“Anything else we should know before we go?” Tommy asked.
“If you get hungry I brought some additional snacks,” I said. “This morning, Liberty ate enough for two horses.”
Liberty snorted and said, “It’s a well-known fact that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Liberty paused for just a second and added, “Thank you, Freedom.”
“Why are you thanking her? She didn’t say anything,” said Tommy.
“Yes, she did. She said that she supports my hearty appetite,” Liberty replied.
“No, she didn’t. I’ve been standing right here,” Tommy argued.
I intervened. “It’s apparent that Freedom has a gift. How long have you been able to communicate with animals?”
“Since I was about eight, I think,” said Freedom. “My grandfather says that animals can feel what we feel, especially fear. Our emotions are powerful. He trained me to use emotions to speak to the mind of an animal.”
“So, you’re like a horse whisperer,” Tommy said, smiling at her. “I’m good with that.”
“Very well,” I said, “run inside the school and change your clothes. Liberty and I will wait here.”
Tommy and Freedom rushed inside the school and within a few minutes they were back outside dressed like Pilgrims.
“How do I look?” asked Freedom, spinning once in her green woolen dress. She also wore a white linen cap that came down over her ears, and a white apron. Finally, she wore a purple woolen shawl that covered her shoulders and hung down to her waist.
“Marvelous,” Liberty said.
“I believe we’re ready to go,” I said.
“Will we join the Pilgrims right before they set foot on Cape Cod? Is that where Plymouth Rock is?” Tommy asked.
“Actually, no,” I replied. “Plymouth Rock wasn’t the first place the Pilgrims found. First, Mayflower anchored off the coast of Cape Cod at what is now Provincetown Harbor on November 11. It was so cold that a small search party left the Mayflower. They needed to first find a good place to build their town before everyone left the ship.”
“Ugh, you keep mentioning the cold,” Freedom sighed.
“I bet Myles Standish was part of the search party,” said Tommy.
“Yes, he was. And so was William Bradford. In fact, William’s journal said there were sixteen men who wore light armor and all carried swords and muskets. Can you imagine landing in a place you have never been to with nothing around that you recognize in the cold, cold months of winter?”
“Again, do you have to keep mentioning the cold?” Freedom said. She looked around nervously. “Anyway, I think we should leave sooner than later. The other students will start arriving soon and I’d rather not call attention to myself.”
“Good point,” Tommy said, scratching Liberty behind the ear. “Let’s go. Are we going to land with the search party?”
“No,” I said. “It took the search party several trips and many days of hiking in freezing temperatures. They searched all over Cape Cod and were even attacked by Indians.”
“Seriously? You had to say freezing temperatures. Why don’t we suck on ice cubes before we go,” Freedom said. “We really don’t have time for this conversation.” Freedom searched left and right while fidgeting with her apron. “The school bus may have already arrived at the front of the school.”
“Wait,” Tommy said wide-eyed. “Did you say they were attacked by Indians? I thought the Indians were their friends. How many Pilgrims died?”
Elder William Brewster, Myles Standish, and other Pilgrims pray upon arrival.
“Remarkably, none,” I said. “The friendly Indians came later.”
“I hope they had friendly horses, too,” said Liberty.
“Not to make you suffer,” I said to Freedom, “but I only mention the cold, freezing temperature because it may have been the biggest test for the Pilgrims. Think about it. How do you feel when you’re freezing? And how would you survive with little food, few clothes, and really no idea where to go? These people were incredible! They had such a will to survive and thrive. Have you ever wanted something so badly you would work and fight and crawl to get it, even if you had to go through things that weren’t very fun?”
“Oh, you mean like a house of mirrors?” Liberty asked.
We looked at Liberty in complete confusion.
“You know,” he clarified, “the mirrors in the fun house at the carnival. Some people think it’s fun to stand in front of them and see their bodies all warped and freakish, but I think it’s terrifying. Except I had to do it! I had to go past those mirrors. It was the only way to get to the caramel apples!”
I sighed.
“That was very brave of you, Liberty,” said Freedom, patting his side. “Now can we go?”
I finished by saying, “Finally, on December twentieth the Pilgrims settled on the location of their future home, which became Plymouth Plantation.”
“Whoa,” Tommy said, quickly doing the math in his head. “That means they searched for thirty-four days from the time they landed on Cape Cod to the time they started Plymouth Plantation. They must have been exhausted!”
“And very cold,” I said.
“And very hungry,” said Liberty.
“And I’m very ready to go,” said Freedom.
“And I’m very embarrassed for all of you,” said a voice from behind Freedom.
We all turned to face Elizabeth, who was already waiting with her smartphone. “Click.”
Freedom looked mortified.
Elizabeth smiled and laughed. She was wearing a preppy blue and yellow checkered skirt and vest with a bright yellow bow in her hair. In one hand she was carrying a plate of pink frosted cupcakes. “I’m so glad I got to school a little early today,” she said. “I’m bringing my favorite teachers a special treat.”
“Thank you, Elizabeth,” I said. “That’s very kind of you.”
Elizabeth gave me a fake frown, “Oh, I’m sorry, I said my favorite teachers. Not substitute teachers. My grade doesn’t depend on you.”
“Don’t dis Mr. Revere,” Tommy said. “He’s an awesome teacher. And I better not see that picture on Facebook. I know where your locker is.”
“No worries, Tommy,” said Elizabeth. “I wasn’t aiming for you. But I did get a great close-up of our poor little Pilgrim girl. And I really like your locker idea. We could post the picture on every locker! You know, in celebration of the Pilgrims.”
Freedom sprang forward and tried to grab the phone. “Give me that,” she said, as Elizabeth tried to back away.
Elizabeth pushed and Freedom pulled. Elizabeth may have been taller but she had a difficult time struggling with her phone in one hand and a plate of pink pastries in the other. As the two girls twisted and turned, I tried to step in to break things up. But before I could reach either of them Elizabeth’s phone flipped up and away from her. As Freedom swung her arm up to catch the phone, she knocked the plate of cupcakes into Elizabeth’s face.
“You imbecile!” screamed Elizabeth, wiping pink frosting off her forehead and cheeks. “Look what you’ve done!”
“I-I didn’t mean to,” Freedom stuttered.
Elizabeth frantically searched the ground. She squinted through the frosting until she spotted what she was looking for lying in the grass under Liberty. “My phone! Your freakish donkey better not step on it or—”
Crunch.
“Oops,” said Liberty. He lifted his hoof but the phone was definitely crushed.
“You are in big trouble,” Elizabeth huffed. “I’m telling Daddy.” She spun around and stormed back the way she came.
“Now can we go?” asked Freedom. “Before her daddy comes looking for us. Her name is Sherman,” Freedom said. “Elizabeth Sherman.”
“Elizabeth Sherman?” I inquired. “As in Principal Sherman’s daughter?”
“Yep, the very same,” said Freedom.
Tommy walked over and picked up a cupcake from the ground. “This one doesn
’t look like it’s been touched,” he said, examining the edges. He peeled back the paper and took a big bite. “Izz weely ood,” he said.
“Did he just say, This wheel is hood? Is that code for something?”
“Yes,” Freedom said, “it means let’s get out of here. I hear the bus!”
“Freedom, can you ride a horse?” I asked.
Instead of responding, Freedom sprinted and sprang up the side of Liberty and into his saddle.
“Tommy, you next,” I said.
“I can’t do that,” Tommy complained.
“Aren’t you the star quarterback?” Freedom teased.
“Yeah, but I’m not a ninja horse whisperer,” he said.
Tommy walked over and I boosted him up.
“I’ll jump through the time portal behind you, Liberty, let’s go,” I said.
“Rush, rush, rushing to history!” Liberty said.
As the portal opened and Liberty started to gallop I said, “December thirty-first, 1620, Plymouth Plantation, America.” I watched Freedom and Tommy bounce on the back of Liberty as he jumped to our next history lesson. As I followed and jumped through the portal I instantly felt the freezing temperature on my face. Thermal underwear never felt so good!
We were at the edge of a forest. The trees were naked. Thin patches of snow rested on a thick layer of brown leaves like random quilt patches covering a blanket. I could hear voices and the distant sound of waves crashing on the beach. The sun was overhead but the weather prompted me to button my coat.
“Where are we?” asked Freedom.
“If we were in the modern day we would technically be in the state of Massachusetts,” I said.
“Hey, when you guys talk I can see your breath,” said Tommy.
Both Liberty and Tommy exhaled and watched their breath as it crystallized in the air.
“Look,” said Freedom, pointing. “Are those the Pilgrims?”
Through the trees we could see a clearing. “Yes, those are definitely the Pilgrims,” I said. “And I see a warm fire. Let’s go over and see what we can learn.”
“Okay, but first can Freedom and I take Liberty and ride to the top of that other hill?” Tommy pointed to a larger hill about fifty yards away. “I bet we could see Cape Cod from there,” said Tommy.
“I’m fine with that. But you must stay with Liberty, no exceptions,” I said, firmly. “Liberty, I trust you’ll keep them safe.”
“No worries, boss,” said Liberty. “They don’t call me ‘Liberty the Dragon Slayer’ for nothing.”
As the three of them trotted away, I started my own course toward the Pilgrims. It was a cold but clear day. The small settlement was located on a flat hill. I saw several men carrying timber and others framing the side of a house. A few men were resting or chatting by a fire. I noticed William Bradford and Myles Standish speaking to each other as they pointed at different parts of the landscape. As I walked toward them I could see the Mayflower anchored in the harbor about one or two miles from us.
“We should be able to finish the Common House in about two weeks,” said William as I approached from behind.
Myles turned and saw me first, “Rush Revere,” he said. “We thought you were dead. Where have you been? Where’s Tommy?”
“Indeed,” said William as he rushed over and embraced me. “What a delightful surprise. I knew you were still alive. I wouldn’t believe anything else. One passenger thought you had fallen overboard. But when we couldn’t find Tommy I assumed that when we landed at Plymouth Rock and all the passengers disembarked from the ship, the two of you went exploring.”
“That’s exactly what we did,” I said, relieved that William had assumed my alibi. “Yes, we, um, found a trail of sorts and decided to follow it. It was a foolish thing to do but I was strongly prompted to explore this New World.”
“A prompting we have all felt, I’m sure,” said William.
“Yes,” agreed Myles, “but there is safety in numbers.”
“All is well, Myles,” said William. “And it appears that Rush Revere is capable of taking care of himself. But where is Tommy?”
“He and a new friend are exploring the top of that largest hill with my horse,” I said, referencing the nearby hill.
“Did you say horse?” asked Myles.
“Oh, yes,” I said, forgetting that neither William or Myles had ever met Liberty or Freedom. I had been thinking of a reasonable explanation and said, “As Tommy and I were exploring we became disoriented but were fortunate to come across a young Native American girl riding a horse. Strange, I know. But the girl took a liking to us and helped us find our way back to you!”
“No matter,” said William. “The important thing is that you’re here now.”
“So this is your new home?” I asked, changing the subject. “How did you know where to start building?”
“It wasn’t easy,” said Myles.
“We have struggled, for sure,” agreed William. “We searched all over Cape Cod. Some of us explored by foot and others explored using the shallop. Myles and his men survived an Indian attack.”
“We have all survived hard things,” said Myles. “William has had to survive the passing of his wife, Dorothy.”
“Yes,” said William softly. He sighed and said, “She died just before we found our new home. Her loss has been the hardest thing. But I also ache for many of our people who suffer because of the cold and lack of food. Many have the chills and cough and no place to get warm. But after thirty-four days since the Mayflower arrived at Cape Cod, we have found our home. This is Plymouth Plantation. Or it will be. For now, our people must stay on the Mayflower.”
“It will make for a fine town,” William went on. “When we arrived we found barren cornfields with the land strangely cleared for our homes. There is even a running brook with fresh water.”
“Did someone once live here?” I asked.
“Perhaps,” William said. “But we can see this place has been deserted for years.”
“I heard you mention a ‘common house.’ What is that?” I asked.
William pointed to the frame on the ground and said, “This will be the Common House. It is one of the first buildings. It belongs to everyone. We’ve agreed to set aside our want of personal property or personal gain and instead create a community where the houses and buildings and profits belong to everyone. We are trying to create a fair and equal society.”
I thought of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower. These were tough, strong, and independent people. I thought of them as self-reliant and ambitious. People who came to America to start a new life, build their own homes, work for themselves, and be free people. But what William Bradford was explaining to me seemed like the opposite. Certainly, it would be tempting to live in a society where everything is shared and all your choices are made for you. But is that freedom?
With some courage I asked William, “You say you’re trying to create a fair and equal society. Do you think your people will find joy and happiness with this kind of common control?”
William sighed and said, “It will be a test, for sure. At first, the Common House seemed very attractive. This kind of control should guarantee our prosperity and success. But recently I’m beginning to doubt whether everyone will work their hardest on something that is not their own,” William said.
“All these men are working on the same project,” said Myles. “All week they’ve used axes and saws to fell trees and transport them to this site. The trunks will be woven together with branches and twigs and then cemented with clay and so forth. Some men do little and some men do a lot. When this house is finished, who deserves the benefit and blessing of having this roof over their head?”
I pondered the question. Was there a right answer? Certainly, no one should be left out in the cold. But at the same time, it didn’t seem fair for everyone to be rewarded equally when people who were able to work chose not to. I finally said, “You’re right. I think this will be a test. But I know you are both
wise enough to figure it out.”
“A fine answer, Rush Revere,” said William, smiling. “Are you sure you don’t want to be governor?”
“Not me. You’ll make a fine governor,” I said to William.
“If you’ll excuse me,” I said, “I’m going to track down Tommy and his friend and make sure they’re okay.”
“I think I can see your horse at the top of Fort Hill,” said William as he squinted and looked over my shoulder. “We are building a platform at the top of the hill so we can mount our cannons.”
“And soon we will build a fort,” said Myles. “I’m sure Tommy will enjoy that.”
“Ah, yes, there’s nothing like building a fort,” I said with pleasure. “I remember building forts in my living room with blankets and chairs. My brother used to always want to be the lookout. He would scream, ‘Incoming!’ and I would run around making sure all sides of our fort were secure.”
“And did you have muskets and cannons?” Myles asked, smiling.
“Not exactly,” I winked. “We had Nerf guns! They’re very specialized weapons and highly effective in keeping out annoying little sisters.”
Myles smiled, “Ah, these Nerf guns are good for little sisters but probably not so effective for savage Indians.”
“Not so much,” I said, smiling back at him.
Just then one of the Pilgrims working on the Common House called for William.
“Excuse me,” said William as he stepped away from us.
“I promised Tommy I would teach him how to fight with a sword,” Myles said. “However, it may need to wait until the spring, when it’s warmer.”
“No worries. I’ll tell him and I’m sure he’ll understand.” I excused myself, again, and headed in the direction of Fort Hill. As I started climbing I heard the clomping of hooves and saw Liberty coming in my direction with Freedom and Tommy on his back.
“We saw Indians!” said Tommy.
“What? Where? How many?” I asked.
Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims: Time-Travel Adventures with Exceptional Americans Page 9
