FIFTEEN #2
Before Abigail could answer, Levi spoke. “I am Mr. Howard. How can we assist thee?” To the general, Levi would appear extremely polite. But Maggie and Abigail could both detect the undertone of steel.
The man urged his horse forward, his boot in the stirrup inches from Levi’s chin. “I did not ask who you were. I asked for Mrs. Howard.”
“I am Mrs. Howard,” Abigail interjected before Levi had a chance. “As my husband has asked, how can we assist thee?”
“I was informed that you have some healing abilities. One of my men has been shot and needs to be treated. As my medic has been taken ill, you will replace him. Climb aboard the covered wagon in the rear. All that you need is inside.” Without waiting for her response, he pulled the reins sharply to the right, turning away.
Two officers peeled off behind him. One remained.
“That wagon is still moving north. Won’t they bring the man inside so my wife can treat him?” Levi questioned sharply.
The officer spoke. “The wagon won’t be stopping. Your wife had best catch up.”
“How will I come back if it’s still moving?” Abigail asked.
“Did you hear General Stoneman? You are to replace our medic. That is an order. Now, hurry along.”
Maggie’s heart constricted. “No,” she squeaked out and clung to Abigail.
Abigail glanced over at Levi. His face was hard as stone. “I cannot leave my husband. Nor my sister.”
The officer dismounted and strode over, grabbing a torch from a passing soldier. “Out of kindness, the General spared your house. If you don’t start walking, I’ll fire the house and remedy that kindness.”
Abigail held up her hands. “I will go. Please, allow me to say goodbye.”
Before she could embrace her husband, Levi stopped her. “No. I’m coming with thee. I cannot let thee be alone with an entire Calvary.”
“Levi, they won’t allow—” Abigail started to cry.
He looked towards the officer. “My wife has some herbal remedies inside. May I retrieve it and bring it to her?”
The officer threw his head in the direction of the house, dismissing Levi.
Levi hurried away, Maggie and Abigail’s mouths agape. Abigail crushed Maggie to her chest.
“Abigail, you can’t go. Don’t leave me,” Maggie sobbed into her shoulder, tears and snot wetting Abigail’s blouse.
Abigail took her face in her hands. “Shh. It will be alright. Remember what I told thee. Maggie—Thee must survive. For Henry. And for us.” The intensity of her words pierced Maggie’s soul.
“What will you have me do?” Maggie asked, still sobbing.
“Thee knows where to go. We will return as soon as we are able. I entrust my household to thee,” Abigail quickly whispered.
Maggie knew what she asked of her. She clutched one of Abigail’s hands against her face and nodded.
Levi darted out of the door with Abigail’s box of herbs.
“Now, go,” the officer commanded, the threatening torch at the ready.
The women broke apart and Abigail lifted her skirt, running towards the wagon. Levi was right beside her. Maggie stayed rooted to the spot, watching as they reached it.
Levi heaved Abigail up inside and then lifted himself in. As he moved to tie the canvas closed from the dust, Levi looked straight at Maggie. He mouthed something and disappeared behind the cloth.
Have faith.
The order now followed, the officer charged off as he threw the torch down into the dirt. The last of the cavalry was moving out, leaving a trail of destruction. Hundreds of men had trampled every inch in sight, leaving only the house.
Maggie stood alone. Only a moment ago had she stood in solidarity with two people whom she considered family. In one fell swoop, they were gone. Ripped from her. Gripping her middle to keep from falling apart, Maggie sank down to the ground. She wailed, grieving for all of it.
The roof of the barn collapsed, and smoke and debris clouded the air. Choking, Maggie covered her mouth. Ash rained down on her head.
Fearful that one of the sparks might light the house, Maggie clamored up and began stomping them out. As the wind picked up, more fell to the ground and she ran for a rag. She wet it in the water pail and beat them out, one by one.
It took hours for the fire die down. Every muscle ached and she could barely make it back to the house. Exhaustion defeated her and she collapsed on the porch. When she’d regained enough energy, she just cried.
Then she heard them. Elijah and Rebekah bolted from the woods.
“Mother! Father! Maggie!” Elijah yelled.
Maggie tried to answer, but it came out as a croak. Rebekah spotted her. They ran to Maggie and pulled her up.
Elijah’s eyes were wide. “Mother? Father? Where are they?”
She opened her mouth to answer him, but a coughing spell overtook her. When she could finally speak, she told them in as few sentences as possible. “I’m so sorry, Elijah. I would’ve come for you as soon as they had gone, but I tried to save the house.”
Tears way their way down Elijah’s face, making streaks in the ash that now covered all their faces. The barn still smoldered. “I would’ve done the same thing, had I been here.”
“When will they come back?” Rebekah asked Elijah.
He was quiet for a long time. When he softly answered, Maggie’s worst fear was confirmed. “They may not be allowed to leave until the war is over.”
Rebekah wept and threw herself at Elijah. Maggie had no tears left.