A/N: Nope, still don't own The Patriot or any of the characters. Still, though, own everything else.

Nothing moved in the shadows of the worn out fort, and every once in awhile, voices could be heard coming from a far off distance. Though they had been here for little under a week, legendary Green Dragoons were more then ready to leave.

Their leader, one Colonel William Tavington, was more anxious to leave then they were. He did not do well staying in one place for too long, and if he was forced into it...things would, and did, happen. His reputation always proceeded him. He was not a man to mess with, even on his best days.

Which, if truth be told, were very far and few between.

He was a complex man. Anger, spite and bitter hatred swelled his heart, and it led him to the brink of utter madness. It had earned him the despicable nickname, THE BUTCHER, and not without good reason.

His men did not worship him, nor did they call him friend. No, they were often times too afraid of him to do, or say, anything other then what was needed. His command was law, his anger like a raging storm, and the punishments metted out, swift and painful. His men did not question Tavington. Not if they valued their lives.

As he walked his rounds of the ancient fort, his mind went over orders, strategies and everything that was needed to command a calvary. A legion of men on a mission...

Tavington's rounds led him, as was usual, to the side of his captain, James Wilkins. He was not one to whom Tavington could confide in, and yet at the same time, he always made certain the young man was at his side. He kept those whom he could trust, as close as he could get them.

He trusted very, very few.

Captain Wilkins, when he noticed the Colonel walking towards him, stopped what he had been doing, came to brisk attention, saluted him, and waited for him to speak.

Tavington eyed him curiously for a moment.

"Have they arrived yet, Wilkins?"

"No Sir, they have not. But, we do expect them shortly. They have been forced to travel at night mainly, since the Rebels prefer to ambush during the day now."

Tavington nodded curtly.

"They have travelled here with a sturdy legion, I take it?"

Wilkins shook his head quickly.

"Not that I know of, Sir. I gathered they were travelling alone, without the benefit of any legions. General Cornwallis did not..."

Tavington halted him.

"What do you mean, they have travelled alone? A woman, a few slaves, maybe a servant or two. Why would he send them on alone?"

Wilkins shook his head again.

"I do not know, Sir."

Tavington muttered to himself.

"And yet, they have made it this far? No problems?"

"Not that I have heard..."

Tavingtion glanced at him.

"Sir." Wilkins added a second later.

"When they arrive, please send the woman to see me. I am anxious to hear why the General chose to send them in this manner."

"Yes, Sir." Wilkins saluted the Colonel and went back to his work.

He continued the rounds, and as he did so, he now had something new to think about. Something new, to ponder and straighten out. After awhile, he went back to his office, and remained there for the rest of the day.

"Sir?" Wilkins stood outside the door.

Colonel Tavington looked up from the booke he had been reading, then motioned him in.

"Yes, Wilkins?"

"You asked that I send the lady to see you as soon as they arrived."

Tavington nodded.

"Yes."

Something was not right here, he thought ruefully.

Wilkins glanced around, looked everywhere, but at the Colonel. When Tavington cleared his throat, the young captain finally looked at him.

"What is wrong, Wilkins? Did they arrive?"

Wilkins nodded.

"Yes Sir, they did."

Tavington stared at him.

"Well, where is she?"

Wilkins stared down at his feet, unsure of how to tell the Colonel the news he had come to bear.

He was trying not to remember what they did to the messenger of news such as this...

"Well, Sir..."

"Out with it man! I haven't all day to listen to you stutter and bleat like a lost sheep!"

Wilkins paled dreadfully.

"Sir, they did arrive a short time ago."

"And?"

"But not all of them, Sir."

Wilkins braced himself for the explosion he knew would come. It always did. At least in that, his commander was predictable.

"What do you mean by that, Wilkins? Either they all arrived, together, or they did not. Send the lady to me, I will sort this out presently."

Wilkins did not move, nor did he answer the Colonel's question.

Tavington glared fiercely at him.

"Is there something else, captain?"

The explosion was a mere moment away...

"Sir, I cannot send the lady to you."

Tavington's handsome face took on a hideous expression. He stood up from the sofa he had been sitting on, walked to where Wilkins stood bracing himself, and stopped in front of him.

"I gave you an order, Wilkins. I expect it to be followed the moment it leaves my lips. Send the lady to me. How difficult is that?"

The young captain shifted his weight slightly.

"Sir, she did not arrive with the others."

Tavington's eyes widened at this.

"Where is she then? If you are telling me she was captured...?"

Wilkins hook his head quickly.

"No, she wasn't captured, Sir."

This was beginning to irritate Tavington.

"Have you no idea where she might have gone?"

"The servants that arrived, three of them, said she went straight on to the plantation house, Shadowgate. She is most likely already there, Sir."

Tavington's composure was slipping quickly.

He knew what was to be done now...spur of the moment plans...not that he minded, he was anxious to leave this miserable place.

But to have this happen? The lady was making a fool of him.

He would have to set her straight on that. He would not be made a fool of...not by a mere woman.

He did not give a damn, who's daughter she was. She would not play him like a puppet...

No, she would learn all too soon, what happened when you angered William Tavington.

"Anything else, Wilkins?" Tavington asked after a moment's silence.

"Yes, Sir."

"Well, what is it?"

"You do know who she is, don't you Sir?"

"Of course I know who she is!"

"Sir, Lady Cornwallis also took several swords and muskets with her to the plantation. I thought you should be informed of it."

Tavington grinned coldly.

"Yes, thank you for informing me. I'm sure it is nothing, Wilkins. The Lord General most likely sent them with her, as protection."

Wilkins nodded.

"Yes, I should say he did," he caught the Colonel's gcool glance, "Sir."

"Anything else?"

"No, Sir."

"Then I suggest you get the men in order, have the horses fed, watered and saddled. Be ready to leave in an hour's time."

Wilkins saluted him.

"Very well, Sir."

When the young man had left, he stood looking out at the hardpacked earth of the fort. This was not what he had expected. He did not need this.

Damn that woman!

He had never met her...never even seen her before...

Lady Catherine Cornwallis. Daughter of the Lord General Cornwallis.

Damn it all!

When he arrived at the plantation, she better have a damn good reason for going on without the protection of the Green Dragoons. She better, or else.

To hell with her father.

A/N: What's going to happen next? Who knows! R and R, please! thank you kindly, loves!