I nodded. She understood now. I took her into my arms again and kissed her head.
“Yep, and we can do whatever we can to aid those in need. Now, I want to properly introduce myself to these girls.” I let her go and ran around with the girls. We played tag and I taught them the proper way to hide-and-seek. Together we could do anything. Sure, we were choosing to hide but it would be because of these girls and whoever else would come our way in need of help. The war hadn’t even begun yet and the violence would get worse. We didn’t need to just stay on this mountain; we could roam wherever we needed to. While Alice couldn’t tell me all of our future, she did say that there would be a large attack on this mountain; one that would wipe out Rose’s mother’s tribal land. That land would be used to form forts for the British soldiers and would be where they would hold command. She explained how important it was to warn whoever remained on that land of this pending attack and how it was up to us to get them to safety.
I didn’t know what we had in store for us but I did know that together, we could do anything. Giving up my time for hers wasn’t going to ruin her history, it was needed to aid these people and help Rose be successful. My knowledge of the war would help her hide and see the truth in people who would come to us for aid.
I never felt like I belonged to my time much and never felt more complete than I did when I was with her. I would gladly give it up for her.
Epilogue
Angela 2020
Sealing Adam and Rose’s book was the last thing I had to do once I was done selling his things. While his father hated to hear the news, he understood that Adam would not return. His brothers were a different story. Disbelief crossed their faces upon the news and their father had much to answer for after I left. They’d never see their brother again. I even felt sorrow for not being able to see him again. He was a wonderful kid.
Adam was a pain in the ass, that was for sure but he was my Librarian; my duty, and I lost him to the past. Yes, he was meant to go, but I couldn’t help but feel responsible for this.
“This isn’t your fault,” Harold told me as he leaned over the book I would soon be sealing. “You need to let go of your guilt, my dear.”
“I’m a guide with no one left to guide,” I answered. “I thought that’s what I wanted, but I see I am wrong. It’s truly over now.”
“Oh pish-posh, not true. There will be more. And you know they will do wonderful things together. You’ve read how they save the mountain and they aided the revolution by keeping many youngsters and innocent woman safe. It’s because of them that they help them. You must know this, Angela.”
I did know. I read the book. He would be missed, truly.
“I loved reading about their wedding. I just wish I could have been there to see it.” They had gotten married by a tribe elder on a beautiful day in May before the war and violence began. Rose’s mother and father left the tribe along with many others but some remained in their stead. Before the British could take over, Adam and Rose had brought them a warning and in thanks, they were married by an elder.
“He gave this to me to give to you,” Harold said, handing me a note written on parchment paper. It was protected by plastic and sealed to keep it from rotting due to its age.
“When?” I asked, baffled.
“When I last saw him. I travelled to see him and he had written these for you. There are some for his family. I am meant to give them out when I can. I suppose I should leave and let you read these. I’ve a bit of delivering to do.” He patted his pocket and winked at me.
“Until next time, my dear.” He kissed me and left me alone to read the letters from Adam.
Dearest Angela,
I know you’ve heard the news by now that I am staying. I wanted to send this to you so you know I am safe. We are doing all we can to keep the children safe and have lent aid to many Cherokee women who have seen horrific challenges during this time. Rose and I have been married and are expecting a baby in the winter. Can you believe I’m going to be a dad? I only wanted to tell you all is well. They say the war hasn’t officially started but militiamen are forming. I can feel it in the air. From what I remember in school and reading the books I’ve brought with me, The Boston Massacre is only four years away. Once that happens, there will be no stopping it. While the British troops have already taken their posts, not much like that has happened here. We’ve seen a few men here and there, but they have yet to see us. For now, all is well.
With love,
Adam.
Dearest Angela,
Our son was born healthy and beautiful. While I am happy to have him with us, I fear for him daily. The girls are growing stronger and have learned so much. Rose is so brave and we have taken in so many more people who need our help. She’s somewhat of a medicine woman now; aiding those who need help. I remember this time in school lessons but it’s lasting so long. It’s almost like I’ve forgotten my old life and have become so immersed in my new life. I have learned to fight, which is crazy, but the soldiers have taught me so much. At this point if you don’t fight, you’re a fool. We must protect our home and our family.
We are staying neutral, for now during the war. My job may not be to go to war but I have been hired to help the Continental army as a civilian. Turns out, bringing the books on herbs, remedies, and ways to help the sick has kept me out of trouble. Book nerds win again. We plan on leaving before the British occupy Savannah. It’s too close for comfort. I’ll write soon.
Adam.
Angela,
While we have seen horrific things, I have never felt so fulfilled before. I am complete because of Rose and all of the people we have helped. Of course, my son, who is almost eight, is learning to do much more. He’s getting tall. Our daughter, who is now three, is wise like her mother, and reminds me of my mom. We are now in Tennessee as the mountain in Georgia fell under attack. It’s wonderful here. We have made a home that is well hidden. The girls stayed with us and have taken on roles in the effort themselves.
We hope to see the end to this war, even though that’s not for some time. There are times I wish I could bring them all to the future, but I would never make Rose leave. I see why she is so important. She has saved so many by being the woman she is.
Always,
Adam
Angela,
The war has ended. We are all safe. My children are growing and we have survived the worst of it all. Rose has been recognized by the American Army for her bravery and for giving aid to those in need. The real shame is that we never again saw her parents. I fear that they are gone, like so many in her tribe. I wish I could see you and tell you everything, but letters will have to do. Just know, I am happy to be where I am.
Love,
Adam
The End
Discover more great reads by Christy Sloat
The Past Lives Series:
Unending book one
Ianni (Novella)
Unraveling (Coming soon)
The Visitors Series:
The Brown House book one
The Crimson Key book two
The White Door book three
Unfound (Novella)
Who We Were
Slumber Duology:
Slumber book one
Awaken book two
The Survival Pact
The Illusionist (Novella)
The Librarian Chronicles (Can be read in any order):
The Librarian book one
The Archivist book two
The Bibliophile book three
Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/christysloatauthor
https://www.christysloat.blogspot.com
http://instagram.com/christysloat_writes
hristy Sloat, The Bibliophile (The Librarian Chronicles Book 3)
The Bibliophile (The Librarian Chronicles Book 3) Page 15
