Stay the Course

Copyright © 2012 by Joyce Case

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Certain characters in this work are historical figures, and certain events portrayed did take place. However, this is a work of fiction. All of the other characters, names, and events as well as all places, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-4759-6990-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-6992-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-6991-7 (e)

iUniverse rev. date: 1/17/2012

Contents

PROLOGUE   The Defeat

Chapter 1.   The Escape

Chapter 2.   The Homecoming

Chapter 3.   The Traitor

Chapter 4.   The Secret

Chapter 5.   The Battle

Chapter 6.   The Request

Chapter 7.   The Trap

Chapter 8.   The Capture

Chapter 9.   The Rescue

Chapter 10.   The Reuniting

Chapter 11.   The Inventor

Chapter 12.   The Miracle

Chapter 13.   The Price

Chapter 14.   The Impostor

Chapter 15.   The Powerful

Chapter 16.   The Siege

Chapter 17.   The Cleanup

Chapter 18.   The Amour

Chapter 19.   The Grateful

Chapter 20.   The Vengeful

Chapter 21.   The Verdict

Chapter 22.   The Recovery

Chapter 23.   The Trap

Chapter 24.   The Decision

Chapter 25.   The Campaign

Chapter 26.   The Spy Ring

Chapter 27.   The Treaty

Chapter 28.   Another Generation

Don’t miss the first novel, Runaway, that ignites the romantic saga of Stay the Course.

One of the most unique, emotional, engrossing stories you will ever read! An intriguing page-turner that will immerse you in a world of romance steeped with history. Stay the Course continues the tale of a headstrong, vivacious temptress in need and the man in love with her, a personal scout to the one and only Colonel George Washington.

It is 1757, and the French, accompanied by their fierce Huron comrades, are wreaking havoc along the shores of the Ohio River, destroying everyone and everything along their murderous path. To survive this onslaught, settlers must take up arms and defend themselves against skilled French soldiers and their allies, the sixth nation of Indian warriors.

Sashsa Nicole Lorraine Dupris Gray never expected to be married, let alone to the strong-willed Major Colton Tyler Gray. In fact, she was enjoying her status as the most eligible debutante in Montreal, but was forced to run away from all she loved to daring adventures beyond her imagination.

Colton Tyler Gray, a major in the Virginia militia as well as a personal scout for Colonel George Washington, never expected to fall madly in love with such a headstrong, vibrant temptress either, especially after Sashsa insisted on spurning his many proposals.

But Sashsa is taken by Colton, so infatuated and captivated by him that she decides to relinquish something she has always held dear: her hard-earned independence. Sashsa joins Colton, and the two of them try to carve a life out of the hostile wilderness of the colonial world. Neither Sashsa nor Colton is prepared for the danger they will be forced to face or the choices they will be forced to make to protect their happiness … and their hearts. Amid all the trials and tribulations of an unrelenting wilderness and a seemingly unending war, will the two be able to build a dynasty that will live on through the ages of history? Will Sashsa and her lover be able to Stay the Course?

This book is dedicated to those who encouraged me in one form or another to pursue my dream of being published.

To my mother, who told me I march to the beat of a different drum and encouraged me to be me.

To my mentor, teacher, and friend, Martha Avery, who inspired my love of music.

I salute my daughters, Tifani and Terri, for their continuous support. I am so lucky to have you, and I love you, darlins!

My deepest, heartfelt gratitude goes out to Ginny Brenner and Annette Chapman. They have wrapped their arms around me with never-ending support.

Words cannot express my appreciation for the incredible devotion Peggy Schertzer has given me. Her words of wisdom and encouragement have given me the drive to continue the pursuit of my dream.

Last, but not least, I must thank my husband, Gary, for his unforgettable wise words: If you do not finish it, you will never know …

Cast of Characters

Wife: Sashsa Nicole Lorraine Dupris Gray

Husband: Colton Tyler Gray

Commander of the Virginia Militia: Colonel George Washington

First born Son of Sashsa and Colton: Levi Thomas Gray

Daughter of Sashsa and Colton: Ziva Isabella Dupris Gray

Second born Son of Sashsa and Colton: Washington Adam Dupris Gray

Father of Sashsa: Charles Francois Dupris

Mother of Sashsa: Alienna Mary Dupris

Brother of Sashsa: Garrett Armand Dupris

Duke of Kenton: Archibald Greenwald

Aunt: Annette Lorraine Stuart Cooper

Uncle: Dominique Garth Dupris

Wife of Dominique Dupris: Calleigh Duquesne Dupris

Daughter of Annette Cooper: Daphani Savannah Mason

Husband of Daphani Mason: Thomas Charles Mason

Supporting Cast: Terresa Case Bateson

Supporting Cast: Stephen Bateson

Supporting Cast: Tifani Case Reed

Supporting Cast: Brian Reed

Indian Scout and Trapper: Pierre

Indian Scout and Trapper: Frenchie

Colonel: Douglas Bradstreet

Major: Case Alexander Bateson

Ranger, Major: Aidan Russell Reed

Lieutenant: Gideon Stewart

Ranger, Corporal: Bennett Gavin Reed

Wife to Bennett Reed: Kanti Reed

Washington’s Indian Scout: Tacharison

Brother to Colton Tyler Gray: Pahana Gray

Wife of Pahana Gray: Kele Gray

Son of Pahana and Kele Gray: Moki Gray

Son of Pahana and Kele Gray: Kitchi Gray

Indian Agent and Scout: George Croghan

Indian Scout: Tocala

Hired Hand: Wakiea

Frontiersman: Cooper

Frontiersman: Ridge

Frontiersman: Lucas

Godmother: Margaret Josephine Bollack

Supporting Cast: Monique Duquea

Supporting Cast: Virginia Sirena Brenner

Supporting Cast: Gabriella Sofia Cartier

Supporting Cast: Matilda Amelia Cartier

Supporting Cast: Philip Ambrosino

Runaway Excerpt

He turned the latch gently, creeping slowly and deliberately to the side of her bed. Colton looked down on his angel, peaceful and content for now. He knew the pain Sashsa would soon have to endure. He remembered his pain when Frenchie put the hot poker to his shoulder. Thank God she would not have to feel that pain.

His words to her, echoed in his mind. I will take you home with me and you will be safe. He sneered at himself. Could she ever feel safe with me again? When she recovers completely, I will take her to Montreal. Yes; I will put her in safe surroundings where she can feel comfortable. If I have to build a fort, I will protect her this time. I will hire a housekeeper and nanny for the children. She will be pampered and adored by me. Maybe, just maybe I can win her trust back again.

Rest, my love. I will be back.

PROLOGUE

The Defeat

1755

Thousands of eyes were watching. He had to convince the general to abandon the British way of fighting. He could feel the war club against his skull and up on his arms as shivers consumed his body. If I do not do something, I will never see or touch my beloved Sashsa again.

His fiery temper was escalating with each step of his stallion. He fought to keep focused, but visions played with his mind. Long, slender arms curled around his neck as full, moist lips nestled against his ear and down his neck. Soft, pink, round breasts pressed against his bare, muscular chest, playing in a rhythmic motion that stirred a tingling in his loins. Her hot body arched to mold to his, and her warm, sweet lips yielded to his crushing kiss.

I can tell by the look on your face, Major Gray, you are as concerned over our position as I. I feel thousands of eyes are upon us, just waiting for the right opportunity to pounce, explained Colonel Washington.

Can’t you do something, sir? We are sitting ducks. This Braddock must understand it is different here in our country. We do not stand toe to toe and fire our muskets.

Major Colton Tyler Gray, personal scout to Colonel Washington, rode tall in the saddle. His attire consisted of buckskins and high boot moccasins. His musket lay across his arm. His tan face showed intensity as his eyes searched every inch of land within his sight. He was extremely agitated with General Edward Braddock, commander-in-chief of the expedition, and was about to explode on the next person who came in his path. The man was flaunting their position and strength to the French and their Indian allies. He knew they would fall prey to their enemy, and soon.

Shaking his head at Colton, Washington reined his horse around and rode toward the rear of the column. Major Case Bateson proceeded to take his place with a big smile on his face.

Wipe that smile off your face, Major. There is absolutely nothing to smile about, barked Colton with a curl on his lips. I want you to make sure our men are prepared for action anytime, anyplace. Their muskets are to be loaded and their tomahawks ready. If this arrogant general wants to fight his way, so be it; but we will fight our way and survive.

***

Sashsa had just finished hanging the painting of her husband over the fireplace and stood admiring her work. Her mind started to wander. It seemed like yesterday she was enjoying her status as an eligible debutante in Montreal with her parents, Charles and Alienna Dupris. Then her father told her she was to marry the Duke of Kenton, Archibald Greenwood. Her dream world had come to an end. In a daring move, Sashsa had decided to run away and start a new life with her Aunt Annette.

She moved away from the picture and closed her eyes, remembering her many adventures and the close friends she had come to love. The man of her dreams had stepped into her life and made it complete. Black, wavy hair; angular jaw; piercing brown eyes with little laugh lines at the corners; muscular upper body with a flat waist; and long, hard legs: this described Colton Tyler Gray from head to toe. She raised an eyebrow and pondered her devilish thoughts.

She approached the picture again, eyeing it closely. She had painted this picture with the help of Colton and Moki. A warm feeling filled her body as she admired her work. He will not miss it hanging here. I am certain he will see it right away, knowing him and his keen eye. He will take me in his arms and place his soft, moist lips on mine.

She found herself puckering her lips and closing her eyes, anticipating a kiss from her lover.

The door to the great room opened, bringing her back to reality. She glanced over to see Moki smiling from ear to ear. His gaze locked with hers as his little feet skipped across the cobble floor. He placed his hand in hers. Moki just could not wait to see the painting, and his excitement showed as he looked up at her.

Do you think Colton will like our masterpiece? questioned Sashsa.

Kachada will like it, Sashsa. It comes from you. His smile was wide and his eyes were full of joy. His Indian heritage was evident as his shiny black hair bounced when he moved closer to her. Moki’s bronze skin made a strong contrast to hers.

Laying a finger on her lips, she said with a chuckle, It will be our little secret, Moki. Let’s see if Kachada notices it when he comes home.

She took his hand. They skipped over to the sunroom door and found Levi T. riding a wooden horse Colton had carved out for him. He climbed down as soon as she spoke his name.

Moki picked him up and cradled him gently, making faces as he did. Levi T. put his little hand on Moki’s face and pulled at his ears.

Where is Moki’s nose, Levi T.?

He placed his little finger on the tip of Moki’s nose and said something. Sashsa looked at Moki and giggled saying I guess that means nose.

Sashsa marveled at the bond she was witnessing. Her thoughts were consumed by the stories Colton had told her of how Pahana, his brother, taught Colton all he knew and showed Colton love and acceptance when he was stolen from his white family. Pahana, being the older, could have treated him badly, but his love clearly showed to all now that they were grown men.

Kachada was the name Colton had answered to as a child when he was given to his father, Nootau. It was the custom of the Algonquians to give the children captured in battle to the bravest warrior. Sashsa found it very hard to understand this custom. After all, Colton had been the captured child. A part of her just could not accept the utter brutality of Indian ways, but another part loved the man they had taught to love and survive. His mother, Shikoba, had taught him to care deeply about all those he loved. It was obvious Colton loved her very much. On the other hand, Nootau had taught him to survive and be a strong person. What was it that Colton said? Pahana could have easily hated me, but he treated me as his brother.

Moki and Levi T. would be blood brothers, growing up together and experiencing all the advantages that would make them good men. With those thoughts, she smiled and wrapped her arms around both.

***

Sir, I most certainly urge you to seek the aid of the Iroquois in our quest to conquer the French. We cannot survive in this wilderness fighting like Europeans, Colonel Washington said in his most persuasive voice.

You over react, Colonel; I have the intelligence and experience to defeat the French and their redskin counterparts. You will see what we are capable of with our superior strength, replied General Braddock with a crimson face. He turned his back and folded his arms in a show of arrogance. It was clear his ability as a commander was being challenged, and he did not like it.

I beseech you, General, to reconsider our fates. We are flaunting our numbers for all to see, plus we are extremely vulnerable to ambush traveling all together. I suggest we split up. I will take my scouts and some militia and travel ahead, making the chance of ambush more difficult, pleaded Colton.

Braddock waved his hand for Colton to leave and scorned Washington’s advice to his face, saying, What, a provincial colonel teach a British general how to fight?

Am I to take that as a warning, sir?

You may take it any way you wish, Colonel. His pale, plump face boasted his arrogance as he stood erect with his arms folded across his chest. It appeared he was challenging Washington.

Washington left the tent with his massive fists clutched tightly together, fearing he would take a punch at the general. Colton stormed out by his side, taking long and deliberate steps to distance himself from this deficient man. They both looked like they could kill.

I will take Croghan, Gist, and Weiser with me, Colonel. What do you plan to do, may I ask? Colton knew what Washington’s answer would be before he asked.

I must stay with the general, as I have been invited as his aide-de-camp. I have no other choice in the matter, as much as I disagree with his tactics of war. You take your men and leave immediately from various parts of the column. Make sure they leave one at a time and pick a rendezvous place.

Good idea, sir. I must ask you one more time to join us. You are riding right into an ambush and death. Colton meant what he was saying. His jaw was set tight, his wide eyes focused only on Washington.

With a slight shake of his head, Washington stuck his hand out to connect with Colton, showing his feelings.

Colton looked him in the eyes and left in a cloud of dust, signaling for his men to join him. Once they all met, Colton sent them off one by one in different directions, with a rendezvous point designated at the top of the hill just before the clearing.

***

The result was just what was expected. As the little army passed through a clearing leading up a hill, with woods and underbrush on both sides, Washington again advised Braddock to scatter his men and prepare for battle.

Before Washington could convince Braddock, bloodcurdling war whoops rang out on all sides. The column was stunned and the men could see few of their foes. Painted faces appeared from behind trees and arrows struck their marks. By the time the soldiers could lift their muskets, their targets were gone.

A circle of Indians formed around the redcoated regulars and tightened while they stood bewildered. Washington rode back and forth ordering his men to take cover among a cluster of trees just off the trail, giving his men some protection. He then shouted to hold the line and return volley. His men obeyed his order and inflicted several causalities on the oncoming Indians, but Washington realized he was greatly outnumbered, so he ordered a retreat deeper into the woods.

Colton and his Virginia militiamen, accustomed to the ways of the red men, kept their heads and did not panic. He sent his men around the circle of Indians, flanking the main attack. This provided some relief for the regulars, but when the circle came crushing in, he ordered his men to hide, fire, and reload. The smoke was thick, with the smell of sulfur in the air. The Indians spread out around the clearing and kept up heavy fire. Colton knew he had to dislodge the French and their Indian allies from their position before the entire British regulars were wiped out. He reformed his troops in the woods and commanded a frontal charge. He raised his tomahawk in his right hand and his thick-edged hunting knife in the other, and started running toward his enemy, crushing the head of one brave warrior and slitting the throat of another. Major Bateson was right beside him protecting his back as the enemy tried to overpower him. Fortunately, they were able to save numerous regulars from slaughter.

Washington seemed to be shielded from injury. Shot after shot missed their target. He sat like a majestic statue, reining in his beloved stallion, Nelson to rally the remnants of his ambushed force. He whirled his sword, cutting down every Indian who dared to get in his way. He cleared a path rapidly so his men could retreat to lower ground and a safer position.

Colton and his militia joined the small band of regulars, and together they defended their ground. The Indians left as quickly as they had appeared, abandoning the stunned redcoats to seek out their wounded and dying. There were so many, it was hard to see the ground for bodies.

Among them, General Edward Braddock lay mortally wounded. Washington took command and when Braddock took his last breath, Washington ordered him buried at night and had the ammunition wagons driven over his grave so that his body would not be found and mutilated.

***

Kele shot Sashsa a curious glance as she paced the floor. Why don’t you just sit down and relax, dear? The children are tucked in their beds for the day, and little Levi T. is sound asleep.

Sashsa was in deep thought as she paced and did not hear Kele. Moving around the room like a caged animal, deep lines appeared on her forehead.

Colton is in trouble and needs me, Kele. My very soul is on fire with his voice calling to me. I must go to him immediately. We have been apart too long.

He is with Colonel Washington, Sashsa, so he is safe. I know Washington will watch over him. But if you must go, I will take good care of Levi T. When you make your mind up, no one can change it, so I will not try. I will help you.

His nursing is done and he is getting along quite well with Betsy’s milk. He has six teeth, which will help with his feedings. Oh, Kele, I do not want to leave him, but I must. Sashsa’s face showed her agony and guilt.

Kele understand what Sashsa was going through. She too loved her Pahana and would follow him to the ends of the earth. Sashsa and Colton shared that same bond.

You cannot go by yourself. I will send a few of our men to see to your safety. Do you know where you are going, Sashsa?

The dispatcher brought Colton’s letter yesterday. Colton stated he was with Washington and General Braddock, chasing the French near Monongahela: maybe two days’ hard ride. It will be a dangerous journey, I fear. Tocala and Wakiea are loyal to Colton and Washington, so they will be the most reliable. Besides they are very knowledgeable about the terrain and will deliver me safely.

I cleaned your buckskins and hat. Pahana will fill your pack horse with plenty of food and extra powder.

I will travel light, Kele, so I will only need jerky and berries. Bay Boy will be all I need. We will start out tomorrow night and travel mainly by the moon. That will give me time to go over our plans with Tocala and Wakiea.

You must love him more than life, Sashsa. Do not worry about Levi T. I will take care of him as my own.

Their eyes locked together, acknowledging their love for one another. Kele knew in her heart that, if the roles were reversed, Sashsa would do the same and more for her.

A knock at the door took their minds off their plans for the moment. Sashsa walked quickly and looked out the window. A big smile came to her face for the first time since she had received Colton’s letter.

She moved swiftly to the door and opened it to greet Bennett and Kele’s sister, Kanti. She embraced both and ushered them inside.

What brings the two of you here, Bennett? Kele inquired as she kissed Kanti and hugged Bennett.

Bennett and Kanti had met shortly after Sashsa and Colton’s wedding, and everyone knew they had found a quiet love growing daily. Bennett worked the farm across the creek with his mother and father, Tifani and Brian Reed. Kanti stayed with Kele and helped on the plantation. Her little Indian lodge was just behind the barn.

We came to tell you our wonderful news. Kanti blushed casting her eyes on Bennett, who was swinging their folded hands back and forth.

Are you going to tell us or just stand there, you two? Sashsa had her hands on her hips with a big, questioning smile on her face. She knew what they were going to say, but she wanted to tease a little. Kanti nudged Bennett forcing his voice to start. His eyes exhibited glee and contentment as he started to express his deepest affections for Kanti.

Sashsa, Kele … My love for Kanti is real and deep. She feels the same for me.

Kanti’s eyes did not leave him as he poured out his feelings for her. A soft smile lingered on her lips as she rubbed her long, delicate fingers along his arm.

We have just left my parents and have their blessing for our marriage. We just had to share our joy with you and ask if we could be married here at the plantation.

Why, we are honored you would want to seal your vows here. We only ask one thing. Sashsa had a teasing look as she gave them her sweetest smile.

You want payment? I will cook and clean for you. Bennett can do chores too. Kanti spoke up nervously.

Sashsa looked at Kele, and they both chuckled mischievously. They grabbed the young couple’s arms, swinging them around the room. Sashsa started singing The Girl I Left Behind Me as they shuffled their feet in rhythm. Her smile was warm and moist as she remembered Colton on bended knee, singing his heart out to her.

Breathless and silly, Sashsa announced that payment was not acceptable, and they had to wait until Colton was home.

***

The night held no comforts for Colton. His mind flashed images of men dying all around him. He found no solace for his thoughts as he tossed relentlessly. The night was warm, and sweat dripped from his chin. He managed to drift off to sleep, but this time Sashsa floated in and out of his dreams. Her soft body pressed to his as he moaned out loud and rolled over.

His temptress peeked in and out. Tall, slender, graceful, with black, wavy hair and emerald green eyes. Eyes that pierced his very soul. She floated just out of his reach. Sashsa, my love, come to me, come to me.

"Majeur, you are needed. You must wake up, sez Washington has sent for you."

Colton sprang to his feet and locked his hand on his musket. He wiped his chin and raked his hand through his hair.

What’s going on, Frenchie?

No one tells me anything, Majeur. Pierre tells me to get you to Washington quickly.

The silvery glow of the moon guided Colton to Washington’s tent. Upon entering, he could clearly see the distress on Washington’s face. His stately body was pacing, his large hands locked in fists. Colton hesitated for a moment and then quickly stood at attention.

Our dead and wounded are devastating. The regulars are deserting as we speak. They were not prepared for what they endured today. Our numbers are too small to mount an attack or take another attack. I must get our wounded to a safe place.

What do you propose, sir? Or are you asking for my opinion?

You know I value your wisdom immensely, Major. Any suggestions you have will be welcomed.

If we leave now for my plantation, only traveling by night, we should arrive in three days. We can send Pierre and Major Bateson out to scout the way. I will advise them as to the direction we want to take. No trails to travel, and we stay clear of the river.

Washington seemed to brighten his manner while listening to Colton’s strategy. His gray-blue eyes lost their urgency and his fists relaxed.

Our wounded will slow us down dramatically. Thank God our horses were not stolen. Assign a detail to cut poles and another to assemble the carts. I will pen a dispatch for reinforcements.

I will take care of organizing the wounded once I seek out our scouts. They will have to leave now in order to prepare our way.

Colton’s mind was reeling with the thought of going home. His Sashsa would be waiting for him with open arms. He missed having her at his side, but he was relieved she had not been in the battle he witnessed today.

His step bounced as he went about his duties. The emptiness he felt without his beloved Sashsa would soon be filled. He ached for her.

CHAPTER ONE

The Escape

Colton, I am coming. Something is dreadfully wrong. I feel your need for me.

Sashsa was doing the only thing she could do under the circumstances. Tears suddenly burned in her eyes. What if something happened to her? Nonsense. I will be perfectly fine. Will Levi T. grow to be a man without my gentle touch?

***

Tocala had Bay Boy ready as Sashsa hugged Levi T. to her breasts. Kele stood next to them with a look of support. Pahana had his arm around Sashsa in a sign of endearment. She could feel his concern and dissatisfaction with her decision to leave. She felt like a little girl disobeying her father.

Wakiea rode ahead to scout out their way. The moon was giving off a silvery glow to help guide them along the rough trail. Dressed in her deerskin breeches, soft moccasin boots, stitched, short-cropped coat, and famous wide-brim hat, she mounted Bay Boy and left waving. She was choking back tears so Tocala would not think she was weak.

Riding with a renewed confidence alongside Tocala, she pushed Bay Boy at a faster gait. Tocalalooked at her with a strange look but stayed the course.

Wolf and bird calls filled the night as Sashsa and Tocala joined Wakiea just before daylight. They decided to camp for the day in a small cave. The walls were wet with small pools of water on the dirt floor. The horses fit nicely in the back section. Sashsa and her companions found it most accommodating with no access for surprise attacks. The entrance was small and concealed on the side of a cliff, and Tocala sealed it with a small tree.

Their jerky was tough but filling. Kele had packed some strawberries and cold hominy, which added variety. Sashsa volunteered to take the first watch, as they needed to sleep so they could start out again at nightfall. She sat Indian style with her Charleville musket cocked and resting on her legs. Her back was positioned against the damp wall and she focused on her mission.

She found her eyes were growing heavy. She needed to get up and move around. Her head was full of Colton and how he would react to her joining him. She would just deal with that when she had to and not worry about it now.

Nightfall came quickly, and they were on the trail again. This time Tocala went out to scout their way. Sashsa got to have at least some conversation with Wakiea, but not much. Oh, how she longed for Colton. His company was never boring, and he made her laugh. She could feel his muscular arms around her, his lips searching for hers. Shivers of anticipation consumed her body and thoughts.

Reality was forced on her before she wanted when a scream bounced off the high rocks and dense forest. Instinctively, she cocked her musket and made sure her knife and tomahawk were tucked in her belt. Wakiea kicked his mount and Sashsa followed at breakneck speed. She did not know how many braves were following, but she knew they would kill her if she did not out run them. With that thought, she urged Bay Boy to more speed.

She took over the lead and reined her trusty mount to a clearing just ahead. Wakiea was finding it difficult to keep up with her, so he waved her on.

She did not dare look back but only forward. Her years of riding as a child and her daredevil leaping stunts proved to be valuable to her at this moment. Bay Boy never hesitated when flying over fallen trees.

Echoes of screams told Sashsa they had caught Wakiea, but she knew from experience they would not stop pursuing her. If she stopped, they most certainly would overpower her before she got off a shot.

There was no mistaking the pounding of hooves sounding in her ears and the steamy vapors of snorting horses filling the air. The continuous screams and shouts were everywhere as blurs of dark-green underbrush and thick green trees filled her vision. She was an expert rider, but one slip and her body would be trampled underfoot. If that did not kill her, the Indians would.

A shot rang out and then another and another. Were they firing at her? Her fingers were numb from hanging on to her reins so tightly, but she dared not stop.

Voices and not screams were intruding her ears. She could see to her right several riders coming up beside her. At that precise moment, Sashsa stopped suddenly, whirled Bay Boy around, and sped off in the other direction—a maneuver she learned from her Uncle Dominique.

With the wind in her face, she passed rider after rider as she continued her quest for freedom. A thick forest took over her vision as she let Bay Boy dictate their fate.

Two more shots rang out as two men blocked her passage. She pulled back hard on the reins and looked straight in the dark brown eyes of Colton. Immediately she let her guard down and reined in beside him.

Her appearance was so stirring it momentarily numbed the wits out of him. Catching her wrist, he pulled her down and continued pulling her until they were entwined in a ferocious display of emotions. He kissed her cheek and lips and moved on to her neck. She completely surrendered to his advances, wiggling closer to him.

You would think you missed her or something.

That recognizable voice brought them back to reality. Their heads popped up together with identical smiles; their eyes showed the joy of uniting to all the men enjoying their reunion.

Washington sat tall in his saddle with a mischievous look on his face. He too