The Lieutenant's Promise by Aileen Fish

Author:Aileen Fish [Fish, Aileen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aspendawn Press
Published: 2014-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

“Do you think they’re alone?” Tom whispered.

“We’d be able to see more tents if the others camped here, but we can safely assume there are other rebels nearby. Or on their way. We need to get word to Springfield.”

Tom nodded.

“Where are we? What’s this area called?”

“Oak Hill,” Tom answered.

“You go straight to camp and tell Major Clanton they’ve reached Oak Hill. I’ll gather our gear from the farm and follow behind.”

“Yes, sir. Tell my family goodbye for me, please.”

“Of course.” Levi had a momentary flash of guilt at the thought he was keeping Tom from his family, but the need to see Em one last time before they went into battle was greater than his guilt.

She was leading the cows in from the pasture when Levi reached the farm. “You’re home in time for supper,” she called out.

“I can’t stay,” he replied when he drew near.

Her face grew pale. “Where’s Tom?”

“He’s gone to Springfield. We spotted some Confederate men camped near Oak Hill. I need to pack our belongings and report to the major.”

“So close. Will you attack them there?”

“I pray they don’t move any closer before Clanton can gather the troops. I don’t know if General Lyon and his army have arrived in Springfield yet. My hope is that we can march immediately.”

Em’s eyes began to well. “I’ll go pack Tom’s gear.” She turned and hurried to the house.

~*~

Ma looked up from kneading dough when Em rushed inside the house. “You’re running like hornets are after you.”

“No. Tom and Lieutenant Lucas are returning to Springfield. I’m to collect what Tom needs for the lieutenant to take to Tom.” Em hurried into the boys’ room.

Following her, Ma asked, “Tom’s not here?”

“No, he’s gone ahead to the Union camp.” Em paused, her brother’s uniform jacket in her hands. “There’s going to be a battle soon, Ma. Close by. Maggie needs to make certain the water barrels in the cellar and springhouse are full. Billy can take some buckshot to the springhouse, and hide the rest in the cellar.”

“I know what to do, dear girl. You take Tom’s kit to your lieutenant and say your goodbyes.” Ma hugged her before walking to the bedroom door. With her hand on the doorframe, she added, “God will protect us all.”

Em wished her faith was as secure as Ma’s.

When she had Tom’s knapsack packed, she went outside to find Levi filling his canteen at the well. She took her brother’s canteen from his kit to do the same. “Here’s Tom’s knapsack.”

“Thank you.” He set it beside his own. “Please tell me you won’t take any risks.”

Her stomach was in knots, her throat so tight it was difficult to breathe. She couldn’t think of her own safety when his‑and her brother’s‑were so much more at risk. “I’ll stay close to home, but I’ll need to take milk and eggs to Harris’s in a day or two.”

“That’s too close to where we might meet Price’s men. You shouldn’t go until after we drive them away.”

“When will that be? We can’t afford to miss many sales.

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