Chapter Text
Snow lay upon the ground as the two traveled through the woods. The air was cold, and it made Ben shiver, but he ignored it. Caleb, on another horse next to him, didn't look bothered by the cold much, but Ben knew he was a pretty tough guy with a lot of optimism and cheer. Though that wasn't exactly the kind of mood Ben was in right now. Right know he was a bit uncertain about what they were doing at this present moment.
They had carefully constructed this route and this plan, finally deciding that now was the time. It had been put into motion days ago when they both left at separate times, but met up later along and headed towards the same place for the same goal. They didn't like it much, but due to the situation, it was necessary.
“How much further do you think it is?” Caleb asked.
Ben turned his head to him. “We'll be there soon, hopefully before the sun starts going down.”
“Bet they're not going to be happy why we're there.”
“No, they will not. We can't tell them exactly why, but I'm sure they'll listen to reason.”
“A bit optimistic today, are we?”
Ben smiled at his friend. “That's your job.”
They shared a laugh, but Ben would admit that Caleb had a point. This was going to be a difficult conversation with the soldiers at the outpost, but hopefully they could be persuaded. Ben understood that they were upset over the murder of their captain, looking for someone to blame and take their vengeance out on, but if they were truly soldiers of the Continental Army they would listen. Though Ben could not reveal the truth to them. He and Caleb had a different goal in this, as much as it unsettled them.
They were left with little choice.
Soon, they came upon the outpost, a tiny camp compared to where they had come from. Trees were on all sides, so there was some seclusion. Ben had never been to this place before, but he had known where it was. The soldiers based here were part of their forces.
The soldiers were jumpy at first when they spotted Ben and Caleb, but relaxed when Ben stated his name.
“What brings Major Tallmadge and Caleb Brewster to this lonely post?” One of them asked.
Ben and Caleb dismounted from their horses. “Which one of you is in charge here?”
“That would be me, sir.” A solider answered; A lad with a cold expression.
“What's your name?”
“Lieutenant Chaffee.”
“Chaffee.” Ben repeated. “Is there a place we can talk?”
They tied up their horses and followed Chaffee to a tent where they could speak privately with him.
“Now, what is your purpose here?”
“You've got a certain person of interest in camp, so we hear.” Caleb said, not wasting any time. “Hear you got him locked up.”
Chaffee gave him a look of skepticism. “You mean the demon we're holding prisoner?”
“Well, that might be a bit harsh to call-”
“With all due respect, what do you two want with him?” Chaffee interrupted.
“Like my friend says, you prisoner is a person of interest.” Ben tried to explain. “We can take him off your hands.”
This did not make Chaffee happy. He crossed his arms in response. “He's our prisoner and we're dealing with him. I can't just release him into your custody; the man must pay for his crimes.”
“You're a man seeking justice.” Ben commented, thinking back to Sackett, how the man who murdered his friend was so easily able to slip away. “I understand. It's perfectly reasonable you take this route.”
“And justice will be served once we get the order of execution.”
Ben managed to maintain a straight face. At least he knew that they hadn't yet done anything with the man they were seeking yet, which meant there was still a hope of getting their spy back. Ben hadn't known what the progress of the order was when he left, but it would appear the decision was still in limbo.
“You're awfully patient for someone who had their captain murdered.” Caleb observed.
“Oh, don't worry. The prisoner hasn't had it easy here; we made sure of that.”
Ben frowned. The context of the statement was vague, but the thoughts that came to Ben's mind were not pleasant ones.
'That's not good if he means what I think he means. We need him alive.' Ben thought. He wanted to say it to Chaffee, but they couldn't without blowing their cover. What they needed to do was try to get Chaffee to release whom they were here for, though it was clear it wasn't going to be an easy task.
“I don't expect you to.” He said, playing along. “I... need to ask you, however, did Major Hewlett confess to killing your captain?”
“...No.” Chaffee begrudgingly answered. “But he's only denying what he's done. He thinks he's going to get out of this situation.”
“He didn't confess? Then are you sure he killed your captain? From what I've heard about your prisoner, it doesn't seem like him to commit such a violent crime. You've heard of the raid on Setauket, yes? Me and Caleb were both there, and Hewlett honored the agreement we stuck to end the fight, for the sake of the town. My impression of him at that time is that he is a man of honor.”
“It doesn't make him innocent, and appearances are deceiving. Sooner or later, he will break and he will tell us the truth.” Chaffee retorted. “He's a stubborn one, like the demon he is.”
“Your captain's death has effected you; I can tell. I don't blame you. You're right for keeping a suspected man under watch, but like I said, there is no need for you to do that anymore. We have another purpose for this man.”
“Which is?”
Ben and Caleb looked at each other for a moment, to which the shorter man shrugged. Ben looked back to Chaffee, trying to come up with an answer fast.
“It's...complicated, but it's something that could prove to be of use to us. The short version is that he may have information that may help our cause. Just as well, we have history with Hewlett, so if you want us to, maybe we could question him, see if we can get any information from him about the murder.”
“No, that's not a good idea.” Chaffee insisted with a shake of his head. “The man is dangerous; guilty. The right thing to do is to keep him here until the order for execution is passed. It'll be worth the wait.”
“Can we at least speak with him?” Caleb asked now.
Chaffee was silent, his face set in a glare. Ben sighed.
“Look,” He spoke in a gentle voice, trying to reason with Chaffee. “I understand why he's your prisoner; I'm sorry your captain was murdered. However, you'd be helping us and we can help you in return. You can trust us.”
Chaffee was still looking like the idea was distasteful, and Ben was getting frustrated with this man, but with only so much he could tell this wasn't the easiest negotiation. However, he had to keep trying; they needed Hewlett. He was the key to this “mission” succeeding.
Chaffee meanwhile looked like he was thinking of a response, when another solider came into the tent.
“This just arrived, sir.” He informed Chaffee. “You should take a look at this; it regards our prisoner.”
Chaffee took the folded piece of paper. “Thank you.” The other man left and he looked down at the paper with a smirk. “About time.”
Ben tensed. The paper was something that concerned Hewlett, and if this is what he thought it was, then this would all be for naught and they would leave empty handed. Their spy would still be trapped and the Ring would fall apart.
So he watched Chaffee read the letter, but the reaction wasn't as Ben expected. His smirk was replaced by a frown and... a slight look of shock.
“You alright there, Lieutenant?” Caleb asked.
“...It's a reply on the request to execute the prisoner.”
“And...?”
Chaffee looked up. He did not look happy. “A stay of execution.”
Ben blinked, truly surprised. He had prepared himself for the worst, but knowing who this order was coming from, Ben could not help but be surprised. He wondered what could have possibly made Washington come to this decision.
But that was good news for Ben and Caleb.
Ben took the opportunity.
“I'm sorry; I know you were seeking justice.” Ben spoke. “But if this is an order coming directly from Command, then there is no longer a reason to keep him here.”
“You're asking me to set a murderer free?” Chaffee questioned, dumbstruck. “I still believe he's guilty!”
“But at this point there is nothing you can do anymore; you have to follow it. We can help you though. Let us question Hewlett, see what he knows. Maybe we can get the truth from him.”
Chaffee folded the paper back up and crumpled it in his hand. Clearly, he was not happy with the decision, but it was not one he could ignore. Ben would take this opportunity, and this letter he could use to their advantage.
Still scowling, Chaffee gave an answer. “Come with me.”
The days were lost in a cold cycle of day and night, and the ratty blanket that he pulled closer to his body did not help much. Hewlett had long since resigned himself to curl up against the walls of his cell, wrapped up in as much of the blanket as he could.
It seemed like a long time ago now that the rebels had stolen him from Whitehall and brought him here. They had pronounced him guilty, stripped him of his clothes, and tossed him in the cell. He'd tried to convince them he did not murder their captain, but they would not listen. They gave him scraps of food, and not often, barely any water, and the blanket was the only think he had to shield him from the cold. They had left him to freeze and starve. They were leaving him hanging onto his life by a thread.
The only comfort left to him had been the stars... and thoughts of Anna. The top of the cell was open, though he could not scale it; the enclosure was too tall, preventing escape. However, at night, he could see the stars, and they kept him company. Eventually, during these night hours he pretended to talk to Anna, as a method of coping. He knew she wasn't there, but he pretended she was. Anna was like a star to him, and she lit up his world. She made things more bearable.
But the rebels took that too. They covered the top of the cell, taking the stars from him.
Ironically, that was also the same moment he realized something. He realized there was a person who could have committed the crime he was framed for, and it was someone he knew...
At present moment, a commotion from outside his cell woke him from a fitful sleep. Shuddering, Hewlett came back into awareness, picking up voices from somewhere. He didn't know who was speaking or where they were coming from. He couldn't tell what time of day it was ether; there was nothing around him but the walls of the cell, the top covered still by a tarp.
His fingers, with barely any feeling left, dug into the fabric of the blanket as he pulled it tighter around him. Pulling his knees up to his chest and resting his forehead against them, Hewlett closed his eyes and just focused on breathing.
He had to survive, he had to live. He had to find a way out.
The Major wasn't sure how long he remained in this position, time seemed to meld together these days, but at some point he heard footsteps crunch in the snow and he opened his eyes. There was the sound of the lock opening and he slowly looked up, wincing when the fading light hit his eyes when the door opened.
When he was able to focus without the light hurting his eyes, Hewlett saw Chaffee, the man who ordered time thrown in here in the first place, and two familiar faces through the doorway, two that he recognized-
The rebel soldiers that lead the raid on Setuaket.
Hewlett's eyes widened and he ducked his head, suddenly feeling very embarrassed to be seen in such a state by enemy forces. It was humiliating.
“This is how you treat prisoners, Chaffee?” One of them spoke. “He looks half starved.”
“Half frozen too.” Another added.
“Like I said- dangerous man. He needed to be locked up.” Chaffee said.
“Outside? In this weather?”
“Where else are we going to keep him?”
“You also left him a knife? What made you think that was a good idea? He could have used it against you; escaped-.”
“He was not going to escape.” Chaffee insisted. “Even if he did manage to get out of here he would have been shot for trying to escape.”
Said knife lay on the ground near Hewlett's numb feet. It had been given to him should he chose to end his suffering with it. The soldiers just probably were hoping he'd end his life so they would be saved the trouble, as they were still waiting on the execution order. Chaffee was right in what he said, which was what kept Hewlett for using it against any of them. However, he saw an opportunity there, and he was trying to think of how he could use it to his advantage without getting shot... Or at least he was until these two appeared with Chaffee.
Someone sighed. “Give us a moment alone please, Chaffee.”
There was a beat of silence, and then there was the sound of snow crunching under footfall, growing quieter with every step. Based on what had been said before, Chaffee had left and now it was just him and the two rebels. Hewlett finally decided to look up that them-
“Shite, you're a sight for sore eyes.” The bearded one commented. Hewlett remembered him, he couldn't place a first name exactly, but he the family name remembered because Simcoe had killed his uncle, the only other relative with the Brewster name.
Hewlett didn't respond to him; he didn't want to talk to a rebel. They were responsible for the attack on the town.
“Major Hewlett,” The one in blue spoke. “It's been a while. I remember seeing you before we withdrew our troops from Setauket, though you look different from the last time we met.”
He remembered this one, standing on the field and locking a gaze with him for a brief moment. For a rebel, at least he was a man who kept his word.
“You sure about this, Ben?” The other asked. “He looks a bit worse for wear.”
“It's the only way.” He replied. “We're lucky he's still alive.”
Hewlett wondered what they could possibly mean, but the bigger question was why where they even here in the first place. By the way they talked it seemed like they were intending to do something with him.
Setting his face in a cold glare, Hewlett met the man's- Ben- eyes and tried to keep his voice steady as he spoke.
“What do you want from me? Why are you here?” He tried to put some bite in it, but his voice was tired, weak from all he'd endured.
Ben took a step into the cell. Hewlett would have tried to back away, but there was nowhere to go with a wall at his back. Ben took off his helmet, and then spoke.
“You may already know my name because you know my father, but I am Major Benjamin Tallmadge. My friend here you may know too- Caleb Brewster.”
Hewlett knew the names; they were family names from Setauket, and Hewlett knew two people who with the names, one of which was now dead. Cautiously, he watched Ben as he approached and kneeled down to his level. Ben reached out a hand to gently touch his shoulder. Hewlett flinched and moved away from him.
“Don't touch me.” He hissed.
Ben didn't respond or move away, but instead drew his hand back. Still, Ben kept his eyes on him.
“We're here to take you away from this place. You don't need to be here anymore.”
The answer surprised Hewlett, and also confused him. The rebels that had taken him were so keen on keeping him here, but then these two show up, two people who were, from what he understood, former residents of Setauket, and say that he was being freed. That was very much a surprise and a cause for confusion. It didn't make much sense, and it made Hewlett cautious, suspicious of what their true motives could be.
Known rebels saying they would free him from this prison- Hewlett didn't know if he could believe them. For all he knew, they could just be here to move him from one cell to another.
But when he thought about it, maybe it really was a chance. For so long he had suffered here; beaten and starved and humiliated. They only saw him as guilty and did not want to listen to him when he tried to convince them that he was innocent. They were waiting for permission to kill him or for the elements or starvation to get him first.
As much as Hewlett distrusted these two, he wanted out of here and to be away from this place. This might be his only chance at freedom.
“Very well.” He muttered. “But I don't trust you two.”
“I understand.” Ben replied, getting up off the ground. “Are you able to get up?”
“Yes, I don't require your assistance.” He managed to make his limbs move and he bundled himself up in the blanket. He braced himself against the wall and stood on shaky legs, adjusting the blanket to make sure he was properly covered.
“Caleb see if you can fetch him some clothes; civilian if you don't mind.” Ben asked Caleb.
“From where? I don't know if these guys are gonna let us have any, especially for him.”
“At least try. It's a miracle he hasn't succumbed to the cold by now.”
Caleb, following the request, left, and after a moment, Ben spoke again.
“They haven't treated you well, have they?” He said, still as soft and gentle as he had before.
“They pronounced me guilty without a trial, stripped me of my uniform with a knife and tossed me in here with nothing but a blanket- what do you think? Why should you care? You're part of the rebels, same as these brutes.”
“They shouldn't have treated you this way, despite the crime they accuse you of.”
“A crime that I did not commit.”
“I'm not saying you are guilty.”
'But you're not saying I'm innocent ether.' Hewlett thought. 'The real culprit is still out there, but I doubt you'll believe me ether.'
“It doesn't really matter; they won't listen.” He muttered.
When he first arrived in the colonies and was assigned to Setauket, Hewlett didn't like being placed in such a town that didn't seem like much of a concern, but he had to, for his family back in Scotland.
That's why he had joined the military in the first place. During his time here in the colonies, he'd gained an unwelcome nickname; the 'Oyster Major'. Lacking military experience outside of a commanding post, he wasn't taken very seriously by others and he knew that. Even when he was trying to help the sleepy town of Setauket it seemed no one wanted to listen. He could still hear Simcoe's laughing, mocking voice saying the name.
That was why he didn't think he could persuade Ben and Caleb of the truth even if he tried. No one paid him any mind or listened to him...
Except for her. Except for Anna. She was the beautiful, brave exception. She was the one who listened to him. She was the one who had stolen his heart and whom he had to get back to.
Caleb soon returned carrying a bundle of fabrics in his arms.
“They weren't keen on it, but I managed to gather a few things.” Caleb explained to Ben. He switched places with Ben so he could had Hewlett the clothes. “Bundle up.”
He took them, having them laid over his arm as opposed to trying to hold them one handed. The other hand was still holding onto the blanket around him.
“We'll give you some privacy.” Ben said. Hewlett grumbled a 'thank you' before the two left the cell and closed the door again.
'Awfully polite for a rebel.' He thought as he discarded the blanket and put the clothes on. 'Different from the young man who lead the raid on Setauket.'
As he dressed, Hewlett couldn't help but notice his feet. He could barely feel them and he noticed how his toes had turned discolored and growing blackened. He knew that was a sign frostbite was setting in. He flexed his hands, but he was losing feeling in them too. They felt nearly just as numb. If there was frostbite already creeping into his feet, then it would only be a matter of time before it got his fingers as well.
When he had the clothes on, he took a look at the blanket he had put on the ground. Though it hadn't helped much, it had keep him at least slightly sheltered from the cold. He picked it back up and folded it, keeping it in his hands as he stumbled forward and pushed open the door.
Hewlett flinched again at the light hitting his eyes. Ben and Caleb were waiting for him only a few feet away.
“Lookin' much better now.” Caleb commented patting his arm. Hewlett flinched and pulled on the cuff of his shirt; the clothes didn't make him feel any warmer, but it was better than using the blanket to cover himself. “You won't look so suspicious traveling with us now.”
“Travel?” Hewlett repeated, confused. Ben had said they were here to take him from the outpost, but he was still confused. Travel was different from transport.
“Yes.” Ben confirmed. “You're coming with us. Just let us do the talking and then we'll be on our way.” He only said, before turning to call, "Chaffee.”
Hewlett tensed, as the Lieutenant approached them. Ben stepped forward to meet him.
“Did he say anything?” Chaffee asked, looking to Hewlett for a moment.
“It turns out he did know something. He says he is innocent, but he can help us find the real man responsible for killing your captain.” Ben replied.
Hewlett had never said he'd help with anything, but he remembered what Ben said about letting him do the talking. Whatever he was up to, this was part of it, so he let Ben continue without protest. He didn't want to return to the cell ether so it was better to go along with it.
“You cannot be serious.” Chaffee said, like it was something ridiculous.
“He tried, but you never listened to him, so he gave up trying to convince you. Chaffee, I know this man, and in honesty he does not seem the type to commit the crime. He's offering us a lead, to help, and with the order to halt the execution, I don't see what much more you can do.”
“You really think he would help? Do you really believe him?”
“He's a British officer; I'm not sure. However,” Ben glanced over at Hewlett. “I can tell he doesn't want to be here. He'll help if he knows what's good for him.”
Chaffee then looked at Caleb. “And you, Brewster- Do you believe this man could possibly be innocent?”
Caleb shrugged. “Don't know what to think with this guy, but he could be of use. Plus, I trust Ben.”
Chaffee was still scowling, but was starting to look defeated.
“If he really didn't kill our captain, which I doubt, and he takes you to the real killer, then give them hell. But keep an eye on this one.” Chaffee sneered. “I still wouldn't trust him.”
“Note taken. If you could also spare a horse- I don't think Hewlett is in any condition to walk at present.”
Hewlett had remained silent during the whole exchange, letting Ben do the negotiating, and though he was putting forth an effort to stay on his feet, he could not help but feel relieved. He thought he was going to perish, but now the request for execution was halted and he would be free of this place.
'I'm going to be leaving.'
It seemed too good to be true, but he would take that chance. While he was still confused about why Ben and Caleb were taking him from here, he was relieved to be free, and once they were away from this place, he could start thinking about how he was going to get back to Setuaket. There was only two of them, so maybe he could slip away somehow.
He had to, so he could find a way back to Setauket, and back to Anna.
Once they were ready to go, they got on their horses, though it took Hewlett a minute because of his weakened state.
“You alright?” Caleb asked, his horse trotting up beside him.
“Fine.” Hewlett grumbled. He knew he wasn't fine; he was very far away from being fine.
“Let's get going then.”
“I agree.” Ben said from his horse. “Lieutenant Chaffee, thank you, and we will do what we can to find the person responsible for killing your captain.”
Chaffee still looked like he wasn't pleased. “I hope you can.” He glanced towards Hewlett. “Count yourself lucky, you bastard. If it were up to me, you'd still be in the cage, where you belong.”
Hewlett didn't say anything, just flexed his hands again, trying to work feeling back into them. He didn't feel like saying anything to the man who wanted him dead. Instead he looked over at Ben and Caleb. He was tired, exhausted and cold, and he didn't know what the two had planned for him, but he wanted away from this place.
“Shall we go?”
Ben took the lead and they headed off, Caleb following alongside Hewlett supposedly to keep an eye on him. He didn't pay them much mind.
It was an irony that he was captured by rebels only to be saved by rebels, and by two that had at one time been residents of Setauket no less. He knew that just because he was leaving that hell didn't exactly mean he was out of the woods yet, but at this time, he was more relieved about leaving.
He'd take the irony.
As they left the outpost behind them, Hewlett, though cold and tired, knew he had to keep his wits about him. For now, he had to think about what his next step was going to be.
When they were at a point where the outpost was long behind them, Hewlett decided he would question Ben and Caleb about what they were really up to. He'd thought about it since they left the outpost.
Honestly it didn't make sense that two rebel soldiers like Caleb and Ben would come practically free him from the cell he had been in for the past few weeks. They were rebels, like the soldiers who tortured him. They also had history, being at opposing sides and with regards to the family history of both the young men. Another thing was that he wasn't tied up in any way ether. They hadn't tied his hands together; they left his hands free. They let him have his own horse, though Caleb still kept nearby.
Ben's words had seemed off, and he had known when he was speaking to Chaffee it wasn't entirely truth. Hewlett knew there was something else going on, and he was going to find out.
There was no easy way to approach the subject, so he just came out with it. “I ask again; what do you intend to do with me?”
Ben glanced over his shoulder at him. “To take you from that cell where you were held prisoner.”
“Yes, I understand that, but your actions are not making any sense. You've given me a horse, nor have you tied my hands or feet together. I could flee at any moment; you know that, yet you don't appear to think anything of it. I want to know what you're really up to. What do two rebel soldiers want with me and why would you free someone who's on the side of your 'enemy'?”
“Hey, Ben; we're well enough away from the outpost.” Caleb called over to Ben. “We can tell him. There's no one else on the road but us.”
Ben glanced around and then turned his direction ahead of him once more. “You're right; you're not our prisoner and you do have the opportunity to escape, but it would be better if you stuck with us instead of making a run for it. We know the way.”
“The way to where?”
“Our aim is to escort you back to Setauket-”
“He means the outskirts of Setauket.” Caleb adding. “Nether me or him can set foot in town since you red-coats are still occupying it.”
“Yes, that. No one knows we're doing this; you're the only one that does.”
Hewlett hadn't expected a straight answer, but this answer was unexpected. His first instinct was to blurt out “I don't believe you”, but he held it back.
“You're... taking me to Setauket.” Hewlett repeated. “Are you telling me the truth?”
“Yes.” Ben answered without hesitation.
Hewlett opened his mouth to retort, but no words came. An exhaled breath turned white in the air instead.
Setauket. He was going back to Setauket. He could hardly believe it. Why two rebels were escorting him back was beyond him. Considering what side they were on, it was a big risk going into enemy territory. Edmund didn't know what these two could possibly get from taking him back to Setauket, but he wasn't so much trying to stir up theories about that right now. What was clear in his mind was that he was going home.
Well, Setauket wasn't really home; Scotland was truly home to Hewlett. Early on after being placed in the town he often felt homesick and at times he still dreamed of home. However during his time here in the colonies Setauket had begun to feel a bit like a home as well, rather like a second home.
More than that though, Setauket was were Anna was, and he needed to get back there. Simcoe was likely still there and no doubt up to no good with Hewlett out of the way. He didn't want to think about what chaos he could possibly bring to the town this time, and he feared for what would become of Anna. Hewlett feared for her safety with Simcoe still about the town.
'I'm coming home, Anna.' He thought.
Hewlett closed his eyes and smiled to himself, but another cold shiver passed through him, making him shudder, and with one hand he pulled the coat tighter around himself. He took a deep breath, trying to will himself to stay upright and conscious. Now that he was free, supposedly, his body seemed to want to succumb to exhaustion, but he could not. He couldn't rest until he was back to Setauket.
“You hanging in there, Hewlett?” Caleb asked, once again asking after his well-being.
“I told you I'm fine.” Hewlett snapped.
“Alright, if you say so.”
Hewlett didn't reply, just remained quiet. He couldn't feel his toes anymore.
Eventually they stopped and decided to make camp for the night. Though Hewlett wanted to get back to Setauket as soon as possible, he understood they wouldn't be able to go far in the dark.
Hewlett stumbled as he dismounted from his horse, gaining a look from both Ben and Caleb, but once again he assured them he was fine.
When Ben was finished tying up the horses and Caleb got a small fire going, Ben approached Hewlett, who sat leaning against the trunk of the tree. He'd also wrapped himself up once again in the blanket. Looking over to Ben, he held out something for Hewlett. Looking at the item, the Major saw that it was small roll of bread.
“I don't know if they were keeping you fed.” He said. “Take this; I think you need it.”
Hewlett stared at the bread. “It's not poisoned, is it?”
“No, why would you think that?”
'Because someone poisoned Bucephalus, killed him.' Hewlett thought, but didn't bother to say. Though there had been a trial, he had yet to find who had killed his beloved horse. The only suspect was dead, and even then it hadn't been fully confirmed. Just as well, considering Ben and Caleb were rebel soldiers, he did hold suspicions. Still, he remembered how long it had been since he last had food. It was very tempting. To add to that, he had heard Ben say at the outpost that they needed him alive. For whatever their plan was, it would make no sense to kill him.
And so Hewlett took the bread.
“Thank you.” He muttered.
It had been so long since he had anything but useless scraps his captors had hardly fed him. Bread was something he had not had in a long time. Without caring, he tore into the bread with his teeth. Though the taste wasn't much to savor, the fact this was real food was something to savor. It felt so good to have real food again.
“Take it easy.” Ben urged, still next to him. “Don't make yourself ill.”
Hewlett honestly didn't care if he did; those soldiers had been starving him. Though the thought was unpleasant to think about, so he did slow.
“Any better? I have to note you are looking quite unwell.”
“A little.” Hewlett lied. It was a half-lie actually, as it didn't really help his overall condition, but he was still grateful for the offering of food.
“Good.” Ben said nothing more and stood once more, leaving him to join Caleb, who was putting up a tent. Hewlett ignored them and continued to eat the bread.
When he was done eating the bread, he moved over to the fire in an attempt to get warm. Later, Ben and Caleb had finished getting the tent up and also sat near the fire, though across from Hewlett. While they had been busy, the sun had set and night was rising. Hewlett could still see the two younger men across from him; shadows and light flickered across their faces.
“The tent's up.” Caleb announced.
“Great.” Ben replied.
Hewlett took a look at the tent, only seeing one. “Are you to suggest we're all supposed to share the same tent?”
“We only have one on hand and it'll fit all of us. Where else are we to sleep? You want to sleep outside?”
“No.” Hewlett grumbled. Then he changed the subject. “I still find this strange. You two are rebels. I'd imagine you'd sooner want me dead than help me.”
“This is strange for us too.” Ben replied. “The last time we were in the company of one of you, it was... not the best time. But the man that was with us was also our prisoner. This is different.”
“In what way?”
Nether of the two answered him at first, but then Ben spoke again.
“It's a complicated situation, but I can tell you that we are to escort you back to Setauket.”
“Officially? It seems unlikely that you were given a command to do this.”
“Not exactly.”
Hewlett wasn't surprised, but with those words, he knew where the conversation was going. He didn't think he was going to get any more information from the two if the details were 'complicated'. To him, it meant that if he tried he was just going to get an answer of 'details we can't disclose'. This really wasn't an answer.
He changed subject. “Have you thought about those soldiers possibly coming after you?”
“I don't think we'll have to worry. We negotiated with Chaffee-.”
“They think I murdered their captain and... and Chaffee was keen on wanting to seek revenge on me, whether I died from exposure to the elements, he killed me himself, or I took my own life. He is so sure I'm guilty; I wouldn't be surprise if they've sent men to follow us to make sure I haven't killed you.”
“I hate to admit it, Benny, but he's got a point.” Caleb said. “I can do a quick check around.”
“It's night.”
“I can still check. I can take a watch tonight if that'll help.”
“Fine, but make it quick.”
“I'll be back before you know it.” Caleb patted Ben on the shoulder and jumped to his feet.
Hewlett watched him as he left and then looked back to the ground, not looking up at Ben. “Let me make myself clear- I don't trust you; ether of you.”
“I don't expect you to.” Ben replied. “I wouldn't ether. We are going to get you back to Setauket though, and then nether of us has to speak of this ever again. I don't like this situation ether, but put up with our company until then.”
“And yet I doubt you will give me information on what exactly compelled you to come free me.”
There was a pause. “No, I can't really give you that information.”
“Thought so...”
Hewlett's eyes drooped, but he forced himself awake, staring into the flickering flames. He was fatigued, among other things, and he knew that. All could be blamed on the treatment he endured at the hands of his captors.
“Major?” Ben called, bringing him back to awareness.
He looked up at the other. “I've told you several times I'm fine. My body is merely overcome with exhaustion from the conditions I have been living in these past few weeks.”
“You should rest then.”
Hewlett shook his head. “I can't. If you're really taking me to Setauket, then I can't rest until I get there. There is a reason I have to get back there, but I don't intend on sharing that with you.”
“I wasn't going to ask, but whatever your reason, you need to have your strength, which you will get with rest. I know these conditions aren't ideal, but it's better than what you had.”
Hewlett took this into thought, and he had to agree that Ben had a point. “Very well.”
Hewlett nodded and stood, a bit uneasy as he got up. He took a few steps away from the fire and stopped, feeling a sudden wave of dizziness come over him. He closed his eyes and held a hand to his head, willing himself to stay on his feet. He didn't hear Ben get up and make his way over to him, so he was a bit surprised to find the younger next to him when he opened his eyes. He hovered near, concern on his face. He found a hand on his upper arm, steadying him, but ignored it.
“I think I do need to rest.” He muttered.
Hewlett shrugged away Ben's hand and made his way over to the tent; a simple military wedge tent. Stepping inside he saw a blanket already laid upon the ground, and the space did seem big enough to fit the three of them. It was a suitable shelter.
It wasn't too bad; it was only temporary and it could always be worse. He could have gutted a cow and slept inside that to stay out of the cold night. It was an old survival tip he picked up from his father, but one he didn't plan on using unless the situation was absolutely dire. This wasn't, so he wouldn't be taking that advice any time soon.
Hewlett laid down and curled up in his own blanket. It was much better than the cell he'd been held in, and as he closed his eyes he thought about this scenario he was in. It was still strange to find himself in the company of two rebel soldiers who went holding him prisoner at all. Hewlett still held no trust for ether of them, but for now he could go along with them. If they were really taking him back to Setauket, then he needed to play along.
And then his thoughts turned to Anna once more. He thought about what she could be doing back in Setauket. He wondered if she missed him at all, which brought back the memory of her scream when he was taken, how she called out for him. He hoped she was safe, though he also knew she could handle herself in any given scenario. Still he worried because of Simcoe; the mad man was relentless.
'Please be safe, Anna.' He thought. 'I'm coming back to you; I promise.'
And with that, he drifted off into a dreamless sleep; out like a light.