Sarna got word the Army was only an hour away.
She was told it was miles long. Wagons cannon
Infantry Cav was all on the way. Not even The First United Army or Combined Army of Carolina and Virginia was as big. That she thought was hard to
believe. She didn't stand in the back ground this
time. The Front her Command element at her back.
One Company from each Army of Carolina and Virginia plus the Missasip and Bama, Wisconsin the First United.
She felt Jena she could just hear the Army moving.
Jena was telling her victory can be yours. I am
so pleased to have made it. Dear Sarna you've told
Ben. Good for you shortly in a few till then.
Sarna turned, Ben get up here with me! Not in
the back. Ben stepped up, Sarna took his hand
Ben its happening we are coming together.
The Ohio's the rest will come, they won't have
them in, and not themselves. Ben felt like Sarna
how could they stay out now, the Ohio's have
come! Who would have thought they would.
Ben looked towards the road, Sarna my dear look!
Must be thirty wagons filled with soldiers. Another
ten covered wagons. Then thirty more like the front same following those! Small group riding to
the front must be Jena. Sarna they go past what I can see!
Sarna looked Ben in the eyes, Ben we have a chance. We might get a normal life smiling.
Ben wanted so to agree, he nodded squeezed
her hand. Thinking I want that as much as you
If the war doesn't kill one or both us.
Jena her Father and a small group of guards
rode up. Jena said detachment to the rear behind
the greeting Army. Sarna Ben so good to see you.
Sarna smiled cousin good to see you. Uncle always
a pleasure. Ben nodded never thought you'd
get here. Jena damn happy to see you. Norm
Noble didn't think you would be here.
Norm laughed Ben please Norm for now. No pecking order. Now me and Jena will fall back
with the rest. This is your and Sarna's moment.
The first wagon stopped, the officer climbed off.
General of the Army while saluting I'm Major
Morrison commander first Mounted Infantry.
Where would you like use to set up?
Sarna said for now Major the Army of Ohio may
set up at the far end left of the Stockade.
Thank you I'll see to it. Bye your leave mam.
Sarna said good day to you.
As each regiment passed they tipped their standards. Sarna saluted like the Major did.
Ben I'm not sure on the protocol. Am I doing
right? Ben leaned over I'm not sure Sarna I
truly don't know. Sarna smiled that doesn't help.
Sarna fidgeted some finally Ben the last of them.
How long we stood here? Has to be two hours.
Ben said only ten minutes short of two. Where are we going to house them?
Ben I don't know I figured maybe thousand would
be with Jena has to be twenty thousand. If not
more. Ben we need a command meeting now.
Jena her Command element and ours. Dear we
have to be over hundred thousand strong.
Have Lana set up the coffee and tea, feed these
people. Have her take charge off that. Call a meeting. I need to think some give me a half hour.
Sarna walked out hundred yards from the gate.
Looking at the Stockade then around it. I can't
rotate them from inside to outside, still believe
some would be in tents. Guess form two think they
call it lazy W from both sides of the gates front and
rear build shelter off the walls. Best I can figure.
Least ways better than tents out in the cold.
Well best I can think, Lana must of been five steps
ahead of me. Liza already has others running
to inform them food and hot coffee tea is ready.
I am lucky to have thinking command. The Inn
I need to see the drawing of the stockade.
Louse looked up Sarna you see! We've grown past
the point even I figured! Garret nudged Louse
forgive Louse. Sarna he gets excited easily. This
maybe a burden where to put them. We have the
drawing of the stockade out.
Good I wanted that, Father and Ben where are they? Giving the two from Ohio a tour. You said
you needed time. Louse continued I think I have
an idea. You know the housing problem. Been
thinking on that awhile. I can show you.
Sarna nodded please if you have something yes.
I have two ideas, first will take far to long. I'll
start with the second. Implementing the first later
if we keep the Stockade for a Head Quarters.
Garret shook his head,Louse to the point.
Yes you see, we have those left over pikes
from our extension of the stockade, those we
can use as roof timbers and support. Build
shelters along the outside walls. I think we can
even make openings into the stockade. The wagons
can form a wall to fight from. In the spring if
we decide this will be our Head Quarters.
We can add an earthen wall or more stockade pikes. I can draw this up for you. A more permanent structure.
Louse, so close to what I thought. I believe that will
work. Draw that up soon as you can. This shall be
our place of operations. I still haven't lost this chill.
Tea would be nice. Excuse me I'll step into the
kitchen get some tea. Garret Louse do you need any thing? Garret pulled a chair out, sit Sarna I'll
get your tea I need coffee. Louse you good?
Yes I'm fine thank you.
Your tea Sarna you'll warm up soon, fire and tea
will do it. Thank you Garret think standing in the
cold to long did it. I'll warm here shortly.
Jena walked in Ben behind her, my Sarna its cold
I didn't think it got as cold here. We've fought
snow and ice the whole way. Took twice as long
than expected. Jena come sit down, we have much
to discuss. Jena looked at Sarna with her mind,
said dear you've done well,brought an
Army together. Ben said you two please the rest
would like to hear. Jena sat down Ben it was nothing girl talk. Sarna pointed this is Louse
Garret is just to his left. Louse tipped his hat pleased I'm sure of it. Garret nodded a pleasure mam, would you like coffee?
Yes I would a pleasure to meet both of you. I have
my Generals setting up camp. Our Fathers couldn't
pass up the warm cornbread and coffee. My Army
is tired they need a days rest. If that is possible?
Sarna nodded give them two they need it. We will
start the temporary structures for shelter in the
morning. If they can stand tents till then. Soon
as our Fathers return we can start.
They can handle the tents for three if necessary.
Garret handed her the coffee sat down next to
Louse. Ben sat next to Sarna. Jena looked at the
drawing what do you propose for shelter?
Louse pointed just as Jacob and Norm walked in.
We can wait for them, I'll start after they sit.
Norm said hello all I'm Norm, good to see Sarna and Ben. I'll have seat next to Ben the two across from me. You are?
Louse Noble this is Garret. Norm please titles get so tired of them. Nice to meet you both, Jacob you
going to sit? Sorry just off on a thought yes as he sat down. Louse said so lets start then.
After explaining the shelter. Jena said yes that will
work for me. Sarna said you'll be staying in the
Inn we have a room for you. That way you are close to the command room. Norm we have room
for you also. How long you staying?
Oh a day maybe two, I'd like to meet with the Carolina Nobles and the Bama, Virginia maybe
Missasip also. Virginia and Carolina are at Rockford. Think you get too them the rest can
be arranged. Sarna then said so what of York?
We have a few that made it here from York.
Jena said Father you know that better than I do.
Well how to start, York the Land is pretty much secure. We managed to cross into York northern and southern parts. Get them help pushed them
at the coast. Only part of York deemed not secure
is the Islands of York City. I don't think York was
a main target. That was a ploy to get this southern
campaign moving. I'd say it worked. Stalled Jena
kept York from moving south. Now for Rockford
will it be a safe route to it.
Garret said yes its relatively a safe route. We have
two riders a week go to and from Rockford.
That shouldn't be a problem. Good when is the next rider to leave? Two days from now Norm.
I'll be leaving when he does if I won't slow him
down Garret. I don't think that will be a problem,
how many will go with you?
Three Rangers and myself. That is more than enough. Wasn't planning on being here. Last
minute decision. Garret smiled not a problem
in two days then. Yes two days gives me chance
to visit my brother some. Lets meet after evening
meal I'll tell you of the Ohio's.
Ben said I'd hope one of you would, me an Sarna
didn't think any would believe us. Norm smiled
then it shall happen this evening.
Lana smiled at all the soldiers that she seen getting
hot food, let the others talk and plan out the rest of the winter. Her job was to make sure they had food. Good blankets warm coats and the likes.
This Army had to survive the winter. That is her
job. After well she knew she would be in the fight.
After they would all get a double portion of ale and one rum or whisky. For the night greetings of the
Armies. All will be out meeting new people. Of
course she had the normal evening meeting to attend. The stockade had a feel of victory in it.
No battles fought just the weather. They sensed it.
A coming together, shaking her head. United may
get us a victory at what cost. Do we need to stay
that way. Worry later today should be the day,
we gather get to know each other.
The chill outside the stockade was bitter. The fires
inside felt warm inviting. Lana longed for home,
Orleans it would be much warmer. The food better
how she so wanted to have some gumbo. Walk the
streets hear the music see people laugh having fun. Warriors life is good in Orleans let the winter
pass. Get to fighting so this a be over.
Lana nodded at the guard, build you fire son.
Far to cold not to have one. Put one on each side
of the gate. That way these new ones can get in and out ok. Thank you Elder was his reply. Lana walked the a little further out from the stockade.
She could almost feel the dead Shield that gave
themselves for a cause. She knelt looking over her
hand guard on her sword, to you proud Warriors
I pledge to honor your deaths, fight till my last breath. May I avenge those that died and left to
be fed on. She stood sisters I remember, may my
sword draw much blood. Walking away, she nodded we shall kill many. Victory shall be ours.