November 23, 1779

The next morning, frost had appeared on the ground. With most of the men still away at war, the older farmers began the grueling task of harvesting the rest of their crops by themselves, while the women worked their absent husbands fields with the help of their children, if they had any. Neighbors offered to help each other in any way they could, whether it be trading goods or providing service.

While Mr. Mortner went out to assist a lady friend with her husband's farm that morning, Lillian and Cassandra went out to look for firewood near the entrance of the Western Woods. They were careful not to venture too far into the forest, but while bending over to pick up a branch, Lillian thought she heard something and looked down the trail that led deeper into the woods, hearing a strange noise coming from somewhere in the distance, like the call of a wild beast.

Cassandra bent down to pick up a branch to add to her collection and looked over at her friend, seeing she was distracted. "Is something wrong, Lily?" She asked.

Lillian turned her head to look at Cassandra and asked in return, "Did you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

"That voice."

Cassandra shook her head. "No, I didn't hear anything."

Lillian looked back at the trail and listened for the strange noise again, but heard nothing. "I could have sworn I heard something", she said to herself, standing straight up.

"Let's take this bundle back to the house", said Cassandra. "I don't want to be out here too long."

It was a quiet walk home as Lillian followed Cassandra back to the Hollow, until they came to the covered bridge right in the middle of town.

Cassandra looked back as they crossed the bridge, muttering to herself, "God, I loathe that cursed forest."

Lillian stopped walking and looked at her. "I beg your pardon?"

Cassandra looked at her friend and said, "The Hessian stalks the woods in the dead of night, you know. Last night, I overheard Mr. Von Trotter say to Reverend Steenwyck that the Hessian speaks to the Devil at midnight, conspiring to lure innocent victims into the forest to lead them to their death, especially young children."

"That's ridiculous", said Lillian. "How could anyone know that the Hessian has any connection with the Devil? Have you ever seen him so much as hurt a child?"

"Well, of course not", said Cassandra. "I don't know anything about the Hessian Horseman, but I could certainly tell you a thing or two about the witch."

"What witch?"

"Miranda Archer."

Lillian looked away and started walking across the bridge again, a pained look on her face. Cassandra followed her.

"I'm sorry, I forgot about her", said Lillian.

"Don't be sorry", Cassandra replied. "It's all for the better, I say."

The two women entered the house and set their collection of branches next to the fireplace. Lillian wiped the dirt from her hands, then looked to Cassandra and asked her, "What harm did Mrs. Archer ever do to you?"

"What harm didn't she do?" Cassandra retorted. "Miranda Archer might have been a respectable woman in this community, but she was still a witch. If there is a Hell, I hope that minion of Satan is burning in it."

"Cassandra Mortner, I'm surprised at you!" Lillian exclaimed. "I know Lord and Lady Archer were no saints, but you have no right to condemn them like that. What happened to your mother was not of their doing."

Cassandra was furious and stepped forward to get close enough to Lillian's face. "Who was it that brewed the tonic that was supposed to cure my mother? Do you not remember?"

"I was a little girl, as were you. I don't remember things the way you remember them."

"That's because you're ignorant. You're too soft-hearted and feeble-minded to look beyond the mask of righteousness you see in everyone to comprehend anything evil in this world."

"Shut up!"

In a fit of anger, Lillian pushed Cassandra with both her hands, shoving the red-headed woman against the wall.

"Nobody has seen hind nor hair of the Archer family for a long time now!" Lillian shouted. "Nobody knows what happened to them and nobody cares. For all we know, they could be dead."

"When I see their dead bodies with my own two eyes, I will believe it myself", Cassandra shouted. "Until then, I shall continue to hold a grudge against those who have wronged me."

Just then, the door swung open and Mr. Mortner entered, holding a bucket in one hand. "What's going on in here? Are you two fighting?"

"We're just talking, Father", Cassandra told him, placing her hands behind her back.

"I hope that's all you're doing", said Mr. Mortner. He set the bucket by the door, then walked over to the table and reached into his pockets and took out some eggs, setting them in a bowl.

"Where did you get those eggs?" Cassandra questioned.

"Mrs. Martin gave them to me", Mr. Mortner answered. "She gave me those potatoes, as well." He pointed over towards the bucket. "She said we could have as many as we like. We should have plenty to eat for the winter."

Cassandra shot daggers at Lillian, who turned around and stormed out of the house, slamming the door on her way out.

Lillian marched over to the covered bridge and began kicking her foot against the wooden beam, grunting in anger with each strike of her foot. When she finished, she threw her arms down and screamed in frustration, then turned around and saw a group of women staring at her. She didn't care what they thought of her or what they had to say, for she had nothing to say to them. Lillian looked to her right and started walking over to the church, seeking a place to clear her head from her thoughts of hatred. She entered the chapel and took refuge among the pews to drop down on her knees and hold her father's crucifix in her hands, bowing her head and praying for forgiveness. She had lost her temper just now and asked God to take the Devil out of her heart and to help her let go of her contempt for Cassandra.

Later that evening, Lillian sat in her room, brushing her hair and looking out the window. When Cassandra came by earlier and told her it was time for dinner, Lillian feigned illness and said she wasn't hungry. She was still angry at her and didn't want to be anywhere near her. Lillian hoped that Simara would come and visit her that night, but it was too cold for the raven to fly out in this weather. She hoped her black-feathered friend was somewhere warm and safe right now, but more importantly, she hoped to sneak out again soon and go visit the Hessian, who she missed terribly.

Lillian was interrupted from her thoughts of loneliness by a sudden knock on the door and looked over towards it. She furrowed her brows and called out, "Go away, Cassandra!"

"It's Albert, Lillian", said a male voice behind the door.

Lillian dropped her anger and said in a friendly tone", Oh. Just a minute, Albert." She set her brush down and went over to unlock the door and open it. Indeed, Albert was standing outside, holding a white cloth in his hands.

"Hello, Albert", Lillian greeted him. "Is everything all right?"

"Yes, I was just wondering if you were all right", said Albert.

"Why wouldn't I be all right?"

"I went over to Mr. Mortner's house to talk to Cassandra and she asked me to check on you and see how you were feeling. She said you were ill."

"I lied...What's that you have there?"

Albert removed the cloth and showed her a small meat pie. "I thought you might be hungry", he said. "Cassandra told me you hadn't eaten, so I baked this for you."

Lillian accepted the meat pie and told him, "Thank you. Would you like to come in and visit for a minute?"

"Oh, I don't want to impose."

"No, please. I insist."

Lillian stepped back and allowed Albert entrance into her room, taking a bite out of the meat-filled pastry. It wasn't as good as the one she made for him, but she was thankful to have some food in her stomach.

Albert looked around the room for a minute, then turned to Lillian and said, "By the way, Mrs. Van Dien told me you were having a fit earlier this afternoon."

Lillian coughed a bit and cleared her airway before speaking. "She saw that?"

"Every women in town saw or heard something of it", said Albert. "You know how women like to gossip. If you'll pardon me saying so."

Lillian approached him and asked, "Albert, do you think I'm ignorant?"

"What makes you say that?" Albert questioned.

"Cassandra told me I was too soft and weak-minded. She started talking about the Hessian Horseman and went on about things she didn't know about. Then, she started talking about Mrs. Archer and how she accused her of killing her mother. No matter what I say, she tends to disagree with me."

"Did Mrs. Archer kill her mother?"

"I don't know. I know she used to practice charms and spells and use strange methods to cure people of sickness, but she certainly wasn't a good person. Maybe Mrs. Archer was a witch, but whether or not she was one, Cassandra only wants to believe the evil in everyone. I try to get her to see the good in people, but to no avail. She's stubborn as a mule. Always has been. I swear, she makes me so mad sometimes, I just..."

"What?" Albert asked.

"It doesn't matter. Whatever I'm thinking is against the law", said Lillian, taking another bite out of her meat pie, almost forgetting she had it.

"Lillian?"

"What?"

Albert cleared his throat and pointed to a corner of his mouth, implying she had something on her face. Lillian caught on immediately and wiped away a trickle of meat juice that was on her chin, blushing in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry", Lillian apologized.

"That's all right", said Albert. "I'd rather see a woman with a healthy appetite than a woman without one. There are worse habits to have."

"You mean, like guessing how far a person can spit? You used to do that with John and Timothy all the time."

"You remember that?"

"Of course. I used to watch you boys have spitting contests when I was a little girl. You three used to do all kinds of things that disgusted me."

"And yet, you remained friends with us."

"Who else was I supposed to play with, frogs and worms?"

Albert and Lillian shared a laugh, then looked each other in the eye and stared at one another. Lillian's smile slowly faded and she felt herself getting lost looking into his shining blue orbs. Unlike the visions she had, the feelings she felt for the man in front of her gave her a much more pleasant experience, one without pain or suffering. Her childhood friend felt the same, as Albert felt himself drowning in a sparkling sea of dazzling blue eyes.

"What is it?" Lillian asked him.

"Nothing. I just never realized how beautiful you looked until now", Albert answered. "I must have been blind not to see it before, but as I look at you now, I realize you were always beautiful, Lillian."

"What about Cassandra? You don't think she's beautiful?"

"To me, she is more than beautiful. Every time I see Cassandra, I want to run to her and tell her how much I love her, but every time I try to get near her, she tends to avoid me. Have I done something to offend her?"

"I don't think so. Did you scorn her in the past?"

"No. Lillian, you know I would never do anything to hurt Cassandra. You're her best friend. You know her better than I do. Tell me what you know about her."

"All I know is that ever since her mother died, Cassandra's been cautious of almost every man who comes into town. Her father thinks she should find a husband and settle down, but she's against it."

"What do you mean?"

"Cassandra doesn't think much to the idea of her being a housewife. It's my belief that she would rather be a man than be bound to serve one and bear his children. If her father found out, he'd be furious."

Albert furrowed his brows and replied, "It's rather unusual to hear a woman not wanting to be married."

"Yes, I know", said Lillian agreed.

"What are your thoughts on the subject?"

"Mr. Mortner keeps hinting for both of us to find a husband, but I don't think I'll ever be able to find one good enough for me, let alone one I could trust. If I did find a man who loved me for who I am and wanted to marry me, I would want him to be as kind, generous and devoted as my father was to my mother."

"I never did know your father", said Albert. "What was he like?"

"I don't know. I barely knew him", Lillian explained. "He died a year after I was born. I remember his face and what he looked like, but other than that, I have no memory of him. All I have are the stories my mother told me about him." Lillian set aside her half-eaten pie and touched the cross hanging around her neck. "She gave me this to remember him by", Lillian continued, allowing Albert to hold the silver ornament in his hand. "He passed it down onto her, and when she went to join him in Heaven, she gave it to me to remember them both."

Albert looked at her and said, "I'm sure your parents are very proud of you, Lillian."

Lillian shifted her gaze up to look at him. "Proud of what?"

"Of how strong you've become. How you've grown up and matured into a smart, independent young woman. Any man would be lucky to have you for his wife."

Lillian smiled softly and said to him, "My father would have loved you."

Albert turned his head to look out the window, then looked at Lillian again and said, "It's getting late. I should be going."

"Must you leave?" Lillian asked, taking hold of his hand.

"Yes, I must. Mrs. Van Dien is expecting me back soon."

"Very well. I'll walk down with you."

Lillian went to open the door and allowed Albert to exit her room, then followed him down the stairs. When they reached the bottom, Albert turned to her and said, "Oh, before I forget, I have something else for you-"

Albert reached into the inside of his coat and pulled out a small bouquet of white arrowwood flowers, offering it to her. "I was going to give these to Cassandra, but I think you might appreciate them more."

Lillian accepted the bouquet and stroked the snowy white heads of the last of the summer flowers. She looked at Albert with a kind smile and said to him, "Thank you."

Little did either one of them know was that Cassandra was spying on Albert and Lillian, peeking from behind the corner of the tavern and looking upon this affectionate display with disgust at the man giving her best friend a token of what was obviously love. Although he seemed genuine, Cassandra still didn't trust Albert and thought he might do something to hurt Lillian. She deserved to be with someone who knew her all her life. Someone who took care of her when she was sick. Someone who grew up with her and loved her for more than just a sister or a friend.