Runaway

By Joyce Case

A head strong vivacious temptress in need......
A personal scout for Colonel George Washington hopelessly in love...

It was 1754 and the French controlled the Ohio River Valley securing an alliance with the Indian six nations. The British are planning to move in and take over touching off the French and Indian War.

Sashsa Nicole Lorraine Dupris never expected to be right in the middle of the conflict. She was enjoying her status as the most available debutante of Montreal but was forced to run away from all she loved to daring adventures beyond her imagination. Rich by her birth right, she becomes involved and befriends many notable and famous people of her time.

Colton Tyler Gray, a Major in the Virginia Militia as personal scout to Colonel George Washington never expected to fall madly in love with a head strong, vivacious temptress who spurs his proposals. Sashsa is determined not to relinquish her hard earned independence.

Destiny brings the two together to hunt for the persons bent on revenge. Only Colton can unlock the tenderness and hidden passion in Sashsa, but it is not easy. He vows she will be his. Once together, they build a dynasty that will live on in history.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 15, 2011
• ISBN: 9781462027606

Joyce Case

After many exciting careers, Joyce decided to pursue her childhood dream of writing a novel. Runaway, a historical romance, was Joyce’s first attempt to realize this dream; Stay the Course ignites the romantic saga. The tale of passion explodes with Strength and Honor. Her newest work, Hold the Line, exceeds its predecessors, delighting readers with even more romance and adventure woven creatively into the panorama of our nation's birth. Be transported to another era, a time of heroes and deep-running passion. You will find yourself longing for times of old, heart-pounding adventure, and remarkable relationships, with a greater appreciation for our country and our faith. Not all books can stir such emotion, but, the writings of Joyce Case certainly do. The hard work and passion of the author herself is evident in her headstrong heroine and the entire cast of the story she so brilliantly tells. Joyce lives with her husband of fifty years and finds her greatest enjoyment in spending time with their two daughters and five grandsons, counting her blessings daily. Her background in music, athletics, and sales/marketing have provided Joyce with a wonderful and exciting life, full of many interesting experiences and opportunities. Along the way, she’s met a host of interesting and fascinating people, many of whom have served as inspiration for the characters within the stories she pens. Join Joyce on her story of a bold, daring, tenacious heroine during a tumultuous era of the pursuit of colonial independence!

Book preview

Contents

Sault Sainte Marie 1671

Chapter 1. Montreal 1754

Chapter 2. The Plan

Chapter 3. The Flight

Chapter 4. The Mission

Chapter 5. The Expeditions

Chapter 6. The Jig Is Up

Chapter 7. The Preparations

Chapter 8. The Fort

Chapter 9. The Ambush

Chapter 10. The Rendezvous

Chapter 11. The Departure

Chapter 12. The Plantation

Chapter 13. The Mystery

Chapter 14. The Surprise

Chapter 15. The Reunion

Chapter 16. The Ferry

Chapter 17. The Revenge

Chapter 18. The Seduction

Chapter 19. The Gathering

Chapter 20. The Wedding

The New Generation

Characters of Runaway

Father: Charles Francois Dupris

Mother: Alienna Mary Dupris

Daughter: Sashsa Nicole Lorraine Dupris

Brother: Garrett Armand Dupris

Duke of Kenton: Archibald Greenwald

Aunt: Annette Lorraine Stuart Cooper

Uncle: Dominique Garth Dupris

Husband-to-Be: Colton Tyler Gray

Daughter of Aunt Annette and Joseph Cooper: Daphani Savannah Mason

Husband of Daphani Mason: Thomas Charles Mason

Supporting Cast: Calleigh Duguesne

Supporting Cast: Terresa Case Bateson

Supporting Cast: Stephen Bateson

Supporting Cast: Tifani Case Reed

Supporting Cast: Brian Reed

Indian Scout and Trapper: Pierre

Indian Scout and Trapper: Frenchie

Major: Douglas Bradstreet

Major: Case Alexamder Bateson

Ranger, Major: Aidan Russell Reed

Lieutenant: Adam Aarron Townsend

Ranger, Corporal: Bennett Gavin Reed

Marquis: Louis Antonio Wynder

Indian Scout: Tancharison

Pahana Gray: Brother to Colton Tyler Gray

Kele Gray: Wife of Pahana Gray

Moki Gray: Son of Pahana and Kele Gray

Kitchi Gray: Son of Pahana and Kele Gray

George Croghan: Indian Agent and Scout

Levi Thomas: Son of Sashsa and Colton Gray

Captain Lafayette Beau Charbonneau: Ferry Captain

Captured Indian: Tocala

Wakiza: Hired Hand

Andre: Cabin Boy

PROLOGUE

Sault Sainte Marie 1671

I hereby take possession for France, the announcement echoed across the blue-green water that was nearly consumed by a foggy mist. The small cylinder-shaped strait joining Lake Michigan and Lake Huron devoured the loud voice of Sieur de St. Lusson as he raised his arms in a grand gesture toward the heavens. His resounding voice established France’s claim to new opportunities for settlement, not to mention economic growth in the rich New World.

Time marched on, and the trans-Appalachian region of North America remained much the same as it had been for the preceding centuries. Bearded trappers and backwoodsmen, garbed in beaver pelt hats and deerskin leggings, controlled the woods and waterways.

Frenchmen from Canada and Englishmen from the British colonies traveled in harmony with the powerful and feared Iroquois and their enemies, the courageous Algonquians. But as the British colonies became more populated and prosperous, the Appalachian Mountains and the lush Ohio River Valley brought enthusiastic settlers to the supple lands, rich with endless beaver, deer, and fertile soil in which to plant and harvest.

Concerned about British encroachments in the region, the French moved to set up a series of forts at Crown Point on Lake Champlain and on the Wabash, Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri Rivers. The British, meanwhile, built their own forts at Oswego and Halifax.

The government granted lands in the Ohio Valley to the Ohio Company, thus causing adventurous traders to set up bases and expanding the British existence in the region, much to the dismay of the French.

In 1754, Montreal was showing the signs of unrest. The split alliance was revealed in every facet of life. Because Montreal was primarily French, the British gain of substantial land territories in the Colonies and Canada, in addition to the flood of French explorers and missionaries invading what was then English land, made it clear that an inevitable war was on the horizon.

* * *

As Charles Francois Dupris sat in his favorite stuffed chair watching the dainty rain pellets hit the window, he pondered how a war would affect his family and contemplated any possible solution to the pending war cries. He removed his trusty pipe from his pocket and took a long drag, blowing little ringlets of smoke that hung like a fog around his head.

His French heritage is clear, from the bridge of his nose right down to the strong bone line of his chin. The window glass reflects the furrowed lines in his broad forehead, and wisps of black hair curl haphazardly around his ears. A small black mustache covers his thin upper lip, giving him a masculine look to match his body. He proudly carries his French heritage, but he also inherited his mother’s English gentle manner.

With every conversation in Montreal turning to the dismal possibility that the English might take control and strip the French of their lands and fortunes, Charles knew his family would face problems. His only hope was to secure an alliance with the English. After sleepless nights and vicious guilt attacks, he decided the only way to achieve the security his family so desperately needed was to grant the Duke of Kenton, Archibald Greenwald, the most precious of gifts: his daughter Sashsa Nicole Lorraine Dupris for a bride.

Charles knew in his heart that the marriage would be a disaster for Sashsa—dear, sweet, headstrong Sashsa. Greenwald was a pompous cad, to put it mildly, but he had the connections in high places to open the necessary doors for the security of the Dupris family, no matter what happened to Montreal in the future.

Deep in thought pondering his dire situation, he did not hear the rear door of his study open. In stepped a woman with magnificent features. Her long, flowing auburn hair accented an oval face, and she had her immense sea-green eyes locked on Charles. Gracefully moving toward him, she placed her long, slender arms around his neck and kissed his cheek with sincere passion. Her soft but firm breasts rested on his shoulders. Without a word, she moved with swiftness to place herself on his lap. Her full lips met his with a burning desire.

His eyes closed, his breath shortened, he felt his manhood rise up in response. At that moment, he forgot about all his worries. She is mine, and I cannot wait to devour her yielding body. The smile on his face expressed the thrill of happiness and urgency that overpowered him as he made love to his beautiful wife—a love no war or worry could thwart.

CHAPTER ONE

Montreal 1754

She had to escape. She had to get away from the Duke. This is all a dream!! A dreadful dream!! What is happening to me?

She awoke with a start, her body burning with heat and trembling all over.

Climbing out of bed on legs that were painfully unsteady, she poured water into the porcelain basin, dampened a cloth, and washed her face. With a heavy sigh, she returned to her damp bed and dozed off to sleep.

Slowly coming to her senses, she knew in her heart what was wrong. Lighting the lantern would only destroy what she was trying to forget.

I wish I could stay in bed forever. My world is falling down around me. Where can I go? Who can I turn to for help? I am lost… hopeless.

She fell into a deep sleep, but when she did, her relentless dream returned…

Dressed in black astride a fierce black stallion, the Duke thunders toward, her sweeping her up in his arms. He flings her over his saddle and gallops off into the dark. The thick leaves brush her face as he races threw the forest. Pulling his sweaty mount to a sudden halt, he dismounts and savagely drags her, fighting and screaming, to a grassy knoll beside a stream. There, he forces his kisses upon her.

She pushes at his distorted face with the palms of her hands. The heat of his mouth makes her shiver and all the more determined to escape his grasp. His lips are wet and rigid as she expects; the arms that crushes her against him are soft, but still strong enough to hurt her.

He traces an imaginary line along the slender brows above her eyes, down the bridge of her nose, and around the curve of her upper lip, cupping her chin roughly. His hands sweep downward, harshly skimming over her body. His thick, salivating, wet lips demand more than the liberties he has already taken. She wants to scream but falls into a black swirling pool of darkness…

As the sun peeks through the window, it slowly falls on a most delicate face. Her high cheek bones accent her luscious complexion, giving her a look of royalty. Full, pouty lips cover perfectly white teeth, and her wavy black hair shines in the sunlight. She could melt a heart with one look. Her face is too beautiful for anyone to have, and most of all, too perfect to bear the worries of so many problems. An inner battle with her thoughts lingers on her lips as she forces herself from her secure nest…

Open your eyes and face the world.

No!!! I can’t.

You must get up before he comes for you. Today is the day! Now!

Every night for a fortnight, Sashsa Nicole Lorraine Dupris suffered the same nightmare—a nightmare that would become all too real on her wedding day.

It seemed like only yesterday that her father, a tall, masculine, built man in his forties, stomped his foot on the velvet green rug in his study and announced she would marry Duke Archibald Greenwald of Kenton forthwith.

His words still ring out in my ears. It is as if I have no say in my happiness, my future, my life. Her small hands fly to her ears as if the words were still there. How dare he decide who I will marry! She stomped her foot against the shiny wooden floor and clenched her hands into delicate, angry fists. She kicked at the bed with frustration, but even that did not stop her from prancing around the room. I can’t! No! I will NOT marry that square-jawed, pudgy old man. Oh, Father, why? She wanted to scream, but she knew it would fall on deaf, stubborn ears.

As her thoughts drifted back to that ugly scene in the study, she remembered how her mother stood there crying in her lace handkerchief, her eyes signaling to Sashsa that she could do nothing to save her from this decree that would ruin her life.

Fathers always think they know best, she reasoned, but this time he is wrong… and I’ll prove it to him. Her heart was pounding, and her mind was racing. But wait, Sashsa Nicole Lorraine Dupris! You must draw from your strength. Think this through. Yes, a plan! I must have a plan. I will run away…but where? As she searched her mind rapidly, only one thought came to mind: Charleston! Yes, I will go to Charleston and visit Aunt Annette. That should be far enough away for me to escape that Duke’s nasty clutches and my father’s stubborn will.

The magnitude of her decision did not scare her one bit—at least not as much as the thought of marrying Duke Archibald.

With that thought on her lips, she paced the floor of her room. Time was her enemy, and she scolded herself for procrastinating. Oh, why didn’t I think of this before? She wove her hands through her hair as she thought about how to proceed. She knew the servants were up, but she was not sure about her parents. As she quickly threw dresses, shoes, and gloves on her bed, she formulated her most dangerous plan. Tears began to stream down her soft cheeks as she pondered all the things she would have to leave behind, all the things she loved. It was almost too much to bear until the image of Duke Archibald Greenwald crept into her mind again, jolting her back to her senses and strengthening her resolve. He was a most successful man in the circle of society and possessed a certain charm, but she despised him intensely anyway. Before she knew what she was doing, her tiny fists were pounding the bed in despair.

No, I shall not marry that man! I would rather die!! He is sixty-two years old, and I am only seventeen! He just wants a plaything to entertain him. His eyes are always undressing me, and he drools when his gaze devours my breasts like the beast that he undoubtedly is.

Horrified by her thoughts, she quickly finished packing her smallest valise. Realizing she could not carry much, she put all her gowns back and decided to pack only the practical things she would need for her journey. As she packed her undergarments, a thought crossed her mind and put a smile on her lips. I’ve got it! I will borrow from Garrett’s wardrobe and disguise myself as a boy! She convinced herself it would be a much safer, easier way to escape, and she could ride like the wind. She was sure he would not mind helping her escape, even though she knew in her heart of hearts that he would miss her dearly, just as she would miss him.

With scissors in her trembling hand, she grabbed hold of a thick lock of her black mane. As much as she wanted to, she could not convince herself to squeeze the scissors down upon her hair. Deciding a haircut was not going to happen, she quietly entered Garrett’s room. Spying immediately his breeches and shirt hanging on the bedpost, she stuffed them into her bag. On the other bedpost, her eyes spot his hat. What a splendid way to conceal my hair!

She searched his drawers for wool socks and pilfered an old pair of boots that was peeking out from under the bed. Her eyes scanned the room one last time and found his warm cloak on the rack next to the window.

When she tiptoed back to her room, she could feel her heart thumping violently in her chest. A rush came over her; she felt skillful in her quest for her needs. But the next step in her plan would be a challenge.

Maria, the household cook and nanny, was nowhere to be seen when Sashsa stuck her head around the corner of the back stairs. Roasted hog, venison, and Marie’s corn pudding were spread on the tables leading into the ballroom, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma. From the voices echoing through the kitchen, Sashsa could tell all the servants were in the lavish ballroom. She took her chance and retrieved a knapsack full of each delicacy. Just as she was licking her fingers, Maria approached with her hands on her hips, strutting down the long hallway. Sashsa seized her chance to duck up the back stairs, taking two at a time to avoid the impatient nanny’s wrathful scolding.

She did not see her mother, but she was sure she should hurry and sew her money into her hat before Maria tattled about her thievery. Maria knew all that happened in the house, and she never kept secrets of any kind from the house masters.

Sashsa knew in her heart what her father was trying to do for her family by arranging the marriage, and she really could not blame him for trying. Everyone knew Montreal was feeling the unease of the impending war, and talk was circulating in the streets. It was just a matter of time before all-out war was declared. Fearing that Montreal would no longer be safe, her father did the only thing he could do: arrange a marriage for his daughter that would save their family if and when the war began.

She knew it was selfish and childish to run away—or at least it looked that way—but she could not support her father’s wishes. After all, he had always taught her to stand up for herself and to express her opinion. I’m only doing what you taught me, Daddy, she wanted to tell him but couldn’t.

CHAPTER TWO

The Plan

As Sashsa cracked her door and peered out, she was surprised to find that there was no one there to impede her escape. The servants were downstairs noisily preparing the lavish foods, arranging the ballroom for the upcoming festivities. She was sure her mother was involved in all the commotion, but Sashsa did not want to take her chances to find out, even though there was a longing inside her to see her mother one last time before embarking on her trip. Someday things would be better, and her mother would understand why she had to do what she was doing. Then, everything would be forgotten and forgiven. She was sure of it.

Without a moment’s delay, she returned to her room and gathered her belongings. One small valise was all she allowed herself. She knew her journey would be long, but besides that, she was too tiny to carry anything heavier. Once she arrived safe at the home of Aunt Annette, she would set her seamstress busy making new dresses for her. Sashsa was, after all, the woman’s namesake.

* * *

Alienna woke with that same girlish smile that was always on her lips after a most thrilling night of love with the only man she had ever known. He always made her feel so complete, so naughty. She suppressed a giggle as she gazed at his lean, angular jaw and aristocratic nose. The combination made him so irresistible to her, even after all their years of marriage. Their union was so different from most of their friends, who only married for money and a social pedigree. Their secret to happiness was real love—something their daughter would never know because of this day. Alienna knew all the reasons behind Sashsa’s arranged marriage to Duke Archibald Greenwald, but that did not mean she liked the idea of it. She did not want to sacrifice her daughter’s happiness for the family’s welfare, but she had to respect the wishes of her husband, who knew more about the state of things than she did.

Somehow she could not pry herself out of bed. Her mind and body yearned to stay close to Charles, snuggled up in bed the entire day and forgetting about all the unpleasant business going on downstairs. She leaned over her husband so her delicate, firm breasts could be seen when he opened his eyes. She started to purr in his ear, showering his neck and ear with slow, rhythmic kisses. After a few moments of no response, Alienna felt a fear grip her like no other.

Just as she started to shake Charles in a desperate panic, he rolled over on top of her, pinning her to the bed. Now, my pet, what shall I do with you? he replied with a devilish grin. Without waiting for a reply, he smothered her face with sweet little kisses. Then, finding her full lips ready, he placed a feverish kiss that sent a wave of passionate flame burning right into her very soul.

Oh gracious, Charles! The time! I have so much to do, and I fear everyone will be here before I have a chance to bathe and dress, Alienna groaned.

"Easy, mon cheri. The servants have everything under control, and besides, I prefer you undressed rather than buried beneath all those pesky petticoats and stockings. Allow me the pleasure of devouring my wife with my eyes, if only for a while longer," replied Charles with his lazy eyes roaming every inch of Alienna’s slender body.

Oh, Charles! You spoil me in the nicest way, my love, but I must destroy the moment and remove myself from this bed this instant before you get ideas again in that head of yours. My body can only take so much pleasure in one day, my dear. And with that, she jumped from the bed, knowing full well she was leaving Charles ready and waiting. She only had to cast a gaze toward his lower body to figure that out.

* * *

Meanwhile, two bedroom doors down, Sashsa was nervously reaching for the doorknob. Seizing the moment, she dashed from her room and headed straight for the servants’ humble stairway. With her heart in her throat, she made it halfway down the stairs before she heard a door open. Oh, Heavenly Father, have mercy and help me, she whispered softly.

The slight footsteps she heard were her mother’s, moving away from the back stairs.

Sashsa continued slowly but surely down the stairs. As she appeared in the doorway, she spied Maria, the full-bosomed cook, with her back to the doorway. A quick glance of the room told Sashsa they were alone. She turned the doorknob with surprising speed and was in the back yard facing the stables before she knew what she had done.

Maria turned with a startled gasp, but only saw the worn trousers of Garrett Armand leaving through the back door. Shrugging her shoulders, she turned back to her cook kettle, muttering to herself, Humph! What is wrong with that boy, always sneaking around the house, scaring the wits out of me?

One big problem out of her way, Sashsa half-ran, half-walked to the stable. Easy now, girl, she cautioned herself inside her head. Don’t draw any undue attention to yourself. Remember, everyone expects you to be in bed, not walking around looking like Garrett.

Her steps shorted to a brisk walk with the stables only a few feet away. She felt relieved inside until the large wooden door started to open. Her hand flew to her mouth, suppressing a scream. Jumping with extreme agility to a corner of the stable, she watched as the door bolted open. Her heart was pounding so loudly that she feared whoever-it-was would hear it. Luckily, the visitors were distracted, deep in discussion, and by their worried faces, she sensed the urgency in their voices.

She recognized Jeremiah Finch and Stuart Granger, both upper-class gentlemen from Montreal. They did not notice her crouched in the corner. They were speaking low and directly to each other, but she heard enough: The French were getting ready to make a move on the British. Stuart mentioned that Fort Niagara was held by the French, and they were sending out several expeditions to the Ohio Valley.

The news was an answer to her prayers. She could purchase passage on the Triumph Riverboat to Fort Niagara and from there escape to Ohio. Fortunately, she had remembered to bring her savings with her. She would need it if she were to make a proper escape from a life she did not want.

CHAPTER THREE

The Flight

Sashsa didn’t want to think about how she managed to leave the stable. The only thing that spurred her on was the punchy white face of Archibald. She recalled his leering eyes, scorching her skin, and the threat seemed so real that she had to nudge Bay Boy to go faster. With her head reeling with emotions, tears started to stream down her porcelain-white cheeks. She was not paying attention to the road ahead or thinking of all the dangers awaiting her on her flight.

Suddenly, a flash of lightning brought Sashsa back to her senses. She pulled Garrett’s hat down over her ears and huddled deep within her brother’s woolen cloak, seeking solace from the storm. A cold north wind played a mournful tune in the tops of the tall pines lining the road to Fort Chambly and from there to Fort Niagara.

With her mind clear and her direction set, Sashsa knew the way in her sleep. In happier times, when no one was around, she and her Uncle Dominique had used the trail to race their steeds. It was their little secret, and she loved her Uncle Dominique and his exciting undertakings. Like her, he was an adventurer, and he loved life just like she did. And now he will think ghastly of me. Her voice echoed through the trees, and the wind carried her guilt down the dark path ahead. Lonely, cold, and hungry, Sashsa pushed on, thinking only of what she had left behind.

* * *

How could this happen? roared Dominique Garth Dupris as he paced up and down the corridor. Garrett, have you been to the stables? Is her horse gone?

Her horse is gone, and so are my breeches, hat, and boots. I know I put them on my bedposts last night.

As Dominique contemplated the situation, Alienna entered the room with red eyes and a delicate handkerchief clutched in her small hand. Garrett, have you looked everywhere for Sashsa?

With a quick glance at Dominique, Garrett stammered, Yes, Mother, I have, and—

And what? cried a frantic Alienna.

Dominique intervened with Alienna! Sit down before you faint, dear.

Sit? I will do no such thing. How can you ask me to sit? Dominique Garth Dupris, my only daughter is missing, and I plan to find her.

Dominique took her hand and laid it upon his heart. I swear, if I live to survive this day, I promise I will find our Sashsa.

Just then, Charles entered the room and made a small cough to let his presence be known. I hope I am not interrupting. His face spoke of his hurt and jealous feelings without him uttering a word about them.

Alienna rushed to his side and covered his face with small, sweet kisses. Her touch reassured him of her faithfulness to him, but as for Dominique, he knew never to leave Alienna alone with him. Most knew of his reputation with the ladies, both in public and private. The devil was always a charming, irresistible rogue. Alienna was his and his alone, but it was common knowledge that Dominique would have given all he owned for another chance with Alienna.

Dominique roared with laughter as he looked at Charles. You still do not trust me with your beautiful, irresistible wife, do you? What a pity! But we have more important issues at hand. Sashsa’s horse is gone, and Garrett tells us his clothes are missing. She has run away!

Charles instantly felt responsible for Sashsa running away, knowing she had no desire to follow his wishes that would take her to the altar with a man she did not love. He could only imagine the perils awaiting her now.

For a moment, Alienna could only stand motionless as the words echoed in her mind. Then she cried out, Where would she go disguised as Garrett? cried Alienna.

There is only one place she would go. I think you know as well as I do, Alienna, of her devotion and infatuation with your sister Annette—not to mention they share that name you gave her, Lorraine, stated Charles.

Then she would have to take the route I showed her on our long rides together, replied Dominique. Maria, have Noah saddle my horse immediately! I will find her, by God, before any improprieties occur.

They all felt another’s presence in the small corridor and turned to see the jilted groom. There you are! roared Duke Archibald Greenwald. I demand an explanation for the inconvenience your daughter has caused me. It is highly irresponsible, but I expected no less. Where is the little tart anyway? Did you find her hiding in the stables or sniveling in the kitchen? As Duke Archibald started to continue with I think—, he was silenced with a loud crash.

Charles, red faced and physically angered, slammed his fist on the massive table before him. His steel-blue eyes settled coldly upon Archibald. In only two swift steps, he faced the man eye to eye. Do not talk of my Sashsa in that way now or in the future or I will be forced to take action against you…and what I propose will not be to your liking, sir. My daughter is no tart, and you shall never speak of her like that again.

And when he is done with you, sir, I will proceed to finish you off, echoed Dominique with the same steel-blue eyes and rage on his face.

Archibald used his fancy handkerchief to dab the drool from the corners of his mouth and the perspiration pouring from his head as he backed out of the corridor as rapidly as his chubby, short legs could carry him. Offering no retort to the threats issued from the angry brothers, knowing he would at the very least end up mortally wounded, he continued down the hall, never looking back. But you have not seen the last of me, he vowed under his breath. No one makes a fool of Archibald Greenwald! I will have my vengeance… and your fortune to boot! After all, the good Duke wanted to put an end to the debt collectors’ visits to his door, and Sashsa was his ticket to freedom.

I think he is gone, dear brother, stated Dominique with a firm set to his jaw. Are you ready to join forces and find our cherished Sashsa?

Even though they had their differences in the past, Charles knew he needed Dominique’s expert knowledge and strength if Sashsa was to be found and found quickly. With a loving glance at Alienna, Charles stomped down the hall, bellowing for Noah to saddle his horse too. "We will find her, mon cheri!" he yelled to the girl’s worried mother as he went on his way.

CHAPTER FOUR

The Mission

The night was cold and wet, with a brisk wind sweeping the rain across the road in blinding surges. Bay Boy stayed on course even though Sashsa was too numb to give him direction. She was thinking deeply about why she didn’t plan better and bring warmer clothes and her fine riding gloves, when suddenly she heard voices drifting in and out of the darkness. As Sashsa peered ahead, she saw a fire glowing in the distance. What should I do? she said aloud, as if the horse could give her advice. Should I investigate who is at the campfire or slip by without a sound? Her inner voice told her to quietly be on her way, but Sashsa didn’t always pay her intuition much mind. Maybe they can help me get to Fort Chambly, she said. C’mon, boy.

As she quietly approached the fire, slipping on wet rocks and leading her horse, she suddenly found a hand on her back. Horrified, she screamed with frozen fright, afraid to move. Another scream and the hand closed around her mouth while the other one pinned her against a nearby tree. Bay Boy reared up, and Sashsa dropped the reins. Her head was reeling, and her hands were grabbing at the face of the man holding her.

"We got us a real fighter here, Frenchie. Help me drag him to the fire so we can see what we have, mon ami."

Sashsa kicked out with her boot and tried to bite whatever she could reach as her attacker dragged her to the fire. When they got closer, she managed to get a firm grip on his hand with her incisors, and she stomped violently down on his foot with her brother’s heavy boots. With a roar of pain, her assailant let her go momentarily, and she made a run for it, but seconds later, her whole world came crashing down.

She must have been unconscious for hours, because she woke up so cold she could not feel her hands or feet. She dared not move for fear they would know she was awake. They assumed they were French because she could understand some of what