Midnight’s hooves pounded the already beat down snow and dirt of the Continental Army’s camp. Swiftly, Robyn dropped off of her mare’s back and kicked at the ice in a water trough. As the horse cooled her throat with the ice-cold water, the Shadow Fox bounded up the steps to the Vassel house. She darted pass the guards, yelling her pseudonym. After a swift explanation, a sergeant opened the door to let her into General Washington’s study. She stepped in, ignoring the shocked figure to her left.
General Washington smiled, slightly surprised. “My young friend, this is a pleasure, though, I’m quite surprised. What brings you here?”
Robyn was still panting from her swift flight here. Saluting, she began, “Something of great importance, sir.” She kept an eye on the figure who was surreptitiously inching towards the door. “I have discovered the identity of General Howe’s spy.”
Washington brightened. “You have? Who is he?”
The figure made a lunge for the door, but the Shadow Fox had been expecting this. She tackled Jack Richards. They both fell to the floor, a ball of legs and arms. Unfortunately, Robyn was not very strong, and therefore not very good at wrestling. Jack pinned her in a matter of seconds.
General Washington had called for the guards, and two men pulled them apart. The general stared at the two in shock. “What is the meaning of this?! Please explain yourselves!”
Jack slumped in the sergeant’s arms. He knew there was no escape for him now.
Robyn took a deep breath, then winced. Her ribs had been bruised by Jack’s knees. “Sir, I regret to tell you that Jack Richards is Howe’s spy.”
Everyone—except Robyn and Jack—gasped. “That’s impossible!” Washington exclaimed. “He is my messenger to our allies in Boston. Are you sure? Could there be some mistake?”
Robyn closed her eyes and shook her head. “No, sir. I came across him speaking to General Howe himself. He had me arrested. I am to be hung on the morrow.”
Washington was still in shock. “But, I thought you two were friends.”
Robyn gritted her teeth, begging the pain she felt not to leak out of her eyes. “I was his friend, General, but, apparently, he was not mine.”
Jack’s shoulders slumped further.
The general sighed and nodded. He could tell by the Shadow Fox’s pained voice he was telling the truth. What surprised him was that Jack Richards made no move to defend himself or deny the accusations laid at his door. He glanced at Jack’s posture, and gained more information than most men would. He nodded slowly. “Sergeant, please take Mr. Richards to a holding tent.”
The man nodded grimly and escorted Jack out.
General Washington sighed. “Young friend, it’s late, and you have had a hard day. Stay the night. You are welcome to the guest room again. Please stay. I can see you are tired.”
Robyn nodded. “Thank you, sir.” She turned and slowly exited the room.
~~~~~
The Shadow Fox had wrapped herself in her cloak. It had stayed laid over Midnight’s back until several minutes before. Groaning, she sat down on a small hill just outside the camp.
She couldn’t believe it. She just couldn’t believe it. Jack hard wormed his merry way into her affection, and then had betrayed her. She had turned him in. It was the right thing to do. However, it hurt, and she didn’t even know why. To see his face as he was lead out. She shook herself. What did it matter? He had betrayed her.
She pulled her knees up to her chin, blinking rapidly to keep the tears back. Was it the right thing to do? He was just fighting for his country, the same as her. She scowled. He had treated her worse than dirt. He deserved what was coming to him. He would have just betrayed the Continental Army further. Then why was she having doubts?
She was tired and stressed. Thoughts of her once friend flooded her mind in quite an overwhelming manner. The day’s occurrences had sapped her strength. She desperately needed rest. It had been kind of General Washington to advise her to stay the night. She could rest, then set out in the morning with a clear mind.
Soft footfalls reached her ears. Robyn sat still, not turning around. Midnight had not even looked up from her search for bits of grass in the snow, so Robyn had nothing to fear.
General Washington eased himself down next to her. He drew her knees up, too, and rested his arms on them. Glancing up at the sky, he commented. “You know, the moon barely gives off any light tonight. “
She nodded.
He squinted at the stars. “He’s in a tent near the edge of camp.”
Robyn frowned, confused.
“If only he could escape. If he could get to the British camp, we would not have to worry about him. After all, anyone would recognize him here. Howe wouldn’t be fool enough to try to send him back.” He scratched his nose absent-mindedly. “To be perfectly honest, I don’t really want to put him in front of a firing squad. He’s so young. Besides, I think there are certain people he regrets betraying.” The general smiled and stood. “Well, you have a good night my young friend. Be careful.” He patted Robyn affectionately on the shoulder and strode off.
Robyn sat there, stunned. Had he said what she thought he had said? Had he really? A slow smile spread to her mouth, then to her eyes. The Shadow Fox’s grin soon lit up her face. General Washington had just solved all her problems with his kind advice. She was going to rescue Jack and take him back to the British camp.
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What's this? A POST?! Yes, yes it is. Sorry, guys, I thought I posted this one, uh.... two months ago. Sorry to keep you waiting. School is lame.
What is this? Is Washington saying she should save that good-for-nothing? Hm... will she get away with it? You'll have to find out next week, because I have to go to class, now.
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