February, 1778:
They call it the dead of winter, for a reason. The only life this time of year was the villagers and soldiers walking the frosted streets of Sleepy Hollow. The coming winter would be harsh for the American soldiers, but that is a tale for another time. It was this current winter though that was the focus of concern. Rumors were spreading that Consumption, Small Pox, Malaria, and other horrible illnesses were sweeping through the colonies. People tried to fight their fear of illness by dressing in layers, and covering their mouths. However, it only goes so far in helping. Of all the illnesses though, it was the terrible Small Pox that attacked the people of Sleepy Hollow. One of the unlucky homes that was infested with it, was the Abendroth residence. It's target was the youngest Abendroth, Friedrich.
They say fate is a fickle thing. Both Johann and Emily had and survived Small Pox as children, with hardly any damage done to them. Poor little Friedrich wailed as the Pox racked his tiny body with pain and chill. While Emily fussed and worried, Johann figured that Friedrich would survive this as well as they did. However, not even the finest doctor at the time knew how weak an infants immune system is. Also, no one for the time knew that a child could survive a terrible illness like Pox far better than an itty bitty baby. Johann had hope though. Yet Friedrich continued to get worse. His wails had died down to weak sobs. Emily would be up all hours of the day and night comforting him. One night, Johann heard Emily sobbing. "What is wrong? Is it our son?", Johann said with worry. "I am afraid we are going to loose our boy.", Emily said. "Nein. We will not loose our Friedrich. We both had Pox, he has our strong blood in him.", Johann said, his voice filled with panic. "We were children though! Friedrich is only a baby!", she cried. Johann held Emily and prayed that his son be spared from such a horrible demise.
April, 1778:
It had been a terrifying month. Friedrich had been so unwell. Then to make things worse, the physician had said that the baby only had a few days left to live. Friedrich even stopped breathing as a look of unearthly peace came to him one sleepless night. Just remember that fate is fickle. It seemed as though death would have claimed Friedrich that night, but then he coughed and gave the wail of returning strength. Now, he was a giggling baby boy again. However, death had made sure to leave his calling card on their son. Fiedrich was rather sickly, and would probably not last beyond six. His parents remained hopeful though, and refused to worry themselves. It was a sunday, and the family had gone to service. Like his mother, Johann would spend the day reading from the Bible with his family, followed by small, simple activities. After service, everyone left the church but Johann. "Now, I truely am in your debt God. I do not know what I can do to repay you. You saved my son from dying this past winter. Please Lord, if there is anything I can do for you, let me know. Amen and danke once more.", Johann said with his head bowed. He soon exited the church to join his family.
"The Americans are getting worse with this idea that they want independance from England.", Charles said to the troops. "They have won Princeton last year and they continue to beat us.", he continued. "Sir, why should we continue to fight if we are loosing? I say surrender now.", one Jaeger suggested. "No! I will not surrender! As long as we have this Hudson, we still have a chance!", Charles exclaimed. Johann then spoke. "My men are right. We are better off just surrendering. As I said before, this war is not our Prince's problem. We do not care who wins. We only want our pay und some of us want to go home.", he said. Johann's men nodded. "However, I understand where you come from Charles. I do not see any reason in wanting to go against one's ruler.", he then said. Charles nodded. Charles pulled out his map, and began to plan his next move.
June, 1778:
Friedrich babbled and tugged on his mother's hair. Emily kissed him and removed his hands from her hair. Johann came into the house with his kill from hunting. "I went looking for a hare und I come home with a fine stag fresh from the Catskills. The creature must've been desperate for a mate if he had come from there.", Johann said. "Put it in the out kitchen and I will get started on it.", Emily said. "Nein. You work hard enough. I will make supper.", he said. Emily smiled as Johann left to get started on cooking. Friedrich, noticing how his mother was no longer attending to him, began to get fussy. Emily turned her attention back to him. The baby giggled as his mother continued to play with him. Meanwhile, in the stables, Starlight and Sampson's fole was curled up asleep. Starlight nudged her baby and Sampson stood guard over them.
August, 1778:
Johann's nightmares got to the point where he was afraid to sleep. He wasn't ready to die. One night, he found himself strolling into the cemetery. Johann walked aimlessly. "I cant die now. I have a child that needs me. Lord, please don't let me die so soon.", he said with sadness in his voice. He remembered the night he told Emily that his death was near. He remembered how she begged him to say he'd never leave her. "With God in Heaven as my witness, I vow to never move on from this earth in spirit should I fall in battle. I will continue to serve my post here, until I am reunited with my family.", Johann said this with a hint of determination in his voice. He wanted to stay here, and he would find a way to remain in Sleepy Hollow. With that, Johann left the cemetery for home.
A week later, Johann was back in camp. Word had gotten to the British that the people of the small villages along the Hudson River Valley were uniting to fight the Crown Forces out of NY. More weapons were being distributed throughout the area, via smugglers and spies. Privateers would dock in the witching hours unloading cannons and powder. "I have decided that we will be raiding each and every home in Sleepy Hollow. No one is to be trusted. Our true allies among the people, will have stripped chimneys. Pass those homes, if there are any, over. For the homes of the so called 'Patriots', clean them out and burn them. However, evacuate every member of the house first.", Charles said. The men nodded. "What of Frau Abendroth's home?", asked one Hessian. "She is to be asked which side she supports. If she is wise, she will choose the King.", he replied. "When shall we conduct the raid sir?", asked Johann. "In October. I have no doubt the rebels will be armed and ready for battle then. We will crush them and turn the tide of this war to the favor of our king. God save the King!", he answered. The men then broke into the song "God Save The King". Johann's sadness returned. He was doomed, and nothing could save him.
Oh My...What is to become of our beloved Johann?..Find out in the next chapter.
Horseman: Don't tell me it's almost over!
Me: Sadly, It is.
Horseman: I will have your head for this!
Me: Chill dude! There's a few more chapters left.
Horseman: For your sake there'd better be.
Me: Oh shush.
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Horseman: But also enjoy chapter 11!