Shadows of the Hollow: A Tale Reimgine

The Beginning

Arriving in the New World in 1767 I have made a name for myself in this struggling land. A few illusions, charms, and glamorous spells have kept me hidden. I die and then I fade away only to be someone else by the end of the month. Messer Night, Lord Night, Earl of Westfall, the names come and go like the wild roses. By sum luck I can mostly fake my death, flee my coffin, and become someone else. For many decades I enjoyed these games. I could be a hermit, another lifetime I am a lord that enjoys women. Hell, I might even own a brothel. With my power and skills I have the power to do anything I desire.

My lineage just like money had to change. Since I'm unable to age, I had to influence a few people to get the coins and items I required. A few compulsion spells and I quickly became a refugee from Nova Scotia The story was easy to fabricate. The Revolutionary War was still brewing in the states. I was unfortunate to be taken as a prisoner of war. The British, despite my paperwork, refuse to believe that I was a British citizen. I was held captive with many of the Continental soldiers in upper New York. During my time there I befriended many men during those five months. It was during that time I met young William Bon Blake. A young man drafted to fight for his new country. Unlike the other men, William didnt care if I was British. He believed that the whole war could end without violence.

During our imprisonment William told me about the small town he lived in. He told me about his father's farm and his sister. His mother died when he was young. His father was unable to enlist due to a broken leg. William would often tell me stories of the hudson valley where he was born and raised. Seeing it again gave him hope. I knew what was about to happen but didn't dare dash his hopes. Washington was hundreds of miles away in Germantown. The last thing on the general's mind was marching the troops here to free us. It was during this time that the other prisoners were planning an escape. The British showed no sign of releasing us soon and winter was vastly approaching. Supplies were already starting to run low. Once winter arrived things would become much harsher for everyone.

After days of planning a small group of able men decided to take the chance. Late during the night we snuck past the guards, broken into the armory and fled into the night. For five long days and nights we ran, hoping to get to Fort Lee before the small colonial army was pushed out by the British. On the morning of the sixth day the British had caught up to us. There are a dozen or so. Five on foot the rest on horseback. With only a limited amount of ammo and guns, I knew what would happen. They were not here to recapture us. Death was certain. My brain already knew what needed to be done. Turning to William I gave him my musket, pistol, and what ammo I had.

"Run and don't look back. Don't stop. Don't think. Run and don't stop." I said grimly.

Drawing my saber I turned and started walking towards the dozen men in red. From behind I heard William calling me but I ignored him. I can buy them some time. I hate that war has reached this new country but humans will always fight until nothing is else to fight over. Even in that darkness moment they will find something to fight over. Tuning Williams shouts out I continued walking until I felt the first of the iron balls rip through my skin. The burn only lasted for a few seconds. The officers ordered for me to surrender. Tightening my grip on the hilt I took another step. The second ball was fired into my thigh. Teeth gritting, I swung the sword, cutting the man down. Pivoting the second man fell. The sound of the gunfire fully drowned all voices out.

They opened fire on me, each iron ball either punchering my body or whistling past my ears. Still I swung and attacked, bringing them down from their horses or bringing them to their knees. The burning from the musket ball became numb, adrenaline rushing through my body. The coats were stained in a darker shade of red. Boy fell dead because of someone else's orders. All the wild I remain on my feet. With the last of the men unsaddled, I disarmed through that dare tried to kill me. Finally only four remain alive. The slash wounds from my saber will slow them down but most importantly they will live. Grabbing the officer I yank him to his feet. Face pale and stained with blood and sweat he stared at me horror struck by what he had witnessed.

"Go back to your captain and tell them what you saw. Tell me how one man lived to slander the British from their greed and hatred for change. Either come in peace to this new world or go back to your dying one across the sea."

I released him, watching as he fell to the ground. The three others remain on the ground where I left them. Seizing a horse that looked like he could run for days I quickly mounted up. With one last look at the soldiers I turned the horse and rode away. I did not join William at Fort Lee. Just like before I had to disappear. Let them believe that the British killed me or drag me back to the prison. He saw that the bullets didn't kill me. He knows too much. For his safety I need to vanish again. A curse to being immortal, however a necessary duel I must endure.