Chapter: Twenty-one

Author: Iwillsoaronthewingsofeagles...aka...MLBL

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the character from the Patriot. I do own Emily Brandon, her family, and any other characters I might incorporate in the story.

"I told you, you wouldn't be able to get away that easily!" Thomas rode up behind me. "Stop the horse."

"How do you intend to stop me?"

"Ah, dear Emily, that is something you wouldn't like to know."

"Dear? Actually, I would." I shouted back, and urged the horse to go faster. Thomas did the same, and was soon right beside me.

"Emily, stop the horse!"

"No!" I pulled on the reins, leaving Thomas to ride on, and turned the horse around. He was obviously surprised at first, but he soon turned his horse around. I was still ahead, but Thomas was catching up with me.

"Emily! I'm not going to let you go!" He shouted at my back. I didn't know what to do, now. I could just keep running, but my horse would soon get tired. As I all these things ran through my head, Thomas was gaining ground. Fast! I wouldn't be able to do the same thing I'd done before. It was a just a matter of minutes, no seconds, until he caught up with me.

"I'm not giving up, and you have no where to run. Just stop your horse, and no one will get hurt!" Thomas was almost riding neck to neck with me. I was getting nervous, and didn't know what else to do. "Can't do that, Thomas!" I shouted, almost out of breath.

Next thing I knew, Thomas had grabbed the reins out of my hands, and pulled my horse to a stop along with his horse. I was too nervous to react. He jumped down from the horse, still holding the reins to mine. I didn't know what to do.

"Get down from the horse."

I stayed silent, and didn't move.

"Get off the horse."

This time when I didn't move, Thomas practically pulled me off, sending us both to the ground. To my misfortune, I fell on top of him. Or maybe it wasn't a misfortune. I got up, and ran. I didn't know where, I just ran. I heard Thomas' footsteps behind me, and soon felt a couple of strong arms grab me. Tightly!

"Stop, trying to run away from me." Thomas whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

"And why should I do that?" I spat out. I was now angry again.

"Hm. Good question. How about, you answer my questions, and I'll let you go? As long, as I sense you aren't lying to me...and don't come with the story that you are from the future."

"I can't. There wouldn't be enough time for me to warn them." Oops! I'd said too much. Boy, was I beginning to wish I'd never met Thomas.

"Warn who? And of what?"

"Leave me alone."

"I can't do that. You know I can't."

"Why not?"

"Because...you are a spy."

"I am not! I haven't got proof of it. But I am not a spy!" I felt tears stream down my face.

Thomas didn't say anything, but loosened his grip on me, some. He still had his arms wrapped around me...we stood there in silence until I couldn't stand it anymore.

"Do something! Or say something!"

"I can't!" Thomas' looked down at the ground.

"Please! Let me go. I promise you, the reason I left was because I wanted to help you. I can't tell you why or how, but..." I took a deep breath. "Please, trust me?"

"How? How can I trust you? I don't even know who you are?"

As Thomas words rang through my ears, he couldn't have done worse in putting a knife right through my heart. It hurt...a lot. And what was worse, I wanted to help him understand, and prove it to him, but I didn't know how! I couldn't believe any of this myself!

"Thomas, I can't prove anything to you. I wish I could but I can't, and because of that...I don't have your trust. I believe I never did have your trust. I don't know what you expect from me. But like I said...I have something I have to do, and as much as I love you," I paused and took a deep breath. "I can't let you stop me. Or else...a whole town will die." I had said all I could...and I'd probably have to run away...somehow! "I swear to you. I am not making this up!"

Again there was a chilling silence. Just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore, Thomas released me.

"Go." His voice was barely over a whisper. I turned around to face him, and for the first time I saw tears in his eyes. "Go!"

Without a second thought I kissed him, and wrapped my arms around his neck. He returned my kiss, and I soon felt his arms around my waist. I pulled him closer.

Finally he pulled away, but we were still very close. I could feel the heat of his breath on my face.

"I love you." He whispered.

"I love you too!" Tears slipped down my face.

I stood there, in Thomas' arms. I didn't want to leave. Ever! But I probably wouldn't be able to have this anymore, and I would make this count. "Thomas, I have to go."

"Why? Can't I go with you?"

"No! It's too dangerous. I can't risk losing you...at least not that way!"

"What do you mean?"

"Thomas, I'm going to save a town from the very same man that tried to kill you! I can't let you go-"

"You what?"

I closed my eyes as the words came out of my mouth. "Yes. I'm going to save, or at least try to save a town from Tavington."

"What are you talking about? Are you crazy?"

"Yes! I believe I am. But I wouldn't be able to bare my life, knowing that a whole town died when I could've done something to save them. Believe me, I've thought a lot about this. And though I'm scared to death, I can't let that stop me."

"I'm going with you."

"What?"

"I was going to follow you. That way I'd have proof. And I'm afraid I can't say I'm sorry. I wanted so much to believe you. I just..." He took a deep breath.

"I understand. I'd probably have done the same, but Thomas, I told you. I- I don't want to risk losing you! I can't!"

"Don't worry. You won't lose me. If you are a spy, and you really care about me, you can find a way to help me if I get caught. If you aren't...well, we'll see." He jumped up on his horse. "You coming?" He held out his hand.

"I have my own horse. Er..well maybe not my-"

"No, it's easier with one horse. And...I wouldn't mind having you close to me." A playful grin spread across Thomas' handsome face.

"Oh really?" Men! They didn't change over the centuries! I took Thomas hand, and sat in saddle behind him.

"Hold on!"

"What?"

Thomas clicked, and the horse started off in a gallop. I quickly wrapped my arms around him.

"That's more like it!"

A/N: ok...you know what is coming next...What do ya'll think? And I really appreciate the reviews...well, I'll be going...

MLBL