Lies of a Loyalist

Lies of a Loyalist - Chapter 1

        The pale sun gleams just above the horizon, a soft glow of orange reflects upon my skin. The wind is nothing but a gentle breeze, becoming a gust every now and again as wisps of clouds line the light sky above. My boots graze against the dirt roads as I make my way home for the day, the bustling town as lively as ever.
The crowded streets are lined with families, carriages, wagons, and animals strolling their way through. Shops and homes of various colors line the path to my sides, children gleam as they rush about with curious minds and smiling faces. Two young boys around eight or nine, with a small girl around four, scurry their way into the local shop. It's a small building, run by an elderly woman and her daughter. They sell their various crafts such as blankets and children's garments.
I could visit and perhaps purchase something for my son, Oliver, but I feel my wife wouldn't be the happiest with that decision. I give a small chuckle at the thought. Of course I could always gift my son a new book, he seems to be flying through them for his age. I suppose I might need to challenge him more, as you will never truly learn if your efforts are too easy fulfilled.
I continue my swift stroll as a carriage passes me by, a coach men sat upon the front with an elegant black and white horse attached to the reigns. With a quick tug the horse strides forward in a slow manner. The coachman looks down upon me, I tip my hat towards him in acknowledgement.
It's a tall brown pointed carriage, I spot a woman and man inside through the opening. The lady has her blonde hair mixed with a wig laid on her head with a intricate hat upon the top. Her pale skin is complemented by her ocean blues eyes. The upper part of her pink frilly lace dress is seen through the opening, it most likely has just as many bows and coordinated patterns on the cone shaped dome of a dress below. It certainly isn't one of my designs, but I feel mine are more adequately made. As for the man, he has dark black hair with glistening pale eyes and is dressed similar to me. He wears a grey waistcoat, cuffs folded out to the side, with a white garment underneath and a kerchief on his neck. Evidently they of a high social class, most likely higher than myself.
He glances over at me through the carriage window only to look back and continue to converse with what I assume is his wife. She spots me and gives a curt wave, a smile upon her face and eyes bright. She seems to know me, so I assume she's been to my shop at some point in time. I kindly wave back and tip my hat to her as well. Her smile widens and she turns back to her husband as the carriage carries them off in front of me. The hooves of the horse kicking up dirt and stones as they gracefully move onward.
I press down my coat, brushing myself off of any dirt that could've caught on. Cleanliness is a priority of mine, I would rather be known for my proper and calm attitude. Pushing back a few strands of brown curls that had fallen out of my braid, I continue my way of passage. My gentle blue eyes now matching the sky above.
As I saunter my way forward, I faintly hear my name within the crowd. I shrug it off as Harold is not an uncommon name and could have been anyone else. Then I hear it again. Curiosity peeks me, so I stop and turn around. Almost instantaneously I am met with the sound of rushed footsteps hurrying their way towards me. I see a man with bright green eyes pushing his way through the crowd. His raven black hair bouncing up behind him, boots swiftly planting themselves forwards, and an excited look on his face. He wears a brown waistcoat with a grey undershirt, a kerchief the same as mine, and dark grey breeches. Though the most noticeable item on this man was the gleaming locket swaying as he ran. At that moment I realize exactly who this man is, it's my dear friend. James Hayne.
"Harold!" He huffs, as he comes to a stop in front of me.
He doubles over, hands on his knees as catches his breath. I can do nothing but stare, I haven't seen James in months. I had expressed how I had wanted to see our company again, I have missed him in this time. Letters can only provide so much comfort when we used to see one another multiple times within the week. My eyes soften at the sight of him as I feel a content smile make its way on my face.
I grew up with James, our families had close ties with each other so it was bound for us to meet. James is a few years younger than I, two to be exact, but that didn't hinder our friendship. I believe we met at a social gathering in my family's residence, the same one I own now. He was such a glum and quiet boy when we first came into acquaintance, but he also was quite the intelligent lad. After spending time with me he found he had a knack for thinking up excellent trouble for the both of us and so we created our own little crusade.
At first, he was a young and proper child even more so than myself, he didn't get like to cause trouble as he hated the negative attention. He would shy away from groups that caused such mischief, but I believe he took a liking to me, for whatever that case may be. Early on in our meetings he had tried to keep me from my games, which obviously didn't work how he planned.
He soon turned to the mischief himself, as stated before. The more we stayed around one another,  the more trouble he caused. Though all the while staying a good kid around his folks... that was something I lacked. Even if he became almost as problematic as I, he became so much more confident in himself and I am so very glad I could help him. He seemed to completely change after we became friends, so adventurous, brave, full of humor, and well... he was happy.
We continued to work together as close as we could be. We became each other's family, especially after the loss of our dear parents. As he grew he became more daring, spontaneous, and as intelligent as ever. He is the reason I became a spy, he had joined the ever growing cause of freedom and wrapped me into it as well. Now that I think about it, it seems our roles were reversed. I became the content and well behaved one, while he became reckless and spontaneous.
I am launched out of my thoughts by James standing back up and straightening himself out, smoothing his ruffled hair back in place. We stare at one another for a moment in silence, he begins to mess with the locket on his neck. A nervous tick he had developed overtime. He darts his eyes to the side and gulps.
"I-I am sorry if my unexpected visit u-upsets you in anyway." He stutters, then begins to explain himself frantically, " I had forgotten to write in my excitement that I would be able to visit, if you can't endure my visit at this current period then I can of course leave-" I cut him off and pull him into a long awaited embrace.
I see a few people glare in our direction, as we are blocking the path, but I ignore them and only tighten my grip on my friend. He releases a nervous laugh in relief and hugs back.
"Now why would I be displeased with a visit from you James? It's been far too long of a time without your company! I have expressed in my letters my desire to see you again, I was just surprised is all. I am joyous that you are here." I say merrily as I release him from the embrace. He gives a shaky smile, still fiddling with his locket.
"I am far to aware my dear friend, I am deeply sorry it has taken so long..." he says solemnly, I sigh grabbing his arm to pull him off to the side of the street. I lean against the rough wooden wall of the nearest building and he soon follows to rest next to me. He is still visibly tense awaiting my response.
"Loosen up James!" I exclaim playfully, he sheepishly smiles towards me in response.
"There is no need to worry about such things. Of course I am disappointed with the fact it's been such a time without you, but I understand you can't be around as you used to. Your... occupation leaves you little extra space to visit." I reassure him gently. He visibly brightens at my confirmation and grins. I notice the streets are beginning to clear themselves out. While the sun is on its way to set into the depths of the night.
I look towards James, he has gained a new assortment of shadows beneath his eyes since our last meeting. He most certainly hasn't  been receiving a decent amount of sleep.
"I assume you are quite exhausted, are you not? It must've been a journey for you, and I would think you do not earned yourself a well deserved rest in some time." I ask with concern as I point to his eyes. He chuckles and shakes his head, pushing my hand from his face.
"No, no, I am perfectly well Harold. I can stay here, in the city, for as long as you like. I do not wish to cause any misfortune for you." Sincerity laces his tone as he flashes me a polite smile.
I nod, "Indeed, I would much prefer to discuss ourselves outside my home, for as ridiculous as it is, I can not ensure our security within it." He agrees in understanding. I cater to multiple regulars in my residence, and my family can not be trusted either, it's not our most secure place for people such as us. Even with our current situation James has always tried to be here for me, whether helping me snatch some trinkets from town, or being my place of comfort. Over letter or in person, I am lucky to have him. Being able to see him here is a treat, a rare occurrence now that I sorely miss...
The population of the streets is lessening. Families make their way home, and some complete their last minute errands. Of course not everyone leaves during the nights. I would rather avoid such an city as mine at dark, as they can be a sort of danger. The sky begins to give way to darkness and the moon slowly shows its pale face in the distance, more and more the streets clear out.  Some linger as separate shops being to close, others I see trying to drag their kids away from their wants. I give a short laugh at the sight. James whips over his head to look at me, my laugh must've startled him.
"You're not laughing at me are you?" He says lightheartedly in a humorous tone. I look over at him, a smile plastered on his face. He no longer plays with his locket which lifts my spirits even more.
"Of course not." I move closer to him and point to the man trying to get his child out of the market.
The father figure stares down and arguing with the kid, obviously the conversation going nowhere. The boy stomps his foot planting his ground, such a daring youth. He reminds me of myself, being a disobedient brat. The father clamps his hand over his eyes, only to bend down and pick of his kid, throwing him onto his shoulder. He carries him off with ease. I hear James give a snort before he chuckles, I grin brightly at the fact I had been able to let him laugh.
As his humor ceases, he hums and leans into me,  "Are you sure you're not in need of rest?" I ask as he closes his eyes on my shoulder.
He shakes head. "No, I am only enjoying your presence is all. I have dearly missed you Harold." I can not help but warp my arm around him to my best ability. He relaxes even more and lets out a huff of air. The now quiet streets, except for a few still dwelling, give out a peaceful atmosphere.
"James?" I ask, to which he responds with another hum.
"Would you accompany to my home tonight. I am sure Caroline would not mind, and Oliver is always happy when others visit. That, and I would most definitely enjoy your company to best extent I can." He lifts his head to stare at me, his eyes soft, my arm still wrapped loosely around him.
"Of course I shall join you Harold. Your company is something I would want to hold onto for as long as possible." I look out at the night sky, stars lining the darkness above. I move my arm from around his waist, only to link our arms together tightly.
I pull him forward, as he was not expecting the sudden movement he nearly tumbles over. I quickly steady him, and we now stand back in the path way.
"It is near the full of night, and you know of the distance between the city and my home." He nods and fixes his posture, "I believe it is time we take our leave, now shall we?"
Now he is the one to strive forward pulling me along the now barren path, he flashes a quick smile in my direction, "Yes, yes. Now let us go to your residence." He leans close to me once again, "I shall enjoy your presence for as long as I able, as it has been far too long since I have seen you." His face falls into a smirk. I scoff, a heat rising in my face.
"James.." Annoyance plagues my voice. I turn away and look around at the empty streets, avoiding contact.
"Can I not express my joy to you Harold?" He asks jokingly. I swiftly turn my head to glare at him, "Ok Ok I know, but I cannot help but succumb to my happiness of having you here and it's difficult to ignore." He gives a hearty laugh and starts to lead the way back home. He has been a visitor to our residence so many times I am sure he could find his way with his eyes shut.