Destiny's Temprtress

by Janelle Taylor

  Anguish and terror filled Shannon. “What do you mean, before he hangs him? Won’t he be sent to prison?”

  “Usually we send captured Yanks to holding camps. But we’re heading for Petersburg as soon as the other two regiments join us, so we ain’t got time or escorts to spare. Moore said he’ll have to hang this one. If word got out about our plans, them Yanks would head south and stop us. Phillips wants him to spill his guts afore he swings in the morning. Phillips is real mad ’cause that Yank shamed him. That Yank is something. I’ve seen his kind before. He won’t talk.”

  Shannon could read respect in Toliver’s tone and gaze for Blane’s courage. “It’s a shame he’s a Yankee,” she asserted.

  “Yes’m, it shore is. We could shore use men like that.”

  So can I, Shannon agreed in mounting fear. She returned to her seat and completed her meal without appetite. Her mind was spinning with reckless plans. She envisioned Blane’s handsome face and virile body all bruised and bloodied. In a camp this size, she couldn’t do anything to help Blane. She didn’t know her way around or know where her love was being held and beaten. Her love…Yes, she did love Major Blane Stevens. What could she say or do to obtain his freedom, or at least ensure his survival? If only Moore would send him to a prison camp; he might stand a chance to escape or to survive there. If only she could persuade one of the men to help her release him. There wasn’t enough time to enchant and blindly enslave any of these men. Moore was totally unreachable. Phillips was crazy. Toliver was too weak. That left Pike. What could she offer him for Blane’s life?

  Chapter Nine

  General Moore and Lieutenant Pike returned to the tent to find Shannon finishing.her wine. Private Toliver was dismissed and the two Confederate officers joined her at the table. Both seemed to have no trouble with lost appetites or with consuming the remainder of their chilled meals. Neither offered an explanation for their hasty departures.

  Shannon decided that feminine curiosity might prompt her to ask, “Is there a problem, sir? We aren’t in any danger, are we?”

  Moore smiled indulgently and replied, “Nothing to concern yourself about, Miss Greenleaf. Lieutenant Pike, why don’t you take Miss Greenleaf for a stroll, then show her to her tent. I’m certain she’s exhausted after her rough ordeal. Tomorrow morning you may escort her to Wilmington, but please return promptly.”

  “Thank you, sir. Your assistance is most generous,” Shannon told him, leveling a charming smile on both men. “If I do not see you again, General Moore, God speed the victory to end this war.”

  “Your family will be proud of your courage and help. I only wish it were safe enough for us to carry along such a brave and lovely nurse.”

  Shannon smiled and nodded her gratitude. “When I get home, I will do my best to be of service to those in need there. If you meet Andrew or Corbett Greenleaf, please let them know of my location and state of health. Surely they are as worried about me as I am about them. It is so hard for women to remain behind, ignorant of their loved ones’ fates. Yet, as I have learned recently, it can be just as difficult to go forth and help them or others. I shall look forward to nights without the sounds of death and destruction tearing into my sleep, and days of not viewing the suffering of our courageous soldiers.”

  When neither man picked up the conversation, Shannon murmured dispiritedly, “Now I understand what President Davis meant about carrying a heavy burden. It must be an enormous responsibility to order men into battle, knowing so many will never return. Sometimes I wonder if my family will survive this terrible conflict. So many women will be left to face the future alone. It makes one feel so helpless.” She dabbed at the false tears she had managed to create.

  “Now, now, don’t distress yourself, Miss Greenleaf. God willing, victory will soon be ours,” the general said to comfort her.

  “What if He is not willing, sir?” she inquired dejectedly. “The President seemed so worried, so doubtful, when I saw him. People are losing hope; some are changing sides. The Northern citizens and Union Army have so much, and we have so little.”

  Moore patted her hand on the table. “You must not lose heart. Our men are brave and daring, determined to win this war.”

  “Soldiers cannot eat, ride, or shoot courage and determination, sir. If you had seen the misery I have witnessed, you would feel the same. But I am a woman, and a woman is unaccustomed to fighting and killing and sacrificing. Perhaps it strikes me so deeply because I had never viewed or experienced such evils before this war.”

  “Come, let me clear your mind and soothe your fears with a stroll,” Pike entreated. “You are too young to be so unhappy.”

  Shannon rose as he pulled her chair away. “Good night, sir.”

  General Moore stood in the opening of his tent, smoking a cigar and watching Shannon depart on Pike’s arm. Dusk was approaching swiftly, but that flaming hair and sapphire gown stood out brilliantly against the dry landscape and gray uniforms. After a private cleared his table, he returned to it to make notes about the captured Yankee and the exquisite Southern belle whose fates had clashed briefly. In three days, he would head north with his regiment to challenge his own fate.

  As the Rebels prepared for the night, they halted their tasks to admire the beautiful young woman on Lieutenant Pike’s arm. News of her recue had worked its way around the camp within minutes. News of Major Phillips’s brutal treatment of her captor had also sped around the large area. Some men agreed with his punishment and savage interrogation; others found the harsh actions cruel and unnecessary. What man, Yankee or Rebel, could resist such a tempting treasure found alone on the road? By the same token, what man could slay her to earn his freedom or revenge? After all, it hadn’t been proven that the man with a Southern accent was a Yankee spy. They could merely assume that his silence meant guilt.

  Shannon appeared to be giving smiles of encouragement and respect to the soldiers, but she was scrutinizing the camp. She mentally tallied the number of cannons and caissons. She tried to count the number of soldiers. She surreptitiously examined the quantity and quality of their supplies and gear. She also studied their mood.

  “Tell me, Lieutenant Pike, where do you live?” she coaxed.

  “Near Charlotte, ma’am. I come from a large family.”

  She looked up at him and smiled. “Are you always this short of words, sir?” she playfully teased him. “If you have other matters to attend, I shall understand. You may escort me to my lodgings.”

  The bewitched soldier quickly assured her he was not bored or needed. As Zachary Pike spoke of his home and family, Shannon tried to look attentive. Yet, she listened only closely enough to obtain facts to continue the conversation, but not enough to distract her from her observation. It was a talent most Southern girls learned early, to display interest in the man at her side during a party while cleverly scouting all available men and the feminine competition in the room. Each time the lieutenant finished a topic, she encouraged him to begin another. She carefully avoided talk about war, the encampment, and their impending assignment. She behaved as if he were a marvelous diversion from their depressing surroundings and the reality of war.

  As they approached a tent where a guard was posted, Shannon realized it might be where Blane was being held until morning. She made certain her face and voice did not betray her anguish and fear. As casually as possible, she asked what she felt was not a suspicious or unreasonable question. “What happened to the man who abducted me? Was he a Rebel deserter or a Yankee? Why did he injure me?”

  “He is quite harmless now, Miss Greenleaf. Would you care to see for yourself? He will be punished for his vile abuse of you,” he remarked coldly, touching the sensitive area on her jaw where a vivid bruise was gradually forming. “No man should mar such beauty.”

  Shannon flinched and shrieked, “Ouch! It’s very sore. Does it look awful?” she questioned as she fingered it lightly.

  Zachary stopped and turned her to face him. His eyes roamed her face, t
hen settled on the injured area. “You couldn’t look awful in any condition or garments. I shall personally make sure that Yank suffers more than you do. Here, see how brave and dangerous he is now.” Pike directed her attention to the tent at his right.

  In the dim light, Shannon could make out a figure bound to a post. She lifted her chin and strutted into the tent. She halted to Blane’s right and glared at him. His face revealed several bruises and cuts. Blood had dried around several injures; two were still moist with red liquid. One eye would surely turn blackish blue by dawn. His lower lip was split and swollen at the left corner. His nose didn’t appear broken, but it had bled profusely at one point. That beast Phillips had allowed the blood to flow over Blane’s mouth, down his chin, then drop to his shirt and chest. Shannon was appalled.

  “I see you’ve made a start on his punishment,” she remarked as if unmoved by her foe’s pain and condition. “Before I became a nurse, such a sight would have sickened and distressed me. But I have seen men without eyes or arms or legs, men whose blood flowed redder and swifter than this despicable brute’s, men who were not guilty of his evil deeds. I hope you make certain he cannot harm another woman.”

  Shannon had prepared for such an opportunity. While she was alone in Moore’s tent, she had removed her knife from her boot sheath and had slipped it into her dress pocket. She mentally thanked Elizabeth for the deep pockets and Hawke for the knife sheath and the Rebs for not searching her and Blane for discarding her slippers. She recalled Hawke saying that one never knew when a hidden weapon would come in handy.

  She stepped closer to scoff in Blane’s face, “I told you you would be sorry for mistreating me and trying to steal my horse.” As she removed the knife from her pocket and carefully placed it in the correct position in Blane’s hands, she punched him in the stomach to obscure her action and declared, “That’s for striking me in the face! I would return your blow in kind, but I do not wish to have your blood on my hands and gown. Were my father here, he would thrash you soundly. Next time, perhaps you will think twice before kidnapping and abusing a lady.”

  Blane’s fingers wrapped securely around the handle of the knife she had passed to him. He glared at Shannon with narrowed eyes, causing the creases near them to deepen. His hair was tousled from the forceful blows to his face, and his ribs ached from those delivered to that unprotected area. On one hand, he was furious with her for taking such risks; on the other hand, he was pleased by her conduct. “If I ever meet a Southern lady, I’ll try to recall your warning, Miss Greenleaf, wasn’t it? I should have taught you some manners while I had you, seeing as your family failed to do so. Next time, perhaps you will think twice before running around the countryside alone, enticing defenseless men. You’re the one who needs a good thrashing. I was a fool to give in and release you. Your pretty hide isn’t worth mine.” His hazel eyes swept over Shannon’s face and body insultingly, then relaxed into appreciative lines. He grinned devilishly with some effort, ignoring the pain from his injuries. “Maybe I should have taken the time to toss you on your back; then I wouldn’t be here right now. Or at least I’d have died a happy man.”

  “O-o-o-oh,” Shannon spit out angrily, delighted for the first time to feel a hot blush flooding her cheeks. “You are a vile beast, sir, and I hope they beat you morning, noon, and night!” She whirled in a huff and stalked outside. “Which way is my tent, Zachary?” she asked hastily to prevent the man from lingering with Blane. “Clearly this brute has not learned a lesson. Yanks are so crude and arrogant.”

  Pike joined her promptly and Shannon immediately asked about Dan. Even though Pike assured her the animal was fine, she insisted on seeing for herself. “I’ve had him since I was sixteen. General Moore wouldn’t confiscate Dan, would he?” she asked worriedly, cleverly lacing her voice with deep affection for the sleek animal.

  “Certainly not. You’ll need him to get to Wilmington. I hope that disgusting Yank didn’t offend you. I should not have allowed you to see him. I never imagined he would behave so crudely.”

  “During the past two years, I’ve seen and met all kinds of men, Lieutenant Pike. Usually I don’t allow their words and behavior to bother me. I suppose seeing a man who has treated me so wickedly is different. I shouldn’t have punched him or exchanged insults with him. To conduct oneself in such a manner lowers one to the same level. I must apologize for my childish behavior. He just made me so angry.”

  Dan was familiar with Shannon’s voice and touch, and he responded to them as she stroked his neck and spoke affectionately to him. She smiled at the guard and her escort. “I can see he’s fine. Thanks.” As they turned to leave, Shannon noticed Blane’s saddle nearby.

  Pike walked her to the tent to which she had been assigned. Then he squeezed her hand and told her he would see her in the morning. She could tell he was delighted by the prospect of escorting her into town. When Shannon was inside the tent, she sank to the cot and sighed heavily. At least Blane had a chance for escape, if no one discovered the knife before he could sever his bonds. If someone did, she would be in terrible trouble. If Blane got free, surely he would come here and let her know before he fled camp, if he could find her.

  Without undressing, Shannon stretched out on the cot. Time passed. The tent was stuffy, and she was restless. Where were the cool October breezes? By midnight, the camp was still and silent. She couldn’t relax or fall asleep. What if Blane had dropped the knife? What if he was injured badly? What if he couldn’t get to or past the guard? What if she had exposed herself? She recalled the words about having no time to transfer or keep prisoners. Hanged…

  Shannon knew her way around the camp. Blane might need her to lead him to Dan. Besides, she was concerned about staying here after his escape. She jumped up and paced the small, dim area. Impulsively, she crept outside and headed toward the tent where Blane was being held prisoner. Her eyes darted around as she stealthily made progress. She knew which areas to avoid from her stroll with Pike. As a twig snapped beneath her boot, she halted and removed them, leaving them behind. She was glad her steps were not hindered by multiple petticoats, but she wished she had thought to change into her pants and shirt. She dared not return to the tent, for her courage was gradually diminishing as time went on. Aware of every sound, she almost held her breath. She was thankful her dress and hair blended into the shadows, and she wisely avoided open, moonlit spaces as much as possible.

  As she reached the prisoner tent, she noticed there was no guard posted. Her heart raced wildly and frantically. His absence could mean only one thing: Blane had escaped. What to do? She was near the center of camp, between her tent and the beckoning corral. She couldn’t risk retrieving her boots and clothes, nor could she chance returning to her tent, then playing the innocent in the morning when Blane’s escape was discovered.

  An arm banded her body and a hand clamped over her mouth, stifling her instinctive scream. As she shifted her eyes to their corners, she noticed a gray sleeve. She had been caught, exposed as Blane’s accomplice instead of his victim. There was no use in struggling or protesting. The moment the alert was sounded, escape would be impossible. But if she could work her charms on this Rebel, at least Blane might have a chance to get away. Surely the Confederates wouldn’t hang a nineteen-year-old woman. Undoubtedly her new captor was Zachary Pike! Perhaps she would be forced to pay for Blane’s life after all…

  Blane’s voice whispered in her ear, “It’s me, Flame. Relax.”

  Shannon nearly fainted from relief and tension.

  He warned, “Be quiet until we’re out of here.”

  Taking her by the hand, he started moving off to their left. Shannon shook their clasped hands to get his attention. When he bent forward, she whispered in his ear, “The corral is to the right. Dan and your saddle are there. Guards are posted at every corner. Follow me,” she suggested, hoping he wouldn’t mind her lead and advice.

  At the last tree before reaching the corral, Shannon halted and motioned to where the n
earest guard would be standing. Blane told her to stay hidden while he disposed of the sentry. When all was clear, he would give the bird whistle he had taught her during their journey. As Shannon grabbed his arm and stared at him in panic, he reminded her of his stolen uniform, which would dupe the guards until it was too late for action. He cuffed her chin and smiled.

  Shannon watched Blane swagger across the moonlit area between the tents and the large corral. She leaned against the tree and prayed for his swift success. Ten minutes crept by as her nerves tingled with apprehension. Shannon had closed her eyes to say another prayer, when the signal from Blane sounded in her ear. She smiled and straightened.

  “You shouldn’t be out here alone, Miss Greenleaf,” Pike’s voice gently scolded her. “It’s a mite chilly and you don’t have a wrap.”

  Shannon cringed in alarm, then quickly found her wits. She smiled at him and stretched her limbs sensuously. “I couldn’t sleep. Too much excitement today and tension tonight. I went to visit with Dan again; he makes me feel close to home. It’s so muggy and uncomfortable. Do you think it’s going to rain? Storms always make me restless.”

  “I think it has to do with being near so many swampy areas. Of course, it does rain here about a fourth to a third of the year. It’s late. Why don’t I walk you back to your tent?” he offered.

  “The breeze is so nice out here; I’d like to enjoy it a while longer. Your camp is well guarded, so I’m perfectly safe, Lieutenant. I’m not doing anything wrong by being here, am I?”

  “No, but it isn’t truly safe for a woman so beautiful to be left unattended around so many susceptible men. Does your jaw hurt?”

  Shannon forced herself not to flinch when he gently caressed the bruised area. “You are a very kind and sensitive man, Lieutenant.”

  “From the first moment I saw you being held captive in that man’s arms, you warmed my heart and soul, Miss Greenleaf. I wish there was more time for us to become acquainted. Perhaps after the war has ended, I might call on you?” he inquired hopefully.