“The king’s army. That’s what they call us,” Thomas whispered through his chattering teeth.

He laughed bitterly

“If only the king were here to lead us,” James replied

The soldiers had camped in the field for two nights, this would be their third. Snow and wind surrounded them and James quickly discovered that the only way to keep warm was to keep moving. Even then, ‘warm’ was a generous term to describe his state. He excused himself from Thomas, who warned him not to go to the general’s tent again. James disregarded this and slowly went over to it anyway, crouching low to the ground at its back cloth wall.

“This has to be some mistake!” he heard general Cornwallis’ booming voice

“I’m afraid not sir,” replied a smaller voice, belonging to the messenger, “orders right from the top sir, saw His Majesty write it myself si-”

“This is absolutely preposterous,” Cornwallis shook his head and collapsed into his chair in defeat.

“So we are restoring to this,I see?” he sighed more calmly

The messenger nodded slowly. The general sighed such a large sigh as the letter in question blew to the ground. James could read it, barely, squinting through the cloth of the tent.

“I will let our soldiers know shortly,” Cornwallis said, “I am awfully glad that many of my men have devoted their lives to God”

James read the letter and ran back to Thomas immediately.

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“Do you believe in miracles?” the messenger asked

“We’re going to need one,” the general replied

********************************************************************************

James was stumbling as he ran back to his post.

“Thomas!” he yelled over the blistering wind, “I need you to promise me something right now!”

“Why?” Thomas yelled back

“Just do it! Promise me you will listen to whatever I say!”

“James, what are you-”

“Promise me!” he grabbed Thomas’ shoulders

“Alright,” Thomas was bewildered, “I promise you”

Just then, the general called for attention. Every soldier stiffly lined up in front of him. General Cornwallis was not always a kind man, but he was always a confident man. The general did not look confident. He looked at his men, all of them possessing skill while only some of them had nothing to lose.

“Fifteen men,” he said, “King George has ordered that fifteen men are to go to Monmouth where the rebels are marching….we will attempt to stop them”

Cornwallis never used the word ‘attempt’. The only sound was the snow.

“You knew,” Thomas whispered to James

James said nothing.

“Men….I don’t want to lie to you-”

Another soldier cut the general off, “We know what this means….certain death….”

Cornwallis sighed.

“....but I am more than willing to die for what I believe in, sir”

Only a few echoed his feelings immediately, many staying silent. James and Thomas stayed silent. Slowly, men volunteered. They had nothing to lose. They had no one to lose. When they reached fourteen, the general took his hat off.

“Gentlemen, I cannot express my appreciation enough. I understand how difficult this task is but let me remind you that this is the risk you signed up for. We are men….the king’s men. I ask once more, please step forward. It is your duty”

The silence was quietly broken.

“I will,” Thomas said

James looked at him.

“No,” he said, “I’ll go”

“James, no! You have Christine to get home to, a town to lead and pro-”

“Not without the guilt of letting you die I don’t,” James whispered, “Stay here. It was my choice to come before you decided to join me, and I will stand-”

“No. I-”

“I said stay here!” James yelled, “I am not asking you….you promised”