(I got excited and wrote some more! My ever increasing thanks to theFGnat for helping me with the German, and some French!)

Joey's steady gait was lulling James into a sleepy state. Avis was riding ahead, watching for any signs of human activity. James was trying to do his best at playing the mute brother ever since they had encountered the farmer. They had been riding side-by-side, their hands intertwined. But the farmer appearing out of nowhere almost blew their cover. So, for the time being, they were riding separately.

Joey for some reason was acting strangely. He had been chomping at the bit ever since the farmer, trying to get back to being alongside Topthorn. Joey yanked on the bit, almost tearing the reins out of James's hand.

"What's the matter with you?" James scolded. Joey shook his head out of irritation, yanking on the bit again. He gave a couple crow hops as James pulled back, snorting. Topthorn swung his head around and James swore he saw the big black horse frown at the chestnut. Avis glanced over her shoulder, her grey eyes blinking in curiosity.

"All right?" she asked with a hint of a smile. James felt her heart race. Oh she was doing this on purpose, looking at him like that!

"Yes, just, Joey's being uncooperative," James frowned down at the horse. Joey shook his head. She smiled broader, before looking forward again. Joey turned to look at James, with as much of a disapproving look as he could give.

"What?" James hissed. He swore that the horse rolled his eyes before plodding on ahead, ears drooping. James patted the horse's neck. James wanted to be by Avis's side just as much as the horse wanted him to. He wanted to feel her hand in his. The memory of her lips caressing his sent a shiver down his spine, her fingers running through his hair, the weight and warmth of her body pressed up against his…

'Stop it,' James said bitterly to himself, clearing his throat. He glanced at Avis, who seemed unaware of his trip down memory lane. She was humming a tune to herself, one that he didn't recognize, that Topthorn was listening to intently. Joey's ears had perked up as well, which James assumed was that he was listening too.

He was wrong.

Joey grabbed the bit, charging forward before James could react. Avis turned in alarm as James's cry of protest, then started to laugh as Joey trotted past Topthorn to show off who was really in control. Avis continued to laugh as James finally gained control back over the horse, feeling a bit foolish for making such a beginner's error. The two troublesome wounds complained as Avis caught up to them.

She began scolding Joey in German before planting a hiss on his velvety nose. Joey swung himself around so James and Avis were knee-to-knee, receiving an irritated nip from Topthorn for his trouble.

"It seems that Joey here is playing matchmaker," James shot the amused horse a look.

"Matchmaker?" Avis tilted her head in confusion. Damn. He didn't know enough German yet to explain this.

"Ah, someone who," James fought to find the simplest words, "ah, brings two people together." He was motioning with his hands, then grabbed hers to intertwine her fingers with his. Her eyes lit up.

"Oh! Ehestifter!" she exclaimed. "Jemand der sowas macht." She grabbed the front of his shirt, bringing their faces together. Every part of James screamed at him to take her right then and there, but the logical part of his mind scolded him for being stupid. They needed to keep moving. Reluctantly, James pulled away from her, but rested his forehead on hers. He cradled her face in his hand, her eyes pleading up at him.

"We have to keep moving," he breathed. "It will be dark soon." Disappointed, she sat back up straight, giving him a sad smile before having Topthorn continue. Joey shook his head again, following in his companion's wake.

Another mile went by before they started seeing more signs of life. James firmly kept his head down as Avis smiled sweetly at the travelers on the road. Some would call out to them in French, which James understood a bit better than German and Avis responded back fluidly. Even though James could easily converse better in French, his English tongue would instantly be recognized. Who knew if any of these people were spies, or would sell them out easily. Every new encounter brought a new danger, and James didn't relax until the threat was behind them.

Avis suddenly veered off of the road, bringing Topthorn to a stop. The sun was inching its way towards the horizon, a ticking clock for them to find shelter quickly.

"A village," she said in a hushed tone. "Go around. I'll meet you there." James grabbed her hand, terrified about this plan.

"I don't like this," he said firmly. She gave a small laugh.

"Mein lieber Ritter kommt zur Rettung," she ran her hand along his face, causing him to involuntarily sigh. "One hour." She leaned over to kiss the underside of his jaw, before flashing him a smile and heading back onto the road.

James's heart hammered, but this time it wasn't out of excitement or desire. He was terrified. So many things could go wrong and he wouldn't be able to protect her or come to her rescue. The Doctor's words rang in his head as he guided Joey around the edge of the village. He was close enough to hear voices, but not close enough to accidently run into anyone or hear exactly what they were saying.

Several anxious minutes later found James staring at the exit of the village. People casually walked in and out of the village, unaware that James was watching nearby. He painfully slipped off of Joey's back, carefully stretching stiff muscles as Joey shook himself out. James didn't dare take his eyes off of the village, ears straining for any sign of trouble.

"Ah!" James growled, slapping his hand against a tree. "Why did I let her go alone? Why Joey?" Joey looked at him blankly, munching on some leaves he had stripped from a low-hanging branch.

Because you trust her.

James was startled to see the dead soldier standing there, before he grew annoyed with himself.

"Great, I'm talking to a horse and I'm hallucinating," James sarcastically gestured towards the two. Joey swung his head to see who James was talking to, then looked back at James. He let out a slow breath of air. "Even the horse thinks I'm crazy."

I'm not really here.

"Ah!" James ran a hand over his face. "And the ghost agrees with him. Look, whatever you are, just go away and leave me to stress out in peace!"

You're in danger.

"When am I never?"

The betrayer is coming.

James froze. "Who? Samuel?"

He is coming.

"When?"

He is coming.

"This isn't helping me."

Are you ready to sacrifice everything for the one you love? Will you give your life for her, or for King and Country?

James stared at the ghostly figure. "Are you saying that I'm going to die?"

We all die, in the end.

"Again, cryptic. Tell me what I need to know!"

I'm only telling you what you already know. Love is a strong emotion. It will either bring you triumph, or it will be your downfall.

The vision faded away, leaving James feeling no better than before. James slapped the tree again.

"Just bloody wonderful," James muttered to himself. "That bloody helps." James paced back and forth, worried about Avis, worried about reaching the Calvary in time, worried about outrunning their pursuers. He knew that it was Samuel that was chasing them; it couldn't be anyone else. Only Samuel had the blood-lust to go after them. James knew what would happen to him if Samuel caught him. He dreaded what he had in store for Avis. He was cruel enough to kill James in front of Avis. A horrifying thought crossed his mind. What if Samuel had the gall to harm Avis before killing James?

James shook himself to clear the morbid thoughts. It made it even more vital that they reached the Calvary in time.

James continued to fret as the hour slowly passed. After what seemed like forever, a familiar black horse rode out of the village, Avis safely on his back. She didn't make indication of looking for him, which gave him the idea to follow, but remain hidden. At least, until most of the travelers on the road were gone. James got up on Joey's back, hissing as his wounds protested.

"No, Joey," James held the eager horse back. "We have to stay hidden. Don't worry, we'll meet up with them again." Joey gave a snort, but allowed James to steer him.

They continued to follow Avis and Topthorn for about a mile, before she guided Topthorn onto another road. Curious as to why she was turning here, he continued to follow.

A small farmhouse came into view, though the barn was no longer standing. Avis got down off of Topthorn, looking around anxiously as she led Topthorn around behind the house. James couldn't see any signs of life, which meant he could come out of hiding.

Avis whirled around at the sound of Joey's whicker, relaxing and then smiling when she saw James. Joey trotted the rest of the way, nosing Topthorn while James slid off of his back. Before he could recover, Avis tackled him in a massive hug, burying her face in his chest.

"Woah, hey! Hey! Avis, it's fine. I'm fine," James laughed, then realized that her shoulders were shaking. He grew concerned, pushing her away to look at her quickly filling eyes. "Are you hurt? Did they hurt you?"

"Nein," she buried her face in his chest again. "Afraid."

"Of what?" James asked, stroking her head. She lifted her head to look at him.

"Alone," she replied. James decided not to push the matter as he continued to hold her.

"You were very brave," he said after a silent moment. "I am proud of you." He knew she didn't understand most of what he had said, but she reacted to his gentle timbre by smiling at him. She got up on her toes to brush his lips with a kiss. She dropped back down, her grey eyes shining with anticipation.

"Come!" she said eagerly, taking his hand back to the horses. Together, they removed several packages from Topthorn's saddle before settling the horses in a makeshift lean-to.

The sun had dipped below the horizon by the time they finished, staggering into the farmhouse. Despite the shooting pain, James helped Avis light up the tiny kitchen before she explored several of the outer rooms. There apparently wasn't much since she came back silent.

James was delighted to see that one of the packages contained food, which Avis insisted on him eating most of it. He put up a brave fight, but his weakened body once again agreed with her. She watched him intensely as he tried to not wolf down the food. He hadn't realized how hungry he had become.

As he started to slow his intake, he noticed that Avis had started to eat as well, but had filled a pot with water on the stove and was now fiddling with another bag. In the dim light he couldn't see what was in the bag, but the seriousness on her face suggested something unpleased.

"Fertig?" she asked, eyeing the empty food packet.

"Yes, thank you," James replied.

"Shirt," she moved to remove the pot from the stove. James winced, realizing what she was after. This was going to hurt.

With less difficulty than this morning, James managed to wriggle out of the shirt. Even in the dim light, he noticed that bruises and wounds he had received only days before were starting to turn from frightening colors to more revolting ones. Blues and purples were transforming into greens and yellows. He had to trust Avis's judgment, since she didn't even bat an eye when she evaluated him with a glance. Well, there was the blush she was trying to hide, but that didn't count.

A glint of silver caught his eye, which he realized was a needle. He looked at the shirt in confusion. Funny, he didn't think that he had gotten a tear in the shirt. Was she going to wash it too?

Avis patted the chair next to her, which made him realize exactly what she was up to. The two troublesome wounds twinged in confirmation.

This was going to really hurt!

"Trust?" she asked, holding up the rather large needle.

"I trust you," James replied, sitting down in the chair. Avis began to undo the bandages, frowning at the slowly healing wounds. With practiced just gentle hands, she began to clean the wounds with the boiling water. She would freeze every time he would flinch or hiss through his teeth, before starting up again. James tried very hard to not cry out, knowing that the painful part was only yet to come.

Avis picked up the threaded needle, looking at him with a nervous eye.

"Be brave," she whispered, poising the needle over the first wound. James braced himself, shutting his eyes in preparation. He took a deep breath, before nodding his head.

The needle dug into his skin.

James screamed.

Avis finished washing her hands, watching the shaken but patched up James slowly walk around the room. She felt terrible putting him in this much pain. She wished that she could give him something for the pain, but she didn't have any. Each cry of pain that he gave, each flinch, each bit off curse word- at least that's what she thought that they were- cut into her like a knife.

He didn't say anything when she finished, his face ashen and covered with sweat as he slowly got his breathing under control. He didn't even look at her when he got up to pace the room, leaving her with a feeling of regret and to clean up.

"Avis."

Surprised to hear him call her just by her name- no Fraulein before or just Fraulein- she glanced over her shoulder to see James standing there, a smile shyly growing on his face.

"Yes?"

James continued to smile. "Thank you."

Avis smiled back at him, setting her materials down. "Why?"

"You have been so kind to me, helping me, saving me. I just wanted to say, thank you. I wish that there was some way I could pay you back."

Avis quickly turned away in an attempt to hide her blush. There was one way that he could pay her back. Nah, that was too silly. His upbringing would never allow him to do the one favor she desperately wanted to ask.

Avis felt him encircle her waist with his arms, his breath warm on her neck as he brushed her hair away from it. She shivered as his mouth slowly, teasing, moved from her jaw down her neck to where her neck became her shoulder. She gripped his hands as he lingered there, freeing one hand to let his fingers trace her collarbone.

She let her head fall against his shoulder, exposing her neck. He gently turned her around, cradling the back of her neck as his mouth worked its way back up her throat.

Avis took his face in her hands, bringing his eyes back up to her face. She wanted to gaze into the blue forever, but she had other plans. She let her hands trail down to his hands, slowly pulling him into the side room she had found earlier. His eyes narrowed slightly in confusion, before one eyebrow arched in suspicion.

"What are…"

She brought his chin around so he was looking at her again. Keeping his eyes locked with hers while still holding on to his hands, she sat down on the edge of what had looked like a mattress. He followed her to sit down next to her, his face suddenly looking slightly panicked.

"Are you sure?" his face looked worried, a blush creeping across his face in the dim light.

"Don't you want to?" she asked, holding his face with one hand. James looked frustrated.

"Yes, more than anything," his voice had gotten slightly higher pitched. "But…"

"What?" she breathed, wrapping her arms around his neck. He firmly removed them, looking her square in the eye.

"It isn't, proper," he replied. She didn't know what 'proper' meant, but the way he said it suggested that it was another part of his upbringing.

"I want you," she tried to get her feelings into English words. But it didn't quite carry the same meaning. James got to his feet, tension lining his body. She knew he wasn't going to understand the words, but she had to get out what she felt.

"Ich liebe dich James," she cried out. "Ich liebe dich mehr als ich je irgendjemand geliebt habe. Du bist mein Held. Du sagst ich hätte dich gerettet, doch warst du derjenige der mir zur Rettung kam. Ich will da sein wo du bist, für immer und ewig. Ich weiss du verstehst mich nicht, aber ich bin dein. Ich werde immer dein sein. Nimm mich, nimm voll und ganz, denn ich bin dein. Aber willst du auch mein sein? Wirst du mich dich nehmen lassen?"

James had turned to look at her, watching her face intently as she pleaded at him. He sank down next to her, letting her take his hands in hers. His eyes looked sad, knowing that he didn't understand a word that she had just said. He didn't know that she had just poured her heart out to him.

"I'm sorry," he said softly and slowly. "I know you meant something profound, but I do not understand what you said." He looked frustrated as Avis felt her heart break. Her shoulders shook as bitter tears fell down her face. Frustration turned to panic as he began to try to dry her falling tears.

"Oh no! Please, Fraulein. Don't cry!" he pleaded. Avis continued to cry, pulling her hands away from her to hide her face.

"Avis."

She glanced up at him, his face serene as he tilted his head to the side like she liked. He took a deep breath before brushing a stray tear from her face.

"Avis, wie sagt man "I love you" auf deutsch?" he asked, his mouth working around the German. He had also gestured with his hands, so she was able to work out what he was asking. Except, no, could that really be what he asked for? Avis felt her heart lift.

"Was hast du gesagt?" she sniffed. James took her hands, a small smile appearing on his face.

"I asked, wie sagt man "I love you" auf deutsch?" he repeated. Avis felt her own lips form into a smile.

"Ich liebe dich," she replied. James's smile turned into a grin.

"Ich liebe dich, Avis," he leaned in close so he could take her face in his hand. "I don't know how much you will understand, but Ich liebe dich. I owe my life to you. I am yours. 'If thou would have such a one, take me. And take me, take a solider'."

Avis looked at him strangely. "Why do you speak funny?"

Confusion flickered across his face, before giving a nervous laugh. "Oh, sorry. I was quoting Shakespeare."

"What's Shakespeare?" Avis sounded out the word carefully.

"An English playwri… uh. A person who writes plays," James sounded flustered. "I quote him when I get nervous. He's not someone you want to learn how to read English from. Besides the point." He looked back into her eyes. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, I want you. My heart belongs to you. I just hope that your heart belongs to me." Avis felt her heart race in anticipation. He did! He did feel the same way as she! He seemed uncomfortable with her silence, squirming slightly and his smile slipping. "'Come, your answer in broken music! For thy voice is music and thy English broken. Wilt thou have me?'"

Avis giggled. "More strange words." James hung his head in an attempt to hide his face.

"You have found my weakness, Fraulein," he sighed, glancing at her with his brilliantly blue eyes shining. "But, may I be yours, and you mine?" Avis wrapped her arms around his neck again, kissing him deeply. He tensed at first, but slowly relaxed as he realized that this was her answer. He laid her back, not letting her go. Avis didn't dare let him go either, guiding his hands to where she wanted them to go. He moved again to her neck as she gripped his hair.

"Ich liebe dich, von ganzem Herzen," she whispered fiercely into his ear. James slowly brought his head back up, nuzzling her ear as he breathed heavily.

"Ich liebe dich, mein Fraulein," he whispered back.

High above, the moon shone down on the two lovers, standing guard over the pair lost to the world.

Samuel stood over the shop owner cowering at his feet. Terror filled his eyes, his hands trembling as he clutched them in a futile plea. Samuel glanced behind the shop owner at the equally terrified woman holding a young child in her arms.

"I will ask again," Samuel growled slowly. "Did a man on a chestnut and a woman on a black ride into the village today?"

"N-n-no, Monsieur!" the shop owner's voice trembled. "S'il vous plaît, we saw none!"

"Really?" Samuel towered over the man. "Because several people saw a woman on a large black horse come to your shop this afternoon." The man's eyes grew even larger in alarm. Aha, caught him.

"There, there was a woman, Monsieur," the man spoke frantically. "Y-y-yes. She bought some supplies and asked if there was a place for her to stay outside of town. I told her that there was an abandoned farmhouse just down the road. The family fled when we were invaded…"

Samuel gabbed the man's jaw, forcing him into silence as the woman gave a small gasp.

"How far down the road?" Samuel asked in a low voice. The man continued to tremble, too afraid to speak.

"How far down the road!" he bellowed, sending the man crashing to the ground.

"A-a-a mile, Monsieur," he barely got out. Samuel stood upright, trying to control his temper. The woman was softly sobbing, the child starting to make sound.

"Thank you, for your cooperation," Samuel muttered, turning away from the man. He snatched the pistol out of one of his men's holster, spinning around to deposit the bullet in the shop owner's head.

The woman screamed as the shop owner collapsed to the ground, his horrified eyes looking up at the ceiling. The woman was in hysterics as the child began to wail. Samuel shoved the pistol into the slightly stunned soldier's hands before storming outside.

"Do what you like with the woman and child, I don't care," Samuel ordered, the woman's hysterical screaming sounded in the background. "Someone ride out and confirm the information." Several soldiers entered the shop as Samuel headed for the center of the village. A separate soldier rode out.

He climbed up on his horse, jerking its head around to face the gathering villagers, their eyes warily watching Samuel and the milling soldiers. Shadows were cast against the surrounding buildings in the torchlight, giving the whole setting a macabre feel.

"Tell them to go back to their homes," Samuel ordered.

"Anything else, sir?" the soldier asked.

"No," Samuel replied. "We will wait for confirmation." Samuel watched the soldiers herd the people back to their homes, throwing wary and angry looks over their shoulders. No doubt they knew what had happened to the shop owner. Samuel ignored their looks, he didn't care. His goal was so close, so very close. His hand tenderly stroked the handle of his pistol, the one bullet waiting. Waiting, to strike Nicholls down.

"Sir?"

Samuel's attention was brought to his next in command. His eyes were anxious, as if he were afraid of Samuel's reaction. Good. It was better to be feared than be a friend.

"What?" Samuel's mind was elsewhere.

"Is this necessary?"

Samuel threw him a dangerous look.

"You better explain yourself, soldier," Samuel snarled.

"I mean," the soldier stammered. "Why is it so important for you to take down the escaped Captain?" Samuel tightened his grip on the reins, the horse shifting under him.

"He is dangerous," Samuel replied. "He deserves death."

"But why?"

Samuel didn't answer him. How could he answer that? Because he was jealous, that James outshined him at every moment, he was Mr. Perfect? No, it was better to paint him as a dangerous war criminal, it would making explaining things easier. Including to him.

"Sir!"

Samuel watched as the scout returned, his mount covered in sweat.

"What is the news?" Samuel demanded.

"They are there," the scout panted. "The horses saw me, but they didn't. They were in the farmhouse."

"You didn't check to see if they were inside?" Samuel snarled. The scout gave a cocky smile.

"I didn't have to, I could hear them."

The men around Samuel laughed knowingly to themselves as Samuel let his rage build. And he managed to get the girl? Just another reason to put a bullet between James's eyes.

"Ride out! We'll catch them by surprise," Samuel barked the order.

"But sir!" his next in command protested. "We have been riding without rest, the men…"

"Can last one more night," Samuel growled.

"We need a plan," the soldier pointed out. Samuel growled to himself. He wanted to ride out now, drag James out of that little wanton's bed and make her watch as Samuel killed her lover. But, his soldier's advice was right. He couldn't risk their escape. Not now.

Samuel turned to the soldier, a plan starting to formulate in his mind.

"Listen carefully…"

(Dun, dun, DUN!)

(Will our lovers escape to the oh so close safety? Or will Samuel bar the way?)