Final Farewell
Disclaimer: Regrettably, I do not own Tavington or any rights to The Patriot. Maybe next year.
This letter brought me to tears many times while I was writing it, and as well while I read through it afterwards. I have always wanted to see the good in Tavington, to see him as a man with some trace of a heart. Although he was fictional, my heart breaks for him, for what he became. I imagined up the murder of his wife, Katherine, as the reason for his actions. No man is born a killer. Please read this and tell me what you think. Any comments, positive or otherwise will be read and taken into mind for future writings. Without further ado, Final Farewell.
*****
What have I become? The Butcher, a cold, heartless killer. Where did I throw away my morals? Katherine, why were you taken from me?
After you died, my heart seemed to stop. I felt nothing, feel nothing- only the cold, harsh reality that you are gone forever, killed by rebels while sending a missive to me. You never deserved to die. To be snatched from life so early, and in such a cruel way. To be left to bleed to death in the cold December snow. An innocent woman, attacked because you were vulnerable and alone. Why did you go, my love? Why did you not send a servant in your stead?
Even this I cannot blame for my actions. I am at fault; of taking revenge on all the rebels, because I could not have vengeance against the one who killed my love, half of my soul. You, Katherine, were the balance in my life, the one who kept me sane, who kept me alive. Without you, I have become a killer- a murderer, gone mad from grief and anger.
I cannot, will not, destroy any more lives. The screams of the women, of the children; they haunt my ever wakeful nights. I killed a boy a short while ago. He was no more than fifteen. I shot him in cold blood for defending his family, for trying to protect those he loved.
What have I become, my dearest departed love? I am a monster!
No more. No more. This world shall be a better place without my presence. I will never destroy another family.
Goodnight, my love. I fear that I will never see you again, even in death. I have turned my back on God too many times. Farewell, Katherine. Know that I loved you with the very essence of my being.
Yours, Colonel William Tavington