Chapter 9: A Key
A map was spread out on the center table of the room. The servants gathered around it.
Servant 3: (he pointed his finger at their current location) The King had a plan to take over Boston. He has ordered us to take Sir Britain here. (He points at Europe) For now he just wants him out of his sight. Although, (his eyes now contained a glow in them) if this was to somehow not turn into a war, though it has, a cargo ship was ordered to bring our trade to the lower colonies of America. I'm not sure where, though this is a great opportunity (he glanced at his fellow servants). Say the ship set off. With the King in this battle we can slip him onto the ship while the battle is still at large and the King will never notice.
Servant 2: But the colonists will! What will they think when they see an enemy ship sailing on their waters?
Servant 1: We got to warn him.
The rest of the servants stared at him.
Servant 1: Someone has to go and find Sir America! He can meet the ship at a port! That way we can be sure he is safe.
Servant 3: Not a bad idea. . .
Servant 2: Are you sure the King will not notice the ship is missing?
Servant 4: Not if half of them are already burning.
Servant 3: Right. How's it cumin over there? (The servants turn to the woman who was trying to stitch up Britain)
Woman Servant: (wipes sweat off her brow) Fine.
The Servants turn back to the table.
Servant 4: Now we just need a volunteer.
The room went silent.
Servant 4: Come now! Can't at least one of you afford to be brave for a day?
Servant 1: Well, we're already breaking the rules for-
Servant 3:-I'll do it.
Servant 4: (pats him on the back) Now there's a good lad!
Servant 2: Alone? What if-
Servant 4:-he'll be fine. (An edge in his voice) We need the extra arms to help move Sir Britain over to the right ship.
All of the servants nodded.
The plan was set into action. The third servant went to another room to grab a rifle. Soon the fourth servant joined him.
Servant 4: Look, you need to change.
Servant 3: What?
Servant 4: If you are really going to head out to a battle you need to look like you are. (He held up a uniform and tossed it to the servant. The servant managed to catch it) Also remember, Sir America needs his troops to retreat, or at least pretend to. Have the King claim the land for now so we can leave before he notices anything. (He patted the man's back) Good luck.
The servant headed out of the ship onto land. Everything was a mess; bodies were everywhere though nobody seemed to notice; the redcoats were advancing to the hills though the American troops were still a few steps ahead.
The Servant wandered around, trying to block out the screaming and explosions. He realized that the American troops did not dress anything like the redcoats. They did not even wear uniforms except for perhaps the generals.
He reached past the beach to a village that almost seemed deserted. He walked cautiously with his rifle on the dirt road, listening.
At first he could only hear distant gun shots as he walked, but then someone opened fire at him from on top of the buildings. Maybe it would have been better to not look like a redcoat. He ran into the nearest shop, his back against the wall, panting.
After a few minutes of waiting it got quiet again.
The shop was very dark, but he felt a bit safer. He walked foreword, sighing. Then something tapped him on the back. He turned to see a soldier standing behind him, pointing his weapon directly at him. Only what he held in his hand was not a rifle, but a pistol.
Servant 3: (immediately held his hands up) don't shoot! (He found himself now gasping for breath) You need to listen to me.
America held his stance.
Servant 3: Britain . . . he's alive. Barely but, (gasp) we have a plan (gasp) to get him over here.
America slowly puts the pistol down. The servant begins to explain the situation to him. America crosses his arms, listening, and his pistol now in his pocket.
Servant 3: . . . though in order to do that, you need to pull back your troops.
America: What?! Why?!
Servant 3: To get the King to leave. Have him claim Boston (speaking with frustration) and you can always get it back later. Then stay with your troops while we get everything situated or the King might get curious if you were to suddenly disappear.
America: But what if they don't claim it? What if they keep plowing?
Servant 3: They won't! The King's only purpose of coming here was because he heard you had an army. If he finds you and your troops retreating, he'll feel satisfied and leave. I'm sure of it.
America: But-w-why?! Why are you telling me this? You saw what he did to Britain! He could- (whining)
Servant 3:-I don't care. (Face serious) Things need to change. If this is the only way to do it, then I have to try.
America: (now yelling) I don't even know what I'm doing though!
Servant 3: (glances around quickly, then adds quietly) don't yell-
America: -How can I trust anyone now?!
Servant 3: (raises his voice a bit) America I'm known you for your whole life!
America: (almost at the point of tears) why didn't you do anything then?! (Yelling at the servant) You just watched him bleed!
Servant 3:- we didn't know anything! We had no idea-! (He stops short, and listens for a second)
America: (not listening) –you didn't do anything! How could you just stand-!
Servant 3: GET DOWN!
A blast suddenly shook the whole building causing glass to fly everywhere. The servant had pushed America down to the floor, covering both of their heads. The explosion lasted just under a minute, blowing pieces of wood everywhere and completely shattering the store's windows. They lay on the ground completely still. After a moment the servant opened his eyes and looked around then got up slowly. He removed his hand from America's head; there were a few shards of glass stuck to it. America got up then as well.
Wood was scattered all over the floor in tiny, slightly burnt pieces. The door had been completely blown off of its hinges and smoke rose from where it once was.
Servant 3: You alright?
America looked at him and nodded.
Servant 3: Good. (Inhaled deeply and walked over to were the door once was and peered out from the side of it) I think it's safe now. (Looks back at America who hadn't moved and stood there as if uncertain)
Servant 3: Still don't trust me?
America: (comes out of it) N-never mind. (Walks over to him)
They both walk outside.
Servant 3: Remember, do not tell them why you are falling back. Word travels fast here and you never know whose ears it might reach.
They walked to the edge of the town and came to a hill were it overlooked the battle scene. The battle was still at large and cannons echoed to them.
Servant 3: I can't come with you though.
America: What-why?
Servant 3: (he starred out at the battle) I have to fill out the duty of getting your friend over here. (Then turned his friend and winked, assuring him that everything would turn out okay. Then sees America's face which had turned into a look of panic staring back at him and then added,) you will be fine. (Pats him on the back) Got your first taste of a battle today, didn't you?
America continued to stare ahead, not replying.
Servant 3: Just think of it this way, now you have people looking up to you.
America gave it some thought, and then swallowed. The servant then left, waving as he walked and finally disappearing.
America walked back to the fort where there were troops waiting for him. He entered the large tent where Washington was.
Washington: Well?
America: (dully) fall back.
Washington: What? You can't be serious!
America walked over to the table where a large map lay and stared at it.
Washington: We can pull though this! Why would we need to fall back? This is our first shot at winning this war! (America stands over by a table and toys with an army figure, twisting it around in his hands) Now you want to throw all that effort away by retreating?! (America set the figure down and turned to Washington)
America: We can always take it back later-
Washington: Take it back? The British are here to take over! Have you forgotten that?!
America: We're strong! We can use strategy and we know the land better than they ever will!
Washington: What are you playing, right now? Trying to be nice or what? (He walks up to America, looking down at him for he was quite tall) What's holding you back?
America: (frowns) I-I just need you to trust me on this one.
Washington: Just tell me!
America: I can't!
Washington suddenly grabbed America's uniform collar tightly, he glared down at him.
Washington: We have men's lives at stake here that could be in danger and are already in danger as we speak! So spit it out!
America bit his lip as if trying to hold back something terrible then finally looking into Washington's eyes.
America: He's alive. (He spoke quietly)
Washington let go of America and took a couple paces back. America rubbed his neck.
Washington: (quietly but just as serious) who?
America: (ignored the question and spoke with his voice even) they plan to bring him here in a cargo ship to a port. In order to do so we need to fall back so the King can leave without knowing.
Washington: your friend? (He rubs his head and then looks at America) We finally have them cornered and you want to save someone who- (started stuttering for a moment then recovered) how can we possibly let them win now?!
America: Britain is a military genius! He set up that army (gestures his arm to the British ships, adds quietly) so he knows what they are and are not capable of doing!
Washington pauses and then takes in the information America had been hinting. Britain could help them win the war. He knew their weaknesses.
Washington looks up and then down at the map. He sighed heavily.
The King stood on top of a distant hill watching the fight. His troops were starting to get cornered and then suddenly something changed. A wall of solid stone served as a large shield for his men and the colonist had started to retreat. It didn't make much sense, though either way, they were regaining control.
End of chapter 9
