Our Future is in Our Past
Chapter 9
A Night of Fire, A Day of Hope
The moon disappeared as clouds moved in. Kim and Ron stumbled across the field. They got turned around a couple of times but soon found they were close to where they thought the house was at. It was then they noticed a red glow from the horizon. There were the distinct sounds of gunfire mixed into the night. Kim gave a whimper and they ran as best they could across the fields. As they got closer there were screams mixed into a number of shots. They dove behind the rear fence and made their way around the far side of the fence. The area was brilliantly lit as all the Murphy's buildings were ablaze. Kim looked through some bushes to see Flynn lying against one of the trees in the yard. Ahana was pressing a bandage against his shoulder. Even from the distance they were at they could see the blood seeping through the bandage. Eveleen stood at a distance holding onto her two brothers. Shego sat on her horse looking on with a satisfied smirk on her face.
Soldiers milled about the area, setting more fires to other outbuildings. A group walked over to the hog pen, raised their rifles and as a group fired into the pens. Squeals came from the other side of the fences as the soldiers methodically reloaded and fired another volley. Kim was about to vault over the fence when Ron grabbed her.
"Wrong idea KP. Those aren't stun sticks those guys are using. All it would take is one of them to put a pretty big hole in you."
Kim hissed back.
"We can't just sit here and watch. We've....."
"Well now, just what have we here?"
A snap of a twig sounded as Kim and Ron turned to look around. Two soldiers were standing their rifles leveled at the two of them, the bayonets gleaming in the firelight. Then, Kim noticed one thing. The hammers on the rifles were fully forward. The rifles had either already been fired or they were loaded but not ready. Kim gave a little nod to Ron and the two of them launched themselves at the two soldiers.
The two soldiers were former criminals given the choice of prison terms or the British Army. They were used to the hard life of the British Army but were also used to handling people who would not fight back. They were used to people who were intimidated by soldiers. They were used to people who were intimidated by those with weapons. They were not ready for two people who were in no way intimidated by soldiers or weapons. They were facing two people who regularly fought soldiers and people with weapons and did so with their bare hands and were experts in the martial arts. They never knew what hit them. Within seconds they were lying unconscious on the ground. Kim and Ron quickly tie them up and put their rifles against the fence. While they laid back to gather their breaths two more figures appeared in the night. It was two of the young men from the dance. Kim motioned for them to be quiet.
Ron grabbed Kim.
"KP, I have an idea."
He reached over and took the cartridge boxes off of the soldiers. He glanced at the two young men.
"Listen, Kim and I are a little used to stuff like this. We lived on an army base most of our lives. We need you to do one thing. We are going to start a lot of noise. When you hear the noise I want you to fire these rifles into the air then run."
One of the young men nodded.
"I'll do more than shoot into the air. I'll...."
Ron shook his head.
"Please don't. Kim and I will be close to the soldiers and I don't want any killing. Please. Besides, if you kill some soldiers they will be after you and your families. They would also most likely kill Eveleen and all her family in revenge."
The other young man nodded.
"That is true. We will wait for your noise and shoot. I am sure we can get away."
Ron placed his hand on one of their shoulders.
"Thanks, listen I barely know any of you, but I appreciate the help. We will try and get Eveleen and her family out of here. Take care of yourselves."
The first young man grabbed Ron's hand.
"We saw what you two did to those soldiers. I don't know how you learned to fight like that, but I wish I could learn. Thanks for what you are doing. Take care of Eveleen and her family. Get them out of here. We and some others can raise some fuss over the next few days to help keep the British busy."
He raised his hand before Ron or Kim could protest.
"It'll be nothing we have done before. Now get going."
Ron grabbed both of the cartridge boxes and opened them up. Inside in row were the wrapped cartridges. He smiled and showed Kim.
"Okay KP, we are going to make a little noise. Eveleen's brothers showed me where they had stashed some homemade fireworks. We are going to get them. I will go over on the other side. You make your way over near the hog pen and get ready."
Kim smiled.
"While you create a diversion, I'll grab the family and get them to safety."
Ron shrugged.
"I don't know if it will work. You take one cartridge box and I'll take the other along with all the fireworks her brothers made. Toss the cartridge box in the barn fire; I'll toss mine in the storage building fire. That will create a lot of noise. Then I'll fire off some of the rockets the boys made. That ought to really make things inter
Kim bent over and gave him a kiss.
"Now that is the smart man I love and knew was in that thick head. Just one thing, are there some firecrackers in that lot?"
Ron nodded as an evil grin crossed Kim's face.
"Good make sure I get a few. I have plans for them."
Shego sat back on her horse. Things were going so well. The Murphy's were without a home. The girl was standing there with her brothers. She was sure she could make up some charges to put the girl away or set her up. The one thing that made her nervous was that the soldiers that had taken Kim had not shown up. They should have past by before now. The fact that Ron was nowhere to be seen also made her nervous.
"Lt. Fisk? Should not those soldiers shown up with the other girl? Or are they as incompetent as the rest of these men?"
The Sergeant turned and scowled at her.
"My lady, those are British soldiers you are referring to. Horne, Baker! Where are you two louts, have you heard from McMasters and Dugan?"
One of the soldiers yelled from the back of the farm.
"Lt. Fisk sir! We just found Horne and Baker unconscious and tied up. Their rifles and cartridge boxes are missing."
Before Shego could swear one of the nearby fires erupted in rapid explosions. All the soldiers started to run in different directions. Several rifle shots on the edge of the farm added to the pandemonium. Most explosions erupted from the fire near her. She had one clear thought in her mind.
"THEY'RE HERE!"
Before she could think another thought something came out of the night and fell sizzling at the feet of her mount. She bent over and looked down. Her eyes dilated when she noticed the string of firecrackers with the fuses burning lying on the ground under her horse. Her thoughts were interrupted when the short line of firecrackers went off.
"Oh sh......"
Her horse reared and she fought to control it. The horse gained its feet and bucked hard once. Shego felt herself flying through the air. She sailed over the fence of the hog pen. Looking down she noticed the mud of the interior of the pen coming straight for her face. The thought "this is not good" played through her mind just before she did a face plant into the mud.
Eveleen was surprised at the sudden onslaught of explosions and sounds. The soldiers ran different directions as Lt. Fisk tried to get order. Then a number of rifle shots rang out in the darkness. The soldiers turned and started to fire into the night. Most charged out into the darkness. Squire Mankey rode off in a panic into the darkness with two of the mounted soldiers. Holding tight to her brothers, Eveleen ran with them around the burning barn and over the stone wall where Kim and Ron had been hiding. She didn't like leaving her parents but this was what they had been told to do in case something like this happened. Her parents were counting on her to take care of her brothers. Both boys were whimpering as they stumbled off into the darkness. Eveleen hoped that Kim was alright and wondered what made the mad woman on the horse so angry when the soldiers had been found unconscious. She was about to take another step when two figures appeared in front of them.
Eveleen nearly screamed until a hand was placed over her mouth. Her eyes caught the flash of auburn hair. She froze for a moment until her eyes adjusted to the darkness. Gasping she realized that Kim and Ron were standing in front of them. Kim put a finger to her lips signaling for them to be quiet. Eveleen nodded and held on her brothers as Kim pulled them into a grove of trees.
"Are you okay?"
Eveleen and her brother's nodded.
"Yes, thanks to you."
Kim looked out over the countryside.
"How about your parents?"
Eveleen shook her head.
"I don't know. Father got shot by one of the soldiers. Mum was alright and looked after him. They made us memorize a plan in case something like this was to happen. Father has a brother in Cork. We are supposed to make our way there if we can. Mum and Dad will come and get us if they can."
Kim nodded and whistled low. Ron was at her side in an instant.
"We have to head for Cork. Let's hope our little show confused them enough for now. We best head across the countryside and avoid the roads."
Ron nodded then whirled around at the snap of a twig. The two young men who had helped them appeared out of the darkness carrying some clothing.
"We hung around a little and snatched some clothing. We also heard the soldiers talking. They found the two soldiers at the party site. They are really looking for you two and putting out word to be looking for you. We will try and fool some of the soldiers and send them in the wrong direction."
Ron took the clothing from the men and passed it to the others. There were a number of heavy cloaks and some blankets.
"Thanks guys, we appreciate it. Listen, don't take any chances. We can't tell you where we are going."
The first young man nodded.
"I wouldn't ask to start with. Now I would advise you to get moving. It will not take long for the soldiers to call in more troops. Stay off the roads and keep moving. Good luck."
Shego sat back in her chair as the servant placed more wood on the fire. Drakken waited until he left before taking his seat in front of her. She was wrapped in several blankets as she shivered. Her damp hair hung in front slowly drying. She snapped a glance over at him. He was sitting there so smug.
"Well?" she snapped.
Drakken sat back and sipped his cocomoo.
"While the servants were helping you get cleaned up I spoke with Lt. Fisk, Squire Fisk and Squire Mankey. We all agreed that several warrants should be taken out on Kim, Ron and the girl. The Squires signed the warrants immediately and Lt. Fisk started to distribute them. Kimberly and Ronald may be in for a big surprise. The other girl Eveleen has been in trouble with the soldiers before. The warrants are for attempted murder, assault on her Majesty's troops, assault on your person and a number of other things we will think up later."
Shego growled.
"If that stupid sergeant had put more soldiers guarding Possible then this might not have happened. But Noooooo. His men are strong they could handle the little lass."
Drakken took another sip of his cocomoo.
"What were you going to say? You weren't supposed to know them. You couldn't tell them who she really was. All you could hope for was it would take her longer than you thought to take care of them. Who knows those bruisers could have taken care of her. But it worked out better this way. Now they attacked you and the others. The Squires will not take that lightly."
Looking into the fire Shego waited for Drakken to continue. Drakken finished his cocomoo and placed it on the table next to him.
"They have sent out patrols watching all the roads and crossroads. Mounted troops are searching fields and wooded areas. They will be seen."
Shego snorted.
"Do you really believe that?"
Drakken shook his head.
"No not in the least, but I could not say a thing. Kimberly and Ronald have evaded some of the best, most modern soldiers in the world. These gentlemen won't have a chance. The best we can hope is that they will merely be an inconvenience to them while they make their way to Cork."
Shego glanced back at him.
"What makes you think that they are heading for Cork?"
Drakken sat back and steepling his fingers.
"It's simple; there is nowhere else for them to go. Besides there they could get passage to America. Now if I remember my research correctly didn't the girl emigrate from here about this time? All we need to do is find her and stop her."
Shego snorted.
"Right and just how are we going to do that? Kimmie and Stoppable are with them. Those two have snuck into our lairs with the best security money can buy. Do you think the British are capable of finding them if they don't want to be found? Just look at what those two did at the house. They had those soldiers boys running in circles and shooting at each other."
Drakken flopped down into his chair with a sour look.
"Well, do YOU have any ideas? The nearest city is Cork but that's 20 miles away. I don't think that I could convince Mankey or Fisk to do more than they are doing now. Not without making them get curious that I might know more than I am telling."
Shego went deep in thought for a moment. Then a grin crossed her face.
"I have a feeling that I want to do some shopping in Cork. Besides, Her Majesty is supposed to be visiting soon. That will mean there will be a lot more soldiers around. Kimmie and Stoppable will use the crowds to hide in. I say use the crowds to our advantage. Let the crowds look for them."
Drakken thought for a moment.
"How are we going to do that?"
Shego took a long sip of tea.
"Just let me take care of it."
Eveleen put her arms around her brothers and pulled the two of them close to her. Ron placed one of the blankets over the three of them. The group had found a burnt out farm building away from any other homes. Eveleen and her brothers watched as Kim and Ron worked quickly to make a somewhat warm and dry shelter out of the wreckage of the home. Ron soon had a small fire going and started to fix what little food they had. Kim worked on making their shelter better.
Eveleen watched their two benefactors work together almost without speaking. Each went about their work without getting in the others way. It was almost like they could sense one another or knew where the other would be. Even in the confined space they were working in they almost never bumped into each other. Just who were they? Sure there was a lot of resemblance between them, but they didn't seem to fit here. Sometimes when they thought she might not be listening they used strange words like Sloth, and Wade. They also spoke of two others named Shego and Drakken. Whoever they were she could tell they were not on good terms. Ron put some food on an old plate they had found and brought it over to her.
"Here, here is something for the three of you."
Eveleen looked down and noticed that the plate was full and there was nothing left cooking.
"We cannot take it all! You and Kim will....."
Ron raised his hand.
"Don't worry about us; we snacked a little while I was cooking it. Besides, we'll be okay for now. The three of you need the most. We are used to roughing it once in awhile. Now why don't you wake them up and all of you eat. Kim and I will be on the lookout for anyone."
Eveleen nodded and turned to wake her brothers while she laid the plate of food down. After waking her brothers, she turned to see Kim and Ron talking quietly. After a few moments Ron stepped out into the dark as Kim settled down next to the fire. Eveleen made sure that her brothers got most of the food. They were younger and needed it. After they were back to sleep she slipped over to where Kim was sitting. She handed the plate to Kim.
"Here, we had enough. Why don't you split this with Ron? Where is he anyway?"
Kim glanced out into the dark as she picked up a small morsel that was left.
"He's out there keeping watch, making sure no one comes up on us."
Eveleen sat down next to her.
"You do things like this back at home?"
Kim glanced over to her.
"What makes you think that?"
Eveleen shook her head.
"You two seem to move in unison. I have been watching you since everything happened at the house. You two started those explosions didn't you? I talked to my brothers while we were walking. They told me that had told Ron where those fireworks were. Then just now, you each started a job without discussing it with the other."
Kim smiled.
"I guess you can say we do stuff like this a lot."
Eveleen nodded.
"I guess you have to deal with a lot of outlaws and Indians."
Kim thought to herself as she nodded.
'You have no way of knowing how close you are being right.'
Kim stirred the fire a little and placed some more wood in the coals.
"Maybe, just a little. Why don't you get some sleep? We will need to start moving before it gets light. I want to put some more ground between us and those behind us."
Eveleen reached out to take Kim's hand.
"I just want to thank you. You have done so much. Maybe we can all get back to your home."
Kim gripped Eveleen's hand tightly.
"Let's hope we all just get out of here first, and then we can make plans later. Now get some sleep, Ron and I will need you and your brothers as rested as you can be."
Eveleen nodded and moved over to her brothers. She crawled under the blanket and wrapped her arm around them. As she closed her eyes she watched as Kim looked out into the dark and pulled something from her pocket.
Quinn and Roy stayed close to Eveleen as they passed through another line of trees. The cold and wet group had been moving only at night while resting and sleeping during the day. This made it easier to move across the countryside and avoiding the patrols. One evening, as they passed through a crossroads, they found a flyer that had been printed and posted on a signpost. It described Kim and Ron and called them outlaws. Eveleen wondered why Kim and Ron only snickered and didn't seem to be worried. She heard them whispering about the other notice had their pictures on it. Eveleen didn't ask but knew something like this had happened to them before. She looked up to see lights in the distance. It was the city of Cork. This is where her uncle lived. The patrols didn't seem to be a frequent now that they were close to the city.
Kim waved to her as she motioned for her brothers to stay where they were. Kim waited for her to her under a group of trees. Kim pointed to the city.
"There's Cork. Do you remember where your uncle lives?"
Eveleen nodded.
"Yes, he lives on the other side of the city near the corn exchange. The problem is that there is a barracks for the troops on the northeast side of town. I think it would be best to avoid that."
Kim nodded.
"That def sounds like a good idea. Let's find a place to rest up and hide for the night. Then we will move out in the morning. Maybe we can blend in with part of the people moving into the city."
Eveleen nodded.
"That most likely will work, but we have to cross the river at least twice. Let's hope the troops are not standing guard at the bridges."
Ron winced as he appeared out of the dark.
"I'll agree to that. I found an old barn over there in some trees. It'll be dry and warmer than out here in the open."
Kim motioned for Ron to take the lead and the group followed him to where they would be staying.
Ron watched as a squad of soldiers marched by. They had been dodging soldiers since they first made their way onto the roads outside of town. So far they had entered the city and crossed one of the rivers. One of their main fears did not come true. There were no guards at any of the bridges. They simply joined the crowds of people entering the city. Eveleen took the lead now as she knew where they were going. Eveleen turned to them.
"Just a little bit further. We passed by the cattle market on the way into town and crossed the river at Bachelor's Quay. We'll cross the other river on South Main Street."
Kim kept watch for more troops.
"Won't we be taking a chance using such a main road?"
Eveleen shrugged her shoulders.
"I thought that with so many people crossing the bridge that no one would notice a few extras. Besides something is up. There are more people than I ever remember. We should...."
Eveleen put up her hand to stop the group from going any further. Ahead of them at the entrance to the bridge were a group of soldiers. They appeared to be watching all who were crossing. Kim grabbed Eveleen and they backtracked through the crowd and around the corner. Eveleen glanced over to Kim.
"I have been known to be wrong."
Kim nodded as she took in a slight breath.
"It's okay. Now how about another bridge?"
Drakken sat back in his seat sipping his tea as Shego paced around the room.
"Shego, sit down an...."
He shut up the moment she turned and scowled at him.
"They are going to get away. None of the soldier boys will listen. Possible and her group have to be in town or will be soon. If we don't catch them soon they will get away."
Drakken calmly took another sip.
"Shego, correct me if I am wrong but it takes money to get on a boat. Money that none of them have. There are more soldiers coming because of the special guest that is coming. Even Kim Possible can't elude all of them."
Shego scowled again.
"I didn't tell you. The purse I was carrying the night they burned that brat's house is gone. It must have come off when I..I fell."
Drakken snickered but recovered quickly when Shego spun to face him. Shego stopped when there was a knock at the door. They were staying in the house of a friend of Squire Fisk. Lt. Fisk entered the room.
"We have word that those two have been seen in town. I thought that you would like to know and be there when they were captured. We will keep you informed."
Shego smiled coyly and beckoned for Fisk to join them.
"Come and have some tea with us Lt. Fisk. I am sure we will have some good news soon."
Fisk smiled as he crossed the room and took a seat.
"Oh I am sure we shall, perhaps later I will be able to introduce you to our guest."
Eveleen glanced up at the sign over her head.
"This is it. Anglesea Street. We can cross the river here. The Corn Exchange is on the other side of the river. Uncle David's is not far from there."
Kim nodded and gathered the rest of the group around them. They had continued up the street from where they had seen the soldiers. The group had to dodge more troops along the way, but none seemed to be around at the moment. She patted Quinn on his shoulder, just as he slipped on a rock in the street. He fell to the ground with a unique jingle. Eveleen whirled around.
"Quinn, what was that. What do you have?"
The two boys looked at each other before Quinn pulled a small pouch from his coat pocket.
"That mean lady dropped it when she fell off her horse. I grabbed it when we ran."
Kim took the pouch and looked inside. There were several gold and silver coins. She turned to Eveleen.
"There is a lot of money in here. And if it belongs to who I think it belongs too she'll do anything to get it back. No wonder there are so many soldiers looking for us."
Kim put the pouch in her pocket.
"I best keep this. Since they thought we stole it then its best if it is found on one of us. That way the rest of you should be able to get free. Now let's get to your uncle's place."
Eveleen took the lead over the bridge and further up the street. They made a number of turns up different streets until they came to a particular house. Eveleen looked up and down the street for a moment before she crossed over and knocked on the door. The door opened and a man looking much like Eveleen's father stood there. He looked down and Eveleen and her brother's in shock.
"Eveleen, Quinn, Roy! What in the blazes are you doing here? Where are your parents?"
At the mention of her parents Eveleen burst into tears. The man grabbed her and pulled her to him.
Eveleen looked in the room where Quinn and Roy were fast asleep. Closing the door quietly she made her way back to the main room. Kim and Ron sat at the main table. They looked a little better after a good bath and a good meal. Eveleen took her seat next to Kim as Kim finished telling her uncle what had happened. Tears flowed down the man's face as he reached over to take Kim's hands.
"Lord be praised you are the spitting image of your mother. I thought Eveleen looked like her but you are the mirror image of her. I would like to thank you for what you have done."
He turned to Eveleen.
"Eveleen, you did what you had to do and what your parents told you to do. You are safe here."
Kim shook her head.
"Mr. Murphy, I do not we are that lucky. The people you caused trouble for your family are after us also. They will stop at nothing to complete the job. The best thing we can do is get Eveleen and her brothers out of here and to America."
David waited a moment then nodded.
"I have to agree with you young lady. I do not know why. But I know that you are right. But right now it's not the time to try to get around or get on a boat."
Ron looked up.
"We noticed a lot of soldiers. A lot of people were complaining."
David nodded.
"Aye, her majesty the Queen is coming to Cork, supposedly to bring some relief to the Irish. What a crock. She'll come, show up and they will spend more on taking care of her than what they will bring to help."
He stood up and walked over to the fire place.
"You girls can sleep in the second bedroom. Ron you can stay with the boys. Now you three need to get some rest. You have had a rough few days and I think you will need your energy over the next few days. I'll see about getting you on a boat and I'll send some friends out to check on your parents. Now up with the three of you. You are safe now."
Ron helped Eveleen and Kim up and started to head for the boys bedroom when David motioned for him to wait. Kim glanced over at Ron and he just shrugged his shoulders. Eveleen took Kim's hand and nodded to her as they made their way to their bedroom. Ron walked over to where David stood staring into the fire. David looked up at him.
"Ron, young man, I would like to give you a bit of thanks. This family owes you a great deal. You came a great distance to help your friend. Then you risked your life for people you only knew as family of your friend. That takes an exceptional young man. Now about the money?"
Ron shook his head.
"We are okay with that."
He pulled the pouch that Kim had given him earlier out of his pocket. Opening the pouch he showed it to David. David's eyes went wide. Ron closed the pouch and put it back in his pocket. David looked up at him.
"I will not ask how you came upon that much money. That will be enough for all of you to get to America. Now go on, get some rest. I would like you to go with me later and let the girl's rest and take care of the boys."
David stuck out his hand.
"Thank you young man, now go get some sleep."
Ron shook David's hand and made his way to the room where Quinn and Roy were asleep. He crawled into bed and went to sleep the instant his head hit the pillow.
Kim held on to Ron's hand as they made their way through the crushing crowd. The Queen had landed and they took the chance to get a look at her. Over the past couple of days they had rested and hid out from the soldiers. Now with the huge crowds they thought it would be safe to get out and look around. They needed to find a boat with passage to Halifax, England and then to the U.S. and not to Canada. Kim and Ron both knew from history that going to Canada at this time in history would be a bad idea in the extreme. Not that Canada was a bad place; it was just that at this time in history they were not ready for the influx of people. Kim also knew from family history that Eveleen landed in the United States and they could not change history at this point.
The sound of fifes and drums came to their ears. Being both rather short, they could not see over the people around them. They were close to the road where the Queen was supposed to pass but there was no way for them to get there. Ron bumped up against a post and looked up. It was a flagpole. At the top was the British flag. Ron scampered up the flagpole to look around.
"Hey KP, I can see them coming!"
Kim hissed up at him.
"Ron! Get down now before you hurt yourself or someone sees you. What do you think will happen if some of those soldiers see you or if Shego or Drakken see you?"
Ron slumped as he slid down the pole.
"Man, those tanks. Just when the view as getting good."
At that point, Ron's inevitable luck came to the forefront. His pants caught onto part of the pole and it ripped his pants. Ron upended and it ripped his pants off while breaking at the same time. Screaming, Ron fell to the ground as the flag flapped loose from the pole and drifted down over the Honor Guard marching up the road. Pandemonium broke out as people screamed, shouted and began to run in different directions as the soldiers broke into a defensive formation.
Kim grabbed Ron and glared at him. He looked at her.
"But I didn't do anything."
She grabbed him and started to run with the crowd.
Across the road two green eyes fastened on the area where they had disappeared. Shego smiled. Leave it to the buffoon to give away where they were. Now that she was sure they were in the city, she would know to keep watch. All they had to do is watch the ships. Once she knew where they were all she had to do is turn them over to the soldiers. Now they could add assault on the Queen to the charges. She would make sure that she spoke to Lt. Fisk the first chance she got.
Eveleen held onto Quinn and Roy as they made their way through the crowds lining the street. Things on the street had calmed down after the flag incident when one of the leaders of one of the Irish groups claimed responsibility for cutting loose the flag. Most of the soldiers had pulled out of town trying to find him. The Queen had departed after a short stay and life in Cork was slowly making its way back to normal. Ron and David had made arrangements for all of them on a number of boats. Kim suggested this in case Shego and the soldiers asked to see if they had booked passage on the boat. Kim was sure they would put a guard on the boat. Then they would just go to the first boat leaving the quickest and pay to get on. Kim made sure the Ron made himself very visible at one of the better boats so Shego would be sure to get wind of him booking passage on it. Kim didn't tell her what she and Ron really had planned.
Kim looked up and down the street. Her practiced eye noticed some men watching one of the boats they had paid for passage on. She knew that they had to be soldiers. They were too well fed not to be. She turned to Eveleen.
"Okay, now this is what going to happen. Ron and I are going to get the soldiers to chase us. When they do you need to head for French's quay."
Eveleen stared back at Kim.
"French's Quay? But there are no passenger ships at that quay."
Kim smiled and nodded.
"I know. Ron booked passage for all of us on a several boats knowing that those folks chasing us would be asking around. Now we have paid for you to get on the Miss Daisy docked at French's Quay. We didn't think that the soldiers would be checking there. And they would be asking for five people while we told the Captain of the Miss Daisy there would be only three."
Eveleen's eyes popped open.
"You aren't coming with us? BUT YOU HAVE TOO! They will kill you if they catch you."
Reaching over, Kim gave Eveleen a big hug. During the hug she whispered into Eveleen's ear.
"I can't tell you why but the people after you after trying to get to me through you. Now if I am to win this little fight YOU and your brothers need to make it to safety. If you don't then the other side wins. We will be fine. You see we do this sort of stuff all the time and we know what to do. Don't worry about us. We will get away. We have a way to escape. Now go. I have only known you just a little while but I love you like the sister I never had."
Eveleen nuzzled her face into Kim's hair.
"Kim, I don't know what say. You came out of the dark and into our lives trying to help. You are a sister to me. I love you. I will always remember you and when I have a family I will make sure my daughter will hear the story of Kim and Ron and how they brought light to a dark life and risked all to save me. I hope that in the future that somewhere one of my ancestors will be like you."
Kim pulled back and smiled at Eveleen.
"I am sure they will be. Now get ready. We are going to try and get on that ship. I am sure the soldiers will come from everywhere when we do. So you need to be far away from here when we do."
Eveleen nodded then leaned forward and kissed Kim's cheek.
"God bless you."
She took Quinn and Roy by the hand and started to leave. The boys stopped.
"Aren't they coming with us?"
Kim knelt down to get down on their level.
"Quinn, Roy. Ron and I need you to listen to your sister. We have a plan for the three of you to get away. But to do that Ron and I will have to get the soldiers to chase us. So...we can't to with you right now."
Kim raised her hand before either of the two boys could interrupt.
"Now Ron and I have a way to get away, but we can't do that if you don't go with your sister and listen to what she says. I hope that we will see you later but we can't count on that. So be good. You two are so much like my own brothers."
Quinn stepped forward to give Kim a hug.
"You were a great sister. You could take a joke as well as play one."
Kim wiped a tear from her eye.
"Okay you three get out of here. Things are going to get a little exciting here in a little bit and you don't need to be around when it does. Listen to your sister and remember your mom and dad would want you to make a better life for yourselves."
Roy gave Kim a hug then stepped over with his brother to hug Ron.
"You were like a big brother we never had. Thanks."
Ron returned the hugs.
"You guys take care of your sister, okay?"
The two boys nodded.
"Okay."
Ron stood up beside Kim as Eveleen reached over to give him a hug.
"I hope that one day, I can find a man like you Ron Stoppable."
Ron's face turned deep red as Eveleen turned her head and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Kim took Eveleen's hands again. Without saying another word, Kim gave her a kiss on the cheek and turned to take Ron's hand. Eveleen, Quinn and Roy watched as the two disappeared into the crowd.
Lt. Fisk stood with Sgt. O'Halloran watching the gangplank of the St. Mary. O'Halloran turned Fisk with a questioning look.
"Begging your pardon sir, but just why are we standing her watching that there boat? Couldn't we be out looking for them kids?"
Fisk continued to watch the crowds without facing the sergeant.
"I had a little talk with the soldiers that were supposed to arrest that girl and the two we found unconscious at the house we burned that night. It took a little rum and a little more talking but their tongues loosened up. I also talked with some of the workman that that boy worked with. Apparently the two Americans grew up on a military post in the west where the troops fought Indians. Now sergeant, if you grew up on a military post like that what you know?"
The old sergeant smiled.
"I would know a lot more that any of our boys here. That explains why we never could find them. They are used to hiding from Indians and soldiers. But that doesn't explain how they took down the two of the house."
Fisk smiled.
"You never met my brother have you Sergeant?"
O'Halloran shook his head.
"No sir, but I have heard you speak of him."
Fisk turned to him.
"My brother has a trade business with a country called Japan in the far east. He told me some of the people there have a fighting style that is barehanded. Those who can use it are very dangerous indeed. My brother learned a little of it while he was there and he showed me how it worked. Apparently those two American youths are very very good at it or something like it. Those soldiers never had a chance. So you see Sergeant, we are hiding here watching for those two and the other three because the first two for very good at hiding and staying hidden. If they are forced to, they will fight and I dare say there are few here that would have a chance against them. So we would have to gain the upper hand quickly or they would escape and vanish back into the crowds. I did a little extra looking around. Apparently the group booked passage on a number of ships so we don't know which one they will try and board. Very very smart. I hope we do catch them. I would look forward to sitting down and chatting with them."
O'Halloran noticed someone in the crowd and motioned to Fisk. Fisk looked in the direction he was pointing and smiled.
"Well, well, just who do we have here. You think she would try and hide that hair of hers."
As the two watched Kim and Ron slowly made their way up the street toward the gangplank of the ship they were watching. The other three didn't seem to be around. Fisk watched as Kim took a few steps closer to the gangplank then twirled her head to one side. With a shout she waved to someone and the the two started to run back into the crowd. There were shouts and curses as red coated soldiers appeared from behind stacks of cargo and from around buildings. Fisk cursed.
"When I find out who moved without orders I'll flog the life out of him. GET AFTER THEM."
Kim and Ron slowly made their way toward the boat's gangplank. They knew they were being watched. Their practiced eyes had already spotted a number of soldiers watching them. Kim knew that the best chance Eveleen and her brothers would have would be for Kim and Ron to get the soldiers to chase them away from where they would be. Just about the time Kim got to the gangplank Ron gave out a low whistle. Kim turned and waved down a busy street like she was signaling someone, then grabbing Ron's hand they started to run. They headed up the street away from where Eveleen and her brothers were.
Ron held on to Kim's hand as they ran up the street. Soldiers seem to be appearing from everywhere. Soon the sound of horses came from behind them. Kim turned around to see a troop of soldiers on horses coming up the street after them. People started to shout and scream moving to get out of the way of the soldiers. She nodded to Ron as they made their way up the street to a point where several streets joined into one intersection. Ron pulled a small bag of money out of his pocket. It was part of the money that they had left. Ron waited until they got into the middle of the intersection and the first group of soldiers got close to them. He heaved the bag of coins into the air where it flew open and spread shiny coins through the air. When it hit the street there was an explosion of gold and silver. People and soldiers together shouted with glee and dove for the coins, the ensuing traffic jam stopped everything from moving.
Fisk cursed and kicked at the soldiers and people crowding around. He made his way to a side street and started to gallop his horse in the direction he had last seen the two youths. All thoughts of the other three were lost in his eagerness to catch the first two. He sighted them jumping over a fence at the edge of town. Making a turn Fisk galloped up another street where he knew he would likely be able to cut across country and cut off the two teens. The sounds of hooves behind him revealed O'Halloran keeping pace with him. Fisk smiled at him.
"Sergeant, continue behind them as close as you can. I will go around and get ahead of them."
O'Halloran nodded and started off after Kim and Ron. Fisk turned his horse and galloped up the street.
Kim and Ron stopped for moment to catch their breaths. They could only hope that Eveleen and her brothers got away. Now they had to get away themselves before they became permanent parts of the local population via the local jail or six feet under. Ron looked around.
"KP, I'm going to climb this tree and see if I can see anything and maybe find our way back to the Sloth."
Kim nodded and Ron scampered up the tree. Kim settled down under the tree to rest for a moment. She was just about to call out to Ron when the snap of a stick told her that they had company. Looking up she could see that same sergeant that she remembered from before. He smiled at her over his lowered and cocked pistol.
"Well now, what to we have here. One wee little lass full of surprises. Now don't ye be getting any ideas. I plan to keep my distance from you. Now just where is the boy."
Kim smiled.
"Behind you."
The soldier laughed.
"Now that one is the oldest in the book lass."
A voice came from behind him.
"Old but true."
Before the sergeant could turn something hit him in the back of the head and he remembered the girl smiling at him as the ground rushed up to hit him in the face. After that he didn't remember a thing.
Ron dropped his branch he had hit the soldier with while hanging upside down from an overhanging limb. Kim stood up and grabbed reigns of the horse as Ron struggled to unhook his legs. With all of his grace and true to his nature, he slipped off the limb and fell in a heap next to the unconscious soldier. He looked up to see Kim giggling as she sat on the soldiers horse. She extended her hand down to him.
"Come on Ron. I think we have some extra transportation."
Ron grabbed her hand and she pulled him up behind her.
"Which direction should we go?"
At that moment there was a crack of a pistol shot and a bullet clipped a limb near their heads. They turned to see Lt. Fisk riding toward them through the cloud of smoke from the pistol he had just fired. Kim answered her own question.
"Anywhere but that WAY!"
She urged the horse to a gallop and headed off across country. Even after making several turns and jumping a number of fences she could not lose Fisk. She slipped the Kimmunicator back to Ron.
"Ron, call the Sloth to us. We'll have to chance it. We can't loose this guy and sooner or later our horse is going to give out before his does."
Ron nodded and yelled back.
"Wade showed me how to call it to us in stealth mode. It will only become visible when we need it too."
Fisk gasped as he pulled his frothing horse to a stop. The two young people had given him a chase to remember. He had the chance to take a couple more shots at them but didn't think that he had hit them, until his last shot. His last shot had caused their horse to fall. They had gotten up and disappeared into some trees. He rode up to the place where their horse stood. A quick check showed that he had nicked the horse in the leg causing it to fall. Looking around there was no sight of the two but plenty of noise was coming from the woods in front of him. The woods were too thick for him to follow on horseback. Looking down on the ground he noticed some drops of blood heading into the woods. He must have hit one of them or they got hurt when they fell. He dismounted, pulled out his last pistol and his saber and started off behind the two young people.
Kim stopped to take a good look at Ron as they paused for a moment at the edge of a secluded meadow. One of the shots had nicked Ron in the arm. It was not deep but it was bleeding. Add to the fact that her nose had taken the burnt of the fall from the horse. Between the two of them they were leaving a nice little trail of blood drops. Wiping her nose she looked up at Ron.
"You okay?"
Ron looked down her her.
"I should be asking you? How's your nose?"
Kim pulled his hand away from the cut on his arm. It seemed to have stopped bleeding. Once they were in the Sloth there was a first aid kit. She was about to answer him when he turned to face her and after swatting her hands away, gingerly touched the sides of her nose. She winced slightly. He smiled.
"Well, it's not broken but it took a heck of a wallop."
She sighed.
"Ahh, Shego has hit me harder."
The snap of a limb brought them back to the current situation. They both knelt and looked back the way they came. Through the trees they saw a flash of red. It had to be Fisk still on their trail. Ron grumbled quietly.
"Doesn't that dude have anything else to do? How soon before the Sloth gets here?"
Kim took a look at the Kimmunicator.
"It should be here just about....now."
The Sloth's cloaking device shut down as it hovered to a landing. Looking back they could see the soldier clearly now running towards them. He leveled his pistol and pulled the trigger. Ron pulled Kim to the ground and covered her as a loud clack sounded through the woods. Both of them looked up to see Fisk throw the pistol to the ground and start to run toward them, his saber gleaming in the light. Without a word they both got up and ran for the Sloth. Kim dove into the drivers seat and Ron plopped down into the passenger seat just as Fisk got to the edge of the meadow. Kim yanked on the column control and the Sloth leapt into the air as the cloaking device activated again. The Sloth quickly gained altitude as Kim turned out over the sea. Ron looked back to see Fisk standing at the woods edge with his saber dangling by his side.
"He saw us KP. This is not good."
Kim giggled.
"What's he going to do? Tell his superiors that we got away in a craft the flew into the sky and disappeared? I doubt he'll say a thing. There is one thing I want to check."
Kim changed course over the ocean and soon found her target. It was a small merchant vessel on the open sea heading for England. Ron smiled as he started the Sloth's on-board camera surveillance system. The deck of the ship appeared on the screen on the Sloth's monitor. They could clearly see Eveleen and her brothers safe and sound on board. Two more figures appeared on deck. It was Flynn and Ahana. Kim gasped. Somehow Eveleen's parents had made it to the ship. Tears filled her eyes as they passed over the ship. Ron had to wipe his own eyes for a moment before he busied himself on the computer monitor.
"Got a message from Wade. Looks like Drakken and Shego are heading for their next destination. Looks like we are going to meet some old friends."
Kim turned to look at him.
"What to you mean?"
Ron pointed to the screen.
"They are heading to an area just outside of Yorktown, Virginia. The time is just before General Washington surrounded Cornwallis there. Looks like those two are after the British pay chest. Wade said we can land near a place called Williamsburg and make our way into town. We will probably see General Washington and your ancestor again."
Kim thought for a moment.
"They sent us to the Ohio country. What are we going to tell them?"
Ron shrugged.
"Maybe things didn't work out and we thought we'd come back and settle here?"
Kim shrugged.
"Sounds good to me. Let me take care of that cut and you can take care of my nose then we can set the time jump in the Sloth's computer."
Ron nodded.
"Sounds good to me KP. I just hope we won't run into Tarleton again. I have a feeling he would really like a word with me."
Kim giggled.
"Well, you did some interesting handiwork on him. But we will see what happens. Now, turn around and let me see that arm."
Sgt O'Halloran saluted Fisk as Fisk rode up to him. He noted that the two young people were no where to be seen.
"Those two get away?"
Fisk nodded.
"Yes, they did. They did lead me on a merry chase though."
Fisk was quiet for a moment as the sergeant mounted his horse.
"You know sergeant, I think I am ready for a change in scenery. I am thinking of resigning my commission and taking up something that has interested me for a long time."
O'Halloran turned to face the officer.
"What would that be sir?"
Fisk smiled as he nudged his horse forward.
"Archeology, that and the study of legends. There are some interesting monkey legends I would like to explore."
Well, this story is back. I know that it has not been updated in quite awhile. I really had to get back into the mind of the story. I hope that you enjoyed the chapter. Now they are getting ready for the next part of their trip. Things look to get interesting.
I am still working on School of Life. I have not forgotten that story either. It just that life has really taken a toll lately and I really just could not write. It's been pretty rough around here and I am hoping to hear from some job prospects soon.
The Fannie awards are being voted on now. I have been honored with a number of nominations. Please vote for the author and story of your choice. Go to the Kim Possible Discussion Forum and find the thread for voting if you have not already voted. Thanks for supporting the Kim Possible Fandom.
This is the Captain
Roger and Out
right hand salute.