A/N:

If there is anyone wondering if a chapter and its parts (example 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4) are connected more than another (example that chapter 1 has nothing to do with chapter 2), it doesn't work like that at all. My system with the chapters is only to keep them in order and since I thought that "Chapter 4:4" looks better than "Chapter 19". ^^ Sorry if it confused some and for those who already understood what I meant but are not understanding why the hell I'm keeping you from my story and babbling, I'm sorry as well o.o

Chapter 5:2

1775, June 17th

"I swear he's crazy."

I sighed and placed a damp towel on Officer Somerset's forehead. He was suffering from a severe fever and the bumpy ride wasn't exactly "pleasant" for the heavily injured soldier.

"Will is the most reckless man I've ever seen. Once I even saw him trying to wrestle a black grizzly bear."

I sighed again and the man gave me a playful punch. Mid-motion, I blocked him and turned his wrist in a painful angle, making him whimper and back away.

"Let me be, please." I didn't even bother addressing him with his title. After all, he was just a normal foot soldier. "Do I look like I'm in the mood to gossip?" I added and glared at him. "Actually, do I ever look like I'm in the mood to gossip?"

Private Addison rolled with his eyes at me.

"What would you say if I would reply with a yes?"

"Don't make me hit you."

He sighed and stretched out on the floor of the wagon, knocking into Officer Somerset's hip. The latter groaned loudly and grimaced in pain, slowly opening his eyes, and glared at the two of us with a frown.

"Wow, can one be more graceful than you?" I hissed as I carefully put my hand under Officer Somerset's torso, my fingers digging in between his shirt and the sack of potatoes he was resting on. He let out a loud yell as I reached the injury. "Shush… I'm trying to be as gentle as I can."

I didn't want to scold him for admitting that he was hurt and felt aggrieved, but he would soon draw us the attention of the rebels and I'd rather have him be angry at me than being on the other side of a gun.

"You seem to care a lot about him."

After making sure that his bandages hadn't fallen off or bled through, I turned towards Private Addison with creased eyebrows.

"Not really," I answered truthfully as I eyed him up and down. "But he saved my life; I could as well try to make the best of it. How so?"

He shook his head and smiled.

"It's just that I would never have believed that he, the proud little brat raised as a true aristocrat, would save someone like you," he replied and shrugged. "But what do I know? I'm just that bastard's best friend, that's all."

I didn't know what to say. Private Addison has explained exactly what I thought Officer Somerset to be, but neither do I know why he chose to save me. Was he paid extra to keep me alive? That must be it. Thank you, Mr. Pitcairn, I won't forget this.

"Private Addison?"

He lazily looked at me and I hugged the jacket closer to my wet body. The soldier had been nice enough to offer me it earlier and I was slowly getting back the feeling in my fingers. Thanks.

I had been fortunate enough to reach the bay without any bigger trouble – since Officer Somerset was a lot skinnier than I had first thought – and after dragging him up to land, I made sure that he still was alive and breathing. That was when I noticed that he had been awake during all this time. It was good because I realized that he couldn't be fatally wounded but bad since I was going to have a lot to explain. But as I opened my mouth to say something, he tiredly shook his head and gestured for me to come closer.

"You… a friend… not far…help…"

I understood what he meant and ran around the docks, desperately trying to find a patrol of soldiers. It didn't take me too long to find some help and they got a carriage driver as well. I asked them where I could find Mr. Pitcairn and after finally convincing them that I was serious, they said that he had escaped the city and stationed at Moulton Hill. That's where we were heading now.

"What is it? Are you sleeping again?"

I tried to open my eyes but it was impossible. It just felt so good lying here in the wagon, finally away from all the smoke and noise of the ship and her crew, and resting on… wait, what amI leaning on?

Officer Somerset groaned as I lifted my head from his chest and I felt my cheeks flushing with color.

"I'm terribly sorry," I blurted out and rubbed my eyes. "I was just so tired and—"What in God's name am I doing?

He didn't have time to answer before the wagon stopped and a soldier's head peeked through the large cover.

"We've arrived to Moulton Hill."

Private Addison and I helped Officer Somerset out of the cart, after making sure that my hair had been tucked into a bun and covered by a brown cocked hat. My clothes were relatively dry but my shirt was soaked to my skin and I buttoned the jacket, realizing that the shape of my breasts were visible. I had wrapped a piece of fabric around the upper part of my torso to hide them as much as possible, but something had – maybe when I had dived into the water – unlatched the little safety-pin and I couldn't find it wherever I searched.

I might have a spare in my bag, I thought before grimacing. Ah, I guess that water doesn't do especially good with paper. I reckon my notebook is completely ruined, as well as my notes and letters… at least I got rid of the sketch of Alex.

"Dreaming again? You really are exhausted."

I rolled with my eyes and tried to walk as straight as I could with Officer Somerset's arm around my shoulders. Even though most of the soldiers knew I was young, I was a lot shorter than most of them. The two idiots I was walking with were surely six-seven inches ahead of me, making it hard for me to carry Officer Somerset.

"I'm tired," I replied and a strand of hair fell over my cheek. I irritably pushed it into my hat before continuing. "I've been on that ship for at least two days without sleep. Have you ever experienced how it is on a frigate?"

Private Addison scoffed but stayed quiet and I smiled at his inability answer. What a fool.

"Could you please stop arguing? It's hurting my ears."

I glanced to my left and Officer Somerset's eyes were opened halfway. He was breathing heavily and every step he took was clearly very painful, judging by his facial expression and stiff movements.

"I'm sorry," I said bit my lower lip. I'm way too nice to him; even if he did save my life, he was very rude to me at several occasions. "But I guess I now know what kind of person you are. Your friend is somewhat of a talker."

"You mean a gossiping bitch?"

I raised my eyebrows and he grinned.

"Don't worry," he whispered and closed his eyes. "He's a better person than me, though fairly stupider."

"Hey, Blackbird, I can hear you."

Officer Somerset's smile widened and I saw how much more relaxed he was in the company of his friend. He almost seemed like another person, a happier one, and I actually liked this part of him.

"'Blackbird'?" I asked them to halt as I caught a passing officer, asking him where I could find Mr. Pitcairn. The officer told me that he was standing on top of the hill and I thanked him before turning my attention towards Officer Somerset again.

"Well," he started and swallowed. "Just a nickname; I'm fairly young as you see and instead of calling me 'Rookie' or 'Private', the company I first joined with decided to call me Blackbird."

"Why?" I wondered and we slowly approached the real Moulton Hill. A flagpole was waving the British colors and beneath it I saw Mr. Pitcairn. Finally, we made it.

"Since the color of my hair is black."

"You're missing the crucial part, Will."

Private Addison started laughing and I glared angrily at him over Officer Somerset's hunched shoulders.

"He's not telling you everything," continued the red-headed soldier. "This boy has an absolutely stunning voice. Singing that is."

I looked at Officer Somerset, surprised with what I had heard. He didn't exactly look like someone who enjoyed things like that… more like a person who was up all night to perfect his shooting skills in the dark.

"It's nothing, really," said the officer and scoffed. "Shut up, John."

Thanks, I mouthed to Private Addison and the soldier grinned widely.

"So how old are you?" I asked, curious since Officer Somerset's friend had nothing but teased him for his age.

"Nineteen."

"Really?" I exclaimed and stared at him.

He gave me a tired smile and nodded. I glanced over his shoulders again and Private Addison nodded. I looked back at Officer Somerset and he nodded as well.

Wow, so very young and already an officer, I thought as we reached the top of the hill. Is it because of luck or money? Or is he perhaps a really good soldier?

"Major Pitcairn?"

Private Addison called out for the Templar and soon we saw him approaching us on a horse.

"I just finished my speech," he replied and creased his forehead as he looked at us. "What has happened? Melissa, is everything alright with you?"

I straightened and met his worried gaze.

"Yes, thanks to Private Addison—"

"Call me John."

I glared at him for interrupting me before continuing.

"—and Officer Somerset. He saved my life and almost died himself."

Mr. Pitcairn dismounted and handed me his coat. I thankfully swept myself into it after giving back Private Add— John's jacket.

"I thank you for keeping an eye out for me," I said to the Templar. "I would've died if else."

"What are you talking about?"

I frowned at Mr. Pitcairn and suddenly felt confused. Officer Somerset stiffly turned his head towards mine and our eyes met. His emerald-green gaze locked onto mine and my face turned red in embarrassment. Did he really…?

"Rebels up ahead!"