Author's note: Holy cow! I can't believe it's been eight months since I have updated this story. But before I forget...
Aralyn and Alec: Happy Memorial Day!
Henri: Memorial Day? What is that?
Aralyn: It's a day where we remember those who have died in the line of duty, defending America and her people. Now, onto the story, Alec would you do the disclaimer.
Alec: Of course. Aralyn does not own Liberty Kids, Sarah, James, Henri, Moses, etc. She only owns me, Cyrus, and her own inserts into the original plots.
Aralyn: Thank you, and please enjoy.
Liberty for All
Alec groaned as James and he held up a portion of the press, while Moses was working to fix one of the gears, apparently one of the small type letters had fallen in when Henri had spilled a whole box of them earlier.
"Moses!" James complained, straining under the weight of the press, "I'm a journalist, not a workman, this is a job for Alec."
Alec bit his tongue as he restrained himself from giving a sharp remark in return.
"You're whatever I need you to be in order to get the Gazette to the people of Philadelphia." Moses said.
"Yes, James," Sarah added from her seat at the counter, "Be a proper patriot and stop complaining."
Alec held back a laugh as James shot Sarah a somewhat irritated glance. Suddenly the door flung open, courtesy of Henri, "Mail's here!" he shouted catching everyone's attention.
James let go of the press leaving all the weight on Alec's shoulders, "Moses! Look out!" Moses got out of the way just in time as the press slipped out of Alec's grip and came down with a crash, "Sorry, Moses."
Moses clapped Alec on the shoulder, "Perfectly alright Alec, it wasn't your fault."
Alec watched, a slight knot in his stomach as he listened to the three friends bicker over the mail, knowing that there was no one to write him regarding anything.
Doctor Franklin came down the stairs, putting a quick end to the dispute as all the mail was for him. After giving James a quick lesson in grammar he gave the young journalist an out of town newspaper, much to James' delight.
Everyone went back to what they were doing before, except for James, Moses, and Alec, who had left the printing press work in favor of the printed pages of the news. James and Moses sat on the edge of the press, each reading their own pages, while Alec peered over their shoulders from behind, switching back and forth between the different articles.
"Look at this!" James almost shouted, showing one of the front pages to Doctor Franklin.
"Forced from their homes?" he asked, adjusting his glasses, "Where?"
James looked back to the page, "The New Hampshire grants."
"Where's that?" Henri asked, setting down the tool he had been messing with.
"Up between New York and Canada." Moses explained.
"Beautiful country up there." Doctor Franklin remarked, "They call the hills up there the Green Mountains."
"Fine logging in the grants."
"Fine maple syrup too."
Both Henri and Alec licked their lips at the mention of the sweet, sticky syrup.
"Listen!" James spoke, sounding even more serious than Alec had ever seen him in a while. "Ejectment coming thick and faster. Women sobbing and lamenting, children crying, and men pierced to the heart by the sorrow and indignation at the approaching tyranny."
"Now that's newspaper writing."
"It by someone named, Ethan Allan."
"It sounds to me like Mr. Allan is hyperbolizing in an effort to enflame the emotions of potential traitors to the crown." Sarah put in, resting her head in her hand as she leaned on the counter.
Henri gave her a confused look, then turned, "What did she say?"
"She said…uh" James tried to explain, by only realized, much to Alec's amusement, that he hadn't fully understood her either, "Something I would lower myself by repeating."
"She said, Henri," Moses corrected, "That this man Ethan is a liar."
And just like that James and Sarah were arguing again.
"He sounds to me like a patriot!"
"He sounds to me like a loud mouth." Sarah countered, her hand placed firmly on her hips as she and James stood toe to toe, staring each other down. "As does someone else I know."
"James, Sarah," Doctor Franklin cut in, "Allan might be exaggerating, but he's not lying. Allowing people's land to be taken from under them, the Red Coats aren't using muskets this time, but they're firing a broadside at us none the less. I've been wondering where the next hostility of the crown would take place, this could be our answer."
"Doctor Franklin, if I may?" Alec stepped forward.
"Yes Alexander, what is it?"
"I was just thinking, would you permit, James, Sarah, Henri, and myself to go investigate these events? I'm sure they desire to go just as much as I do, and if we went then the Pennsylvania Gazette would be able to report on the events as well."
Doctor Franklin seemed to think the matter over, tapping his chin as he weighed the options. But before he could finish James cut in, "Why can't it just be me and Sarah? Why do you and Henri have to come along too?"
"Sarah and I." Alec corrected, not really helping the matter, "True I may not be a journalist like you two but there is safety in numbers, and should the wagon break down while you are out there I would be able to fix it. As for Henri I'm sure he would get lonely here without us, plus he would probably want to go hunting for some maple syrup while we're there."
"James, Alexander makes a strong argument," Doctor Franklin spoke up, "And he's right, there is safety in numbers, so I give my permission for all four of you to investigate the events taking place up in the grants."
Alec beamed, shooting a triumphant look at James, who crossed his arms and only scowled in response.
Early the next morning Alec got up while it was still dark. Doing a quick stretch he glanced over, seeing that James and Henri were still asleep, so as quietly as possible he got dressed, grabbed his knapsack and left the room. Tip toeing down the stairs he cut through the kitchen grabbing some apples, half a loaf of bread, and some dried meat. Arranging the contents in the bag he went out the back door and made his way into the dark stable.
Striking a light Alec watched as the orange glow woke both Caesar and Cyrus. The two horses whined softly, shaking their manes in the anticipation of an adventure. Alec grinned, patting Caesar's velvety muzzle, "Sorry boy, you're staying here this time."
Alec led Cyrus out of his stall, leading him to the door of the stable. "Stay." He ordered, leaving Cyrus standing there as he pulled the wagon over, strapping the wooden, wheeled contraption firmly on the horse's back.
Grabbing the bridle and bit hanging on one of the posts in the wall and fitting it over Cyrus' head, Alec and his horse left the stable just as the sun was beginning to come up over the horizon.
Moses was up by the time Alec reentered the kitchen, "Morning Moses, is anyone else up yet we should be leaving soon."
"I don't know Alec, perhaps you should go check on them."
Alec nodded, taking the stairs two at a time, and heading straight for Sarah's room. Just as he was about to knock the door swung open revealing Sarah, already dressed and ready to go. "Oh, hello Alec."
"Good morning Miss Philips, I was just checking to see if you were awake. I think Moses is making a quick breakfast for us, but we need to be leaving soon, as soon as I can get James and Henri out of bed and out the door, we'll be off."
Sarah smiled, taking her leave down the stairs as Alec returned to his room. James and Henri were both still in bed, James was snoring slightly and Henri was hugging his pillow, both of which made Alec snicker.
Walking over to Henri's bed Alec grabbed two fistfuls of bed sheets and whipped them right off the bed. Henri shivered as the warmth of the blankets were removed, groaning in displeasure. Without stopping Alec went back to James' bed. Leaning over he stopped only inches away from James' ear, inhaled, and shouted, "WAKE UP!"
Alec quickly pulled back, and thankfully so, with the startling wake up James panicked, involuntary swinging in the direction of the loud noise, which would have hit Alec square in the nose if he hadn't moved.
Alec walked calmly over to the door, "Both of you get dressed and downstairs, we need to leave, or me and Sarah are going to leave without you."
His final statement seemed to hit a cord and in a flash James and Henri were out of bed.
In less than a half hour all four were dressed, fed, and climbing onto the wagon, Moses helping everyone onboard and seeing them off. "Be careful, all of you, and try not to kill each other." He laughed, looking specifically at Alec and James who were fighting over the reins.
Four and a half days later they were still on the road. As they went further into the wilderness the less people they saw, in fact they hadn't seen anyone so far today, making it a lonely and quite ride.
Ready for a rest Alec handed the reins over to James for him to take his turn driving.
"You have as much chance at finding a better story than me, as a man has of walking on the moon." James said to Sarah, breaking the silence.
"You're rather sure of yourself for someone with a chuck of venison stuck between his teeth." She shot back in distaste.
"Where?" James asked, searching his mouth for the piece of meat Sarah had pointed out, "Oh, got it. Thanks."
Alec rolled his eyes, "You know James, three hundred years ago no one in Europe had any idea about America, but look at us now, a young nation full of people and a desire for independence. You never know, perhaps one day a man could walk on the moon, as for Miss Philips, I'm sure she will make a fine journalist."
As usual Sarah gave Alec a kind smile in return for his compliment, while James frowned, clenching the reins tightly.
"Look out!" Henri shouted, pointing up the road ahead.
Racing towards them was a white horse, drawing a red gilded chariot. The driver drove past, forcing James to pull up. Cyrus panicked, whinnying and rearing back as the other driver pasted them in a rush, almost overturning their wagon.
Before the wagon had even regain balance Alec jumped out, running over to Cyrus' head, grabbing the bridle and quickly stroking the scared horse's head, "Easy Cyrus, easy boy. There we go."
The chariot quickly disappeared from sight among the trees as Sarah, James, and Henri watched it go.
"That was scary." Henri said, looking back at Sarah and James, "Can we do that again?"
All three teens shot looks at Henri.
Climbing back into the wagon Alec gave James the okay to drive on.
"This would be an absolutely lovely place for my family to make a home." Sarah mused, looking across the beautiful, green landscape.
James looked like he was about to say something again, but he pulled to a halt as two suspicious men on horses came into view just ahead, "Thieves." He hissed, so the men wouldn't hear him, "Let me do the talking."
"I do not need you to take care of me." Sarah argued. "Thank you."
"I will talk," Henri butted in, holding up his fists, "With these."
Alec found that this was one of those times where he agreed with James as to a course of action, but he still bit his cheek as the man wearing the coon-skin cap approached them first, "Afternoon youngsters."
The second man, with the wide-brimmed hat, followed suit, "Can we search 'em now Tom? Can we search 'em?" he asked eagerly, making Alec a bit more nervous.
Tom shook his head, "That won't be necessary Luke. Our friends here will be happy to show us anything interesting they might be carrying about their persons. Won't ya kids?" he fixed all four of them with a sly grin.
"A ways back we passed a guy who looked real rich." James said, avoiding Tom's question, "You can probably catch him if you hurry."
That got Luke's attention, "Come on Tom, let's go get 'im."
Alec had to admit James had his moments, 'He might just get us out of this.'
Tom sneered, "You're a clever pup, ain't ya. Now tell old Tom what you're really doing up in these parts."
James gulped, looking to Alec to see if he had any bright ideas, but it was Sarah who spoke, "I am a journalist, and demand safe passage in the name of King George the Third."
Tom seemed to flinch but he recovered quickly, giving his partner a cruel wink. Before Alec knew what was happening Tom and Luke had grabbed him and James, tying their hands together and gagging them. Sarah and Henri were so shocked that they didn't have any time to get away and soon all four of them were sitting in the wagon, being led into the woods by the two men.
It wasn't too long before Tom and Luke had taken the four of them off the road, and through the woods to a wide clearing. Tents and other supplies were scattered all over and as the wagon was pulled through the camp the spectacle drew out a good sized crowd of men.
After they finally came to a stop Luke helped everyone get down as Tom took off the gags one by one.
"I demand to meet your leader." Sarah commanded as soon as the gag was removed from her mouth.
All the men in earshot burst out laughing.
"And I demand to meet your cook." Henri added, making everyone laugh even harder.
The laugher died down as a tall man in green military dress walked towards them, "You boys catch game in the woods and don't invite me to the feast?"
Sarah scowled, "May I assume you are the leader of the vile group of kidnappers and thieves?"
"Some of the boys might take offence at you characterization, but yes I'm their leader." The man confirmed, giving a quick nod. "My name's Ethan Allan."
For some reason, this fact didn't surprise Alec, it almost seemed obvious, given the situation.
Ethan Allan was quite reasonable and had their restraints removed and instructed for his men to go about their business. Both Sarah and James were eager to question Ethan but Alec and Henri had other things on their mind, namely maple syrup.
Henri led the search, sneaking around tents with Alec close on his heels. Upon peeking into the cook's tent Henri grinned as he spotted a large jug of maple syrup, stepped forward and took the jug in his hands.
"Henri don't you think we should ask before you take-" Alec started, only to stop when he bumped into someone from behind. Turning around they saw it was the cook, who towered over the both of them, simply demanding with his expression that the maple syrup be put back.
Henri gave a nervous smile as he set the jug back down and walked backwards out of the tent. However he wasn't looking where he was going and ended up tripping over a sack of flour. His momentum had him stumbling out of the tent and falling, back first, into the horse's water trough, soaking him completely. Alec fought a laugh as he help Henri stand up, avoiding the horse water Henri was spitting out from his mouth.
"Henri, I'm going to go see what Sarah and James are up to, stay out of trouble." Alec ordered.
"Who me?" Henri asked, mimicking innocence while Alec walked away.
Alec walked back to where Sarah and James were and was surprised to find Ethan ordering his men. "What's going on?"
"The driver in the chariot that nearly ran us off the road," James said, bringing mention to the recent event, "Seems his name is Pendrake and he is one of the men that has put a family out of their own home. Ethan and his men are going to confront him."
Alec nodded in understanding. "And you are going with them so you can report on it, right?"
James rolled his eyes, making Alec smirk, knowing he was right, "Go on, take Cyrus, I'll stay here and try to keep Henri under control."
Both Sarah and James snickered, seeing as that keeping Henri under control was about as likely as autumn leaves in the spring.
It was a few hours before James and Sarah returned to Ethan's camp, and Alec had managed to loose Henri, or rather Henri managed to loose Alec.
Alec had done a nearly endless amount of searching for the little French scamp but he was nowhere to be seen. Alec sighed as he reached the place where they had first entered the camp, then he heard the sound of horse's hoofs behind him. He looked back just in time to see a red coat on a white horse charging right his way. Alec quickly sidestepped and managed to avoid getting trampled.
Alec immediately ran after the horseman, heading directly towards the center of camp.
"I am Colonel Benedict Arnold." The man said, dismounting his horse and addressing Ethan.
Apparently he wasn't a red coat, he was only wearing one. He had been sent by congress to lead the Green Mountain Boys, but they wouldn't follow his orders, and Ethan wouldn't allow it anyways. Benedict Arnold was allowed to stay and 'assist' in leading the men as they attacked Fort Ticonderoga. Just as the two men were agreeing on the specifications of their situation, who should finally show up but Henri.
"Colonel Allan!" he shouted, "A red coat riding this way, on a white horse, with a bright red jacket. He was a shrimp but he-" Henri gasped midsentence as he noticed the very man he was talking about was right next to him. "Did you spot the British soldier too monsieur?"
That got everyone laughing, everyone except for Sarah, who looked more concerned rather than amused.
After everyone calmed down Sarah and James interviewed Benedict Arnold and Ethan respectively. Alec sat off to the side, reading over their notes considering the scuffle with that horrid man, Pendrake. No sooner had he finished reading about the burning of Tom's home, when James came running up.
"Alec, guess what!" he asked.
Alec was slightly shocked, it was such a rare event for James to be so excited while talking with him, but he decided not to ruin it.
"What?"
"Ethan said I could come along and report on the attack on Fort Ticonderoga. Can you believe it, what a story!"
Alec couldn't help but smile, James was just so excited, "Oh, and he said you could come too if you wanted to, but we would have stay away from the fighting so we don't get hurt."
Alec stifled a laugh, knowing that probably wouldn't be the case in the end. Trouble seemed to follow them everywhere, and he doubted that the New Hampshire grants would be an exception.
Things were quiet as the men pushed the boats into the water and began rowing their way across the river. Alec and James hunkered down between the benches, watching the fort for any signs that they had been spotted.
As they sat there, someone pushed past them, stepping on James' hand in the process.
"Ow!" James very nearly shouted, earning him a hush from Tom.
Alec and James watched as the individual sat down on the bench in front of them and a familiar red haired pony tail fell out from beneath their wide brimmed hat. James reached forward in disbelief, placing his hand on their shoulder. They turned, and both boys held back a gasp as Sarah looked back at them.
"You didn't really think you would be the only one getting a story did you?" Sarah asked, giving a rare smirk at James.
Alec had to hand it to her, she had guts.
The fight for the fort wasn't really that much of a fight at all. The guard at the gate was asleep, and when he tried to shoot it was only a misfire. The red coats surrendered and by morning the Green mountain boys were already sorting out supplies and ammunition.
"No wonder the red coats didn't fight us." Ethan mused, munching on a bit of jerky as James took notes on the events in his notebook. "They were too fat and happy from all this jerky."
"All this without firing a shot!" James cheered, enthusiastic about their victory, "We're gunna whip those red coats in no time!"
"Don't get cocky son." Ethan warned, much to Alec's agreement, "We've a long way to go until we win our freedom."
The three of them were silent for a second until Ethan looked up, seeing one of his men carrying a jug, "Hold on the Edward. Wasn't that little French weasel trying to drum up some of this stuff back in the green mountains?" he asked, even though they already knew the answer to that.
Alec smiled as he was about to take a generous bite of his flapjack smothered in maple syrup when Sarah grabbed his wrist, "Who do you think Doctor Franklin will put on the front page?"
Alec froze, looking back between Sarah and James, who were both waiting for him to answer, "Don't get me involved, I'm not taking sides on this."
"Paper's ready." Moses shouted, distracting Sarah and James as they practically raced each other to see the front page first. Turns out they both got the front page.
"I never thanked you for not giving me away on the boat that night." Sarah said, more to James than Alec.
"I had to let you write that story." James said, "How else could I have proved that mine was superior?"
"Spell superior." Sarah challenged.
James blanched, "Uh…Gee these flapjacks look good."
Sarah and Alec shook their heads, "Oh I imagine they are."
Aralyn: And I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free, And I wont forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today. ' Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA.
Have a blessed Memorial Day, and don't forget to review.
Alec: And make sure you check out her deviantart account for two more pictures relative to her story.