Making it back to Black Swamp Brandon dismounted his horse and helped me off after him. He led me over to a small area that had a desk and some chairs. Ben had just sat down as we approached. "I'm glad to finally meet you Miss McKenzie. Charlie has told us all about his charming Fiancée." He poured us all a glass of wine. I took a sip. It was familiar. One I had drunk on many occasions back at the fort. "You must have been through a lot since that monster stole you away." I looked down at my glass swirling the liquid around. Doubt began to creep into my mind. What if he didn't get my message? What if William thought that I left him? A million other what if's ran through my mind. When will I see him again?
"Yes, it was." I lied. "My only reprieve was when he sent me to the stables to look after his horse. Charlie probably told you how much I love horses." As if on cue Hercules broke free from where he was tied up and began kicking wildly at anyone who came near him. "May I? Whenever he was riled up before I was always able to calm him" Both men nodded and they continued their discussion as I rose and made my way over to Hercules. "Shh boy it's alright." I placed my hand out in front of me and he lowered his front hooves to the ground. The men around the camp all stared at me in awe. He placed his nose on my hand and neighed. I began petting his nose. "It's me. I'm here." I waited a few moments making sure that he was calm before returning Charlie and Ben. "I spent a lot of time with this horse. I dare to say that he likes me more than Tavington." Ben laughed at that. As we finished drinking I sat there telling them what they believed to be what I learned from being at the fort for the extended period of time that I was. One of the men came over and whispered into Ben's ear. He jumped up Grabbing his weapons.
"Charlie, stay here and spend time with your lady." He rushed away from us, gathering all but 4 other men. William must have figured out a distraction. I looked worried.
"What is happening?" I stood and looked at Charlie pretending to be scared. He came over to me wrapping his arms around me.
"Tavington, most likely. He has been attacking the families of the militia. You studied him extensively back at home. You know exactly what horrors he is capable of." We made our way over to where the four men who were staying behind were playing cards. I looked at each one assessing them. They could probably care less about what happened to me. When none of them were looking I poured my drink out on the ground a little at a time. I would need to be able to think clearly. About an hour passed playing cards and laughing with them as they drank. After a while Brandon stood up. "Excuse us gentlemen." He reached a hand out and took my hand leading me away. I looked up at the sky through a clearing in the trees.
"It's amazing isn't it? How much the world has changed in 200 years." Brandon looked up as well. I was hoping that he wouldn't try to do anything. Although that chance was slim. I stayed alert.
"Yes, I suppose it is. Life seems simpler here at this time." He turned toward me. "I'm so glad that I was able to bring you back to me, Ana. I could not stand another minute without you." He cupped my cheek and leaned in to kiss me. "Did you miss me, my sweet Ana?"
"Of course I did. Every day I longed to be back in your arms." His hand moved from my cheek and into my hair.
"LIES! You like to play games." He pulled my hair roughly. "You let that bastard touch you." He pulled me along further away from the others by my hair. "You forget that you belong to me." He threw me to the ground. "You enjoyed it. Don't deny it, I heard every single ravishing sound of pleasure come out of your mouth. And that game you played at dinner." He picked up a stick and wacked me over back with it. I moved to block it only making him angrier. "You know that you are supposed to accept your punishment Ana." With a loud crack the stick broke over my back as he hit me again. Hoping he didn't notice that i was attempting to protect my stomach. This was a bad idea. I should have never….. He pulled me up by my hair again and punched me in the face. Before pushing me up against a tree and ripping through the fabric of my skirts. I began to cry as flashbacks flew through my head.
"WAIT STOP!" I sobbed. "Brandon please." I begged. I was frozen still against the tree as his fingers made their way into my pussy. And began pumping in and out.
"You will not enjoy this. This will not be over quickly. I'm not him." against my will he continued his attention and against my will my body began to respond to him as i felt the familiar wetness between my legs. He pulled his head back and smiled "Or perhaps you just might. There's a good Ana." He pulled out his cock and moved to put it inside me.
"Wait!" He froze and glared at me. "Take me to your tent." I began unlacing the front of my dress. The glare melted into a pleased look. "I want you Brandon to fuck me." He let out a laugh.
"Of corse I will fuck you Ana. Over and over and over. Until you forget him and all you do is beg for my cock inside of you." We made it to his tent and he laid me down on his cot, my dress almost open in front of him.
"Can I show you something I learned, Brandon?" I said as I began to lower myself in front of him. He smiled as I gripped his cock in my hand stroking it as I got on my knees and opened my mouth. This was entirely too risky. Forgive me William. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back. I slid my other hand into my pocket.
"Ana." he moaned as he gripped my head pulling me closer . I pulled the knife out and he fell to the against the tree his tent was made against as i stabbed the knife into his stomach
"This will not be over quickly." I twisted the knife and pulled downward as I got off of him. "You will not enjoy this." Pulling the knife out I grabbed his balls with my hand and cut them off. "I am not your Ana." I slashed his throat. I emerged from the tent covered in blood, my dress still open. I began to lace it back up when I felt a pair of eyes on me.
"OI! SHE KILLED CHARLIE! That ungrateful whore" He charged at me. I believe his name was Rollins. I pulled out my pistol and shot him and as he fell the other three came around the corner.
"Oh this will be fun. He did say we could fuck her if anything happend to him." Said one of them to the rest of them. They smiled and laughed at each other. "Take her all at once. SHow her what her real place is." One of the dogs ran up biting one on the leg as I ducked behind the old stone wall grabbing a shotgun that had been leading against the wall. Coming out on the other side of the wall I shot the same man the dog bit right in the head. I dropped the shotgun as the other two came closer as there was only one shot in there. Not sure who left a loaded gun laying around but that was good news for me.
They cornered me. " You wont get out of this." One said as he charged me. I stepped out of the way and plunged my knife into his back as he tripped over my foot." The last one froze and stared at me.
"Who are you?" He stared dumbfounded at me. Probably hardly believing a woman could do this.
"Anastasia Tavington at your service." I curtsied. Grinning wildly.
"His sister?" His face took on the dumbest look I have ever seen. I began laughing wildly.
"Oh no. I'm the Butcher's wife." I looked him up and down. "So, you have two choices. Stay here and die or… run away like the undoubtedly coward you are and live." He aimed his gun at me and pulled the trigger. I smirked "Misfire. Wrong choice." He turned his back and began to run. I threw my knife and it landed in his skull.
I sat down at Martin's desk taking a glass of wine as I wrote out the truth about Brandon. I didn't know how much time I had this quickly. Gathering what I could of Mary's and Cornwallis's things I loaded it on hercules, mounted him and called the dogs and rode off.
Tavington's POV
Arriving at the plantation we dismounted our horses. While four men searched the perimeter Myself, Borden, Wilkins and two others entered the house. Wilkins headed upstairs with the two men as Borden continued straight down the hallway. To the left of me I had seen a shadow move through the window that looked into the dinning room. I stood in front of the mantel opposite of the door in thought becoming Infuriated the more I continued about Stasi.
There was much she was putting at risk that day, including the life of our child. A million different things could go wrong that could get either my men, myself or her hurt or killed. I thought that she was smarter than this. She was being entirely reckless. The threat that Brandon posed to her was very real. I knew very well that if things went wrong I would never see my wife again or ever see my hier. I hear something bang against the table, pulling out my pistol, cocked it. A moment later Wilkins appeared in the doorway
"There's no one in the house sir." I took a few steps toward him, my pistol resting at my side.
"They can't be far. search the out buildings and the woods. Quickly."
"Yes Sir." He walked off as I brought my pistol up again, taking a few steps back toward the table. I squatted down as Borden appeared in the doorway. Quickly I pulled the table cloth up to find a little blonde girl hiding with her doll. She crawled out toward me and stood looking at me clutching her doll to her. She couldn't have been more than five years old. I looked over at Borden who was looking at the child curiously.
"I hate him." Said the child. I turned back to the child, my brow lifted questioningly.
"Who?" She came closer to me and let her doll drag on the floor instead of clutching it to her.
"Papa. I hate him and I hope I never see him again."
"Ah I see." I glance over at Borden then back at the girl. "Would you like to come live in a castle little one. Far away from here." She smiled and nodded excitedly. I stood up and she grabbed my hand as we began to walk out of the house.
"Will there be princesses in pretty dresses?" I laughed
"Of course there will be!" I Turned to Wilkins who was standing on the porch. "Watch her." He nodded in response and knelt down to talk with her as I walked over to speak with the other men. In the distance a gun sounded and as I turned to look I saw an outline of a man on a horse shooting off his gun again.
"TOO HORSE!" I shouted. I turned to Wilkins and the girl. She looked frightened and darted toward me and wrapped her arms around me. "Borden." I handed the girl to Borden who had mounted his horse. We gave chase, Borden staying out of sight with the girl.
Once again the militia escaped and we headed back to the fort. Borden rode up next to me and the girl had fallen asleep. Making it back to the fort We dismounted and I took the girl from Borden. Cornwallis, O'hara and Lady Mary were standing on the steps as they had on several returns. I Handed the horse I had been using to a stable boy and as I did I noticed a familiar horse being led into the stables, unable to see who was leading Hercules. Cornwallis's dogs were running around the yard. She's back. Searching for her my eyes darted everywhere.
"I need to make sure he is okay." I heard her voice from the stables followed by one of the hands yelling at her.
"WHY DON'T YOU JUST GO CROCHET SOMETHING AND LET US DO OUR JOBS." Lady Mary approached me.
"The child should not see Stati's condition if she were to wake Colonel." I turned and looked at Mary who was looking very concerned. Handing her the sleeping child. "My father will want to talk to you about this." She looked down at the child and turned to walk into the house.
"Mary?... how bad is it?" She looked over her shoulder and paused
"Bad enough." She continued on her way.
"TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF HIM THIS INSTANT." I heard her yell back. "HE IS MY HORSE." I began to approach the stables. The man laughed at her. Hercules neighed and rose up on his hind legs.
"Your horse? Ha This horse was stolen from Colonel Tavington. And I will have you arrested for stealing it." The man must not recognize her. But why? When she was in the stables daily for months? Turning the corner I caught my first glimpse of her. She was covered head to toe in blood and her dress was ripped. The left side of her face was swollen. The man turned to look at me. "Colonel, this harlot claims this to be her horse. I know for a fact it is your horse." I walked closer
"HARLOT? HOW DARE YOU!" She moved to attack him. I lunged forward and grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward me.
"Get inside and get cleaned up." I growled in her ear. I let go of her and pushed her toward the door. She hesitated, looking back at me she opened her mouth to Argue. "NOW ANASTASIA!" I Yelled at her. She crossed her arms. "Do you intend to test my patience further?" I said in a tone that had made many here in the colonies nervous and left no room for argument. She turned and walked out of the stables.
"Sir, I apologize. If i had known she was Lady tavington i would have let her look at the horse. I didn't recognize her with all the….." I put a hand up which shut him up.
"I'll deal with you later." He swallowed nervously. And I turned to leave, making my way back to the house. As I reached the bottom of the stairs I was stopped by O'hara.
"A child Tavington. You went out to save your wife who in fact showed up by herself on your horse and with the Lord Generals dogs. She was covered in blood and you brought back a child." I narrowed my eyes on him. "Curious."
"Did you actually need something General?" I asked irritatedly eyes focused on the top of the stairs.
"Lord General Cornwallis would like to see you." He said smugly. I grimace of course he does. I turned and followed O'hara into Cornwalis's office. Sitting in the corner on a rocking chair was Mary with a very awake little blonde girl. She jumped up and ran over to me.
"You're Here! Guess what?" She didn't wait for me to respond. "I found a princess." She smiled up at me wide eyed. Cornwallis cleared his throat.
"Mary please take her, make sure she is settled in for the night." Mary got up from the chair at her fathers words. The girl looked around. Then back at me and pouted. I squatted down to her level.
"Little girls should be asleep in their beds." She looked up at Mary and then back at me.
"Come Sweety." Mary held out her hand and the girl took it. They left the room, Mary Closing the door behind her.
"A CHILD Colonel" Cornwallis berated. "Did you really think that this was an appropriate place for a child? Let alone kidnapping her from her family. You will return her in the morning." His brows were furrowed together angrily. O'hara had the same smug expression that he always had on.
"Sir, I…." He held up his hand to silence me. "With all due respect Lord General. In today's commotion I found this child alone in a plantation. And whether or not this place is appropriate for a child there may be another one arriving…soon." Hopefully she was still with child and handt caused herself a miscarriage.
"This is not an Orphanage Colonel." O'hara lectured as he stepped forward. Cornwallis sighed aggravatedly.
"When shall we expect this other child to arrive?" Cornwallis asked belatedly.
"8 more months. If all is well." I was furious. We very well may not be expecting anymore. They both stood there speechless. Cornwallis stepped forward as a smile spread across his face.
"Lady Tavington is with Child?" He beamed. I nodded in response. Clapping me on the back with his hand. "We shall have a ball in honor of this joyous time! Mary will plan everything." His expression became serious. "As for the other child…. She will be the responsibility of you and your wife. Might give you some practice before the babe is welcomed." He dropped his hand. "You may go" I turned and began to walk off. "Oh and Colonel…." I turned to look over my shoulder. "Congratulations." I left and headed up the stairs running into Mary.
"She's asleep in the room next to yours." I nodded. Today was exhausting. I opened the door just as Stasi was climbing into the bath. Anger resurfaced bubbling over. Margerst the house slave was filling a basket with her blodied clothes.
"Leave us." She quickly finished grabbing everything and hurried out of the room. I slammed the door behind her. Anastasia looked up at me and I glared at her as I took off my jacket and walked by to hang it up in the closet. I slammed that door shut as well.
"William?"
" I thought I had said that we would figure this out together." I Fumed and pulled off my shirt . "You were reckless." She picked up the wash cloth.
"I'm safe, aren't I? How did you manage to get Martin to leave with the majority of his men?" She began to wash her face, revealing her white porcelain skin beneath and the bruise on her face.
"That should not matter at the moment." I barked and she just stared at me in response. "I went after his children. One of which is here. Cornwalis has made her our responsibility." I turned away from her and undid my hair.
"WILLIAM, THEY ARE CHILDREN." She exclaimed angrily. I spun around on my heel, my hair falling around my shoulders.
"YOU ASKED FOR A DISTRACTION DID YOU NOT? AND WHAT OF OUR CHILD? MY CHILD THAT GROWS INSIDE OF YOU?." I took three steps toward the tub and grabbed her by the arm pulling her out. "You didn't even have the decency to tell me Anastasia." I hissed. She narrowed her eyes at me and jerked her arm away and sat back down in the water to finish cleaning.
"I had a surprise planned to tell you. I was going to do it once Mary and I returned from Chalrseton."
"That is beside the point. You didn't only put yourself at risk, You put Mary and my men." I looked at her eyes cold as ice. "Our child." She looked away from me. "You are still with child? You didn't lose it through your recklessness did you?" Her head snapped up.
"Yes,The child still grows inside me." She rinsed her hair then stood once more grabbing the towel from the chair next to the tub. Drying off she began to put on her nightgown. "How can you even say that?" Her expression was one of hurt.
"You let him harm you. What else did you let him do, I wonder?"I sneered. My eyes roamed over her body.
"The fuck did you just say to me William?" She came to stand in front of me.
"I think you heard me very clearly, Anastasia." I looked down at her expression hard. Her hand came flying through the air and I caught it before it could make contact with my cheek. I spun her around and pinned her to the wall. " There must be a reason other than my training that you are not hurt more." She struggled against me. "What happened?"
"We were talking and I told him that I did what I had to do so I could survive. He called me out and said I was lying. Which I was. He was very angry he hit me and attempted to rape me again but I asked him to take me to his tent to so he could fuck me." I narrowed my eyes. "I was Lying to him, William. Told him I wanted to show him something you taught me and I knelt in front of him and cut off his dick first then slashed his throat. After I left the tent I had to fight four were very drunk. Trust me I would never let him touch me willingly. I've fallen for you William and only want to be here…. With you."
"You put yourself willingly in a situation where you knew what he would do to you." I slammed her shoulders against the wall and she winced as the marks on her back made contact with the wall. "Why?" I hissed.
"I did this for us. Why can't you see that? Us and our baby." She had tears in her eyes. "Please just stop. We only have a short time left together." My expression softened and I let go of her as I cupped her cheek and lowered my lips to hers. I pulled away looking deep into her eyes.
"We could be together longer if you tell me where you were taken to. It was obviously the rebel camp. I might be able to see this child of ours if you do." She looked down as a tear slid down her cheek. She gently pushed me away.
"I want to be selfish. I want you to see this child grow up. But I can not tell you where they are." I quickly grabbed my shirt and put it back on. "Where are you going?"
"To camp. You hold so much information that you chose to withhold. It's almost like you are one of those damn colonials." I grabbed a few more items and violently opened the door and slammed it behind me. I started down the hall when the door opened.
"William…" She came running after me. "There may be a way for me to tell you without messing up the timeline." I narrowed my eyes at her,
"The damn timeline is what you are worried about. Or is it who wins the war? That time line of yours did not seem to matter on a number of occasions." Borden and Wilkins came to the top of the stairs and looked between us. And averted their gaze as Stasi was only in just her nightgown.
"Colonel, We have word that someone in Pembrook is providing Martin and his men with supplies." I turned my head and looked at Stasi. She was wide eyed and almost fearful.
"Ah." The corner of my lip pulled into a smirk and I turned toward my captains. "Have the unit ready at first light." I turned back toward my wife "You will be coming with us. I suggest you get what sleep you can." I headed off to camp.