“Not far. Only about a half-hour to the west.”
The time passed quickly. Wappanakuk asked Robert several other questions, but received only minimal responses. Robert was clearly in no mood to talk. Instead, he wrestled with his thoughts. He was excited to see his family again, but he dreaded it, as well. The news of Frank’s death was a tremendous burden to bear. He was happy that Wappanakuk was with him. He hoped that the presence of an old friend might somehow ease the pain of the terrible news.
The two men crossed over a low ridge and soon a small cluster of cabins and outbuildings came into view. Robert headed in the direction of a large, older-looking cabin on the western edge of the settlement. The two men noticed a lot of activity around the cabin.
As they drew closer Robert was able to make out the faces of some of his boys. Robbie was chopping wood as Joshua stacked it against the cabin. John was tending a small fire that generated clouds of smoke. Strips of meat dangled from thin sticks suspended over the smoky fire. Nanye-Hi was on her knees working on a deer hide that was staked to the ground over a bed of leaves. She was scraping meat and tissue from the inside of the hide with a knife.
Joshua let out an excited yell and pointed. Robbie spun around to look. The older boy exclaimed, “Mother!” He dropped his axe and ran inside the cabin.
Joshua and John ran toward the approaching riders. Both boys exclaimed, “Papa!”
Robert eased his leg over the neck of his horse and slid stiffly from the saddle. He stomped both of his feet and tried to coax his sore back into straightening out so that he could stand upright. He had just about worked the stiffness out of his tired muscles and joints when the boys slammed into him at full speed. He hugged them as tears of joy filled his eyes and streamed down his face.
Soon the leaf-covered clearing beside the cabin was filled with children as they streamed out of the house and ran toward Robert. He waited eagerly for them to approach, but his eyes were focused on the cabin. He wanted to see his wife.
The moment that Milly emerged from the narrow door of the cabin he felt his spirit lift inside his breast. She flashed a broad smile that melted away months of blood, pain, suffering, hunger, and killing. There was life and love in her gaze.
His heart satisfied at the sight of his bride, Robert dropped down on one knee and accepted the overwhelming wave of children that washed over him. The sheer mass of the little ones soon knocked him over onto his back in the snow and leaves. Robert and the children all howled with delight. Wappanakuk laughed out loud at the family spectacle on display before him.
Milly approached more slowly. She carried Frank and Nanye-Hi’s baby, Anna, on her hip. Nanye-Hi walked tentatively behind her, holding her son, Simeon, by the hand. When they reached the pile of family bedlam Milly handed the baby to Nanye-Hi and approached her husband. He climbed up off of the ground and dusted himself off. Milly slipped silently into his arms and placed her cheek against his chest. He reached his arms around her tightly and hugged her close.
“I missed you, Millenor Hammock.”
“You need a bath, Robert Hammock.”
Everyone laughed.
“And I see you brought an old friend with you.” She looked up at Wappanakuk, who was still seated on his horse. “Wappanakuk, it is good to see you again.”
“It is good to see you, as well, Miss Milly.”
“Well, climb down off of that horse and make yourself at home. You two need to be fed, I’m sure. But you’ll need to get washed first. You both smell like a field full of billy goats.”
Robert heard his wife’s words, but his heart and mind were focused on the face of Nanye-Hi. There was a sullen hollowness in her eyes. Robert sensed despair. It was almost as if she already knew.
Milly saw her husband staring at Nanye-Hi. She saw the agony on display in her husband’s eyes. After seventeen years of marriage she was all too familiar with her husband’s expressions. His face always betrayed what was in his heart. She stole a glance at Wappanakuk, who nodded very subtly and grimly.
“Robbie, take the children inside and have everyone wash up. We are going to have some treats. There is fresh sweet bread and jam inside.”
“But Mama, Papa just got home. I want to talk …”
Milly interrupted him, “Do as I say, Robbie! Now! There will be plenty of time for you to talk to your father this evening. Take Simeon and Anna with you. We need some time to talk without any children around.”
“Yes, Mama.”
Robbie turned around and enlisted Joshua’s help to corral all of the little ones and get them inside.
The moment that the cabin door closed Nanye-Hi stated solemnly and evenly, “My husband is dead.”
Robert took her by the arm and tugged gently in the direction of the outdoor table. “Let’s sit down over here and talk.”
She jerked her arm away. “Robert, do not treat me like a child. Speak plainly to me. Frank is dead, isn’t he?”
Robert looked her in the eyes. A single tear formed in his right eye. “Yes, Nanye-Hi. Frank is dead. He died in my arms at a place called Long Cane in South Carolina.”
She nodded. “I knew that he was dead. I knew it in my spirit many weeks ago. I felt him leave me. I felt it in my belly … in the movements of the child that I carry. When did he die?” she asked.
“In early December, about eight weeks ago.”
“It was in battle?”
Robert nodded gently. “He died along with thirteen other militiamen. When he was shot he was helping pull Colonel Elijah Clarke from the battlefield. We were in retreat. When he got hit I stayed with him and held him. I was there when he took his last breath.”
“Then he died a good, brave death,” she declared.
“Yes, Nanye-Hi. Yes he did. Frank was a gallant soldier. His fellow soldiers regarded him as such.”
“And his body?” she asked.
“We buried him at the edge of the field where he fell, along with the thirteen other men from Georgia who died with him.”
The young widow smiled at Robert. The smile dumbfounded him. It disturbed him. He could not understand how she could smile at him. He almost felt guilty for bringing her this horrible news.
“Robert, I am grateful for your care for my husband. He loved you very much. I think you know that. He died doing his duty and defending his people. No wife or mother could ask for or expect more. Now, if you will excuse me, I would like some time to myself for a while. Milly, will you watch my children for me for the remainder of the afternoon?”
Milly walked over to Nanye-Hi and wrapped her arms around her. “Of course, dear. You take all the time you want. We will be here when you are ready to return.”
“Thank you, Milly.”
The noble Cherokee girl turned and strolled toward the hill behind the cabin. The others watched in silence until she disappeared from view.
Milly turned to Robert. “I’m heartbroken over Frank. I know that it must have been horrible for you.”
“It was rough at first, but I’ve had some time to work it all through in my mind. There was nothing that I could have done to make things any different. It was just his time, I suppose.”
Milly took her husband by the hand and gave him a firm squeeze. “So, to change the subject … how did you and Wappanakuk happen upon one another?”
“That’s a long story. Let’s save it for supper. Where’s Lewis?”
“He’s out on patrol for the militia. He should be back before dark.”
“The men on the trail were telling me some amazing things about him. Turns out he’s something of a legend around here. There’s this pretty unbelievable story about him surviving a Cherokee attack and being shot full of arrows. Is that true?”
Milly grinned. “That’s a long story, too. One for after supper. But first things first. You two aren’t coming into my house without first sitting your hind parts in some hot, soapy water.” She called to her sons, “Boys! Start heating water. We have a couple of stinky soldiers
that we need to clean!”
***
Two hours later, just as dusk was descending over the mountains, Robert and Wappanakuk were freshly bathed and clad in clean clothes. Wappanakuk wore some of Robert’s extra breeches and one of his homespun shirts. They were enjoying the warmth of the fireplace when they heard the crunch of a horse in front of the cabin.
“Lewis is back!” Robbie proclaimed. He ran to the door and threw it open. “He has a doe!” Robbie, Joshua, and John ran outside to help hang the animal on the limb of their butchering tree.
Robert left the door standing wide open. Everyone inside smiled as they listened to the young boys excitedly tell Lewis that his father and Wappanakuk were inside the house.
Seconds later Lewis came bounding through the door. He exclaimed, “Papa!” The boy, as big and brave as he was, ran to his father and wept in his arms.
And Wappanakuk was there, too! Lewis’s heart leapt in his chest. He grabbed his Indian friend and gave him a huge hug. He was so happy that he thought he might explode!
The men had so many stories to tell! Robert and Lewis and Wappanakuk began to share excitedly about their battles and adventures. Of course, the news that Frank was dead took much of the joy and life out of the reunion, and it brought a new wave of tears from Lewis. He was heartbroken that he would never see his “big brother” Frank again
Milly cut their conversation short with her call to supper.
“You men-folk can talk all about your wars and fighting after supper. The food is hot, so let us eat.”
“What about Nanye-Hi?” asked Robert. “She’s still not back from her walk yet.”
“She should not be out in the settlements after dark. There are some people around here who would give any excuse to put a bullet in an Indian. It’s not safe for her,” declared Lewis.
“I’ll go and find her,” volunteered Wappanakuk. “I do not believe she has gone far. You folks go ahead and eat. I will return with the girl as soon as I can.”
“It’s not safe for you out there, either,” Lewis testified.
Wappanakuk smiled. “Do not worry about me, Tarowa Yetashta. I will be fine. Besides, I’m wearing some of your father’s clothes. Don’t I look just like a white settler?”
There was a moment of awkward silence and then everyone burst into laughter.
“Not exactly,” commented Milly.
Wappanakuk grinned warmly. “Miss Milly, please keep us some food warm by the fire. I will return soon.”
The Waccon warrior grabbed his weapons and exited swiftly. They heard the crunch of his moccasins in the snow for only a few steps and then the familiar silence of the mountains enveloped the cabin.
The family dived into their hot supper of rabbit and squirrel stew and salty corn cakes. The cabin was filled with laughter, joy, and conversation. Robert reveled in the love and warmth of his family. They told stories and sang songs for many hours until Milly declared that it was way past time for the little ones to go to bed. She herded them all into the far end of the cabin and pulled a makeshift curtain suspended on a leather thong that separated them from the adult side of the room.
The children soon drifted off to sleep and left the older folk in peace. Only Robbie and Lewis remained beside the fire with their mother and father. They continued their “catching up” and conversation for another couple of hours before finally giving in to fatigue and going to bed.
***
Robert’s month of furlough passed quickly. His days with his family were wonderful, indeed. He hunted with his boys along the creeks and ridges of the mountains. He wrestled in the floor with the smaller boys and read and told stories to his girls in the evenings. Robert reveled in the peace and safety of their mountain retreat, but he knew that his days in Watauga were numbered. He would soon have to return to the war. It wasn’t just duty that demanded his return. His heart also beckoned him to return and liberate his beloved Georgia from the stranglehold of the British.
February soon gave way to March, and the days began to warm just a little. There was still some snow on the ground, but it was easy to see that the death and gray of winter were beginning to yield to the life and green of spring. Robert’s report date at Colonel Pickens’ farm was March 15. For the sake of prudence and safety, Major Cunningham had informed the men that they needed to allow at least ten days for travel. They would depart on March 5. It was already March 3. Two days was all that Robert had left remaining of his winter retreat with his family.
That evening, following a hearty supper and fellowship around the family table, the adults, along with Lewis and Robbie, sat beside the fire and sipped hot tea with rum. They talked about many wonderful and meaningful things. Milly snuggled beside her husband in a large chair. Wappanakuk sat on a stool. Nanye-Hi was beside him, and like the two teenage boys, sat cross-legged in the floor. Robert hated to cast a cloud upon their joyful moment, but he had to make his plans known.
“We have orders to report to Colonel Pickens’ farm in the Long Cane District on March 5. I think you all know that.”
Milly responded, “Yes, husband, we are all too aware of your coming departure. When do you plan to leave?”
“Sunup the day after tomorrow. We want to allow plenty of time for difficulty along the trail.”
“That is wise to make plenty of time for travel,” affirmed Wappanakuk. “Danger and difficulty abound in the mountains and hills of the Carolinas.”
“I can go with you this time, Father!” chirped Lewis. “I’m ready to join the Regiment of Refugees!”
Robert shook his head. “No, son. I need you here with the family. Besides, the officers of the militia are counting on you for the defense of these mountains. You have responsibilities here, and here is where you belong. The men respect you here. I need you to stay.”
“Yes, Father,” Lewis responded.
Lewis understood his father’s command and expectations. In fact, he was almost glad that his father had denied his request. He loved his job as a scout and Indian spy.
Silence ensued. Robert, Wappanakuk, and Lewis puffed on their pipes.
“What about you, Wappanakuk?” asked Milly. “Are you returning to your regiment?”
“No, Miss Milly. I have decided that it is time for me to return home. I have responsibilities to attend to there … a wife and children.”
The Hammocks were flabbergasted. They had never heard a single word from Wappanakuk about a family.
“A wife and children?” exploded Robert. “You’ve never mentioned a wife and children! You’ve told us volumes about your brothers and sisters, and all about your cousins and uncles, but never a word about a wife and children!”
“That’s because I do not have a wife and children yet,” Wappanakuk remarked matter-of-factly.
Robert was more puzzled than ever. He looked at Milly, whose face also registered complete confusion.
“You are going to have to explain this to me, brother.”
Wappanakuk glanced at Nanye-Hi. She lifted her hand and gently placed it on his knee. She smiled at him and then smiled at Milly and Robert.
“I will be returning with Wappanakuk to his home. I am to be his wife.”
Robert was absolutely dumbfounded. His mouth hung wide open. Suddenly Milly shrieked with glee and began to clap her hands. It was a semi-silent shriek because she did not want to wake the children sleeping on the other side of the curtain. But her joy had to make its way out of her heart and into the room. She lunged toward Nanye-Hi, scooped her up off of the floor, and hugged her close.
“Oh, I am so happy for you, dear. It makes so much sense! I don’t know why I didn’t see it coming.” Milly beamed with pleasure.
Robert’s jaw was still on the floor. He hadn’t even blinked since hearing Nanye-Hi’s pronouncement.
“Robert, darling, you need to breathe,” Milly teased.
He blinked and tried to clear the cobwebs from his brain. He muttered, “But … but how? When? I don’t understand …”
“It is the answer to all of our needs, Robert,” answered Wappanakuk. “Nanye-Hi does not fit here in this settlement. She has no ties of blood to your family. And she fears going home to her people because of the color and heritage of her children. But my people have been blended with whites and slaves for decades. Our culture is mixed. My people are open and welcoming. She will be most welcome in my village.” He looked again at Nanye-Hi. “Besides, she is a beautiful and healthy young woman. Any man with reasonable intelligence would be thrilled to have her as his wife.”
Nanye-Hi smiled broadly and blushed.
“What about her children?” asked Robert.
“I will raise them and treat them as my own. But they will know all about their brave father,” Wappanakuk promised.
“The child within me will be born in three months. He will be called Frank, in honor of his father,” added Nanye-Hi.
“What if it is a girl?” joked Robert.
Nanye-Hi looked at him in all seriousness and stated, “No, Robert. He is a boy.”
Robert put up his hands in surrender, laughed, and nodded. “Well, then, it sounds like this is a done deal. You have decided.”
“We have decided,” answered both Wappanakuk and Nanye-Hi.
“Then I suppose congratulations are in order, my friend.” Robert gave his Indian friend a hearty handshake.
“Will you be married here in Watauga?” asked Lewis.
“No. We will wait until we return to my people. I want us to have a Waccon wedding.”
The Hammocks were all saddened.
“I wish that we could be there,” replied Robert.
“I know, my friend. You will be with us in spirit, but you have more pressing matters to attend to than a wedding. You have a land to liberate and a home to reclaim.”
Robert nodded. “Yes, old friend. Yes I do.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
WAR’S END
A gentle breeze blew up through the mountain pass. It cooled the sweat that covered Lewis’s skin and soaked his shirt. It was only the second week of June, but the ample rains and high humidity gave the heavily wooded mountains an almost jungle-like feel. His nerves were on edge.
Little Warrior: Boy Patriot of Georgia (Patriot Kids of the American Revolution Series Book 2) Page 16