The Haunted Traveler Vol 1 Issue 2

5
Desperate Welcome
John W. Dennehy
Sarah didn’t notice the interlopers until their
ominous shadows cast upon the garden that she was
tending. The dark outlines were immediately discernible
as soldiers from the rifles with bayonets jutting
above their heads.
As Sarah looked up, she had already begun to
address them. “You startled me,” she said, smiling. “I
usually hear the sounds of your mess-plates clanging.”
The soldiers were not the red coats that she
was expecting. Instead, two staunch Hessians stared at
her menacingly; the German mercenaries paid to help
fight with the British were never hospitable and took
what they wanted. A shudder of fear ran through her,
but Sarah did her best to hide it. Their uniforms were
tattered and smeared with soot; the grime was spread
over their faces and hands. They were emaciated and
stunk of the battlefield.
“I’m a loyalist,” she said alarmed.
“We need food,” the taller one said. His companion
stood fast and mute, staring at her wantonly.
“There is little food but for myself and my
daughter,” Sarah said. “But I can spare you a little