The Red King's Horror



The Red King's Horror

Revenge is a dish best served cold! ... Old Apache Proverb

The swamps of eastern Massachusetts August 12,1677

They were closing in on him. Captain Benjamin Church, with a few volunteers and his band of praying Indians, had been chasing the last remnants of the great sachem Metacom's army for months. Metacom; called by the white man "The Red King" or "Prince Philip", had taken to a small island that was mostly swamp, to lick his wounds and gain a little time.

Metacom was weary of the chase and the war that was in its third year. His wife Wootonekanuska and their nine-year-old son had been captured and taken to Plymouth for trial by the white mans church. There they were tried and found guilty and were sold with other Indians to slavery in the West Indies by the minions of the white mans god.

Most of the great Indian leaders had been killed or captured. To be captured meant a quick and sure death and mutilation of the body by the English devils. The great sachems Quinnapin, One-eyed John, Sagamore Sam, and Muttawump had all been captured and killed in September. The war that had been forced upon Metacom and the greater New England tribes was running down. As finally the English King was sending troops. Charles Stuart had let the tribes take his revenge on the Puritan fathers. When the Puritans power had been broken and their towns burnt to the ground he finally sent troops to restore order. The troops, were at least a double bladed sword. There would be no freedom for the Puritan fathers; many would be forced to move westward like the retreating tribes to get away from the Kings justice. Freedom for some would come only after another hundred years and several more bloody wars.

Alderman; the brother of a traitor that Metacom had killed, to save his own life and for a handful of silver, had betrayed the Pokanokets to Benjamin Church. While Church's main force crossed to the island, Alderman waited across the river with the rear guard. A misunderstood signal caused the rear guard to opened fire prematurely just after dawn. Metacom hearing this jumped up and grabbed his pouch, powder and musket. Wearing only his breeches and stockings he ran toward the battle sounds. As he came out into the open he saw Alderman and the rear guard. Metacom screamed a curse at Alderman; as he brought his musket up to slay the traitor. Before he could fire two balls tore through his chest, one ball tearing through his heart. As Metacom fell to the ground he locked eyes with Alderman until everything faded to black.

Metacom's body was taken to Plymouth, where it was decreed that his head should be cut off, and his body drawn and quartered. His head was set upon a stake for passersbys to admire. For nearly 25 years it remained there. Cotton Mather was fond of taking off the jaw of that, "blasphemous leviathan" and mocking him. Holding little conversations for the amusement of his fellows. The four separate quarters were hung in trees so that his body could not be hallowed by burial. Alderman was allowed to cut off a hand for a reward and he used it for years to curry favors for drinks.

Annawon; Metacoms war captain, continued the fight but within a few months southern New England was at peace. It would range on in Maine for a while but with the coming of the English Army, the Wampanoag and other Indian federations were destroyed. This was the end of what the whites would come to call "The Red Kings Rebellion" or "Prince Philips War." All that remained were a few scattered tribes that were busily moving west away from their ancestral homes on the coast.

One night during August of 1702 a shadow approached the spike where hung the skull of Metacom. A moment later the skull was gone.

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Wrapping the skull in a cloth the Pokanokets shaman Canonchets, made his way out of the torch lights and into the woods. He followed the ancient paths of the forest south toward present day Warren, Rhode Island, back to the village of Metacoms birth.

Canonchets had a vision. The Great Spirit came to him and told him what he must do and how he was to do it. He had been collecting at great cost the remains of Metacom. Although he was missing a hand Canonchets knew that he had enough for what he must do. It would soon be 25 years since the death of Metacom. Soon the second full moon of September would come, bringing the time for Metacoms and the Pokanoket peoples, revenge!

There was barely enough time for Canonchets to make the trip of about 75 miles to the sacred grove near the Pokanoket town of Sowams. Canonchets was very tired. He was nearly 90 years old. He had been a youth when the white "Pilgrims" had first arrived to stay. Had helped them survive through their first few years. He had become a shaman under the great Pokanoket sachem Massasoit. Massasoit who's kindness saved the Plymouth colony through all their lean years. Had seen the birth and raising of Metacom into manhood. Watched as the whites turned from friendship to the warpath with the coming of the Puritans. Witnessed countless tribes fall or flee from the whites. He had witnessed the death of Massasoit and the rise and murder of Metacoms brother Wamsutta as sachem. Had witnessed Metacoms reluctant rise to become sachem of the Pokanokets.

Canonchets sat at many tribal councils, listening to Metacom try to keep the tribe intact and off the path of war. He supported Metacom with his own remembrances of the Pequot War of 36-37. He had tried in vein to keep the young warriors on the peaceful path. Journeyed to the white mans towns on many occasions with Metacom to talk of peace, all to no avail. The Puritans would say one thing yet do another. They would make a treaty, yet break it before the ink was dry. Finally there came a day when the tribes could take no more and joined together in a federation to face a common foe. Long was Canonchets witness to the many tribal councils, where sachems and shamans talked all night and day, until there was nothing left to say. Until at last the only path that lay open, was the path that ran to war!

For three years, from 1675 through 1677, the tribes of the northeast made war upon the white devils. Many white towns were burnt to the ground. Many captives taken, then returned for ransom. Unlike the whites, the peoples waged war against only the men. The women and children that were captured were treated well, there was no raping or torture for these captives, while the whites raped and pillaged everywhere they went. Many women and children choose to remain with the tribes when offered their freedom. With the death of Metacom the alliance broke apart and the tribes were scattered or sold into slavery, until very few remained.

Canonchets had left Massachusetts and journeyed many moons west to the land of the Shawnee and had lived amongst them in peace on the banks of the Ohio River. In April the dreams had begun to come to Canonchets. Throughout April and May the dreams had come more and more often. On the night of the summer solstices he had taken the mushrooms of the gods and had a spirit vision. The Great Spirit came to him in the form of a timber wolf, which told him that the time had come for him to return to the land of his ancestors. He taught him the ritual of the bringing forth of the dead. Taught him which herb's to use.

Through out the heat of August Canonchets struggled down the coast of Massachusetts, past burned out, and long abandoned villages that had for centuries sheltered the Pokanokets.

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In September he reached Rhode Island and began the long journey north and around Narragansett Bay to Metacoms long destroyed home village of Sowams. Through the cranberry bogs and swamps Canonchets struggled, stopping to rest more often now, but somehow always rising to trudge on another mile. Often the Great Spirit would appear by his campfire to give him strength and show him the path that the English could never find. The wolf brought Canonchets rabbits and pheasants and other wild game to the old mans fire. Towards the end of September Canonchets came at last to the remnants of Sowams and to the sacred grove just beyond.

It was three days until the moon was again full; he had little time and much to do. The Great Spirit came to him that night and nuzzled him awake. He opened his eyes to stare into the deep blue eyes of the timber wolf. The Great Spirit told him many things that night. How the people had come to be, what waited for them in the future and the great plan of man and nature. He also told Canonchets of his death!

Canonchets stayed very busy constructing a bier and gathering all the roots, herbs and minerals from the good earth. As the sun set on the third day Canonchets bathed himself in a cold brook and donned his finest clothes and feathers. He painted his face in the old ways of his people and began to make ready for the rising of the full moon.

The English Church spread fear of this "Blue Moon" as they called it, being that it came before the harvest moon which was itself a pagan festival that the church had been trying to wipe out for centuries, not a good omen. Satan and his minions were said to be about on such a night as this!

Canonchets built a roaring fire and into a pot he put his roots, minerals, herbs and blood from a cut he made on his arm. When his potion was ready, he took the pot from the fire and as the moon rose he poured its contents over the remains of Metacom. When this was done, Canonchets knelt by the bier and chanted the old prayers of the Pokanokets. He recounted the history of his people as the moon rose above the trees. The wind, which had been still, began to pick up and the trees in the sacred grove began to whisper many things to Canonchets. While in this trance Canonchets wasn't aware of the English soldiers sneaking up behind him. He didn't see the thrust of the sword that pierced his back, until it had severed his heart and emerged through his chest. He lurched upward with the thrust and with his dying eyes saw that the wolf had returned for him, and that upon the bier the body of Metacom was beginning to reform itself.

The three English soldiers were busy making jests as they kicked the old mans body. They could do no more harm to Canonchets. He was already behind them, standing beside the timber wolf. The soldiers began to rifle through Canonchets meager possessions so they never noticed Metacom rising from the bier. When they did feel his presence, and turned around to look into his blinding blue eyes, it was already far too late. For all of that night, villagers all along the Narragansett Bay shore heard their terrible screams!

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It was well past sunrise before there was any movement seen inside the village of Northwood, closest to Metacoms resurrection. They had listened to the screaming all night long and it was almost 9 am before anyone dared to go look in the woods by the old Indian village of Sowams. What 15 year old Ebenizer White found sent him running back to his mother, screaming at the top of his lungs about an Indian massacre of the army. When two elders arrived they found the three soldiers heads on stakes; their eyes wide open and focused on a single spot and their mouths in twisted agonized screams. That spot was the burial pyre of Canonchets. But as for the bodies of Sergeant Jonathan Goodman, Corporal Richard Stuart and Corporal David Mill, all late of Queen's Light Horse; there was no trace. The grove itself was a bright reddish pink. When they had drunk their fill of the slaughter and had begun to ease their way out of the grove, from out of a clear blue sky came a bolt of lightning striking and setting a blue fire to Canonchets pyre. When other villagers found the elders wandering down by the bay, they were both quite mad, babbling about the heads and blue fire and the voices of a million Indians in a great victory cry. In less than a week they were both dead.

Captain Sir Charles Campbell finished reading the accounts of the Goodman massacre as it was being called and turned to his Lieutenant Sir James Wilson and asked his opinion on the matter, "What do you think of this James?"

"Well Sir Charles I've seen some pretty bad sights in the Indian Wars along the great Inland Sea. I rather doubt that there was anything supernatural involved. What with the recent madness at Salem I suppose that we, or should I say I should look into these matters sir?"

"Very good James, I like a volunteer," said Captain Campbell with a grin. Then turning deadly serious he said, "Yes take your man and see to it at once. Find out who did this and bring them to justice. The crown can not afford to be seen as uninterested in colonial matters. As well as three members from The Queens Light Horse were brutally murdered; I will not tolerate such outrageous behavior against the Crown! Bring these men to me James."

"I'll pack and leave at once Sir Charles. Have no fear sir I'll hunt them down, and bring them back to you. Sounds like good sport, hunting the most dangerous game, just like on the fields of Eton eh, Sir Charles?"

The Captain had been a class ahead of the Lieutenant at Eton. Both the sons of Earls they were on the path of rapid promotion as the best and the brightest. Posted to the colonies to seek their fortune in a land of boundless opportunities.

Sir Charles at the age of 22 found himself fourth in command of her majesty's troops in New England. In real command, as General Hastings or Colonel White seldom left their houses in Manhattan. Or Colonel York in Boston who was rumored to be suffering some brain fever, leaving all but two companies of the forces in Plymouth under Charles' command. The crown had begun cracking down on the colonies some 25 years before when the Puritans had tried a power play and caused all the trouble with the Indians in what they were now calling the "Red Kings Rebellion." Then Charles Stuart had let the Indians teach the Puritans a few lessons before stepping in to seize the colonies.

Lieutenant Sir James Wilson at the age of 21 had just returned from the wilderness. He had spent the last two years mapping in upstate New York and into the Ohio territory. After making his report to the Colonel and the Queens representative he was reassigned to Plymouth. He had just settled into the comforts of town when he was called back to duty.

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"One other thing Sir James. Colonel White sends word that the Crown has turned its eye your way and a Captaincy is being made ready for you when you return. So look sharp Sir James, and return quickly with some answers."

"Well at least that's some good news, Sir Charles. I'll have the cutthroats responsible on your doorstep with in a fortnight. I'll take the new post road to Providence. It's but a days ride from there to Northwood. We'll soon put her majesty's fears to rest, said James as he poured a large glass of wine for the Captain and himself. As he handed a glass to Sir Charles he said, Here's to her majesty good Queen Anne, long may she reign and far away from here!"

Here, here Sir James, you are wicked! Here's to your heath.

They drank a few bottles of toasts before James returned to his quarters. First thing bright and early Sir James was awakened by his servant who had stayed up all night packing the lieutenants wardrobe, packing the horses, pouring Sir James bath, breakfast and a thousand and one other things while the lieutenant slept off the wine. So by the time he had dressed Sir James he was dead tired and more than a little hungry. Thinking to stop at the cooks tent for something to eat and then to sleep in the horse barn he was much surprised to learn that he was due to ride hard all day behind Sir James halfway to Providence. No time to sleep or eat until sunset. Oh what a pleasure it is to serve you Sir James!

It was a full two hours ride out of Plymouth before they passed the last farmstead and entered the wilderness, a wilderness rapidly shrinking as the steady stream of immigrants, indentured servants, prisoners and the like arrived in the colonies fast growing ports. Commerce along the seaboard from Maine to the Carolinas was booming with manufactured goods, people and now black slaves coming from Europe. The colonies shipping sugar, cotton, tobacco, and Indian slaves to Europe and to the Caribbean isles.

With the French in New Orleans and Montreal and the Spanish in Florida and their new town of St. Louis, the English were rapidly being surrounded by Europe's other powerful colonial empires. There had been five years of peace between France and England since the end of the "Nine Years War" of 1689 ñ 1697. Which occurred when Louis the XIV of France tried to reseat Catholic James II on the English thrown against Protestant Mary Stuart and her husband William of Orange. Now Louis had gone to Spain as an ally in what they were now calling "The War of Spanish Succession." When would it end?

On they rode in silence as befitted a Lord and his vassal until that vassal fell asleep and then fell off of his horse and dislocated his shoulder.

"I say Patsy, we'll never make the Inn at this rate, do remount and lets be off said Sir James as he turned his horse to ride away but then looked Patsy's way again and said. Oh I see bad luck there Patsy, you seemed to dislocated your shoulder old boy.

Getting down from his horse and approaching Patsy from the rear Sir James grabbed the near feinting Patsy. With a brisk twist of his shoulders he put the shoulder back in place, causing Patsy to scream very loud before feinting. Patsy awoke several hours later to find himself tied over his horse. He thought to say something but decided to go back to sleep and didn't wake up until they approached the Inn.

"I see you're awake Patsy, said Sir James. As soon as we arrive see to the horses and then come and attend to me.

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"Yes milord, thank you milord. Oh and could you untie me your grace?

The Inn had a wall around it, having been built during the Indian wars and looked more like a fortress than a country inn. Still to Sir James it's thick walls and feather beds were very welcome in the wilderness even if this wilderness was fast becoming hard to find this close to the coast, it was hardly the Great Inland Seas.

Next to the inn a barn and behind the barn the lodges of about thirty or so "Praying Indians." Originally they were allowed to join the white settlers in a number of towns. They were allowed to keep their farms or orchards for selling out their people to the Puritans and then the English. That time and war was beginning to fade from memory along with the white mans promises. Their ancestral homeland either stolen or sold for a pittance. Why they hadn't been sold off into slavery was a thought that crossed Sir James mind as he handed his reins to the stable boy that appeared from nowhere and dismounted. He untied his man and turned to enter the building while Patsy collapsed on the ground, his legs still being "asleep". He was soon on shaky legs and following the boy into the barn.

Sir James entered the inn into the common area, where he stood by the fireplace and absorbed some heat on his backside. Two others, trappers by the looks of them, were sitting at one of two tables drinking beer out of pewter mugs. After a minute a comely looking girl arrived to welcome Sir James saying her master was away but should be back soon and could she show Sir James to his room or would he like something to eat and drink first? He ordered a bird and bottle and settled into a chair at the other table when she returned with his bottle.

"I say girl," said Sir James, as he reached out and grabbed her arm. "This wine is French, that could be thought treason in some quarters."

"I'm sorry sir, my master bought two cases from a merchant in Providence."

"I'm only jesting girl, come sit with me and have a glass. Here, what's thy name, my pretty?

"Barbara my good Captain," Barbara Allen indentured servant to Mr. Herbert Appleby until the 12th of May next year.

"Well Barbara Allen, I'm only a Lieutenant although I shall soon come into a Captaincy. What does one do to pass the time in this wilderness?"

"I practice my letters and my reading. I've already read seven books. I hope to be a personal maid to a fine lady in Boston or New York."

"That is a lofty goal but I feel that you may achieve it with the right guidance," said Sir James as he reached for the wine bottle but caressed a bulging breast instead.

"Oh your birds ready my lord," said Barbara as she untangled herself from the Lieutenants clutches. Causing the trappers who had been watching to turn their heads and grin.

At this time the stable boy entered with Patsy in tow carrying a large bag. They walked past on the way to the Lieutenants room as Barbara returned carrying the bird, a small turkey that she sat in front of the Lieutenant.

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"Why this is a foul fowl, have thee no hens or ducks or a fat goose mayhaps, asked the Lieutenant?"

"Sorry my Lord but this is all we have tonight. There is nothing wrong with this bird," said Barbara as she took a knife and sliced deep into the Turkey's breast. After plucking forth a slice of the white meat, she laid it with yams and carrots and a little loaf of bread in front of Sir James.

"If thou sayest so fair maiden I will at least try some for thy sake. But rather I take thee upon my tongue dear Barbara than this fowl!"

" Why speaks thee this way my Lord?"

"Know you not maiden?"

"Tis true my Lord, that a maiden I am, and will remain until my marriage day!"

"Then sit awhile anyway, and help me pass the time. I leave at the suns first gleaming as I must be away to bloody business in Northwood, yet a days ride from Providence town. Fetch me another bottle of this traitor's blood, as it is a fitting companion to this foul fowl. And fetch also my servant hence for I must feed him as well."

Off went the girl as the Lieutenant turned his attention back to the turkey breast. She soon returned with both the bottle and Patsy in tow.

"Come sit and gnaw a bone with me Patsy."

"Thank thee Lord."

Sir James reached forward and grabbing the turkey ripped a leg off and tossed it to Patsy who all but inhaled it.

"When you have eaten your fill Patsy go and fetch hither my journal, as I've a mind to record today's events."`

Patsy arose and immediately made for Sir James journal, quill and ink bottle. He returned shortly with the same and laid it before Sir James who had finished his meal and his second bottle of wine. Patsy moved away from the table and stood instead in front of the fire and warmed himself while Sir James made his entry. When he had finished he dropped his quill and arose from the table. Patsy immediately collected Sir James property and then led the way to the room where he placed the supplies away and then undressed his master and made the bed ready. When this was done Sir James bid Patsy good night and fell immediately asleep. Patsy took this cue to take Sir James boots and made his way back to the barn, but first he stopped by the common room to see if there was any turkey left. There wasn't, as the trappers made short work of the remains. Patsy did however manage a small overlooked yam.

An hour before dawn the stable boy shook Patsy awake and he was soon seeing to Sir James toilet and dressing so by the time the sun rose they were leaving the stockade and on the post road once again.

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Onward they rode all that morning and into the late afternoon before they came to Providence town. When they arrived in town Sir James went to the local garrison. There he found the sergeant in charge and made inquiries about Northwood and the massacre. The Sergeant called for the corporal who had actually been on the scene and made preparations to take the corporal and a squad of ten men on the morrow to Northwood.

Once again at dawn Sir James and Patsy now accompanied by eleven regular dragoons made there way south by southeast towards the Narragansett Bay shore. There was no broad avenue here. Barely an unrecognizable track that was gone more than present, but fortunately the Corporal knew the way and late in the afternoon they arrived at the little village of Northwood. They marched on through the village and into the wood until they came to the old Indian town of Sowams. There was nothing standing now, but even after 30 years you could see that a town had once stood here. Through Sowams they went until they came to the sacred grove. The heads were gone as well as any trace of the bodies. All that remained was the three stakes the heads had rested on and the ashes of Canonchets pyre...

Alderman took the last swig from the jug and then threw it on the ground. He had been on a twenty-five year long drunk. Every since betraying his people for a handful of silver and the hand of his enemy, the man that the praying Indians called Judas had been telling and retelling his story for a drink to anyone who would listen from Manhattan to Boston. He was a familiar figure in every bar and road house in New England. The mummified hand of Metacom still hung from a leather strap around his neck. Shunned by everyone who knew him except the great moralist and preacher of his time Cotton Mather who knew a good thing when he saw one.

Much like Alderman, Cotton Mather had for years used the story of Metacom for his own advantage becoming a very powerful man in New England. Had for over twenty years taken friends and important visitors to Metacoms head and using it as a puppet, caused much laughter and gaiety among the drunken rabble of Plymouth. Unfortunately someone had stolen it under the noses of the town guards.

The praying Indians had become nervous for some reason and had started to spread rumors about the resurrection of Metacom. Although Cotton had tried to get them to see that surely this could not be no one since Lazarus had ever come back to life, especially after 25 years, but the rumors persisted. When the news of the three soldier's death reached Plymouth the Indians were seen to become agitated and many had left the town for parts unknown.

Cotton had just finished and published his "Magnalia Chrristi Americana" where in he droned on and on about how god in his perfect wisdom had given these lands to the white folk of Europe as the Indians were not worthy to live in it. Much like his father, Increase Mather, who had just stepped down as president of Harvard University, he saw the Indians and there lands as just some more tools for the white man to use.

Alderman stumbled down the beach toward Plymouth harbor and another boatload of colonists from England, which even now was docking a mile away. Even though he was dead tired he dared not go to sleep. For the last several months he had been having strange, horrible dreams of his old enemy Metacom. Alderman knew what the praying Indians were saying was true and he had no doubts that Metacom was coming for him!

For as many times as he had thought of throwing Metacoms mummified hand away, his lust for the white mans liquor always over rode such urges. For with out Metacoms hand Alderman was nothing.

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With it he was a hero of sorts to the white man and therefore important. Important enough for free drinks and copper coins. Once a chief of the Great White Mother had given him a golden sovereign for his tale. He had stayed drunk on that one coin for a month. Yes more white men were good. For they had never heard his tale, of his heroic stand that saved the entire Massachusetts Bay Colony from Metacoms treachery. For over the years the story had changed with the telling. He had gone from a cowardly traitor to a mighty Sachem who saved hundreds of white captives when he alone dared enter Alderman's camp. He had killed the mighty Metacom and thirty of his best warriors single handily before setting the white captives free and the leading them to safety. Over the years Alderman began to believe this nonsense and told the story with great relish. Only now did the truth come back to haunt him and haunt him it did.

Some times even when he was awake he could just catch the great blue eyed timber wolf out of his peripheral vision. He even found the beasts footprints once, though they quickly faded away. When he slept, the nightmares came. From out of the sky came a warrior and at his back a great host of tribes came. At first faintly they called his name alderman...alderman... alderman. If he was lucky he would awaken, his pulse racing, his heart pounding. If he couldn't escape from the dream, the chants would increase in volume until the whole world shouted ALDERMAN... ALDERMAN... ALDERMAN... ALDERMAN!

He would try and run but his legs wouldn't move, he was stuck to the ground. When he looked into Metacom's bright blue eyes he could seen the torment that awaited him upon his death. Metacom wore a necklace made up of the 20 silver coins that Alderman had been paid for his treachery. When they came face to face he would pull off this necklace and throw it at Alderman. The silver coins were like bees that stung him to the bone. He would then take back his hand and then the real horror would begin. Even wide-awake those thoughts would make him shiver. Often when he awoke his hands were covered in blood and wash them though he might with water or sand; they would not come clean.

He had walked half a mile and when he looked up the wolf was there standing in front of him. Its lips were pulled back showing it's fangs and slowly it began to move toward him. Alderman stopped in his tracks and slowly began to move away from the wolf. When he backed up the wolf would stop but if he moved toward Plymouth the wolf would counter his steps all the while growling and making deep throat noises. To an observer Alderman was dancing with himself. No other mortal eyes could see the wolf except Alderman. Alderman had seen strange things on the white man's drink but he knew the wolf was no mere hallucination. The wolf was real as death and like death would not be denied.

The wolf's bright blue eyes glowed like embers and penetrated Alderman to the bone. He tried to look away but couldn't. Something pulled him into the wolf and as he starred he found himself falling, falling deeper and deeper into a deep sleep. No sooner than he had closed his eyes than he could hear them chanting his name, alderman... alderman... alderman. He realized he had been tricked into sleep by the wolf. Again from the sky came a warrior followed by a great host. As they approached he could see a vision of every death his treason had caused. Every warrior's face stared at him. Every woman and every child's death was replayed for him until he screamed at the top of his lungs to see no more, but still they came. He tried to look away but couldn't.

He felt every musket ball, every knife cut, every slice of the sword, every torture that had been inflicted because of his treachery. He was insane with pain and the agony of every torture that he had caused. All through that afternoon and all that night long he saw the faces and felt their pain as they came one at a time to stand in their disfigured bodies before him and told him their tale and shared their pain with him.

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By the thousands they came, seemingly without end. Every man woman and child sold into slavery in the Caribbean or taken back to Europe who had died came, told their story and gave him their pain. Only with the coming of the sun did they cease but before the hosts had departed the last to stand before him was Metacom. Metacom spoke for the first time and said that with the coming of the full moon he would return to claim what was his and to repay Alderman for his treachery. Alderman awoke with a start, starring into the sun slowing rising above the Atlantic.

Alderman's heart was pounding and he was soaked in his sweat. His bowels had loosed themselves so when he arose he stumbled into the surf to cleanse himself. The cold water brought him back to reality and after washing his clothes as well, he left the ocean. After putting his wet clothes back on he made his way toward Plymouth. His costume had changed over the years from his native dress until 25 years later he now wore a British army great coat, a Naval officers hat, Gray slacks and stocking that had one time been white and a pair of French made riding boots. To top this off, Metacoms hand around his neck on a leather strap. Needless to say he was quite a sight for the uninitiated. A few of which couldn't believe their eyes as he approached.

He was too late to catch the new arrivals at the dock as they had all left. Dockhands were now loading the ship with America's greatest asset slaves. These were in chains and being whipped aboard for their journey to the plantations of the Caribbean. Along with the slaves, tobacco, hewn lumber, Indian corn and in cages several hundred turkeys for the palettes of England.

His head was splitting from the rum the night before, as much as from his spirit vision. He could hustle the new arrivals later, what he needed now was another jug. He made his way toward the other side of the village where strong spirits and other loose morals were tolerated.

The Puritans had been amongst other things a very randy bunch. Though they spoke of morals and such in church on Sunday and were very pious in public life, inside their houses were quite different. Everyone slept in the same room and it wasn't uncommon for the master of the house to sleep with all the women and girls as well as the slaves or servants of both sexes. But before the coming of the British army the only spirits allowed were for the churches. Of course most folk had been brewing beer from the beginning. After the army arrived, things changed radically. The total control of the church had gradually been replaced. People still went to church for appearance sake but since the crack down by the army after the Salem "Witch Trials" things had begun to loosen up, even in staid Plymouth. The fact that Alderman could openly buy rum spoke volumes of this.

Alderman made his way to the outskirts of Plymouth until he came to Watson's Inn where he went to the back door and knocked. When a scowling maid answered, she took his money and shut the door. A few minutes later she returned with another jug which she handed to him and then shut and barred the door. Alderman pulled the jugs cork with his rotting teeth and immediately drank a quarter of the jug.

The aroma of breakfasts filled the air but Alderman paid it no heed, he had his own breakfast in the jug. On his way back through town he was spotted by a group of little boys who all dropped the game they were playing outside the little one room school and ran to tease and torment him. Alderman paid them no heed as they soon gave up the chase. Any retaliation against the white children would certainly result in a drop in his ability to gain his liquor or being run out of town, something that had happened more than once.

He just ignored them and kept walking down to the docks where he sat and watched about 50 Narragansett women and children being whipped aboard a ship with blank eyes.

Long gone were the days when he noticed or cared.

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However when a woman turned and looked into his eyes, last nights nightmares returned. For her face seemed to fade and mingle until it appeared to be a face he'd seen in his dreams. It only lasted a second or two but it shook him to the bone. He got up and walked away down the beach toward Boston. He knew he would never see Plymouth again.

Sir James began looking around on the ground in the grove and through the treetops, looking for any sign, and any clue that would point to the soldier's killers. When he had inspected every inch of ground in the grove he began expanding his search, making concentric circles as his troops stood by watching the Lieutenant with much merriment being very careful to not let the Lieutenant know they thought him daft. When the Lieutenant came near them, a glare from the corporal quickly brought them to attention. Sir James continued until he had gone about 100 yards from the edge of the glade where he stopped and called the corporal over.

"Tell me Smythe, has anything changed since you first came upon the scene?"

The corporal looked around and then shook his head and said, "No Sir, it appears to be just the way I found it a fortnight ago."

"Very good corporal, assemble the troops and we'll return to Northwood. I want to question every man in the village."

"Yes Sir James, at once, he said as he saluted the Lieutenant and then turned to the squad and said. "All right you lot, fall in on this line."

The Lieutenant led the way at a smart pace on his horse while the troops fell in behind with a nervous Patsy bringing up the rear. Patsy's imagination was running wild as he had heard the rumors of the return of Metacom and expected at any minute to be set upon and beheaded by this legendary warrior. Every rock and tree held a new terror for Patsy until they had returned to Northwood.

When they entered the village the corporal sent his troopers into each and every house to bring out every man in the village. They were all soon assembled on the village green before the Lieutenant, who rode his horse around in a circle while he looked them all over. When he had come full circle, he dismounted and handing the reins to the corporal turned and faced the men.

"I want any man that knows what happened in the glade to step forth and tell me what he knows." When no one did he said, "Where is this Ebenizer White?"

"You heard the Lieutenant, Ebenizer White step forward," cried the corporal.

A man in the ranks spoke up and said, "Lieutenant sir, Ebenizer is dead. He died about a week ago sir."

"Who are you and what did he die from?"

"I'm Jonathan Booth sir, I was first cousin to young Ebenizer. He died of fright. Within a day of his return his hair had turned white and he couldn't stop shaking. Like elder Masters and elder Thompson he was dead in a week. I've never see anyone so scared sir."

Chapter 1 page 12 October 1702

"Thank you Mr. Booth. Can you tell me what happened the night of the murders?" What did you see or hear said the Lieutenant?

Before Booth could reply an old white bearded man spoke up. "I heard the most terrible screams and shouts I've ever heard. They went on all the night long until the sun rose."

At that point, every one started talking at once, telling his recollections of that night until a glance from the Lieutenant to the corporal brought order as the corporal yelled at top of voice, "One at a time."

The Lieutenant turned to Patsy and asks which one of the cabins was his billet. For Patsy had found elder Masters house and had been putting Sir James things away and hastily cleaning and sweeping it until it was as clean as it was ever likely to be. "Over here Sir James," Patsy called.

The Lieutenant turned to the corporal and said, "Corporal organize this rabble and send them in one at a time, then billet your men one man per house and then report to me. He then turned and left the corporal to his duties and entered the house.

Patsy had worked wonders but it was hard to tell. An old shack that had held an old man that had never been big on cleaning. The walls were covered in soot, as the chimney had seldom been clean. The tiny windows covered in a waxed paper let little light in and the sputtering candles made from animal fat threw little light. Two years ago Sir James would have shuddered at such a place and his nose would have wrinkled at the smell but after two years in the wild he thought it looked rather cozy. There was a table and two chairs on one side and a bed with a cornhusk mattress on the other. Above the primitive fireplace and mantle hung a blunderbuss and a sword. Sir James bag had been laid out on the bed and his journal sat upon the table.

"Very good Patsy, said Sir James. See to the horses and then fix me something to eat. Oh and tell the corporal to send in the first man."

"Yes milord, at once milord," said Patsy as he beat a hasty retreat to the door.

Sir James spent the next hour interviewing all the men of Northwood, making copious notes in his journal, while Patsy groomed and fed the horses. Over an open fire he then cooked a chicken that had wandered to close to see what the commotion was about. By the time the bird was done, the sun had long since set. As Sir James had his bird and bottle, Patsy cleaned and polished his boots. Just as Patsy finished, a townsman approached him with a bowl of turnip and onion soup, which Patsy quickly wolfed down.

It was obvious to Sir James that no one knew what had happened. They were simple superstitious farmers, whose knowledge of the world didn't extend much beyond their fields or the Bay Shore. They knew a horror had taken place from the three dead soldiers and the three dead villagers beyond that they knew nothing. If there was anything to be found it wasn't in the village. If he were to find the killer or killers he would have to search the countryside. At first light he would travel westward into the Connecticut territory. He dismissed the Corporal and after finishing his journal soon fell asleep on the cornhusks.

Patsy awoke Sir James just before dawn with a tin plate of eggs and strips of sowbellies. After breakfast and a brief wash in the creek Sir James assembled his troops and rode north. Then around noon they turned west around Narragansett Bay. An hour later the sharp-eyed Corporal spotted a splash of color through the trees and Sir James called a halt to their march.

Chapter 1 page 13 October 1702

Carefully and silently they crept through the woods until they came upon a camp where two Pokanokets sat roasting ears of corn over a fire and passing a jug of rum back and forth between them. What had attracted the soldiers to them were the great coats that the two wore against the cold. Before the two could react they were surrounded by the soldiers and quickly stripped of their weapons and forced to their knees before the Lieutenant.

"Well my good fellows, how came you by these clothes, asked Sir James.

The Pokanokets spoke little English understanding about every forth word. They had found the coats in the woods hanging on a tree about a day's walk from there but couldn't convey this to Sir James. Even if they could have, their fate was sealed as soon as the Corporal handed one of the coats to Sir James and he looked at a tag sewn into the inside of the coat. A tag identifying the coat as belonging to Corporal Richard Stuart.

Sir James turned to the Corporal and said, "Take them."

The Corporal turned to the men behind the Pokanokets and nodded his head. The soldiers quickly clubbed the two unconscious with their muskets. When the two awoke they were tied across Patsy's horse for their long ride back to Plymouth. Their fate was sealed. Within a weeks time they would be hung from poles by their necks until they died of slow strangulation or worse. That would be up to Sir Charles.

They spent the night at the Pokanokets camp before leaving at dawn to make their way back toward Providence. The journey was a happy time for the soldiers. Sir James gave the men a ration of rum from the Indians supply, and another double ration when they stopped that night to camp some 10 miles short of Providence. Sir James felt so good with his success that he actually joined his men around the fire to tell tall tales of the Great Inland Seas and remembrances of home. He even drank a toast to the Queen with his men before retiring. Fraternization between officers and troops was normally forbidden in the army but Sir James thinking of his Captaincy to come, couldn't help himself. Sir James often longed for comradeship, at 21; he was not far removed from his childhood.

At the first light they packed their camp and made their way north arriving in Providence around 10 am. Sir James rode to the garrison where he acquired two horses and the use of the Corporal until he arrived back at Plymouth. By noon they were back on the post road heading east.

They had gone but a few miles when the sun disappeared behind the clouds that were fast approaching from the west. The first few drops of rain sent Patsy scrambling for Sir James great coat and an oilskin for him. The Pokanokets were left dangling over the horse just in their breeches. The rain soon turned to sleet and then freezing rain, which sent Sir James into the woods to wait out the storm in a pine thicket.

After it had passed they continued on their way eastward on the post road. When night fell they we're barely half way to the Appleby Inn the halfway point between Plymouth and Providence and were forced to camp beside the road. While Patsy cooked a meal of beef stew Sir James and the Corporal shared a bottle of wine. After dinner Patsy untied the Pokanokets from the horse and retied them to a tree. When the others had gone to sleep Patsy fed the Pokanokets the scraps of the meal and gave them both water to drink before rebuilding the fire and keeping watch. Along about midnight the Corporal awoke and relieved Patsy who fell asleep until being roughly awakened by the Lieutenant just before dawn. As Sir James washed his face and hands in a nearby creek Patsy repacked their camp and they were soon on their way.

Chapter 1 page 14 October 1702

As they made their way up and out of the swamps and onto higher ground last nights rain and sleet had turned to snow making the going a little harder. The snow had turned the landscape into a fairy wonderland; a fact not lost on superstitious Patsy who saw ogres and hobgoblins everywhere. Patsy hadn't felt safe since coming to America two years before with Sir James. As a servant on Sir Richard Wilson's estate he had been a coach footman. Sir Richard had sent Patsy along with his son to be his servant and "To guard Sir James back," as he put it. Patsy had been happy living in Sussex and had never wanted to leave the Manor house to which he was born to the head butler and Lady Wilson's chamber maid, but such was life. He found the New World primitive, hostile, dangerous and never ending. He had travel further with Sir James than his entire family combined for the last thousand years. But as a good servant Patsy was willing to follow Sir James into Hell if that's where he led.

When they arrived at the Appleby Inn Sir James sent Patsy in for a couple of bottles of the French wine, then immediately rode on not wishing to stay the night with what might be hostile natives encamped at the Inn. Sir James was taking no chances with his prisoners. He wanted that Captaincy. The Captaincy that might send him back to England. The Captaincy that would make his father the General proud. The Captaincy that would assure him a better command. No these two poor wretches had a date with the hangman and nothing would stop him from his duty, or this opportunity, so on they rode.

Sometime in the mid-afternoon they found themselves being watched by someone or something from the shadow of the woods. Immediately Patsy's mind turn to monsters and other horrors. About an hour later Sir James called a halt and pulling his pistols told the Corporal to remain with the prisoners and bade Patsy follow him into the woods. After riding for ten minutes the horses started to shy and soon the reason was apparent. A large she bear had been following, no doubt waiting for sunset to attack. As they dismounted and Sir James gave Patsy his reins to hold, she charged. Sir James aim was steady and true, his first shot hitting her in the head but the ball bounced harmlessly off her thick skull. At this point Patsy had started to panic when Sir James sent his second shot from his other pistol, clean through her left eye, she rolled in a ball and flopped dead at Sir James feet. Sir James was elated, he turned to the frightened Patsy and said, "Great sport Patsy, I wonder if there are any more? He said this to himself, as Patsy had fainted.

As Sir James admired his prize, the now awake Patsy began to cut three thick steaks out of the back of the carcass. By the time this was done they returned to the road to camp for the night, leaving the rest of the bear to rot in the forest. The Corporal already had the Pokanokets tied to a tree, had built a roaring fire built and was talking to a family of immigrants freshly arrived from England. They were on their way to Providence where a cousin lived, to build a mill on the Blackstone River. When the Lieutenant arrived he bade them stay the night and offered his hospitality to one and all. When they offered to fix the meal Sir James wouldn't hear of it explaining of his recent kill and said there was meat enough for all. As the Corporal began to cook the steaks Sir James sent Patsy back to the carcass to cut off half a dozen more. So as the sun set and the moon rose Patsy timidly made his way back into the woods to butcher the bear.

Once again Patsy's mind worked over time. Imagining a new terror behind every tree and bush. There was nothing there of course but Patsy didn't care. He soon found the bear and began to cut more steaks. When he looked up from his work he was starring into the bright blue eyes of a very large timber wolf. Very gingerly he picked up his knife and the sack where he had placed the steaks. He stood and made motions toward the wolf to shoo, go away. This only made the wolf bare his teeth to which Patsy began to back up. Slowly at first then turning Patsy beat a hasty retreat back to the road. Had there been someone with a stopwatch Patsy would have broke all records covering the measured mile in just under 4 minutes. The wolf just smiled.

Chapter 1 page 15 October 1702

After a hearty meal the first that Patsy had eaten since leaving Plymouth, they sat around the fire listening to Sir James adventures in the New World and drinking the French wine. Just out of their vision, a pair of bright blue eyes watched all the night long from the bush.

Once again at first light they were off and within a couple hours they came to the first outlying farmsteads and a couple hours later they came at last to Plymouth. As they made their way through town towards the military headquarters they were soon followed first by children, then by adults and barking dogs so by the time they arrived they were leading a parade. As the Sergeant of the guard arrived to take charge of the prisoners, Sir James dismounted and entered Sir Charles house to make his report to the Captain.

"Good to see you back so soon Sir James, said Sir Charles. Good hunting I take it?"

"Yes sir, Sir Charles. I've brought you two birds in the bag for your entertainment. One was wearing Corporal Stuart's great coat. There can be no doubt they're guilty as sin."

"Damn fine show, Sir James. When you've rested give me your report and you can go off to New York to Colonel Whites, for a well-earned promotion. But first let us gnaw a bone together and make some space in my wine cellar. What say ye, sir?"

Sir James spent the rest of the day eating and drinking with Sir Charles and reliving old days on the playing fields of Eaton. He entertained Sir Charles with his bear hunt story and the capture of the two Pokanokets. It was well passed mid-night when he staggered back to his quarters on the arm of Patsy who had been busy unpacking Sir James property and putting it all away. Patsy put Sir James to bed and as he was leaving was called back by Sir James before he passed out saying, "Oh by the way Patsy, don't bother unpacking, we leave for New York on the morrow."

Alderman had been sleeping, a deep deep sleep that can only brought by the devil rum. Whether or not he had dreams he didn't remember in fact there was little to remember after the rising of the moon. The moon before, what the whites called the harvest moon. The first full moon since the harvest would rise tomorrow and from this deep sleep came the blinding knowledge that when it did he would die.

Alderman's eyes went wide open, his mouth already forming the scream that would soon issue forth and rock the surrounding woods. He reached out his hands and slashed out at the air. Then sanity returned and he tried to calm his racing heart. Just another dream he thought, he told himself it was true and for a moment he believed this lie. For a moment, he thought all was well, just more bad medicine in his dreams, nothing more. He wanted to believe this but deep down something was screaming OH NO!

He couldn't remember if he heard them or saw the color of the moon first, but from that point on in his mind, he knew the end was near and his death and life afterwards were something from a nightmare. The Great Spirit was sending someone for him, someone to take him to hell. He had no doubt whom the Great Spirit had chosen to be his Avatar, he had seen Metacom every night for a month. Legend foretold what would happen to Alderman with the touch of Metacom. He had betrayed his people and had caused the death of many innocents for which he would now repay his debt in full. He would suffer the fate of one and all, not just the dream of the pain, the horror, the death and agony, but he would relive in reality every one. Time after time he would be reborn to be tortured, then die only to be reborn to suffer and die again and again until only the Great Spirit knew when. His treason to his people would be repaid in full.

Chapter 1 page 16 October 1702

Over on the left he saw a great gray timber wolf that he knew to be the host of the Great Spirit. The voices he had been trying to ignore were beginning to push their way into his conscious mind alderman ... alderman ... alderman ... NO, he screamed. He had to take control, he knew of the madness from drinking the white mans rum. That brought the strange visions and madness. These voices and visions brought on by the drinking, nothing more ... alderman ... alderman. He ran at full speed through the woods dodging trees until he was almost blinded by a pine branch as he ran headfirst into an oak tree and knocked himself out.

Alderman had escaped the Pokanokets for a while. Between the dreams and the collision with the oak Alderman's conscious brain shut down and he was lost far beyond the land of dreams. It was only when the sun bore down on his eyes did Alderman return.

He awoke with a start and immediately felt the pain from the tree and the insueing headache. He tried to open his eyes but one was swollen shut. When he touched his face he felt clotted blood along one side and winced from the touch. He cursed the gods, then the white man, then himself. Alderman reached for his jug and found it broken, along with two of his ribs where he had fallen on the jug. He winced when he touched the ribs and found a piece of crockery stuck in his skin. He pulled it out with a howl and when he was silent he heard them calling his name alderman ... alderman ... alderman ... and when he looked around behind him he saw them in their thousands, half a hours walk away and coming his way.

He got to his feet, and as quickly as he could began heading out of the forest, eastward towards the coast.

All that morning he ran and all that morning they followed, coming closer and closer. The great gray wolf still flanking him and with the people coming closer and closer. Now he could just barely walk, every breath brought terrible pain from his broken ribs, his ceaseless headache, The half broken teeth from the oak tree brought shooting pain, throbbing, throbbing till he surely must go mad. And the voice of the people was getting louder, getting nearer Alderman ... Alderman ... Alderman...

He had been looking over his shoulder when he came to the riverbank and didn't see it until he had already begun to trip and roll down the bank into the swift current. Into the current he was swept far down the river and only came to rest on a sand bar just short of the ocean. He coughed and sputtered great amounts of river water until he exhaled more air than water and could rise to his feet and slip and slide up the riverbank. He suddenly realized he knew his location. For he saw the bridge over this river just a few hundred paces ahead. As he made the top of the bank and had turned to walk to the bridge he heard the peoples voice again. A half-hour behind but no more, he had gained back this mornings run from the river but he wouldn't last long unless he could get a horse.

He was soon on the road but even now as he tried to trot he could hear the people coming closer. For another hour and then another he pushed on but they were gaining ground. The wolf had appeared again, just out of range of his musket. By the time the sun was beginning to set he had gone as far as he could. He lay upon the ground taking in great lungs full of air, wincing with every breath. Awaiting his fate he had lost all hope of escape. They were all around him now shouting ALDERMAN ... ALDERMAN ... ALDERMAN!

Suddenly the voices stopped, all was quiet and then Alderman heard it. Hoping against hope it was true, but there could be no mistakes it was the sound of a coach. With four horses running at a cantor just inside the woods, coming from Plymouth and going to Boston no doubt.

Chapter 1 page 17 October 1702

He quickly moved from the road and into a nearby thicket, there he watched and waited as the coach appeared. He kept well hidden until it passed, then leaped out of the bush and running with everything he had left, jumped upon the coaches' rear bumper and hung on for dear life.

The coach drove on unaware of its new cargo, and when he looked again all the people were gone, the great gray wolf was gone. Then in another few minutes so was the sun. On through the night the coach went, slowly making the crest of a hill and then from somewhere down below he could see a great fire through the treetops. And just as suddenly he could hear the people's voices. Louder than ever before ALDERMAN ... ALDERMAN ... ALDERMAN!!! Before he could leap from the coach it had stopped and standing all around him was the people. He knew ever face, he knew every pain and agony they had suffered and he knew the time had come.

The great gray wolf was the vessel of the Great Spirit again as twin blue blazers glowed behind wolf eyes. The hand that he had taken 300 moons before now sprang to life and wrapped it's mummified fingers around his throat and pulled him to his feet. He met Metacoms soul drinking gaze, reached out his hand and grasped Metacom's remaining hand, and the pain began...

Captain Sir James Wilson had beat a dead horse all the night, trying to get back to Plymouth in time for the execution. Patsy was at least an hour behind with the packhorse having finally given up the chase. Patsy hoped only to make Plymouth before he died.

Sir James tied his horse to the hitching post out side of Sir Charles residence, as he sprang to the porch his horse collapsed and died where it had stood. Sir James ignoring this knocked on the door and was immediately shown to the back yard, which faced the Plymouth stockade. Two ropes were thrown over the old oak tree lowest branch and a squad of soldiers sat lazily around the base. With the site of Sir James they all stood to attention. Sir James hardly noticed but made his way direct to the stockade where he met a stern faced Sir Charles followed by a squad of soldiers, a minister and the two hapless Pokanokets.

Bringing up the rear was a drummer who beat out the March cadence. There would be no piper for these two, just a slow death by strangulation. The execution party marched past the gathering crowd of citizens and children spread out in a semi-circle around oak tree. The Pokanokets are bound hand and foot with hemp rope and are brought under the tree as the minister drones on and on. When he is finished, the ropes are placed over the heads of the Pokanokets. Sir Charles steps forward and reads the results of the 'trail', the drummer begins a sustained roll, and with a nod of his head two burley soldiers grab the ropes and pull the now struggling Pokanokets off the ground.

Up they go much to the appreciation of the crowd and all save the children, are quiet. The children laugh and point to the dancing Indians and soon are off playing new games while their parents watch and nervously comment. After ten minutes or so it's over but the bodies will remain tied off in the tree for weeks to come, as a warning to others. Sir Charles posts two men to guard the bodies and marches the rest off to a double ration of rum, while Sir. James returns to Sir Charles house to await his coming.

Sir Charles soon arrives and goes immediately for a case of wine and bringing two bottles to table motions Sir James to join him. As James takes a seat Sir Charles pours both a glass and turning to Sir James says. "What say you of the hanging Sir James. You look a bit green around the gills, ha ha. You look as if you didn't approve?"

"On the contrary Sir Charles, I heartily approve. Those two got exactly what they deserve, but a nasty business still.

Chapter 1 page 18 October 1702

It was my first hanging, do they all last as long," said Sir James as he drained his glass and reached for the bottle to fill it again.

"Some do, some don't. I remember one hanging at dockside in London where they hung a whole ship's crew for mutiny. Went on from dawn to sundown. I've never seen such a gay crowd or such merriment, it went on for days, replied Sir Charles."

The light banter went on for hours, until the sun had set and full moon began to rise. By this time Sir Charles and Sir James had been joined by a few of the most important people of Plymouth and all had given their opinions about today's festivities and had consumed half a steer. Sir Charles motioned Sir James out of the room on the pretense of showing him a new pistol but instead they made their way to Sir Charles office.

I have your new orders Sir James. On the morrow you are to ride for Boston and report to Colonel William York. Seems the Colonel has been having problems sleeping and has lost much of his reason due to his participation in the late Indian wars. You're to report to him and become his executive officer. You'll be responsible for running the day to day affairs of his command until he recovers. Beware of him Sir James; he has important friends at court. Oh and this letter arrived while you were out. I believe it's from your family. Well I know you want to make ready for you trip, so you are dismissed." The two men snapped to attention and saluted one another. Then Sir James left to find Patsy.

Sir James found Patsy just getting into bed having just finished unpacking Sir James things.

"Come good Patsy, we are away at sunup. Pack my things and seek fresh mounts, as I fear my old horse isn't 'up' for the journey. Oh and before you begin pour me a nice hot bath."

By the time Sir James arose from his sleep Patsy had repacked his belongings and had a hot breakfast ready for him. Afterwards he dressed Sir James and made ready for the ride to Boston.

Out on the road things had become routine, at least for Patsy. By now Patsy had learned the trick of sleeping while riding, it was the only way he could get any rest around Sir James. They had been making good time on the Boston post road when Patsy was awakened by a cry from Sir James. When Patsy opened his eyes they came to rest on Sir James. He was lying on the ground beating his fists into the earth at the base of a stake. On top of the stake was Alderman's head, mouth and eyes wide open screaming to eternity. With one look Sir James knew that he had arrested and hanged the wrong men and that the three soldier's killer or killers were still on the loose.

Chapter 2 page 19 November 1702

Patsy dismounted and went to his master's side and attempted to pull him to his feet.

"Please my Lord, arise from the road lest a passerby would see thee and not understand, exclaimed Patsy as he helped Sir James to his feet and then onto his horse." Ride on milord and I'll tend to this," he said as he motioned toward Alderman. "I'll catch-me-up with thee upon this road or at the Colonel's in Boston. Go now Sir James and leave this mess to Patsy."

With that Patsy gave Sir James horse a smack that sent it walking off down the Boston Pike and then turned to the grisly business at hand. He took a small shovel off the pack animal and walking a few dozen yards or so off the road began to dig a hole into the soft earth. When we had finished we went back and grabbing Alderman by the hair gingerly carried the head back to the hole. Patsy raised the head up to look upon the horror that was Alderman when Alderman's mouth suddenly opened as if to scream. Patsy jumped back and flung Alderman's head into the ground and hastily covered it over. With a long strip of leather Patsy quickly made a cross and using the shovel as a hammer drove it into the ground. Then Patsy mumbled a quick prayer and beat a fast retreat back to the road. He pulled the stake out of the roadway and tossed it to the side then quickly repacked the packhorse and made his escape.

The timber wolf had been watching from the woods and smiled to himself over Patsy's antics. Then he focused his eyes upon Alderman's grave and cross. From out of a cloudless sky came a lightning bolt that smolt the cross, exploding it into tiny fragments.

Patsy who hadn't ridden 200 yards as yet saw the aftermath of what had happened turned back around and whipped his horse and the pack animal into a gallop. Ten minutes later he had caught up with Sir. James who had a rather blank expression on his face and who didn't say a word until they had reached the outskirts of Boston.

Patsy was happy for the quiet time as it gave him time to sort out the day's events and what they actually meant. It had dawned by now even to Patsy, that the two Indians they had brought to Plymouth weren't guilty of the murder of the three soldiers and the killer was still lose somewhere near. With that final thought Patsy closed the final hundred yards behind Sir James until he was riding side-by-side with his master. They road another hour without saying a word until they came upon a soldiers post upon the road.

"Halt, who goes there," cried the sentry?

For the first time since leaving Alderman Sir James spoke saying. "I am Captain Sir James Wilson riding from Plymouth on orders to report to Colonel York this day at his residence in Boston. What is the meaning of soldiers posted on the road sentry?"

"Sorry sir, I am following direct orders from Colonel York sir, to stop and question all travelers on this road. Who is this man, can you vouch for him sir, ask the sentry pointing to Patsy?"

"This man is my trusted servant Patsy Jefferson who has been in my family's service since before his birth. Now what's all of this about Sergeant, ask Sir James?"

"I'm sure I don't know sir. Colonel York said to stop all traffic on the roads leading into Boston and to be on the lookout for and to arrest all Indians coming into town sir."

"Strange as that order is Sergeant, you can plainly see Patsy and I aren't native so be a good fellow and kindly step out of our way, said Sir James as he spurred his horse forward before the man could comply.

Chapter 2 page 20 November 1702

As Sir James rode away he heard the Sergeant snap to attention and say yes sir!

A fifteen minutes ride brought them out of the woods and to a hill overlooking a bay and the bustling town of Boston. An hour later they came into town and after a word to a sentry found their way to the Colonels residence. Atop a hill stood a stately looking house with a sentry's box at the end of the drive. As the sentry took his papers Sir James took the time to look around and noticed a large number of troops standing, parading and otherwise being quite obvious to all who might be watching. It was beginning to look like the rumors about the Colonel's paranoia were true as sitting on top of the hill on either side of the house sat a pair of 18 pound naval cannons, manned and ready but for what?

Sir James road to the rails out side the front entrance, dismounted and handing the reins to a Private, took a salute from the Sergeant Major who lead the way into the house. Patsy dismounted and following the Private to the large stables behind and beside the house. They were soon joined at the stables by a pair of indentured servants who insisted on carrying Sir James luggage while Patsy followed nervously behind.

Sir James sat waiting in a sitting room awaiting the arrival of Colonel York. He sat for about ten minutes before the Colonel's aide Captain Baker appeared looking tired and haggard. He offered Sir James his hand and said, "Sorry to make you wait Sir James but the Colonel had a bad night again. He hasn't slept soundly in months and I'm beginning to fear for his life."

Where is the Colonels executive officer, a Major Payne? I was to relieve him as XO. I have orders for him to report to General Hastings in New York on the Isle of Manhattan. Rumor has it he's to be the new military governor of Pennsylvania, said Sir James."

"Major Payne still hasn't returned nor any members of his squad and they're a week over due. Colonel York sent them to search and detain all Indian people and place them in the stockade. He left with a squad of 20 men and a Color Sergeant three weeks ago and hasn't returned. He was due back a week ago. Since then Colonel York hasn't left his rooms, he only talks to his valet and his Doctor/Surgeon Lord Armory. He will only suffer to talk to me through a door. I'm at my wits end Sir James as to what to do, said Captain Baker."

"What is the meaning of the Colonel's actions? Was he ever thus or did this suddenly come upon him, asked Sir James."

Captain Baker had walked to a side board and poured Sir James and himself a stiff brandy and replied, "This seeming madness came upon Sir William with the full moon of Augustus and he has been much the same ever since." As to your first question Sir James I can only speculate. Before he took to his rooms with the news of Major Payne he babbled something about Prince Phillips revenge and for the life of me I don't understand. What Prince Phillip from what country?"

A shock ran through Sir James at the mention of Prince Phillip. He'd heard the superstitious praying Indians referring to Prince Phillip and had asked a Puritan Father about it and learned the tale of Prince Phillip's War.

The simple equation of the three soldiers and Alderman plus the resurrected Metacom went through his mind and was immediately buried deep where his conscious mind wouldn't have to face such a nightmare. There was a mad man loose of that there was no doubt, but a living breathing man not some ghost from a long ago war. To think otherwise was shear madness. So why couldn't he simply dismiss it and the obvious nonsense it was?

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"I think the Prince Phillip that the Colonel was referring to was a Red Indian who started a uprising over 25 years ago that some call Prince Phillips War or the Red King's Rebellion, said Sir James.

"Oh my, said Captain Baker. It all makes sense now, although I have to admit things don't look good for the Colonel. There has been talk amongst the troops that the Colonel was mad as a March Hare. I know now that they are right. What are we to do Sir James?"

I must talk with Colonel York at once Captain. Lead me to him and let me judge for myself his condition. Lead on Captain, said Sir James.

I will take you to his room but he won't see you, said Captain Baker.

Let me be the judge of that, lead me to him and we'll see what we can see.

Captain Baker led Sir James to the back of the house and up a staircase, then down a hall past several guards who snapped to attention and challenged the Captains.

Captains' Baker and Wilson to see the Colonel said Captain Baker as they walked past the two sentries' without a second thought. They entered a small sitting room and as Captain Baker knocked on an inner door to announce them, Sir James walked past Captain Baker and doing the unthinkable opened the door and walk inside shutting the door behind him, leaving Captain Baker alone feeling like a fool.

A heavy set man sat up in bed and immediately reach for a matched brace of pistols lying on a night table next to the bed. Before he could reach them Sir James spoke up.

Sir James Wilson reporting for duty as ordered Colonel York. Here are my orders said Sir James as he approached the bed and handed a paper to the Colonel.

This took the Colonel off guard and for a minute he was his old self. "Very good, we can use a smart young Captain like yourself Sir James. I want you to take over the day to day running of this command while I'm recovering. He looked the papers over and as he did Sir James noticed a slow transformation come over the Colonel. Suddenly the brightness left the Colonel eyes to be replaced with a glassy stare. Can you hear them calling? They keep calling for me. Surely you can hear them calling York ... York ... York ... make them stop, if they don't stop I will surely go mad, make them stop. FOR GOD'S SAKE MAN MAKE THEM STOP ARRRHHHHHHH AHHHHHHH.

With the Colonels scream a large man entered the room carrying a pitcher and a glass filled with power. He placed the glass down and poured water into the powder and then stirred it up with his finger before grabbing the Colonels wildly flailing hands and wrapped both hands around the glass and made the Colonel drink every drop. When he was finished he turned to Sir James and said it would be best for the Colonel York if Sir James left.

"Wait for me in the sitting room Captain. I shan't be but a few minutes. We need to talk Sir James, said the doctor.

Sir James thought to protest but one look at the Colonel's face convinced Sir James that it would be the best course if he left. He left without comment and found himself looking into the tired eyes of Captain Baker.

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"He's quite mad," said Sir James to no one in particular. Then turning to Captain Baker he continued, "I supposed we better send a rider with a report to General Hastings at once?

Colonel York has given me this command in his absence. I want you to call a staff meeting in one hour in the dinning room. I want everyone there including the Sergeant Major."

A nervous looking Lord Armory, who entered looking back over his shoulder, joined them. The opium has had its effect gentlemen. He should sleep for a day or more. I dislike having to use the opium but it's the only way I can get him to sleep. The longer he is awake the more troubled he becomes." Captain Baker tells me Sir James that you know of this Prince Phillip that Colonel York has been raving about? Pray do tell Sir James."

Well Lord Armory it has to do with The Puritan Wars of the 1670's replied Sir James.

. Yes I think I remember reading of them, yes I do remember a Prince Phillip as child. We would play at Red Indians as a lad. But what has this to do with the Colonel, said Lord Armory?

I'm hoping to get the answers to that and other questions I have about Colonel York. Do attend Lord Armory and we can all tell what we know about this strange incident and hopefully an answer will emerge to this riddle! I have been long upon the road and I need to make changes in my attire. I will see you all in one hour" and saying this Sir James turned and left the room. He entered the hallway wondering where he might find Patsy and his quarters when he saw his servant standing with the guards at the end of the hall." Ah good Patsy, I hope you have my quarters ready," asked Sir James.

Yes milord, they're in this direction, in the other wing milord," replied Patsy with a curt bow as Sir James walked past. I'm afraid the only bath belongs to the Colonel Sir James. I have a ewer and a bowl of hot water to bathe in," said Patsy.

"Good man Patsy, just the thing I needed. Got to get the dust of the road off me," said Sir James. Then stopped suddenly as he remembered Alderman's head and his rolling in the road that morning. Just for a second he thought he heard someone chanting york ... york ... york ... but immediately shook it off along with the vision of Alderman. "Yes must get myself clean," Sir James said to himself, "must get clean."

Patsy helped Sir James off with his boots and his uniform. As Sir James washed himself and then shaved in the looking glass, Patsy laid out Sir James best uniform a full dress uniform that was gift from his father delivered by General Hastings himself when he promoted Sir James. Complete with a new pair of riding boots and a new Wilkinson Saber. Patsy was tempted to pull it out of its scabbard but thought better of it and laid it out on the bed. He then poured Sir James a double brandy from a cut glass bottle and before corking it back up took a swig himself. Sir James laughed to himself as he had seen Patsy in the looking glass.

When Sir James had finished his toilet Patsy dressed his master in his best clothes; boots and sword then stood back to admire his master's uniform. Patsy found it to be just the dress for the young lord, very dashing and sure to please the ladies.

"Patsy I have a meeting to attend. While I'm out see to this uniform, there must be washerwomen about. Oh when you're through, see about a good steak. I saw a herd of Guernsey's as we rode in. A roast would be good, a back steak better, that's a good lad."

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When Patsy had collected the old uniform and left Sir James it gave the young Captain a time to reflect on this day's lesson. When he'd road out of Plymouth as the sun rose out of the Atlantic he had been cock sure of everything. The discovery of Alderman had first made him realize that he had probably hung innocent men a thought that he now debated in his mind. Not that he wasn't sure that he was wrong but to keep from considering the rest of this new knowledge. To acknowledge the rest of this new understanding would surely lead to him becoming as mad as Colonel York. He then wondered what the Colonel had done to deserve this fate. That thought led to another and that was to find out the Colonels past from about 30 to 25 years ago. He told himself that it would disprove his theory if the Colonel had been in England, in fact anywhere but here in America.

As he stood musing the day's events, a knock came on the door. It was Captain Baker informing Sir James that the officers were assembled in the dinning room. Sir James retrieved his journal and followed Captain Baker downstairs and into the other wing where the kitchens and dinning room stood. Outside the door were posted to sentry who snapped to attention when the Captains approached. Captain Baker opened the door for Sir James and they entered the room.

The Sergeant Major stood to attention and said, "Be upstanding gentlemen." The six men assembled came to attention when Sir James entered.

"At ease gentlemen said Sir James and please be seated." Sir James nodded to a corporal standing by a side table. He picked up a large decanter full of brandy and poured everyone a large cup full and then with a nod to a Private standing to attention in front of a large window overlooking the bay left. The Corporal joined the sentries in the hall as the Private took up his position outside in front of the same window looking out to sea. James raised his cup and said, To her majesty health gentlemen, To good Queen Anne.

"Here here," came a chorus of voices, "To Good Queen Anne, long may she reign!"

"And far away from here mused Sir James to himself. Gentlemen I was sent here to replace the missing Major Payne by General Hastings. I have taken that position by direction of Colonel York and as the Colonel is beyond his command I will take over this command until Colonel York's replacement arrives." Are there any questions? No? Good then I want each of you in turn to tell me your name, rank and what your responsibilities are. We'll start with you Captain, said Sir James nodding toward the man sitting to his left who rose and said.

"Sir James I am Sir Thomas Longchamps, Captain of her Majesties artillery." I command a full dozen batteries, 8 twelve pounders and 4 eighteen pounders. They are at your disposal Sir James. I attended Eaton and Oxford and have letters in mathematics. I have upon this day, been one full year in the colonies.

Sir Thomas sat down and the Lieutenant next to him arose and said. "Sir James I am Ethan Foxx, Lieutenant of her Majesties dragoons. I attended Eton and have been in America for 6 months." The Lieutenant sat down and the Lieutenant sitting next to him arose and said.

"Sir James I am Sir William Fisk, Lieutenant of her Majesties dragoons. I was educated at Oxford and have been in the colonies these 18 months." He sat down and Captain Baker sitting next to Sir James arose and said.

"Sir James, I am Anthony Baker, Captain of her Majesties infantry. I attended Eton College and I have been in her majesties colonies for three years". Captain sat down and the doctor sitting next to him arose and said.

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"Sir James I am Sir Martin Frobisher, Lord Armory. I am a Doctor/Surgeon. I attended Eton and Oxford and hold the rank of Captain. It has been my great displeasure to be in this swamp for 18 months." Sir Martin sat down and the Lieutenant next to him arose and said.

"Sir James I am Jonathan Trumain, Lieutenant in her Majesties artillery under Captain Longchamps. I attended Eton and I have been in America for three years". The Lieutenant sat down and all eyes turned to Sir James.

"What have you to say for yourself Sergeant Major" ask Sir James?

The Sergeant Major arose, snapped to attention and said, "Sir, I am Joseph Patton sir. Sergeant Major of her majesties infantry." I am self taught Sir James and can read and write. I've been in the colonies for 26 years sir. All that time as Colonel York's man sir." So saying the Sergeant Major fired off a salute, which Sir James returned and then took his seat.

Sir James rose and said, "Gentlemen I have this day relieved the Colonel of his duties. I will send Lieutenant Foxx with a message to Lord Hastings in New York requesting a new commander. Take a Sergeant with you Lieutenant and ride like the wind. Be ready to leave at first light." Then turning to Sir Thomas he said, "Sir Thomas I will temporarily make you my second until the return of Lieutenant Foxx. I will take three squads of dragoons on the morrow to search for Major Payne; you will assume the duties of Commander in my absence.

Then Sir James nodded to the Sergeant Major who stood at attention and said, "Be upstanding."

They rose to attention and saluted Sir James who took their salute and returned it. He then said, "Gentlemen you are dismissed. Oh, Sergeant Major do remain behind and close that door, " said Sir James.

When the officers left and the door was shut Sir James turned to the Sergeant Major and said, "At ease Sergeant Major brings us a cup of that excellent brandy and take a seat next to me and bring the jug. I'm told it's the same Brandy that the Queen is wont to taste. Keep this under your hat Sergeant Major but Lady Churchill and her friends at court call her Brandy Nan. That's a good fellow, raise your cup and we'll drink a toast to "Brandy Nan." Here's to her Majesty then, bottoms up!"

"So you've been the Colonels man all these years, Sergeant Major? You were here during 'Prince Phillips War,' asked Sir James.

"Yes Sir, I was but a lad in those bloody days. Damn wogs almost won the war. Burnt a hundred towns to the ground. Massacred men, women and children by the thousands. If it wasn't for old King Charles sending in the army there wouldn't be a white man left in America sir."

"Tell me Sergeant Major about the war, I've always been fascinated by it. Who was this Red King everyone talks about? What was his name Metracon asked Sir James?

"No sir, his name was Metacom sir but it might as well be mud. He was a trouble maker sir. But Colonel York, well he was Captain York in those days. We fell upon the savages and did cold slaughter make of them. "

As the Sergeant Major spoke Sir James poured them both another cup of brandy and listen to

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every word the Sergeant Major spoke. At last here was someone who had been there, had first hand knowledge of the events and might hold the key to Colonel York's condition?

He passed the now full cup to the Sergeant Major as he continued his tale.

Now there is some that say those Puritans was what caused the trouble in the first place, but they seemed honest God-fearing people to me. You can hardly blame them for wanting to use this land the way God intended. I mean what good was it to the savages anyhow? When the Colonel and me arrived, the war had been running on for almost a year. It took the army almost two years to quell the rebellion and put things in order. Hasn't been any trouble out of the wogs since sir."

"Tell me Sergeant Major did you see a lot of action against the Pokanokets? I've heard that they led the rebellion" ask Sir James?

We fought Pokanokets, Narragansett's, Pocumtucks, Penobscots, Abenakis, Pennacooks and Squawkeags. From New York to Maine and everywhere in between we fought the wogs. And for a while they gave as good as they got but a spear is no match for cannon. Most of the men were killed but we captured and spared most of the women and children. Of course the crown had to pay for the war so most of them were sold to plantations down south or in the Indies. The war made the Colonel a major and me a Corporal sir. We would have caught old Metacom ourselves but that Puritan Captain Church tracked the beggars down and kilt him. Got his head hanging on a pike in Plymouth they do sir!"

"What do you think is wrong with the Colonel now Sergeant Major?" ask Sir James.

"It's not for the likes of me to say sir, but I think the Colonel is seeing them wogs in his sleep. He asked me once if I heard the drumming or the chanting. I couldn't hear a thing but I knew the Colonel could. I just don't know what to do for him, sir. Can you help him Sir James?"

"I don't know Sergeant Major but I'm certainly going to try and get to the bottom of this. Did the Colonel have anything else to say when he spoke to you? Anything he might have said might be very useful in helping him. Anything at all that you can recalled no matter how unimportant it may have seemed," asked Sir James.

The Sergeant Major absent-mindedly stroked his mustache while he considered Sir James question. After a minute he said. "He did mention before he took to his sick bed that he saw a wolf following him and when he looked at it he said the wolf's eyes were glowing a bright blue. He shook his head and rubbed his eyes and when he looked again the wolf was gone. That's about all I can recall but if I remember anything else I'll report it to you Sir James."

"Thank you Sergeant Major. You can rest assured I'll get to the bottom of this."

The Sergeant Major took the cue that he was dismissed and immediately rose from his seat and snapped to attention.

Carry on Sergeant Major said Sir James as he too rose and returned the salute and quickly left the room. Patsy was standing in the hall with the sentry's who both snapped to attention as Sir James came out into hall and said, "Come good Patsy I'm off at dawn and we must make preparations."

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Well it was Patsy who had to make preparations as Sir James fell asleep almost immediately when he entered the bedroom. Patsy spent another sleepless night getting Sir James ready for the field. By the time the night had waned Patsy had all in readiness and then awoke, bathed and fed Sir James. At least food was plentiful and Patsy ate a hearty breakfast as well. By the time the sun started to peak above the ocean the troops and Patsy had assembled.

Patsy knew the drill well he joined the rear of the column with the three pack mules and a civilian 'mule skinner'.

Captain York awoke with a start. He quickly reached for his pistols, as he knew something was wrong, very wrong indeed. The sun was up and shinning through the tent flap into his eyes. He had left orders with his Lieutenant to be awoken by dawn. He gingerly poked his head out of tent to find himself in the middle of a battlefield. Dead soldiers and Indians were everywhere. With a glance he knew that a great battle had taken place with scores of dead troops and Indians locked in hand to hand combat. The natives had attacked at night something he thought that they never did. The camp was ransacked and look as he might, he could not find another living being. Then instantly he knew that this couldn't be. If a raging battle had taken place he surely would have heard it. Then he heard the sound! At first barely audible, like from a great distance, almost a whisper york ... york ... york he spun around in terror only to find himself looking into the bright blue eyes of the wolf. He cocked the pistols and took a point blank aim at the creature and pulled both triggers at once. The concussion pushed him backwards but he never took his eyes off the wolf. Both shots clearly hit the animal but nothing happened except that the wolf smiled at him. This shook him to his marrow and he turned around to run but found he was surrounded by Indians. Men, women and children stood all around him watching him. All saying his name over and over York ... York ... York ...

A little boy walked up to him gently took the dueling pistols out of his grasp and smiled at him Captain York smiled back only to see the child's face turn into a bloody goo no longer even recognizable as a face. A tiny hand reached out and took his and suddenly he knew the fate of the child, as he became the child and saw through its eyes. Saw a red coated solider approach him with his musket and proceed to beat the child to death with the butt end of the weapon. Just for good measure he took his bayonet and thrust it through the little boy's heart.

. York felt every pain and agony until the little boy let go of his hand and he was himself again. Then came another and another until Colonel York screamed at the top of lungs and woke himself up. He lay in bed drenched in sweat. His heart pounding in his chest. Lord Armory came running into the room with Captain Baker close at his heels.

"Colonel York are you all right?" asked Lord Armory.

The Colonel sat upright in bed his eyes bulging from his head and said, "They're all out there waiting for me. They mean to torture me for eternity. Bring me the Parson, good God help me."

"Now you just lay back and rest Colonel, everything is going to be aright" said Lord Armory. Then turning to Baker he said, "Go Captain and fetch hither the Parson."

"At once Lord Armory" said Captain Baker as he turned and quickly left the room, shaken to the core. What kind of madness effected the Colonel he wondered? The Colonel who had a reputation as a brilliant field commander who had been in line to become a General and rumor had it that an Earldom went along with the promotion.

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If it could happen to a brilliant mind like York's what were his chances of returning home to England a sane man?

Sir James pulled his horse up short as he rounded a bend on the beach at the head of the column. He thought he saw something off to the northwest at the edge of the woods. His experiences in and around the Great Inland Sea had taught him it would be Indians blending back into the woods. As quick as he could he ordered 1st squad into the woods in pursuit. 1st squad under the command of Sergeant Wallace went charging headlong in the woods. Sir James wheeled around and took the rest of the troop further down the beach waiting for Sergeant Wallace to

drive the Indians out and into their hands. Twenty minutes later Sergeant Wallace emerged from the woods with his troops but no sign of the natives. They had rode all morning and were about ten miles north of Boston. They had been following Major Payne's trail, a trail that all but vanished after two weeks. So far it looked normal. Major Payne had been ordered to ride north along the beach till he reached Cape Ann and then proceed inland and ride a semicircle coming back to the beach just north of Plymouth. Somewhere along this route the Major and his troops had disappeared. By the time the sun had set Sir James found himself just outside of the village of Salem. Sir James thought about billeting the men in town but the tales witches and warlocks were on his mind and he decided to ride on a little ways before making camp for the night.

At first light they rode off toward Cape Ann where they turned westward and entered the dark forest. Once they did Major Payne's trail became easier to follow, maybe too easy? They rode all that day without incident and camped that night in a small clearing, apparently in the same local as the Major. At first light they had broken camp and sent the scouts ahead. Along about noon the scouts returned saying they found something a couple miles ahead. Sir James spurred his horse and the column on until they came to a large clearing in the woods. As they broke from the woods a terrible odor seem to permeate everything. They rode on until they came to the other side where they found two freshly dug graves and what had to be the rotting skeletons of at least six horses. A pinkish color seemed to cling to everything, Sir James mind immediately flashed back to the sacred grove outside of Sowams. There were no heads on stakes but a chill ran up and down Sir James spine just the same. He had the troops dismount and ordered several men to dig up one of the graves.

Ten minutes they had uncovered a body that had been dead 2 or 3 weeks. It was the body of an Indian and by the looks of the wooden cross a praying Indian. One of Sir James scouts recognized the body as one of two Indian scouts assigned to Major Payne. The head was still attached to the body but upon closer examination it was noted that his face beheld obvious terror and there was no obvious cause of death, unless this man had been frightened to death. Sir James ordered the other grave opened and its occupant was found to be in the same condition. He had them reburied and then sent the column onwards before the discovery had a chance to effect morale or so he hoped.

Went he sent the scouts forward they looked at one another for a minute before urging their steeds forward and back into the woods. Sir James wondered if they would return or simply ride away and leave the column. It was obvious the loss of his scouts hadn't deterred Major Payne as his column had ridden' on with it's mission. Sir James sent out flanking riders on each side of the column and a pair of riders to trail the column by a mile.

And so the day passed until the sun began to set and they rode into what had been another of Major Payne's campsites. When all the out riders had returned including the Indian scouts Sir James breathed a bit easier but he did double the guard that night. Not many slept that night as a wolf kept howling, keeping most of the camp awake all night long.

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It had bee two nights since Colonel York had slept. He had recently taken up the new habit of drinking tea. The Colonel had been drinking pot after pot in a vain attempt to forestall sleeping. Now on the third day it was only a matter of time and then he began to hear their chanting. He suddenly knew he was asleep but there was nothing he could do about it. Again the voices were chanting york ... york ... york ... york ... york. He found himself on horseback overlooking a little Indian village. A British solider had been stabbed to death and the trail led to the door of this village. The village belonged to a group of Narragansett's. These were praying Indians complete with their own white clergyman and little chapel. There were no braves or young men in the village, they were all fighting other Indians for the British or were dead. What remained were women, children, the old and the infirm. Colonel York knew this but still had the village surrounded and prepared to attack.

When a single shot rang out striking the flag bearer and causing him to drop the flag, Colonel York gave the order to attack.

It had only taken about 15 minutes to slaughter the whole village. When the dust settled the British had won a great victory. Killing all 390 villagers and the parson who was killed accidentally trying to protect the children. They did get the soldier's killer. A drunken French trapper who, after the killing the solider came to the village to find a women to rape. He had just finished raping and killing a young girl when York arrived. Knowing his fate he shot the standard bearer and managed to kill two more soldiers before a dozen men bayoneted him until there wasn't much left. When the Colonel learned of this and found that the Parson had been killed as well he placed the Parsons body along with the children's bodies inside the church and set it on fire to cover up his crimes and then tried to make it look like an Indian massacre. He then opened up two kegs of rum and gave it to his blood drenched troops to seal the bargain.

All this he relived as he had every time he fell asleep for the past eleven weeks. He would soon try to erase the memories by getting stoned drunk with his troops and fall asleep in his tent, only to arise the next morning by the sun in his eyes. Then the agony would come and every nerve ending in his body would come alive with pain. How long he would suffer would depend on how fast he could wake up, tonight would be very bad.

Captain York awoke with a start. He quickly reached for his pistols, as he knew something was wrong, very wrong indeed. The sun was up and shinning through the tent flap into his eyes. He had left orders with his Lieutenant to be awoken by dawn. He gingerly poked his head out of tent to find himself in the middle of a battlefield. Dead soldiers and Indians were everywhere. With a glance he knew that a great battle had taken place with scores of dead troops and Indians locked in hand to hand combat. The natives had attacked at night something he thought that they never did. The camp was ransacked and look as he might, he could not find another living being. Then instantly he knew that this couldn't be. If a raging battle had taken place he surely would have heard it. Then he heard the sound! At first barely audible, like from a great distance, almost a whisper york ... york ... york ... he spun around in terror only to find himself looking into the bright blue eyes of the wolf. He cocked the pistols and took a point blank aim at the creature and pulled both triggers at once. The concussion pushed him backwards but he never took his eyes off the wolf. Both shots clearly hit the animal but nothing happened except that the wolf smiled at him. This shook him to his marrow and he turned around to run but found he was surrounded by Indians. Men, women and children stood all around him watching him. All saying his name over and over York ... York ... York...

A little boy walked up to him gently took the dueling pistols out of his grasp and smiled at him

Chapter 2 page 29 November 1702

Captain York smiled back only to see the child's face turn into a bloody goo no longer even recognizable as a face. A tiny hand reached out and took his and suddenly he knew the fate of the child, as he became the child and saw through its eyes. Saw a red coated solider approach him with his musket and proceed to beat the child to death with the butt end of the weapon. Just for good measure he took his bayonet and thrust it through the little boy's heart.

York felt every pain and agony until the little boy let go of his hand and he was himself again. Then came a pregnant women and he took her hand and again the agony began he felt every pain, every fear, as her life played out before him. When she had died the baby inside her lived on and he suffered anon. He slowly strangled until the embryo had died as well. Then came another and another and another and another. Not just the Narragansett village but all the death and mayhem that he had caused in his 27 year long war against the native peoples. The hangings, the drawing and quartering, the burnings, every torture, every broken bone was repaid. Until once again the Colonel awoke howling like a banshee. His screams echoing through out Boston.

Patsy awoke an hour before dawn and quickly pack his meager possessions. He made his way to where the food supply was kept and retrieved some sowbellies and tea for his master's breakfast. When he had the bacon frying and the water in the pot boiling he gently woke his master. He helped him put his boots back on and while Sir James when off to relieve himself Patsy collected Sir James bed roll and repacked them on his pack animal and then quickly made Sir James breakfast and set it before him when he returned. Sergeant Wallace awoke the rest of the camp. After they too had relieved themselves in the latrine ditch Patsy joined them for a breakfast of salt-pork and biscuits and a weak cup of tea. After chow they struck camp and continued following Major Payne trail.

By this time the column had ridden inland about 20 miles, turned southwest and arced slightly so they were now about 25 miles west of Salem. Major Payne had kept to the high ground and out of the swamps so far and the column continued to make good time. The weather had been good but as the sunset it did so into a bank of storm clouds.

About 5 a.m. a light cold rain began and soon the whole camp was up. They immediately broke camp and were given a piece of salt pork to chew on while they rode the misty rain began to turn to snow by the time daylight came. They crested a hill and down in the little valley was bloody carnage. Sir James sent the first squad to the top of the hill line and took the rest of his troop into the valley of death.

All around lay British soldiers in their death throws, locked in mortal combat with other British soldiers. Full 80 men dead with their swords, bayonets or gun shots in their mates. What in the hell had caused this madness? Was it what was effecting Colonel York? And look at the expressions of the dead men's faces. One word came to mind Horror. Look as they might they could not find Major Payne or Lieutenant Grey or Sergeant Major Walpole. He sent his Indian scouts out to ride circles and they were soon back that at least 6 horses rode away to the south.

Sir James found himself in a dilemma. Should he stay and bury the dead or keep on after what was either Major Payne or maybe what had caused this. This land that he thought at first to be a great adventure and a way to fast promotion and great wealth was becoming a haunted land full of horror and death. He finally decided to bury the dead and so he sent a squad to try and find some of the missing horses and the rest to digging graves, collecting weapons, and identifying the bodies. When this was well underway he took Patsy, a squad of ten men and the Indian scouts and pressed

Chapter 2 page 30 November 1702

on with the chase. He left Sergeant Wallace to finish up with the burial. When that was completed

he was to pack up the ordinance on the spare horses and make his way back to Boston with the rest of the troop. Going southeast the sergeant should ride the 40 miles in 2 or 3 days. Sir James would press on with the squad and follow the trail for as long as it lasted or they found the Major. He bade Sergeant Wallace to tell Captain Longchamps this and if he failed to return within a week to take command of the troops and do what he thought best. So saying Sir James rode off into a light snow and a bitterly cold wind.

By noon an inch of snow had fallen and made it easier for them to follow the scouts. But for how long would they be able to see that original trail? Suddenly it stopped snowing and the sun came out almost blinding the troop. Gradually their eyes adjusted and they continued following the scout's tracks. A mile or so later they came to a spot where one of the scouts and gotten off his horse and tracked an arrow in the snow then remounted and left.

When their eyes followed the arrow they saw a splash of red on a hillside. Sir James left the column and rode along to the site. It was Sergeant Major Walpole.

It was obvious even from a distance that the Sergeant Major had taken his pistol and blown his brains out! He called the troop over and they gave the Sergeant Major a quick burial and then rode off in a southeasterly direction at a cantor. Sir James pressed on through out that afternoon until the sunset and they found themselves out of the woods and into a field.

As the moon rose the scouts returned saying that there was big magic ahead and they would go no further. Saying this they road off into the night never to be seen again. Whatever had scared his scouts would be better faced in the cold light of day so he bid the squad make camp. He had Patsy bring him his journal and spent the next hour, sitting by the fire writing in it until he had brought it up to date. Sir James could feel the Indians magic in the air so in case there was no tomorrow he would at least tell his tale. When Sir James looked up there was a bowl of stew in front of him and Patsy asleep on the ground by the fire.

The fire had died down but none the less he could still see quite well. When he looked up he noticed that the moon was almost full. It would be in another 2 or 3 days. This thought triggered another but we just couldn't quite remember what it was. There was a nagging suspicion that it might be important but try as he might he couldn't make that connection. Better to sleep upon it thought Sir James and put it out of his mind.

Again they got little sleep or rest as that infernal wolf howled the night through. Just out of site it stayed, just of reach, just out of range. Neither man nor horse got any rest that night. Just before dawn it quit and everyone struggled for a little rest. The sun was high when Sir James shot awake. He looked around and noticed that the whole troop was still asleep as well as Patsy who tossed and turned in the throws of some nightmare. He gently nudged Patsy awake with the toe of his boot.

Patsy jumped up totally embarrassed to be awoken by his master. "I'm sorry Sir James, I don't know why I over slept."

"I will forgive you this time Patsy, jested Sir James, but I fear we have bloody business this day. Give a ration of dried beef to each man and fetch me one as well as one for thee. For we are off after latrine and when we may eat again may be yet far away. For I feel the Indians magic as well and I fear we are very near to it!"

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The conversation awoke a very embarrassed Corporal who quickly kicked and yelled the rest awake. Ten minutes later they had mounted and rode off at a trot down the well-worn trail that the scouts had made. They rode on that morning and around noon a loud squawking crow caught Sir James attention. As he rode toward the crow the hairs on the back of his neck stood up and a chill went down his spine.

A hundred yards ahead and off to his right his eyes detected splotches of red through the brush highlighted against a white backdrop. There lay the Major and Lieutenant locked in mortal combat. The major had skewered the Lieutenant with his sword just below the heart while the Lieutenant with his dying breath had sent a leaden ball through the Majors brainpan. The Lieutenant still had the pistol in his hand as the Major had a death grip on the sword still buried in the Lieutenants chest. The crow was sitting on the Major's chest busily pulling out one of the Major's eyes. Sir James shot the crow through its eye.

They disentangle the two men and placed them over the back of a horse to take them back to Boston for burial. Major Payne was the son of a Baronet, while the Lieutenants family; while not royal, were wealthy merchant princes. It wouldn't do to let them rot in the wilderness. In fact for being dead maybe 10 days they were remarkably intact, how very strange thought Sir James.

They didn't smell at all like men who had lain in the sun for a week. Sir James thought he could sort all of this later. By two o'clock they had finished with a good stew and a double ration of rum for finding Major Payne. Now as quickly as he could he must return to Boston.

There was two ways to go. Either back the way he came, which would get him back to Boston in 5 or 6 days as it went the long way around. Or, across country in a direct path that could get him there tomorrow night. The problem was there were no roads this way. He had ridden a high path following Major Payne. A path that had kept to the hilltops and out of the swamps and lowlands. Out of mires and bogs full of quicksand. There were no bridges in the wilderness and with the rain and melting snow, the creeks and rivers would be full.

His Indian scouts knew how to go direct but they were long gone. He also felt an urgent need to get back to Colonel York. He was 40 miles in a beeline from Boston. The ground at first was firm though as the afternoon wore on it started to turn to mud as the ground thawed. He rode east by southeast until long after the sun had set and the stars had come out. The men and the horses were dead tired and he was forced to halt the march. Although they had ridden 20 miles they were perhaps 15 miles closer to Boston. It would be an all day ride or more before they got back. As the men rested Sir James had Patsy cook them a meal consisting of most of their stores with the exception of a piece of dried beef for each man. They ate the rest and licked their tins clean. They fell asleep where they lay and it fell to Patsy to stand guard over them. Along about midnight the Corporal relieved Patsy who soon fell asleep where he sat.

Captain York awoke with a start. He quickly reached for his pistols, as he knew something was wrong, very wrong indeed. The sun was up and shinning through the tent flap into his eyes. He had left orders with his Lieutenant to be awoken by dawn. He gingerly poked his head out of tent to find himself in the middle of a battlefield. Dead soldiers and Indians were everywhere. With a glance he knew that a great battle had taken place with scores of dead troops and Indians locked in hand to hand combat. The natives had attacked at night something he thought that they never did. The camp was ransacked and look as he might, he could not find another living being. Then instantly he knew that this couldn't be. If a raging battle had taken place he surely would have heard it. Then he heard the sound! At first barely audible, like from a great distance, almost a whisper ...

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york ... york ... york ... he spun around in terror only to find himself looking into the bright blue eyes of the wolf. He cocked the pistols and took a point blank aim at the creature and pulled both triggers at once. The concussion pushed him backwards but he never took his eyes off the wolf. Both shots clearly hit the animal but nothing happened except that the wolf smiled at him. This shook him to his marrow and he turned around to run but found he was surrounded by Indians. Men, women and children stood all around him watching him. All saying his name over and over York ... York ... York...

A little boy walked up to him gently took the dueling pistols out of his grasp and smiled at him Captain York smiled back only to see the child's face turn into a bloody goo no longer even recognizable as a face. A tiny hand reached out and took his and suddenly he knew the fate of the child, as he became the child and saw through its eyes. Saw a red coated solider approach him with his musket and proceed to beat the child to death with the butt end of the weapon. Just for good measure he took his bayonet and thrust it through the little boy's heart.

The Colonel awoke with a start; he rubbed his bloodshot eyes and ran a hand through his wild hair. The Colonel a man of 51 who a month earlier had looked 41 with a sly smile and laughing eyes now looked 71. His eyes were the eyes of a mad man, his voice hoarse from screaming from the pain and the terror, his brain fried by lack of sleep. His face in a permanent shock, now lucid, now enraged, now lost. But now at least the pain had stopped.

He would gladly swallow his pistol or even fall upon his sword but they took those away and he would not beg for them, he would not let them see him that way, regardless.

He rose from the bed and made his way to the table where a pitcher and bowl and his looking glass lay. He poured water from the pitcher into the bowl and washed his hands and face. He couldn't help but stare into the looking glass at what he had become in one month.

He poured more water over his face wiping the crusts of sleep from his eyes and looked back into the looking glass. He had confessed all to the Parson and the Parson had assured him that God would forgive him and for a while sinner William Augustus York had believed him. Right now he still wanted to dismiss the nightmares as nothing more than his jangled nerves. In this last lucid moment he desperately clung to the Parsons words of forgiveness. Then he looked once again into the looking glass and standing behind him was Metacom, his eyes blindingly blue. Holding out his hand that had hung around Aldermen's neck for all those years. You couldn't mistake that hand. It had a hole through the center of the palm from being shot as a young man. The hand had healed around the hole but it never grew closed. Alderman had simply put a leather strap through it. There was no mistaking Metacoms hand or Metacoms purpose. In the second it took for all this to register Sir William had dropped the looking glass, shattering it to pieces. He spun around; his heart pounded three hammering beats as he fell to his knees almost fainting. When he opened his eyes and dared to look again Metacom was gone. He cursed gods and devils and witches and warlocks screaming at the top of his voice. He lay there quietly sobbing like a baby cursing his fate when he heard the chanting. Heard it clear as a bell, a great host far away calling his name. Knew they were coming for him coming to kill him or worse. His last lucid thought was that he had gone quite mad ... York ... York ... York ... York.

Sir James pushed on that morning until he came to the banks of the river Charles. He then pushed eastward along its banks until in late afternoon he came upon a road about 12 miles out of Boston. He rode at a cantor for a couple of miles until he saw that he would have to stop and walk his mounts or they and the troops would collapse where they stood. He called a halt and let the men

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and horses rest. It was quite apparent most of the horses would need more than a few minutes rest. His mount and Patsy were from his family's stock. His family had bred Calvary horses amid the lush pastureland of the estate for centuries. The army horses were from poor stock. Sir James decided he and Patsy would ride on and let the men rest over night and return to camp in the morning. After a nice refreshing drink from the River Charles they were off. One thing Patsy had to admit was the American rivers have the best tasting water in the world!

Sir James set off at a trot that he hoped the horse could maintain for an hour or so. Patsy riding like the wind and hanging on for dear life followed his master as best he could. The one thing Patsy had to admit it was never boring. Patsy had spent his early teen years in angst and boredom. Never going more than ten miles from home in his life. Hearing the tall tails of tall ships and the golden America. Of the beautiful naked Indian maidens, fruited plains, giants that lived in the west. Patsy had seen a lot of things in the two and a half years he and his master had roamed America but he had never seen any of them. He had seen huge, never ending forests full of wild game and wild men. Had seen the most beautiful waterfall you could imagine. Vast inland fresh water seas teeming with fish. Flocks of birds that blotted out the sun and took many hours to pass. So many different tribes of Indians that he lost count. Most all of which had helped Sir James and their party. Had in fact kept them from freezing to death that first winter. Patsy often felt ashamed for what his kind were doing but who was he judge his betters? Who indeed?

After half and hour or so the sun set as they came in sight of a Church Steeple and the masts of ships in the harbor five miles away.

Only then did he slow to a walk and let the horses' rest a bit. It was pitch black as the stars came out and as Sir James finally put two and two together. He thought tonight would be the full moon as it was for the three soldiers, as it was last month for Alderman, as it would be tonight for the Colonel!

As once again he spurred his horse forward into a trot there came the report of a naval cannon, followed by another and the discharge of many muskets. Drawing his Saber Sir James spurred his steed into a charge and covered the remaining miles in under six minutes leaving poor Patsy far behind. When Sir James came at last to Colonel York's estate he saw many fires and torches and much confusion. By the time Sir James had ridden the length of the driveway Captain Longchamps had walked out to meet him in front of the house. As a sentry grabbed Sir James reigns he dismounted and turned to the Captain and asked what was going on?

"Sir James this was Colonel York's doing. He appeared in his full dress uniform and called for the troops to fall in. He told us that we were about to be under attack and proceeded to rally the troops. He organized two groups of musket men beside my artillery and ordered my artillery to load and stand by," said Captain Longchamps.

"I left you in control Sir Thomas," replied Sir James

"Sir James I told him that and he paid me no mind. He ordered me to stand by the cannon. There was little I could do to stop him short of killing him. He had the support of the troops. He mounted his horse and rode back and forth in front of the troops with his sword drawn making quite a figure for the men. They all rallied behind him cheering him on. In the midst of this he suddenly stopped shouting and bade the men listen. He seemed to become very agitated and call for the men to make ready and take aim. I had both batteries aim very high so our shot went over the town and landed harmlessly in the harbor. The musket men have a short range and I doubt if any of our volleys left the estate. He waited until this enemy was in point blank range and then gave the

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order to fire. Having aligned the men in three ranks, he directed first rank to kneel and fire, the next to stand and fire and then kneel down as the third rank to fire over the first two. By this time the first rank would have loaded and been ready to fire again. On his command we fire the cannon and the musket men fire three salvos into thin air. There was nothing there. What Colonel York saw I could not tell you but the effects of the salvo seemed to have no effect on what ever it was. He ordered us to fire another salvo then as the men complied I heard him scream, "the wolf is here. The wolf is here!" I then watched him whip his horse on into the woods behind the estate like the devil himself was chasing him. As soon as he was gone I had the troops stand down and had them search the grounds for any clue of what had happened." So saying Captain Longchamps shrugged his shoulders and with a look on his face of 'please help me,' awaited Sir James reply.

"Tell me Sir Thomas did you send out a patrol to find the Colonel?"

Yes Sir James I sent a squad of light horse after him."

"Corporal of the guard," called Sir James. When a trooper ran up and stood to attention Sir James said, "fetch me hither Sergeant Major Patton. And be quick about it man!" The Corporal turned and ran inside the house and soon return with the Sergeant Major in tow. "Ah Sergeant Major said Sir James. I seem to remember reading somewhere about Colonel York being the hero of a local Indian Battle back during Puritan Wars, an action against a local Indian village? Just where was that battle fought Sergeant Major?" asked Sir James.

"Sir James do you mean when the Colonel destroyed those heathen Indians after they ambushed a soldier then put their Parson and his converted followers in the church and burned them all up alive?" asked the Sergeant Major.

"Yes the one the local Indians describe as a massacre, where was it exactly Sergeant Major?" asked Sir James his voice starting to betray his sense of impatience.

"Well sir that's about 8 miles out the Plymouth road and then about a mile inland. Turn just before a bridge. They build a fine wooden bridge about two years ago over the creek." The Sergeant Major droned on for a while but Sir James wasn't listening. It had all finally come together in his mind. Now if it wasn't too late to stop it.

The moon still hadn't risen over the trees. There still might be time. He called for a fresh horse and as one was brought he jumped aboard and turning to Sir Thomas he said, "If the Colonel comes back, grab him and hold him, tie him up if necessary just don't let him lose and don't let him be alone. I have an idea where he may have gone; I'll be back as soon as I see if he went back in time!" So saying Sir James spurred his horse on and into the night leaving Sir Thomas trying his best to understand Sir James' meaning. As he cantered down one side of the driveway Patsy was just coming up the other side. He watched Sir James speed off into the night.

Sir James road out of town on the Plymouth road. As he spurred his mount on he was aware of brightness just below the tree line. The full moon of November was about to rise. He passed the five mile post as the moon rose slowly into the sky. He rode full out the last three miles to the bridge. A hundred yards before the bridge there was a well-worn path leading inland and as Sir James noted in the bright moonlight a fresh set of horseshoe tracks. Sir James rode into the woods and almost immediately he felt a great power, suddenly saw bright colors in the night. Heard a terrible scream that seemed to hang on the wind and the cheering of thousands. Then a bright blue light followed by a thunderclap that shook the earth and caused Sir James to stop his horse until the

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ground had stopped shaking. He felt an icy cold wind pour through him when there wasn't a breeze. He heard the cry of the wolf and it shook him to his marrow. His horse sensed something as well and started backing up down the trail. Sir James was forced to abandon his horse and walk the last quarter mile on foot. As he arrived, the vision that had been, was beginning to fade from this dimension. He saw this empty field, as it had been those many years before. Full of cabins, full of people, full of life. The colors began to fade in and out and with a popping noise were gone. Sir James rubbed his tired eyes and when he looked it was just an open field again. Just like it had been before except for the head of Colonel York hanging on a stake. His mouth open, screaming that haunting scream that Sir James remembered as he rode up. His eyes staring off at what of must have been the church. Just a slightly raised spot in the earth that might have been an old foundation? Sir James thoughts ended there as Sergeant Major Patton burst upon the scene.

Oh my good God No, shrieked Sergeant Major Patton. No No No No No No NO he screamed. My dearest little Billy where have you gone? What have they done to you wee Willie, come back to your Joseph's arms. Oh Billy sweet Billy cried the Sergeant Major.

Sir James was a bit taken back by the Sergeant Major. He had seen this happen before and even though he knew some of the best soldiers in history had been homosexual it still made his blood curl. Still he felt sorry for the Sergeant Major who now wept like a baby sprawled upon the ground at the base of the stake. Sir James tried to help the Sergeant Major up. He placed his hands on his shoulder pulled the man up to his feet saying, "Come Sergeant Major leave me to deal with the Colonel."

"NO screamed the Sergeant Major and with the strength of a mad man grabbed Sir James and threw him to the ground and jumped on his chest.

No you won't take him from me, he mine, he's mine" shrieked the Sergeant Major. So saying pulled a large dagger from it's scabbard and grabbing it with both hands he held it high over his head ready to bring it plunging down into Sir James heart. "He's all mine" screamed the Sergeant Major.

As he started to plunge the knife home, a shot rang out and suddenly the Sergeant Major had a third eye just between and slightly above his other two. The other eyes looked up at it and he fell over dead. Sir James pushed the body off of him and turned to see Patsy let the pistol drop to his side and then to the ground. He took a step towards Sir James and feinted dead away.

Patsy awoke to Sir James splashing his face with water and gently slapping him. "Oh Sir James, you're all right. I guess I got the Sergeant then?

"You certainly did Patsy, good shooting old man. Now lets get this taken care of."

Sir James waited patiently for Patsy to run down and catch then load the horses with Colonel York's and the Sergeant Majors remains. He mused to himself, what did this all mean? It seemed to him that these were no common murders. Nor could it be just mere Indians behind it. It was someone very powerful thought Sir James, someone from that long ago time and place. Someone he thought is trying to hide something from long ago.

They buried the Colonel and the Sergeant Major side by side in a little cemetery outside of Boston. Together for eternity, something that would have pleased the Sergeant Major no doubt thought Sir James. When making his report to General Hastings Sir James left out any mention of the Sergeant Majors ramblings. No sense in ruining William York's good name. No they were

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killed battling fierce Indian warriors. He would of course inform General Hastings of the truth but not in an official report. The General could do with the information whatever he chose. Sir James knew enough about the way things were not to rock the boat.

He continued in command of the troops in the Boston area until a Colonel Mortimer relived him. On December 2nd he was ordered to report to Sir Charles in Plymouth for reassignment. Sir James held out some hope of being sent back to England but knew that until the murderer or murderers were found and captured he was doomed to search them out. The road to Plymouth seemed changed and somehow evil as they rode south on the post road. Even Patsy seemed agitated. Continuously scanning the woods from one side of the road to the other. A light snow began after they had ridden half way and by the time they arrived in Plymouth it was really coming down. A cold easterly wind blew off the ocean and seemed to send a chill all the way down ones spine. So both Sir James and Patsy were quite relived when they finally made it to town and Sir Charles' house.

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As Sir James went inside Patsy found the Sergeant Major and found his master's billet and went and settled Sir James possessions and built a roaring log fire to heat the little cottage. He then went to see about quartering their mounts and what could be had at the soldier's kitchen.

Sir James found Sir Charles in his study pouring over a map with Colonel White. "Ah, Sir James do come in, said Sir Charles. Colonel White and I were just studying the best way to send you on your next assignment."

"Yes Sir James do join us, said Colonel White. It seems an ocean voyage is in the cards for you. You were lucky to make it in today from Boston. It looks like this storm could last several days and may have the roads blocked until spring. Therefore I will send you and your man by ship to Salem. There is a frigate going in that direction in two days time and I want you on it. Seems there's more trouble in that God forsaken place, more witchcraft or some such nonsense. The General and I have been hearing some very good things about you and I feel it might be in order to give you a command of your own, after your return from this little problem. Sir Charles is being groomed for a majority and a governorship of the Pennsylvania territories. That leaves an opening here in Plymouth for an ambitious young man such as yourself. Do you think you could handle such a position," asked the Colonel?

"Yes sir, I am sure that I could, given the opportunity sir," replied Sir James!

"Splendid my good fellow, I will recommend that to General Hastings when I return to New York. Meanwhile let's have a drink or two and discuss this Salem problem," said the Colonel.

The Colonel's aide appeared out of nowhere carrying a tray with a bottle of brandy and three glasses. He poured each a snifter and disappeared as quickly as he had appeared. To good Queen Anne, said the Colonel as they raised their glasses and drank the toast.

They toasted the Queen and King. They toasted this and that until the large decanter of brandy was empty and the Colonel had fallen asleep in his chair. When Sir James was sure that the Colonel was fast asleep he filled Sir Charles in on his Boston adventure while the two had a late night supper of beef and yams and drank another bottle of brandy. Sir James knew better but that second bottle loosed his lips and he told Sir Charles about finding Alderman's head in the road and Colonel York's as well. He stopped himself short of saying it was anything but a madman killer or killers on the loose. He could not bring himself to bring up the possibility of a long dead Indian being responsible. He told him of the Colonel's and Sergeant Major's homosexual affairs. Apparently this was nothing new and most all of the commanders knew of it or at least suspected. Sir James assured Sir Charles there was no mention of this in his report to General Hastings. When at last the second bottle was empty Sir James said his fair-thee-wells to Sir Charles and a snoring Colonel White and stumbled his way back to his billet.

The fire that Patsy had built and maintained had heated the cottage to the point that Patsy had to open a window to let in fresh air. He had made the Captains bed, laid out his clothes, swept the cottage top to bottom and polished all of Sir James brass and gold. He then shined his spare boots, cleaned his pistols and his new German rifle. He honed his sword until you could shave with it and washed and sewed Sir James' spare uniforms. He was just putting away the needle and thread when Sir James came in and collapsed in the bed and fell fast asleep. Patsy removed his masters clothes and tucked him in and then turned to his clothes and spent half the night removing several brandy

stains from them before curling up on the floor by the fire along about mid-night.

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By the time the Roosters crowed Patsy was back with a hot breakfast for Sir James and several pieces of sows belly for himself.

Sir James awoke feeling like someone was hitting him in the head with a mallet, oh that brandy. He wandered over to a small table and relieved himself in a chamber pot and then splashed ice cold water on his face and hands. After a while his eyes were wide open and focused enough to allow Patsy to dress him and as Patsy cleaned up after Sir James' toilet he sat at the table and ate his breakfast. When he had finished he bade Patsy bring him his journal and then his report to General Hastings. He read this over and decided he would submit it just the way it was and then proceeded to walk through knee deep snow back to Sir Charles house. There he found Sir Charles, Colonel White and a rough looking man at the table, having just finished their breakfast.

"Ah, come in Sir James. We were just discussing this awful weather, said Colonel White. I've got to get back to New York but I can see I'll have to sail to get back. As there is no southbound ships in the harbor I must find a likely fishing boat to make the voyage. This is Captain Vanderguild of the fishing sloop Katherine who has agreed to take me to Manhattan for a princely sum indeed said the Colonel only half in jest. Your ship is the frigate H.M.S. Unicorn she will be leaving tomorrow morning on the first tide for the Maine colonies. Her Captain is Sir Hannibal Swift. He has agreed to put you off at Salem and return for you in three weeks time and bring you to the Generals camp on the Long Island. So you will have just three weeks to get to the bottom of this new trouble in Salem. Apparently the Bay Colony governor can't handle the situation. You are to go to the village of Danvers just east of Salem and seek out a Uriah Powell.

He is the Duke of Cornwall's brother and hence has some input at court. Go find out what the problem is Sir James and put an end to it. When you return I'm sure the General will have good news for you my boy! Ah is that your report, then hand it here," said the Colonel.

Sir James handed in his report on Colonel York, Major Payne and the rest to Colonel White and stood waiting the Colonels reply. Colonel White looked over the report and turned to Sir James and said. "I see you didn't mention the connection between Sir Jonathan and his Sergeant Major, Sir James, good man. This seems to be in order, hmm I will recommend to the General a campaign against the tribes is initiated first thing in the spring. Good job Sir James! Please be seated and join us in a pot of tea."

Sir James sat and listen to the Colonel drone on and on about his adventures in the colonies, especially in the Virginia colony. The Colonel talked on and on until it was almost noon and Sir James excused himself to prepare for his trip.

Meanwhile Patsy had Sir James' gear stowed aboard the Frigate "H.M.S. Unicorn" along with their horses and mule. So when Sir James came back to his cottage all was prepared for their departure. He bade Patsy retrieve his journal and set about bringing it up to date. When he was finished he wrote a long letter to his father and a short letter to his mother. His fathers letter brought Lord Wilson up to date on his real adventures and the letter to his mother said he was fine and asked about her health and that of his two sisters. He had Patsy run them over to Sir Charles' aide Lieutenant Bradshaw for posting on the next homeward bound ship. As darkness fell he had Patsy boil him some water and after washing and shaving himself he fell into bed with a word to Patsy to have him up an hour before dawn as the ship would set sail soon after the sun rose. When Sir James fell asleep Patsy washed himself and his meager clothing and then curled up by the fire as was soon asleep.

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Patsy awoke and rebuilt the fire and went in search of a breakfast for Sir James and himself, no telling when they would be able to eat again. When he returned with two plates of beef and biscuits Sir James was tossing and turning in his bed caught in a nightmare. Patsy placed the food on the table and gently shook his master awake. "Sir James, awake milord."

"My God look out man, it sees you" he screamed as he snapped out of the dream obviously quite shaken by the experience. "Oh Patsy, I dreamt about the time on the banks of the Great Inland Sea when the she bear caught and killed Corporal Bailey."

"Yes my lord that was truly a remarkable shot you made with the German rifle. Shot her through the eye at 500 paces! Come set at table and break your fast, only God knows when we'll have hot meat again," said Patsy.

By the time they had finished breakfast and Patsy had dressed Sir James a knock came at the door. When Patsy opened it there was a sailor standing outside.

"My lord Wilson, Captain Swift bids you hurry to the ship. He is about to weigh anchor so we must be off before the morning tide leaves, make haste milord!"

"Come Patsy carry my journal and let us start on this new adventure. The sooner it is over the sooner we may return and who knows, be off for England!"

"Yes my lord, wouldn't that be grand?"

"Yes Patsy, it certainly would."

They made their way through the streets of Plymouth and down to the dock where a British man-of-war was anchored just off the pier. Sir James, the sailor and Patsy climbed down into a long boat where six sailors sat awaiting their arrival. The snow had stopped and the nor-eastern wind had died. As they approached the warship Patsy noticed the ships figurehead was a red unicorn with a long spiral horn. The unicorn was somehow disquieting to Patsy as he could certainly imagine a bloody red unicorn running through the deep forests of New England. In fact he had seen far stranger things since his arrival. To be perfectly honest Patsy had all the adventure he wanted. He longed for his simple boring life at the Manor. He would trade that life for all the riches of the New World but he was Sir James' man and would follow his master even unto the depths of hell. They were soon along side of the frigate and hastily climbed aboard her. Patsy waited on the deck as Sir James was shown into Captain Swifts' cabin.

Sir Hannibal was a man of about 50 a native American who was born at Plymouth of an English father and a Dutch mother. He had returned to the family estate just north of London as a baby and raised as the second son of the 11th Earl of Brentwood. He left home as a boy and ran away to sea. He sailed the seven seas rising through the ranks until at age 25 he returned to his birthplace in command of a 12 cannon sloop. He knew the waters off New England like the back of his hand. He was just dressing as Sir James entered.

"Good morrow Sir James, welcome aboard her majesties ship Unicorn," said the Captain extending his hand to Sir James. Sir James took the Captains hand and as he shook it he noticed it and the Captain was covered in sweat. Thank you my good Captain for letting us come aboard.

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I wasn't looking forward to a ride through the snow drifts all the way to Salem, Sir Hannibal."

"I can spare you that Sir James. With this southern breeze we should make Salem by sunset. I'll dock there this night and unload your mounts before the morning tide. Forgive my lateness but I've been plagued of late by bad dreams. I now must make haste to sail, forgive my abruptness Sir James but I must be off. Please stay here in the cabin where it's warm and I'll be back when I can." So saying the Captain turned and left without another word.

Sir James took a seat at the table as the ship sprang to life with the Captain's orders and made ready to sail. Soon Sir James felt the ship move forward just as the sun rose out of the sea. As they left Plymouth harbor and entered the ocean a long swell pushed the frigate forward as the sails caught the wind and began slicing through the waves. When Sir James had his sea legs he made his way out of the cabin and onto the deck. Sir Hannibal stood on the quarterdeck talking with the first mate as Sir James looked out on the rolling blue ocean. Patsy was nowhere in site. He stopped the second mate and inquired if he knew where he might find Patsy?

"Oh your man went below to find your horses and gear. If you like sir I can show you the way?" When Sir James nodded the Lieutenant said, "Then follow me sir, it's this way. The Lieutenant led Sir James below, under the main gun deck and into the bowels of the ship. They soon came to where their horses and mule were quartered and found Patsy grooming Sir James' mount with a curry brush.

"Ah, my good Patsy busily at work I see. The Captain says we'll be in Salem this very evening, so let that go my lad and join me upon the deck. Let us get some good salt air!"

Sir James and Patsy spent the day on the deck getting all the fresh air the Patsy was ever likely to need. After an hour or so the clouds broke up and the sun brought a little warmth.

The strong southerly breeze pushed the frigate forward at a good clip so the little ship turned west into Salem's fine harbor well before the sun had set. The ship gingerly approached the lone dock but was soon tied to its very end. Sir James joined Captain Swift in his day cabin for a few glasses of Port while Patsy looked after the Captains luggage and the horses and mule. When their belongings were all unloaded The Captain and Sir James appeared on the quarterdeck and after a brief conversation Sir James joined Patsy on the dock as the H.M.S. Unicorn made ready to sail.

"Let us make haste Patsy, said Sir James. I thought we were to stay aboard The H.M.S. Unicorn tonight but Captain Swift said the crew would not suffer to stay in this port over night. So we must make for Lord Powell's' estate before nightfall and I fear we have a long ride ahead so lets us be off good Patsy."

Lord Powell's estate was a little north and west of Salem on a hill over looking the ocean. The snow that had fallen in the Nor-easterner had melted and made the going easier so as the sun set they found themselves at the stone and Iron Gate of the great house. Patsy dismounted and pulled the bell cord. A rustling noise caught their attention, as off to their left through the fading sunlight they thought they saw the form of a timber wolf move into the shadows. A bedraggled looking servant caught their attention next as he poked his head up to the bars of the gate and asked who was there and what they wanted.

"I am Captain Sir James Wilson and this is my man Patsy. I am about King William's business. Open this gate at once as I have business with your master," said Sir James!

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The man looked at Sir James and then bowed his head and said, "Yes milord at once milord and drew back the heavy iron bar blocking the gate. My master is nervous about visitors. Follow me I will take you to the house and announce you to Lord Powell."

Sir James and Patsy followed the man up the long pathway to the top of the hill to the back of the great house as the front faced the ocean a mile away.

A boy ran up and grabbed the reins to Sir James' horse as he dismounted. The gatekeeper said to Sir James, "Follow me your grace and I will take you to my master."

Your man can follow the boy to the stables. This way your grace."

As Patsy dismounted and followed the boy, Sir James followed the servant into the house. Through the kitchens and a long dinning room to the front of house and into a sitting room where the servant bade Sir James wait as he went to fetch his master. As Sir James warmed himself in front of the fireplace he couldn't help but notice a painting of Henry the 8th which hung over the fireplace mantle. On the opposite wall was a painting of Henry's daughter Elizabeth. Sir James remembered Lord Powell traced his ancestry back to the Tudors. Sir James own ancestry included Lady Jane Grey a fact that he might want to keep to himself around Lord Powell.

It was at this point that the servant returned and asked Sir James to follow him. Up a staircase he went and down a hallway to the last room on the right. When Sir James entered the room he saw a white haired man sitting in a chair looking out a window towards the ocean. The servant stood to attention and announced, "Lord Powell, Sir James Wilson."

Lord Powell didn't turn his head but said, "Come Sir James bring a chair and sit with me. Parker bring a bottle of brandy and two glasses."

The servant brought a chair for Sir James and then bowed and said, "Yes milord at once sir," and quickly left the room.

The old man never took his eyes off a spot in the front yard but said, "You're the Earl of Warwick's son are you not?"

"Yes Lord Powell I am," said Sir James.

"I knew your mother at court boy. How is she?"

"The last I heard Lord Powell she was in excellent health and spirits."

"Well the next time you see her send her my regards. If it hadn't been for your father I might have been your father if you take my meaning? She was the most beautiful woman at court. Every young buck pursued her including myself."

Lord Powell trailed off at that point as if lost in deep thought. Until he seemed to snap back out of his daze.

"There, he pointed, do you see it boy?" It's been coming here since last the moon was full. You

can see its eyes glowing in the darkness. Look boy there by the tree!"

At first Sir James thought Lord Powell daft but then he too saw two small points of blue light a dozen yards beyond the wall that surrounded the great house.

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"Yes I see it but what is it Lord Powell," ask Sir James?

"So you see it too boy? I've thought myself mad. None of my servants can see a thing. It's a giant timber wolf with the most remarkable blue eyes I've ever seen."

"Yes Lord Powell my servant and I saw it as we rang your gate bell. It seemed to be watching us and when we turned to look at it, it faded back into the shadows."

At this point the servant returned with a large bottle of brandy and two glasses on a silver tray. He sat this down on a nearby table and pour two glasses and handed one to Lord Powell and the other to Sir James. He then stood back and awaited his master's orders.

You may leave us Parker. Go and see to Sir James man and bring Sir James' things to the blue room. When you're done with that see to our supper. I feel like eating something."

Lord Powell then raised his glass to Sir James and said, "A toast Sir James to good King William and Queen Anne."

Sir James raised his glass and touching it to Lord Powell's said, Here here. To their majesties, the King and Queen, long may they reign."

Both Sir James and Lord Powell drained their glasses. As Lord Powell reached for the

Decanter to pour another round, they heard the mournful howl of a wolf.

Lord Powell dropped the decanter back upon the table as the howl caused him to flinch.

"It's that damn blue eyed wolf again. It's got me bewitched. Damn its black soul to hell. I've had my servants shoot at it but it always evades the balls. They tried to poison it and trap it. I tell you Sir James I'm at my wits end," said Lord Powell.

"Rest assured milord I'll make short work of it. Last spring I bought for 15 pounds a 'Pennsylvania Rifle' from a German fellow in Philadelphia.

I can put out its eyes at 500 paces. This 'rifle' can out shoot the new British musket the 'Brown Bess' at ten times the range. Leave the wolf to me sir. I'll track down the beast and bring you its head on the morrow. I fear tonight's new moon would make it most impossible to track," said Sir James.

"Oh but if you could my boy, if only you could. Perhaps I could sleep at night. Late my dreams are full of dark designs till I fear Orpheus' gentle touch. Some nights I must Laudanum take before I can fall into a peaceful sleep. Mayhaps in the New Year will I return to England once again and leave this wilderness and its mad ways behind me? Hast thou seen England's green and pleasant fields of late my boy?" asked Lord Powell.

"No milord not these two years since first I arrived. I went to the Great Inland Sea and into the Ohio country to make maps and see what we could see. I saw mostly Indians and the bloody French. However of late I have been after a cunning murderer most foul milord. He cuts off his victim's heads and leaves them on stakes for all the world to see. Just two weeks ago I almost caught him in Boston. I fear that with my travels here, I have let his trail grow cold. Colonel White sent me hither to you milord on what mission I know not.If thou could explain my mission here Lord Powell I will get to work on it at once," asked Sir James.

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Well Sir James I'll tell it to you thus. The wolf of which you have seen is but a small part of the happenings here of late. I spoke to the colonial governor Sir Joseph Dudley of it and he wanting to avoid any mention of Witchcraft after the way Sir William Phips bungled it ten years ago thought to send for an investigator who could keep things on the quiet. Not wanting to scare any more good people from the colony. What with the colonies in the Carolinas and Virginia attracting the moneyed men away from New England as it is another such scandal would but ruin any chance of bringing them here, if you take my meaning? I hope you can put things right and get to the bottom of this my boy. You come highly recommended from both General Hastings and Colonel White," said Lord Powell.

"I'll do my best milord but what do you know about it? Where should I begin? I have heard of the strange goings on here in Salem as a lad in England. And since I have arrived on these shores I have seen many strange and wondrous things."

Sir James was cut short as another mournful howl of the wolf brought him up short.

"There's that cursed beast again. See it there in the torch light by the front gate? I've tried to shoot it myself but it always seems to fade away when I get my matchlock, almost as if it knew my purpose? Damned cursed creature," said Lord Powell.

There came a knock on the door and the servant entered. "Your Grace supper is upon the table

"Come Sir James, let us gnaw a bone together, said Lord Powell. Have thou eaten today?"

Yes milord my man Patsy brought me breakfast before the sun rose this morning before we set sail from Plymouth. Yes happy I would be to take supper with thee Lord Powell."

They followed the servant who carried a five-scone candelabrum before them through the hallway and down the stairs. Down the hall and into the great dinning room where Lord Powell sat at the end of the table with Sir James sitting immediately to his right. A fine meal of a baked ham and apples was awaiting their pallets.

Afterwards they sat long into the night drinking several bottles of Port until Lord Powell excused himself and was led away by a servant. Patsy appeared out of nowhere and steered Sir James to his room. He undressed his master and put him to bed before curling up on the floor in front of the fireplace to rest.

With the crowing of the cock Patsy woke his master and bid him join Lord Powell for breakfast after his toilet. When he had Sir James dressed he showed him the way to a sitting room where Lord Powell awaited him with tea and cakes. As Patsy was leaving Sir James turned to him and said, "Fetch forth my Pennsylvania rifle armed and loaded and prepare our horses good Patsy. I think we shall have some sport with that blue eyed wolf this day."

Patsy having seen the very same wolf knew deep inside him that try as he might his master would never slay that beast. Patsy had on several occasions looked deep within the eyes of the wolf and found a quiet power there that was beyond that of mortal men. Still his masters every wish was his command and he quickly left to make preparations.

After a pot of tea to warm himself Sir James bid Lord Powell good day and made for the stables pausing only for a moment in the kitchen to grab a cold leg of Turkey for Patsy which he tossed to his man as he entered the stables.

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"Come Patsy as you gnaw your bone let us ride down this crafty wolf and bring his head to Lord Powell."

Placing the Pennsylvania Rifle across his knees they rode out of the stables and around the great house to the front gate to the exact spot Sir James remembered from the night before. There he would pick up the beast's tracks and follow them until he hunted the creature down. Although the snow had melted on the roads, in the forest it still remained. As they rode up to the gate Sir James couldn't believe his eyes. The snow was as pure as could be. There was no sign that the wolf had been there. He road circles around and around the yard but found only a squirrel's track. How could this be? What devils work was this? He had seen the tracks that he and Patsy had made the day before quite clearly, meaning that no snow had fallen to obscure them. Yet he had seen the wolf quite clearly in the light from the torches that hung on either side of the gate. He then rode around and around the house looking for any tracks but found none. What madness was this?

After an hour Sir James turned to Patsy and said "Let us ride a mile or so west to where old Salem still stands. Perhaps we might find some clue amongst the Witches?"

Patsy who had been day dreaming woke up with a start at the mention of Witches, which caused Sir James to laugh out loud. "Fear thee not witches my good Patsy, I'll not let them harm thee, said Sir James as he patted the rifle. There is more here than meets the eye and we will find the reason to this madness, come."

"Let us ride to old Salem that some now call Danvers. There are several that we should seek out as they were the cause of much mischief."

"Master look, cried Patsy. There is the wolf!"

Sure enough where the path left Lord Powell estate and meandered back into a patch of woods trotted the wolf. As Sir James quickly brought his rifle up to aim the wolf leapt back into the woods and was gone.

"Come Patsy the chase is on," said Sir James as he kicked his steed into a canter.

Patsy did the same and was soon hanging on for dear life as he tried to keep up with his master. On they rode to the very spot where last they saw the wolf and right before their eyes the wolf's tracks began to fade and were soon gone.

"What manner of black magic is this," wondered Sir James aloud?

Both of their horses began to shy and whinny and would go no further into the wood try as Sir James might. He finally gave up and dismounted and handing Patsy his reins told him to stay and mind the horses while he entered the wood on foot. From his saddlebag he pulled forth a pistol with

an over and under barrel and placed it in his sword belt and entered the dark menacing woods.

Patsy drew his pistol and nervously watched the woods for any tell tale sign.

Sir James had been gone but a little while when Patsy heard a rustling in the leaves and with a shaking hand brought his pistol up, when suddenly a rabbit burst out of the brush and ran by the horses causing Patsy to almost wet himself. With his heart racing Patsy began to calm down and laugh at himself when a huge black bear follow the rabbit and ran directly towards Patsy and the horses.

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The horses seeing the bear both broke into a gallop almost throwing Patsy off and causing him to drop his pistol which fired sending a ball into the tree tops.

Had Patsy turned around he might have seen the Timber Wolf watching him from the edge of the wood. And had he looked closer he would have seen the wolf smiling.

Sir James hearing the pistol shot started back to the path and found Patsy's pistol on the ground near where he had left him but there was no sign of Patsy or the horses. He eventually found the bears track and the horse's tracks running away at a full gallop and guessed correctly what had happened. It was about ten minutes later when a sheepish Patsy returned to his master's side with two very nervous horses.

"Sorry Sir James, said Patsy, but there was this giant bear that came out of the woods at me. It scared the horses causing them to bolt. By the time I got them under control we were in sight of the ocean!"

"Well that clever beast has gotten away this time so let us make for old Salem and talk with the residents." I believe it's off in this direction said Sir James pointing to the northwest.

As they rode off the wolf stood up in the tall grass and trotted the other way back toward Lord Powell's estate.

They rode on out of the wooded area past fields and tiny farmsteads. Soon they came to what at a distance looked like primitive mud huts but which proved to me made out of logs with very little sawed lumber. The chill that Sir James felt run up and down his spine wasn't from a cold breeze. Not exactly how he pictured it as a child but close enough to feel like there might have been Witches here. At the far end of the village stood a church and cemetery. On a nearby hill stood what must have been a gallows were over twenty were said to have been hanged for witchcraft. It was hard for Sir James to understand how there could be so many witches in a town made up of people who had left Europe to practice there religion. How the wise men of Massachusetts could believe such charges coming from preteen girls. He had wondered if it was done to steal their property as it had been in Europe for centuries but after looking around he rather doubted that as there was little here worth taking.

A comely maid was walking toward him and he stopped her to ask, "Ah my good woman where might I find a Abigail Williams and a Annie Putnam?" asked Sir James.

"I am Abigail Williams my good sir," replied the maid.

Ah Miss Williams I am Sir James Wilson. Captain of her majesties light horse and this is my man Patsy. I have been charged to look into certain matters in the area. Is there some place out of this cold wind where we might talk?" ask Sir James.

There is my father's church it is both warm and quiet. He is gone off to new Salem on business matters today. Please come this way Sir James said Abigail with a wink of her eye. A wink that Sir

James caught at once.

Sir James and Patsy followed the maid down the street and into the church.

"Now my lord what may I do for thee?"

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"Tell me Miss Williams you were one of the accusers in the famous trials ten years hence were you not?"

"Yes milord, I was but a foolish girl. Those horrible day are long since past."

"Perhaps they are, perhaps not. Have you or anyone else in this village noticed anything unusual as of late, perhaps in the last several months? Strange animals in the woods or people in the area? Anything that feels out of place?"

Why no my lord, nor have I heard of any such thing. All the folks I know are simple God fearing people. After the trials any witches, demons or devils have stayed well away from here milord."

Well then Miss Williams if you hear of anything please send word to me. I am a guest of Lord Powell do you know his estate?"

"Yes, I know of the great Indian fighter. His name is well known throughout the colony milord. He is a great hero and well loved by all. If not for him and his troops there may not have been a colony. My father has told us his story on many occasions. You must be very honored to have such a friend milord?"

While Abigail and Sir James flirted with one another, Patsy who was oblivious to his master's libido looked around the church. While Patsy had respect for the church he didn't really believe. The respect was from 400 years of witch burnings in Europe. Although those burnt were usually church members or the rich and well to do or the Jews. Patsy held a healthy fear of such places. This vast American wilderness scared him most of all. If ever there was a place full of witches and demons and devils this was it. Here one could believe that Miss Abigail wasn't insane or just a bored child with a head full of strange ideas from their slave and her fathers preaching. Here in this bizarre land where Indians blew smoke from out their mouths, where strange old gods ruled. To walk but a short distance inland was to lose oneself in a never-ending woodland. A place where the woods were full of things that ate you in the daytime and worse things that came in the night. Or enemy Indians or the French or the Spanish.

"Come good Patsy, " Sir James was saying when Patsy snapped out of his daydream.

"I will see thee again Miss Abigail."

Patsy bowed his head a bit and followed his master back to their horses. They spent that morning and most of the afternoon, talking too and questioning the villagers and the out lying farmsteads. It seemed that no one but Lord Powell, Sir James and Patsy felt anything out of the ordinary and no one had seen such a blue eyed timber wolf or any wolves for more than 30 years. As for witchcraft or magic of any kind the less said the better. Ten years after the fact there were a lot of angry people in and around old Salem. Not all of the accused were killed and all of the land and property taken were returned to survivors and relatives. Oh a few barns and houses

mysteriously burned down, a lot of folks just moved away. The English clamped down again as they had during Prince Phillips Rebellion. The church lost most of its power and several generations where brought up to beware of it's powers until a young country was formed that kept it separated from the real power the people. Still ten years down the road there was still much anger, some of which Sir James and Patsy had felt that day directed toward them.

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They rode back to Lord Powell's in silence. Sir James had much on his mind, not the least of which was tender young Abigail. A very eager young lass indeed. Sir James knew that anxious feeling rather well of late. Only how to excuse himself from Lord Powell later on, perhaps a 'special investigation' he mused.

Patsy meanwhile kept quiet as befitted someone of his rank. Even when he saw the huge cat-a-mount, over to his right, just on the edge of the woods, following them. Even as the big cat started to lay back behind them, like big cats do when they're hunting, just before they attack. Patsy never uttered a word. But a shaky hand did find his pistol as they rode on in silence. Neither Patsy nor Sir James saw the timber wolf that watched them arrive back at Lord Powell's estate. Then with a soul splitting howl that froze their hearts, it ran back into the woods and was gone.

When they had reached the stables they found Lord Powell and another man talking about the very wolf. The man Sir James recognized was an officer from Boston. He was telling Lord Powell of Colonel York's claims to have seen a wolf with blue eyes. About how if you looked into the wolfs eyes it could steal your soul.

Ah Sir James you're back. This is Lieutenant Foxx who has just arrived from Boston. Didn't you say you were involved in strange things in Boston?

Lieutenant Foxx snapped to attention and said, "Good to see you Sir James, I didn't know you were here? I thought you went to Plymouth?

Yes Lord Powell, Sir Ethan and I served together briefly in Boston. What brings you hither Lieutenant? Did you bring a squad of your dragoons with you?" asked Sir James.

"Did you say Sir Ethan, Sir James?" asked Lord Powell.

"Quite your Grace, I saw the Lieutenant's name on an 'honors list' fresh off the ship in Colonel Whites hand just two nights ago in Plymouth. Congratulation old man said Sir James as he took the Lieutenants hand and shook it vigorously.

"Yes Congratulations 'Sir Ethan,'" said Lord Powell. "I think we should toast Sir Ethan and our most wise majesties The King and Queen! And then we'll drink toasts to you Sir James. Come Gentlemen come gnaw a bone with me. I wouldst this evening spend a telling of tales tall and of any you know of a blue eyed creature from hell!"

"It would honor me to do so my gracious Lord Powell," said Lieutenant Foxx and thought to himself what a great day with two such honors!

"Yes Lord Powell I would be honored to join with you in honor of the Lieutenant," said Sir James as he thought, Drat thee Powell, oh well I'll see thee again sweet Abigail mayhaps on the morrow?

Patsy said nothing, as no one else knew that he even existed but thought, "How am I going to get

the vomit and wine out of milord's drinking shirt this time?

A young black-a-moor boy of ten years or so came and took the horses from Patsy and Patsy followed to make sure the horses were attended too as well as he had never seen a black-a-moor before and he was fascinated.

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Lord Powell led the Captain and Lieutenant back to the Dinning Hall and a roaring fireplace they sat on either side of Lord Powell and drank several toasts to one and all until a suckling pig was brought forth and was placed before them. As soon as the beast could be carved they tore into it and soon had eaten all of it except for the head. Afterwards they followed Lord Powell into his library for port wine and a bowl of tobacco. As Lord Powell was wont to do, having acquired the habit of late.

Although they coughed a bit, the smoke was somehow satisfying! The Port was sweet their bellies were full. It was at this point that Lord Powell began his interrogation of the two young men.

"You've peeked my curiosity Lieutenant with this talk of blue eyed wolves. The Captain and I saw just such a creature last night by my front gate."

"Then beware my lords. Colonel York saw this devil beast and could hardly talk of anything else. I'm convinced it was the cause of his death!"

"I found the Colonel moments after his death. The Colonel was killed in an explosion of powder. The Colonel did have a brain fever before the accident," Sir James continued.

"I didn't put this in my report gentlemen, as I wanted to spare his family and Army any embarrassment. But it is my opinion that Sir William took his own life!" said Sir James.

"A suicide? Bloody Hell," cursed Lord Powell.

"I reported him killed in action against some native hostiles. As well as his Sergeant Major whom my man Patsy shot through the forehead at a goodly distance. I can assure you my lords the Sergeant Major was doing his best to skewer me upon his dagger. Apparently the Sergeant Major and Lord York were lovers. I left that out as well in my reports," said Sir James with a shrug.

"Methinks you did well by doing so. You will go far in the Kings service, no doubt of it my boy," exclaimed Lord Powell. "But what of our wolf Sir James did you hunt it down this day?"

"The truth to tell milord, no we did not. Its tracks had disappeared when we went after it at first light. I began to make ever-larger circles from where we saw it last, until at some distance from here we found it at last. We saw it far ahead at the edge of a wood. By the time we arrived it was gone. I searched in vain until my man was set upon by a bear and I had to call off the search to save his life. We then proceeded to old Salem village to question the villages of any knowledge of your wolf Lord Powell and none claimed any knowledge of the beast. Perhaps it does exist, some freak of nature such as the albino who doth have eyes of pink milord. Perhaps indeed driven out of Boston north but the few leagues to Salem. It will in time no doubt move on and if we see it again by the gate I'll have my man fetch my Pennsylvanian Rifle and cold slaughter of him will I make," exclaimed Lord James!

Lord Powell only heard about every third word that Sir James said. They were back again just

on the periphery of his hearing. Beginning the chant that never ends. powell ... powell ... powell. He forced himself to block it out.

Willed by his powerful intellect to be gone, to never have existed, to be just one mad thought from the Id, a bored sub-conscious playing games, nothing more. Still his mind raced back 25 years to when a jubilant crowd cheered Powell ... Powell ... Powell.

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He was Powell the savior, Powell the Hero, Powell the Indian Fighter, Powell the seller of women and children into slavery. Although he was careful to keep that fact out of his resume'. They cheered him and toasted him and proclaimed him a hero, to whom they owed their very lives during Prince Phillips War. True he had led a group of volunteers that fought many battles against the natives. However most of those battles were ambushes sprung on the infirm, young and old because all the men were already dead or away in battle. Lord Powell had managed to stumble on this potential source of wealth with-in a year of arriving. He came to the New World one step ahead of the executioner, as Charles Stuart wanted to separate Lord Powell from his head. Based partly on his 'adventures' in America and the rather large bribe his brother, the Duke of Cornwall had paid the King, all was forgiven as long as Lord Powell stayed in America.

"Yes milord, Sir James is right. The wolf undoubtedly was driven away by the fuselages and cannon fire loosed by Colonel York on that wolf and the invisible Indians. The Colonel was firing naval cannon into the air. We scared everyone in Boston that night. They thought we were under siege by a French fleet. The new commander has heard about it from Governor Dudley as well as General Hastings and they were not amused my lords."

"As well I can imagine Sir Ethan," said Lord Powell with laughter in his voice.

"And they were both adamant about taking care of any problems that might arrive from witchcraft or the like. The Massachusetts Bay Colony is losing enough traffic to Philadelphia and Charleston and New Jersey and New York and Maryland and, well you see the Governors point of view Sir James I'm sure. He sent me with that message and these 20 dragoons to be at your service. He also said that if your murder investigations are not connected with the problems here in Salem, then you are to leave them and concentrate solely on these matters," said Lieutenant Foxx.

"I see," said Sir James, although he really didn't. Nor was he sure that the two occurrences were not intertwined, one upon the other. Or if some brain fever was running rampant on these dark New England shores. There was much he did not know yet and much he could not comprehend but Sir James knew deep in his soul that one day he would understand all and would put an end to these murders.

"Lieutenant see to your troops. Post sentries around Lord Powell's estate and have one squad ready to ride at first light. I want all the torches lit and if anyone should see a wolf they are to shoot it at once. There is a five pound gold piece for anyone that shoots a wolf with blue eyes," said Sir James. "Is that understood Lieutenant?"

"Aye Sir, you're crystal clear! Lord Powell you will excuse me," said Lieutenant Foxx as he drained his glass and with a bow to Sir James made his way out of the Library and back to his troops.

"A good man is Sir Ethan milord, although oft times he doth seem a little too intense.

Perhaps though just the man we need? Eager to add a Captaincy to the title, bright enough to be effective and wanting nothing more than to please said Sir James. Yes I think he is our man Lord Powell."

"I'm inclined to agree Sir James. I'm sure the Lieutenant will do! Now what's this about

murders," asked Lord Powell.

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"I've been on the trail of a mad man who has killed at least five in a most foul and grisly way. I've chased him from a blood-splattered grove of trees in a swampy land south east of Providence through Plymouth and into Boston. A month ago I led a troop past these very gates in search of Major Payne and his squads only to find that they had killed one another. The more I find out the less I understand, but many are the wonders of this New World milord!"

"Why say you grisly and foul, Sir James?"

"The manner of the bodies Lord Powell, although I should say lack of any bodies if you take my meaning? For all that remained of the three soldiers late of her majesties light horse were their heads. All with the same horrid expressions on the faces, all of the heads fixed on stakes and all starring at the same spot. Know you of an Indian who wore a hand with a leather strap through the center of the palm as a necklace around his neck," asked Sir James?

Aye that I do! The ones the praying Indians call Judas? Alderman who wore Metacom's hand around his neck, aye everyone knew him, I had him to a party once for some visiting relatives, my brother still talks of him!

I found his head in the middle of the Boston Pike atop a stake just as I found all the others including Colonel York. For that reason and others call I them grisly and foul milord. That mad man still roams New England and I shant rest until I bring the swine to justice. I have explained myself Lord Powell now tell me plain why I am here. Surely not to hunter play and rid the world of one old wolf? Come Lord Powell and be open with me.

"Yes Sir James there is much you do not know nor would understand if told. I hardly understand myself although I've been in deep thought about it, low these many years. I fear my young lord that you are right. I fear there is a brain fever running rampant over New England. I fear I have it too. For I can hear and sometimes see things that no one else can see. You and your man are the only ones who can see the wolf with the blue eyes. How those eyes shine as bright as any sun. How you can become lost in their depth and how you see your fate deep within them. I have seen my fate James and it frightens me to the marrow. I could not bare such a fate as that," said Lord Powell as he trailed off into thought.

"Milord what have you seen and heard," asked Sir James.

I will tell all Sir James but first tell me what Colonel York said he heard and saw. This I must know to confirm what I know is true. Then when I am sure in mind that this is so I will tell you all replied Lord Powell.

"Well milord Colonel York told me directly nothing but I did listen to his ramblings and with what I managed to find out from his command and especially his Sergeant Major I was able to make some sense of it? Apparently Colonel York won reputation and rank from one particular battle towards the end of Prince Phillips Rebellion. The story goes the Colonel with his troop was tracking down a killer who had murdered a sentry and tracked this man to the praying Indian village. Bunch of women and kids and old folks mostly and the Minister who had converted them. A French trapper had murdered the sentry and when he saw the soldiers he opened fire on them.

The Colonel panicked and they slaughtered the village. When he found what he had done he had the babies and children put inside the church with the minister and had it burnt to the ground trying to cover up the evidence. Then reported that they had been attacked by a large war party and had won a major victory in the war.

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With the return of the first race-built galleon he was a major and second in command of all the troops in the Massachusetts Bay Colony."

"Then about three months ago he started having a dream, a dream where he heard them calling out his name. Softly at first then louder and Louder and LOUDER until the sound of his name was all he could hear. Then he would see them. At first from a great distance then a little closer and closer all chanting his name York ... York ... York! Until they were all around him and he began to see all the slaughter and death he had caused these innocents. Next they came before him and reach out their hands and he took them one at a time and as he took their hand he became them and then experienced all the pain that he had given them. One by one they came and one by one he saw what he had done and felt every injury that he had caused. On and on until he would wake up screaming in agony. After a week or two of this he would not go to sleep for days at a time. His surgeon was wont to give him Laudanum to put him under and give him rest. I took control and then took a patrol out after Major Payne and by the time I got back Colonel York is firing naval cannon point blank into a ghost army of Indians. He must have seen me arrive because he took off running and I had to go out and run him down.

On a hunch I rode to that old village and there I found the Colonel's head on a spike. I hope that helps to explain things milord," said Sir James.

When Sir James didn't get an answer he looked up at Lord Powell and found a different man there. Lord Powell had gone white as a ghost. His mouth was agape, his pupils were dilated to three times their normal size and he had gone somewhere else. Lord Powell was in a trance and Sir James realized that Lord Powell had been and was seeing and feeling the same nightmares that Colonel York had suffered.

And Lord York realized it too. His logical mind was shattered by a new logic. A logic that he could no longer deny, one that foretold a certain and a terrible end. He also understood that in the next life he would relive the people's pain in his real life. Becoming that person from birth till their death and experiences all, only to be reborn again as another until all had been repaid. Only then could he journey on toward enlightenment. There were thousands to repay. There were only a few warriors to repay and a few against who he had committed treason. But there were many thousands of Indians he sold to market in the West Indies, many more taken home to England to become sexual toys for the aristocracy or simply worked to death in the coal mines or aboard England's growing navy. Lord York had come to America running for his life with a hundred pounds from his brother and had in four years amassed a fortune of several hundred thousand pounds, a stately manor house and grounds as well as the love and respect of his peers. Even Charles Stuart had forgiven him. Very small profit for what it would cost him in the end.

He could feel the heat of mid-summer and taste the dust from the road. He was at the end of a long procession. He heard the sounds of the sea gulls wheeling over head as they passed out of the woods and into the open with the town of Boston and her seaport in the distance. He slapped his horse on the rump with his riding crop and rode beside the column. One hundred and twenty prime women and children for the 'Caribbean Trade'. Fresh fodder for the Cane and Tobacco fields. Their life expectancy was no more than that of about 5 years so they would bring no more than a hundred pounds a head to him, the rest going to the ships captain and of course there was the 'Kings Commission!' Still what with the land to sell and the orchards and such he might realize 20 or 25 thousand pounds in the end? Of course he would spring for a couple of barrels of rum for the men as well as letting his troops enjoy a night or two with the women and girls.

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They needn't know about his profit. As far as they knew it all went to the crown. A hundred and twenty naked souls bound hand and foot with hempen rope and shuffling along down a dusty road through a hot July morning. Through the fields they walked stopping now and again to give them water. One does not damage the merchandise before the sale if one is smart. He kept them well fed from there own supplies. Most whites would just burn their stocks and granary finding the Indian food not fit even for their animals. They were as healthy as he could keep them because his slaves always brought top dollar. Not all of these slaves were going to sea. A dozen or so would remain behind for a ship that would arrive in late August. A large race-built Galleon that was heading for his brother's castle in Cornwall. Where he hoped to receive as much as a thousand pounds for each of the young virgin girls and at least twice that for the little boys. One of the little boys was holding out his hand to Lord Powell and when he took it the little boys face dissolved and became a bare white skull and the horror that he had wrought became his and he screamed from the pit of his soul NO! Oh NOOOOOOOOoooooooo ...

"Lord Powell wake up milord," said Parker as he gently shook his master awake

Lord Powell was visibly shaken, It took him a full minute to catch his breath and get his nerves in order. To replace the mask of fear with one of calm and order. Sir James had listened to his screams and his sleep talking before going to fetch Parker. Parker assured him it was only a night mare, nothing to worry about and bade him go to his room as he had things well in hand.

Sir James had seen these very things before in Boston and knew that if he hadn't found the murderer by the full moon there was little hope for Lord Powell. He vowed to find the killer before then and bring him to the King's justice. If he couldn't find him by that day he would spend that night with Lord Powell along with Lieutenant Foxx and his dragoons. He would put an end to these crimes once and for all. He thought that if he could find out who Lord Powell's enemies were he would have won half the battle. Sir James knew that a man such as Lord Powell has bound to have made enemies in his lifetime and one of those would surely be behind all of this. If he could find a common denominator between all of the victims that one enemy should stand out. So what was the one factor that they all shared? If not for Alderman it would be quite simple, all the rest were British. They all were or had been soldiers. What did Alderman have in common with the others? Alderman was a traitor while all the others were heroes. Colonel York and Alderman had fought in the Puritan wars but the three soldiers hadn't. The younger two hadn't even been born when that war was fought. He knew he was very close to the answer but he'd be damned if he could see it. And to top it off there was Lord Powell. How did he figure into this as Sir James was convinced he was the next victim? And what if anything had the blue eyed wolf to do with this? He needed to tell Lord Powell of his theories and ask him who might be behind this. Surely the man would know who his enemy's were? Sir James mind raced to this theory to the next as he tried to sleep until it was just after midnight when we finely found rest.

Patsy had watched his master toss and turn wondering what was on his mind. There had been a time when they were both boys when Sir James had confided in Patsy all his hopes and dreams and what was ever on his mind. However when Sir James had joined the army all of that suddenly disappeared. No longer a friend and confidant but his master and lord. Still Patsy loved his master well and it hurt him to see Sir James in such a quandary. It was only after Sir James had begun to snore that Patsy allowed himself to drift off. The last thing Patsy heard before falling a sleep was the howl of a wolf.

"Good morning Sir James," said Lord Powell as Sir James joined him and Lieutenant Foxx for a breakfast of hen eggs and strips of sowbelly tea and cream.

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"Come join us in this poor breakfast." Lord Powell's complexion had returned to it normal colors no longer the deathly white of last night.

"Thank thee milord, said Sir James. How was your slumber milord?"

"Why I slept like a new born at his mothers breast, replied Lord Powell. What is upon this days design for thee?"

"I think I will send the good Lieutenant and a squad of Dragoons to new Salem to speak with the citizens this morning and upon this afternoon to old Salem and all the outlying farmsteads. My man Patsy and I will again try to hunt down that blasphemous wolf and bring you its head Lord Powell. However this day we must in private talk about many things, if convenient I will come this afternoon?"

"If I can be of help Sir James I will gladly help in any way I can. Meet me here in this very room when the clock doth strike two this afternoon. You may ask me what you like and I will do my up most to answer you, replied Lord Powell.

When they had finished their meal Lieutenant Foxx excused himself and a few minutes later much hustle and bustle was heard in the courtyard. Sir James excused himself and went in search of Patsy.

As Lieutenant Foxx rode off with a half dozen dragoons close at his heal Sir James found Patsy currying the horses. With the help of a stable boy both horses were soon saddled and Sir James and Patsy rode out of the yard past the sentry on the gate. They rode around the wall one lap to check for wolf tracks and to see that every gate was posted with a soldier and that there was a soldier outside the wall and one inside the wall making their rounds. When he was satisfied that everything was the way it should be Sir James road off toward old Salem. Patsy looked high and low for any sign of the wolf or bear or witches or demons or devils and the like. All but the wolf was missing and although he looked for the wolf he didn't see him although the wolf was never far away and watched Sir James and Patsy's every move. When he was sure as to where they were going he turned around and headed back to Lord Powell's estate.

Sir James had one thought on his mind and it didn't concern Lord Powell or his troubles. No Sir James had his mind set on Abigail Williams and nothing else lest it was how to get her legs in the air? Something that he imagined wouldn't be all that hard from what he knew of their last meeting. He knew life must have been hard on her. She was a very comely wench and well beyond the age when most of her friends had long since became married. It was his guess that Abigail and her friends like Annie Putnam and the other six accusers were treated like monsters by the local lads who wanted nothing to do with the tainted women. Sir James had no such qualms about Abigail or the others, they were women and that's all that mattered to Sir James. Any port in a storm and this port was at least comely!

They came across some men who were sawing wood for fuel on the edge of the woods but rode past them towards the village. They rode through the village till they came to the church and the homestead next door. While Patsy held the horses Sir James knocked upon the door and was soon face to face with Abigail.

"My dear Miss Abigail how are thee this fine morning," asked Sir James?

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"My Lord Wilson what brings thee here on this glorious morning? Have you come to talk with father? Do come in Sir James. They were soon joined by crazed looking fellow with a fixed stare and long white hair sprouting out from under his parsons cap. Sir James this is my father Mr. Samuel Parris and minister to our church.

Not exactly what Sir James was looking forward too but since he had been caught as a fox in a chicken coup he took it in stride and decided to ask about Lord Powell. She was sending him signals saying she was as miffed at her father as he was and would wait until another time. So he turned to minister Parris and began to question him about what he knew of Lord Powell's history and habits if any? Of his habits he new little if anything. He was generally well liked for a lord and that in itself was suspicious but of Lord Powell's history the good reverend knew a great deal, and proceeded to open Sir James' eyes!

Mr. Parris was a virtual encyclopedia of interesting historical data concerning Lord Powell. In fact they had shared their crossing from England on the same ship. Lord Powell was obviously running from something but it was years before the minister found out what it was. They had been both been looking for freedom from Charles Stuart. Freedom for Samuel Parris was to preach a more basic down to earth message of love from his god without the oversight of the Church of England and its head the King. A message that somehow got twisted into the deaths of 20 of his friends and neighbors fifteen years later. Saw the monster Satan bring hell on earth to paradise. But though deep as his sins were they were not intentional, Lord Powell was another story.

They had come into Plymouth town in 1675 at the beginning of the war. It seemed to his memory that within two weeks of arriving Lord Powell had gone from neer-do-well running for his life to Captain of the militia. And would go on to be one of the richest men in New England in just 5 years time. Lord Powell's secret of success was to avoid the Indian armies and attack his rear. Burn his supplies, destroy his orchards and fields of crops, burn his villages to the ground and take his women and children and sell them for a pretty profit. He kept his militia well fed and when not in battle well bedded with Indian women and well drunk on Jamaican Rum. The slaves were run to Jamaica and as far south as Aruba where they were sold at market to plantation owners for the most part and slowly worked to death.

The ten million Indians that had lived throughout the Caribbean had all died out within fifty years of Christopher Columbus' arrival in 1492. The various European diseases took their toll as well as the women slaves themselves who killed their babies rather than have them become slaves. A whole people had become extinct in just fifty years. They had for centuries developed the land so the Spanish, French, English & Dutch couldn't let an opportunity like this go by. All they needed was a fresh stock of slaves to bring in the crops. The African slaves that some were starting to import were use to the hot climate and although more expensive tended to live longer. The colonies being closer were still the way most plantation owners went not having to go through so many hands as one had to in Africa. The Africans having been swapping one another since well before Rome or even Egypt came upon the scene had it down to a science. A person captured in a war or a raid in central Africa might be bought and sold a dozen or more times before he ever made it to the coast. In America you had only to deal with one or two at the most. As the shipping was closer it was faster, cheaper and far more reliable than 'goods' from Africa.

Lord Powell had built his wealth on the backs of thousands of Indian slaves. Oh and the minister knew about the England bound ships as well. The children who sailed there would have been better off in Jamaica or Cuba. The children that Lord Powell personally 'hand picked' were inspected in the most indecent ways.

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None of this was of course generally known. Minister Parris once met a man who was a soldier under Lord Powell. He had participated in all the slaughter and came to him one day after church to confess all. The man later put a pistol in his mouth, pulled the trigger and blew his brains out. The rest came from a few snippets here and there over many years. Lord Powell had been very careful, even to killing all of his 'Praying Indian' scouts when he broke up the militia almost a year after the war ended. By then he and his brother had paid off the King and his head was saved from the block. He had in that time managed to make himself several hundred thousand pounds giving him the peaceful power that he always wanted. As the third son of a Tudor related Duke things were bad enough until his father died and his eldest brother got all. The second son went to sea and was now Captain of a ship-of-the-line.

A 64-gun three hundred-foot long, one hundred and eighty-foot tall sea fortress. The third son despite having supported the Roundheads and making much ado about the throne was rather surprised to say the least when the monarchy was restored. And sitting near the top of Charles Stuart's enemy's list was Lord Powell's name. Fortunately for Lord Powell his brother the Duke of Cornwall had supported the Stuarts and this somewhat tempered the Kings hand and allowed Lord Powell to escape to America. And it had become England's gain and America's loss ever since.

Sir James eyes were wide open now. The seemingly once benign country-squire image crumbled forever in Sir James' eyes. When he thought of it he was surprised that he had been taken so completely in by it all to begin with. In many ways Sir James was still but a naive schoolboy. Born and raised into a strictly structured system that had two generations before almost came unglued. A system in place long before the Imperial Romans walked upon England's pleasant pastures.

Sir James thanked the minister for his time and information and made ready to leave. The minister not being blind to his daughter/cousins looks of longing for Sir James and his obvious leers at her, suggested Abigail walk the Captain back to his horse. Sir James was the first man to look Abigail's way in a very long time. Ever since the 'Witch Trials' all the local men, young and old, stayed away from Abigail like the black plague. Any who came from outside of Salem once they had found out who she was suddenly stopped coming round. Even at 21 she was fast becoming an old maid. She was the youngest of eight girls and his only daughter not to be married off by 16. Although quite a comely maid with long flaxen hair and violet eyes, a pleasant shape and demur there were no takers. Well except of course for himself who had instructed young Abigail in womanly ways.

Putting on a shawl and cloak she walked besides Sir James back down the path to the road where Patsy waited in the freezing cold with the horses. When they were well out of earshot of the church she asked when she could see him again, perhaps Sunday next after church? They could steal away to her uncle's house on the Salem port road. He would be gone several months on a trip back to England. They could build a fire and spread a table of wine and cheese and talk of many things, she all but purred at him. Sir James already had plans to make a spread himself but that would be to spread the wenches' legs in the air. Yes dear sweet Abigail I will meet you after church Sunday next. Then before mounting his horse he turned to her with a bow and a flourish of his feathered hat and said, "Until Sunday next milady." He then mounted his stallion and rode away at a handsome cantor with Patsy riding hard behind him.

Parts of a larger pattern were beginning to form in Sir James mind. If he didn't try to hard to think about it the pieces of this puzzle would slowly slide into place.

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Perhaps it was his Id that kept him from seeing the truth. He had felt it even in the very beginning but his logical mind refused to consider such nonsense and had buried those very thoughts deep within his subconscious. Still with every new piece of the puzzle it was becoming harder and harder to ignore the truth. His logical mind told him that this new information meant only that Lord Powell had many more enemies than he first had thought. A lot of people might be out looking for ways of killing him for many varied reasons. It could be based in England or from members of his army or his business partners or from dozens of tribes of Indians or? One could lose ones self in all the possibilities for a very long time and not have to face the truth. It was just past noon when they rode out of old Salem and headed back to Lord Powell's estate. Sir James took this time to consider his questions for Lord Powell.

When he had turned the new information over several times in his mind he realized that Lord Powell already knew who it was behind this. He was just to embarrassed to tell who and why. Now that Sir James knew the truth he might use this leverage to get Lord Powell to explain? Lord Powell had promised to talk with him and he would allow Lord Powell to tell as much as he would tell without prodding. He could thus keep part of his dignity intact. Although Sir James knew that all Lord Powell would be fooling was himself. He would let the old man keep that part of his dignity if he would help Sir James get to the bottom of the murders. Deep in thought Sir James never noticed the Timber Wolf watching him from a nearby hill top.

As they approached Lord Powell's wall Sir James acknowledged a sentry's salute as he walked by on his rounds of the wall. He rode around to the front gate looking over the grounds. All seemed correct and proper. Lieutenant Foxx had added a pair of huge Newfoundland dogs let loose to run the grounds. A nice touch thought Sir James as they rode around the side and back to the stables. Patsy took the horses as Sir James entered the house in search of a light lunch and a cold beer. Sir James took lunch in his room while he changed uniforms and then brought his journal up to date. When the great hall clock struck two he put his journal down and went down to the dining room to question Lord Powell.

Sir James found Lord Powell starring into the depths of a glass of brandy. Sir James stood beside Lord Powell waiting to be noticed but Lord Powell was deep in thought. Finally Sir James coughed a bit and Lord Powell snapped out of his trance. He tried to talk but his voice got hung up in his throat. He was forced to take several long sips of the brandy before he found his voice. "Be seated Sir James," he finally managed to say. "My mind was far away I'm afraid. Now you have some questions that you would put to me, pray ask me then," said Lord Powell as he drank the rest of his brandy and poured himself another and then poured a glass for Sir James as well.

"Tell me milord who is behind it, who do you suspect? Who would profit from your death," asked Sir James?

I have left my estate to my brothers Sir James, half to the Duke and half to the Admiral. In the event of their deaths then to their first born shall the booty go. If you're looking for killers among them consider that they both have ten times my wealth. As to who would wish my death that list would be long and varied I am afraid."

I noticed as of late you've been having bad dreams, much the same as Colonel York complained of, wouldst thee talk of this milord," asked Sir James

"Tis true of late I've found it difficult to sleep but a soldier such as yourself must have nightmares as well? Truth to tell I've always been plagued by bad dreams.

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Mark ye that I pay them no heed. I am a student of Isaac Newton Sir James. As you must have noticed there is no chapel in this house. I fear no gods or devils just my fellow man Sir James."

Sir you may give me your trust and confidence that anything I hear today will travel no farther. Come please be open with Lord Powell. I already know most all about your life. If you would like I can recite it for you, from your life as a Roundhead through your command of your troops in The Puritan War. How you made your fortune in both the Caribbean and in England. I know all milord and would not use it against you but there are 8 dead men who cry for justice milord and from what I can see you may be the 9th!"

"Well Sir James if thou knowest all then there is nothing I can add to that knowledge. All I can tell thee in truth is that blue eyed wolf is somehow involved. Find that creature's master and you will have the murderer. If you have no further questions Sir James I have these correspondence to see to."

I have but one question Lord Powell tell me what you know of the red king Metacom," asked Sir James.

"That is a name I haven't heard mentioned in many years, replied Lord Powell. My militia chased him and his band from New York to the Penobscot River in Maine. Benjamin Church and his follows finally caught up with him and his band of killers. Private Jonathan Goodman, a young sharpshooter put a ball through his heart at 300 paces. The tribes burnt well over one hundred towns to the ground. Almost drove the white man from the continent. I hope we never see another like him! Damned Puritans fault to begin with. They tried to steal what they could have bought maintaining all the time that it was the will of god that gave them the right. I don't know whom I like less Sir James, the red savages or the white mans church? The rebellion didn't last long after his death, seems I remember being back in Salem by the winter solstice making my plans for building this house. Why did you ask me about Metacom Sir James?"

"I'm beginning to think all the murders are somehow related to Metacom or the Pokanokets or at least to the rebellion. You said a sharpshooter by the name of Jonathan Goodman shot Metacom? That would mean that all the murders are connected to Metacom. For Sergeant Jonathan Goodman was the first victim of this murderer. He was one of the three soldiers found in Rhode Island September last upon the full moon. Then in October Alderman was found on the Boston post road. On the full moon last did Colonel York meet his fate. Now in one weeks time will the moon again be full and I fear that it may you Lord Powell that is the intended victim."

"Then perhaps I had better load my muskets and my cannon and put a fine edge to my sword Sir James?"

"I don't think that will help much milord. Colonel York had full two companies of infantry and four eighteen pound naval cannons and it didn't save him. In the end he chose to run from that protection. As to why I cannot truly say but may only speculate. With this new knowledge milord what are your plans," asked Sir James?

"This land is mine Sir James and I will not willingly part from it, let us then make what plans we can for a defense," declared Lord Powell.

Sir James and Lord Powell talked over plans until they were joined by Lieutenant Foxx at dark. They told him only that there was reason to believe that an attempt would be made on Lord Powell's life on or before the full moon.

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Then told him of their plans for a defense both in and out of the house and on both side of the wall. When they had made their plans and had gone over and over them again it was well past midnight when they went their separate ways. Lord Powell to bed, Lieutenant Foxx off to see to the guard and Sir James to the stables. He entered and first went to his left and then to his right and found what he was looking for. The last stall on the right had three solid stone outer walls and a door of heavy oak on the inside, just the place for all the extra gunpowder. In there he would place all of Lord Powell's as well as all of his soldiers powder.

He was convinced that all of the victims had been in some way exploded. Hadn't he heard a great thunderclap sound that might have been several explosions accompanied by a brilliant flash of blue light before he came upon Colonel York's head? If that were true for Colonel York must it not be true for the rest? Then logically if he could remove all but the powder in the soldier's muskets he might stop the murder from taking place.

Over the next few days they made their preparations and precautions. Lieutenant Foxx rode to Boston and returned with a squad of infantry to replace his dragoons covering the walls. This would allow him to have a squad of cavalry ready if the need for one arose. Sir James rounded up all the extra power and placed a heavy lock on the powder room door and left a sentry to guard it. When he had done all that he could they waited for the full moon to come. It would rise Tuesday night about two hours after sunset so until then they were kept at a state of war readiness at all times. Well except for Sunday morning when Sir James rode off alone saying he had some last minute plans to lay and rode off toward Boston.

As soon as he was well out of sight of the estate he turned back toward old Salem at a trot. Then when he by the estate he slowed to a walk. No sense getting there before their service was over. Sir James had heard way to many tales of the Puritan church to want to get involved with it. Abigail was a very comely girl indeed with large breasts and shapely hips beneath that gingham gown. Long blonde hair like a Viking maiden and the deepest violet eyes he had ever seen. It was a pity she had no title or at least some property for she would make a handsome wife and many fine sons and daughters bear. So there was no question of marriage but some jolly good fun they could have together.

As he made the outskirts he noticed the population out on the road meaning that the church service was recently over. Ah timing is everything in life! He rode on until he was in front of the church where he tied his horse to a tree and walked inside. He saw Abigail using a straw broom to sweep up the dried mud from the roughly hewn wooden floor. She had her back to Sir James so she didn't hear him enter. He took a seat at the rear in the last pew and waited until she turned around and looked up. He was satisfied when she jumped a bit when she saw him sitting there.

"Milord I didn't hear you enter you startled me," Abigail said with an embarrassed smile.

"I am sorry my sweet Abigail but I was fascinated with your movement while you swept. The way your hips swayed back and forth, I do confess it has made my blood rise. Now what of this early supper at thy Uncles are we still going hither," asked Sir James?

"Oh yes milord if thou wouldst but a little while wait, I will go and fetch a basket with our supper laid milord."

Off she dashed as Sir James smiled slyly to himself and thought it was way past time that he took a wench.

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All the girls of his station expected marriage for a 'roll in the hay' and even then there were none that he had met that he could face to marry. So most of the girls he had were Indian or the two dirt poor white women he'd met and one of them last year was French! What would Pater and Mater say about that he wondered? His father would understand and when he thought of it his mother would too. He missed them very much and wished to be back at the manor again. When Abigail returned with a basket smelling of fried chicken he forgot all about his home.

They left the church and rode off together on Sir James' horse. This would no doubt raise a lot of eyebrows in old Salem but there could be nothing worse said about Abigail that hadn't already been said. The streets were clear as they rode out of town the half mile or so to 'Uncle's' house.

Uncle's house was a two-room log cabin sitting back from the road in a little pine thicket. Sir James dismounted and then turned and helped Abigail down from his steed. He broke a trail through two feet of snow with Abigail tight on his heels. When they entered Sir James made a fire while Abigail laid out a lunch of roasted chicken, baked yams and an apple pie. When he had a roaring fire in the fireplace Sir James return to his horse where he removed two bottles of French wine from his saddle bags.

When he had return to the cabin Abigail had spread a checkered cloth upon the floor as there wasn't enough room on the tiny table and had laid out the meal. She had removed her outer clothing, shoes and stocking and laid them by the fire to dry. The sight of her naked feet and legs that greeted Sir James sent his blood a pounding. Abigail; was filling up their plates as Sir James joined her on the floor with the wine. The Uncle had only tin cups to drink from so Sir James opened both bottles and handed one to her complaining that the tin would foul the taste of the wine and suggesting they drink out of the bottles.

After they had finished their meal Sir James looked up at Abigail to see her take a lady like sip of the wine that turned into her taking the bottle most of the way down her throat and back out again, then back down and back up. She then poured a little wine on her hand and began rubbing it onto her breasts. If Sir James had been waiting for a sign he guessed correctly that it was this and leaned across and gave her sweet lips a kiss that seemed to last forever. When he pulled back and gazed into her eyes she whispered words of love in his ear and after a time or a few times later he whispered his love for her. It was long past dark when he rode her back home.

When they had parted he turned his horse for Lord Powell's estate and thought to himself about the days conquests. He wasn't surprised that she wasn't a virgin. Sir James knew the ways of Puritan men. Men who to the outside world were models of moral codes but who behind closed doors went from bed to bed making love to wives, daughters, cousins, servants and oft times sons and male servants as well. Abigail had mentioned something to the effect that her father had instructed her. Even as randy as Sir James was lying with ones sons and daughters made his stomach turn. His mind wandered from her breasts to her thighs and her lovely behind so he didn't see that blue eyed wolf in the middle of the road until his horse reared up almost causing Sir James to fall off backwards. By the time Sir James had realized what happened the wolf had trotted back into the under brush by the roadside.

Sir James charged off the road in pursuit but quickly lost the trail, as it seemed to disappear before his eyes. Cursing the creature Sir James regained the road and went off at a cantor toward Lord Powell's. He saw Lord Powell's fifteen minutes before he arrived. Lieutenant Foxx had been busy having his troops make torches that totally surrounded the estate.

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There must have been one hundred along the outside and inside walls. As Sir James rode into the yard he found a dozen men on horseback waiting to the side of the stables for the Lieutenant. By the time that Sir James had dismounted and handed his horse off to the stable boy Lieutenant Foxx, his Sergeant and Lord Powell rode up together. Sir James joined them with the dragoons. "Going for a mid-night ride Lieutenant," Sir James asked?

"No sir just came back from one. I was just showing Lord Powell the improvement in security we've made Sir James," said the Lieutenant.

"Very good Lieutenant carry on," replied Sir James. And with a nod to Lord Powell went in search of the cook. For some unknown reason Sir James was hungry! He got a bowl of a beef-stew that seemed very tasty for a change. Lord Powell's cook for the most part had never heard of spices and cooked everything very bland. Sir James went up to his room to find Patsy cleaning and polishing Sir James dueling pistols a fine matched Dutch pair and his dagger which was certainly sharp enough to shave with. After his bowl of stew it was all Sir James could do to stand still so Patsy could undress him. Moments later he was fast asleep and snoring off the wine.

When he awoke the next morning feeling better than he had in weeks he put it down to finally getting a good nights sleep. After breakfast he spent the rest of the day doing one final check on all the security precautions. When he had gone over everything again and again and could find no flaws it was well past dark. He took a light meal with Lord Powell and Lieutenant Foxx and discussed all of their plans one more time. When all was satisfied that all was in order he bid them a good night and went to bed early in anticipation of the day and night to come.

After his breakfast and toilet Sir James put on his best uniform. He included his dagger, sword, two pistols and just to make sure he carried the Pennsylvanian Rifle. Sir James had decided to spend the day with Lord Powell. He would not let Lord Powell out of his for a moment. He knew he wouldn't have to worry until the sun went down but stuck close to Lord Powell all day long just the same. Even with forty men guarding Lord Powell Sir James wasn't taking any chances. With fifteen men on the inside of the house and the other 25 outside they were as ready as they could be. When the sun went down the outside and inside of the house lit up bringing a false daylight to the area. Anything or anyone trying to get inside would quickly be spotted and caught.

Just before moon rise Lord Powell suggested that they go upstairs to the room overlooking the front gate and take seats to wait to see what happened. Sending two men upstairs ahead of them to look for any intruders in the rooms Sir James and Lord Powell waited for the all clear word. When it was called down Lord Powell with a large candelabrum in hand lead the way.

Up the large staircase and down the hall to the last room on the right. Lord Powell opened the door and stepped through but before Sir James could join him the door slammed shut and locked itself. At once the candlelight's that had been spilling out under the door turned too red, then green and the too bright blue. Sir James called immediately for the six soldiers standing in the hallway to break the door down. Together almost as one they slammed their bodies and then the buts of their muskets into the doors but it moved not an inch. While the soldiers tried to bash the door down Sir James ran down stairs and out the front door and grasping a ladder he had set to the side for just such an emergency, quickly set it up and began to climb it toward the window.

When he looked in the glass he couldn't believe what he was seeing. The room was gone and in its place stood a road leading to a dock with several ships tied to it.

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On this road for as far as the eye could see came a line of bound, naked Indians. Standing on the dock was Lord Powell.

Before every Indian boarded the ships they stood before Lord Powell and extended their bound arms. Where seconds before they were bound tight in hempen rope suddenly all their ropes fell away and they reached out and took Lord Powell's hand and he scream to the heavens in agony. Then before they boarded the ships they just disappeared only to reappear as part of an ever-growing circle that ran on land and into the ocean too. The Indians in the water were standing on top of the waves. Sir James stood transfixed for a moment and then quickly came to his senses. He pulled a pistol from his belt and grabbing in by the barrel tried in vein to break the glass. When this failed he turned the pistol around and turning his head away fired the pistol into the glass. Instead of shattering the ball bounced off the glass not even leaving a scratch. Time must have run differently because when he looked back the huge line was almost gone and the circle had grown immensely. Finally there was just one Indian remaining and he wasn't bound by any ropes. When he took Lord Powell's hand everything started changing and suddenly there was a bright blue flash of light followed by an explosion that caused Sir James to fall over backwards off the ladder and into the arms of Patsy who had been waiting for his masters below.

Sir James sprang up and ran back into the house and up to the room. Patsy lay on the ground quietly twitching for a minute then seemed to shake it off and was soon following after his master. In the hallway lay the six soldiers all knocked unconscious. When he grabbed the door it opened with a touch and in the center off the room on a stake was Lord Powell's head. The air smelled strongly of ozone and gore. The walls, ceiling and floor were covered in a pink slime. He stood there looking a look of disbelief on his face until he heard one of the dragoons coming around. He turned and closed the door and looked to the soldiers getting up and dusting themselves off in the hallway. Behind him in the room he heard a crash and when he looked in a whale oil lamp had fallen to the floor and had set the room ablaze. He ordered everyone out of the house and had almost made the stair when Patsy reached him. He told Patsy to follow him as he made a dash for his room. He quickly grabbed his journal while Patsy grabbed everything else and made for the stairway. The upper floor was beginning to fill with smoke when they found the stairs and quickly ran out the back door. Within an hour the house was smoking rubble on the ground.

As Sir James was the only witness to it all and anything he said happened would be taken as truth but what to say. Should he tell Sir Charles or the Colonel or the General what had really happened? It went without question that he could not put the truth in the report, no that would never do. And if he told his peers the truth 'under the table' they would surely think him mad. When it came down to it the only one that would believe him once again was Patsy. He told Lieutenant Foxx to write up his report and turn it in and if he needed a report to Boston to make a copy. He finally wrote that Lord Powell shot himself and fell against the door as he did he knocked over a lamp that set the house ablaze. Sir James tried to break the glass but couldn't get inside and had to run around the house to get the troops outside. Lieutenant Foxx had been out side the wall with a squad of dragoons when it all happened and therefore saw nothing. He sent Lieutenant Foxx and his troops back to Boston the next day and awaited the arrival of Sir Hannibal's ship sleeping with the servants in the stable. The H.M.S. Unicorn arrived three days later and took them down the coast to General Hastings camp at Brooklyn.

They arrived at General Hastings camp on Christmas day, a day much like any other. The General was not in camp but had gone across the river to Colonel White's farm on Manhattan Island and wasn't expected back for several days.

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They arrived at General Hastings camp on Christmas day, a day much like any other. The General was not in camp but had gone across the river to Colonel White's farm on Manhattan Island and wasn't expected back for several days. Sir James took the time to try and come to terms with what he thought had happened.

His logical mind sought to find the missing key that would make all this madness into sense but try as he might he couldn't find it. If not for his family he would have resigned his commission and gone home. He was going to be the 8th Earl of Warwick some day so such a thing could never be! He didn't want to end his days as Lord Powell had. In a thousand years no misdeed had ever tarnished his family name and he wasn't about to become the first to do so. He had no problem with his report, it was easy enough to half believe the lies in the report himself and much easier to do so. Lord Powell had in his lifetime committed many sins and in his old age they had come back to haunt him. When he finally came to grips with his past, he took his own life and knocked over a lamp and set his house ablaze, simple as that.

However Sir James had seen quite clearly what he had only glimpsed at Colonel York's death. Quite clearly saw the vision and couldn't get it out of his mind. He knew that vision to be true but if he told anyone of this he would be labeled mad. Oh it would never be spoken of openly but spoke about it would be. A older, wiser, more worldly person would have just marked it off to his current psychosis, stress, that time of the month, the lunar cycle, a thousand and one others and not thought of it again but not Sir James. He could hardly get it out of his mind. He felt responsible for Lord Powell's death, as he knew it was coming and had taken preparations for every contingency. So far as he could tell, there were at least 6 deaths directly related to this red king's horror and that maybe as many as 25 more could be connected as well. There was the Sergeant Major, Major Payne and the 21 members of his troop as well as the two Indians he brought to Sir Charles. The last two he knew in his heart were innocent, guilty only of being cold and putting on the coats that they had found.

They also frightened Sir James to his marrow as he blamed himself for their deaths. What frightened Sir James most was that other than him and Patsy everyone else who had seen the blue eyed wolf had died terrible deaths. Would he be next to dream this nightmare, hear the drums beating, hear the people chanting his name over and over. Then to be found as only a head on a stake.

"Sir James, oh Sir James do come with Patsy. I have found you a billet. Come milord let me get you out of this cold," said Patsy breaking Sir James' chain of thought.

"Yes my good Patsy, do lead the way."

Sir James snapped out of his thoughts and blindly followed Patsy down the lane to a little cabin overlooking the East River. From where they stood the Isle of Manhattan was one big forest. One could just make out where a few long boats and canoes were pushed up on shore. There was a village down toward the southern end of the island and a few scattered farms up toward the north end. A little to the south a 'Ship of the Line' along with two frigates and several of the old race-built Galleons now turned into Merchant Men rode at anchor in the little inlet. A flock of sea gulls wheeled over head of the ships waiting for the cooks to throw tasty bits of food over the side as black smoke poured from their cooking stoves.

He let Patsy take him through the motions trying to forget everything in his life. He stood looking out through the cabins lone window watching the East River flow by on it's way a few miles down river to the sea.

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And from the sea, his mind wandered across the ocean to England and his ancestral home. His parents and his siblings were there. Hell he would even be happy to see his old tutor Mr. Marley. Then there was the lovely Elizabeth, daughter of the Duke of Northumberland.

She was when last he saw her a very comely maid of 14 years. The brightest green eyes he had ever seen set in the softest white skin, surrounded by the brightest red tresses that hung down to her waist. A body as full as a woman's and a voice as pure and sweet as an angel. That was almost three years ago when he was barely 19 and back home before being posted to the American colonies. They had but an evening together and shared but a single kiss. He knew for true the old saying of "A taste of honey is worse than no honey at all." Even before becoming jaded Sir James knew a good thing when he saw it. Funny though until now he hadn't thought of her and now he didn't know how that could be. She would soon be 17 and if he could but play his cards right with her father there would be such a match! A match even his mother would approve of. When he thought of it he realized it was her hand that had brought them together. Funny how the older he became the smarter became his parents in his mind, funny that indeed!

Patsy left but soon returned with a fat roasted duck. One of the cooks has a blunderbuss with which in three shots he acquired no less than 22 ducks for the officer's mess. A rare treat this late in the season as the ducks had all flown south almost two months ago. Could this be a sign of an early spring? Although this wasn't a Christmas Goose it was close enough for Sir James. With the last of his French wine he bade Patsy join him at table for a Christmas dinner and the telling of past Christmas tales at the manor. Patsy gladly joined his master and felt so very close to Sir James as he had in the old days. Almost a brother to his master, although he always knew that could never be but the love he received from Sir James more than made up for it. That love had all but disappeared since coming here. He had truly felt the servant to his master since those days. At least tonight he could see his old friend was still inside of Captain Sir James Wilson 8th Earl of Warwick!

They passed the night making merry, remembering old times and places. By the time Patsy had put Sir James to bed he found himself quite drunk and happy and full of happy thoughts as he passed out by the fire.

Patsy had overslept so by the time the messenger arrived at half past eight he had barely managed to get his master dressed and fed. The messenger brought news from General Hastings. It was the generals wish that Sir James join him and Colonel White for a stag hunt on the Colonels farm this very noon. The messenger waited for Sir James to read the letter and then told Sir James that there was a boat waiting for him and his man to take them over to Manhattan.

Sir James replied that he would be delighted and bade Patsy hurry and pack his bags and fetch hither his Pennsylvania Rife. Patsy soon had all in order and they made their way down the beach to the boat. They left their horses behind and climbed into the long boat and sat at the bow. The messenger pushed the boat out into the river before leaping aboard and they were off. A tillerman sat at the rear while 12 able seamen manned the oars and even against the river they soon were making good time on a straight course for the Isle of Manhattan.

When they arrived two soldiers who had been standing in the woods stepped out and pulled the boat ashore. The messenger led Sir James and Patsy to where three horses were tied where they mounted and turned and rode inland about a mile until they came to a well worn path. They took this north about 5 miles until they came out of the forest and into a large clearing at the end of which was a large house and outbuildings. They rode directly to the house where they followed the messenger inside, having given their horses to the Corporal of the Guard to hold.

"Ah Sir James do come in my boy and take a seat," said Colonel White.

"Yes do come and join us Captain, we're drinking this concoction of Whites. Something he calls coffee," added General Hastings.

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"Yes Sir James you must have a cup, said Colonel White as nodded to a servant who poured Sir James a cup and then added fresh cream to it as well. A habit I picked up in Genoa and Athens. A drink much favored by the black-a-moors."

Sir James took a sip and although it was a bit bitter tasting, smiled toward the Colonel and took another sip.

"Perhaps thou wouldst take sugar with it as well?" inquired the general with a smile.

Many prefer it that way he continued as he placed several spoonfuls in his own cup.

Sir James was happy to follow Lord Hastings example and found that this bitter brew could taste quite pleasant. He noticed a little change in his perception too.

"Well Sir James we're going on a little Stag hunt this afternoon. I thought t'would be a lark for milord Hastings that my poor farm could afford and when we heard of your arrival milord insisted that you join us."

"Yes Sir James I remember well such a hunt upon your fathers estate when we were in our youth," replied the general. A midnight ride across two counties with your father spearing the red stag through its heart. I'll ne'er forget that night if one hundred I live to be! I remember the beer was young and sweet and so were the wenches! I fear the Colonel and myself aren't up to riding with spears alas so we will be using matchlocks instead," said the general with a sigh.

"Ah yes milord Hastings I have with me this day brought my Pennsylvanian rifle an amazing weapon indeed sir!"

"Yes I seem to remember a report of a young Lieutenant who was reported having shot a Penobscot shaman at 600 paces who was about to stick his Majors throat with a spear? Do you know anything about that Captain?" asked the Colonel with a smile.

"Yes I too recall reading such a report Sir James, I thought this Major Sizemore's report of a ball through the heart a bit far fetched myself Colonel White," chimed the general.

"Yes milord's that was I but it could not have been much more than 500 paces. And to tell the truth I was aiming at his head. The ball dropped almost a foot, from that point I've always increased the powder a bit and now it hardly drops 2 inches at 500 paces."

"I've said it before and I'll say it again. This new shoulder musket that they're calling the Brown Bess seems to me out dated before it's even begun. The accurate range, of which I'm told, is barely 50 paces. If we came up against an army equipped with these 'rifles' I would fear for England. Fortunately we are the best equipped army in the world," said General Hastings.

"Perhaps I'll leave the hounds in their kennels today and we can stalk the wily hart. Yes I know a couple of likely spots where the herds might be. Come we'll pack a meal and a case of wine and make good sport this day," announced Colonel White with some vigor.

And so it was settled and after another cup of coffee they were off to the wilds of Manhattan. They followed a trail north of the farm and as they approached modern day Harlem they dismounted and left the horses with their servants and made their way up a small hill.

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They approached from down wind and when they reached the top they looked down on an old Indian orchard where about a dozen deer were feeding. As rank has it's privileges the General was given the first shot but as they were about hundred paces away they would have to get closer if they wanted to succeed. Sir James could have taken anyone of the bucks in the herd but knew better than to fire before the General and Colonel. They crept closer and when they were seventy-five paces away the deer heard their approach and began to bolt. Off they bounded and ran about three hundred paces before they stopped to look back to see what had made the noise.

"Well Sir James let's see what your Pennsylvanian rifle can do at this range," said the General.

It was hard enough just to see the deer from this range must less shoot one but Sir James brought the rifle up and took careful aim at a large buck standing at the back of the herd. When he had adjusted for the distance and the wind he held his breath and fired. The deer all looked in his direction but nothing happened, had he missed his shot? The General looked at the Colonel and then they both turned to look at Sir James as the buck suddenly collapsed and fell over.

"I say, good shooting Sir James," exclaimed Colonel White in amazement!

"Yes my boy, a good shot indeed," added the General.

They were soon joined by their servants who made straight away for the deer and soon had it gutted and placed over a horse. The officers sat under a huge old oak tree and had their meal and drank several bottles of wine as they chatted about the colonies and the place in them for a bright young fellow such as Sir James. After their meal and about an hour of heavy drinking they finally offered Sir James the command of the troops at Plymouth as they announced that Sir Charles had been promoted to Major and was off to become military governor of the Pennsylvania territories at Philadelphia. As they drank the last bottle of wine Sir James was ordered to return to Plymouth on the morrow and assume command from a Lieutenant Jackson.

They rode back to the Colonel's where Sir James was offered a bed for the night which he refused saying he had a lot to do before sailing in the morning and begged his leave of the Colonel and General. The General gave him the deer to take with him and soon Sir James and Patsy had made their way back to the long boats and the East River.

They crossed the East River without incident and made their way back to the cottage. As Sir James relaxed Patsy took the deer to the officer's mess to be butchered for dinner and then returned to see to Sir James' needs.

An out right command of his own, Sir James was very pleased indeed. In fact so pleased that he wrote both his father and mother a letter telling them of the promotion and filling in his father about his discovery's in the murders and his remarkable shot this very afternoon. When he was done he had Patsy run his mail down to the docks where a new ship-of-the-line HMS Reliable was waiting only for the tide to turn to set sail for England.

Patsy got there just in time and was assured by the 1st mate the letters would be delivered.

When Patsy returned Sir James was just finishing his journal entries and bade Patsy return to the officers mess for the evening meal. Patsy wisely brought dinner for two back to the cottage and managed to wolf down his supper before beginning to repack Sir James baggage for the return to Plymouth. After his meal Sir James had Patsy help him get undressed and was soon asleep snoring loudly. Patsy then finished his packing. Then cleaned and polished his masters three pistols, his Pennsylvanian Rifle, both his sabers and his dagger were sharpened and cleaned.

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He then swept up and cleaned the little cottage as well before falling asleep on the floor by the fireplace.

By the time the cock crowed Patsy was just returning to the cottage with his masters eggs and sowbelly strips and tea as well as tea and toast for himself. After he had his master dressed he left Sir James and went in search of the HMS Unicorn, which had just returned from the New Jersey shore, landing fifty soldiers on some mission. They were taking on more troops and supplies for the Maine colonies. As soon as he had talked with the 2nd mate Patsy returned to collect Sir James and his baggage as the ship was to sail within the hour. Patsy soon had the horses packed and they made the ship with ten minutes to spare.

Captain Swift greeted Sir James and offered again his cabin for Sir James' pleasure. As it would be a full days sail around the Long Island and up the coast to Plymouth Sir James gladly excepted Sir Hannibal's offer. He left Patsy to attend to the horses, baggage and such and sat himself down by the cherry fire in the Captains cabin.

The HMS Unicorn threw off her lines and was pulled out into the river's swift current and made her way under sail to New York Harbor and headed east into the ocean and around Long Island. A strong westerly wind made the ship strain under the sail and race along barely skimming the waves. Why this ship must be doing 15 or 16 knots thought Sir James as he looked out the windows in the cabin and watched the ships wake.

This new breed of ship is so much faster than the Caravels or even the Race-built Galleons. This new Century with all it's new ideas and learning was very exciting. Sir James had seen both the new telescopes and the new magnifying glasses. This new practical Rifle. Even this very New World! The reports of large deposits of gold and silver just beyond the new Ohio territories. Was there ever such a place and time before that offered so very much for any young man to come and take for his own? Limitless land, resources, and a native population just ripe for exploitation. Yes this new 18th century must surely end in glory for himself, his King and country. The more Sir James thought about it the happier he became. The future looked very bright indeed. He was on his way to assume his first command in Plymouth. He had certainly scored some points with General Hastings and Colonel White yesterday. Yes life was good!

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HMS Unicorn sailed on all that day and well into the night until just after dawn when they arrived off of Plymouth and made their way easterly into the harbor and to the dock. Sir James was met by his new executive officer Lieutenant Jackson.

Lieutenant Sir Lewis Jackson son of Sir William 7th Earl of Kennsington was fresh from England arriving on a storm tossed ship just the week before. Sir Charles had given him a brief run down of current affairs before taking all of his officers and the Sergeant Major with him to Philadelphia yesterday morning. Leaving behind the Lieutenant and a company of infantry and two squads of dragoons in his charge until Sir James arrival.

Sir James clasped Sir Hannibal's hand and thanked him again for his help and kindness and reminding him that whenever he was in port to come and let Sir James repay these many debts as his guest. Sir Hannibal assured him that he would as Sir James reminded Sir Hannibal of himself at that age as he had begun to look at Sir James not only as a kindred spirit but also as a son. Lucky indeed is a man who has a son that agrees with him on most subjects!

Sir James watched Patsy walk his horses from the deck to the dock and oversee the unloading of supplies and Sir James baggage. Sir James then turned and saluted his host and turning took the salute from Lieutenant Jackson as he walked down the ramp to the dock.

"Sir James, I'm Lieutenant Sir Lewis Jackson reporting to you for duty sir."

"Welcome Sir Lewis, this is my man Patsy and you are my new XO. Very good I'm sure we will work together splendidly. Have you your orders," asked Sir James?

'Yes sir," replied Sir Lewis as he handed Sir James the papers and waited as Sir James scanned them briefly and returned them to the Lieutenant.

"So you attended Eaton, eh? I myself did attend as well as Sir Charles, ah Major Campbell. I was two forms above you and Major Campbell was three. We shall have to open a bottle or two and remember our golden days upon the playing fields Sir Lewis."

"Why thank you very kindly sir, I will look forward to that day. Now if you would but follow me Sir James I'll take you to your quarters."

"Lead on McDuff, lead on," jested Sir James.

With a smile on his face he allowed the Lieutenant to lead the way with Patsy bringing up the rear with the supply horse in tow. At the end of the dock stood a squad of infantry waiting the officers arrival. They fell in behind Sir James but in front of Patsy who was pushed to the end of the line. As they rode through town and over to the military post people on the street stopped to watch the parade walk by. The men touching their hats in salute and the young women smiling and flirting with the young men in uniform much to the chagrin of their doting mothers who were embarrassed by such behavior from their daughters. Yes thought Sir James life is good. It was only when he approached Sir Charles' old house that he saw the tree in back of the house, now hung with four bodies. As suddenly as his smile had appeared it now disappeared as he remembered too much. His own ghosts had come back to haunt him as he relived their death throws upon that tree.

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Sir Lewis noticed the change come over Sir James as they passed the tree and rode to the front of the house and dismounted.

"I see you noticed our guests Sir James. They were a bunch of murdering thieves who mutilated their victim's bodies after stealing everything they could find. Sir Charles hung them two days ago so you wouldn't have to do it, said the Lieutenant.

"What do you mean by mutilating Lieutenant," asked Sir James?

"They carried their money in purses made from human skin. When they were caught they were skinning one of that families little girls. There had been six of them but two were taken out and drawn and quartered by a group of angry relatives. This group had been killing their way north from Charleston in the Carolinas. When word spread they were captured people came from four colonies to watch the hangings. There were several thousands of people here just two days ago. I've never seen such gaiety Sir James. And to top it off they hung them twice. First they hung them and when they had almost strangled they let them down and gave them vinegar to revive them. When they had come to their senses, much to the delight of the crowd they hung them up again!"

"See to it they are cut down and buried at once Lieutenant. I'll not have that meat hanging on my grounds. When that is complete come to me and we will speak more of this," said Sir James.

The Lieutenant led the soldiers off to bury the dead while Patsy unloaded the packhorse of Sir James' baggage and Sir James just stared off into space. He was still lost in thought when Patsy returned for him after unpacking his bags and brought him into the house.

"Come along with old Patsy milord, before you catch your death of cold," said Patsy as he steered his master inside to a chair in front of a roaring fire. He poured boiling water from a kettle into a cup with a large pinch of tea leaves in the bottle and sat it beside Sir James chair on a little table. He set the kettle down and picked up a blanket and laid it in his master's lap.

Sir James hadn't heard a word Patsy had said, in fact wasn't even aware of having come inside. He was lost in thought of the two Indians he had caught and brought to Sir Charles. As soon as he had seen Alderman's head on that stake he knew deep down inside that the two Pokanokets were innocent. Now he relived every excruciating detail of there slow strangulation. Every sight, every sound, every smell, every nuance of that proceeding played across his mind. Then suddenly he was sitting in front of a fire, not having a clue as to how he had gotten there.

"Come drink your tea before it gets cold milord," said Patsy.

"Yes, thank you Patsy, said Sir James absent mindedly as he picked up the cup and saucer and drank the cup down. That certainly hit the spot, thank you my good Patsy."

Just then there came a knock upon the door and when Patsy opened it there stood Lieutenant Jackson. Patsy bade him enter and took him to the study where Sir James sat in front of the fireplace. When Sir James heard who it was at the door he put the cup and saucer down and pulled the blanket off of his lap and tried hard to focus his thoughts.

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"Ah Lieutenant Jackson do come in and take a seat here by me and warm yourself in front of the fire. Patsy do bring the good Lieutenant and I a goblet of brandy. That should take the chill off, eh Sir Lewis?"

"Yes milord Wilson, I think a goblet would do the trick," replied Sir Lewis.

"Please Sir Lewis, call me James."

"Thank you Sir James, I will."

Patsy returned carrying a silver tray, with a silver and glass decanter and a pair off silver goblets with a golden device in the form of the letter W. He placed the tray on a table between Sir James and Sir Lewis, bowed slightly for Sir Lewis' sake and left the room.

James poured rather stiff drinks for the Lieutenant and himself and handed one to Sir Lewis and then picked up the other goblet and offered up a toast to, "Good Queen Nan."

"To which Sir Lewis replied, "To Good Queen Nan," and then added, "From what I've heard Sir James methinks our lady would approve this toast of brandy!"

"Yes Sir Lewis if what Lady Churchill says is to be believed? To tell the truth my father confirms Lady Churchill with his own eyes on several occasions. I heard as much from the Duke of Cornwall's brother, Lord Powell. But so much for Court gossip, said Sir James dismissing talk of the Queen. Do tell me Sir Lewis all about the murderers that were 'hanging around' when first I arrived!"

"Ah the 'Whitehead Clan.' Well, Sir James, where to begin? From the little I was told they seemed to have arrived in the New World but two years ago in the Carolinas and ever since they have been making their way north. Killing and robbing as they went and doing the most despicable things one could imagine! There was eight of them originally, all brothers and cousins from the East End of London. They came as 'seven year bond servants' but once they arrived they killed and robbed their master and made their escape. They had been living in Providence and suddenly left, the next day a prosperous Miller and his family were found robbed and butchered in the their house. The Miller's relatives figured out who had done the deed and went after them. They found them at Applebee's Inn on the Providence post road. The eight were at table when the Miller's relatives arrived. A fight ensued and when it was over two of the killers were dead and two more were held prisoner but the other four escaped. They made their way to Plymouth where Major Campbell and a squad of men ran them down and brought them in for trial. That was three weeks ago and they were held in the stockade gaol for three weeks to allow the families of the victim's time to make the trip to attend. The Major lectured the Miller's family about taking the King's business into their own hands but then let them go. People came from as far away as New York to see it. As fine a spectacle as was ever seen on the docks of London I'd wager!"

"Tell me Sir Lewis about these despicable things you mentioned. I have of late been looking for a murderer or murderers who may in the like butcher their victims. If they could be one in the same it would remove a lot of pressure from me. Not to mention feather my nest in certain circles. Pray what were these despicable things that you mentioned. Leave out no detail no matter how small. I may yet solve the murders and put to rest the fears of my Queen."

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"Well Sir James if you must know be forewarned it is not a pretty tale. You know they kept their money in purses made from skin sliced from their victims. They also cut the hair from the scalp of the women and girls and wore their hair atop their own heads. They would torture, rape and murder the children in front of the parents and then the wife in front of the husband before killing him. This Miller's family from Providence town was found sitting at table dressed in their finest clothes. From what was said at the trial this was a pattern from Charleston to Providence and almost to Plymouth. They were when captured planning the death and robbery of a prosperous local merchant a Silas Bradbury."

"Were the victims found always so, sitting at table," asked Sir James?

"No in the Virginia colony a family was dressed all for riding and were found tied astride their horses, replied Sir Lewis. There may have been other ways but none I am aware of Sir James."

"Were any found decapitated with the head set upon a stake?"

"I know not of any such occurrence Sir James but that they would scalp the women and wear their hair about as their own."

It was at this point that Patsy returned to announce that a light lunch was upon the table.

"Please come and gnaw a bone with me Sir Lewis."

"I would be delighted Sir James."

They followed Patsy out and into the dining room. Upon the table was laid a leg of boar, a fresh loaf, a wheel of sharp cheese and a large bottle of port wine. Patsy carved and served the boar, bread and cheese and then poured both a cup of wine.

Sir Lewis had given Sir James a lot to think about and consider. However he soon came to the conclusion that they were not in fact one and the same. He had seen the truth and although he hadn't made mention of his 'vision' neither had the Colonel or General made mention of the murders. Perhaps he had been relieved of that duty; in fact he was sure that the General would assign someone else to the investigation. He had more pressing affairs here in Plymouth.

They made small talk over the pig both thinking about what had been said. Sir Lewis wondering about this talk of decapitation and who was murdered and how. Sir James was still grasping at straws, wondering what else he should ask? Finally they were both finished and as Sir James reached for the bottle of Port to pour them another cup, Sir Lewis stood up and said," I must beg off Sir James. I am the duty officer this afternoon and must to the stockade now go. I thank thee kindly for inviting me to table and I hope I have answered your questions? If there is anything you require Sir James please let me know and I'll see to it at once." So saying the Lieutenant snapped to attention and held a salute until Sir James returned it.

"No Lieutenant, that is all I require of you at this moment. Please do carry on with your duties Sir Lewis. I'll be along to the stockade in a while. I have some errands to attend to first."

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Sir James watched the young Lieutenant leave and thought to himself had he really ever been that young? It was obvious that the Lieutenant was just about drunk on a cup of wine and a goblet of brandy. The Lieutenant was just two years younger than himself but a world away in maturity. In the last two years Sir James had seen and done things that the Lieutenant would never do or see. Of course Sir James hadn't come over as the alcoholic that he was fast becoming. He had earned his addiction trying to forget what he couldn't. He no longer wondered why the brass drank as much as they did. He couldn't imagine what they had seen, felt and lived through, or would he want to. His own little hell was quite enough for him, too much really. He longed for his fathers house and the peace and security we'd found there. Oh no one would ever know these feelings. He would go to his grave with that certain swagger he had adopted but it was false. He wondered how many others were doing the same thing and he realized that most important men probably were. How could any man go to war and not me effected by all that you saw? The horrible ways to die, the shear heroics by many, the destruction and agony. War enveloped everything that was good and bad in man and in two short years he had seen it all.

His helplessness to prevent Lord Powell's death had effected him greatly not to mention the vision that he saw. Unlike Colonel York's death that he glimpsed fading away, he saw Lord Powell's death crystal clear. In a couple weeks time the murderer would strike again but who was the murderer? There had been an Indian standing beside Lord Powell and he had the same bright blue eyes as the wolf. He also knew that like the wolf the Indian was no mortal man. There was magic about this place that he no longer could deny. He had felt it in the grove of trees outside of Northwood. Felt it prick along his spine when searching for Major Payne. Had heard and seen it pop and crackle the night of Colonel York's death. It shook him to his core in and around Salem and the vision convinced his Id if not his conscious mind that whatever was happening was not of this earth and there was absolutely nothing he could do about it.

Then there was his logical side that said his vision was but his inner mind playing tricks on him or perhaps that rye bread had been purple or the wine drugged? There were no ghosts involved but mortal man and his own guilty imagination. This logical self wanted nothing more to find this monster and bring him to the King's justice. Those hanging men had been real enough. His decapitations seemed almost normal, a nice clean death by comparison. Perhaps a rogue Scotsman with a Claymore sword or a Frenchman with an axe to grind was the killer? If he could fine the one common thread that lay behind these killings he might find who the killer is. They had all been somehow connected to The Puritan Wars of the 1670's. That he realized was close but not the entire connection. He wondered if he would ever know the truth.

He had that feeling again this morning when he listened to the Lieutenants tale. What was that mans man's name again, Silas something? Yes Silas Bradbury a Puritan elder no less. Where better to look for an explanation than from those who started the war? He would this day pay a visit to elder Bradbury and under the guise of inquiring about his near brush with death and see what he could see.

Sir James arose from the table and called to Patsy to see about his horse as he leaving. While Patsy went to saddle his masters horse Sir James went to the cabinet and retrieved his brace of pistols and a belt and strapping on the belt he placed the pistols inside the belt. Then he put on his great coat so as to conceal the pistols. On an inside pocket he thrust his dagger as he turned and admired at himself in the looking glass.

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From the beginning when he heard the Lieutenant's tale he had been getting a chill and a prickly feeling up and down his spine. He could sense that there was something very wrong with elder Bradbury. He knew that these feelings meant there was dangerous situation ahead and a wise man should be warned of them. Those feelings had saved his life on more than one occasion and he trusted them completely. They were an alarm bell that sounded before a calamity. If you were alert to them you oft could prevent a tragedy from happening.

Sir James turned and left his image in the looking glass looking at him leaving and left the house to find Patsy bringing his horse up to the door. "Ah, there you are Patsy, good man. I'm off to survey the stockade and my troops, and interview a local man. I shall be back by dark, but if I should go a miss, please inquire after me at Silas Bradbury's house. Be a good fellow and have dinner waiting for me upon my return." With that Sir James mounted his horse and rode off toward the stockade. He would inspect the stockade as well as his men then ride over to elder Bradbury's for a little visit.

The two sentries' at the stockade's gate sprang to attention and held a musket salute as Sir James rode through the gate and into the compound. As he rode to the company office the Corporal of the Guard ran up to him and took his horses reins as Sir James dismounted.

"Lieutenant Jackson is currently where, Corporal?" asked Sir James.

"Ee's inside Sir, with the Sergeant Major."

"Thank you Corporal," said Sir James as walked up the steps to the door and entered.

"Attention," yelled the Sergeant Major and the three officers stood to attention.

"Stand at ease," said Sir James as he returned their salutes. "Lieutenant Jackson won't you do the honors and introduce to me these fellows."

Sir James this gentleman is your surgeon Captain Sir Jonathon Moore and this is Lieutenant Gerald Scot commander of your Dragoons," said Sir Lewis.

"Gentlemen I am Captain Sir James Wilson, I have been ordered to assume command of this unit by General Hastings and I hereby do so. I would first like to inspect the premises and the troops so Sergeant Major if you would fall the men out and call them to attention we will proceed."

The Sergeant Major screamed, "Yes sir, at once sir" and was soon gone from the room.

"Must he scream so loud?" Asked Sir James in jest, breaking the ice with his officers.

The three young men chuckled at this and Lieutenant Jackson said, Yes Sir James Sergeant Major O'Hagen should have sang opera instead of serving in the army."

"Stand the Irish strong Sir James," chimed in Captain Moore.

"Stand the Irish back milord's," replied Sir James with a grin as he held his hands over his ears.

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Sir James spent the next hour inspecting the stockade and his troops. It was the same old walls, rooms and for the most part troops that he had seen many times before with Sir Charles. This time however they were his, his first real command, his first real keep. If Pater and Mater could only see him now he thought, not to mention the lovely Elizabeth and her father the Duke!

He scheduled a meeting for tomorrow morning with his officers to hear their reports on their men, equipment, and supply needs and a complete inventory of their departments. He chuckled to himself at the beehive of activity he had created. In reality Sir James wasn't all that spit and polish but it helped to put the fear of the old man into the troops. He would be a benevolent dictator but a dictator none the less! So amidst much shouting and dust Sir James rode out of the stockade and over to the dry goods store of Master Silas Bradbury Esq.

From what he'd heard of Master Silas he was a church elder, pillar of the community, a family man, a man of commerce! So why did these attributes cause a shiver to run up and down his spine? He rode back down to the dock where HMS Unicorn still took on cargo for the trip back to England loaded to the gunwales with spoils from the New World for England. Sir James took the salute from four of his soldiers guarding the dock area around Unicorn. Sir James makes a mental note that the soldiers seemed alert and were at their stations. Sir Charles had done a good job just as Sir James had expected. Still with his birthday coming up this month he hadn't done to bad for himself all before his 22 birthday.

Sir James then rode over to the commercial area just up the street from the docks to the dry goods store. "Bradbury's Dry-goods, import-export Silas Bradbury proprietor" a blue and white sign said above an otherwise gray looking building. Sir James dismounted and tying his reins to a post carved in the shape of an Indian Chief entered the building. His opening of the door caused a small bell to ring above the door. By the time he closed the door and turned around he was face to face with a wild man with deep purple eyes and a wild mane of white hair.

"Can I be of aid to thee milord?" whispered Silas.

"You are Silas Bradbury?" asked Sir James.

"I am he."

"I am Captain Sir James Wilson, new commander of his majesties troops in Plymouth. I have recently taken command from Sir Charles and would like to tie up one or two loose ends in the matter of the Whitehead Clan murders. Is there somewhere we could talk in private Master Bradbury?" asked Sir James looking toward several women shoppers.

"Yes Sir James won't you follow me to my counting room. We can in confidence talk openly there," said Silas. He then turned and walked to the back of the store then through a back room and up a stairway and a heavy oaken and iron door. Silas removed a key from a thin chain he kept around his neck. He lit a candelabra and led the way into the room. "Now how can I be of service to thee?"

"Please be open with me Master Bradbury and tell me all that you know about the Whitehead murders. Omit nothing, no matter how trivial. Why do you suppose this clan targeted you and your family? How did they know of you," asked Sir James?

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"I know not Lord Wilson. I suspect it is because of my success in business. I am only thankful to the Lord for saving my family from those killers. Trust in the Lord Sir James and he will protect thee."

"I see Master Bradbury. Did you or any member of your family have any contact with the Whitehead clan?"

"To my knowledge, no we did not. I questioned my sons and daughters, my wife and my servants and no one remarked that they had talked to or had any knowledge of the Whiteheads milord."

"Very well then Master Bradbury I will trouble you no more about this and bid thee a good morning." So saying Sir James turned to go when Silas Bradbury replied.

"If thou are free this Saturday afternoon it would do me honor and give me great pleasure to have you as guest at our afternoon meal. I can promise thee a fat goose and all the trimmings if thou wouldst consent to come and be my guest."

"I thank thee kind sir and would be honored to attend such a feast with thee. At what o'clock should I call and where?"

"At the three o'clock should thy come and to my house which is but a mile along the Providence post road. It would be my honor and fortune to have thee there milord. My two daughters will be there as well. They are of an age and a mind to marry. I have been told often enough that they are very comely maidens. They both shall have a fine dowry of money and several thousand acres of land for their husbands. "

Ah, then I shall be doubly grateful for your kind invitation Master Bradbury. I thank thee again and will see thee Saturday at the three o'clock bell, said Sir James.

It wasn't that Sir James was looking forward to the meal or Silas Bradbury's daughters but it was that he felt that Master Bradbury hadn't told the entire truth. He thought that the truth could be found out, not from the wife or children but from the servants. They knew more than anyone else did about their master's life and ways. Sooner or later he would question them about the Whiteheads and their master. There was something about Silas Bradbury that caused alarm bells to ring in Sir James' mind. Sir James had learned long ago to respect these feelings he had. They had kept him out of trouble on many occasions and when they came he paid attention to them. He was getting one now from Silas Bradbury. Had been feeling it even before he had entered the shop, yes something was amiss here and he would find it.

Instead of riding back to his quarters Sir James road out of Plymouth along the Providence road until he came to the Bradbury house. A large house built in the Tudor style sat far back from the roads surrounded on three sides by large blue Spruce trees. He took his large brass 'spy glass' out and surveyed the estate. Off to the left a few hundred yards away stood what had to be the servants and field hands quarters. A dozen little cottages sat to the side of a few hundred acres of fields now fallow during the winter. Yes Silas Bradbury was a regular country squire of this there could be no doubt. How does a poor man just 20 years off the boat come to own a handsome house, fields and a thriving dry goods business, there was more to Silas Bradbury than met the eye!

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Nor did Sir James have to go very far to find out what that might be. The next morning when he went to the stockade he asked Captain Moore what he knew about Silas Bradbury. The good doctor as it turned out knew quite a bit about him. As was the occasion with an army surgeon in the colonies he was often called upon by the local populace for help in times of trouble. During the Captains five years tenure at Plymouth stockade he had occasion to treat the Bradbury women as well as most of the other prominent women in the area. And from what the doctor had heard and observed there was trouble in paradise.

As to how Master Silas Bradbury made his fortune the rumors were many and rampant. Most centered around attaining a small parcel of land from the Indians as a gift. Silas not wanting to be seen as a piker return the Indians generosity by giving every member of the tribe, every man, women and child a gift of a blanket. Each and every blanket of which contained a rather large dose of small pox. In hardly a year there were no Indians in the area. Silas just helped himself to their lands and orchards. From the timber sales alone he had amassed a small fortune. More than enough to own five indentured servants, a number of Indians who were little more than slaves, that fine house and his booming dry goods business. Then there were the dark sexual secrets he had heard about again and again.

The young half-breed boy of nine years who had been buggered so badly by Silas that he bled to death. That he knew his own daughters from the age of eight. Or his Irish blacksmith who simply disappeared after Silas caught his eldest daughter with him in the hayloft. A pale ashen wife who drank both night and day and who never left the house except for Sunday services and who was always seen wearing black.

The more he learned, the more Sir James smiled to himself about his warning feeling. There was a much more of Master Silas Bradbury than met the casual eye. Of course Sir James observed you could say that about almost any important person in this world. There were two sides to almost any situation and at least two sides to most people as well. He could hardly wait till Saturday afternoon to see Silas in his own 'castle' to see how much of the veneer remained behind closed doors. Perhaps he would see the real man at his ease and find out what he might about the Whiteheads. Not to mention finding out if any of the doctors gossip was true. If any of it was true Master Bradbury might find himself swinging from that old oak tree.

As the day wore on and all the officers had made their reports he took the time to question each in turn about what they knew of the late Whitehead clan and Master Bradbury. He also dispatched a message to General Hastings asking for all information about the Whiteheads and Silas Bradbury. He would have liked to had the reply to his message before he went to dine with the Bradbury's but it might take a week or two to get a reply from Brooklyn. The new frigate was due in from Maine on the morrow as HMS Unicorn was sailing to England on the out-going tide. She would be gone about six weeks and until she returned the frigate HMS Steadfast would take over her duties of running up and down the coast from New York to Maine and back. Running troops, arms and supplies to the various forts, towns and stockades. Another frigate made a similar trip between New York and Charleston. Then twice a year they would lode up and sail back to England with more swag and booty for the crown. The riches of the New World had for centuries gone to Europe to line the treasuries of half a dozen countries. And what with the vast Indian sub continent to exploit England was fast becoming a world leader and soon dominator. It was a very exciting time to be rich and English. If one didn't rock the boat the possibilities were endless. God Save The Queen!

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By the time Saturday finally arrived Sir James was all but certain that there was something missing from the Silas Bradbury puzzle. Dressed in his finest uniform he made to ride off but once again instructed Patsy to come looking for him if he didn't return by dark. Again he took both his pistols and his dagger as well as his sword, he would take no chances. He was being made aware of something evil, something he should fear until he knew what it was. He finished his instruction for Patsy and turned and rode away toward the Providence Post Road.

In ten minutes time he was riding through the heavy iron gates of the Bradbury estate and toward the front steps where a frozen looking boy ran up and took his horse off to the barn. He had barely arrived at the front door when it was opened by a servant who bade him enter and took his cape and hat. A young lady who Sir James took to be Master Bradbury's eldest daughter Anne curtsied before him.

"My lord Wilson we are honored by your visit to our humble abode. Please follow me into father's study and make yourself comfortable. Father is currently busy chastising a servant but will join you shortly. He asked me to entertain you in his absence."

As Sir James followed the lovely Anne he became aware of the sound of screams coming from the back of the house. So did Anne as she visibly flinched at each scream."A serving girl was caught stealing a loaf of bread," she offered as she led the way through the house.

They entered a room that boasted two huge bookcases with more books than Sir James had seen since leaving his father's house. "I see your father is a learned man dear Miss Bradbury. I haven't seen the like of his books since I left England."

"Yes father puts great store in them, he has taught my brother, my sister and myself to read as well. He taught us all to read so we could read for ourselves the good book. Father says that everyone should read the truth so he doesn't commit sins and lose favor with God."

From the hall way came a noise of a crying child and Silas Bradbury as he told her she was very lucky to have such a kind and generous master. Sir James glanced to his right to catch a naked, bloody girl of about 10 years go by followed quickly by master Bradbury.

"Ah my dear Captain Wilson, how good of you to come. I hope my daughter Anne has kept you entertained while I dealt with this little thief? Imagine the nerve of the child to steal from me. Said she was hungry, even though she is fed quite well daily. I remember Sir James when I was but a lad of her age my father took me all the way to London to the House of Detention. Where we witnessed a girl of 11 years hang by the neck for stealing a loaf of bread. I can tell you Sir James that in the twenty minutes it took her to die it made a great impression on me. That child doesn't know how lucky she is to have me as her master!"

"Yes I can clearly see that Master Bradbury. Your daughter was telling me you taught her and her siblings to read the Bible. A very wise and righteous thing to do. Thanks to King James V we can now all read God's words and know his love," replied Sir James hoping that Master Bradbury couldn't hear the obvious sarcasm in his voice. "Yes someday all the world will be able to read English and know God's love for themselves and their families."

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"Why Captain you surprise me. A religious man in the King's service is so rare these days. Tell me Sir James what church do you attend?"

"I was raised in the Church of England master Bradbury. I thought for a while to become a minister but my father would have none of it," Sir James lied. If he were going to get any useful information out of Silas he would have to appear to be someone after his own heart. If Silas knew the truth he wouldn't give Sir James the time of day. "Yes it was my mother fondest hope to have a minister for a son but it is sometimes hard to honor the wishes of Mater and Pater especially when they both have different wishes."

"You were very lucky to have such a caring mother. Neither of my parents even believed in God. I'm sure they are both burning in Hell now for their sins. I was determined not to let my children suffer that same fate. The Puritan Church has been my rock and my salvation, low these many years. I dare not think of where I would be without it. Oh I see that the table is ready and awaits us. Please follow me Sir James."

They left the study and made their way to the back of the house and into the dinning room. There was laid a beautiful table full of fruit and nuts and a very handsome goose.

When they were all seated Master Bradbury said a short grace and then introduced his family to Sir James.

"My lord Wilson I would like to present to you my son Mathew, next to him is my daughter Mary. You have of course met my eldest daughter Anne and sitting next to her my wife Ruth. This is Lord Wilson the new commanding officer of the stockade. We welcome you Sir James to our humble table."

A man and women stood beside the table waiting from a nod from Master Bradbury to serve. With a short nod of his head the woman began to fill the silver plates with great amounts of food while the man poured each a glass of wine.

"I hope our poor table suits you milord, said Mathew" It 'tis but the bounty of our little farm that we eat today. The pears and apples are from our orchard, the bread from our fields and the fat goose from our flock."

"Yes Mathew it is the finest feast I've seen since coming to the New World. I was for a time guest to Lord Powell. His table was poor by comparison with yours. I thank thee kindly Master Bradbury for the hospitality of your house."

"I am well pleased that you like our humble fair. This poor wine is from our vineyard, I hope it doth please thy pallet, Sir James?"

"Yes it does indeed good sir."

"Some would say it was too sweet but we have drunk it for so long now we are used to its flavor."

The meal was a pleasant affair and Sir James started to lose some of his fears by meals end. In fact although she said nothing the comely Anne made much of her eyes and smile whenever he looked her way. He would have to be careful but he knew he would return for her sooner or later, and as it had been a month since Abigail it would be sooner he thought.

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Following the meal the ladies retired while the gentlemen remained at table for another bottle of wine. Silas dismissed the servants and uncorking the bottle did the honors for Sir James and Mathew. "Tell me Sir James, asked Silas, what is your opinion of this New World? How long have you been here and what have you seen of it?"

"Over all Master Bradbury it suits me well. There is much that is beautiful and wondrous. I arrived 3 years ago this May and much have I seen and witnessed. Much that was good but much that was evil as well. Many strange new things have I seen and learned since coming to these shores, the Great Inland Seas, the many different peoples of this land. The many strange and wondrous animals and plants that abound here. The magic of this place sometimes if very frightening. I suppose to someone like yourself who has been here many years or to your children it seems normal enough? I for one some times have trouble sleeping because of all that is new."

"Speaking for myself Sir James I too must agree that this is a wondrous place. I came here as a boy with just the clothing on my back and a desire to build a church where men could be free to worship their God as they would. To be free of Kings and Queens and the Roman church. As you can see I have been rewarded well by God for my undertakings. I have my family, this growing farm, a profitable business and I am an elder in God's house. The magic that you speak of is the devils work. I too have seen it's evil come upon men. That Whitehead clan is but an example. The native heathens have long served the dark one. God has delivered his chosen people to this New World to use it for his glory and to convert the savages to his divine will. I too can not sleep of late. The dark one sends his minions to torment me while I slumber but I will not give in to their wicked ways. I will have the patience of Job, I will not be tempted by old Scratch."

When Silas had mentioned his nightmares, alarm bells sounded in Sir James head. Until that time Sir James had been thinking about how he could bed Master Bradbury's eldest daughter and ignoring what it was Silas had been saying. Suddenly Sir James was all ears.

"Tell me Master Bradbury about these evil dreams that you have had. In truth I have heard several others mention evil dreams as of late and am wondering what yours entails. Are there many dreams or just one dream repeated over and again? How long have you been having them? Have they to do with the native populations?"

"'Tis but the same dream repeated over and anon. The heathen savages abound and do their worst to convert me to their heathen ways. I remember well when it all began 'twas upon the harvest moon they began. Seldom since them have they not come in my sleep to rob me of my rest. As Satan did tempt Christ in the wilderness so have I been tempted by him in this wilderness. I will not give in to the dark one or to his native allies though they rend me asunder. Yea though I die I will find everlasting life and this is my comfort and my strength!"

As he spoke his eyes widen and his voice rose as he obviously became quite agitated by his religious fervor. Sir James had often noted this reaction when someone spoke of his religious beliefs. It didn't matter whether one was a Christian or Moslem or Buddhist or whatever, they all shared the same traits. Perhaps these men of God were right, perhaps not? A professional soldier couldn't be concerned with religion. Most religions said the same thing and one of the most basic tenants was that one should not kill his fellow man. This of course was impossible for a soldier, as it was the soldier's duty to do so.

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Sir James listen to the old man rave on until the bottle of wine was empty then rose and excused himself citing his duty as an excuse to leave. He thanked his host for the hospitality and promised Silas that he would indeed return again to perhaps visit with his eldest daughter much to the delight of the old man. As Mathew saw Sir James to his horse he mentioned that in fact the old man had been of late greatly agitated. His screams in the night had woken the whole house and even the indentured servants living in the little cottages by the fields were kept awake. The whole farmstead thought the master as mad as a March hare. Sir James assured the lad that in a few days time his father would cease ranting at night. He also told Mathew that he would return again by the rising of the full moon to visit his father.

As he rode back to Plymouth Sir James found himself deep in thought over this latest development. Unless this new phenomena was somehow wide spread he was being led by something back into this New World madness. When he sent for the information from Brooklyn concerning the Whiteheads and Silas Bradbury he also asked General Hastings for a clarification of his duties concerning the murders. He hoped that the General would assign someone else to those duties. As he approached the stockade it started to snow again so instead of checking in he decided it to call it a day and rode to his quarters instead. Patsy who had been watching for his master ran out to welcome Sir James home and take his horse.

"Good day milord, I hope you enjoyed your dinner with Master Bradbury?"

"Yes good Patsy I did immensely. The goose was fat and the wine was sweet."

As Patsy took the horse to the barn Sir James went through his luggage until he found his calendar. Accordingly we saw that the full moon was but a few days away. He would visit again with Master Bradbury on that day. What he might do about it then occupied his mind most exclusively until that day. Long did he ponder what might prevent it, whether or not he should tell Silas of his findings or whether to keep his own counsel until that time.

Although the skies had been cloudy for almost a month the dawning of the day of the full moon was bright and sunny. The snow-covered ground was blinding in the bright sunlight. Once again Sir James gathered up his weapons and instructed Patsy to come in search of him if he didn't return by midnight. Then off he rode to the stockade to see to his affairs there. He had finished his paper work and was in the process of leaving for the Bradbury farm when he ran into Lieutenant Scott returning with his squads of dragoons from a patrol along the Boston post road. He bade the Lieutenant and his troops to be prepared to ride out that night on his command. Or to look out for his servant Patsy and to accompany him where he would lead them.

By the time he was ready and on the road to the Bradbury farm it was an hour before sunset. As the Providence post road was well worn down by the heavy wagon traffic he was able to cantor his horse for a way and soon found himself before the farm. He rode up to the front door and tying his mount off knocked upon the heavy oaken doors. A servant opened the door and bade Sir James enter. Sir James asked to be shown to the master but found he was out in the fields but was expected back shortly. While this explanation was going on they were joined by Anne.

"My dear Lord Wilson, please be welcome to our house, that will be all Arthur."

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The servant turned and bowed to Anne then quickly left the room.

"Please follow me milord and we shall wait fathers arrival in his study."

"Why thank thee, my most gracious lady. I wouldst follow such as you to the ends of the earth."

"My dear Sir James thy kind words do stir my heart and turn my head. Would thee like a glass of wine while we wait for father's return?

"Yes, a glass of your vineyards fruit would be most pleasant my dear maid Anne."

Anne left but soon returned bearing a large bottle of wine and a single glass. She uncorked the bottle and poured Sir James a glass.

"Won't you join me dear Anne in a glass or two," asked Sir James?

"I fear father would not approve of it milord. He only allows me to drink a glass at dinner and then only on special occasions."

"Tell me dear Anne what you might know about your fathers sleeping habits of late. What does he say about it?"

"I only know what I have overheard him tell my brother. He has never mentioned it to sister mother or me. Although I have heard screams coming from his bedroom neither he or mother have never said a word about it. Nor has my brother Mathew been forthcoming. When I've asked him about it he will only say that it happened a long time ago and to ask father if I want to know. All I know is that it is getting worse day by day milord. We fear for father's very life Sir James and don't know what to do to help him. At first we thought it was but nightmares that anyone might have but it's something more!"

"Your man Arthur said your father was in the fields but would soon return. Could you take me to him? I fear the sun is going down and before the moon rises I must talk with him."

"If you would allow me to get my cloak I can take you to him. He went to the cottages to talk with the field hands about any Indians they have seen. Father has a great fear of the savages lately Sir James. Please follow me and I will take you to him."

They left the study and moved toward the rear of the house where Anne grabbed her cloak and then decided to kick off her shoes and replace them with a pair of boots sitting by the door. She sat in front of Sir James and placed her naked legs inside the boots giving Sir James a vision of the heaven that lay between her legs. It could have been no accident that she showed him her girlish charms and it set Sir James mind a reeling at the possibilities. As soon as he put this dream business behind him he would return to woo and bed the lovely Anne.

Sir James followed Anne across the yard and into the fields and down the edge to where sat the little cottages. They called first upon one then another and another finding that they had just missed the master. The last said he had rode off toward the barn.

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They returned to the barn and entered expecting to find Silas Bradbury but found only his horse. Sir James looked around and finding even the stable boy absent turned to Anne and placed a gentle kiss upon her lips. He wasn't sure of what her reaction would be but he didn't expect her to all but attack him, showering kisses all over his lips and face. He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her roughly to him and gave her a hug and kiss that she would never forget. Thus entwined with his would be lover Sir James didn't see Silas Bradbury move out of the shadows and raise his walking stick high above his head. He did hear the cry of "All is lost" as the cane came crashing down upon his skull and all the lights went out. Sir James lay perfectly still upon the ground, a large wound spilling blood upon the now screaming Anne and then the straw upon the ground.

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The slaves lay chained together in the ship's hold. One hundred and six prime field hands bound for the slave market in Kingston. They lay quiet after six days at sea. Most to sick and feeble to do anything but moan. So far they hadn't lost any but some deaths were inevitable. After they were sold and the King and his partner had taken their cuts and after he had paid the crew he was in line for perhaps 1500 pounds sterling. Not a bad payday for two or three weeks work. Of course his partner Lord Powell would take in twice that much and the King's share would be half off the top and his 30-man crew would split the rest. The Indians would last two maybe three years in the fields, maybe 5 years as house slaves but all would die due to the heat and the diseases there bodies could not fight. There were seldom any babies born that lived as their mothers would often strangle the newborns rather than have them born as slaves. Therefore there was always a big market for fresh slaves in the Caribbean trade.

There was of course the new slave markets in Africa where tribes fought one another and the losers that weren't killed outright were after two or three trades sold to the Arab merchants who in turn would sell them to the highest bidder. The black slaves could certainly stand the heat but they too were prone to the white mans diseases like the Indians. Their price was often too high for the Caribbean plantation owners to afford even though they tended to last twice as long as the Indians did. As long as the tribes could be milked for their children then the African slaves cost would remain prohibitive and Hannibal and Lord Powell would make their fortunes.

Hannibal had gone as far as to have a doctor on board to help the crew keep their charges alive. Every man of the crew went out of his way to see to the Indians needs and many would spend most of their free time tending to the Indians. Not out of any thought of kindness but out of respect for the all mighty pound sterling. As little as their share of the cargo was, it was many time more than they could earn as 'honest' sailors. Hannibal paid his crew well and he had a very happy ship with a crew that was loyal to a man, something that the British Navy could hardly claim.

And he heard them calling his name as if many leagues away, swift, swift, swift, swift. He began to see them in their chains in his peripheral vision, far away. Swift, swift, swift, swift and the drumming began in rhythm with their chants. In an instant he was on his feet running for all he was worth but there was something wrong. His feet, then his legs were becoming very heavy as if he were running in deep mud. They were coming closer and closer as he ran slower and slower soon he couldn't move at all stuck fast to the earth. With a scream that shook HMS Unicorn he awoke in his bed. His blankets soaked through with his sweat and his hands shaking he arose to face another day. The dream was getting worse if that was possible. It had been months since he'd gotten a good nights rest. He would have to seek the doctor help whether he liked it or not. The doctor could give him a potion that would knock him out into a deep sleep that had no dreams. There was of course a price to pay for a dreamless night, a heavy price. For the drugs that put you out also made you sick and nervous when you awoke. You might go around for several days with your head in a fog. Then it soon became nearly impossible to sleep without them. Still for just one nights rest he was willing to fall under their spell.

The first mate knocked on his cabin door with news of landfall. The coast of Cornwall lay off the port bow. In a few days he would arrive off the Thames estuary and a day later would dock in London. A few days layover as HMS Unicorn was unloaded of her New World treasures and another day to load on ships stores, and passengers and he would set sail again for the New World.

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He had this voyage set himself a task before he returned to HMS Unicorn. He felt a need to return to the house of his birth and see his family a journey he had been putting off for years. He would visit with siblings in the family manor. Not that he had any desire to be with them or had any feelings for the place. All his memories of Swift Hall were bad ones. A tyrannical father, a mother that was ice cold, an older brother who by now must be lord of the manor as surely his father would have died by now. Only his baby sister Rebecca had showed him any love. She was truly the one bright spot in his memory of the place. He had run off to the navy the first chance he got and in 40 years had only returned once. That visit some twenty years ago when he had first made his fortune in the slave trade had proven to be a mistake and he had never repeated it. Now when he returned he seldom left the ship except to visit a grog shop or whore house or the admiralty on official business.

He knew that this trip would be his last one way or the other. He knew deep down that the dreams were a forewarning of what he was sure would be a grisly death. Before he had left for England he had talked with several young officers in Salem and Boston and was well aware of Colonel York and Lord Powells demise. He had heard the rumors of their dreams and knew first hand what they implied not to mention the condition in which Colonel York was found. He had one thing that he had to accomplish something he had to see with his own eyes.

He had met a maiden the last time he had come home and before he left for his ship he had left her with child or so he had been told. He would go see for himself if this were true. If the boy was his and still alive he would give to him the fortune that he had made at sea. If not he would give it all to Rebecca or his brother David if it came down to that. He was convinced it would do him no good. Some 75,000 pounds sterling and change he had in his great trunk. He would lease a great gilded carriage and return as a gentleman to Swift Hall. He would see the great house where he was born and hopefully his son. A little north of Brentwood in Essex stood his fathers estate and the family home for more than 500 years.

Born the second son he was everything his brother wasn't. His brother was handsome, tall and fair with the brightest blue eyes he had ever seen. While he was squat and dark wasn't expected to live. He somehow clung to life and although athletic and bright fell deeper into his brother's shadow as time went on. There was nothing David couldn't do from being the best swordsman to the first in his class achieving everything he tried and never having to work for it. While little Hannibal had to struggle to do anything by the time he was ten his father patently ignored him whenever possible. He overheard his father suggesting that the boy be sent into the clergy, as he had no talents what so ever. It was no wonder when young Hannibal was 12 he made his way the 25 miles or so to the docks at London and signed aboard a man-o-war as a cabin boy.

On his first voyage young Hannibal knew he had found his true home. Taken under the wing of the first mate he soon found himself excelling at everything he tried. Lieutenant Short had kept the boy safe from the crew who had been eyeing the lad for sexual favors since he first walked upon the deck. By the time Hannibal had reached 16 his growth hormones had kicked in and he shot up like a tree going from 5' 2" to nearly 6' so by the time he became a third mate at 20 he was 6' 4" and weighed 18 stone. The good Lieutenant had taught him seamanship, tactics and had paid good sterling to have a French fencing master teach the lad the finer points of a saber. When Lieutenant Short had been killed in battle Hannibal had wept and carried on as if his father had died for in all respects he had.

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With the death of his mentor something had died in Hannibal that would never be reborn. He became sullen and his view of life became pessimistic. Any love he had for his fellow man vanished and when he ran across Lord Powell and his plan to take advantage of the Indian problem he quickly joined in with all his talents. On his first trip to Kingston he made more money than he had in all his years at sea. By the time he had returned home he had at his counting some 50,000 thousand pounds sterling in his chest.

He had at thirty years more money than his father and brother combined. That fact gave him just the swagger that he needed to rub that in their faces. His brother once tall and lean barely stood 5' 10' and must have weighed 20 stone a little short fat man hardly the Greek god of his youth. His father had turned into Methuselah looking far older than his 55 years. His long golden hair had thinned to baldness and what was left had turned white. He walked in a perpetual stoop with a cane. To say that the old man was surprised was an understatement. He at once seem to realize that hurt and pain he inflicted on his younger son and in his way tried to make amends but Hannibal was having none of that. He instead doted upon his baby sister.

Rebecca had grown into a beautiful woman and had taken over the mistress's duties as their mother had gone quite insane and kept for the most part to her room. When he had tried to visit her she had at first recognized him and became almost lucid but within a few minutes all acknowledgements faded away and she never said another word to him. Her eyes seemed to cloud over and she was gone. He never entered her room again.

He road about the shire seeking his old mates but they were all gone. Most killed in the wars or off to the New World. He did come upon a very comely maiden in a tavern one summer's night. Her golden tresses fell to her waist and when her violet eyes met his he fell instantly in love, if only for the night, with her. He knew he must have her no matter the cost. She was hardly of his rank and he was sure they had nothing what so ever in common but she was like a vision of heaven. She was the tavern owner's daughter a Mr. Percival who despite his low rank was very prosperous owning not only the tavern but also the local grist mill as well. All the local lads had courted his daughter but the old man was holding out for someone with a title for his daughter. A ship Captain would do nicely the old man thought and actively encouraged his daughter to throw herself at Sir Hannibal.

Her father needed of bothered for when she first saw this dashing young man enter the tavern she couldn't take her eyes off him. Ruggedly handsome a giant of a fellow with a barrel like chest and eyes that seemed to look to the bottom of her very soul. She fell madly in love with him the first evening. By the time they found themselves alone together barely a week later she all but raped the very happy Hannibal. He was fast falling for this comely wench despite her common station. He proudly showed her off all over Essex and then for two maddening weeks in London. It was he realized, the best days of his life. Never had he felt so happy or loved but it soon came to an end. His ship, which had been stormed damaged, was eventually scraped and sold off as a merchantman. His new vessel was the last of the race built Galleons HMS Formidable just returned from her shakedown cruise. He swore he would soon return for his Mary and promised her that soon they would be wed. He of course never returned for her as her station reared it's ugly head. He had heard the following year that she had bore him a son. Dear Rebecca had come to the docks to tell him of it and how Mary had pined for him. How she had thrown herself at his father's feet begging him to acknowledge his grandson and how the old man turned his back and had her thrown off the estate. His sister had asked him to come and see the child and regardless of what the old man said to marry her and claim his son but Hannibal flatly refused.

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That had been 22 years ago and he had been haunted by it ever since. He had at that time realized a lot of things. One of which was that he had become a monster even more so than his father had. He had often taken solace in the fact that he was a better man than his father was. He knew from that day forward that he was no different and because of his slave trading probably worse and so began his self-loathing and a darkness came over his soul. He could not erase the damage he had done nor bring back the countless Indians he had sent to hell but perhaps just perhaps he could rectify what he felt was his greatest mistake and somehow with the money put things right in this little way. He knew that his Day of Atonement was coming and a part of him although scared to his very marrow sought it out. It would be a major relief to him to pay for his crimes.

He had for the last twenty years or so been the model of respectability in the eyes of his peers. The very model of an English gentleman in more than one way he thought sadly. One did not attain high rank without a few skeletons in their closets and Sir Hannibal had more skeletons than most. He doubted that Charles Stuart or Lord Powell gave their sins a second thought. From what he had heard of Colonel York his sins had come to him in the end as he spent that last three months of his life in terror until at the end he was quite insane. Hannibal felt assured he would face his end with head held high regardless of what was to come. He had seen more than his share of men dying in battle and had been taught well how a man should die, he had no doubt that he would die well.

The little ship picked up inside the English Channel and fairly raced toward its dock in London. He stood at the bow looking out over the waves starring blankly into space with his thoughts for most of that day. He suddenly snapped out of his funk as he noticed a group of porpoises riding the bow pressure wave a few feet below the surface. They always brought a smile to him and he remembered Lieutenant Short then instructing him about them. They were the sailors friend, oft times saving a drowning man and conveying him to shore. Some sailors have sworn that they would have been eaten by sharks if not for the intervention of porpoises that attacked and killed or drove the sharks away by a high speed ramming of the sharks amidships with their noses. They made a happy noise when they walked on the waves and always seemed to be smiling. When came out of these thoughts it was well past dark and he walked back to his cabin.

His yeoman soon brought him his meal knowing not to interfere with the Captain when he was in his trances. Yeoman Caine had served the Captain for nigh on 25 years and was the only surviving member of Captain Swift's original crew. He had been his cabin boy on that first cruise when Sir Hannibal took a sword thrust that was meant for the lad. It hadn't cut him very deep as he quickly skewered that Spanish dog on his saber and never gave his cut a second thought but the lad owed his life to Sir Hannibal and had worshiped his Captain ever since. He knew his Captain was suffering the agonies of hell every night after he went to sleep. He was in charge of Doctor Blakely potion and often talked his master into taking a swallow or two to relieve his pains and nightmares. Sir Hannibal had stopped him from doing so as of late preferring to take the pain rather than the after effects of the opiated mixture. With the white cliffs of Dover quickly approaching off the port side he knew Sir Hannibal would refuse the potion tonight. He would insist on being totally in control when they arrived dockside in the morning. It would be a long night for the yeoman but he was used to long nights with the Captain.

The second mate kept the HMS Unicorn on course and had navigated the Thames estuary before the Captain relieved him a little after dawn.

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Anne Bradbury ran screaming into the night. She had witnessed her father killing yet another man who showed her his favors. The look in Silas' eyes left little doubt that he was stark raving mad. She ran down the road and into the night all the way to Plymouth and to her father's dry goods store where Mr. and Mrs. Duggan, who managed the store slept. Patsy who was nervously pacing outside Sir James' quarters heard her screams as she ran past and followed her to the dry good shop. The young girl by this time was hysterical and that soon transferred itself to Patsy. Patsy knowing what Sir James knew, knew that his master was in big trouble. When questioned the girl thought his master might be dead but wasn't sure but it was obvious from Sir James' blood it was indeed serious. Patsy being not afraid made for his horse to ride to his masters side but came partially to his senses and decided a troop of her Majesties dragoons wouldn't hurt just to be on the safe side and soon had aroused the entire stockade. When they finally calmed Patsy down enough to find out that their Captain was in trouble Lieutenant Scott had assembled his troop of Dragoons and they made their way, riding at a full gallop to the Bradbury house.

They found Sir James unconscious but still clinging to life on the floor of the stable. His head wound had clotted and no longer bled but a quick glance at that awful wound said to most that it was just a matter of time before Sir James would die. As to Silas Bradbury there was no sign. They lay Sir James over and saddle and Patsy with a squad of the dragoons made there way slowly back to Plymouth. Lieutenant Scott surrounded the house and then kicked in the front door in search of Silas. They searched the house from top to bottom but he was no where to be found. Grabbing torches from the barn they spread out into the fields to search for Master Bradbury. As they rode across the fields they saw strange colored lights coming out in rays from the apple orchard at the end of the fields and they rode off at a cantor in that direction. When they had traversed the fields and approached the orchard the lights went out and when they entered they found all that was left of Master Silas Bradbury, his head. On the top of a sharpened stake with the look of supreme agony on his face Master Silas Bradbury had begun to pay for his sins and pay full measure for his lands. A thin coating of pink was all over the ground and trees. Lieutenant Scott pulled the head off the stake and tossed it to his Sergeant and rode off into the night.

Patsy had them carry Sir James into the house and place him gently on the bed. The ride back into town had opened his wound slightly and a trickle of blood slowly oozed out of his skull. While Patsy cleaned and washed the wound the soldiers rode off to fetch the Surgeon. They soon returned with Sir Jonathan in tow then placed sentry pickets all around the house.

Captain Moore had been awaked from a sound sleep into a hang over after splitting the best part of a case of wine with Lieutenant Jackson. He had had just enough sleep to make him feel like death warmed over and had to leave after just a minute to go outside and throw up his stomach. Feeling not much better but awake at least, he made an examination of Sir James' wound. After which he poured a vial of alcohol and laudanum into the wound and then loosely bound it. He gave Patsy a bottle of Laudanum with instruction to give Sir James a large swig of it whenever he might awaken. And instructed him to change the dressing every day but not to make it to tight. He thought to himself that the Captains life would be soon over and made a mental note to contact General Hastings for another commander. He mentioned none of these thoughts to Patsy as the young man seem to be too bright eyed and naive to know the truth. He then sat down at the dinning room table and passed out.

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As the HMS Unicorn came abreast of her dock she tossed her lines to the sailors waiting on the dock and she was pulled the last few feet to her moorings. Four sailors wrenched a ramp in place and she began to disgorge her passengers and cargo. A Captain Grant and a Commander Davies came aboard and walked to where Sir Hannibal stood giving orders to the men. After an exchange of salutes Sir Hannibal turned the duty over to the first mate and bade the gentlemen join him in his quarters.

As the officers took seats around a small table the Commander produced a bottle of wine and proceeded to pour them each a glass. After the mandatory toast to the King and Queen they got down to business. First they received HMS Unicorn cargo and passengers lists. Captain Grant scanned them briefly and nodded his approval to the Commander and congratulated Sir Hannibal on his success. In addition to the other things there was almost half a ton of silver and several hundred pounds of gold from the New Worlds mines, precious metals that would help to fuel British interests around the world. Sir Hannibal could add a bar of gold and five of silver to his bulging chest as his reward. In addition Captain grant produced his new orders for HMS Unicorn. After a brief refit and the loading of cargo she was to resume her station off New England as a supply ship and picket. Sir Hannibal had a week or ten days in England to put his affairs in order before returning to duty. More than enough time to see to his plans before it was too late. He would stay aboard this day and set off for home at first light tomorrow. He spent most of the morning drinking with Captain Grant and Commander Davies who left just before the noon bell.

A cool wind was rolling down the Thames and greeted Sir Hannibal as he left his cabin to see to the unloading of cargo. The last to emerge were in chains were two former members of his majesties light horse who were scheduled to dance from the end of a rope for the entertainment of the passers-by of the House of Detention this very afternoon. As the day was running on a dogcart had been sent for them. It wouldn't due to be late for your own execution.

A naval architect and his assistant waited until the prisoners were loaded and away before climbing the ramp and getting permission from the 1st mate to come aboard. Sir Hannibal had the 2nd mate Lieutenant Borman show them around the ship. This new design was still being tested and redesigned. The Admiralty was very staid in their ways and the more conservative members looked upon this new revolution in shipbuilding with some suspicion. While no floating fortress like a"Ship of the Line" the little frigate by comparison was fast as lightning and still packed a deadly punch in her cannons. In his forty years at sea Sir Hannibal could truthfully say she was the fastest ship he had ever sailed aboard. Her sixteen to twenty knot top speed was better than twice as fast as the"Ship of the Line" or any other warship that he had commanded. All the old race-built Galleons and Caravels had been or were being converted to roles as merchantmen. A role that most were ill suited to perform. However as in all times the beans counters would have their way even though it would send many of the converts to the bottom when over loaded.

After the architect left and all the officials had gone Sir Hannibal the"camp followers on board for the single men. They had been gathering in front of local tavern some distance away from the ship waiting for the all clear sign to be given. Regardless of the bawdy jokes, homosexuality was officially frowned upon by the Admiralty and by Sir Hannibal in particular. Many a Nancy boy had unexpectedly fallen overboard when the ships were far out at sea. That was why the 'worlds oldest profession' although illegal was none the less allowed in port.

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A blind eye was turned to such behavior as it kept the crews happy while in port and out of other mischief. Although the press gangs were starting to become a common sight around the docks even the brass realized certain behaviors must be allowed. It was one thing to fill a ship's company with whatever citizen happened to be in the wrong place at the right time and quite another to deny men were men.

Sir Hannibal spent the remainder of the day seeing to the arrangement of a carriage and to the counting of his money. He had acquired some 81,493 pounds and nine pence in his travels, most of which could be directly traced to his days as a slave trader. Some 72,000 pounds worth to be exact. That old quote from St Mark came to his mind while he was considering this,"What would it profit a man if he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" Yes what indeed? He now knew that it was better to be a slave than to be a slave owner. He now knew a lot of things but this knowledge came alas too late to save him. He had no doubt that when the full rose in three weeks time he would pay for his sins. He of course could tell no one of what he knew. They would surely think him insane. To be the target of a revengeful heathen god was laughable to most and heresy to the church. He supposed that it was part of his punishment to have no where to turn. He could of course take his own life but there had never been a coward in his family and he wouldn't become the first. Before his time came he would at least try to make amends to his son and to the lovely Mary Percival. He knew he must sleep this night and so by the time the winter sun had set his sleeping draft had left him unconscious blissfully without dreams.

His Yeoman shook him awaked just before dawn as he had been ordered to. Although the day dawn bright it was hardly weather for a bath as the temperature hovered at the freezing mark. Still Sir Hannibal immersed himself in a hot tub and with the help of his man washed everywhere so when he put on his best Naval uniform he looked his very best. As ordered, a stately carriage awaited him dockside and after loading the large heavy chest on board he was soon traveling north out of London toward his family estate and then beyond it to the other side of the village of Brentwood. The fields of Essex lay fallow in the snow in sharp contrast to the dark woods that now surrounded the coach and four. When he came to the crossroads where the Percival tavern had stood he found but a burnt out shell with just the chimneys at either end still standing. He sat looking out the coaches' window for full ten minutes before telling the coachman to take him to Swift Hall.

He sat thinking about how the world changes when you are absent. How almost everything had remained the same but it was the little things that always were different making the familiar surrounding seem somehow alien. He would search all of Essex to find her and his son. He would talk to his sister of this, as he was sure that his darling Rebecca would know if any one did. He had many mixed emotions as the carriage drew nearer to his ancestral home. Happy memories were few but they seem to crowd out all the bad things in his mind. He knew now that he forgave his father for everything and even his mother. He would clasp his brother as he would his best friend and any and all of any nieces or nephews he might have whether sire by David or born by Rebecca. He had spent his life alone at sea and his desire now was for family. He was beginning to see what he had turned his back on. For almost thirty years he had been in command of the life and death of not only his crew but also all that they met. A command is a very lonely thing and although it had never bothered him he felt that loneliness now. The carriage turned into the lane where the great hall sat behind a tree line lane far back from the road. The carriage turned into that lane and after a minute he started to catch glimpses of Swift Hall through the trees. Captain Sir. Hannibal Swift had returned home at last.

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Almost a week had passed and Sir James hadn't shown a sign of coming awake. What had the doctor called it wondered Patsy? Oh yes he said Sir James was in a 'coma' and might or might not ever come out. He had sat by his master side all day and for most of the night until sleep took him. He hadn't eaten for the first day or two until the doctor had noticed and asked about it. From that point on an orderly had arrived from the stockade with a dish of stew and stood by until Patsy had eaten it. Patsy had changed the bandage and bathed the wound twice daily until it no longer seemed red and swollen but actually was beginning to heal. He had fed his master a little broth and had at first helped him swallow it but for the last two days Sir James had swallowed it on his own. His breath, which at first had been shallow and had seemed about to quit, was now deep and regular. These were all good signs the doctor had told him but he had also cautioned Patsy that this could go on for weeks or months or forever and even if Sir James came out of it he might not be the same. Regardless of what the future held for Sir James Patsy would remain at his side until the end.

BY now the word had gotten back to General Hastings at his camp in Brooklyn and the General had made plans to visit Plymouth. He had gotten the full report from Lieutenant Scott and had placed him in temporary command pending Sir James recovery. That message had yet to arrive back as it was being sent overland as there was no ship sailing towards Plymouth from New York at the moment. The northern picket ship was currently in Maine off loading supplies and troops and wouldn't be back in Brooklyn for another three weeks. It would arrive at about the same time HMS Unicorn should return from England. Lieutenant Scott had ridden the barely open roads from Plymouth like a mad man to report to the General. A snowstorm on his return trip had trapped the Lieutenant in Providence for what would be another week. Meanwhile Patsy worried and fretted about like a mother hen.

Plymouth had been quite shaken by these events. A church elder and community leader had gone quite mad and had brained the young Lord with deadly intents and then had been decapitated by the Army or so many believed, no matter what the Army had said. Silas Bradbury or his head had been buried and given absolution. His son had taken over the reins of the family and their business interests while the eldest daughter had gone quite mad with grief. She had tried on several occasions to see Sir James until her brother had her locked in her room were it was rumored she spent the live long day screaming and shouting and pulling her hair. The whole town was abuzz with gossip and innuendo. The church itself was taking a neutral stance, as the Bradbury family was still quite powerful.

In Lieutenant Scott's absence Lieutenant Jackson had taken command and had increased the military presence all around the Plymouth area. He had arrested the field hands and Indians that lived at the Bradbury place and had them all locked up in the gaol to be interrogated by either Sir James or Lieutenant Scott upon his return as they were suspected of killing their master. He had declared Marshall Law until further notice and kept a keen eye and an iron fist on the Plymouth area. There would be no more of this nonsense on his vigil. He kept the gates to the stockade closed and barred with sentries all about the grounds. He led a daily sweep through the countryside with a squad of Lieutenant Scott's dragoons and had the other squad on details around Plymouth and at the docks. Sir James had alluded to mutilations occurring such as Master Bradbury's and what with the trouble of that Whitehead clan had caused from the Carolinas all the way to Plymouth he for one would put a stop to this madness. This New World was strange and deadly place and he would survive it to return to England one day.

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The carriage stopped before the tall, heavy oaken and iron doors of Swift Hall. Before his man had opened the carriage door those doors opened and a man fairly sprang from inside and opened the carriage door."Welcome to Swift Hall" the man said, with a low bow to Sir Hannibal."Who may I say has arrived?"

"You may announce the presence of the prodigal son, said Sir Hannibal, I have returned." I am Captain Sir Hannibal Swift of their majesties Navy come home at last."

"Oh my," said the servant as he bowed low again and ushered Sir Hannibal inside."This way my lord. Sir David has gone off to London this morning but Lady Rebecca is this way my lord."

Sir Hannibal felt almost like a child again. All the years faded away as he followed the servant through the great house toward the rear where he remembered his mother would sit in the sunlight at her loom. He did a mental double take as he entered the room and saw Rebecca at the same loom looking just as he remembered his mother as a lad. As they entered the room she looked up from the room and her face broke into a smile and she beamed at his as she ran from chair and hugged him for all she was worth.

"Oh Hannibal you've come home at last. Let me look at you, you do these tired old eyes great joy. Let me look at you! How handsome you are in your uniform. If only father and mother could see you now. Charles bring my brother something to eat and drink and call Thomas and Benjamin and tell them their Uncle Hannibal has returned. Tears of joy were flowing down her face as she beheld her brother. A mist began to build in Sir Hannibal's eyes as well as he looked into those eyes of love.

"I have truly missed you sister," he said as he gently kissed her forehead and gave her a hug.

"Have you retired, have you come home to stay? Children come and meet your Uncle."

Two boys ran into the room and when they saw Hannibal came to an abrupt halt. They were the spitting image of a young David and Hannibal. With Thomas the elder a lad of about 18 years being the likeness of David and Benjamin a lad of 15 years already a head taller than Thomas looking like a young Hannibal. David held out his hand and said,"I am very pleased to meet you Uncle."

And I you lad, said Sir Hannibal and then turning to Benjamin said, And you must be Benjamin?" As he griped the boys hand and shook it and then he reached out and pulled them both to him in a bear hug. He turned his back to his sister so she wouldn't see the tear running down his face. He let go of the boys and rubbing his eye turned to Rebecca and said."Sister you have two fine young lads here and should be very proud of them."

"Oh I am brother, Thomas goes to the army in a fortnight having graduated with honors from Eaton and young Benjamin leads his class at Eaton as well, she said the tears still steaming from her eyes as her smile stretched from ear to ear."

"But where is your husband sister dear, I would meet with him?"

"He's buried in the family cemetery Uncle, said Benjamin.

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ìHe died 5 years ago come May. He was a hero and succumbed to his wounds fighting the Raja of Madras. He was a Major in the Kings light horse."

"I am so sorry to hear that sister, said Sir Hannibal."

"Sir George was a good man and good husband and a good father to the boys. I miss him still; she said losing her smile but then regained it when she looked again on her brother. Tell me brother are you home to stay?"

"Alas no dear Rebecca I have returned upon a mission. Something I was too much a fool to do those 20 years ago. I have come looking for Mary and my son. I went to the tavern but it was gone. Have you any news of them?"

"Nay brother I know not except that your Mary died of the small pox some ten years ago the lad went off then to the sea and sails there still much as his father does. I saw him two years ago and he is the spitting image of you dear brother. You might find him by the name of Hannibal Percival. He was then the third officer on a Man of War sailing out of London."

Another tear ran down Sir Hannibal's face as he heard the news and this one he didn't try to hide."My poor sweet Mary, she deserved better than I. If I could but turn back time dear sister I would do it all different but alas I can not. I will return then on the morrow and seek out the lad. I will this day remain until I have set my eyes upon David. Come lads I have a trunk that I will leave in your mother care, come help me fetch it from the carriage for it is heavy."

The boys followed their Uncle back to the coach and the three of them wrestled the heavy trunk out of the carriage and into the house until they set it at Rebecca's feet. Taking a key out of his coat he handed it to Benjamin and said,"Here you go nephew open this up as I have presents inside for all," Sir Hannibal said with a wink.

When the boy had fitted the key and lifted the heavy teak lid they were astounded by what lay inside. A king's ransom lay before their eyes in gold, silver and precious jewels. Diamonds and Rubies and Emeralds gleamed in the sunlight. He let them gasp for a minute and then said."This I place in your loving hands Rebecca. I give a quarter to you, a quarter to David, a quarter to my son and the rest to my nephews. If I can find him I will send him to you. If my son is not alive you my do with his share as you see fit."

"Brother I could not except such a treasure, surely you must keep some of it for yourself. There must be a 100,000 pounds here," she said with astonishment.

"Hardly 100,000 sister I make it slightly more than 83,000. I will take these two bags of gold coins with me. I must see to my Yeoman retirement as he has served my faithfully for 25 years and I may have to loosen some tongues to find my son with this other bag. The rest I leave to you and my family. I have no need for it for my end dear sister is near. I have seen the signs with my own eyes but don't be sad I have earned it."

"What do you mean brother?"

"I will tell you all when David has returned as it is hard for me to do so and I will only tell that tale once."

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"However lads come with me and I will tell you some tall tales of the New World and the magic that it holds." So saying Sir Hannibal led the boys off around the grounds while Rebecca sat and starred off into space.

"Well Sir James lets take a look at that wound. It's beginning to heal rather nicely. Doctor Moore says it's healing quite well. Yes all the redness has gone out of it. I'll just rinse it off again with this alcohol and then I'll rebandage it. There that wasn't t so bad was it sir, said Patsy to the comatose Sir James?

"No it wasn't Patsy. I barely felt the sting," said Sir James opening one eye and causing Patsy to feint dead away."Oh my poor back," said Sir James as he sat up. Feels like I was run over by a wagon. Come Patsy no time to lie about we have much to do," said Sir James as he slid off the table and collapsed to the floor as his legs gave out underneath him. He shook Patsy awake and said,"Come good Patsy help me up I'm as weak as a kitten."

Patsy sprang to his feet with a grin that went from ear to ear and picking his master up in his arms proceeded to sit him in the overstuffed chair and said, Oh my oh my oh my. It's good to see you awake my lord. They said you'd never wake up again but I new you would!" Let me get you something to eat and drink. I'll boil you some tea and hens eggs. Just sit still and I'll run and fetch the doctor."

Patsy sat his master down and after wrapping a blanket around him ran for all he was worth to the stockade and dragging a sleepy Doctor Moore from his bed brought him in all haste back to his masters side. He then left the doctor with his master as he boiled some eggs and made a pot of tea for Sir James.

Well I wouldn't have believed it Sir James, I thought for sure young Patsy had gone daft. I have only heard of a few cases like yours where those in a coma returned to the living.

"How long have I been in the coma doctor?"

"A week and a day Sir James, you are one lucky man, I can't believe your still alive. A blow like the one you had would have killed most men. How do you feel Sir James?"

"I have a back ache that may yet kill me and my head throbs a bit after sitting up but other than that I guess I'm alright. Tell me doctor, what has happened to Silas Bradbury for he is the scoundrel that attacked me from behind. I have unfinished business with him, he will feel my displeasure on the end of my sword!"

"I wouldn't worry about Master Bradbury Sir James, someone beat you to him and left his head on a stake. He'll bother no one again I dare say," said the doctor.

"Then it was as I feared, he was the next victim. I would have tried to save him from his fate had he not tried to kill me. What has become of his daughter the fair Anne?"

"I'm afraid she is quite mad from grief Sir James. Since her fathers funeral no one has seen her and it is rumored that she sits pining in her room and will not say a word, whether because of her father or because of you I know not," said Captain Moore.

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Patsy entered and sat a plate of eggs and a pot of tea and a cup beside Sir James. He poured a cup and placed on the table and withdrew still wearing a smile from ear to ear.

"Well Sir James I want you to rest and take it easy. Try and stay off your feet as you may get spells of dizziness from time to time. I will drop in on you every morning to check you over, if there is anything you need have Patsy come and fetch me. Oh I have left a bottle of laudanum with Patsy if you need it for pain."

"Yes doctor if you would be so kind to tell Lieutenant Scott to come hither as I wish to speak with him."

"That I can not do as Lieutenant Scott has ridden to Brooklyn to inform the General of your plight and hasn't return as yet. Lieutenant Jackson is in charge of the Stockade in his absence. I will tell him to report to you sir."

"Thank you doctor Moore I would be in your debt sir."

As the doctor left Sir James turned to the plate of eggs and practically inhaled them. Then he drank his cup of tea in one long swallow, poured a second cup and drank it and then called for Patsy to fetch him a chamber pot and another pot of tea. He had finished his toilet and begun to drain the rest of the teapot when Patsy brought another pot and taking both the tea and chamber pots away announced Lieutenant Jackson.

"Sir James I so amazed that you are sitting up. I couldn't believe the doctor good news and had to rush over here to see for myself." How are you feeling milord?"

"I've felt better Sir Lewis I must admit but considering the alternative I feel pretty good and lucky to be here." I understand in Lieutenant Scott's absence that you've taken command of the troops?"

"Yes Sir James I will at once relinquish my command to you."

"Nonsense Sir Lewis I won't be able to take command for a few days at least so I want you to stay in command until I do or Lieutenant Scott returns. Why don't you give me an oral report of what has happened in my absence."

"Well Sir James I have double the sentries in and around the stockade. I've led daily sweeps around Plymouth as far west as far as Applebee's Inn and to the North to the mid-point of the Boston road. I also have a squad patrolling the dock and beach areas as well as the town. I have arrested the Indians and farm hands from the Bradbury estate and have them locked up in the gaol awaiting trial for the murder of Master Bradbury. I haven't declared Marshall law yet but I have kept an iron fist upon the area."

Very good Sir Lewis you will make a fine commanding officer some day. I'm sure in due time you will be a general; you have the foresight and the ability to command. However I want you to release at once the Bradbury servants. They had no hand in Master Bradbury demise. This is what I ask you about before when we discussed the Whitehead clan. I know who's behind this and they had no part. When I have recovered I will do my best to bring the guilty ones to justice. Tell me, is there no one else that you know of who has been acting strangely as of late?"

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"How do you mean Sir James, acting strangely? To be honest I find these people for the most part strange whether they are English, Dutch, German or Natives. This place seems to make all odd and strange. There seems to be an eerie magic in the very air, sometimes it makes the hair upon my neck stand erect and sends shivers down my spine."

Yes there is much truth in your words Sir Lewis for I have felt it too and seen strange things that I dare not tell others of lest they think me mad. That is the worst of all for I know my eyes have not played me false, yet to tell another what I have seen would ruin me. No the strangeness I spoke of would be someone who suddenly can not sleep, has recurring night mares, has been in this land for a goodly time perhaps at least 25 years and probably had some connection to Prince Phillips Rebellion. Know you of such a man Sir Lewis?"

"Nay milord but I shall in future seek such persons out. Is there anyway that I might be of service to you Sir James, said Lieutenant Jackson as he noticed Sir James wince in pain."

"No Sir Lewis that will be all for today. Just turn the Bradbury servant loose and see that they get back home then report to me tomorrow or anytime if any need arises and as you leave send Patsy to me."

ì

Yes Sir James it will be as you command. Rest ye well and I'll see thee again upon the morrow, good day Sir."

"Good day to you Lieutenant."

Patsy enter as Sir Lewis left and soon return with another pot of tea and the laudanum bottle with which Sir James took a healthily pull and smiling at his adoring Patsy fell asleep in the chair by the fire.

When Sir David's coach returned he found the heavy gilded coach of his brother setting beside the great house and wondere4d who could it be. As he alit from his coach his eyes found the tall figure of a man walking with his nephews and knew at once that it was his brother Hannibal. Feeling almost as a boy again he ran across the lawn and all but through himself into the bigger mans arms and giving him a bear hug look up with tears in his eyes and said,"Brother you have come home to us at last."

Sir Hannibal was taken aback by his brothers behavior. He had only remembered a certain aloofness and wasn't expecting the obvious out pouring of love that he was receiving. He looked into his brother's eyes and something that hadn't happened since Lieutenant Shorts death tears ran flowing down his cheeks and he didn't try to stop them. He cried like a baby in his brother's arms and kissing him on his forehead said."David I have missed you most of all. It does these old eyes a world of good to see you one more time." He smiled openly as the tear continued to fall. His young nephews didn't know what to make of it. Their very proper and somewhat stern Uncle David and their heroic Uncle Captain acting like children and both crying like babies. Young Benjamin began jumping and laughing and in spite of his self, Thomas began dancing around these two great men.

"Come my brother I have much to tell you and show you and this is no place for it, come said Sir Hannibal."

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Lord Swift called his man and had him bring them the very best French wine and then sent him off to the kitchens to prepare a feat in Sir Hannibal's honor and excusing themselves from Rebecca and the boys went into Lord Swifts Library an locked the door. It was well passed sunset when they came out and Sir David was a changed man. Gone was joy and happiness at seeing his brother for he know new as well as Sir Hannibal that his brother would soon meet his death and there was nothing to be done to prevent it. For the sake of his sister and the boys he put on a false front and made a convincing show but his heart was breaking inside.

They did that night feast and make merry and no one was the wiser. Sir Hannibal had discovered David's painful past. How he had married the prettiest girl in the land, a cousin to Charles Stuart with whom he had fallen head over heels in love. His father sensing his own death made David the new Earl and retired. There mother had died quite insane and the old man quickly followed, some said of a broken heart. This surprised Sir Hannibal, as he had never thought of his father loving anything or anyone except David. David marriage catapulted him at court to be in the Kings favor a favor that lasted only until the Lady Swift died giving birth to son that was born dead being strangled by his umbilical chord. David went insane from the grief and retire for a year to his rooms and from that day to this no one had seen the slightest emotion out of David. When Rebecca husband had died he went through all the proper motions and did all he could for his sister and the boys but never showed any emotion. In spite of his knowledge David kept up a false front actually grinning when Hannibal danced and made merry with Rebecca and the boys. They ate a feat eating way too much and then sat in front of the great fireplace and told stories to the boys about their youth much to the delight of the boys. At last they succumbed to the beef and the French wine and made their way to bed and for the last time in his life Sir Hannibal had a good nights sleep.

At a hearty breakfast in the morning Sir Hannibal announced that he was off to find his son and said that when this cruise was over he would take the rank of Commodore that had been offered him. He would retire from the sea to the admiralty and would for the most part make his home at Swift Hall. He knew that this would never be but he wanted to leave Rebecca and the boys in a happy mood when he left. Taking two small bags of gold from the great chest he left the rest and after hugging and kissing his brother, sister and nephews took control of the reins from the coachman. He drove the heavy coach out of sight of the great house before giving control to the coachman and taking a seat inside. He had a day maybe two before the Unicorn was ready to sail and in that time he had to find his son or leave a message for him. He had given David papers saying that he adopted his son in order to give him his titles and monies. David had promised to hunt the lad down if Sir Hannibal couldn't find him before he left. He would first go to his ship and then to the admiralty to seek the lad out.

He found HMS Unicorn with a new ships wheel and a new rudder being installed, The engineers explaining it would allow the ship to turn in half it's previous distance. They were set to sail upon the evening tide tomorrow. When he had seen to his duties he took his Yeoman aside and gave him the larger of the two bags of gold and said that he should take this and go buy that little cottage on the Isle of Wight that he had talked so much about. He told him that he was being retired and this was his severance pay. He said that he would take Yeoman Caine upon the town this evening and get properly drunk with him but first he had to try and find his son. He left the stunned yeoman to count what turned out to be more money that he had made at sea in his lifetime.

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At the Admiralty he found that his son was now a third gunnery mate on the man of war HMS Victory. The HMS Victory was the latest ship in their majesties navy a huge fortress of a ship mounting a full 100 cannon on seven decks. It lay at the end of the line in which HMS Unicorn was at the head and so as quickly as he could he had the coachman drive him to the ship. He knew the Captain of HMS Victory Captain Burton and was soon toasting his health in the Captains day cabin. After a while and a bottle or two he asked about his son not letting on about who he was. The Captain directed him below to the top gun deck and he pretended to inspect the guns and the gun crews as he wandered the deck toward his son. There was no mistake the lad was his. He was the spitting image of his father except just a bit taller maybe 6' 5" 18 stone of rippling muscles. The sea agreed with the lad. When Sir Hannibal came to him he snapped to attention calling his crew to do the same. Sir Hannibal inspected the crew, the guns and station and tried very hard not to cry as his eyes drank in his son. He wanted desperately to embrace the lad and beg his forgiveness but he knew he couldn't do that. He had another plan in mind. He would send the lad on a mission to his uncle'a house tomorrow while Sir Hannibal left London forever. He did have the lad show him more of the ship than he was interested in., which was all of it, but he had to drink in his son with his eyes. When he could find no other excuse he finally left the lad to return to his duties and made his way back to the Unicorn with a grin on his face that stretched from ear to ear.

For full twenty years the people in the area around the docks talked of that night when a lowly Yeoman and a Captain dressed in his best raised hell from one end of London to the other. In every bar, Inn and whorehouse along the docks this was seen and as the Captain was paying all in gold everyone was happy that night. Never had they seen a pair such as them drinking and eating and fighting and whoring to the fullest measure and paying entirely too much for the services. A full squad of their majesties dragoons went to the hospital that night and finally slightly after dawn Sir Hannibal left his yeoman with a old friend who ran an inn telling him not to let him out until late that day. For he knew Yeoman Caine would go with him to the end and he would not allow that to happen.

He watched his boy ride pass on a trip to Swift Hall that he had arranged with Captain Burton to send the lad away as Sir Hannibal left port. He took his fine brass telescope and watched the lad ride out of sight over a hill. After he had seen this he passed out and slept for several hours where he sat. It was the chanting of his name that woke him up. What o'clock was it? Had he missed his tide? No if he hurried they could make way in about an hour. The ship had completed her loading and the crew and the passengers were all aboard. He set the first mate to making preparations to get underway and reported to the port authority his plans for getting underway. He signed his papers and took one last look around as he walked back to the docks. Heavy in heart but determined to meet his fate he stood at the bow as the lines were cast off and the ship made it's way out into the current and turned around and headed down stream to the ocean. He walked back to the new wheel and was looking it over when he became aware of a commotion on the docks. Someone was riding at a full gallop behind the ship and gradually over taking her. He knew it once it was his son.

"Father," he heard his son call over and over again. "Father look at me father!"

The lad rode ahead till he came to the end of the dock and as HMS Unicorn passed He saluted his father. Sir Hannibal returned the salute and yelled for all he was worth,"I LOVE YOU!"

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The HMS Unicorn had almost made the crossing by the night of the full moon. It had been cloudy most of the day but in the early afternoon it began to break up. As the sun sank into the ocean and before the stars came out the drumming began. The chanting soon followed and Sir Hannibal wasn't the only one who could hear it. Every passenger and every sailor heard it as plain as day and soon were in fear. For out on the waves there was a great circle of people surrounding ship and coming closer and closer. A blue eyed timber wolf scampered aboard and stood beside Sir Hannibal on the poop deck. Closer and closer the people came, mostly naked women and children came. Chanting swift, swift, swift and as they came closer now but half a mile away Swift, Swift, Swift. To his credit Sir Hannibal stood in his finest uniform with a gleaming sword at his side and waited. Now the circle grew ever closer and the people chanted louder and louder SWIFT, SWIFT, SWIFT, SWIFT. A Indian warrior with blue eyes the same as the wolf came aboard first and walked in front of Sir Hannibal and stood there looking deep within his eyes. Soon all the peoples stood on the waves surrounding HMS Unicorn as she raced across the waves. As the moon rose out of the sea Metacom took Sir Hannibal's hand in his and the pain began.

Sir James had been getting steadily stronger and had been doing a little more each day. Today was a bright sunny day and the weather had warmed up to where it must be a full 50 degrees, as a young German named Daniel Fahrenheit would soon discover, a perfect day for a ride along the beach. Patsy had packed a roast and a bottle of wine and off they rode into that beautiful morning. Sir James had a bad case of cabin fever and his thaw was just the thing he needed. Lieutenant Scott had just made it in from Providence to find the now active Sir James and had been sent back to Brooklyn to report his recovery and send several letters to his family. He would ride there but take the HMS Unicorn back to Plymouth as she was due to sail to Plymouth from New York in a week's time.

They had ridden north about a quarter of the way to Boston when they saw her in the sand. She had run on up the beach with her sails fully out and still straining at the masts. As they rode around the front of the HMS Unicorn they saw Sir Hannibal's grinning head upon the spike of the Unicorn.

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Obadiah Black used to say to his mates around the east end docks that he was a religious man and would quote for them his version of "The Lords Prayer:" "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil. For I am the evilest son-of-a bitch in the valley!" He'd say this to his victims as well whether they be a bag of puppies or in later years some male or female that he'd lured back to his shack, raped and tormented for a fortnight before carving them up and dropping them in the Thames. He'd barely disposed of his latest triumph when he heard the cry of a paper vendor announcing that his latest victim hadn't been the dock whore that he'd imagined but rather the daughter of a Baron. Nor had he used enough iron scraps as she had bobbed to the surface a few yards from a fisherman who hauled her in and reported his fine to the authorities. The crier hinted that the sheriff had let in be known that there had been a witness and they were expecting an early arrest.

Obadiah Black was quite insane but he wasn't crazy. He knew exactly what his fate would be when they took him and take him they would if he stayed around London. He barely made it back to his shack to retrieve his swag and had only gotten a block or two away when the troops came riding by at a trot. He watched them turn the corner onto his street and then ran for all he was worth back to the docks. There was a large merchantman about to cast off. As the captain gathered his men from his position high above them to give them there orders Obadiah quickly, quietly, slipped aboard the Rachel K and found his own little hidey hole and slipped into it.

By the time the Rachel K slipped her berth and unfurled her sails the soldiers had found Obadiah's secret basement with all it's keep sakes. Oh anything of real value from his victims he carried in his purse but his "pretties" were lost forever now. The little 9 year old blind boys cane. From the one who said she was a minister daughter her bible. The nipples off that east end tart 'Sixpenny Mary' and all of the others keepsakes from his 36 victims would be found and forever lost.

He spent the long voyage in hiding coming out only to steal food. Then quiet as a mouse he'd sneak back into his hole and make his plans for the voyage's end. It was a week into the voyage when he discovered his destination. They were sailing for the New World and the port of Boston. By all reports the New World was a good place to hide and perhaps find some new prey. Obadiah licked his lips in anticipation and made his plans.

When the Rachel K made the safety of Boston harbor Obadiah Black was itching for some New World adventure. He waited until she docked and then until about 4 bells when the ship had settled down he slipped up on deck. He quickly went over the side away from the dock and found himself in the middle of the British Navy. It looked like the whole fleet crowded Boston Harbor. In fact a large portion did. They had escorted the merchantmen loaded with troops and their supplies. Charles Stuart had decided the Indians had burned enough towns down and the colonies were ready to join the Kingdom. And for the next hundred years the colonies would be the processions of the Stuarts and the Hanovers. But for Obadiah Black the date of July 4th 1676 meant nothing special but the day he arrived. He swam around the ship and under the dock until he came to where he could climb ashore away from the docks and their sentries. He stopped only to wash his clothes as they smelled of sewage from the bottom of the Rachel K. This also rendered Obadiah somewhat clean and fresh as he washed his body and hair as well. When we was scrubbed as clean as he could make himself and had dried his clothes in the wind it was starting to get light and he crept up the bank into and through the little town of Boston. Bostonians would never know how lucky they were as Obadiah made his way south around the bay and towards Plymouth.

Life was not so lucky for the preacher and his wife that Obadiah came upon the trail two days later. The young couple on their way to do the lords work found one of the lords creatures in their camp one night. The Reverend Smyth really never knew what hit him.

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He awoke in the dark choking on his own blood where Obadiah had cut his throat. He was quite dead less than a minute later having passed out almost at once and never saw Obadiah light the candle and gaze rather lovingly at Mrs. Smyth who was asleep and blissfully unaware for the moment of the terror staring down on her. When she awoke hours later it was in the arms of Obadiah who had been waiting her awakening to begin her training.

He kept at her schooling for the rest of the summer as he rode south and west and away from the coast and the army. She set a record of living almost 90 days before he left her by a trail to be found in that pose. The good news is that for the white people of New England their terror at the hands of Obadiah Black was over. However for the eastern tribes that would survive the Kings genocide the terror had only just begun. Now 27 years later they would soon stop but not quite yet.

Sir James had gotten back most of his health and was actively leading patrols in the last week since HMS Unicorn hit the beach. A large Man of War HMS ST. George took a position off the beach and is making ready to tow her out to sea and then to the boatyard in Boston for repairs. He sat watching his men help the navy dig a ditch around Unicorn even now the ships hawser is being rowed ashore in a longboat. Naval Engineers say she'll float but they're not saying for how long. They found the ships survivors in the woods a few hundred yards away. There were 41 of them both sailors and passengers who survived the beaching but they were all quite mad. And like the three people from Northwood they all began to die in a week's time. Seeing Sir Hannibal's head on the unicorn's horn had turned a switch back on in his brain and Sir James became his old self once more. Sir James eyes lit up and for those around him it was a relief as he hadn't come all the way back, something was missing but now had returned. Patsy didn't care how, he was glad to have his master back.

By the time high tide came in the hawser was tied to HMS Unicorn and with a little groaning she was off the sand and floating backwards out to sea. With the help of the new water pumps four men keep the HMS Unicorn afloat and with the aide of two of her sails she limped on up the coast to Boston. As the sun set Sir James led his troops at a canter down the beach and back to Plymouth. Halfway back he calls a halt as they discover two bodies from HMS Unicorn so recently dead that Sir James plainly sees the blue eyed wolf fading away at the forest's edge.

Sir James spurred his mount on at a gallop toward the edge of the woods but pulled up just short. Any doubts he had up until this time faded away forever. He would no longer turn his back on the truth or the facts of the matter. He had spent 5 months denying the truth, turning his back on the facts and it had almost cost him his life. Sir James was wide-awake now as if from some dream. He could actually feel the fading magic as they rode away from the wolf. When the roads were open again he would take a squad of dragoons and follow this magic wherever it went. For he also knew he was bound up in it someway. He was fated for good or bad with this horror but he had seen his own death and had lived to return to solve this puzzle. He knew he could solve the puzzle, he felt he was capable of whatever lay in his way. He was a man reborn, he was a man with a mission, a man that would stop at nothing to solve this puzzle and bring the guilty to her Majesty's justice.

As they approached the stockade Sir James gave the troops over to Lieutenant Jackson and made for his house. As he approached he noticed two horses tied to the rail. One was Lieutenant Scott's bay mare but the other he didn't know. It was a fine animal with a beaten inlaid silver saddle upon it's back and the initials JSS in golden letters on the black horse blanket underneath. Ah could it be the infamous James Southerby-Stewart of the Orange/Stuart wars? The man who led his clan into battle against the former English King James Stuart II in Ireland. William of Orange's right-hand man, the butcher of Boyne.

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As he approached Patsy ran from the house to take his horse. "Sir James milord's Stewart and Scott await thee in thy parlor. But be fore warned Sir James that they were both quite drunk!"

Sir James handed patsy the reins, his Pennsylvania rifle and his sword as he made a bee line for the door. As he entered he could hear Lord Stewart talking to Lieutenant Scottt. … "as the Catholic line broke I made my attack with the Calvary with a charge into their left flank. This cause a rout and the day was ours." As he entered the room Lieutenant Scottt saw sir James and tried his best to snap to attention but only managed to knock over an empty bottle of wine, on the floor.

"Good afternoon Sir James, stammered the Lieutenant. Permit me to introduce …."

"Ah Lord Stewart, sir James interrupted, how good to see you again sir" It must be ten years since I've had the pleasure of your company?"

"James come and let me have a look at you. My god how you've grown. You were but a mere boy when last I saw you. Now look at you all grown up and a Captain no less! I can see why your father is so proud of you. I remembered you as but a boy and here you are a man with your first command. Your manservant and the Lieutenant have been filling me in your adventures. You remind me of myself when I was a lad, Lord Stewart said with a wicked grin. Come sit with me and tell me more of these adventures. You are all the talk of the colonies. I've come this day on a long ride from Brooklyn and General Hasting's camp. The General had some fine things to say about you James I think you will go far in service to the crown!"

"Why thank you sir for saying so. Have you eaten,, can I get you something to drink?

"No James I've gnawed a bone at your officers mess with the Lieutenant and I think we've all had enough to drink for now."

"Yes Sir James, said Lieutenant Scottt, I should be getting back to the stockade as I'm for duty at 8 o'clock. What o'clock is it now I wonder?

"Nearly the 7 o'clock hour Lieutenant Scottt, replied Sir James."

Then if you'll forgive me sirs, I must be off" said the Lieutenant as he held a salute for Sir James to return and when he did he turned smartly on his heels and left the house.

Sir James turned to his guest as he poured himself a large glass of Brandy and took a seat opposite of Lord Stewart and asked what he was doing in the colonies?

"I'm on the Queens business. I've been sent to overlook the colonies with an eye to westward expansion," said Lord Stewart. I've been told you were off for a year or two into the lands around the Great Inland Seas map making? I've been told you have copies of these maps? If so I would study them and make copies of my own as my maps are but copies of Jacque Cartiers. Is this true Sir James?

"Tis true milord. I have an even dozen I could put to you. Come thee hence Patsy," Sir James called.

Patsy soon arrived and ask of his master what he might do?

"Go to my large sea chest and fetch hither the maps of the Great Inland Seas."

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At once milord chimed Patsy and quickly left the room only to return two minutes latter carrying a large leather pouch and handed it to Sir James. As Sir James opened the fringed deer skin pouch Patsy quickly cleared the table as Lord Stewart grabbed the Brandy and heavy leaded glasses. Sir James plucked a heavy roll of Parchment paper and began to unrolled it upon the table.

When unrolled one upon the other lay a full dozen large maps. Starting at the oceans inlet and going a full thousand miles or more inland ran the maps. Clear, concise maps of the five great inland seas and even a possible route to Henry Hudson's great bay did Sir James lay before the startled eyes of Lord Stewart whose eyes drank in every detail.

"Yes Sir James, indeed yes, exclaimed Lord Stewart! I'll have my mapmakers come at once and make copies and copies of copies and send them on the next frigate a copy for the admiralty and one for the crown. Yet another set shall I make for General Hastings and two more for myself and my command said Lord Stewart with a leering grin.

Offering a toast to the maps Sir James drained the goblet of brandy and remarked to himself that things were beginning to look up. It was after all not every day that the Queens 1st cousin sang your praises and then fell asleep upon your floor with a smile upon his face, no not everyday. Could a Majority and a field commission be far behind he thought as he poured himself another glass of brandy and smiled. I say, Patsy old boy do collect his Lordship and put him to bed in my stead.

Obadiah Black had heard them calling his name for months now but it bothered him not. Obadiah Black had been hearing voices for years. They told him to do this and they told him to do that! And when he did those things that the voices told him to do he felt ever so good. The screams and the blood and the raping was always good. So when he first began to hear Metacom's siren call on the night of the winter solstice he barely paid attention. After all they were just whispering his name, they weren't even telling him to do anything. Just calling obadiah... obadiah... obadiah...

No the many voices were just a background hum to the real sound of the hounds and the horsemen that were in hot pursuit of him barely a mile behind and closing. As the sun set he made the outskirts of Charleston and headed straight away to the harbor. He pulled up shy of the wharf and tied his horse to the side rail of a "house" where he had spent some time looking for some new pretties for his collection years before. He knew it wouldn't be found there as someone would undoubtedly steal it before sunrise. He removed his sack of pretties and placed them inside his great coat and walked up the steps to the great porch that ran across the front of the house but instead of knocking he just walked to the far edge of the porch and jumped over the rail and ran behind the house and was soon lost in the shadows.

He ran through the shadows until he reached the harbor and found a hidey hole amongst some bails of cotton and sat down and observed the scene. Tied to the two docks were a British frigate and behind that a merchantman converted from an old race built Galleon. Which was being loaded with bails of cotton these same bails in which he was hiding. He also noted that the frigate had posted guards at the end of the dock. The other dock was full of returning fisherman who were busily unloading today's catch onto hand carts and barrows. NO he had to get onboard the merchantman so when several indentured men and a few black-a-moors returned for the bails of cotton he stood and pretended to be one of them and help them roll the heavy bails past the sentries and down the dock toward the Galleon. After bringing the bail on board Obadiah waited until the ships crew were looking the other way and melted away below decks and made himself a nest in the middle of the bails.

Chapter 6 page 104 March 1703

As Obadiah had predicted a drunken field boss was leaving Goodie Smith's "house" and noticed the unattended horse and not feeling like walking the 7 miles back to the plantation quickly hopped aboard and rode down into town and out on the west road riding out of town while Obadiah's pursuers road in.

They soon rode right into the lot next door to the "house" and although the dogs picked up Obadiah's scent going up the steps riders saw the horse tracks riding away and calling the dogs back followed the tracks heading west and out of town. By the time they caught up with the overseer he had made the plantations front lawn and had already ditched the horse and was walking up toward the big house. In the dark of the new moon it took them some time to realize they had the wrong man and had all but killed him before letting him go and returned to Charleston looking for Obadiah.

By the time they return to Goodie Smiths, searched the bawdy house and found Obadiah's trick the Merchantman Elizabeth R had cleared the outer harbor and was sailing north to Manhattan and the gathering fleet of Merchantmen and warships bound for England. With this new French/Spanish war came scores of pirate vessels from both sides which would happily plunder any unescorted merchantman they could find. After losing half a dozen merchantmen to the bloody French the Admiralty had decided to use it's old race built Galleons as escort vessels. While these ships wouldn't stand up against the French and Spanish navies front line ships they were more than a match for the pirates and ran as fast or a little faster than the merchantmen. With this load the Elizabeth R would need fully ten days to reach the safety of New York harbor.

"Come good Patsy and abide with me a while. Let us reminisce about the bloody end of Colonel York and the Sargent Major. What do you recall seeing as you approached the clearing, asked Sir James?

"I'm sure milord I couldn't tell you what I recall for most of that night as it was like the time we ate that loaf of purple rye bread as children and had that great adventure in London town. All colorful lights and swirling faces. T'was only when I came upon you and the Sargent Major locked in mortal combat that I seemed to focus again and then only for a few seconds. When I saw the Sargent Major grow a bloody third eye from the report of my hand cannon everything went black until you woke me sir James, replied Patsy.

"What do you recall of Lord Powell's untimely end?"

"Only that he was like a man possessed with his own doom, much as was Colonel York., milord.

I faintly heard many voices and under the door I saw the shadows of many impossible things... and the wolf, that blue eyed Timber wolf...," said Patsy whose voice fell to a whisper as he said, "To look into it's eyes it shook me to my very soul Jamie, but I could not look away...

Sir James hadn't heard Patsy call him Jamie since they were both children playing on his fathers estate, not since he left to attend Eton in fact. It was obvious that even Patsy knew the full import of what he had witnessed as was astounded by it as much as was Sir James; even to the point of forgetting his station.

Lieutenant Scott had a similar vision as had Sir. James as had Patsy. The swirling, impossible bright colorful lights and over whelming sound of music and voices and as Sir James had briefly glimpsed a great line of Indians dancing, chanting, and grasping the hands of Lord Powell. And it suddenly dawned upon himself that the great gray timber wolf had been with them almost every step of the way, just out of reach, fading into the wilderness but always there watching. Just as had Patsy, Sir James became lost in his thoughts and said no more...

Chapter 6 page 105 March 1703

When Sir James snapped out of his thoughts the German mechanical clock was striking the 8 o'clock hour and Patsy appeared with Sir James' dinner, a large cod, a small loaf, a small cheese and a bottle of wine. It took Sir James a few moments to focus on reality as he had been following these new adventures from the beginning through all their twists and turns to this very moment. He knew if he was going to make any sense of this he'd better write down what he knew to be true, what he suspected to be true and what would account for it all. A theory as grand as any proposed by Sir Isaac Newton or Cotton Mather and far stranger than both was beginning to emerge. So when he finished his meal he called for his chamber pot and his journal.

Obadiah Black awoke to heavy seas and cursing sailors as the Elizabeth R raced before a storm it had been over a week since they had left Charleston. On that first night out he had left his lair amongst the cotton bales and at 4 bells invaded the ships small kitchen and filled his pockets with a cheese, a loaf and a small keg of rum. The latter which almost got him found out as it belonged to the captain and was missed the very next day, which resulted in a search of the ship where they within inches of finding his lair.

Obadiah was a man possessed but not by the voices chanting his name or the visions of his days amongst the tribes, the last of which called themselves the Chair-row-keys in a land to the west and were a happy, trusting people until Obadiah came along looking for some more pretties. No Obadiah was possessed by the little blonde haired, blue eyed cabin boy.

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