April 19th, Lexington

Rays of morning sunlight danced amongst the trees as both bluecoats and militia ran along side Connor, ready and willing to join the up coming battle. The young Mohawk warrior hurried towards the area where the redcoats were reported being seen. When hurrying past homes, he witnessed men pulling women and children from inside, then ushering them towards the woods. They knew the approaching enemies would not hesitate to storm their homes. These people's safest option were to get as far from here as possible.

'I should not have left her...' The concern Connor felt for Jaden's safety ran through him once more like a cold chill. The girl from another time was not trained enough to be left alone for this type of battle, and she did not have his recruits there to watch her back. Not only was she alone, but injured as well. With Jaden's bow arm gravely wounded, it would be difficult for her aim to be true. She would have to use the flint pistol, one that she despised greatly for the weapon took far too much time to reload. Not only that, but Connor knew that the weapon made her nervous. For when she pulled the trigger and the gun powder came alive, spewing smoke and sparks she would usually jolt back in alarm. It always made him worry that she would either end up dropping the weapon, shoot herself or an innocent bystander on accident. So far it was the bow that was the only weapon she felt the most confident using.

Now that Jaden's main weapon could possibly be useless to her now, part of him wanted to turn around and go back. To make sure she was safe, but he could not. For he had a mission to do. He had to find and reach Pitcairn. Too much was at stake if his enemy lived. Many more innocent lives could be lost if he did not find and kill his target.

And so for that reason alone, Connor lowered his head slightly and forced himself forward. Ordering his lean body to move faster.

Up ahead, Connor caught the sight of an older man with dark gray hair and a thick beard pacing before two lines of armed bluecoats. Slowing to a jog, he glanced about while the other men rushed by to join their fellow soldiers.

The dark blue duster the older man wore blew lightly behind him as the wind began to pick up. His back was hunched over slightly as he gave the musket in his hands a glance over. Coming to a stop, Connor took in the sight of the men around him. Many of them had either seen too many winters or far too few, and most of them failed to hide the fear within their eyes. These were certainly not warriors, not even like his recruits. Before him were simple folk. Though despite their bravery by having chosen to remain and fight, he just could not see how this would end in their favor. How could it? Being in such an unprepared state as they were in.

Just then, the sound of drums echoed around them, signaling that their enemy had finally arrived. Connor's gaze shifted to the approaching redcoats. Line after line of armed soldiers came to a sudden halt..

"Stand your grown men! Do not fire, unless fired upon!" The older man ordered, though his words were interrupted briefly by a harsh cough. "But, if they mean for a war, then let it begin here!"

While scanning the many redcoats, Connor's gaze caught the sight of a single man upon a horse. Instantly he recognized him and narrowed his eyes, "Pitcairn!" The name came out as a deep growl. There was his target! One that he had been searching months for! All that separated him from his kill were rows of armed men, ready to open fire in his direction at any second.

"Disperse, you damn rebels! Lay down your arms and disperse!" Pitcairn ordered from the safety of his saddle.

"Prepare yourselves!" Shouted the older man.

Just then, one of the bluecoats fired his musket.

"I said prepare yourselves. Not open fire!" He shouted angrily.

A voice amongst the bluecoats replied in a panic tone, "Was a mistake Sir! My trigger finger slippe-"

Before he could finish, the air came alive with smoke as the patriots' enemies opened fire without warning. A man before Connor was struck by a musket ball, blood spurt from his chest and he fell to the ground. A few others were hit as well, all falling to their knees as the other soldiers either took cover or began running for their lives.

Seeing the fleeing men, the older soldier cursed in alarm. "What the deuce are you doing?! Hold your positions!" Rushing over to him, Connor grabbed the man's arm and pulled him behind a stone fence before he too could be struck by enemy fire. "Cravens! Traitors!" He continued to shout while trying to pull free..

"They are not coming back!" Connor said sternly, "You will have to make do with those who remain."

The older soldier turned to glare at him, "Don't you dare lecture me on how-" He fell silent briefly when hearing that the redcoats had stopped firing to reload. "Return fire!" He yelled out, "Return fire!" With those that remained to fight following the order, he turned back to Connor while removing a letter from his pocket. "You need to get to Concord and warn the others! Show this to whoever leads there. Should be a man by the name of James Barrett. Go on now!"

Connor quickly glanced at the field of redcoats, it felt wrong to just leave these men behind since they were so greatly out numbered, especially the older man. They very well may be killed before he could return with possible back up. Though the circumstances would be far worse if he did not find this James Barrett. With a nod, he took the letter and sprinted towards a nearby horse. Once in the saddle, he ushered the animal forward. Whinnying in alarm, the horse launched itself into a fierce sprint in the demanded direction.

Halfway down the road Connor heard a man shout, "They are taking hostages!"

Followed by a woman's fearful scream, "Help! Please! Someone help us!" Grabbing the reigns, he ordered the horse to come to abrupt stop. Glancing in the direction of where the voice had came from he could see an unarmed man trying to pull a musket away from a Redcoat. A woman stood a few feet behind them, a terrified little boy wrapped in her arms. The woman covered the little boy's eyes and cried out in fear for the man struggling with the armed soldier. Hearing such screams sent a chill down Connor's spine. Though it also ignited a rage as well.

Without another moment's hesitation, Connor turned the horse in their direction and ordered it to lunge forward. While the animal was in mid run, he removed the tomahawk from his belt and gave it a twirl. The Redcoat must have seen him approaching out the corner of his eye, for he turned to look at him. The moment their eyes met Connor swung and sank the tomahawk deep under the man's chin. With the blade hooked under the jaw, he dragged the man away from the terrified family. Glancing over his shoulder, Connor watched as the man nodded in gratitude in his direction before ushering the woman and child to move.

More cries for help reached his ears. To his left he spotted four Redcoats drawing their muskets on three men. Pressing his foot against the dead soldier's chest that was still clung to his tomahawk, he shoved him off and hurried in their direction. While the horse rushed towards his targets' backs, Connor got himself into a crouched position upon the saddle. Then, just a few feet from the Redcoats he lunged himself into the air.

With the tomahawk raised in his right hand, he ejected the hidden blade on his left wrist and sank both weapons into two of the Redcoat's backs. Their faces slammed hard into the ground the same time he landed. Then moving with such amazing speed, the last two remaining Redcoats were dead before they could fully realize what was happening. Sheathing the hidden blade, Connor turned to the men, whom all gaped at him in shock. "Go." He said firmly, pointing his hand towards the west. "Head for the woods."

"T-thank you!" One of them managed to choke out with a nod.

While they took off, Connor glanced around him, checking to see if any others needed his help. The answer was yes, though it was just too many. The Redcoats were everywhere. There were far too many to fight and he had to reach Barrett. Frustrated, he climbed back into the saddle and took off down the road. It was hard to not stop and help these people. Seeing the chaos unfold around him brought his fears for Jaden's safety to strike him once more.

Though despite knowing what he needed to do, her sincere words from earlier came flowing back to him like a leaf on the wind, 'Do not worry about me. Just focus on your mission. We'll meet back here when its over.'

He prayed to the spirits again for her safety. Jaden was a novice, but she was also wise enough to know when to take cover if the situation became too threatening. He had to remind himself of that. She was from another time, knew what dangers this day would bring. 'Yes, she will be alright...' He assured himself, '...and I will see her again'

...

Gun fire sounded like thunder as it echoed amongst the screams of pain and terror as Jaden took cover at a nearby house. Pressing her back against the brick building, she tried to keep her hands from trembling while clasping onto the bow. Holding onto the wooden weapon for dear life, she pressed it against her chest and closed her eyes. It was taking very ounce of will power to keep the panic that threatened to take over at bay. Her breathing was ragged from running, eyes watered from the gun smoke that lingered in the air.

For the past half hour she'd been rushing from one house to another. Using trees, stone fences and whatever else she could use for cover. All the while doing her best to warn the remaining residents of their approaching enemies and it did not take long for the Redcoats to flood the area. As of now, they were all busy killing both Bluecoats and militia. Some were even taking prisoners.

Soldiers from both sides lay dead upon the ground, though their still bodies were not alone. Amongst them were also innocent bystanders that ended up being caught in the crossfire when trying to flee. Hell had come to these residents homes. The children that were trying to escape with their fleeing families were learning the brutality of war today.

More gunfire sounded, followed by more frightened screams.

The young nurse's heart thumped rapidly within her chest. 'Get with it, Jaden!' She ordered. 'You can't turn and run...Not now. So pull up your big girl panties and fight the fucking ass fear!'

But it was so hard...

Closing her eyes tightly once more, she tried taking slow and easy breaths.

'Did I ever tell you that I lied about my age to join the army?'

"What?" She asked in alarm while opening her eyes.

'No. You didn't.' Came another disembodied voice. One that sounded just as familiar as the first..

Arching a brow, Jaden glanced around. Wondering just where these voices were coming from, until it dawned on her. The voices were from a memory. One that took place back when she was just nine years old.

The memory of her father and eldest brother Daniel began to take over. Wrapping around her like a protective embrace and shutting out the chaos that carried on. She was no longer a young woman from the future in the midst of an historical battle, but a child that was woken to voices in the middle of the night. It was the night before her brother would be leaving to join the army. With curiosity getting the best of her, she crept from her bed and out into the hall, listening to the loving voices continue their conversation.

'I was seventeen when I entered the Navy. I know that sounds foolish to have lied about my age just to join a war. But I wanted to become a man.' Her father Harvey explained, 'Back then your grandfather and I rarely saw eye to eye and were arguing constantly. I was tired of him seeing me as nothing more than a boy. I wanted to prove to him that I wasn't. That I was indeed a man. One that was not afraid to fight and die for his country.' Peering around the corner, she watched in silence as her father paused in thought. When he spoke again his voice held both sadness as well as fear. 'I never paused to think that one day my first born would do the same.' Harvey reached out to place a hand upon his son's shoulder, 'I already see you as a man, my son. You have nothing to prove-'

'That's not why I am doing this.' Replied Daniel sincerely.

'You just graduated from High School! You have your whole life ahead of you! I would rather you go with your first plan and marry Karen early than-' Harvey fell silent.

'Dad. I want to fight for my country. I want to protect and help others. I feel that this is a calling. One that I need to answer for myself.' Daniel gave a slight shrug, 'I do not know how else to explain it.'

Jaden leaned against the wall in uncomfortable silence while her eyes focused on her father closely. 'Don't let him go...' She remembered praying to herself.

Though no matter how hard she tried to do the Jedi Mind trick on her father, Harvey merely nodded and pulled his son into a strong hug. "You come back to us! In one peace. Promise me."

Daniel gave a small smile while leaning his head upon Harvey's shoulder, "You know I can't really prom-"he was interrupted before he could finish.

"I know...just..." Harvey tried to continue, though his voice ended up breaking.

"I'll try, Dad." Daniel replied sincerely, "I'll try..."

With Harvey's last words of how proud he was of his son began to fade, Jaden found the fear she felt moments before disperse. Taking its place was a strength, one that must have came from the memory. Her brother had left to join the war in Iraq and he had only been eighteen years old. Since then, Jaden had learned of the horrors that he ended up witnessing. He was so brave then and still was since she'd last seen him. Surely she could be just as brave and strong as well.

Narrowing her eyes, Jaden took a deep breath then pushed herself away from the wall and sprinted over to take cover within a thick batch of bushes beneath a tree. Once knelt, she glanced around while removing an arrow from the quiver on her back. To her right she spotted four Bluecoats and one man whom she guessed must have been part of the Militia. All five men were kneeling behind a stone fence while keeping eyes on eight Redcoats that were heading down the dirt road in their direction.

With the Redcoats drawing nearer, Jaden awaited for the others to make the first move. Just then, the Redcoats turned and began making their way into the front yard of a house to the left. As one of the Redcoats reached the front door, three of the Bluecoats opened fire. One Redcoat was struck in his back. The others quickly took cover behind a wagon that was by the front gate and prepared to return fire.

Jaden could not have picked a better spot, for where she knelt was at the head of the dirt road that separated the Redcoats from the others. She had a clear shot while they had their attention focused on the patriots. With sights on her soon to be first kill, Jaden raised her bow and took aim. However, as she pulled the arrow back a bolt of pain shot up her arm. Muttering a curse under her breath she tried to ignore the throbbing pain. She could feel the stitches tighten against the sore flesh as she continued to pull back. Taking a deep breath and holding it, she let it fly.

The arrow failed to strike it's target. Instead of hitting the Redcoat in his side, it struck the back of the wagon just a few inches from his body. "Shit!" She hissed under her breath while ducking down low into the bushes. The Redcoat jolted away when spotting the arrow that came so close to taking his life. Instantly he followed it's path and looked in her direction.

'You don't see me...' She thought, while keeping low and still as possible.

The Bluecoats returned fire again, but that didn't stop the Redcoat from telling his fellow soldiers that there was a sniper nearby. Removing another arrow, Jaden watched as the Redcoat nudge the shoulder of the man beside him then point in her direction. From there they quickly took off to take cover behind the house while the Bluecoats were busy reloading.

'Oh no you don't...' Jaden took aim at the nearest Redcoat as he fled and fired another arrow. Again her aim was a failure, it struck the ground behind him. Shit, she was useless! All she was doing was just making it more difficult for the Bluecoats. If only her damn arm hadn't been injured!

Sighing, Jaden looked around to make sure it was safe before leaving her hiding spot to follow after the Redcoats. To her left was a stone fence and she made a run for it. When glancing over it, she watched as two of the Redcoats from the group before decide to split from the others and head towards another house. As for the rest of their group, they took off running down another road, heading northeast while the Bluecoats from before chased after them. Having decided to follow the first two, Jaden slid down a small hill, then dashed across the road and hurried toward the yard to take cover against the side of the building. Once there, she heard voices coming from the back of the house.

Quietly as possible, she crept closer with her bow at the ready. Once near the edge, she slowly peered around the corner and there she spotted the two Redcoats with their muskets drawn on an elderly man trying to help a younger man with a bandage leg whom leaned against a crutch.

"You are hereby under arrest." Said one of the Redcoats.

"But we've done nothing!" The injured man protested. "We are not soldiers!"

"Do not argue!" Snapped the second Redcoat.

While trying to ignore the throbbing pain in her arm, Jaden focused on her aim. She winced when feeling the stitches once again tighten and pinch her sensitive flesh. Taking aim at the closest Redcoat's back, she held her breath while preparing to release the arrow. Though before she could release, she felt a few of the stitches snap, causing a fierce bolt of pain to travel up the arm and even through her shoulder. The pain literally took her breath away. Due to this her aim ended up failing. Instead of the arrow sinking into the back of the Redcoat, it struck his right butt cheek instead.

"Shit!" She cursed, grabbing a second arrow as the man cried out in alarm.

The second Redcoat glanced at his fellow soldier having been caught off guard by the sudden attack. Though when he spotted her, he quickly raised his musket and prepared to shoot. They fired at each other in union and both of them ended up missing. Jaden's arrow flew well passed the man, while his musket ball struck the building beside her. If it weren't for the injured man slamming his crutch across the back of the Redcoat's head she would surely have been struck. She watched as he balanced himself on his good leg then swung the crutch again to knock out the second Redcoat out cold. The old man picked up the fallen muskets and took the ammo as well.

"Thanks." Said Jaden.

"Likewise, Miss." The injured man replied.

"Would you like to come with us, girl? Seeing your wound you should join us. We can keep you safe." The elderly man offered.

She gave him a soft smile, then gave a single shake of the head. "Thank you, but I need to stay here."

"If you are certain..." He replied, the look upon his tired gray bearded face shown of much concern for her. He even offered to give her the second musket, but she declined.

"Keep it. In case you get pinned down by enemy fire, one of you can reload for the other." Jaden instructed.

"May God be with you this day, Miss." Said the injured man.

"And you as well." Jaden said with a nod. "Go ahead and make a run for the woods. Keep heading west. I'll cover you as long as I can. Well, at least I'll try to."

After thanking her again, the two took their leave. She watched with an arrow at the ready while they moved from one house to the other, using each building as cover. Once they were completely out of sight, she prepared to take her leave as well but hesitated when the sound of gun fire erupted, followed by a cry of agony. One that sounded very close to where she stood. In fact, it sounded as though it came from the front of the house.

With her grip tightening on the bow, Jaden peered around the edge of the home. There just a few feet away was a Bluecoat, desperately trying to crawl and take cover behind a tree. Just when she was about to go to his aid she froze when catching the sight of the approaching Redcoat.

A cruel grin was on the man's face as he took his time following the wounded man. "Now where do you think you are going?"

The Bluecoat grunted under his breath, but said nothing more as he continued to crawl towards the tree.

The Redcoat smirked and twirled the musket around in his hands so that the bayonet now pointed towards the fallen man's back. Though he did not strike the man just yet. Instead he cruelly decided to tease his prey. Jaden's grip on the bow tightened even more as she watched the Redcoat come to stand in front of the injured soldier. Yet by doing this, he foolishly exposed his back to her without knowing it.

"Just hold still while I put you out of your misery." The Redcoat taunted. Then, just as he raised his musket to sink the bayonet into the Bluecoat's back, Jaden made her move.

Instead of risking another failed shot, she went with blame B.

'Batter up!' With the bow held high, she ran forward and swung at the back of the bastard's head with very ounce of strength she had.

CRAAAAAACK!

Bits of shattered wood from the bow flew through the air as it broke in half across the Redcoat's thick head. He stumbled forward and landed face first into the tree before sinking onto the ground.

A gasp escaped Jaden's lips as she lowered her gaze to the shattered bow on the ground. "Crap! I didn't mean to hit him so hard I'd end up breaking the bow!"

"Nice swing, though." The Bluecoat grimaced.

Jaden winced when wondering just how pissed Connor might be over this. Even though he had allowed her to borrow the weapon, it was still one he used for years that was from his village. Instantly she felt a stab of guilt for breaking it, but whatever his reaction maybe, she would have to worry about it later.

Dropping the other half of the broken weapon on the ground, Jaden turned her attention to the man she'd just helped. She arched a brow when seeing that he'd removed a knife from his belt then rolled the Redcoat onto his back. Before she could say anything, he sank the glimming blade hilt deep into the unconscious man's throat. She grimaced at his actions as blood began gushing from the punctured wound.

"I will not risk him waking later to harm others." The Bluecoat explained while wiping the blade clean on the dead man's coat.

Before Jaden could think of a reply, sounds of gunfire erupted yet again. "We need to move. Here, let me help you." Coming to stand behind him, she placed her arms beneath his pits and began pulling him to the side of the house. After leaning him against the building, she turned her attention to his wounded leg. From the looks of it, it appeared he'd been shot with a pistol. For if it had been a musket ball a good chunk of his leg would have been blown off.

Just as she reached to examine the injury more closely he caught her wrist, causing her to look up at him. Beneath loose strands of dark wavy hair and a thickening beard, a frightened young man with gray eyes stared back at her. Eyes that were filled with much concern. "No. There's no time!"

Their gazes locked, "I know I can't remove the pellet now, but I can at least bandage it. You don't want to bleed to death do you?"

"Leave me the bandages, I will take care of it myself." His hold on her wrist tightened, "What I need your help with is for a far more important matter."

The hope and desperation within the man's eyes brought her attention from his wound. "What do you need?"

Wincing from the pain, he glanced over his shoulder. Raising a trembling hand he pointed to the right, "There...do you see the blue house down that road? That is my home. My wife and child are still there. I was on my way to help them when that bastard shot me."

The house he spoke of stuck out like a sore thumb and was the same shade of blue as a Smurf. Plus it was a good distance away, so far away in fact that it appeared to be the size of a damned silver dollar. If she tried to help him reach it they would surely end up being spotted and possibly even killed. However, the thought of leaving this man behind with him so badly injured didn't settle well with her.

He turned to look at her, "If you could help my wife protect our child, I will be most grateful." He placed his other hand upon her shoulder, "Will you do this for me? Please?"

"Of course..." Jaden replied, she then began removing some bandages from her satchel for him. "Tell me your names."

"I am Peter, my wife's name is Sarah and our daughter's is Emma. If my wife doesn't believe you at first, tell her the reason I painted our house blue was to match her eyes. She will listen to you then. For no one else knows of this." A small smile came to his lips as he looked at his home, as if a cherished memory came to mind. "It was an anniversary gift..."

She placed the bandages into his hands, "I promise to look after them, Peter. I'll do my best to keep them safe. But you have to promise that you will survive to see them again. Alright?"

Swallowing, he closed his eyes briefly and nodded. "Thank you. Here, take his weapons."

Seeing that Peter only had a pistol with him, she handed him the Redcoat's musket. "Keep this. You might be able to use it as a crutch. I'll take his pistol." Once the Redcoat's belt was removed and was now buckled around her waist, she placed the pouch of gunpowder and musket balls by his side.

He handed over her medical satchel, "You did not give me your name."

She reached for it and met his gaze, "Jaden."

Leaning forward he said in a sincere tone, "When you run, Jaden. Run like hell. And do not look back." More gun fire sounded, signaling that it was time to haul ass. "Go, now!"

After taking a quick breath then exhaling, Jaden rose to her feet and took off in a mad dash for the house. Her boots kicked up dirt as she ran across the road, the medical satchel bumping against her side. Nearing a wooden fence, Jaden grabbed onto the top board then swung her legs over the side. To her right she spotted a group of Redcoats, they couldn't have been more than forty feet away.

"You there!" One of them shouted. "Halt!"

She felt her heart skip a beat. The Redcoat shouted his warning again which she replied by running faster. Nearing a small stone fence, Jaden leaped over it, though as she did so she felt bits of the rocky surface suddenly explode. One of the soldiers had opened fire, his musket ball struck the stone, causing debris to ricochet from the impact and strike her right leg.

It felt as though she'd just been stung by a dozen angry hornets. As pain shot up her leg, Jaden stumbled forward, unable to regain balance she ended up falling hard onto the ground. The scent of grass and dirt filled Jaden's senses as the panic from before began making it's return. Rolling onto her side, she quickly checked the leg that been struck. Instant relief washed over her when seeing that there was no severe injury. 'You're fine! You're not bleeding to death, it was just debris, no biggie. Now get your ass up and run!' Slamming a fist against the grass in determination, she quickly scrambled to her feet. Keeping her head down low behind the stone fence she moved as fast as she could.

The Redcoats opened fire on her again and Jaden could hear their failed attempts striking the stone fence. "Are you shitting me?!" She couldn't help but shout at them while continuing to run with her head kept low. "I'm a woman! You're not suppose to shoot women! You jerk asses!"

Apparently from a distance she looked like a man to them. Perhaps she should reconsider and take Connor's advice on wearing a damn dress after all. Might be safer that way. Although on the other hand, the way these Redcoats were so gun ho it probably didn't matter if she wore a dress or not. Anyone not wearing the same uniform as them was a target.

With the fence coming to an end, Jaden knelt down beside it long enough to wait for the firing squad to reload before sprinting over to take cover along side another house. Then nearing the corner, she stopped briefly when Peter's home came into view. Two houses and a hundred feet separated her from it. Though before she could reach it however, she had to make sure that no one followed. Taking a detour, Jaden crossed another small road and headed into the back yard of a neighboring home. From there, she hid within a small shack, one used to store the owner's yard tools and animal feed in. When she was certain that the Redcoats had lost her trail, she headed for Peter's home.

Her first plan was to knock on the front door, but as Jaden peered around the corner she saw that two Redcoats had already beaten her to it. 'Oh for fuck sake...' She thought angry.

One of the men used the butt end of his rifle to knock on the door, "Open up! In the name of King George!"

Narrowing her eyes, Jaden prepared to use the two loaded flint pistols. Yet just when she was about to take aim at the nearest Redcoat, whom just leaned to the side to peer through the window, blood and brain matter suddenly exploded out from the back of his head. The window also shattered to pieces as she and the remaining Redcoat jumped in alarm.

"Unless you want to end up just like your friend, I suggest you get the bloody hell off of my property! NOW!" Shouted a woman whom must have been Sarah.

The Redcoat stumbled back in panic, nearly tripping over his own feet as he turned heel and ran down the walkway.

Despite the brutally gory scene of the dead Redcoat by her feet with his face blown open by a musket ball, Jaden couldn't help but smirk at the sight of the fleeing soldier. Nothing like running from a pissed off woman with a weapon.

Moving away from the corner, Jaden carefully inched herself closer the window. "Sarah, don't shoot! I just met your husband, Peter. He asked for me to help you protect your child, Emma." At first there was no reply, "Sarah, did you hear me?"

"Yes." Finally came a reply.

Jaden actually jumped in alarm when hearing her voice so close. Glancing over her shoulder, she came eye to eye with the woman whom stood in front of the broken window. "Hi...Nice shot by the way..." She nodded toward the dead man by her feet.

The woman tried to look behind Jaden, checking to see if anyone else was with her. "Is my husband alright?"

"He was shot in the leg. I wanted to bring him with me, but he was afraid we would be too slow and end up being captured or killed. Though I left him with bandages and a musket that he can use as a crutch, plus he has his pistol. He wanted me to help you till he could get here." More gunfire erupted in the distance.

"Come to the back, I have the front door barricaded." Sarah instructed.

Nodding, Jaden then turned and ran for the back door. By the time she reached it, Sarah was there waiting. "Thank you." She said while slipping past the woman. Once inside, Sarah instantly locked the door while Jaden awaited for her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting.

"Is my husband someplace safe?" Sarah asked while coming to stand before her.

Now this was the question Jaden was pondering while on the way here. How should one reply in such a situation as this? Should she lie? Or tell the truth? There seemed to be more pros than cons with the lie. Because for starters, she did not know how this woman would react. Would Sarah be so concerned for her husband that she would want to leave to try and find him? Even though Jaden understood how worried she must be for her husband's life, the child's safety should come first. Even if they were to hide the little girl someplace in the house while they left to retrieve Peter, it just didn't feel right to do so.

As Jaden's eyes began to adjust to the lighting, she looked Sarah over. The woman was young, appearing to be around the same age as her. She was a few inches shorter, with golden blonde hair tied into a bun with messy curls that hung loose to frame her fair face. The woman's cheeks were also flushed and her eyes were indeed the same shade as the house, a vibrant blue. With seeing just how young the woman was made Jaden even more nervous about being honest. There was just so much fear in her eyes...

And yet, there was also strength.

The way Sarah held herself and the how she stood. Tall, with shoulders back and head held high. Seeing this, Jaden knew then that she could not lie to this woman, and how it was wrong to have doubted her. Raising her gaze, she looked this brave woman in the eyes. "To be honest...no." She watched as Sarah inhaled a deep breath, "But where I left him was against the side of a house, hidden between two thick bushes and he is armed. Plus there are also both Bluecoats and militia nearby. I am certain that they will find your husband and help bring him here."

Sarah closed her eyes and took another deep breath while bringing a hand to the cross necklace that hung around her neck. She then whispered something under her breath, which Jaden missed, but assumed was a quick prayer for her beloved husband. A round of gun fire sounded somewhere outside, causing the sudden silence to be shattered. "Lord help us..." Sarah moved back to the door to place a wooden chair under the doorknob. "Before this war started, we did not think that it would be fought in our backyard. That our children would learn of it with their own eyes."

That was something Jaden remembered from history class. How the vote to have the war fought on this soil seemed to have been persuaded with sugar coated words. So many were quick to cast the vote and fight for their freedom that they didn't fully think of all the consequences. Even her younger self thought it was messed up that anyone would want to vote to fight enemies so short a distance from their home than take them on in another country. American history, that was the one class she could never get a single A in. She just couldn't remember most dates or reasons for why everything went down the way it did. Jaden had to hold back a sigh of frustration when once again thinking how the wrong person was sent to aid the Guardian.

Now that her eyes had fully adjusted to the house's dim lightening, she saw that they were in a small kitchen. Iron pots and pans dangled from the ceiling above a stoned fireplace to her right while wooden cupboards were to the left. While taking in the sight around her, she heard Sarah let out a soft gasp, "You are hurt!" Jaden glanced down at her wounded arm, blood had soaked through the bandages and into her brown linen jacket, wincing from the sharp pain, she tried to carefully remove it. "Here, let me help you."

"Thank you." Jaden replied as they removed the jacket. Worried that the little girl would walk in and be frightened from the bloody injury she turned to Sarah, "Where is your daughter?"

"She's in the hallway. Though do not worry, she will not come in." Sarah placed the jacket on a hook beside the door. "I'm afraid I do not have any warm water to properly clean your wound with."

"It's alright, I have rum." Jaden sat her satchel down to retrieve the bottle. After it was set aside, she then tore off the blood soaked sleeve. A minute later, the injury was bare with Sarah standing nearby with the rum in hand. Four stiches had ended up snapping due to the movements they endured earlier and blood continued to seep through. Her entire arm throbbed with such pain that Jaden was on the verge of tears, but she refused to allow them to fall. 'Get through the day, and you can cry later when you're alone.' She kept telling herself. Yet when seeing how nasty the wound looked Jaden prayed that she didn't end up with gangrene.

Sarah gently placed a hand upon Jaden's shoulder, "Ready?"

Taking a deep breath, Jaden replied with a nod. The instant the rum poured across the torn flesh she gasped in pain. It felt as though thousands of burning hot daggers were carving into her skin. Jaden blinked away the tears that were forming in her eyes while clenching a hand into a tight fist. Her legs trembled, if she had been standing she may have ended up on her knees, the pain was that bad.

Once the wound was cleaned, Sarah helped bandage it with fresh linen. While she finished tying the bandage, more sounds of gun fire erupted somewhere outside. Sarah glanced over her shoulder at the kitchen's window. "How much ammunition do you have?"

Jaden sighed, "Two cartridges for both Flint Pistols. That's about it." She nodded towards the quiver of arrows that she placed on the floor besides the back door. "I mainly use a bow but, it kinda broke in half when I slammed it across a redcoat's head." Somehow telling Sarah that it was the same Redcoat that had tried to kill her husband just moments before didn't seem right. The woman was frightened enough for his life as is.

"I hope you broke his damned neck with it." Sarah replied with a small smirk. Then tossing the old bandages into basket on the floor she added, "Follow me, I need to check on my daughter." She motioned for her to follow.

Turning around, Jaden watched as she opened a door to the right that lead into the hall, there on the floor beside the wall was Emma. She appeared to be around four years old and was nearly a perfect image of her mother. Two braids of her golden hair were tied with ribbons that were the same shade of blue as a robin's egg. The dress she wore matched those little bows and was also trimmed with white lace. In her hands was a doll that she was busy braiding it's hair and yes, it too wore a blue dress. Jaden couldn't help but smile, seeing as how the family seemed to love all shades of blue.

Though that same smile began to fade when she noticed just how calm the little girl was. In fact, Emma hadn't even looked up when they approached. The floor boards creaked loudly under their weight as they neared her, yet she still didn't look up. Not only that, but Jaden wondered how the sounds of battle from outside hadn't even spooked her. Then, feeling an ache within her heart, she glanced to Sarah.

Emma was deaf.

Jaden must have shown much sympathy within her eyes, for Sarah gave a soft yet saddened smile while coming to kneel before Emma. Only when she placed a hand upon Emma's head did the little girl glance up at her mother. The sweetest of smiles instantly found its way on her little cherub's face as she held up the doll, showing off the lovely braided work she had just finished. Nodding in approval, Sarah smiled in return then leaned forward to place a gentle kiss upon her daughter's brow.

Suddenly another round of gunfire erupted, causing Jaden to jump in place. Whoever was firing their weapons were right outside. Catching the sight of Jaden, Emma glanced up and met her gaze. Innocent sky blue eyes widened in question as she looked to her mother, whom merely pointed to Jaden before gesturing to herself. Then seeming to understand that Jaden was just another friend of mommy's, Emma flashed her a soft smile.

Returning the smile, Jaden raised her right hand and gave a friendly wave. With Emma turning her attention back on the doll, Jaden lowered her hand and moved toward the corner of the wall to peer around it. There she took in the sight of a small living room. Instantly her attention was drawn to the wooden table that was propped up under the knob of the front door. On each side were two windows, the one on the right was shattered.

"I do not know what to do..." Sarah whispered while brushing a few loose strands of her daughter's hair behind an ear.

Leaning her back against the wall, Jaden let out a slow uneasy breath. They couldn't make a run for it, not with the house being surrounded by Redcoats. Especially with how low they were on ammo. Thoughtfully she lowered a hand to trace her index and middle finger over the flint pistol in it's hostler. "There's only one thing we can do..." She replied, "We wait." Looking to Sarah she added, "I have a friend that's out there fighting off the Redcoats. When he is done, he will come looking for me."

Sarah narrowed her brows, "Is he aware that you are here?"

"No." She replied with a shake of the head, yet the slightest hint of a smile began to form upon her lips. "But he always has a way of finding me..." When catching the questioning look on Sarah's face, Jaden knelt down beside her. "Look. We'll wait here as long as we can. If any Redcoats try to enter we'll take them out. We'll use one cartilage here. If thing's get bad we'll use the other when we make a run for it. We'll head west, for the woods." Jaden glanced down at the sheathed flint pistol on her belt. Hopefully they won't have to use so much ammo. For while on the way here, she did not see any Redcoats shooting or trying to take any women as captives.

Although they may try to enter the home, if she and Sarah did make a run for it with her daughter, perhaps the regulars would leave them be. They're job was to take Bluecoats and militia as prisoners of war, not women. At least she hoped that was the case. Suddenly remembering the dead Redcoat by the front door that Sarah had shot Jaden cursed under her breathe. His body would draw attention, she had to go back and remove it!

"Where are you going?" Sarah asked while glancing around her daughter to watch Jaden head into the living room.

"I have to hide that Redcoat's body. It'll draw attention if I don't." Jaden replied over her shoulder.

"Don't go outside! Its too dangerous!" Sarah hissed.

"It'll be more dangerous if we just leave him there." She came to stand beside the window.

"Where do you plan to put his body?" Sarah's question brought a strange smile to Jaden's lips.

Glancing over her shoulder she asked playfully, "Got a wardrobe?"

The woman merely gawked at her, "Good heavens, you cannot be serious!"

"How about a trunk?" Jaden asked, sounding just a litle too playful for being so serious.

"You are not placing a dead man in my grandmother's hope chest!" Poor Sarah sounded absolutely mortified by the thought.

Jaden shrugged, "Hey, I'm open to suggestions here-"

A loud shout from outside caused her to fall silent. Watching from the window, she spotted three armed Redcoats catch sight of the body. 'Damn it!' Before she could duck out of the way, the closet soldier had spotted her. She felt her heart skip a beat when their eyes met. The man raised a hand and pointed her out. Moving from the window, Jaden returned to the hall where Sarah awaited with Emma. "They saw me. Is there a place where you can hide her?"

Sarah stood and nodded in reply. "Yes, there's a cupboard she likes to hide in within the kitchen when we play a game of hide go seek."

Jaden quickly rolled up the remaining sleeve on her good arm, though before she could reply a loud knock sounded at the door. "By the order of King George, you are hereby under arrest for the murder of his majesty's men!"

Grabbing onto the flint pistol, Jaden locked eyes with Sarah. "Get her to that cupboard. I'll do what I can to keep them from entering."

"Be careful." When turning to her daughter, Sarah forced a fake smile as so to keep Emma unaware of the danger they were in. Jaden could not help but continued to watch Sarah as she began to do a swooping movement with her hand, then followed by wiggling her fingers as if they were suppose to be a person running around. The gesture brought a giggle and excited nod from the little girl. This time when Sarah smiled it was one of sorrow. "It means that it is time to play a game..."

Jaden's gaze softened. A game indeed...

As Sarah led the little munchkin into the kitchen, Jaden turned her attention back to the door that separated them from the armed men outside. After removing the two pistols, she placed the second one that once belonged to the redcoat on a small table beside the wall before preparing to load her own. Just another reason for why Connor was frustrated with her all the time, she never kept her pistol loaded. She was just too worried that it would go off by accident. Her hands began to tremble while pouring the gun powder into the chamber, 'Stop it!' Once more she could feel the fear begin to creep its way back, wanting to take control once more. 'Don't be afraid...there's a child you must help protect...' Taking another deep breath, she then hurried to finish reloading. Fear could not take over, not this time. She had to hold it together.

"If you intend to help these people, then you must not hold back from killing those that try to harm them."

Jaden blinked in alarm when hearing Connor's words from before. Even knowing that he was probably miles away by now, his voice seemed as though he was standing right beside her. Somehow it helped calm her nerves. "I know it is still difficult for you, but remember it is for the greater good."

"I won't hold back..." She whispered while narrowing her eyes. "Not this time." Cocking the now loaded pistol, she glanced around the corner.

A Redcoat suddenly appeared in front of the shattered window, eyes locking with her own. Taking a deep breath, she aimed for his chest and pulled the trigger.

...

"What business do you have here, boy?!"

An annoyed sigh escaped Connor as he glared at the white man that stood before him. He was beyond tired of being called 'boy' by these people. How could any of them mistake him as such? For he was far taller and broader than most of them. Not to mention armed from head to toe. Perhaps it was their own way of insulting him because of his race. Or then again, with how young he appeared, despite his size and skills, these men may believe he had not seen nor participated in as many battles as they have. Hence why they continued to call him boy. Whatever the case maybe, Connor was growing tired of it. Though in their defense, they did not know him, nor knew the hard life he lived. This he knew and for that reason alone, it kept him to remain collect.

"It is alright." Came a voice from behind the guard. "Let him pass."

The man before him turned to glance over his shoulder. The one who gave the order was none other than Samuel Adams. "Yes, Sir." He answered, then stepped aside. Just as Connor began to walk pass, the man added, "My apologies. Just doing my job is all."

"I understand." Connor replied. The man nodded in return, then went back to his post. Making his way over to Samuel Addams, he took notice of another man with graying hair that stood beside him. One that was dressed in clothing rather similar to a Redcoat. He wore a red long coat with dark gray trousers. "Blood has been spilt in Lexington and there's more to come." He explained, having turned his gaze on Addams. "The Regulars are on the march."

The man in red looked Connor up and down before stepping out before him, "You don't say? Why do you think I've men up here?"

Connor hesitated in reply, not quite sure of what to say.

The man in red, whom he quickly assumed was James Barrett let out tired sigh. "Go home, 'fore you get yourself killed. I've enough to worry about without some green boy looking to play at hero."

Connor narrowed his eyes, before he could defend himself Addams spoke up, "I can vouch for him."

Removing the letter, Connor held it up so that when Barrett turned around he would come face to face with the written proof. "John Parker as well."

With an arched brow, Barrett met his glare briefly before taking the letter. As the man stepped away to examine the wording, Connor moved to stand beside Addams. "Where's Revere?" He asked in a low whisper.

Placing his hands behind his back, Addams turned to him and replied simply, "Captured."

Connor's jaw dropped "What?!" his voice coming out as a hissed whisper.

Addams shook his head, "Fear not. That man's no stranger to sticky situations. He'll be fine. I'm sure of it."

'I find that hard to believe.' Connor could not help but think.

The sound of Barrett loudly clearing his throat caused both men to turn their attention on him, "Ahem. You ladies finished gossiping?" Coming to stand before them, Barrett kept his eyes on Connor." Parker seems to believe you're not completely useless. So I suppose there's a thing or two you might be able to help with." Turning around, Barrett pointed to an area near the bridge.

"When the fighting starts, we will have to hold the positions there. They're critical to the defense of Concord. Good boys, not use to soldiering. They'll need someone with experience to direct them." Then looking Connor in the eyes he asked, "That something you can do?"

Not looking away from his judging stare, Connor nodded in reply.

Barrett took a step forward, "You best be telling the truth..."

The man's behavior was understandable. For this was the first time they had met and he was putting all his faith, plus the lives of his men into someone's letter that claimed he was trust worthy. That he also had the skill to help aid him. Looking Barrett in his eyes once more Connor said firmly, "You have my word."

The man held his gaze briefly before looking towards the bridge. "Then I suppose all that's left to do now, is wait."

Connor looked to Addams, whom narrowed his brows and gave a nod of approval.

Just then, A bluecoat jogged passed them to join a group of soldiers that were kneeling in a group. Deciding to see just what type of men he would soon be instructing during the up coming battle, he began to make his way over to them. When approaching, he could hear that they were chanting in union. Standing near them in silence, he listened with much curiosity.

One soldier held a book and kept his eyes closed while others around him clasped their hands together and repeated the very words he spoke.

'A prayer circle...'. These men were praying to their god. Connor recalled hearing about such things from some of the residents on the homestead, though he had never actually seen it in person. Tilting his head to the side, he continued to watch them a moment while thinking just how different their beliefs were, and yet they fought for the same reason. The more Connor stayed among these people, the more he began to see that perhaps they were not so different after all.

Deciding to leave them in peace, Connor moved towards a smaller group. Four men wearing regular clothing sat near a wooden fence. 'Militia' He thought.

As he drew nearer, he noticed one of the men was holding a wooden toy horse. "I am nearly finished with it."

"Looks good, my friend. I'm certain your son will cherish it." Said another while brushing a few loose stands of brown hair from his eyes. "When is his birthday?"

The man holding the toy bent down to pick up a satchel. "Next month. On the 12th." Carefully he placed the little horse inside, "He will be seven. Feels as though it was only yesterday when I watched my loving wife bring him into this world."

"They do grow fast." Nodded man with the same shade of skin as Achilles. "My boy will be ten in August."

The soldier that had carved the wooden toy carefully sat the satchel upon the ground. "I just hope I can be there to watch him grow and become a man. To witness him raising his own children."

The fourth soldier whom appeared to be much older than the rest, with a thick black mustache removed a pipe that he was smoking. "The important thing is, he will." Lifting a leg, he tapped the pipe against the heel of his boot. "That is if we win this war. Your children will be able to live good peaceful lives."

"Aye. That is why I am honored to fight. For our loved ones, for the innocents and those that come after them." The dark skinned man nodded, "'Tis a good cause to fight for. To die for." Turning his gaze to the sunny sky above, he took in a deep breath then exhaled it out slowly. "I'm ready."

Standing with arms crossed over his chest, Connor nodded in approval. Even though these men did not know it, but he held a great deal of respect for them. For what they were willing to give up so much so that others could live better lives. An honorable sacrifice.

The older man with the thick black beard placed a hand on each of the men's shoulders. "Do not speak as though you will not survive past today. I have seen you both fight and-"

"The Regulars are here!" Came a echoing shout that caused everyone to go silent and turn towards the bridge.

Uncrossing his arms, Connor peered across the creek to see dozens of grouped Redcoats marching in their direction. Turning heel, he made a mad dash for his horse.

"Man the barricades!" James Barrett shouted. Just as Connor climbed into the saddle, Barrent quickly reached out to grab his arm, "No! Ensure my men hold those positions! If the red devils break through we're finished!"

"What would you have me do?" Connor asked, giving the man his full attention.

Barrett's grip on his arm tightened, "Listen carefully. The Redcoats will form firing lines. Order the men to shoot just before the line is ready. Too soon and they'll miss their targets. Too late and the enemy will open fire first."

Connor gave a firm nod, "Understood."

Barrett turned briefly to the Redcoats before looking back at him. "And if any of those bastards make it through, engage them." With his voice stressing he added, "You must keep my men alive!"

'I will.' Connor thought as he dug his heels into the horse's sides, urging the animal to lunge forward. The first group that waited his order were standing ready in front of the bridge. Four men on each side of him knelt behind stacks of barrels, their muskets aimed. All waited for his order to open fire. Before them, Connor counted only four Redcoats beginning to ascend the bridge.

"Sir?" Came a voice from his right.

"Continue to hold." Connor instructed without removing his focus from the approaching enemies. "You men on my left, open fire when I give the signal." Looking to the others he continued, "The rest of you will remain at the ready. Am I understood?"

"Yes, Sir!" Most of the soldiers shouted in union.

Closer the Redcoats marched, nearing the middle of the bridge.

Eyes narrowed, Connor raised his hand. "Steady..."

The moment the Redcoats came to a stop in the middle of the bridge, Connor heard their Commander order a shout. Giving the signal to make ready with their muskets.

Once more, one of the soldiers near Connor stressed out his voice "Sir...!"

The Redcoats raised there rifles.

Dropping his hand, Connor's fierce shout echoed through the valley, "FIRE!"

...

The redcoat howled in pain as Jaden's aim shot through the remaining shattered window and struck his upper left shoulder, causing him to stumble away.

A hit, but yet it was still a miss. She had aimed for his chest, yet the damn backfire caused her aim to jolt up and to the left. This was just another reason why she preferred the bow! Cursing under her breath, she reached for the second pistol and waited for another redcoat to appear within one of the windows.

"You dare attack his majesty's soldiers?!" One of them shouted.

"I sure as shit do!" Jaden shouted back, making damn sure she was loud and clear for all of them to hear. "Especially when there are children in here!"

Someone kicked at the door in reply.

"There is no reason for you to be here! I am done warning you! Leave now or get a bullet in your balls, and trust me, this time I won't miss!" Jaden shouted while cocking the pistol and standing ready to open fire.

"To hell with you and your children! You are all traitors to his majesty!" The same voice called back.

Jaden cursed under her breath. Trying to talk with these aholes was pointless. They had no honor or even a frickin conscience. They were here to kill the patriot soldiers and do what they wanted with the women and children. Screw that. Looking from one window to the other, she called out in a taunting tone, "No...To hell with you and your majesty's worthless and heartless ass! And fuck you for being such little bitches to follow such an ugly ass troll!"

Just as she was hoping, one of the men cursed back at her and appeared in the second window, pistol in hand. With their eyes locking, Jaden pulled her trigger.

Click.

"No..." Jaden blinked at the flint pistol in her hands. Again she tried pulling the trigger.

Click-click. Clickclickclickclick!

The damn thing was jammed!

The man laughed cruelly at her situation before firing his own pistol. Quickly, Jaden turned and ducked behind the corner as glass shattered and fell across the hard wood floors. The bullet ended up striking the wall she hid behind.

"Wench!" Shouted the Redcoat, "Open the door, now!"

Shifting her glare from the shit pistol to the ahole demanding such a bullshit order, Jaden smirked in his direction, "Yeah sure. I'll get right on that." Stepping to the left she moved back into the hall. He shouted at her again, demanding the door to be opened. Ignoring him, Jaden rushed back into kitchen where Sarah and Emma remained.

Not wanting to frighten the little girl, Jaden gently pushed open the kitchen's door, spotting Sarah, she stepped inside. "Is she in the cupboard?"

"Yes." Sarah replied with a nod. "She believes I am searching for her now."

Letting the door close, Jaden moved toward her. "Look. We have a problem. This damn pistol is jammed. I can't fire it. Can you reload my other one?" A loud bang coming from the front door caused both women to jump.

Sarah whispered something under her breath, then turned to grab the musket she placed against the wall. "Yes, but here, take this."

When reaching out to for the weapon, Jaden soon hesitated. "Wait...they may try coming through the back. Keep it. Just in case."

Another thud came from the front door.

Sarah's eyes widened while she reached for the items needed to reload the pistol, "Then what are you going to use?"

Biting her lower lip in thought, Jaden glanced around the kitchen. Surely there was something here that she could use for a weapon. Even though it was tempting to grab the musket, she could only fire it once and kill one redcoat while others came in after him. How many others remained outside she did not know. Perhaps she could stall them so Sarah could escape with Emma.

While they escaped, the redcoats may shoot Jaden dead for attacking them. 'At least Emma would be safe...'

Looking around the small kitchen, Jaden tried to find anything that was not too heavy yet strong enough to cause some damage.

As another thud sounded, she spotted two items laying upon a counter top. "Bingo..." Hurrying over, Jaden picked up a rolling pin and a frying pan then headed for the hall door.

"Are you touched in the head?!" Asked Sarah, gawking at her choice weapons.

"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" Jaden whispered thoughtfully under her breath. Nearing the door she looked the woman hard in the eyes, "Stay here and keep guard over your daughter. You only have two shots with the musket and pistol. If this doesn't work, I want you to grab Emma and run." Sarah began to protest, but there was no time to hear it. Heaving open the door Jaden rushed into the hall and peered around the corner.

The table Sarah had propped against the door wobbled on its legs as the redcoats outside continued to try to kick their way inside. Pressing her back against the wall, Jaden turned her gaze to the wood cupboard to her left. Within it's glass cabinets she could see the front door's reflection. With one last loud thud, the door finally gave way and slammed open, causing the table to flip on it's side and two redcoats appeared in the doorway.

Watching their reflections, Jaden tightened her grip on the frying pan's handle.

The first man held out his musket in front of him, holding it ready to stab it's blade into the first person he came across.

Jaden's heart began to pound so loudly that she nearly feared that the men could hear it. Doing her best to ease the speed of the beat, she took slow and easy breaths.

The men crept closer to her location as she continued to silently watch their reflection in the glass. Then out of the corner of her eye, the first man's bayonet began to appear around the corner where she stood. It was so close that she could actually smell the drying blood that covered the blade. Her grip on the pan tightened even more.

Just as the man's face appeared near the edge of the wall, Jaden made her move and swung as hard as she possibly could. Several loud sickening cracks broke the uneasy silence as the pan smashed against bone and cartilage of the redcoat's face. The blow caused his head to snap back violently, instantly knocking him out. As he fell to his knees Jaden quickly stepped out from her hiding place and locked eyes with the second soldier. Before he could gather his thoughts enough to fire his weapon, she threw the rolling pin straight at his face.

Another sickening crack sounded as the man's face was welcomed by the hard wood of the rolling pin. His legs nearly went up over his head as he fell hard onto his back, blood already gushing from his busted nose. He too was down for the count. Without hesitating, Jaden leaped over the first man's unconscious body and hurried over to the door and closed it. Then dropping her mighty kitchen appliances, she picked up the fallen table and placed it back against the door.

"Well that worked out rather nicely..." Said Sarah as she appeared around the corner.

Jaden let out a breathy sigh of relief, then said with a slight shrug. "I know right? Kitchen appliances, who knew!" Honestly, she didn't think she would be fast enough for such a risky move to work. It was a damned miracle that it did.

Sarah's gaze suddenly turned hard, her eyes narrowed and shifted from one still man to the other. "They still live..." Reaching down, she picked up the helm of her dress and raised it up to the cafe of her leg where a hidden knife was sheathed. After removing it, she came to kneel beside the man closet to her. Without a word, Sarah pressed the knife against his throat and jerked her hand back. A deep cut formed across his throat and blood instantly began to pour from the sliced flesh.

Jaden arched a brow when remembering how Peter was quick to slice the Redcoat's throat. She wondered if he had taught his wife the move.

As Sarah made her way to the second man, she met Jaden's gaze. "I know this may seem cruel to you, but I have a daughter to protect." She jerked her hand back and cut his throat. "I will not take a chance of them coming to."

Shaking her head she said honestly, "No, you have every right to kill them. You do what you have to, to protect your little one. Let's hide their bodies so that Emma doesn't see them."

Sarah pointed to a nearby closet and together they dragged the bodies inside it. When finished, they returned to check on Emma whom was still in her hiding place. Her little giggles told them that she was still unaware of the dangerous situation they were in, that and how proud she must think she was to be able to remain hidden for so long, that she was winning such an epic game of hide go seek.

Sarah stood beside her daughter's hiding spot while Jaden remained in the hall and went through the weapons they collected from the two dead soldiers. "What do you think we should do now?"

Setting one of the newly acquired pistols on the table before her, she glanced over her shoulder at Sarah. "I think it be best if we just wait here."

"I suppose. Though more will come...and we don't know how many." Sarah pointed out.

Jaden turned away to look at the weapons before her, "Guess we will have ourselves one hell of a round two."

...

"Hold! I said hold!" Connor ordered the men to his right. "Wait till I give the signal. Do not fire before hand!"

The bridge before him was now painted red with blood. Dozens of redcoats lay dead upon it. More were fast approaching. All marching together in an even group of ten. Connor shook his head in disbelief. The way these white men faught their wars was madness! All they did was march together in union, come to a halt to either wait for their enemies to open fire upon them. If they did not end up dead, then they would take their turn to return that same fire. It reminded him of a game of chess. One that Norris once introduced him too.

Where he sat upon the horse, Connor could see more groups of regulars drawing ever closer in his direction. The way they moved in perfect union reminded him of the waves in the ocean. Only this was a ocean of blood. Slowly and carefully coming to greet not only him, but also the men around him with death. When one group fell, there was another to take their place. So many bodies covered the once lush green ground. The creek before them now ran red with the blood of the dead.

A cry to Connor's left sounded, letting him know that another one of Barret's men was stuck. So far only a hand full had been killed, a few others injured. Though it was not because of Connor's lack of directions. The men either failed to listen to his orders or keep themselves safely hidden behind their cover. Though none the less, Connor still felt a stab of guilt whenever a man ended harmed or killed.

Up ahead, the group of redcoats upon the bridge came close enough to fire upon. Lowering his hand, Connor shouted the order. One by one the regulars joined the dead. Pulling the reigns, Connor led the horse to the left to direct the other groups of bluecoats. As he drew nearer, a patriot whom did not wait for Connor's signal moved to open fire. Though before he could pull the trigger, a musket bullet suddenly struck his right eyeball and ripped through the back of his skull. The men around him gasped in alarm.

"This is madness! There are too many of them!" One man shouted.

"Suck it up man! Don't let your balls run off on ye! Don't let them see your fear or we will loose this war, damn it!" Said a beaded man from across the other.

"Just heed my directions and you will get through this-" Suddenly Connor hissed in pain when a bullet struck the side of his right shoulder. Pain surged through his entire arm. Three groups of redcoats had opened fire in union, the sounds of their muskets caused the horse to rear in alarm. "Easy boy!" Connor patted the side of the animal's neck, then looking across the creek at their enemies he saw that they were reloading. "Return fire! Now!"

One by one, the patriots muskets fired. Connor's gaze pierce through the gun smoke and he sighed softly in relief when seeing the many redcoats fall to the ground. "Well done. Continue to only open fire when they reload. Keep your heads down low and eyes ever watchful and you will live to see your families again. I promise."

And so the bloody onslaught continued. Riding his horse back and forth, Connor continued to lead the patriots with successful direction. When the men realized that they could fully trust him, they listened and no more fell prey to injury or death. Only their enemies failed to win the battle that seemed to last forever.

Once it was all over, Connor dismounted and went to sit upon a nearby log to attend his wound. Luckily the bullet just skimmed most of his arm. Yet it would still need a stitch job by Jaden later on. For now he simply wrapped a bandage around it and tied it tight.

Sighing, he rose to his tired feet and glanced around. So much death surrounded him, too many bodies littered the area. Shaking his head, he lowered his gaze to the bloodied ground, no longer wanting to see the saddened sight around him.

A brown leather pouch beside his boots caught his attention. Narrowing his brows in thought, Connor knelt down to retrieve it. Feeling something inside, he undid the ties and slipped his hand inside. When removing the object, Connor felt his heart sink. A carved wooden horse stared up at him. Instantly the memory of the white man carving it for his son's birthday just hours before the battle entered Connor's mind. Glancing around, he tried to spot the boy's father, but he was no where to be seen. Unless...

Unless he too was amongst the dead.

Somehow, Connor could not help but feel guilty that so many lay dead. If only...

"It takes a true monster to do something like this." James Barret's voice interrupted his troubled thoughts as he came to stand beside him. The man gave a long tired sigh and shook his head. "At least they're gone."

"I should have struck when I had the chance..." Connor replied, though it seemed it was mostly to himself than for Barret. Doing his best to shake off the such feelings, he turned to the man. When he spoke again his tone was far more determined, more focused. "Do you know where Pitcairn could have gone?"

Barret glanced around them,"Back in the withered bosom of the British no doubt, so that he might regroup and plan his next atrocity."

Hearing such an answer caused him to narrow his eyes, "I need to find him. Every day I wait more will suffer..."

"Chin up friend..." Barret turned to meet his gaze, "Many who've should have died now live because of you."

A tick began to form in Connor's jaw. Raising a hand, he pointed to the dead that surrounded them, "And what of them?"

Another sigh escaped Barret's lips as he held his hands behind his back. "We do the best we can with what we've got."

His answer did nothing to please him, he closed the remaining space between them with another step."It is not enough!"

"Hmm." Barret gave the slightest of nods. Then to Connor's alarm, he patted his shoulder. "It never is."

Connor waited for the man to continue, it seemed as though he was going to say more. Though instead Barret merely left and walked over to join a group of his soldiers. A frustrated sigh escaped Connor's lips and he turned away. The day had brought a small victory for the patriots, though at the cost of far too many lives. Not only that, but his target had once again escaped him. Yet he told himself to remain calm. Pitcairn could run as far as he so wished. For in the end, that life would still end by Connor's hand. He would make sure of it.

Just then, the wind began to pick up. For the first time that day, Connor noticed just how gentle breeze was that came to greet him. It lightly blew through his dark locks, causing the few beaded braids to bump the side of his face. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to close his eyes and try to ease the building anxiety. It was as though the very spirits were trying to tell him that it would be well. However, when the scent of blood reached his senses, the soothing feeling the breeze had given him was instantly taken away.

"Jaden..." Her name came out as a soft whisper. Opening his eyes, Connor peered across the blood stained bridge in the direction of Lexington where she awaited for his return. Feeling the beat of his heart begin to rise, he turned and sprinted toward the horse. During the battle, he had completely forgotten about her. Now the fear for her safety was returning. There had been so many regulars, was it even possible she was still alive?

'Do not think of such things.' He ordered himself. Though before returning to the saddle, he made his way over to the log where he witnessed the man carving the wooden horse. There he carefully placed the boy's birthday gift upon the log, in hopes that the man was still alive and would come to find the gift he was making for his son.

Once back in the saddle, Connor's thoughts were on Jaden. He assured himself that the girl was far too stubborn to die. She was alright. Yet, there was a dreaded feeling that Connor could not shake. One that he could not quite place. There was an urge to return to Lexington right away. Grabbing the reigns, Connor ordered the horse into a fierce sprint across the bridge. The animal reared forward, leaping over the many bodies that littered the path. 'Please be safe...' he prayed silently. 'So help me, you better be safe...'

...

"Okay so we now have five muskets, because one bastard thought he needed two. Plus four pistols, plenty of ammo. And a partridge in a pear tree. We got a little artillery party going on here. Not bad." Jaden looked from Sarah to give Emma a playful wink, which the little girl smiled in return.

"I just hope its enough." Sarah replied while running her hand through her daughter's hair. For the past half hour no redcoats bothered them. It almost seemed as the though the battle outside had finally came to an end. Until the sounds of gun fire would erupted every few minutes.

"It might be. I did just use a frying pan and a rolling pin to take out the last two." Jaden said playfully, she stood within the door frame that led out into the hall. Crossing her arms she added, "But if we do get more visitors...you find a hiding place for you and your daughter. That or make a run for it."

Sarah nodded in reply while turning her attention to Emma, whom sat calmly within her lap. After a moment of silence passed between them, she added sadly, "I...was hoping my husband would have joined us by now..."

Tears could be seen in the woman's eyes, though they did not fall. This woman was one to admire. Not only was she brave and willing to kill to protect the life of her daughter, but she was also doing everything to keep it together. The fear and guilt she must feel for her husband right then, knowing that he was injured nearby, but still too far for her to aid him. For all they knew, Peter could be dead. Jaden could only imagine what Sarah was both feeling and thinking right then. Yet on the outside she made sure to appear collect for her daughter.

Biting her lower lip in thought, Jaden tried to think of words that could help ease Sarah's troubled mind. "I am certain your husband is safe. Not only did I see bravely in his eyes, but also wisdom. I'm sure he is just laying low for now. Because he knows if he came here, Redcoats would surely follow him. When things calm down, he will make his way here."

Sarah gave a small smile, "Thank you..." her voice broke just then. Making her take a moment to gather herself once more before continuing. Clearing her throat, she added. "Not only for your words, Jaden...but for being here as well. And I hope that your friend is safe too."

"He better be..." She whispered under her breath. No matter how many times Connor told her not to worry about him, she wouldn't be able to stop. Sometimes he was like a stubborn puppy that refused to be house broken. No matter how many times the little runt annoyed you by messing up, in the end it just gave you those precious moment puppy eyes and your frustration just vanishes. It was like that with Connor. Whenever he annoyed or ticked her off, in the end, she always just ended up brushing it off. Perhaps it was because she felt guilty for being so useless to him. The guy had every right to be just as frustrated by her too, after all. It wasn't his fault the wrong person was sent to help aid him.

"Sorry, what was that?" Sarah asked, meeting her gaze.

"Thank you." Jaden added quickly, shaking away her thoughts.

"Would you mind telling me about this friend of yours?"

Jaden arched her brows at that. As much as she should have expected such a question, she hadn't really depended on it. Mushing her lips together in thought, she raised her gaze to the ceiling, "Uh, well...sure. I just...need a moment to think of where to start...He's not exactly your average guy..."

"Is he a patriot?" Sarah asked, watching her closely.

"Well yeah...in a manner..." Jaden blinked, "He's really into freedom and justice."

Emma turned her attention from the doll she held to her mother. Whom gently continued to lightly brush her hair behind her shoulders. "I apologize. I do not mean to pry. It is just that I have never seen you in this area before. So I was merely wondering whom your friend was. If he was part of the militia."

"Its fine. I understand...and I suppose you could say he is part of the militia, in a way." Jaden replied thoughtfully. "I will say this about him though. He's one hell of a fighter."

"I see." Sarah looked back to her daughter's hair."Is he also your man?"

The question came out of no where. In fact, it actually caused Jaden to jerk slightly in alarm. She blinked at Sarah,"My, my what?!"

"Your betrothed." Now why the woman ask such a thing? She already said he was a friend. How could anyone mistake that as anything more?

"Uh...no." Jaden raised a hand to the back of her neck. suddenly feeling very uneasy."He's just a friend. Really."

Sarah looked up at her, "I am sorry. Again, I do not mean to pry. Just...making conversation." She let out a long nervous sigh, "Trying to keep my mind focused on...other things. I am just so worried about my husband. As well as my daughter...I'm afraid I am not very good a remaining calm."

Jaden's gaze softened, "You are doing very well, Sarah. You have plenty to worry about, and you have the right to be. Trust me, you are doing amazing keeping it all together."

Again that soft smile found its way upon the woman's lips, though the fear remained within those vibrant blue eyes. Fear that Jaden wanted to try and keep at bay. Leaning against the doorframe, she flashed her a friendly smile, "I have a joke if you'd like to hear it." When Sarah nodded, she began. "Okay, so a penguin and a farmer walk into a bar..."

Sarah arched a brow, "Wait. What...is a penguin?"

'Ah fuck, that's right.' Jaden sighed, "Okay, nevermind. Let me try another-"

A loud crash interrupted her, causing both women to jump in place. The sound of the table against the front door had been knocked over.

"Stay here!" Jaden hissed. Grabbing two of the well loaded pistols, she hurried into hall. Silently as possible she crept to the corner of the wall and looked toward the glass cabinets. In their reflection stood a redcoat with both hands holding his musket. He turned his head left and right while glancing about.

With a finger on each trigger, Jaden held her breath and prepared to step out to open fire. Silently counting to three in her mind, she made her move. Leaping out from behind the corner, she took aim and began to pull her finger against the trigger.

A young freckled face gawked back at her as he stepped back in alarm. Her movement startled him so that he ended up tripping over the fallen table behind him and even dropped his musket. The redcoat before her was incredibly young. He couldn't possible be much older than fifteen. Sweat beads could be seen upon his brow as brown eyes filled with fear starred back at her.

Behind him the door was barely hanging on it's hinges. For a scrawny teenager, he had one hell of a kick. Slowly the boy raised his hands up in defense. Jaden shifted her gaze to look behind him, making sure no one else was going to enter. When meeting his gaze once more she felt her grip on the trigger lesson. She couldn't pull the trigger...not with how young and frightened he appeared.

No...she had to do it! Narrowing her eyes, Jaden tried to shake the sympathy away. She couldn't risk letting him go.

And yet...

Even though he said nothing, his frightened eyes spoke for him. Begging her to spare him.

'Shit...' Glaring at him, she motioned the pistol towards the door. "Leave." She said in a low, stern voice. "And do not come back. If you do. I will kill you." Seeing the relief slowly consume the fear within those eyes she added, "Do you understand?"

The young soldier nodded while gulping in reply. Ever so carefully he backed away from her, moving towards the door. Jaden's eyes nor her aim never left him until he was completely out of her sight. A long sigh escaped her lungs while Jaden cursed at herself. If he had been a grown man, surely she would have pulled that trigger. 'I would have...' she thought. 'Of course I would have...'

"Jaden?!" Sarah shouted from the kitchen, "Are you alright?!"

Jaden kept her gaze on the busted door, "Yes...but its alright. They ran off." Carefully, she began to move forward, keeping her aim at the ready. Stepping over the fallen table, she reached the doorway and glanced outside. No redcoats could be seen, yet the sound of gun fire in the distance could still be heard.

"You managed to chase them off?" Came Sarah's voice from behind, startling Jaden. "You are quite good at this.

Jaden pointed at the dead redcoat that still lay in the woman's front yard, "So are you." Stepping back inside, she looked the room over. They needed something heavier to block the broken door. Spotting a large wooden shelf in the far corner to their left, "Lets bring move that over here." Once they finished removing the books and other items off the shelves, the two began dragging the heavy piece of furniture towards the doorway. Jaden wasn't sure what type of wood the damn thing was made of, but it was sure heavy as hell.

Just when they were half way across the room, a shout from outside sounded. Sarah was the quicker one to react. Already grabbing the musket and moving toward the doorway as Jaden moved away from behind the shelf. Though before she could join Sarah, Emma began to scream from the kitchen.

Sarah's eyes went wide with fear while her back was pressed against the wall beside the busted door. Being the closet to the kitchen, Jaden instantly spun and sprinted into the hall. Bursting through the door, she held the pistol out, thinking that the regulars had managed to make their way inside. Yet she saw no one. Only Emma stood with her face covered in her tiny hands beside the kitchen window.

Jaden looked towards it, wondering if someone had peered inside and that was what caused the little girl to scream.

"Emma!" Came Sarah's panicked voice.

"She's alright!" Jaden shouted over her shoulder, "No one is here. The chair is still blocking the door. She's safe-"

Gun fire suddenly broke the silence, and it hadn't came from outside...

Turning back to the hall door, Jaden opened it and began to run into the hall to help aid Sarah fight the intruders. As she neared the corner, Sarah came into view. The musket she held fell away from her grasp as she turned to look at Jaden, her eyes wide with both alarm and fear.

Jaden took a step forward, when seeing the blood began to form across the cloth that covered Sarah's chest she felt her heart skip a beat.

'No...' Immediately she rushed toward Sarah, catching her in her arms as she fell forward. Out the corner of her eye Jaden saw a red figure. Glancing over her shoulder she spotted the man that had shot Sarah.

It was the teenager from before...

Jaden's eyes widened in disbelief as their gazes locked. He stood with a pistol loose in his hand while starring back at her. That same fear from before filled those young brown eyes. She shook her head slightly, not understanding why he came back to do this. Not after she had given him the chance to leave. "Why...?" The question came out as a trembling whisper.

The pistol fell from his grasp and landed upon the floor. He shook his head. The boy appeared to want to answer her question, but no words came. He seemed to be in just as much shock as she was.

A shout from outside sounded yet again, causing the young soldier to snap out of his trance. As Sarah let out a gasp of pain, he quickly turned and stumbled out the front door. Tears began to form in Jaden's eyes as so many thoughts and feelings began hitting her all at once. Clearing the growing lump in her throat, she carried Sarah into the hall and gently placed her against the wall.

Sarah held a hand against the wound, though Jaden carefully moved it away so she could examine the injury. "Hold on Sarah, you're going to be okay..." Panic was taking over as her hands trembled while she pulled down the collar of the gown. Deep down she knew it was useless, where the blood was forming Jaden could tell the bullet had struck Sarah's left lung. There was nothing that could be done to save her. Tears began to fall down Sarah's face as her breathing grew ragged. Voice breaking, Jaden cupped the frightened woman's face, "I am so sorry...! Oh god, I am so sorry Sarah!" Desperately she placed both hands against the wound, in hopes to stop the bleeding. Panic had finally taken over. "No, please no...!"

Sarah opened her mouth to speak, but let out a fierce cough instead. Blood slid down the side of her mouth. Just then, her frightened eyes shifted to look behind Jaden. Following her gaze, Jaden felt a gasp escape her throat when seeing Emma standing just a few feet away. Her cherub face filled with confusion. Raising a trembling hand towards her daughter, Sarah gestured for Emma to come closer. Rising to her feet, Jaden moved away so that Emma could take her place.

Unrecognizable sounds escaped Emma as she joined her mother. Not understanding what was happening. Her frightened gaze looked from the blood on her mother's clothing to her eyes. Desperately she wanted to know what was wrong and tried to make gestures that only her mother understood. Though Sarah was growing weaker by the minute, making it hard for her to make the hand gestures for Emma to recognize. "My sweet...baby...girl...my sweet...Emma..."

Again, Jaden found herself apologizing. Though when Sarah met her gaze, it was soft. She gave a slight shake of her head, as if trying to tell her that she was not at fault for this.

Even though Jaden knew she was.

"Please...keep her safe..." Sarah managed to choke out between gasps of ragged breaths.

Jaden couldn't find the words to speak. She tried to keep them both safe, yet in the end she still failed to do so. For here this mother sat dying because she couldn't pull the trigger on that redcoat. All because she thought he was too young to die.

Though with Sarah's glazed over eyes pleading with her, Jaden found herself kneeling before her. She couldn't say no. Couldn't say she would just end up failing like before. Not with Sarah's dying hopes. Taking her hand, she squeezed it as sob escaped her. "I promise..." she whispered finally.

Smiling sadly, Sarah tried to squeeze her hand in return, but ended up being far too weak to do so. Then turning to her daughter and with the last bit of her strength, she cupped the side of Emma's face. "Love...you..." she whispered.

As Sarah's last breath exhaled, her half opened eyes remained upon her daughter. Emma, whom still did not understand what was happening, tried pulling on her mother's arm while making sobbing noises.

In the back of Jaden's mind, a voice ordered her to stand. To take the child and run to safety. She could not fail at keeping another precious life safe. Feeling tears within her eyes, Jaden rose to her feet, "I'm sorry Emma...I know you can't hear me...but I am so sorry I caused this...and that I must take you away now..." No matter how many times she apologized, it did not matter. Sarah was gone, and this little girl would have to live the rest of her life without her loving mother.

Cursing at her foolishness, Jaden quickly gathered as many weapons as she could carry. Placing two muskets on her back and wearing a double pistol belt around her waist. Once the pouches were loaded with both ammo and the gun powder, she returned to Emma's side. Whom instantly began to struggle the second Jaden's arms wrapped around her. Placing Emma against her hip, Jaden wrapped an arm around the little girl's waist while holding a loaded pistol in her free hand then headed out the front door.

Redcoats could be seen to her left, immediately Jaden made a run for the side of the house. Hoping they hadn't spotted her. Emma continued to kick and sob loudly as Jaden hurried around to the back. From there she planned to make a break for the tree line. Though as she reached the back yard she came face to face with five with armed redcoats.

Every single one of them turned their musket on her, the sight of them causing the blood to drain from her face.

The leader narrowed his eyes at them, then raised his hand. "Make ready!"

"No..." Jaden whispered, her eyes shifted from him to the men. "You can't...!"

The leader merely continued to look at her with cold dead eyes.

Letting the pistol fall from her grasp, Jaden held up her hand. "We surrender!"

Though it did not matter. They were nothing but vermin to them.

Everything around her seemed to suddenly move more slowly. As if the very world was slowing down time to allow them both to take in the last few seconds of their lives. Turning her attention from the men before them, she looked to Emma. Who's eyes were filled with tears that continued to fall. Even though her hands were so tiny, they were yet so strong as she wrapped her arms around Jaden's neck, holding on for dear life.

"Aim!" Ordered the leader.

So many thoughts began to rush through Jaden's mind just then. So many apologizes. Apologizes to Sarah for causing her death. To Peter for failing to keep his wife and daughter safe. To Emma, whom lost her mother and was just far too young to die. Lastly, to Connor. For being nothing but a failure to help aid him. She had been nothing but a joke to him, and he deserved far better.

Shifting Emma in her arms, Jaden turned her back upon the Redcoats in hopes to shield Emma from as many bullets as possible.

Then the order was given.

"FIRE!"

The shout sounded as though it came from two directions, but Jaden thought nothing of it. Instead, she merely closed her eyes and held a breath. While holding Emma protectively against her chest, she waited for death to come.

...

Oh my gosh, pleeeeasssse please forgive me for taking so long to get this chapter out and also for leaving you with such a cliff hanger! But a lot has happened since I've last updated and most of it wasn't good. The holidays were both stressful and depressing, and so far this year has been just as bad. Plus I have been insanely busy too since I've had to get more work hours. Because of that I barely have enough time to write. On the weekends if I do have free time I mostly just crash and try to gather myself for the upcoming week. Also, with all the stress my anxiety has gone through the roof where it kept me from writing. It has taken me sometime to deal with everything that has happened and get back into the sway of things. I hope you guys aren't too upset with me. I do enjoy writing for you all! And I am beyond thrilled you want me to continue! I want this story to be great for all of you. So much that I have been stressing over this chapter long before I reached this part in the story. I've been worrying that my crappy writing skills that I wouldn't be able to describe the details and emotion just right. I've gotten so rusty...Also once again, I'm sorry for any spelling errors. I have the worst word processor! I hope this chapter was worth such a long wait though, and I promise to try even harder to get the next one out much sooner. I actually cut it in half because it got so long and right now I am re-writing a few scenes because they are just not setting well with me. But you all waited long enough so I thought I'll just cut it off here so you know I am still around. And i do have my heart set on finishing this story, its going to be a long one! I have sooo much planned and its been in the works for years. I just need to find the time to write it all out, lol. Anyway, please feel free to let me know what you think and thank you sooo much for faving and following me. You have no idea how much that cheers me up whenever I get an email alerting me I have another reader ior review! Really makes my week, lol. Also, to those that celebrate it, I hope you had a wonderful Independence Day!

P.S.

I'll be going over a few more times to correct errors. Again, real sorry for missing them before!