The early morning sun slowly rose , the rays of the sun dimly covered the quiet South Carolina Fields . Another battle would take place that day upon those very same fields , the battle of Cowpens . A tremendous battle that would soon alter the course of the war .
Colonel Tavington was already up , and dressed . He paced around his tent nervously and impatiently . He was well aware The battle of Cowpens would take place today , but he was not sure if he was ready for the battle ahead of him . He felt his pride diminish , there hadn't been any other battle he had been apart of that he feared , or hesitated to be apart of . He hadn't earned his nickname" The Butcher " for being intimidated by war . Tavington always felt so undaunted , composed , and confident before a battle , he almost felt untouchable. Americans always retreated when they would spot their Calvary charge hard into battle , Tavington was feared by others , it had almost made him feel superior . Perhaps that was why he felt so eager to kill , seeing the fear in peoples eyes , and their cries of mercy . Made him feel superior , he was in control , Tavington had even once enjoyed seeing fear in Jessica's eyes . Tavington knew that's why he was so hesitant to go to battle , it was because of Jessica . Before Tavington had entered Jessica's life , he only worried about himself . And the only things he desired were good fortune and honour . But now he desired much more. Tavington now was aware that he had gotten much more then he had bargained for when he captured Jessica . He could no longer just worry about himself , he was worried about the young women he had fallen in-love with . Tavington knew he had to keep his promise to Jessica and survive through this war , this is why he felt so hesitant , and apprehensive .
Tavington decided it was best if he would stop pacing , it was only making his more fearful of what was ahead . Taking a hairbrush that laid not to far from him , he then began to brush his loose brown locks . Untangling his hair , Tavington then began to braid his hair .
He then stopped braiding his hair to hear the sound of someone fastly approaching his tent .
" Colonel Tavington , may I enter " Tavington heard the familiar voice of Cornwallis ask .
" Yes , of course my Lord " Tavington responded , straightening up his jacket and pushing any loose hairs that fell in-front of his face , back and out of the way . Standing up straight and confident , Tavington watched as Cornwallis entered the tent .
" Colonel , could you answer for me as to why Captain Wilkins had approached me this morning and had described to me that a certain young lady was here late last night ? " Cornwallis said , placing his hands behind his back and stared at Colonel Tavington Blankly . Colonel Tavington snapped his full attention to Cornwallis when he had mentioned a women had been among them . And he had known exactly what women Cornwallis had spoke of , Tavington new Wilkins would never keep his mouth shut . After what had happened the other night.
" A Women , here , my Lord I have heard no such thing about a young lady wandering around our camp . I am only aware of this issue now . " Tavington said playing dumb . But from the expression on Cornwallis's face , Tavington knew Cornwallis was had not believed him .
" Perhaps you have seen this women before , or are aware of her existence Colonel ... Long Brown hair , porcelain skin , blue eyes . The description of this women seems oddly familiar Colonel ."
" My lord , what are you implying " Colonel Tavington snapped , knowing Cornwallis was referring to the women as Jessica .
" You know full well what I am implying to you , Miss Martin was here last night . Wilkins mentioned to me that he had found her heading towards your tent , and not only that but he had been attack . He figures that it had been you last night who had attacked him , after he had gotten rid of Miss Martin . Wilkins tells me you have developed some sort of feeling towards Miss Martin ... Colonel I asked you on the night that you captured Jessica , to yes indeed do what you could to find out about Benjamin Martins whereabouts . Even if you used your certain brutality to find out ." Cornwallis paused , and Tavington interrupted .
" Is that what Captain Wilkins had claimed to have happen last night ? . I can assure you my Lord that I did not attack the captain last night !, and yes ... Miss Martin may have found my tent last night and we had spoke to one another . Wilkins did not turn her away , he did not force her back to the American camp . Captain Wilkins beat her ! maybe even tried to take advantage of her ! . Miss Martin showed me nail marks and dried blood on her arm . You talk about honour , but there was no honour in what Captain Wilkins had done !" Tavington stated furiously , Tavington knew he could admit he had done things in the past that were not honourable .
"Are these the men who are fighting for me ... for the cause ! , I ask for gentlemen , and this is what I get in return ?. No matter ... I shall deal with Captain Wilkins later . But as for you , You were given simple instructions to interigate this women , find out all you could . But once again you have failed to find out certain information , and you have failed to deliver me ' The Ghost ' . Falling in love , was not an instruction I had given you , and not an option ... Colonel Tavington starting today I want you to start doing the things you are ordered to do . I stand on the eve of the greatest victory of my Career , don't fail me any-more Colonel . Or you may abandon all hope of Ohio . " Cornwallis said sternly , Tavington then began to worry . If there was no Ohio , Tavington did not know where he would possibly go to after the war . He knew he could never go back to England with honour.
" I'm very serious about this Colonel , if you do not follow my orders I give to you . There will be no Ohio and you will loose your position ." And with that , Tavington just slightly nodded , and Cornwallis left Tavington's tent . Tavington stood in anger , and worry . Proceeding to get ready for the eventful day ahead of him , Tavington began to braid the rest of his hair . Fumbling with the stands of hair in anger , and finally taking a long black ribbon to finish queueing his hair . He was fully ready and dressed , in an hour , Tavington would be in battle .
Jessica laid still , and curled up on her bedroll . She quietly sobbed to herself , she let her tears fall down her face and soak the pillow below her head . She made sure to stay quiet , she didn't want her father , brother or anyone else for that matter to hear , or see her cry . She didn't want Gabriel or her father to worry about her . She tried so hard to keep her spirits up and not get discouraged , William , her father and Gabriel would make it out of this battle today , alive . She positively thought to herself , but it wasn't enough to stop the tears that were still streaming down her wet face .
Jessica could hear the sound of many men outside . She had been up before anyone else , and as time went on that morning . More men had awoke from their sleep , and had gathered outside . She was sure that everyone was awake now , and that meant everyone would be leaving for battle soon . Jessica decided that maybe she should get up from her bedroll and join everyone else outside . She needed to be sure to see and speak with her brother and father before they left . Rising from her bedroll , and wiping her wet tear stained face , Jessica left her tent and walked outside . Jessica stopped to look around , men sat down together eating their breakfast around a small fire , others gathered around talking or prepared their weapons . Looking around for a few moments , she did not see Gabriel or her father anywhere . Jessica decided to wander around that camp for a while , in search for her brother and father .
"...Others doubt our Militia , they doubt what were capable of . But we got Benjamin Martin , the ' hero of fort wilderness '. He slaughtered the French , he can sure as hell kill the British." A militia man said talking to Three other men . Jessica listened into their conversation intently as she slowly walked towards them . But then stopped not to far of from the men and looked around . trying to not make herself obvious , that she was eavesdropping on their conversation . Jessica noticed that the men had mention what her father had done at Fort Wilderness . She was aware of her fathers title ' The hero of Fort Wilderness ' , but she never knew what he had done at Fort Wilderness . Her father would never tell her or any one else in their family what had happened . She wasn't even sure if he had ever told their mother .
" I'm not worried about Cowpens , we've made it this long . " The One Militia man stated .
" Yes, that's true . But I'll admit , the Dragoons are my main concern . We've all seen what they have done to our men , the Dragoons are responsible for many of our casualties " Another man had added .
" Its because of Colonel Tavington , ' The Butcher ' if he wasn't the leader of the Dragoons . They wouldn't be as brutal . He gives the commands , he decides who is killed and who isn't . "
" He's the one who killed Martins child "
" Yes , and don't forget , he was the one who captured his oldest daughter . I can't even imagine what that cold hearted Bastard probably had done to Benjamin's daughter ." The man paused for a moment , to see that Jessica was standing not to far from them . He then brought his voice into almost a whisper , but it was not quiet enough for Jessica not to hear him .
"... Raped her , beat her , she's most likely not the first girl he's had his way with . Benjamin Martin will get revenge though , maybe today he will finally kill that Bastard . Then we'll have on less thing to worry about ." A militia man finished , All the other three men nodded their heads in agreement . Jessica hung her head , and turned around to walk the other way . But then stop for a moment to think .
She wanted to say what was on her mind to the Militia men , she wanted to tell them that William Tavington did no such things to her . He was kind to her , and treated her with respect . Jessica knew he would never do something to harm her now . He loved her , and she loved him . But of course the Militia men did not know the relationship between them , so they would not understand . But she was sure even if they were aware of the relationship ... They still would never understand why she loved him , to them Colonel Tavington was cold hearted . And cruel .
" Excuse me but I couldn't help but over hearing your conversation , and I must say you are very wrong about Colonel Tavington . How dare you make your assumptions about him , he was a perfect gentlemen when I was in his company ." Jessica stated rather boldly . The Militia men stood staring at Jessica with shock on their faces . They were surprised Jessica was speaking so highly of the ' Butcher ' .
" He did not beat me and he certainly did not rape me either . So I would appreciate it if you men would not speak of him as if he were some monster , he treated me with honor and respect ." Jessica finished , she felt some rage and anger inside of her as she defended the man she loved .
" Honor ? are you even aware of his nickname . He didn't earn the name the 'Butcher' for being honorable , I think you're delusional ." A rather unattractive long haired Militia man spat .
Gabriel appeared not to far away from Jessica , he joined a few men around a small fire . Gabriel started picking away at the rabbit meat that was between his fingers . Tearing the cooked meat into smaller pieces he then began to eat his breakfast .Gabriel turned his head and looked around , he could hear Jessica arguing with a few men not far off from where he was . Gabriel just sighed and stood up from where he was sitting and began walking towards Jessica .
" You probably couldn't even count how many men and children he's killed , have you forgotten he killed your brother ? or do you not care ? " The same man said to Jessica who stood with anger etched across her face and her teeth slightly clenched .
" Do not bring my brother into this I love my brother . How dare you question whether or not I don't care for the death of Thomas ! " Jessica replied angrily , Jessica turned her head to feel Gabriel hand rest on her shoulder .
" Is there a problem here ?" Gabriel asked the four men in-front of Jessica and himself . The same mouthy long haired Militia man was the first one to speak up .
" You need to control you sister Gabriel , she needs a good talking to . " The man said , Gabriel sighed and then let his hand fall off of Jessica's shoulder .
" Excuse us ." Gabriel said , he turned to walk away and Jessica followed . Gabriel then stopped and turned to face Jessica .
" Would you like to explain what all of that was about Jessica ?" Gabriel asked , Jessica just looked down to the ground for a few seconds , then lifted her head and looked at Gabriel.
" I rather not talk about it , not now anyway ." Jessica replied , Gabriel just nodded . She was relieved that gabriel did not push her to tell him what her converstation had been beetween her and one of the Militia men .
Jessica had noticed the expression on Gabriel's face , a slight frown formed his lips . He was still torn apart by what had happened the other day , he was thinking about Anne. Jessica knew that's what was saddening him .Jessica took Gabriel into a long warm embrace . She closed her eyes and nuzzled her face into her brothers shoulder as he hugged her back .
" I'm so sorry about Anne , Gabriel " Jessica said , her voice muffled from Gabriel shoulder .
" There was nothing you could do to save her and Mr and Mrs Howard . It wasn't your fault , don't blame yourself ." Gabriel replied , stepping back from Jessica , breaking their embrace . Jessica just looked at her brother .
" I know what you must be thinking Gabriel ." Jessica said , knowing that he was the one who blamed Tavington for his wife and his mother and father in law's death . And not to mention the whole town of Pembroke's death.
" I just want to know ... was it Colonel Tavington responsibility for burning the church , was he the one who ordered his men to burn it down . "
" No , Gabriel it wasn't him . It was someone else " Jessica quickly answered her brother .
" Who was it " Gabriel said , with a hint of anger in his voice . Jessica could tell Gabriel already wanted revenge .
" Captain Wilkins " Gabriel said nothing back , but just nodded his head .
" I've never got around to asking you , how you have been fairing with all this . I mean you've had a pretty rough time this past month , getting captured by the Dragoons . Dealing with death , Colonel Tavington . You've been through allot lately ."Gabriel said in concern , Jessica just gave Gabriel a slight smile .
" I'm fine , its been pretty eventful for the past few weeks ... but I'm okay " Jessica lied , for the past few weeks she had been stressed , worried , sad . But other times , sometimes happy .
" For someone who has gone through as much as you have , I wouldn't think you would say you're okay Jessica . "
" Gabriel , today is terrifying me . I'm scared to death , the thought of not knowing if you or father will make it through this battle is killing me . How many more have to die . " Jessica's voice quivered with each word she said . She could feel her vision being blurred by the tears that were forming in her eye's .
" And Colonel Tavington ?" Gabriel asked Jessica , knowing she was worried for him just as much as she was worried for her father and brother . Jessica looked at her brother as tears began to fall down her face , she sniffled before she began to speak .
" Please Gabriel , promise me if Colonel Tavington is to die today ... don't let it be by yours or fathers hand " Jessica practically begged her brother . Gabriel just looked at her with little emotion on his face . He knew he would not be able to hold his father back from killing Tavington .
" Jessica... I cant guarantee that , nor can I stop fathers vengeance " Gabriel replied , Jessica broke down from Gabriel's words . Jessica embraced Gabriel ,and held onto him tightly as she began to cry even harder . Jessica was so scared , she didn't want to loose the ones she loved .
" Please Gabriel , please don't die or father . Please , don't kill William . I cant bare the thought of anyone else dying !" Jessica sobbed into Gabriel's shoulder , as Gabriel held her close to him . He then began to stroke the back of her head , shushing her and trying to calm his sister down . Benjamin Martin must have seen what was going on , because he to was rushing over to Jessica . As Gabriel handed off Jessica to her father , Jessica held on to Benjamin as if she was clinging on to him for dear life. Jessica was used to her father and Gabriel going to battle , when she was back at her aunt Charlotte's she did worry about her brother and father. But now that she had to witness her loved ones go into battle . Her father , her Brother . And the man she had fallen in love with .
Almost an hour later , it was finally time for the Battle of Cowpens to shortly begin . Jessica had finally settled , and was now standing in-front of her brother and father . All three of them stood together , as the rest of the militia stood behind them . Waiting for Benjamin Martin and Gabriel to join them , after they had said their ' goodbye's ' to Jessica .
" I'll pray for you , both of you " Jessica said , to both her brother and father . Jessica knew she would also be praying for one more person , and that would be William Tavington . Benjamin Martin and Gabriel both nodded . Then her father took a few steps towards her and took her into a large embrace .
" I love you so much , you've become such a beautiful women . Your mother would be so proud of you Jessica ... you know you and you brothers and sisters make me very happy " Benjamin's voice quivered with sadness , as he whispered in his daughters ear . Jessica held herself back from crying .
" I love you to Father " Jessica said back to him , breaking the embrace Gabriel then stepped in and gave her to a hug . Jessica hugged him back tightly .
" I love you Jessica " Gabriel said , Jessica just smiled . Jessica loved hearing her brother telling her that he loved her . He would never say he loved her as much as her father , or even her mother would . But when Gabriel did , she new he meant it with all his heart .
" I love you too Gabriel , what ever happens today . I will continue to always love you and Father forever ." Jessica replied , then stepping back from Gabriel , she gave both her brother and father a smile . She knew she now had to let them go , they had to take part in this battle . All she could do was , pray and hope for all three of her loved ones to return to her , alive .
Before Benjamin and Gabriel left , Benjamin Martin remembered what he needed to give to Jessica before they were to leave . Jessica watched as her father took out a folded up letter , that had looked like it had been in his jacket pocket for a while . Judging on the many wrinkles the paper had . Jessica extended her had to take the letter from her father that he held out in-front of her to take . Jessica took the letter and held it in her hands , she examined the piece of paper , until her father spoke .
" Jessica , would you give that to your brothers , sisters and your aunt Charlotte if I do not return today . If who ever returns to you , whether it be me your brother or God willing , both of us . You will be taken back to Gullah island , to stay in the care of your Aunt . " Her father said , Jessica just nodded her head understanding what she needed to do of her father did not come back alive .
" Yes father " And with that , Benjamin gave his daughter one last hug and kissed her on the cheek . He turned to leave and join Gabriel and the others . As her father mounted his horse , and the militia had gotten into formation , for battle . Gabriel and Benjamin nodded their heads to Jessica and gave her a smile , before they turned there horses . And joined along side Colonel Burwell and Major Jean Villeneuve , heading into the battle that lay ahead of them . And leaving Jessica behind , standing with only her father's letter in hand .