Sarah was looking by the window, daydreaming. She felt safer in Fort Carolina, as she knew it was well guarded. She was also glad her father wrote to General Cornwallis to inform him she was here with her husband. The General welcomed her warmly as she was his own daughter. But the thing she wished for the most was this war to be over. James was gone every day and most of his nights were spent in camp. Rumors were spreading about infernal actions leaded by Colonel Tavington. Many were afraid of the colonel, saying something evil radiated from his cold gaze. But Sarah could not share this opinion as he always was a gentleman in her company. She could not say the same for other dragoons who tortured those poor men in the barn a few days ago.

Her thoughts were interrupted by shouting outside. She stood up and could not believe what it was. Benjamin Martin was facing Tavington and the colonel did not look happy to see him. Did they know each other? Why Benjamin was here?

Sarah had not really heard from the Martin family since James joined the dragoons. The Martins were trying to remain neutral, from what she could remember at the assembly since Benjamin would not cast his vote for the levy.

…

James was in the tent, laying on his cot. He was cursing to himself since those cot were so small, his foot would hang out of it. He was exhausted so he tried to close his eyes to gain some rest. His thoughts wandered back to his wife, probably comfortably resting in a warm bed with fluffy pillows. At least, she was safe.

"Wilkins!" he heard a strong voice say. He opened his eyes but it took him a couple of second to remember where he was.

"A plantation, seven miles from Wakefield, on the Santee, east of Black Swamp. Who lived there?" Colonel Tavington said, expecting an answer.

"Benjamin Martin"

"He is the ghost," Bordon stated.

"What do you know about him?"

"Hell, everything. I could tell you the size of his boots."

"Does he have family? Where would he hide his children?"

Even months after joining the army, James still felt like he had to prove his value to the colonel. He knew being married to a Stuart had gained him respect from several other officers, including General Cornwallis, but Tavington was still reluctant. When the colonel asked about Martin's children, he knew this was a personal matter. He looked around the tent; all the other dragoons looked at him. They seemed to understand the dilemma which he had to take side.

"His wife'sister has a plantation. It's not far."

…

Riding back to the Fort after the unsuccessful assault on Charlotte Selton's plantation last night, Wilkins was exhausted. Tavington split the unit of Dragoons in two for the rest of the mission; Bordon stayed with Tavington, but James was sent back with part of the men who were allowed a day of rest after so many days on duty. He made his way to his quarter, sighing of relief when he saw his bed. He put down his sword and pistols on the small desk, but did not bother to undress. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he felt in an agitated sleep.

The sound of the door closing woke him up in a heartbeat. Being in camp made him always aware of his surroundings, his survival could depend on reacting quickly if they would be attacked. He sat up on the bed, trying to figure out where he was, when he saw Sarah coming toward him.

"James, darling, are you okay?" she said worried about his reaction.

"Where am I?" he said, still brain fogged.

"Inside Fort Carolina, my love," she said as she sat down next to him on the bed.

Looking at the window, he realised the night as fallen and he slept the whole day. He extended his arms and took Sarah in his embrace, burying his face in her neck.

"Are you okay? You don't look so good my dear. Did something happen?"

"I don't want to talk about it. Just hold me tight," he simply replied.

She ran her fingers thought his hair as her mind wandered. What happened last night must have been terrible since he did not want to speak about it. Normally, well, before this war, they would speak about anything, without restrain.