AN: As I forgot to include it in my first chapter…
Disclaimer: I do not own any of L.M. Montgomery's lovely characters, settings or situations.
Ok, on with the show-
Let the Piper Come
"Let the Piper come and welcome," cried Jem. "I'll follow him gladly round and round the world!" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Jem felt a little sheepish. He had not meant to be quite so zealous. But Walter's words had swept through him like a fire, igniting his passionate desire to be a soldier and bravely defend home and country on some distant battlefield. There was also the fact that he could never quite help showing off just a little bit when Faith was around, but now he feared he had embarrassed himself in front of the aforementioned damsel. However, when Jem chanced a look in her direction, Faith was smiling up at him in merriment and perhaps, could it be, admiration and pride shining out of those wonderful eyes of hers? Jem felt his heart thrill, and then remembered the promise he had made to himself; tomorrow he would leave for Queen's with Faith's friendship-nothing more, and he knew that for the time being, it would be enough.
A moment later, Jem was distracted when Jerry jumped up beside him, clapped him on the back, and pledged to, "dutifully follow his comrade to the ends of the earth and back!" Jem grinned back at his loyal friend, though Jerry had made his declaration in a lighthearted fashion, Jem knew that behind every word dwelled a resolve and steadfastness that would propel him to follow through with his promise the moment the first strains of the Piper's music were heard.
"Oh!" cried Faith with flashing eyes and brilliant cheeks, "If only I were a boy, not even Henry Warren's ghost could keep me away!" They all laughed, remembering the scare Mary Vance's ghost tale had given Faith, Una, and Carl.
"I'm sure you would find a way even so, sister of mine, said Jerry with a smile. "And just think how all the old folk in the Glen and over harbor would gossip then!"
"Yes," agreed Jem, "I can just hear old Kitty Alec now, "Those Manse youngsters have no sense of propriety. That Meredith girl should be home working on her needlepoint, not off gallivanting on the other side of the world." They all laughed with merriment at Jem's impersonation and he chuckled along with them, but though he joked on the outside, inwardly Jem knew that Faith was one of the bravest and most selfless people he knew and he would be proud to walk into battle with her at his side.