Finally the weary travelers finally reached the encampment at Yorktown. The route from Charlotte to Yorktown was a long one and after months of just sitting, their tired bodies were not used to such exercise; thus, the journey took much longer than expected. Prior to their leaving, Sarah and Zachary's families outfitted them with new clothing and supplies. Nathaniel walked with a piece of cornbread in one hand and a blueberry scone in the other, happily munching on the two as he sauntered on.
Reaching the outer city limits atop a peak, Ben pointed far ahead, "My family lives over there in a fine brick house with green shutters. I have not seen them in years." He said wistfully.
"And Williamsburg isn't too far off," Nathaniel pointed out with a wink and Ben's ears turned red.
"Your family will be happy to see you, son," John said, putting his arm around Ben, "Come find us when you are done visiting."
"No, I don't think Ben should enter the city." Stephen advised.
"Why not?" John questioned. "His parents have every right to see the boy and know he is out of that dreadful jail."
"Because look!" Stephen pointed out towards the horizon, there, along the bank of the Chesapeake Bay specks of red dotted the coast. "The British army has made their camp. Let us hope that Ben's family has found safe harbor." He turned and walked towards the American encampment. The other men followed and they soon found themselves a tent and set up camp. The atmosphere was tense, it was obvious the British were close by and a great battle would soon ensue.
Ben sat staring into the roaring blaze as he and his friends sat round a campfire. As he watched the dancing flames he was reminded of Felicity's fiery hair and spirit and smiled to himself.
"What do you think this new world will be like?" Nathaniel mused.
"Much like the old one I suppose." John answered quietly, "it is still a nation of men."
"No," Ben answered, "We vowed to make this a new world when our forefathers landed here so long ago. They came here to escape tyranny and oppression, and tyranny followed. We have the chance to create a country built on the masses and not the minorities. We the people of this great country have spoken to King George III: never again will we allow the populace to go unheard for a country is built on the backs of all its citizens, for if it was not for us, us farmers and merchants and slaves, husbands, fathers, brothers and sons, this country would not exist. No, this will be a new world for we have seen what happens when you try to ignore the cries of the people—the people will not be silenced."
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Sorry this took so long, and sorry if it is not to the same caliber as the other chapters, this term has gotten in the way of writting (exams, papers, sorority, then i was sick for a week, etc. so now I have some free time so I will try to get some more done for you guys. Sorry you had to wait so long)