"Esther, it's not safe anymore. They'll be looking for you after that incident you had with-"

"Alex, I'll be fine. They can't touch me, remember?"

"But-"

"No buts. I'm glad I got to see you again. That's what counts."

"THERE THEY ARE!"

"Run!"

We ran as fast as we could from the men carrying torches and guns. I spit at one of the soldier's shoes, even though I'm a girl. Alex tripped and fell to the ground. New York City wasn't safe, not since the city was taken away. I hated the fact that I was wearing a skirt.

"Go!"

"Not without you!"

I turned back and took off the skirt, revealing the knee-high pants I wore underneath. I drew my sword and lunged at one of the soldiers.

"This is an outrage! A girl shall not, cannot fight like a man!"

"Yeah, um, about that, a girl has a right to defend herself, so shut up!"

"This is ludicrous!"

"Oh, will you just let this boil over!?"

I hit his head with the gilded hilt, rendering him unconscious. I turned to Alex.

"Get out of here! I will deal with them!"

"Esther-"

"NOW!"

He got up on his feet and ran to the nearest house. I looked around to notice at least 6 more soldiers come up to me with swords. They didn't stand a chance against me, even though I'm 12 years old. Beaver hats and red wool coats were not meant for small fights in the streets. I easily slashed at the coats and shredded the hats. The men were appalled by my actions.

"Patriots! They're training children now!"

"Actually, no. Americans trained me since you Brits are kicked out of here in a few years."

"Absurd! This is our land!"

"A land which you have deprived from the people that make your nation! You have taken away the rights granted to them from the laws of England! You have taxed them without their voice or say in the matter! This is not your land! This is the colonists land! And you can't take it away!"

I was at the top of my lungs and 10 more Tories came my way. I was blocked. The only issue with being in New York City is that Tories were everywhere. Brits are nice, just not in the 18th century when they take away things from my ancestors.

Robert had already helped draft and issue the Declaration. But of course, he couldn't get to Philadelphia to sign the piece he assisted in making. I didn't get to have the chance to meet him. No, I had to start off in Massachusetts ports. I happened to run into Alex one day as I eventually followed him to the city. I was still looking like a boy at the time. I saw the largest construction ever made. It was practically a gigantic well. I was helping out with bringing in crates to the room under the chapel. All I could see was gold. A circular pendant the size of my hand was resting on a pedestal. I went to pick it up and hold it. I had seen it so many times in public and in the Society. But never so solid and old. And there I was, running away for my life again from the British.

"Surrender! Swear that you are British and loyal to the king!"

"Mmm… Nope! My loyalties lie with God, Knights Templar, and the President of the United States of America!"

"You lie!"

I placed my right hand on my heart: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

A sword was coming my way and I leapt up to grasp a printer shop sign. The Red Coats were stunned at the sight. I smiled and swung onto the roof.

"Trust me. You will not have me swear to some high-up man that's thousands of miles away from here. Buh-bye."

I made a run for it, jumping from roof to roof. Hoof beats grew louder and louder.

They don't know when to give up, do they?

A carriage was in front of me and I quickly hid inside it.

"A little too close, don't you think?"

"Alex! You gave me a heart attack!"

"How could I, Esther? You are still breathing and talking to me."

I chuckled. We walked to a part of the natural harbor where the British didn't guard. We sat on the large stone boulder together, holding hands. I took in a deep breath, inhaling the smell of the Hudson. The sky was beautiful at dawn.

"I wrote you another letter."

"Will you leave it in the box?"

"Of course I will. And you will return to read it?"

The sun was starting to come up. I knew I had to leave.

"Yes. Please be here again."

He smiled and kissed me. I ran to the docks and began rowing out of the harbor, vowing to return again in due time.

/

/

/

What I didn't know was that I wouldn't return for a very long time.