One

Present day

Had Bass always been so bloody minded? Was this trip a complete waste of Ivys time? As she glared at him from the other side of his desk, she was beginning to wonder. Bass threw back his drink, making Ivy realise just how much of a problem he had with alcohol.

"I realise Randall has offered you the world", she hissed. "But he is completely off his trolley Bass". Ivy stood up, pushing her chair away and walking over to the window. "You are utterly insane if you trust him. The first opportunity he gets, Randall with stab you in the back!".

She heard a chair scraping on the floor, followed by footsteps as Bass walked towards her.

"Do you know how much I've always appreciated you telling it like it is", he smiled, leaning against the wall by the window. "It's good to see that hasn't changed. And Ivy", he placed his glass on the small table, "I never said I trusted the man. There is only one person I trust". Ivy shot him a cool gaze, "Yourself. I know that Bass, you tell everyone just as much".

Her friend shook his head, leaning in closer to her.

"I lie. There is one other person". He offered her a warm smile and placed his hand on her face, "You. You have never betrayed me or held anything back. I've always been able to rely on you for the truth". Ivy peered into his eyes, trying to figure out of he was bluffing her. She was more than surprised to see the sincerity in his eyes though and let out a gentle sigh.

"Then why not listen to me now?", she begged. "Get rid of Randall. Forget about the pendants and put an end to this madness".

"He's just a means to the end I seek. Rest assured I am aware of just how much of a snake he is and have him closely watched". She watched as Bass edged closer and felt those walls she had built slowly falling down. "I just do not want anything to happen to you Bass". Ivy gazed down at the floor, the memory of her family and husbands deaths re-emerging after all these years.

"Nothing is going to happen to me Ivy", Bass placed his hands on her slender shoulders. "We're family, remember? Always there for each other".

Ivy looked up at him and sighed, "A family divided. You and Miles". She paused and shook her head, "You are like my brothers and it breaks my heart that you are at war with each other".

"You forget Ivy, we'd both do anything for you", Bass pulled her close, enclosing her in a loving embrace. "All you'd have to do is call and we'd both come running. That's what you do for family".

Two

The attack on the border to Gettysburg had come swiftly and Miles knew it was only blind luck that had saved them. Most of the trained Neutrals were on a training exercise in the area and had quickly pushed their attackers back. Nora picked up one of the dark grey jackets the men had worn, "I haven't seen this insignia before", she murmured, handing to it Miles. As Miles reached for it, a flicker of recognition and then concern filled his eyes. "Miles?", Nora pointed at the small gold blade that had been stitched onto the jackets sleeve, "Have you seen this before?".

Miles nodded, looking out towards the road that led to Philadelphia, "It's a rogue group that sprang up a few years ago". He took several steps forward, his concerns for Ivy now mounting. "Miles, what is it?".

"What route will Ivy take to get back!?", Miles turned to face one of her Commanders, his concern putting the man on edge.

"There is a hidden track that links up to the main road", he replied quickly.

"The one that goes past a ruined barn?", Miles snapped, snatching the horses reins from the mans hand.

The soldier nodded, staring in disbelief as Miles leapt onto the horses back. "Get your fastest riders and head there", Miles ordered. Nora grabbed his leg, still unsure as to why Miles was so worried, "What the hell is going on?". Miles pushed her hand away, those eyes reflecting his concern, "Jared is back".

Three

Riding through the dense forest, Ivys thoughts turned to the last couple of days. She had known before arriving that Bass would prove a hard sell, too stubborn to change his mind, but Ivy did not want to just give in. At least he knows Randall can not be trusted, she thought as she gazed up at the dense foliage. That is a start. She let out a gentle sigh, And he is willing to listen to you. Another bonus.

Soon she would be home and would tell Miles of Bass' decision. No, it wasn't perfect, but at least he was open to negotiating. Negotiations Ivy would have to take care of.

Four

Cool blue eyes watched through the trees as the lone rider made their way through the forest. This was his chance. His one opportunity to ensure she would not be at Gettysburg when the attack was launched. Of course he knew that Ivy would be less than happy with how he was going to do so, but he had always known she was a difficult woman.

Jared motioned to his men to move forward. "Don't break anything and no hitting the face", he hissed, "If you do, I will kill you".

Five

The news that a womans body had been found just outside of the city was nothing new. Murders were a regular occurrence in this world and Bass was surprised at Jeremys insistence he see the remains for himself. Now, standing in the abandoned house, he understood his comrades concern. The body was strapped to a chair and barely recognisable. Bass had seen this before, but it was the note pinned to the remains of her dress that terrified him.

'General, she belongs to me. Perhaps it's time I took her back'.

Six

Lying on an abandoned barn floor, slowly bleeding from the wound in her side, was not what Ivy had imagined her day would bring. It seemed fate had other ideas. Once again Jared had taken her by surprise and Ivy was beginning to wonder why that had always been the case. No one had ever been able to sneak up on her, so what made him so special. The men with him had moved quickly, driving her and her horse closer to the barn and Ivy knew they were trying to get her more confined.

Jumping from Striders back, Ivy had struck quickly, knocking two of the men down and driving her blade into their chests. It seemed one of their comrades did not appreciate this, firing his gun at Ivy and hitting her side. Ivy stumbled back, gripping the hilt of sword tightly and raising it towards Jared. The tall man seemed concerned and shot the responsible soldier an icy gaze.

"I said not to wound her!".

The barn beckoned and, despite her every instinct, she made the fateful decision to hide inside. Now, she wished she had stood her ground and fought. The remainder of the men moved around her and she could hear Jared roaring at his soldiers, "You weren't meant to shoot her". He knelt down beside Ivy and the small woman tried with all her remaining strength to push him away. "Lucky for you she'll live. But I only wanted her knocked out so Monroe would take her to Philadelphia".

Through the growing haze Ivy saw his face, those blues eyes fixed on her, "At least she won't be in Gettysburg when we strike. That's all that matters". He turned his head, suddenly distracted by voices outside. "Time to go men", he sighed, gently brushing the hair from Ivys face, "Don't worry, I'll come back for you soon".

Eight

Seeing Bass on horseback by the abandoned barn had been the last thing Miles had expected and it seemed Bass felt the same. For a moment the two men stared at each other, neither sure of what to do next.

"Ivy", Bass murmured, his eyes flicking to the building. Miles nodded and both men dismounted and strode towards the building, their swords in hand. The hatred between them was still there, but they knew they had to put aside their differences.

All that mattered now was Ivy.

NIne

For a moment Ivy thought the loss of blood was making her hallucinate, for there was no way she could be seeing this. Bass cradled her head on his lap as he barked orders at Miles, who was bandaging the wound on her side.

"You're doing it wrong", he hissed, pointing at the bandage, "There should be more padding before you put the top layer on!".

Miles slapped his hand away, "I've seen your first aid skills, so shut it!".

Ivy went to say something, but the darkness that had threatened to consume her returned, blurring her vision. I have to tell them, she thought, fighting to keep her eyes open. She opened her mouth, trying to get the words out, "Getty", she murmured as everything went dark. Her voice snapped the two mens attention away from her wound, both staring in disbelief at their friend.

"Did she just say something?", Miles asked, giving Bass an uncertain look.

"Getty", Bass sighed, "She said Getty".

Ten

Everyone sat in the lounge room, transfixed by everything Miles was telling them. It had been a day since he had headed after Ivy and his companions had been relieved to see him and the other soldiers return.

"Do you really think it was wise to let Bass take her back to Philadelphia? ", Charlie queried. "The guy is unhinged Miles".

Miles shook his head, "There are two reasons for sending her there Charlie. Bass has access to antibiotics and far superior medical care".

He leaned against the wall, running his hand through his dark hair.

"And the other reason?", Rachel murmured, narrowing her gaze.

"Bass will protect her. He will put his life on the line for her".

Charlie laughed, rising from her chair,

"He's a narcissist Miles. What makes you think he'd risk it all for her?!".

"Ivy is like a sister to him and he loves her Charlie. That's how I know".