Destiny's Temprtress

by Janelle Taylor

  “This is war, ma’am; we soldiers gotta take pleasure when and where we find it. Well? You Rebs wanna take this vixen off my hands? Or do I open her gullet and empty it?”

  The sergeant licked his dry lips. He didn’t know what to do. “I’ll have to confer with General Moore. Give me a few minutes.” Turning to a soldier next to him, he ordered, “Private Toliver, go explain matters to the general. Bring me his answer quickly.” He glanced at Lieutenant Pike and frowned when the younger officer shook his head and scowled.

  The private rushed off to carry out his assignment. None of the men doubted that General Richard Moore would allow this ruffian to go free in order to save this beauty’s life and to avenge her honor. In less than ten minutes, the private returned with a pale face and wide eyes. He relayed the general’s dismaying message.

  To Shannon, those minutes were excruciatingly long. She trembled in suspense and dread. One or both of them could die today. She had so much living to do, so much loving. Behind her was the man of her dreams and heart. How could she help them escape?

  Blane already knew the climax of this fateful drama, yet he would play along just to keep Shannon close to him a while longer. He was acquainted with the reputation and feelings of General Moore. Realizing what Blane had witnessed, the general would feel there was too much at stake to compromise. Phillips had known the general’s answer, too, but wanted the responsibility of Shannon’s fate taken out of his hands. Blane wished it might have ended differently for him and Shannon. Dying was a fact of life, especially during war, he knew, but why now, when he had found the right woman? Whatever happened to him, he had to think of Shannon first. He cursed his blunder today. But hadn’t he known from the beginning that if he was ever shot or captured, it would have had to do with protecting his partner!

  Sergeant Phillips called out ruefully, “I’m sorry, Miss Greenleaf, but we cannot make such a trade. We must not allow this Yankee to get away and endanger our assignment. He’s seen too much. I hope you understand this is war, and I must defend the Confederacy and my men before one life. I fear, sir, I must call your bluff.”

  Shannon’s face lost its remaining color. Blane was going to be captured and killed. “You would allow him to slay me before your eyes?” she asked. “I am under the protection of President Davis himself!”

  “I am truly sorry, miss, but he must not escape and warn the Yankees. President Davis will understand our dilemma and choice. Sir, if you possess any morals or mercy, release her,” Phillips coaxed, wanting it to appear he had done all he could to save the lovely creature.

  Shannon was alarmed. How could she live after Blane was shot? “He is a beast, sir. You cannot allow this injustice! Has this war destroyed all honor and conscience? We are the Confederacy, sir.”

  Blane couldn’t afford any perilous interference from Shannon when he surrendered. He whirled her toward him and mumbled, “Shut up so I can think, woman.” He landed a stunning blow in just the right place to avoid damage but to render her unconscious. Blane noted the fury on many faces that was prompted by his action. Shannon would be safe. No doubt many soldiers would argue over who was going to escort her into town. At least she knew where to go for help. For the first time, Blane doubted his own survival and prowess.

  He locked his impenetrable gaze on Sergeant Phillips. “She spoke accurately; what man or men of honor and breeding would allow such an injustice? Union soldiers are not slayers or violators of innocent women. I will surrender her life and my weapon to the Lieutenant.”

  Pike stared at him in astonishment and confusion. “Why me, sir?”

  “Because your eyes tell me you would be a man of honor and courage if you were in charge. I shall not yield to weaklings or cowards. I request that you be my executioner. Are these terms acceptable?”

  Sergeant Phillips fused a dark scarlet at the insult, but wanting this offensive matter settled promptly, he agreed. “Do your duty, Lieutenant Pike.” After all, he mused, this bastard would be in his care soon!

  Pike walked to where Blane was standing. He held out his hand for the weapon. Blane drilled his gaze into Pike’s, then smiled. He passed the knife to the Rebel officer, then shifted his precious burden into the other man’s arms. Blane raised his hands and waited.

  Sergeant Phillips ordered three men to take Blane into custody. “General Moore will want to question him. Lieutenant, you see to Miss Greenleaf. Perhaps the doctor should examine her injuries.”

  “I’ll see to it, sir.” Pike lifted Shannon’s limp form in his arms and headed for camp. He had trouble keeping his eyes off her face. He could understand why no man could slay this enchantress.

  Shannon awoke to find herself on a cot in a tent. She studied her surroundings, trying to ascertain her situation. The man nearby turned to find her staring at his back. He smiled warmly and came forward.

  “I see you’re awake, Miss Greenleaf. How do you feel?” the middle-aged man with heavy whiskers inquired kindly.

  “What happened?” Shannon probed curiously, rubbing her jaw.

  “To our surprise and pleasure, the Yankee surrendered.”

  Shannon’s gaze widened. “He surrendered!” she declared, her astonishment concealing her distress. Of course, what else could he do? If not for her, he could have gotten away. He had been right in Washington; she was a danger and hindrance, and a distraction. She had to find a way to help him!

  “He turned you and himself over to Lieutenant Pike. He even requested, or rather demanded, for Pike to carry out his execution.”

  “Execution!” she echoed. “Surely the general would not hang a man who spared my life when my own side was willing to sacrifice it?”

  “Calm yourself, Miss Greenleaf. He will be taken to prison after he’s questioned. I noticed a wound still healing on your temple,” he stated pointedly to change the unsettling topic.

  “When we were attacked on the road, I was shot. It doesn’t hurt anymore. I kept it bandaged until I ran out of clean cloths. Will it leave a scar?” she asked, trying to sound feminine and vulnerable.

  “Perhaps a very tiny one. Your curls will cover it most of the time. Your jaw will be sore for a few days. You’re lucky. No bones or teeth were broken. I cannot imagine a man striking a woman.”

  “Why not? General Moore ordered my life to be sacrificed. A blow is nothing compared to death, sir,” she haughtily informed him.

  “I’m sure the general will explain everything. He wishes to see you as soon as you’ve recovered yourself. Do you feel like talking?”

  “I would like to freshen up first. Where’s Dan and my belongings?”

  “Dan?” the doctor probed.

  “My horse. What few clothes I managed to save after our attack are rolled inside my sleeping mat. While traveling, I’ve been dressing like a man to avoid attention and assault, which failed to help me on two occasions. I would love to bathe and change, if you will kindly help me, sir,” she asked, focusing appealing blue eyes on him.

  A mellow voice replied from her left, “I will be honored to assist you in any way, Miss Greenleaf. I’m Lieutenant Zachary Pike.”

  Shannon’s attention was drawn to the ruggedly handsome man poised in the opening. His hair was thick and silky, like a mink’s pelt. His eyes were golden brown, as warm and soft as fresh taffy. Although not as dark as Blane’s, his flesh was tanned. A neat mustache covered the area between compelling lips and a nicely shaped nose. He exuded an air and look of gentility. At last, here was a true Southern gentleman, she mused, as she smiled and thanked him.

  “I will fetch your bedroll immediately. I’ll have Private Toliver tend your Dan. I’m delighted to find you well and smiling.”

  “From what I understand, sir, I have you to thank for both conditions. Miss Shannon Greenleaf is in your debt, kind sir.”

  A charming smile curled one corner of Zachary’s mouth and his sherry eyes glowed with fascination and admiration. “When you’re ready, Miss Greenleaf, I’ll escort you to General Moore’
s tent. He wishes you to join him for supper and a talk.”

  Shannon’s smile faded. She lifted her chin proudly and defiantly. Tossing her tangled curls over her shoulder, she responded, “Only if you can join us, sir. Otherwise I must refuse the invitations of the man who calmly ordered my demise. After Dan and I have rested, I plan to continue my journey to Wilmington. I would be there now if that Yankee scoundrel hadn’t captured me and headed north for Union lines. I daresay, sir, it is frightful to be used as a hostage.”

  After Zachary delivered her bedroll and fresh water to the tent, he closed the flaps to give her privacy. Shannon placed the bundle on the cot and unrolled it. She was delighted she had put her clean undergarments with her dress. She wished she had been as thoughtful about her slippers and brush, as she couldn’t ask Pike to search for the saddlebags. She eyed the sealed tent flaps before hurriedly stripping and washing. After donning the blue gown that Elizabeth Van Lew had given her, Shannon rolled her dirty garments inside the mat.

  Taking the wet cloth, she wiped off her boots. When her things were gathered and the tent was straightened, she unlaced the bindings and pushed aside the flaps. Unaware of how sensual and earthy she had appeared when dirty and mussed, she had assumed it would be to her best advantage to assail these men’s senses with her femininity and charms. As she noticed the way Zachary’s gaze widened and boldly roamed over her face and figure, her confidence and excitement returned.

  “You look ravishing, Miss Greenleaf,” he complimented her.

  Shannon fluttered her lashes and smiled coquettishly. “You are far too kind, sir. I have neither brush nor slippers to complete my grooming. I shall be eternally grateful to return home. Papa warned me that nursing would be perilous and demanding. I fear I was too stubborn to listen and too naive to understand. I felt it was my duty to aid the Confederacy with my meager talents, however or wherever they were needed.” As Zachary took her by the elbow to escort her to General Moore’s tent, she asked, “Have you ever met President Davis, sir?”

  “I have not had the honor, ma’am. Have you met him?”

  Shannon smiled and nodded at the men they met. “I had that pleasure while I was still a child, sir. He and my father fought in the Mexican War together. He was a great hero during that conflict, as he is in this one. He visited our home on several occasions. He used to tug my braids and tease me about these freckles.”

  Zachary’s eyes went to her nose and cheeks. He grinned. “You have very few left, and they are most becoming.”

  “I visited the President just before I left Richmond to come home. He did not realize his personal letter would not provide the protection and respect that he desired and I needed. But the President is worried these days. The Union forces grow stronger and bolder with each sunrise. They have ample supplies and weapons, while our side barely has enough for defense. More of our men are deserting or changing sides after each battle. I fear the days ahead are dark and deadly, sir.”

  “Don’t worry your pretty head, Miss Greenleaf. We’re massing troops and supplies now for a strike at Grant’s flank. Once he’s caught and squashed between us and Lee, the Union will retreat long enough for us to rest and resupply our units. Our blockade runners are getting through nearly every week now. We’ve got sympathizers in the North and in Europe. They recognize the injustice of this war. They’re sending weapons, food, supplies, and gold to help us.”

  Shannon beamed falsely. “Oh, sir, that’s wonderful. I wish I could sail to England and France to carry out such a valiant mission. How exciting and heroic. Papa would simply die of vexation and fear.”

  “Where do you live in Wilmington?” he asked politely.

  “I don’t actually live there, sir,” she responded cautiously, just in case he knew the people and area. “Our plantation is just below Atlanta, but President Davis said it was too dangerous to head there. He said Wilmington was one of our safest and strongest ports. He told me to stay with old friends of his, Major Timothy and Annabelle Marlowe. Did you know that Union troops are ravaging the entire area between Nashville and Atlanta? President Davis said those villains are laying waste to anything they cannot carry with them.”

  “Once we join forces with Lee and finish off Grant, we’ll challenge those scoundrels to a battle they’ll never forget,” he vowed confidently. “Do you have other family?”

  Shannon lowered her gaze and inhaled sadly. “I lost a brother at Shiloh, and I have no idea where my other one is. My father is with General Bragg, or was the last time I heard anything. I fear this bloody war will cost us many fathers and brothers. Why couldn’t the Northerners leave us alone? President Buchanan said we could secede.”

  Lieutenant Pike squeezed her arm and encouraged, “It will be over soon, one way or another. Pray for our victory, Miss Greenleaf, or the North will crush us under their boots in defeat.”

  They arrived at General Moore’s tent. Zachary stepped aside for Shannon to enter. She was surprised to find a table set and ready. She looked at the tall man in a clean gray uniform. His probing gaze and controlled expression unnerved her, but it didn’t show.

  “Miss Greenleaf,” he stated, coming forward to greet her. “I’m pleased you could join me for dinner. Pleasures are rare between battles. I was hoping to see you and make amends for your distress.”

  Shannon held her shoulders stiff and her chin high as she glued her challenging gaze to his piercing one. “I find your treatment of Southern women insulting, sir. Rest assured my family and President Davis will learn of this outrage unless your motives are beyond question.”

  “Rest assured, they are,” he countered without flinching.

  Shannon’s gaze took in his clean-shaven face and wiry physique. His graying hair and wrinkles suggested he was nearing fifty. His lips were thin and his nose was long and straight. His cheekbones stood out prominently above noticeable hollows that met his sharp jawline. He did not appear the least troubled by his lethal order. Nor did his invitation to dinner seem to be an apology for it. His action came from an ingrained habit of showing Southern hospitality.

  “Than I shall be forced to accept your word on the matter, sir,” she responded, wisely resisting the impulse to demand an explanation. “After all, I am safe, and he was bluffed into a capture. Evidently you know your strategy well and do not hesitate to follow it.”

  Oddly, General Moore smiled. Her breeding and intelligence pleased and relaxed him, as did her lack of a demand for answers. “I’m sure such an experience was difficult and frightening for you.”

  Shannon shuddered and sighed dramatically. “Yes, it was, sir.”

  “Please, be seated,” he offered, pulling out a chair for her.

  Shannon tucked her skirt and obeyed. “Can you spare one of your men to escort me into Wilmington? I am most anxious to end my journey safely and quickly. I would be most appreciative.”

  “I’ll have Lieutenant Pike do so in the morning,” he conceded. As they were served stew and bread and wine, he asked, “Where was this Yankee heading, Miss Greenleaf?”

  “I presume for the Union lines, sir. When he seized me and Dan, he mumbled something about us getting him through Fayetteville and Raleigh without any trouble. He didn’t talk much, except to tell me to be quiet whenever I pleaded for release.” She sipped the red wine. “He was most rude along the way. I daresay his family forgot to teach him any manners or to give him a sense of right and wrong.”

  “Did he keep you bound all the time?” Zachary inquired angrily.

  Her fork halted in midair between bites. Lowering it to her tin plate, Shannon answered, “No, he said that it would look suspicious to anyone we met. He threatened to shoot me or anyone necessary if I shouted a warning. I dared not defy him.” Just as she lifted her fork again, she brightened as if recalling a fact. “He did say something about Wilmington being too hot for him, whatever that means. I’m sorry, sir. After that other attack, I was so scared I didn’t pay much attention. I didn’t realize travel was so hazardou
s. It would have been less dangerous to continue nursing in Fredericksburg.”

  Moore chuckled. “That’s all right, Miss Greenleaf. Your survival is all that matters.” The general watched her for a moment.

  Shannon bit her lower lip to hold back her surly retort. She ate quietly and eagerly. “I don’t wish to appear ill-mannered by eating so swiftly, sir, but I am literally ravenous.” She hoped that would halt his questions for awhile, or perhaps end them all together.

  “Then enjoy your meal, and we’ll chat later.”

  “General Moore?” a voice summoned the commander.

  Moore called out, “Enter.”

  Private Toliver appeared before the tent and said, “Sir, I need to see you privately. It’s urgent.” He glanced sheepishly at the redhead who had turned to gaze at him.

  Moore’s brow furrowed in annoyance, but he rose and joined Toliver outside. Muffled voices mingled excitedly. Within minutes, Moore turned and ordered sternly, “Lieutenant Pike, come along with me. Private Toliver, you stand guard here.” To Shannon, he stated crisply, “We’ll return shortly. Please continue while the food is warm.”

  When the two officers were out of sight, Shannon went to Toliver and inquired anxiously, “What’s wrong?”

  The man shifted nervously and stammered, “The…general will handle…it, ma’am. You go on and eat.”

  “Please,” Shannon entreated, smiling provocatively at him. “I heard you mention the prisoner. What about him, Private Toliver?”

  Though charmed by this beauty and wanting to please her, he eyed the direction Moore and Pike had taken before replying, “Major Phillips has gone wild over there. He was questioning the prisoner. When the Yank refused to talk, Major Phillips started beating him. I knew the general wouldn’t be pleased. He don’t torture captives before he hangs ’em. Boy, that Yank’s a tough one.”