Link To The Past

Chapter Thirty-Five

Authors note: I would apologize for the delay, but I have been through major life-altering events, completely changed careers, and moved to a different country, all the while learning a second language. I've also been spending most of my free writing time working on my original story. But as always, enjoy your read. I believe my uh...writing...has gotten better. I still don't spend as much time on fanfics as I do my original story by perfecting them. Even the latest chapter makes me cringe. But if ya'll are happy, then I'm happy.

Gabriel was unable to keep his leg from shaking. He sat at the table, elbows propped up, hands clasped and mouth resting on his fingers.
Thomas sat opposite of him, staring. "Are you going to say something?"
"Shut up. I'm thinking." He blurted, eyes staring at the same spot on the table for the last five minutes.
By now it was just after morning. Everyone but them were outside, giving the brothers time to speak in private.

Gabriel took in a deep breath through his nostrils, then slowly let it out. "That dirty bastard, Wilkins."
Thomas slumped in his chair. "He could be a spy."
Gabriel shook his head. "No. He's too much of a coward for that. He'll stay where there is less of a threat."
"What should we do? He knows valuable information. He could ruin us all!"
"Shh!" Gabriel hushed Thomas. "They will more than likely head to other towns doing the same thing. We have to warn local farmers—everyone."
"We don't have the men to spare for that."
"We'll only need two. From there, the locals can pass on the word. The point is, word will reach General Washington. The rest of the problem will sort itself out. We did what we needed to do."
Thomas nodded weakly, tired. He rubbed his face, fighting sleep. "Kristine is getting closer to giving birth. I'm afraid to leave her again."
Gabriel smiled. "That's the first sentimental thing I've heard you say in months. Also, how far along is she?"
Thomas thought for a moment as he counted each month carefully. "Six months now."
Gabriel whistled. "You're going to be a father in three months." He chuckled softly. "I know our father would have been proud." His smile lingered, doing his best to keep the mood cheerful.
"I know he would have." He stood. "There's more work that needs to be done. We're as good as dead if we keep sitting here. And dead men don't win wars."
"The militia then."
Thomas nodded, grabbing his coat and heading outside.

Over the next two months, the Martin brothers worked tirelessly together warning the neighboring towns of possible attacks on innocent people. Word spread faster than they anticipated, resulting in more men joining the militia.
The church was also in the process of being restored. It wasn't close to how it was before, but at least it had a roof.
Thomas and Gabriel saw little of their wives and family, always fighting and winning small victories, but it was never enough to fully push back the British army into submission.
"I feel like we're running in circles." Thomas' mouth opened wide, yawning. He wiped the tired tears away from the corners of his eyes, cursing under his breath as he and Gabriel road into town on their horses.
"I have news for you." Gabriel said.
"And what's that?" They were nearly at the front gates of town.
"Cowpens."
"What about it? Isn't that town extremely close to the British army?"
"I received a letter late last night from Colonel Brigadier that there's going to be a battle fought there very soon."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"You were sleeping. And this whole morning you've been in bad mood." Gabriel wave an arm in a circle, emphasizing on how bad Thomas' mood was.
Thomas picked the sleep from his eyes. "Fair...Thanks for telling me."

Past the gates, the two brothers stopped their horses in front of Mr. Howard's home. Kristine was still living there, meanwhile, Gabriel and Anne had built a home of their own two houses down.
"There's something else." Gabriel said, digging through a sack on the side of his saddle. He pulled out something wrapped in cloth and placed it in Thomas' hands. "For you. I want you to have it."
Thomas carefully I wrapped the cloth, staring intently at his father's tomahawk. "This is..."
"I found it in Father's things a about a month after his passing. It doesn't feel right that I keep it. You were always so curious about father's old war belongings. You should have it."
Thomas gently rubbed his thumb across the smoothest park of the tomahawk. "Thank you."
Gabriel squeezed his shoulder. "You're welcome. Now go find your wife. I'm sure she misses you." He took the reins of his horse and walked down the path leading to his home.