Disclaimer: We don't own The Covenant.

Authors: SkyyRyder, sentrosi4, Bookworm since birth and Cara Mascara

A/N: Thank you to all who reviewed. We all work very hard on this story and try to organize it and keep it as period appropriate as we can, which isn't the easiest thing to do. So all feedback is greatly appreciated! There are more character pictures on my profile, so have a look. Our own sentrosi4 did an amazing job writing the poem in this chapter; so do not steal it, for it belongs to her.

Le Nouvel Espoir

Chapter 2: Reaction

The smell of burning wick wafted through the air of the basement, becoming less noticeable by the inhalation of deep breaths after a time. Reid walked to his seat languidly, the glowing candles revealing the other Sons waiting, each with distinct expressions at their seats. Tyler was anxious, Caleb was unsettled and agitated, and Pogue was thoughtful. Reid of course, was irksome.

"Is there any importance in this gathering? Of my being here?" Reid asked, annoyed at this deemed 'unnecessary meeting' as he sat down.

"You know of the rumors." Pogue informed before a full glare could muster on their leader towards the blonde son "Symptoms of groaning, flailing and writhing within the young woman of Salem. Several of them have already been prosecuted for witchcraft, and confessed of others. The problem is escalating rapidly."

"And?" Reid asked, tone wearied.

"And–" Caleb stressed with a tense jaw. "It has never been more crucial for us to hide our abilities from the public."

Reid blinked once at his leader, eyebrows raised incredulously. "You think they believe these silly superstitions? It's magic? No one in their right mind would believe such a thing without being called insane." None of the Sons voiced their disagreement, so he concluded on his beliefs. "It's all for attention Caleb, there is no other explanation for it."

The room fell silent for a moment, Pogue speaking out, targeting no one. "From dresses to witches," he spoke despondently. "Forever fixed on the latest craze." He scoffed in ill humor.

"Crazed indeed." Tyler added, his tone just as insipid.

"I agree with you all," Caleb admitted. "But it is still in our best interest to refrain from Using. At all times." He stressed on that point, staring at a certain Son in question. "Unless for some dire need, which we have never had consequence of encountering, then there is no other reason."

"But what if it is true?" Tyler's apprehension surfaced. "What if there are others?"

"No, there couldn't be." Caleb disregarded such a notion quickly. "I would have felt their Power before. The presence of Using is always strong enough for my notice."

Reid rolled his eyes. "You assume too much."

"I know for a fact that someone has been Using recently." He shot Reid a pointed look. "I was speaking with Pogue on that day, and I am certain Tyler has refrained from being so reckless with using, especially around his father during work."

"Do you accuse me to be so irresponsible?" Reid accused back against his oldest brother.

"No, you have proven that yourself."

His eyes narrowed at that 'matter-of-fact statement'. "I may use my abilities a lot more than what may be needed, but I wouldn't risk our coven."

"Sometimes I'm not sure whether to believe you." Caleb paused, his brown eyes turned somber. "I dream that years may pass and I will encounter the eyes of one addicted."

"I would not be as foolish," Reid spurned. "And your assumptions of me are tiring. I promise you I would not endanger us in such a perilous time. I swear it." He voiced his conviction strongly. As much as Reid disregarded the trouble growing within Salem, he knew of the importance of remaining hidden. He would not risk the Sons by such thoughtlessness. They were his brothers.

Caleb sighed; his eyes now fixed on the floor "We should go…" he spoke, after a long moment of silence.

"Yes, let's leave." Reid mumbled back bitterly.

"The markets?" Pogue suggested well aware of his reason for such a suggestion as it might provide his chance of escape. He turned to Caleb who mustered a single nod, his thoughts lingering elsewhere.

"Markets? Of course," Tyler nodded in agreement "what better way to celebrate our day of freedom," he smiled blithely.

Reid's moroseness faded as he chuckled at his friend's expression. "You sound like a prisoner," he observed.

"Shackles of a fathers demands," Tyler remarked, smiling nonetheless.

Free of their duties with their fathers for the day, the Sons headed into the town, loitering around the streets of Ipswich. "It seems like ages since we've done this," Caleb remarked glancing down the line at his three close friends.

"There hasn't been much time for this, really…" Tyler stated his voice showing annoyance to the topic.

"We've all been so busy," Pogue stated lifting his shoulders.

"Speak for yourself, Deputy," Reid snickered as he clasped a hand on Tyler's shoulder. "The many joys of being a poet…" His lips curled in to a smirk.

Caleb rolled his eyes as a commotion at the end of the street grabbed his attention. Pogue noticed as well, a petite blonde girl, around their age was handing out flowers to passing pedestrians as a tall, older blonde man set up a merchant's wagon. A few other wagons were set up closely, the new comers looking as though they had all arrived together.

"Who is that?" Reid asked, running a hand through his blonde hair, his eyes scanning over the fair skinned young lady.

"I have no idea," Caleb stated not able to take his eyes off of the beautiful girl.

"They're causing a bit of a scene," Pogue stated, going in to deputy mode.

Reid snickered as he quickened his pace to meet the new girl. Pogue rolled his eyes as Caleb, Tyler and he followed his lead. The boys had heard stories about gypsy merchants, and by the looks of the two blondes and their companions they fit the description perfectly.

"Hello, beautiful," Reid greeted as he accepted the flowers she passed out to each of the four young men.

"Good day," she responded, her big blue eyes staring at Caleb a hint of a smile dancing on her lips. "I'm Sarah Wenham," she introduced herself.

"Caleb Danvers, welcome to Ipswich," he greeted her with a charming grin.

Sarah blushed and looked at the other three expectantly, "Pogue Parry, Deputy…" he stated giving the blonde a once over, his eyes training in on the man he assumed to be her father. As bustling as they were, the y looked friendly enough.

"Tyler Simms," the youngest of the group introduced himself, giving her a courteous bow.

The blue eyed blonde turned her attention to the first young man who greeted her, a charming smile on her face as he gave her a short bow. "Garwin, Reid Garwin"

"Are you staying in town?" Caleb asked carefully.

"Father says that Ipswich is a great colony." Sarah looked back at her father. "We hope to be able to stay awhile." She smiled at him.

The group mingled, with Caleb and Reid both feigning for the attention of the newcomer. Caleb trumping over Reid at times, as Sarah tried to decide which she should give her attention to.

While Caleb was involved with his conversation with Sarah, and Reid's blatant attempts at wooing the gypsy girl, Pogue was able to slip away undetected. His brothers wouldn't mind even if they did catch on, he had plans.

He slipped past the last several colony houses to a wooded area and waited patiently until a young woman came walking through looking absolutely radiant. Her skin was the color of caramel, her hair the color of onyx, and her smile enchanting.

"Pogue." Her voice was soft, yet strong as she squinted to make out the figure of the tanned man.

The golden haired young man simply nodded his head as she ran the rest of the distance between them, flinging her small body in to his arms. He held on to her tightly, not wanting to let go.

He pressed his lips to hers, pulling away after the chaste kiss. "Kate…" Her name rolled so freely off of his tongue.

"I've missed you," she stated resting her hands firmly on his hips.

"And I, you…"

Their lips met again, this time more forcefully. His large hands slipped in to her hair, feverishly searching her mouth with his tongue. Their love was forbidden, but they hadn't let it stop them. They wouldn't let it come between them, they couldn't.

Tyler glanced around noticing Pogue's disappearance, but the question that was itching his tongue was put on hold when Aaron appeared, Kira behind him.

"What do we have here?" Kira's voice dripped with disdain as she eyed the blonde woman up and down.

"Kira," Reid smiled detaching his gaze from the gypsy girl.

Caleb pulled his attention away from Sarah to see who had joined them; he glared at Aaron and gave a curt smile in Kira's direction. Kira, who would have normally smiled like a fool, instead bore holes in to the new girl.

"This is Sarah Wenham, she's new to town," Caleb introduced to Aaron and Kira.

"Hi, I'm Aaron Abbot… son of the Governor." He gave her a sly grin kissing the top of her hand.

Caleb and Reid both looked at the curly-haired boy, daggers shooting from their eyes as he winked at the blonde. She blushed but was put off when Kira stared her up and down.

"A gypsy." Her voice was flat. "I'd say it is nice to meet you, but it isn't…" The red head scoffed as she folded her arms over her chest.

"Kira," Reid gave her a pointed look, the red head simply shrugged and stared at the blonde.

Sarah looked a bit taken-a-back by this and looked at Caleb who glared at Aaron. Aaron simply cocked an eyebrow at the 'leader' of their small group. His lips curled up as he noticed a member of their group was missing.

"So, where is Pogue?"

Reid and Aaron returned to the Abbot household after parting with the others at the market. Aaron was complaining, as usual. This time it was about the town's new occupants.

"They're filthy gypsies!" he exclaimed to Reid. "They probably bring diseases with their horribly made, shoddy, wares."

"I don't know. That blonde girl was rather pretty." Reid mused to Aaron

"Like I said," Aaron's tone turned venomous. "You don't know what you can catch from filth like that."

With a forced laugh Reid agreed. "This is true. You're probably right."

As Aaron resumed complaining, Reid couldn't help but let his mind wonder. Thinking about Sarah made him think about Kira. He realized he hadn't told her any poetry lately. He had a few verses in mind but he wasn't sure if the reaction would be what he desired. The last thing he needed was Kira thinking he was a love struck puppy like all her other suitors.

When the boys arrived at the Abbot household, Lily stood at the wood stove, preparing dinner. "Is everyone gone girl?" Aaron asked.

"Oui" Lily answered, busying herself by dropping vegetables into a boiling pot. "Monsieur et Madame took the children out visiting. Rhys is getting supplies." Aaron grunted in response and sat down at the table.

When Reid saw Lily a plan formed in his mind. Maybe if he... tested the poem on another girl first he could see a reaction. Though Lily wouldn't necessarily be his first choice, the simple servant was no comparison in personality to the high maintenance Snider girl, he believed this could be very fun. With a smirk he waltzed over to Lily. 'Watch,' he mouthed to Aaron.

Reid stood closely behind Lily and put one arm on either side of her, trapping her between his body and the cutting table she had been working at. "Bonjour" he greeted in her native tongue, his breath heating her neck.

Lily nearly jumped out of her skin, not expecting the sudden intrusion of personal space.

"B-bonjour. Is there something you need Monsieur?" she asked, her hands trembling lightly at her heightened nerves. The blonde boy's body pressed into her a bit more; causing Lily's entire body to stiffen and her eyes grow wide. He inhaled next to her ear, his lips so close to her lobe he could almost brush them against her skin.

"Flowers bloom within the skies,
From mesmerized features upon her face,
Sure of her beauty with kindled eyes
Her gaze that makes me find my place."

His voice was merely a whisper, deep and alluring. The way Lily's body tingled at the sensations of his spoken words and the way they felt on her neck caused a tremble to pulse through her body. "Monsieur, s'il vous plait, your words are lovely, but I must-"

"Just listen" he interrupted.

"Hair flows softly, scent entrancing,
Spirit young and free; mine damnation,
Her smile turns my whole heart dancing,
Agonized ecstasy from its creation,"

Lily's heart felt as though it would pound out of her chest. Reid's sudden interest in her confused and worried her, especially with Aaron seated mere strides away. It made her uncomfortable, as most human interaction did, but also made her feel... good. She didn't know what to think. A glance was stolen by the girl to see what Aaron's reaction was to this peculiar and unexpected scene. Aaron just sat with a frown on his face. Lily didn't know if he was upset with her or Reid.

"Passion swelling with all ends of me,
Quaking with need, a valley of need,
Dire, the want surrounding be,
Where lies a lost soul of her unconscious deed,"

By now Lily was sweating. It was beyond her why Reid was doing this. Were these beautiful, passionate lines he was saying meant for her or was he just playing. She couldn't help but be flattered and hope he really meant the words he spoke so smoothly. Her mind demanded she be sensible, but her pulse still thumped in her chest. Lily wished this would end so she could quickly finish dinner before the family returned home and then she could retire to her quarters to think about all of this Mercifully, Reid only had a few lines left.

"A deal I would make from the Creatures own den,
Just to be found; greeted, by loves smile once again…"

With those last lines Reid placed a kiss on Lily's neck and took his leave, swaggering out of the Abbot household and giving Aaron a smirk. Goosebumps appeared everywhere on Lily's body, skin able to feel the spot where Reid's lips had touched as if imprinted.

Aaron was irate. How dare Reid treat his servant like that? Who was he to use her and make her react the way Aaron had believed only he made her react under his stares and smiles. Lily was his servant, not Reid's. Not here for the Garwin boy's pleasure. With a scowl in place, Aaron marched up to Lily.

"How dare you," he seethed. "You believe you're seducing him, don't you? Playing his little games in hope that he'll what? Fall in love with you? Never."

"Monsieur I did nothing, I swear it!" Lily's voice was pleading as she pressed the small of her back into the table's edge, trying to create space between the enraged young man and herself.

"Don't you lie to me you little whore!" Aaron yells. "You trembled with every verse. I can still see the lust in your tainted eyes."

"Please, I did nothing!" she sobbed, her unsteady emotions getting the best of her. She couldn't understand why Aaron was so upset. She had never seen him like this. It was frightening. Aaron was beyond aggravation now, the meek sobs she was making infuriating him.

"You're just a little whore. Just like your mother," he told her, than reached back, his knuckles connecting with her smooth cheek as he backhanded her. Seeing her look of utter surprise and pain he smiled maliciously and left the room without so much as a word.

Lily gasped. Aaron had never struck her before. Governor Abbot and his wife yes, but never Aaron. With muffled sobs she finished dinner, fear for what Aaron may do next running though her.

Lily's bare feet padded softly down the few stone steps that led to the room she shared with Rhys. Her hands shook, vibrating the plate she held in them and she used her elbow to push the door open being sure to shut it softly instead of letting it slam shut. She was afraid it would motivate Aaron to strike her again. Obviously he didn't need much convincing.

Placing the plate on the small table in one of the corners, Lily ignored it and moved to sit on her bed. Rhys was sitting on his own, relishing his spare time and relaxing. He offered a smile to Lily, but she wasn't looking at him as she sat without a word and began using a broken comb that had once belonged to the missus to tidy her loose hair.

He found it curious that she hadn't even acknowledged him. Lily usually was eager to speak to him when they were alone and she was less nervous. He had noticed over the years that Lily was almost painfully shy and normally did not speak unless spoken to, with the exception of him. Not to mention her will was terribly weak, so weak he couldn't imagine how she survived the boat ride from Europe while many others had died. As he picked at the food he decided her awkward fidgeting and glassy eyes were not going to remain ignored if he had anything to do with it.

"Lily, aren't you going to eat some of this love?" Her head jerked to look up at him and her body convulsed in shock. Her raised head into the light of the small lamp was enough to bring Rhys' attention to the reddened cheek of the girl.

"You may have it. I'm not very hungry." Her head shook from side to side softly when she spoke, covering the mark with her hair and Rhys sighed. The two hardly were offered food more than twice a day; he'd feel horrible if he ate her share of the leftover dinner.

When Lily had placed the comb away, Rhys decided it was time to speak up. "Did something happen?" She raised her eyes shortly before lowering them to her fidgeting hands that sat in her lap.

"No." Normally, Lily would've been curious as to why he'd asked, but she knew. She could feel the side of her face pulsing from where Aaron had struck her. A simple strike! She had received worse from his parents, and even back at the orphanage in France she had been whipped with belts! But Aaron had made Lily feel uneasy all too often lately. She didn't know what was on his mind, what he thought about when his eyes penetrated her, but she was sure it was nothing she would like. And ultimately, that's what scared her.

She shuddered at the thought of how far he would go. It stats with a slap across the face, but the fact that he had gone from unnerving looks to physical contact caused the French girl to worry about how far this boy would go. Now that he knew he had the power to physically force her into submission, what would he do?

"Lily, what happened to your face?" Rhys' voice became strong now, demanding. She was avoiding something and he was not going to allow it.

Lily became panicked. She felt a flush on her face, swallowing as she debated with her mind to formulate a story. She wouldn't tell Rhys the truth. He had become protective of her over the years and though she knew he wouldn't do anything with the two elders of the household, she was not sure Rhys would be able to control his urge to pummel the boy younger than him. After seeing the hostile tension between the two in the stables, Lily was terrified Rhys would lose control of his actions and jeopardize his freedom or perhaps his life!

"It was the Governor," she spoke quietly; her accent so thick in her nervous state Rhys had to replay her words in his head before decoding them. "I dropped his dinner plate. It was nothing."

Lies. He could tell the girl was lying. He knew. When the Governor or his wife struck or punished her, Lily became hysteric as soon as she was alone or with him, making ridiculous claims that her freedom was at risk and she would have to serve the Abbot's for more years. She desired her freedom so badly Rhys almost wished he could take her remaining time himself and let her live on her own.

No, her emotionless reaction and convulsions at the slightest sounds convinced Rhys. It had been Aaron who had hit her and his blood boiled at the mere thought. He hadn't been comfortable with Aaron from the start, but as the arrogant boy grew older, he had become nearly unbearable. Many times, Rhys had to restrain himself from attacking the teen, keeping in mind Lily needed him. Lily needed someone once she was free. The two of them would survive with each other's help and if Rhys let Aaron's lustful stares towards Lily and authoritative attitude affect him, he would end up serving the family for eternity.

Placing the food back on the plate, Rhys approached her, sitting beside her on the small bed. A toned arm wrapped around the stiff girl's shoulders causing her to collapse into his side, tears finally escaping her eyes. Her sobs were strangled as she tried to hold them in, tears soaking into the thin fabric of his clothed shoulder. As if the girl wasn't cautious about enough, she now felt as though she had more to fear and Rhys felt helpless.

For, he could do nothing to stop this.