Hi to everyone!

I'm Italian and I'm a huge fan of Jason Isaacs, I especially adore Colonel William Tavington that's why I have written this story.

I hope you like it. xoxo

p.s. I want to thank Francine. She's helping me by correcting spelling mistakes. ^^

PROLOGUE

THE TASK

American War of Independence

South Carolina, 1779

Colonel William Tavington walked back and forth in his room, he could not understand why the Lord General wanted to talk to him.

Maybe his plan to take over Cornwallis' command, so as to achieve the long-awaited victory for all of Britain, had been discovered?

Tavington was wearing out the soles of his boots as he paced across the rough floor. The thump thump of his boots echoed in the room.

Why all this concern? It was not like him to be so agitated.

"No," he said repeatedly. Trying desperately to convince himself that Cornwallis could not have discovered his plan.

The man had never appreciated the Colonel nor were there any accolades for him, almost none. He wondered why the Lord General appreciated General O'Hara over Tavington, though he suspected the dilemma would be solved in a few minutes.

Too caught up in his rumination, he almost did not hear the faint sound of someone knocking on his door. Tavington did not hesitate, he jerked the door open with a rush and stood before a startled servant, who momentarily lost his voice from fear.

The servant could not tell what emotions lay beneath Tavington's cool, hard facade. The Colonel was stoic, he had a reputation within the Fort of always being in command of himself. Few people could claim to know the cold Colonel, who believed it was more appropriate to be feared, even hated, rather than loved. Loved was tied to weakness, and Colonel Tavington despised weakness.

"Colonel Tavington," the servant ventured hesitantly. "The Lord General has summoned you."

Tavington pushed past the servant wordlessly, causing the other man to stagger, then strode briskly toward the room that served as Cornwallis' office.

"Colonel. We need to talk."

Tavington strode into the room with confidence, standing proudly before Cornwallis as the General sat behind his desk.

"Tell me, my Lord. Why did you summon me? It seems to me that the war is proceeding pro nobis, have I missed something, General? Tell me."

Cornwallis' puffed, annoyed at the Colonel.

Tavington wondered why Cornwallis' eyes were always filled with hate when he looked upon him?

"What I'm about to tell you, Colonel should be held in the utmost confidence. I have long pondered what to do, and especially on whom to entrust this task. But at this point, I think I can trust you, though I have never commended you in the past," Cornwallis contemplated for several moments as he pondered. "How can I say this... how to proceed..." He mused aloud.

"Did you mean to win, my Lord? I must remind you that I have never lost a battle? I continue to be very beneficial to everyone -"

With a slight wave of his hand, Cornwallis interrupted the Colonel's laudatory speech.

"Of course Colonel, nobody here disputes your efforts. I have no time nor do I desire to quibble with you regarding the barbarism you carry out every day against these.. peasants. I requested your presence because I have a job for you...made for you. But I need to know if I can trust you, because what I'm about to ask is not ...conventional."

Tavington did not hesitate to hold the General's gaze, evidently he did not fear anyone.

"I suppose it's a dirty job, my Lord?"

"You suppose correctly, Tavington. I want you to go to the village of Pembroke, ten miles from South Santee. Once there, you are to ask for Samantha Kohl. You will recognize her easily, she is tall, slender, with flaming hair."

This could be a good day, the Colonel felt he would find some fun in Pembroke, he was sure.

"What shall I do with this woman, my Lord?"

Cornwallis stood up and strode around his desk, stopping when he was directly in front of the Colonel.

"You will kill her."