Frontier: Love Thy Enemy

Mr. Harp

Docking at Fort James it was close to sun down. Her father had instructed her that they were to remain on the boat until their house was ready but Anya had enough of the boat. She was sick of seeing Chesterfield and listening to her father ramble on and on about how he was gonna make Declan Harp suffer. Stepping off the boat Anya felt her nose crinkle in disgust. She wouldn't consider herself spoiled or high maintenance but she just didn't know how people could liver here. The air around her made her feel depressed like these people were not happy here and she didn't blame them. A lot of people had little hope in the red coats who were no more than bandits and bully’s.

It didn't take long for Anya to find the bar. Its the only place people were stumbling out drunk. Pulling her fur coat closer to her body she tried to fight off the cold. Walking into the Ale house no one seemed to notice her as a young blond and redhead woman stood talking quietly. She didn't quite care about eavesdropping but when she heard her name as well as her father’s she had no choice.

“They say that lord Benton will be arriving soon as well as a number of redcoats and there are rumours that his daughter is on board as well.”

“I do not wish to get off on the wrong foot but i am not a fan of others gossiping about me.”

The two women jumped at the sudden arrival at a third voice. The red head quickly composed herself, standing up straight and facing Anya. the woman was trying to intimidate Anya but she wasn't fazed at all. Instead she set her coat on the back of a chair and sat down.

“An ale please.”

“We’re closed.” the redhead shot back quickly. The blonde rushed out not wanting to get in the middle of the argument.

“Alright.” Anya stood and grabbed her coat. “I know where i'm not wanted. But do tell Mr. Harp i said hello.” anya started walking away and when she opened to door the woman decided to speak.

“One Ale. coming right up.”

Anya smirked before shutting and locking the door. She did not wish to be interrupted and the ale house was closed of course. Setting her coat back down, she sat just as the woman set down a mug and sat across from her.

“What do you want with Harp?”

“First introductions. I am Anya Benton. And you are?” the woman noticed how the girls voice broke slightly when she said her last name. She did not like being associated with him.

“Grace Emberly.”

“A pleasure Grace.” Anya took a drink before setting the cup back down. “Now onto Mr. Harp. I want nothing more than to offer peace.”

“He will never accept peace from you or Benton.”

“I know.”

Grace looked at the young girl in confusion. She was so confident and she definitely wasn't stupid. She didn't understand why she would offer peace yet know that it wouldn't be accepted. “Then why offer it?”

“Because i wish no harm upon him. His vengeance concerns my father and he can pursue that any way he wishes. I only wish to be left alone.”

“You want immunity.” The women went quiet when they heard heavy footsteps outside. Grace told the girl to wait while she walked into the kitchen. By the time she came back out Anya had finished her drink. “Come on.”

Graced motioned her over to the door and Anya looked at her cautiously as she approached. “You wish to ask for peace.” grace went quiet for a moment. “Then ask him yourself.”

Anya nodded, understanding what she was saying. Declan Harp was in the kitchen. The man who wanted her father and possibly her dead. Grace stayed out by the bar to make sure no one sneaked up on them. As for Anya she walked into the dim lit kitchen, freezing slightly at the tall broad shouldered man covered head to toe in furs. His back was to her and after she got over the initial shock she cleared her throat to get his attention.

Slowly Declan turned around, fighting the nerve to kill the woman on the spot. Grace had convinced him to give the girl a chance to speak. Apparently she means well.

“Mr. Harp--”

“Anya Benton. Give me one good reason to not kill you.”

Anya huffed in annoyance at being interrupted. She crossed her arms over her chest. “Because I am not your enemy.”

“You are Benton's daughter. You are the enemy.”

“Yes because the girl you have never met before is your enemy. I do not dislike you Mr. Harp. what my father has done in inexcusable. Do whatever you wish to him but leave me out of it.”

Anya stood up straighter as Declan took long strides towards her. He was staring into her soul with hatred in his eyes but she stayed calm. “I will kill his family just like he killed mine.”

His voice was ice cold and it caused Anya to shiver. However she was saved when Grace walked in. “Mrs. Benton your husband is here.”

“I will be right out.” Anya watched as Grace walked out and when she turned back to face Declan he was gone. A few seconds later Chesterfield walked in, her coat in hand.

“You should not have wandered off. Me and your father were worried.”

Snatching her coat out of his hands she glared at him with a disgusted look. “Never touch my stuff and never refer to me as your wife you disgusting pig.”

An angry growl came out of Chesterfields mouth as he roughly grabbed her arm. Anya demanded that he let her go and when he didn't she smacked him causing it to echo throughout the room.

“If you ever touch me again i will gut you.”

Chesterfields voice was low but still audible. “When you are my wife i will be able to touch you anytime i want and there isn't a fucking thing you can do about it.”

What either of them realized as they left the ale house was that Declan Harp hadn't left. No, he heard everything and he felt his blood boil and confusion fill his mind. He would get his revenge. but will he harm Anya?