Love, Surprising

Chapter 7: Caroline

May 1786

Somewhere in North Carolina

I couldn't shake the terror of my dream away. It had felt...so real. I shivered. So very real.

An evil wind rustled through the dark, humid woods. I glanced around, wondering where Timothy had gone. 'Timothy!' I called. The wind grew to a howl, whipping branches back and forth. Bushes crackled behind me. 'Timothy? Is that you?' I whispered. A figure, dressed in a dark, hooded cloak stepped out. The figure clutched a dagger in his right hand. The blade gleamed in the faint moonlight, and a dark substance stained the tip. Blood?

'Hello, my pretty.' The figure cackled. 'What a fine specimen you are. Timothy is very lucky...or was. You're mine now.' I realized the blood on the knife was Timothy's.

'No! No! Who are you? What are you doing?' I shouted in fear. The cloaked man moved closer.

'I suggest that you...run.' The figure declared. I didn't wait a second more. The mossy ground flew under my racing feet. Leafy branches ripped at my arms and legs as I rushed past. My bare feet were cut and bleeding. The evil laugh of the man behind me grew closer and closer. A tree root appeared in my path and I tumbled over it, landing flat on my face. My body was wrenched from the ground. The cloaked figure had me!

'No!' I squirmed around, desperately trying to escape his clutches. I stopped when the cold, wet blade touched my throat.

'Oh yes. You're mine now." He said. I screamed.

I shivered once again, remembering the evil wind circling around me, and the knife at my throat. Who was that man? I wondered. Why did he kill Timothy? Why did he want me? My eyes grew tired and I fell into a light, troubled sleep.

The next morning, I woke up to birds twittering. I sat up and rubbed my eyes. What time is it? I looked across the remains of the fire to see if Timothy was awake as well. His bedding had been rolled up and stuck next to his satchel. Timothy was nowhere in sight. I bolted up. "Timothy? Timothy where are you?" The events of my nightmare came rushing back to me.

"I'm right here, Caroline." Timothy's voice came from behind me. I turned and noticed his arms full of kindling and sticks for the fire. "I just went to get some fuel for a fire. I'm sorry I worried you." Timothy apologized.

"Don't worry. I'm ok. I just...never mind." I stopped. "What's for breakfast? I feel as if I haven't eaten in days." My stomach growled, proving my point.

Timothy laughed. "More bread and cheese, though I do believe I'll toast mine. How does that sound?" He asked me, setting down the firewood.

"Lovely." I replied with a nod. Timothy got busy starting a fire. I paced back and forth, not really sure what to do.

Timothy glanced up at me, "You look a bit antsy. anything wrong?" 

"No, I'm alright. Just...pacing." I yawned.

Timothy looked concerned. "You don't look like you slept well. Care to talk about it?"

I opened my mouth, about to tell him, then shook my head. "No. Everything's fine. I'm just ready to get going again." I shrugged and turned my focus to the woods. The fire crackled behind me. Timothy cleared his throat.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to share a Bible verse with you." Timothy smiled at me.

"Ok." I agreed. Timothy pulled a worn Bible from his pack and flipped it open. The page was marked with a strip of cloth.

"It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Timothy read, then closed his Bible. "The Lord will look after us Caroline. I know not what troubled you last night, but the Lord will protect us. Do not forget that." Timothy encouraged me.

"Where was that verse from?" I inquired. "I'd like to know where to find it."

"Deuteronomy 31:8." Timothy answered. I nodded, thanking him.

I've done a poor job relying on God lately, I thought, dismayed. I'll do better, I promise God. Thank you for protecting Timothy and I this far. I sat down with Timothy next to the fire. He passed me some bread and cheese, and we stuck then on sticks and toasted them over the fire. The edges of the bread curled up and turned golden brown, and the cheese softened. I sank my teeth into a piece of crispy bread and the gooey cheese. It tasted delicious, and filled my hungry belly.

After we finished eating, Timothy stood and dusted his hands off on his trousers.

"Let's gather our things and move out. I want to get a good start before the midday heat." I dipped my head in agreement, and Timothy doused the fire with handfuls of soft dirt. Then we picked up our belongings and pushed into the woods. Timothy and I walked side by side, enjoying the morning sounds of the woods. Squirrels darted back and forth, avoiding our presence, and birds scattered in our wake, wings flapping.

My mind reflected on my dream again. It felt like some kind of warning. Maybe I should tell Timothy...just in case, I concluded.

"Timothy?"

He looked over. "Yes?"

"I had...a dream last night. More of a nightmare." I paused.

"Go on." Timothy encouraged me.

I took a deep breath. "There was a man in a hooded cloak, I couldn't see his face. He had a knife and...and he killed you. He was after me. I ran, but tripped and he caught me. He held a knife to my throat, then I screamed and woke up." My heart raced, remembering the terror the man inflicted on me. Timothy's face hardened. "Do you think it's something we need to be concerned about?" I questioned, heart pounding.

"This journey is dangerous. Especially for you. I'm wondering if...well, if the man in your dream was...nevermind. It was probably just a nightmare. Forget I said anything. Don't worry, I'll protect you." Timothy finished with relish. "No harm will come to you."

"Ok, thank you." I uttered, not knowing what else to say. I felt better after sharing my dream with him. Timothy was likely right. My dream was just a dream. I was just nervous. That was all. Nothing else. But what if...? Snap out of it Caroline, I admonished myself. No need to worry unnecessarily. Despite my admonitions, I inched closer to Timothy, feeling safer next to him. He didn't seem to notice.

A few hours later, my arms began to tire from holding my satchel. I shifted my pack, trying to find a comfortable spot to hold it. Then it was gone.

"I'll carry that." Timothy announced casually. I began to protest. He held up a hand. "Don't worry about it. You need a break, and I can handle the extra weight."

Indeed he could. Along our walk, he'd rolled up his shirt sleeve, exposing his muscled arms. Strong arms, I admired. I shook my head fiercely. Stop looking Caroline. They're just arms. No need to start drooling. I focused instead on my feet, trudging along the brush covered path.

We didn't stop to eat at noon. Instead, Timothy tossed me some dried venison to eat while we walked. I didn't complain. The sooner we reached Georgetown, the better.