They were fools. All of them. How could they have turned on him in this way? John Ratcliffe, former governor of the Jamestown colony sat fuming in his "prison", consisting of one of the storage tents with two armed men standing in front of it. Ratcliffe gritted his teeth in frustration against the chains that bound him. When would he ever learn? His advisors had warned him that sailing with a bunch of no names would not be good for his political career. Had he listened? Almost. He was about the say no to the whole thing when he learned that the infamous Captain John Smith would be joining them for the voyage. A man as cut throat as he was. A man to whom power and glory meant anything. A man who would let nothing stand in his way. Or so he had thought.

He hadn't counted on that savage that had somehow gotten Smith to fall for her act and fill his head with idiotic thoughts. One of his best men had been ruined by the very thing he used to hate. All savages were the same. Blood thirsty killers who wanted all of his gold for themselves. Now that blasted Smith acted like he was one of them, even saving one's life and getting himself injured in the process.

Ratcliffe shook his head. It was Smith's own fault. He hoped he died for what he had done. Because if he didn't die of the bullet wound, he would spend the rest of his life making sure he did by treason against the crown.

…0000.…

The bright sunlight was a welcome sight to the young woman as she stepped outside into the morning atmosphere. Pocahontas closed her eyes and breathed deeply, taking in the smell of the early morning due. All around her life was carrying on as normal, something she could almost say the same thing for. It was not normal, but it looked as thought it might just be headed down that path.

He was alive. That was all that mattered. The previous night had been one of the worst in her life. She would awaken every hour or so, checking to make sure he was still breathing, still here with her. It was her worst fear that he would leave her alone here on this earth without ever really getting the chance to live and a chance to love as they both deserved.

The native continued to make her way through the village, observing all the different people setting about their daily tasks. Some fishing, some planting and still others tidying up around their homes. Then she spotted Nakoma across the way. Pocahontas frowned. Her friend looked horrible. Large bags had situated themselves underneath her normally wise eyes that now seemed as if they would close any moment now. She walked at a sluggish pace. Apparent worry etched into her face as well. She had obviously not slept very well the night before.

Pocahontas waved toward her friend and when Nakoma saw her, a slight smile broke across her face and she began walking in her direction. "How is he?" Nakoma wasted no time in asking of John's condition. Pocahontas smiled slightly. So that was what was wrong. Nakoma felt guilty that somehow this was her doing. "He was awake when I left him." she replied. Nakoma's sigh of relief was visible. "Thank the fates." she breathed. " I was so afraid he would not make it through the night."

Pocahontas nodded. "As was I. I could not sleep at all last night until I was with him." Nakoma's head shot up. "What do you mean 'you were with him'? Pocahontas, what did you do?" Pocahontas immediately colored. "Nothing happened, Nakoma. I simply slept by his side. It was a source of comfort for me. I needed to be near him to know he was alive for my own state of mind. I promise you, Nakoma. Not one thing happened. And besides, how could it! The man is immobile!"

Nakoma held up a hand. "Calm down, my friend. I was simply surprised that you would have the courage to do something like that." She smiled. "Just don't let your father find out." Pocahontas shook her head. "Nothing to worry about there. If I have anything to say about it, he won't. He would be in such a blinded rage that I even thought about being in there with him when we are not even betrothed yet. He would never understand my need to be near him."

The friends were quiet for a moment before Nakoma broke the silence that hung between them. "What brings you out this early? I thought you would be with John at all times." The princess smiled. "I would be, however he needed more sleep. That is not surprising given the amount of blood that he has lost in the last twelve hours. I plan to be back by his side within the next hour. I thought since he was resting now that I would ravel over to Jamestown and update his friends on his condition."

Nakoma nodded. "I'm sure that would be appreciated. They were most concerned last

night when you left with Thomas and your father to bring him back here. It is certain that they are anxious for any update on his condition." Pocahontas nodded. "Yes, well. I need to get over there. Do me a favor and check on him soon for me? I just want to be certain his is still alright."

Her friend smiled. "Of course." Pocahontas smiled and hugged her. "Thank you. I shouldn't be gone long. Take care, Nakoma." With that she turned and headed in the direction of the settlement. Nakoma watched her go. She would check on the man for her friend. Perhaps it would give her a chance to voice what she held inside of her as well.

…0000...

It did not take nearly as long for the native to reach Jamestown that morning. Her feet seemed to carry her over the hills and through the forest, her heart lighter because of the reason to celebrate. John was alive! Thay may actually have a chance for a future together. She knew the others would be pleased to hear the wonderful news.

Thomas was the first familiar face that she saw when she entered the settlement. She shouted out to him, not quite sure if the name was correct or not. It didn't matter. His head shot up at the sound of her voice, a surprised expression coming across his face. He immediately ceased what he had been doing previous to her arrival and started towards her. He was panting form lack of breath when their paths finally crossed. "His tone seemed almost fearful of the answer to his question. "How is he?"

A gentle smile crossed Pocahontas' face. "He is in pain, but he is alive." Thomas's eyes closed and his whole body sagged with relief. "Thank God." he murmured. "When did you see him last?" "About a half and hour a go. I came here directly after seeing to his condition. He awoke briefly, but suffered much blood loss so he is sleeping." She became quiet. "Do you think he will live?"

The young man shrugged. "I do not know. John is tough. If anyone can make it he can. However, he will probably have to return to England. It is the only place that he can receive proper medical assistance." Her gaze became sad. "I was afraid of that" she whispered. "What am I going to do without him?" Both let the question hang, neither knowing how to answer it.

Thomas turned his gaze back to her. "May I see him?" Pocahontas snapped to attention. "Of course. What was I thinking. That is the reason I came." She shook her head and motioned for him to follow her. "Come. I will take you to him."

…0000...

Nakoma pushed open the flap to the tent where the white man was resting. She could see the outline of a man's body, chest rising and falling slightly with every breath. The native breathed a sigh of relief. He was still alive. She could never live with herself if he did die, never be able to face her best friend again. How she hoped he would continue to strengthen with the coming days

A slight sound came from John's lips that startled Nakoma, but she sat down beside him and simply watched him for a time. Pocahontas had been right. He certainly was handsome. A muscular frame, from years of exploration no doubt with broad shoulders and hair the color of the sun. She could not see his eyes, blue according to Pocahontas, they mimicked the color of the sky on a warm summer day. Absolutely beautiful to look at.

John stirred, this time fully opening his eyes. His gaze fell upon the strange woman next to him. Surprise flashed briefly before regaining his composure. "Hello. I'm sorry. Do I know you?" Nakoma blinked once. "No. no you don't. I am Nakoma. Pocahontas's friend. She asked me to keep and eye on you while she went to tell your friends of your condition." To her surprise, a slight chuckle escaped from the captain. "No doubt I shall be having visitors soon then, eh?"

She allowed a small laugh. "Most likely. I know Pocahontas was most anxious to tell them that you were alive." John gave a nod as he settled back against his makeshift pillow. "I can imagine that. She seemed pretty happy to see me this morning." Nakoma scoffed, causing John's brow to rise a bit. "Seemed? I haven't known you very long, but I have known my friend. I have never seen her this way before and you didn't see her last night. The woman is in love with you." she smiled sheepishly. "Forgive me. I don't remember your name."

He smiled. " John. John Smith." He held out his hand to her. " A pleasure to meet you, Nakoma." Dazed, she took his hand, which he shook gently. He had remembered her name? This guy was good. They had released hands now and John watched her as she shifted uncomfortably. "Pocahontas is very lucky to have a friend like you. Who else would have stayed with me, an invalid at twenty-five." he chuckled. "She is very lucky indeed."

"Nakoma close her eyes. This was not going to be easy. "Pocahontas is the lucky one, but not to have me as a friend." This is going to be harder than I thought it would be. She opened her eyes and focused on the man before her. "John, you would not in this position if not for me. It is because of myself that you were shot."

...0000...

A/N- Ther it is! Hope you enjoyed it! Big thanks to Sunrise19 for the idea for the first part of this chapter! Just a note, i will be foucusing on finishing this story before I work on anything else of mine. This was only supposed to be 3 chapter, but as youcan tell, it's turning out to be much longer. I'll try to finish it asap, but just hang in ther euntil it is done...only 2 or three more chapter should do it! Thanks again and don't forget to leave one on the way out!