KingTony

"When your past catches up to you."

The farmstead looked just as William would have expected in late spring. But there was no sign of either Edward or Keziah. An unfamiliar pre-teen boy was working in the barn. Did that mean the Blacks were no longer here, that they were no longer the property owners? Where was Keziah? Where was his wife?

Then the boy went running off to beyond an outbuilding, hollering Missus Kutcher William had teasingly called Keziah that name while they'd been in bed on their wedding night almost seven months earlier, as well as just prior to leaving and promising that he'd soon be home.

"William!"

William drew a deep breath of relief at the sight of Keziah and the sound of his name coming from her mouth. They closed on one another, him limping and her ... waddling? The evidence of William's earlier handy work only became more obvious as Keziah neared. She gave him a frown as she reached him, pointing out the obvious, "You're hurt."

"And you're fat!" he said, laughing as he took her into his arms. "My god, Keziah. We're ... we're gonna have a baby."

He had so much more to say to her, but he couldn't get the words out. All he could do was clutch her to him. After how long he again couldn't be certain, William caught sight of the slowly approaching boy. He smiled, then waved the lad forward. He looked to Keziah's belly again, smiling broadly before -- unsure whether it was proper -- he asked if he could touch her. When the boy arrived, William took Rose Anne into his arms without hesitation, no longer fearful of holding the child who now seemed far less breakable. He was surprised when the child that he hadn't seen in almost seven months smile wide, then laughed and reached out to grasp at his nose just as if no time had passed.

"She's so big," he said, before looking to Keziah's belly again. "And so are you. If my math is right..."

William was going to do the math, but honestly he didn't know whether he'd knocked up the Widow Wilkinson the first time they'd made love or Missus Kutcher the second -- and last -- time he'd been with her. So, one way or the other, Keziah still had several weeks before they had to look for a second Midwife ... or William should be rushing off to Lexington to find one now!

When they reached the more beaten down area between the home, barn, and outbuildings, William looked around and asked with just a touch of concern, "Where is Edward? Where is your father?"

Keziah told him about her father's passing, and William took her into his arms again. Edward's passing was a great loss for Keziah, of course, but he would be greatly missed by others, too, including William. Edward had been the only male -- short of the Sergeant and the Colonel -- with whom William had made a connection in this century. Six months with the Second Regiment had seen him buddy up to a few men, but none had become friends. And now, with him labeled a traitor to the Rebel Cause, those Militiamen would just as soon hang him from his neck as sit down for a flagon of ale and war stories.

"When your past catches up to you."

Quebec City
3 January 1776:

William stood in the shadows of an alley across from the Hôtel Dieu, watching soldiers and officers of the Continental Army go in and out of the makeshift hospital. The facility's most famous patient -- General Benedict Arnold -- was inside with a shattered leg, and William was going to ensure that when the man left, he would do so on a stretcher with a sheet over his face.

After the fall of Boston in June, the Continental Congress had made the decision to invade Canada, then called the Province of Quebec. Quebec at the time had extended much farther south, including all 5 of the Great Lakes and all the land surrounding them. The Congress's hope had been that the French-speaking citizens in Quebec would join the English-speaking rebels in rising up against the British Crown.

Historically, Arnold had arrived at Quebec City with barely more than 600 exhausted, demoralized, starving troops. A couple of weeks later, General Richard Montgomery would arrive from the east with an equivalent force, and together they would conduct an unsuccessful attack that would result in Montgomery's death and Arnold's injury. The Fort would hold, and the Rebels would withdraw. But, as would come to be known, the Americans would ultimately win the war and all would be well.

Of course, that was before Washington's death. And William knew that the changes in history for which he was responsible had led to Washington's death and, likely, a British victory. He couldn't let that happen. Despite not knowing what the precise, exact effect would be, William was determined to help the Rebels beat the British and, thus, save the Rebel Cause.

With his conscription into the Massachusetts Second Regiment as a Lieutenant, William found himself becoming an advisor directly to Colonel Harding. After secretly using his knowledge of the future to lead the Second to a handful of surprise victories, William found himself the subject of Arnold's attention. And soon afterward, he became an advisor to the future traitor. William had been tempted to kill Arnold the first time they'd been alone together, but William knew that at this point in time, Arnold was an affective and loyal rebel officer. So, instead, William advised the General about the hazards he and his Army would face on their long arduous march north through Maine to Quebec City.

The result was that Arnold arrived on the banks of the St. Lawrence not with 600 men but almost 3,000. Rather than being outnumbered 2-1 by the British -- who, of course, were behind the walls of a fort -- Arnold's army outnumbered the Redcoats 2-1. The fort and the city itself were besieged, and after weeks of civilians fleeing the starvation and disease spreading across Quebec City, the force surrendered without a shot fired.

Historically, Arnold was seriously injured in the battle that now hadn't occurred. Despite avoiding the fight, the General had instead fallen from his horse to crush his leg. Which put him inside the walls of the hotel.

William waited until sundown, then approached the hotel in bloodied clothing. He told the guards at the door that he'd been hurt in a building collapse, which got him inside the hotel. After idling milling about for an hour or so, inconspicuously spying the security and movement of armed guards, he found a way to get to the hallway outside Arnold's room without drawing attention. He found a seat and pretended he needed rest, then when the guard on Arnold's door wasn't watching, William slipped inside.

"You don't look like a man whose name will become synonymous with betrayal," William said when the sleeping Arnold detected his presence and opened his eyes. William pulled a bayonet from his sleeve and corrected, "Would have become synonymous."

It took the General a moment to realize that something was horribly wrong. He tried to call out, but William clamped a palm over the man's mouth ... and stuck the long blade into his throat. Blood spewed all over: onto the bed, floor, and walls; onto the quickly dying man; onto the actor-turned-assassin. When Arnold's thrashing slowed, then stopped, William backed away. He looked at Arnold's lifeless body, then at his own blood covered body. He felt sick and wanted to puke, but sound in the hallway told him he needed to get the fuck out. He shed his jacket and rushed out a connecting door, slowing to a less conspicuous speed as he emerged into the hallway. Before William had reached the first floor, the alarm was out.

He rushed for the exit and was almost out when an officer -- ignorant of William's approach -- stepped into the doorway, causing the two to slam into one another. As William gathered himself, he looked to the other party: it was Colonel Harding, and he was being accompanied by the Second Regiment Sergeant ... both of whom knew William all too well ... as well as where he lived.

......................

9 May 1776:

For months, William had been on the run, hunted not only by British troops who had become aware of his contributions to the Rebel Cause; but by Continental Army who wanted him for the assassination of one of their greatest heroes. William had been desperate to get back to Lexington before the rebel hunters, but he'd had to radically change course three times and had spent two weeks hiding in a barn recovering from injuries sustained after being attacked by a pack of wolves of all things.

Now, finally -- after having left the road for fear of discovery and trudged through the forest for almost three miles -- William emerged at the edge of Edward and Keziah's farmstead...

The First War

Paul rose at the sight of Sophia entering, giving her a happy smile as she approached and a polite bow as she arrived at his table. "Good morning, m'lady."

He knew she was not Nobility and -- in the eyes of the true Nobility -- was not worthy of the moniker, but Paul had never been that kind of Nobleman. He respected all women of all classes -- which had been part of his guilt for having so improperly felt up Sophia the night before -- so he would show her the utmost respect ... until and unless she ever showed she was unworthy of it.

They exchanged their pleasantries, and -- after giving the child a copper -- Paul asked the Innkeeper's youngest daughter to run his clothing up to his room. But he didn't offer Sophia a seat at his table, instead offering her an elbow as he said, "I have a surprise for you ... an attempt, albeit not nearly enough, to make up for my transgression of last evening."

Less than a minute later, after a short walk toward the edge of town, they arrived in a grassy spot under a huge tree at which yet another of the Innkeeper's daughters had arranged a big blanket and an extravagant breakfast spread ... well, extravagant for a small town tavern's kitchen. Paul gestured Sophia to one of the large, soft pillows laying on the blanket and asked, "Is this a good start toward getting me back into your good graces?"

He was thinking, of course, Is this a good start toward getting me between your thighs, but he couldn't ask that ... yet.

..................

Back at the Black Raven, Olivia's arrival caused an instant brou ha ha. A quartet of the Count's men had heard rumors of the Lady's presence here the night before, and -- with the understanding that Paul Cranston was staying here and with Lars Barker's instructions -- they'd staked out tables flanking the doors to wait for her possible return.

Of course, Paul had known trouble was coming, so he'd stationed his own men about the tavern's interior and inconspicuously around the structure's exterior. Winston himself had been sitting at a table near the fireplace, eye balling the Count's men with a conspicuous, hateful glare such that most of them couldn't stand to look his way.

Olivia's entrance, with her handmaiden in tow, was the spark that lit the fire. One of the Count's men stood quickly upon seeing the girl and bowed politely -- his eyes cautiously on her -- as he declared, "M'lady, your father has requested that you come back to the castle immediately ... for your own safety."

As Olivia and the man interacted, Winston's men jumped into action: they all rose and closed slowly on the four men from the Castle; and Winston's thumping of a big, strong fist upon inside of the tavern's wall alerted the men outside the tavern that the fun was about to begin. Unfortunately, the fun outside the Inn had already begun, when Crone and six additional Castle Guardsmen came into view on their trotting horses. Winston caught sight of the reinforcements out a window...

The First War

The Black Raven:

Learning that Paul was in his room alone, Winston made his way up to report what he'd learned, but not before making the obligatory remark about Paul not being able to find a curvy body to warm his bed despite his noble status.

"I had a woman here," Paul said, smiling. "But she was more interested in my clothes that what had been inside them."

"At least she didn't try to carve up what was inside them," Winston responded, going on to remind his Lord that care was more necessary than ever before now that they'd reached Westrock and were so close to returning Paul to power. They discussed an expedition to the Blythe Priory, knowing that there would be great benefit in finding and -- if necessary -- rescuing his mother, Duchess Eddithia. "She is certain to have information no one else has."

They finished their discussion, and as Winston turned to depart he casually told his lord, "I'll send up a couple of bodies to keep you warm tonight."

"No," Paul said just as casually. When he caught his knight looking to him with a questioning expression, Paul smiled, then chuckled. "One night without isn't going to kill me. I'll be fine alone. Thank you, my friend."

Winston gave a slight bow, to remind Paul that while the pair had been friends and cohorts most of the younger man's life, Winston still knew that he served -- faithfully! -- as an underling to the Duke.

"Good evening, then, m'lord," Winston said as he opened the door to depart. He hesitated in the hallway for a moment before turning back to begin asking, "Since you aren't--"

But Paul had known what was coming long before his friend began speaking. He'd pulled a large coin from his pocket and at the bigger man's turning, tossed it his way. "Yes ... since I'm not going to have them warm my bed..."

Winston caught the coin, checked it, and smiled: it would pay for three of the tavern wenches, presuming there were enough left after the other Guardsmen had claimed their own. He laughed, exchanged one last respectful look with his lord, and departed ... already beginning to harden down below his belt at the prospect of warm, soft, energetic company...

...........

Paul was up at sunrise, awoken by the last of three Guardsmen who had watched the second floor balcony -- and specifically the Duke's door -- from a table at the end of the landing while on duty through the night. He cleaned his body somewhat from a bucket of hot water, donned his cleanest set of cloths, and headed downstairs in the hopes that he had a breakfast date with a beautiful young lady.

The First War

In Paul's Room
Black Raven Inn:

"I will take my leave to have your garments cleaned, my Lord," Sophia said, looking but not really looking at Paul's now bared upper half. He wondered whether she was shy, modest, or coy. Either was of as much interest to him as the other, though he would have bet money on the latest. "Do you require anything else from me?"

"Require...?" Paul asked. He let his gaze fall to her bosom, then even lower before for just an instant -- to ensure that she'd noticed the ogle -- before finishing his response, "No. Not require."

He left Sophia's interpretation of his answer to her, as he half turned away from her, flipping open a reinforced leather case in which here his extra clothes. One of the Inn's boys had struggled earlier in the day to dislodge the box from the back of Paul's second horse before carrying it up to the room. Paul had offered to help the lad, who had insisted he do it himself. By the time the task was complete, the pre-teen was gasping, sweating, and -- with a smile -- clutching happily at the copper coin the Noble had tossed through the air to him.

"Breakfast," Paul said, seemingly out of no where. He turned to look at the woman, smiled again, and clarified, "Our walk. Perhaps you would join me for breakfast first."

"When your past catches up to you."

"William..."

He had been on the verge of consciousness, the movement of someone in bed next to him unusual. Her speaking of his name revived William enough to hear her next words clearly.

"It's morning."

William's lips widened into a pleased smile. Last night had been unbelievable. He'd gotten married. William, the perpetual bachelor, was now a husband. And his wife had shown him one of the many wonderful aspects of being wed in the 18th century once they'd gotten themselves out of their clothes and between the layers of bedding.

With his eyes still closed, William pulled Keziah tight to him, kissing her forehead. Their second time together had been different than the first: Keziah had seemed more relaxed and less tentative, perhaps because she wasn't sinning this time around; and -- though he certainly didn't perform like he may have with a coed he picked up from some university sports bar -- William put a little more creative effort into ensuring that Keziah remembered this night for more than just the fact that it was sex between her and her new busband.

"I love you, Keziah Kutcher," William whispered, smiling even wider in the low illumination of the turned down lantern across the room. He rolled to lay on his side, opened his eyes and let them adjust, and looked over her beautiful face ... then her mussed hair before chuckling and whispering, "It's gonna be tomorrow by the time you get that brushed out. Are you gonna wake up every morning looking as though you spent the night rough housing in bed?"

He let her respond, then kissed her softly, then again more intimately. He let a hand begin to caress its way down her womanly curves, whispering, "Make love to me again ... wife ... before I leave..."

..........

Edward was standing with the Sergeant and a pair of Militiamen clear down at the end of the corral fence, giving the couple space to make their good byes. In his new Continental Army Lieutenant's uniform, William felt dashing. Without any weapons, though, he also felt a bit vulnerable and helpless. He was sure he would be provided a sword and pistol soon. He just hoped it would be before coming across a Redcoat patrol.

William pulled Keziah to him, kissing her deeply before whispering, "I will be back ... soon."

After she's spoken her piece, William looked over his uniform again, then looked to the three men and their multiple weapons: pistols, muskets, bayonets, swords, and knives hung all about their bodies. He was suddenly reminded -- as he had remembered often over the past months -- that this was no longer a reenactment. This was the real thing. This was the Revolutionary War. And when people fell to the barrage of rifles and cannons, tbey didn't wait for the Announcer's recap to the crowd, then stand, bow, and head away with the enemy for a Starbucks or a Budweiser.

"We could run," William said, almost before he realized he'd said it. Already having begun, he clarified, "You, me, Rose Anne ... even your father. We could go east ... away from the fighting ... to Ohio ... Iowa ... even Colorado."

Of course, he knew they couldn't. Even if Keziah didn't think it cowardly or unpatriotic or simply implausible, those areas weren't yet safe for people like them. Oh, sure, Ohio would be okay: there were plenty of British settlements there, some even loyal to the Rebel Cause. But Iowa was still Injun country, and hell Keziah probably hadn't even heard of Colorado yet, which even the Spanish had only barely explored despite having claimed it for generations by this point in history. No, William might not want to leave Keziah ... but he was...

The First War

Outside the Welcome Inn:

"I already know where the Duchess is. Grandmother was sent to Blyth Priory. She--"

Winston’s eyes began to widen with excitement at Olivia's revelation, but the joy was quickly replaced by disappointment as the handmaiden interrupted. But her nervous glance passed him told the big Knight that they weren't as alone together as he had thought. He added his own farewells, then reversed his path. He didn't look about for the men Darma may have noticed, not wanting them to know he cared about their presence or lack thereof.

After just a hundred yards or so, a figured stepped out of the shadows before him. Winston hesitated, but only for a moment as this shadowy figure was with him. Additional Expedition Guardsman who had been watching Winston and the Noble woman joined the growing squad until finally there were six men walking slowly together down the poorly lit street. The men shared what they'd seen and heard, coming to the conclusion that Count Barker and his man Crone had sent possibly as many as a dozen spies out to keep an eye on Paul and his Company.

Winston assigned two pairs of men to watch over Olivia and her hand maiden: one pair was to check into the Welcome Inn, giving them reason to be on the second floor where Olivia would surely have a room; and the other -- entering later to look less conspicuous -- were to remain in the first floor tavern, watching the door for any potential trouble makers.

After the four departed, Winston and the other man headed back toward the Black Raven with the good news: Duchess Eddithia's location had been discovered.

………

Inside the Black Raven

Paul’s lips widened just a bit at Sophie’s suggestion that he remove his wet clothes. She seemed determined to get him undressed, and -- honestly -- Paul had no qualms about that at all. The only unanswered question was what did she have planned following that: laundry or sex.

With his eyes firmly upon the young beauty, Paul loosened the hooks and unlatched the buckle holding closed his traveling tunic. He removed it and offered it out to Sophie; then he pulled his undershirt over his head, offering it as well, exposing his fit torso to the woman...

"When your past catches up to you."

"Are you two sure this is what you want? Marriage isn't something you can just end lightly."

"This marriage will need not an ending," William said quickly, squeezing Keziah's hand, then turning to face her as he took her other hand in his as well. "I will go with the Sergeant ... I will perform my duty ... I will return to you--" He glanced to the others in turn before turning back to Keziah, "--to Rose Anne ... to your father, your family, your farm. A bit of separation will not end this marriage ... nor will a war..." Knowing that Edward wouldn't know what it meant, William said for Keziah's sake, "...nor will a Hessian long gun. I want to be your husband, from this day forth ... without end."

William smiled, then chuckled a bit before exhaling a puff of air with an exaggerated whew sound, saying, "Wow! I never thought I'd say anything so ... flowery to a woman..." He squeezed Keziah's hands again, saying with total sincerity, "...and mean it with all my heart."

..........

The ceremony was simple but wonderful. Despite the need not to have anyone more, the three of them each headed up a different country road to retrieve witnesses and guests, resulting in an assemblage of just over a dozen people watching and celebrating the exchange of simple vows. The reception was short -- just half an hour or so of women hugging and sharing wishes with Keziah and men quietly sharing sips of their own home brews with William and Edward before the entire party broke up.

William's mind had been increasing focused on one thought, so when Edward approached with a bedroll under his arm and said he'd be sleeping in the barn tonight, he couldn't help but smile, laugh aloud, and show his relief and gratitude. He shook his father-in-law's hand, telling him, "I will take care of her. I promise."

"No, I will take care of her ... for now!" Edward corrected, reminding William that tomorrow he was leaving for the war. The older man took William's shoulders in his big, strong hands and said, "You ... will come back to her ... and then ... you will take care of her. Yes?"

William nodded, shook hands with Edward again, watched him head off toward his night's lodging, and turned for the house, the bedroom, and his wife.

The First War

In the streets of Portston:

Winston babbled on another moment, but when Olivia assured him that all was well he sheathed his sword and stood. "I wish never to hurt or offend you, m'lady ... but if it is truth you wish to hear..."

He looked again for eavesdroppers, knowing there likely were spies in the shadows who would be interested in a meeting between the Count's daughter and the rightful Duke's lieutenant. Olivia had kept her hood up and told Winston she was confident of her anonymity out here this evening, so he continued in almost a whisper, "Please meet with m'lord tomorrow. Speak with him. Help him find answers to the questions that could..."

He was about to say ...could prevent bloodshed. A fight was brewing: Lars Barker didn't want to give up power, and Paul Cranston only wanted what was his, and without the truth there was going to be a fight. Winston instead went on with, "M'lord Paul will continue to board at the Black Raven..."

He looked up at the sign over this Inn's door: The Welcome Inn. He smirked and let out a pfft sound, recalling the man who had earlier been welcomed out!

"Evening after next, I will come here and wait..." he continued, looking between Olivia and her hand maiden, who he thought he caught checking out his massive form with hunger, though it could have been his own hunger that was causing such fantasies. He continued, nodding politely to Darma, "...for news from you or your beautiful handmaiden." He smiled to Darma, then looked back to Olivia, finishing, "Please, m'lady. The truth ... it begins with locating Duchess Eddithia. M'lord does not believe her to be ill and under medical care. He believes her to be banished from the Duchy by your fa--"

He hesitated again, knowing that to say your father would seem to glue some of Lar's ill deeds to Olivia as family. He instead said, "By the Count. Without drawing unwanted attention ... does m'lady think she could find the location of the Duchess and get such information to m'lord?"

..........

In the Black Raven Inn

As Paul stood before the woman feeling as though a molester for having man handled the innocent girl's body so, Sophie finished her forgiving of him, "...But it would please me if you can spare a little of your time tomorrow to walk with me and perhaps grace me with stories about you and your life as a noble."

Paul quickly bowed his head forward, allowing his eyes to leave her for the first time since they'd met in a way that was intended to reassure her that he no longer thought her a threat. When he rose to height again, he couldn't help but let his eyes take a walk up her form. She was a shapely young thing, and suddenly Paul found himself wishing Sophie had been either a spy sent to kill him who -- after he'd caught and disarmed her -- he could defile to his heart's content; or a tavern wench or simple peasant whore who -- with the application of the proper coin -- he could ... well, defile to his heart's content.

"I would be honored to walk with you tomorrow," he said, again bowing his head a bit. "But ... you must tell me of your own stories as well."

..........

In the Castle Westrock:

"She's gone, m'lord," Crone reported, adding, "And her handmaiden, too ... Darma."

Lars stood at the window of his bed chamber's antechamber, looking down upon the torch- and moon-lit town of Portston. Without turning to look at his Captain of the Guard, his most trusted lieutenant, his go-to man, and his most skilled assassin, Lars asked, "Where is she ... specifically!"

Crone hesitated, then cleared his throat. "My men were tasked with watching the Duke, m'lord, so they--"

His words ceased as he dodged the dagger tossed through the air at him by the suddenly turning Count. It thunked into a heavy wooden beam, never having been a true danger to his life. He stared at the fuming Lars for a moment, then -- realizing his error -- continued, "My spies were watching Paul, m'lord ... not your daughter."

Lars turned back to the window, contemplating the reasons for Olivia's venture outside the walls. Did she have a beau? A lover? He didn't even dawn on him that she'd be meeting with Paul, who in Lars's eyes was not a Duke but was a dead man walking. Death or incarceration for treason: those were the only two options Lars had for Paul. He preferred the former: it was so final, but it also presented dangers with those who might still feel a loyalty to the House of Cranston. The latter might be better suited, and since Paul could always unfortunately die of fever or some other ailment in prison, Lars would still get what he wanted and keep his hands clean. Well ... less dirty.

"Find her," he commanded. "Find her ... find Olivia ... and take her home."

"Back here to the castle," Crone asked casually, misunderstanding.

Lars turned to look at the man, his expression showing his continuing dismay. He growled, "No ... back to Ryrstone. I no longer want her anywhere near Westrock..." He turned to look down on the town, in which he knew Duke Paul Cranston to be staying. He finished, "...or near him."

The First War

OOC

Eddithia is Paul's mom, yes; Paul and Mary, thus Olivia’s g-ma. If I wrote grandmother it was an accident. I’m so confuuuuuused. ;)

"The gates have long been closed by now..."

Olivia’s comment about the gates --obviously the castle gates -- didn’t strike Winston as unusual: there were many Nobles residing -- short or long term -- within the castle who weren’t Barkers. But when Olivia identified herself as the Count’s daughter, the knight’s eyes widened in horror at his error in judgement. As his transgression sunk in he began babbling, almost incoherently, before suddenly pulling the shorter of his two swords from its scabbard, dropping to his knees before Olivia, and presenting the blade before him on flattened, up raised palms, much as he had when Duke Cranston had knighted him.

“Please, m’lady,” he spoke, his words finally clear. “I have no excuse for my trespass. I can never made amend for such behavior. Please … I beg of you…”

Winston presumed that Olivia understood he meant for her to take his life for having berated her father in her presence, thereby offending her indirectly. Men had been executed for far less...