(This fanfic is about the film The Patriot, but for this fanfic to work I have changed a few facts. Firstly, Colonel William Tavington does not die. Secondly, Ben Martin does. Thirdly, and this is the largest difference, the Americans do not win the way and so their country remains in England's clutches of control. So, if you're going to read this fanfic bear in mind these three facts. Now, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. It's not very good though as unfortunately the plot is mine.

Also I do not own The Patriot or the characters within it, just so y'all know.)

Chapter Three

In one of the many forests in the neighbouring area to Susan's home, Susan was hiding. She had left early in the morning; before sunrise, but now it was midday and the warm sun was beating down on her through the trees. She carried a small bundle of clothes, had a hamper of food and three flasks of water. She'd also taken her savings which amounted to quite a lot.

Stumbling among the undergrowth she was making her way to a nearby village where she'd hopefully be able to stay. Once there, she'd assume a new identity. She'd already chosen her new name; Fiona Shawman. Susan knew she'd have to change the way she looked as well, but she had no idea how to do that. She'd have to rely on Tavington not recognising her; which is likely as he'd only seen her the way she looked now for a few minutes.

Several hours later Susan came out of the large expanse of forest and saw a village very near to the forest borders. She almost ran to it. As she walked into the cluster of buildings she noticed people noticing her and she smiled warmly. She approached the person nearest her.

"Excuse me. My name is Fiona Shawman. I'm wondering if y'all can help me. I'm looking for the mayor of this village." She asked this stranger, putting on an accent.

The woman eyed her up suspiciously.

"Are you British?" the woman asked.

"No. I'm colonial. Besides, am I wearing red like the British do?" Susan asked, in an almost mocking manner, as she gestured towards her blue dress. The woman smiled and shook her head.

"No you're not. C'mon. I'll take you to Mr Simmons." The woman replied, taking Susan's hand. "By the way, my name is Marie. Marie Jenkins."

"It's nice to meet you Marie." Susan, now Fiona, replied sweetly.

Together the two women walked towards the largest house in the small village. Marie walked right up to the door and knocked upon it. After a minute or so the door opened and a large, jolly looking man opened the door.

"Why, Mrs Jenkins, what can I do for you?" he asked. Marie gestured to Susan.

"This here is Fiona Shawman. She wanted to see you."

The mayor, Michael Simmons, looked at Susan and smiled.

"Well, hello Miss Shawman. Please, do come in." he said, standing out of the doorframe allowing her to come in. Susan smiled and walked inside, followed by Marie. They walked into the sitting room and sat down. "Now, what can I do for you?"

"Well." Susan began, smoothing down the skirt of her plain dress. "I'm here to ask you if I can stay in this village for a while. Y'see, my entire family were slaughtered by the Butcher, and my home was destroyed during the war. Since then I've been going from place to place seeking shelter. Recently though, the village I was staying in had the flu going around so I had to leave because so many people were dying. Now I'm homeless again. So y'see I've got no-where to go. I was hoping you kind folks could give me a place to stay." She said bluntly, feeding them a sad cock-and-bull story. Both Marie and Michael gasped.

"Why, that's terrible Fiona." Marie said, gripping Susan's hands supportively. Susan nodded, allowing tears to come to her eyes. True tears; as she remembered her father and brothers.

"Why, Miss Shawman, you're welcome to stay here. I'm sure some-one would take you in." Mr Simmons announced as he stood up from his chair.

"I will Mayor." Marie said, also standing up. "That is, if you're willing to stay with me Fiona."

Susan nodded. "I'm willing. Thank you both so very much." Susan wiped her eyes and stood up. Marie took her hand and led her out of the house. They thanked the mayor and said goodbye, then wandered over to Marie's house; which Susan was eager to see.