The town of Edge was just turning on its nightly lights when the stagecoach and its escorts arrived at its boundaries. Lamps were lit on most street corners, while soft glows burned in the windows of homes and other establishments. It was certainly brighter than it could have been, but it was still far darker than the streets of a bustling city such as Boston. The patrons of the saloon, however, made certain that it was comparatively loud.
Aerith peered out the window, her thoughts awhirl. Where was Mrs. Gainsborough's house? She trusted that either the driver or the Cavalry knew where to go. Although, now that she thought of it, she had not mentioned a specific residence to Captain Harper.
As the stage slowed to a stop at the depot, the Captain's horse trotted back to the window. Harper leaned down, looking in at her.
"Is anyone coming to meet you, Miss Gast?" he queried.
"I'm not sure," Aerith confessed. "I didn't know what day I'd be getting in, so I told Mrs. Gainsborough not to wait around for me. I didn't want to be a bother."
"Elmyra Gainsborough?"
Aerith's eyes lit up. "Do you know her, Captain?"
"Not well," Harper said. "But I know where she lives."
The twinge of concern left Aerith's heart. "Will you do me the honor of escorting me?" she said with a smile.
"I'm afraid our duty was only to see the stage safely into town, Miss Gast." Harper nodded to a simple wooden building up ahead. "Now that we're here, it's the marshal's responsibility to see you safely home if Mrs. Gainsborough or someone acting on her behalf hasn't come to meet you."
"Oh, I see." As the driver came down from the box and opened her door, Aerith held up the hems of her skirts and climbed out to the ground. She smiled at him in thanks and looked back to Harper. "Then may I at least be escorted to the marshal's office and given a proper introduction?"
"Of course." Harper looked back to his men. "Get back to the fort," he instructed. "See if there's been any news." From the way he said it, he was referring to some sort of news on a specific matter. Aerith was curious.
A Lieutenant saluted. "Yes, Sir!" He turned his horse around, signaling for the other soldiers to follow him.
The driver climbed back into the box, reaching for Aerith's luggage. After tying his horse to a nearby hitching post, Harper came over to take it from him.
"Good luck, Miss Gast," the driver said when the task was finished. "I'll be heading to the hotel for the night. I hope you find your way home safe."
Aerith smiled. "Oh, with such gallant escorts as a captain and a marshal, I can't miss. And thank you for the ride, Mr. Abrams. It was lovely."
"I'm sorry there wasn't a train, Miss," Mr. Abrams said.
"I don't mind now," Aerith returned. "It was more fun this way. Goodnight!" She waved to him before starting off down the street with Captain Harper.
When they were out of earshot, she glanced up at him. "You must be very busy, Captain," she said. "You seem worried about that news you're hoping your men will find at the fort."
"It's nothing you need to concern yourself with, Miss Gast," Harper answered.
"Oh, I won't pry," she assured him. "I know about military secrets. I knew lots of soldiers back in Boston." She was unable to keep the hint of sadness out of her voice.
Harper looked down at her. "I see," he said. From his own tone, he had heard it. But he would also not pry.
She quickly changed the subject. "Tell me about the marshal," she said, putting on a cheery smile.
Harper cleared his throat, suddenly looking a bit awkward. "He's a capable man," he said. "But I should tell you, Miss Gast, that seeing him may give you a turn."
She blinked at him. "Why is that?"
Before he could answer, another voice did it for him. "I thought I heard the stage come in!"
Aerith stared at the approaching figure. "My goodness! Captain, he sounds so much like . . ."
"Yes, I know." Harper looked to the friendly man. "Marshal, this is Miss Gast. She's going to be staying with Elmyra Gainsborough."
The marshal reached them and held out his hand. "Mrs. Gainsborough said to expect you, Miss Gast," he said. "I'm Dan Corbin, the law enforcement in these parts."
Aerith smiled, taking his hand. "You're not related to Captain Harper, Marshal?" She looked to him and back. "You could be twins."
Dan smiled in amusement. "We look a lot alike, but the similarities end there," he said. "I'm always telling the Captain here that he should loosen up."
Harper passed him Aerith's luggage. "No comment."
He looked back to Aerith. "You'll be safe with the Marshal. I'll leave you now, Miss Gast."
"Thank you again, Captain," Aerith said. "You've been very kind. Will I see you around town?"
"Sometimes, I'm sure," said Harper. He nodded to Dan and moved to head back to his horse. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Aerith returned.
"Don't be a stranger," Dan added.
He turned to face Aerith. "Did you have a good trip, Miss Gast?"
"Oh yes," Aerith said. "I wasn't sure what to make of the desert when I first came, but now I'm certain I'll love it. It's nothing like Boston, but it has its own beauty."
"I'm glad to hear you say that," Dan said. "Some city folks from back East can't get used to things out here."
"I'm going to enjoy discovering it," Aerith said. "It's like another world.
"Oh, how far is Mrs. Gainsborough's house from here?"
"Just a couple of blocks," Dan said. "She's probably the wealthiest woman in town."
Aerith was surprised. "Really? I knew she was doing well, but I had no idea."
"She doesn't flaunt her wealth," Dan said. "Most of it was left to her by her husband."
They started walking. Aerith regarded him, thoughtful. "Isn't it a strange coincidence, about you and Captain Harper?" she said at last.
Dan chuckled. "You're telling me. I think you could have knocked both of us over with a feather the first time we met."
"So you're really not related," Aerith said.
"It's just one of those things," Dan said. "They say everyone has a double."
Aerith smiled. "In India they say everyone has seven."
Dan's eyebrows rose. "I hope they don't all show up here," he said.
Aerith laughed at the jest. "They're probably spread out all over the world," she said.
"Just as long as none of them are on the wrong side of the law."
Aerith shrugged. "They could be from all kinds of paths," she said lightly.
Dan smiled now, watching her as she skipped slightly ahead. "Tell me, Miss Gast," he said. "How is it that you're free to come out here? I find it hard to believe that you don't have someone waiting for you back in Boston."
Aerith paused, her mood changing as she debated her answer. At last she looked back to him, sobered. "I'm free now," was all she said.
Dan sobered too. "I'm sorry," he said, quietly.
A ghost of a smile passed over Aerith's features before it was gone again. "There's nothing that can be done for it," she said. "But thank you."
She looked up, the sight of a nearby manor catching her attention.
"Is that Mrs. Gainsborough's house?" she asked in amazement.
"Yes, it is," said Dan. "And judging from that light burning in the living room, she's been waiting up in case you got in tonight."
Aerith smiled more, this time in relief. Pushing open the gate, she hastened up the walk and onto the porch. She knocked firmly and clearly, then stepped back to wait. Dan caught up, bringing the luggage.
In a moment the door opened. A middle-aged woman, her light brown hair pulled back in a tight bun, peered out. At the sight of Aerith, she brightened. "Why, come in, Aerith!" she exclaimed, opening the door wider. "I was hoping you'd make it in today. I was worried with the train service out."
Aerith stepped into the parlor. "Oh, there was no problem," she said. "I had a lovely ride in a stagecoach the rest of the way."
She paused to survey her hostess. "It's so good to see you again, Mrs. Gainsborough!" she exclaimed. "It's been so long."
"Too long," the woman answered. "And my goodness, there's no need for any of this 'Mrs. Gainsborough' stuff. Call me Elmyra!"
She glanced around Aerith to Dan as he stepped inside with the luggage. "I see she's already keeping you busy, Marshal!" she noted.
Dan grinned. "It's all part of a day's work," he said. "Where do you want it, Elmyra?"
"I fixed up the second room upstairs on the right," Elmyra said. Looking to Aerith she said, "I hope you'll like it alright, dear."
"I know it will be lovely," Aerith smiled. As Dan headed for the stairs, Aerith eyed the apron around Elmyra's waist. "But you didn't need to go to all that trouble."
"Nonsense!" Elmyra declared. "I'd go crazy if I didn't have something to do." She fumbled with the knot before finally getting it to come untied. "People around here wonder why I don't hire some help, with my money and all. Well, I'd rather take care of things myself instead of having some stranger do it. I can do it better."
Aerith laughed. "You're just the way I remember you when you visited Boston."
"I'd hope I wouldn't have changed that much since then," Elmyra said. She looked Aerith up and down. "Of course, you've just gotten prettier. I'm sure you had the boys back East falling all over themselves trying to get dates with you."
Aerith gave her a mischievous look. "Well . . . there were some," she admitted.
"Just some?" Elmyra shook her head. Then, as if remembering something, she snapped to attention. "What's the matter with me? There'll be plenty of time for talk later. You must be worn out from the long trip." She guided Aerith towards the stairs. "Come upstairs and wash up. I'll have something ready to eat when you're done."
Aerith smiled, thanking her again—and Dan too, as he came out from placing the luggage in the bedroom.
This place was so very different from Boston. But she had hopes now that it would not be too hard to make it be home.
xxxx
Sergeant Daly was waiting by the time Captain Harper reached the fort. "It's good to have you back, Captain," he greeted as he opened the gate. He shifted, seeming anxious.
As Harper dismounted, he caught sight of the other's apparent agitation. He frowned, gathering the horse's reins in his white-gloved hands. "What is it, Sergeant?" he demanded. "I sent the others back to find out about General Sephiroth."
"That's just it, Captain." Daly stepped closer, lowering his voice. "General Sephiroth and his aide, Lieutenant Epsen, arrived a few minutes after they did."
"They did?" Harper looked to the buildings. "Where are they?"
"General Sephiroth is waiting in your quarters, Sir. He sent Lieutenant Epsen away. I think he's taking a tour of the fort."
Harper handed him the reins. "Take care of him," he directed. The horse whinnied. "I'll speak with the General."
Daly nodded, but still hesitated to leave. Frowning, Harper looked him over. "Is there a problem, Sergeant?"
Daly ran his tongue over his lips. "Well, sir, I have to be honest. I'm worried. None of us knew what to expect from the General, and then when I saw him, well . . . there's something about him. He's a commanding presence, just as a general should be, but . . . I remember what we heard back when this trouble happened and I have to wonder."
Harper was unmoved. "Did he seem to be in full possession of his faculties?"
"Yes, Captain, he did," Daly nodded. "Except there was one strange thing. At one point he kind of stared off into space, like he was seeing or hearing something that wasn't there. Then he snapped back to himself. I probably wouldn't have thought anything of it if it wasn't for the concern that he lost himself on that battlefield. Nobody really knows what happened out there, except him and the missing General Rhapsodos. And right now he doesn't remember himself, according to the information we got."
Harper studied him for a brief moment. "I'll evaluate the General's performance and prepare my first report back to headquarters," he said.
"Yes, Sir." Daly saluted. Harper returned the gesture and they parted ways, Daly leading the horse while Harper headed for his office.
He had also heard many tales about the legendary General Sephiroth, both good and ill. After that fateful battle the Army had tried to keep all news about him away from the public. They did not want any hint of the possibility that he might have fallen into temporary insanity to be circulated. But Captain Harper had been sent everything the Army had on him, in preparation for the assignment of watching over him during his stay in Edge.
When Harper opened the door of his office, the General was standing near the window. He turned, his long hair swishing behind him, as he met Harper's gaze.
"Good evening, General," Harper said. He entered the room, shutting the door behind him. "I'm Captain Harper. I'm sorry I was delayed."
"You couldn't have known when I would arrive, Captain," the General returned. His voice was deep, authoritative. He did not seem unbalanced.
Harper nodded. "I hope your trip was pleasant."
"It wasn't unpleasant." The General crossed the room. "I see you run a secure fort, Captain."
"Thank you, Sir." Harper studied him as they drew closer. He was clearly a no-nonsense military man. But there was something else in his eyes as well, something unidentifiable. Was that something to be concerned about? Harper was not sure.
"You won't need to worry that I will be assuming command of your post." The General nodded towards the window. "I will be staying in town, at the hotel. I assume you have been informed as to why I am here."
"Yes, Sir. We were sent instructions from headquarters."
"And those instructions included an order to keep track of my movements, I imagine."
Now Harper was uncomfortable. He had not expected such a direct question. For a moment he faltered, at a loss for words. But General Sephiroth saved him from the awkward response.
"Nevermind, Captain. You see, I am aware of the real reason I was sent here, as I know you are. There is no need for us to pretend that it's for 'rest and recuperation.'" The General held up a paper in his hand and then swiftly pocketed it.
Still unsure of how to react or whether it was safe to relax, Harper searched for the proper answer. "They want to make sure that all is well with you, General," he said at last.
"They want to make sure I won't attack a town filled with innocent people," the General retorted. "And they presume to stop me with your entire unit, should I attempt it."
Harper stared at him, honestly stunned. "General, the United States Army wouldn't deliberately put so many lives at risk!" he exclaimed. "They never would have sent you here if they had thought there was any real danger."
A dark, ironic smile flashed over the General's features. "No, the United States Army likely doesn't even know about this," he said. "It's the secret faction within the ranks of the Army that knows. It's their problem; they invented it. And of course they would not inform someone such as yourself, Captain."
His head jerked as he looked abruptly to the fort commander. "Tell me, Captain, what do you think of traitors?"
Further surprised by the sudden change of topic, Harper still showed no visible signs of his feelings. He came to attention. "They should be punished, Sir."
"Under all circumstances?"
"Under all circumstances," Harper echoed. "Sir, if this is about Captain Halliday, I'd like to explain."
"There's no need for that, Captain." The General's green eyes bored into Harper's blue orbs. "I know all about Halliday and his claims of not actually being traitorous."
"He was reinstated to his former position, General," Harper said. "He wasn't the only one who testified to Major Evans' inappropriate conduct concerning the Utes."
A vague, unconcerned nod. "I'll take my leave of you now, Captain." The General started to walk past him, then paused when they were side-by-side. "But remember this—despite whatever orders you may have, you do not outrank me."
Again Harper felt a chill. "Yes, General."
He looked after the enigmatic man as he departed, leaving a blast of cold desert air from the doorway in his wake. When the door closed, Harper let out a breath he had not realized he was holding.
Crossing back to his desk, he sank down and picked up the top folder. Flipping it open, he scanned through the basic information once again.
General Sephiroth
Served in the Civil War, commanding the Massachusetts 2nd Cavalry.
Worked closely with General Genesis Rhapsodos, Missing In Action.
Lieutenant Zack Fair, deceased, served as his personal aide.
Battlefield mysteriously burned during the Indian Wars of 1868, spreading to Cavalry camp. Has no memory of incident or whether he was responsible.
Possibly dangerous. Keep at least one man with him at all times.
Harper let the folder fall closed. He had found the matter concerning from the start. That was why he had been so intent on learning the news, and why he had hoped to be back before the General arrived. Still, he had not thought that the man had been deliberately sent here to test his sanity and whether or not he was safe to be around people.
Now, after reflecting on their conversation, he was not sure. His insistence on the matter could indicate delusions. But what if he were sane? If it was true that there was some secret faction within the Army responsible, Harper needed to find out.