“Father, may I say a few words since I am here under the order of General Martin? (since Sam is divorced)” Gabriel stated.
“Young man, this is the home of the heavenly father,” the priest replied.
“Father (Anne’s Dad), would you just listen to him just this once. Maybe Gabriel’s cousin is looking for men to enlarge the militia,” Anne started, “Father (the priest), how many times did you bring up the word ‘freedom’ at my dad’s dinner table, Dan Scott, how long have you fought with Gabriel’s cousin?”
Dan scott interrupted “Since she was sixteen years of age.”
Anne replied “How many times has she been wounded?”
The room went silent.
“That is what I thought,” Gabriel said, “Now who’s with us?”
Men started standing up. Horses hooves were pounding on the ground. General Martin, Captain Martin, and Major Villeneuve all got off their horses and walked into the church.
“If anyone has anything against Sam being a general, speak up now.” Major Villeneuve said to the people in the church.
No one said anything against Sam being a general. Peter handed out supplies to the militia and gave them a place to stay.
“Thanks again, Peter,” Ben said, “How can I ever repay you?”
“Ben, pay me when you can,” Peter replied.
Almost all of the men were ready to go besides for Gabriel, who was still talking to Anne about something. Gabriel rode up next to Sam and smiled.
Sam laughed at Gabriel’s smile and then asked him with her laughter under control, “Did Anne put ink in your tea?”
Gabriel replied, “I don’t know. Why?”
“Your teeth are black,” Sam replied.
“Sam, don’t tell my father this, but Anne and I are going to get married when we can. We are both hoping it is soon,” Gabriel said in a hushed tone.
“Sure, I promise,” Sam said looking at Gabriel.
Sam always kept promises with her family. As they rode closer to the Black Swamp, the closer they got to the old Spanish missionary. The militia was tired and so was everyone else. Sam was forcing herself to stay awake until they got to the Spanish missionary. When they finally got there, Sam was sore all over, but mainly her wrists. Sam spent half the night studying maps and planning routes before even thinking about sleeping that night.
“Sam, you’re exhausted,” Ben said while handing Sam a tin cup full of cold coffee.
“You need sleep.”
“I can’t Ben. I just can’t,” Sam said taking a big swig of what tasted like dirty water.
“Why not?” Ben asked.
“Jason, my son, is on his way here. He wants to meet you,” Sam said sitting down next to Gabriel.
“Mother!” Jason called towards Sam at that moment.
“Jason,” Sam cried joyfully, hugging him.
“So this is Jason,” Gabriel said, shaking Jason’s hand.
“Jason, this is your second cousin Gabriel,” Sam introduced them.
“Jason, your ma is one finest Generals,” Ben told Jason.
“Jason, this is your great uncle Ben,” Sam told him.
“How come you and father got divorced?” Jason asked his mother.
