Another Chance

by Janet Cooper

  The fat man shook his head. "And let the odds improve in your favor? Ha!"

  "Release her and let her put a few paces between you and your men. Then I'll surrender." Only silence followed. Wolf's palm sweated as he waited.

  Sarah kept her eyes trained in Wolf's direction.

  Finally, Big Bottom said, "Deal. But remember, we'll kill the others if you don't come in unarmed."

  "I believe you." Wolf had no option. He must save Sarah's life, because without her he would be a half‑filled vessel. Reluctantly, he dropped his bow and quiver of arrows then he hid his knife behind his back. Slowly, he stepped out from behind the tree and started forward at a snail's pace. He must give Jeremiah and his men as much time as possible to arrive.

  "Damn Indian," the corporal said as he pushed Sarah away. He whispered to his man, but she strained her ears to hear. "When her 'hero' approaches, grab her, and we'll have all of them." The soldier laughed cruelly.

  Sarah picked up her skirt and dashed toward the tavern. As she ran, she glanced at Wolf and yelled, "Don't trust the corporal."

  He nodded, but kept his eyes focused on the British.

  She must reach her father's Pennsylvania hunting rifle that hung over the mantel. She prayed Benjamin kept it primed. If not, she would lose precious seconds loading it, if she remembered how and had enough time. If she could not do that, she would try and bluff the British.

  "Let's hang the Indian first," shouted the corporal.

  These words froze the blood in her veins, but added speed to her legs. The door to the tavern stood open. She charged in prepared to pull the Pennsylvania hunting rifle off the wall. Before she could grasp it, she heard footsteps charging up the outside wooden steps. Sarah slid her hand in her pocket, pulled out her knife and flipped open the large blade. Whirling around, she faced the British soldier. "Don't come any closer, or I'll kill you."

  Startled, he hesitated then glanced at her hand. "With that puny weapon? Ha!" He started forward.

  Sarah knew if he got his hands on her, she would never stop him nor wound him. If she failed, Wolf and all her family would die. She had no choice. The knife flew from her hand and imbedded itself in the man's neck.

  Blood rushed from his throat. He grabbed for the handle, but before he could touch it, he toppled to the floor.

  Nausea threatened to overwhelm her. Whether he was dead or not, she had no time to check. She drew her gaze away from the horrible sight, whipped around, and yanked the rifle off the mantle.

  With difficulty, she cradled the wooden stock under her arm and pointed the long metal barrel forward. Sarah had heard the leader's command to hang Wolf. She would not have time to check to see if the rifle was loaded. Carefully avoiding the body, she ran to the doorway, stepped out and aimed her weapon at the big man in charge.

  "Stop! Don't move." Her appearance obviously startled him for he stared at her in disbelief.

  Sarah glanced around. Wolf stood on tip-toes under the oak. A noose encircled his neck. The rope had been thrown over a thick branch of the tree, and two men clung to the piece that dangled down. She leaned her hip against the railing seeking support, for she feared her knees and legs would crumple from fright. "Let him go!"

  The British leader laughed loudly. "She can hardly hold the damn thing. Underwood, rush her."

  The man hesitated.

  "That's an order, private."

  He walked forward, tentatively. "Miss, you don't want to hurt anybody," he said.

  "Why not? I killed thy friend. Why should I spare thee?"

  He looked shocked, then twisted his head and peeked at the corporal. His leader gestured him on.

  Sarah shifted her weight. Her arms ached, but she kept the man in her sights. "Thou has harmed those I love, why shouldn't I repay that debt?" she challenged.

  "Quaker ladies shouldn't kill." The soldier's voice quaked as he spoke.

  The distance between Sarah and him shortened. She pulled back the hammer. "I'll fire."

  He stopped and glanced back.

  "She'll never hit you," the corporal yelled.

  "At this distance, she can't miss," the private screamed back.

  "If she doesn't shoot you, I will," his leader said, his tone deadly serious.

  The soldier started to run toward Sarah. She eased back the trigger, closed her eyes and fired. The kick knocked her back and pain pulsed through her shoulder. A mule couldn't have hurt any worst. Her feet slipped out from under her. She landed on her bottom, jarred her spine, and an instant later her head hit the wooden porch. Her hold relaxed on the now useless rifle, and she lost consciousness.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Sarah sensed herself slipping away from her present century. "No! No, I can't go. Everyone that I love and care about is here. Please don't make me leave, not now. What will happen to Wolf, to Little Turtle, to Benjamin? You sent me here. There must have been a reason," she beseeched whoever had transported her.

  You returned for another chance. An unknown, yet firm voice said clearly.

  Another chance? she asked.

  The last time you lived this life, you refused to take a chance. When you had an opportunity to warn Wolf and Jeremiah about the river, fear of horses prevented you from giving the information they needed. You isolated yourself from the Little Turtle and Quick Rabbit, when they needed someone to understand and help them. Many times you had opportunities to assist others, but failed to do so. Subconsciously, you asked for another chance to correct those mistakes. This time you have stepped up to each of the challenges.

  If I’ve done what was needed, please let me stay! I love these people and will continue to aid them if I am permitted to remain.

  Inside her head she heard, If you stay, you will lose all memory of the 21st Century.

  I'll agree, if only I can remain with those I love, she answered immediately.

  Are you sure? the voice came again.

  Yes! Only hurry my love ones are in danger!

  Condition two.

  I agree to any and all conditions, Sarah blurted out interrupting.

  The voice continued as if she had not spoken. Wolf and anyone else that you told about your century will forget all that they heard from you.

  Yes, yes. Fine. Please stop talking and send me back! she begged.

  Relentlessly the words pressed on, All objects that you brought from the 21st Century will disappear.

  Her mind flashed briefly to her Swiss knife then spun away. Nothing matters except saving those I love!

  So be it!

  * * * *

  A male voice screaming in agony pierced Sarah's consciousness. From her hard seat, she looked in the direction of the moan. The soldier lay on his side clutching his upper arm. She had obviously shot him. Even seeing the blood, she had no regrets.

  Sarah glanced to the spot where Wolf had stood. An empty noose dangled from the thick branch. During the confusion and her brief unconsciousness, he had somehow escaped the noose and managed to free his hands. She searched further.

  Wolf had positioned himself so he commanded a view of the yard and was a threat to the remaining British soldiers. Somehow, he had managed to retrieve his weapons. He stood with his bow string drawn tight and his arrow pointed at the corporal. "Throw down your muskets, raise your hands over your head, and step back three paces," he commanded.

  The soldier, guarding Benjamin and Mistress Westcoat, instantly obeyed. The ones holding the now slack rope also followed his instructions.

  "Never!" shouted Big Bottom, as he started to pull his flintlock pistol from the waistband of his pants.

  Before his hand cleared his uniform, an arrow buried itself into the corporal's chest. He staggered then toppled backwards. Instantly, Wolf notched another arrow, pointing his bow in the general direction of the three remaining British soldiers. "If any of you move, you'll receive a similar decoration.

  "Are you all right, Sarah?" Wolf called in a caring voice, sparing her a brief glance.

  "Yes."
She rose to her feet, gathered her strength and hurried down the steps.

  Her father and Mistress Westcoat sat still tied under the oak. She looked toward Daniel and thought she saw him move.

  Jeremiah's voice filled the air, and she heard him say, "Surround the English."

  Sarah briefly glanced to her left. Ten Continental soldiers led by Jeremiah rode into the yard. Quickly, they encircled the three remaining enemies.

  Sarah ran to Wolf and hugged him briefly. "Please see to Daniel. I'll check my father and Mistress Westcoat." She dashed to their side. "Is either of thee hurt?" she asked as she bent down and untied the rope.

  "Nay, daughter. We are well." Benjamin kissed her cheek lightly. "And thee?" he questioned, looking closely at her.

  Thoughts of Wolf and what could never be, tempered her smile, still she replied, "All is well now. I am home to stay."

  While Benjamin helped Mistress Westcoat to rise, he stared at Sarah then glanced at Wolf before gazing again at his daughter. Questions filled his eyes.

  "It didn't work." She swallowed the tears. "He and I are too different."

  Benjamin pulled her into his arms and patted her back.

  Sarah clung to him for a few moments, seeking his strength. Her effort failed. Gathering her own courage and resolve, she said, "I must see if I can help Daniel."

  Her father nodded and released her.

  Jeremiah and his men were tying the British soldiers' hands and ankles with stout rope, yet she scarcely noticed as she walked toward Wolf and the injured scout. This would be her final goodbye. Wolf would return to his plantation, and she would stay behind. Unable to change the situation, she pushed aside her personal problems and focused on the lad.

  Wolf had cut Daniel's bonds and had placed the lad on his stomach. Semi-conscious, the young man moaned when Wolf poured water from his leather flask over Daniel's lacerated back. While he worked, Wolf kept part of his attention on Sarah's movements.

  When she had run into his arms earlier, his spirit soared, and he thanked Kitanito wet for keeping her safe. A moment later, she had fled his embrace to check on her father. As she pulled away, his soul screamed from loneliness. His arms and his whole being experienced a great emptiness. The idea, of never holding her again, increased the size of his wound and wrenched opened a part of himself he thought he had controlled.

  As he watched her approach, he vowed that no matter the obstacles, they must become husband and wife. He must tell her of his love and convince her to stay with him, for without her, life possessed little meaning.

  Wolf continued ministering to Daniel when Sarah took her place on the opposite side. The lad groaned in pain.

  "Hush! Thou will be fine." She undid her apron and gently blotted the watery blood from Daniel's back. While she worked, she spoke soothing words. Perhaps Daniel heard her, for he appeared to relax under her gentle touch.

  Wolf placed his hand over hers.

  She stared at him.

  He saw the love and pain reflected in her eyes.

  "I love you." He squeezed her fingers. "Will you marry me?"

  Joy entered her face, driving away the anguish visible only a moment before. "Is thee sure?"

  Nodding, Wolf leaned across the lad and kissed her lips. "Our life will not be easy …"

  "As long as we have one another," she replied.

  * * * *

  After Jeremiah and his men had been thanked and both the British and the Continental troops had departed, and Daniel had been settled comfortably in his bed, Sarah and Wolf confronted Benjamin. Before they could speak, he said, "I know what is in thy minds." He placed his hands on Sarah's shoulders and kissed her on the forehead. "My permission is granted. My only condition is that thee and thy new family must visit me often."

  She hugged him to her and felt the moisture of his tears on her cheeks. Sarah kept hold of his arms but inched away and looked at him directly. "How could I ever forget to visit my father? I expect a couple of promises in return. When I wed Wolf, thee must be by my side."

  "Of course. Where else would I be?" he replied.

  His words pleased her. "Second, my new home must become another home for thee." Sarah took one step back and smiled between the tears that had begun to flow.

  Benjamin nodded then grasped Wolf's hand. "I expect a pledge from thee that thou will love my daughter and care for her."

  Placing his other hand over Benjamin's, Wolf replied, "I will strive to be all that my Sarah wants."

  "That is enough," Benjamin replied. He went on, "I am sure thou wishes to reach the plantation before dark so that thou can reassure thy family. To do so, thou must leave now."

  After a hasty embrace and a quick wave, they rode toward home.

  * * * *

  When they turned onto the road leading to the plantation, a blue jay voice sounded in the trees. An instant later, Long Knife jumped down from a nearby tree. "Silver Wolf, Sarah, welcome back. All went well?" he asked.

  "Yes," replied Wolf. "Join us in the barn yard, and I will tell you and all our people what happened."

  Long Knife nodded then sent out a bob-white call.

  Sarah glanced at Wolf.

  "The first was a warning signal, the second an all clear."

  "I have much to learn," she said.

  He leaned over and took her hand. "We will have many years to teach each other."

  "Sarah!" Little Turtle galloped toward them. You've come home."

  She spurred her horse forward. A few seconds later they stopped, jumped down, and hugged one another.

  "I wanted to come and help …"

  "Thee had to defend the plantation," Sarah said quickly.

  He nodded. "You're not leaving again, are you?"

  She heard the concern in his voice. "Thee wants me to stay?"

  Little Turtle bobbed his head. "You must. I need a mother, my father needs a wife, and the cat I found needs a good home."

  "Cat?" Sarah said.

  "Right here."

  A gray and black tabby eased passed her leg. Sarah bent down and petted the cat. "What's its name?"

  "Puss," said Little Turtle.

  "Perfect," said Sarah. "Puss." The cat lifted its head and purred.

  By this time, Silver Wolf had dismounted. "Since you two have solved all our problems, I think we should ride to the yard and tell everyone our decisions."

  They remounted and started on the last part of their journey. Sarah said, "We will make our life together work."

  Wolf grasped her hand. "I'm sure my grandmother's spirit will help us."

  Little Turtle yelled, "Come on. Everyone is waiting."

  They spurred their horses toward home.

  Epilogue

  Present day

  Ring!

  Puss jumped off Sarah’s lap, lightly scratching the top of her hand before fleeing the loud doorbell.

  “Dang.” Sarah unconsciously dabbed the claw marks with her apron. The chime sounded again. “Coming,” she called.

  Sarah blinked her eyes at the bright sunlight pouring through the front window and shook her head trying to clear the sleep from her brain. She brushed the cat hair off the front of her outfit and realized she must have fallen asleep after the Halloween party last night while still wearing her colonial costume. A mass of deep wrinkles pleated her linen apron, but she didn’t have time to change. She hurried to the door and pulled it open wondering who would be calling.

  “Hi!” A tall, good-looking man with olive complexion, almost black eyes, and high cheekbones stood on the top step, smiling.

  He appeared familiar, and she sought to remember who he was. Working in a museum, she meet many people, but surely an attractive man would have carved a place in her mind.

  “Hi,” mimicked a very young voice.

  Sarah glanced down and saw a six or seven year-old boy standing beside the stranger. “Hi,” she managed. Even the child looked familiar. Where had she seen them before? She wished she could put a name to their faces.
>
  “I’m Luke Sykes and this is my son, Dylan.”

  “Oh.” Sarah sensed she should remember this name, but her memory failed her, yet she still sensed she knew them.

  “I’m Jared’s teacher.”

  “Yes,” she smiled. Had she ever met them before or did he just remind her of someone else?

  Obviously, he recognized she hadn’t a clue as to who they were, for he went on, “I wrote a note asking if I could come and see your home and you.”

  “Yes, of course.” Suddenly, she remembered. “I invited you to stop by,” Sarah glanced at the lad, “and bring your son. Step inside. Please.” She moved back from the doorway, wishing she had combed her hair, washed her face, and brushed her teeth. I must look a sight.

  The boy turned around and faced the large oak, and the father followed suit.

  While her guests looked away, Sarah rummaged in her pocket for a breath mint, but came out with a sprig of mint, for a second she hesitated then popped the leaf in her mouth. At least, she could take care of one of her problems.

  “Is that the tree where they hanged him?” Awe filled the boy’s voice.

  “That’s where they planned to hang him, Dylan,” Luke Sykes corrected.

  “Oh.” Dylan sounded almost disappointed.

  “No one was hanged there?” Sarah asked.

  “Several hangings were scheduled, but as far as I can tell from my research, none actually took place,” Luke assured her.

  An overwhelming sense of relief and comfort filled her. Strange, why did she feel as if this had a direct relationship to her? She sighed then said, “I’m glad. I must admit after being told of the hangings the tree lost a portion of its beauty.”

  “Glad I could help,” Luke said.

  She smiled her gratitude. “Please, come in and let me show you the tavern.”

  The young boy pulled his father’s cord pants. “She forgot to take off her Halloween costume.”

  Luke’s cheeks reddened.

  Sarah blushed then laughed and said, “I wear this outfit when I’m guiding.” Which was the truth, she just failed to say she hadn’t taken her costume off since last night.