How to Love

Chapter Ten: Icy Blue Meets Ocean Blue

"..Mr. Howard gave me permission to write Anne earlier today," Gabriel told me. 

I jumped up and wrapped my arms around his neck before retreating back. "I'm so proud of you, Gabriel!" I readjusted my pants. "Now, when's the wedding?" 

Gabriel's eyes widened. "Wha-?"

I giggled. "I'm only teasing. But if there's ever a wedding, invite me." I told him before adding one more thing. "I also get the largest piece of cake!" 

"You wish!" Gabriel shouted as I walked over to Papa. 

"How longer until the Redcoats arrive?" I asked. 

We were stationed on a highway waiting for redcoats with stock to come by. We have committed many capturing of their stocks in the past few months. I was at the Middleton Place one week ago and Miss Clara Oswald had not made a return. For I had no use of her anymore. My pseudonym had done its job at the ball. 

"In a few minutes," Papa said before shouting to get ready. 

Muskets and pistols were heard being loaded and clicked. I took out my pistol and did the same. "Positions!" I called when I heard hooves coming our way. 

Most of the militia, as planned, went into hiding while only Papa and I stood in the open. Soon, we saw the cause of the hooves. Two carriages filled with stock were riding upon us. Papa was leaning his arm on his musket that was dug into the ground. The carriages stop and a redcoat, I assume to be the sergeant, jumps onto the road shouting his command to halt. 

Papa took a step forward with his musket in hand. The sergeant's eyes shot to the musket before meeting with Papa's when he spoke. "Sergeant, this road is closed. Those wagons now belong to the Continental Army."

The sergeant was unmoved by Papa's command and instead shouted an order that shocked Papa and I. "Ready Arms! By two!" 

Surely, he didn't want to get his own platoon killed..?  

"Sergeant, there is no reason for you and your men to die. Just leave the wagons and go," Papa tried to reason. 

"This is madness," I whispered to Papa. 

Papa's eyes looked straight forward but he heard me. He responded by a slight nod. 

"Steady, boys!" The sergeant called. The two privates that were seen when the carriages were being pulled forward, stopped in position and pointed their muskets at us. 

Papa sighed and put two of his fingers into his mouth, sounding a loud whistle. The rustle of leaves and the crunching of twigs were heard as the rest of the militia made their appearances. They got into position and pointed their muskets and pistols towards the three redcoats. 

The sergeant was stilled unmoved. "This is the king's highway, and I advise you to make way!" He shouted. The carriages covers were removed and revealed many redcoats. It all came to me why the sergeant was unmoved. This was all planned...

"Prepare to fire!" The sergeant yelled out to his men. 

Papa turned towards Reverend Oliver and both shared glances of the same emotion: they both didn't want to kill these men. Neither did I. Papa opened his mouth to shout a command, but stopped when we heard a faint, barely detectable, rumbling sound. The noises got louder and we realized the rumbling sounds were the sounds of horses. A lot of them pounding against the earth.  

Green Dragoons. A lot of them. Were making their way down here with swords raised and pistols ready. I shared a quick terrified glance with Papa as he yelled out "FIRE!" before retreating.

The smoke from our weapons shot into the air and many redcoats in front of us dropped to the ground, covering their wounds. We ran to our horses and mounted them and began to retreat. By then, the Dragoons were near us and many of us split into different directions. "Go!" I yelled. 

I urged Tulip to go faster by the second. I heard horses behind me, challenging me to go faster. My stomach dropped when I made a quick glance over my shoulder and saw Colonel Tavington himself was chasing me alongside his men. I did not see Colonel Tavington when I saw the Dragoons racing down the hill. None of the others in the militia neither saw him. For we would have been warned. 

"Go Tulip!" I yelled in a terrified voice. "Go!" 

I urged a lot while the Dragoons were chasing me. My face hit many thin branches that struck my cheek, and I miraculously stayed on Tulip. I tried my best to find a clearing as many of my militiamen galloped in front of me horizontally, completely oblivious to me and the Dragoons that were chasing behind me. Gunfire rung out as I saw one militiaman drop onto the ground. He was shot. 

I held in my scream as I galloped faster, my eyes trying their best to find a clearing. I made a sharp turn where I saw redcoats in the cornfield popping out of their hiding places shooting militiamen that made their way there. The militiamen's horses stood confused, often going right to left trying to find a way out. They whined and neighed in annoyance and confusion. 

I pulled my horse's reins sharply, making her to turn around quickly where I met with icy blue eyes. "Well met, Captain Almyra Martin." He smirked at me. He snapped his fingers. "Gag her." Two Dragoons dismounted their horses and grabbed at my pants, dragging me.

"Let go!" I shouted. "Releas-" My demands were cut short as a black cloth was shoved into my mouth. 

"That would best your annoying complaints, Captain Martin." Colonel Tavington said. "Put her on my horse." 

I was shoved to his horse and was pulled up by the man with the icy blue eyes. His eyes met my ocean blue eyes. "You are powerless," he whispered and I struggled once more before his grip became painful. 

We made our way out and I heard gallops nearby as I heard Papa's voice. He wasn't aware of my capture and I saw him ride into his escape alongside Gabriel and others; dodging bullets. I was alone. 

AN: thank you so much for 54 views and 4 votes! This is my first story I have ever published. Thank you so much! If you liked this chapter or any other chapters, please do leave a vote and comments. I appreciate feedback! Thank you!