William POV
I had no idea that my prediction of Hill and Heth's actions would be so correct. Around 5:00 the next morning, two of Hill's brigades set off on an expedition to determine the size and strength of the enemy in their front and advanced on Gettysburg. I offered to go along, so that I could actually cross over to the Union side, but they didn't need me to come with, so I was forced to stay behind.
I waited around until all of the sudden the men started shouting and getting ready for battle because an attack had been planned. At this point, my face drained off all color. I was in danger, but more importantly, Susannah was in danger. "Susannah!" I almost yelled once I could see her, "Come here!" I motioned for her, and she came running towards me with a worried look on her face. "What is it? Shouldn't you b-" "No time for that. Come with me," I interrupted.
We ducked behind tents and trees as I led her closer and closer to safety. "William. What is going on?" demanded Susannah. I couldn't tell her everything now. I just had to be sure she was safe. "Where are we going?" she asked again. "I have to get you to the Union camp. You'll be safe there." She looked both shocked and horrified at what I had just said.
"But, what… what will happen to you? You can't leave me." We ran to an empty street nearby and crossed to the other side of the abandoned buildings. I stopped her, and gripped her arms while looking deeply into her eyes. "I don't plan on it. Ever." She looked at me for a few seconds before nodding. Her eyes were full of tears, and I could tell she was trying to hold back her fear. My brave Susannah.
We kept weaving through the landscape so we wouldn't be seen. We turned a corner, and we could see the campsite in the distance. I felt relief, but almost immediately it was replaced by a sickness. What if General Grant had already left? What if the men shot me before I had the chance to talk to him? We had to hurry. "Run!" I told her as she bolted off towards the camp. I ran after her, but unfortunately in my worry, I had not seen a stray tree root and I fell to the ground after tripping on it. That was the last thing that I remembered.
Susannah POV
I ran as fast as my legs could take me and I didn't look back. Once I had arrived at the edge of the encampment, I looked back to see that William was no where in sight. I frantically began to search for him, but before I was able to get anywhere, a woman gently took me by the shoulders and led me to a tent where I was given food and water. She introduced herself to me and I vaguely remember telling her my name, but I have no recollection of hers.
In the distance I could hear gunshots and cannons and for the next three days I sat in the same chair, thinking of all that I had lost. When the battle had ended, I was firm in my want to find William even though the other woman said that the carnage on the battlefield would be too much for me to handle in my weakened state. A man in uniform with a tired face came into the tent and said, "Miss Shaw? That is your name?" I nodded. "My name is General Ulysses S. Grant. Is there anything you need? Miss Anna here said that when she found you, you were searching for someone? May I help you find them?" It occurred to me that I could use his help and that maybe he knew of Major Davis.
"Yes," I tested my voice, "I am looking for a Major William Simon Davis of the Confederate army. He led me here from the Confederate lines three days ago, but he disappeared by the time I had run across that last field." The General seemed surprised. "Did you say William Simon Davis? I have been wondering where he has been, myself." I found it strange that General Grant was also looking for William, but I decided not to hang on it and instead to find him- dead or alive. My whole being wanted him to be alive, but I knew there was a chance…
I decided to scour the last field I had run through for any sign of him. From halfway across the field I could see the tree I had almost run into and next to it was a limp body. I ran there to find William unconscious. I tried to shake him awake, "William! William! Wake up- it's me, Susannah! Wake up!" The tears started to fall from my eyes and land on his face. I gently started to wipe them away from his face, admiring the handsome man who had risked his life for me to be safe when a weak moan escaped from his lips. I held my breath as his body slowly started to move and his eyes opened. "Susannah? What happened? Why didn't you run to the Union camp?" he asked.
I flung my arms around him and explained, "I did go to the camp. You were nowhere to be found- it has been three days! I've only just discovered you. General Grant said he wondered where you were." He stared at me, "So you know?" "I know what?" He shook his head, "It's nothing. Well really it's everything, but I have to speak with General Grant. I'll tell you later. Right now, just help me get up." I did as he said and helped him walk to the camp where I left him with General Grant. I would wait patiently for him to tell me whatever it was. At the moment, I was simply overjoyed that he was alive.