Chapter 20
Sgt. Lovejoy, Harrison, Mitchell and Peter rode back into Forks making a mad dash for the post office. The sooner Sgt. Lovejoy called for reinforcements, the sooner they'd be able to go back. Upon arrival, Sgt. Lovejoy leaped off his horse and the rest of the men followed Sgt. Lovejoy into the Post office and went straight for the telegraph. The owner of the postman saw them pass and noticed the bruise that was beginning to fester on Sgt. Lovejoy's neck.
"Sweet Jesus, what happened?"
"They didn't appreciate my methods of questioning and the Chief's son broke my gun in half and grabbed me by the neck."
"For God's sake, Sergeant, you shot at a pregnant woman!" Mitchell yelled. "I'm shocked they let us go with just a threat!"
"You shot at a pregnant woman?" The owner said. "Good God, do you have no shame?!"
"She was hiding something," Sgt. Lovejoy explained. "I know Mrs. Wallis is there. That God damn boy was one crafty little devil, but I knew he was lying. I haven't come all this way looking for a pig farmer's wife only to be scared away with my tail between my legs." Sgt. Lovejoy began sending his request for reinforcements to Port Angeles. It was the closest town to Forks and he knew he could get at least ten more men sent to him for assistance.
"How long will it take for reinforcements to arrive?" Harrison asked.
"From Port Angeles? Probably two or three days. I'm telling them to notify me at this telegraph the moment they've been sent."
"How long will it take for them to be dispatched?" Peter asked.
"Could be a week," he answered.
"A week?!"
"Mr. Wallis, calm yourself!" Sgt. Lovejoy yelled. "I know you're wife's there. I'm certain of it. I also have a sneaking suspicion she's alright."
"Well, thank God," Peter sighed.
"No," Sgt. Lovejoy mumbled to himself. "Not 'thank God'. If she's being treated decently, it means one or more of them have taken a shine to her. It'll make them all the less cooperative to give her back."
"What do you mean, 'taken a shine to her'?" Peter raised his voice.
"I mean, Mr. Wallis, that a blind man would take a shine to your wife. She's very pretty and I wouldn't put it beyond those savages to ravage her like a piece of meat." Peter nearly threw up at the prospect and had to sit down with his head between his legs.
"If they laid a hand on her-" Peter began.
"We'll take care of it, Mr. Wallis. From here on, you are to stay here. No ifs ands or buts about it. These people are dangerous and have proven themselves as much. I won't have a civilian going back there when we will likely have to make a few heads roll."
"I can't stay behind-"
"You can and you will. I never should've brought you to begin with. I most certainly won't have you there when we're executing those monsters." Sgt. Lovejoy finished sending his telegram and looked at the Post Office owner. "The moment I get a response, come get me at the Inn."
"Yes, sir," the owner nodded.
"Don't you worry, Mr. Wallis, we'll get back your wife. That boy thinks he's scared us away, but he did is went and pissed me off. I'll put that little brat back in his place."
"I see he nearly killed you too," a voice came from the entrance of the Post Office. Everyone looked around and saw Mitch enter with a few letters in hand. "What'd you do to make the kid nearly kill you?"
"He shot at a pregnant woman," Peter answered.
"You mean that tan woman I'd mentioned?" Mitch asked, not recalling any other pregnant women.
"Yes, the tan one," Sgt. Lovejoy answered. "It was Mrs. Wallis's slave, Caevia."
"You're kidding," Mitch said, a little dumbfounded. "I guess it's a small world after all."
"It's not a small world. Mrs. Wallis is there and they're hiding her. I've just notified the base in Port Angeles that they're to send me reinforcements immediately."
"You still didn't see Mrs. Wallis?" Mitch asked.
"No, but she's there. When I demanded Caevia answer where her mistress is, she was very cryptic and simply refused to answer my question. No doubt she's in on all of this."
"Did you tell reinforcements to come right away?" Peter asked in a panic.
"Yes, Mr. Wallis, I just said I did."
"Everyone, please calm down!" the owner yelled. "I've agreed to let you know the moment a response comes in, so I want everyone to relax. You just said Mrs. Wallis is probably still alive, so we have time at least."
"How do we know they'll keep her alive?" Harrison asked. "They know we're looking for her. How do we know they didn't kill her when Mitch first went there?"
"We have to go back!" Peter leaped to his feet in a panic.
"No!" Sgt. Lovejoy yelled back. "I won't go there again with just two men, a pig farmer and limited ammo. And I won't send civilians there. They're too dangerous. The little prince proved that in spades," Sgt. Lovejoy hissed.
"What did he say about the contract the Mayor had you bring?" Mitch asked, remembering it suddenly. "He'll want to know right away."
"The little bastard tore it to pieces. Looks like he reads now, too."
"Jacob can read? Since when?"
"Since they procured Mrs. Wallis I imagine. Leah's reading was barely above that of a grade school child, yet Jacob read that contract like he was downright educated. He claims Leah and Seth taught him to read and write, but I don't believe them."
"Seth?" Mitch asked, even chuckling a little. "When I'd last seen him, the boy could barely spell his own name let alone teach others to read."
"Exactly. That was my guess. What about Leah? How was her reading last you'd seen her?"
"Better, I suppose. Better than Seth's most certainly. But all she ever read was the Bible from what I recall. The one time their grandmother came to see them, the woman could only speak English. Reading or writing in English was a non-option. As far as I know, when she was around, she only read to the children in German."
"So neither Seth or Leah are really qualified to be teaching someone to read?"
"Not to the level you're telling me, no," Mitch answered.
"That's what I thought," Sgt. Lovejoy answered. "I'll give that little brat one thing: he's got an iron grip."
"Oh good Lord does he ever," Mitch mumbled. "Do you want me to go speak to the Mayor?"
"No, I'll do it," Sgt. Lovejoy grumbled. "I have to say: the boy was funny until he tried to kill me."
"I warned you, Sergeant, the boy's a beast. I've angered him once, and that was one time too many for my neck's liking."
"Unlike you, Mitch, I'm not intimidated by a backwater squaw." Despite his words, Sgt. Lovejoy rubbed his neck a moment. "Please notify me the moment we get word from Port Angeles. I'm off to speak with the Mayor. The rest of you wait for me at the Inn. And Peter," Sgt. Lovejoy said, making sure Peter was looking at him. "You are to stay here in town."
"Sergeant-"
"No," Sgt. Lovejoy interrupted him. "You're staying here. You're not trained to deal with these people and you're certainly not trained to fight them. Those savages won't give her up without a fight and I won't have brought myself and my men all this way only for you to widow the poor woman." Finally, Peter held his head down and nodded. "Good."
Sgt. Lovejoy left the post office and went right to the Mayor's office to let him know what happened to the contract he'd left with him to have signed. Though displeased, he was more so aggravated to find out the Chief's son was now a learned reader. That would certainly make any future agreements with the Quileute virtually impossible. Treaties such as that really only work when the tribe doesn't fully understand what they're agreeing to.
"You say you've called for reinforcement?"
"Yes, I have. With any luck, they should be here within two weeks barring incident and terrible weather."
"Just let the Innkeeper know. If there's one thing that man can't stand, it's being surprised. Do you know how many men will come?"
"I asked for a minimum 10, but I can't be sure they'll send that many."
"Indeed," he said. "That may be a bit excessive. But then, the boy did nearly kill you."
"Nothing I can't bounce back from, sir."
"That bruise are your neck would argue otherwise," the Mayor said with the mildest of chuckles. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't laugh. Not given the present situation."
"With all due respect, I'm afraid I'm void of humor at the moment."
"Can't say I blame you." The Mayor took a sip of his bourbon. "I suppose we'll just have to wait from here."
Lovejoy's men returned to the Inn as they'd been instructed and waited for him to return after his discussion with the Mayor. At the tribe the next morning, Jacob returned from patrol and saw Renesmee where he'd left her: sleeping under the covers. She looked less distressed than the day before, but even in her sleep, she still looked discontent. Jacob stared at her a moment racking his brain for anything that he might be able to do to make her happy again. He kneeled down and crawled with her under the covers. He started kissing the back of her neck after wrapping his arms around her waist. She eventually woke up, but she didn't turn to look at him.
"Good morning," Jacob said.
"Morning," Renesmee mumbled. When she didn't speak again after that, Jacob hugged her tighter and kept kissing the back of her neck. She continued to remain silent.
"Are you angry with me?" he finally forced the courage to ask.
"No," Renesmee said. "I'm not angry with you. I'm angry with myself. When I thought Caevia might be shot, I was horrified. But when I thought to go forward and help, I couldn't. I realized if I let myself step out, they'd find me and take me away from you. It stilled me in terror and I feel so ashamed of myself." Jacob was about to say that Caevia was fine, but he realized that it wouldn't change how she felt.
"I don't know what to say," Jacob said weakly. They stayed quiet in bed together since neither really knew what to say. "I don't like seeing you unhappy," Jacob finally broke the silence. "What can I do?"
"I don't know," Renesmee admitted. "I just want us to be left alone."
"Me too." Jacob kissed Renesmee's neck in an attempt to comfort her.
Neither of them said anything further after that. They just stayed in bed together holding each other close. When Renesmee finally came out of the tent to go to Sokajili's tent, her mood had barely improved. She couldn't help feeling as ill at ease as she did when she knew deep down Sgt. Lovejoy would come back and almost certainly with a vengeance. Jacob insisted if they came back, he'd deal with them accordingly and make good on his previous threat. His promise did little to appease her. Days went by with her mood not improving, so Sara decided to say something. Renesmee, Sara and Caevia were sitting alone together boiling potatoes next to a huge fire and covered in blankets to keep warm.
"Renesmee," Sara began once the potatoes were in the boiling water. "I've noticed you've been upset since those men came here."
"They're going to come back," Renesmee got straight to the point. "I know they will. And Caevia," Renesmee looked at her, Caevia's hands resting on her protruding belly. She'd been clutching it more appropriately since the day Embry was shot. "I owe you an apology."
"An apology for what?"
"For what happened the other day. That man could've killed you and I didn't do a thing about it."
"Renesmee, I don't need you to be my protector. Besides, Embry got there in time."
"Still," Renesmee held her head down.
"Renesmee, I'm alright now. You don't need to worry about me."
"Renesmee," Sara stepped in. "I know you're scared about those men coming back, but I know Jacob will be able to take care of it. I don't want you to worry so much anymore. None of us want to see you so unhappy."
Rather than answer, Renesmee poked one of the potatoes with a knife to check if they were ready. They weren't even close. Claire, noticing that Renesmee was somber, ran to hers and Jacob's tent to grab Renesmee's violin. Jacob grumbled and sat up when Claire barged into the tent, but she ignored him, grabbing for the violin. With the violin in hand, Claire ran to Renesmee and handed her the violin with a bright smile.
"Let's practice," she said joyfully. Renesmee finally smiled if only a little and patted Claire on the head.
"We have been neglecting your lessons," Renesmee agreed. "I'll teach you a new song."
"Teach me a really hard song," Claire demanded cheerfully.
"You want a really hard song?" Renesmee asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes," Claire cheered. "Teach me the hardest song you know."
Renesmee had to think a moment. The way Claire was progressing, she'd have to convince Jacob to sneak into the city and look for sheet music. Renesmee saddened a little at the thought that it would be far too risky at this point for her to go with him. Noticing her face dropping, Claire patted Renesmee's arm and encouraged here. Again, Renesmee returned to the task at hand and thought of a song she could teach Claire that was difficult, but remotely reasonable. Everything that immediately popped into her head was on the piano. But eventually, Renesmee decided on other one of her grandmother's favorites: The Devil's Trill. She took a moment to try playing the song herself on the violin. Thankfully, it was already a slower song, so she was able to take her time to remember how to play it and Claire was very pleased with the song, despite the melancholy tone.
Jacob, having been roused by Claire anyway, stepped out of the tent and stayed at his door listening to the song Renesmee played. There was something sad about the song yet also deep and menacing at parts. But four minutes of playing, the beat suddenly sped up and became rather chipper. It was a strange contrast. When that part started, everyone seemed to neglect their chores and instead listened to Renesmee play. Claire was rather pleased with herself. The more Renesmee played, the more her mind seemed to focus and she let go of her worries, keeping her thoughts on the song. Especially when the song finally picked up in pace. Her only disappointment was that she couldn't join Renesmee in playing the song. Then, finally, Renesmee's fingers sped up when she got to the part of the song she remembered most. It was the section of the song people usually knew the best. Claire was in awe of how fast she was moving the bow back and forth before it suddenly went slow again. The song seemed to speed up, slow down, speed up and slow down again within breaths of each other and Claire was mesmerized. Jacob was too. It was the mood that had him interested too. First slow and somber, then upbeat and chipper, then upbeat and menacing, slow and somber, upbeat and menacing, slow and menacing. It seemed to constantly change. Around twelve minutes in, the song sounded so random and strange, even shrill, that he wasn't sure it was good or not, only for the song to return to normal, then to go to bizarre and haphazard again. Somehow he knew that if he'd known the name of the song, the oddity might make sense to him. Approaching the end of the song was undoubtedly when it became the most bizarre and, one particular pounding of the string, even uncomfortable and awkward. When Renesmee finished the song in one long, lovely note, everyone clapped. When teaching the song to Claire, Renesmee stuck with the first two or so minutes of the song.
When Claire's fingers couldn't play anymore from the cold, Renesmee instructed her to put her instrument away and they'd practice more tomorrow. Renesmee returned to her tent to do the same. Jacob walked in behind her closing the door behind him.
"What was the name of that song?"
"The Devil's Trill," Renesmee answered. "It's by an Italian composer. If my Italian serves me right, the original name for the song is Il Trillo del Diavolo."
"How many languages do you speak?"
"Fluently? Well, English, Quileute now thanks to you," Jacob smiled while Renesmee continued, "and French. Italian I know a little and I know some Spanish, but not very much. I suppose if you pinned money to my lapel and dropped me in Barcelona I might be alright, but my Spanish is not fluent at all."
"The only other pale face language I've heard of is German."
"Sadly, I don't know a word of German. I only know French because of my Grandpa. He was a Pastor's son, so he had quite a lucky education given the time. Actually, Quileute reminds me a little of French in the way it sounds. Not in grammar, of course. You're grammar is something else entirely. I'm surprised how quick I was able to catch on seeing as I'm so used to English and French."
"Would you say something in French?"
"Parlez-vous français," Renesmee said, figuring it was an easy phrase. Jacob scrunched his nose.
"That sounds nothing like Quileute." Renesmee laughed a little.
"I suppose it was a bad example. What about you? Do you speak anything beside English and Quileute? I can't imagine all the tribes in the area speak the same language."
"No, we don't," Jacob affirmed, "but our languages are similar. I speak Hou well enough but Makka I barely speak. My grandfather married his sister off to a Chief's son in that tribe, so they just know our language, but our relationship isn't great. It's functioning at best."
"What caused the falling out?"
"The what?"
"It's another way to say breaking of a relationship."
"Oh," Jacob replied. "Honestly, I don't know. I think part of it is our gift to become wolves. I think the Makka were hoping to obtain that power through marrying a Quileute and having children with one, but it didn't work out that way. It's bitterness more than anything as far as I know."
"As long as there are no physical disagreements that come with it," Renesmee replied.
"You seemed more relaxed when you were playing earlier," Jacob changed the subject.
"I was able to focus on the song," Renesmee agreed. "I guess I needed that."
"Do you feel better?"
"I do," Renesmee nodded with a smile. Renesmee closed the distance between her and Jacob and rested her head and back of her hands on his chest. Jacob wrapped his arms around her and kissed her head.
"I don't want you to worry so much. No matter what happens, I'll take care of it. They aren't taking you anywhere unless you say otherwise." Jacob was suddenly quiet and it made Renesmee worry. So she lifted her head to look up at him.
"I don't want to leave with them. I want to stay here with you." Jacob finally smiled.
"It's always nice to hear it," Jacob managed to joke.
Back in Forks, Sgt. Lovejoy and his men were sitting at the bar in the Inn. He still wasn't quite over the shock of some brat nearly choking him to death, so a great deal of his time was spent at the bar nursing at least three glasses of whiskey before going upstairs and taking a nap. They'd only recently received word back from Port Angeles. They would send reinforcements, but it would only be four men. That was fine, Sgt. Lovejoy thought. As long as these men were well equipped with rifles and pistols, he was happy. Peter had spent most of the time back in the room provided them, not even wishing to read what little material was available. He kept thinking about all the things Caevia had said to him. They were weighing heavily on his mind. He was left to fear the worst at this point. He'd done as Sgt. Lovejoy instructed thus far and stayed in Forks waiting patiently for reinforcements to arrive, but after three days of waiting, Peter was feeling like he couldn't stand waiting anymore.
"How long will it be before they get here?" Peter asked when Sgt. Lovejoy relayed the news of the four men being sent to their aid.
"Well, it's about 70 miles, so I don't imagine they'll be here for at least three days at best. That's baring incident."
"What's the worst case scenario?" Peter barely managed to ask.
"Worst case scenario, they'll be here in a week. They promised me four days tops but again, there's always a chance of a snow storm or any number of unforeseeable events." Peter groaned, held his head down, and breathed heavily to try and calm down. "I don't know what else to tell you, Mr. Wallis. Based on my observations, I will say it's almost certain your wife is at least alive."
"How can you be so sure? We didn't even see her. We only saw Caevia and she didn't tell us a damn thing."
"She was cryptic," Sgt. Lovejoy replied. "That speaks more than you realize. Especially that little outburst of us never finding her. You said Caevia and Mrs. Wallis were good friends?"
"Thick as thieves, or so her family told me and so she insisted."
"Even so, she's an Indian all the same. They tend to band together, right or wrong. She's almost certainly covering for them. And if she wasn't too keen on coming to Washington in the first place, she must've been all to relieved to be taken from your house."
"Then perhaps we should sneak in somehow and steal her back in the night," Peter suggested.
"Absolutely not. If there's one thing Wood Indians are all too good at, it's sneaking around. At this stage, they almost certainly have a constant guard up and would be expecting that. I'm trained to barge in guns a blazin', not sneak around like a little dormouse."
"Going in guns a blazin' didn't really work last time."
"We didn't go in guns a blazin'. They demanded we enter unarmed."
"Which you didn't," Peter pointed out.
"Of course not. I don't trust them and I was right not to. This time when we go, we'll be dressed to the nines with deadly firearms. They'll have no choice but to comply with whatever our demands."
"That boy broke your gun in half!" Peter yelled.
"Yes, but only after he got his hands on it. He can't very well get his hands on and break all our guns. Certainly not fast enough to save anyone from a firing squad." Peter didn't answer. Instead, he just took a deep breath trying to relax. "Don't worry yourself so Mr. Wallis. We'll handle this little bastard. He thinks he scared us, but all he did is go and piss me off. I was willing to be merciful, but it'll be a cold day in hell before I let them off easy now."
"Why can't we go in now? It's not as if you and the others don't have plenty of weapons."
"It would just be me, Harrison and Mitchell. The three of us can't take down an entire tribe by ourselves. There're enough of them that they might be able to overpower us given enough gumption and stamina. Seven men are a little more reasonable."
"I still think you should let me-"
"Absolutely not!" Sgt. Lovejoy said rather harshly. "You are not to come with us. You're in no position to assist us. We've no equipment for you to use against them and you have no knowledge of how to deal with Indians. You're to stay here and wait for us. Have I made myself very clear, Mr. Wallis?" Though reluctantly, Peter eventually took another deep breath and nodded his head.
"You're clear, Sergeant."
"Good," Sgt. Lovejoy said, releasing a deep breath himself. "Now that we understand each other, come downstairs and have something to eat. You've gone skinny since we left Olympia. You need to put some food in your system."
"I'm of no mood."
"To hell with your mood, Mr. Wallis, you need to eat. Debra is making some shepherd's pie last I heard. You need something hardy like that."
"It's not shepherd's pie if it doesn't have lamb," Peter complained knowingly.
"Call it what you want, then. The point is its meat, potatoes, veggies and gravy. I don't see a thing wrong with that menu. Now get downstairs and eat something."
Sgt. Lovejoy walked out of the room and Peter, inevitably, followed him downstairs and sat with the men while they enjoyed their beef shepherd's pie. Peter contributed little to the conversations, but that was nothing new. Debra sat with them most of their dinner, virtually ignoring any other customers in their little restaurant leaving her husband to run around tending to their needs. There would be a handful of people that would come to Sgt. Lovejoy fishing for any details regarding the poor Mrs. Wallis and her abduction. Peter was flabbergasted by how many clung to Sgt. Lovejoy's words like a bedtime story. Though when in such a small town with little more than tradesmen coming and going, a soldier on a mission to save a young woman must seem rather exciting. Peter promptly left the table after finishing his dinner and went right back upstairs. He attempted to read, but he simply couldn't concentrate. He attempted to go downstairs and play cards with Sgt. Lovejoy and his men, but he just wound up watching them all bet their money away. He went back upstairs after it was pitch black outside and was only joined by Harrison, rather upset by his resent poker loss. The man went to sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Meanwhile, Sgt. Lovejoy and Mitchell didn't come upstairs until late, also falling asleep as soon as they were in bed. All this time, Peter simply couldn't sleep. He was exhausted, but his body just wouldn't let him sleep. He looked outside at the moon just watching it move the way one might watch paint dry. When the moon was very nearly high in the center of the sky, Peter had a thought. He looked at the men, sound asleep, and put on his heavy coat and gloves as quietly as possible. Once fully dressed for the outdoors, Peter snuck past their beds and snuck down the stairs making his way towards the stables across the street from the Inn. He could not help any noise made by the horses, but he made sure to keep his own movements silent so he wouldn't scare the horses. Peter went to his horse, shushing her gently while leading her out of her stall. Silently as possible, he put the saddle on and jumped on. He had his horse walk for a time until they were far away enough from the Inn. Then Peter motioned for her to start running.
The moon was high in the sky. Jacob had joined Embry and Quil for the night only two hours ago. Jacob had spent the afternoon attempting to further brighten Renesmee's mood. She was indeed finally starting to feel better. They'd had a private dinner together that night. Renesmee had even eaten some of the potato cakes.
"I thought you didn't like human food," Jacob had observed.
"Usually I don't. But these potatoes are good today."
"Did mom do something different to them?"
"Not that I saw."
Jacob had said nothing more on the matter and instead focused on Renesmee. He only left her side when she fell asleep naked in his arms. There was mild teasing when Jacob 'finally graced them with his presence' as Embry said. Though Jacob was quick to remind him that he frequently did the same since getting married and had no right to complain. Quil did enough complaining since his punctuality seemed to be such a rare trait among them these days. Of course, his imprint was far too young to cause such distractions, so he wouldn't understand their dilemma. Quil just growled.
As they all patrolled around, Quil was somewhat closer to the city when he thought he smelled something slightly familiar. Quil started to approach the smell, though remained well within the confines of the woods. He heard the sound of a horse that was producing the slight smell. It smelled cleaner, like the horse had been groomed since last here. Then Quil saw the one on the horse and realized it was one of the men that came with Sgt. Lovejoy the other day: specifically, Renesmee's husband. Jacob new about it the moment it entered Quil's thoughts.
At present, Peter was having his horse trot at a quiet pace. He'd had her running until they reached a spot he recognized to be close to the reservation. When he reached a point he was satisfied with, Peter slowed his horse to a stop and hopped off. He led her to a tree and tied the reigns to that tree so she wouldn't run off on him. Jacob told Quil and Embry to stay hidden while he ran back to the village. He stayed quiet and stealthy as he ran to his tent and grabbed some clothes. He made sure not to wake Renesmee and didn't dress until he was outside. Running as fast as he could back to where Peter was walking, he stayed hidden in the trees for a moment, telling Embry, and by virtue Quil, that they were to stay hidden and not make a sound. After that, Jacob finally stepped out of the cover of the trees and confronted Peter long before he could reach or even see the boundaries of the tribe.
"What's a pale face doing out here this time of night?" Jacob asked as he stepped out of the trees, startling Peter. He didn't answer right away and Jacob was instantly impatient. "It's a bit late, isn't it?" Jacob reiterated.
"I suppose it is," Peter finally managed after several deep breathes. "I'll just get to the point."
"You'd best," Jacob answered.
"I'm here for Renesmee."
"You're wife?" Jacob feigned a lack of recollection. "She wasn't here three days ago. Why would she be here now?"
"Please," Peter began to plead. "Sgt. Lovejoy is rather certain that Renesmee is here and Caevia did little to dissuade that belief. That woman is my wife's slave and I don't believe for a moment that she doesn't at least have an idea where Renesmee is."
"Caevia already told you and Lovejoy what she knew. In response, Lovejoy shot at her," Jacob raised his voice for emphasis. "I don't know if you noticed, but she is quite pregnant."
"Yes, and on behalf of Sgt. Lovejoy, I sincerely apologize for that. That was uncalled for."
"Uncalled for? Your trigger happy little sheriff nearly killed a woman and her unborn child and all you have to say it, 'it was uncalled for'? You're lucky Lovejoy got Embry instead of Caevia. You're lucky I kicked you out before the man could recover. Every last one of you would've been skinned like rabbits!"
"I mean no offense," Peter hurried to say, "I have nothing else to say but my apologies for the incident. You were well within your right to do what you'd done to him."
"You're God Damned right I was," Jacob hissed back.
"Please," Peter continued, "Sgt. Lovejoy is extremely sore about that incident. He's called for reinforcements to be brought and he's coming back the moment they arrive. Please just return my wife and nothing more will have to happen. I'll tell them to leave you all be and we'll return to Olympia and pretend none of this ever happened. Just please, return my wife to me."
"We can't very well return what we don't have, Peter," Jacob snapped. Peter looked at him strangely.
"How do you know my name?"
"It's what Lovejoy called you."
"No," Peter said, "he only calls me Mr. Wallis. He may have said my name once, but only once. How could you remember?" Jacob and Peter were silent, staring at each other until Peter chose to continue. "How do you remember my name? Where's Renesmee?"
"She's not here," Jacob insisted, ignoring his first question. "Turn around and go back. And tell Lovejoy there's nothing here for you to retrieve."
"You're lying to me! Where is my wife?!"
"She's not your wife!" Jacob finally snapped back vehemently. Figuring the charade was up, Jacob stepped just a little closer to Peter in order to emphasis the point he was about to make. "You really want to know where she is?"
"Yes!" Peter said. "Where is Renesmee?"
"She's back home sound asleep," Jacob answered. Misinterpreting Jacob's statement, Peter pulled out the only weapon he had, a knife, and kept it close.
"You monster! You killed her!"
"I didn't say she was dead, you idiot. I said she's at home asleep. She's back at our tent." Peter relaxed only slightly and it was simply due to sheer confusion.
"What are you saying?" Peter mumbled, getting angrier. "You've lain with her?!"
"I've done more than that," Jacob answered with a cocky grin. Jacob cracked his knuckles before continuing. "You see, Peter, it's my understanding that, part of making a marriage is consummating it. Is that the word you people use?"
"You-" Peter simply couldn't finish. He couldn't even really think of anything to say.
"I've only done what any good husband would do."
"You're lying to me!" Peter finally yelled. "Renesmee is a sweet, kind woman. She'd never allow the likes of you near her."
"Would she not now?" Jacob challenged. "She is a sweet and kind woman. An example for how all you leeches should be. She taught me how to speak English, how to read, she told me stories of her world. She's taught little Claire how to play the violin, she's shown us to knit, she engaged us in the festivities that are…Thanksgiving and Christmas is it? She even sang for us on Christmas and New Year's Eve. In fact, that was the night I asked her to marry me. I'll never forget how she got teary eyed and we made love while the fireworks went off."
"How dare you tarnish her name by spouting such nonsense?! Is it not enough that she was kidnapped and passed around until you obtained her? Has she not suffered enough?" Jacob just stared at Peter a moment, never losing his shit-eater grin.
"I'll tell you right now, Peter," Jacob began, "Renesmee still has a soft spot for you. That's the only reason I haven't beaten you to the ground. Turn around and go back to town now. Tell Lovejoy there's nothing to see here, and don't come back."
"Where's my wife you red devil?!" Peter approached, knife ready, but Jacob grabbed the hand the held the knife, twisted it around Peter's back and forced him to the ground. Jacob squeezed Peter's hand until it finally released the knife. Jacob took the knife and put it in his belt behind his back.
"She's not your wife," Jacob whispered harshly. "She's mine." Jacob lifted Peter off the ground only to release him, kick him in the back and send him falling to the ground. "You know, Peter," Jacob said, "Embry's still very angry about what happened the other day. I'm sure he'd love nothing more than to have a few choice words with you. But if you leave now, I might not bother telling him you're here."
"Don't threaten me!" Peter said after he got back to his feet. "Or I'll-"
"Or you'll what?" Jacob interrupted, holding up Peter's knife. "From the way I see it, you're not well equipped to tell me to do anything."
"I said Sgt. Lovejoy has called for reinforcements. They'll be here soon and when they get here, they'll lay waste to all of you. We will save Renesmee from you monsters. And I know Sgt. Lovejoy especially will take great pleasure in putting you in your place."
"You tell Lovejoy that he could bring an army. It won't be enough against us. You see, Peter, I know a little something you don't. You may think you're using a figure of speech when calling me a monster." Jacob whistled suddenly and after he did, Quil and Embry crept out of the woods, still wolves, and growled at Peter. Peter yelled just a moment before backing away, tripping over nothing as he backed away. He worked fast to get back to his feet. "We're as monstrous as it gets," Jacob said. Jacob looked at Embry as Peter continued to back up. "Embry, would you like a moment alone with Peter? I'm sure he would be happy to relay anything you have to say to Lovejoy?"
Embry's growl resounded as he slowly began to approach Peter. Peter finally turned around and ran back to his horse as fast as he could. He stumbled and frantically tried to untie his horse while Embry approached and continued to growl. When Peter was finally on the horse, Embry barked, spooking the horse, causing Peter to very nearly fall off before he rode away as fast as he could. Embry turned around and went back to the group. Jacob smiled.
"He'll have nightmares for the rest of his life," Jacob joked. Both Quil and Embry shifted to human form, only briefly stunned by the cold.
"Should we have let him see us?" Quil asked.
"It doesn't matter. It's the middle of the night, its dark, no matter what he tells them, no one will believe him."
"The Meat Monger's man will believe him."
"And who believes him?" Jacob laughed. "It'll be alright. I'm more concerned about these 'reinforcements' Peter was saying Lovejoy would be sending."
"Reinforcements? You mean they're coming back with more?" Embry asked a little irate. "They'll kill everyone, Jacob!"
"Only if we let them," Jacob answered. "Come morning, there will always be someone on the lookout for Lovejoy. I want to know the moment he's on his way. We'll make sure everyone's out of site. We'll have archers in the trees ready to shoot while the three of us act as ground forces. The moment we all turn into wolves, it'll stun them long enough to give our archers a chance to take most of them out before they can start shooting."
"Sounds like a plan," Quil answered. "Who's going to look out?"
"The three of us. We'll take turns. Once we get back, we'll get the men together and let them know the plan."
"Are you going to tell Renesmee about this?" Embry asked, more asking so he knew whether this was something he was allowed to bring up with Caevia or not. Jacob wasn't sure. His first thought was no, but then he realized she'd wonder why he and the others seemed to be planning for something. Ultimately, though, Jacob looked at Embry and shook his head.
"This incident is to stay between us, Alpha's orders. If Renesmee or Caevia ask about the planning, just tell them we're preparing for the worst and leave it at that. Is that clear?" Quil and Embry nodded that they understood. They all returned to patrol for the night and didn't return back to the tribe until morning. When Jacob returned, he was stunned to see Renesmee wide awake and nibbling on a piece of salmon jerky. "What are you doing up so early?"
"I couldn't sleep. I woke up really early this morning not feeling very good and I couldn't seem to go back to sleep."
"Are you alright?" Jacob asked, coming to Renesmee's side.
"It's nothing. It was just an upset stomach." Renesmee realized Jacob was holding his clothes and looked at him strangely. "What did you bring your clothes on patrol for?"
"I didn't," Jacob hurried to answer, putting them to the side. "I was just going to put them aside for clothes to wash."
"They weren't dirty yesterday," Renesmee observed.
"They are now," Jacob offered. "Did you want to stay inside for today?"
"No, I'm feeling fine," Renesmee said, shaking her head and finishing the jerky.
"You seem to be liking human food lately."
"I know, it's strange," she answered. "Is everyone else still asleep?"
"Of course. It's barely dawn." Jacob scooted next to Renesmee and wrapped his arms around her. Renesmee shifted until she was in his lap and rested her head on his chest. "Let's just stay in here together for a while."
As Jacob suggested, Renesmee stayed in Jacob's arms and cuddled with him well into the morning. Back in Forks, Peter had made no effort to come back in quietly after what he'd seen. Large wolves coming to that boy's beck and call? It was the Devil's work indeed however it was done. Having roused the town, Sgt. Lovejoy was absolutely livid when he heard rabble that Peter Wallis had just ridden back into town so early in the morning. He came to his own conclusions, but Peter confirmed his whereabouts when he jumped off his horse grasping his chest repeating how Jacob had two wolves at his power.
"What did I tell you?!" Sgt. Lovejoy screamed when he dragged Peter back into the Inn and slammed him onto a chair in the front lounge area. "I specifically told you to wait here and that you were not to return to the Reservation! Did I not say that to you?!"
"Yes, but-"
"But nothing!" Harrison and Mitchell finally entered the room as equally in a state of undress as their Sergeant. "I want you to tell me everything that happened. I don't want a single detail left out."
"Well," Peter began, but hesitated when he saw how red Sgt. Lovejoy was becoming.
"Continue God damn it!" Sgt. Lovejoy yelled, making Peter jump a little.
"Firstly," Peter finally went on, "he met me before I could even get to the village. I think they're waiting for us now. I begged him to give back Renesmee and that if he did, I would make sure to send reinforcements away and-"
"You told him we had reinforcements coming?! Well, if they weren't prepared for us, they sure fuck will be now! What else happened?! What else did you say?"
"Well, as I said, I begged him to return Renesmee and he continued to remain adamant that they didn't have her. But then he said my name. I challenged him because you'd only said my name once. There's no way he could've remembered it. Then he started telling me…" Peter stopped a moment.
"Then he what?" Sgt. Lovejoy demanded.
"Then he," Peter stopped again and took a deep breath. "He claimed that Renesmee had taught him to read and write and had done all these things for the village like making clothes and playing music. Then he claimed he…he claimed to have married Renesmee." The last point came out as a squeak. "I accused him of lying, of slandering Renesmee's name. That man has Renesmee and he's doing horrible things to her. I just know it." Peter began to sob after he finished. Sgt. Lovejoy stepped away to walk back and forth with a heavy sigh.
"But he confirmed they have her and he confirmed she's alive. At this point, that's all we can ask for. We know she's alive. When the reinforcements get here, we ride into the reservation and demand they return Mrs. Wallis and that if they don't, we'll shoot each of them down one by one until they do."
"Mr. Wallis just said he'd mentioned the men coming," Mitchell spoke up. "They might be prepared for us and have some sort of fight plan ready."
"Indeed," Sgt. Lovejoy groaned. "Damn it, Mr. Wallis, I told you not to go there!"
"That's not all," Peter said. "After pushing me to the ground and telling me to leave, he whistled and two gigantic wolves appeared from the forest! They were huge! The size of bears and there were two of them!"
"Wolves?" Sgt. Lovejoy raised an eyebrow. "Honestly, Mr. Wallis, I don't doubt the Quileute have some type of working relationship with wolves but the size of bears? It was late and I can assure you that you were tired and seeing things."
"I swear I wasn't! They were huge!"
"They could've specifically bred some wolves to be huge," Harrison pointed out. "We know of beasts like Great Danes and Mastiffs. Is it so strange that the Quileute may have bred their own giants?"
"If they had, those dogs would've been in the village alongside them. We would've seen these monstrous dogs. I'm sure your mind was slightly playing tricks on you at that point, Mr. Wallis."
"It wasn't! Those wolves were the size of bears! I know what I saw!"
"Yes, yes, Mr. Wallis," Sgt. Lovejoy waved his hand dismissively. "Go back upstairs," he finally told Peter after a moment of silence. "It's early and you've had hardly any sleep if any."
"I left because I couldn't sleep."
"Well make yourself sleep then!" Sgt. Lovejoy yelled. Peter finally came to his feet and rushed upstairs as Sgt. Lovejoy screamed for him to do.
It was another 3 long, drawn out days before four soldiers finally entered into Forks on their horses with a wagon behind them. In had come four men as promised: Pvt. Jaffrey, Baker and Davenport, and leading them all was Lieutenant Colonel Humphrey. Lt. Col. Humphrey was quite the decorated soldier himself despite being merely 35. He had fought off Indians, served in the south to keep the new states obtained from Mexico in check and he was well versed in dealing with undesirable and unwieldy locals. At his hand, nothing was ever too far out of America's grasp and nothing got in the way of obtaining it, not even the original inhabitants. He was a man that Sgt. Lovejoy quite liked and had aspired to be nearly the decorated countryman, even if the man was just a little younger than him.
"Lt. Col. Humphrey," Sgt. Lovejoy announced jubilantly when he saw the man. "How long has it been?"
"Three years last I'd looked at a calendar," Lt. Col. Humphrey answered with a smile, dismounting his horse and walking to Sgt. Lovejoy to offer a firm handshake. "Look at you," Lt. Col. chuckled. "You look like a sack of shit. What happened?"
"Far too much has happened," Sgt. Lovejoy groaned.
"Your message was very brief. From what I was told, it just said you were dealing with some rather unreasonable squaw and you needed assistance."
"It's a little more than that I'm afraid, though the unreasonable squaw part is more true than I ever wanted such a thing to be true. You and your men come inside out of this blistering cold. We have some spiked hot cocoa and I'll explain everything."
Sgt. Lovejoy led the Lt. Col. and his men into the Inn and they all sat at a table. Harrison, Mitchell and Peter joined them as Sgt. Lovejoy relayed every event they'd suffered down to the last detail. He explained how Mrs. Wallis was kidnapped by Indians and no tribe near Olympia or Hoquiam had her. He told of the horrible journey coming north being stuck in Neilton for only God knows how long before receiving suspicious information regarding the Quileutes and moving further north, only to be stuck in a cabin snowed in for a few days. He explained the things they'd been told once they arrived in Forks regarding the Quileutes: how two of their own were half white and had previously lived among them and how they were known to be exceedingly violent and difficult. He went on to explain their first encounter with the Quileutes and how all of it culminated in the Chief's brat nearly strangling Sgt. Lovejoy to death. He ended with having Peter recount his own private encounter with the brat in question and the claims he'd made, though Sgt. Lovejoy had already explained to him days previously that he was to make no mention of any nonsense regarding giant wolves. It was bad enough, he'd explained, that Peter had been out and about at that hour with those savages in the first place. Lt. Col. Humphrey likely already would think the man insane without Peter spouting such insanity as giant wolves. The man would be locked up in a sanatorium and then where would his pretty little wife be?
"You went out alone in the middle of the night to try and get back your wife?" Lt. Col. Humphrey asked Peter after he'd finished his last bit of the story. Peter nodded and Lt. Col. Humphrey simply had to laugh a little. "I'm not sure whether to call you valiant and brave or hopelessly stupid. I suppose bravery and stupidity go hand in hand."
"Sgt. Lovejoy was so certain Renesmee was there and that boy confirmed it to me. I wanted to get her out quietly without them knowing so we could leave with her just as quietly."
"I'm not sure it would've been so quiet seeing as the man apparently married her from what you're telling us," Pvt. Baker said while lighting his freshly crafted cigarette.
"He's lying," Peter snapped back. "Renesmee's a good woman. She'd never let that beast touch her let alone marry her. He's trying to upset me is all. I'm sure of it."
"You do realize the man's probably rapped her right?" Pvt. Jaffrey asked. "Indians don't usually take a woman without venting on her. Hell, I'll be shocked if that woman's not been passed around like a French tavern whore by the time we finally get her out of there." Peter slammed his hands on the table, stood suddenly and stared daggers at Pvt. Jaffrey.
"You take that back!"
"Shut up and sit down Mr. Wallis!" Sgt. Lovejoy yelled at Peter, simply having lost all patience for the man. "Please forgive his outburst."
"Think nothing of it," Lt. Col. Humphrey reassured. "I completely understand. I've seen the devastation these savages cause with their thievery. Please rest assured that you've not offended me or Pvt. Jaffrey at all. Isn't that right Jaffrey?"
"Yes sir," Pvt. Jaffrey answered calmly, as if he'd not been yelled at.
"Now, I desperately hope you don't mind if my men and I rest before we go out there. We've been traveling through tough winds and deep snow and I must say we're absolutely torn to bits and tired. I'd like to recuperate so we're ready for the worst."
"By all means, feel free."
"No!" Peter yelled. "This has taken long enough! My wife is out there and your soldier just suggested they might be forcing themselves onto my wife or worse! She can't stand to wait any longer!"
"Mr. Wallis, contain yourself!" Sgt. Lovejoy barked.
"No, no," Lt. Col. Humphrey assured. "Mr. Wallis is right, of course. That poor woman has surely suffered enough. It wouldn't be right to wait another day to save her. We will not wait until tomorrow, but I must insist we wait until this afternoon once my men and I have had some time to rest. We won't be much good to your wife if we're in poor shape, Mr. Wallis. Surely you can appreciate that." Peter sat back down and took a deep breath. He eventually nodded. "I appreciate your patience Mr. Wallis. Sergeant," Lt. Col. Humphrey turned his head to look at Sgt. Lovejoy.
"Yes sir?"
"Wake us in three hours' time. After that, we shall have something light to eat and be on our way to the Quileute reservation. Don't you worry about a thing, Mr. Wallis. We'll have your wife here and safe by nightfall."
"Thank you, Lt. Col. Humphrey. This means the world to me."
"No need to thank me, Mr. Wallis. Keeping civilians safe from danger is what we do." Lt. Col. Humphrey stood up and the three men that came with him followed and went upstairs to rest.
At the village, Renesmee was outside with all the other women working on cleaning some clothes. She'd been nibbling on a few potato cakes while she worked and they'd all looked at her strangely. They weren't accustomed to seeing Renesmee eat anything but the blood of animals. They'd actually all been under the impression she didn't like human food at all. None of them said anything, however. Not even Caevia. Renesmee's mood had returned to being sullen when Jacob had started getting men prepared and was interchanging turns looking out. She didn't know about the encounter with Peter. She did know, however, that something had made Jacob start taking extreme measures to prepare and that was making her nervous. None of the women wanted to risk troubling her with anything, especially something as trivial as eating potatoes when she previously had not. Caevia, while helping with some chores, was not quite as up to task as she usually was. She'd been so tired the past few days. She'd told Renesmee of this symptom.
"You don't think they baby's coming already do you?" she'd asked, but Caevia had shaken her head.
"No, of course not. When allowed to go full term, my babies have always stayed in me for as long as my body would permit. You said the baby wouldn't be here until summer right?"
"You'd conceived in early October, I think, so you shouldn't be due until late May or June I'd say."
"It's a good time to have a baby," Caevia smiled. "It'll be warm by then."
"I know you never miss your tribe, but do you ever miss the weather back in Arizona?"
"All the time," Caevia admitted. "It was a dry heat, so even at its hottest, the air wouldn't choke me like it did whenever it got really hot in Chicago. Sometimes, it would get so hot that the ground would burn my feet if I walked around barefoot. But then, at night, it was always cold compared to the day. The ground would become cool to the touch and it would no longer feel like the sun was ready to cook you alive." Caevia giggled. "I suppose it sounds awful the way I'm describing it."
"I have trouble imagining pleasantness in being cooked alive," Renesmee joked.
"I'd rather that then being freezing cold. It never got this cold in the desert. It was always sunny. I can count the number of times it's rained on both hands during my lifetime there." Renesmee laughed.
"Sounds arid. It's a miracle you had a lake."
"That lake in itself was said to be a miracle from a bird spirit that took pity on those that traveled. Did I ever tell you? There is a ceremony held around that lake once every five years. A child of the Thunderbirds is sacrificed to honor the spirits that gave us that lake."
"That's awful," Renesmee said. "How do they choose?"
"I don't recall. I do know that it is always a woman. Women represent fruitfulness and new life. Men represent destructiveness and bringers of death in my tribe. If a son of the Thunderbirds were to ever be sacrificed in error or wrongly, it's said that the lake would dry up into nothing and leave us to die of thirst. Only a daughter of the Thunderbirds can be sacrificed to satisfy the spirit that gave us the lake."
"Surely, they would run out of daughters before long."
"You would think, but the Thunderbirds are known for baring many children. I remember the ruling family alone is larger than this tribe, the Hou and the Makka tribes combined if I'm correct about the size of all three tribes. And they were cursed with immortality, just like I am. So they just keep having more and more children. It's said that they take turns giving a daughter to the spirit of the lake. As I said, as far as how they choose who to sacrifice I'm not sure. The women sacrificed would always very in age from infants to young women and they all die the same way: by drowning."
"That's a tough way to die. To sacrifice an infant. How can the mothers stand it?"
"They see it as a necessary evil to ensure the lake never goes away. Without the lake, we would all die. So in their minds, one daughter every five years was a small price to pay for everlasting water." Renesmee had taken a deep breath. "Go ahead and call it savage. You won't offend me."
"I wasn't thinking it was savage. I was thinking it was tragic to feel obligated to do such a thing."
Still rather tired, Caevia excused herself from the group and went back to her tent to rest. Renesmee was silent while she worked, occasionally looking at Jacob, who seemed to have several men gathered around him with their bows in hand. Those men had been equipped with their bows for days now. William was among them and was just as stoned lipped about the matter as Jacob, Embry and Quil. Caevia had asked about it for Renesmee, but Embry had explained he was to remain quiet, Alpha's orders. Sara didn't know anything either. Everything was calm until Quil came running. He went straight to Jacob speaking only to him and the archers he was speaking with.
"Jacob, Lovejoy's on the way."
"How many are there?"
"Seven," Quil answered and Jacob huffed a condescending laugh.
"That's it? And I thought this would be difficult." Jacob turned around and looked at the archers. "All of you get in the trees. You know what to look for," Jacob said, snapping his fingers to remind them of their signal to shoot. Meanwhile, William walked towards the center of the village.
"Everyone! Inside now!" William ordered to everyone. There was a brief moment of surprise before everyone did as instructed and ran to their homes. Renesmee did so as well, but a little more slowly. She'd overheard what Quil had told Jacob and she was nervous. Jacob repeated after William, telling Renesmee to get it their tent when she was moving slower than everyone else. Jacob, Quil, Embry and William started walking to the entrance of the village and were ready when Sgt. Lovejoy and his men rode in. But the group wasn't being led by Sgt. Lovejoy. Instead was another man up front with Sgt. Lovejoy just slightly behind to his right.
"Oh look," Sgt. Lovejoy grumbled, "they're expecting us."
"Well we knew that would happen. I'd be shocked if they weren't completely prepared for us."
"You're right of course." Sgt. Lovejoy took a deep breath. "I guess I was simply hoping to have the element of surprise."
Lt. Col. Humphrey suggested they remain quiet as they continued on to meet Jacob, Quil, William and Embry. Jacob made sure they were standing exactly where the archers would be best able to hear Jacob should he snap his fingers and best able to see Lovejoy and his men so they could shoot them. When the group was before Jacob, remaining on their horses, the one up front tipped his hat to them.
"Afternoon," he said.
"What do you want?" Jacob started off, not bothering with being cordial.
"Jesus, at least let me introduce myself before you start barking at me." The man chuckled. "I'm Lt. Col. Humphrey."
"I don't care if you're King Henry the 8th. What do you want?" Lt. Col. Humphrey raised an eyebrow.
"You know who King Henry the 8th is?"
"He's the English king that killed most of his wives. Now answer my damn question, your highness," Jacob said with venomous sarcasm. Lt. Col. Humphrey laughed.
"I like this kid," he said to Sgt. Lovejoy.
"I did too until he choked me."
"Oh, come now, Sergeant. You shot at a pregnant woman. Of course they reacted harshly. Why if you shot at my pregnant wife, I'd try to kill you too. But enough of that." Lt. Col. Humphrey cleared his throat and looked back at Jacob. "Anyway, I think you know exactly why we're here. We want you to return Mrs. Wallis. And do not bother trying to tell us you don't have her. Mr. Wallis already told us the whole thing."
While waiting in the tent, Renesmee's eyes widened. What whole thing? When did Jacob tell Peter she was here? She certainly didn't recall any of that.
"Did he now?" Jacob said, affirming he'd spoken with Peter. Renesmee couldn't believe he'd not said anything. Yet somehow, she understood why he wouldn't and she sighed. "Then certainly he must have told you that good Mrs. Wallis," Jacob said the name harshly as if it were a curse word, "does not wish to leave. In fact, given the circumstances, I must say I'm quite offended you would address her as Mrs. Wallis."
"Yes, yes, he mentioned how you'd claimed to marry Mrs. Wallis. I will admit you're a devilish looking young man, so perhaps she might've found you attractive. But husband material? I think not. How old did he say he was?" Lt. Col. Humphrey asked Sgt. Lovejoy.
"We'd come to the conclusion he was 19 sir." Lt. Col. Humphrey chuckled.
"Good God, you're still a boy."
"Call me what you will. I'm not relinquishing Renesmee. She stays here with us." Renesmee was stunned at hearing the conversation, but she remained hidden. She could always speak to Jacob later about not telling her about meeting Peter, but now wasn't the time.
"I'm afraid this is where we find ourselves in a disagreement. You see, Sgt. Lovejoy here has spent months looking for this woman. Now that we've found what really equates to a needle in a haystack, we aren't very well going to let the needle fall back in and get lost again." Lt. Col. Humphrey suddenly looked to his right and pulled out his gun. Jacob looked where the gun was pointed and his heart stopped. He hadn't realized his mother hadn't gotten inside. Nor had William.
"Tell them to take that weapon off your mother or we'll grind them into jerky."
"You get that gun off my mother," Jacob spoke harshly. Renesmee couldn't see Sara past Jacob and the others, but when she heard her gasp in surprise and heard William and Jacob talk, she froze in horror.
"Oh it's your mother is it?" Lt. Col. Humphrey said. Then he pulled back the clip readying his gun to shoot at a moment's notice. "If you wish me to take this gun off your dear mother, than return Mrs. Wallis. Your mother lives, Mrs. Wallis is returned home and everyone can be happy."
"She is home," Jacob spat back. In the trees, the archers looked at each other wondering what to do. Jacob hadn't given them the signal, but it was getting desperate. They decided to wait just a little longer for Jacob and if it got too out of hand, they'd shoot regardless.
"This is not her home, Jacob. It's a little camp ground infested with Squaw. Now hand Mrs. Wallis over."
"Take that gun off my mother!"
"Return Mrs. Wallis and perhaps I will!" Having had enough and desperate to at least get the gun off Sara, William stepped forward, but Sgt. Lovejoy took out his own gun and pointed it at William.
"We have your father in the crosshairs now, Jacob. What'll it be? Return Mrs. Wallis and keep your parents or refuse and render yourself an orphan? On the bright side if you choose the later, you won't live as an orphan for very long."
"If I go with you, do you promise not to hurt them?!" Renesmee yelled after stepping out of the tent suddenly. Jacob stared at her, his eyes wide and shocked.
"Mrs. Wallis!" Sgt. Lovejoy exalted. "We finally found you. This is fantastic! And you look in good health to boot. You were kidnapped by Indians but at least they didn't beat you up too bad."
"Answer me, Sgt. Lovejoy. If I go with you, do you promise not to hurt them?" They all looked at each other and Lt. Col. Humphrey was the one to answer, though he did not take his gun off Sara nor Lovejoy's off William.
"You have my word as Lieutenant Colonel. You come with us, we won't harm anyone."
"Then take your guns off them," Renesmee said.
"After you come to us, Mrs. Wallis," Lt. Col. Humphrey said. "I'm sure you can appreciate I don't much trust these people."
By this time, Jacob was mostly staring at the ground in shock. Renesmee was getting tears in her eyes as she approached the men. She moved slowly. It was the way she had moved long before when trying to enter Forks. Her feet simply weren't allowing her to move any faster and they closer she got, the slower she moved. When she finally approached them, Sgt. Lovejoy took his gun off William, but only to ensure he did not accidently shoot Mrs. Wallis. After all the work he and his men had gone through to get this woman back, he wasn't about to hurt a single hair on her head. Renesmee looked at Jacob, but he didn't look at her. He just stared at the ground and that hurt more than Renesmee could express. But as Renesmee began to pass him, Jacob suddenly took a firm hold of Renesmee's wrist. Sgt. Lovejoy drew his gun again.
"No!" Renesmee yelled, managing to step in front of Jacob for the most part so Sgt. Lovejoy couldn't hit him.
"We have archers in the trees," Jacob said. Renesmee looked back at Jacob and he was finally looking at her. "With just a snap of my fingers, they'll shoot them down."
"Not without shooting your mother first," Renesmee said. "If that happened, I'd never forgive myself."
"Come now, Mrs. Wallis. Your husband's waiting for you," Lt. Col. Humphrey said. The tears began to gush from Renesmee's eyes as she tried to let go of Jacob's hand.
"I love you," she said one last time before finally taking her hand from Jacob's grip and walking to the men. She never took her eyes off Jacob nor did he take his eyes off hers. The look on his face was a look she may have seen only once before: defeat. She recalled thinking the emotion simply had no business blemishing his features and it was truer now than it had ever been.
"Alright, up you go, Mrs. Wallis," Lt. Col. Humphrey said offering his hand to Renesmee only now putting his gun away so he could bring her onto the horse. Again, the archers weren't sure what to do. Their first thought was to shoot, but if they did they might hit Renesmee. When Renesmee was in Lt. Col. Humphrey's saddle, she started to dry heave just a bit and she shook violently. "It's alright, Mrs. Wallis. We'll get you home to your family soon." Then he looked at Jacob. "Thank you for your cooperation," he said. "As per Mrs. Wallis's request, we shall leave without killing any of you. Alright men," he turned his attention to the men behind him. "Let's move out."
They all rode away and Renesmee attempted to look back at Jacob. He was hard to see with Lt. Col. Humphrey and the others blocking most of her view. She looked back at him all the same, still shaking. The archers couldn't believe what they'd just seen and they didn't even fully understand it. All they understood was Renesmee had been taken away. The archers came out of the trees and went to Jacob asking him what he'd been thinking. William immediately silenced them. If they'd shot, so would they. Jacob wasn't listening to any of them. He was still staring in the distance as if hoping Renesmee would come back. William went to Sara and hugged and kissed her asking if she was alright. The people started coming out of their tents hearing the commotion. Caevia left hers and Embry's tent and went right to them, going straight for Embry.
"What's the matter? What happened?"
"Renesmee left with them," Embry answered mutedly.
"She left with them?! Why?"
"Because they were aiming at Sara and William. I couldn't understand everything but she'd said to Jacob that if she allowed Jacob to have the archers shoot, they'd kill Sara and William. I think she thought she had no choice."
Caevia looked at Jacob and saw how stiff the man looked. Finally, after staring in the distance who knows how long, Jacob turned in the direction Sara and William now were and began moving. Sara noticed her son approach and she silenced William, looking at Jacob. She said his name, but he ignored her and continued on until he was in the woods. Sara followed after him. Jacob kept walking until he was satisfied with his distance. Then, with no other way to vent his rage and sorrow, he punched a tree until it cracked at the base. Then he went to his knees and finally started crying. Sara approached Jacob and put her hands on his shoulder. Neither of them spoke. Sara only sat down beside her son and started brushing her hand over his shoulders back and forth in a comforting motion. A moment later, Jacob held his head down more as he cried and Sara brought Jacob's head to her chest and rubbed his head as she used to when he was a little boy. Sara cried too. Renesmee had made her son happier than she'd ever seen him. Sara remained with Jacob, rubbing his head and letting him mourn the happiness that had been taken from him.