Embers of Anger (Embattled Hearts Book 1)

by Anna St. Claire

  Small butterflies chose that moment to create complete chaos within her stomach, sending that tingling heat radiating up her neck. Her body reacted whenever she thought of him. Best get that under control or she would never survive his absence. She pulled up her collar and strode towards Aiden’s room.

  Chapter 26

  The day had heated up since leaving Carter at the river. Nolan had forgotten the difference in temperature that the over brush around the river provided. August was always hot, nearly unbearable. The farm he spoke of had to be just ahead. As they rode along, they took the trail that ran along the road, canopied by the overgrowth, thinking it to be cooler. Besides, it looked like some hostile action had occurred on the road.

  Charred trees lay along the edge of the road opposite them. The brush alongside the road on that side showed signs of regrowth. What concerned the men were the signs that the small path they were on now had been traveled. Most of the taller grass had been tromped down to form the pathway, and the grass was still green. It was wide enough for two horses side by side to pass through. Other than that, there was no sign of people.

  Nolan broke the silence. “I recognize some of this. It’s been a while since I’ve been this way. It amazed me how well Carter knew this area.” He paused. “You can trust what he tells you, Jackson.”

  “Yes, both he and Lizzy are easy to be around. I’m feeling almost part of the family, despite how I came to your plantation.” Jackson regarded Nolan. “If it wasn’t for this war, I would feel more comfortable talking with you. There are things I want to say but can’t or won’t. I care for your sister, Nolan, and she is why I am doing this. You know that. I expect you to take care of yourself and come home when this war ends. Whichever side wins, there will be a need for strong leaders such as yourself, both militarily and in the community.”

  “Thank you, Jackson. Yes, when the war ends, I’m coming home. And I hope when I do, I can call you brother. I wish I had not left sometimes, but I was asked, and felt it my duty. The two of us have fundamental differences of opinion where this war is concerned.” He scoffed. “Seems strange to be having this conversation with you. Having gotten to know you, though, it’s harder to think of you as my enemy.”

  Jackson nodded. “Same here. You meet people that seem to share your beliefs and values. I wonder why differences couldn’t have been worked out without so much bloodshed. I can see that you and Ella don’t agree on everything, but you don’t draw blood.” He chortled.

  “Yes, well not since we’ve grown up a bit.” Nolan sniggered. “There are things I’d like to say to you, as well. Regardless of your motivation for helping me leave Silver Moon, you are a good man, Jackson. I believe you and my sister will be happy together.”

  He searched Jackson’s face. “Tell me again, no, swear that you will be a gentleman to my sister and do right by her.”

  “I promise.” Jackson gave an easy smile. “She is on my mind more than duty is, I confess. She has become my beacon of light.”

  “I know what you mean, I feel that way about Sara. I love her, you know. We are to marry when I get back. I wouldn’t marry her and risk her becoming a widow.” He grew quiet.

  Jackson took a moment to look at the man riding next to him. What had started as a quick decision to free him and get him to safety had turned into much more. This man would be his brother and this trip had forged an unexpected bond between them.

  He meant what he said. It was hard to think of Nolan as an enemy. He was not just a man in the ranks as Private White had been. Perhaps that made this mission more right in his mind.

  When he got home to Ella… Grinning, he realized that she was his home. He was comfortable and happy when she was around. The idea of marrying Ella made him smile. When had getting married stopped making him want to run?

  Jackson realized the anger towards Maria had vanished. She ran off with his good friend—no, former friend—a week before their wedding. He had been crushed and angry with her and Nate and anyone he thought was in on their secret. He realized that was unfair, but for close to a year-and-a-half, she had been his. They had planned a life together. He had built a home for them. The promises they had made to each other never meant a thing. He thought he loved her and that she felt the same. When she jilted him, he swore he’d never risk his heart again.

  But now, knowing Ella, he saw it was more that his pride had been wounded. His heart had never been in play until now.

  Holding onto his anger was futile. Without meaning to, Maria had done him a favor. She freed him, so he could find Ella, and Ella was who he needed. She was the woman he had been looking for—a woman who, with a look, could set him on fire. He was happy all the way through. When he got back to camp, she would be there, and that was a good feeling.

  “Why are you smiling, Jackson?”

  He was smiling. It felt good. “Well, your question made me realize that what I once thought was a terrible blow was actually a favor. That’s why. And I was thinking about what I will do when I get back to the house.”

  “I left letters for Sara and Ella. Ella will find them, I’m sure. I didn’t want to leave, but I wanted them to know I’d be back. And if I don’t make it back, I wanted them to know how I felt.”

  “Letters? Where?” Jackson had considered nothing about his aiding this escape would be written. That could be bad if the wrong person saw it. He thought about Marshall, who might not understand. He needed to explain.

  “I know what you are thinking. You can relax. I never mentioned you in my notes.” Nolan grew silent, reflective. “Ella has always been strong-willed, but this war has made her strong. She has been the backbone of our family and has been Aiden’s mother for his whole life. With my father missing—” Nolan swallowed and pushed on. “Things have been extremely hard. When I left, I didn’t realize my sister would be so vulnerable.” Nolan’s voice softened. “Papa left my sister alone, and defenseless.”

  “Ha!” A laugh escaped. “Have you met your sister? She nearly took us out with her roof when Marshall and I surprised her. She is anything but defenseless. She is a strong woman of conviction. I’d never underestimate her backbone. Ella said you helped her learn to shoot.”

  “Yes.” Nolan joined him laughing. “Papa and I taught her. She was always more interested in riding and target practice than anything Mamma tried to teach her. I should tell you, she is a fair shot.”

  “Yeah, she almost took out the top of the house.” Jackson snorted. “You keep yourself safe. We will keep an eye on Sara. Before I even knew you existed, I figured she was sweet on someone—it was obvious her heart was already taken. The men weren’t immune to her beauty, but she is resistant to them. She gives none of them the time of day.” As if reading his mind, Jackson added, “Including Marshall. It’s the chase for Marshall. And Miss Sara exasperates him.” He snickered.

  Nolan’s face relaxed. “We’ve been promised to each other since our childhood, but our parents pushed back. They told us to grow up first.” He grimaced. “This war was supposed to be quick, but it’s been anything but. Brutal, lonely, and everywhere. I pray it ends soon.”

  Both men grew quiet, focused on the road ahead. The path was ending, and they would be back in the heat again. Crows cawed from the trees around them, breaking the silence. “Sara once mentioned her brother. Does he live around here?” Jackson was curious. She never talked much about him.

  “No. He moved to Virginia. I haven’t seen him in a while—doubt he’d even recognize me.”

  “Oh! That reminds me.” Jackson slowed Mason’s canter and pointed behind him. “The uniform I spoke of is in here.” He patted his bedroll. Don’t forget to get it when we stop. Put it somewhere you can get to it as you get closer to your men. Don’t want to get you this far only to get shot by your own boys.”

  “I appreciate this, Jackson. Thank you. Are you sure you are on the other side?” He chuckled.

  “Yes, well, I have to admit some surprise myself over all of this. I trusted
Ella and Lizzy with our leaving, but I needed their help. They used some of your clothing to take your measurements. They tried to alter this one to fit you as a surprise. The real surprise would have been forgetting to give it to you.”

  “I keep thanking you because suh, I’m speechless over this…”

  “Me too.” He laughed. If he were caught with that uniform by anyone there would be hell to pay. How would he explain it? Who had he become that he would take these chances?

  A man in love. He was in love with Ella. It felt right.

  They rode in silence once more. Jackson thought about his life. He felt good about Ella. He couldn’t wait to start a family with her. And Aiden. He wouldn’t forget Aiden. That child melted his heart when he met him. Pirates, indeed. He would help to raise Aiden. Ella had already proven she was a great mother. He looked forward to having her meet his family. She would get on well with his sister. Both were feisty, confident women.

  A tree limb fell in front of the horses and shook him from his ruminations.

  A lifeless farm loomed just ahead of them.

  Ten minutes later, Nolan and Jackson could see a large track of cleared land ahead. Spurring their horses, they pulled up to the outskirts of a homestead that connected to the main road.

  Just as Carter had described, the farm had a big well out back. It also appeared abandoned. A shudder ran down Jackson’s spine. He looked over at Nolan to see if he sensed something. Nolan was looking west of the house in the direction of the barn. They did need to water their horses and fill their canteens.

  Both men slowly headed to the well, loosely tying their horses to a tree limb nearby. They were thirsty and tired. Rest was what they needed. They decided to rest until dusk, and then get back in the saddle.

  Nolan worried they would oversleep. If they did, it might push them to travel in the heat and light of the day. That could be dangerous.

  He itched to get to his men. The mission hadn’t gone the way anyone had anticipated. Not at all.

  New Bern was lost, at least for now. He had almost faced a prison camp, or worse, except Jackson, chose to risk his career—his life, really—to save him and get him out of New Bern. They planned to part soon, once they got past the Union forces, and as close to the Southern forces in Kinston as they dared.

  It was hard to figure this man. As much as Nolan wanted to dislike Jackson, he couldn’t. He believed him and didn’t think he had read the man wrong.

  “Toss your canteen to me and I’ll fill it up.”

  Jackson’s voice jarred him from his thoughts. “Here.” He tossed the canteen, smiling.

  Jackson slowly reeled up the bucket from the well, bringing up a pail of water. He sniffed it and smiled. “Yes, just what we need. It’s good and cold.” He caught Nolan’s canteen and filled it, then handed it back. “Here, you can have the first drink. I’ll look around and see if I can find another bucket to use for the horses. We may need to use this one.” He walked into the barn to look around.

  The barn looked deserted, but the straw appeared fresh. It was still a healthy yellow color. Spotting two buckets in the back corner, Jackson grabbed them up and started to walk back to the well. A saddlebag half-hidden under some loose straw caught his attention.

  Who could be using this as a shelter? It’s military issue –Confederate.

  He opened it. The name Sam Black was written on the inside flap.

  Soundlessly, he eased his sidearm out of its holster and cocked it. He scanned the room, taking in all the stalls, looking for anything out of place. Peering in each of the stalls, he saw nothing.

  One stall appeared to have been slept in, but nothing was left there. He looked up and scanned the loft.

  They appear to be alone. Weird. This belongs to one. How could they have been so careless and left it? Are they still here? Are we being watched?

  “Here, let’s fill the horses up with these.” Nolan walked in. The buckets were in his left hand and the saddlebag was over his shoulder.

  Jackson silently tapped his gun when he saw Nolan, who immediately put his hand over his own, easing it out. Both men stepped back out and looked around.

  Nothing moved. There were wooded areas to the rear and west of the house. Jackson squinted in that direction, but nothing appeared to move.

  He nodded towards the barn and then down at the saddlebag hanging over his left shoulder. In case they were being watched, he tried to act nonchalant. He kept his voice low. “The straw is fresh enough inside and there is a loft. We will need to check it out. I think we can use the back stalls. It appears empty. There is a back escape we can use if need be. The barn can be secured from the inside. Found this.” Jackson pulled the saddlebag open, the coarse name standing out.

  Nolan studied the saddlebag. “If this belonged to one of the people that hit the Summers’ farm, the people on this one were lucky to have left when they did. We’ll use the back stall behind the ladder. That will give us some protection.”

  They checked both entrances to the barn, making sure they secured the doors from the inside. Within minutes, the two men finished watering the horses and took a bucket of water inside the stall for themselves to quench their thirsts. They tied both horses in the next stall, putting a bucket of water down for them.

  “I thought about taking their saddles off, but I think we should leave them ready to ride.”

  Nolan nodded. “It’s been strange. I don’t know if you felt it, I’ve been feeling watched for a while. I’ve looked around, but I see nothing. It’s eerie. I cannot shake the feeling.”

  “Yes. I have sensed it myself. Almost as if it’s from behind. Just watching. Until I found that saddlebag, I was thinking I imagined the feeling.”

  “We need to get some shut-eye, but not sure how good it will be. Carter was right about traveling at night.”

  “Yes, well, I suggest we keep watch on and off while we sleep. And… before I forget…” Jackson unrolled his bedroll and pulled out the gray braided uniform. “I don’t know if I have the right of it, but Ella understands military rank. She knew the cords for a lieutenant colonel. I was impressed.”

  Thoughtfully, Nolan responded. “Yes, well, we’ve spent a little time talking about military rank, so that she would better understand my rank—your rank, too—so she could make sense of the cords and stars on the uniforms. Shortly after we brought her home from that awful situation with Jason…” He paused. “Anyway, we talked about it. She asked me what mine would look like. I thought nothing about it at the time…” He looked at Jackson with awareness. “You gave her the cords. Where did you find extra cords like this, during a war?”

  Jackson waved his hand, cutting him off. “Never mind. Ella told me she needed the cords. I was promoted a while back and had some older ones. Now, we both need to get some rest and then we get out of here. I have plans when I get back.”

  “You continue to surprise me, Colonel. I hope I would be the same man you are if ever in a similar situation. This war has taken the ability to respect and trust each other away from us. Everything and everyone is suspect. It’s nice to be wrong about a person, especially one that intends to become part of the family.”

  “I knew you were holding back but didn’t push it because your presence complicated things enough. I hated not being honest with Marshall. I wanted to keep him out of this little episode in case I got caught. You should know, Marshall has a contingent of men out tracking these people. My hope is he finds them away from here, but indications are that they are closer to us than I would like.”

  Tired and hungry, the two men checked the loft. It appeared clear and clean, but they set up their bedding with the horses. The stall was oversized, and it was cooler on the lower level.

  “Hungry?” Jackson reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a brown sack. Fishing into it, he extracted a handful of hardtack. “Here, have some. Maybe having some food in our stomach can help us relax.”

  Nolan nodded, accepting the snack. He fished into his
satchel and pulled out a small packet wrapped in cloth. Sheepishly, he offered his to Jackson. “Carter slipped this in my saddlebag. I think it’s… yes, it is.” He unwrapped it. “Ol’ Indie’s cornbread. I swear there’s none better. Have some. This will fill our bellies.”

  Sated, with their guns resting in their laps, they both leaned back, exhausted. Sleep, however tentative, came —

  Chapter 27

  And went! Gunfire and loud cursing from the wooded area behind the barn woke both men, bringing them to their feet, guns at the ready. The horses were quiet, almost as if they, too, knew this was the time for silence.

  “I’m going up top to see what’s going on.” Nolan scrambled out of the stall and nearly flew up the ladder to the loft.

  Straw trickled down through the upper floor, and he heard Nolan crack the window open. Noise from outside the barn suggested they had trouble.

  “Two horses with riders just shot across the grounds followed by Union forces on horseback. There were at least ten Union soldiers. One shot just took out the front rider.” Nolan’s voice competed with the sound of horses.

  “The other rider slowed, but then kicked his horse into a run towards the woods behind us. I recognize the man leading the soldiers,” he uttered loud enough for Jackson to hear. “It's Marshall Jameson.” Nolan turned around and threw his body against the wall. “This could be bad all the way around.”

  “What? Marshall’s out there?” Jackson scuttled. He grabbed his gun and sprinted to where Nolan was watching the scene play out. A thousand questions flooded his mind at once. What if they stopped and came in the barn? How would he explain his and Nolan’s presence here? How long had Marshall been watching the area? What time was it?