Liberty kids: Henri meets Jolene

Chapter twenty three

The journey to where Lafayette's groups were staying took several days. They had to stop and rest when night fell in their wagon.

The two eventually made it to the camp site, where Lafayette happily greeted his troops.
"Bonjour my good man! It's great to be back! I thank you for watching over them, lieutenant Myer."
"It was my pleasure, general," Myer said saluting.
One of the soldiers, named Sam Wiggins, noticed Jolene.
"Hey sir, who's the girl with you?"
"This is Jolene Veneer, my newly adopted daughter. She'll be staying with us at our camp."
"Well, I sure think's she fair lady," a teenage soldier said, flirting with her. He went over to Jolene, kissing her hand.
"The name's Jarret Willis, proudly serving under your father, and for you, of course."
Jarret looked her up and down, but Lafayette stepped in, moving him away from Jolene, who was slightly uncomfortable around Jarret.

"I don't think so, Jarret. She is much too young for you, as you are 15 years, so don't go trying to court her on my watch."
"Sure, sir. Sorry sir."
Lafayette smiled shaking her head.
"Ive see that one of my men had instantly feel for your beauty all ready, just like I'd expect. Though you are too young for all these men."
"I'm aware, Gilbert."
She might  already had her sights on one boy; well, you know who. ☺️

"Well, since I am here, I help out to take care of your troops. I'll do the cooking, the washing, taking care of wounds, and also provide guard to the camp."
"I'm glad to think that you're looking after my troops already."
"Oui. It's my job as a young lady. Who els is going to do the women's work?"
"C'est Ma fille," Lafayette grinned.

Later that night as promised, Jolene stayed up to watch guard for any intruders. Mignon was with her, highly alerted as well. Jolene was sure his barking would be perfect for this job.

Yet her fear of Richard finding her was still with her and it shook her to her core, but she tried to stay focused and be on the lookout. Eventually Jolene got more sleepier and sleepier. She tried staying awake but soon fell asleep at her post.
Then the nightmare came.
Jolene was back at Richard's house, as an enslaved servant again. She was scrubbing the floor when he heard the thundering footsteps she greatly fear.
"You, French girl! Get over here!", Richard bellowed.
Shaken and scared, Jolene answered,
"Yes? Im coming, sure."

She timidly walked towards her master, whose eyes were bloodshot yet full of fury.
"Do you want to see your parents again, little girl."
"Yes."
Richard then had an evil shine and grin on his face.
"Well, it's looks like you'll joining them, then."
Richard stormed over to Jolene and yanked her arm.
"Come with me!", Richard snarled.
Jolene was dragged along the floor, but was desperately trying to yank herself free. She cried,
"Please let me go! Let me go, please?", begging and crying out, but of course Richard coldly ignored her pleads. Richard dragged Jolene out of the house and to the shed he'd always lock her up in. He opened the door and tossed the girl in, then tied her to a pole

"What-what are you doing?"
"You Joining you dear momma and papa you adore. But you will burn in the fires of hell along with them."
Richard got out and lit a torched.
Jolene knew what he was about to do.
"No, no! please don't, I beg you."
"I hope you suffer like your parents did!"
He threw the torch, setting a part of the shed's wall on fire.
With an evil laugh, Richard closed the door behind him, locking Joleen in.
Jolene was trying to yank herself free, but all the while the flames spreads rapidly, soon covering the walls and then Ceiling of the shed in a blanket of fire.

Jolene sobbed, choking on the black smoke and crying out for help, but no one came. She could only hear Richard's wicked laugh. Embers dropped from the ceiling burning her slightly, then small pieces of flaming wood.
Then all of a sudden, the ceiling started to collapse towards her. She screamed and brace herself to be crush by the burning wood, but then woke up abruptly out of her nightmare.