Hello friends! Here's another chapter! Sorry for not updating last week, I didn't have the chapter finished due to a random writer's block. :( thankfully I found some time and motivation this week to work on it, so here you go! Hope you enjoy :)
April 20th, 1775
Annabeth sighed as she dipped her feet in the freezing cold, rushing water of the river. It was the one that flowed through her grandparents' plantation, the same one she and Percy had spent many hours in the previous summer.
Things had changed so much since then, Annabeth reflected. Not even withstanding her and Percy's extremely strained relationship, last summer… the spying had been almost like a game. She had known the consequences, she had known the risks, but none of it had felt real.
Maybe it had all changed when Percy didn't believe her about the harbor, but it really had been growing long before that. Annabeth felt such guilt when she remembered the harbor – it had happened less than a week ago, and yet it felt like it had happened months ago, years ago, even. Tensions were so high throughout the colonies, it was a wonder the war hadn't begun already.
And now, she not only had the weight of a trapped Boston on her shoulders, but she also had remembered the information she and Percy had overheard at the ball, last Christmas. She flashed back in her mind to the moment.
The governor said, "–the rebels have been storing up gunpowder. If they manage to get ahold of guns, too, then they could become more than a small problem."
"I know, sir," Major Pitcairn agreed. "Governor Dunmore of Williamsburg recently told me the rebels are storing up gunpowder there as well, and in larger supply. If, perhaps, our soldiers could get their hands on it…"
"That would be both beneficial to our cause and a loss to theirs," the governor mused.
Annabeth opened her eyes, feeling her hands curl into fists. Now that she was in Williamsburg, things seemed deceptively quiet – but she knew that if the British soldiers were to make a move to steal Williamsburg's gunpowder, now would be a good time. People were already angry about Boston's harbor being closed; the word had traveled fast down the coast, and even Loyalists were doubting the wisdom of the king in his latest decision.
It was hard, though. Everything was hard – gathering information, telling Paul Revere, managing Major Pitcairn – without Percy's calming presence by her side. She missed him, and contrary to what she had told him when she left for Virginia, she did want to forgive him. Annabeth hated the way they skirted around each other, the way their friendship had been so destroyed by so many things.
It was unfair, perhaps, to hate Rachel for the developments, but she did. Everything, it seemed, had started with her coming to the colonies, even if Annabeth knew she was just as much to blame as Percy for their arguments.
Still, Annabeth knew pride was her fatal flaw. Until Percy apologized – and not simply said he was sorry for what had happened, like he had the day she left, but truly apologized, taking the blame – she wouldn't give in. And since he would probably never do that – well, they were frozen in this valley of hating each other.
Yes, it was stupid, and selfish, and Annabeth knew she could take the first step. Or the second step, technically, since Percy had apologized first. She had seen it in his eyes, that day – he missed her just as badly as she missed him; his heart hurt just as terribly as hers. If she were to forgive him and apologize herself, their friendship could be mended.
I will, Annabeth decided firmly, absentmindedly tearing a dead leaf on the ground into pieces. I've been stubborn, and stupid, and I hate this.
As soon as she went back to Boston, she would do the apologizing. She would make amends for her behavior the past months.
If Percy will even listen to me, that is. After their latest fight about the harbor, the cracks in their relationship had widened farther than ever, and Annabeth wasn't sure if they could ever completely recover the amount of trust and love that their friendship had had before. He had apologized, and she had rejected him. Would they be able to move past that ever again? How long would it take to heal their broken relationship?
Especially if he and Rachel are courting now. Annabeth bit her lip. She had admitted to herself long ago that the love she felt for Percy had been more than as a good friend. Even if they did try to mend their friendship, it would never be the same as it had been before he and Rachel were courting.
She pushed the tiresome thoughts from her head as she got to her feet, pulling on her long stockings and shoes again. A servant came running down the path, arms waving. "Miss Annabeth!"
She pasted on a kind smile; the girl didn't deserve be snapped at, even though Annabeth wanted to in her current mood. "Yes, Julia?"
"Mr. Chase wants to see you," the young girl said, smiling an adorable, gap-toothed smile.
Annabeth smiled back distractedly. "Thank you, Julia." She dug around in her bag for a piece of the maple sugar candy she had been hoarding. Bending down, she offered the candy to the child. "Would you like this?"
The girl's face lit up. "Oh, yes ma'am!" she answered, wide-eyed. Annabeth handed the sugary goodness to the small girl and waved goodbye as she continued up the path.
What could her grandfather want her for? It was the middle of the afternoon, so supper wasn't for a while, and dinner had already passed. They hadn't been expecting visitors today, so Annabeth couldn't fathom what her grandfather needed her for.
She entered the house and stopped by the mirror on the wall. After hastily smoothing down the halo of frizz around her hair, straightening her dress, and wiping a bit of dirt from her cheek (her grandmother would never tolerate untidiness), she entered the parlor, where her grandparents waited.
"You wanted to see me, Grandfather?" she asked, curtsying in greeting.
Mr. Chase's wrinkled face split into a wide grin. "Yes, thank you for coming so quickly, Annabeth. I have to travel to town this afternoon, and the Coles' eldest daughter wanted to see you. Would you like to come with me and spend the night with them? I shall be staying with the Coles as well. They are hosting a formal supper, and the governor himself will be there, as well as a few other important men. It would do you good to meet them."
Annabeth bit her lip, considering. Honestly, she rather hated the Cole's eldest daughter, Drew. She was a huge gossip, and only tried to be 'friends'with Annabeth when it was convenient to her or her parents, who were extremely loyal to the King, and very vocal about their views.
On the other hand, she was already tired of being on the plantation. With Percy last summer, it had seemed they never had enough time to swim, climb trees, explore the woods, and everything else they had done, but by herself, it was surprisingly… lonely. A day or two in town would do her good, even if she had to spend time with Drew.
And also, a formal dinner party meant time with important Loyalists, and could be a valuable place to get any information she could.
"Certainly, Grandfather," she answered finally. "I think a day or two in town would be lovely. What time are you leaving?"
Her grandfather looked pleased. "I plan to leave in an hour or so. Have your maid pack you a bag with everything you need."
Her grandmother spoke up for the first time, raising her gaze from her embroidery. "And remember, Annabeth dear, you will need to be in relatively formal dining wear for the party. None of your old frocks or ripped petticoats, darling." Her grandmother waved her embroidery needle at Annabeth's current outfit, and Annabeth winced. It was a faded blue cotton dress, with mud staining the back where she had sat down at the river. Several holes had obviously been mended in the skirt and bodice, and the fabric was almost worn through in places.
Annabeth held back a sigh. She disliked getting dressed up, but she had brought a few nice dresses. "Yes, Grandmother."
Her grandfather smiled in dismissal. "The carriage will be at the front in an hour. Be ready."
Annabeth stood and curtsied as she left. "I will, Grandfather." Quickly, she scurried up the polished oak staircase to her room.
She had a maid pack a few formal outfits for herself, but grabbed a more comfortable dress as well. It wouldn't do to be in stiff, uncomfortable clothes all the time.
Annabeth pulled the top half of her hair back and tied it with a ribbon, leaving only a few curls framing her face, and the curls underneath the weighty mass of hair spiraling down to her waist. After changing into her fashionable green riding outfit, she pulled on her practical leather riding boots and surveyed herself in the mirror.
Annabeth nodded firmly. She could do this – putting up with Drew for a few days couldn't be that bad, could it?
She flopped onto her bed and grabbed one of the precious books she had managed, engulfing herself in another world until her grandfather's voice calling her brought her back to reality.
"Coming," she called, grabbing her tricorn hat from the side table and straightening the bodice of the fitted wool jacket. The maid had already taken her bag down, so all she had to do was take a deep breath and descend the stairs.
"Be careful, darling," her grandmother said quietly as she embraced her. Annabeth hid a grin – if only her grandmother knew how dangerous her life really was.
"I will," she promised, hugging her back. "Are you ready to go, Grandfather?"
He gestured to the carriage and held out his elbow jovially. "Certainly, my lady." He helped her into the carriage and got in himself, shutting the door behind him.
Williamsburg wasn't too far away, maybe an hour by carriage, but Annabeth had been up since dawn, and she felt her eyelids getting heavier and heavier.
The next thing she knew, her grandfather was chuckling and shaking her, and they were in Williamsburg.
It was a bustling little city, a lot like Boston, Annabeth reflected. Apart from there being no wharf, the salty breeze a noticeable absence, it did feel a lot like her hometown. The cobblestone streets were packed with carriages, wagons, vendors, busy housewives, and rowdy children playing games. Shouts, horses neighing, wheels clattering over the cobblestones, and children's voices met her ears, and she closed her eyes, breathing in the familiarity.
"Come, my dear," her grandfather motioned to her.
Annabeth took a deep breath and mounted the steps to the Coles' townhouse. It was large and rather show-offish, she thought absentmindedly, but the architecture was superb. She was studying the curved entryway when the maid answered the door.
"Miss Annabeth? Mr. Chase?" she asked slightly timidly.
"Yes, indeed," answered Annabeth's grandfather.
Another face appeared behind the maid. "Oh, do move over, Catherine," came a slightly nasal voice, and then Drew's delicate face was three inches from Annabeth's own. "Oh, Annabeth! I have missed you terribly since we dropped you off at your grandparents! Honestly, you should have just stayed with us the whole time. I was at a dance the other day, and I saw the most wonderful young man. He said he knew you… You must introduce me, darling. I'm also having a new dress made for a ball I just received an invitation to a few days ago. 'Tis orange taffeta and just the fashion that's coming from London these days."
She finally paused for a breath.
Annabeth blinked.
"And how are you, Mr. Chase?" Drew started up again, practically purring. "And how is Mrs. Chase? I heard she was feeling poorly, and I had Catherine send over a basket of things – didn't you, Catherine?" she addressed the young maid sharply.
The young girl jumped. "Oh, yes ma'am!" she squeaked.
Drew rolled her eyes. "Anyway, you both must come in. Mother's out, but Father's been expecting you." She turned, almost running over the maid. "Oh, get out of my way, you clumsy girl…"
Annabeth followed her grandfather with a sinking heart. This would be a long visit.
•
"That's Lord Dunmore, the governor of Virginia," Drew hissed.
Annabeth nodded, barely listening to Drew's whispered introductions of the important men on the guest list. What was supposed to be a formal supper was actually a party, with couples dancing in the drawing room and servants carrying around platters of tiny cakes and champagne. Annabeth had counted perhaps fifteen couples, all older, Loyalist men with their wives. Honestly, she couldn't have cared less about the party, instead wishing she could go upstairs and take a nap, but she did need to get some new information.
At least she could get something done on this insufferable visit.
Because Drew was… well, Drew, she had insisted on getting Annabeth dressed up for the night. Annabeth actually appreciated the gesture, knowing it was Drew's own way of trying to show affection, no matter how much she disliked the girl's attitude. It wasn't so much as the difference of their personalities – though they were as different as night and day – but the constant complaining and whining the older girl continuously spouted. Not to mention the way she treated her servants, like they were no more than the mud on her gilded slipper. She flirted with anything wearing trousers, and her intellectual experience included going to the milliners to catch up on the latest fashions and fabrics shipped from London.
After enduring her constant prattle for over twelve hours in the carriage less than a week before, Annabeth was completely sick of being with her, but she knew what had to be done. Besides her family's many connections in the Loyalist world, the Coles themselves were a wealth of information, and Annabeth knew she could learn much after Drew had had a few glasses of champagne.
All of which was why she put up with Drew picking out one of her many gowns for her, fixing her hair, and even lending her some expensive perfume.
The dress was uncomfortably stiff, not to mention the corset pinching her waist in so her could hardly breathe. It was beautiful, to be sure –endless clouds of sky-blue linen, delicate snow-white muslin, and expensive lace adorning every available surface. Pearls dangled from her ears, and her hair was piled on top of her head in mountains of golden curls and strings of pearls.
She had caught more than one of the rich, important men eyeing the cleavage peeking from the lacy, low-cut neckline of the dress. Back in Boston, a frosty glare was usually enough to deter the rude whistle and crude stares from the young soldiers in the streets and taverns, but these old, wealthy men seemed to think they were entitled to anything they wanted. If she hadn't needed to be at the party to pick up bits of information that could be useful, Annabeth knew she already would have lost her temper (and maybe thrown a punch or two, thanks to Percy's teaching her a bit on how to defend herself).
Swallowing her inner protests, she went up to Governor Dunmore, who was obviously a bit tipsy. His wife was off chatting with other elegant ladies on the other side of the room, and Annabeth was rather glad; the governor eyes flitted crudely over her entire body before going back up to her face.
"Good evening, Governor Dunmore," she said, curtsying politely, but sending him a sly smile. Now was time to turn up the acting (she could vomit later).
"And who are you, you pretty thing?" he asked, swaying a bit.
Annabeth tittered. "My name is Annabeth Chase. I wonder if Major Pitcairn hasn't mentioned me – or have you even been in touch with him lately?"
He leered at her. "Oh, the Major…! Yes, that old bastard and I… he has good ideas, you know."
Annabeth raised her eyebrows. "Oh, does he?"
The man hiccupped. "Yes… in fact, one of his ideas – but oh, I mustn't tell you." He mimed closing his lips, and Annabeth forced a laugh. The governor leaned closer, breath tinged with champagne and the faintest hint of beer, like he had already been drinking. Just looking at him, Annabeth could confirm he was far too drunk to have simply had a few too many glasses of champagne. "But it will happen soon, my dear."
Annabeth simpered, mind working frantically. Keep him talking, keep him talking – "You must be an intelligent man, sir, to run the whole state of Virginia." She mock sighed and stepped closer, letting her fingers flit over his shoulder. "How do you do it?"
"Oh yes," he leered. "But I do get most of my orders from the king." He took a step closer to her, his gaze again flitting to her chest.
Annabeth drew closer, hiding a grimace with a sultry smile. "What orders does the king give you?" she whispered.
Governor Dunmore smirked. "The king tells me to do whatever I can to bring these rebels down," he said, glancing down. "And I… I intend to follow his orders."
Annabeth stepped back, noting that his wife was heading towards them. "It was an honor to meet you, Governor," she said, curtsying again as his wife took her husband's elbow.
He dipped his head, clunking his chin on his chest in his tipsiness. Annabeth choked back a laugh. "And you too, Miss Chase."
Annabeth nodded to his wife and spun on her heel as she walked quick back to the drawing room, mind working furiously. Already been drinking beer, though 'tis not even seven in the evening yet… King sent orders to stop the rebels… been in very recent contact with Major Pitcairn, the first one to mention perhaps taking gunpowder, and that was months ago…
Annabeth stopped, taking a deep breath. The governor would be making a move, probably very soon. If not tonight, then in the next few days…
She wondered how long she would be able to tolerate Drew – she would have to, if worst came to the worst and she had to stay for a few more days.
Shaking her head, she returned to the table, where Drew was talking to a tall, blond man in a grey coat, a predatory smile on her face as she leaned over purposely. Annabeth sighed at the girl; Drew's movement made her breasts even closer together, and though Annabeth, from her position, could only see the back of the young man's head, it was clear that he was uncomfortable.
She made her way around to Drew's side, planning to distract the other girl and perhaps let the young man escape, but then she caught sight of the young man's face.
"Jason?" she gasped.
His handsome features contorted in confusion. "Annabeth?"
"Jason!" Annabeth cried, embracing him quickly. He hugged her back, whispering please save me in her ear. She stifled a laugh as she pulled back.
Drew looked annoyed as she huffed, "So you do know him?"
"Um, yes," Annabeth answered, rolling her eyes at Jason as she turned to Drew. Jason looked profoundly relieved. "We met him last summer, and he now lives in Boston."
Drew narrowed her eyes. "We?"
Jason, knowing of Annabeth and Percy's fight, deftly avoided Drew's question. "Yes, I do normally live in Boston, but I had to travel down to Williamsburg to take care of some business."
"Shall we get some food? I haven't eaten yet," Annabeth said quickly. "I'll be back quickly, Drew."
The other girl's attention was drawn to some young soldiers entering. "Certainly, 'beth. You go along." She made a beeline for the two young men, and Annabeth felt an amused pity for the soldiers.
"I thought she would never stop talking," Jason muttered, taking her arm as they made their way around laughing couples and the musicians.
Annabeth smothered a laugh. "Oh trust me, I understand completely. But why didn't you just tell her you are already courting someone?"
"I – well, both Piper and I feel like we shouldn't advertise the fact that we're married," Jason answered, a slow grin beginning to form on his face as he looked down at Annabeth.
"Well, yes, I completely understand that, but –" Annabeth paused, realization dawning on her features. "Wait, Jason, you're married? I didn't know! I am so happy for you both."
Jason grinned broadly. "Indeed. We got married a month ago. I would have told you, but things –" his expression soured a bit, "have been a bit hectic since then."
"Trust me, I know," Annabeth sighed.
He glanced down, his face softening. "Are you and Percy still not speaking?"
Annabeth pursed her lips, nodding. "But – I made up my mind to apologize for everything I've done as soon as I get home. He already did, but I was still too angry about the harbor."
Jason raised his eyebrows. "The harbor being closed? Why would that affect your decision?" A server offered them little pastries, and Annabeth and Jason both accepted gratefully.
Annabeth took a dainty bite of the sweet. "I… I had learned that the harbor would be closed a few days earlier. It was the middle of the night, and Paul Revere was gone, and I had no one else to turn to, so I went to Percy. Because of our fight, however, he wouldn't believe me, and so the information didn't get out in time."
Jason looked stricken. "But why wouldn't he believe you? Just because you two are being stubborn asses–" he backtracked at Annabeth's glare. "Just because you two aren't talking shouldn't have him questioning his trust in you!"
"My thoughts exactly," Annabeth sighed. "Anyway, he obviously was sorry for not believing me and apologized – and not just for that, for everything. So I think if I accept his apology when I get back and tell him I'm sorry as well – perhaps we can begin fixing our friendship."
Jason bit his lip. "Annabeth… you do know that it's not just going to go back to what you two had? I have barely been around, but even I can see how you've broken each other these past few months. And for Percy not to believe your information… 'twill take a while to regain the trust you had in one another."
Annabeth pressed her lips together. "I know, Jason. I know." Not trusting herself to continue the conversation, she changed the subject hastily. "So why are you here? I didn't even know you'd left Boston. Did you leave before the harbor was closed?"
Jason sent her a knowing glance as he finished up the last of his pastry, but he didn't push it. "No, I have a… friend?" he winced as he spoke. "…who's an officer. He got me out three days ago."
Annabeth sighed. "You're a terrible liar, Jason. Was it Percy?"
Jason bit his lip, glancing over at her nervously as though expecting her to explode. "Um… yes?"
Annabeth shrugged half-heartedly. "I suppose it's a good thing. But why are you here, Jason?"
"I had some leftover business from the death of my father that just resurfaced," Jason explained. "Why are you here?"
Annabeth leaned closer. "Would you like to dance?" she asked in a louder voice, leading him out of the corner they had been standing in and into the drawing room. Jason acquiesced, looking slightly surprised.
Once the string quartet was playing a bright waltz to cover their conversation, Annabeth said, "I heard a snippet of information back in December that Governor Dunmore would eventually try take the gunpowder in the magazine in Williamsburg. Based on talking to Governor Dunmore, I believe he will be attempting it soon."
"And what are you going to do about it?" Jason asked dryly. "Annabeth, you must remember that here, anyone who doesn't know you thinks you are a docile, Loyalist girl, and anyone who does knows you only as a Loyalist spy. You cannot simply lose your cover, even if the stakes are high."
"I know that, Jason," Annabeth answered impatiently. "I just – you and I are now the only ones here who know of the threat, and…"
Jason sighed heavily. "I know I will not be able to talk you out of whatever you're planning, but please, Annabeth, be careful."
"I will," Annabeth promised, rising up to kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you for caring, Jason."
He pressed his lips together, obviously not happy with her decision. "I cannot tell you I approve, but if you need help… I'm staying at the Baker's Inn, two streets over."
Annabeth nodded. "I probably should get back to Drew; people think we only know each other through my grandparents."
He agreed, squeezing her hand comfortingly. "Be safe."
She nodded again with a reassuring smile, then ducked past a tipsy couple dancing and went back to Drew. By this time, it was getting later.
"Drew," she called, waving the other girl over from where she was flirting with a red-coated soldier. "I'm not feeling well, so I think I shall retire shortly," she announced.
"Oh darling, you can't leave now," Drew answered in a sing-song voice as she abandoned her prey and took Annabeth's elbow. She, too, was obviously a little bit drunk, and Annabeth resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"Yes, I really must, Drew," she said, gently detangling herself from Drew's arms. "I will see you in the morning?"
"Alright darling, I shall be up in a few hours!" Drew called after her, but Annabeth was in no mood to listen. She went upstairs quickly, changing into her nightgown, and glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner of Drew's room.
I'll sleep until the party ends, and then I'll begin, she decided. As a light sleeper, she knew when Drew eventually made it upstairs the noise of her entering the room would wake her. Pulling the coverlet up, she was fast asleep within minutes.
•
A few hours later, Annabeth woke with a start. She lay in bed for a minute, disoriented to what had woken her up.
Then she heard another muffled curse, and shook her head, grinning into the dark. A very tipsy Drew had just entered the room they were sharing, and apparently was now trying to undress.
Taking pity on the girl, Annabeth slipped out of bed and padded nearer. She lit a candle from the vanity and nodded to Drew. "Here, let me help."
"'Twas a lovely, lovely party…" Drew prattled, her words slurring a bit. Annabeth shook her head as she quickly helped Drew step out of her dress and petticoats, unlaced her corset, and pull on a silk nightgown.
"Thank… you," Drew managed before she fell into bed, snoring in seconds.
Annabeth muffled a laugh as she shook her head, hastily draping the other girl's expensive dress onto a chair so she wouldn't trip over it in the morning. She glanced at the grandfather clock and froze, all her thoughts from the previous night flooding back to her sleepy brain.
Eleven o'clock. The governor's plans. The gunpowder at the magazine…
She had no idea when the soldiers would make their move, but there was no time to spare. Instead of taking time to put on some clothes, Annabeth simply grabbed a dressing robe and put it on over her nightgown, pulling on the practical leather boots she had brought with her just for this purpose.
She snuck out of the door and down the stairs, pausing in fear with every creak the old wood made. If the Coles were to catch her now… hell, if even a servant were to see her, she could be in serious trouble. Not to mention that her own grandfather was sleeping a few doors down, oblivious to his granddaughter's night wanderings.
Hopefully, she would keep it that way.
After what felt like years of tiptoeing through the large house, Annabeth shut the front door behind her and breathed in the fresh night air. The darkness surrounded her, but the glow of the nearly full moon shone onto the street, and once her eyes adjusted, Annabeth was able to see easily.
She steeled her jaw. Now, she had to get to the magazine.
Like a shadow itself, she flitted through the streets, avoiding windows and walking in the open like the plague. Once she had to duck into a dark alley, narrowly avoiding being seen by two yawning guards, but by the end of her trek she was still unnoticed.
Across the street from the magazine, Annabeth surveyed it silently, not daring to get any closer. After making sure no eyes were upon her, she quickly scuttled behind a bush lining the street and sank to her knees, sighing.
And now I wait.
She honestly had no idea if the men would even come tonight, but between the hints the governor had been dropping and the fact that he had been drinking – to calm his nerves, Annabeth suspected – she was relatively sure that if they were to make a move, they would make it tonight.
The minutes dragged on, and more than once Annabeth nodded off to sleep before jerking awake, glancing around frantically to make sure she hadn't missed anything. The night was just as still and peaceful as before, however, and she was just beginning to fall asleep for the third time when something woke her up.
Torches flicked in front of the magazine, and the muffled whinny of a horse jerked her sleepy mind into action. Behind the bush, she was in little danger of being seen, but she had to get closer, to see what they were doing.
She waited a few more seconds until the torches had passed her, heading into the magazine. Carefully moving out from behind the bush, she followed them.
Annabeth thought quickly. The muffled sound of horses and soldiers moving was to her right, descending into the magazine with a wagon, probably to transfer the gunpowder. So she hastily tiptoed to her left, and gazed up at the dozen-foot brick wall.
She had to get to the top of the wall. She had to see what they were doing for sure.
Annabeth pulled off the dressing gown and tossed it into the grass beside her. She hiked her nightgown to far above her knees, found a foothold about two feet from the ground, and began climbing.
Grueling, agonizing minutes ticked by. Annabeth was panting, her fingernails and hands torn and bleeding from the rough bricks. A particularly rough brick scraped her thigh, and she swore quietly.
The muffled sounds of voices were growing louder, and added to it were the sounds of barrels being rolled across cobblestones. Annabeth risked a glance up, and her heart soared. Only a few more feet, and she would be able to see over the wall.
Finally, finally, she was at the top. Silently, yet eagerly, she peered over the top and smiled savagely as a new thought came to her.
The soldiers were moving around barrels of gunpowder as quietly as they could, loading it into wagons, the few torches they had flickering in the dark. Annabeth knew what she could do.
Having seen what she needed, she dropped, light as a cat, onto the soft, grassy ground surrounding the wall. Pain shot through her feet at the landing, but getting down was so much easier than getting up that she simply ignored it and took off running.
A few streets over, she found herself at the inn Jason had told her he was staying at the night before. She opened the door and slipped in, thankful that no one was in the main room. It has to be about midnight by now, she reasoned. Hopefully, everyone's gone to bed.
Tiptoeing upstairs, she was faced with a hallway of doors. Squaring her shoulders, she opened the first one on her right. The person inside was definitely not Jason, and neither was his pretty companion. Annabeth shut the door, blushing, and turned to the first one on her left.
Three doors later and no luck; Annabeth was beginning to think he had left Williamsburg. Only one door left to try; she turned to the last door on her left and opened it quietly.
There was Jason, sprawled out sound asleep on the bed. He looked so peaceful that Annabeth almost felt badly for waking him, but then she remembered what was happening outside.
"Jason," she hissed, shaking his shoulders. "Wake up."
He opened his eyes, glancing up at her blearily. "Annabeth?" he asked groggily. "What are you doing here?"
Annabeth chuckled at his messy hair and sleepy eyes. He looked endearingly like a little boy in that moment, and she felt a rush of gratitude for his friendship.
And also helping her out of tight situations. Like this one.
She quickly explained. After the first couple sentences, Jason was out of bed and pulling on his jacket and shoes. "But how are we going to wake people up?" Annabeth finally asked as she finished.
Jason grinned. "Did I tell you there are two drummer boys in the room across the hall, and that I had a friend who once showed me how to sound different signals?"
Annabeth beamed. "Jason, you are a genius."
A few minutes later, they were outside, Jason with a stolen drum and Annabeth with one of Jason's coats wrapped around her, hiding her hair and face. If any Loyalist saw her right now, she would be doomed.
They arrived back at the magazine, and Jason lifted her up above the top of the wall, just in time to see the soldiers finishing their job.
"We have to hurry," Annabeth hissed. "Can you sound an alarm?"
Jason's brow furrowed. "Yes, but you can't be here. Think of the danger you'd be in – go quickly, and hide."
Annabeth acquiesced, slipping behind the bush she had hidden when she first arrived. The sharp raps of Jason's drum split the air just as she got settled, piercing the silence of the night. Over and over, he played the same beat, and within seconds, doors were being slammed open and people pouring into the streets.
Annabeth smiled smugly as angry Patriots surrounded the cart filled to the brim with barrels of gunpowder. The British soldiers surrendered, and the crowd continued to get bigger, angry shouts, cries, and conversations filling the air.
It was all so different than the silence just a few minutes before that Annabeth shook her head to clear the disorientation.
She jumped in surprise as Jason appeared next to her, his face dirty, but mirroring her smug expression. "You did well, Annabeth," he said, not looking at her as he surveyed the growing chaos in the streets. "Everyone knows now that Governor Dunmore is behind this attack, and I'm sure even Loyalists will be disgusted at his dirty tactics."
Annabeth smiled proudly, but a huge yawn escaped her.
Jason finally looked over, chuckling. "We need to get you home, though," he announced. "You're obviously exhausted, and if anyone saw you…"
Annabeth nodded in agreement, the adrenaline she had been feeling for the past few hours finally fading, and exhaustion taking its place. Quietly, she and Jason slipped away from the crowd.
She embraced Jason as they arrived at the Coles' house. "Thank you so much," she whispered. "I wouldn't have been able to do anything without you."
He smiled fondly at her. "This was both of us, Annabeth. Without you, they would have gotten away with this, and the Patriots would have lost a lot of much-needed gunpowder."
Annabeth smiled wearily, proudly. "I should probably should get inside before someone sees me. Thank you again, Jason."
He kissed her forehead gently. "Get some rest, Annabeth. Goodnight."
Annabeth went to bed exhausted, her boots kicked under the bed and her nightgown dusty, but with a smile on her face. It was only as she was about to fall asleep did she realize the she had forgotten her dressing gown at the magazine.
Dammit. I liked that robe.
And that's it! As always, big shoutout to Helena who edited this wHILE SHE WAS SICK. Is she amazing or what? ILY, girl! xx
I was wondering if anyone has any song recommendations for previous chapters/good music to write to? I find that one really good way to combat writer's block is to listen to music, so song recs would be fantastic! :)
Thanks so much for reading! Please review!
WM