than usual to make the journey. Moses explained after finishing his bite.
"I wonder how Dr. Franklin is doing" Henri said while shoving food down his throat.
"Mother's letter said he was enjoying himself in the summer sun. Apparently summer happens to be something he rather enjoys, I can't say I blame him the flowers are quite beautiful" Sarah said smiling.
"I bet James isn't having this good of a dinner" Henri said smiling
"And why is that exactly?" Sarah asked raising an eyebrow
"Because I made it" Henri said gloating
"And I presume I did nothing" Sarah said looking at Henri
"Okay you helped a little"He said smiling
"Alright time for bed, we'll wash dishes in the morning" Sarah said as everyone gathered their dishes and went to their separate rooms. All laid down to sleep thinking all was peaceful that night.
So there you have it. I hope you enjoy critism is welcome along with new ideas. I have a habit of writers block so ideas are welcome.
New story and new plot :) Enjoy
