Timecachers

by Glenn R. Petrucci

  “I think it is important for us to be there,” said Alice, “even if for no other reason than for a show of support.”

  “I’m not saying we shouldn’t go,” Adam said. “I’m just not sure how useful it will be. How much good will our show of support do at this point? How is our being there going to help the situation?” Adam was concerned that their presence in the fort could be misinterpreted. It could appear that they were flaunting their freedom to the Cherokees.

  Alice did not agree. “You go to visit a friend when he’s in the hospital, don’t you? Even though there isn’t much you can do for them, your visit lets them know you care. On top of losing just about everything they own, these families have gone from a busy life full of farming chores to sitting idle inside that filthy stockade. We can at least help relieve their boredom.”

  “Indeed,” said Constance. “We can also take the opportunity today to examine the situation and determine other ways to be of service. Perhaps that will mean bringing in food and other supplies or running an errand for someone. I have no doubt we can be useful in many ways.”

  Adam nodded, acquiescing to their argument, although he couldn’t completely shake the feeling that they should do something more important. He could not imagine that there wasn’t a more significant purpose other than to relieve someone’s boredom after having been transported into this situation across decades of time. Adam was tempted to mention this, but then discarded the thought when he considered the likely outcome of telling Constance they were time-travelers. They would at the very least lose their elegant accommodations, if not find themselves relocated to one of the fort’s brigs. Unable to come up with a better plan, he agreed to accompany them to the fort.

  The sun was a full hand-span above the mountain peaks by the time Adam, Alice, and Constance arrived at the fort. Captain Martin had already left to continue his part in the Cherokee roundup. All three latecomers were granted entry through the main gate, and on into the inner stockade without challenge or comment, although the guard at the stockade gate shared a sneer with his companion as they passed. Whether his scorn was directed at Adam because of their confrontation the previous day, or at Constance, who had not made any attempt to hide her feelings about the Indian Removal, was not clear; nor did it matter. All three ignored the soldier completely, irritating him more than if they had reacted.

  They heard Benjamin call out to Adam as they entered the jam-packed stockade courtyard and shouldered their way in his direction. Adam introduced Constance, whom Benjamin eyed suspiciously but greeted cordially. Constance cordially returned his greeting without pretension or aloofness. Benjamin appeared much his usual self, revealing only a hint of weariness from his night of incarceration.

  “Is your family doing okay this morning? How are Rebecca and Jimmy?” asked Alice.

  “As well as can be expected. Rebecca of course is feeling pain from her ordeal, but she is much better than yesterday. Even Jimmy seems more himself today; the improvement in Rebecca’s condition has also improved his demeanor. Catherine spent the night with her, and has told me that although Rebecca’s sleep was fitful, she was able to get some much needed rest. This morning Catherine is looking after Sally, who woke up feeling sickly, probably due to yesterday’s unsettling events. Billy is with his mother, and they found a quiet, shady place for Sally to rest.”

  In spite of Benjamin’s assurances that Sally would soon be fine, Alice insisted on going to check on her immediately. She took off in the direction Benjamin indicated with Constance in tow. Adam and Benjamin maneuvered through the crowded courtyard to where Jimmy and Rebecca were camped. Reaching them, Adam was relieved to see both of them offer him a faint smile in greeting. It did indeed appear that some of the warmth and cheerfulness he was accustomed to from the Deerinwater couple was beginning to return. Their resilience was remarkable; it was amazing that so much healing had occurred in only a single night. Regardless, Adam thought it best to measure his words carefully. It had only been a day since the horrific ordeal and even a slight careless remark could be misunderstood.

  “How are you feeling, Rebecca?” Adam asked.

  “Like I was thrown from a horse and trampled, but much better than I would have been if not for you. Thank you for coming to my rescue.”

  “I think Captain Martin is the one you should thank,” Adam said humbly. “If not for him …”

  “If not for you,” said Jimmy, “he would not even have gone to her rescue.”

  After his evening with the Martins’ Adam was certain that wasn’t true. He thought it best not to contradict Jimmy. “I only did what anyone would have done. If only I could have prevented this terrible attack completely.”

  “That was not within your power,” said Rebecca. “It is irrational to wish you had accomplished something beyond your brave and selfless actions. Be content to know we are appreciative of what you did. There is no doubt we are all the better for having you as a friend.” She took Adam in her arms and kissed him on the cheek. Adam felt himself flush at the show of affection. Not knowing how to respond to her compliment, he grinned foolishly.

  Jimmy took his hand and shook it, breaking the spell of Rebecca’s kiss. “Adam, I know that I said some unkind things to you in anger. That was thoughtless of me, especially since you had just risked your life to rescue my wife. I should never have allowed myself to place blame upon you for the actions of those others. I hope you can forgive me.”

  “As far as I’m concerned, there is nothing to forgive. You had been beaten, your property was stolen, and your wife was attacked and brutalized. Fortunately for me, I’ve never had the experience of such a horrific assault against a loved one. Your reaction was certainly understandable, I know it wasn’t personal.”

  “It is too easy to use that as an excuse,” said Jimmy earnestly. “Having those incongruous thoughts about a good friend because of actions by members of his race shamed me. I acted no better than those who are bigoted against my own people. I am appreciative of your forgiveness.”

  Jimmy’s expression suddenly turned grim. “But while I do not hold an entire race accountable for the actions of a few, I will hold malice in my heart for those contemptible individuals who committed the transgression against my wife. I pray for the chance to mete out retribution.”

  The hatred in his voice startled Adam. Jimmy had every right to feel entitled to revenge, but Adam hoped he could control his rage enough to avoid bringing even more trouble on himself. Their friendship having just been reinstated, Adam chose his words carefully before speaking.

  “I don’t doubt that I would feel the same if a member of my family had been attacked,” said Adam. “Where I come from, it is a crime to take the law into your own hands; law enforcement and the courts must determine and impose the penalties for criminals. I believe those laws also exist here—not that I have much hope that you can expect justice from what I have seen. Still, I hope you will keep in mind your duty to your family.”

  Jimmy misunderstood Adam’s meaning. “That is exactly what is in my mind,” he retorted. “Have I not just told you that?”

  “Yes, I heard your commitment to vengeance. You must also remember your obligation to your family’s future.”

  “What about their future?”

  “They will need you to be part of it. I hope you’ll not be so narrow sighted in extracting your revenge that you put yourself in jeopardy of being taken away from them. Your child is going to need you with him, not locked away in a jail cell. “

  “I see what you are getting at,” said Jimmy. “But what child wants a coward for a father?”

  “Coward?” Adam shook his head. “Who is braver, the man who satisfies his own need for vengeance, or one who swallows his pride for the benefit of his family? What would you advise your own child to do if the roles were reversed?”

  Jimmy ran his fingers through his hair, stealing a glance at Rebecca as he pondered Adam’s words. “You make a strong argument. That’s some pretty wis
e counsel from a white man.”

  Adam smiled, relieved that Jimmy was receptive to reason. “It’s not so much wisdom as common sense, Jimmy. I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful father, and I’d hate to see you do anything to mess that up.”

  “I will remember your common sense advice, Adam. I will still look for an opportunity to settle the score, and I will keep in mind that the white government’s laws may work against me. In times not so long ago, our law, blood law, would support my seeking retribution and my honor would demand it. I believe that law is still held true in the hearts of righteous men. That must be true even in your future world. It is unnatural to depend upon others to right the wrongs committed against one’s family.”

  “You may be right about that, Jimmy. I can’t deny your right to defend your honor. However unlikely, I hope that the law, or perhaps fate, will provide a justice that will satisfy you. I believe your sharp mind and wit will provide you with a rewarding life. Sometimes success can be the best revenge against those who would try to destroy your dreams.”

  Benjamin, who had been listening silently throughout the exchange, caught their attention with a shuffle of his feet. “Jimmy can find some comfort in knowing he has many brothers who will not allow his wound to fester,” he said with a meaningful glance at Jimmy. “We respect the laws of the whites, even when we are not given the benefit of them. Fortunately, he has another avenue for pursuit of justice. It is true that in the past honor would have demanded that Jimmy impose his own justice, but the Cherokee Nation has adopted a set of laws very much like the legal system of the whites. Because the transgression against his family occurred within the Cherokee Nation, this is one time being a Cherokee is to his advantage. It may take time for us to recover from this upheaval, but the crimes will not be forgotten.”

  Benjamin’s reminder of the Cherokee legal system seemed to provide some relief to Jimmy, slightly softening the hardened glare in his eyes. Adam remembered that there had been many attempts to define and clarify the legal jurisdiction of crimes committed within the boundaries of a sovereign nation inside the United States, and in fact were still being argued in his own time.

  When Adam looked at Rebecca, the monumental effort she was putting into her smile, unable to completely hide her pain, incensed his own wrath. He wanted Jimmy and Rebecca to know that despite his plea to Jimmy for non-violence, he also was galled by the criminal actions against them. “I hope you will also both remember,” he said, “that although I may not have any influence over the white law enforcement, I will support you however I can within the law to see you find justice. While that may not be much, I give you my word that I also will not forget the injuries inflicted on my good friends.”

  “Certainly we know that, Adam,” said Rebecca. “We know you as a true friend, and that assuages our spirits. I believe that the human heart has only so much room for love and hate—both cannot reside in the same place within us. Your friendship and love will help to displace the bad feelings in our hearts, and speed our healing process greatly.”

  Imposing justice through the Cherokee Nation may be just as futile as through the white courts. But if it gave Jimmy hope, it might possibly keep him from taking the law into his own hands, at least for now. He had a good chance to get his life back on track and begin to rebuild it in the western territory, if he could set aside his anger and desire for revenge, and focus on his prospects. He would need to rediscover the enthusiasm he had shown Adam when they first met.

  Adam recalled his earlier conversation with Alice, questioning the value of their presence at the fort, and came to the conclusion that she was right. It would be beneficial to engage Jimmy in conversations about the things he loved; his growing family foremost, as well as agriculture, farm modernization, and automation. He could offer him insights to the future better than anyone else, and keep his entrepreneurial dreams alive. For the moment, it was enough that they could rebuild their friendship.

  No one spoke for several moments. Adam was unused to verbalizing such strong emotions and was a little uncomfortable speaking about such personal feelings. Conversations in his modern world were subdued, and he had become accustomed to keeping his feelings repressed. He was glad Jimmy and Rebecca did not have such inhibitions, and it was a relief to know he still had Jimmy’s friendship. The openness of their emotions increased his fondness for them; he felt as close to them as he did to the members of his own family. Still, he was relieved when Jimmy shifted the conversation to a less emotional tone.

  “I believe what will assuage my spirit most of all would be a decent meal. The provisions here are lacking.”

  “Leave it to Jimmy to relate everything to his stomach. Nothing can affect his appetite for long!” said Rebecca, getting a chuckle from them all.

  “I agree with him though,” said Benjamin. “The vittles we get here are far from what us farm boys with healthy appetites are used to. And a good meal will help you both recover. Catherine is planning to put together something for us. If anyone can turn meager rations into a banquet, she can.”

  “I should go and help her,” said Rebecca, stifling a groan as she moved to rise.

  “No,” said Benjamin. “She gave strict orders that you were to remain at rest.” Rebecca settled back with a frustrated sigh, even though the pain of her aching muscles was obvious. “Don’t worry; she has plenty of help with Billy, Alice, and Constance. I will go to her as well and see how Sally is doing. We will all return shortly, with nourishment for everyone,” he said over his shoulder as he strode off.

  “Constance?” asked Jimmy.

  “Constance is the wife of Captain Martin. She wanted to come here with us and offer assistance to those who may need it,” replied Adam.

  “And to spy for the military?” Jimmy scowled.

  “That’s not very likely. She has a dim view of what’s going on, and she truly wishes to be supportive of the families who have been brought here. Besides, why would she need to spy for them? You are under their roof—not much you could do that the military isn’t going to know about.”

  “Of course you are right, Adam. It is difficult for me not to let my ill feelings about what is being done to us cloud my judgment of individuals.”

  “Understandably,” said Adam. In truth, Adam thought Jimmy’s effort to restrain his anger was immense. He made an attempt to pacify Jimmy’s mood with a lighthearted comment. “She will at least be able to bring in some better food. That alone should warrant you giving her a chance,” he grinned.

  “Indeed, it does,” he agreed, returning Adam’s smile.

  Chapter forty-eight

  From their well-concealed surveillance point, Guwaya, Yonah, Tom, and Sal were in perfect position to observe any comings and goings through the main gate of Fort Cummings. John Carter had agreed to remain behind at Guwaya’s cave, conceding that it was best for at least one adult male to stay with the rest of the family, despite Woyi’s insistence that it was an unnecessary precaution.

  They had traveled in darkness, arriving before dawn and quietly placing themselves at a wooded spot about a hundred yards from the gate. Low-lying clouds had settled into the valley during the night, providing additional cover. Upon their arrival the fort was dark and silent, giving no indication of the multitude of families incarcerated within. As the rising sun warmed the earth, the fog gradually dispersed and their view of the still-sleeping fort improved, even though as yet there was little to see. The four men battled drowsiness, lulled by the soft twittering of early morning birds. At sunrise they were startled to alertness by the blare of a bugle sounding reveille, calling the sleeping troops to morning roll call as the flag was jerkily raised over the fort. The morning’s activity steadily increased after the call to colors concluded, as visitors and traders began arriving at the fort’s open gate.

  “They do not seem to be challenging the traders,” whispered Guwaya. “No one has been refused admittance, or even questioned very much before they are allowed to enter.”

/>   “They are likely to be more concerned with the people who are leaving than those who are entering,” said Yonah. “There must be a secondary gate within the fort for entrance to the stockade. It would be helpful if we knew what occurred there.”

  “The rear wall of the fort is still in the long shadows of morning,” said Guwaya. “I will make my way there to see if I can hear what is going on inside.” He crept stealthily to the rear of the fort, moving as quietly as mist through the trees, until he disappeared from view.

  Yonah whispered a warning to Tom and Sal. “Fort Cummings is manned by the Georgia Guard and local volunteers under the command of Captain Sam Farriss. Many of the traders will be recognized as local merchants. Some will even be neighbors of the soldiers. As strangers, you two can expect more scrutiny.”

  “Our story will be that we are new settlers who only recently came to the area,” said Tom. “If questioned, we’ll say that we usually keep to ourselves and have been busy with the clearing of fields and construction of our farm buildings. But we couldn’t resist taking a break to do some trading and take advantage of the higher prices we can get from the Indians. That should be believable, since most of our goods are from Guwaya’s food supply, things from his own farm.”

  Yonah snorted in agreement. “They will certainly believe you want to take advantage of their prisoners.”

  The traders they observed carried a variety of goods, some with wagonloads of supplies and others carrying only a small sack. It appeared that many of them were just as Tom described; local farmers who were bringing their goods and produce to sell to the fort’s detainees. The opportunity to turn their labor into cash was too tempting to ignore. Many had the same idea, and they arrived in droves. If the traders were expecting to sell at inflated prices, the number of competing merchants should help to keep their prices reasonably fair.

  A gentle rustle of leaves came from the bushes next to Tom. He was stunned to see Guwaya squatting next to him, having returned as soundlessly as he left.