Northern Star

Chapter 3

Fires were burning low, in need of tending, as Perry snuggled deep into her blanket. Voices mumbled softly in the darkness, drawing her from sleep. Opening her eyes slowly, she saw three blurred figures standing above her. One she recognized as Abram's dark bulk. As her eyes adjusted, she realized that the second figure was a Union officer, impeccably dressed in his blue uniform. The officer shouted at Abram while a third man waited a few feet away. He was a shabbily dressed Confederate soldier, clutching a worn bag under his arm. As he turned toward her Perry caught her breath in sudden recognition of her brother, Andrew.

He seemed much older and thinner than he'd been a year ago. His hair was unkempt and badly in need of trimming. A dark red mass of beard covered his face. Her first instinct was to leap up and run into his arms, but before she could respond, he moved the short distance between them and gripped her shoulder.

In a demanding and authoritative voice he asked, "Are you the boy who found this wounded man?"

Her senses jumped alive both at Andrew's question and from the pain of his hand digging into her shoulder. Did he still think her a child to be reminded of the danger she faced?

Fighting for control, she pierced the darkness to see his face. The warm and loving eyes of her older brother pleaded with her to remain silent. Her anger cooled. His eyes looked so tired. The war had destroyed the hopes and dreams of a young man. He'd had only enough time for school before the war. The once bright spark within him had faded to dull shades of indifferent gray. Andrew's soul was as ragged and muted as his clothes.

Not trusting her voice, Perry nodded her head in answer to his question. He relaxed his grip on her shoulder. She stood slowly, pulling her hat low to hide any loose strands of hair and let her shoulders slouch to ensure that the baggy clothes concealed her breasts. The officer's hand unconsciously traveled to his holstered gun handle in a silent reminder to both Andrew and Perry. She watched him with growing fear. He was a handsome man, but there was something cold, even heartless, about him. Then she saw it: the scar over his left eye. Terror gripped her. The officer not three feet from her was Captain Wade Williams.

He knelt beside Hunter. "If this is Captain Kirkland, we'd better get him fixed up fast or Professor Lowe will see there's hell to pay." He jerked away Hunter's blanket and tried to force his face toward the campfire light.

Wade's voice was cold and aloof as he stood, not bothering to replace the blanket over Hunter. As if Andrew were deaf, the officer said, "Abram, tell the doctor I agree to provide extra supplies to the prisoners in exchange. I want no part in this directly. It's your idea to have this so-called doctor help Hunter. If Hunter dies, I'll see the authorities are informed of your plan. If he lives, I want no one in camp to know we made a deal with the filthy likes of this Confederate."

Perry's hands balled into fists within the folds of her pockets. How could Andrew allow this man to talk to him so degradingly? She glanced at her brother and realized he had no choice. What could be gained by a fight here and now? She vowed to live in order to repay Wade Williams's insult.

Abram spat his reply out, as though even he found talking with the officer distasteful. "I understand, Captain Williams. I've always understood you."

She found his reply much to Abram's credit. She both liked and trusted this huge mountain of a man and wondered what Hunter must be like to have such a man as Abram for a friend. An educated black man was a rare individual. His voice as well as his proud postures told all that he considered himself an equal.

The officer shot orders in rapid fire as if to brush away Abram's insult. He ended with "Let's be done with this. I have more important matters waiting."

Minutes later Perry saw the pain in the huge black man's eyes as he lifted Hunter in his arms. His efforts were costing him dearly as he strained already injured muscles, but he allowed no other to carry his friend. Abram took Hunter across the campground, with Captain Williams and Andrew leading the way. Perry followed close behind. They marched to an isolated area a few hundred feet from the edge of the main camp. Following an overgrown path through the trees, Abram swayed, avoiding branches as he rocked Hunter in his arms. The moon appeared for a few minutes, shedding silvery light upon the trees, which hung heavy with growth and rain. Nature's beauty seemed shrouded in evil tonight.

The path halted abruptly before a moonlit clearing. In the center of the clearing awaited a burned-out hull of a farmhouse. Where once a family had lived, now only charred walls stood. The small band waded through thick brush toward the structure. The forest was fighting to reclaim this small spot, and winning.

Perry watched Abram fold his huge bulk and Hunter's limp body through the aging door frame. A table with clean sheets was waiting in the center of the roofless room. Lanterns hung from each corner, casting a collision of shadows on the walls. From the opening Perry saw Abram gently place Hunter on the table. A drama unfolded as her eyes adjusted to the light. A sense of secrecy enveloped this meeting. She had the feeling that no one other than those present knew of this late-night call from the doctor.

Officer Williams paced, one hand absently patting the handle of his revolver.

Andrew passed Perry. For a moment, in the door frame, he faced his little sister. "Your eyes look huge with the lamplight dancing in them," he whispered. "You seem to care for this man. I'll do the best I can to save his life, but only because of you. I wish I could tell you all will be fine, but I no longer believe it myself." Without another word he moved to the table and opened his bag.

She sank into the damp grass beside the smoke-blackened stone. She melted into the shadows, constantly aware of Williams's presence and the danger he presented. The shadowy figures danced along the inside walls as Andrew and Abram worked over Hunter's body. After what seemed an eternity, the shadows began to blur and Perry curled up in the cold grass, a prayer for Hunter's life on her lips.

She felt warm and dreamy as she heard someone saying her name. Opening her eyes, she saw Andrew's hand stretching toward her. She rose to greet him as an army blanket fell from around her shoulders.

Suddenly Andrew was pulling her behind the ruins and into the thick wooded area just beyond. He glanced around until satisfied they were alone, then dropped low in the brush.

Perry knelt to hear him whisper, "Perry, we only have a few minutes. Abram is standing watch for us." His eyes were filled with concern. "I heard about what you did to the fields. You've got to get out of here fast. Williams has half his men looking for you."

"Noma and I were trying to get to Granddad's old place when I was caught behind the lines."

"Where's Noma?"

The anger in his voice surprised her. "I don't know," she whispered.

Andrew rubbed his red beard. "If Williams finds her, it won't take him long to figure out where you are. I wouldn't hold much hope in Noma keeping a secret."

"Of course she will." Perry only wished her words were spoken from her head and not her heart.

Her brother sighed. "I've seen strong men break in a blink."

She wouldn't give thought to his doubts about Noma. She'd face the problem at hand. "Did you help Hunter?"

Andrew studied his sister, her face revealing she already cared for this Yankee. Gently he whispered, "I did the best I could. He's in bad shape. Don't know who he is, but several people are awful interested in him staying alive. He's got one hell of a will to live. I'll say that for the blue leg." Andrew ran an exhausted hand through his shaggy hair. "I worked most of the night with that black giant beside me. Got the feeling he'd have snapped me in two if I'd failed. He did some fast talkin' to get me to come. We agreed it might look suspicious unless I got something for my work. Abram got the captain to agree to give me plenty of medical supplies. It's just a hunch, but I think you were right to trust Abram. Maybe Hunter is worth saving if he's got a friend as loyal as Abram."

Andrew paused, his face full of sadness. "Perry, I've got to get back to my men, but I made Abram swear to see you somewhere safe. This war has got to end soon; it can't last much longer. I'll come for you when it's over and we'll go home."

Perry opened her mouth to tell him that more than Ravenwood's land had burned, but the urgency of their time together overwhelmed her. Andrew swept her up in a desperate hug, grabbing one moment of life. Perry longed to stay in the protection of his arms. If only he could make all the sadness go away, as he used to do when she was a child. Andrew had always been more of a father to her than a brother. His embrace, though comforting, also reminded her of her loneliness. The man before her was far removed from the laughing big brother who had left for war, but he was her only family.

She stiffened as she heard movement among the leaves and knew they were no longer alone. Abram stepped from the morning shadows.

"Perry, Abram promised," Andrew whispered, more to himself than to her. "He promised to see you safe. I've got to get back to my men. Remember, when this ends, I'll come for you at Granddad's place."

"I'm not even sure the old man is still alive. We haven't heard from him except once."

Andrew tried to sound reassuring. "He's still alive or we'd have heard. Dad used to say the old guy was meaner than a two-headed rattlesnake." Andrew kissed her forehead. "You'll handle him, little sister."

Before Perry could express any of her fears, Andrew was past her, moving toward Abram. The last band that tied her to Ravenwood was stretching and breaking as Andrew disappeared into the woods. She was alone.

Hunter seemed to be resting quietly, his shoulder expertly bandaged now. His blond hair shone in the morning sun. To Perry's relief Captain Williams had disappeared. She hoped never to see him again. Just the memory of him hung like a bad odor in the air.

She pushed her own problems aside and tried to help Abram give Hunter a shave. Clean-shaven, he looked younger. His fever was low and his color seemed a touch better. Having completed all her tasks, Perry slid into a corner of the wall and relaxed. Abram moved in a slow, easy pace around Hunter, favoring his left arm as he worked. Abram was injured, but he'd made light of her concern. He merely said he'd twisted the muscle when he fell from the balloon.

Hunter's low moan brought both Abram and Perry to his side. His right hand reached up to pull at the bandages around his shoulder, as though he wanted to pull away the pain. Perry grabbed at his waving arm with both hands to stop him. Abram spoke to his friend in a low, steady voice. "Ease up. Hunter, you're all right. Just rest easy."

Hunter's body relaxed. Slowly his eyes opened and focused on Abram. Hunter's lips moved, trying to form words. A smile touched them and he whispered, "Abram, you're alive." Each word seemed an effort.

"Why, sure, takes more than one little fall from the sky to kill me," Abram said with a laugh. "You know, I figured you were a goner for sure. Didn't anybody ever explain to you that you can't catch a five-hundred-foot grounding wire with your shoulder?"

Perry watched a mischievous sparkle in Hunter's gray eyes. Slowly he whispered, "Well, once I let you out, someone had to stay with the balloon." Both men laughed.

Hunter shook his head. "That was one storm! I should have known better than to try to fly up into it. Of course, I don't remember having much of a choice. Our beloved Captain Williams was making it pretty plain we would go up or be shot as deserters."

The disgust in Hunter's voice as he brought up Captain Williams's name was evident to Perry. Abram glanced her way, as though suddenly remembering her existence. He sobered and said, "Captain Kirkland, this boy saved your life. Near as I can tell, I think you owe him thanks."

Hunter looked at Perry. For an instant bewilderment clouded his face. Then he smiled warmly and glanced at his arm, which Perry was still holding. "Thanks, boy." His voice was friendly and Perry found it thrilling.

"I promise not to hurt myself. You can let go," Hunter laughed.

Self-consciously Perry released his arm and jumped back. She found it hard to think rationally with Hunter's eyes fascinating her so. They seemed to be drawing her like a magnet to him.

"Don't jump, boy, I'm in no condition to hurt you, and I'm not in the habit of hitting someone who saved my life." Hunter studied her. "What's your name?"

She cleared her throat in panic. She had to control her voice enough to sound like a boy. "Perry," she whispered.

"Well, Perry," he continued, "I appreciate what you've done, and I hope I can repay the favor someday."

She liked the way her name sounded in his Northern accent. His smile reflected a reckless side of him, yet his eyes told of a man who could be very caring. This man was dangerous when awake, perhaps more so than Captain Williams. For Hunter's kindness could be disarming and as deadly as Wade's revolver if she wasn't careful.

Abram interrupted her thoughts. "Seems we can repay the favor right now, Hunter. We've got to get this Confederate kid back across the front line."

"What?" Hunter glanced from Abram to Perry.

"Way I see it," Abram continued, "it's the least we can do. The kid crossed lines taking care of you, with you half dead. Even jumped me when he thought I was going to steal your crest last night."

"Is that true, boy?" The look of puzzlement returned briefly to his face.

Perry lowered her eyes and answered, "Well, I figured you had enough problems without somebody stealing from you." Frustration shook her small frame. Why was she allowing this man to affect her so? She was no child to be dumbfounded by a man's gaze. Things far more important than the color of a soldier's eyes were at stake.

"Come here, kid." Hunter reached with his left hand and awkwardly removed the necklace from around his neck. "It took some guts for a half-pint like you to tackle a mountain like Abram." He dropped the chain into Perry's hand. "Take it. It's yours. Not as payment, but as a promise. If ever you need a favor, use this to remind me of the great debt I owe you. No matter what happens, you'll always know I owe you one." Hunter leaned back and drifted into sleep, exhausted by his short conversation.

Abram smiled at her and nodded, giving his seal of approval to Hunter's actions. He turned and began moving toward the door, calling back over his shoulder, "I'll get lunch, you stay with him, boy."

Moving over to a log that served as the only furnishing among the ruins, Perry couldn't stop staring at the gold in her hand. The precious metal caught the sunlight, as bright and shining as the promise it stood for. She hung the chain around her neck, and the gold pressed hotly between her breasts, warming her soul with its presence. Somehow she felt protected by this small round disk.

Hunter slept until the shadows were long into evening. Abram managed to get him to eat a few bites, but Hunter kept requesting more and more water. Perry helped Abram change the bandage and noticed less bleeding than before. While working, she could feel Hunter's eyes watching her, studying her, analyzing each of her movements. She wondered how long, at close range, she could maintain her disguise. She must keep her head low so the old hat would obstruct Hunter's view of her face. Could he be remembering the woman who held him in the loft? Did he think his mind had played a trick on him?

After dark Captain Williams appeared. His uniform was crisp and new, in sharp contrast to the attire of the men he commanded. As he stepped within the walls he instantly began pacing like a caged animal. He was even more fidgety than he'd been the night before. He greeted Hunter and Abram, yet ignored Perry completely. Perry thought she saw a glimpse of disappointment in his face when he noticed Hunter's improvement. Though he was nice-looking, Perry saw a coldness in his gaze, a look of evil, as though the devil walked beside him.

He addressed Hunter. "We must talk. You have to get to Philadelphia as soon as possible. Professor Lowe wants you back at headquarters. Can you move out tonight?"

"No, Captain Williams," Abram interjected. "It's too soon to move him. We'd be risking Hunter's life."

Captain Williams gave Abram a look of disdain. "There are doctors in Philadelphia."

Abram glanced at Hunter for support.

Hunter touched Abram's arm. "I have to get to Professor Lowe quickly, Abram. Wade, find me some clothes." Captain Williams bristled at the order, but Hunter, ignoring him, continued. "Is there any chance of repairing the balloon? Could we fly?"

"No, not by tomorrow. But I've arranged a buckboard that can transport you," Wade replied. "I'll send the balloon as soon as we can get it loaded and shipped by train." Then, to Perry's shock, he headed to the door and added, "Good-bye, Cousin."

Just before he left, Captain Williams glanced at Perry. "Can the kid be trusted?" he snapped. "I can keep him in with the prisoners till you're safely away."

"No!" Abram and Hunter responded in unison. "Perry goes with us," Hunter said in a tone that left no room for argument.

Frustration crossed Captain Williams's face before he shrugged, mumbling, "Balloons… kids… hell of a bother in war." Then to the men he said, "I'll have the wagon ready in one hour." Williams left no time for discussion as he disappeared into the darkness outside the threshold.

Hunter glanced first at Perry, then at Abram, and said, "One hour and we move."

Abram nodded, resigning himself to the trip, and started collecting what they would need.

Perry tried to sit calmly, hiding her overwhelming curiosity. Wade Williams's feathers certainly ruffled when he was in Hunter's presence. What lay between Hunter and

Wade, other than a shared bloodline? Perhaps in time she would know. Right now she had to adjust to the fact that in one hour she would be on her way farther north-with two Yankees.